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.
Waiting For Me
Joe Bonamassa Lyrics
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Even though I didn't want to be the one to kick down that door
Baby I was praying, a praying to believe
There was something for, something more, out there waiting for me
Cause maybe I'm crazy, for chasing that dream
It hasn't been easy, like some make it seem
I can't help but feeling, my best is yet to be
Should I just be happy, with nowhere to go?
And no mystery calling me to the great unknown?
Should I keep pretending, pretending to see?
To live a lie, live and die, no that just ain't me
Cause maybe I'm crazy, for chasing that dream
It hasn't been easy, like some make it seem
I can't help but feeling, the best is yet to be
Cause somewhere there's something better waiting for me
You can call me greedy, come along or leave me
There's somewhere that I gotta go yeah
But I don't know the reason, but that's what keeps me breathing
It's the only thing I've ever known yeah!
Maybe I'm crazy, for chasing that dream
It hasn't been easy, like some make it seem
I can't help but feeling, my best is yet to be
Cause somewhere there's something better waiting for me
No it hasn't been easy, like some make it seem
Yeah I'm crazy for chasing that dream
No that just ain't me
Like some make it seem
But somewhere there's something better waiting for me
The lyrics to Joe Bonamassa's song Waiting For Me depict the internal struggle of chasing after one's dreams and ambitions despite the obstacles and uncertainties that may come with it. The first verse sets the tone by acknowledging the possibility of wanting more out of life, even if it means taking risks and facing challenges. The chorus repeats the idea that chasing a dream can seem crazy, but it's what propels the singer forward towards the hope of something better waiting for them in the future.
The second verse poses the question of whether it's better to settle for a mediocre life that lacks excitement and purpose or to continue seeking out the unknown. The lyric "Should I keep pretending, pretending to see?" suggests a sense of dissatisfaction with the status quo and a desire to uncover what's beyond the surface level of existence. The bridge highlights the singer's willingness to be called "greedy" for wanting more out of life, and the fact that not knowing where this journey will take them is what keeps them going.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe I was wishing, for a little bit more
I had a desire for something greater
Even though I didn't want to be the one to kick down that door
I hoped things would magically change without me having to do anything difficult
Baby I was praying, a praying to believe
I was yearning to have faith in a fulfilling future
There was something for, something more, out there waiting for me
I had a feeling that there was an opportunity or purpose that was meant for me
Cause maybe I'm crazy, for chasing that dream
People may think I'm irrational for pursuing my aspirations
It hasn't been easy, like some make it seem
The path to success has been extremely challenging despite what others may say
I can't help but feeling, my best is yet to be
I believe that I haven't reached my highest potential and there's still room for growth
Cause somewhere there's something better waiting for me
I'm optimistic that there's a greater opportunity or purpose waiting for me
Should I just be happy, with nowhere to go?
Is it okay to settle for a stagnant life with no goals or direction?
And no mystery calling me to the great unknown?
Am I content with a mundane existence without the allure of the unknown?
Should I keep pretending, pretending to see?
Do I continue to fake contentment and self-awareness?
To live a lie, live and die, no that just ain't me
Living a life that's not in line with my true desires and values is not an option
You can call me greedy, come along or leave me
Others might label me as selfish, but they have the choice to support or abandon me
There's somewhere that I gotta go yeah
I have a destination to reach and a purpose to fulfill
But I don't know the reason, but that's what keeps me breathing
I may not understand why I'm drawn to this path, but it's what gives me vitality
It's the only thing I've ever known yeah!
Chasing my dream is the only thing that has ever felt true to myself
No it hasn't been easy, like some make it seem
Reinforcing the notion that the road to success is much harder than it appears
Yeah I'm crazy for chasing that dream
Acknowledging the potential criticisms I may receive for pursuing my ambitions
No that just ain't me
Settling for a life that's against my values goes against who I truly am
But somewhere there's something better waiting for me
Reiterating my optimism that there's a greater opportunity or purpose waiting for me
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: ERIC PRESSLY, JOE BONAMASSA, RICHARD FELDMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind