Biography:
Lister started playing guitar at 8 and played his first concert in a bar band at the age of 13. He had learned guitar by playing along to his father's old 45s of Freddie King, John Mayall and Eric Clapton. By the time he was 18, having already been in several bands, he formed his own, which recorded two albums Messin' With The Kid (1996) and Pay Attention! (1997). Three numbers written by Lister, on the second album, attracted the attention of Ruf Records' owner Thomas Ruf. In 1998 they signed a record deal and Lister recorded his first major album, Aynsley Lister, produced by Jim Gaines. The tracks were primarily Lister compositions, and the album featured a guest appearance by Walter Trout. The album led to him touring Europe and working with some of the top current blues players.
While Lister's music is blues based, his own material incorporates contemporary influences with harder rhythms and guitar work, reminiscent of early Eric Clapton. Lister was the only British artist to be featured in Classic Rock's 2007 "Top 10 Contemporary Blues Artists"; alongside The White Stripes, The Black Keys, John Mayer, Jon Spencer, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Joe Bonamassa, Derek Trucks and the North Mississippi Allstars.
After his first album Lister began opening for artists such as Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, John Mayall and contemporaries such as Bryan Adams and Fun Lovin Criminals. Having become better known, he now headlines major festivals in Europe. He has twice played the Heitere Open Air in Switzerland to 12,000 people and in 2006 he played the main stage at The Bayfront Blues Festival, MN. Later that year he was invited to sit in with Delbert McClinton at The Pinedale Blues Festival in Wyoming, where Delbert kept Lister on stage for the whole second half of his show. In May 2009, Lister played to over 16,000 people whilst opening for the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd on the UK dates of their God and Guns tour, performed a headline slot at Glastonbury in 2010 and during the same year, shared the stage with ZZ Top at the Skånevik Bluesfestival in Norway.
Lister has also recorded with Jesse Davey from the English blues band The Hoax on Everything I Need (2000) and All Or Nothing (2002) both produced by Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Catatonia). Everything I Need was his debut US release in 2006, in preparation for a US tour, and received critical acclaim. Lister's fourth studio album, and his first to only contain original material, was 2007's Upside Down which Lister produced himself.
In June 2008 Lister changed to ARM Management and signed to Manhaton Records in August 2008, releasing Equilibrium in March 2009. Equilibrium was produced by Steve Darrel Smith and features Robbie McIntosh, Paul Beavis and Simon Johnson. Following "Equilibrium", he and his band relocated to the Tower Arts Centre and with the tape rolling, nailed a cracking rendition of their high-octane live set to produce the storming 'Tower Sessions' record, which was released on Manhaton Records in 2010 and consequently voted 'Best Live Album' in the 2011 Blues Matters Writers Poll.
For the tenth album of his career to date, "Home" (2013), Aynsley has flown the nest of being under contract with anyone but himself. "Home" is the debut release for his own label "Straight Talkin' Records," set up in partnership with his fiancée and manager, Stephanie Wildey in the same year.
I Believe
Aynsley Lister Lyrics
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Of what I wanted for me
Of what I'd do when I turned 21
And now I'm there I know that nothing comes free
Now I've been trying so hard
For what I want and what I need
And I believe, I believe
You've gotta know what you want
Keep the faith my friend
'Cause I'm only half way there
Oh and I can't see the end
Everybody knows what I mean
'Cause everybody must have a dream
But you've gotta believe
'Cause I believe, I believe
Once upon a time you know a wise man told me
He said tell me your dreams and I'll see what I can do
But he never told me yeah, but he never told me no
And listen not just yet but it will come to you
And it will come to you
The lyrics to Aynsley Lister's "I Believe" speak to the dreams and aspirations that people have and the hard work that is necessary to achieve them. The singer had a dream when they were young, and now that they have reached the age of 21, they realize that nothing comes free. They have been trying so hard for what they want and need and believe in themselves and their dreams. The chorus reinforces this belief: "You've gotta know what you want, keep the faith my friend, 'cause I'm only half way there, oh and I can't see the end. Everybody knows what I mean, 'cause everybody must have a dream. But you've gotta believe, 'cause I believe, I believe."
The wise man mentioned in the lyrics advises the singer to tell him their dreams, and he will do what he can. However, he never tells them no, only that they need to keep listening and eventually, their dreams will come to them. This reinforces the idea that the singer needs to have faith in themselves and their abilities and keep working towards their dreams.
Overall, the song is a message of hope and perseverance. It speaks to the struggles of chasing one's dreams but encourages listeners to keep believing and keep working towards their goals, no matter the obstacles they may face.
Line by Line Meaning
I had a dream when I was young
When I was young, I dreamed of what I wanted for my future.
Of what I wanted for me
I had specific ideas for my life goals and aspirations.
Of what I'd do when I turned 21
I had a clear plan in mind for what I would achieve by the time I was 21 years old.
And now I'm there I know that nothing comes free
Now that I've reached 21, I understand that I have to work hard to achieve my dreams.
Now I've been trying so hard
I have been making a concerted and persistent effort to reach my goals.
For what I want and what I need
I am working towards both things I desire and essential necessities.
And I believe, I believe
Despite the challenges I have encountered, I still have faith in my ability to achieve my dreams.
Yes I believe, I believe
My belief in myself has not wavered, and I remain confident in my future.
You've gotta know what you want
It is crucial to have a clear understanding of your desires and objectives.
Keep the faith my friend
Stay optimistic and hopeful about your future despite any setbacks.
'Cause I'm only half way there
Even though I've made progress, I still have a long way to go.
Oh and I can't see the end
It's difficult to visualize the finish line or the fulfillment of my dreams.
Everybody knows what I mean
Others can relate to my journey and struggles to achieve my dreams.
'Cause everybody must have a dream
Having hopes and aspirations is a fundamental part of the human experience.
But you've gotta believe
Believing in yourself is paramount to realizing your dreams.
'Cause I believe, I believe
I maintain my unwavering faith in myself and my ability to achieve my aspirations.
Once upon a time you know a wise man told me
At one point, I received some worthwhile advice from a wise individual.
He said tell me your dreams and I'll see what I can do
This person offered to assist me in achieving my dreams and making them a reality.
But he never told me yeah, but he never told me no
While the wise man did not explicitly promise me success or failure, he encouraged me to pursue my ambitions.
And listen not just yet but it will come to you
The wise man urged me to keep my hopes up even if my aspirations don't come to fruition right away.
And it will come to you
With perseverance and faith, my goals will ultimately be realized.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: CONNIE HOWARD, REBEKAH THORNTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind