Gillan was born in Hounslow, Middlesex, England. He joined the band Deep Purple in 1969. In 1970, he sang the part of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. After leaving Deep Purple in 1973, he went into brief retirement before forming the Ian Gillan Band. The early band sound had a distinct jazz-rock aspect which proved unpopular and was replaced by a more high powered hard rock sound as Gillan reformed the lineup and shortened the groups name to Gillan. With the release of Mr. Universe Ian Gillan was back in the UK charts and through several more line up changes released a string of hit singles and successful albums including Glory Road, Future Shock, Double Trouble, and finally Magic.
Then he announced the band would fold as he needed to rest his damaged vocal cords. In 1983 he joined Black Sabbath to record the Born Again album before rejoining a reunited Deep Purple shortly after completing the Born Again tour in early 1984. He left Purple again in 1989, but rejoined for good in 1992. He remains in the band today.
Gillan is now working on a project to document his 40-year career, tentatively called Gillan's Inn. Tony Iommi, Jeff Healey, various members of Deep Purple and many others will be featured on this 2006 DVD project.
Trying To Get To You
Ian Gillan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Even the valleys too
I've been travelling night and day
I've been running all the way
Baby, trying to get to you
Ever since I read your letter
I've been travelling night and day
I've been running all the way
Baby, trying to get to you
When I read your other letter
Then my heart began to sing
There where many miles between us
But it didn't mean a thing
I just had to reach baby
'Spite of all we been through
I ain't care travelling night and day
I ain't care running all the way
Baby, trying to get to you
When I read your other letter
Then my heart began to sing
There where many miles between us
But it didn't mean a thing
Lord above knows I love you
It was he who brought me through
When my way was dark as night
Shine his brightest light
When I was trying to get to you
The lyrics of Ian Gillan's song "Trying to Get to You" express the intense drive of a lover to reach his beloved despite the obstacles in his way. The song speaks of the lengths to which one will go to be with someone they love. The lyrics describe travelling over mountains and valleys, running day and night, all to get to the person they cherish. The first verse reflects the desperation to reach the other person, driven by the true love that was revealed in a letter. The second verse reiterates the same drive, establishing how distance has been futile in stopping this journey to find the love interest.
The singer's love is steadfast and unyielding, with a determination to overcome the obstacles that lie ahead. The chorus repeats the sentiments of the verse, albeit in a more upbeat and urgent tempo. This repetition serves to reinforce the message of his unconditional love, making sure that it is impressed upon the audience. The love deeper than distance and greater than all obstacles serves as the driving force behind the song.
The song has a rockabilly influence, utilizing the twangy guitar sound typically associated with the genre. The upbeat rhythm and driving tempo of the song, along with the passionate lyrics, create a sense of excitement that emphasizes the urgency of the situation. With its catchy tune and heartfelt lyrics, "Trying to Get to You" has become a classic love song that resonates with people of all ages.
Line by Line Meaning
I have been travelling over mountains
I've been on a long journey, crossing over many mountains.
Even the valleys too
I've travelled through valleys as well.
I've been travelling night and day
I've been travelling non-stop, even at night.
I've been running all the way
I've been making haste and not stopping, to get to you as soon as possible.
Baby, trying to get to you
I'm doing all this travel and running just to see you.
Ever since I read your letter
I started this journey when I read your letter.
Well you say you love me true
Your letter says that you love me and I believe it.
When I read your other letter
I read another letter from you.
Then my heart began to sing
I felt so happy and joyful in my heart.
There where many miles between us
We are separated by great distance.
But it didn't mean a thing
The distance didn't stop me from wanting to be with you.
I just had to reach baby
I couldn't wait to see you, I had to get to you as soon as possible.
'Spite of all we been through
Despite the obstacles we've faced in the past.
I ain't care travelling night and day
I don't mind the long journey, I'm willing to travel day and night.
I ain't care running all the way
I don't mind running, I'll do whatever it takes to get to you.
Lord above knows I love you
I believe that God knows how much I love you.
It was he who brought me through
God helped me overcome any obstacles that came in my way.
When my way was dark as night
When I faced great difficulties and obstacles that seemed insurmountable.
Shine his brightest light
God brought light into my life and helped me find my way to you.
When I was trying to get to you
God helped me get to you, despite the challenges we faced.
Contributed by Ellie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@richardbird2873
Great music never ages!!
@carolynwaltz6500
long live the hottest leadman in the world MR.GILLan
@perraultfl
Wow, Gillian Rocking 50's style!!. Great Version!
@DCHurlford1
Gillan (the band) were a superb outfit. Wasn't really old enough to appreciate them at the time but have rediscovered them in more recent years. This is good. Fighting Man is another favourite of mine. I think Bernie Torme and John McCoy still play together. Cheers for posting.
@clouds882
SUPER! thank u for sharing...never heard this version before..
@TheLivingroomSinger
Great video and I enjoyed it my friend! Ian was rocking Elvis' tune!
@PeterMackett
Fantastic video,Con!
@olgak_9932
Неожиданно! Он может всё! Гений!
@GreenerHill
This is excellent. I think it was recorded in 1974 - one of Ian Gillan's first recordings after Purple - but wasn't released until 1980, on the extra disc of Glory Road. (Am not being clever, just pretty old!)
@9903kateyes
Fantastic Con! Thanks for putting this up! Shows Ian at his best!