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

When the Sun Goes Down
Gary Clark Jr. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

In the evening, mama
When the sun goes down
In the evening, baby
When the sun goes down
Well, ain't it lonesome
Ain't it lonesome, babe
When your love is not around?
When the sun goes down

Last night, I laid a-sleeping
I was thinking to myself
Last night, I laid a-sleeping
I was thinking to myself
Well, what I been thinking
Is why that the one that you love
Will mistreat you for someone else?
When the sun goes down

The sun rises in the east
An it sets up in the west
The sun rises in the east, mama
An it set's in the west
Well, it's hard to tell, hard to tell
Which one will treat you the best
When the sun goes down

'Yea-ah'
'Ooo-ee, hoo-wee'
'Yea-ah'
'Hee, hoo-oh'
'Yea-hi'
'Hoo, hoo-eee'

Good-bye old sweetheart and pals
Yes, I'm going away
But I may be back to see you again
Some old rainy day
Well, in the evening, in the evening

When the sun goes down
When the sun goes down.

Overall Meaning

The song "When the Sun Goes Down" by Gary Clark Jr. revolves around the theme of loneliness and heartbreak when the one you love is not around. The first verse starts off with the singer feeling lonely in the evening when the sun goes down and his love is not there with him. The repetition of the phrase "When the sun goes down" emphasizes the feeling of sadness and emptiness that comes with the night. This feeling is further reinforced in the second verse when the singer is lying in bed, thinking about his lover and wondering why the one you love would mistreat you for someone else.

The third verse switches focus and talks about the rising and setting of the sun, painting a picture of the cyclical nature of life. The line, "Well, it's hard to tell, hard to tell, which one will treat you the best when the sun goes down" captures the uncertainty of life and how one can never predict the future as to who will be there for them.

Overall, the song conveys a deep sense of longing and heartbreak that comes with losing someone you love. The use of repeating phrases and the melancholic tone of the music add to the emotion of the lyrics and make this song a beautiful yet sad ode to lost love.

Line by Line Meaning

In the evening, mama
As night falls, dear mother

When the sun goes down
As daylight fades away

In the evening, baby
As night falls, dear lover

Well, ain't it lonesome
Isn't it so solitary

Ain't it lonesome, babe
Isn't it so solitary, dear lover

When your love is not around?
When the one you love is not by your side?

Last night, I laid a-sleeping
Last night, I was sound asleep

I was thinking to myself
And I was lost in my thoughts

Well, what I been thinking
I've been wondering

Is why that the one that you love
Why does the one you love

Will mistreat you for someone else?
Hurt you for someone else?