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.
Don’t Stop
Jonny Lang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Had a wind up in this place
It never should have gotten this far
I was such a fool to run away
I can't believe I'm diggin through this trash
Back home I had seated the table
The only thing that's holding me back
But today I finally had enough
I'm sick and tired of
This kind of life
I listen to the words inside
Singin', I roll like a freight train
I blow like a hurricane
Yeah, I run like a Mustang
Don't stop for anything
Only saying, journey of a thousand miles
Starts when you take the first step
Travel for a little while
And it won't be coming back again
Now lighten my Lord, lighten my soul
Please don't leave this side of road
Negativity brings misery
All just could see the history
And I see the storm is finally gone
The sun is rising on
A brand new day
Another like it's in my way
I will roll like a freight train
And blow like a hurricane
Gonna run like a Mustang
Don't stop, don't stop for anything
I will never roll like a freight train
Gonna fly like a jet plane
Running back like a boomerang
I won't stop for anything, hey
Today I finally had enough
I'm sick and tired of
This kind of life
I listen to the words inside
I will roll like a freight train
Gonna blow like a hurricane, well
Gotta run like a Mustang
I won't stop, I won't stop for anything
You gotta roll like a freight train
Gonna fly like a jet plane
Coming through like a boomerang
I won't stop for anything, no
I'm coming through like a, a freight train, freight train
A hurricane, a Mustang, a Mustang
I won't stop, I won't stop anything, no, no
I'm coming through, you better gotta do like
A freight train, a freight train
A Mustang, a freight train, a hurricane
I won't stop for anything
Well, well, well, well, well, well
Yeah for anything yeah yeah yeah
The song "Don't Stop" by Jonny Lang depicts the story of a person who has hit rock bottom after leaving home and being homeless. He is living in the back of a car, and his only source of income is picking through trash. He remembers the home he left, where he was provided with a seated table, but his inability to be grateful had led him to the situation he is in. However, he has a realization and decides that he has had enough and wants to change his life. He sings about rolling like a freight train, blowing like a hurricane, and running like a Mustang, determined not to stop for anything.
The message of the song is about resilience, determination, and taking the first step toward a better life. The singer acknowledges his mistakes and leaves behind negative thoughts to embrace positivity and hope. He wants to let go of his old self and start anew, symbolized by the phrase "lighten my soul." Instead of dwelling in misery, he decides to be a conductor of his life, running towards his goals without looking back.
Line by Line Meaning
Living in the back of this car
Being homeless and forced to live in the back of a car.
Had a wind up in this place
Ended up in this bad situation.
It never should have gotten this far
The situation has escalated beyond what was necessary.
I was such a fool to run away
Regretting running away from home.
I can't believe I'm diggin through this trash
Feeling desperate resorting to scavenging through trash.
Back home I had seated the table
Missing the basic comforts and necessities of home.
The only thing that's holding me back
The only thing preventing moving forward is a lack of gratitude.
Is my inability to be grateful
Not being able to appreciate what is present.
But today I finally had enough
Reaching a breaking point and ready to change.
I'm sick and tired of
Life has become unbearable and exhausting.
This kind of life
The current circumstances and way of living.
I listen to the words inside
Listening to inner thoughts and feelings to make a change.
Singin', I roll like a freight train
Feeling unstoppable and powerful.
I blow like a hurricane
Bringing energy and momentum like a storm.
Yeah, I run like a Mustang
Running fast and free like a wild horse.
Don't stop for anything
Determined to keep going no matter what obstacles appear.
Only saying, journey of a thousand miles
A reminder that a long journey starts with a single step.
Starts when you take the first step
Encouragement to take action towards a better life.
Travel for a little while
Emphasizing the importance of perseverance and endurance.
And it won't be coming back again
The chance to change and improve won't come again.
Now lighten my Lord, lighten my soul
An appeal for spiritual guidance and relief from burdens.
Please don't leave this side of road
Asking for God's constant presence through life's journey.
Negativity brings misery
Influences that bring down a person's spirit and well-being.
All just could see the history
Reflecting on past mistakes and failings.
And I see the storm is finally gone
The metaphorical storm in life has cleared up.
The sun is rising on
A new beginning and new possibilities.
A brand new day
Fresh hope and optimism for the future.
Another like it's in my way
Determined to face another day and another challenge.
Gonna fly like a jet plane
Going to soar high and fast towards success.
Running back like a boomerang
Rebounding and returning stronger from setbacks.
I won't stop for anything, hey
Determined to not be stopped or slowed by anything.
You gotta roll like a freight train
Encouragement for others to be determined and powerful.
Coming through like a boomerang
Bouncing back and staying resilient through challenges.
Well, well, well, well, well, well
Expressing enthusiasm and excitement for the journey ahead.
Yeah for anything yeah yeah yeah
Refusing to be stopped by any obstacle or setback.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JONNY LANG, DREW RAMSEY, SHANNON B. SR SANDERS
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.