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.
On And On
Curtis Harding Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No matter what the world may do (do)
'Cause with a love like this (like this)
There's nothing left to do
So let me tell ya
Doesn't matter what you say, I'm still
I'm still gonna floor away for real
I'ma just keep rolling on and on
And on and on
Wasting time (time)
I gotta get into this groove (groove)
'Cause with a love like this (like this)
I just can't help to move (move)
So let me tell ya
Doesn't matter what you say, I'm still
I'm still gonna floor away for real
In a minute, y'all, I'll be gone, right or wrong
I'ma just keep rolling on and on
And on and on
Doesn't matter what you say, I'm still
I'm still gonna floor away for real
In a minute, y'all, I'll be gone, right or wrong
I'ma just keep rolling on and on
And on and on
(On)
Curtis Harding's song "On And On" is a soulful and upbeat track that speaks to the power of love and the determination to keep moving forward despite any obstacles. The lyrics emphasize the importance of staying true to oneself and pursuing what makes you happy, even if it goes against what others may think or say.
The repetition of the phrase "I'm gonna keep rolling on" reinforces the idea of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. The idea is further emphasized by the line "No matter what the world may do", which suggests that the world may throw challenges our way, but with love on our side, we can overcome them.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Doesn't matter what you say, I'm still", which highlights the sense of determination and self-assurance that comes with having a strong sense of purpose. The line "I'm still gonna floor away for real" implies that the singer is living life to the fullest and not holding back, regardless of what others may think.
Overall, "On And On" is an uplifting and empowering song that encourages listeners to stay true to themselves and keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna keep rolling on (on)
I will keep moving forward no matter what happens.
No matter what the world may do (do)
Regardless of any obstacles or challenges, I will not stop.
'Cause with a love like this (like this)
Because of the strong passion and emotion that I feel.
There's nothing left to do
There is no choice but to continue on this path.
Doesn't matter what you say, I'm still
Your words do not affect my determination to persevere.
I'm still gonna floor away for real
I am going to put in my full effort and energy.
In a minute, y'all, I'll be gone, right or wrong
Soon I will move on, either succeeding or failing.
I'ma just keep rolling on and on
I will continue forward unceasingly.
Wasting time (time)
I am not going to waste any more time.
I gotta get into this groove (groove)
I need to find my rhythm and momentum.
'Cause with a love like this (like this)
My passion and devotion drives me.
I just can't help to move (move)
My desire and motivation to keep going is too strong to resist.
On
The journey will continue.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Samuel Cohen, Curtis Harding
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
M M
I'm gonna keep rolling on (on)
No matter what the world may do (do)
'Cause with a love like this (like this)
There's nothing left to do
So let me tell ya
[Chorus]
Doesn't matter what you say, I'm still
I'm still gonna floor away for real
In a minute, y'all, I'll be gone, right or wrong
I'ma just keep rolling on and on
And on and on
(On)
[Verse 2]
No more wasting time (time)
I gotta get into this groove (groove)
'Cause with a love like this (like this)
I just can't help to move (move)
So let me tell ya
[Chorus]
Doesn't matter what you say, I'm still
I'm still gonna floor away for real
In a minute, y'all, I'll be gone, right or wrong
I'ma just keep rolling on and on
And on and on
(On)
SneaksBL
Whoever was in charge of Marvel’s music team, give them a raise. This was the perfect feel good song to the end of the series season
ARCtrooperblueleader
@SneaksBL - Beautifully said. I fully agree.
Charlize
I absolutely love this song. You’re right. It’s so comforting for the ending
versena
Seriously it put me in such a good mood on par with Ain't No Mountain at the end of of GotG.
Kevo23
This song is such a banger
Tommy McFerran
Yes!!
nyan bost
"It is a masterpiece, James. Complete, comprehensive. It captures the African American experience"
H. Zemo.
Eddie Diaz
“He’s out of line, but he’s right!”
PANYHK
I Like Marvin Gaye!
Rey Juárez
I understood that reference.