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.
What's Been Going On
Amos Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They're concerned with my jealousy
Well I guess that's how it's gotta be
From now on
And time, it swallows everything
From the mighty to the meager thing
And it's as dark as it is comforting
[Chorus]
Well what's been going on?
What's been going on?
What's been going on?
Around here
There goes her old beat up car
Outside of our old favorite bar
She's proudly in there playing her guitar
With stars in her eyes
Those are some of my favorite memories
All of those carefree melodies
While I'm out of here on this raging sea
About to capsize
[Chorus]
What's been going on?
What's been going on?
What's been going on?
Around here
And no one says a word to me
They're concerned with my jealousy
I guess that's how it's gotta be
From now on
The song "What's Been Going On" by Amos Lee portrays a melancholy mood as the singer reflects on his past memories and how his jealousy has affected his relationships. The lyrics start with the singer feeling isolated and ignored, as no one talks to him. Instead, they focus on his jealousy, which may have caused him to push people away. He accepts this situation and says that it's how it's going to be from now on.
The second verse talks about how time changes everything, and it is both sorrowful and comforting. The singer reminisces about the good old days, and he sees his friends playing music and having fun. He mentions how these memories are some of his favorites, and he wishes that he could go back to those carefree times.
The chorus repeats the question, "What's been going on around here," which can be interpreted in different ways. It could refer to the changes happening in the singer's life, the state of his relationships, or the world around us. The song ends the same way it began, with the singer feeling alienated and making peace with his situation.
Overall, "What's Been Going On" is a poignant song that captures the melancholy feeling of nostalgia and the loneliness that comes with growing apart from people we used to be close to.
Line by Line Meaning
And no one says a word to me
I feel isolated and ignored.
They're concerned with my jealousy
Others are worried about my envy and resentment.
Well I guess that's how it's gotta be
I understand that this is the situation I have to accept.
From now on
Things won't be the same anymore.
And time, it swallows everything
Time erases all things, no matter how significant or trivial.
From the mighty to the meager thing
It does not discriminate; all things are subject to its power.
And it's as dark as it is comforting
The inevitability of time can be both unsettling and soothing.
To play along
We sometimes go along with life despite our discomfort, just to keep moving forward.
Well what's been going on?
What's new or different now?
Around here
In this place I call home or am associated with in some way.
There goes her old beat up car
A familiar sight that evokes memories of the past.
Outside of our old favorite bar
A location that holds special significance or nostalgia.
She's proudly in there playing her guitar
Someone is following their passion and proudly pursuing their dreams.
With stars in her eyes
They are filled with wonder and potential for what could be.
Those are some of my favorite memories
Recalling past experiences that evoke positive emotions.
All of those carefree melodies
Memories of joy and ease, free from worry or responsibility.
While I'm out of here on this raging sea
Comparing my current situation to a tumultuous journey or difficult obstacle to overcome.
About to capsize
My current stress or problems feel overwhelming and may lead to a breakdown or failure.
And no one says a word to me
Reemphasizing feelings of isolation and neglect.
They're concerned with my jealousy
Others' focus on my negative emotions.
I guess that's how it's gotta be
Once again resigning myself to accept the situation as it is.
From now on
No matter how it makes me feel.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
gmbrat2002
I can't get enough of this song. I love it.
Brenda Brown
I love everything Amos writes and sings. Absolutely love his incredible. He touches deep into my soul 🕊 I absolutely love him and his music 🎶 a fan for life 💋🌹
GAILENE FULLER
I'm with you
Mary Seery
Wow Amos. I love you man. You have no idea what your music means to me. The soul is an amazing thing. Godspeed dude.
NotAGamer
Very relaxing voice....
Nancy Widgeon Strauss
I've finally had a crush. At 54. Your music is food for my soul and I'm in love
computedtomo
Amos is amazingly talented! An original composer/performer, and I'm glad to say that I heard him first on my local radio station! The Palm!
Eve B
Oh my gosh I am so in Luv with him!!! Great voice!!!
Jerimi Griffith
Love it!
carmen
CHILLIN'.... Rock on AMOS !