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.
Deep in My Soul
Eric Bibb Lyrics
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Help me remember what I already know
Somewhere, deep in my soul
Somewhere, deep in my soul
Now, I met a young boy named Germaine
I taught him my favorite ol′ - time song,
"Needed Time"
He already knew it - deep in his soul
My life is good
It's got its ups an′ downs
I'm tryin' to make my smiles outnumber
My worried frown
′Cos I′m grateful, deep in my soul
For so many blessings - deep in my soul
Deep in my soul I know what to do
When I listen to my first mind
Deep in my soul I know what to do
When I leave my false pride behind
Lord, lead me further up the mountain
Where I can drink pure holy water
From love's fountain -
Somewhere, deep in my soul
Somewhere, deep in my soul
Lord, show me where I got to go
Help me remember what I already know
Somewhere, deep in my soul
Somewhere, deep in my soul
The song "Deep in My Soul" by Eric Bibb is a prayerful reflection on the search for guidance and understanding in life. Bibb begins by asking the Lord to show him where he needs to go and to help him remember what he already knows. The repetition of the phrase "somewhere, deep in my soul" emphasizes the idea that the answers we seek are often within us, but may be buried beneath the distractions and noise of everyday life.
Bibb then shares a personal story about a young boy named Germaine whom he met and taught his favorite old-time song. Despite being unfamiliar with the song, Germaine already seemed to know it "deep in his soul." This anecdote serves as a reminder that there is a wisdom and intuition within us that can be accessed if we remain open and receptive.
Bibb continues with reflections on the ups and downs of life, and the effort he puts in to maintain a positive outlook. He expresses gratitude for the many blessings in his life, which he feels "deep in his soul." The song concludes with a plea to the Lord to guide him further up the mountain, where he can drink from the pure fountain of love.
Overall, "Deep in My Soul" is a hopeful and introspective song about the search for meaning and the importance of tapping into our inner wisdom. It encourages listeners to trust themselves and to seek guidance as they navigate the challenges of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord, show me where I got to go
Asking for guidance and direction in life
Help me remember what I already know
Seeking to tap into one's intuition and inner wisdom
Somewhere, deep in my soul
The place where one's true self resides
Somewhere, deep in my soul
Reiteration of the previous line
Now, I met a young boy named Germaine
Narrator introduces a character who he has an encounter with
I taught him my favorite ol′ - time song, "Needed Time"
The singer shares his knowledge and passion for music
Somewhere, deep in his soul
Germaine already possesses an innate understanding of this music
He already knew it - deep in his soul
Reiteration of Germaine's innate understanding of the music
My life is good
Expressing gratitude for the positive aspects of life
It's got its ups an′ downs
Acknowledge that life has both good and bad moments
I'm tryin' to make my smiles outnumber
Striving for a positive outlook and more happy moments
My worried frown
Acknowledging negative emotions and experiences
′Cos I′m grateful, deep in my soul
The singer is thankful for the good things in life at a fundamental level
For so many blessings - deep in my soul
Reiteration of the previous line
Deep in my soul I know what to do
Having a strong sense of purpose or direction from within
When I listen to my first mind
Trusting oneself and one's intuition
Deep in my soul I know what to do
Reiteration of knowing one's direction from a deep inner sense
When I leave my false pride behind
Letting go of ego and self-importance in order to move forward
Lord, lead me further up the mountain
Asking for divine guidance and assistance in the journey of life
Where I can drink pure holy water
Desiring spiritual nourishment
From love's fountain -
Looking to tap into the source of all love and goodness
Somewhere, deep in my soul
Reiteration of the place where one's true self resides
Somewhere, deep in my soul
Reiteration of the previous line
Lord, show me where I got to go
Closing lyric and reiteration of asking for guidance and direction in life
Help me remember what I already know
Closing lyric and reiteration of seeking to tap into one's intuition and inner wisdom
Somewhere, deep in my soul
Closing lyric and reiteration of the place where one's true self resides
Somewhere, deep in my soul
Closing lyric and reiteration of the previous line
Writer(s): Eric Bibb
Contributed by Charlotte D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.