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
SPARK
Andrew Ripp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Been a long year just kinda hanging on
Been a long year
Been a long year thinking the spark was gone
There it is in the lights
There is is in the falling white, it finds me
Been a long time since it felt like this old town was home
I was starting to feel like magic was something I'd out grown
There is is in the falling white, it finds me
There it is where it's been all along forgotten
Gift in a heavy heart
Hoping that I would open it
There it is
La la la la la la la la la la
Been a long time since I really looked at someone's eyes
That held that sparkle of hope I know has been missing in mine
There it is in the lights
There is is on this christmas night, it finds me
There it is in the lights
There is is in the falling white, it finds me
There it is where it's been all along forgotten
Gift in a heavy heart
Hoping that I would open it
There it is
There it is
La la la la la la la la la la
Been a long year
Been a long year thinking the spark was gone
The song "Spark" by Andrew Ripp is a soulful and inspirational tune about finding the spark that ignites the magic of life. The lyrics describe the feeling of being stuck in a rut, feeling like life has lost its magic and sparkle. The singer reflects on how long it has been since he has felt truly alive in his hometown and how he had started to believe that the magic of life was something he had outgrown. However, on this Christmas night, the spark that he thought was lost is reignited, and he is reminded of the beauty and hope that still exists in the world.
The chorus, "there it is in the lights, there it is in the falling white," refers to the magical feeling that the singer experiences as snow falls from the sky, and the lights of Christmas illuminate the darkness. He sees the light and love that has been with him all along, even when he thought he had lost it. The line "gift in a heavy heart, hoping that I would open it" is a reflection of the love and hope that was always within him, waiting to be discovered.
The song "Spark" is a testament to the beauty and wonder of life, even in the darkest of times. It speaks to the human experience of feeling lost and disconnected, and the power of hope to reignite the spark that lights the way forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Been a long year
The year so far has felt difficult and challenging.
Been a long year just kinda hanging on
It has been a difficult year and I have been simply getting through it without any real progress.
Been a long year thinking the spark was gone
I have been believing that I have lost my passion and enthusiasm in life.
There it is in the lights
I have found my lost spark in the brightness of Christmas lights.
There is is in the falling white, it finds me
The falling snow further reinforces the feeling of magic and excitement I have rediscovered.
Been a long time since it felt like this old town was home
It has been a long time since I have truly felt a sense of belonging in my hometown.
I was starting to feel like magic was something I'd out grown
I was beginning to believe that I no longer had the ability to experience the wonder and enchantment of life.
There it is where it's been all along forgotten
My lost spark has been within me all along, but I had forgotten about it.
Gift in a heavy heart
Even though my heart was heavy and weighed down by life's challenges, I received a gift in the form of this rediscovered spark.
Hoping that I would open it
The gift of my spark had been waiting for me to rediscover it, and it was waiting for me to bridge the gap in order to find it.
Been a long time since I really looked at someone's eyes
It has been a while since I have truly connected with someone on a deep level.
That held that sparkle of hope I know has been missing in mine
I realized that the reason why I hadn't been able to find my lost spark was because I hadn't seen it in the eyes of others, and their sparkle of hope helped me rediscover mine.
There it is on this christmas night, it finds me
On this magical Christmas night, my spark finds me again and helps me rediscover the enchantment in life.
There it is where it's been all along forgotten
Once again, I realize that my spark has been within me all along, waiting to be rediscovered.
There it is
My spark has finally been found and I am filled with a renewed sense of passion and enthusiasm.
La la la la la la la la la la
The melody serves to reinforce the positive, uplifting feeling brought on by rediscovering my spark.
Been a long year
Once again, the year has felt long and difficult.
Been a long year thinking the spark was gone
Despite having found my spark once before, I once again believed that my passion and enthusiasm was lost.
Contributed by Landon R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Evelyn Mietschke
So so beautiful and touching🙏
Just ❤️ this song! And a shame that radio stations here in Germany seem to have forgotten to play this wonderful song this winter/Christmas season…
Phyllis Snook
While looking for different Christmas Music, I came upon this beautiful song with a mesmerizing voice....! Of course, I just had to download it!
Smiles Challenge
You are an angel my friend!
Your music touches my heart and sometimes I can't stop crying... I just try to remember the hug you gave me in San Francisco. Seems like your music has a way of finding me when life is at it's toughest and feel I am close to giving up. Thank you for being there.
I really wish I had a place for you to do one of your special concerts. Maybe some day... Seeing you again is definitely on my bucket/wish list. The night in San Francisco was the best concert I have ever been to.
You were amazing! I felt that night that you were a gift from heaven. Tonight I feel that again.
❤️🤗❤️ #ShareASmile 😀
Gail Lynn
Don't ya just LOVE Love?!! 🌸
jill berry
This is so beautiful! Your voice is mesmerizing.. and I could watch and listen to you play piano and sing for hours and hours, and hours!! Thank you!!
Taylor Stewart
I am so happy itunes had your album featured on the home page! I love your voice and passion! Thanks for sharing your incredible talent :)
Catherine Rouquine
Beautiful !!! I love this song ! The emotional feeling touch me because of the piano sound and you voice... Bravo !
Allison Coates
I needed this today, thank you!
Lydia Manuel
Beautiful, thank you. I needed this tonight.
Larry Arden
We need a spark of hope, love for each other.