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
Rescue Me
Andrew Ripp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't know what i'm sayin been so long
Kinda feel like cryin
I've crossed a line and I can't find home
But if anybody hears me
And you can undo the things i've done
Drag me down to the river and throw me in
Take me down and hold me under
Don't let me breathe
Until you know i'm good and ready
For you to rescue me
Kinda feel like singin
First time feelin in oh so long
Kinda feel like swayin
Movin to the rythem of a healin song
Momma must be prayin
Cuz I can't explain what's going on
Can't believe how far i've gone
If there's still a room for me at home
The lyrics of Andrew Ripp's song "Rescue Me" convey a sense of desperation and longing for salvation. The first verse expresses the artist's feelings of uncertainty and disorientation, as he admits to praying and crying despite not knowing what to say or how to navigate his circumstances. He reflects on having "crossed a line" and feeling lost, hoping that someone can help him "undo the things [he's] done."
The chorus of the song serves as a plea for help, as he asks to be "dragged down to the river and thrown in" to the deepest part of the water. He pleads not to be allowed to breathe until he is "good and ready" to be rescued. The second verse portrays a sense of hope, as he feels like singing and moving to the rhythm of a "healing song" and believing that his mother's prayers are having an effect. The song ends with a sense of uncertainty, wondering if there is still a place for him at home despite how far he's gone.
Andrew Ripp's soulful voice and moving lyrics combine to create a powerful effect that many listeners can relate to. The song's message of vulnerability and dependence on others for support and guidance resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt lost or alone. The chorus's imagery of being submerged in water and rescued from drowning is particularly poignant and symbolic, representing a rebirth or renewal after a period of struggle or difficulty.
Line by Line Meaning
Kinda feel like prayin
I have an urge to pray.
Don't know what I'm sayin been so long
It's been a while since I've prayed, so I don't know what to say.
Kinda feel like cryin
I feel like crying.
I've crossed a line and I can't find home
I've done something wrong, and now I feel lost.
But if anybody hears me
If someone is listening to me,
And you can undo the things I've done
And you have the power to undo what I've done,
Drag me down to the river and throw me in
Take me to the river and immerse me fully in it.
Ain't talking 'bout the shallow but the deepest end
I don't want to stay in the shallow part of the river but go to its depths.
Take me down and hold me under
Make me submerge completely and hold me down.
Don't let me breathe until you know I'm good and ready
Don't let me breathe until you know I'm ready to face the consequences of my actions.
For you to rescue me
And only then, you can rescue me.
Kinda feel like singin
I feel inspired to sing.
First time feelin' in oh so long
It's been a long time since I've felt this way.
Kinda feel like swayin
I feel like swaying to the rhythm of a healing song.
Movin' to the rhythm of a healin' song
I'm feeling moved by the healing qualities of the song.
Momma must be prayin
Perhaps my mother is praying for me.
Cuz I can't explain what's goin' on
Because I can't explain what's happening to me.
Can't believe how far I've gone
I can't believe how much I've messed up.
If there's still a room for me at home
If there's still a place for me with my family.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDREW RIPP, CHRIS RICE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind