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
Wings
Gary Clark Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Why don't you meet me in the wings 'cause I)
(Why don't you meet me in the wings 'cause I)
(Don't wanna be alone)
New cars, new clothes, bankroll, new stones
Everyone knows so
We got issues, and people get misused
What we go through, everyone knows
So
Why don't you meet me in the wings 'cause I
Why don't you meet me in the wings 'cause I
Why don't you meet me in the wings 'cause I
Don't wanna be on this lay
Oh oh (why)
Oh oh (why)
Red carpets (hey), red roses (hey)
Put on poses 'cause here comes the Joneses (Joneses)
Everyone knows so
Why don't you meet me in the wings 'cause I
Why don't you meet me in the wings 'cause I
Why don't you meet me in the wings 'cause I
Don't wanna be on this lay
Everyone knows
(Oh, everyone knows)
Everyone knows
(Oooh, everyone knows)
Everyone knows
(Everyone knows)
Everyone knows
Everyone's chasing new faces
Yeah, yeah
(Why, why, why, why, why)
Why don't you meet me in the wings 'cause I
Why don't you meet me in the wings 'cause I
Why don't you meet me in the wings 'cause I
Don't wanna be on this lay
Why don't you meet me in the wings 'cause I
Why don't you meet me in the wings 'cause I
Why don't you meet me in the wings 'cause I
Don't wanna be on this lay
The song "Wings" by Gary Clark Jr. is a commentary on the superficiality and fleeting nature of fame and fortune. The opening lines suggest a life of excess, with mentions of new cars, clothes, and jewelry, all of which are easily acquired in the world of the wealthy and famous. However, the chorus, with its plea to "meet me in the wings," reveals the underlying desire for connection and companionship amidst the chaos and isolation of celebrity life. Clark Jr. acknowledges that "everyone knows" the struggles that come with fame, but true connection can still be found if one is willing to look beyond the glamour and hubbub.
Throughout the song, Clark Jr. employs imagery of red carpets and photo ops to underscore the facade of celebrity culture. He references the pressure to "put on poses" and the constant competition with "the Joneses." However, the repeated refrain of "why don't you meet me in the wings" suggests that the real moments of connection come when the cameras are off and the spotlight is dimmed. The song is a reminder that true friendship and love cannot be bought or sustained by fame, and that underneath the veneer of excess and glamour, we all have the same basic desires and needs for connection and companionship.
Line by Line Meaning
Why don't you meet me in the wings 'cause I
I don't want to be alone, so please join me backstage where we can escape the pressures of materialism and social expectations.
Don't wanna be on this lay
I don't want to remain in this superficial environment filled with flashy cars, expensive clothes, showy jewelry, and pretentious people.
New cars, new clothes, bankroll, new stones
We use material possessions and wealth to measure success and identity.
Everyone knows so
This superficial culture is widely accepted and acknowledged.
We got issues, and people get misused
Within this culture, people encounter problems and are often exploited.
And girl I miss you, but I know we'll get through
Despite the challenges we face in this culture, I still long for your companionship and support, and believe that we can overcome them together.
Red carpets (hey), red roses (hey)
Even the glamour of luxurious events and gifts becomes mundane and expected in this culture.
Put on poses 'cause here comes the Joneses (Joneses)
We adopt certain appearances and behaviors to fit in with societal standards set by successful or popular individuals known as the 'Joneses.'
Everyone's chasing new faces
People are constantly seeking the latest trends and new acquaintances in this superficial culture.
Yeah, yeah
An expression of frustration or weariness with this culture.
Oh oh (why)
A desperate plea to escape the superficiality and isolation of this culture and find true connection.
Everyone knows
This culture is pervasive and widely understood.
(Oh, everyone knows)
Emphasizing the ubiquity of this culture.
(Oooh, everyone knows)
A mournful acknowledgement of the inescapability of this culture.
(Why, why, why, why, why)
A repeated call for true connection and escape from this culture.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Daniel Eli Kowarsky, Gary Michael Clark, Ryan Jason Kowarsky, Victoria Jane Horn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind