In 2001, DeGraw released his first album independently named Gavin Live.
In 2003, his first major studio album was released, entitled Chariot, on July 22nd. He released Chariot Stripped a year later, an album with the same songs, but the instruments brought down to a minimum. The album has so far peaked at #1 in two countries, in Denmark and on the US Billboard Top Heatseekers chart. It went to #2 in Norway and #56 on the Billboard 200 and has benn certified Platinum. His first single, I Don't Want To Be, was released on December 14th 2004 and was the theme tune to the hit TV. drama series One Tree Hill. It peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at #10, the Billboard Pop 100 at #3, #6 in Norway and #38 in the UK, making it his only UK top 40 hit. It has been certified 2x Platinum, selling over 2 million copies. The second single, Chariot, was released on March 1st 2005 and made it to #1 on the Italian Airplay chart. It also did quite well in the US, hitting #30 on the Billboard Hot 100. The third single was Follow Through and it was released on November 17th 2005. It was used on several TV shows, including Scrubs, and was used on the Carte D'or, an ice cream company. The song peaked at #12 in Norway, #13 in Holland, #38 in Portugal and #52 on the Billboard Hot 100. The final single from the album, Just Friends was released in early 2006 and went to #21 in Holland.
DeGraw's second album, the self-titled Gavin DeGraw, was released on May 6th 2008. It debuted and peaked on the US Billboard 200 at #7, selling 66,000 copies in its first week. It also made #3 in Denmark, #8 in Norway and #13 in Sweden. The first single, We Belong Together, was featured on the soundtrack of the film Tristan & Isolde. It peaked at #26 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single, In Love With A Girl, was released on February 12th 2008. It peaked at #5 on the US Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks, #22 in Holland, #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #32 in Canada. She Holds A Key was released next, in Mid-2008, and peaked at #29 in Holland. The next single, Cheated On Me, was released in September 2008 and peaked at #77 on the Billboard Pop 100. I Have You To Thank was the final single of the album, being released in early 2009.
His third album, Free, was released less than a year after Gavin DeGraw, on March 31st 2009, and was made in less than two weeks. It entered the Billboard 200 at #19, selling 29,000 copies. The first single, Stay, was released on March 11th 2009, through the internet.
His fourth album Sweeter was released on September 20th, 2011 and spawned lead single Not Over You which peaked at #18 on the Hot 100 and has been certified double platinum by the RIAA. Second singlek Sweeter reached #18 on Billboard's Adult Pop Songs chart. The final single from the album was Soldier.
Gavin released a live album on December 4th, 2012 entitled "Sweeter Live" singing some tracks from Sweeter and earlier favorites.
His current single Best I Ever Had is a song from upcoming fifth studio album Make A Move to be released on October 15th, 2013 in the US. The song has so far peaked at 28 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart.
Chariot
Gavin DeGraw Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Leaning on the mother tree
I said to myself, "we all lost touch"
Your favorite fruit is chocolate covered cherries
And seedless watermelon, oh
Nothing from the ground is good enough
Body rise
Look what's over me
Oh, chariot your golden waves
Are walking down upon this face
Oh, chariot I'm singing out loud
To guide me
Give me your strength
Remember seeking moon's rebirth
Rains made mirrors of the earth
The sun was just yellow energy
It is a living promise land
Even over fields of sand
Seasons fill my mind and
Cover me
Bringing back
More than a memory
Oh, chariot your golden waves
Are walking down upon this face
Oh, chariot I'm singing out loud
To guide me
Give me your strength
You'll be my vacation away from this place
You know what I want
Holding that cup
It's pouring over the sides
Make me wanna spread my arms and fly
Oh, chariot your golden waves
Are walking down upon this face
Oh, chariot I'm singing out loud
To guide me
Give me your strength
Give me your strength (chariot)
Give me your strength (chariot)
Give me your strength (chariot)
Give me your strength (chariot)
Give me your strength (give it to me)
Chariot
Give me your strength (give it to me)
Chariot
Give me your strength (give it to me)
Chariot
Give me your strength, oh chariot
The lyrics to Gavin DeGraw's "Chariot" express the singer's desire for guidance and strength. In the first verse, the singer reflects on feeling disconnected from nature and the earth, saying that "nothing from the ground is good enough." However, they notice a maple leaf and lean against a mother tree, suggesting a desire to reconnect with nature. The chorus repeats the phrase "Oh, chariot your golden waves" as a way of reaching out for a form of divine guidance or assistance that will give them strength.
The second verse of the song touches on themes of rebirth and renewal. The singer recalls seeking the "moon's rebirth" and seeing "rains made mirrors of the earth." This imagery suggests a longing for a fresh start or a new beginning. They also describe "seasons fill[ing] my mind," further emphasizing a desire for change and growth. The bridge of the song is a powerful declaration that the singer wants to break free from their current situation, perhaps feeling suffocated or trapped in their current surroundings.
Overall, "Chariot" is a song about seeking guidance, strength, and renewal. It uses powerful imagery to convey a sense of longing and desire for something greater. The repeated chorus ("Oh, chariot your golden waves") functions almost as a mantra, underscoring the theme of reaching out for divine or spiritual assistance.
Line by Line Meaning
Staring at a maple leaf
Contemplating the beauty of nature and finding tranquility in it.
Leaning on the mother tree
Seeking support and solace in the arms of Mother Nature.
I said to myself, "we all lost touch"
Realizing that in the fast-paced world, we've all forgotten to stay connected to the simple things in life.
Your favorite fruit is chocolate covered cherries
Acknowledging the peculiarity of your taste and preferences.
And seedless watermelon, oh
Expressing further amazement at the uniqueness of your genotype.
Nothing from the ground is good enough
Realizing that sometimes what we see as ordinary things in life has so much to offer.
Body rise
Feeling energized and optimistic about life.
Look what's over me
Taking a moment to appreciate and find inspiration in what surrounds you.
Oh, chariot your golden waves
Intrigued by the notion of a chariot as a symbol of vitality and progress.
Are walking down upon this face
Feeling inspired by the symbolic image of 'golden waves' falling upon your face.
Oh, chariot I'm singing out loud
Expressing joy and gratitude for the progress and growth you're experiencing.
To guide me
Acknowledging that the chariot is leading you to new and better things.
Give me your strength
Asking for more inspiration, energy and motivation to keep moving forward.
Remember seeking moon's rebirth
Memory of reflecting on the beauty of the moon's cycle and the endless possibilities it represents.
Rains made mirrors of the earth
The earth was so filled with water that it reflected the sky like a mirror, creating an illusion of endless expansion.
The sun was just yellow energy
Recognizing the energy and power of the sun as a life-giving force.
It is a living promise land
Basking in the beauty of life and its promises of a better tomorrow.
Even over fields of sand
Finding hope and growth even in challenging and desolate situations.
Seasons fill my mind and
Reflecting on the passage of time and the endless transformation of things.
Cover me
Feeling overwhelmed by the beauty of life and the endless possibilities it holds.
Bringing back more than a memory
The memories and experiences of life are not just nostalgic, but carry lessons and growth with them.
You'll be my vacation away from this place
Finding a perfect escape from the mundanity of life in a comfortable and meaningful relationship.
You know what I want
Acknowledging the depth and intensity of the connection that exists between two people.
Holding that cup
Enjoying the simple pleasures of life and finding joy in the small things like holding a cup.
It's pouring over the sides
Feeling so completely happy and overjoyed that the emotion is overflowing almost to the point of being unable to contain it.
Make me wanna spread my arms and fly
Feeling free and unburdened to spread wings and soar to newfound heights.
Give me your strength (chariot)
Continuing to ask for encouragement and motivation to keep moving forward.
Give me your strength (give it to me)
Acknowledging the value of self- motivation and determination in achieving goals and objectives.
Chariot
A symbol of progress and vitality that leads one to their desired future.
Give me your strength, oh chariot
The chariot in this context represents the strength, motivation and inspiration necessary to pursue goals and desires.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gavin Degraw
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jeanette Miller
We weren't able to stand or scream during the songs...trust me, it was hard to control ourselves but we had strict rules we had to follow!
grand slam
Wow. Would love to own this concert on DVD, if available
Thomas Mott
@Gavin DeGraw Waaaaiiit....You're not Gavin DeGraw!
Gavin DeGraw
Thanks for your sincere compliment and love, I'm not complete without you as my fan 🌹🎻 I have you to be most thankful for 🎻🎻🌹It has been a perfect playing for me having a lovely and awesome Fan like you, thanks for your love, I have you mostly to be thankful for 🎻🌹🎻 It's pretty remarkable how many people my music touches ... I think I am very lucky in that way. I think I have you to be the most thankful for 🎹🌹🌹
Ryan Hearton
I love how you can tell that some people want to stand and sing along but they don't dare for fear of getting kicked out! Damn AOL rules
MBPrincesa
He’s a true artist!
sarai
TALENT 👏🏼👏🏼 this song brings back so much so much nostalgia ❤️
Gavin DeGraw
Thanks for your sincere compliment and love, I'm not complete without you as my fan 🌹🎻 I have you to be most thankful for 🎻🎻🌹 It has been a perfect playing for me having a lovely and awesome Fan like you, thanks for your love, I have you mostly to be thankful for 🎻🌹🎻 It's pretty remarkable how many people my music touches ... I think I am very lucky in that way. I think I have you to be the most thankful for 🎹🌹🌹
Charlie Gore
I hope his next album goes back to this vibe... soulful yet poppy.
Nikkita Caines
Love his voice