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.
Hope in a Hopeless World
Eric Bibb Lyrics
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Wrapped in a blanket that's tattered an' worn
Mother doin' the best she can
Teachin' hope in a hopeless world
Eldest son, he stayed in school
Listened to his mother, didn't drink or use
Yet, every job he wants he gets refused
Lookin' for hope in a hopeless world
Searchin' for love in such hateful times
Tryin' to stay strong when my mind gets weak
Looking for hope in a hopeless world
On the corner stands a young girl
The home she left was from a better part of town
Her daddy did things she couldn't talk about
Is there hope in a hopeless world?
Ya got a quarter for the homeless man?
Spare some change for the soldiers
Who fought the war
Put some money in their hats an' in their tins
Give them hope in a hopeless world
Lookin' for hope in a hopeless world
Searchin' for love in such hateful times
Tryin' to stay strong when my mind gets weak
Looking for hope in a hopeless world
Lookin' for hope in a hopeless world
Tryin' to ease my mind
We got to listen to the voice inside
That speaks of love, don't compromise
Realise time is passin' by
There are mountains to climb,
We can't be standing still
Churches are full, but the prayers are not heard
Saturday's child don't wanna go to Sunday School
Whatever happened to the Golden Rule
Teach them hope in a hopeless world
Somebody out there's got to listen
Somebody out there's got to know
What I'm talkin' 'bout
Raise your hand, raise your hand if you're with me
There's hope in a hopeless world
Lookin' for hope in a hopeless world
Searchin' for love in such hateful times
Tryin' to stay strong when my mind gets weak
Looking for hope in a hopeless world
Lookin' for hope in a hopeless world
Gotta find love in a hopeless world
The song "Hope in a Hopeless World" by Eric Bibb is a beautiful commentary on the hardship and struggle that many people face in the world today. The lyrics tell the story of a baby born in New York City, wrapped in a tattered and worn blanket, and a mother who is doing the best she can to teach hope in a world that seems hopeless. The eldest son in the family stays in school and he listens to his mother, but he is constantly rejected for jobs he applies for. The song highlights how important it is to have hope in a world that can often feel so dark and discouraging.
The lyrics also speak to the universal need for love and compassion in a world full of hate and division. The song describes searching for hope and love in the midst of difficult and trying times, and trying to stay strong in the face of adversity. The lyrics ask important questions about what has happened to the Golden Rule, and call on people to teach hope to those who need it most in a world that can often feel hopeless and overwhelming.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby born in New York City
A new life comes into the world, but it is in a city known for being tough and unforgiving.
Wrapped in a blanket that's tattered an' worn
The baby is born into a situation of hardship and scarcity.
Mother doin' the best she can
Despite the difficult circumstances, the mother is trying to make the best of things.
Teachin' hope in a hopeless world
The mother is striving to instill a sense of hope and optimism in a world that can seem bleak and unwelcoming.
Eldest son, he stayed in school
The mother's son has made it through school and has not given in to the temptations of drugs and alcohol.
Listened to his mother, didn't drink or use
Despite being surrounded by potential negative influences, the son has followed his mother's advice and stayed away from drugs and alcohol.
Yet, every job he wants he gets refused
Despite having done the right things and made the right choices, the son is struggling to find a job.
It takes hope in a hopeless world
In a world that can seem hopeless and unforgiving, maintaining hope is essential to overcoming adversity and finding success.
Lookin' for hope in a hopeless world
The artist is searching for hope and positivity in a world that can seem dark and unfriendly.
Searchin' for love in such hateful times
Amidst hatred and animosity, the artist is seeking love and connection.
Tryin' to stay strong when my mind gets weak
Despite the difficulties encountered, the singer is attempting to remain strong and not give in to despair or negativity.
On the corner stands a young girl
Another individual is introduced, a young girl who may be in a difficult situation.
The home she left was from a better part of town
It seems that the girl may have come from a more affluent background before falling on hard times.
Her daddy did things she couldn't talk about
It is suggested that the girl may have experienced trauma or abuse at the hands of her father.
Is there hope in a hopeless world?
The singer poses the question of whether there is any hope to be found in a world that can seem devoid of positivity and light.
Ya got a quarter for the homeless man?
The artist draws attention to the plight of the homeless and destitute.
Spare some change for the soldiers
The artist also suggests that those who have fought for their country deserve support and recognition.
Who fought the war
The singer acknowledges the sacrifices and struggles of those who serve in the military.
Put some money in their hats an' in their tins
The singer urges listeners to contribute what they can to support those in need.
Give them hope in a hopeless world
By offering assistance and support, we can provide people with a sense of hope and optimism.
We got to listen to the voice inside
The artist suggests that listening to our inner voice and sense of morality is important in navigating the complexities of the world around us.
That speaks of love, don't compromise
Our inner voice can guide us to prioritize love, empathy, and compassion in our interactions with the world and the people around us.
Realise time is passin' by
The singer reminds us that our time on this earth is finite and that we should make the most of each moment.
There are mountains to climb
Life is full of challenges and obstacles that require perseverance and resilience to overcome.
We can't be standing still
In order to grow and improve, we must continue to strive and progress, even when progress seems slow or uncertain.
Churches are full, but the prayers are not heard
The singer suggests that faith and religion may not always provide the sense of hope and connection that people need in difficult times.
Saturday's child don't wanna go to Sunday School
The singer references the popular nursery rhyme, suggesting that the younger generation may be less interested in attending religious services or ceremonies.
Whatever happened to the Golden Rule
The artist laments the decline of basic ethical principles such as treating others with kindness and respect.
Teach them hope in a hopeless world
Despite the challenges and difficulties present in the world, we can still strive to teach others to maintain hope and positivity in the face of adversity.
Somebody out there's got to listen
The singer implores others to listen and pay attention to the needs and struggles of those around them.
Somebody out there's got to know
Through empathy and understanding, we can begin to address the needs and struggles of others.
What I'm talkin' 'bout
The artist asserts that the issues and struggles they are discussing are important and require attention.
Raise your hand, raise your hand if you're with me
The artist seeks to unite and rally others to their cause, suggesting that joining together can be a powerful force for change and hope.
There's hope in a hopeless world
The artist maintains that despite the challenges and difficulties of life, hope is still present and attainable for those who seek it out.
Gotta find love in a hopeless world
Ultimately, the singer suggests that love and connection are the key to overcoming the difficulties of a world that can seem bleak and unwelcoming.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: PHILIP ROY, ROBERT THIELE JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind