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
Star
Gary Clark Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My days looked brighter
When you were around
You made me stronger
When you told me
Everywhere you go
Just know that you're a star
So, as we grow older, oh
I become wiser
I won't let you down
(I won't let you down)
I am determined to see you shine on
Everywhere you go
Just know that you're a star
Know that you're a star
Ooh
(I want you to shine)
I want you to shine
Go on and shine (Go one and shine)
I want you to shine (I want you to shine)
Everywhere you go
Just know that you're a star
They say that they gon' make you
Bigger than what you are
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Some will try to shake you
And some will try to break you
Just know that I'll be waitin'
While you quit chasin' new faces
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, oh, yeah
Some will try to shake you
And some will try to break you
Just know that I'll be waitin'
While you quit chasin' their faces
Everywhere you go
Just know that you're a star
Some will try to shake you
And some will try to break you
Just know that I'll be waitin'
While you quit chasin' their faces
Everywhere you go
Gary Clark Jr.'s song "Star" is a heartfelt and empowering tribute to someone who has had a positive and influential impact on the singer's life. The lyrics reflect on the past when the presence of this person made the singer's days brighter and gave them strength. The person's words of encouragement and belief in the singer's potential are highlighted in the line, "When you told me, everywhere you go, just know that you're a star."
As the song progresses, it reveals the singer's determination to reciprocate the support they received. They express their desire for the person to shine and not to be discouraged by those who may try to undermine or overshadow them. The line, "They say that they gon' make you bigger than what you are," suggests that there will be people who may try to exploit or control the person's success. However, the singer reassures them that they will be there, waiting, while they focus on their own journey and not get caught up in chasing external validation.
Overall, "Star" serves as an affirming anthem, reminding the listener that they are special and capable of greatness despite the challenges and negativity that may come their way. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with those who believe in their potential and staying true to their own path.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was younger
During my youth
My days looked brighter
My life seemed more optimistic
When you were around
When you were present
You made me stronger
You empowered me
When you told me
When you shared with me
Everywhere you go
No matter where you travel
Just know that you're a star
Understand that you possess exceptional qualities
Yeah
Indeed
So, as we grow older, oh
As time passes
I become wiser
I gain more wisdom
I won't let you down
I will not disappoint you
(I won't let you down)
(I will not fail you)
I am determined to see you shine on
I am committed to witnessing your success
Know that you're a star
Recognize that you possess exceptional qualities
Ooh
Expressing excitement or admiration
(I want you to shine)
(I desire for you to excel)
I want you to shine
I wish for you to succeed
Go on and shine (Go one and shine)
Continue to excel
I want you to shine (I want you to shine)
I desire for you to succeed
They say that they gon' make you
Others claim they will elevate you
Bigger than what you are
To a higher level than your current state
Some will try to shake you
Some individuals will attempt to unsettle you
And some will try to break you
And others will attempt to crush you
Just know that I'll be waitin'
Understand that I will be there
While you quit chasin' new faces
While you stop pursuing new people
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Affirmative responses
Yeah, yeah, oh, yeah
Affirmative responses
Everywhere you go
No matter where you travel
Just know that you're a star
Understand that you possess exceptional qualities
Some will try to shake you
Some individuals will attempt to unsettle you
And some will try to break you
And others will attempt to crush you
Just know that I'll be waitin'
Understand that I will be there
While you quit chasin' their faces
While you stop pursuing their approval
Everywhere you go
No matter where you travel
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kassner Associated Publishers Ltd
Written by: GEORGE EVELYN, LEIGH KENNY, ROBIN TAYLOR-FIRTH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
D
He's incredible. Don't let the mainstream get to you
Andrea Lanzillotta
Man..........stop This bullshit. Even if he becomes mainstream ( he deserves) his music will not become shit. Mainstream=shit. It's not always like this. Sometimes it is. Bob Dylan is mainstream. Is bob dylan shit? Of course not, he's a legend. The same for bruce Springsteen and many others. So there are many possibilities for gcj to continue doing great music and being mainstream at the same time
Shoujoboy51
Further proving that he won't be boxed into just "the blues guy". Gary Clark Jr. Doing neo-soul records is a dope direction. I figured he'd have a song or two like this after Blak N' Blu.
Alex
Great bassline, groove, voice and backing voices, just amazing, keep up the good work Gary!!! My personal actual band, thanks for making me a gooe friday, greetings from Spain!
Blessedbeyondmeasure
Love this!!! Thanks to Being Mary Jane for bringing this song to our attention.....SUPERBLY talented young man out of Austin, Texas!
paul luv
U just can't contain this guy... he refuses to fit into a box. Music for music lovers.
AmericangirlKim
+paul luv AMEN!!
chappahx
Thanks for this well-crafted album, from song-writing to musicianship and sound engineering. Epic piece of work!!!!
caribman10
The shame of all this is that Gary's ability to play the hell out of any type ofmusic to which he turns his talentt is what keeps him back. If he would just play the same old shit over and over, he'd have "hits", like this song has EVERY right to be. It is the finest tribute to slowjam R&B and Curtis Mayfield yoiuu can imagine, but where do you hear it on thhe radionor anywhere else? What a shame.This is a fantastic song, but just one of many on this CD. Saw himat the Foo Fighters 20t Anniversary show in Dc and he blew the joint out. But did anyone who wasn't there get that?
Bobby Adkins
caribman10 Definitely agree, but we still gotta push this dude. We ain't got much else out there this real and authentic.