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
The Good I'll Do
Andrew Ripp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hope is ashes up in flames
But the way we are ain′t the way we'll stay
A shadow hides where the sun don′t reach
And it's hard to practice what we preach
But these promises we'll someday keep
Ooh, caught between the what I′ve done and the good I′ll do
I touched your heart and I turned it black
And you swear that you ain't coming back
I made it more than what I lack
Ooh, someday you will let me show you
Ooh, caught between the what I′ve done and the good I'll do
The good I′ll do
Oh, the good I'll do
Ooh, someday you will let me show you
Ooh, caught between the what I′ve done and the good I'll do
Someday you will let me show you
Ooh, caught between the what I've done and the good I′ll do
The lyrics of The Good I'll Do by Andrew Ripp are reflective of a sense of regret and the desire to make amends for past wrongdoings. The imagery of a fire dance in the wicked rain and hope being ashes up in flames paints a dark and melancholic picture. Yet, the hope that things can change and improve shines through in lyrics such as "the way we are ain't the way we'll stay" and "these promises we'll someday keep."
The songwriter also acknowledges the difficulty of trying to be a better person and practicing what they preach. The line "it's hard to practice what we preach" highlights the internal conflict and the struggle to move forward from past mistakes. The repeated refrain of "caught between what I've done and the good I'll do" conveys this tension effectively.
The song also includes a reference to a failed relationship where the singer acknowledges that they hurt their partner and turned their heart black. They express remorse and a desire to make things right, hoping for a chance to show their partner the good they will do. The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and the longing to redeem oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
A fire dance in the wicked rain
Despite being engulfed in the wickedness of the world, we can still find joy and beauty in life.
Hope is ashes up in flames
Hope is easy to lose and can quickly be gone, like ashes dissolving in flames.
But the way we are ain't the way we'll stay
Although we may be struggling in the present, we have the power to change and grow.
A shadow hides where the sun don't reach
There are parts of ourselves that we keep hidden from the world, even from the light of the sun.
And it's hard to practice what we preach
It's difficult to put our own advice into action and follow through with what we know is right.
But these promises we'll someday keep
Even if it takes time and effort, we have the ability to follow through on our promises.
I touched your heart and I turned it black
I hurt you deeply and caused emotional pain that has left a lasting impact.
And you swear that you ain't coming back
You have been hurt and are unwilling to put yourself in a position to get hurt again.
I made it more than what I lack
I placed more importance on my own shortcomings and failures, causing me to neglect your needs and feelings.
Someday you will let me show you
Despite the hurt I have caused, I hope to one day earn back your trust and have the opportunity to prove my worth.
Caught between the what I've done and the good I'll do
I am torn between my past mistakes and the positive change I hope to bring about in the future.
The good I'll do
I am determined to make amends and do good for those around me.
Writer(s): Andrew Ripp, Dave Barnes, Carly Ripp
Contributed by Gianna S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Copticchristina
I LOVE the lyrics, “I’m made of more than what I lack.” I got it tattooed on my arm, because it really resonated with me. This is one of my all-time favorite songs!
@skbee6
I have been thinking about this FOR YEARS!! I did go to check the lyric and everywhere online says "I made it more than what I lack"... which makes LESS sense to me. Did you find where it said made OF?
@ChritterB-pm5ww
It's NOT "Where have You been..."
OH, LORD ‼️💯‼️ WHERE HAVE I BEEN ‼️💥‼️❣️‼️💯‼️
I'm feeling the blessings in EvErY SONG I'm soaking up!!
@MattLeFaitMusic
Love this!
@erikabartesch7858
Loved your show last night at Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix! You made a lot of new fans!
@cameroncarter16
dude this guy is amazing i saw him live at a younglife camp called windy gap he is like a regular person not like those other stuck up singers he is a son of god
@Devynbreanne93
You're absolutely phenomenal.
@usafsmoky1080
This is great.
@jgregorybriggs
Awesome.
@heyimkt
LOVE it!