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
Life
Doyle Bramhall II Lyrics
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Life, life is for everyone
Then and now wait for your trouble
To take on sufferin', make it your pain, your pain
But you know, you'll always give, get nothin' back
Life, life, isn't for everyone
Keep me down under your thumb, thumb
You're always out there makin' your thing, your thing
But you need to remember, baby
You'll always give, get nothin' back
Closer you get to the edge and you're floatin' away
Closer you get, your last breath in the air
And you're gone away
Life, life, isn't for everyone
Life, life is for everyone
Life, life down isn't for everyone
Life, life down isn't for every, everyone
In the song "Life," Doyle Bramhall II & Smokestack explore the complexities of existence as they emphasize the idea that not everyone is capable of handling the hardships of life. The opening lyrics "Life, life, isn't for everyone. Life, life is for everyone," set the tone for the rest of the song. There is this emphasis on the fact that life can be difficult, but it's also something that we all experience. This contrast between hardship and shared experience is what sets the song's tone.
As the song progresses, the lyrics highlight the idea that we all struggle in life, and we all have to deal with our pain and suffering. The idea of waiting for trouble, only for it to take on suffering, is an idea that resonates with many people. The line "But you know, you'll always give, get nothing back" speaks to the feeling that sometimes we put in far more than we get back, especially when it comes to relationships.
The verse that begins, "Keep me under your thumb," is a plea to maintain control in a world that is beyond our control. The constant struggle to make things work while trying to remember that there are no guarantees in life can be overwhelming. The lyrics "Closer you get to the edge and you're floatin' away" emphasize this feeling and the sense of feeling lost in a world that is crashing in on you. Finally, the statement that "Life, life down isn't for everyone" is a realization that life can be difficult, and not everyone is cut out for it.
Overall, the song "Life" is an introspective look at the complexities of life and the struggles we all face in our daily lives. It's about the ups and downs, the heartache, and the joy that comes from simply living. It's a reminder that we all struggle, but we are not alone.
Line by Line Meaning
Life, life, isn't for everyone
Living is a challenge that not everyone can handle or enjoy
Life, life is for everyone
Despite its difficulties, life is accessible and meant to be experienced by everyone
Then and now wait for your trouble
Difficulties arise unpredictably, regardless of time or circumstances
To take on sufferin', make it your pain, your pain
Challenges should be embraced as opportunities to grow and overcome limitations
But you know, you'll always give, get nothin' back
Helping others may not be reciprocated, but it's still worthwhile to do so
Keep me down under your thumb, thumb
Someone else controlling you or limiting your potential
You're always out there makin' your thing, your thing
Despite external pressures, you should pursue your own passions and goals
But you need to remember, baby
A reminder that one's identity should not be influenced by outside forces
Closer you get to the edge and you're floatin' away
As one approaches the limit of their capabilities, all that's left is to let go, surrendering oneself to the unknown
Closer you get, your last breath in the air
Facing one's mortality as they approach their limits
And you're gone away
The inevitable end of life
Life, life down isn't for everyone
While there are challenges to face, giving up is never the right answer
Life, life down isn't for every, everyone
Reiterating that life isn't easy, but it's worth living regardless of the struggles
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: D. BRAMHALL II
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind