Early life
After the separation of his parents, Lee grew up in Sacramento on the poultry farm of his grandparents. At the age of seven, he began playing the saxophone, and at the age of nine became a member of a dance ensemble. In 1969, he joined the Chester Smith Band and had his first television appearance. A short time later, he worked with the country musician Del Reeves.
He founded his first band, Apollo, in 1962. He briefly battled a cocaine addiction and moved to Iceland to go to rehab. The band, which changed its name later to Lee Greenwood Affair, played mostly pop music and appeared mostly in casinos in Las Vegas. A few records were recorded in Los Angeles with the Paramount label. After the band broke up in the 1970s, Greenwood moved back to Las Vegas, where he worked as a black jack dealer during the day, and as a singer at night.
Career
In 1979, he was discovered in Reno, Nev., by Larry McFaden, the bandleader and bassist of Mel Tillis. After making some demo tapes, Greenwood was signed in 1981 by the Nashville-based MCA label, and McFaden became his manager.
The first single, "It Turns Me Inside Out", made it to a spot in the top 20 of the country charts. Greenwood had written this song for Kenny Rogers, but Rogers turned it down due to the sheer volume of songs he had been offered at the time. "Ring On Her Finger and Time on her Hands" landed him in the country top 10.
He is best known for writing and recording the patriotic song "God Bless the USA" in the early 1980s. "God Bless the USA" gained renewed popularity following the launch of Operation: Desert Storm in 1991, and again, ten years later, following the September 11, 2001 attacks; in fact, the song even re-entered the Top 20 of the country charts in late 2001. Since then, Greenwood has played at many public events and commemorations of the attacks. He supports the United States Republican Party.
Theater
In 1995, Greenwood took a break from his touring schedule to spend time with his wife and newborn son. In his time off, he elected to build a theater in Sevierville, Tenn., and in April 1996, the "Lee Greenwood Theater" opened its doors. This gave Greenwood the opportunity to still perform daily shows, in addition to being with his family. The theater operated for five seasons, and closed for Greenwood to continue touring. The theater was not located in the heavily entertainment and tourist oriented areas of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Gatlinburg, Tenn., which contributed to the theater closing. The former theater building is now host to a church.
I Still Believe
Lee Greenwood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sometimes I can't think of one thing we've got
In common to keep us from falling apart
To keep holding on with hope in our hearts
Sometimes it's heaven and sometimes it`s hell
Sometimes it seems we would be just as well
Off on our own knowing somebody else
Then I think about all we've been through
[Chorus]
There have been so many nights that you saved me
There have been so many mornings you gave me
The courage to get up and get out of bed
To face the world one more day
There have been so many trials we've conquered together
And so many miles of rough roads we've weathered
And I swear forever that I'll never leave
Cause lady, I still believe
You bring out my best, you can bring out my worst
You feed every hunger, then leave me burning with thirst
And at the moment that I know that I'll surely die
Your love is my fountain of life
[Chorus]
Oh lady, I still believe
The lyrics of Lee Greenwood's song "I Still Believe" reflect the complex and ever-evolving nature of a long-term relationship. The singer acknowledges the highs and lows that come with being in love, expressing how sometimes it is easy and sometimes it is difficult to find common ground to keep the relationship strong. Despite the challenges, the singer continues to hold on to hope in their hearts, illustrating a deep commitment to weathering the storms together.
The chorus highlights the moments of support and encouragement that the partner has provided throughout the relationship. The lyrics speak to the times when the partner has been a source of strength, helping the singer face each day with courage and determination. The trials and challenges that they have overcome together have created a strong bond that the singer is unwilling to let go of, affirming their commitment to never leave their partner.
The song delves into the dynamics of the relationship, recognizing that the partner has the power to bring out both the best and worst in the singer. The push and pull of emotions are portrayed, with the partner being able to fulfill needs but also leaving the singer yearning for more. Despite the intense emotions and complexities of the relationship, the singer finds solace and rejuvenation in their partner's love, describing it as a fountain of life that sustains them through difficult times.
In the final refrain of "Oh lady, I still believe," the singer encapsulates their unwavering faith in the enduring strength of their love. Despite the doubts, challenges, and uncertainties that may arise, the singer chooses to hold onto their belief in the bond they share with their partner. The lyrics capture the resilience and commitment required to sustain a long-term relationship, emphasizing the power of love to overcome obstacles and reaffirming the singer's dedication to their partner.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes it's easy and sometimes it's not
Occasionally, life goes smoothly, but other times it's challenging
Sometimes I can't think of one thing we've got
There are moments when I struggle to see what we have in common
In common to keep us from falling apart
To find shared values that prevent us from drifting apart
To keep holding on with hope in our hearts
To maintain optimism and continue believing in our relationship
Sometimes it's heaven and sometimes it`s hell
Our relationship has its highs and lows
Sometimes it seems we would be just as well
At times, it can feel like we'd be better off alone
Off on our own knowing somebody else
Considering the idea of being in a different relationship
Then I think about all we've been through
Reflecting on the challenges and experiences we've faced together
There have been so many nights that you saved me
You've been my support and comfort during difficult times
There have been so many mornings you gave me
You've given me strength to face each new day
The courage to get up and get out of bed
Motivating me to start afresh and face challenges
To face the world one more day
To tackle life's difficulties and uncertainties each day
There have been so many trials we've conquered together
We've overcome numerous challenges as a team
And so many miles of rough roads we've weathered
We've endured many tough times and hardships together
And I swear forever that I'll never leave
I promise to stay committed and loyal to you always
Cause lady, I still believe
Because, despite everything, I still have faith in our relationship
You bring out my best, you can bring out my worst
You have the ability to bring out both the best and worst in me
You feed every hunger, then leave me burning with thirst
You satisfy my needs but also leave me wanting more
And at the moment that I know that I'll surely die
When facing struggles that seem insurmountable
Your love is my fountain of life
Your love gives me the strength and vitality to carry on
Oh lady, I still believe
Despite everything, I continue to hold onto my faith in you
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rhoda Cameron
Love this song, have not heard it in years, brings back so many happy memories.
Robert Conrad
An incredible song from an incredible artist!
Douglas Brown
Thanks for the upload. This is my favorite Lee Greenwood song.
Knut Oskar Løkka
This song goes out to the love of my life...
Diana Hayse
To someone...I still believe...soulmate. You ain't getting rid of me. I love your fire!!!
rody692
Sometimes it's easy & sometimes it's not
Sometimes I can't think of one thing we've got
In common to keep us from falling apart
To keep holdin' on with hope in our hearts
Sometimes it's heaven & sometimes it's hell
Sometimes it seems we would be just as well
Off on our own knowin' somebody else
Then I think about all we've been through
There have been so many nights that you saved me
There have been so many mornings you gave me
The courage to get up & get out of bed
To face the world one more day
There have been so many trials we've conquered together
& so many miles of rough roads we've weathered
& I swear forever that I'll never leave
'Cause lady, I still believe
You bring out my best, you can bring out my worst
You feed every hunger, then leave me burning with thirst
& at the moment that I know that I'll surely die
Your love is my fountain of life
There have been so many nights that you saved me
There have been so many mornings you gave me
The courage to get up & get out of bed
To face the world one more day
There have been so many trials we've conquered together
& so many miles of rough roads we've weathered
& I swear forever that I'll never leave
'Cause lady, I still believe
Oh lady, I still believe
Daniel Burns
this song went to #12 on the country charts in 1988!!!
nemesisgenius
@Denise Mancina I agree. This was one of Lee Greenwood's greatest songs ever. I thought it would hit #1 for sure. "Holdin' A Good Hand" is another that would have obviously hit #1 on the Billboard country singles chart for Lee Greenwood on 10-6-1990 had Billboard magazine not messed with the singles chart format. His duet with Suzy Bogguss "Hopelessly Yours" should have also been a #1 Billboard country hit, but also hit #12 on 9-7-1991( #7 on the old country singles chart method." I'm still surprised "God Bless The U.S.A" was not a #1 Billboard country smash, when it's Lee Greenwood's signature song and a United States Anthem.
Denise Mancina
Should have been number one i remember very well as a young child when this song was on the radio and on the country count down 😀
Andi Anto
lee greenwood comin' apart at dreams .... request