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
Blak & Blu
Gary Clark Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you feelling blak and blue
You should feel like you can come to me
And I'll tell you the truth
It's somewhere we've got twisted
How do we get lifted
How do we not go insane
For so long we've existed
Why is it we still remain
Blak and blue, yeah
Oh no, don't leave me
Blak and blue, yeah
Oh no, don't leave me
Blak and blue, yeah
Oh no, don't leave me
It's not you get just what you paid for
Ain't that you reap just what you saw
You won't get everything you pray for
Surprises me you don't know by now
I need something to hold on to
While the world is spinning round and round
You could crumble any moment
I keep my feet on solid ground for now
Blak and blue, yeah
Oh no, don't leave me
Blak and blue, yeah
Oh no, don't leave me
Hey
Blak and blue, yeah
Mama don't leave me
Blak and blue, yeah
Blak and blue father dont leave me,
Blak and blue, yeah
Blak, Blak and blue
No I won't leave you
The song "Blak and Blu" by Gary Clark Jr. is a soulful plea to someone who is feeling down, to come to the singer for support and honesty. The first verse acknowledges the struggles of feeling "blak and blue," but also asserts that there is a way to lift oneself up. The chorus repeats the phrase "Blak and blue" as a refrain, emphasizing the pain and strife that the singer and his audience face. However, he also urges his listener not to leave him, to stay together and face the harsh realities of life together.
The second verse offers a commentary on the world and the mistaken idea that we always get what we deserve. It acknowledges that sometimes we are surprised by the outcomes of our actions, and that we need something solid to hold onto when the world feels like it's spinning out of control. The bridge is a repetition of the chorus with a poignant twist; the singer calls out to his mother and father, asking them not to leave him, revealing a deep personal connection to the struggle described in the song.
Overall, the song speaks to the difficulties of life and the importance of finding support in one another. It offers a sense of solidarity for those who feel beaten down by the world, and an assurance that they can find someone to lean on.
Line by Line Meaning
When you feelling down and out
When you're feeling sad and hopeless
When you feelling blak and blue
When you're feeling emotionally distressed
You should feel like you can come to me
You can trust me to support you
And I'll tell you the truth
I won't sugarcoat or lie to you
It's somewhere we've got twisted
We've lost our way
How do we get lifted
How can we uplift ourselves and each other
How do we not go insane
How can we stay sane and grounded amidst chaos
For so long we've existed
We've been around for a while
Still we all resisted
Yet we continue to struggle
Why is it we still remain
Why are we still in this situation
Blak and blue, yeah
Feeling emotional pain and distress
Oh no, don't leave me
Please stay with me and support me
It's not you get just what you paid for
You don't always get what you expect or deserve
Ain't that you reap just what you saw
You get back what you put out into the world
You won't get everything you pray for
Your prayers won't necessarily be answered in the way you want
Surprises me you don't know by now
It's surprising that you haven't learned this yet
I need something to hold on to
I need stability and security
While the world is spinning round and round
Despite the chaos of the world
You could crumble any moment
You could fall apart at any time
I keep my feet on solid ground for now
I try to stay grounded and stable
Mama don't leave me
Mother, please stay with me
Blak and blue father dont leave me,
Feeling emotional pain and distress, father please support me
Blak and blue, yeah
Feeling emotional pain and distress
Blak, Blak and blue
Strong feeling of emotional pain and distress
No I won't leave you
I'll stay with you and support you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN JACKSON, DON D. ROBEY, GARY LEE JR. CLARK, GIL SCOTT HERON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind