1) Paul Hamilton Wil… Read Full Bio ↴There are multiple artists named Paul Williams;
1) Paul Hamilton Williams Jr. (born September 19, 1940) is an American composer, singer, songwriter and actor. He is known for writing popular songs performed by a number of acts in the 1970s, including Three Dog Night's "An Old Fashioned Love Song" and "Out in the Country," Helen Reddy's "You and Me Against the World," David Bowie's "Fill Your Heart" and the Carpenters' "We've Only Just Begun" and "Rainy Days and Mondays."
Williams is also known for his musical contributions to films, including the Academy Award-nominated song "Rainbow Connection" from The Muppet Movie, and penning the lyrics to the #1 chart-topping song "Evergreen," the love theme from the Barbra Streisand vehicle A Star Is Born, for which he won a Grammy for Song of the Year and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. He wrote the lyrics to the opening theme for the television show The Love Boat, with music previously composed by Charles Fox, which was originally sung by Jack Jones and, later, by Dionne Warwick.
Williams had a variety of high-profile acting roles, such as "Little Enos Burdette" in the action-comedy Smokey and the Bandit (1977) and the villainous Swan in Brian De Palma's Phantom of the Paradise (1974), which Williams also co-scored, receiving an Oscar nomination in the process.
Williams was born in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Paul Hamilton Williams, an architectural engineer, and his wife, Bertha Mae (née Burnside), a homemaker.
His father died in a car accident in 1953, when Williams was 13 years old, after which Williams grew up living with his aunt. As a result, Williams moved to Long Beach, California with his family and attended Woodrow Wilson Classical High School.
One of his brothers was John J. Williams, a NASA rocket scientist, who participated in the Mercury and Apollo programs and was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, their highest honor, in 1969. His other brother was Mentor Williams, a songwriter as well who penned Dobie Gray's 1973 hit "Drift Away".
2) Paul Williams (born August 7, 1992 in Nelson, New Zealand) is a musician, singer, rapper and comedian. He has released three albums - Songs About Girls, Jungle River Adventures, and Surf Music. His music videos often feature other members of the New Zealand comedy scene, include Chris Parker, Rose Matafeo and Brynley Stent. Outside of his music, Paul is best known for being the Taskmaster's Assistant in Taskmaster NZ. His musical influences include Kanye West, The Strokes, Drake, Animal Collective, Jay-Z, Lupe Fiasco, Kid Cudi, and MGMT.
3) Paul "Hucklebuck" Williams (July 13, 1915 – September 14, 2002) was an American rhythm and blues bandleader, songwriter and saxophonist. He composed "The Hucklebuck", a twelve-bar blues that also spawned the dance craze of the same name.
4) Paul Williams is a British guitarist and Gospel artist.
5) Paul Williams is a Canadian electronic artist.
Then I'll Be Home
Paul Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Turn the light from my eyes
But the path can still be found
When the truth has rolled around
Then I'll be home
When old loves lost like patient smiles
Come alive one last time
When a stranger laughs like me
Then I'll be home
Each of us alone must choose a path to bring us all together
Share the love we've known and understand the loves that walk away
My mother's eyes--my father's smile
Shed their sweet life on me
When my voice and voices past
Sing in harmony at last
Then I'll be home
In the opening lines of "Then I'll Be Home," Paul Williams reflects on the personal journey he has taken over the years. He acknowledges that the passage of time and the challenges that life presents can leave us feeling lost and disoriented. However, he maintains that even in the midst of uncertainty, there is still a path to be found. It is only when we face the truth, and acknowledge our own transience, that we can find our way back home.
The second verse of the song delves into the theme of lost love, which is a common theme in many of Paul Williams's works. He talks about how sometimes old loves can resurface unexpectedly, catching us off guard and tugging at our hearts. He also mentions the feeling of belonging that comes with finding a place where we are accepted for who we are. When someone laughs in a way that resonates with us, or when we feel a connection with a stranger, we know that we have found a home.
The final verse of the song is perhaps the most introspective. Williams reflects on his family, and how their influence has shaped his life. The sweet memories of his mother's eyes and his father's smile remind him of the love that has been bestowed upon him. And when his voice is joined with the voices of those who have gone before him, he knows that he has finally found his way home. In essence, the song is a poignant reminder that no matter what life throws our way, love can always guide us back home.
Line by Line Meaning
How far I've come--the miles and years
Despite the distance and time that have gone by, I reflect on how much progress I have made.
Turn the light from my eyes
Despite my eyes being dimmed by hardships, I won't give up on searching for the right path to take in life.
But the path can still be found
Despite the difficulties, I believe that the path to achieving my dreams can still be discovered.
When the truth has rolled around
When the truth is revealed, I will know what I have to do in order to reach my destination.
Then I'll be home
Once I have overcome the obstacles in my path, I will feel like I've finally reached home.
When old loves lost like patient smiles
When memories of past loves return, bringing with them happiness and nostalgia.
Come alive one last time
For one final moment, the feelings of love and warmth reignite within my heart.
When the lock accepts my key
When I finally find the right way to open the doors that have been closed to me.
When a stranger laughs like me
When I find a kindred spirit, someone who shares my sense of humor and values.
Each of us alone must choose a path to bring us all together
We must all choose our own path in life, but if we keep our loved ones in mind, our paths will eventually converge.
Share the love we've known and understand the loves that walk away
We need to cherish the love we have experienced in the past and come to terms with the loves that didn't work out.
My mother's eyes--my father's smile
My parents have given me many gifts in life, including their eyes and smiles, which have guided me through tough times.
Shed their sweet life on me
My parents' love and guidance have sustained me throughout my life and continue to do so.
When my voice and voices past
When the voices of my ancestors and loved ones who have passed on join with mine, creating a beautiful symphony.
Sing in harmony at last
When all of the voices in my life finally come together in a harmonious blend, completing the song of my journey.
Then I'll be home
When everything in life falls into place and I feel content with what I've achieved, I will know that I am home.
Contributed by Taylor V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.