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.
Troubadour
Eric Bibb Lyrics
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Feather in my head
Suitcase in my hand
Gotta get down on my back
Good woman on my mind (mm)
As I walk the city streets
New song in my heart
My faded boots on my feet
Everywhere I go, people ask me
"What kind of music do you play?"
And I just say
"Gon' hear some blues like a free train rolling through
Gospel, soul and some good old rock 'n' roll"
Sang it by what I'm living
Plus a little bit more
They call me a Troubadour
Call me a Troubadour
Troubles far behind me
No worry on my brow
I've thrown away regrets
Oh, I'm living in the here and now
No matter where I wonder
Or how far I may roam
Got a song that keeps me happy
And music is my home
Everywhere I go, people ask me
"What kind of music do you play?"
And I just say
"Gon' hear some blues like a free train rolling through
Gospel, soul and some good old rock 'n' roll"
Sang it by what I'm living (yeah)
Plus a little bit more
They call me a Troubadour
You can call me a Troubadour (ooh)
Ticket in my pocket
Got a feather in my head
Got a song that keeps me happy
And music is my home
Everywhere I go, people ask me
"Hey, what kind of music do you play?"
And I just say
"Gon' hear some blues like a free train rolling through
Gospel, soul and some good old rock 'n' roll"
Sang it by what I'm living
Plus a little bit more
They call me a Troubadour, that's right
Call me a Troubadour
Troubadour, that's all right
Call me a Troubadour (ooh, that's all right)
They call us a Troubadours (Troubadours)
(Ooh, ooh, ooh)
The lyrics of Eric Bibb's song "Troubadour" paint a vivid picture of a wandering musician embracing his nomadic lifestyle with a sense of liberation and contentment. The singer describes himself as a troubadour with a ticket in his pocket, a feather in his head, and a suitcase in his hand, ready to embark on another journey. The imagery of the "Good woman on my mind" suggests that despite his transient existence, thoughts of love and connection accompany him wherever he goes. The worn-out boots on his feet symbolize his journey through life, as he walks the city streets with a new song in his heart.
The troubadour's response to people inquiring about his music reflects his versatile style and eclectic influences. He mentions blues, gospel, soul, and good old rock 'n' roll, embodying a mix of emotional depth, spirituality, and energy in his musical expression. By singing about his own experiences and adding a touch of personal flair, he sets himself apart as a troubadour, a storyteller whose songs reflect the joys and struggles of life. His music is not just a performance but a reflection of his very being.
The troubadour conveys a sense of freedom and peace in his lyrics, mentioning that troubles are far behind him and he lives without regrets, fully immersed in the present moment. His carefree attitude and unwavering focus on his music create a sense of home wherever he may roam. The song becomes a source of joy and solace for him, a constant companion that brings happiness and comfort. Through his music, he finds his place in the world, transcending physical boundaries and connecting with people through the universal language of song.
The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the troubadour's identity and purpose, as he proudly embraces the title bestowed upon him by others. The reassurance that it's all right to call him a troubadour signifies his acceptance of this role in his musical journey. The reference to "us troubadours" at the end of the song hints at a community of like-minded wandering musicians, united by their shared passion for storytelling through song. Overall, "Troubadour" celebrates the freedom, creativity, and sense of belonging that music brings to the troubadour's life, making it a resonant anthem for anyone who finds solace and meaning in the power of music.
Writer(s): Ruthie Foster, Eric Bibb
Contributed by Victoria H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Alles260955
as far as I can say something about Eric Bibb I only can say that all his songs have high quality.
@mohawkbell
wow this is the coolest and with ruth foster -- joy just rises in the spirit up to a higher where every part is just plain goodness.
@jodigreene5432
So felling this,yummy!
@Jensoc324
I dig this song... I wish i can find a live version of it...
@Mildred97605
like this song u are good ;]
@KoalaxDD
einfach gute musik......
@charlieford3
I was lucky enough to sit about 5 feet away from Eric at a show in Katoomba, Blue Mountains, Australia where I lived .... fantastic show; he had a (Aussie) bass player with him. An altogether brilliant show !!!
@csazso1
szeretlek attim
@kuchcache
Influenced by Lyle Lovett? Great Sound!
@davidboon8993
More likely the other way round. Eric was playing when Lyle was still a kid.