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.
12. Missing Your Love
Jonny Lang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, it may be my name you call
But it's his name I hear
You promised me through thick and thin
You told me you loved me, you told me a lie
'Cause you love him
I'm missin' your love every way
Though your here with me,
I'm still missin' your love
And when we talk, you look into my eyes
Your talkin to me but baby I can see
He's on your mind
And I'm missin' your love every day
I'm missin' your love every way
Though your here with me, I'm still missin' your love
I reach out for you and you turn away
It takes all I can do to make it through the day
And I'm missin' your love And I'm missin' your love every day
I'm missin' your love every way
Though your here with me,
I'm still missin' your love
In "Missing Your Love," Jonny Lang sings about a painful love triangle. The track starts with Lang lying beside someone whom he thought loved him. However, every time she whispers sweet nothings in his ear, he hears another guy's name, indicating that she's still in love with her ex. Lang is continuously seeking validation that the woman truly loves him, but every conversation they have is marred by the fact that she is still thinking about her past relationship. He can see it in her eyes whenever they talk. Lang is miserable, missing the love he thinks he deserves from her. Despite the woman being beside him, Lang still feels like she's far away.
The song's poignant lyrics are performed over a bluesy, guitar-driven melody that perfectly complements Lang's emotionally charged vocals. The track's slow tempo conveys the anguish and longing in Lang's words, giving listeners a glimpse into a painful love story. The song's somber mood is also reflected in its melody, which features descending chords that further highlight the sadness in Lang's lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
You lay me down, whisper in my ear
You're physically intimate with me, saying sweet nothings in my ear.
Well, it may be my name you call
You may use my name during our intimacy.
But it's his name I hear
I know deep down that you're thinking of him instead of me.
You promised me through thick and thin
You made a commitment to me, no matter what.
You told me you loved me, you told me a lie
But now I know that when you said 'I love you,' it wasn't true.
'Cause you love him
You're in love with someone else.
And when we talk, you look into my eyes
Even when we have conversations, you seem focused on me, but I know that's not true.
Your talkin to me but baby I can see
You're speaking to me, but I can tell your thoughts are elsewhere.
He's on your mind
You're preoccupied with thoughts of him.
I reach out for you and you turn away
When I try to connect with you, you pull away.
It takes all I can do to make it through the day
Thinking about not having your love is emotionally draining and makes each day a challenge to get through.
And I'm missin' your love every day
I'm feeling the pain of your absence every day.
I'm missin' your love every way
I'm missing every aspect of your love, physically and emotionally.
Though your here with me, I'm still missin' your love
Even when you're physically here, I still feel emotionally disconnected from you.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DENNIS MORGAN, JONNY LANG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rene Vanderplance
Loved this kid since I first saw him. He is so amazing!!! He is 32 years old now and I still love him!! His music creeps into my soul.
Mazzie504
I no how you feel, Jonny is Amazing He has a voice for the blues
SuperJoshuaDX4Gaming
how can you not appeciate his amazing talent
Ricky Palmer
Hard to believe ole Johnny was 14 yrs old when he cut this. Damn fine job n one of the most overlooked blues guitarists still.
Marie von Astra
This kind of talent is stardust blown straight from the hand of God...
What an old soul!
Izzy PlusPlusPlus
I am hoping God uses this song. I know it touches my soul.
Tyler Durden
Well Said❤️🎸❤️
Stephen Dettle
GOD made him for us to enjoy....thank you Jesus 🙏
Jeff Rogers
I have to agree, Great guitar player at his young age ( when he came out ) - BUT his voice is incredible. You can tell he feels it, and MEANS it !
Carrie Green
Totally agree! I imagine this is what an angel would sound like.