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.
Angel Of Mercy
Jonny Lang Lyrics
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Angel of mercy you don't need no golden wing
The way you came to my rescue,
Heaven must be watchin' over me
When the shadows fallin' and the day turns into night,
I hear my angel callin' and I can't wait to see the light
Angel of mercy you don't need no golden wing
Heaven must be watchin' over me
Sometimes I get a feelin' like a fever comin' over me,
Just a touch of my angels hand and I'm right back on my feet
Angel of mercy you don't need no golden wing
The way you came down to my rescue,
Heaven must be watchin' over me
Stay with me baby, come down from the sky
Just like an angel, take me to paradise
Angel of mercy you don't need no golden wing
The way you came down to my rescue,
Heaven must be watchin' over me
In Jonny Lang's "Angel of Mercy," the singer praises the person who saved him from a difficult situation, referring to them as an angel of mercy. Lang repeats the phrase "Angel of mercy you don't need no golden wing" throughout the song, indicating that this person doesn't need grand gestures or material possessions to be an angel to him. The lyrics suggest that the person who saved Lang is a guardian angel sent from above because their presence brings him immense comfort and security.
In the second stanza, Lang describes the dark night and how he hears his angel calling out to him, eagerly waiting for the light. This imagery represents the tough times that Lang has faced and the kindness of his angel who saved him from his misery. He goes on to admit that he sometimes feels helpless when difficulties arise, but his angel has the ability to quickly pick him up and comfort him, giving him the strength to keep going. The song concludes with the hope that this angel of mercy will stay with him and take him to paradise.
Line by Line Meaning
Angel of mercy you don't need no golden wing
You don't require any lavish presentations to be an angel of mercy.
The way you came to my rescue, Heaven must be watchin' over me
The act of being saved by you must surely be a sign that heaven is looking after me.
When the shadows fallin' and the day turns into night, I hear my angel callin' and I can't wait to see the light
In dark times, hearing your call brings light and hope to my life.
Sometimes I get a feelin' like a fever comin' over me, Just a touch of my angels hand and I'm right back on my feet
You have the power to heal me when I am sick, weak or vulnerable.
Stay with me baby, come down from the sky, Just like an angel, take me to paradise
Stay by my side and embody the qualities of an angel that would take me to the ultimate destination, Paradise.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICHAEL JAMES HENDERSON, BRUCE MCCABE
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.