It was after relocating to New York City in the early '90s (to study at N.Y.U.'s film school) that Osborne began to take a singing career seriously after singing Billie Holiday's classic "God Bless the Child" at a local bar's "open mic night." In addition to Holiday, Osborne looked to such legendary vocalists as Etta James and Ray Charles as role models, as the up-and-coming singer decided not to cater to major record companies and formed her own label, Womanly Hips, which resulted in such releases as 1992's in-concert Soul Show, among others. But eventually, Osborne decided to sign on with a major label, Mercury, which in turn issued the singer's next release, 'Relish,' in March 1995. The album eventually racked up sales of three million copies and proved to have a long life, as almost a year after its initial release the track "One of Us" became a massive MTV and radio smash, camping out at the number-one spot on the U.S. singles chart for 2 weeks. Other tracks ("Right Hand Man" and "St. Teresa") failed to match the success of Osborne's first hit, but the singer still managed to connect with a large and appreciative audience, especially while touring as part of the 1997 edition of Sarah McLachlan's Lilith Fair tour. Osborne received numerous Grammy nominations in both 1996 and 1997.
Producing a worthy followup to Relish proved to be a time-consuming challenge for Osborne. Mercury tried to buy her some time by issuing a compilation release, 'Early Recordings' (which collected the early releases 'Live at Delta '88' and 'Blue Million Miles'). In the meantime, Osborne focused on supporting a few groups/causes she felt strongly about, such as Rock the Vote and Planned Parenthood (eventually being named an honorary member of Planned Parenthood's Board of Advocates), besides covering "I'm Just a Bill" as a duet with Isaac Hayes on the 1998 'Schoolhouse Rocks the Vote' benefit album. Osborne also studied briefly with the late Qawwali master Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and performed alongside such notables as Stevie Wonder, Melissa Etheridge, Taj Mahal, Luciano Pavarotti, Spearhead, Bob Dylan, and the Chieftains.
September 2000 finally saw the release of Osborne's second all-new studio album, titled 'Righteous Love'; but it failed to match its predecessor's commercial success and sank from sight shortly after its release. In 2002, Osborne bounced back with 'How Sweet It Is,' a collection of covers that leaned heavily on classic soul and R&B tunes from the 1960s and '70s. A career retrospective, 'One of Us,' came out in 2005.
Osborne played a prominent role in the 2002 film "Standing in the Shadows of Motown," performing with the legendary Motown house band the Funk Brothers in a concert performance segment, and appearing with several members of the group in an interview segment. She and her band accompanied the Dixie Chicks for a national tour in the summer of 2003, during which time she also joined veteran San Francisco jam-rockers the Dead as a vocalist, and released her fourth album, titled 'How Sweet It Is,' a collection of classic rock and soul covers.
During 2005 and 2006, she performed on numerous occasions with Phil Lesh and Friends. In February 2007, she appeared at the Grand Ole Opry.
In November 2006, Osborne released 'Pretty Little Stranger,' her self-described "Nashville album."
In May 2007, Osborne issued 'Breakfast in Bed,' a return to the soul music that she had covered on 'How Sweet It Is'. 'Breakfast in Bed' also featured the two songs ("Heatwave" and "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted") that she had covered for the film Standing in the Shadows of Motown.
She sings lead vocals on the cover of "Spoonful" on Vivian Campbell's solo album 'Two Sides Of If'.' Osborne also provided some vocals for "Wayfaring Stranger" on Spearhead's 1997 album 'Chocolate Supa Highway.' Joan is featured on The Holmes Brothers 2007 collection 'State of Grace' performing "Those Memories of You," an old Allan O'Bryant and Bill Monroe bluegrass tune.
Her album Bring It On Home was released on March 27, 2012. It is a collection of vintage blues and soul covers, and it received a 2013 Grammy Awards nomination for Best Blues Album.
Osborne was a member of Trigger Hippy from 2012 to 2018.
Osborne released the original album Love and Hate in 2014, and in 2017 the album Songs of Bob Dylan. A new album of original songs, Trouble and Strife, is due in September 2020.
Right Hand Man
Joan Osborne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Have you got a clean shirt?
My panties in a wad
At the bottom of my purse
I walk into the street
The air's so cool
I'm wired and I'm tired
And I'm grinnin' like a fool
I've been on a chair lookin' for a couch
And I've been on a couch lookin' for a bed...
Lookin' for a bedLookin' for my, my...
My right hand, my right hand man
My right hand, my right hand man
My right hand, my right hand man
My right hand, my right hand man
Say... my right hand, my right hand man
My right hand, my right hand man
My right hand, my right hand man
If he can't fix it, I don't know who can
The sinsemilla salesman
And the cops on the block
They know what I been doin'
They see the way I walk
I wonder what they see now
I wonder what they do
To feel somebody want them
The way I'm wanting you
I've been on the floor lookin' for a chair
I've been on a chair lookin' for a couch
And I've been on a couch lookin' for a bed...
Lookin' for a bed
Lookin' for... to really be...
My right hand, my right hand man
My right hand, my right hand man
My right hand, my right hand man
My right hand, my right hand man
Say... my right hand, my right hand man
My right hand, my right hand man
My right hand, my right hand man
Use me up if you think you can
I've been on the floor lookin' for a chair
I've been on a chair lookin' for a couch
And I've been on a couch lookin' for a bed...
Lookin' for a bed
Lookin' for my...
My right hand, my right hand man
My right hand, my right hand man
My right hand, my right hand man
My right hand, my right hand man
Say... my right hand, my right hand man
My right hand, my right hand man
My right hand, my right hand man
Say... my right hand, my right hand man
Say... my right hand, my right hand man
Say... my right hand, my right hand man
Say... my right hand, my right hand man
Say... my right hand, my right hand man
If he can't fix it, gonna find a boy who can
Joan Osborne's "Right Hand Man" is a soulful and bluesy love song that describes the desire for a strong and dependable companion. The singer searches for comfort in the chaos of life and seeks solace in their right-hand man, someone who can fix anything and be a source of stability amidst the unpredictability of the world.
The lyrics portray the singer as someone who is struggling to find their place in the world. The use of language such as "I've been on the floor lookin' for a chair, I've been on a chair lookin' for a couch, and I've been on a couch lookin' for a bed" suggests that the character is looking for a place to belong, but is unable to find it. Despite this sense of unease, the singer finds comfort in their relationship with their right-hand man and relies on them for support through hard times.
Ultimately, "Right Hand Man" is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of having someone to rely on. The song highlights the significance of having a partner who can provide comfort, stability, and emotional support in times of need. It is a beautiful reminder of the value of close relationships and the comfort they can offer in times of hardship.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me use your toothbrush
Asking for help in a time of need, willing to put oneself in a vulnerable position.
Have you got a clean shirt?
Asking for assistance in preparation for a meeting or event.
My panties in a wad
Feeling anxious, tense, or stressed out.
At the bottom of my purse
Unable to find something that one needs, lost in the chaos of everyday life.
I walk into the street
Venturing out into the world.
The air's so cool
Appreciating the small pleasures in life.
I'm wired and I'm tired
Feeling exhausted and overstimulated at the same time.
And I'm grinnin' like a fool
Despite the challenges faced, finding happiness and satisfaction in life.
I've been on the floor lookin' for a chair
Having trouble finding a comfortable place to rest or take a break.
I've been on a chair lookin' for a couch
Feeling restless and unable to settle into a single task or activity.
And I've been on a couch lookin' for a bed...
Feeling exhausted and searching for a way to get some rest or relaxation.
Lookin' for a bedLookin' for my, my...
Searching for a way to recharge and regain energy and focus.
My right hand, my right hand man
Referring to a trusted companion or confidant who is always there in times of need.
Say... my right hand, my right hand man
Emphasizing the importance and reliance on this companion or confidant.
If he can't fix it, I don't know who can
Confident in the abilities and problem-solving skills of this companion or confidant.
The sinsemilla salesman
Referring to those in society who operate in the underground and fringe areas of the economy.
And the cops on the block
Referring to those in authority who attempt to maintain law and order in society.
They know what I been doin'
Being fully aware of one's actions and behaviors, and not caring about the opinions or judgments of others.
They see the way I walk
Being unashamed and confident in one's identity and way of life.
I wonder what they see now
Curious about how others perceive oneself in the current moment.
I wonder what they do
Questioning the actions and motivations of others.
To feel somebody want them
Desiring to be desired and appreciated by others.
The way I'm wanting you
Expressing a strong desire and need for a companion or confidant.
Use me up if you think you can
Challenging others to take advantage of one's selfless and giving nature.
Gonna find a boy who can
Willing to seek out new companions or confidants if the current one is unable to help.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Eric Bazilian, Rick Chertoff, Rob Hyman, Joan Osbourne, Don Van Vliet
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Andre Cote
She is such an underrated artist. This has been a favorite of mine since the 90’s. She deserves a whole lot more recognition than she’s revived.
Eileen Gleeson
Great Voice 👍👍👍
classic life
This didn't get enough love back in the day. The very definition of a banger.
Ian Loren:Adventures of a Z-list Actor
She was a Victim of "One of Us" that gave her this safe hippie image that she couldn't escape and most fans couldn't get past her BIG hit song, she was actually a blues singer.
Stefanthenautilus
@Ian Loren:Adventures of a Z-list Actor "One Of Us" is a fine song, but it really feels like it's from a completely different album. It does sound much more 90s than the rest of the track list too.
TravlingNow
100%
Mark Susskind
She bop!
Tess L
I was 14 in 8th grade and I had a horrible flu! All I could listen to was this album and I wrote all the lyrics so I could memorize them… it was a cassette tape… Changed my life!😉
wln1595
First time I heard this it punched me in the gut. Love the groove. Her voice is fantastic!!!!!!!!!!
Torch The Witch
I felt the same way. POW!