Having an awe-inspiring voice is one thing, but knowing how to use that voice to share lyrics and emotion in a way that moves those who hear the songs is quite another. Ripp has grown in this over the years as a respected songwriter with the voice of an artist. Won’t Let Go comes on the heels of Andrew Ripp celebrating a #1 album on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter chart in 2010 with his album She Remains The Same, which was the follow-up to his debut album in 2008 Fifty Miles to Chicago. Ripp, who is originally from Palatine, IL and now resides in Nashville, TN, is no stranger to the national music scene beginning his career as a songwriter and co-writing half of Ryan Cabrera’s 2005 album You Stand Watching, including “You Shine On,” which landed on Billboard’s Hot 100. Ripp has had a hand in writing songs that have been featured on American Idol, One Tree Hill, and Live To Dance.
Since his last release, Andrew spent time writing and writing, not just creating a few songs and depending on his voice to carry the album. “The good ones,” Andrew says, speaking of excellent artists, “they leave space in the songs.” And over the last two years, Andrew has learned that skill. Having moved to Nashville with his wife at the encouragement of fellow musician and mentor, GRAMMY nominated artist Dave Barnes, Andrew settled into the songwriting town and began to hone his talents and grow as an artist, musician, and songwriter.
His new album, Won’t Let Go, is full of the picks of the songwriting litter, with songs that resonate with the hearer as well as the creator. Working with award-winning producer Charlie Peacock (Civil Wars, Amy Grant, Holly Williams, Switchfoot) Andrew handed full control to him, allowing the songs to drive the recording process, not trying to turn the songs into something they weren’t. You can hear that too- the wrestling, the release, the emotion, the growth of the songs to a new sound that somehow feels familiar.
The album blends the work of Andrew himself with many other award-winning musicians, songwriters, as well as Peacock and engineer/mixer Richie Biggs, having had a hand in co-writing all 11 tracks. Ripp is deeply proud of what was created, though the price of hard work didn’t come without its own challenges and trials. Won’t Let Go will be the album that reminds us we don’t have to figure it all out, just show up. “I did the work,” Andrew says, “I gave it everything I have. As I wrote this record, I was writing these songs for me as a way to help me process what I was going through but as the songs came to life, I realized that these stories were for everyone because we all go through hard times and sometimes just knowing you’re not the only one can offer a moment of hope.”
Won’t Let Go documents some of the hardest times in Andrew Ripp’s personal and professional life but through hardships come hope and love and no one captures those emotions better than he does on this album. Stand out tracks include the single, “Cool Ya (Nobody Loves You Like I Do),” a catchy tune on the idea that no matter where you are, you are loved; the moving ballad “Just Enough” about how we are all given just enough hope along the way to make it through struggles in life; The up-tempo “When You Fall In Love” that depicts the security of a love that feels just right; the title track “Won’t Let Go,” that has become an anthem of sorts on the road for Ripp about staying strong through all of life’s challenges; and the albums close, the poignant “Rescue Me,” which features GRAMMY Award winner Vince Gill, and perfectly caps off Ripp’s journey of hitting rock bottom but ultimately discovering the inner strength he needed.
“A good analogy I was given is: Our lives are like waves, they are always moving. No matter how good or bad things are, you can guarantee it won't be like that forever,” said Andrew. “We embrace the beauty of the sunshine because there was rain. We feel joy because we had pain. I've decided to learn to love the difficult times because there's no escaping them, and that’s when we grow.” This is a theme that plays throughout Won’t Let Go and one that many listeners will relate to.
A touring artist as well, Andrew’s live performances continue to move the audience in just the right ways. Crowds don’t want him to leave the stage when the show is over, and he’s not sure he’s ready to leave either. He has opened for and toured the country with artists including Jon Foreman, needtobreathe, Will Hoge Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers, and Robert Randolph and the Family Band. Ripp continues to tour around the country in support of his forthcoming release Won’t Let Go, for the audiences that have supported him throughout the years as well as the new ones he continues to steadily make along the way.
“This album is rooted in the idea of hope and love,” Andrew says, “and it is meant to speak life.” Audiences can hear the depth of those messages in every lyric; in every note. Great songs deserve a great record and what has been created with Won’t Let Go is just that- the record that other musicians will respect, fans have waited for, and newcomers will fall in love with.
Official page: http://www.andrewripp.com
Just Enough
Andrew Ripp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What I was gonna have to go through
To get to where I want to go to
I don't know if I'd have come this far
Without you
I couldn't tell a lie from the truth
There's no way I could see
You give me just enough
To keep me going when hope is lost
Not too high or low??
You always know
Whats too little or too much??
You give me just enough
It's ok
Even when the blue sky's black rain
And even too soon is too late
And everything I had is all washed away
Just enough hurt
To keep me awake
And when I need a real love I know is no fake
Andrew Ripp's song Just Enough is a melodious representation of how the pain and struggles we go through in life are essential for our growth and eventual success. The opening line, "If I only knew what I was gonna have to go through to get to where I want to go to, I don't know if I'd have come this far" captures the essence of the song perfectly. Andrew Ripp acknowledges that the road to his dreams was rough, and he had to face a lot of trials and heartaches to get where he is. However, he understands that he wouldn't be where he is today without those hardships.
The song's chorus depicts gratitude for the balance that someone has brought to Andrew's life. He sings, "you give me just enough to keep me going when hope is lost, not too high or low, you always know what's too little or too much, you give me just enough". The lyrics illustrate that there's someone in Andrew's life that gives him the right amount of support he needs to overcome his challenges. The support isn't too little or too much but just enough to keep him going.
Finally, the song ends with a beautiful reminder that no matter how much pain we endure in our lives, it's all worth it because it paves the way for true love. "Just enough hurt to keep me awake, and when I need a real love, I know it's no fake" signifies that pain and struggles aren't always pleasant, but they help us appreciate and cherish the good in our lives even more.
Line by Line Meaning
If I only knew??
Reflecting on how he was unaware of the challenges he would face in his journey
What I was gonna have to go through
Expressing uncertainty of the difficulties he will have to endure
To get to where I want to go to
Acknowledging his destination of reaching a certain goal
I don't know if I'd have come this far
Wondering whether he would have made it this far without help from someone else
Without you
Recognizing the support he's received from someone else
I couldn't tell a lie from the truth
Confessing his inability to differentiate between lies and the truth
There's no way I could see
Admitting his lack of insight or understanding
What I want isn't what I need
Coming to the realization that what he thought he wanted isn't what he truly needs
You give me just enough
Grateful for the right amount of support he's received
To keep me going when hope is lost
Explaining how this minimal support has helped him during difficult times
Not too high or low??
Describing the right balance of support he's received
You always know
Expressing confidence in the person he's receiving support from
Whats too little or too much??
Suggesting that this person has an understanding of his needs
You give me just enough
Reiterating the importance of this person's presence in his life
It's ok
Acknowledging that everything will be alright
Even when the blue sky's black rain
Accepting that there are difficult times even when things seem good
And even too soon is too late
Reflecting on the importance of timing and how it can affect the outcome
And everything I had is all washed away
Describing how everything he had once prized is no longer important
Just enough hurt
Acknowledging the importance of experiencing just enough pain to understand reality
To keep me awake
Expressing how this painful experience has kept him aware and alert
And when I need a real love I know is no fake
Recognizing the importance of genuine love and support during difficult times
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANDREW RIPP, CHRIS DESTEFANO, JASON MATTHEWS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
strada001
Good lord that was awesome. I've been missing The Civil wars and that has hit the spot!!
Sothia Chhoeum
Beautiful song ❤️🎶🎸
Ashlee Barrera
Ugh... chills. Pure chills. Their voices blend so beautifully.
Sothia Chhoeum
Andrew and Charlene have beautiful voices ❤️🎶
Craig Grimmett
I saw Andrew in concert with Dave Barnes a few years ago and loved his sound. This song is amazing, the harmony is spot on. Great job!!!
UncleMoishe
This is such a beautiful song. Well done
Connor Whitehouse
Figured out how to play/sing it and was feeling pretty good about myself up until 2:36.....dang. crazy pipes, Andrew! Beautiful song, fantastic performance
Dawn Lenz
Love this! Awesome vocal duo, beautifully written and sung.
bryan griffin
What a great song. Those harmonies are tight.
Samira Thomas
I love this song so much! I have officially made this my 10 year anniversary song! its so passionate and real. it describes my hubby and I all the way! thanks guys for this awesome masterpiece!