James - Sit Down

[@23Daves]

Sorry if this seems a bit abrupt, but... I clearly stated in the video description way back in 2007 that this was the original version of the track, issued on Rough Trade in 1989. For nearly 17 years now I've had email alerts from people asking me why it's different, complaining that it "sounds wrong", or helpfully pointing out that it's the original Rough Trade version. Knock it off already (or I'll completely turn the comments off, so help me God)!

[@MCHAMMER-ld5gr]

Some of us appreciate you buddy

[@imterpsfan2]

Wasn't this the version that played on MTV? Yes I remember it!

[@AestheticWaif]

2024 here, this is the original I remember. There was a radio edit that I didn't like.

[@IanGilbert-yu3nk]

Great to see the original; from memory, the revised version was late 90 early 91? But I definitely remember in my students days the cooler kids wearing "JA-MES" T-shirts (over two lines) with 'Sit Down' circa 89.

[@cpavan17]

I only know the original. I recorded it off college radio (on a tape player, of course) in the early 90s and then it took me YEARS to find it again!

[@johnhunter4770]

I lost my friend Andy to cancer earlier this year. This song makes me think of him so much. Andy had so many friends. He would welcome anyone into his circle. He is so missed.

[@jeromebaker5641]

This song was played at my granny’s funeral. Such a powerful song. If you are reading this I wish you all the happiness in the 🌍

[@hectorjuandisanto4298]

Abrazo Hermano.

[@ThePineryGuy]

❤

[@steffenpeffi4635]

I love this Song ❤

[@Faithnomore227]

Right back Acha bud x

[@mikestevens4047]

Thank U..! 🎸😎☺️✌️

[@pedrocaseiro95]

HOLY SHIT !!! I found it !!! I've been looking for this song for the past 10 years or more... I heard it in my dad's old Audi 90 when I was going home with him late at night after going for a ride. I think I was 7 years old and the song kinda got stuck in my head... I didn't know the words but I would mumble it from time to time! I AM SO HAPPY !

[@petrozza95]

Wow, ten years, you must be really happy xD

[@filipecabral5632]

Same here m8 = )

[@sherby82]

he does say he didn't know the words

[@silverAceband]

same to me

[@kaimulhd649]

Pedro Caseiro happy times brother x

[@thetimeisnow613]

I cycled 115 miles in 8hrs 40 minutes to be blessed with this voice live, I was too goosed to get out of my tent so I just leaned back and embraced his voice.... What a moment❤

[@comoyoko]

That sounds like something I’d do… from where to where did you cycle?

[@the.internet]

Shouts to those of us struggling through life right now. You're not alone.

[@MrKirklandLaing]

Thankyou.

[@the.internet]

@Brian Kimboll Those that struggle the most usually keep it to themselves. Everybody sees me as one of the most extroverted, positive people they know... I've perfected the ultimate front for when I'm around others. Perhaps if you want to find other people you can share you woes with you could look into joining a group, or even seeing a counsellor if you want to bounce things off someone. It doesn't even necessarily need to be a support group either, you could find somebody you can share this stuff with anywhere.

[@gthefirm8986]

Couldn’t be struggling more mentally. Thanks dude

[@CharlottaX]

thank you ❤️

[@neilfoyster]

Awesome

[@simonbridges3835]

"If I hadn't seen such riches I could live with being poor" Is this not one of the most poignant lyrics ever written? Thank you, Tim 😊

[@Marcos-lq6qy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYK9c4B4eZ13pNUsi=Z60FjrKN0xZin6XW

[@tbone3116]

So many lines in this song very poignant

[@draculasneeze6681]

Yeh you're right, it's poetry as well, and a lot of us are looking for poetry and prose rather that rhymes. ie. what rhymes with love........errr glove, above - shoot me. Thank God for the poets.

[@poox8362]

'If I hadn't seen such riches I could have lived with being poor.' What a lyric!

[@jeromelange7401]

This was written in Autumn 1988 by the band's lead singer Tim Booth during a difficult time when he was feeling lonely and depressed. He was encouraged by a book by Doris Lessing and by Patti Smith's music, which helped him to realize he wasn't on his own feeling the way he did. The song was a thank you to them

[@bobgreen623]

This song totally brought me back from a difficult time in 1989

[@sylviaedwards5641]

This song was dedicated to the pigeons in Piccadilly Manchester get ur facts right

[@1994moviebuff]

Definitely payed it forward. I listened to this while I was depressed and it made me cry like a bitch

[@jc_lloydmo7614]

Jerome Lange know one likes a know it all😂jk

[@shanelevene4864]

That's a lovely story. Our hearts and mortality make us do incredible things. X

[@perrotabad8385]

I m Breton ( sort of french but cousin of Welsh) and listenned this song in a night club in Leeds , i will never forget all the people sitting down in this night chub ....

[@Chalky.]

My old school bus driver used to play this when we were getting out of control.

[@Lupiterz]

That's freaking awesome ^^

[@alexgale3035]

My bus driver used to play famous nazi propaganda speeches 😂😂😂 you can probably guess why!!!

[@anulkanti]

haha

[@williamcable3542]

hard to tell if you meant your old school-bus driver, or your old-school bus driver

[@ChainNonSmoker]

grahm goslink Heeheehee 😅😅

[@molaunpelote]

Yesterday evening, they were here in Portugal. So powerful as usual!!! Thanks a lot! Who still loves this song in 2022?

[@josephclift3662]

Still loving it in 2023

[@bacchantedryad]

Just consoled by this by the good folks at 6 Music... And passed the song on at the request of onee of my lovely cousins.... As her son is in a similar situation... Thanks to James (saw him at Fest No 6) and for posting... Xx

[@coreyhirons7503]

I love this song so much, A man who was by far more than a dad and best friend to me, this was one of his all time favourites, I can't thank him enough for stepping up to the roll and being there for me grown up, Our hearts were shattered on January 28th, 2016 when we sadly lost him, but with his songs he will carry on in my heart forever, Love you Thomas Edwards Hughes R.I.P big fella.

[@thinderellaedwards1365]

Lauren Bellis-I lost my dad in 2013, my mom in 2008. I would give anything to talk and be with them one time. I am sorry for your loss❤️.

[@THE-nj6gq]

You'll see them again. I to am waiting to meet back up with my father who was 56 passing. Enjoy yourself for them in the time we've got that's what they'd want us to do. But the pain and sorrow will always be with us. God bless both.

[@celluloidkelly612]

Aw no rest in peace 😭

[@surawadeesoo2413]

I am sooo sorry for your lost

[@kathleencollins4110]

I've loved this song since it first came out. I relate so well to the "touched by madness" and "feel themselves ridiculous". I have bipolar disorder and it always made me feel alone. This song made me feel so much less alone and reminded me to laugh at myself. So what if I'm touched by madness. So what if I sometimes find myself being ridiculous. I'm not alone! Whenever I feel down this song picks me up. I tried to find anything by James for years on every format and found "James [anybody]" but never just "James". I have the CD, but no CD player anymore. :( Thank you everyone that put so many of their songs out there for us to rehear again and again.

[@gerardmackay8909]

Kathleen my mother was bipolar and on more than one occasion ‘touched by madness’ but the vast majority of time in between was warm, witty, mischievous, highly intelligent, caring and MUCH loved. So glad this song is inspirational for you. Have the great life you deserve.

[@jonathangrantham678]

Same!

[@Marcos-lq6qy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYK9c4B4eZ13pNUsi=Z60FjrKN0xZin6XW

[@grantboyd735]

James is a brilliant singer, I love this song so much, grew up with it, music nowadays is complete rubbish. From a 19 year old lad in the UK.

[@noriakikakyoin4940]

And now you're ooooold xD

[@SubToFGIGA]

@@noriakikakyoin4940 lol

[@happydays5334]

Have you listed to ‘Sound’, ‘Getting away with it all messed up’ or ‘all out to get you’? All are incredible pieces of music.

[@RHR-221b]

Tim can chant, too, G ... Stay free. R 🍻 😎

[@jessieburnett5830]

All versions are incredible, but THIS version (this exact video) was my getting-sober anthem back in 2015. I had tried so many times before and i can't explain exactly how, but this song pushed me through initial sobriety and i just celebrated 9 years. I still listen constantly and cling to it when the world feels mean. Thank you. In love and fear and hate and tears, Jessie

[@purplethedurplereloaded9652]

Congratulations! Keep going ❤

[@Rafael_Rodriguesll]

I sing myself to sleep A song from the darkest hour Secrets I can't keep In sight of the day Swing from high to deep Extremes of sweet and sour Hope that God exists I hope, I pray Drawn by the undertow My life is out of control I believe this wave will bear my weight So let it flow Oh sit down Oh sit down Oh sit down Sit down next to me Sit down, down, down, down, down In sympathy Now I'm relieved to hear That you've been to some far out places It's hard to carry on When you feel all alone Now I've swung back down again And it's worse than it was before If I hadn't seen such riches I could live with being poor Oh sit down Oh sit down Oh sit down Sit down next to me Sit down, down, down, down, down In sympathy Those who feel the breath of sadness Sit down next to me Those who find they're touched by madness Sit down next to me Those who find themselves ridiculous Sit down next to me In love, in fear, in hate, in tears In love, in fear, in hate, in tears In love, in fear, in hate, in tears In love, in fear, in hate Down Down Oh sit down Oh sit down Oh sit down Sit down next to me Sit down, down, down, down, down In sympathy Oh sit down Oh sit down Oh sit down Sit down next to me Sit down, down, down, down, down In sympathy Down

[@aldertravels]

They got the lyrics wrong on this

[@teeteringonthebrink.305]

@@aldertravels This is the original recording from 1989 - so the lyrics are correct.

[@aldertravels]

@@teeteringonthebrink.305 Yeah - I realised that a while back but forgot about that comment! Whoops 😂

[@teeteringonthebrink.305]

@@aldertravels Good response. Hope my comment didn't come across as too cocky or arrogant. I'm far from perfect myself and despite past experiences of getting things wrong - I still do. 👍

[@aldertravels]

@@teeteringonthebrink.305 Wasn't cocky or arrogant at all, just facts! Yeah, no one is perfect, but with the help of others we can learn from our mistakes!

[@maleficent6961]

Mohamed Salah and Liverpool are great fans bring me to here. I'm from Jakarta Indonesia and so far away from there, but I LOVE LIVERPOOL a lot :')

[@justincredible196]

When this came out on some promotional CD called " Ein Abend in Wien" that I got back in I think 1991, I was living at my parents still and my mom hated my music all the time. :) Until I was just bumping this promo CD one night and she came up to me saying she loved this song at first listen. Unfortunately she passed away shortly after and now that I come across this song I am writing this in 2021 with tears in my eyes! Great song! RIP mom, love you and miss you till this very day!

[@JimmyTheMower]

Probably one of the greatest pop songs ever written. Such depth and meaning with such a catchy tune. It's right up there with the lightening seeds

[@Rugbyleaguefan]

Is it just me or is this version better than the one we all know released years later ?

[@chrysalis72]

Amazing empathy and compassion portrayed in this video, lovely. If only the mainstream would embrace such acceptance of the human condition and life forms instead of coveting this horrible, pretentious, fake imagery thats imposed on us making us not appreciate the beauty in every creature for its own sake. We should celebrate NON CONFORMITY. I hate the culture of nitpicking personal appearance that causes so much appreciation of beauty to be missed, so a thousand thumbs up to artists who smash this media construct of perfection and show genuine love towards things as humble as a pet dog, a sheep, a regular little girl without the classic blonde blue eyed look and a bunch of old men weathered by life.

[@markriva4259]

www.worldtransformation.com

[@richardsoncapital1064]

whos is the hot lady in avatar?

[@belltown88squid28]

Wow! Where has this song been all my life? Oh, right here. Thanks for sharing!

[@docmoondog]

Seek out the 8+ minute version...gorgeous...this is one of those songs that I missed out for the first 20 years of its existence and I shudder to think I could have gone my whole life and missed it. That's why I'm always trying to discover music I've never heard before, both new and old.

[@christineheywood7701]

My two sons did a brilliant version of this song at the local pub karaoke night last week.They were so good they had to do five encores.

[@michaelgray8513]

Beautiful song. I think there is an End positive message to this song like Jesus/God saying to people sit down next to me and lets talk with one another. It's like God is helping the broken hearted. It's a very nice song.

[@megazenn22]

Michael Gray sit down and let me fill your head with bullshit i just made up, dont remember that lyric

[@michaelgray8513]

megazenn22, why are you so negative? I wish you no longer to be insecure but rather for you to be happy.

[@megazenn22]

Michael Gray you believe in fairys, go away

[@michaelgray8513]

people have a right to believe what they want t believe, Have tolerance and love, plus respect for others.

[@ChrisKiller]

Michael Gray This is basically the beatitudes in song form. Better than pretty much any worship music I can think of.

[@kernowfornow2527]

Crazy to think this will be 30 yrs old in a few years. Would pay good money to see this live.

[@TheGagamonster21]

We went to see them live and they never played it was so disappointed !!

[@BonhamsBongo]

they rarely play it live these days. but its not like they dont have a dozen other incredible tracks to make up for it

[@samuelmesula]

They play at a festival in Devon called beautiful days, they played it loud and clear there this year 😆

[@kernowfornow2527]

Friends of mine were there. I'll get there one day.

[@Tarkipoo]

I was lucky enough to see James live several times in the late 80's and early 90's.

[@alanreynolds6731]

my birthday great tune inspiring

[@MVR0001]

Same here - saw them at least three times. Wonderful atmosphere!

[@Marcos-lq6qy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYK9c4B4eZ13pNUsi=Z60FjrKN0xZin6XW

[@ryansummersgill5683]

I'm here because of a good friend who passed he loved listening to James fly high mate

[@jonblackbourn1045]

By far the best version, I loved it when this song was the best kept secret in music. Cheers to all those who went to see them live back in the day.

[@gavinedinburgh]

Surely one of the best songs from the late 1980s? "If I hadn't seen such riches I could live with being poor"...what a line.....

[@emma_em_11]

FAB song! I wish this for the world! More people sitting down next to each other and talking about their feelings, rather than running around after people who don't appreciate them or only after themselves! ✨{❤️ +❤️ +❤️}✨

[@givingbirthiseasy]

Watched this live at Old Trafford at the Super League Grand Final last year - an amazing night!

[@Marcos-lq6qy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYK9c4B4eZ13pNUsi=Z60FjrKN0xZin6XW

[@sidDkid87]

"If I hadn't seen such riches / I could live with being poor"

[@annasofoulaki3788]

..those who feel the breath of sadness... ..those who find they re touched by madness.. ...those who find themselves ridiculous... ...sit down next to me....

[@sidDkid87]

Anna Sofoulaki ok, Anna

[@annasofoulaki3788]

sidDkid87

[@sidDkid87]

***** Not at all, Joan - the more that hear this tune the better

[@sidDkid87]

Anna Sofoulaki : ) xoxo

[@BruceDanton-br9bw]

So wonderful there of course-thank you too!

[@Mr3wbc]

Brilliant song. Could listen to this all day and never get sick of it.

[@kerriecollings3123]

Oh sit down!.. love love this song. Great album. Thanks for the video.

[@watermelonineasterhay]

I like this version the most, it seems so much more sincere and touching to go with the message of the song

[@petersinclair8718]

For a wise man and dear friend of mine this song only became important after his passing. But reminds me of the times we spent sitting down having a cup of tea. So relevant to my dear friend now and always. X. 😘☺️

[@lennonjohn3796]

Love from Liverpool big style 😎

[@ruh22an]

I'm 19years old & i love this song , idk it's age but i do love this song

[@Lwyse96]

The original version was a flop in the UK, stalling at #77, but the song was later re-recorded, and the more rockier version from 1991 was a huge #2 hit in the UK in April 1991, and made #5 in the Irish Charts. It is still the group's biggest hit single in Britain and Ireland.

[@rossmatheson4303]

And it's still one of the only reasons a lot of people have heard of James at all which is an absolute tragedy. They deserve far more recognition than they get.

[@Konstantin_XI]

Many songs like this take me to my childhood years, I was 11 years old when I heard James music for the first time, and now I hear it fresh and perfect like those years, greetings from México

[@johnharvey1428]

A beautiful song which encapsulates togetherness and solidarity.

[@johnpender4025]

This Janes song Sit down is such a Amazing brilliant powerful song with such powerful Amazing lyrics from a 60 years young Irishman fan❤❤❤😊

[@scarab5Q]

The most underrated band EVER

[@angsta]

If I hadn't seen such riches I could live with being poor...a great lyric in a song of great lyrics.

[@WestCoastWierdo]

Yes. nice to be remembered in the concert today. Best song ever written.

[@twentysomethingstitcher121]

This was my nans favourite song. She loved to sing this a lot, like the silly kind of singing around the house. I miss her a lot now. Love you nan

[@m.a.x1744]

Love and Empathy to all in this World of pandemics and oppression. “The wisdom that I seek has been found in the strangest spaces. Feels a lot like love that I feel for you...” “Sit down in sympathy”

[@Tiger-wi5mu]

don't you think it's funny how this will be 100 years old at some point in the future but still be able to jam to it, the importance of good will come back at some point. absolute ageless track about the lead singers mental state at the time feeling comfort in talking to other people in a similar situation as him.

[@FASTFASTmusic]

You guys really should release this song as a single some time

[@JaneLancaster-gb1jc]

Reminder me of Cleethropes !!⭐️🎶❤️

[@Slowda]

This is among my favorite JAMES songs. Such an unappreciated group. Thanks for the video!

[@pennyf9886]

Saw them at a live 105 free concert in San Francisco Union Square! Skipped classes for this!

[@hannahoakley3274]

Loved this song. Reminds me of school discos, sitting in a line swaying from side to side.

[@moonshine2639]

Where are the brasilians fans of this song? Why it was so hard to find it? This song it's so good! And I just find out the lyrics. Made it even better

[@AH-be6bu]

1:09 CONFIRMED: Sandor will sit the iron throne.

[@sayansarkar17]

Fuck the King :D

[@narutokunn]

lol

[@HobiDuck777]

Adam Hodgkinson hahaha 😂

[@mongothedogboy]

How many chickens they paying him?

[@Chowbizful]

leeeeel

[@cowieboy]

Just had a like on Twitter from Keith Mullin of The Farm and its reminded me of tunes like this from my teens. What a great day.

[@bobbyn7138]

Mo Salah, Mo Salah, Mo Salah, Running down the wing...

[@mikecraig8454]

Absolute stroke of genius taking the incredible guitar part out of all the subsequent versions...

[@rowanadams4757]

Playing at Manchester now 💕

[@biditazaman5706]

Thanks to Game Of Thrones for always choosing the right music. Amazing piece!

Coldplay - Fix You (One Love Manchester) brought me here!

[@aimanjoee]

Patrik Krivanek same goes to me bro

[@toropeluchino]

Patrik Krivanek yeess

[@callmecharlottex]

Me too!

[@peixe5477]

Me too

[@B.I.N.G.O007]

me too bro

[@JürgenStorp-r4i]

This is fantastic. What an alltime great song.

[@paulmaher7683]

Mo Salah, Mo Salah, Mo Salah, running down the wing, Salahlahlahlahlaaaaah, Egyptian King

[@Marcos-lq6qy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYK9c4B4eZ13pNUsi=Z60FjrKN0xZin6XW

[@Sunscorched]

Far and away one of my all time favourite songs. Beautiful South's Good as Gold being another.

[@wackster66]

those who feel the breath of sadness, sit down next to me, those who find they're touched by madness...sit down next to me!!

[@supportbmf9113]

reminds me of my few years of study in the UK. UK songs have its own tune and the singers' slang/accent that suits with my soul

[@saitama6632]

Junho de 2020 e tendo o prazer de ouvir este clássico!!! Excelente!

[@meganjones9746]

"Those who find themselves ridiculous" great line in a great song

[@jodavies1136]

Timeless classic.

[@RodolfoGravacoes]

boas novas eras

[@aogaLHS]

Underrated song, should have more views.

[@G4C389]

One of the greatest songs ever written

[@marklevy6883]

Never seen/heard this version. Thanks for uploading

[@markthompson6546]

Wisdom that I seek has been found in some far off places, including Zoom, Teams, friends from old, family from yester year, and all that I have to look forward to in the future, anyone with me??

[@onsoonhand]

almost burst into tears....thanxxx bros///

[@rockguru123]

One of my favourite songs ever, suits any mood and can instantly cheer anyone up!

[@joekinsella8929]

The song says it all thank you James .. and for every person around the world you're not on your own or shouldn't be ......

[@ronaldodelima6132]

Em poucos segundos ,essa foi lembrada por Coldplay - Fix You (One Love Manchester)...Salve Salve Brasil...

[@stevenewton7787]

I'm an 86 baby and I clearly remember starting my raving career at about 3 or 4 lol, my uncle and mum where ravers and remember all these songs and many house jungle D n B tracks, infact t I got in trouble for singing searching for my Rizla and Captain of the ship back in primary school, I remember signing this, I remember recording Oasis when it was on the radio.

[@MardianWH1]

Just came here due to Game of Thrones.... ..... .....amazing what context and visuals can do.

[@brainwasher9876]

and a whole lot of editing.

[@andrewhope5735]

Backsides on the floor in 2024! Who is with me?

[@Lester_Piggott]

Seems once per generation these guys re-enter pop culture consciousness, even if they're only there for a brief time. It happened in the late 90's/early 00's when the movie American Pie used Laid and now it's happening again. Thank you, Game of Thrones for potentially reigniting interest in the best, most goddamn underrated band of all time.

[@pgbaines65]

The line “if I had not seen such riches I could live with being poor” is so true. 😳🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🤠

[@Melissa-Lucia]

Wow, I've never heard this version! really cool!

[@SloppySalad]

This is the only version? O.o

[@richard99cookify]

@@SloppySalad No- they have a more electricy guitar version which is much much more well known

[@Wunjo-Wunjo]

This is the original and best version. The remix stripped the charm and soul out of it.

[@luisvallejo8489]

1:57 The moment you get rejected by a sheep.

[@lyrimetacurl0]

Then what's 2:44 ?

[@luisvallejo8489]

Women, what can I say, you can't live with them, you can't live without them.

[@based7900]

It’d be even worse if you was welsh

[@johndorcic4488]

That sheep was from Wales. It knew what was coming next!

[@powersd453deven]

Found out about James through watching American Wedding. Came to very much enjoy the song "Laid." Got me psyched for obvious reasons. Never paid any attention to their other stuff, but I got Alterno-Daze Natural Selection: Sounds of the 90s CD, and a James compilation CD because they were cheap during a CD store inventory liquidation, and both had this song. Now I'm a big James fan. Thanks American Wedding.

[@ukefan9]

It is like musical poetry. It's an interesting song because it is relating deep truths and exploring questions about the seemingly heavy aspects of life but it is quite uplifting and in all major chords. It's hinting that misery isn't as depressing as it seems and that it is what leads to the true riches in life. The riches of the spirit that will not be found in any university, but only in the beauty of that melody from the darkest hour.

[@lynnlavoy6778]

Thank you, Rebel Wisdom. Never heard this before.

[@quanghuytrinh9564]

Thanks to Cold play(one love manchester) - i found another good song

[@aarongodoy1684]

I've searched this tune for a long time! Reminds my teenhood

[@mellor2894]

I prefer this version to the re-recorded version.

[@ethand3425]

I listen to this song when Im having a bad day and cry Today is one of those days

[@alenoblat1059]

esta música me faz lembrar uma passagem da minha vida quando eu era jovem e deprimido mas agora eu a escuto com muitas saudades e superação

[@maryclynch9356]

This song was in my head ! Covid 19 2012 !!!!!

[@tygerlily900]

Great song when you're feeling low, makes you feel like you're not alone, Amazing band.

[@charmlessnerd8582]

One of the songs of my childhood