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.
Get What You Give
Jonny Lang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wants to tell you what it's all about
But you don't listen, you don't care
No one tells you what to do around here
Got your girl, and it's all good
You're so tired of being misunderstood
You'd love to get him off your back
You said, "He don't know where I'm at", yeah
Get what you give, don't you know, don't you know
You get what you give
That's right, that's right
That's how it is, don't you know, don't you know
You get what you give
Lost the key that locks your room
And momma's gonna be home soon
Guess this means you've got to lie
You ain't got no other alibi
Get what you give, don't you know, don't you know
You get what you give, yeah
That's how it is, don't you know, don't you know
You get what you give, get what you give
(What you give is what you get)
Tell your daddy you'll be fine
Not to worry, you'll get by
Grow your hair and change your name
Pack your bags and runaway
Get what you give, don't you know, don't you know
You get what you give
That's how it is, don't you know, don't you know
You get what you give
Get what you give, don't you know, don't you know
You get what you give
That's how it is, don't you know, don't you know
You get what you give
In Jonny Lang's song "Get What You Give," the lyrics focus on a rebellious teenager who is struggling to find their place in the world amidst the rules and expectations of their parents. The first verse sets the scene with the teenager's father trying to explain something to them, but the teenager is not interested in listening. The father tries to impose his beliefs on the teenager, but the teenager feels like no one can control them. The next verse highlights the teenager's desire to be understood and accepted by his peers. They want to assert their independence but are tired of being misunderstood. The chorus line "You get what you give," emphasizes the message that actions have consequences, and the choices one makes determine their future.
The second verse describes the teenager's predicament of losing their room key and having to lie to their mother. It reveals the teenager's need to rebel, but they feel like they have no other choice other than to lie. The song's bridge, which features the lines "Tell your daddy you'll be fine, not to worry, you'll get by, grow your hair and change your name, pack your bags and run away," suggests that the teenager is frustrated with their life and wants to escape. They want to break free from their parents' expectations and explore their independence.
Overall, "Get What You Give" is a song that explores the struggles of youth and the tension between the desire to rebel against authority and the fear of the unknown. The lyrics emphasize the importance of choices and consequences and that our actions today can impact the future.
Line by Line Meaning
Father, father, speaking out
The singer is addressing their father and preparing to speak up and share their thoughts.
Wants to tell you what it's all about
The singer hopes to share a deeper understanding of what's going on, but doesn't feel that they will be heard.
But you don't listen, you don't care
The father figure is distant or disinterested in the singer's point of view.
No one tells you what to do around here
The father is used to being in control and doesn't accept guidance or advice.
Got your girl, and it's all good
The artist is satisfied with their romantic relationship.
You're so tired of being misunderstood
The singer is frustrated by the lack of understanding or empathy that they face from others, especially the father figure.
You'd love to get him off your back
The singer wants freedom and the ability to make their own choices without judgment or control from the father figure.
You just want him to cut you some slack
The artist is asking for space and a chance to breathe, without pressure or criticism.
You said, "He don't know where I'm at", yeah
The artist feels disconnected and distant from the father figure, perhaps physically or emotionally.
Get what you give, don't you know, don't you know
The artist is emphasizing a universal truth about the relationship between actions and consequences.
You get what you give
The singer is warning that one's actions have real repercussions that may not be immediately seen, but that will inevitably come back to them.
Lost the key that locks your room
The artist is in a difficult or isolating situation, and feels trapped or unable to access their own space or privacy.
And momma's gonna be home soon
The situation may be complicated or tense, and the presence of the mother figure may have an impact on the singer and their choices.
Guess this means you've got to lie
The singer is realizing that they may have to deceive others or hide their true feelings or actions in order to navigate their situation safely.
You ain't got no other alibi
The singer is feeling the pressure of needing an excuse or explanation for their behavior, but is running out of options.
Tell your daddy you'll be fine
The artist is trying to reassure the father figure, even though they may not believe it themselves.
Not to worry, you'll get by
The artist wants to be independent and self-sufficient, but is afraid of potential consequences or punishments.
Grow your hair and change your name
The singer is considering making drastic changes to their appearance or identity in order to escape or start fresh.
Pack your bags and runaway
The singer is contemplating running away from home or their current situation altogether.
That's how it is, don't you know, don't you know
The artist is acknowledging the difficulty and complexity of life in general, and how it can be overwhelming to navigate alone.
You get what you give
The artist is emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and accountability, and how one's actions will have consequences for themselves and potentially others.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FREDERIKSEN, LANG
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.