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
Bright Lights
Gary Clark Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lying on the floor
Just outside of Marcy's, West 54, wow
You gonna know my name by the end of the night, yeah
You gonna know my name by the end of the night, well
Bright lights, big city going to my head
Bright lights, big city going to my head
I don't care no, no
'Cause you don't care, no
Start off with the bottle
End it up with the bottle
Taking shots, waiting on tomorrow
Trying to fill up, what's hollow
You gonna know my name
You gonna know my name
Bright lights, big city going to my head
Bright lights, big city going to my head
Bright lights, big city going to my head
I don't care no
'Cause you don't care, no
Get lost in this city trying to find myself
I went up a different person
Came down somebody else
I know it ain't right
But it's song in my head
Wow I'm surprised that
I'm still alive I should be dead
Bright lights, big city going to my head
Bright lights, big city going to my head
Bright lights, big city going to my head
I don't care no, no
'Cause you don't care
Well you gonna know my name
Well you gonna know my name
Well you gonna know my name
Hey! You gonna know my name by the end of the night, well
Gary Clark Jr.'s song "Bright Lights" is a commentary on the experiences that come with fame and success. The song opens with the singer waking up in New York City, lying on the floor outside of Marcy's, located on West 54th Street. This abrupt introduction creates an image of disorientation and confusion. The repetition of “I don’t care” throughout the song illustrates the singer’s attempt to cope with the immense pressure that comes with such a fast-paced lifestyle.
The phrase “Bright lights, big city” is repeated throughout the song, suggesting that New York City, often dubbed the “city that never sleeps,” is both exhilarating and overwhelming. The lyrics suggest the singer is continually seeking to fill the void that comes with this lifestyle, often turning to alcohol and other vices. The song concludes with the repetition of “You gonna know my name by the end of the night,” which suggests the determination of the singer to succeed, despite the challenges that come with the high-pressure lifestyle he is leading.
Line by Line Meaning
Wake up in New York City
Lying on the floor
Just outside of Marcy's - West 54 wow
The singer wakes up in New York City and finds himself lying on the floor outside of Marcy's. He is disoriented and surprised.
You gonna know my name by the end of the night, yeah
You gonna know my name by the end of the night, well
The singer is confident that everyone will know his name by the end of the night. This is repeated for emphasis.
Bright lights, big city going to my head
Bright lights, big city going to my head
Bright lights, big city going to my head
I don't care no, no
Cause you don't care, no
The bright lights and big city are affecting the singer and he doesn't care because he feels like no one else cares. This is repeated for emphasis.
Start up with the bottle
End it up with the bottle
Taking shots, waitingon tomorrow
Trying to fill up, what's hollow
The singer is drinking heavily and taking shots, perhaps to escape from his problems or to fill a void.
You gonna know my name
You gonna know my name
The singer repeats his confidence that everyone will know his name.
Get lost in this city trying to find myself
I went up a different person
Came down somebody else
I know it ain't right
But its song in my head
Wow I'm surprised that
I'm still alive I should breathe in
The singer feels lost in this city and is struggling to find himself. He transformed into someone else while being lost, which isn't right. The song is stuck in his head and he's amazed that he's still alive, suggesting he may have put himself in danger.
Well you gonna know my name
Well you gonna know my name
Well you gonna know my name
Hey! You gonna know my name by the end of the night, well
The singer reiterates that everyone will know his name by the end of the night and expresses excitement.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gary Clark Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mattconnor8677
Modern blues rock doesn't get any better than this. I've been listening to these kind of jams since the 1960's and I'm here to tell you... this young man is the REAL...deal.
@dspencer1969
He's good brother, Try some fish-Samantha Fish
@Scorhos
Cristone "Kingfish" Ingram rocks,too.. He's 20 years. Solid talent.
@easysinmusic216
GeminiiDragon Ballad Of Willie Mae & George lyric video 🚨 MUST SEE 🚨 https://youtu.be/oLLpOUEfcZk
@roryderkson765
Samantha Fich
@obriantomlinson2776
@@Scorhosand Eric Gales!
@nitishchauhan8655
2:10 Probably one of the greatest music shots of all time. A gritty song about fame and pride and then a shot of him capturing the entire crowd in his visor. So cool
@jessejive117
Whoa……
@barryware7497
Agree...
@easysinmusic216
GeminiiDragon Ballad Of Willie Mae & George lyric video 🚨 MUST SEE 🚨 https://youtu.be/oLLpOUEfcZk