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.
Thanks For The Joy
Eric Bibb Lyrics
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Bearing water to quench your thirst
Just call my name
In the time it takes to think of me
I will be there by your side
I'll be there
Call my name
And I'll take you somewhere so beautiful
Give me your dreams
Together we'll make them come true
Give me the pieces
Of your heart when it's broken
I'll mend it
For you
I will carry you when you're weary
When your faith is running low
Just rest in me
I'll be there for you just believe it
Any hour any day
I'll be there
Rest in me
Give me your hand
And I'll take you somewhere so beautiful
Give me your dreams
Together we'll make them come true
Give me the pieces
Of your heart when it's broken
I'll mend it
I'll mend it
Oh I'll mend it
For you
In "Thanks for the Joy" by Eric Bibb, the singer is offering support and comfort to a loved one who is going through a difficult time. The lyrics express a willingness to go to great lengths to provide aid, both physically and emotionally. The imagery of "walking across burning desert" to bring water speaks to the idea of enduring hardship in order to help another person. The singer promises to always be there, any hour, any day, providing strength and support to weather any storm.
The chorus, which features an offer to fix a broken heart, ties together the themes of physical and emotional support. By asking the listener to give him the pieces of their heart when it's broken, the singer is demonstrating a deep level of trust and intimacy. He promises to mend the heart, offering to hold onto it with the utmost care. This message of unconditional love and support is universal, making the song relatable to anyone who has ever needed help or offered it to someone else.
Line by Line Meaning
I would walk across burning desert
I am willing to endure any hardship to be by your side.
Bearing water to quench your thirst
I would do anything to help you, even if it requires great effort.
Just call my name
All you need to do is ask, and I will be there for you.
In the time it takes to think of me
As soon as you think of me, I will already be on my way to you.
I will be there by your side
I will always be there to support you, no matter what.
I'll be there
No matter what happens, I will never abandon you.
Give me your hand
Let me help guide you through life's journey.
And I'll take you somewhere so beautiful
Together, we will create a beautiful and fulfilling life.
Give me your dreams
Let me join you in achieving your goals and aspirations.
Together we'll make them come true
Working together, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve great things.
Give me the pieces
When you feel broken, let me be there to help you pick up the pieces.
Of your heart when it's broken
When your heart is broken, I will be there to console you and help you heal.
I'll mend it
Together, we will work to mend your broken heart.
For you
I will always be there to help and support you in any way that I can.
I will carry you when you're weary
When you are tired and cannot go on, I will carry you and help you rest.
When your faith is running low
During times of doubt, I will be there to help restore your faith and give you hope.
Just rest in me
Let me be your source of strength and comfort.
I'll be there for you just believe it
No matter what happens, I will always be there to support and believe in you.
Any hour any day
I am always available to help you, no matter what time it is.
I'll mend it
No matter how broken you may feel, I am here to help you heal.
Oh I'll mend it
I am determined to help you mend your broken heart and find happiness once again.
For you
I am here for you, always and forever.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ERIC CHARLES BIBB
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
oldmtnfart
Just heard this for the first time today. Love it.
sammy smith
Heard this song today by Ruthie Foster.....this is why I love Blues.
Kyle Miller
God Bless the Milke family.