Brannan was cast in 2003 for the movie Shortbus, directed by John Cameron Mitchell. He contributed the song Soda Shop to the film's soundtrack, which he stated was his "first professionally recorded track".
Relatively new to the music world, he has released several songs on iTunes and on his myspace page, has become extremely popular thanks to his YouTube profile, and has been keen on maintaining a self-produced, low-key website.
His songs hold many of the same universal themes other artists acclaim to, but with a more fresh, realistic, sometimes vulgar, understanding. This has made him a hero to other gay men and general audiences alike.
Official Website:
www.jaybrannan.com
Blowin' in the Wind
Jay Brannan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before you call him a man?
And how many seas must the white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
And how many years must the cannonballs fly
Before they're forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind
And how many times can a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
And how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
And how many deaths will it take 'til he knows that
Too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind
The answer is blowin' in the wind
And how many years can a mountain exist
Before it falls to the sea?
And how many years must some people exist
Before they're allowed to be free?
And how many times can a man turn his head
Pretending he just doesn't see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind
The answer is blowin' in the wind
The song Blowin' in the Wind by Jay Brannan is a cover of the Bob Dylan classic, which is a protest song that was popular during the 1960s Civil Rights and Anti-War movements. The lyrics of the song contain a series of rhetorical questions that speak to the injustices and inequalities present in American society at the time, particularly those related to race and war. The first verse asks how many roads a man must walk down before he is considered a man, a reference to the struggle for black Americans to achieve full citizenship and civil rights. The second verse asks how many deaths it will take for people to realize the horrors of war, and the third references the struggle for freedom and equality for marginalized groups.
The central refrain of the song, "the answer is blowin' in the wind," suggests that the solution to these societal problems is not easily discernible, and perhaps not even fully formed yet. The wind is an apt metaphor for the ever-changing nature of history and the slow progress of social change. Ultimately, the song speaks to the hope for a better future and the importance of asking tough questions in order to create meaningful social progress.
Line by Line Meaning
How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
How many experiences and challenges must a person go through and overcome to earn the respect and recognition of being a true man?
And how many seas must the white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
How many journeys must a peaceful and innocent being embark upon before they can finally rest in safety?
And how many years must the cannonballs fly
Before they're forever banned?
How many more wars and battles must be fought with devastating weapons, before we finally come to our senses and prohibit them?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind
The answer is blowin' in the wind
The solution to these problems and questions is not easily found, but rather is something abstract and elusive, like the ever-changing direction of the wind.
And how many times can a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
How many obstacles and distractions must one overcome before they can see the beauty and wonder of the world around them?
And how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
How many senses and avenues of communication must a person have before they can truly listen to and understand the suffering and pleas of others?
And how many deaths will it take 'til he knows that
Too many people have died?
How many tragedies and losses must occur before we realize that something is terribly wrong and we must take action?
And how many years can a mountain exist
Before it falls to the sea?
How long can something seemingly invincible and unchanging last before it ultimately succumbs to the forces of nature?
And how many years must some people exist
Before they're allowed to be free?
How much longer must certain groups and individuals endure oppression and restrictions before they are given the basic human right of freedom?
And how many times can a man turn his head
Pretending he just doesn't see?
How many times can a person ignore or deny the injustices and problems in the world around them, before they are forced to confront them?
Contributed by Sarah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
JehnJehn
If you get famous or at least make a record, please don't clutter up your beautiful music with all kinds of power instruments. It's so beautiful. Just don't change too much.
MissKimbee
Love your voice! Love this song!
Richie Johnson
Jay, that was absolutely gorgeous. I listened to it several times. Your voice is wonderful. thanks so much for sharing.
RoadTrip 429
your music is so original and heartfelt. wonderful falsetto. love the melody. you rock my socks jay.
castusalbuscor
That was amazing. You should have more music with that instrument thingy. Your voice compliments it a lot!
Odd Owl Out
I dont think I even know all the words myself so I noticed no mistake. :) I loved how simple this was and yet how sincere. Beautiful work Jay.
staceyjones
such a blessed message from a humble soul
Gerald Dimmit
Thanks Jay, for doing that for us. Bless You! May all good come your way! Peace!
rogerstan
You have some serious talent dude! Your voice is awesome. Get yourself on American Idol ...you will win it!!
killerclair
i am such a fan. you help me smile when really, i shouldn't have a reason to. amazing stuff jay. beautiful and magical.