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.
Everybody
G. Love Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To help them through the day
Everybody needs a true, true friend
To help them through the day
If you need me
I'll be there
If you need me
You'll know where
Everybody needs a safe dark song ?
Even if it takes the whole night long
Everybody needs a safe dark song ?
Even if it takes the whole night long
If you need me
I'll be there
If you need me
I'll be there
Well, I'll be there
To help you along
If they lay me down tonight
I tried to lead a gracious life
If they lay me down tonight
Don't you know I tried to live all right ?
If you need me
Then I'll be there
If you need me
You'll know where
I'll be there, baby
You're my friend
I'll be there
Oh, but I love you
Oh, my friend
Oh, my friend
The song "Everybody" by G. Love emphasizes the importance of having a true friend in life. The repeated chorus, "Everybody needs a true, true friend, to help them through the day," highlights the universal need for companionship and support. The artist acknowledges that life can be difficult and that everyone needs a supportive figure to help them navigate it.
The second chorus makes reference to the need for comfort in difficult times with the line, "Everybody needs a safe dark song, even if it takes the whole night long." This could be interpreted as the need for a friend or loved one to provide comfort through tough times, whether it be through music or simply being present. G. Love stresses that he is a dependable friend for those who need him, stating "If you need me, I'll be there. If you need me, you'll know where."
The bridge of the song is a moment of self-reflection as G. Love contemplates his own legacy. He expresses the desire to be remembered for living a "gracious life" and "trying to live all right." Once again, he reassures his friends that he will always be there for them, even after he is gone.
Overall, "Everybody" is a heartfelt tribute to the power of friendship and the importance of being there for one another through all of life's difficulties.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody needs a true, true friend
Having a real and trustworthy friend is essential for everyone's well-being.
To help them through the day
Friends are needed to provide support, guidance, and comfort during difficult times.
If you need me
The singer is willing to be there for anyone in need of help or assistance.
I'll be there
The singer can be relied on for support and is always available to lend a hand.
Everybody needs a safe dark song ?
Music can provide solace and help people feel safe, especially during difficult times when they need a reprieve.
Even if it takes the whole night long
Sometimes, people need to sit with their emotions for an extended period to heal and move forward.
Well, I'll be there
The singer emphasizes their reliability and willingness to be there for those in need.
To help you along
The singer wants to provide assistance in helping people get through their difficult times.
If they lay me down tonight
The singer is contemplating death and reflecting on their life story.
I tried to lead a gracious life
The singer has made an effort to be kind and generous to others throughout their life.
Don't you know I tried to live all right ?
The singer wants others to know that they have tried to live a good life by doing the right thing.
You're my friend
The singer values their friendships and wants their friends to know how much they care about them.
Oh, but I love you
The singer has deep affection for their friends and wants to express it wholeheartedly.
Oh, my friend
The singer addresses their friends directly and wants them to feel appreciated and valued.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GARRETT DUTTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind