White began performing when she was a child, singing in a gospel group with her parents and brother. The group, called the White Family Singers, sang at local church and community gathering. After a while, the children began working pop music into the act, most notably Elvis Presley. As a teenager, Lari sang show tunes at talent contests and sang with a local rock & roll band. She earned a scholarship to the University of Miami, where she studied vocals and music engineering. After a while, she began writing her own songs, singing in local clubs at night and taking professional singing jobs. Upon graduating from college, she travelled around the United States, looking at various local music scenes. In 1988, she decided to move to Nashville and try to become a professional.
Later in 1988, she appeared on the Nashville Network's You Can Be a Star and won the first prize. The award led to a record contract with Capitol. Before the end of the year, she had released a single on Capitol, "Flying Above the Rain," which became a regional hit in the South but failed to break into the big time. Later that same year, she joined Ronnie Milsap's publishing house and began taking acting lessons. For the next few years, White continued in this vein, choosing to hone her talent, sing in local dinner theaters and wait for another break. That break arrived in 1991, after an ASCAP showcase revived interest in her talents. Following the showcase, Rodney Crowell asked her to sing backup vocals in his live band. In 1992, White signed a record contract with RCA and Crowell produced her debut album, Lead Me Not, which was released the following year.
Lead Me Not received strong reviews and produced three minor hit singles: "What a Woman Wants," "Lead Me Not," and "Lay Around and Love You." Wishes, White's second album, became her breakthrough release, producing the Top Ten singles "That's My Baby," "Now I Know," and "That's How You Know (When You're in Love)." Don't Fence Me In, White's third album, wasn't quite as successful as its predecessor, but it continued her success. Stepping Stone followed in 1998. In 2004, after a lenghty hiatus that found the artist building her own home studio, White released the self-produced Green Eyed Soul on the UK based Mesmerizing Records.
Lead Me Not
Lari White Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I always lose track of the time
I'll just hold up this wall while I try to recall
A thought from the back of my mind
Oh yeah I remember, it began with a wink
When you caught me looking at you
So don't ask me if you can buy me a drink
Lead me not into temptation
I already know the road all too well
Lead me not into temptation
I can find it all by myself
I've the best of intentions, Lord, I mean to be good
And stick to the path I should go
But seems the harder I try, the further I slide
'Til I'm lost down that same dead end road
Now you're a good lookin' thing, and that must be the best
Proposition that I've had all day
But there's no need for subtlety, darlin', just get thee
Behind me and I'll show you the way
Lead me not into temptation
I already know the road all too well
Lead me not into temptation
I can find it all by myself
The song "Lead Me Not" by Lari White warns about the consequences of temptation and the struggle to resist it. The singer is at a bar and has lost track of time. She remembers a man trying to seduce her and is aware of his intentions to buy her a drink. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been in similar situations before and has fallen prey to temptation in the past. The chorus repeats the phrase "lead me not into temptation" and acknowledges that the singer is aware of the way to temptation and can find it on her own. The verses suggest that the singer is trying to resist temptation, but her willpower is not strong enough. She asks for guidance from a higher power, but ultimately acknowledges that the decision is hers to make.
The song's lyrics make a poignant statement on the nature of human temptation and the struggle to resist it. The chorus shines bright with the message of being aware of what’s right and wrong and not to allow oneself to be lured into something that they know is not good for them. The song's message resonates with anyone who has been tempted to stray from the path of righteousness.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I should have been home hours ago
I acknowledge that I have been out too long
I always lose track of the time
I tend to forget about time while out
I'll just hold up this wall while I try to recall
I'll lean on this wall and attempt to remember something
A thought from the back of my mind
A thought that was forgotten and now remembered
Oh yeah I remember, it began with a wink
I recall the moment from the past that started this situation
When you caught me looking at you
When my attention was drawn to you
So don't ask me if you can buy me a drink
I'm aware of your intentions and decline your offer
I know what you're trying to do
I am aware of your underlying intentions
Lead me not into temptation
I request guidance to avoid wrongdoing
I already know the road all too well
I have previously been down this path
I can find it all by myself
I am capable of making my own mistakes
I've the best of intentions, Lord, I mean to be good
I am sincere in my desire to act in a virtuous manner
And stick to the path I should go
I aim to follow the correct course of action
But seems the harder I try, the further I slide
Despite my efforts, I continue to make mistakes
'Til I'm lost down that same dead end road
Until I find myself in familiar yet unfavorable circumstances
Now you're a good lookin' thing, and that must be the best
I acknowledge your physical attractiveness
Proposition that I've had all day
The most tempting offer I've received recently
But there's no need for subtlety, darlin', just get thee
You don't need to beat around the bush, just follow me
Behind me and I'll show you the way
I'll lead you towards a better path
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: LARI WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Pamela Yakupcak
We lost the most amazing female country voice last night. Rest in peace Lari...
Judy Davidson
How and when did she pass
Wes Hunter
Yes we did. I miss her so much. She took me to dinner in 93 in Nashville and let me sit in with her band. RIP
Tony Gallo
How did she pass
Queen Regina Palmer, aka QRP
Lari was such a beautiful & multi talented artist. I always loved her & always will. This was a real blessing to see & hear. She is missed, but still with us in Spirit. ❤
Martin Taylor
One heck of a performance. God she's gonna be missed. Just pure talent..
stars092001
Rest in Peace, Lari. Heaven has gained an angel with an amazing voice
John Boulding
RIP Lari..sad to leave us so soon. Folks she was one of the best vocalists of any genre, any time.
Steve Davis
One of the best singers I've ever heard. The voice of an Angel.
Katrin Velasquez
John Boulding rip angle