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.
Spirit I Am
Eric Bibb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I live for the spirit I am oh oh I am I am
I live for the spirit I am
I live for the spirit I am oh, oh, I am I am
What Im here for
I wonder
What am I in this world to do
Is one thisng
One thing I know is true
I love for the spirit I am...
Looking in the miror
Im asking
Am I the change I long to see
You know the workd
Is just a picture
Of whats inside of you and me
I love for the spirit I am...
The wonder of life
We may never know in the land and sea
Is a precious gift to me
In a world thats torn by war and strife
All I can do is
Craine up as our reality
I tell you if you ask me
What Im in this world to do
I live for the spirit I am...
Walking with the spirit, I am I am
Talking with the Spirit I am I am
And Mooving with the Spirit, I am I am
Just visit th Spirit, I am I am
Mix it with the Spirit, I am I am
Dealing with the Spirit, I am I am
All around the world I am I am
The song Spirit I Am by Eric Bibb is a soulful reflection on finding one's true purpose in life. The lyrics express a deep yearning to understand our place in the world, to know what we are here for and what we should be doing. The repeated refrain of "I live for the spirit I am" speaks to the idea that our true nature, our spirit, is what should guide and motivate us in our daily lives.
The lyrics also touch on the idea that our inner world is reflected in the outer world, and that by focusing on our own spiritual growth and development, we can have a positive impact on the world around us. The line "the world is just a picture of what's inside of you and me" suggests that by transforming ourselves, we can help to transform the world.
The final verse of the song is particularly powerful, with a call to "walk with the Spirit, talk with the Spirit, move with the Spirit" in order to access our true selves and connect with the world in a meaningful way. The song as a whole is a reminder to stay true to ourselves and to live in accordance with our deepest values and beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
I live for the spirit I am
The purpose of my existence is solely for the expression and fulfillment of the essence of my soul.
I live for the spirit I am oh oh I am I am
Repeating my affirmation that I exist to live in harmony with my spirit and nothing else.
What Im here for
I wonder
Questioning the reason for my existence and pondering what value I can bring to this world.
What am I in this world to do
What im here for
Is one thisng
One thing I know is true
Although I may not be entirely sure of my purpose, I am aware that there is at least one thing that I was meant to do.
I love for the spirit I am...
Emphasizing that my actions are rooted in my desire to align with my spirit and live in accordance with my true self.
Looking in the miror
Im asking
Am I the change I long to see
Examining myself and considering if I am living up to the change that I believe should be happening in the world.
You know the workd
Is just a picture
Of whats inside of you and me
The state of the world is only a reflection of the collective consciousness held by all individuals who inhibit it.
The wonder of life
We may never know in the land and sea
Is a precious gift to me
The intricacies and mysteries of life are cherished and appreciated by me, despite the possibility that I may never fully understand them.
In a world thats torn by war and strife
All I can do is
Craine up as our reality
Even in a world filled with chaos and conflict, the only thing I can do is remain hopeful and continue to strive for a better reality.
I tell you if you ask me
What Im in this world to do
If asked about my purpose in this world, I would confidently state that it is to live in alignment with the essence of my spirit.
Walking with the spirit, I am I am
Talking with the Spirit I am I am
And Mooving with the Spirit, I am I am
Just visit th Spirit, I am I am
Mix it with the Spirit, I am I am
Dealing with the Spirit, I am I am
All around the world I am I am
Affirming my connection and alignment with my spirit through various forms of expression and action, and acknowledging that this is something that is present and relevant all around the world.
Writer(s): Bibb Eric Charles, Bostrom Figge
Contributed by Liam C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
angelessencelight
Great song! Wonderful message!! Freedom to BE the Spirit I AM ~ I AM That I AM : )
angyaltanc
Fantastic song. It truly makes me feel happy and home.
Marchawc
This is what I call music! For anyone in California, Eric Bibb is playing the Main Arena at the Monterey Bay Blues Festival this Saturday. (Thanks to Brad for sending me this link.)
la
Amazing song, amazing talent. Eric Bibb is the Best.
ImmortalFoundation
Awesome song! Very healing and uplifting!!!!
Kyansk
Whoa! This song is fantastic! We ARE the change we wish to see! I AM!
screamengine
I am deeply appreciating this song.
L4J7
This is a wonderful song. God bless
yonsei73
Eric Bibb Quote, Part 1/3 "My friend, Figge, who co-wrote the song, came up with the chant-like chorus melody. In song writing, the definitive words sometimes come later in the process and you use fake lyrics while youre getting the song together. As Figge told it, he was feeling uptight at not being paid on time for a gig he had done (hes a fine bass player) and he started singing something like: I live for the money I earn."
Mary Ann Lugo
I love it from the bottom of my spirit. God bless you and Live a wonderful life! Amen!