Billy McLaughlin graduated with honors from the University of Southern California. He now resides in his home state of Minnesota where he is raising his two boys.
While studying music at the University of Southern California, he became interested in the minimalist compositions of Phillip Glass and Steve Reich. Hearing recordings by guitarists Michael Hedges and Steve Tibbets, McLaughlin began composing for his first CD released on his own record label in 1986. Many of the compositions featured a technique using both hands on the fingerboard in which the notes are “tapped” in a series of hammer-ons and pull-offs creating a harp-like effect. The technique became McLaughlin’s stylistic signature and by the early 90s he was touring the US coast-to-coast.
In 1995, Narada/Virgin Records signed McLaughlin to a multi-album contract ending his string of seven self-released titles. Narada’s first release, Fingerdance, climbed to #7 on the Billboard’s New Age chart and was distributed world-wide.
By 2000, McLaughlin's skills on the guitar were severely degraded due a problems in one of his hands. He could no longer perform most of his own repertoire. Several months later Billy was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder called focal dystonia. Choosing to go against doctors’ recommendations to quit music and look for other work, McLaughlin focused on his songwriting and returned to his ensemble which was less demanding for his hands. McLaughlin began the unlikely journey of teaching himself to play in his signature style, left-handed. Warned by doctors of a higher likelihood for developing focal dystonia in his remaining good hand, McLaughlin chose to press on towards an ambitious goal he had yet to achieve – to perform and record a new project with a string orchestra.
In January 2007, McLaughlin published a limited release of Into the Light, a concert recording of compositions for acoustic guitar with string orchestra. This collaboration with Grammy nominated arranger, Eugenio Toussaint, is McLaughlin’s first as a left-handed guitarist. Into the Light will be released nationally in the Fall of 2007 accompanied by a companion concert DVD.
All God's Children
Billy McLaughlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All God’s Children Lift Up Your Hands Lift Up Your Hearts!
Out my window I saw people
Standing hand in hand
Then with one voice Love made it’s choice
All with one accord I heard
All God’s Children Lift Up Your Hands Lift Up Your Hearts!
Catch this Spirit Angels steer it
Where’s it coming from?
In the summer people wonder
Marley is still around in this town
All God’s Children Lift Up Your Hands Lift Up Your Hearts!
All God’s Children Lift Up Your Hands Lift Up Your Hearts!
All God’s Children Lift Up Your Hands Lift Up Your Hearts!
All God’s Children Lift Up Your Hands Lift Up Your Hearts!
The lyrics of Billy McLaughlin's song "All God's Children" convey a message of unity, love, and spirituality. The repetition of the phrases "All God's Children Lift Up Your Hands Lift Up Your Hearts!" emphasizes the call for all individuals, regardless of their differences, to come together and embrace a collective sense of faith and devotion.
The opening lines, "Out my window I saw people / Standing hand in hand," depict a scene of unity and solidarity. It implies that people are joining together, regardless of their backgrounds, to support one another. This image signifies the power of love and the ability to make choices that promote unity and coexistence. The phrase "All with one accord I heard" further emphasizes the harmony and agreement among these diverse individuals.
The following lines, "Catch this Spirit Angels steer it / Where’s it coming from?" speaks to a sense of divine intervention or guidance. The Spirit referred to here could be seen as a symbol of love, compassion, and a higher power. The mention of angels implies a sense of otherworldly presence, steering the movement of this Spirit. This suggests that the collective unity and love observed previously is not solely a human endeavor but is influenced by a spiritual force.
The mention of Marley in the line "In the summer people wonder / Marley is still around in this town" refers to the iconic musician Bob Marley, known for his messages of love, peace, and unity. This allusion connects the song's theme to Marley's influence and legacy, suggesting that his spirit and ideals continue to inspire and impact communities.
The repeated refrain "All God's Children Lift Up Your Hands Lift Up Your Hearts!" serves as a call to action, urging all individuals to unite, express their devotion, and embrace a sense of spirituality. It emphasizes that regardless of background, everyone is deserving of love, to be uplifted, and to contribute positively to their communities.
Overall, the lyrics of "All God's Children" convey a powerful message of unity, love, and spirituality. It encourages individuals from all walks of life to come together, embrace their shared humanity, and elevate their hearts and spirits in a collective expression of devotion and love.
Line by Line Meaning
All God’s Children Lift Up Your Hands Lift Up Your Hearts!
All individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or differences, should raise their hands and open their hearts in unity and praise to God.
Out my window I saw people
I observed a group of individuals outside my window.
Standing hand in hand
They were standing together, connected by holding each other's hands.
Then with one voice Love made it’s choice
Suddenly, they all spoke in unison, expressing their choice to embrace love.
All with one accord I heard
I heard them all harmoniously and unanimously agreeing on something.
Catch this Spirit Angels steer it
Try to grasp the powerful and uplifting energy of the moment, as if guided by angelic beings.
Where’s it coming from?
Curiosity arises about the source or origin of this remarkable experience.
In the summer people wonder
During the summer season, people are filled with wonder and curiosity.
Marley is still around in this town
The spirit and influence of Bob Marley, a renowned musician and advocate for unity, is still present and influential in this community.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Billy Mclaughlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@foonied
WOW! I like hearing Billy sing, I didn't know he could sing until last year. I came across a video with him singing and was greatly surprised.