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.
Is Anybody Out There
Billy Gilman Lyrics
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With our flag in flames
Everybody change the color
When the night became so dark with pain
Everyone became a brother
I came across the universe
And I don't know why
I came across the universe
Is anybody out there?
Is anybody listening to my prayer?
Is anybody out there?
If you can hear me please take me out of here
Is anybody out there?
Is anybody out there?
Is anybody out there?
And the morning light makes you wonder why
You were ever born to see it
When your body's cold it's not the story told
To the brave young souls who believe it
They came across the battlefield
And they don't know why
They came across the universe
To hear a solider cry
Is anybody out there?
Is anybody listening to my prayer?
Is anybody out there?
If you can hear me please take me out of here
Is anybody listening?
Is anybody out there?
We're not his friends
Though he fears the end
And he'll die for them if he had to
Rise again fall again
In the end I will come to the rescue
Oh is anybody out there?
Is anybody out there?
Is anybody listening to my prayers?
Is anybody out there?
If you can hear me please take me out of here
Is anybody listening?
Is anybody out there?
Is anybody listening?
Is anybody listening?
Is anybody out there?
When the night became so dark with pain
Everyone became a brother
The song "Is Anybody Out There?" is a heartbreaking ballad by Billy Gilman that dwells on the themes of war, loss, and loneliness. The lyrics take the listener through the pain and anguish of soldiers in a war zone who are seeking refuge and praying for someone to listen to their cries. The opening verse begins with the metaphorical line, "When the thunder came, with our flag in flames, everybody changed the color." Here, the thunder represents the sounds of war that engulfed the soldiers, and the flag in flames could represent the painful realization that their country may not be what they thought it was. The line, "everybody changed the color" suggests that even in the midst of danger and chaos, the soldiers are making a united effort to survive.
The second verse describes how soldiers are often alone in their battles and are searching for someone to empathize with them. The lines, "I came across the universe, and I don't know why, to hear a soldier cry" are hard-hitting. Its meaning suggests that the singer is answering the call of the lonely soldiers, who are calling out to anyone who is listening to their prayer. The chorus repeats the question "Is anybody out there?", emphasising the need for connection and understanding in a difficult and isolating situation. The final line of the song "When the night became so dark with pain, everyone became a brother" is especially poignant. It shows that even in the darkest moments of life, we are all human, and we can all connect with each other on a fundamental level.
Line by Line Meaning
When the thunder came
As loud and sudden as a thunderstorm, life-changing events rocked our world.
With our flag in flames
Amid disaster, our values and beliefs were also jeopardized.
Everybody change the color
The situation forced people to see things differently and adapt to new circumstances.
When the night became so dark with pain
The situation became so difficult that it felt like a dark, ominous night filled with pain.
Everyone became a brother
Despite differences, people came together as a family unit and supported each other in their struggles.
I came across the universe
I stumbled upon a situation that I never expected to be in.
And I don't know why
I don't understand why this is happening or what purpose it serves.
To hear a soldier cry
I was brought here to witness the suffering that soldiers endure and the emotional pain they feel.
Is anybody out there?
Asking if anyone is listening or paying attention to the cries for help and the pain that is felt.
If you can hear me please take me out of here
Desperately pleading for someone to rescue me from this situation and alleviate my suffering.
And the morning light makes you wonder why
The calmness and beauty of the morning brings a sense of wonder and confusion about the chaos of life.
You were ever born to see it
Questioning the purpose and reasons for being alive and experiencing such difficult and painful events.
When your body's cold it's not the story told
The harsh reality of death and the loss of life is not accurately portrayed by the stories we tell about war and fighting.
To the brave young souls who believe it
Despite the truth, many hold onto the faith and belief that war is necessary and justified.
They came across the battlefield
Soldiers are thrown into the midst of war and become victims of the conflict.
And they don't know why
Just like me, soldiers are unlikely to understand the reasons for the war or their own involvement in it.
We're not his friends
Acknowledging that the enemy is not our friend or ally.
Though he fears the end
Despite the enemy's fear of death, we are still not friends and are fighting against each other.
And he'll die for them if he had to
Soldiers on both sides are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country and cause, fueling the cycle of violence.
Rise again fall again
The constant cycle of conflict and destruction continues, with moments of victory and defeat.
In the end I will come to the rescue
Despite the chaos and violence, there is hope for a better future and that someone will step up to save us from it all.
Is anybody listening?
Asking again if anyone is paying attention to the cries for help and the pain that is felt.
Lyrics © SOUND IMAGINATION LLC DBA KESSEL MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EDWARD B. KESSEL, SANDY LINZER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind