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.
I Shall Not Be Moved
Eric Bibb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Instrumental instrumental
Instrumental instrumental
Instrumental instrumental
Instrumental instrumental
Instrumental instrumental
Instrumental instrumental
Instrumental instrumental
Instrumental instrumental
Instrumental instrumental
As the lyrics suggest, this portion of Eric Bibb's "I Shall Not Be Moved" is purely instrumental, with no vocals to guide the listener. However, the instrumental portion serves an important purpose in the song's overall message of resilience and determination.
Much like a steadfast tree planted firmly in the ground, the instrumentals provide a sense of stability and strength. The repetitive nature of the melody, with its consistent rhythm and simple chords, reflects the unwavering spirit of the singer. The lack of vocals also allows the listener to reflect on their own strength and fortitude, encouraging a sense of empowerment in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Instrumental
No lyrics are sung during this time, only musical instruments are being played.
Instrumental instrumental
This continues to refer to the instrumental part of the song.
I shall not, I shall not be moved
I will not be swayed or influenced by any outside forces.
I shall not, I shall not be moved
My conviction remains strong and unbreakable.
Just like a tree that's planted by the water
I am firmly rooted and sustained by a source of strength and nourishment.
I shall not be moved
I will not be shaken or deterred from my path.
I shall not, I shall not be moved
My resolve remains steadfast and unwavering.
I shall not, I shall not be moved
No matter what obstacles come my way, I will not be moved.
Just like a tree that's planted by the water
I am resilient and able to weather any storm or challenge.
I shall not be moved
My spirit cannot be broken, and I will persevere through any adversity.
I shall not, I shall not be moved
My commitment to my beliefs and values is unshakable.
Writer(s): Dp, Eric Charles Bibb
Contributed by Brayden S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jeff Patterson
WOW! Your music never stops amazing me! And to hear the voice of your lovely wife singing harmony with you. What a better way to start the day!
Eric Bibb Official
🙏🏾🙏🏻
Robert Patterson
Thank you and Happy Easter to you both... can't wait to see you back in Belfast.
Kasia Harhala
Just beautiful. It's such a big pleasure listening and watching you singing and playing together with Lamine, Eric. Happy Easter, God bless 👏👏👏🎶❤️
Nikolai Binner
Yo Eric, you’re one of my favourite artists! Amazing work, keep on shining! Thanks
Eric Bibb Official
🙏🏾
Paul Calin
Truly mystifying and beautiful in its simplicity…thanks for this gift.
Venice Light
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL souls, music, voices and smiles! Thank you for sharing your joy with the world on Easter Sunday!
trueblue1886
Happy Easter Eric.
Your music never fails to move me and the fact that you always surround yourself with interesting players, just makes it that little bit special. Thank you 🙏🏻
gcnphilly
Beautiful. Happy Easter!!