Born in Hope Valley, Rhode Island, with his parents Mr. & Mrs. William Gilman Jr., Gilman first received notice as a performer at age seven, attracting the attention of a local vocal coach, Angela Bacari, who later became his manager. Eventually he met with Ray Benson (of Asleep at the Wheel) who helped him record demos, including "Roly Poly". Two months later he was signed by Sony Music Nashville.
His 2000 debut album, One Voice, had a very widely-played single that crossed over well into top 40 airplay. The album reached multi-platinum status, and earned a Grammy nomination. Generally touted as a child prodigy, Gilman appeared on various talk shows. Classic Christmas (which was certified gold) was released later in the year.
He released Dare to Dream (certified gold) on Sony BMG Music Entertainment/Epic Records in 2001, and in 2003 released Music Through Heartsongs, an album inspired by the poetry of Mattie Stepanek. Later in 2003, he performed at a benefit for The Station nightclub fire. In May 2005, he released Everything and More, his first album since his voice changed.
Billy's latest album, self-titled, was released in September 2006 on the Image Entertainment label. The first single off the upcoming album, Southern Star, heralds a return to his country music roots. Billy is scheduled to begin working on his next album with Eddie Galan and Andrew Lane of Trilogy Productions.
Billy the Kid
Billy Gilman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Road's open wide
A modern-day young gun
On a steel horse ride
Feeling like an outlaw I'm Billy the kid
Makin' most of this moment
'Cause who knows when it will all end
And whatever comes
I'm stickin' to my guns
They still call me Billy the kid
I'm still wanted for what I did
The price of fame is on my head
Can't shoot down old Billy the kid
Been told many times
To get outta town
I could walk away, baby
But I was born to fight
And I still believe
The west can be born to fight
And I still believe
The west can be won
I'll keep chasing those sunsets
With an angel riding shotgun
Papers say I'm dead
But I ain't buried yet
Still got bullets left
They still call me Billy the kid
I'm still wanted for what I did
The price of fame is on my head
Can't shoot down old Billy the kid
The lyrics to Billy Gilman's song "Billy the Kid" tell the story of a young man who feels like an outlaw on the open road, racing down the highway on a motorcycle. He identifies with the infamous historical figure Billy the Kid, whose name he has taken on as his own. He is aware that his moment in the spotlight may be fleeting, and so he wants to make the most of it while he can. The chorus repeats the refrain that he is still wanted for what he did, and despite his fame and notoriety, he cannot be brought down.
As the song continues, it becomes clear that the singer is not just referring to his love of fast motorcycles and rebellious behavior but his career as a musician. He has been told to leave town, but he refuses to give up on his dreams of success. He believes that he can win in the music industry just as the West was won by pioneers and cowboys. He is accompanied on his journey by an angel who is riding shotgun, suggesting a sense of divine support and protection.
Overall, "Billy the Kid" is a song about chasing your dreams, no matter the cost. It acknowledges the risks and the sacrifices that come with pursuing your passions, but it also celebrates the thrill and excitement of the journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Racing down the highway
Speeding down the road with reckless abandon
Road's open wide
The path ahead is clear and full of possibilities
A modern-day young gun
A youthful individual living life on the edge
On a steel horse ride
Riding a powerful motorcycle
Feeling like an outlaw I'm Billy the kid
Embracing a rebellious attitude and persona like the famous western outlaw
Makin' most of this moment
Living life to the fullest and embracing every opportunity
'Cause who knows when it will all end
Recognizing the finite nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment
Always on the run
Living life in a constant state of motion and change
And whatever comes
Accepting whatever challenges or obstacles come along the way
I'm stickin' to my guns
Remaining steadfast in one's beliefs and values
They still call me Billy the kid
Despite the passage of time, the singer still embraces the rebellious persona and attitude of the western outlaw
I'm still wanted for what I did
The artist still carries the weight of past actions, both good and bad
The price of fame is on my head
The consequences of living life in the public eye
Can't shoot down old Billy the kid
No matter what, the singer will always remain true to their rebellious persona and values
Been told many times
The singer has faced numerous challenges and naysayers along the way
To get outta town
Others have often suggested that the artist flee or escape their current situation
I could walk away, baby
The artist has the option to leave their current situation behind
But I was born to fight
The singer has a deep desire to face and overcome challenges
And I still believe
Despite setbacks and obstacles, the singer maintains their belief in themselves
The west can be born to fight
The artist harnesses the spirit of the wild west and carries this attitude within them
The west can be won
Despite challenges, the artist believes they can overcome and achieve their goals
I'll keep chasing those sunsets
The artist will continue to pursue new adventures and opportunities
With an angel riding shotgun
The singer has the support and guidance of a spiritual presence
Papers say I'm dead
The artist's reputation and legacy have been subject to misinterpretation and misrepresentation
But I ain't buried yet
Despite setbacks, the singer remains alive and well
Still got bullets left
Despite the passage of time, the singer still has energy and passion to pursue their dreams
Lyrics © SANDY LINZER PRODUCTIONS INC
Written by: MADELINE STONE, SALME DAHLSTROM, SANDY LINZER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind