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.
Long Line Of Pain
Amos Lee Lyrics
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My family suffered greatly for my gain
And I think a lot about
How my daddy died so I would not live with out
And his heart lives in my song
The melody comes and just as quickly the melody is gone
And I'm back alone far from home
I try to call and see her when I'm home
After all that she's been through
All the doctors say there ain't nothin we can do
And her heart lives in my song
The melody comes and just as quickly the melody is gone
And I'm back alone far from home
there's a bird outside my window who takes the song where he goes
And leaves it there
Like a dead man's rockin chair
and tonight I'm feelin lost and
Headin down the highway out to boston
I get the sense that I might lose it
I thank god tonight for the light I got in music
Cause my heart lives in this song
The melody comes and just as quickly the melody is gone
I'm back alone far from home
The lyrics of Amos Lee's song "Long Line of Pain" express the pain and struggles that have been passed down through generations of the singer's family. He reflects on how his family suffered greatly so that he could have a better life. He thinks a lot about how his father died so that he could live without struggle. His father's heart lives on in his song, in a way that the melody comes and goes so quickly. The singer is often alone and far from home, reminiscing about his family's past.
The song also talks about the singer's mother, who is now on her own, and how he tries to call and visit her when he is home. Unfortunately, the doctors say there is nothing they can do for her. Her heart lives on in the singer's song, but again, just as quickly as the melody comes, it goes away.
Line by Line Meaning
Comin from a long line of pain
My family has a history of being in pain and suffering
My family suffered greatly for my gain
My family sacrificed much so that I could succeed
And I think a lot about
I reflect on my circumstances and situation
How my daddy died so I would not live with out
My father passed away so that I could have a better life
And his heart lives in my song
My father's spirit and love lives on in my music
The melody comes and just as quickly the melody is gone
The music that is born from my emotions is fleeting and temporary
And I'm back alone far from home
I feel isolated and lonely, far from my roots
now my mamma's on her own
My mother is now alone and without support
I try to call and see her when I'm home
I attempt to keep in contact and visit my mother when I can
All the doctors say there ain't nothin we can do
Medical professionals cannot provide assistance to my ill mother
there's a bird outside my window who takes the song where he goes
A bird carries my music away when it flies away
And leaves it there
The bird deposits my emotions somewhere unknown
Like a dead man's rockin chair
My music is like a reminder of someone who has passed away
and tonight I'm feelin lost and
Right now I am overwhelmed and uncertain
Headin down the highway out to boston
I am driving to Boston
I get the sense that I might lose it
I feel like I am on the brink of losing my composure
I thank god tonight for the light I got in music
I am grateful for the comfort and direction that music provides
Cause my heart lives in this song
My emotions and experiences are preserved and expressed through my music
I'm back alone far from home
I am again alone, far away from my roots
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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