GARY CLARK JR.began playing guitar in 1996 at the ripe young age of 12. Born and raised in Austin, TX, Gary continued to play small gigs throughout his early teens, until he popped on the radar of legendary promoter Clifford Antone, owner of the Austin blues club Antone's. Through Clifford's connections, Gary soon began sitting in and learning from an array of musical icons, including the incomparable Jimmie Vaughan.
Jimmie and others in the Austin music community mentored Gary along his path, facilitating his steady rise, and continued ascent in the Texas music scene. Gary's musical peers, as well as the Austin music community at-large, have showered him with critical acclaim for his galvanized live performances, and fervid expression. At one unexpected point of political recognition, mayor of Austin Kirk Watson proclaimed May 3, 2001 Gary Clark Jr Day. Gary was 18 years old at the time.
Gary went on to win the Austin Music Award for Best Blues and Electric Guitarist on three separate occasions, in addition to receiving awards from various Blues magazines and associations around the country. After playing the nationally televised show Austin City Limits and touring with the likes of artists such as Jimmie Vaughan, Pinetop Perkins, and Doyle Bramhall II, he continued his recording pursuits by releasing three self-produced albums, and creating the original score for the major motion picture Full Count. His creative versatility allowed him to transcend his own musical talents, while also starring as a principal character in John Sayle’s film Honeydripper, alongside actors Danny Glover and Stacy Keach.
Originally known as a blues musician and even compared to such greats as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Collins and Albert King, Gary is stepping out...way out. His upcoming CD will really test his blues fans. Will they appreciate Gary's guitar chops and his soulful voice as he explores other genres? Gary hopes so and he hopes they will continue with him on his journey. And with this new sound, we're thinking Gary will pick up some new fans along the way.
HIs first major label LP "Blak and Blu" was released on October 22, 2012
Ain't Messin 'Round
Gary Clark Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't nobody else like me around
I don't need your imposition
It ain't that hard to figure it out
Give it up now
Play cool
Give it up now
All the rules
That you use and abusin'
No one knew
She could take this confusion
Give it up now
Don't let me down
Don't think too much of my disposition
You already know what's going down
Don't wanna be your exhibition, no
I don't want nobody hanging around
Give it up now
Play cool
Give it up now
Play cool
All the rules
That you use and abusin'
No one knew
She could take this confusion
Give it up now
Don't let me down
Give it up now
Play cool
Give it up now
Play cool
All the rules
That you use and abusin'
No one knew
She could take this confusion
Give it up now
Don't let me down
Play it cool
Play it cool
Play it cool
Play it cool
Give it up
Give it up
Give it up now
Yeah, yeah, yeah
In the song Ain't Messin 'Round by Gary Clark Jr., the lyrics speak about individuality and standing out among others. The lines "I don't believe in competition, Ain't nobody else like me around" suggest that the singer is confident and secure in his own unique qualities and talents. He is not interested in competing with others or conforming to societal norms. Additionally, he states that he does not want anyone hanging around or imposing their expectations on him. The chorus "Give it up now, Play cool" could be interpreted as a challenge to others to let go of their expectations and join in his individualistic ways.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of breaking free from rules and expectations placed on individuals. The lines "All the rules, that you use and abusin', No one knew, she could take this confusion" describe the negative impacts of following strict societal conventions. Despite this, the singer remains strong and in control, requesting that others "give it up now" and follow his lead instead of trying to impose their expectations on him.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't believe in competition
I don't see the point of trying to compare myself with others.
Ain't nobody else like me around
I am unique and there is no one like me.
I don't need your imposition
I don't need you to tell me what to do or how to act.
It ain't that hard to figure it out
It's not difficult to understand my perspective or what I want.
Give it up now
Stop trying to fight me or resist my point of view.
Play cool
Stay calm and don't get too worked up.
All the rules that you use and abusin'
You don't follow the rules fairly and actually use them for your own gain.
No one knew she could take this confusion
Even though it's confusing and uncertain, she is able to handle the situation well.
Don't let me down
Don't disappoint me or let me down in support of my cause.
Don't think too much of my disposition
Don't judge me based on my personality or outlook on life.
You already know what's going down
You should already be aware of the situation and how I'm approaching it.
Don't wanna be your exhibition, no
I don't want to be used as an example or display for your benefit or entertainment.
I don't want nobody hanging around
I don't want anyone around me who might try to distract or detract from my goals.
Play it cool
Remain calm and collected in order to achieve success.
Give it up
Stop trying to fight or compete with me.
Yeah, yeah, yeah
An exclamation indicating satisfaction or agreement.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Spirit Music Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALEXANDRA TAMPOSI, JUSTIN STANLEY, GARY CLARK JR, MIKE ELIZANDO, DOYLE BRAMHALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alienrefugee51
Love this song, great vibe and this was a nice warm low key version of it
@OMGWTFLOLSMH
Great song. Love that fuzz tone on the rhythm guitar.
@JDrevolver66
Somehow missed this version before - cool Band of Gypsys feel to the instrumentals. That falsetto "coo-hoo-oool" in the chorus is such a 60s' soul calibre hook.
@megajames3000
not sure if I liked the arrangement too much... it need a voice on top of the riff during the verse from gary..... this is fucking sick as usual. Keep it up gary come through cincinnati and let me jam sometime!
@db4eddie
YEAH!!!
@Brandon_Lee83
Rock Band brought me here! 🎤😁🤘
@eliotbentz2440
Does anyone else think that the second guitarist had nastiest guitar solo of all time?
@iancassius8858
A little bit of reverb to the Gary's voice