Escovedo's family tree includes former Santana percussionist Pete Escovedo and Pete's daughter, Sheila E (also Prince's former drummer and later a pop star). He began his music career with the Nuns, a mid-'70s punk band based in San Francisco. He co-founded the pioneering cowpunk band Rank and File in 1979, which moved to Austin, Texas, in 1981 after a stint in New York City. The band released Sundown on Slash Records in 1982, but shortly after, Escovedo left to form the True Believers with brother Javier. The band recorded two albums for EMI and toured the country, often as an opening act for Los Lobos. However, EMI opted not to release the second album, which eventually led to the group's break-up. (It eventually surfaced as a bonus item when Rykodisc reissued the first set on CD in 1994.)
Escovedo released a solo album in 1992 on Watermelon Records, Gravity, uniting his wide variety of styles; the album was produced by Stephen Bruton of Bonnie Raitt's band. Escovedo also began gigging periodically with the band Buick MacKane, who fused old-school punk with 70's glam rock; after Rykodisc released Escovedo's With These Hands in 1996, they followed it up with Buick MacKane's long-awaited album. After Escovedo parted ways with Rykodisc, he signed with the Chicago-based alt-country label Bloodshot in 1998, who released the live album More Miles Than Money: Live 1994-1996 and the acclaimed studio set A Man Under The Influence.
In April of 2003, Escovedo collapsed following a show in Phoenix, AZ, and he was subsequently diagnosed with Hepatitis C. An outpouring of support from musicians led to a series of successful benefit concerts to help pay Escovedo's medical expenses and keep his music before the public, followed by a tribute album, Por Vida: A Tribute to the Songs of Alejandro Escovedo, which was released in 2004.
In June 2010, Escovedo released Street Songs of Love.
Man Of The World
Alejandro Escovedo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seventeen lives and one night stands
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
A man of the world, it ain't no thing
I can take a punch, I can take a swing
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
Hot, overrated
Feel life dissipated
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
It started out, you and I
Duct taped together for one last ride
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
I wanna hold you but you're on the run
I'd like to keep you but I'm not that dumb, no
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
You know I'm frustrated
Hot, overrated
Feel life dissipated
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
You're jumping ahead, then falling behind
And may not know me, I don't need a sign
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
And a curse in my eye, a crook in my step
Get up from the table but I'm not done yet, no
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
You know I'm frustrated
Hot, overrated
Feel life dissipated
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
You know I'm frustrated
Hot, overrated
Feel life dissipated
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
The lyrics of Alejandro Escovedo's "Man Of The World" talk about a protagonist who has been reborn and has lived through seventeen different lives and numerous one night stands. The song describes him as a "man of the world" who can endure punches and kicks. He is full of frustration, and his life seems to be dissipating. The singer and his lover are duct-taped together for one last ride, and he wants to hold her down, but she's on the run.
The lyric's chorus is full of frustration as the singer is "hot, overrated," and life "dissipated." He feels that he's "falling behind" despite jumping ahead and doesn't need any signs. He becomes cursed and crooked-eyed, unable to leave the table without getting up, implying that he still has unfinished business or a need to put something right. It suggests that despite several attempts to start anew, his past seems to be catching up with him, causing his life to feel devoid of meaning.
Line by Line Meaning
A prayer in my heart, I was born again
I feel renewed and rejuvenated thanks to my faith and conviction.
Seventeen lives and one night stands
I've been through a lot of experiences and relationships, both positive and negative.
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
This line is a repeated refrain throughout the song and signifies confidence and strength.
A man of the world, it ain't no thing
I've seen and done a lot, so I can handle whatever comes my way.
I can take a punch, I can take a swing
I'm tough and resilient, able to handle both physical and emotional challenges.
You know I'm frustrated, Hot, overrated, Feel life dissipated
Despite my strength, I'm feeling a sense of disillusionment and dissatisfaction with life.
It started out, you and I, Duct taped together for one last ride
I'm reflecting on a past relationship that felt intense and thrilling but ultimately came to an end.
I wanna hold you but you're on the run
I still have feelings for my past partner, but they're not available or interested in returning to the relationship.
I'd like to keep you but I'm not that dumb, no
I know that going back to the past would not be healthy or fulfilling, despite my emotions.
You're jumping ahead, then falling behind
I'm frustrated with the uncertainty and inconsistency of life's path.
And may not know me, I don't need a sign
Despite my struggles, I know who I am and don't need external validation or reassurance.
And a curse in my eye, a crook in my step
I've been through tough times and carry emotional scars, but I keep moving forward regardless.
Get up from the table but I'm not done yet, no
I still have more life to live and more experiences to gain, and I'll continue pushing forward.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Alejandro Escovedo, Chuck Prophet
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mornrun74
Seeing him in two days on NYE at SPACE Evanston. I am pumped and excited. Will be a great way to bring in 2013!
@AL-mv1io
2013: a year in which the Music, dance, theater, film and visual arts, etc.. mobilize the expression of feelings INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE and promote the integration of all ages, classes, creeds, cultures for BUILDING A WORLD OF PEACE!! Big Hugh, Angel.
@johnwalenski1555
This song is the cat's balls!