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.
The Bow And The Arrow
Billy McLaughlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She’s never searchin’ I guess she’s found it Always been that way
Safely tucked between the drywall and the plaster
Battles rise and heroes fall around her
Some of us are Bows
Some of us are Arrows
Some of us are Arrows
Look at him he’s on target now
But he won’t stay there too long
The bulls-eye is always movin’
Catch him now or you won’t catch him at all
Watch him push himself to the limit
When he get’s there you know he’ll move it
Some of us are Bows
Some of us are Arrows
Some of us are Arrows
She’s a teacher – gonna make a difference here at home
Maybe bring along a leader who can help us all
While he’s in Washington marching for changes but each admires what the other has done
See the bow and see the arrow as one
Neither one can live without the other
Some of us are Bows
Some of us are Arrows
Some of us are Bows
Some of us are Arrows
Some of us are Arrows
none of us becomes one without the other
none of us becomes one without the other
Some of us are Bows
Some of us are Arrows
The lyrics of Billy McLaughlin's song "The Bow And The Arrow" explore the concept of complementary roles and relationships in life. The first verse introduces a character who is described as simple or grounded, who has found contentment in her life. She is depicted as being unaffected by the chaos and turmoil that surrounds her. The line "Safely tucked between the drywall and the plaster" suggests that she is protected and insulated from the outside world. Despite the battles and the fall of heroes, she remains steady.
The chorus presents the idea that some people are like bows, while others are like arrows. Bows are stationary, providing the foundation and support for the arrows. Arrows, on the other hand, are constantly moving, aiming for their targets. The line "Some of us are Bows, Some of us are Arrows" emphasizes the diversity of roles and personalities in life. It suggests that each individual has their own unique place and purpose, and that neither the bow nor the arrow can exist without the other.
The second verse introduces a male character who is described as being on target but not staying there for long. He is constantly pushing himself to reach his goals and is always moving towards new targets. The line "The bulls-eye is always movin'" suggests that his ambitions and aspirations are ever-changing. While he is focused on making a difference, there is also admiration for the woman who remains grounded and stable.
The final chorus emphasizes the interdependence of the bows and arrows. It suggests that both roles are necessary for progress and growth, and that no one can fully succeed without the other. The repetition of "none of us becomes one without the other" drives home the message of unity and collaboration.
Overall, "The Bow And The Arrow" offers a reflection on the different roles people play in life, highlighting the importance of both stability and ambition in achieving success and making a difference.
Line by Line Meaning
Call her simple or maybe grounded
Describe her as uncomplicated or down-to-earth
She’s never searchin’ I guess she’s found it
She doesn't seek, she has discovered what she needs
Always been that way
Consistently exhibiting this behavior
Safely tucked between the drywall and the plaster
Securely positioned amidst the challenges and obstacles
Battles rise and heroes fall around her
Witnessing conflicts and the rise and fall of heroic figures in her surroundings
Look at him he’s on target now
Observe him, he is currently focused and achieving his goal
But he won’t stay there too long
However, he won't remain in that position for an extended period
The bulls-eye is always movin’
The ultimate goal is constantly shifting
Catch him now or you won’t catch him at all
Seize the opportunity to encounter him, otherwise, it may never present itself again
Watch him push himself to the limit
Observe him as he pushes himself to his maximum capacity
When he get’s there you know he’ll move it
Once he reaches his destination, you can be certain he will surpass it
She’s a teacher – gonna make a difference here at home
She is an educator, intending to bring about positive change within her community
Maybe bring along a leader who can help us all
Possibly guiding someone who has the potential to influence and benefit everyone
While he’s in Washington marching for changes but each admires what the other has done
While he is in Washington advocating for reforms, they both acknowledge and appreciate each other's accomplishments
See the bow and see the arrow as one
Recognize the unity and interdependence of both the bow and the arrow
Neither one can live without the other
They both rely on each other for their existence and effectiveness
None of us becomes one without the other
No individual can reach their full potential without the involvement and support of others
Some of us are Bows
Certain individuals embody the role of bows
Some of us are Arrows
Certain individuals embody the role of arrows
Some of us are Bows
Certain individuals embody the role of bows
Some of us are Arrows
Certain individuals embody the role of arrows
Some of us are Arrows
Certain individuals embody the role of arrows
None of us becomes one without the other
No individual can reach their full potential without the involvement and support of others
None of us becomes one without the other
No individual can reach their full potential without the involvement and support of others
Some of us are Bows
Certain individuals embody the role of bows
Some of us are Arrows
Certain individuals embody the role of arrows
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Billy Mclaughlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind