Currently, the group comprises singer and harmonica player John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, drummer Brendan Hill, bassist Tad Kinchla and keyboardist Ben Wilson. Tad Kinchla and Ben Wilson joined the band following the death of original bassist Bobby Sheehan in 1999.
While Blues Traveler is best known among fans for their improvisational live shows, the general public is most familiar with the group from their Top 40 singles "Run-Around" and "Hook". They gained mainstream popularity after their fourth studio album four, released in 1994. Sheehan's death and Popper's struggle with obesity put a damper on the group's success, and A&M dropped the band in 2002.
Nefertiti
Blues Traveler Lyrics
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Majestic in her empire like so many I've seen rise and fall
Suitors by the dozen, even one who'd give her everything
Assuming the queen even needs a king
And what's so wrong with freedom? Is there a cost too high?
But the slogans turn to mist in Nefertiti's eyes
Her Majesty runs like a girl, no composure or command
And I know I should be glad for her but I can't forget her fire
It just makes me lonely, one more Goddess to retire
Now I have been brought down by less
That felled my mighty lioness
But what I see which makes me sad
Is when the loneliness gets bad
She has to run, she cannot take
That fragile fundamental ache
And the heart of the lioness lay down gentle like a lamb
Her Majesty runs like a girl, no composure or command
And I know I should be glad for her but I can't forget her fire
It just makes me lonely, one more Goddess to retire
Amazed she puts me in my place
A royal tear rolls down her face
But what for me may hurt worst of all
Is one less soldier on the wall
That much lonelier for me
As I salute my fallen queen
When the heart of the lioness, lay down gentle like a lamb
Her Majesty runs like a girl, no composure or command
And I know I should be glad for her but I can't forget her fire
It just makes me lonely, one more Goddess to retire
No one should be glad for her for I can't forget her fire
It just makes me lonely, one more Goddess to retire
Nefertiti claimed she needed no one
The lyrics to "Nefertiti" by Blues Traveler are a reflection on the queen who ruled Egypt during the 14th century BC. The song starts by glorifying Nefertiti who was considered majestic in her empire, yet the lyrics reveal that even though she was surrounded by suitors and armies, she claimed that she needed no one. The song brings up the question of freedom and the cost of it. The chorus describes the heart of the lioness - Nefertiti - as being gentle like a lamb when she is lonely and has to run away. She runs without control or command, which makes the singer feel sad and lonely.
The second verse introduces the singer's personal connection to the queen. He has been brought down by less, but he is sad when he sees the loneliness in her. He describes her as a fallen queen and salutes her as one less soldier on the wall. The final chorus repeats the description of the heart of the lioness and the loneliness it brings to the singer.
The interpretation of these lyrics is that Nefertiti was an iconic queen who had everything, but her fierce independence left her lonely. Additionally, the singer empathizes with her, recognizing that her loneliness is a fundamental ache that is quite painful. The message is that even those who are seemingly powerful and independent can still feel alone, and this is a universal human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Nefertiti claimed she needed no one
Nefertiti believed that she didn't need anyone in her life.
Majestic in her empire like so many I've seen rise and fall
Like many others in history, Nefertiti was a powerful figure in her empire, but history has shown that even the most powerful can rise and fall.
Suitors by the dozen, even one who'd give her everything
There were many men who wanted to be with Nefertiti, some of whom were willing to give her everything she desired.
Assuming the queen even needs a king
It's not known if Nefertiti even wanted a king in her life.
And what's so wrong with freedom? Is there a cost too high?
The song questions the cost of freedom, and whether it's worth giving up the security and protection that comes with having someone by your side.
But the slogans turn to mist in Nefertiti's eyes
The promises and slogans of independence and freedom fade away when Nefertiti is faced with the reality of loneliness.
And the heart of the lioness lay down gentle like a lamb
Despite her fierce and powerful exterior, Nefertiti's heart was capable of experiencing gentleness and vulnerability.
Her Majesty runs like a girl, no composure or command
Nefertiti's behavior and actions betray her royal status, appearing timid and lacking in leadership qualities.
And I know I should be glad for her but I can't forget her fire
The song acknowledges that Nefertiti's independence and strength is admirable, but it's difficult to forget the passion and energy she once had.
It just makes me lonely, one more Goddess to retire
The realization that Nefertiti is no longer the fierce and fiery woman she once was leads the singer to feel a sense of loneliness and loss.
Now I have been brought down by less, That felled my mighty lioness
The song hints that the singer himself has been brought down by similar circumstances that have led to Nefertiti's decline.
But what I see which makes me sad, Is when the loneliness gets bad, She has to run, she cannot take, That fragile fundamental ache
The song suggests that Nefertiti, unable to tolerate the pain and emptiness of her life, chooses to run away rather than confront her fundamental sense of loss and longing.
And the heart of the lioness lay down gentle like a lamb
The repetition of this line underscores the singer's admiration and regret for Nefertiti's loss of strength and vitality.
A royal tear rolls down her face
The image of a tear on Nefertiti's face suggests a rare moment of vulnerability and emotion.
But what for me may hurt worst of all, Is one less soldier on the wall
Nefertiti's decline represents a loss not just of a powerful figure, but also of a symbol of strength and inspiration for others.
No one should be glad for her for I can't forget her fire
The concluding lines of the song acknowledge the complexity of Nefertiti's situation, expressing both a sense of sadness and admiration for her character.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
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