Born and raised in New York City, Kenny Rankin was a singer/songwriter whos… Read Full Bio ↴Born and raised in New York City, Kenny Rankin was a singer/songwriter whose music combined jazz, folk and pop influences. Between 1967 and 2002, he released 13 albums. Among the most successful were 1976's "The Kenny Rankin Album," which reached No. 99 on the "Billboard" album charts, and 1980's "After the Roses," which charted at No. 171. Both albums were produced by Don Costa.

Rankin's best-known composition, "Peaceful," was a major hit for Helen Reddy in 1973. He had a major fan in Johnny Carson, who had Rankin appear on "The Tonight Show" more than two dozen times. Carson wrote the liner notes for Rankin's 1967 debut album, "Mind Dusters."

Rankin died June 7, 2009, in Los Angeles. According to his management company, he was diagnosed with lung cancer three weeks earlier.

Inside
Kenny Rankin Lyrics

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the feeling is strong and overpowers my thoughts
i am not aware of the reality that my blood knows only too well
my mind is hostile for all the wrong reasons
i am only son and man, and the need to be brother is tremendous

Overall Meaning

The song "Inside" by Kenny Rankin is a poignant portrayal of a man struggling with his emotions and the desires that often cloud his rational judgment. The lyrics of the song describe the sensation of being emotionally overwhelmed and consumed by complicated thoughts, feelings, and desires. The expression "the feeling is strong and overpowers my thoughts" conveys the idea that the singer of the song is not in control of their emotions and that it is difficult to think straight.

The line "i am not aware of the reality that my blood knows only too well" suggests that the singer is aware that his desires are not realistic or practical, but he cannot help feeling the way he does. The phrase "my mind is hostile for all the wrong reasons" alludes to the idea that the singer's thoughts have become hostile and conflicted, and he is struggling to make sense of them. The final line "i am only son and man, and the need to be brother is tremendous" provides insight into the singer's deepest desires, and underscores the intense longing for brotherhood and connection.

Line by Line Meaning

the feeling is strong and overpowers my thoughts
This overwhelming emotion is so powerful that it controls my every thought and action.

i am not aware of the reality that my blood knows only too well
Despite not consciously recognizing it, my instincts and innermost feelings are acutely aware of the truth.

my mind is hostile for all the wrong reasons
I'm feeling uncomfortable and tense, but unable to identify why my thoughts are so combative.

i am only son and man, and the need to be brother is tremendous
Even though I am a solitary individual who leads an independent life, I crave for the companionship of others and being part of a supportive community.

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Kenny Rankin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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