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.
Violin
Amos Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every time I leave my house
Well, it feels just like a shakedown
Between the street sweepers and the pushers are the lawyers
Who may as well be butchered
Between the small timing hustlers who all, seem to feed upon each other
[Chorus]
Hanging out in that old violin?
While I've been waiting for you, to pull me through
Lately I, every time I try to lie down
My mind just gets away
I can't even close my eyes now
Between the big fish ambition, and the lovers
Using words as ammunition
Between the woods planks I've been pacing
And this impossible dream that I've been chasing
[Chorus]
Oh God
Oh God
Oh God where you been?
Hanging out in that old violin?
While I've been waiting for you, to pull me through
The song "Violin" by Amos Lee is a soulful and introspective piece about feeling lost and disconnected from oneself and the world. The opening verses convey the singer's sense of despair, as he feels like he is on the verge of a breakdown and cannot find any solace outside his home. He feels as if he is a victim of an unjust system that is made up of people who are opportunistic and preying on each other for survival. This is evident in the reference to the street sweepers, the pushers, and the lawyers who are all part of a larger machine that is crushing the vulnerable.
The chorus suggests that the singer is trying to reach out to God, hoping for some spiritual guidance, but he feels like he is being ignored. He imagines God hanging out in an old violin, which shows how he feels that the divine is present, but out of his reach. The violin is a symbol of beauty, art, and music, which are all things that can uplift the spirit. Yet, he feels disconnected from these things as well, as he has been waiting for too long to be pulled through his problems.
The second verse is a continuation of the same theme, with the singer feeling like his mind is overwhelmed with thoughts that he cannot control. He compares his situation to a battle between the big fish ambition and the lovers who weaponize words against each other. He feels trapped between the two, unable to take a side or make a choice. He uses the metaphor of pacing on wooden planks, which suggests that he does not have a solid ground to stand on. The impossible dream he is chasing could refer to anything, from personal aspirations to societal change, but the tone suggests that he feels like he is running after something that is elusive.
Overall, the song "Violin" is a powerful piece that speaks to the universal feeling of being lost and trying to find one's way in a complex and confusing world. It is a reminder that sometimes, even when we feel like we are alone, there is beauty and hope to be found in unexpected places.
Line by Line Meaning
Lately I, I've been headed for a breakdown
Recently, I have been on the verge of a mental collapse.
Every time I leave my house
Each time I go outside.
Well, it feels just like a shakedown
I experience it as an extortion or a robbery.
Between the street sweepers and the pushers are the lawyers
The lawyers stand between the people who clean the streets and those who sell drugs.
Who may as well be butchered
They might as well be slaughtered or killed.
Between the small timing hustlers who all, seem to feed upon each other
Among the young criminals who hustle, it seems like they all exploit one another.
Oh God where you been?
Where have you been, God?
Hanging out in that old violin?
Are you spending time in that old violin?
While I've been waiting for you, to pull me through
While I've been hoping for you to help me out of this difficult time.
Lately I, every time I try to lie down
Recently, whenever I attempt to rest my body.
My mind just gets away
My thoughts run wild, and I cannot control them.
I can't even close my eyes now
I'm unable to close my eyes even now.
Between the big fish ambition, and the lovers
Amid the audacious aspirations of the wealthy and the affection of romantics.
Using words as ammunition
Employing language as a weapon.
Between the woods planks I've been pacing
I've been walking back and forth between wooden planks.
And this impossible dream that I've been chasing
And this unrealistic aspiration that I've been pursuing.
Oh God
Oh God
Oh God
Oh God
Oh God where you been?
Where have you been, God?
Hanging out in that old violin?
Are you spending time in that old violin?
While I've been waiting for you, to pull me through
While I've been hoping for you to help me out of this difficult time.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kate Moren
Beautiful…. A long time favorite song that the violin’s added even more vulnerability to. The whole arrangement was just beautiful. Thank you Amos for your storytelling 🙏
Ben Holland
Have always loved this song. I'll happily listen to any version you want to release.
Tamar Rosenberg-Walker
My favorite Amos Lee song. Beautiful song sung by the man with a perfect voice ❤️🙏🏻
historyraven
Same
Peaky Blenders Barbershop Pensacola
This Song Breaks Me and Holds me So Effortlessly at the Very Core of My Being. I can’t listen without crying. Amos you have possessed my very soul and these musicians are exquisite just like your spirit! 3:18
Micah Doucet
This song has been my entire mood recently. I have to break up with my girlfriend and i've just been informed that I will need a major surgery, but this song really helps me control my emotions.
Tonya Harris
Sending healing and positive vibes and hugs your way
Helen Blackmore
So sorry that you’re going thru a lot. You’re not alone. Amos’ music helped me get thru.
Renee Carter
Many thoughts and prayers for you as you embrace all that life gives💛
Diya Williams
🙏🏾💪🏾