He would go on to sign with the label releasing his first solo album in 1990 entitled A Crack In Time. In promotion of the album, Russell began touring extensively throughout Europe achieving a level of success he had yet to obtain back in the United States.
Russell would go on to release over a dozen albums on various labels. Throughout his career, he battled with drug and alcohol addiction and was arrested in Texas for cocaine possession in 1995.
On 3 April 2011, Russell died in Garfield, Texas, after a lengthy battle with liver cancer at the age of 62. He is survived by Swiss-born wife, Cynthia, who continues to live in Central Texas and son, Justin.
Wikipedia: Calvin Russell
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Big Brother
Calvin Russell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just can't trust no politicians
They're always lookin'
For some kind of number
So that they can trace
What we been doing
Big brother
Big brother
Are you watching me
They got a file on me
And I don't know what's in it
There's a chip in my telephone
I saw it all on "60 minutes"
They're closin in on me
With electronic precision
It makes me so nervous
And my heart rate has risen
Big brother
Big brother
Big brother
Are you watching me
The lyrics of Calvin Russell's song "Big Brother" convey the sentiment of paranoia and distrust towards politicians and surveillance in society. The song begins with the singer expressing his lack of understanding towards politics and his distrust towards politicians, suggesting that their actions are driven by self-interest and the desire to monitor and control the population. The phrase "Big Brother" is repeated throughout the song, referencing the theme of George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" where the government has complete control over citizens' lives.
The lyrics continue to discuss the existence of a file on the singer and an electronic chip in his telephone, which he has seen on "60 Minutes". This reference to a well-known investigative journalism TV program adds legitimacy to the singer's fear of surveillance. The song ends with the singer expressing his nervousness and rising heart rate caused by the feeling of being watched and monitored by Big Brother.
"Big Brother" is a powerful commentary on the issues of surveillance and government control, with its message still relevant today. The song's raw and emotional lyrics and bluesy sound have made it a fan favorite for decades.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't understand none of your politics
The singer doesn't comprehend the complexities of politics.
Just can't trust no politicians
The singer doesn't trust politicians for their seeming lack of sincerity.
They're always lookin'
Politicians are always on the lookout for something that would give them an advantage.
For some kind of number
Politicians are trying to gain support from a certain group of people.
So that they can trace
Politicians collect information on people's behaviors and activities.
What we been doing
Politicians keep tabs on people's activities in order to get an idea of what they might do next.
Big brother
The reference to 'Big Brother' is Orwellian, implying the ubiquitous nature of government surveillance.
Are you watching me
The singer is concerned that the government is keeping tabs on their everyday activities.
They got a file on me
The singer believes that the government has assembled a dossier on them.
And I don't know what's in it
The singer is unaware of the contents that make up their file.
There's a chip in my telephone
The singer believes that the government is monitoring their phone calls.
I saw it all on "60 minutes"
The singer references a news show that exposed the government's monitoring activities.
They're closin' in on me
The singer believes that the government is getting closer to finding something incriminating about them.
With electronic precision
The government has advanced technology that allows them to locate any information about anyone with high accuracy.
It makes me so nervous
The singer's anxiety increases due to their perceived surveillance of the government.
And my heart rate has risen
The singer is experiencing physical responses to their mental and emotional stress.
Contributed by Aubrey W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Alberto
Excelente
Charles Allen
There is talent here.
SYLVAINE MUSART
Les voix de "kalvin Léonard et grand corps malade j'adore signée une babyboomer
Paco Herrera
Real fuckin music great
Paco Herrera
Music . Tu nous manque mister russell
craig marsh
Who is the lead guitarist?
craig marsh
@hugo mau Thank you!!
hugo mau
Russell says his name in the full live : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX_PUmXmNNU
hugo mau
Jon Dee Graham