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.
Possession
Billy Gilman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't touch it, but I can feel it
It does not have a taste or smell
But I can hear it in my spirit
It is deep inside of me
It makes me fear my memory
One day I'll live peacefully
It is something I can't see
It can never possess me
It always tries to take control
I can defeat if if I believe it
It is deep inside of me
It makes me fear my memory
One day I'll live peacefully
Without the fear of "it"
It keeps running through my mind
I have to fight it time and time
And time and time and time
And time again...
It is deep inside of me
It makes me fear my memory
One day I'll live peacefully
Without the fear of "it"
The more I understand about it
The less my world revolves around it
Then I can just live out my life
Without the fear of "it"
The song "Possession" by Billy Gilman is a powerful and emotional track about one's struggle with an unknown fear. The lyrics lead the listener to believe that "it" is a manifestation of a deep-seated fear that is plaguing the singer. Despite not being able to see or touch it, the fear is quite real and its presence is felt throughout the song. The singer speaks about how "it" makes him fear his memory and constantly tries to take control. However, the singer also believes that he can defeat "it" if he believes in himself.
The song appears to be about the fear of the unknown and the struggle to overcome it. The singer seems to be deeply affected by the fear, as it keeps running through his mind and he has to fight it time and time again. However, he believes that the more he understands about his fear, the less his world will revolve around it, and he will be able to live peacefully without the fear of "it".
Overall, "Possession" is a song that speaks to the universal human experience of struggling with fear and the unknown. The lyrics are relatable and poignant, and the melody complements them perfectly. The song serves as a reminder that, with belief in oneself, it is possible to overcome even the greatest fears.
Line by Line Meaning
One of my greatest fears is "it"
The singer is afraid of something he refers to as "it."
I can't touch it, but I can feel it
Although the singer can't physically touch "it," he is aware of its presence in his life.
It does not have a taste or smell
The singer can't use his senses of taste or smell to identify "it."
But I can hear it in my spirit
The singer is able to sense "it" on a spiritual level.
It is deep inside of me
The source of the singer's fear, "it," is embedded within him.
It makes me fear my memory
The singer's fear of "it" is linked to his memories.
One day I'll live peacefully
The singer hopes to find inner peace in the future.
Without the fear of "it"
The singer's ultimate goal is to overcome his fear of "it."
It is something I can't see
"It" is not visible to the singer.
It can never possess me
The singer believes that despite "it"'s influence, he will never be fully controlled by it.
It always tries to take control
The singer feels that "it" is always attempting to gain power over him.
I can defeat if if I believe it
By having faith, the singer thinks he can overcome his fear of "it."
It keeps running through my mind
The presence of "it" is a persistent thought for the singer.
I have to fight it time and time
The singer must battle his fear of "it" repeatedly.
And time and time and time
The singer emphasizes the ongoing nature of his struggle.
It makes me fear my memory
The singer's fear of "it" is linked to his memories.
One day I'll live peacefully
The singer hopes to find inner peace in the future.
Without the fear of "it"
The singer's ultimate goal is to overcome his fear of "it."
The more I understand about it
The singer believes that by grasping the nature of "it," he can better combat it.
The less my world revolves around it
The singer hopes that by conquering his fear of "it," he will be free of its oppressive weight on his life.
Then I can just live out my life
The singer wishes to be free to simply live without the burden of fearing "it."
Without the fear of "it"
The singer's ultimate goal is to overcome his fear of "it."
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MARK MORTON, MATTIE STEPANEK, RANDLE CHOWNING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind