My Friend James (single)

by Naomi Ashley

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echrismac This is a wonderful Christmas song and it should be on the radio every day!

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about

I wrote this tune back in 2009ish about a boozy lady trying to pick up dudes at the local bar. Originally "James" in the song was alluding to a bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey but it became clear to me pretty early on that the song would be more interesting if James were an actual person.

This last summer (June of 2023) we were at Kingsize Sound Labs in Chicago recording our upcoming album Love Bug and I thought this one might be a good fit for the record.

The band and I stood around the studio's grand piano while I taught them the song. Jon Williams was playing the piano, Josh Piet on upright bass and Jason Batchko playing the piano cover with his brushes.

Kingsize owner and engineer John Abbey, sensing magic, set up two microphones and there you have it. My Friend James. I hope you enjoy it!

*****

lyrics

Merry Christmas I think I’m in love again
It’s cold outside and you look like you need a friend
Hey look above there’s a mistletoe
If you say yes I won’t say no
I don’t want to go home and spend Christmas with my friend James

Merry Christmas you sure look cute in that hat
Peace on earth and good will, yeah, I’ll drink to that
Parked outside’s my one-horse open sleigh
And I could give you a ride if you’re headed my way
Just don’t make me go home and spend Christmas with my friend James

You see, my friend James he wants to marry me
He said he’d take me round the world sea by shining sea
We’d live in his cabin off of 53
And we’d be together til the cemetary

Merry Christmas I’ve never been one man’s girl
So, if you’re ready to roll I think we should give it a whirl
I’ve never slow danced to jingle bells
We should give it a try baby what the hells
I’m not gonna go home and spend Christmas with my friend James

Merry Christmas I’m always in love again
The fire’s so warm but it always cools off in the end
Someone to hold is rare nowadays
Been nice talking to you Happy Holidays
I’m gonna go home and spend Christmas with my friend James
Yeah, I’m gonna go home to spend Christmas with my friend James
Can’t wait to go home and spend Christmas with my friend James

*****

credits

released November 30, 2023
Naomi Ashley – vocals, guitars
Jon Williams – vocals, guitars, keyboards
Josh Piet – bass
Jason Batchko – drums and percussion

Produced by Jon Williams & Naomi Ashley

Recorded and mixed by John Abbey at Kingsize Sound Labs, Chicago, IL
Mastered by Blaise Barton Joyride Studio, Chicago, IL

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Naomi Ashley Chicago, Illinois

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