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.
The Darker Side
Jonny Lang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looks like he's always feeling good
Sometimes you might want to take his place
And sometimes I think that you would
When the sun is going down
And there is no place to hide
Even in the brightest light
Look at the people, they learn how to lie so easy
They learn how to lie to get what they need
And after they got what they needed
It turns into a simple case of greed
When they no longer feel ashamed
And they've lost all sense of pride
Misery loves company
And it's lonely on the darker side
And when the party is over
And the music has died
You'll be dancing to the music, baby
Somewhere on the darker side
Somewhere on the darker side
In Jonny Lang's song "Darker Side" he talks about the two different sides of human emotion and personality. The first verse discusses a man who always seems to be happy with a smile plastered on his face. Lang notes that sometimes people may envy this man and want to take his place, but not all is as it seems. The second verse takes a darker turn as he discusses how people easily learn to lie to get what they want and once they have it, it turns into greed. When shame and pride have been lost, misery loves company and people are left on the darker side. The chorus of the song emphasizes this idea with the message that even in the brightest light, some people will always lean toward the darker side.
The song is a reflection on the duality of human nature and the different sides that we all have. Lang talks about the darker side being a more lonely and isolated place, where people are often ashamed of their actions and motives. It's a reminder to be conscious of the choices we make and the effects they have on our mental state.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at the man with the smile on his face
Observe the man with an expression of joy on his face
Looks like he's always feeling good
His appearance suggests that he is constantly experiencing happiness
Sometimes you might want to take his place
Occasionally, you might desire to be in his position
And sometimes I think that you would
On occasions, this notion appears in my thoughts
When the sun is going down
As the sun begins to descend
And there is no place to hide
When there is no shelter or cover from the surrounding conditions
Even in the brightest light
Despite the presence of abundant illumination
You might lean toward the darker side
One might incline towards the negative or ominous pathway
Look at the people, they learn how to lie so easy
Observe the individuals, deception comes effortlessly to them
They learn how to lie to get what they need
They grasp the art of duplicity to fulfill their desires
And after they got what they needed
Once they attain their objectives
It turns into a simple case of greed
It alters into a straightforward instance of avarice
When they no longer feel ashamed
The moment they cease to be abashed
And they've lost all sense of pride
When they renounce all notions of self-respect
Misery loves company
Distress and suffering have a propensity to attract others
And it's lonely on the darker side
The path of gloom and negativity can be solitary
And when the party is over
Once the gathering reaches its conclusion
And the music has died
When the melody has terminated
You'll be dancing to the music, baby
You will theatrically move in a rhythmic manner to the tune, my dear
Somewhere on the darker side
Perhaps on the gloomy and melancholic path
Lyrics Β© Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRUCE B. MCCABE
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.