Whether standing on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry or entertaining the troops in Iraq, the southern country-rocker is indeed using his God-given gifts to deliver a message through his words and his music. His undeniable charisma and tremendous talent as a singer, songwriter and performer have firmly established him as one of country music's brightest new stars.
Keni's new album, Gunslinger, is a collection of insightful songs that live and breathe the stories of life. Gunslinger is the follow-up to Thomas's critically acclaimed debut album, "Flags of Our Fathers." The first single "Shreveport 2 LA," produced by Thomas and co-written by hit writers Billy Montana and Mike Plume, is an infectious rocker that spent 4 months in the Top 10 on GAC.
"This catchy single is a terrific introduction to his finely crafted sophomore album," commented Billboard Magazine. "Thomas is an engaging vocalist and insightful songwriter with tons of personality onstage and off."
A dynamic live performer, Keni and his band, Cornbread, tour steadily both nationally and abroad opening for top artists like Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Trace Atkins, Montgomery Gentry and Wynonna. They have traveled for years to the Middle East, volunteering their time as part of the USO's "Hope and Freedom" holiday show. Keni and Cornbread even made the jump to Hollywood as the featured band in the Disney/Touchstone blockbuster, "Sweet Home Alabama".
As a songwriter, Thomas is quickly gaining recognition nationwide for his talent. His southern fried scorcher, "Alabama Home" was chosen as the official theme song for Talladega Superspeedway and was used in all national TV spots for the 2007 season. And there's more in store. Like the haunting title track Keni wrote for the upcoming feature film "Circle on the Cross" premiering in 2009. Music Row will tell you that as a songwriter, "Thomas weaves a powerful spell with understated elegance".
Thomas wrote or co-wrote seven of the tracks on the new album including the infectious title track, Gunslinger, the inspirational ballad "In God's Hands," the feel-good summertime anthem, "Summertown," and the hauntingly beautiful, "Everything." In addition, the disc includes offerings by such hit songwriters as Kristen Hall, previously of country super group Sugarland ("Out of Nowhere"), Billy Montana ("Shreveport 2 LA," and "Not Ready for Love") and the immensely talented Bruce Robison ("Blame it on Me"), and others.
More than a gifted musician, Thomas possesses an exceptional personal story that is uniquely inspiring. He is a decorated combat veteran of the elite 75th Ranger Rgt special operations unit. As a military analyst, Thomas has made numerous appearances on ever major television network including a featured story on Good Morning America and specials on The History and Discovery channels. He is regularly booked as a keynote speaker for corporations and organizations around the nation sharing his motivating story of teamwork and leadership. As a country singer, his dedicated work on behalf of our veterans has been recognized by Congress and the National Defense Foundation. Thomas is the recipient of the American Patriot Award, The Carlton Sherwood Media Award and the bronze star for valor.
Thomas is very proud of his appointment as the national spokesman for the Hero Fund (www.HeroFund.com) and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides college educations to the children of our special ops personnel killed in combat or training. A portion of all proceeds from Gunslinger will benefit the Hero Fund. Since its inception, the Hero Fund has helped provide for the educational needs of over 700 children.
The title of Keni's new album is really a statement of his mission; "I'm not so much a Gunslinger in the Wild West sort of way; but rather I've come to town to do something good. Instead of an M-4 rifle, I get to carry a Gibson now. Music is a powerful weapon. And that's how I'm making a difference."
Everything
Keni Thomas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That I'm about,
All these feelings, fears and doubts,
Locked up in a little jar marked 'dangerous'
Though it may seem rather sad, that this living in the past
Is all the future holds for us when
Everything I do is a circle leading back to you
A different story a different point of view
Put your whole self in this picture
Take some time to figure out
Wrap this quilt of contradiction warm around you now
Stay strong, take care
There is no distance left to trace, map or line we can erase,
Cost of this forgotten dream is written on my face
Who can tell the reason why there's a sun in this blue sky
Everything I do is a circle leading back to you
Everything you say twists me round a different way
A different story a different point of view
Every dog will have his day, every man must have his doubts
Everyone will find their own way out, every silver lining has a
Cloud
Everything I do is a circle leading back to you
Everything you say twists me round a different way
A different story a different me and you
Keni Thomas's song "Everything" is a melancholic track that deals with the complexities of relationships, love, and life in general. The song's central theme revolves around the idea of a circular journey, where everything begins, unfolds, and ends in the same place. The first verse, "I'll keep all that I'm about, all these feelings, fears and doubts, locked up in a little jar marked 'dangerous,'" speaks to the idea of being guarded and reserved due to past experiences. The singer has retreated into a shell, containing all of their emotions and vulnerabilities, which they perceive as dangerous. The line "everything I do is a circle leading back to you" acts as a chorus-like refrain, repeating throughout the song and encompassing the cyclical nature of our choices, thoughts, and experiences.
The second verse continues with the idea of being trapped in the past, with "this living in the past is all the future holds for us." The circular journey mentioned before is now being viewed in a negative light, where there seems to be no escape from the cycle. Despite this, the song offers a silver lining, with the lines "put your whole self in this picture, take some time to figure out, wrap this quilt of contradiction warm around you now." It encourages the listener to immerse themselves in their experiences, however contradictory they may be, and to seek comfort in the midst of confusion.
The final verse provides a resolution of sorts, with the lines "every dog will have his day, every man must have his doubts, everyone will find their way out, every silver lining has a cloud." These words acknowledge the difficulties of life, but also point towards the idea that we all have to make our way through it as best we can. The singer seems to have come to the realization that life is full of both highs and lows, joys and sorrows, triumphs and defeats, but ultimately, it is our ability to navigate these experiences that shapes who we are.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll keep all
That I'm about,
I will not change who I am or what I believe in.
All these feelings, fears and doubts,
Locked up in a little jar marked 'dangerous'
I hide my true emotions because they are considered unacceptable by others.
Though it may seem rather sad, that this living in the past
Is all the future holds for us when
Living in the past can prevent us from moving forward.
Everything I do is a circle leading back to you
Everything you say twists me round a different way
A different story a different point of view
Our actions and words are intertwined, leading to different interpretations and perspectives.
Put your whole self in this picture
Take some time to figure out
Wrap this quilt of contradiction warm around you now
Embrace the complexities of life and take time to reflect on them.
Stay strong, take care
There is no distance left to trace, map or line we can erase,
Cost of this forgotten dream is written on my face
Despite the challenges we face, we must remain resilient and take responsibility for our choices.
Who can tell the reason why there's a sun in this blue sky
The mysteries of life cannot always be explained or understood.
Every dog will have his day, every man must have his doubts
Everyone will find their own way out, every silver lining has a
Cloud
We all face obstacles and setbacks, but we must persevere and find our own path.
Everything I do is a circle leading back to you
Everything you say twists me round a different way
A different story a different me and you
Our relationships are complex, with different interpretations and perspectives constantly shaping them.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management
Written by: ALVIN JOINER, RICARDO THOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jason Baker
Beautiful Keni! Proud to see all you have become!