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.
When the Sun Goes Down
Joe Bonamassa Lyrics
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sweat and blood
watch our daddies
get it on
make that money
make that time
just one thing
you got on your mind you know
gonna be good
when the sun goes down
sun goes down
gonna be free yeah
you and me
when the sun goes down
sun goes down
sun goes down
sun goes down
place I know
outside of town
bright lights glow
once go round
gonna touch
gonna dance
sun goes down
we all got a chance, ya know
gonna see you
gonna be good
when the sun goes down
sun goes down
gonna be free yeah
you and me now
when the sun goes down
sun goes down
sun goes down
sun goes down
sun goes down
are you ready
yes I'm ready
waiting for me
waiting for you
gonna love me
gonna love ya
I'm gonna see you
when the sun goes down you know!
music's high
life goes on
keep it moving
till the night is gone
work all day
bide my time
sun goes down
the night is mine you know
gonna see you
gonna be good
when the sun goes down
sun goes down
gonna be free yeah
you and me now
when the sun goes down
sun goes down
sun goes down
sun goes down
sun goes down
sun goes down
sun goes down
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
The lyrics to Joe Bonamassa's song "When the Sun Goes Down" depict the anticipation of a well-deserved break after a day of hard work. It describes the laborious efforts of individuals, possibly influenced by their fathers' work ethic, to earn money and make the most of their time. However, throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of freedom and the desire to escape the constraints of everyday life. The lyrics express a yearning for a moment when the sun sets, symbolizing the end of the day and the beginning of a carefree and liberated night.
The opening lines suggest a strenuous day filled with exertion and sacrifice, followed by witnessing the hard work of their fathers. Despite the toil, there is a singular focus on one thing in their minds, likely alluding to the desire for a moment to relax and enjoy life. When the sun goes down, they believe they will finally experience freedom and happiness, and they plan to be with their loved ones to cherish this moment together.
The lyrics also mention a place outside of town where bright lights glow. This likely refers to a lively and vibrant setting reminiscent of a nightlife scene. The opportunity to touch and dance in this environment is presented as a chance for everyone to indulge in the festivities. The assertion that "we all got a chance" suggests that regardless of their backgrounds or struggles, the night holds an equal opportunity for enjoyment and release.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of readiness and anticipation. The repetition of "when the sun goes down, you know" emphasizes the eagerness to experience the freedom and joy that the night promises. The lyrics convey the belief that during this timeframe, with music playing and life in motion, they can make the most of their time and savor the night until it slips away.
Overall, "When the Sun Goes Down" portrays the longing for liberation, celebration, and connection with loved ones when the day's responsibilities come to an end. It captures the universal desire to let go of the burdens of life and seize the opportunity to live in the moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Work all day
Engage in labor throughout the day
sweat and blood
Exert great physical effort and face challenges
watch our daddies
Observe our fathers
get it on
Achieve success and fulfillment
make that money
Earn financial rewards
make that time
Utilize one's available resources
just one thing
Only a single thought or goal
you got on your mind you know
You have it constantly in your thoughts
gonna see you
Anticipating a meeting
gonna be good
Expecting a positive outcome or experience
when the sun goes down
After sunset
gonna be free yeah
Experience liberation and freedom
you and me
Referring to a shared experience between two individuals
sun goes down
As evening approaches
place I know
A familiar location
outside of town
Located beyond the city limits
bright lights glow
Vibrant and illuminating lights
once go round
A singular chance or opportunity
gonna touch
Plan to make physical contact
gonna dance
Intend to engage in rhythmic movement
we all got a chance, ya know
Each of us has an opportunity
are you ready
Inquire if one is prepared
yes I'm ready
Affirmative response indicating readiness
waiting for me
Expecting my arrival
waiting for you
Anticipating your presence
gonna love me
Going to have affection and admiration for me
gonna love ya
Intend to express love and affection for you
I'm gonna see you
I will have visual contact with you
music's high
The energy and excitement of the music is intense
life goes on
The flow of existence continues
keep it moving
Maintain the momentum and progression
till the night is gone
Until the duration of darkness concludes
bide my time
Waiting patiently for the right moment
the night is mine you know
I have control and ownership of the night
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Expressing a prolonged sound or emotion
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: JOSEPH BONAMASSA, WILL JENNINGS, JOSEPH L. BONAMASSA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind