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.
Colour and Shape
Joe Bonamassa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To rain on down, rain on down on me.
I got to tell you how I feel,
And I don't care as long as it's a side that's real.
Like a dark cloud that casts no shade,
Seven days pass I still pray for rain.
I want to see things my way;
Now I'm frozen in time, bound by convictions,
Obey the trust - things I learned long ago.
Please now spare me, spare me your old folklore,
All I really want are things they were before.
Like a dark cloud that casts no shade,
Seven days pass I still pray for rain.
I want to see things my way;
I will add colour and shape.
Like a dark cloud that casts no shade,
Seven days pass I still pray for rain.
I want to see things my way;
I will be be who I am and see things my way;
I will add colour and shape.
The song "Colour and Shape" by Joe Bonamassa expresses the desire for individuality and a departure from following traditional beliefs and practices. The lyrics "Down here in New Orleans, prayin' for holy water, To rain on down, rain on down on me" suggest a longing for spiritual transformation, but on one's own terms. Bonamassa wants to feel something real, even if it may go against what others deem appropriate. He speaks of wanting to see things his way and add color and shape, signifying the need to break from the monotony and add his unique perspective to the world.
Bonamassa also touches on the feeling of being stuck in one's beliefs, saying "Now I'm frozen in time, bound by convictions, Obey the trust - things I learned long ago." He acknowledges that the traditions and folklore passed down may have been important at one time, but he wants to move beyond them and create his path. The repetition of the line "Like a dark cloud that casts no shade, Seven days pass I still pray for rain" indicates an ongoing struggle to break free from conformity and discover something new.
Overall, "Colour and Shape" encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and reject societal pressures to conform. The song's message of wanting to add color and shape to the world's monotony is a reminder that everyone has something unique to offer and should not be afraid to express it.
Line by Line Meaning
Down here in New Orleans, prayin' for holy water,
I am in New Orleans and I am praying for something pure and cleansing.
To rain on down, rain on down on me.
I want this purifying substance to fall down on me and clean me from any impurities.
I got to tell you how I feel,
I have a strong urge to express my feelings to someone.
And I don't care as long as it's a side that's real.
It doesn't matter what side I take, as long as it reflects my true self.
Like a dark cloud that casts no shade,
I feel lost and uncertain, despite having some presence or influence.
Seven days pass I still pray for rain.
Even after a week has passed, I am still hoping for a fresh start or some new inspiration.
I want to see things my way;
I desire to have my own perspective and vision of things.
I will add colour and shape.
With my own creativity and uniqueness, I will enhance and transform what I perceive.
Now I'm frozen in time, bound by convictions,
I am stuck in a certain mindset or belief system that restricts me from exploring new possibilities.
Obey the trust - things I learned long ago.
I feel compelled to follow certain traditions or values that were instilled in me a long time ago.
Please now spare me, spare me your old folklore,
I don't want to hear any more old stories or customs that no longer serve me.
All I really want are things they were before.
I long for simpler times when things were more natural and authentic.
I will be be who I am and see things my way;
I am determined to be myself and have my own unique perspective.
I will add colour and shape.
With my own creativity and uniqueness, I will enhance and transform what I perceive.
Contributed by Dominic G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mud Wiser
Man alive... Joe's music has been a part of my life for a long time now, yet he is still a young man. His playing has always been stellar, but his vocals are equally amazing. He's become a vocal powerhouse as well as a monster player. One talented dude.
Nate Bauer
Joe, we all know you are a fantastic guitar player but you do not get enough credit as a songwriter and vocalist. Excellent!!
Robert Messier
This is first time listening to color and shade,really enjoyed it. Joe never disappoints .
paul b
It’s “Colour And Shape”
lefty rocker
has always been one of my favorites....
Ligia Ilean
Never ever! 😘
Wackycorgi
This has always been my favorite song of Joe's, but now it's even better! I LOVE the new vocal track!!
Марияна Запоровченко
Великий музыкант и исполнитель ! Король ! Обожаю !
Kathy Bousquet
Joe's music never fails to to be absolutely great! Every song a he does, unmatched talent!
Rhonda Strickland
Joe you are an amazing, humble man. You truly are one of the greatest of all time!