(2) Very few musical artists achieve a true signature style -- one that makes comparisons to other musicians impossible. But Texas guitarist Eric Johnson arguably comes as close to this echelon as any musician from the past quarter-century. Like fellow Lone Star State guitarists Johnny Winter, Billy Gibbons, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnson blends the rock style of Jimi Hendrix and the blues power of Albert King. Yet Johnson's wide array of additional influences (from the Beatles and Jeff Beck to jazz and Chet Atkins) makes for a guitar sound as unique as his fingerprints.
"When I first heard Eric," Winter recalled, "he was only 16, and I remember wishing that I could have played like that at that age." Former Doobie Brothers guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter said, "If Jimi Hendrix had gone on to study with Howard Roberts for about eight years, you'd have what this kid strikes me as." The Austin prodigy appeared on the cover of Guitar Player magazine while working with Texas jazz/fusion band the Electromagnets and as a session player (Cat Stevens, Carole King, Christopher Cross), and a 1984 performance on the TV show Austin City Limits set his recording career in motion.
Johnson's 1986 debut album, Tones, certainly proved that the hype was warranted. Playing with the ace rhythm section of bassist Roscoe Beck and drummer Tommy Taylor, Johnson mixed blazing instrumentals ("Zap," "Victory") with Beatles-influenced vocal tunes like "Emerald Eyes" and "Bristol Shore." Johnson used the same half-and-half format on the 1990 follow-up, Ah Via Musicom, but a trio of the album's tunes surprisingly made him the first artist to have three instrumentals from the same album to chart in the Top Ten in any format (with "Cliffs of Dover" earning Johnson a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental).
But, if Johnson had a perceived weakness, it was the perfectionism that caused four years to pass between recordings. Even in concert, he would painstakingly tune his guitar between songs, by ear, for minutes on end. With the success of Ah Via Musicom, the guitarist admitted to feeling pressure to raise the bar again. But Johnson's studio nitpicking delayed Venus Isle until 1996, and the disappointing CD contained fewer instrumentals and sounded forced.
A stint on the 1997 G3 tour with fellow headlining guitarists Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, and its resulting live release, breathed new life into Johnson and sparked the idea of a live album. Overhauling his band for the 2000 CD Live and Beyond, Johnson brought in bassist Chris Maresh and drummer Bill Maddox, and concentrated on more of a blues feel. The guitarist still blended instrumentals with his vocal tunes ("Shape I'm In," "Last House on the Block"), but perhaps realized that his thin voice was too one-dimensional for guttural blues or R&B. Guest vocalist Malford Milligan ignites "Don't Cha Know" and "Once a Part of Me," helping Johnson's blazing debut on Vai's Favored Nations label and reestablishing the versatile virtuoso's status for the 21st century. As Vai himself testified, "Eric has more colorful tone in his fingers than Van Gogh had on his palette."
Souvenir, an album available only through Johnson's website, appeared in 2002, followed by CD and DVD versions of New West's Live from Austin, TX and Bloom, the second album for Vai's Favored Nations imprint, in 2005. Johnson returned in 2010 with Up Close, a studio album that slightly emphasized the guitarist's Texas roots. A collaboration with jazz guitarist Mike Stern, Eclectic, appeared in 2014. ~ Bill Meredith
Forever Yours
Eric Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So I think of you, in my heart you know you'll always be
Wait that I might I'll be praying for your precious love
In my life, there won't be another I think of
Because I know I will always stay forever yours
Thru the highland mist to the magic strings of harmony
There two lovers meet, secretly unfold their majesty
In my life, there will be no other I think of
Cause I know, I will always stay forever yours
Oh I dream of you
And all my troubles chase into the wind
I send my love to you, I send my love to my forever friend
And wait that I might, I am praying for your precious love,
In my life, there will be no other I think of
Cause I know I will always stay forever yours
The lyrics to Eric Johnson's "Forever Yours" bring to light a powerful expression of love and devotion. The first verse speaks of the vastness of the sea and the thundering waves that create a symphony. The imagery of the sea and the sounds it creates sets the stage for the song as a whole. The singer then thinks of their loved one, stating that in their heart, they will always be there. The second verse speaks of the highland mist and the magic strings of harmony, where two lovers meet and ". . . secretly unfold their majesty." The use of the words "majesty" and "harmony" imply that these lovers are meant to be together, and their union is something special and divine.
The chorus brings the song home with the repeated phrase "forever yours." This phrase is repeated in both verses and in the chorus, reinforcing the idea that this love is strong, true, and everlasting. The singer is so devoted to their love that they will pray for their loved one's precious love and send their love to their "forever friend." The last line of the song is a beautiful expression of the singer's devotion - "Cause I know I will always stay forever yours."
Line by Line Meaning
Through the endless sea, pouring waves thunder a symphony
The singer uses the powerful imagery of an endless sea and thunderous waves to express the intensity of his emotions.
So I think of you, in my heart you know you'll always be
The singer assures his loved one that he constantly thinks of her and that she will always have a special place in his heart.
Wait that I might I'll be praying for your precious love
The singer expresses his devotion and commitment to his loved one by promising to pray for her and her love.
In my life, there won't be another I think of
The artist declares that his love for his partner is the only one he has and that he will never think of anyone else in that way.
Because I know I will always stay forever yours
The artist affirms his commitment to his partner and declares that he will always be hers.
Thru the highland mist to the magic strings of harmony
The singer invokes another vivid image of highland mist, and emphasizes the power of music to bring people together and unite them in love.
There two lovers meet, secretly unfold their majesty
The singer describes a beautiful, intimate moment where two lovers meet and reveal the majesty of their love to one another.
Oh yeah, wait that I might, I'll be praying for your precious love
The artist reiterates his devotion to his partner and promise to always care for her and her love.
In my life, there will be no other I think of
The artist reaffirms his love and commitment to his partner by declaring that he will not think of anyone else in that way.
Cause I know, I will always stay forever yours
The artist declares once again his unwavering commitment and devotion to his partner and their love.
Oh I dream of you
The singer admits that he dreams of his partner, which highlights the depth and intensity of his feelings for her.
And all my troubles chase into the wind
The artist suggests that his love and devotion to his partner helps him to forget his troubles and find peace.
I send my love to you, I send my love to my forever friend
The singer expresses his love and affection for his partner, and emphasizes the importance of their friendship and relationship.
And wait that I might, I am praying for your precious love,
The singer once again affirms his commitment to his partner by promising to care for and pray for her and their love.
In my life, there will be no other I think of
The singer reiterates that his love and devotion to his partner is exclusive and that he will not think of anyone else in that way.
Cause I know I will always stay forever yours
The artist solidifies his commitment and love for his partner and declares that he will always be hers.
Contributed by Connor V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@C_moharris
I first heard Eric Johnson while liv- ing in Bedford, NY.on CD101.9 out of NYC. I have about a hundred cassette tapes & GOD I wish we had a 101.9fm in Milwaukee! I just spent 1 hour trying to find my favorite Eric Johnson song, Trademark! Watching him play his Guitar is GENUINE JOY, simply because, playing his Guitar brings him the same feeling. Eric's Guitar is a permanent attachment to his Body.He was Born 2 play it and I want to thank GOD for creating Him. Sincerely, DebraSimms
PS.imagine how talented his Children will Be? I'll B old, but I'll B waiting!
@countrysamurai
Amazing...this is proof of the artistry and genius of Eric Johnson. Beautiful vid...well done!
@diegomereu8555
Documents -> Music -> Eric Johnson -> Bad songs --> The folder is empty
@gildaring
A pearl from EJ!
@jared19baker
So so good! I'm crankin out some homework now, and the song makes me feel so at ease! My secret weapon for biology
@christianemoor1757
💖 Great song! 🌟
@Wilbeerthoven
Love this!! Beautiful video for simplicity!!
@chickingsavedbygrace
my fave EJ love song...absolutely gorgeous
@yesnes8786
Uuughh so good
@funnydinhcao
1 năm rồi chúc mừng sn cậu