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.
2. Bump In The Road
Jonny Lang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is there anybody out there?
I've been running this road for the first time
Sure like to know what's ahead
I've been on the wrong track with the wrong map
And I'm trying to find my way home
So come back if you're on the line
With this heavy load to tow behind
It's all I can do to stay between the lines
And whatever may come my way
I can't slow down not for the weather
Won't back down, I know it gets better
Too far now if I can keep it together
Won't turn around not now for just a bump in the road
Oh, for just a little bump in the road
Breaker, breaker, stay on the line
I'm about to fall asleep at the wheel
See, I've been pushin' my whole life to meet the deadline
And I'm waiting for my second wind
I can't make it alone, I can't survive
I'm gonna need you, don't make it out alive
To the other side
Can't slow down not for the weather
Won't back down, I know it gets better
Too far now if I can keep it together
Won't turn around not now for just a bump in the road
I've got nothing to prove but so much to lose
And I'd gladly give it up just to hold
Onto you 'cause you're all that I've got, all I want, all I need
Can't slow down not for the weather
Won't back down, I know, I know it gets better
Too far now if I can keep it together
Won't turn around
Can't slow down, won't back down, too far now
Won't turn around not now for just a bump in the road
Not now for what comes my way
Just a little bump in the road
The lyrics of Jonny Lang's song 'Bump in the Road' present the journey of someone seeking support and guidance as they navigate life's challenges. The opening lyric suggests a message to fellow travelers in hopes of finding some solidarity with others. The singer intimates they feel lost, possibly on the wrong track with the wrong outlook, and needs help from those on the path who might be able to provide guidance. He confrontations the sense of isolation with the lyric "let me know I'm not alone."
The singer has a heavy load to bear, and he must keep moving forward, even if the weather makes things challenging. He is motivated by the fact that turning back when confronted with a bump in the road, no matter how small, isn't an option. The usage of "bum' in the road can be seen as a metaphor for the challenges faced in life. The song's message is a familiar truth: life is full of obstacles, and sometimes we stumble upon a bump in the road that challenges us, but these challenges can be overcome with determination and a little help from our friends.
Line by Line Meaning
Breaker, breaker, breaker 1 - 9
Attention! I need help and someone to talk to.
Is there anybody out there?
Is there anyone listening who can help me out?
I've been running this road for the first time
I'm in unfamiliar territory and need guidance.
Sure like to know what's ahead
I'm nervous about what might come next and need some assurance.
I've been on the wrong track with the wrong map
I've made some bad choices and need help to correct them.
And I'm trying to find my way home
I'm lost and need to redirect my life.
So come back if you're on the line
Please respond to my call for help.
Let me know I'm not alone
I need to feel like someone's with me on this journey.
With this heavy load to tow behind
I'm carrying a burden that's weighing me down.
It's all I can do to stay between the lines
I'm struggling to stay on the right path and not veer off course.
And whatever may come my way
Regardless of what obstacles I encounter, I need to keep moving forward.
I can't slow down not for the weather
I can't let external forces slow me down or stop me from reaching my destination.
Won't back down, I know it gets better
I won't give up because I believe things will improve if I push through.
Too far now if I can keep it together
I've come too far to let myself fall apart now.
Won't turn around not now for just a bump in the road
I won't give up because of a minor setback; I need to keep moving forward.
Breaker, breaker, stay on the line
I still need your help and comfort, please don't hang up.
I'm about to fall asleep at the wheel
I'm exhausted and need some support to keep me going.
See, I've been pushin' my whole life to meet the deadline
I've been working tirelessly to achieve my goals and am feeling burned out.
And I'm waiting for my second wind
I need to catch my breath before I can keep going.
I can't make it alone, I can't survive
I need others' help and support to make it through this difficult time.
I'm gonna need you, don't make it out alive
I'm so reliant on you that I won't make it without your help.
Can't slow down not for the weather
I can't afford to be slowed down by anything, including external forces.
Won't back down, I know it gets better
I will persevere because I believe things will improve if I keep going.
Too far now if I can keep it together
I've come too far to give up now, even if it takes everything I've got.
Won't turn around not now for just a bump in the road
I won't let a minor setback stop me; I need to keep going forward.
I've got nothing to prove but so much to lose
I don't need to prove myself to anyone, but I have a lot to lose if I give up.
And I'd gladly give it up just to hold
I'd be willing to sacrifice everything I have to hold onto what's important.
Onto you 'cause you're all that I've got, all I want, all I need
You're the only thing that matters to me right now; you're my everything.
Not now for what comes my way
I'm not going to let anything stop me now, no matter how difficult it gets.
Just a little bump in the road
The difficulties I'm facing now are minor compared to what I've already been through, and I can handle them.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SHANNON SANDERS, JONNY LANG, DREW RAMSEY
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.