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
If Trouble Was Money
Gary Clark Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If trouble was money, babe, I'd swear I'd be a millionaire
If worries was dollar bills
I'd buy the whole world and have money to spare
Worry, worry, baby, I've had worries on my mind
I said, "Worry, worry, worry, baby
I've had worries all my life"
My mother used to tell me
She said, "Son, there gonna be days like this"
I said, "My mother used to tell me"
She said, "Son, there gonna be days like this"
She said, "I want you to always be a winner
I love you, son, I don't want you to quit"
Gary Clark Jr.'s song "If Trouble Was Money" talks about the concept of wealth and hints at the singer's own struggles with financial trouble. The opening lines of the song state that, if trouble was money, then the singer would be a millionaire, implying that he has faced many difficulties in life. The reference to money is made metaphorically, highlighting the struggles that can arise when facing everyday worries, such as paying bills or making ends meet.
The lyrics also touch upon the theme of worry and its impact on the singer. He expresses that he has had worries on his mind throughout his life, and that times are hard. The mention of his mother provides a glimpse into the emotional support he received during difficult times. She told him that there will be days like this, but she loves him and wants him to always be a winner and not give up.
Overall, "If Trouble Was Money" portrays the message that, no matter how difficult life may get, it is essential to keep going and not give up. The theme of money throughout the song is symbolic, as it demonstrates that wealth and success are not just about material possessions, but also about resiliency and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
If trouble was money, I'd swear I'd be a millionaire
If the amount of trouble and problems one had equated to the amount of money they possessed, then the singer would be extremely wealthy.
If trouble was money, babe, I'd swear I'd be a millionaire
The singer repeats that if troubles and worries equaled money, then they would be a millionaire, emphasizing the importance of money to alleviate their stress and problems.
If worries was dollar bills
I'd buy the whole world and have money to spare
This line emphasizes the singer's desire for financial freedom, expressing the idea that if their worries equated to wealth, they would be able to afford everything and plenty more.
Worry, worry, baby, I've had worries on my mind
The artist uses repetition to emphasize how much they have struggled with worries and anxiety.
I said, "Worry, worry, worry, baby
I've had worries all my life"
The artist continues to emphasize their long-standing anxiety and the impact that it has had on their life.
You know times is hard, baby, yeah, I swear, I don't tell you no lie
The singer acknowledges the difficulties they have faced, emphasizing the struggles that have contributed to their anxiety and worries.
My mother used to tell me
She said, "Son, there gonna be days like this"
The singer shares their mother's advice that life will have ups and downs, but they should not lose hope.
She said, "I want you to always be a winner
I love you, son, I don't want you to quit"
The artist's mother expressed her desire for her child to succeed and never give up despite the difficulties they may face.
Lyrics © ALLIGATOR RECRDS/EYEBALL MUSIC, EMI Music Publishing
Written by: ALBERT GENE COLLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Remember Collins
I literally just listened to Gary Clark, Jr. for the first time less than 5 minutes ago and I am totally hooked . This is my kinda groove . YYYYEEEEESSSSSSSSS !!!!!
NSCA12
There are people who play The Blues then there are those that FEEL The Blues. There isn't a single song of his that feels forced. Every chord speaks to the soul!!!
John Mirabile
YOU SAID IT! WAS THINKING THE SAME THING, HE BECOMES ONE WITH THE SONG, ANY SONG, THERES PLAYING ON TOP OF A BLUES THEN THERES GETTING INSIDE OF A BLUES....NEVER HEARD HIM OUTSIDE OF A SONG! CLAPTON SAID, HE SAW 2 PPL WITH A NATURAL FLOW, GARY AND JIMMY HENDRIX, I LOVE JIMMY, BUT THE MORE I LISTEN TO GARY? IF I HAD TO CHOOSE ONE, I THINK ITS GARY! ONLY BC OF HIS STYLE I LEAN MORE TOWARDS GARYS SOUND AND THE FEELING OF HIS PLAYING, SO SMOOOTHHHHHH....BUT ITS VERRRRYYYY CLOSE...
Troubled Times
That’s because he speaks truth
Wayne
True dat
JOSHUA CARLSON
RIGHT ON…
Dick Gozinya
Thank goodness someone is still playing music like this today.
John Mark
This guys are not joking. The whole band is killer.
TheMRMACHONACHO
Eric Zapata. Unjustly outrageously underrated. What a beautiful soulful player
linda cole
Mr. Clark's Music takes me to a place where there is no ugliness I am white and went through the segregation in the 60s my ancestors do not make me proud of their greed and superiority of other races including the American Indian and other indigenous tribes in other continents your inner soul shines through your music and I'm very glad I found it thank you