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.
Music
Eric Bibb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then they decide if they like it or not
Like lookin′ at the letter on the faucet tap
Before they can tell if the water's hot
But music is more than the expert′s description
Don't care if it's French, Hawaiian or Egyptian
If I feel it - that′s good enough for me
You can brand it blues, ragtime or hokum
Call it what you want, I don′t mind
I just love to pick it, two fingers an' a thumb
Soothes my soul, helps me unwind
′Cos music is more than the words used to pitch it
I don't see the point wastin′ time tryin' to niche it
If I feel it - that′s good enough for me
You don't need to know who pioneered it
To start your toes to tappin' ′tween the beats
Some prob′ly booed - most cheered it
When it wiggled their hips, jiggled their feet
'Cos music is more than a style or a fashion
It′s all about the swing, the soul an' the passion
If I feel it - that′s good enough for me
Some folks take offence 'bout a different chord
Start callin′ you names puttin' you down
Don't make no sense - it′s a free world
Just another note, a new sound
′Cos music is more than rules or tradition
I'll play what I want, don′t need no permission
If I feel it - that's good enough for me - I mean
If I feel it - that′s good enough for me
The lyrics of Eric Bibb's "Music" are about the simplicity of music and the joy it brings, regardless of genre or classification. Bibb challenges the notion that music needs to be neatly categorized by using examples such as looking at the letter on a faucet tap to judge the temperature of the water. He argues that music is more than just a name or description, but rather a feeling that touches the soul.
The lyrics continue to point out that music is more than just a style or fashion, but rather about the emotion and passion that it brings. Bibb encourages people not to pay attention to the division and negativity that can come from labeling music, but rather to enjoy the music for what it is and how it makes them feel.
Overall, "Music" is an ode to the universal appeal and power of music. It encourages people to let go of preconceived notions of genre and simply enjoy the experience of the music.
Line by Line Meaning
Some folks need to find a name to call it
Some people believe they need a specific term to refer to music before they can attach significance or enjoyment to it.
Then they decide if they like it or not
Once individuals categorize music under a label, they determine whether they want to listen to it or not.
Like lookin′ at the letter on the faucet tap
This is similar to looking at the emblem on the faucet to differentiate between hot and cold water.
Before they can tell if the water's hot
Before deciding whether they want to listen to the music, individuals often resort to labeling to dictate their perception of it, even though labels can limit their true enjoyment.
But music is more than the expert′s description
Music is not only defined by experts and their evaluations of correctness and precision.
Don't care if it's French, Hawaiian or Egyptian
The nationality of the music or its origin does not matter to the listener's comprehension of it.
If I feel it - that′s good enough for me
The singer does not need labels or expert opinions to enjoy music. They rely on how the music makes them feel.
You can brand it blues, ragtime or hokum
Music can fall under a particular genre, such as blues, ragtime, or hokum.
Call it what you want, I don′t mind
The artist does not care what the music is called. They do not need a specific label to appreciate it.
I just love to pick it, two fingers an' a thumb
The artist enjoys playing the guitar, using only two fingers and their thumb.
Soothes my soul, helps me unwind
Playing music relaxes and has a calming effect on the singer.
′Cos music is more than the words used to pitch it
Music transcends the language used to promote, present or discuss it.
I don't see the point wastin′ time tryin' to niche it
The singer does not understand why people try to categorize music, despite its intricacies, with a single term.
If I feel it - that′s good enough for me
The singer believes that art is enjoyed by individuals depending on how it makes them feel, and not based on external, categorical factors.
You don't need to know who pioneered it
Knowing the origin of a piece of music is not mandatory for one to appreciate it.
To start your toes to tappin' ′tween the beats
Music can make you feel good, and dancing is an enjoyable way to express that feeling.
Some prob′ly booed - most cheered it
Music can be controversial and divisive but also celebrated and appreciated by many others.
'Cos music is more than a style or a fashion
Music transcends trends, fashion, and style.
It's all about the swing, the soul an' the passion
The most important things about music are its sense of rhythm, depth of feeling, and passion.
If I feel it - that′s good enough for me
The artist believes that personal enjoyment is the only criterion necessary to validate music.
Some folks take offence 'bout a different chord
People can get upset over musical disagreements, even something as simple as disagreeing with a chord progression.
Start callin′ you names puttin' you down
Some people react to musical differences by shaming or criticizing those who enjoy it.
Don't make no sense - it′s a free world
The sentiment behind insulting someone just because they enjoy different music seems irrational and unnecessary, especially in a world where people should be allowed the freedom to choose their preferences.
Just another note, a new sound
Music evolves and continues to create new sounds and progressions, making disagreement over different chords unnecessary in the grand scheme of things.
′Cos music is more than rules or tradition
Music should not be limited to strictly rules and tradition. It is an evolving art form with room for creative expression and interpretation.
I'll play what I want, don′t need no permission
The singer will play and enjoy the music that suits them. They do not require anyone's approval or consent to enjoy music.
If I feel it - that's good enough for me - I mean
The singer concludes the chorus with the idea that if music is enjoyable and fulfilling to them, then it meets the standard of what they define as good music.
Writer(s): Eric Charles Bibb
Contributed by Elizabeth P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@DianaRubinoAuthor
I heard this for the first time on BB King's Bluesville Sirius radio station. What a song! I'm hooked, and just became Eric's newest fan.
@markliccione5648
same here....always crank it up when it comes on
@melwebb64
An anthem for the world today! One of my favourite tracks on the new album! Thank you Eric. 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
@ronnyskaar3737
Accidentally stumbled over this. What a song! What sound! What rythm! What words! Great!
@trueblue1886
Great to hear new music from the wonderful Eric Bibb and can't wait until he's Ridin' though Belfast in a couple of months again.
Music for the soul that'll lift you up!
@roseashman7264
Heard this on BB King station, what a song with lot's of history. Love it...
@iactaaleaesto
Eric's tunes are always timeless! Inspired by yesterday...he plays now and looks towards the future!
@gonzoexpress9885
Just magical, Eric. Keep them coming good man.
@mariannemarianne7819
J'adore 😍 je vous découvre ❤
@markdowling5000
👍👍. Fantastic song....Eric Bibb delivers another great song with a powerful social justice message..