He performed with several bands, most notably Allies, before launching his solo career.
He is best known for his hit song "Butterfly Kisses", a favorite for father-daughter dances at weddings, which appeared on his third solo album. That album, originally titled Shades of Grace, was later re-released as Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace) because of the success of the single. He co-wrote this song with former Allies partner Randy Thomas and for this they together won the 1997 Grammy Award for Best Country Song. Butterfly Kisses has also won a Dove Award for Song of the Year.
Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas also wrote the 1989 Dolly Parton #1 hit song "Why'd You Come In Here Lookin' Like That?
Bob Carlisle also played the french horn as part of the Octavarium Orchestra with the progressive metal group Dream Theater.
Love Is The Answer
Bob Carlisle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A ticket to paradise
I can't stay here any more
And I've looked high and low
Lord, I've been from shore to shore
And if there's a short cut
I'd have found it
Light of the world, shine on me
Love is the answer
Shine on us all, set us free
Love is the answer
Who knows why
Someday we all must die
We're all homeless boys and girls
And we're never ever heard
It's such a lonely, lonely world
People turn their heads
And walk on by
Tell me, is it worth just another try?
Light of the world, shine on me
Love is the answer
Shine on us all, set us free
Love is the answer
We gotta love one another
When you feel afraid
When you've lost your way
Hey, when you're all alone
(Love one another)
When you're far from, far from home
(Love one another)
When you're down and out
(Love one another)
All your hope's run out
(Love one another)
I said you need a friend
(Love one another)
When you're near the end, love
We got to love
Light of the world, shine on me
Love is the answer
Shine on us all, set us free
Love is the answer
Light of the world, shine on me
Love is the answer
Shine on us all, set us free
Love is the answer
Light of the world, shine on me
Love is the answer
Shine on us all, set us free
Love is the answer
...
The song "Love Is the Answer" by Bob Carlisle is a plea for love and unity. The singer is feeling lost and helpless, searching for a way out of their current situation, represented by the idea of a "ticket to paradise." They have tried everything to find a solution, traversing "from shore to shore" in search of a shortcut. However, they realize that there is no easy way out, and they must look to love as the answer to their problems.
The song suggests that all people are fundamentally the same, regardless of their social status or personal circumstances. We are all "homeless boys and girls" who long for love and companionship. Unfortunately, many people turn a blind eye to those who are suffering, instead of lending a helping hand. Nonetheless, the singer urges listeners to love one another, even when they are afraid or lost.
Ultimately, the message of the song is that love is the only thing that can set us free from our troubles. It is something that we must actively cultivate and share with others, particularly when we feel alone or hopeless. By doing so, we can bring light to the world and make it a better place for everyone.
Line by Line Meaning
Name your price
Whatever your cost, I'm willing to pay it.
A ticket to paradise
I'm looking for something better.
I can't stay here any more
I'm tired of the way things are.
And I've looked high and low
I've searched everywhere for happiness.
Lord, I've been from shore to shore
I've traveled the world.
And if there's a short cut
If there's an easier way.
I'd have found it
I would have taken it already.
But there's no easy way around it
There's no quick fix for happiness.
Light of the world, shine on me
God, help me find my way.
Love is the answer
Love is the key to happiness.
Shine on us all, set us free
Bless everyone and show us the way.
Who knows why
We don't always understand life.
Someday we all must die
We all have a limited amount of time.
We're all homeless boys and girls
We're all searching for a better home.
And we're never ever heard
Sometimes we feel ignored and alone.
It's such a lonely, lonely world
The world can be a cold and lonely place.
People turn their heads
People can be indifferent to others' pain.
And walk on by
Ignoring the suffering of others can be tempting.
Tell me, is it worth just another try?
Is it worth continuing to hope for change?
We gotta love one another
We need to show love and kindness to others.
When you feel afraid
When you're scared.
When you've lost your way
When you're feeling lost.
Hey, when you're all alone
When you're without friends or family.
(Love one another)
Show kindness to others.
When you're far from, far from home
When you're in a strange place.
When you're down and out
When you're struggling.
All your hope's run out
When you feel hopeless.
I said you need a friend
It's important to have supportive people in your life.
(Love one another)
Show love and kindness.
When you're near the end, love
When you feel like you're running out of time.
We got to love
Love is essential.
Light of the world, shine on me
Asking for God's help and guidance.
Love is the answer
Love is the solution to our problems.
Shine on us all, set us free
Asking for blessings and freedom.
Light of the world, shine on me
Reaffirming the need for guidance.
Love is the answer
Reiterating the importance of love.
Shine on us all, set us free
Asking for blessings for all.
Light of the world, shine on me
Asking once again for guidance.
Love is the answer
Reaffirming that love is key.
Shine on us all, set us free
Asking for blessings and freedom for all.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Wilcox, Kasim Sulton, Roger Powell, Todd Rundgren
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind