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
Church
Gary Clark Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I need your helpin' hand
I'm in love
With a woman
Who's in love
With a man
That I can't be
I was taught
To be patient
And I was taught
To be kind
But I unwind
Lord, my Lord
I need your helpin' hand
Well, I worked
Long hours
Now I'm drunk
And I'm stoned
I'm all alone
Miles from home
Oh Lord, my Lord
I need your helpin' hand
Lord, my Lord
I need your helpin' hand
Gary Clark Jr.'s song "Church" is a soulful and passionate testimony of a man's struggle with his emotions and faith. The song begins with the singer's plea to God for help with his relationship. He is in love with a woman who loves another man, and he struggles with the fact that he cannot be that man. He expresses his confusion and pain in the lines "That I can't be, it ain't me." The singer then reflects on the values he was taught growing up- to be patient and kind. However, he admits that he sometimes "unwinds," which could suggest that he becomes impatient and unkind in his current situation.
As the song progresses, the singer shares his current state. He has been working long hours and is now drunk and stoned, indicating he is using substances to cope with his emotions. He is also alone and miles away from home, suggesting he may be lost and searching for guidance. The song concludes with the same plea to God for help, "Lord, my Lord, I need your helpin' hand."
Overall, "Church" is a poignant exploration of themes of love, faith, and human vulnerability. The song's powerful vocals and bluesy guitar riffs add to its emotional weight and resonant message.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord, my Lord
Addressing God, the singer is seeking divine intervention
I need your helpin' hand
The singer is asking for God's assistance to help him through a difficult situation
I'm in love
The singer has strong feelings for someone
With a woman
The person the singer is in love with is female
Who's in love
The woman the singer loves has her own romantic feelings for someone else
With a man
The person the woman is in love with is male
That I can't be
The singer cannot fulfill the woman's desire to be with him romantically
It ain't me
The singer is acknowledging that he is not what the woman wants romantically
I was taught
The singer learned something in the past
To be patient
The singer was taught to have patience
And I was taught
The singer learned another lesson in the past
To be kind
The singer was taught to be compassionate towards others
But I unwind
Despite his teachings, the singer is struggling to remain patient and kind in the current situation
Well, I worked
The singer has been working hard
Long hours
The singer has been putting in a lot of time into his work
Now I'm drunk
The singer turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism
And I'm stoned
The singer is also using drugs to deal with his emotional pain
I'm all alone
Despite his substance use, the singer is feeling lonely
Miles from home
The singer is far away from familiar surroundings that would bring him comfort
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Clark Jr. Gary
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ROYA1109
Lord, my Lord
I need your helpin' hand
I'm in love
With a woman
Who's in love
With a man
That I can't be
It ain't me
I was taught
To be patient
And I was taught
To be kind
But I unwind
Lord, my Lord
I need your helpin' hand
I worked
Long hours
Now I'm drunk
And I'm stoned
I'm all alone
Miles from home
Lord, my Lord
I need your helpin' hand
Lord, my Lord
I need your helpin' hand
@ThatGuy-xh9kp
This song was played in Citizen Soldier, a documentary about my unit in Afghanistan. It played when my friend, SGT. Mycal Prince came home from his angel flight. Thank you, Gary Clark Jr.
@julieannlaw6844
Wowwww 😭😭
@brendamilloy2557
Thank you sir, for your service. ❤
@moeselenasmith4220
Salute to you soldier. that documentary brought me to this beautiful song 💙💯
@victorlimon5967
Never would I have thought that the guy I met and drank a couple of beers with in my best friend's backyard late one night a few years ago, would be this impactful as an artist. You do Austin proud.
@TheNunoTubes
that's really cool
@cindyw6577
That is totally awesome!!
@RaVenDaWn999
oh gosh, no bro, that was my cousin Howard, and he was puttin' you on. I apologize. Gary is his nephew so they look like twins. We like our pranks, maybe a bit too much. I told 'em not to do that. he was already hot around the coasts, just his own hometown took awhile to catch up. Besides, I heard Dick Cheney tried to shoot him; thought he was a blues bird... pranks for the memory though
@oo-rx8uz
Victor Limon who , respects to you sir! That would be cool.
@stevekutz802
Victor Limon wow man.. that's awesome.. I just saw him Saturday at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park New Jersey.. Wow.. Blew me away.. seems like a humble man that just loves his life 💯🎸