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.
Just Keep Going On
Eric Bibb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just keep goin' on
Just keep goin′ on
Just keep goin' on
Take every knock as a boost
And every stumblin' block
As a stepping stone
Just keep goin′ on
Just keep goin' on
Just keep goin′ on
Just keep goin' on
Just keep goin′ on
Take every knock as a boost
And every stumblin' block
As a stepping stone
It′ll go over your head, pull your arm
Just keep goin' on
I'll say to every young woman
Also to every young man
Sometimes you get discouraged
Don′t stop it in your hand
Your priviledge can not be taken
Your rights can not be banned
If someone like me can make it
I know you can!
Just keep goin′ on
Just keep goin' on
Just keep goin′ on
Just keep goin' on
Take every knock as a boost
And every stumblin′ block
As a stepping stone
It'll go over your head and pull your arm
Just keep goin′ on!
I say, just keep goin' on
Just keep goin' on
Just keep goin′ on
Just keep goin′ on
Take every knock as a boost
And every stumblin' block
As a stepping stone
It′ll go over your head and pull your arm
Just keep goin' on
Hey! now
Just keep goin′ on
Just keep goin' on
Just keep goin′ on
Just keep goin' on
Just keep goin' on
Take every knock as a boost
And every stumblin′ block
As a stepping stone
It′ll go over your head and pull your arm
Just keep goin' on!
Young people, Just keep goin′ on
Just keep goin' on
Just keep goin′ on
Just keep goin' on
Just keep goin′ on
Take every knock as a boost
And every stumblin' block
As a stepping stone
It'll go over your head and pull your arm
Just keep goin′ on!
Just keep goin′ on
Just keep goin' on
Just keep goin′ on
Just keep goin' on!
Take every knock as a boost
And every stumblin′ block
As a stepping stone
It'll go over your head and pull your arm
Just keep goin
Take every knock as a boost
And every stumblin′ block as a steppin' stone
It'll go over your head and pull your arm
Just keep goin
Take every knock as a boost
And every stumblin′ block as a steppin′ stone
It'll go over your head and pull your arm
Just keep going on
The song Just Keep Going On by Eric Bibb is a powerful message of perseverance and resilience. The lyrics encourage listeners to not give up when facing obstacles in life, but to instead take each knock as a boost and every stumbling block as a stepping stone. The repetition of the phrase "just keep goin' on" reinforces the message of the song and acts as a mantra for listeners to repeat to themselves during difficult times.
The lyrics also speak specifically to young people, assuring them that their privilege and rights cannot be taken away and that they too can make it through whatever challenges they face. The line "It'll go over your head and pull your arm" suggests that even when things seem to be going over your head, you can still overcome them and move forward with determination. The upbeat tempo and lively instrumentation of the song contribute to its motivational message, urging listeners to keep pushing forward no matter what.
Line by Line Meaning
Just keep goin' on
Continue moving forward and persist in your efforts despite any obstacles or setbacks.
Take every knock as a boost
View every failure or setback as an opportunity to learn and grow instead of getting discouraged.
And every stumblin' block as a stepping stone
See every challenge or obstacle as a chance to overcome and use that experience to grow stronger and more capable.
It'll go over your head, pull your arm
Some challenges may seem daunting or overwhelming, but push through and continue to persevere.
I'll say to every young woman
The artist is directing a message to young women to encourage them to keep moving forward in the face of adversity.
Also to every young man
The message is not specific to gender and applies to all young people.
Sometimes you get discouraged
Acknowledging that it is natural to feel disheartened or unmotivated at times.
Don′t stop it in your hand
Do not let negative thoughts or emotions completely take over and prevent progress or action.
Your priviledge can not be taken
Your inherent rights and opportunities cannot be revoked or removed by external circumstances.
Your rights can not be banned
No one has the power to deny or restrict your fundamental rights as a human being.
If someone like me can make it, I know you can!
The singer is using personal experience to inspire and motivate others by showing that success and perseverance is possible even in difficult circumstances.
Hey! now
An exclamation of encouragement and enthusiasm.
Young people, Just keep goin' on
A direct message to young people to persist in their goals and aspirations despite challenges and obstacles.
Writer(s): Dan J Smith
Contributed by Maya I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Chao Professor
I was 7-8 years old when these two people came in to my music class and taught us this song <3 I've always remembered the tune ever since. This is amazing!
Ben Ziegler
Snonnic 🎅🏿
Lynn Maxwell
A favorite song from my children’s childhood💕Thank you Putamayo and Eric Bibb❤️
A Normal Commentor
This song gives me so much nostalgia. Which is great because I love the song and the man behind it.
Heather Moore
One of my favorites for years, ever since I heard it on Putumayo's World Playground album. SO FUN TO SING.
Bill Bil
Yup
Neptunimals
Exactly where I heard it from.
AbductionFromAbove
His smile and encouraging words are therapeutic.
arielww
This song is great and I love his voice!
David Brock
Love this song. Great job.