Lyrics Page
Mr. James
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Aug 16, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Matthew West's song "Mr. James" tells the story of a wise man on a park bench who shares simple truths about life and faith. The narrator visits Mr. James to hear his stories and learn from his perspective. Mr. James reflects on his past as a wealthy businessman and how he lost track of what truly matters. He points to the pigeons as an example of living without worry, trusting that God watches over everyone. The song encourages listeners not to worry about tomorrow, echoing Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. It's a gentle reminder to trust God's care and focus on the present.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
Mr. James sits on a park bench
Feeds the pigeons from the crust of his bread
And I come around from time to time
to hear his stories unwind
cause it helps me clear my head
Mr. James says
ten years ago I was rich man
well I had a corporate office
You know that down on 17th and Main
Somewhere along the line
I guess I just lost all track of time
and tried to make myself a name
[Refrain:]
Time goes by
Just like yesterday
used to be tomorrow
Time goes by
Just like yesterday
Just like like Mr. James says
Take these pigeons for example
well they never seem to have
a single worry on their mind
well maybe it's because they know
that the good Lord is watching over everyone of us
'cause you know that's the secret of this life
[Refrain]
Don't worry about tomorrow
Tomorrow will take care of itself
Don't worry about tomorrow
Tomorrow will - take - care of itself
Yeah!
Yesterday I stopped by that old park bench
I fed that Mr. James pigeons from the crust of my bread
Well I watched the world fly by
and I thought all about my life
I remembered what Mr. James said
[Refrain x2]
[Refrain (Background vocals: "Don't worry about tomorrow")]
[Refrain (Background vocals: "Don't worry about tomorrow")]
time goes by
well it's just like yesterday
used to be tomorrrow [Background vocals: "Don't worry about tomorrow"]
time goes by
well it's just like yesterday
just like Mr. James said