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
Peace Like a River
Andrew Ripp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You killed time on the square
Held on to your vision
Giving more love than I can bare
And I need you need to know right now
You give me Peace like a river
He gave you truth so divine
He said "I'm givin you my angel, son" so I took you for my wife
And I need you to know right now
You give me Peace like a river
Peace like a river
Running free
Peace like a river
I been down on my knees
Oh lord I feel a sweet release
What you are and what you give to me
You fill my heart and lay my soul to sleep
You give me peace like a river
You took the summers to Missoula
With your sister by your side
Never knew a day without her
Till I came and walked in to your life
Peace like a river
Running free
Peace like a river
I been down on my knees
Oh lord I feel a sweet release
What you are and what you give to me
You fill my heart and lay my soul to sleep
You give me peace like a river
The lyrics to Andrew Ripp's "Peace Like a River" are a testament to the power of love and the sense of calm that it can bring to one's life. The song begins by describing the background of the subject of the song - a small town girl who has always been focused on her own vision and has a surplus of love to give. The singer then speaks directly to her, saying that she brings him peace like a river.
The second verse talks about a sailor named Daniel who gave the subject of the song "truth so divine." It is unclear whether Daniel is a metaphor or an actual person, but either way, he seems to have had a profound impact on the subject's life. The singer then describes taking the subject as his wife and feeling the peace she brings him.
The chorus repeats the line "Peace like a river" several times, driving home the idea that the singer finds a sense of serenity and calm in the love of the subject. The final verse touches on the subject's relationship with her sister and how she never knew a day without her until the singer came into her life. The song ends with another repetition of the chorus.
Overall, "Peace Like a River" is a simple, heartfelt love song that celebrates the sense of peace and comfort that can come from being with the right person. It paints a picture of a life filled with love, family, and contentment.
Line by Line Meaning
You were raised in a small town
You grew up in a close-knit and intimate community.
You killed time on the square
You spent time in the public areas of your upbringing, enjoying the company of others.
Held on to your vision
You possessed aspirations and remained dedicated to them.
Giving more love than I can bare
You are generous with your affection, even beyond what I can handle.
And I need you need to know right now
It's imperative that you understand at this moment
You give me Peace like a river
You instill tranquility within me, like the serene flow of a waterway.
Daniel is a sailor
Daniel is a seafarer.
He gave you truth so divine
He imparted pearls of wisdom that were heavenly.
He said "I'm givin you my angel, son" so I took you for my wife
He referred to you as his cherished one, so I made you my partner for life.
You took the summers to Missoula
You spent summers in Missoula.
With your sister by your side
Accompanied by your sibling.
Never knew a day without her
Your sister was an integral part of your life, and you never experienced a day without her by your side.
Till I came and walked into your life
Until I arrived and became part of your world.
Peace like a river, running free
A state of peace akin to that of a free-flowing river.
Peace like a river, I been down on my knees
A sense of tranquility that has brought me to my knees in awe.
Oh lord I feel a sweet release
The sensation of liberation and freedom.
What you are and what you give to me
Who you are and what you provide to me.
You fill my heart and lay my soul to sleep
You satisfy my emotions and allow me to rest my weary spirit.
You give me peace like a river
You infuse me with a sense of calm that is akin to the serene flow of a waterway.
Contributed by Kaelyn G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Justin Paschall
this is music.. ppl like this just dont get enough credit... he is so amazing
Heather Jacobs
This guy is absolutely amazing live. His CD does not do his live performances justice!
Paulette Daniels
Just heard him today on KLOVE radio station and went home and you tubed all the videos especially Jericho and God Knows
Heather
Me too!
Angel Face
Rejoice and a million years He has a lot of good music
VIAL
Amazing songs!
Angela Mace
Me too!! 👍
Father and Son Ministry Of Faith
My Holy Goodness! Andrew, you are what music should be. Nothing left to say, just speechless!!!!!! 🙏
Michael Jenkins
I love his voice, great song.
C Jacobsen
One of my favorite - love your music Andrew