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.
We Are The Champions
Gavin DeGraw Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Time after time
I've done my sentence
But committed no crime
And bad mistakes
I've made a few
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face
We are the champions, my friend
And we'll keep on fighting until the end
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
Because we are the champions
Of the world
I've taken my bows
And my curtain calls
You brought me fame and fortune and everything that goes with it
I thank you all
But it's been no bed of roses
No pleasure cruise
I consider it a challenge before the whole human race
That I never lose
We are the champions, my friend
And we'll keep on fighting until the end
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
Because we are the champions
Of the world
The lyrics of We Are The Champions by Gavin DeGraw convey a powerful message of overcoming obstacles, perseverance and triumph. The first stanza describes the singer's journey and struggle of paying his dues and going through tough times, but holding on tight to his values, and not committing any crime. The second stanza goes on to explain how the singer has made some bad mistakes and had his fair share of challenges, but he never loses sight of his commitment to never give up and keep pushing, no matter what.
The chorus, however, is the most powerful aspect of the song. It transforms the personal struggles of the singer into a message of hope and inspiration for others. The lyric "We are the champions, my friend, and we'll keep on fighting until the end" is a statement on the power of never giving up and continuing to fight, both individually and as a collective. "No time for losers, because we are the champions of the world" is a testament to the fact that there is no room for failure, and that a champion mindset is something that everyone can achieve if they keep trying.
Line by Line Meaning
I've paid my dues
I have worked hard and struggled
Time after time
Continuously and repeatedly
I've done my sentence
I have completed my obligations
But committed no crime
I have lived with morals and ethics
And bad mistakes
I have made wrong decisions
I've made a few
I have not been perfect
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face
I have been mistreated and beaten down
But I've come through
But I have persevered
We are the champions, my friend
We have succeeded, together
And we'll keep on fighting until the end
We will never give up
We are the champions
We have achieved greatness
No time for losers
We have no time for negativity or failure
Because we are the champions
We have earned the title
Of the world
We are the best
I've taken my bows
I have celebrated my success
And my curtain calls
I have been acknowledged for my achievements
You brought me fame and fortune and everything that goes with it
You have helped me achieve great success
I thank you all
I am grateful for your support and help
But it's been no bed of roses
But it has not been easy
No pleasure cruise
No smooth and easy journey
I consider it a challenge before the whole human race
I view it as a test of strength for everyone
That I never lose
And I will never give up
Contributed by Tyler K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Just4Friendz
Listening to this in honor of Danny Tidwell.
Rest well, Beautiful!❤️
@TheBarbapapapa
Doing a cover isn't about doing it LIKE Freddie. But taking the song and making it your own, something DeGraw has done. And done well! Regards, a big Queen fan
@RONIN35134
that was so touched soul of blues .. I LOVE IT .. 😍😍😍☝🏼
@jackiekossow5357
I can't believe this is the first time I have heard this. Gavin amazed me again! Thanks for sharing.
@elzish
What a beautiful voice, what a version!
@deweydudu09
gavin can take it a song and make it another song i love him and his talent just doesnt end wish he wasnt so underrated
@lindailoveenglish
Gavin you are a genius! I can't beleive your vocal habilities. You rock!
@Eliz279009
He knows how to tactfully cover a song and make it amazing.
@phoebealtman8162
omigod how have i not heard this before! this is amazing!
@LilBlondy345
I always love his covers that he does!!!