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.
Long Time Coming
Jonny Lang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never thought it'd take so long
I stood still but time kept running
Time has made me strong
Yeah it's been a long time waiting
Waiting for this day to come
Time don't wait so I keep singing
Yeah it's been a long time coming
Never thought it'd take so long
I stood still but time kept running
Time has made me strong
Made me strong, made me strong
Time has made me strong
The opening lines of Jonny Lang’s song, “Long Time Coming,” indicate a sense of relief that follows a significant struggle. Through his lyrics, he describes waiting and standing still while time moves forward. This feeling of stagnancy seems to make him believe that his life has been at a standstill for so long. However, as time progresses, it has made him better and more resilient. By the time he has reached this day, he feels stronger and more capable to face anything that comes his way.
He talks about how he has been waiting for this day for a long time, and how he has been singing to pass the time. The implication is that he uses music as an outlet to escape the difficulties of life. The repetition of the statement ‘made me strong’ at different points in the song serves to underscore the resilience he has gained through waiting and struggling.
The song’s message has touched many fans worldwide. Its motivating lyrics speak to people’s struggles and perseverance, which is why it has remained a popular song almost two decades after the release. The song's melancholic tune and powerful message make it a classic.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah it's been a long time coming
It has been a significant duration of time for these events to occur.
Never thought it'd take so long
I didn't anticipate it taking this much time.
I stood still but time kept running
Although I stood still, time continued to progress.
Time has made me strong
The passage of time has fortified and toughened me.
Yeah it's been a long time waiting
A considerable amount of time has been spent anticipating this moment.
Waiting for this day to come
Looking forward to this day and all that it represents.
Time don't wait so I keep singing
Since time won't slow down, I keep singing and making the most of it.
Made me strong, made me strong
The passage of time has reinforced and strengthened me.
Time has made me strong
The passing of time has made me tougher and more resilient.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARTIN FREDERIKSEN, JONNY 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.