Bibb was born on 16th August 1951 in New York into a musical family. His father, Leon Bibb, is a trained singer who sang in musical theatre and made a name for himself as part of the 1960s New York folk scene. His uncle was the world-famous jazz pianist and composer John Lewis, of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Family friends included Pete Seeger, Odetta, and actor/singer/activist Paul Robeson, Bibb'sgodfather.
Bibb was given his first steel-string guitar when he was seven years old. Growing up surrounded by talent, he recalls a childhood conversation with Bob Dylan, who, on the subject of guitar playing advised the eleven-year-old Bibb to "Keep it simple, forget all that fancy stuff".
At sixteen years old, Bibb's father invited him to play guitar in the house band for his television talent show Someone New. Bibb's early musical heroes were from his father's band, and included Bill Lee (father of director Spike), who appeared on Bibb's album Me To You, years later.
In 1969, Bibb played guitar for the Negro Ensemble Company at St Mark's place in New York, and went on to study Psychology and Russian at Colombia University, but at the age of nineteen he left for Paris, where a meeting with guitarist Mickey Baker focused his interest in blues guitar. When he later moved to Sweden, Bibb found a creative environment which took him back to Greenwich Village during the heyday of the folk revival. Settling in Stockholm, Bibb immersed himself in pre-war blues and continued to write and perform.
The album Good Stuff was released in 1997, and led to Bibb signing to the British based Code Blue label. Eric's only release on Code Blue was Me to You, featuring appearances from some of Bibb's personal heroes in Pops and Mavis Staples, and Taj Mahal (who also worked with Bibb on the Grammy-nominated children's record, Shakin' a Tailfeather). The album furthered Bibb's international reputation and was followed by tours of the U.K., U.S.A., Canada, France, Sweden, and Germany.
In the late 1990s Bibb joined forces with his then manager, Alan Robinson, to form Manhaton Records, in Britain. The albums Home to Me (1999), Roadworks (2000), and Painting Signs (2001) followed, as did another Opus 3 release, Just Like Love.
Connected
Eric Bibb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got my own family tree.
Got my own set of heroes,
that mean something to me.
Got my own way of prayin'
my very own way to sing.
Still I'm Connected to you,
Got my own list of questions,
got my own truth to live.
got my own hand-made gifts
that I'm longin to give.
Got my own star to follow,
my own rivers to cross.
In my own time...
I got my own roots to water
I got my own family tree.
Got my own set of heroes,
that mean something to me.
Got my own road to travel,
my own stories to tell.
In my own time...
Got my own way of talkin',
got my own way to smile.
got my own way of walkin',
my own lookin' style.
Got my own way of prayin'
my very own way to sing.
Still I'm Connected to you,
and everyone and everything, yeah everything...
Still I'm Connected to you,
and everyone and everything, everything, everything...
Eric Bibb's song Connected is about individuality and how everyone has their own unique experiences, beliefs, and ways of doing things, yet we are all connected to each other and everything in the universe. The lyrics emphasize the importance of embracing oneself, including one’s own roots, family, heroes, and traditions. The song encourages the listener to pursue their own path in life and to stay connected to others, whether it be through emotions, spirituality, or relationships.
The lyrics “Still I’m Connected to you, and everyone and everything” is the main theme of the song. Bibb wants to convey the message that regardless of individuality, we are all connected to each other and everything around us. The song speaks to the universality of human life and the fact that we are all part of something bigger than our individual selves.
Overall, the lyrics of Connected are about individuality and connectedness or “oneness” of the universe. The song encourages listeners to embrace their individuality while acknowledging the importance of the connections we share as human beings.
Line by Line Meaning
I got my own roots to water
I am responsible for my own growth and development
I got my own family tree.
I belong to a family that I should appreciate and take care of
Got my own set of heroes,
that mean something to me.
I have people I look up to and admire, who have an impact on me and my beliefs
Got my own way of prayin',
my very own way to sing.
I have my unique ways of expressing spirituality and emotions
Still I'm Connected to you,
and everyone and everything.
Despite our differences, we are all united in the same world
Got my own list of questions,
got my own truth to live.
I have my questions about life, and I am the only one who knows the path I need to follow
Got my own hand-made gifts
that I'm longin to give.
I have talents and abilities that I want to share for the benefit of others
Got my own star to follow,
my own rivers to cross.
I have my dreams and obstacles that I need to overcome in pursuit of them
I got my own road to travel,
my own stories to tell.
I have my own experiences and journey to go through, which shapes me as a person
Got my own way of talkin',
got my own way to smile.
got my own way of walkin',
my own lookin' style.
I have my unique traits that define my character and personality
Still I'm Connected to you,
and everyone and everything, yeah everything...
Despite our differences, we are all bonded to the greater world around us
Still I'm Connected to you,
and everyone and everything, everything, everything...
The connections I have with people and everything in nature are vital to my wellbeing and happiness
Writer(s): Eric Charles Bibb Copyright: Bug Music Ltd. (Gb)
Contributed by Kayla I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ShatterTheSkiesAbove
Eric, I first heard your music about 10 years ago and throughout that span always find myself coming back to your music. You are a beautiful soul and your music is a reflection of it. You are inspiring, you are a gift to this earth. I wish to someday be able to play some of your songs. Thank you for all you do!!!
@EricBibb
Your words warmed my heart. Thank you. Go well, stay well.
Eric 🙏🏾
@antonionadalin6573
Thank you brother Eric 🙏 when i listen to you , i am immediately connected to the soul of everything. God bless you ✨🎶❤️
@mycloclo1958
Je suis votre fan absolu.
Immense artiste👏🤝
@dorietallman5357
I love this song . Thanks Eric🌈🦋☮️
@Wizzywig2009
you are such lovely, kind hearted, human being..
@mycloclo1958
So beautiful 👍
@kerinabelle8220
yes sir !! i have been listening to a few favorites of yours ... even sending the tunes to folks that might need the messages... <3 wishing you & ulrika the very best.
@mariestanbury2965
Eric its rained Ireland hard and cold not like irish rain which is usually soft and gentle Its as if the sky is sad Fear is seeded in the hearts of so many and devisionr rears its ugly head Holding on to hope is hard now I believe in love and its ability to unite us as one family Thank you for your music which has lifted my heart on another day of hard cold rain
@EHzNow
That was beautiful. Thanks for sharing it.