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.
Fixin' To Die
G. Love Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I believe I'm fixin' to die
Feelin' funny in my mind, Lord
I believe I'm fixin' to die
Well, I don't mind dyin'
But I hate to leave my children cryin'
I'm walkin' kinda funny Lord
I'm walkin' kinda funny Lord
I believe I'm fixin' to die
I don't mind dyin'
Well, I hate to leave my children cryin'
Well, look over yonder boy, yeah to that burying ground
Look over yonder's wall yeah to that burying ground
So seems lonesome, Lord, yeah when that sun is sinking down
Well there's black smoke is rising, Lord
It's rising up above my, up above my head
Well there's black smoke is rising, Lord
It's rising up above my, up above my head
Can't tell Jesus make up my dying bed
Feelin' funny in my eyes, Lord
I believe I'm fixin' to die
Feelin' funny in my eyes, Lord
I believe I'm fixin' to die
Well, I don't mind dyin'
But I hate to leave my children cryin'
The song "Fixin' to Die" by G. Love is a mournful blues tune that tells the story of someone who feels that death is imminent. The song begins with the singer feeling funny in his mind and walking funny, both of which he believes are signs that he is fixin' to die. He doesn't mind dying, but he hates the thought of leaving his children crying. He then looks over to a nearby burying ground and notes how lonesome it seems when the sun is sinking down. He sees black smoke rising above his head, which he interprets as a sign of his impending death, and calls out for Jesus to make up his dying bed. The song concludes with the singer feeling funny in his eyes and reiterating that he doesn't mind dying, but he hates the thought of leaving his children.
The song was originally written and recorded by the blues legend Bukka White in the 1940s as "Fixin' to Die Blues" and was later covered by Bob Dylan and Dave Van Ronk, among others. G. Love's version is a stripped-down, acoustic rendition that features his characteristic raspy voice and bluesy guitar playing. The song was recorded live in the studio with minimal overdubs, giving it an intimate, raw feel.
Line by Line Meaning
Feelin' funny in my mind, Lord
I am experiencing strange thoughts and sensations.
I believe I'm fixin' to die
I believe that I am nearing the end of my life.
Well, I don't mind dyin'
I am not afraid of dying.
But I hate to leave my children cryin'
However, I am sad at the thought of my children grieving over my death.
I'm walkin' kinda funny Lord
I am having trouble walking normally.
Well, look over yonder boy, yeah to that burying ground
I see a burial ground in the distance.
Look over yonder's wall yeah to that burying ground
The burial ground is past a wall that I can see.
So seems lonesome, Lord, yeah when that sun is sinking down
It looks lonely there, especially as the sun sets.
Well there's black smoke is rising, Lord
I see smoke rising into the sky.
It's rising up above my, up above my head
The smoke is getting closer and higher.
Can't tell Jesus make up my dying bed
I am ready to die and hope that Jesus will help me pass peacefully.
Feelin' funny in my eyes, Lord
I am experiencing strange sensations in my eyes.
Well, I don't mind dyin'
Despite these sensations, I am still unafraid of dying.
But I hate to leave my children cryin'
My only concern is the sorrow my children will face with my passing.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Booker T. Washington
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@likeabatouttahell431
I absolutely Love how the video goes black after the harmonica breakdown and then the video comes back, I love that !
@user-eh3li7vc5w
I didn't recognize it at first! love it! Old Dylan fan that isn't too snobby to explore newer stuff.
@GeoffGlenn10
Avett Brothers + G. Love = Cool
@Devilslittleimp
Its nice to hear an old folk song, redone every once in a while. Gives me hope in the music scene.
@jiado6893
I heard this music in the West of Memphis trailer, I've spent the last quarter hour looking around for it.
@nickiharmon3330
Jacob Bielski lol same
@johnniedig
Urban bluesman meets country good ol' boys.
@caniac102678
mother of collaboration...
@TheChickenRiceBowl
Well all I can say is when you're walking home from a long butt day at school in the hot Texas sun and this song starts playing on the radio, this is probably the only thing that is going to keep you from passing out and will get you to stop dragging your sorry feet and actually start strutting until you finally get home :).
@elvith4u
i just rapped the replay button..and again..and again..and again..