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.
Changes
Jonny Lang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
His name is Ray
And I really don't know
What he's trying to say
His skin is black
Mine is white
To me there's no difference
Told me he leave
The girl at the curb
Told me never to speak an unkind word
My brother's got rhythm
I got the blues but
Babe we love to live the life that we choose
But now I know what they was trying to say
I gotta change my life
Change my ways
Now I know what they were trying to say
I gotta change my life
Change my ways
Now when the night comes babe
You know I'll be found
I'll be playing the blues on every stage in town
And there's a song to be played
And there's a song to be sung
'Cause there's a little lovin' boy
In everyone
The lyrics to Jonny Lang's song "Changes" seem to explore themes of self-reflection and growth, as well as examining societal differences and perspectives. The singer describes a friend at the bar named Ray, who is of a different race, and notes that he doesn't quite understand what he's saying. However, the singer expresses that to him, there is no difference between them in terms of right or wrong.
Later in the song, the singer reflects on the fact that he used to have the "blues" while his brother had "rhythm," but that they both love the life they've chosen. However, the singer has had a change of heart, realizing that he needs to change his life and ways, perhaps indicating he wishes to grow as a person.
The final lines of the song suggest that the singer plans to continue playing the blues on stages around town, suggesting that while he may be changing his ways, he is still remaining true to himself and his passion for music.
Overall, these lyrics seem to speak to the idea that while we may all come from different backgrounds and perspectives, we can all find commonality and connection through shared experiences and passions.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a friend at the bar
I have a companion at the tavern
His name is Ray
He is known by the name Ray
And I really don't know
I am not sure
What he's trying to say
What he is attempting to convey
His skin is black
His complexion is dark
Mine is white
My skin is light
To me there's no difference
I do not perceive any distinction
Wrong or right
Between right and wrong
Told me he leave
He informed me he would leave
The girl at the curb
The woman standing at the edge of the road
Told me never to speak an unkind word
He advised me to refrain from speaking rudely
My brother's got rhythm
My sibling possesses a sense of rhythm
I got the blues but
Although I feel melancholy
Babe we love to live the life that we choose
Darling, we revel in the freedom to live as we wish
But now I know what they was trying to say
But at present, I comprehend what they intended to express
I gotta change my life
I must alter my lifestyle
Change my ways
Modify my behavior
Now when the night comes babe
When nightfalls, my dear
You know I'll be found
You are aware that I will be located
I'll be playing the blues on every stage in town
I will perform melancholic music at every venue in the city
And there's a song to be played
There is music to be performed
And there's a song to be sung
And a melody to be vocalized
'Cause there's a little lovin' boy
For there is a small loving person
In everyone
Residing within every individual
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRUCE ELLIOTT-SMITH, PHILIP LARSEN, SIMON PAUL PURSSELL, JEZPER SODERLUND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Viglione
Amazing talent at 14 yrs old!
JACQUELINE RUELLE
Can't get enough Jonny!
bigman55434
This is off his first album. However, he did not play lead guitar in this song on the studio recording, which this of course is. It is a really good song, nevertheless.
E S
And there's a song to be played
and there's a song to be sung
'cause there's a little lovin' boy
in everyone <3 <3 8/4/2017 ...................... =P
Kim Burden
Randy likes it
Kim Burden
Randy likes it
Kim Burden
Randy likes ittoo