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

This Land
Gary Clark Jr. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Paranoid and pissed off
Now that I got the money
Fifty acres and a model A
Right in the middle of Trump country
I told you, "there goes a neighborhood"
Now mister Williams ain't so funny
I see you looking out your window
Can't wait to call the police on me

When I know you think I'm up to something
I'm just eating, now we're still hungry
And this is mine now, legit
I ain't leaving here you can't take it from me
I remember when you used to tell me

Nigga run, nigga run
Go back where you come from
Nigga run, nigga run
Go back where you come from
We don't want, we don't want your kind
We think you's a dog born
Fuck you, I'm America's son
This is where I come from

This land is mine
This land is mine
This land is mine
This land is mine

Up 'til the sun comes up
No I can't stop grinding
And I can't let 'em break me
No I can't let 'em find me
You can meet my friend the governor
Only if you wanna try me
Or you can meet my other friend the judge
Just in case you think I'm lying

When I know you think I'm up to something
I'm just eating, now we're still hungry
And this is mine now, legit
I ain't leaving here you can't take it from me
I remember when you used to tell me

Nigga run, nigga run
Go back where you come from
Nigga run, nigga run
Go back where you come from
We don't want, we don't want your kind
We think you's a dog born
Fuck you, I'm America's son
This is where I come from

This land is mine
This land is mine
This land is mine
(This land is mine)

This land is mine (this land is)
This land is mine (this land is)

This land is mine (this land is)
This land is mine (this land is)

Overall Meaning

Gary Clark Jr.'s song "This Land" is a powerful piece that speaks against racial discrimination and prejudice towards African Americans in the United States. The opening lines of the song, "Paranoid and pissed off, now that I got the money, fifty acres and a Model A, right in the middle of Trump country," sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is a black man who has come into some wealth and has purchased land in an area where he is not welcomed simply because of the color of his skin.

The line, "I told you, 'there goes a neighborhood,' now Mister Williams ain't so funny," suggests that the singer's presence is disrupting the social order and making some people uncomfortable. This is further evidenced in the line, "I see you looking out your window, Can't wait to call the police on me," which highlights the fact that being black in certain areas in the US is still considered a crime.

Line by Line Meaning

Paranoid and pissed off
Feeling anxious and angry

Now that I got the money
After becoming wealthy

Fifty acres and a model A
Owning a large land and an old car

Right in the middle of Trump country
In an area that supports Donald Trump

I told you, "there goes a neighborhood"
Said when the area changed

Now mister Williams ain't so funny
No longer amusing

I see you looking out your window
Observing one's actions

Can't wait to call the police on me
Excited to report to the authorities

When I know you think I'm up to something
Aware that suspicious thoughts exist

I'm just eating, now we're still hungry
Satisfied temporarily, but long-term issues still exist

And this is mine now, legit
Ownership is legal

I ain't leaving here you can't take it from me
Won't vacate my property

I remember when you used to tell me
Recalling past events

Nigga run, nigga run
Derogatory term towards African Americans, advised to escape

Go back where you come from
Return to the place of origin

We don't want, we don't want your kind
Not accepting certain groups of people

We think you's a dog born
Perceived to be inferior

Fuck you, I'm America's son
Proud to be American

This is where I come from
This is my heritage

Up 'til the sun comes up
Working hard continuously

No I can't stop grinding
Can't cease working hard

And I can't let 'em break me
Can't allow others to crush spirit

No I can't let 'em find me
Can't let enemies have power over me

You can meet my friend the governor
Introducing to powerful contacts

Only if you wanna try me
Only if they provoke me

Or you can meet my other friend the judge
Another influential person I know

Just in case you think I'm lying
Preparation for being accused of dishonesty

This land is mine
Ownership and pride over land

This land is mine (this land is)
Ownership and pride over land

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gary Lee Jr. Clark, Woody Guthrie

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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