Dutton, born in Philadelphia, began playing guitar at age 8. He wrote his first song by the time he was in the 9th grade and began playing harmonica in a wire rack. Dutton credits Bob Dylan and John Hammond Jr., as well as then-contemporary "old school" hip-hop sounds of Run-DMC, the Beastie Boys, and Philadelphia's own Schooly D as influences.
Dutton, still in high school at Germantown Friends School, began playing solo on the streets of Philadelphia. After a year of college, he relocated to Boston, working as a fundraiser for Peace Action and playing wherever and whenever he could. One of his few indoor gigs at this time was a Boston bar called The Tam O'Shanter, where he met drummer Jeffrey "The Houseman" Clemens in January 1993. Dutton and Clemens began working as a duo, they were joined a few months later by bassist Jim "Jimi Jazz" Prescott and became the house band on Mondays at The Plough and Stars in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The name G. Love doesn't really have that much of a story to it. The 'G' stands for Good as said in many radio interviews. He said in an interview that the 'Love' was just there because it sounded right.
G. Love featured Jack Johnson on his 1999 LP Philadelphonic playing an early version of Jack Johnson's "Rodeo Clowns" when Jack was an unknown artist. Jack later featured the song on his 2003 LP On and On.
Known nowadays for his excellent live shows, he is often seen touring with Jack Johnson, who signed G. Love to his record label Brushfire Records. He has made appearances on the records of artists such as Slightly Stoopid and Donavon Frankenreiter.
Dreamin'
G. Love Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Living long life living beautiful scenes
Make a million dollars wearing gold and jewels
Drive a big black Benz or a Caribbean cruise
Or maybe you dream that you just can't lose
Or playing blues is the path that you choose
Or perhaps your dream of going back to nature's plan
And just live off the land and be a natural man
Loving the one you're with, with her beautiful tan
Like you're holding the riff that laying in your hand
Or you dream of playing band from electric lady land
Riffs just like Jimi Hendrix
[Chorus]
Are you feeling the feeling that I'm feeling
Dreams are like fish you gots to keep on reeling
Are you feeling the feeling that I'm feeling
Dreams are like fish you gots to keep on reeling
Are you feeling the feeling that I'm feeling
"stop daydreaming!"
That's what my teachers used to say
While they kick a bunch of crap that I forgot anyway
Educatin's important to make a man complete
But everything I learned in school
I learned again on the street
Now my time is booked cause I've got the look
And when I walk on my path
You know I can't be shook
Stay alert in this day you have to go for yours
The force conspires to help brothers
That help others open doors
Wars and battles, rage round us everyday
While the real troops keep our heads up while we play
This game of chance that they busy calling life
Can be quite a disappointing ride
You can't blame the youth and you can't blame god
Now who you gonna blame when the dogs in the yard
[Chorus]
Wisdom asks "are you ready for this?"
Experience says "the kid can't miss"
Professional advice got you thinking twice
Don't roll the dice if you can't pay the price
The omen says "walk towards the light
The first impulse is free and it's always right"
Doubt suggests "what you think you can achieve?"
You're just a Philly kid from south 2 street
Rapping blues and playing guitar
Now I'm chillin sky's the limit
I'm a rock and 'roll star
Making funky music hit records are exploding
The free wind is blowing
Higher than the liars melting in the fire
How high can you ride?
The greatest victory it was
When we believe in legends getting busy like the man
They call "school's in session" addressing all you people
Like I know who you are 'cause streets are universal and the world is wide
But no matter what you're running from you just can't hide
If you seek the truth, the truest kid you'll find
So trace your tracks a fact's a fact
Three aces one king and a one eyed jack
You ain't going no where until its time to leave
Your wind's just a little story that I'm starting to read
[Chorus]
The song Dreamin' by G. Love & Special Sauce is about the power of dreams and how they can inspire and motivate us to achieve our goals. The first verse lists various dreams people may have, such as making a lot of money, living off the land, or being with a beautiful partner. The chorus emphasizes the importance of continuously pursuing these dreams, comparing them to fish that need to be reeled in. The second verse reflects on the education system and how the singer has learned more from life on the streets than in school. The verse emphasizes the need to stay alert and go after opportunities. The third verse discusses the different voices that may come into play when trying to follow one's dreams, such as doubt and wisdom, but ultimately encourages listeners to seek their truth and leave their mark on the world.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was originally released in 1994 as part of the band's self-titled debut album. Another fact is that the band has been known for their unique blend of blues, hip-hop, and rock, and this song is no exception. The song has also been featured in various television shows and movies, including the film Clueless. Additionally, the song's lyrics have been interpreted as a metaphor for the music industry and the challenges of pursuing a career in music.
The chords for the song are as follows:
Verse: A7 - D - E - A7
Chorus: D - E - A7
Overall, the song Dreamin' by G. Love & Special Sauce is a powerful ode to the importance of having dreams and working towards them. The combination of blues, hip-hop, and rock adds a unique energy to the song, making it an inspiring and uplifting piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyone starts with the sweetest dreams
We all start with big dreams and aspirations
Living long life living beautiful scenes
We want to live a long and beautiful life
Make a million dollars wearing gold and jewels
We dream of being rich and successful
Drive a big black Benz or a Caribbean cruise
We want fancy cars and exotic vacations
Or maybe you dream that you just can't lose
We envision ourselves as unbeatable and successful
Or playing blues is the path that you choose
Some of us dream of being great musicians
Or perhaps your dream of going back to nature's plan
Some dream of living off the land and being self-sufficient
And just live off the land and be a natural man
Living in harmony with nature is a dream for some
Or of a beautiful girl who's holding your hand
Finding love and companionship is a common dream
Loving the one you're with, with her beautiful tan
Being with someone you love is a beautiful experience
Like you're holding the riff that laying in your hand
For musicians, playing music is a cherished dream
Or you dream of playing band from electric lady land
Some dream of playing in a famous band like Jimi Hendrix
Riffs just like Jimi Hendrix
Playing like Jimi Hendrix is a musical aspiration for some
Are you feeling the feeling that I'm feeling
Do you relate to the same desires and aspirations?
Dreams are like fish you gots to keep on reeling
Dreams are hard to catch, but we need to keep pursuing them
stop daydreaming!
We are often told to stop dreaming and get back to reality
That's what my teachers used to say
Teachers often discourage daydreaming and encourage focus on studies
While they kick a bunch of crap that I forgot anyway
Sometimes what we learn in school is not valuable in real life
Educatin's important to make a man complete
Education is important for personal growth and development
But everything I learned in school
Not everything we learn in school is applicable in real life
I learned again on the street
We also learn valuable lessons from experiences outside of school
Now my time is booked cause I've got the look
Success requires hard work and dedication
And when I walk on my path
Success is achieved by following a chosen path in life
You know I can't be shook
We should stay committed to our goals and not be easily deterred
Stay alert in this day you have to go for yours
We must remain focused and proactive in achieving success
The force conspires to help brothers
The universe often aligns to help those who work hard and stay committed
That help others open doors
We should strive to help others succeed as well
Wars and battles, rage round us everyday
Life is full of struggles and obstacles
While the real troops keep our heads up while we play
We should stay optimistic and persevering despite life's challenges
This game of chance that they busy calling life
Life is sometimes unpredictable and beyond our control
Can be quite a disappointing ride
Life can be difficult and disappointing at times
You can't blame the youth and you can't blame god
We should take ownership of our own successes and failures
Now who you gonna blame when the dogs in the yard
We must take responsibility for our actions and decisions
Wisdom asks 'are you ready for this?'
Success requires readiness and preparation
Experience says 'the kid can't miss'
Previous success leads to confidence in future endeavors
Professional advice got you thinking twice
Trusted advice should be considered carefully
Don't roll the dice if you can't pay the price
Be cautious and considerate before taking a risk
The omen says 'walk towards the light
Positive signs suggest moving towards the desired outcome
The first impulse is free and it's always right'
Follow your instincts and initial ideas
Doubt suggests 'what you think you can achieve?'
Doubt can discourage us from pursuing our aspirations
You're just a Philly kid from south 2 street
Success is achievable regardless of one's background or upbringing
Rapping blues and playing guitar
Pursuing one's passion in music can lead to success
Now I'm chillin sky's the limit
Success opens new doors and opportunities
I'm a rock and 'roll star
Success in music can lead to fame and recognition
Making funky music hit records are exploding
Creating great music can lead to commercial success
The free wind is blowing
Success brings a sense of freedom and opportunity
Higher than the liars melting in the fire
Success can be empowering and leave detractors in the dust
How high can you ride?
Success can bring limitless opportunities and potential
The greatest victory it was
Success is a great accomplishment
When we believe in legends getting busy like the man
Celebrating the legends who paved the way for success in music
They call 'school's in session'
Educating others on the path to success in music
Addressing all you people
Speaking to everyone who dreams of success
Like I know who you are 'cause streets are universal and the world is wide
We all share similar aspirations despite our differences
But no matter what you're running from you just can't hide
Running from challenges doesn't help us achieve our dreams
If you seek the truth, the truest kid you'll find
Honesty and authenticity lead to success in music and life
So trace your tracks a fact's a fact
Taking ownership of one's past and present leads to success
Three aces one king and a one eyed jack
Success can come in many different forms
You ain't going no where until its time to leave
Timing is important for success
Your wind's just a little story that I'm starting to read
Our lives and successes are stories waiting to be written and read
Lyrics © DistroKid, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: YAK BONDY, JON LEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind