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.
Dreamin'
Amos Lee Lyrics
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Often time it's just as blue
People tell me to keep on dreaming
That's just what I'm gonna do
Now everybody want to treat me like a house fly
Turn me around and tell me to shoo
They want to tell me to keep on dreaming
Every moral has a story
Every hand needs a glove
Sometime it's for the glory
Ah, but mostly, it's for the love
It's the love
It's the love
It's the love that pulls me through
So when they tell me to keep on dreaming
That's just what I'm gonna do
That's just what I'm gonna do
The song "Dreamin'" by Amos Lee reflects on the positivity of dreams and what they mean to the artist. In the first verse, Lee notes that his "soul is as open as the sky," suggesting that he's willing to put everything on the line. While others may try to discourage him, the artist remains resolute in his pursuits, with the line "People tell me to keep on dreaming, that's just what I'm gonna do" serving as a powerful affirmation. While he may encounter setbacks or people who don't understand what he's doing, he's dedicated to his dreams and won't let anyone get in his way.
The second verse contains more worldly advice in the form of platitudes. Lee notes that "every moral has a story" and "every hand needs a glove," which suggest that everyone has a role to play in the world, and a purpose they must fulfill. Despite the challenges, he continues to stay motivated by his "love that pulls me through." Ultimately, the song is about persistence in the face of adversity, about following your dreams no matter what people may say, and about the power of love to keep you moving forward.
Line by Line Meaning
My soul is as open as the sky
I am completely open and honest with myself and others
Often time's just as blue
At times, my emotions can be as calm and serene as the sky on a clear day
People tell me to keep on dreaming
Others advise me to continue aspiring and working towards my goals
That's just what I'm gonna do
I will follow through with my dreams despite the opinions of others
Now everybody want to treat me like a house fly
Some people disregard my worth and try to dismiss me like a pesky insect
Turn me around and tell me to shoo
These same people try to push me away and discourage me from pursuing my dreams
Every moral has a story
Every virtue or principle is founded on a solid foundation and has a tale behind it
Every hand needs a glove
We must take steps to protect ourselves and others from harm
Sometime it's for the glory, Ah, but mostly, it's for the love
Occasionally, our actions are driven by ego or desire for recognition, but more often, we act out of love and compassion
It's the love, It's the love, It's the love that pulls me through
The love and passion for my dreams and goals is what motivates me and drives me forward
So when they tell me to keep on dreaming, That's just what I'm gonna do
Even when faced with criticism and discouragement, I will continue to pursue my dreams and aspirations
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RYAN MASSARO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind