The band formed by accident in 1989 (see 1989 in music), when a local band, the Salmon Heads, asked some members of the Left Hand String Band to fill some missing spots in its lineup. The synergy worked and the result was Leftover Salmon.
After the independent release of Bridges to Bert in 1993 (see 1993 in music) and the 1995 (see 1995 in music) live follow-up Ask The Fish, Leftover Salmon gained a spot on the H.O.R.D.E. festival tour and a contract with Hollywood Records. Their 1997 Hollywood debut and second studio album, Euphoria, continued to define their eclectic sound and introduced many songs that would become classics for the band.
In March of 2002 (see 2002 in music) founding member and banjoist Mark Vann lost his battle with cancer. He was later replaced by Noam Pikelny.
A documentary film of Leftover Salmon, titled "Years In Your Ears," was released on DVD in November 2006.
Nobody's Fault But Mine
Leftover Salmon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nobody's fault but mine
Tryin' to raise my soul to light
Ah, have a bible in my home
Have a bible in my home
Tryin' to raise my soul to light
Taught me how to read
Tryin' to raise my soul to light
Nobody's fault but mine.
Oh Lord, nobody's fault but mine
Tryin' to raise my soul to light
Ah have a bible in my home
Have a bible in my home
Tryin' to raise my soul to light
Oh, buddy she taught me how to read
Buddy she taught me how to read
Tryin' to raise my soul to light.
Ah, Lord, Lord, nobody's fault but mine
Bible and my soul tonight
And sister she taught me how to read
Sister she taught me how to read
Bible and my soul tonight.
Ah, no, no, nobody's fault but mine.
Bible and my soul tonight.
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
Tryin' to raise my soul to the light
Nobody's fault but mine
Got a bible in my home
Got a bible in my home
Tryin' to raise my soul to the light
Nobody's fault but mine - yeah!
Sister she taught me to roll
My sister she taught me to roll
I roll along the line
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
I'll raise my soul to the light
Nobody's fault but mine
Take it on, take it on
I got a monkey on my back
I gotta monkey on my back, back, back
I'll raise my soul to the light
Nobody's fault but mine - yeah
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
I'll raise my soul to the light
Nobody's fault but mine
Whoo!
Naw.
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
I'll raise my soul to the light
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
Tryin' raise my soul to the light
Nobody's fault but mine
Oh!
Leftover Salmon's song "Nobody's Fault But Mine" is a cover of a classic gospel blues song written by Blind Willie Johnson in 1927. The song is a confession of personal responsibility for one's spiritual journey. The repetition of the opening line, "Nobody's fault but mine," emphasizes the message that the singer alone is responsible for their spiritual enlightenment, and that their struggles and mistakes are part of that journey. The repetition also creates a rhythmic, incantatory quality that echoes the call-and-response style of gospel music.
The line "Tryin' to raise my soul to light" suggests that the singer is striving for spiritual enlightenment or salvation. The mention of the Bible and the singing sister who taught the singer how to read and roll, highlights the importance of faith and the role of community in the spiritual journey. The mention of the monkey on the singer's back is a metaphor for the challenges and temptations that can hinder one's spiritual progress.
The song is a powerful expression of personal responsibility, faith, and the struggle for spiritual enlightenment. It has been covered by many artists, including Led Zeppelin and Nina Simone.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah, nobody's fault but mine
I take full responsibility for my actions and the situation I am in.
Tryin' to raise my soul to light
I am trying to find enlightenment and spirituality in my life.
Have a bible in my home
I have a religious text that guides and inspires me.
Taught me how to read
Someone helped me gain knowledge and literacy to better myself.
Oh Lord, nobody's fault but mine
I am acknowledging that I have made mistakes due to my own choices and actions.
Bible and my soul tonight
I am focusing on my faith and spirituality tonight.
Sister she taught me how to read
My sister educated me and helped me develop essential skills.
Ah, Lord, Lord, nobody's fault but mine
I understand that the consequences of my decisions are solely my responsibility.
And sister she taught me how to read
I am grateful to my sister for helping me learn to read and expand my knowledge.
No, no, nobody's fault but mine.
Ultimately, I am the only one responsible for the outcome of my life.
Got a bible in my home
I have a source of spiritual guidance within my reach.
Yeah!
Expressing enthusiasm and positivity in the moment.
Sister she taught me to roll
My sister showed me how to relax and enjoy life's simple pleasures.
I roll along the line
I am moving forward in my life journey, enjoying it every step of the way.
I've got a monkey on my back
I am struggling with a personal challenge or addiction that is hindering my progress.
I'll raise my soul to the light
I am committed to bettering myself and pursuing my spiritual path.
Naw.
Expressing disagreement or opposition to something previously stated.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROBERT ANTHONY PLANT, JAMES PATRICK (JIMMY) PAGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind