Cummings learnt the requisite three chords on the guitar from his father, but then switched to playing banjo at age 12 and became a fan of bluegrass music. He went to festivals and won several picking contests in high school. Before graduating, he heard the early recordings of Stevie Ray Vaughan and, while in college in 1987, saw Vaughan perform. Not until he was 27, did Cummings finally decide to go for a career in music.
An intense period of rehearsal (aka wood shedding) resulted Cummings sharing a bill with Double Trouble, the late Stevie Ray Vaughan’s rhythm section. So taken with Cummings’s playing were bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton that they volunteered to play on and produce his debut recording. In 2003 the aptly-titled From the Heart (Under the Radar) was released. B.B. King, who Cummings acknowledged with a funky version of ‘Rock Me, Baby,’ dubbed Cummings ‘a great guitarist.’
A year later Double Trouble joined Cummings again as he signed with Blind Pig Records to create True to Yourself. This time they brought in legendary producer Jim Gaines to control the sessions. The all-original release further showcased Albert’s rapidly developing songwriting chops and deeply emotional vocals as well as stunning guitar pyrotechnics that put the metallurgical properties of his strings to the test. Tours and shows with blues legends B.B. King, Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy and others brought his music to an audience grateful for the opportunity to be rocked hard by a man possessed to play every song like his life depended on it.
Working Man (Blind Pig), Cummings’s summer of 2006 blockbuster release, is the culmination to date of a guitar hero’s career just taking off. A punchy, stomping cover of Merle Haggard’s blue collar standard ‘Working Man Blues’ brings it all home for the master builder and musician. The swinging Texas blues of ‘Please,’ the instant barroom boogie classic ‘Party Right Here,’ the snaky slow drag ‘Rumors’ and the rousing rocker ‘Feeling End’ show variety well beyond the typical slow blues and shuffles of so much contemporary music. The deeply emotive ballad ‘Last Dance’ that closes the disc.
In July 2015, Cummings released Someone Like You, a 12-track Blind Pig album produced by David Z.
In February 2020, Cummings released his 11-track Provogue Records debut titled Believe, produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Jim Gaines.
Official Website: Albert Cummings
Follow Your Soul
Albert Cummings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Has there ever been a time when you questioned yourself?
Made the wrong decisions no matter how you felt?
Feeling maybe small but you must feel big?
Look deep inside yourself you know whats spun ahead.
(chours)
Live today like its your last one and tomorrow like its your first.
Dont ever take your mind off whatever is your goal.
Be true to yourself and follow your soul.
Do you like what you do?
Do you do what you like?
Does something deep inside you drive you in spite?
With all the complications that life throws your way
Always know tomorrow will be a better day.
(chours)
Live today like its your last one and tomorrow like its your first.
Dont ever let your problems bring out your worse.
Dont ever take your mind off whatever is your goal.
Be true to yourself and follow your soul.
When you look in the mirror do you like what you see?
Is the person looking back at you the one you wanna be?
Do you trust in yourself with every move you make?
Are you one who likes to give or one who likes to take?
(chours)
Live today like its your last one and tomorrow like its your first.
Dont ever let your problems bring out your worse.
Dont ever take your mind off whatever is your goal.
Be true to yourself and follow your soul.
The song "Follow Your Soul" by Albert Cummings is a powerful reminder to live authentically and to always stay true to who you are. The lyrics encourage listeners to trust in themselves and to pursue their goals and dreams, no matter how difficult or discouraging life may get. The verses pose a series of profound questions, asking listeners to examine their lives and determine whether they are content with their choices and actions.
The chorus is particularly uplifting, urging listeners to "live today like it's your last one and tomorrow like it's your first" and to never let their problems overwhelm or defeat them. The lyrics emphasize the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and self-love, encouraging listeners to be true to themselves and to follow their souls wherever they may lead.
Overall, "Follow Your Soul" is a poignant and thought-provoking song that encourages listeners to live life to the fullest and to always stay true to themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Has there ever been a time when you questioned yourself?
Have you ever felt unsure or uncertain about your decisions, thoughts, or abilities?
Made the wrong decisions no matter how you felt?
Have you ever made mistakes despite your emotions, gut feelings, or beliefs?
Feeling maybe small but you must feel big?
Although you may feel insignificant or inferior at times, it's essential to believe in yourself and your potential.
Look deep inside yourself you know whats spun ahead.
Take a moment to reflect on your values, desires, and aspirations, and trust that you have the inner wisdom and intuition to guide you towards your future.
Live today like its your last one and tomorrow like its your first.
Make the most of every day, cherish the present, and approach the future with enthusiasm, curiosity, and optimism.
Dont ever let your problems bring out your worse.
Don't allow your challenges, setbacks, or fears to define you or hinder your growth, development, and happiness.
Dont ever take your mind off whatever is your goal.
Stay focused, committed, and disciplined towards your objectives, priorities, and passions, and avoid distractions, procrastination, or negativity.
Be true to yourself and follow your soul.
Embrace your uniqueness, authenticity, and individuality, and trust your inner voice, purpose, and calling to lead you towards a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Do you like what you do?
Are you satisfied, content, and passionate about your personal and professional pursuits, interests, and hobbies?
Do you do what you like?
Do you have the freedom, choice, and opportunity to pursue what you enjoy, love, and value in life?
Does something deep inside you drive you in spite?
Do you have a profound, intrinsic, and motivating force within yourself that inspires you, empowers you, and fuels your growth and progress?
With all the complications that life throws your way
Despite the unpredictability, complexity, and challenges of life,
Always know tomorrow will be a better day.
Remember that every new day brings new opportunities, possibilities, and hope, and that you have the capacity and resilience to overcome your obstacles and transform your life.
When you look in the mirror do you like what you see?
When you reflect on yourself, your values, and your actions, do you feel proud, confident, and happy with who you are and what you stand for?
Is the person looking back at you the one you wanna be?
Are you aligned, congruent, and consistent with your ideals, goals, and aspirations, and are you becoming the best version of yourself?
Do you trust in yourself with every move you make?
Do you have faith, confidence, and certainty in your decisions, choices, and actions, and do you take responsibility for their outcomes and consequences?
Are you one who likes to give or one who likes to take?
Do you tend to be generous, kind, and helpful to others, and do you strive to contribute, serve, and make a positive difference in the world?
Contributed by Nora N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.