The song "Fine" by James tells the story of someone who presents themselves with a confident and carefree demeanor, but underneath the surface, they are dealing with their own struggles and insecurities. The lyrics use various metaphors to depict this internal struggle. The first verse describes the protagonist as a boomerang in the outback, symbolizing their desire to return to a place of comfort and stability. They ask the listener to keep their throwing arm steady, implying the need for support and understanding to find their way back home. The second verse compares the protagonist to a vampire bat in Shanghai, highlighting their hunger and desperation. They mention not eating for four days and resorting to ordering a Chinese takeaway, which represents their search for quick and temporary fixes to their problems. The chorus reveals that despite their outward appearance, the protagonist shows more of themselves than they hide and cares deeply, although they may struggle to express their emotions. They compare themselves to a phonograph with live wires in crisscross, reflecting the tangled and conflicted state of their thoughts and feelings. The repeated line "Fine, fine, I feel fine, fine" can be seen as a mantra or a facade the protagonist repeats to convince themselves and others that everything is okay. It could also be interpreted as an acknowledgment of their attempt to cope and maintain a sense of normalcy, even if deep down they are not completely fine. Overall, "Fine" explores the complex dynamics of presenting a confident front while navigating personal challenges and the need for support and understanding from others.
