Miller formed the Buddy Miller Band, which included singer/songwriter Shawn Colvin on vocals and guitar.
In addition to releasing several solo albums over the years, Miller has toured as lead guitarist/backing vocalist for Emmylou Harris's Spyboy band, Steve Earle on his El Corazon tour, and Linda Ronstadt. He co-produced and performed on Jimmie Dale Gilmore's 2000 album Endless Night. He has also appeared on several albums by songwriter/singer Lucinda Williams.
At the 4th Annual Americana Music Association Honors & Awards, the Ryman Auditorium September 2005, Miller received the Album of the Year Award for his Universal United House of Prayer, and the opening cut of that album, Worry Too Much (penned by Mark Heard, and originally released on Second Hand), won the Song of the Year Award.
Don't Wait
Buddy Miller Lyrics
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Brought lots of suffering on
And it's been so long
Since I walked right and strong
Just look at me so lost and weak
Heed my warning when this fool speaks
Well I hate to see your sun sinking down
There's precious time to change your ways
Don't drag along while it's getting late
Don't wait don't wait
Don't wait it's late
Don't wait don't wait
Don't wait don't wait don't wait don't wait
Temptation will rust
Crawls in with the fog
Eats away at your trust
Mean as a wild pack of dogs
Uses you up throws your life away
Don't let it win for another day
Don't wait don't wait
Don't wait it's late
Don't wait don't wait
Don't wait don't wait don't wait don't wait
Now I'm praying for strength
To get one last try
From mercy's cup to drink
Before it's time to die
And all the wicked they best
Start to change their ways
This song by Buddy Miller centers on the theme of redemption and the importance of making the right choices in life before it's too late. The opening lines express regret for past mistakes and the suffering they have caused. The singer acknowledges that it has been a long time since they have made a positive choice, and they are lost and weak as a result. The next lines warn against the consequences of continuing down a negative path, with the imagery of the sun sinking down and the loss of ground. The urgency of the message is emphasized with the repeated refrain of "Don't wait, it's late." The second verse adds to the warning by describing temptation as something that eats away at your trust and throws your life away. The final stanza shifts to a more personal plea for strength to make a positive change, and a warning to those who continue to live wickedly.
All in all, "Don't Wait" is a cautionary tale that urges listeners to be proactive in making positive changes in their lives. It speaks to the importance of not taking our time on earth for granted and being mindful of the consequences of our actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I been so wrong
I have made many mistakes and caused a lot of suffering.
Brought lots of suffering on
My actions have caused a great deal of pain for others.
And it's been so long
It has been a long time since I have done the right thing.
Since I walked right and strong
Since I have been confident in my actions.
Just look at me so lost and weak
I am currently lost and without strength.
Heed my warning when this fool speaks
Please listen to me and learn from the mistakes I have made.
Well I hate to see your sun sinking down
I do not want to see your life spiral out of control.
And the path you take while you're losing ground
The decisions you are making are not leading you in the right direction.
There's precious time to change your ways
You still have time to turn your life around.
Don't drag along while it's getting late
Do not waste any more time in making the necessary changes.
Temptation will rust
Giving in to temptation will corrode your character and morals.
Crawls in with the fog
Temptation can sneak up on you, just like a fog.
Eats away at your trust
Temptation can break down your trust in yourself and others.
Mean as a wild pack of dogs
Temptation is as vicious as a pack of wild dogs.
Uses you up throws your life away
Giving in to temptation will leave you empty and with nothing to show for your life.
Don't let it win for another day
Do not allow temptation to control your actions any longer.
Now I'm praying for strength
I am asking for the power to make one more attempt at redemption.
To get one last try
To have one more chance to make things right.
From mercy's cup to drink
To receive forgiveness from a higher power.
Before it's time to die
Before it is too late and there is no more time left.
And all the wicked they best
Those who have lived a life of wrongdoing need to turn their lives around.
Start to change their ways
To begin making positive lifestyle changes.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Bluewater Music Corp.
Written by: BUDDY MILLER, JAMES RUSSELL LAUDERDALE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind