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.
Let The Mothers Step Up
Eric Bibb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Our children′s blood
The question remains
Can you tell me what for?
Livin' in a man-made hell
Time to let the women lead
"Let The Mothers Step Up" is a powerful song by Eric Bibb that speaks about the need for women to take charge and effect change in a world dominated by men. The opening lines declare that someone is profiting from the suffering of children – perhaps a reference to child labor, war or any other issue that exploits young people – and this raises the critical question of why such greed exists. Bibb is urging people to think deeply about the injustices happening around them and to take action to remedy the situation.
The line "Livin' in a man-made hell" is a clear indicator of the harsh realities that many people face in a patriarchal society. Bibb is pointing out that the world is not as it should be, and that women have an active role to play in bringing about change. The call to "let the women lead" is a statement of empowerment that recognizes the need for diverse voices and perspectives to be heard. If women are provided with the opportunity to lead, they can make a positive impact on society and help to create a more equitable world.
In summary, "Let The Mothers Step Up" is a song that speaks to the need for change, the need for women to be empowered, and the need for children to be protected. It is a call to action that challenges listeners to think more deeply about the world around them and to take steps to create a better future for all.
Line by Line Meaning
While someone′s makin' money on
Our children′s blood
Amidst the backdrop of someone profiting from the suffering and exploitation of innocent children and youth,
The question remains
Can you tell me what for?
One may wonder and ask what the purpose or intention behind this immoral and heinous act is.
Livin' in a man-made hell
Living in a world created by human beings that is suffering, painful, and unbearable,
Time to let the women lead
It is high time for women to take charge and lead the way towards a more just and equitable society.
Writer(s): Glenvin Anthony Scott, Eric Charles Bibb, Chuck Anthony
Contributed by Addison D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@waldemarbieniak8689
Still current transfer
a strong and smart message defending life, great singing and playing, great musicians applauding Eric.B Signs under your word and Regards from Poland
@nancydominiqueendres4777
I agree !! time to let the women lead ! Thank You Monsieur Bibb for this beautiful song… may be my favorite.
@user-kh9yc4uz4g
Have been many mothers whit power, and authority all acros the history of mankind, and they have not been better rulers, because the problem is not in gender, the problem we face is in the entire race, and is sin.
Let your kingndon come !!!!
nice song, nice beat.
@TheYvonnecleland
Oh man. Sooooooooooo good xx
@missellendiane
I love you Eric B
@missellendiane
RIP to my beautiful mother 4/28/2018 - I see that I heard this exactly 1 yr ago- tyvm all
@pepbla
excellent !!
@MaryKoepkeFields
enough is enough :-)
@RAMLIA1
♥♥♥
@christophelemoeme1776
cool !!!