‘Sit Down’ – James

Gill reflects… 

Oh how I still love this song.  The words resonate as much now as they did back then in 1991 when I was a young twentysomething, just breaking out into the world after years of education and beginning to find my feet as a proper grown-up. 

When this song struck up in clubs and parties in the early nineties, it generated a strong sense of unity.  People would sit down on the dancefloor and sing at the tops of their voices “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’.   

This was also a time when my faith grew and matured a bit more.  It’s when I began to understand that part of following Jesus was about having empathy and serving those in need of justice and peace.  Standing up against oppression.  Sitting down in protest.  Being alongside those who needed support.  Speaking out for the powerless.   

This song helped to put into words those strong emotions I felt (and still feel) about needing to recognise the pain and turmoil of life, to show grace and share empathy in any way that I could and to help empower people in dealing with their struggles and removing their own barriers.

You’re not alone.  I am with you. 

You can see what James are up to these days by visiting their website at https://wearejames.com/