He first started recording in the early 1970s with Jefferson Airplane violinist Papa John Creach. Creach hired him when Moore was just twenty-one years old; Moore appeared on four of Creach's albums.
He was further immersed in the blues with his long stint in the Whodunit Band, headed by Bobby "Blue" Bland producer Monk Higgins. Moore jammed with Albert Collins and Big Joe Turner.
In 1996 he released Just Like You, which featured guest appearances from Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt.
In 2004, he appeared on Amy Grant: Greatest Hits 1986-2004 in a duet entitled "Come Be with Me", which became a modest success on pop radio.
In 2005 he appeared on Buddy Guy's version of "Ain't No Sunshine", along with Tracy Chapman. That same year, he appeared on Eric Clapton's album Back Home. In 2006, he co-wrote the song, "I Hope", with the Dixie Chicks for their album, Taking the Long Way.
Moore also provided vocals to Marcus Miller's 2007 album, Free on the track entitled "Milky Way" and again on Miller's 2008 album entitled, Marcus.
According to Songfacts, in 2010 I See Love was used as the opening theme tune for American sitcom Mike & Molly.
Keb' Mo's website is at http://www.kebmo.com/
-----
Keb' Mo' is one of the foremost contemporary blues artists. With an endearing sense of faith in humanity evident on most of his tracks and a very interestingly textured voice, this man has successfully merged traditional Delta blues and modern acoustic singer-songwritership. While it's a stretch to call him a traditionalist, Keb' Mo' plays a mean guitar, and the meticulously played guitar on each one of his songs is awe-inspiring.
After spending his early career backing blues artists up, he released his debut album in 1994. He also appeared in Scorsese's film about the blues. As the only man to my knowlege that has incorporated the word "internet" into a blues song, it is clear that Keb' Mo' is unique and has, in an unprecedented manner, carved out his own genre that never fails to make the listener smile.
For What It's Worth
Keb' Mo' Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What it is ain't exactly clear
There's a man with a gun over there
Telling me I got to beware
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's going down
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
Young people speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind
I think it's time we stop, hey, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's going down
Somebody talk to me
What a field day for the heat
Million people in the street
Singing songs and carrying signs
Mostly say, 'Hooray for our side'
I think it's time we stop, hey, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's going down
[Incomprehensible] yeah
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
Step out of line and the man will come and take you away
We better stop, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's going down
Take a look around
Taking control of the situation
Keb' Mo''s song "For What It's Worth" is a cover of Buffalo Springfield's 1966 hit song. The song is layered with metaphors, symbolisms, and allusions. The song talks about a social uprising or an instinctive protest where people gather on the streets to express their dissent against the establishment. The singer starts with describing the chaos and confusion in the air where something is happening, but it's unclear what it exactly is. The image of a man with a gun telling people to beware creates a sense of danger and an ominous feeling.
The singer then urges the young people to speak their minds and stop what's going down, referring to the drawing of battle lines and the increasing resistance from those in power. The singer implies that if everyone thinks they're right, then nobody is right. The image of million people in the street singing songs and carrying signs suggests a peaceful protest where everyone is united. The repeated line "what's that sound" creates an anticipation of something that is about to happen, or a question that nobody has an answer to.
Line by Line Meaning
There's something happening here
There's a lot of confusion and mixed messages being spread around
What it is ain't exactly clear
It's hard to determine the root of the issue
There's a man with a gun over there
There's a person in a position of power who is threatening others
Telling me I got to beware
Warning me to be cautious because of the potential danger
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound?
We need to take action and address the situation at hand
Everybody look what's going down
Pay attention to what's happening
There's battle lines being drawn
People are starting to take sides and create conflict
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
When everyone is arguing, no one is actually making progress
Young people speaking their minds
A group of young individuals are expressing their opinions
Getting so much resistance from behind
They're facing opposition from those in power and other groups
Somebody talk to me
Asking for someone to explain the situation and help reduce confusion
What a field day for the heat
The authorities have a lot of power and control in this situation
Million people in the street
There are a large number of people taking action and protesting
Singing songs and carrying signs
The protesters are using creative and peaceful means to express their beliefs
Mostly say, 'Hooray for our side'
The protesters are supporting their own beliefs and agendas
Paranoia strikes deep
People are becoming increasingly fearful
Into your life it will creep
The fear and paranoia is gradually taking over individuals' lives
It starts when you're always afraid
Fear is at the root of the issue
Step out of line and the man will come and take you away
Those in power are quick to punish anyone who opposes them
We better stop, what's that sound?
It's time to put an end to the chaos
Take a look around
Evaluate the situation and consider what actions to take
Taking control of the situation
Empowering ourselves to address the issue and create change
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Stills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Angel Flores
on The Whole Enchilada (Bonus Acoustic)
You gon die if u put yo hands on me nigga