The song "Walk Like You" by James explores the concept of identity and inherited traits from parents. It suggests that we have the potential to know more than we think, as the universe exists within us. The lyrics reference a parent who made the speaker feel inadequate or slow, possibly the absent father or controlling mother. This upbringing has shaped them into conforming to societal expectations, becoming a "worker drone." The chorus emphasizes the insignificance of human existence in the vastness of the universe. We are made of stars, symbolizing our potential for greatness, but also made of dirt, representing our human flaws and limitations. The line "Unconsciousness, we disconnect, tone deaf to calling" suggests that we often fail to recognize the deeper meaning or purpose in our lives. The second verse questions the influence of our DNA, which is pulsated by stars. It suggests that our genes hold the key to our identity, revealing the mechanisms that drive our lives. The bridge acknowledges the cycle of life on Earth, with its mix of love and neglect, birth and death. The absent parent is mentioned again, being away on tour or in meetings, further emphasizing their detachment from the speaker's life. The final chorus suggests a refusal to fully conform to the ways of the absent parent. The repeated line "We will not walk like you, talk like you" signifies a determination to create their own path and break free from the inherited patterns. The phrase "screwed like you, break like you, in pieces" implies a desire to avoid the same pitfalls and failures. Overall, "Walk Like You" delves into the themes of identity, parental influence, and the struggle to find one's own path. It encourages listeners to question their inherited traits and societal expectations, emphasizing the importance of individual growth and self-discovery.
