In 2004, George Canyon competed in Nashville Star 2. He placed 2nd in the competition, but became very well known in Canada and garnered much support, being the only Canadian to make the cut for the competition. Since the competition has ended, he has received many accolades from fans and the industry alike. These include a number 1 hit about a still-born baby called "My Name," a Juno Award for Best Country Recording of the Year (for his album One Good Friend), and, most recently four Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs) including Male Vocalist of the Year and the Fan Choice Award.
Canyon is known for his support of SHARE (Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support, Inc. serves those whose lives are touched by the tragic death of a baby through early pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or in the first few months of life) and Animas Canada (company who makes insulin pumps, which George himself uses). His song "My Name" is reflective of why he has associated himself with SHARE.
George says:
"I co-wrote this song with Gordie Sampson from the perspective of an unborn baby. A close friend and his wife had a miscarriage, and I witnessed the pain they went through losing a baby. I wanted to write a song to help people cope with that trauma and somehow bring a positive light to the subject"
For photographs and additional information visit George's official website, www.George Canyon.com
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George's Band:
Joe Butcher (bass)
Stuart Cameron (guitar)
Erick Hedrick (guitar)
Shane Guse (fiddle and mandolin)
Adam Dowling (drums)
Mike Little (keyboards)
Letting Go
George Canyon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the dream that I was lost in slips away
Of a young son and his mama so innocent back then
Would she even recognize her boy today
'Cause I have fought into the darkness
And I've spilled blood, with these two hands
And in my heart I wish I could believe
I've crossed mountains, hills, and valleys
From sea to shining sea, barren sands to blinding snow
I held my brother as he laid dying
Beside me in some field, said a prayer, and let him go
And I have fought into the darkness
And I've spilled blood, with these two hands
And in my heart I wish I could believe
That who I was, is who I am
I'm letting go
(I'm letting go)
Letting go
(I'm letting go)
Well, I'm letting go
(I'm letting go)
Letting go
(I'm letting go)
Now with all my trials behind me I'm so blessed to cast my eyes
On my family and my home
And with faith I faced my demons when God was on our side
All that's left, is letting go
I'm letting go
(I'm letting go)
Letting go
(I'm letting, letting go)
Well, I'm letting go
(I'm letting go)
Letting go
(I'm letting, letting go)
The lyrics in George Canyon's song "Letting Go" begin with the description of the sound of distant thunder that pulls him out of his restless sleep. The dream that he had, which was about his innocent past with his mother and his young son, fades away. The lyric then asks whether his mother would still recognize him today, after all of the dark and dangerous experiences he has gone through. The personas of this song are men and women who have served their country and witnessed the most heinous and unimaginable acts of violence.
The song's chorus ("I'm letting go, letting go") is repeated multiple times throughout the song, reflecting the major theme of this song, which is about the military's attempts to rebuild themselves and their lives after serving their country. The persona is torn between their roles in the military and their life after the military. They are struggling to reconcile the person they were with the person they are today. The lyricist is trying to communicate that people need to accept their past, let it go, and move on towards a brighter future.
"Letting Go," like many of George Canyon's songs, tells a story of resilience and hope, highlighting the ability of people to come out stronger on the other side. It is a powerful tribute to those who have served and sacrificed their lives for their countries. The song takes listeners on an emotional journey through the experiences of a post-military persona.
Line by Line Meaning
Lonely sound of distant thunder stirs my restless sleep
The sound of thunder far away makes it hard for me to sleep peacefully
And the dream that I was lost in slips away
My dream disappears and I forget about it
Of a young son and his mama so innocent back then
I dreamt about my son and his mother when they were younger and innocent
Would she even recognize her boy today
I wonder if my son's mother would even recognize him if she saw him now
'Cause I have fought into the darkness
I have battled through tough times
And I've spilled blood, with these two hands
I have fought and shed blood with my own hands
And in my heart I wish I could believe
I really wish I could believe in myself
That who I was, is who I am
I wish I could still see myself as who I used to be
I've crossed mountains, hills, and valleys
I have traveled through various terrains
From sea to shining sea, barren sands to blinding snow
I have traveled far and wide through different landscapes
I held my brother as he laid dying
I was there, holding my dying brother
Beside me in some field, said a prayer, and let him go
I was in a field with him, praying as he passed away, finally letting him go
Now with all my trials behind me I'm so blessed to cast my eyes
Now that my challenges are over, I feel grateful when I look at my family and home
On my family and my home
I feel blessed to have a loving family and a home
And with faith I faced my demons when God was on our side
I was able to confront my fears with the support of God
All that's left, is letting go
All I have to do now is move on and let go of the past
I'm letting go
I am finally letting go
(I'm letting go)
Letting go
I am releasing myself from the burden of the past
(I'm letting go)
Well, I'm letting go
I am truly ready to let go
(I'm letting go)
Letting go
I am finally able to release myself from the past
(I'm letting, letting go)
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: George Canyon, Thom Shepherd
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind