The song "Feet Of Clay" by James explores themes of longing for change, feeling stuck in a repetitive cycle, and grappling with mortality. The lyrics express a desire for someone to switch places with the singer because their current situation feels monotonous and lacking in depth. The reference to comedy or tragedy suggests that the singer feels like they have experienced all that life has to offer and it has become mundane. The line "Love money warring" suggests a struggle between material desires and the search for true love and purpose. The singer is waiting for their life's purpose to be revealed to them, implying a sense of unease and a longing for something more meaningful. The metaphor of snuffing out a candle and the wick drowning in wax symbolize the fear of losing oneself or fading away. The singer expresses a fear of mortality, the impermanence of life, and the desire to make a lasting impact. The mention of raindrops falling back to the sea and fearing the approaching end alludes to the fear of death and the passage of time. The singer acknowledges the inevitability of their own mortality and desires to confront and understand it. The recurring lines "I keep falling" and "I've got these feet of clay" signify a sense of vulnerability and fragility. The feet of clay represent human weakness, emphasizing that despite their longing for change, the singer feels trapped and unable to escape their current circumstances. The chorus speaks of holding someone's gaze as a form of escapism and connection. The singer implies that this is why people used to pray, to find solace and connection with something greater than themselves. Overall, "Feet Of Clay" is a contemplative song that delves into the existential questions of purpose, mortality, and the desire for change. It reflects on the human experience of feeling stuck in repetitive cycles and longing for something more profound.
