Gilmore also played "Smokey" in The Big Lebowski
Ripple
Jimmie Dale Gilmore Lyrics
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And my tunes were played on the harp, unstrung
Would you hear my voice come through the music?
Would you hold it near as it were your own?
It's a hand me down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps they're better left unsung
I don't know, don't really careLet there be songs to fill the air
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed nor wind to blow
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty
If your cup is full, may it be again
Let it be known, there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of men
And there's a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
If you go, no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed nor wind to blow
You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall, you fall all alone
If you should stand, who's to guide you?
If I knew the way, I would take you home
The song "Ripple" by Jimmie Dale Gilmore talks about the power of music and its ability to bring people together. The first stanza speaks about the power of words and music to connect people. The lyrics use the metaphor of the sun's gold glow to describe the strength and beauty of words that could pierce through the listener's heart. The second stanza reflects on the imperfection of words as a form of communication. The lyrics suggest that sometimes ideas, feelings, and thoughts are too complex to be expressed through language, and it's better to leave them unsaid. Nevertheless, the singer hopes that there will always be songs to fill the air so that people can still have a form of expression to connect with one another.
The following stanza is essentially an invitation to the listener to reach out for support if they need it. The lyrics encourage people to share when they are in need so that others can offer help. The chorus, “Ripple in still water, when there is no pebble tossed or wind to blow”, resounds both optimism and loneliness, indicating that sometimes there is “still water” and sometimes there is turbulent wind to blow; however, despite it all, there can be effects that continue to resonate. The last stanza speaks about the challenges of leadership and being responsible. The singer suggests that ultimately everyone is responsible for their journey, and it's up to them to make their own way. The final lines are an acknowledgment that life can be tough, and the singer only wishes they knew the way to offer guidance and comfort.
Line by Line Meaning
If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
If my words were as radiant as sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp, unstrung
If my melodies were played on the harp without strings
Would you hear my voice come through the music?
Would you be able to hear my voice in the music?
Would you hold it near as it were your own?
Would you cherish it as your own?
It's a hand me down, the thoughts are broken
These thoughts are passed down and incomplete
Perhaps they're better left unsung
Maybe it's better to leave them unexpressed
I don't know, don't really care
I'm uncertain and indifferent
Let there be songs to fill the air
Let there be music to permeate the world
Ripple in still water
Small movements in calm water
When there is no pebble tossed nor wind to blow
Without external forces, just the natural rhythm
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty
Ask for help when you're in need
If your cup is full, may it be again
If you're content, may you continue to be
Let it be known, there is a fountain
Understand that there is a source
That was not made by the hands of men
That was not created by humans
And there's a road, no simple highway
There's a challenging path to take
Between the dawn and the dark of night
Between the beginning and end of life
If you go, no one may follow
If you embark on this journey, you may be alone
That path is for your steps alone
This path is unique to you
You who choose to lead must follow
Leaders must follow the same path
But if you fall, you fall all alone
If you fail, you'll do so on your own
If you should stand, who's to guide you?
If you succeed, who will lead you?
If I knew the way, I would take you home
If I knew the solution, I would help you find your way
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jerome J. Garcia, Robert C. Hunter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shakin-it-boss
One of the best songs ever written!!!
Jimmies voice is so perfect for this song!!!!
@Cynthia2900
How is it more people aren't familiar with Jimmie Dale Gilmore? He has a distinctive beautiful voice and writes great songs.....good singer, good backup and good looking!
@LazyIRanch
Also, he appeared in the movie, "The Big Lebowski"!
Jimmie is a beautiful man in every way possible.
@annledbetter9088
this is the version i want played at my funeral. his voice is so haunting
@jerryderr8043
Great idea. I'm making the same request for my big day. His voice sounds like it's from the past.
@samuraikitten
My thoughts exactly.💜
@samuelcantley5500
Last song on My Grave should be you got to go to sleep alone
@samuelcantley5500
What happened it's kind of music people what happened you just kind of bands
@ronaldgavlick732
Samuel your comment makes no sense 😂
@joeeddwaggoner8100
Hot damn I didn’t know I could love this song any better