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.
Only A Man
Jonny Lang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Was worried all the time
From waking up to laying down
I had no peace of mind
The world became a darkened place
A struggle without end
Although bitter times those were
The days that I had began to understand
I grew up singing songs in church
With questions in my mind
Then turned my back and ran away
From God who gave me life
Then one night his presence fell
I wept and shook and then
I fell down and cried, Dear Jesus, rescue me again
I understand I am only a man
And He said, What will it be now?
Will you choose me or keep swimming up stream now?
I've been inside your head hearing you scream out.
Well here I am, just take my hand and I'll take out
All of the pain and all of the fear
All of the fear
I'll give you my burdens (I'll give you peace)
All of my desires (I'll give you what you need)
Oh, what about these chains, Lord? (I'll set you free)
But they're so heavy (Lay them at my feet)
I'll lay them at your feet
Just promise you won't leave (I'll never leave)
So where do I go from here, Lord? (Just follow me)
(Just follow me)
I'll follow you (Just follow me) wherever you lead
Wherever you lead, wherever you lead
The song "Only A Man" by Jonny Lang speaks about the journey of a man who once used to live his life in fear and worry. The opening line itself portrays the state of mind of the singer, where he says that he used to be scared all the time. The following lines give more insights into his daily struggles of life, where he says that his fear was with him every moment, from waking up to laying down. He also talks about how his life felt like a never-ending struggle, and the world around him was dark and gloomy. However, in the end, he realizes that he's only a man, and that understanding helps him find peace.
The song also showcases the singer's spiritual journey, where he explains how he grew up singing songs in church but later turned his back on God. Then, one night, he experiences God's presence, and that brings him to tears. He cries out, "Dear Jesus, rescue me again," giving the sense that he's had a similar experience before, where God had helped him in tough times. In the end, he accepts that he's only human and chooses to follow God, wherever He leads.
The song's meaning is quite profound, and it showcases how a person can find meaning and purpose in life, even in the darkest of times, by accepting their limitations and relying on God's strength. It also portrays that fear and worry can consume us, but with faith, we can find inner peace and overcome our struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to live my life in fear
In the past, I lived a fearful life
Was worried all the time
I was constantly anxious
From waking up to laying down
From the time I woke up until I slept, fear consumed me
I had no peace of mind
I lacked serenity
The world became a darkened place
The world seemed dark and gloomy
A struggle without end
It was a constant battle
Although bitter times those were
Even though the times were bitter
The days that I had began to understand
But those were the days I started to comprehend
I was only a man
I was just a mortal human being
I grew up singing songs in church
I was raised singing hymns in church
With questions in my mind
But with doubts inside
Then turned my back and ran away
Later on, I rejected my faith and fled
From God who gave me life
From the God who bestowed life upon me
Then one night his presence fell
But one night, I felt His presence
I wept and shook and then
I cried and trembled
I fell down and cried, Dear Jesus, rescue me again
I knelt and pleaded, 'Please rescue me, Jesus'
I understand I am only a man
I now realize I am just a mere human
And He said, What will it be now?
And then He asked, 'What will you do now?'
Will you choose me or keep swimming up stream now?
Will you accept Me or keep struggling alone?
I've been inside your head hearing you scream out.
I know what's going on in your mind and hear your cries.
Well here I am, just take my hand and I'll take out
But I am here, so just take My hand and I'll remove
All of the pain and all of the fear
All of the anguish and all of the dread
I'll give you my burdens (I'll give you peace)
I will carry your troubles (I will provide you peace)
All of my desires (I'll give you what you need)
All of your needs (I will provide)
Oh, what about these chains, Lord? (I'll set you free)
But what about these chains, Lord? (I will free you)
But they're so heavy (Lay them at my feet)
But they're too burdensome (Place them at My feet)
I'll lay them at your feet
I will leave them behind
Just promise you won't leave (I'll never leave)
Only guarantee that You will not depart (I will never leave)
So where do I go from here, Lord? (Just follow me)
So, what's the next step for me, Lord? (Just follow My lead)
(Just follow me)
(Simply follow Me)
I'll follow you (Just follow me) wherever you lead
I will pursue You (Just follow Me) regardless of where You lead me
Wherever you lead, wherever you lead
No matter where You guide me, no matter where You guide me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: 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.