John's GRAMMY® nominated Big Band CD, "On The Wild Side" (JC 1007) and his latest "Fantazm," (JC 1011) on the Jazz Compass label have received critical acclaim in every major jazz journal and are on the way to becoming jazz big band standards.
In addition to his professional writing career, John is actively involved in the field of music education. Mr. La Barbera is the former Director of Jazz Ensembles at Cornell University and is now a Professor of Music at the University of Louisville where he has implemented courses in Jazz, Music Industry, and MIDI/Computer techniques in music.
During his seven year tenure as Jazz Editor of the International Trumpet Guild , Mr. La Barbera's interviews with the world's leading jazz trumpet artists were a regular feature of the ITG Journal. He is a charter member of the newly formed Jazz Education Network where he serves as an expert advisor in the big band catagory. John is a faculty member of the Skidmore Jazz Institute where he teaches trumpet, and theory. He is also active as a clinician and lecturer in colleges and high schools throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Mr. La Barbera is a two time recipient of the National Endowment For the Arts award for Jazz Composition, and his published works distributed by Kendor Music , Hal Leonard, Walrus Music, and others, are considered standards in the field of jazz education.
Kyrie
John La Barbera Big Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kyrie eleison
Kyrie
The wind blows hard against this mountain side
Across the sea into my soul
It reaches into where I cannot hide
Setting my feet upon the road
My heart is old, it holds my memories
My body burns a gemlike flame
Somewhere between the soul and soft machine
Is where I find myself again
Kyrie eleison, down the road that I must travel
Kyrie eleison, through the darkness of the night
Kyrie eleison, where I'm going, will you follow?
Kyrie eleison, on a highway in the light
When I was young I thought of growing old
Of what my life would mean to me
Would I have followed down my chosen road
Or only wished what I could be
Kyrie eleison, down the road that I must travel
Kyrie eleison, through the darkness of the night
Kyrie eleison, where I'm going, will you follow?
Kyrie eleison, on a highway in the light
Kyrie eleison, down the road that I must travel
Kyrie eleison, through the darkness of the night
Kyrie eleison, where I'm going, will you follow?
Kyrie eleison, on a highway in the light
Kyrie eleison, down the road that I must travel
Kyrie eleison, through the darkness of the night
Kyrie eleison, where I'm going, will you follow?
Kyrie eleison, on a highway in the light
Kyrie eleison, down the road that I must travel
Kyrie eleison, through the darkness of the night
Kyrie eleison, where I'm going, will you follow?
Kyrie eleison, on a highway in the light
Kyrie eleison, down the road that I must travel
Kyrie eleison, through the darkness of the night
Kyrie eleison, where I'm going, will you follow?
The song "Kyrie" by John La Barbera Big Band is a powerful and emotional reflection on life, memories, and the journey of the human soul. The lyrics "Kyrie eleison" translate to "Lord have mercy," which adds a spiritual dimension to the song. The first verse describes the wind blowing against a mountain, symbolizing the challenges and obstacles one faces in life. The wind also enters the soul, representing the inner battles and struggles that shape one's character. The singer acknowledges the difficulties but is determined to face them, with the wind setting their feet on the road of life.
The second verse reflects on the passage of time and the uncertainty of the future. The singer wonders if they have followed their chosen path or merely wished for a different life. The repetition of "Kyrie eleison" throughout the song shows the singer's reliance on a higher power and their hope for guidance and mercy in life's journey. The chorus's lyrics, "down the road that I must travel, through the darkness of the night, where I'm going, will you follow?" suggest that the journey is not easy but having someone to accompany them would provide comfort and support.
Overall, "Kyrie" is a poetic and introspective song that explores the challenges of life and the importance of faith and support.
Line by Line Meaning
Kyrie eleison
Oh Lord, have mercy
Kyrie eleison
Oh Lord, have mercy
Kyrie
Oh Lord
The wind blows hard against this mountain side
Nature's forces are strong and relentless
Across the sea into my soul
Its impact reaches deep into my being
It reaches into where I cannot hide
Even my innermost self is vulnerable to it
Setting my feet upon the road
Forcing me to move forward on my journey
My heart is old, it holds my memories
My heart is burdened with experiences of the past
My body burns a gemlike flame
My soul is alive with passion and energy
Somewhere between the soul and soft machine
In the intersection of spirituality and physicality
Is where I find myself again
I rediscover my true self
When I was young I thought of growing old
I used to dream of a future that is now my present
Of what my life would mean to me
Wondering about the purpose and significance of my existence
Would I have followed down my chosen road
Did I pursue the path I wanted for myself
Or only wished what I could be
Or simply desired to achieve unattainable goals
Kyrie eleison, down the road that I must travel
As I journey along my path
Kyrie eleison, through the darkness of the night
Through the struggles and obstacles that come my way
Kyrie eleison, where I'm going, will you follow?
I seek comfort and guidance on my journey
Kyrie eleison, on a highway in the light
I hope to find my way in the brightness of enlightenment
Lyrics © DistroKid, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Ross Lang, Richard James Page, Steven Park George
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind