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.
Hey World Hey Girl
Billy McLaughlin Lyrics
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It doesn’t matter who wins
And I’ve seen so many big falls
I know it’s something within
And I know it’s hard to imagine
And harder to be
But this life is bound to expand in
Ways time has quieted thee
Hey world won’t you be surprised
Hey world won’t you be surprised
I hate the feeling it’s too late to try
Sometimes I wish I could cry
But sometimes I can’t bring myself
I feel the wind is changing
And blowing for us
Even though it’s hard to take it all
When it seems it all just happens because
And it gets the worst when I see
What deep inside holds you back
Will bitterness and pride be
All we lay down with at last
Hey girl won’t you be surprised
Hey girl won’t you be surprised
I hate the feeling it’s too late to try
Sometimes I wish I could cry
But sometimes I can’t bring myself
I’ve worked the longest days and
Played the longest nights
To put this love to share
Within the sheltered Light
And what she held that since fell down
Could be my gain
And if love ever comes around again
I won’t look for it or ask it to be the same
Hey girl(world) won’t you be surprised
Hey girl(world) won’t you be surprised
I hate the feeling it’s too late to try
Sometimes I wish I could cry
But sometimes I can’t bring I can’t bring I can’t bring myself
In this song "Hey World Hey Girl" by Billy McLaughlin, the lyrics discuss personal experiences and reflections on life's challenges and complexities. The singer expresses having faced numerous close calls and major setbacks in life, highlighting the unpredictability and uncertainty that comes with wins and losses. The mention of "something within" hints at a deeper understanding of inner strength and resilience that drives them forward despite hardships. This acknowledgment of the internal struggles and perseverance underscores the theme of inevitable growth and change in life.
The chorus of the song, with repeated phrases like "Hey world won't you be surprised" and "Sometimes I wish I could cry," conveys a sense of resignation and longing for emotional release or understanding. The singer struggles with feelings of helplessness and the weight of missed opportunities, suggesting a desire for catharsis or a fresh start. The juxtaposition of vulnerability and stoicism in the lyrics reflects the complexity of human emotions and the internal conflicts one may face when navigating life's challenges.
The lyrics delve into the singer's perception of the world as a place of unexpected shifts and changes, where the winds of fate can bring both challenges and opportunities. The mention of overcoming internal barriers like "bitterness and pride" highlights the need to confront inner demons to move forward and embrace new possibilities. The lyrics paint a picture of a journey towards self-discovery and growth, acknowledging the struggle to overcome past obstacles and break free from self-imposed limitations.
The final verse reflects a sense of hope and determination to move forward despite past setbacks and failures. The singer references the effort put into nurturing love and relationships, emphasizing the transformative power of connection and vulnerability. The mention of letting go of expectations and allowing love to unfold naturally signifies a shift towards acceptance and openness to whatever the future may bring. Overall, the lyrics in "Hey World Hey Girl" convey a message of resilience, self-reflection, and the willingness to embrace change and newfound opportunities with an open heart.
Line by Line Meaning
I’ve been through so many close calls
I have experienced numerous situations where things could have gone wrong
It doesn’t matter who wins
The outcome of those close calls is irrelevant
And I’ve seen so many big falls
I have witnessed significant failures
I know it’s something within
I understand that the root of these experiences lies within myself
And I know it’s hard to imagine
It can be difficult to comprehend
And harder to be
Even more challenging to accept and deal with
But this life is bound to expand in
Life is meant to grow and evolve
Ways time has quieted thee
In ways that time has calmed
Hey world won’t you be surprised
World, prepare to be shocked
I feel the wind is changing
I sense a shift in the air
And blowing for us
In our favor
Even though it’s hard to take it all
Even though it's difficult to fully comprehend
When it seems it all just happens because
When events appear to occur without reason
And it gets the worst when I see
It becomes most difficult when I realize
What deep inside holds you back
The internal barriers that prevent progress
Will bitterness and pride be
Am I going to be held back by bitterness and arrogance
All we lay down with at last
Is that all we leave behind in the end
I’ve worked the longest days and
I've put in endless hours
Played the longest nights
And endured many sleepless nights
To put this love to share
To cultivate and spread this feeling of love
Within the sheltered Light
Under the protection of positivity and hope
And what she held that since fell down
The love that once existed but has now faded
Could be my gain
May turn into something advantageous for me
And if love ever comes around again
If another opportunity for love presents itself
I won’t look for it or ask it to be the same
I won't seek to replicate past experiences with love
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Billy Mclaughlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sharon Matthews
Billy, it's as if you read my mind and heart with this song. I've been alone for several years now and I really don't know if I remember how to act on a date with a man. That's why I just stopped trying.
Jovan Davidovic
❤❤❤
bubba buckwheat
Thanks!