To date, Caamp has released four albums. Their first album, self-titled, was released in 2016. In 2018, Caamp released a six-song EP called Boys. Their second album, By and By, was released in 2019.
On June 24, 2022, the band released their third studio album, Lavender Days. The release of the album was preceded by three singles: "Believe", "Apple Tree Blues", and "Lavender Girl".
http://www.caamptheband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CaampBoys/
John Henry
Caamp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I take my whiskey straight chewin' on pieces from my past
And I'm no John Henry I do my best
With this guitar strapped to my back child, I'm headed west.
Go to sleep when the sun comes up now on this deadbeat town.
Come alive in the moonlight mama when that sun goes down.
And I'm no John Henry I do my best
With this guitar strapped to my back child I'm headed west.
Walk away from my grave with these boots still on
Lord a soul needs savin' so I grab my gun, so I grab my gun.
And I'm no John Henry I do my best
With this guitar strapped to my back child, I'm headed west.
The lyrics to Caamp's "John Henry" paint a picture of a rough and tumble life where one must always be watchful and ready for danger. The singer acknowledges that these are trying times and that one must constantly be aware and prepared. He copes with these difficulties by drinking straight whiskey and ruminating on the lessons of the past. Despite the challenges, he is determined to do his best, with his guitar always at the ready as he travels westward.
The song seems to speak to the American experience of struggle, resilience, and the determination to keep moving forward despite the odds. The image of John Henry, a legendary steel-driving man who raced against a steam-powered hammer and won, looms large in the song. The singer is not John Henry, but he is similarly determined to do his best against the challenges that life throws his way. The song seems to suggest that even if we are not all legends like John Henry, we can still strive to do the best we can with what we've got.
Line by Line Meaning
These days aint so easy mama gotta watch your back
Life is not easy and one must be cautious to avoid danger.
I take my whiskey straight chewin' on pieces from my past
I drink straight whiskey and reflect on the events of my past.
And I'm no John Henry I do my best
I am not a legendary figure, but I try my hardest.
With this guitar strapped to my back child, I'm headed west.
I carry my guitar and journey westward towards my dreams.
Go to sleep when the sun comes up now on this deadbeat town.
I sleep during the day in this unexciting town.
Come alive in the moonlight mama when that sun goes down.
I come alive at night when the moon rises.
Walk away from my grave with these boots still on.
I will continue to live and walk with purpose until death takes me.
Lord a soul needs savin' so I grab my gun, so I grab my gun.
I am willing to do what it takes to save a soul, even if it means using a gun.
Writer(s): H. Johnson
Contributed by Thomas K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Kimi
on Great Heights
What’s the original meaning behind this song?!