The offspring of a mother who sang gospel, and a retired veteran, he traveled all over the country as a child, singing alongside his parents, learning that music was in fact the great communicator, and that the key was not just in how pretty the notes were, but how if you were honest in what you were singing, you could stir a person on the inside.
This is what Otis Redding knew. What Sam Cooke, and Bo Diddley, and B. B. King knew. That somehow there was a way to take your experiences, your pain and joy, and give them melody, cause them to live and breathe and massage the hearts and minds of all those who hear. That is what Curtis Harding does on his new album. He figures out how to tap into the old soul man of the past without mimicking or bastardizing it, but instead evoking the spirit of the true Soul music of yesterday, meshed with the realities of now.
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Soul isn’t a feeling, a sound or a movement. It’s a connection, a current in the air—the spark of recognition, emotions leaping across live wires. It’s the way a sinewy bassline steers your hips and eyes to the stranger across the club. It’s how a handful of humble words can give millions the inspiration to overcome. It’s the genius of a simple chorus that can explain the hard truths you couldn’t last time you saw her.
Curtis Harding says that soul music, and his music, speak for themselves. It’s self-evident on the Atlanta artist’s debut, Soul Power. The driving sound of his electrified Stratocaster, the foot-stomping backbeat and the lyrics swimming in reverb—with something this flourishing, it’s almost reductive to just dig around the roots.
Harding’s style was born in Michigan and bred on the road, a restless childhood spent singing gospel alongside an evangelizing mother, then cultivated in Atlanta, where he sang backup for CeeLo Green and befriended the Black Lips (he plays with Cole Alexander in Night Sun).
But, as befits a restless traveler, his music calls one place home, but fits in anywhere. The heartbreaking optimism of “Next Time,” a wry breakup tale mapping out a road the protagonists may never meet upon, the bottom-scraping blues of “Castaway,” or the wistful affection of “Keep on Shining” could easily be Harding’s story, or yours. They’re scenes you didn’t perform in, but know all the lines.
There’s a foundation to the stirring soul Harding has created. “Gospel is inspiring,” says Harding. “From hardship and trials, you make something beautiful. It’s the history of black people in America, what happened to us during slavery, it’s the foundation of blues, R&B, soul, country, rock.” But he’s not just preaching to the choir—Harding’s out there on the road, singing alongside everyone else looking for something real.
Keep On Shining
Curtis Harding Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The world has to know
This light of mine
I'm gonna let it show
In my darkest days
She is my sun
In all of the ways, girl
So just keep on shining
Keep on shining
Keep on shining
Just keep on shining
Keep on shining
I can finally see the light
I can finally see the light
I can finally see the light
It's the light in your eyes
That gives this space
I'll be more than wise, girl
To allow your love to place
All the worries of days
Heart ache and pains
Your is body good, girl
Enough to keep me sane
So just keep on shining
Keep on shining
Keep on shining
Just keep on shining
Keep on shining
I can finally see the light
I can finally see the light
I can finally see the light
So just keep on shining
Keep on shining
Keep on shining
Just keep on shining
Keep on shining
I can finally see the light
I can finally see the light
I can finally see the light, yeah
The song "Keep On Shining" by Curtis Harding is a soulful and uplifting ode to a lover who brings light and joy to the singer's life. The lyrics convey the idea that while the world may be full of darkness and difficulty, the love and companionship of this special person can be a guiding light to help navigate through the tough times.
The opening lines of the song "It's just a matter of time / The world has to know / This light of mine / I'm gonna let it show" communicate a sense of personal empowerment and determination to share one's unique spirit with the world, no matter the challenges that may arise. The next couplet "In my darkest days / She is my sun" sets the stage for the rest of the song to be a tribute to this person who brings light and positivity to the singer's life.
The chorus "Just keep on shining / Keep on shining / Keep on shining / Just keep on shining" is a repeated reminder to this special person to never lose their radiance and to keep shining their light on the world. The final lines of the song "I can finally see the light / I can finally see the light / I can finally see the light, yeah" express a sense of gratitude and acknowledgement of the transformative power of this person's love and light.
Overall, "Keep On Shining" is a heartfelt and soulful love song with a powerful message of resilience and hope.
Line by Line Meaning
It's just a matter of time
The truth of this situation will eventually come to light.
The world has to know
People everywhere need to be aware of what's really going on.
This light of mine
My inner strength and charisma.
I'm gonna let it show
I'm determined to express myself fully and make my mark on the world.
In my darkest days
Times of extreme hardship and struggle.
She is my sun
An important person in my life who brings light and positivity.
In all of the ways, girl
In every aspect of my life, my special someone plays a crucial role.
You are the only one
There is nobody else like you, and I deeply value and appreciate your presence.
So just keep on shining
Don't let anyone bring you down or dim your light.
I can finally see the light
I've gained clarity and perspective thanks to the positive influence of my loved one.
It's the light in your eyes
The positivity and kindness that you express through your gaze.
That gives this space
Your spirit and energy help make the world a better place.
I'll be more than wise, girl
I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from you and grow as a person.
To allow your love to place
To accept and appreciate the love and support that you offer me.
All the worries of days
The stress and anxiety that I've experienced in the past.
Heart ache and pains
The emotional pain that comes with difficult experiences.
Your is body good, girl
Your presence is helpful and healing for my emotional wellbeing.
Enough to keep me sane
Your presence and love help me maintain my mental health and wellness.
I can finally see the light, yeah
I am filled with hope and positivity because of the inspiration that you provide.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Curtis Harding, Randy Michael
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jessewrites17792
2022. I found sould power in 2016. Still here. X
@JadeEyes1
Watching this during the Coronavirus quarantine of 2020. Keep shining, guys! We will get through this! ❤❤❤
@muertito8077
After years of loving this song ❤ came back today to be totally stunned again 😯😱🥹😍
Thank you so much for your great art 🤩🫶
@Thepharcyde4ever
This has such a 70s soul vibe to it. Love this song!
@steveododo
60s
@jillshadehopkins6568
Duuuude, love this song ! Love the vibe. Can't wait to hop into my drop top, que you up on Spotify and cruise with the stereo cranked singing right along! 💖🎤
@bodgy
Wow, Northern Soul style, still going. Got me bopping around the room.
@omarbernal2408
got that Motown vibe
@brentstevens6228
i aint mad at him. curtis and dam funk could be brothers, the funk twins.
@MartinStrang
Curtis has its own style and it shines. Greetings from Ecuador, you have it man. Keep going