Jonny Lang (born Jon Gordon Langseth, Jr. in Fargo, North Dakota, January 2… Read Full Bio ↴Jonny Lang (born Jon Gordon Langseth, Jr. in Fargo, North Dakota, January 29, 1981) is a Grammy Award-winning American singer and guitarist performing blues, gospel, soul, and rock music, his latest work being 2013's 'Fight For My Soul'. In 1995, at the age of 14, Lang released his first album, 'Smokin'. Performing both as himself and as as 'Kid Jonny Lang & The Big Bang', he achieved some budding success. As a result of the LP becoming a regional hit, a major-label bidding war ensued that culminated in Lang signing to A&M Records in 1996.

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.

Thankful
Jonny Lang Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Someone's standing in a welfare line
Or off the freeway with a hungry sign
Someone's stressing 'bout to lose their mind
I gotta be thankful, thankful

Someone just became a single mother
Someone just lost a sister or brother
It's so important that we love each other

And be thankful, thankful

I've gotta take the time to say
That I'm thankful, thankful
For every single breath that I take
I've gotta be thankful, thankful

Someone's sitting in a prison cell
Wasting away in their own personal hell
Everybody's got their own story to tell
I've gotta be thankful, thankful

Man, I used to think I didn't have a lot
Now I realize just how much I've got
Now every day I'm gonna take the time
And stop to be thankful, thankful

Gotta take the time to say now
That I'm wanna be thankful, thankful
For every little breath that I take
I've gotta be thankful, thankful

Anyone of these so easily
Could have been me
And if it had not been for grace and mercy
Who knows where I'd be?

I've been riding on this roller coaster ride
Round and round I've seen the up and downside
And I'm here to tell you that the secret of life
Is being thankful, thankful

I've gotta take the time to say
I'm so very thankful, thankful
For every little breath that I take
Lord you know I'm thankful, thankful

Thankful, thankful
Thankful, thankful
Thankful, thankful

Thankful, thankful
Thankful, thankful

Thankful, thankful
Thankful, thankful

Overall Meaning

Jonny Lang's song Thankful is a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude and the appreciation of life's blessings. The first verse starts by acknowledging that there are those who are struggling and facing difficult times. The second verse speaks of the hardships that people face in life; the loss of loved ones, the hardships of single parenthood, and even incarceration. The chorus repeats the theme of gratitude and highlights that every breath we take is precious.

Lang then goes on to say that he has realized just how fortunate he is and wants to take the time to stop and appreciate all that he has in his life. He also acknowledges that any of these situations could have happened to him but he is grateful that he had grace and mercy in his life to help him overcome his own challenges. The last verse reveals that Lang has experienced his own ups and downs in life like everyone else and the secret to life is being thankful in all circumstances.

The song message goes beyond gratitude for personal blessings and emphasizes that we must show love and support for each other in difficult times to keep our humanity intact. It reminds us that we are all connected and that it is important to be empathetic and compassionate towards others. Overall, the song is a call for appreciation and togetherness, touching hearts with its powerful message.

Line by Line Meaning

Someone's standing in a welfare line
There are people in the world who are struggling and need assistance to get by.

Or off the freeway with a hungry sign
Some people are so desperate for food that they resort to begging on the side of the road.

Someone's stressing 'bout to lose their mind
Mental health issues affect many people and can cause a lot of stress and anxiety.

I gotta be thankful, thankful
Even in the face of hardship, it's important to stay positive and be grateful for what you have.

Someone just became a single mother
Life can suddenly change in unexpected ways, such as becoming a single parent.

Someone just lost a sister or brother
Death is a natural part of life, but it can be very difficult when it affects those we love.

It's so important that we love each other
Showing love and compassion towards others can make a big difference in their lives.

And be thankful, thankful
Gratitude is an important part of staying positive and finding happiness in life.

I've gotta take the time to say
It's important to make a conscious effort to acknowledge and appreciate the good things in life.

That I'm thankful, thankful
Expressing gratitude for the good things in life can help us maintain a positive attitude and outlook.

For every single breath that I take
Life is a gift, and it's important to be grateful for every moment that we have.

Someone's sitting in a prison cell
The justice system can be harsh, and some people end up spending time in prison for their mistakes.

Wasting away in their own personal hell
Prison can be a very difficult and isolating experience that takes a toll on people's mental health.

Everybody's got their own story to tell
Everyone has experienced their own unique struggles and challenges that have shaped their lives.

Man, I used to think I didn't have a lot
Perspective is important when it comes to gratitude; what one person considers to be 'not enough' might be plenty for someone else.

Now I realize just how much I've got
Taking the time to appreciate what we have can help us realize that we are actually blessed in many ways.

Now every day I'm gonna take the time
Making gratitude a daily habit can help us maintain a positive mindset and approach to life.

And stop to be thankful, thankful
Pausing to appreciate the good things in life can help us find joy and contentment even during difficult times.

Anyone of these so easily
The struggles and challenges that others face could easily affect us as well.

Could have been me
Fate can be unpredictable, and it's important to be grateful for the good things in life while we have them.

And if it had not been for grace and mercy
Divine intervention or even just good luck can make all the difference in our lives.

Who knows where I'd be?
Gratitude can help us recognize the ways that our lives have been positively impacted, even by things outside of our control.

I've been riding on this roller coaster ride
Life is full of ups and downs, and it can be a wild ride at times.

Round and round I've seen the up and downside
Life can be a cycle of good times and bad times, but it's important to stay hopeful and optimistic.

And I'm here to tell you that the secret of life
Gratitude is the key to finding happiness and contentment in life, even during difficult times.

Is being thankful, thankful
A mindset of gratitude can help us find joy and fulfillment even during challenging times.

I'm so very thankful, thankful
Expressing gratitude can help us feel happier and more fulfilled, even during difficult times.

Lord you know I'm thankful, thankful
For some people, expressing gratitude is also a way of connecting with a higher power or the universe as a whole.

Thankful, thankful
Feeling grateful can help bring a sense of peace and contentment into our lives.

Thankful, thankful
Expressing gratitude can be a powerful way to find joy and fulfillment in life.

Thankful, thankful
Gratitude is something that we can cultivate and practice every day.

Thankful, thankful
Feeling grateful for what we have can help us find joy and contentment in even the smallest things.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, O/B/O DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SHANNON SANDERS, JONNY LANG, DREW RAMSEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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