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
Things Are Changin'
Gary Clark Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't tell
Where I'll be from here on out
Ooh it's hell
Knowing that for now
We shouldn't kiss and tell
When it's so good yeah
And I already know your name
I can make you feel good
If you want to give me the time of day
Won't you listen to me here and now
Cause I'll lay it down simple and plan
Ooh it'd be good to get together girl
But it'll be so hard to maintain
Cause it seems like now
Ooh baby things are changing now
And I can't tell
Where I'll be from here on out
Ooh it's hell
Knowing that for now
We shouldn't kiss and tell
When it's so good yeah
I told you already girl
That I oh I was so gone
But that sweet sweet love
Yeah it had me hanging on
So strong and I
I know now girl
That I can stand alone
I was put here on this earth
By myself whoa I gotta keep moving on
Cause it seems like now
Ooh baby things are changing now
And I can't tell
Where I'll be from here on out
Ooh it's hell
Knowing that for now
We shouldn't kiss and tell
When it's so good yeah
The lyrics of "Things Are Changin'" by Gary Clark Jr. describe a sense of uncertainty and change in a romantic relationship. The singer is aware that things are shifting, but doesn't know where he'll end up. There is a sense of a temporary feeling in the relationship, as he refers to not being able to "kiss and tell" which suggests things might not last. He clearly knows the girl he's talking to since he seems to remember her name but also sees her as a "stranger girl" which shows the cognitive dissonance between knowing someone and becoming an acquaintance in a short period. The singer admits that the relationship is good, but following the changes, it is hard to maintain it.
The second verse of the song amplifies the first verse's themes of uncertainty and change. The singer suggests that he is willing to make things work and that he will lay it all down simply and plan, but he is aware that it will be difficult. He understands that life is changing, and he doesn't know what is going to happen next. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the idea that change is happening; it's like being in hell since the fear of the unknown could be agonizing.
Overall, the song is an ode to impermanence, and it reflects the singer's vulnerability and confusion over the uncertainties of life, particularly in relationships. The lyrics use an emotional language to connect with the audience, who may also be going through similar situations in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh baby things are changing now
The situation is evolving and it's difficult to predict what will happen next.
I can't tell
It is impossible to foresee future events or outcomes.
Where I'll be from here on out
The singer is uncertain where his actions will take him in the future.
Ooh it's hell
The artist is experiencing great emotional pain and distress.
Knowing that for now
The artist is aware of a current limitation that may prevent him from pursuing a relationship with this person.
We shouldn't kiss and tell
The singer believes that discretion is important in their relationship.
When it's so good yeah
Despite the challenges, the singer believes the relationship is worth pursuing.
You walk up to me like a stranger girl
The artist is approached by someone he knows but hasn't seen in a while.
And I already know your name
The artist recognizes the person immediately and has some familiarity with them.
I can make you feel good
The artist is confident he can provide emotional or physical satisfaction to the other person.
If you want to give me the time of day
The singer is interested in pursuing a relationship, but respects the other person's autonomy to make their own decision.
Won't you listen to me here and now
The artist is asking for the other person's attention and urging them to consider his proposal.
Cause I'll lay it down simple and plan
The singer will communicate his intentions and expectations clearly and concisely.
Ooh it'd be good to get together girl
The singer thinks that a relationship with this person would be positive and enjoyable.
But it'll be so hard to maintain
The singer is aware that maintaining a relationship is difficult for various reasons.
I told you already girl
The artist has had prior communication with the other person.
That I oh I was so gone
The artist was emotionally invested in the other person previously.
But that sweet sweet love
The intense feelings associated with the relationship kept the singer from moving on.
Yeah it had me hanging on
The singer admits that he was not in control of his feelings towards the other person.
So strong and I
The emotions were powerful and difficult to resist.
I know now girl
The artist has gained greater insight after reflecting on their relationship.
That I can stand alone
The artist acknowledges that he can exist independently without the other person.
I was put here on this earth
The singer believes that he has a purpose in life for which he is responsible.
By myself whoa I gotta keep moving on
The artist recognizes the importance of personal growth and progress without relying on another person.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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