Edwin McCain (born January 20, 1970 in Greenville, South Carolina) is an al… Read Full Bio ↴Edwin McCain (born January 20, 1970 in Greenville, South Carolina) is an alternative and indie rock guitar player. While his albums are released under his name, he does have a permanent band, referred to as the Edwin McCain Band. Members of the band as of 2007 include Larry Chaney, lead guitar; Pete Riley, rhythm guitar and background vocals; Craig Shields, saxophone and keyboards; Manny Yames, bass guitar; and Peter Alexander, drums.

After signing a contract with the Atlantic Records label Lava Records in 1994, his first major-label album, Honor Among Thieves, was issued in 1995. His second album, Misguided Roses, spawned I'll Be, a major single in 1998. Two more albums (Messenger and Far from Over) followed, but at the end of 2001, he split from Lava. In 2003 he released a collection of acoustic versions of songs both old and new called The Austin Sessions via ATC Records, a Nashville-based independent record label (at which McCain was the first artist signed following its creation in 2001). Mid-2004 saw the arrival of his first studio album in three years, entitled Scream & Whisper, which was released on another indie label, DRT Entertainment.

He has released two DVDs to date. The first was through ATC records in late 2002, called Mile Marker: Songs and Stories from the Acoustic Highway, and it consisted of interviews, live performances, and other material. The other was in late 2004, Tinsel & Tap Shoes. It was his first live concert DVD, recorded at The House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

A new CD was released in April, 2006 titled, Lost in America. Edwin recently signed a contract with Vanguard Records. This album (#8) is said to be a true "rock 'n roll" collection.

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Raise Your Hand
Edwin McCain Lyrics

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If there's something you need, woman
That you never had
Don't you sit there crying
And feeling bad, no, no, no

You better get up
Try to understand
And raise your hand

Oh, raise your hand

I'm standing about, baby
Wanna give you my love
Please let me try, darling
I'm gonna be good

You better get up
Try to understand
And raise your hand
Oh, raise your hand

Just raise your hand
Cause I understand

If there's something you need, woman
That you never ever had
Don't you sit there crying
And feeling bad

You better be good
Try to understand
And raise your hand
Oh, raise your hand

You better be good
Try to understand
And raise your hand
Ooh, yeah, yeah

Just raise your hand
Cause you understand
Just raise your hand
I'll be right here, sugar
Just raise your hand

You wanna be good
Try to understand

And raise your hand
Oh, raise your hand

Overall Meaning

In Edwin McCain's song "Raise Your Hand", the singer is addressing a woman who is feeling down and crying over something she never had. The singer commands her to get up and raise her hand if she needs something. He tells her that he understands her pain and is willing to give her his love if she just lets him try. The song's message is one of hope and encouragement, telling the listener that they have the power to change their situation and ask for help if needed.

The lyrics are delivered in a passionate and soulful manner, with a bluesy guitar and organ accompaniment. The melody is simple yet catchy, and the repeated refrain "raise your hand" adds to the song's upbeat and empowering message. The song is reminiscent of classic soul and blues music, with Edwin McCain's gritty vocals and the lively instrumentation creating a sense of joy and celebration.

Overall, "Raise Your Hand" is a song about resilience and the importance of reaching out for help when needed. It is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is always hope for a better future.

Line by Line Meaning

If there's something you need, woman
If there is anything you require, my lady

That you never had
Something you have not experienced before

Don't you sit there crying
Please don't be upset and shed tears

And feeling bad, no, no, no
I don't want you to feel low or negative in any way

You better get up
I suggest you take action

Try to understand
Attempt to comprehend

And raise your hand
Put your hand up, show that you need help

Oh, raise your hand
I urge you again to put your hand up

I'm standing about, baby
I am nearby, my dear

Wanna give you my love
I am willing to offer my affection

Please let me try, darling
Give me the chance to attempt