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.
Lie To Me
Jonny Lang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and tell me everything is all right
Lie to me
and tell me that you'll stay here tonight
Tell me that you'll never leave,
And I'll just try to make believe
That everything you tell me is true
Lie to me, go ahead and lie to me
Lie to me, go ahead and lie to me
Lie to me
it doesn't matter anymore
It could never be the way it was before
If I can't hold on to you
Leave me with something I can hold onto,
For just a little while won't you let me be
Anyone can see
That you love him more than me
But right now, baby, let me pretend
That our love will never end
Lie to me, go ahead and lie to me
Lie to me, go ahead and lie to me
Lie to me, go ahead and lie to me
Lie to me, go ahead and lie to me
The lyrics of Jonny Lang's "Lie To Me" speak to the pain of a man who knows that his lover is leaving him for someone else. He pleads with her to lie to him and pretend that everything is fine, that she still loves him and will stay with him. He admits that he knows the truth, that she loves the other man more than him, but he craves the comfort of her lies.
There is a sense of desperation in the lyrics, as the man begs for just a little while longer with her, for something to hold onto. He begs her to let him pretend that their love will never end. The repetition of the phrase "Lie to me, go ahead and lie to me" emphasizes the man's need for her to make him feel better, even if it's only through lies.
Ultimately, the lyrics speak to the pain of loss and the desire for comfort, even if that comfort is false. The man knows that he is being lied to, but he is willing to accept those lies if it means he can hold onto his lover for just a little while longer.
Line by Line Meaning
Lie to me
Please deceive me
and tell me everything is all right
Say that everything is okay even if it's not
and tell me that you'll stay here tonight
And tell me that you'll remain with me for the night
Tell me that you'll never leave,
Promise that you'll never depart
And I'll just try to make believe
And I'll try hard to trust you
That everything you tell me is true
That you're always honest with me
Lie to me, go ahead and lie to me
Deceive me, it's alright if you do
Lie to me
Please deceive me
it doesn't matter anymore
It's no longer important
It could never be the way it was before
Things will never be as they used to be
If I can't hold on to you
If I can't keep you with me
Leave me with something I can hold onto,
At least allow me to have something to grasp
For just a little while won't you let me be
Can you please let me have a respite, even for just a brief moment?
Anyone can see
It's obvious to everyone
That you love him more than me
That you care for him more than you do for me
But right now, baby, let me pretend
But for now, my dear, let me imagine
That our love will never end
That our passion will last forever
Lie to me, go ahead and lie to me
Please deceive me, it's okay if you do
Lie to me, go ahead and lie to me
Deceive me, it's alright if you do
Lie to me, go ahead and lie to me
Please deceive me, it's okay if you do
Lie to me, go ahead and lie to me
Deceive me, it's alright if you do
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID RIVKIN, BRUCE MCCABE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ernestkiyoshk9255
Here listening to the great Johnny Lang in 2024
@VANP79
I remenber when i bought this cd back +/- 2001 ... no words
@aprilnicole0411
Blaring it from my car today ❤
@ONTHEEDGEFRED
Me
@NeeCeeRidinFree
As good as it was then!! Maybe even better...understanding. :)
@maggieb4736
@@NeeCeeRidinFree, yup. Bought this when it first came out---still as good today. Fan-freaking-tastic!
@valerierechel8097
Heard this song on the radio 23 years ago. Told my husband, get that cd! Expecting an old black guy on the cover 😂. A 17 year old white kid from ND!!! was killing the blues. Life lesson.... try not to pre judge. Still love the song.
@emmettnichols4612
How cool is the lyrics,rhythm and message? I'm 81 still mobile and kicking it.!!!
@JaneHobson-on3jj
Our guitar player / vocalist turned me on to him... we did this one, and "Hit the Ground Runnin' " Fun, Fun, Fun !!
@1879dessa
Even better... He was 15...