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.
Fight For My Soul
Jonny Lang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Selling drugs and her body for what little she had
Doing just like her momma and her granny had done
She gonna teach her baby daughter who she will become
And it′s begun
Starting all over again
Another day another dollar and the baby grows, she does
Momma keepin' secrets but baby, she already knows
Where the money comes from, diamonds and pearls
There ain′t that many uncles in the world
Momma I love you, but I'm never gonna be that girl
I've gotta fight for my soul, for my soul
I′ve gotta fight for my soul, I don′t wanna give it away no more
Fight for my soul, for my soul
I've gotta fight for my soul, I don′t wanna give it away no more
He was just a young boy stumbling on his daddy's deck
He took the top off a bottle and he tipped it back
Now through the looking glass, looking back twenty plus years
He took one look and said "I ain′t going out like this"
Not like my daddy did
I've gotta fight for my soul, for my soul
Gotta fight for my soul, I don′t wanna give it away no more
Fight for my soul, for my soul
I've gotta fight for my soul, cause I don't wanna give it away no more
I′m still the one that was left with the price to pay
But they make good on mistakes they never made
For the one that just found out we will never take control
They can take alot, but they can never take your soul
The lyrics of Jonny Lang's song "Fight For My Soul" tell the stories of two individuals who are determined to break free from the cycles of their past and fight for their own souls. The first verse focuses on a young girl who grew up in a disadvantaged environment, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother by resorting to selling drugs and her body to survive. However, she realizes that she doesn't want her daughter to follow the same path and vows to start anew. The phrase "Starting all over again" reflects her determination to break free from her past and create a better life.
The second verse introduces a young boy who witnesses his father's struggles with addiction. Realizing the potential harm and destruction that can come from that lifestyle, he decides not to repeat the same mistakes. The line "I ain't going out like this, not like my daddy did" shows his determination to change his fate and not be defined by his father's actions.
The chorus emphasizes the overall theme of the song, which is the need to fight for one's soul. It reflects the desire to retain one's authenticity and integrity despite the challenges and temptations that may come their way. The repetitive line "I gotta fight for my soul" underscores the importance of personal growth and persevering in the face of adversity.
The final verse acknowledges that even though there may be consequences and burdens resulting from the choices made in life, it is crucial to take responsibility for one's own actions. The line "They can take a lot, but they can never take your soul" signifies the inner strength and resilience that is essential for overcoming hardships. It reassures the listener that no matter what life throws at them, their soul remains their own, and they have the power to protect and nurture it. Overall, the song's lyrics convey a message of self-discovery, redemption, and the constant struggle to maintain one's true self.
Writer(s): Michael Longenecker, Mat Ridenour, Jonny Lang
Contributed by Joshua N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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.