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.
River
Jonny Lang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But this is where it all begins
Standing here on the shore, with just our lives
and nothing left to lose again
I know the water is crushing all around you
You're soaking wet with the threat, it just might drown you
But we both know what we gotta do
I know the river is wide, I know the river is wide
Take my hand we're gonna walk on the water tonight
I know it's waiting, waiting on the other side
I can feel it, inside. I can see it, tonight
Girl we've been trapped on the banks, for far way to long now
And I think that we both know, the only way is to leave this solid ground now
Make a break for other shores
There's nothing we left behind worth holding on to
I'm sick of just getting by, and truth be known, you are too
Now we both know what we gotta do
Can't you feel it, inside
Can't see it, tonight
Oooo
Oooo
Oooo
Girl we didn't come all this way, to turn around now
And I think it's time we both leave this hallowed ground, how about now
Take my hand baby don't turn around
We could run, we could hide, we could stand and fight
I know the river is wide, I know the river is wide
Take my hand we're gonna walk on the water tonight
Come on baby, let's walk on the water tonight
I can feel it, inside. Can't you see it tonight
Can't you see it, tonight. I can feel it, tonight
The song "River" by Jonny Lang speaks to taking risks, leaving one's comfort zone, and walking on water–a metaphor for doing the impossible. The lyrics suggest that while the chances of success may not be high, taking the leap of faith is where things begin. Lang speaks to the apprehension of taking such risks with lines like "I know the water is crushing all around you, you're soaking wet with the threat, it just might drown you," but ultimately emphasizes that both he and his partner "know what we gotta do." Rather than running or hiding away from the challenges that lie ahead, Lang urges his partner to take his hand so that they can both walk on the water together.
The third verse makes it clear that Lang has grown weary of being stuck on the shore, and quotes his partner as sharing the same sentiment. They agree that the only way to move forward is by leaving their current situation behind and taking the leap together. Lang reiterates the importance of taking action by stating "we didn't come all this way, to turn around now," and finally "take my hand baby don't turn around."
Line by Line Meaning
I know the river is wide, Our chances are slim
Despite knowing that the journey ahead is difficult and there is a chance of failure, we are willing to take the risk and venture into the unknown.
But this is where it all begins
This is the starting point of our journey and where we have to make the decision to leave the safety of the shore and take a chance on the other side.
Standing here on the shore, with just our lives
We are standing on the shore with only ourselves to rely on and nothing else to lose.
and nothing left to lose again
We have already lost everything that mattered to us, and this is our chance to start fresh with nothing to hold us back.
I know the water is crushing all around you
The waves of uncertainty and fear may be overwhelming for you, but I am here to support you and help you through it.
You're soaking wet with the threat, it just might drown you
The fear and doubt may be too much for you to handle alone, but together we can face the challenge head-on and overcome it.
But we both know what we gotta do
Deep down, we both know that we have to take this chance and cross the river to make a new life for ourselves.
We could run, we could hide, we could stand and fight
We have different options to approach this challenge, including avoiding it, facing it head-on, or finding a middle ground.
Take my hand we're gonna walk on the water tonight
I am here to support you and guide you through the journey ahead, and together we are going to transcend the expectations and overcome the challenges.
I know it's waiting, waiting on the other side
We both have a sense of hope and anticipation about what lies beyond the river, and we are determined to reach it together.
Girl we've been trapped on the banks, for far way to long now
We have been stuck in a stagnant and unfulfilling situation for too long, and it's time to break free and explore new possibilities.
And I think that we both know, the only way is to leave this solid ground now
We understand that stepping out of our comfort zones and taking a leap of faith is the only way to grow and embrace new opportunities.
There's nothing we left behind worth holding on to
We have already lost everything that mattered to us, and there is nothing left to hold us back from embracing the unknown.
I'm sick of just getting by, and truth be known, you are too
We both crave a fulfilling and purposeful life, and we are willing to take the risk to achieve it.
Can't you feel it, inside
We both have an intuition and sense of hope that we are meant for something greater than what we have experienced so far.
Can't see it, tonight
Despite our sense of hope, we may not have a clear vision of what the future holds, and that's okay.
Girl we didn't come all this way, to turn around now
We have already come too far to give up now, and we are committed to seeing this journey through to its end.
And I think it's time we both leave this hallowed ground, how about now
It's time for us to leave behind our past and embrace the new possibilities in front of us, starting now.
Take my hand baby don't turn around
I am committed to being your support and guide through this journey, and I am asking you to trust me and take the leap with me.
Come on baby, let's walk on the water tonight
Together, we are going to overcome the impossible and tap into our full potential, starting tonight.
Can't you see it tonight. I can feel it, tonight
We both have a sense of hope and anticipation about what's to come, and we are ready to embrace it with open hearts and minds.
Writer(s): Jonny Lang Copyright: Langy Tunes
Contributed by Josiah H. 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.