Lee grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, USA. He has been quoted as saying that he is fortunate to have seen different sides of life in America. Lee enrolled at the University of South Carolina in 1995. He began to play guitar and write songs seriously while he studied English. After graduating with an English degree, Lee moved back to Philadelphia to teach elementary school. He later made the tough decision to stop teaching in order to pursue a career in music. Shortly thereafter, he released a self-produced EP that featured five of his original songs, which did extremely well in Philadelphia and created a buzz. Norah Jones was the person who finally gave Lee his big breakthrough when she asked him to open for her 2004 tour. Lee then went on to produce his self-titled debut album. In March and April of 2005 Lee opened for the tour that Merle Haggard and Bob Dylan were both embarking on, all 3 performers were extremely well received by critics as the tour went by, with Dylan receiving some of his strongest reviews in years. On October 3, 2006, Lee released his second album, "Supply & Demand" to critical and commercial acclaim.
At the age of only 27, Amos Lee has enjoyed notable success with his debut album and looks to have a promising future in the music business. His favorite artists and sources of inspiration include Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, John Prine, Bill Withers, and James Taylor.
Clean
Amos Lee Lyrics
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Sky won't clear, no, the sky won't clear
Will you come to see?
What's become of me, what's become of me?
Nothing can come between us
Except for my fevers, except for my demons
And they will not leave my side
They will behind
Will you wait, will you wait
Will you wait for me?
Will you wait, will you wait
Will you wait for me?
It's been snowing now for days
Can't get away, no, I can't can't get away
I smile but it fogs the glass
Time slowly passes, yes, time slowly passes
And babe, oh babe, going crazy, yeah
Will you wait, will you wait
Will you wait for me?
Will you wait, will you wait
Will you wait for me?
You said that you would wait for me
You said that you would climb
Up any mountain I was stranded
I think about it all the time
But I know the words I said to you
I was broken, I was blind
I took so much and never gave back
But do I ever cross your mind?
I was swallowed by the avalanche
Now I watch the hourglass
I need one thing I can remember
So I don't surrender
Will you wait, will you wait
Will you wait for me?
Will you wait, will you wait
Will you wait for me?
Will you wait, will you wait
Will you wait for me?
If I get clean
(Will you wait, will you wait)
(Will you wait for me?)
If I get clean
In the song "Clean" by Amos Lee, the lyrics depict a sense of separation and isolation, both physically and emotionally. The singer expresses feeling cold and trapped, unable to escape their own struggles and demons. The recurring question of whether someone will wait for them reflects a deep longing for support and understanding during a difficult time. The mention of snow and fogging glass adds to the imagery of being obscured and trapped within one's own thoughts and feelings.
The lyrics suggest a feeling of desperation and the weight of unspoken expectations. The singer acknowledges that they have not been able to give back as much as they have taken, admitting to their own faults and shortcomings. The imagery of being swallowed by an avalanche and watching an hourglass symbolizes a sense of being overwhelmed by past mistakes and the relentless passage of time.
The repetition of the question "Will you wait for me?" emphasizes the singer's uncertainty and insecurity about whether they will receive forgiveness and support. The mention of getting clean hints at a desire for redemption and a fresh start, implying a potential turning point in the singer's journey towards self-improvement and healing. The plea for someone to wait for them despite their flaws and past mistakes reflects a deep-seated hope for acceptance and understanding.
Overall, the lyrics of "Clean" by Amos Lee express themes of struggle, self-reflection, and hope for forgiveness and redemption. The singer's plea for someone to wait for them as they strive to overcome their demons and become a better version of themselves conveys a sense of vulnerability and a longing for connection amidst the challenges they face.
Line by Line Meaning
It's been so cold up here
Life has felt emotionally draining and desolate recently
Sky won't clear, no, the sky won't clear
The situation doesn't seem to be improving anytime soon
Will you come to see?
Will you understand what I'm going through?
What's become of me, what's become of me?
I feel lost and unsure of who I am anymore
Nothing can come between us
Our connection is strong and real
Except for my fevers, except for my demons
Except for the personal struggles and inner demons I face
And they will not leave my side
These challenges constantly accompany me
Oh, they will behind
Oh, they will stay by my side
Will you wait, will you wait
Will you have patience and understanding
It's been snowing now for days
Challenges and difficulties have been accumulating
Can't get away, no, I can't can't get away
I feel trapped and unable to escape
I smile but it fogs the glass
I try to stay positive, but it's hard to see clearly
Time slowly passes, yes, time slowly passes
Days go by slowly, filled with uncertainty
And babe, oh babe, going crazy, yeah
I'm struggling mentally and emotionally
You said that you would wait for me
You promised to support me through tough times
You said that you would climb
You said you'd be there to overcome obstacles with me
Up any mountain I was stranded
In any difficult situation I found myself in
I think about it all the time
I constantly reflect on your words and promises
But I know the words I said to you
I realize the hurtful things I may have said
I was broken, I was blind
I struggled with my own issues and couldn't see clearly
I took so much and never gave back
I received support but failed to reciprocate
But do I ever cross your mind?
Do you think of me, even in my absence?
I was swallowed by the avalanche
I was overwhelmed by difficulties and challenges
Now I watch the hourglass
I feel time slipping away and passing slowly
I need one thing I can remember
I need a beacon of hope or positivity
So I don't surrender
To prevent myself from giving up
If I get clean
If I conquer my inner demons and struggles
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ryan Anthony Massaro
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind