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 Levee
Jonny Lang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My soul is feeling restless and I need some relief
I'm heading for the Delta, see what I can find
I know the river holds the answers that'll ease my worried mind
Take me down to the levee where the women sing
Lay me down like an angel with a broken wing
Take me down to the levee where the river flows
Well, I have been to Natchez, been down to Baton Rouge
But the Delta keeps on callin' me no matter what I do
Chorus
Solo
I'm drivin' through the darkness, down Highway 61
Heading for the crossroads like the ones before me done
The song "The Levee" by Jonny Lang talks about a man who is in search of peace and relief for his restless soul. He has been to Memphis but couldn't find any peace. So, he heads for the Delta to see what he can find. He believes that the river holds the answers to ease his mind. The man is looking for a solution to his problems by trying to find comfort in a new place. The lyrics, "Take me down to the levee where the women sing, lay me down like an angel with a broken wing," suggest that he is looking for a place where he can find peace and solace away from the troubles of his life. He yearns for a place to rest his troubled mind.
The chorus further emphasizes the man's desire to find peace- "Take me down to the levee where the river flows, gon' throw my blues off the levee and let them go." He wants to throw away his troubles and blues into the river and leave them behind. The song also references other places he has been, such as Natchez and Baton Rouge, but his search for peace continues to lead him back to the Delta. Ultimately, the song speaks to the human desire to find relief and a sense of purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
I have been to Memphis but I couldn't find no peace
I have traveled to place after place in search of peace, but none have provided the relief I need.
My soul is feeling restless and I need some relief
My inner self is unfulfilled and troubled, and I am desperate for solace.
I'm heading for the Delta, see what I can find
I am going to the Mississippi Delta in hopes of finding what I have been seeking.
I know the river holds the answers that'll ease my worried mind
I have faith that the Mississippi River can provide me the solutions to my tribulations.
Take me down to the levee where the women sing
Bring me to the levee where the ladies of the community sing their melodic tunes.
Lay me down like an angel with a broken wing
Place me down kindly and delicately, like an injured angelic being.
Take me down to the levee where the river flows
Escort me to the levee where the tranquil, clear-flowing river resides.
Gon' throw my blues off the levee and let them go
I am going to discard my profound sadness off the levee, where it can just float away.
Well, I have been to Natchez, been down to Baton Rouge
I've visited Natchez and Baton Rouge, but even those places didn't provide relief.
But the Delta keeps on callin' me no matter what I do
Despite my attempts to disregard the Delta's wistful call, it still beckons me.
I'm drivin' through the darkness, down Highway 61
I'm pushing on during the nighttime, down Highway 61.
Heading for the crossroads like the ones before me done
I'm on my way to the legendary crossroad, following the footsteps of those before me.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JONNY LANG, KEVIN JOSEPH BOWE
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.