His career:
At the age of nineteen, he earned an ARCT in classical piano performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music, in Toronto. Upon graduation, he enjoyed modest local success with the band Rhinegold in 1976.
After Rhinegold broke up in 1981, Lawrence Gowan began a successful solo career under his surname, "Gowan", releasing his self titled debut on Columbia Records in 1982. This album Gowan contained his first singles "Victory" and "Keep Up The Fight". His 1985 album Strange Animal was his first real Canadian commercial breakthrough, spawning the hit singles "A Criminal Mind", "(You're A) Strange Animal" and "Cosmetics". The album was produced by David Tickle (Prince, Split Enz, Sting, U2 ) and featured Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel) on bass / Chapman stick, and Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel) on drums. His 1987 follow up Great Dirty World was also produced by Tickle and again featured Tony Levin on bass but had session percussionist Nigel Olsson (Elton John) on drums. This album's arrangements were assisted by Bob Ezrin (Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel) and gave him another breaking hit single, "Moonlight Desires," which featured Jon Anderson (Yes) on backing vocals.
1990's Lost Brotherhood featured Rush's Alex Lifeson on guitar', however, it was a commercial disappointment, and Gowan elected to pursue a change in his musical direction. Taking a more subdued, acoustic approach, he released an adult contemporary album ...but you can call me Larry in 1993, using his full name for the first time, and Lawrence Gowan returned to the Canadian charts with three strong singles: "When There's Time For Love", "Soul's Road", and "Dancing On My Own Ground". Gowan subsequently released critically acclaimed The Good Catches Up in 1995, which was produced by Eddie Schwartz (The Doobie Brothers, Paul Carrack), but the album did not generate singles or radio airplay. In 1997, Gowan released two live CDs: Sololive - No Kilt Tonight containing a strong rendition of Ragtime's classic "King Chanteclerc Rag", and Au Québec with an evocative cover of Harmonium's "Pour Un Instant", as well as his first French song, "Stéphanie", which was dedicated to his supportive Quebec fan base.
In 1997, Gowan released "Healing Waters" as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales after her death. However, despite what many believe, this song was not originally written for this purpose. It was, in fact, used in its original form in the 1995 soundtrack for the movie 'When The Bullet Hits The Bone' (starring Jeff Wincott), which was two years prior to the infamous accident that killed Diana. Although this song is not actually listed in the movie's credits, it plays a significant role within the film. After the Princess' death, the lyrics were modified by Gowan into the version that fans have come to know.
Gowan's classic "A Criminal Mind" was covered in 2005 by Canadian hip-hop artist Maestro; and Gowan appears in the song's video with his vocals sampled on the recording.
In February 2006, Lawrence Gowan did four orchestra accompanied concerts in London, Ontario and Kitchener, Ontario. On March 23rd, 2010, The Return of the Strange Animal was released by Linus Entertainment featuring remastered versions of the original recordings packaged alongside a documentary on the making of his breakthrough CD at Tittenhurst Park with Peter Gabriel's band mates. The disc features some of the original demo recordings, two new songs, and full resolution videos, including an animated cartoon entitled "The Checkmate: Ominous Spiritus 2010". The disc closes with a Live recording of "Criminal Mind" featuring his current band, Styx.
Gowan has guest-starred on the Canadian animated comedy series Chilly Beach, and he has also displayed a passionate love for ice hockey by playing for The Rock & Roll All-Stars, a celebrity team that participates in charity events across Canada.
City Of The Angels
Gowan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That time shall pass
They hear no call
Nothing is breaking
They reach the heights
They learn to run
They gain it all
Are you awaking...
Hello stranger, welcome in to the
City of the Angels
Share with us your passion, for a while
Many seek but few shall find
The City of the Angels
You're among the fortunate, my child
They kiss the wind
That love forgets
They lose the heart
Gone with the crier
They cross the line
That dare to dream
Their fear depart
Into the fire...
Repeat chorus
You went searching for this
Not a moment to miss
You can hardly resist...
Repeat chorus
The lyrics of Gowan's song "City of the Angels" refers to a place where people go to pursue their dreams and passions. It talks about individuals waiting for their opportunities and reaching the heights with courage and hard work. The song's opening lines "They sit and wait, That time shall pass, They hear no call, Nothing is breaking," depicts people who are waiting for something to happen, but nothing is taking place, and they don't have any direction. But as they learn to run and make progress in their pursuits, they overcome their fear and gain success. The chorus of the song welcomes people to the city of angels and encourages them to share their passions and enjoy their fortune.
In the second verse of the song, the singer describes the individuals who lose their hearts in their pursuit of love but are determined not to let go of their dreams. They cross the line and dare to dream up to pursue what they truly desire. The lyric "Their fear departs, Into the fire..." signifies the risks taken in pursuing a passion but putting your all into it.
Overall, the song's message is uplifting and encouraging people to pursue their dreams despite the fear and the risks that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
They sit and wait
They are stagnant, waiting for time to pass without taking action
That time shall pass
The belief that eventually things will get better
They hear no call
They lack direction and motivation
Nothing is breaking
Their lives are unchanging and mundane
They reach the heights
They achieve success and power
They learn to run
They adapt and become skilled at overcoming obstacles
They gain it all
They achieve everything they want
Are you awaking...
A reflective question for the listener to consider their own life and goals
Hello stranger, welcome in to the
A welcoming invitation to join the City of the Angels
City of the Angels
The symbolic place of idealism and success
Share with us your passion, for a while
A request to embrace the City's values and goals
Many seek but few shall find
The City of the Angels is a dream that is difficult to attain
You're among the fortunate, my child
Anyone who reaches the City is considered lucky or blessed
They kiss the wind
They experience the ecstasy and joy of freedom and power
That love forgets
In the pursuit of success, they may have to sacrifice love and relationships
They lose the heart
They become desensitized or numb to emotions
Gone with the crier
Their sorrow or sadness is suppressed or ignored
They cross the line
They break through boundaries and conquer challenges
That dare to dream
Challenges that test their willingness to pursue their aspirations
Their fear depart
Their doubts and anxieties dissipate
Into the fire...
A metaphor for the trials and tribulations of pursuing one's dreams
You went searching for this
A reminder that the listener is actively pursuing their goals
Not a moment to miss
An encouragement to seize every opportunity
You can hardly resist...
The City's allure is strong and tempting
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tristan Blackmore
Gowan is such an underrated artist love his voice
Chandler Kerr
Highly under-rated. This song has so many potential meanings, depending on what you are hoping to find within the lyrics.
Zeke Martin
This man is an absolute genius.... powerful words, fantastic music.... and the energy of a child. I wish more people could see his worth..... but they are too distracted by garbage
Angela M. Porisky
This song always makes me cry. I just love it.
Angela M. Porisky
Zeke Martin ❤️
Zeke Martin
It's because you are brilliant and understand how amazing he is.... and the message he tries to get across.
stephen stewart
strange animal was one of those albums best played end to end
DioneN
Agreed. I’m 46 now and have loved it since I was 12.
ragoo stew
This superstar graces us with another fantastic song and there are no comments?
Susan Simons
R R
Fabulous isn't he an he's Canadian