Ivan moved to Los Angeles where he expanded his musical prowess and gained an overall no-nonsense attitude to his approach at writing, performing and recording music. It wasn't long before he became a pivotal member of Bonnie Raitt's band, Rufus, Keith Richards & the Xpensive Winos and the Spin Doctors. Ivan launched his solo career with the acclaimed If My Ancestors Could See Me Now and, several years later, followed with Thanks. In between solo records, Ivan wrote, performed and/or recorded with Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards, Robbie Robertson, The Rolling Stones and other major artists.
Ivan recently wrote and co-produced Saturday Morning Music, a highly autobiographical solo album. Saturday Morning Music is a timeless hybrid of Soul, Rock, and New Orleans Funk that translates into an incomparable modern musical gumbo that includes performances by Bonnie Raitt, Bobbie Womack, Keith Richards and Aaron Neville.
Ivan says:
"Saturday Morning Music was a chance to express myself and reflect on my life. The sound of this record is a mix of the music I grew up with as well as the music I've been involved with in the past couple of years. The songs are my story and the people who collaborated with me are not only my friends and family, but also my mentors. I am very fortunate to complete a project like this that is rewarding on so many levels. I feel extremely blessed to do this for a living."
Ivan is currently performing with his own band which recently appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, and has also re-teamed with his father and uncles, The Neville Brothers, for future recordings and live performances.
Bio taken from: http://www.ivanneville.com/biography.html
Sun
Ivan Neville Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Another question undefined
A change in my seasons
I guess it's all right
I look in the mirror
I see myself
It's my time
I'll pay it back later
Tomorrow is today
Chorus:
Shine sun over my life
Shine sun, wake me up now
Shine sun, show me the light
Sun shine
Just look at those faces
I'm not the only one
Those people, those places
Let me live my life and have some fun
Who's laughing, who's crying
Who's talking, who's lying
I got to get used to being up early
Wake me up and let me go
Chorus x2
The song "Sun" by Ivan Neville speaks of living life with purpose and embracing change. The opening lines "Just living my reasons, another question undefined" indicates that the singer is trying to make sense of his existence while questioning the uncertainties of life. However, the next line "A change in my seasons, I guess it's all right" signifies his acceptance of the unknown future and the natural cycle of life.
In the next verse, the singer looks in the mirror and sees himself knowing that it's his time to live his life. "Just what I borrowed, I'll pay it back later, tomorrow is today" implies that life should be enjoyed and lived to the fullest as the future is uncertain. The chorus "Shine sun over my life, Shine sun, wake me up now, Shine sun, show me the light, Sun shine" refers to the sun as a symbol of hope and light that illuminates his path, guiding him towards his purpose.
Throughout the song, the singer emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and enjoying one's life. The lines "Just look at those faces, I'm not the only one, Those people, those places, Let me live my life and have some fun" suggest that he wants to live a carefree life without worrying about societal expectations. The final lines "Wake me up and let me go" signify his desire to live life to the fullest without fear, embracing each day with positivity and joy.
Line by Line Meaning
Just living my reasons
Living my life in a way that satisfies my personal reasons and desires.
Another question undefined
Feeling uncertain about another question in my life that is yet to be defined.
A change in my seasons
Going through a transformation or shift in my life, much like the changing of seasons.
I guess it's all right
Accepting the changes and uncertainty in life as they come and finding a way to be okay with it.
I look in the mirror
Reflecting on my own image, identity, and self in the physical and emotional sense.
I see myself
Recognizing and acknowledging who I truly am as a person and accepting it.
It's my time
Realizing that it is my time to take control of my life and make the most of it.
Just what I borrowed
Understanding that everything in life is temporary and nothing belongs to me forever.
I'll pay it back later
Knowing that I will eventually have to return everything I borrowed in life, whether it be time, money or other resources.
Tomorrow is today
Living in the present moment and making the most of each day, since tomorrow is never promised.
Chorus: Shine sun over my life
Asking the sun to shine light on my life and give me guidance and clarity.
Shine sun, wake me up now
Requesting the sun to bring energy and positivity into my life and jolt me out of any negative or stagnant state of mind.
Shine sun, show me the light
Asking the sun to reveal the truth and enlighten me in my journey through life.
Sun shine
Using the phrase 'sun shine' as a hopeful and positive mantra to attract positive energy and good vibes.
Just look at those faces
Observing other people's facial expressions and emotions around me.
I'm not the only one
Realizing that I am not the only person going through struggles or difficulties in life.
Those people, those places
Thinking about other people and places that have impacted my life in some way.
Let me live my life and have some fun
Asking for the freedom to live my life on my own terms and enjoy it to the fullest.
Who's laughing, who's crying
Wondering about the emotions and experiences of others around me.
Who's talking, who's lying
Questioning the authenticity of people's words and intentions.
I got to get used to being up early
Acknowledging the fact that I must adjust to certain changes or challenges in my life, such as waking up early.
Wake me up and let me go
Asking for a push or motivation to get up and take action in my life.
Chorus x2
Repeating the chorus to emphasize the importance of seeking guidance and positivity from external sources like the sun.
Contributed by Violet L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.