Bonamassa was born in Utica, New York. He started playing guitar at age four, encouraged by his father, who was an avid music fan and exposed him to British blues rock records by Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, greatly inspiring him. At 11 years old Joe was mentored and trained by American guitar legend, Danny Gatton. When he was 12 years old, he had his own band called Smokin' Joe Bonamassa, which gigged around western New York and Pennsylvania, including cities such as Scranton and Buffalo, but only on weekends since Joe had school on weekdays. Bonamassa played a crimson 1972 Fender Stratocaster he called "Rosie", which his father had bought in Utica, New York.
When he was 12 years old, Bonamassa opened for B.B. King. In the last 13 years Bonamassa has put out 15 solo albums through his independent record label J&R Adventures, of which 11 have reached number 1 on the Billboard Blues charts. Bonamassa has played alongside such artists as Stephen Stills, Eric Clapton, Blondie Chaplin, Foreigner, Buddy Guy, Steve Winwood, Warren Haynes, Solomon Hicks,and Derek Trucks among others.[4] His career highlights include performances at the Royal Albert Hall and has had three Grammy Award nominations in 2013, for his collaboration album with Beth Hart "Seesaw", in 2016 for the album "Live at the Greek Theatre" and 2022 for the album "Royal Tea". In addition to his music career, Joe Bonamassa runs a nonprofit organisation called the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, whose mission is to further music education by funding scholarships and providing music education resources to schools in need. in 2020, he added an extension to the foundation. Called Fuelling Musicians, it provides $1500 cheques to struggling musicians affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
in 2021, he broke his own record for having more #1 Billboard blues albums than anyone in history. The album "Time Clocks" clocked up his 25th #1 album.
He is also known for his enormous collection of vintage guitars and related gear.
Athens to Athens
Joe Bonamassa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She is so fine
It's better Athens to Athens
Kinda of day and night
I'm gonna go into town, going to try to flag a ride
It's better Athens to Athens
Kinda of day and night
I'm gonna watch the sun come up, fires gonna rise
It's better Athens to Athens
Kinda of day and night
It's better Athens to Athens
Kinda of day and night.
The lyrics of Joe Bonamassa’s song Athens to Athens talk about the desire to leave everything behind and the need for a change. The persona of the song, a man, is leaving his girl and Athens, his hometown, to start anew. He describes his girl as “so fine” but still decides to leave her behind. He chooses Athens as his destination, suggesting that he’s seeking reinvention, rebirth, or possibly just a fresh start.
The song highlights the beauty of change while also shedding light on the nostalgia that often comes with letting go of what’s familiar. The idea of leaving someone “so fine” behind portrays the complexity of change in its ability to bring both joy and sorrow. The repetition of the line “It’s better Athens to Athens kinda of day and night” emphasizes the persona’s conviction in his decision to leave his comfort zone and embrace the unknown.
Overall, the song Athens to Athens can be interpreted as the need for change and the desire to break free from what’s comfortable. Joe Bonamassa uses Athens as a metaphor for change and renewal, highlighting the contradictions and complexity that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
I am planning to end my relationship with my girlfriend, and she is incredibly attractive
The singer is considering ending his relationship, but acknowledges that his girlfriend is physically appealing
Traveling between two cities with the same name is preferable
The singer believes that moving from one place to another with the same name is better
I am heading to the city to try to hitch a ride
The singer is travelling to the city in the hopes of getting a lift from someone
Traveling between two cities with the same name is preferable
The singer reiterates that travelling between two cities that share the same name is the better option
I intend to witness the sunrise, and a fire will ignite
The singer plans to watch the sun come up and possibly see a fire start
Traveling between two cities with the same name is preferable
The singer emphasizes that travelling between two cities that share the same name is the superior choice
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JOE BONAMASSA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Dobie_Gillis
This man is totally blessed. He sings Country like the best. He'll do it any way you like...start listening...
@shelbyonehalf
This is the coolest song. I'm getting this DVD for sure! If not for YouTube, I would never have known about this incredibly talented artist.
@icarusdescending881
Music is incredible. Guy has been playing guitar since age 5 and touring since 8, with BB King and John Lee Hooker. He is fantastic.
@rickmisencik2716
The best guitar player on the planet!!!!!
@ingeborgbello
Absolutely
@2shooz
I have to say, this is one of the most entertaining songs that I've ever listened to... ever! All of the changes, hooks, life, soul and musical TALENT, all rolled into one video. It's absolutely breathtaking! Thanks so much for posting this. I already bought the DVD and the music because of this post!
@aletanichols9502
I love how Joe features his hand members, instead of making it " all about him. "
What a great performmance! 👐👐👐😎
@royforner2236
ii
@royforner2236
i said the
@ladyblackstardust390
It gets better and better. He works hard. And has a transcendent talent.