In 1997, at the age of 15, he released his major-label debut, 'Lie to Me'. Though it picked up mixed critical reviews, the album served as a commercial breakthrough, with single "Lie to Me" particularly receiving much airplay and earning the #12 slot on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart. That blues rock track continues to be beloved by Lang's fan-base.
Lang followed with 'Wander This World', released on October 20, 1998. Broadening his sound somewhat with influences from classic soul and modern rock, the release experienced widespread success. His singles, "Wander This World" and "Still Rainin'", did particularly well, the latter tune reaching the #8 slot on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart.
Several releases and constant touring later, Lang's latest work is 'Fight For My Soul', released on September 2, 2013. The album has received critical acclaim from publications such has Allmusic, with the reviewers remarking that Lang "dives headfirst into classic soul and R&B, its elastic, funky grooves allowing the guitarist plenty of space to solo". It also hit the #20 slot on Billboard's 'Top Rock Albums' chart, selling extremely well.
Part of his success has been due to a voice that sounds somewhat like that of a 40-year-old blues veteran, containing what fans have seen as a harshness tempered by a fine falsetto that has taken prominence in his newest albums. Another part of his success is his scorching, electrifying guitar solos, which display a prodigious natural talent honed by years of practice and playing. Whatever the secret to his success, the youngster has quickly become a fixture in the blues world, drawing crowds wherever he goes.
Lang has drawn deeply from the wellspring of influences from the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Luther Allison, and Albert Collins. Many blues artists have also been encouraged to pick up the guitar from his example. As he becomes more confident in his role as a musical veteran instead of a boy wonder, one can see the possibilities he has yet to share with his fans.
10. Leaving To Stay
Jonny Lang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I been forsaken. I been deceived
Cast aside and left behind
I can't believe my own eyes
I been waiting for the glory
Of the coming of the Lord
I heard a lot of stories
I been waiting in the wings
Between the ocean and the shore
But this time I'm leaving to stay
I'm walking away
I seen the red sky in the morning
I seen the low tide slipping away
I do believe I'll take warning
Taking my leave to stay
Chorus
Solo
Like an angel afraid to fly
Like the last lonely rose hung on the vine
The song "Leaving To Stay" by Jonny Lang is about being left behind and deceived by someone he trusted. He says he can't believe what he's seen and that he's been waiting for the glory of the coming of the Lord, but his prayers have been ignored. He feels like he's been waiting between the ocean and the shore, waiting for something that may never come. Finally, he decides to leave for good and not look back, taking his leave to stay.
The lyrics of the song convey a sense of betrayal and disappointment, as well as a determination to move on and start anew. The line "I can't believe my own eyes" emphasizes how shocking and unexpected the revelation was, while the line "all my prayers have been ignored" shows a loss of faith and hope. However, by deciding to leave and taking control of his own destiny, the singer is able to find strength and a sense of purpose.
Overall, "Leaving To Stay" is a powerful and emotional song about the pain of being wronged by someone you trusted and the difficult decision to move on and start over.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't believe in what I've seen
I am in shock and cannot fathom what I witnessed
I been forsaken. I been deceived
I have been abandoned and misled by others
Cast aside and left behind
I have been thrown away and left alone
I can't believe my own eyes
I cannot even trust what I am seeing with my own eyes
I been waiting for the glory
I have been patiently waiting for something amazing to happen
Of the coming of the Lord
I have been hoping for a divine intervention or miracle
I heard a lot of stories
I have been told many tales and rumors by others
But all my prayers have been ignored
Despite my pleas and wishes, nothing has come to fruition
I been waiting in the wings
I have been patiently preparing myself on the sidelines
Between the ocean and the shore
I have been in a vulnerable and exposed position
But this time I'm leaving to stay
I am finally departing and not looking back for good
I'm walking away
I am physically and emotionally moving on
I seen the red sky in the morning
I have observed a sign or omen of trouble ahead
I seen the low tide slipping away
I have witnessed a gradual loss or erosion of something important
I do believe I'll take warning
I have taken note of the warning signs and will act accordingly
Taking my leave to stay
I am leaving permanently to find a new home or purpose
Chorus
Repeating the main message of the song
Solo
An instrumental break in the song
Like an angel afraid to fly
I am hesitant or fearful to take risks and pursue my dreams
Like the last lonely rose hung on the vine
I am the only one left and clinging on to a dying or pointless situation
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KEVIN JOSEPH BOWE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
LizAndrsn
on Red Light
To me Red Light speaks of someone at the crossroads of taking their own life, questioning their life decisions and future.