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
Can't Sleep
Gary Clark Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I really didn't know her but I'd seen her around
The kind of girl that only likes to hang with the guys
Can tell that she is trouble, see it all in her eyes
But I pursued it the best that I can
Had me a couple shots, I'm feeling like a man
How was I supposed to know that I was part of a plan?
But it's too late now
Now you're the reason that I can't sleep at night and I can't go home
I know it ain't right, gotta leave you alone
But I can't, whoa no
But I can't, whoa no
Now you're the reason that I can't sleep at night and I can't go home
I know it ain't right, I gotta leave you alone
But I can't, whoa no
But I can't, whoa no
Well, back to the party where it's going down
The smoke is in the air, smell it all around
Some girls are on the floor, looking good getting down
Some hatin' motherfucker steady staring me down
But I ain't worried about that for the time
My girl's across the way giving me the eye
She's got her back turned to some other guy
But it's too late now
Now you're the reason that I can't sleep at night and I can't go home
I know it ain't right, gotta leave you alone
But I can't, whoa no
But I can't, whoa no
Now you're the reason that I can't sleep at night and I can't go home
I know it ain't right, gotta leave you alone
But I can't, whoa no
But I can't, whoa no
Now you're the reason that I
Now you're the reason that I can't sleep at night and I can't go home
I know it ain't right, gotta leave you alone
But I can't, whoa no
But I can't, whoa no
I gotta leave you alone, it ain't right I
Gotta leave you alone, it ain't right I
Gotta leave you alone, it ain't right I
Gotta leave you alone, it ain't right I
Now you're the reason that I can't sleep at night and I can't go home
I know it ain't right, I gotta leave you alone
But I can't, whoa no
But I can't, whoa no
The song "Can't Sleep" by Gary Clark Jr. tells a story of a man who falls for a girl he meets at a party. Despite his initial suspicions that she's trouble, he pursues her anyway and has a great night with her. However, he later realizes that he may have been used as part of her plan to make someone else jealous. He can't stop thinking about her and is now unable to sleep. The lyrics express his inner turmoil as he grapples with his conflicting emotions towards this girl.
The first verse sets the scene at a party where the singer meets the girl he's attracted to. He describes her as someone who only likes to hang out with guys and as trouble, revealing his doubts about whether he should pursue her. The second verse takes us back to the party, where the singer is having a good time with the girl. He's not worried about any drama going on around him because he's focused on her. The chorus repeats the central theme of the song, that the singer can't move on from the girl and is struggling to sleep or go home because of his feelings for her.
Overall, "Can't Sleep" is a song about the complicated emotions that arise when we fall for someone who may not be good for us. While the singer is aware that he should probably leave this girl alone, he can't help but be drawn to her and is now paying the price for getting involved with her. The lyrics capture the sense of desperation and longing that comes with being unable to let go of someone we care about.
Line by Line Meaning
I met this girl at a party 'cause she said she was down
I ran into this girl at a party who claimed to be interested in me.
I really didn't know her but I'd seen her around
I wasn't familiar with her, but I've seen her before.
The kind of girl that only likes to hang with the guys
She's the sort of girl who prefers to spend time with guys.
Can tell that she is trouble, see it all in her eyes
I could sense that she would be a problem, as it was clear in her eyes.
But I pursued it the best that I can
Despite the warning signs, I gave it my best shot.
Had me a couple shots, I'm feeling like a man
I had a few drinks and thought I was in control.
How was I supposed to know that I was part of a plan?
I never would've guessed that I was being set up.
But it's too late now
But, unfortunately, it is too late for me now.
Now you're the reason that I can't sleep at night and I can't go home
You are the reason I can't sleep at night or return home.
I know it ain't right, gotta leave you alone
I'm well aware that it's not appropriate, and I need to walk away.
But I can't, whoa no
But I'm powerless and can't seem to leave you alone.
Well, back to the party where it's going down
I returned to the party where there was a lot happening.
The smoke is in the air, smell it all around
There was smoke in the atmosphere, and it was apparent everywhere.
Some girls are on the floor, looking good getting down
Some girls were dancing on the floor and looking great while doing so.
Some hatin' motherfucker steady staring me down
Someone was glaring at me, likely out of jealousy.
But I ain't worried about that for the time
For the moment, I wasn't concerned about that situation.
My girl's across the way giving me the eye
The girl across from me was staring at me in a way that suggested she was interested.
She's got her back turned to some other guy
She was ignoring the other guy who was present and focusing on me instead.
But it's too late now
Unfortunately, I was already in too deep by this point.
I gotta leave you alone, it ain't right I
I must walk away from you, as it's not the right thing to do.
Now you're the reason that I
And now, you are the reason why I'm going through this.
Gotta leave you alone, it ain't right I
I must leave you alone because it isn't appropriate.
Gotta leave you alone, it ain't right I
Again, I know that I must walk away because it's not the right thing to do.
Gotta leave you alone, it ain't right I
Once more, I need to leave you alone because it's not appropriate.
Gotta leave you alone, it ain't right I
For the final time, I recognize that I must walk away because it's not the right thing to do.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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