The Albany Times Union named Bryan "Best Male Singer-Songwriter" shortly after he released his acoustic hip-hop debut "Radio Plastic Jennifer" in 1999. The follow-up soul rock epic "Ones and Zeros" was Metroland Magazine's "Album of the Year" in 2002.
He was recently in the studio with punk legend Tommy Ramone, making a special guest appearance on a track produced by Ramone for New York City's genre-smashing neo-punksters Collider. Bryan's music can also be heard on the opening track of the Black Rock Coalition's "Bronze Buckaroo Rides" Again which also includes a track by BRC founder/ Living Colour guitar wizard Vernon Reid. He has three songs on the double-live "Pazfest: A New Orleans Tribute to Joni Mitchell" recorded on a steamy Louisiana night at the Howlin' Wolf in the summer of 2000.
Samples of Bryan's music, video and poetry can be found online at his award-winning web site www.bryanthomas.com, and at www.TheHiddenCity.com, a webzine for underground arts in Albany, New York. Thomas is a founding member of the Hidden City collective.
When
Bryan Thomas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I felt lucky not to be dead
So I left this city, I hit the road
If I'm sitting still then I'm getting old
If you look for me girl, I can be found
To the streets of gold, that's where I'm going down
Isn't it a pity, when you're left all alone
But you're acting like a child, I can't condone
So stand up, turn around
You got to keep moving, when the sun goes down
Sometimes I forget
To keep my feet on the ground
You thought you were the only one
Who could see the future, when will it come
But I know the truth, I can see right through
We are all one of the chosen few
So take it easy baby come on and sit right down
Take off your coat, soak up the sound
Of a song I'll sing so innocently
Time will pass but we'll just let it be
Come Sunday, drive around
With the windows, all the way down
Sometimes I forget
Which road, leads out of town
Now this lake is frozen, the trees are bare
This trains moving slow, but I don't care
Can't think too much about where you should be
that door will lock and you won't find the key
But the sun's gonna shine, wherever you are
In the summer, spring, winter & fall
I won't be there I'm getting tired of you
I don't play games, I thought you knew
So stand up, turn around
You got to keep moving, when the sun goes down
Sometimes I forget
To keep my feet on the ground
The lyrics of Bryan Thomas's song "When" depict a journey of self-discovery and growth, as well as a reflection on the complexities of relationships. The first verse sets the tone with a gunshot, which represents a pivotal moment that pushes the singer to leave the city and embark on a new path. It reflects a sense of gratitude for surviving and an eagerness to avoid stagnation. The line "If I'm sitting still then I'm getting old" emphasizes the importance of continuously moving forward in life.
The following lines express a desire for connection and the search for something more meaningful. The singer promises to be found in the streets of gold, which symbolize a better or more fulfilling future. The mention of feeling alone indicates some dissatisfaction with the current state of relationships. However, the singer also expresses disappointment in someone's childish behavior, suggesting a need for maturity and responsibility.
The chorus encourages perseverance and adaptability in the face of change. It exemplifies the necessity of constantly moving and evolving as the night falls, metaphorically highlighting the importance of embracing transitions. The line "Sometimes I forget to keep my feet on the ground" acknowledges the tendency to lose sight of groundedness and stability amidst life's challenges.
The second verse addresses the misconception of being the only one who can predict the future, emphasizing the singer's ability to see through illusions and recognizing the shared human experience. It hints at a sense of unity among individuals who are all part of the "chosen few." The suggestion to "take it easy" invites the listener to relax and appreciate the present moment while experiencing the acoustic bliss of the song.
The bridge brings a change in scenery, with the depiction of a frozen lake and bare trees. The slow pace of the train embodies a sense of detachment and indifference. Rather than dwelling on where one should be, the lyrics caution against fixating on that which is out of reach. The sun's shining serves as a reminder that happiness and fulfillment can be found wherever one is. The mention of getting tired suggests a weariness with the current situation, and the refusal to play games indicates a desire for honesty and authenticity within relationships.
In the final repetition of the chorus, there is another call to action to keep moving as the sun sets, reminding us not to lose touch with reality and maintain a sense of direction. The acknowledgement of occasionally forgetting to keep one's feet on the ground reinforces the theme of balancing dreams and aspirations with practicality. Ultimately, the lyrics of "When" serve as a reminder to appreciate the journey, remain adaptable, and seek fulfillment while embracing change.
Line by Line Meaning
A shot rang out around my head
I narrowly avoided being killed by a gunshot
I felt lucky not to be dead
I realized how fortunate I was to survive
So I left this city, I hit the road
I decided to leave this town and start a journey
If I'm sitting still then I'm getting old
I believe that staying in one place for too long means losing my youth
If you look for me girl, I can be found
If you search for me, you'll find me
To the streets of gold, that's where I'm going down
I am heading towards a place of great opportunity and success
Isn't it a pity, when you're left all alone
It's truly unfortunate to be abandoned and lonely
But you're acting like a child, I can't condone
I cannot support your immature behavior
So stand up, turn around
Get up, change your perspective
You got to keep moving, when the sun goes down
It's important to keep progressing even in challenging times
Sometimes I forget
Occasionally, I lose sight of my priorities
To keep my feet on the ground
To stay grounded and not get carried away
You thought you were the only one
You believed you had exclusive knowledge or insight
Who could see the future, when will it come
You were hopeful for the future and wondered when it would arrive
But I know the truth, I can see right through
I am aware of the reality and can perceive what is true
We are all one of the chosen few
We all possess unique qualities and potential
So take it easy baby come on and sit right down
Relax, my love, take a seat and unwind
Take off your coat, soak up the sound
Remove your worries and enjoy the music
Of a song I'll sing so innocently
I will perform a heartfelt and genuine song
Time will pass but we'll just let it be
We won't worry about the passage of time
Come Sunday, drive around
On Sunday, let's go for a drive
With the windows, all the way down
Let the fresh air fill the car as we lower the windows
Sometimes I forget
I occasionally lose track of things
Which road, leads out of town
I become uncertain about the right path to leave this place
Now this lake is frozen, the trees are bare
The lake is covered in ice, and the trees have lost their leaves
This trains moving slow, but I don't care
The train is moving at a sluggish pace, but it doesn't bother me
Can't think too much about where you should be
It's not productive to obsess over where you ought to be
that door will lock and you won't find the key
Opportunity will pass you by if you can't seize it in time
But the sun's gonna shine, wherever you are
No matter where you are, the sun will bring light and warmth
In the summer, spring, winter & fall
During all seasons of the year
I won't be there, I'm getting tired of you
I won't stay with you because I'm growing weary of our relationship
I don't play games, I thought you knew
I don't engage in manipulative behaviors, I assumed you were aware of that
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Thomas Eaton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kristineweidner8680
That was fantastic Bryan!
@AnneWebster00
Love it! Played it at my sales meeting today as intro
@terrym2442
In a word: WOW!
@olincallaghan8424
Beautiful.
@lisahorvitz9111
Where can I find all the lyrics?
@CharlieCheney
Yes.
@bt1soul
Added to the "About" section. Thanks for asking.