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.
Safe Within the Storm
Billy McLaughlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Innocent lives will be changed By these winds of passing fortune
Hoping that you had been sleeping
Hoping that you had been dreaming
But it’s all true But it’s all true.
But it’s all true
Love can be taken away without reason without warning
Hoping that you had been sleeping
Hoping that you had been dreaming
But it’s all true But it’s all true
But it’s all true
Let the truth come down and let its fire keep you warm
Let the love come up and keep you safe within the storm
Let the truth come down and let its fire keep you warm
Let the love come up and keep you safe within the storm
safe within the storm
Now she is gone, gone away without reason without warning
Innocent lives have been changed By her winds of passing fortune
Hoping that I had been sleeping
Hoping that I had been dreaming
But it’s all true But it’s all true.
But it’s all true
Let the truth come down and let its fire keep you warm
Let the love come up and keep you safe within the storm
Let the truth come down and let its fire keep you warm
Let the love come up and keep you safe within the storm
safe within the storm
The lyrics of Billy McLaughlin's song "Safe Within the Storm" convey a sense of loss and the unpredictability of life. The opening lines depict how life can be abruptly taken away without reason or warning, causing innocent lives to be forever changed by the passing winds of fortune. The singer expresses hope that the person affected by this tragedy had been unaware, peacefully asleep or dreaming, but acknowledges that the harsh reality is indeed true.
The second verse parallels the theme of the first, but this time it focuses on the loss of love. Love, like life, can be taken away without any explanation or advance notice. The winds of passing fortune alter the lives of the innocent once again, bringing unexpected and painful changes. The singer once more expresses a longing for the comfort of ignorance, wishing that they had been sleeping or dreaming instead of experiencing the truth.
The chorus offers a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil. It urges the listener to let the truth come down and embrace its fire, using it as a source of warmth and strength. Similarly, it encourages opening oneself up to love, allowing it to rise and provide a safe haven within the storm. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the importance of finding solace and security amidst the chaos and uncertainty of life's challenges.
Overall, "Safe Within the Storm" is a poignant reflection on the unpredictable nature of life and love. It acknowledges the pain and loss that can be inflicted suddenly, while also offering a message of finding inner resilience and seeking comfort in truth and love.
Line by Line Meaning
Life can be taken away without reason without warning
Life is fragile and can be unexpectedly and abruptly ended.
Innocent lives will be changed By these winds of passing fortune
Innocent people's lives will be transformed by unpredictable and uncontrollable circumstances.
Hoping that you had been sleeping
Wishing that you were unaware or unaware of the impending troubles.
Hoping that you had been dreaming
Wishing that you were in a blissful state of imagination or illusion.
But it’s all true But it’s all true.
Despite the desire for it to be false, the unfortunate events are indeed real.
But it’s all true
However, there is no denying the truth of the situation.
Love can be taken away without reason without warning
Love is vulnerable and can be unexpectedly and abruptly lost.
Let the truth come down and let its fire keep you warm
Embrace the harsh reality and allow its impact to provide strength and comfort.
Let the love come up and keep you safe within the storm
Seek solace and protection from love amidst the turmoil and challenges.
Now she is gone, gone away without reason without warning
Now that she has departed, her absence came unexpectedly and abruptly.
Innocent lives have been changed By her winds of passing fortune
The unforeseen circumstances caused by her actions have altered the lives of innocent individuals.
Hoping that I had been sleeping
Wishing that I had been oblivious or unaware of the forthcoming troubles.
Hoping that I had been dreaming
Wishing that I had been lost in a blissful state of imagination or illusion.
safe within the storm
Finding security and protection amidst the chaos and turbulence of life.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Billy Mclaughlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sharon Matthews
WOW! I love Billy's music more and more everyday!