Shortly after completing high school, Jeff began to gain attention around the Toronto pub and club scene with a three piece band that showcased his incredible talents. The Jeff Healey Band had a monthly weekend gig at Baker Street, on Queen Street East. Jeff soon garnered local attention and people traveled to come and see him play with his band. Record executives came to check out his performances before he eventually signed with BMG Canada and Artista in the USA. His guitar workmanship became legendary with his unique playing style, and he was recruited for a spot in the 1989 motion picture Road House, which starred Patrick Swayze and Sam Elliott as bouncers at a roadside bar. Jeff and his band were regular 'performers' at the seedy club and are featured on its official soundtrack.
Jeff was more than just a gifted guitarist, he was a devoted passionate musician who played trumpet in his own Jazz band, Jeff Healey and the Jazz Wizards, hosted a regular radio music show on CBC, and collected vinyl recordings including vintage 78's, and was reported to have one of Canada's largest private music libraries.
Jeff Healey tragically died in Toronto, Sunday March 2, 2008, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was only 41. For greater details on Jeff's life and musical career contributions, visit his Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Healey
A live DVD/CD box set entitled "Legacy - Volume 1" was released posthumously in 2009 on Arbor Records without Jeff Healey's wife Cristie and his estate's participation. On his website, Cristie Healey discourages support of this product. www.jeffhealey.com
I'm Torn Down
Jeff Healey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm tore down, I'm almost level with the ground
Well, I feel like this when my baby can't be found
I went to the river to jump in
My baby showed up and said, "I will tell you when"
Well, I'm tore down, I'm almost level with the ground
I love you babe with all my heart and soul,
love like mine will never grow old
Love you in the morning and in the evening too
Every time you leave me I get mad with you
I love you baby with all my might;
love like mine is out of sight
I'll lie for you if you want me to
I really don't believe that your love is true
I'm tore down, I'm almost level with the ground
Well, I'm tore down, I'm almost level with the ground
Well, I feel like this when my baby can't be found
In Jeff Healey's blues song "I'm Torn Down," the singer expresses his feelings of desperation and hopelessness after his baby is gone. He compares his emotional state to being almost level with the ground, emphasizing his low mood and sense of defeat. He has even gone so far as to consider jumping into the river; however, when his baby shows up, she prevents him from doing so, suggesting that she has some level of control over him.
The singer then confirms his deep love for his baby, indicating that his emotional attachment to her is intense and unbreakable, much like the love he sings about will never grow old. He also acknowledges that her leaving him makes him mad, highlighting their rocky relationship. In the final verse, he makes clear that his dedication to her is unwavering, stating that his love is "out of sight." However, he also seems to have some doubts about her commitment to him, revealing that he is willing to lie for her, but he doesn't believe her love is true.
Overall, "I'm Torn Down" is a lament about lost love, with the singer expressing a sense of powerlessness and despair, as well as his unrelenting devotion to his lover.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm tore down, I'm almost level with the ground
I feel broken and hopeless, as if my world is falling apart.
Well, I feel like this when my baby can't be found
The absence of my lover causes me immense pain and heartache.
I went to the river to jump in
I had suicidal thoughts due to the intense emotional anguish I am experiencing.
My baby showed up and said, "I will tell you when"
My lover's unpredictability and lack of commitment leaves me in limbo and uncertain about our relationship.
I love you babe with all my heart and soul,
I am deeply in love with my partner and express my affection with intensity and sincerity.
love like mine will never grow old
My love for my partner is timeless and enduring.
Love you in the morning and in the evening too
My love for my partner is constant and unwavering throughout the day and night.
Every time you leave me I get mad with you
My lover's absence or lack of attention causes me to feel angry and resentful.
I love you baby with all my might;
I am deeply committed and devoted to my partner, willing to do anything for their happiness.
love like mine is out of sight
My love for my partner is so intense and incredible that it is beyond comparison or comprehension.
I'll lie for you if you want me to
I am willing to deceive others or compromise my integrity to protect and please my partner.
I really don't believe that your love is true
I have doubts about the sincerity and authenticity of my lover's feelings for me.
Contributed by Christian W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.