He spent some time in Italy studying art before coming back to Manhattan to further his education at New York's Institute of Fine Arts while working with several New York bands. In 1969 he formed a group called Grinder's Switch, and they released just one album - Garland Jeffreys & Grinder's Switch. Members of Grinder's Switch played on debut solo album of another co-founder of The Velvet Underground, John Cale - Vintage Violence (1970). Garland even wrote one song for this album (Fairweather Friend) and did back-up vocals for it. In 1973 Jeffreys released his own debut album entitled simply 'Garland Jeffreys. During the mid-70s he was touring with reggae artists like Jimmy Cliff and Toots & the Maytals and in 1977 he released his critically acclaimed Ghost Writer. In 1980 Jeffreys made a cover of ? & the Mysterians' 96 Tears. Then, after a long silence he released Don't Call Me Buckwheat (1992). Every song in this album has strong antiracial lyrics ('Welcome to the World', 'Hail Hail Rock'n'Roll', 'I Was Afraid of Malcolm' etc.). He followed with Wildlife Dictionary in 1997. In 2003 Garland covered Skip James' Washington D.C. Hospital Center Blues for the film by Wim Wenders from the project Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: The Soul of a Man. Another compilation of greatest hits (with three new songs) - I'm Alive was released in 2006 in Europe only.
In 2011 Jeffreys roared back with self-released The King of In Between. It racked up numerous best of the year accolades in the US and Jeffreys began touring heavily. Recently it was #25 in best of the year in Rolling Stone Germany.
1969 - Garland Jeffreys & Grinder's Switch
1973 - Garland Jeffreys
1977 - Ghost Writer
1978 - One-Eyed Jack
1979 - American Boy & Girl
1980 - Escape Artist
1982 - Rock & Roll Adult
1983 - Guts for Love
1992 - Don't Call Me Buckwheat
1992 - Matador & More...
1997 - Wildlife Dictionary
2006 - I'm Alive
2011 - The King of In Between
2013 - Truth Serum
2017 - 14 Steps to Harlem
The Answer
Garland Jeffreys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All around the world
Calling all you people
Calling every boy and girl
You can be everything, anything
You really want to be
But you can't play the victim
Got to put an end
Give it up and kick it out
Lift yourself up and you find the answer
Can't judge another by the color
By the color of his skin
Can't live on the surface
Got to give it from the places within
Ain't no preacher gonna teach us
'Bout the meaning of love
It's up to you and me
To give what we got plenty of
Give it up and kick it out
Life yourself up just like a dancer
Give it up, pick it up
And keep it up
Lift yourself up and you find the answer
Everybody, everywhere, everyone
All around the world
Calling all you people
Calling every boy and every single girl
You can be everything, anything
You really want to be
And it's right here for you
The answer ain't no great big mystery
Give it up and kick it out
Life yourself up just like a dancer now
Give it up, pick it up
And keep it up
Lift yourself up and find the answer
Garland Jeffreys's song Answer is a call to unity and self-empowerment. The lyrics suggest that there is no great mystery to finding the answer to our problems, but it is within our grasp if we let go of victimhood and judgment. The song encourages listeners to be anything they want to be and not limit themselves based on superficial characteristics like skin color. Jeffreys implores the listener to give from within and to lift themselves up like a dancer, suggesting that joy and empowerment are achievable through personal effort.
One of the powerful themes in Answer is its commentary on victimhood. The song rejects the notion that people are powerless to change their circumstances and argues that we can become anything we want to be. The song speaks to the human yearning for independence and individuality. The lyrics also suggest that the answer we seek is not outside of ourselves but originates from within.
In terms of the song’s interesting facts:
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody, everywhere, everyone
Garland Jeffreys addresses all people in the world, no matter their origin, culture, or identity.
All around the world
His message is global and universal.
Calling all you people
This is a call for action, an invitation to join the struggle for self-discovery and emancipation.
Calling every boy and girl
This call is not gender-specific, as both boys and girls can relate to the message.
You can be everything, anything
Garland Jeffreys offers a message of hope and empowerment, as he believes everyone has the ability to achieve their full potential.
You really want to be
The pursuit of one's dreams requires self-determination and personal willpower.
But you can't play the victim
He cautions against a negative mindset that can lead a person to blame their circumstances for their lack of success.
Got to put an end
The victim mentality must be overcome if one is to succeed.
To this self-fulling prophecy
The thoughts and beliefs that one holds about their future can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Give it up and kick it out
Abandon negative self-talk and behaviors that hold you back.
Lift yourself up and you find the answer
Self-improvement and self-discovery are the path to finding success.
Can't judge another by the color
Racial prejudice and discrimination are not acceptable.
By the color of his skin
These discriminatory attitudes can manifest in judgments based on a person's skin color.
Can't live on the surface
One should not be judged solely on their external appearance or superficial qualities.
Got to give it from the places within
True beauty and worth come from within oneself.
Ain't no preacher gonna teach us
The answers to life's ultimate questions are not the exclusive domain of religious leaders or institutions.
'Bout the meaning of love
The true meaning of love can only be understood and experienced through personal reflection and interaction with others.
It's up to you and me
Each individual must take responsibility for their own understanding of the world.
To give what we got plenty of
We must share our love and compassion with others.
And it's right here for you
The key to achieving one's goals is within oneself.
The answer ain't no great big mystery
The answers to life's questions are not elusive or enigmatic; they are within reach.
Life yourself up just like a dancer now
We must embrace a life of positivity and self-improvement.
Give it up, pick it up
Garland Jeffreys encourages us to release negative habits and emotions and embrace new opportunities.
And keep it up
Self-improvement is a lifelong journey.
Lift yourself up and find the answer
The key to achieving one's goals is to continue striving for self-improvement.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GARLAND JEFFREYS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@__I__LOVE__MUSIC
I've been looking for this song for years.. and finally i found it.. yeah..
@ErmacFrance
When I was a child, I was crazy about this song ! I bought the album two weeks after ! And still lovin' it !!!! :)
@ULTRASUPREMENTM
excellent titre! une oeuvre! une chanson a écouter dans sa vie avant de mourrir... merci M. Garland Jeffreys pour avoir chanté cela...:)
@roxytruegreen333
beautiful, inspiring song. Has helped my brother a lot. thank you xxx
@GarlandJeffreysOfficial
Hey Fred...all the best, Garland
@tommeyerhoeffer9242
This guy IS SOMETHING ELSE...
@mathiasvolta
Found out this fantastic song is by Garland Jeffreys because I remembered parts of the lyrics and thanks to google I found that clip.:-) Glad to find this great song here as I haven't heard it for around ten years anymore on radio etc. Excellent song !! 5* (like it") from me...
@dren84
Such a beautiful song. The best from GJ.
@elczanka
This is an unusual pronunciation song. Until that glorious voice. Great video. I admire, admire. Alicja
@Koelner379
simply great!