Gary Clark Jr. (born February 15, 1984) is an American guitarist and actor … Read Full Bio ↴Gary Clark Jr. (born February 15, 1984) is an American guitarist and actor based in Austin, Texas. Described as being the future of Texas blues, Clark's resume has included sharing the stage with various legends of rock and roll. He has stated that he is "influenced by blues, jazz, soul [and] country, as well as hip hop". Clark's musical trademarks are his extremely fuzzy guitar sound and smooth vocal style.

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

Third Stone From The Sun / If You Love Me Like You Say
Gary Clark Jr. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If you love me like you say
Why you treat me like you do?
If you love me like you say, baby
Why you treat me like you do?
Well I ain't no fool, no
I'm cool, I know the rule

Said you'd never run around

Said you'd never stay out late
Said you'd never run around, baby
Said you'd never stay out late
Let me tell you pretty baby
I've got to set you straight, yeah yeah

Said you'd never run around
Said you'd never stay out late
Said you'd never run around, run around baby
Said you'd never stay out late, yeah

Let me tell you pretty baby, uh
I've got to set you straight, yeah uh huh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Gary Clark Jr.'s song Third Stone From The Sun/If You Love Me Like You Say are a classic case of a person going back on their word. The singer questions their lover's loyalty and commitment to the relationship, asking if they truly love them like they claim, then why do they treat them the way they do. The singer remembers the promises made by their lover- of never running around or staying out late, but it is clear from their current behavior that they have gone back on their word. The singer acknowledges that they are not a fool and they know the rule, indicating that they are well aware of the norms and expectations of a committed relationship, and the behavior of their lover is not acceptable.

Gary Clark Jr.'s delivery of the lyrics is raw and intense, adding to the emotion of the song. The repetition of the lines "Said you'd never run around" and "Said you'd never stay out late" emphasizes the broken promises and the betrayal of trust. The overall message of the song is that actions speak louder than words and that trust and honesty are essential in any relationship.

Line by Line Meaning

If you love me like you say
Questioning the sincerity of someone's love

Why you treat me like you do?
Asking about actions not matching words

If you love me like you say, baby
Reiterating the doubt

Why you treat me like you do?
Asking about actions not matching words

Well I ain't no fool, no
Acknowledging intelligence and not being easily fooled

I'm cool, I know the rule
Remaining calm and aware of what's expected

Said you'd never run around
Referring to promises made about fidelity

Said you'd never stay out late
Referring to promises made about being present

Said you'd never run around, baby
Reiterating promises made about fidelity

Said you'd never stay out late
Reiterating promises made about being present

Let me tell you pretty baby
Asserting control over the conversation

I've got to set you straight, yeah yeah
Giving the ultimatum of setting the record straight

Said you'd never run around
Referring to promises made about fidelity

Said you'd never stay out late
Referring to promises made about being present

Said you'd never run around, run around baby
Reiterating promises made about fidelity

Said you'd never stay out late, yeah
Reiterating promises made about being present

Let me tell you pretty baby, uh
Continuing to assert control over the conversation

I've got to set you straight, yeah uh huh
Stressing the urgency and importance of setting things straight

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Jimi Hendrix, Little Johnny Taylor

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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