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
Grinder
Gary Clark Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That I've been thinking too much
Seems like everyone's talking 'bout money
So, I've got to get me some
My baby's crying
So now my baby's crying
We always fighting for money
But, girl, I ain't got the time
Grind
Ain't no way we lying
I will not grieve in gold
Uh, people dying for this money
Uh, might not be around too long, uh
So I'm gone, yeah, I'm gone, yeah
Oh, I'm gone, I'm gone
I'm gone, don't know when I'll be home
Just got to get to some money
I got this story of mine
Uh, yeah
In Gary Clark Jr.'s song "Grinder," the lyrics focus on the theme of money and its impact on relationships. The first verse speaks about how the obsession with money has caused the singer to think too much and that everyone seems to be talking about it. He acknowledges that he needs to get some money to keep himself and his crying baby afloat. But despite the need for money, he is not ready to put his relationships on hold, stating that he does not have the time for that. The chorus, "Grind," reinforces the need for action and the importance of working hard to achieve financial success.
The second verse and chorus of the song delve deeper into the darker side of money. The lyrics suggest that people are dying for this money, and it might not be around for long. The singer decides to leave his relationships behind and focus solely on acquiring money. The repeated phrase, "I'm gone, I'm gone," speaks to how people can lose themselves in the pursuit of financial success. As the song progresses, it becomes evident that the singer is willing to sacrifice everything for money, leaving his loved ones behind.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, ah, well I been thinking too much
I've been overthinking and it's consuming me
That I've been thinking too much
My mind is preoccupied with thoughts I can't seem to shake off
Seems like everyone's talking 'bout money
Money is a common topic and concern for most people
So, I've got to get me some
I need to focus on acquiring money for my own benefit
My baby's crying
My partner is upset and unhappy
So now my baby's crying
My partner is still upset and distressed
We always fighting for money
My partner and I have constant arguments about finances
But, girl, I ain't got the time
I don't have the patience or energy to argue anymore
Ain't no way we lying
We can't escape the truth about our financial struggles
I will not grieve in gold
I won't let money become my primary concern or source of sadness
Uh, people dying for this money
Money can be a cause of conflict and even death for some
Uh, might not be around too long, uh
Life is unpredictable and I may not have much time to enjoy my wealth
So I'm gone, yeah, I'm gone, yeah
I'm leaving behind worries about money and focusing on my own goals
Oh, I'm gone, I'm gone
I'm escaping the burden of financial stress
I'm gone, don't know when I'll be home
I'm taking a break from my current concerns and don't know when I'll return
Just got to get to some money
Although money is not my top priority, I still need it to achieve my goals
I got this story of mine
My journey and struggles will be reflected in my personal story
Uh, yeah
A moment of affirmation and determination
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jr., Gary Clark
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Richard Leach
He's getting better with each album.Soon everyone will know how fantastic he is.
dawn robinson
Indeed!
Navid Kamal
man this song is infectious!i have been listening to this song almost everyday....can't get over that tone!
The Bryant C. Project
This is like a breath of fresh air to a guy like me in this world today. Play on Gary.
Thomas J. Vacchino
Killer!! Love that gritty guitar tone!
Jeremy Patrick
First tune I've heard off the new album, love it!!!
Yeehee
favorite song iv heard on this new album. just incredible
Clément Bonal
Awesome, I love it !!
Christian Jackson
im truly diggin this sound. This albums gunna be hot
kelly mcentee
Leon Bridges