At age 16, Doyle Bramhall II toured with Jimmie Vaughan's band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, as second guitarist. In 1992 Doyle formed Arc Angels with Charlie Sexton and Stevie Ray Vaughan's rhythm section of bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton (also known as Double Trouble). Doyle became Eric Clapton's second guitarist in 2004 after Andy Fairweather-Low backed out of the tour. He left Clapton's band in 2009 to reform Arc Angels.
"Doyle Bramhall II was raised in a home filled with the blues and rock and roll sounds that are indigenous to his birthplace - Austin, Texas. His father, Doyle Bramhall Senior, was the drummer for blues legend Lightning Hopkins and a regular collaborator with Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
When Doyle was 16 years old, he toured as second guitarist with Jimmy Vaughan's band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Shortly thereafter he and fellow Texan, Charlie Sexton, co-founded the rock band Arc Angels. Doyle and Charlie enlisted the rhythm section from Stevie Ray Vaughan's backing band, Double Trouble, to complete the lineup. The group enjoyed critical acclaim and commercial success.
Following the release of "Jellycream," Doyle's 1999 RCA debut recording, he received phone calls from both Roger Waters and Eric Clapton. Doyle ended up joining Roger Waters for a summer tour while Clapton, along with fellow blues great B.B. King, chose two of Doyle's songs - "Marry You" and "I Wanna Be" - for their collaborative recording entitled "Riding With The King." Upon completion of the "Riding..." project, Doyle, his wife - Susannah Melvoin, and Clapton co-wrote and performed "Superman Inside" for Clapton's album, "Reptile." Doyle's playing is also heavily featured on the album.
The latest offering from Doyle Bramhall II, entitled - "Welcome" - is the purest sampling of Doyle's talents to date. Doyle entered the studio with Smokestack, the band he put together a couple of years ago, and co-producers Benmont Tench and Jim Scott to record the 12 - song set. Joining Doyle in Smokestack is J.J. Johnson on drums and bassist Chris Bruce. Susannah Melvoin contributed background vocals, Benmont Tench pulled keyboard duty and Craig Ross played second guitar.
The album, "Welcome" showcases the diversity of Bramhall's talent; from his songwriting to his intense, soulful vocals and virtuoso guitar playing. Doyle's gravity explosion can be readily heard on such tracks as the driving "Green Light Girl" and the uptempo "Soul Shaker." His dedication to the blues can be felt on tracks like "Life," "So You Want It To Rain" and "Send Some Love."
Doyle and his band are set to open for Eric Clapton on the first leg of a worldwide tour this year".
Official Site
Chariot
Doyle Bramhall II Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Coming from way down low
Now your at my backdoor
Trouble ain't here no more
Took me a long long time, yeah
Chariots leavin' fast
It's red like the sun
Moving from the past
I think I'm gonna make this my pact
Take the good , take the bad
Since it makes no sense
He was at your back door
But now your love ain't there no more
Take you a long long time
Chariot leaving fast
It's red like the sun
Moving from the past
This ain't no sinners prayer
I think I'm gonna my pact baby yeah….
Doyle Bramhall II's song Chariot is a powerful anthem of overcoming hardship and leaving the past behind. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has been through tough times, represented by the knocking on the door coming from way down low. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the trouble has been left behind and the chariot is leaving fast. The red color of the chariot is a symbol of power and energy that propel the singer forward into a better future.
The lyrics also suggest that the singer has made a pact to move on and take the good with the bad. While the love that was once at the back door is no longer there, the singer is determined to move forward with strength and resilience. The line "This ain't no sinners prayer" suggests that the singer has moved beyond asking for forgiveness and is now focused on taking control of their own destiny.
Line by Line Meaning
Heard you knocking on my door
I heard you trying to get my attention
Coming from way down low
You were making noise from a lesser position
Now your at my backdoor
You've made it to my back entrance
Trouble ain't here no more
There used to be problems, but now they're gone
Took me a long long time, yeah
It took me an extended period to get here
Chariots leavin' fast
A vehicle is departing quickly
It's red like the sun
The means of transportation is crimson, like the solar orb
Moving from the past
It's moving away from past situations
This ain't no sinners prayers
This isn't a prayer from a wrongdoer
I think I'm gonna make this my pact
I believe I'll follow through with this decision
Contributed by Charlie M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mike Kondol
So glad to see this again. I saw original broadcast and lost my VHS copy. Everyone was asking me for a copy since this was was before you tube. So glad it's available for us to see.I love the phrasing and unique chording he plays with his left hand unique style
Mark Gomez
Having seen this tour at Stubb's in Austin...this was magic that I am blessed to have experienced.
Lisa Palermo
Imitation is not art -- this is -- O R I G I N A L -- wow.
talpajam
what a group of musicos onstage - JJ, Wendy & Lisa, and Wendy's sis (Mrs. Bramhall) on harmonies..ftw. love the slide on the bass from Wendy 2:09 right before the 2nd verse starts. timeless performance.
Mod Guitar
Don’t forget JJ Johnson on the drums 🔥
Thomas Hayes
I agree..... "Mrs. Bramhall" was Susanna Melvoin and is no longer his wife.....
Victor Missassi
Guitar tone here, more than ever, is killing!
Frank D.
From the soul , can't fake it
Nabil Qizilbash
legend!
Victoire Buffet
he's the man