The band's origins date from when Santana guitarist Neal Schon formed the band Azteca along with Larry Graham (bass guitar) and Gregg Errico (drums), both from Sly and the Family Stone, and Peter Sears (keyboards), from Hot Tuna and Jefferson Starship. Santana bass guitar player Tom Rutley would move into to the bass spot with Azteca. That band, like Santana with heavy Latin influences, would eventually morph into Graham Central Station, while Schon would found Journey.
Graham Central Station's biggest hit was Your Love, which charted at number 9 in 1975. The group integrated Graham's slap bass style along with influences ranging from marching band to gospel. They played with the dichotomy between the funk rock star image and the "sanctified" gospel group image. Some of their recordings feature their then Warner Bros labelmates Tower of Power horn section. Graham went solo in the later 1970's having a chart hit with "One in a Million, You".
While no longer as popular as in the 70's, Larry Graham (born in Beaumont Texas in 1946) continues to tour & play music into the 21st century, most notably with Prince with whom he shares an interest in the Jehovah's Witness religion. In 1999, Graham recorded an album for Prince's label under the Graham Central Station moniker that featured old Sly Stone era bandmates Cynthia Robinson and sax player Jerry Martini and performed on Prince's "Rave Un2 2000" live DVD and appeared as a featured act throughout Prince's Jam of The Year tour.
water
Graham Central Station Lyrics
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Until your well runs dry
You don't miss your last chance
Until it pass you by
You don't miss your good thing
Until it's gone away
You don't miss your living
Until your dying days
You'll be crying water, water
You had better listen
To what we have to say
Shifting first God's kingdom
But shows the only way
Satan's out to get you
And that's without a doubt, yeah
Jesus tried to save to you
That's why we sing out loud
Switch me with you water, water
Let him find you spotless
In each and every way
Time is getting nearer
To Armageddon day
Trials and tribulations
Is what we're going through, yeah
That is why we're singing
This lttle song to you
So you won't miss your water, water
So you won't miss your water, water
Looking for some water, water
Looking for some water, water
Talking 'bout some water, water
Talking 'bout some water, water
The lyrics of Graham Central Station's song Water are a cautionary tale about taking things for granted until they are gone. "You don't miss your water until your well runs dry" is the key phrase of the song and clearly conveys the message that one should appreciate what they have before it is too late. The song also advises the listener to heed the teachings of God and Jesus to avoid the clutches of Satan. The lyrics suggest that Armageddon, the final conflict between good and evil, is fast approaching and trials and tribulations are to be expected. The song ends on a hopeful note, urging the listener to avoid missing their water by being mindful and prepared.
The lyrics of Water are emotionally charged and effectively convey the song's message. The use of water as a metaphor for the things we take for granted, such as love, happiness, and life itself, is compelling. The repetition of the refrain "You'll be crying water, water" further drives the point home. The contrast between the despair and hope in the lyrics is also noteworthy, as the song seems to suggest that redemption is possible if one heeds the message.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't miss your water
You don't realize the true value of something until it's gone
Until your well runs dry
Until you've completely lost that thing
You don't miss your last chance
You don't realize the value of an opportunity until it's already gone
Until it pass you by
Until you missed that opportunity
You don't miss your good thing
You don't realize the value of a good person or thing until they're no longer present in your life
Until it's gone away
Until they're no longer around
You don't miss your living
You take your life for granted until the end
Until your dying days
Until the very end of your life
You'll be crying water, water
You will be upset and lamenting your loss
You had better listen
It is important to pay attention
To what we have to say
To our message
Shifting first God's kingdom
Putting God above all else
But shows the only way
Is the only path forward
Satan's out to get you
Satan is trying to harm you
And that's without a doubt, yeah
There is no question about it
Jesus tried to save to you
Jesus attempted to help you
That's why we sing out loud
That's why we're spreading our message through music
Switch me with you water, water
Give me what you have lost
Let him find you spotless
Be clean and without sin
In each and every way
In every aspect of your life
Time is getting nearer
The end of the world is approaching
To Armageddon day
To the day of the final war between good and evil
Trials and tribulations
Difficulties and hardships
Is what we're going through, yeah
That's what we're experiencing
That is why we're singing
That's why we're using music to spread our message
This lttle song to you
This song is meant for you
So you won't miss your water, water
So you won't take important things for granted
Looking for some water, water
Searching for something valuable
Talking 'bout some water, water
Discussing the importance of something valuable
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Larry Graham
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Blake Kersey
on Today
Wrong lyrics!