Green started off as a bass player in such bands as The Muskrats. Joining The Peter B's, led by Peter Bardens, later the frontman of Camel, (including drummer Mick Fleetwood) he switched to lead guitar and made his first recordings. He took over the lead guitar spot in John Mayall and the Blues Breakers in 1966 after the departure of Eric Clapton.
After recording on one Mayall album Peter left in 1967 to form Fleetwood Mac.
Green was the guiding force of Fleetwood Mac from 1967 to 1970 when he left for musical and personal reasons. Under Green's guidance, the Mac played a very gritty and authentic version of the electric blues popularized in bars on Chicago's south side. (They even did some fine recordings there--"Blues Jam in Chicago"--which saw release only after his tenure in the band had ended). A prolific song writer also, he penned such hits as Man of the World; Oh Well; Green Manalishi; Albatross and Black Magic Woman. Albatross reached number 1 in the UK charts, Black Magic Woman was also recorded by Santana on their Abraxas album.
From 1970 to 1974, Green played some sessions, and worked with several small bands, as well as releasing two solo singles and an album of extended jams, The End of the Game for Reprise. By the end of 1974, he had withdrawn from the music scene.
By 1979 Green was recording again for PVK records as a solo artist with the debut album In the Skies; 1980 Little Dreamer; 1981 Blue Guitar; 1981 Whatcha Gonna Do; 1981 White Sky; 1984 Kolors; 1987 Katmandu; 1988 Legend; 1992 One Woman Love;
Green again left the music world in 1984, and there followed a very difficult period in his life, which came to an end in the mid 90's, and coincided with renewed interest, partly generated by a biography written by Martin Celmins, and a tribute album recorded by Gary Moore.
Green formed a new group in 1995 with Nigel Watson called the Peter Green Splinter Group. Returning to form the group produced some of Peter’s best playing since leaving Fleetwood Mac. Albums include 1997 Splinter Group; 1998 Robert Johnson Songbook; 2002 Reaching For The Cold 100.
Green left The Splinter Group in 2003. Since then, he has played sporadically, appearing at a Lord's Taverner's benefit at The Royal Albert Hall, and doing some gigs with The British Blues All-Stars.
In February 2009, Green began playing and touring again, this time as Peter Green and Friends. In May 2009 he was the subject of the BBC Four documentary "Peter Green: Man of the World", produced by Henry Hadaway. Green and the band subsequently played a tour of Ireland, Germany and England. They went on to play several dates in Australia during March 2010, including the Byron Bay Bluesfest.
Big Boy Now
Peter Green Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
my momma walked with me and papa talked with me now listen son it doesn't matter
you've got to live your life the way you sow your seeds
and if you do it wrong you've got to face it on your knees
'cause you're a big boy now you're a big boy now you're a big boy now so let the big boy shout
i'm a big boy now i'm a big boy now i'm a big boy now so let the big boy shout
well time has passed me by and i'm no longer crying i chase away those lonely shadows
my momma walked with me and papa talked with me now listen son it doesn't matter
my momma walked with me and papa talked with me 'cause what i do now doesn't matter
i've had to live my life the way i sowed my seeds
and now i've done it wrong i've got to face it on my knees
'cause i'm a big boy now i'm a big boy now i'm a big boy now so let the big boy shout
i'm a big boy now i'm a big boy now i'm a big boy now so let the big boy shout
The lyrics of Peter Green's song "Big Boy Now" reflect the theme of growing up and taking responsibility for one's actions. The opening lines "when I was just a child, I used to run and hide, so frightened of those lonely shadows" explore the fear and vulnerability of childhood. The protective presence of the parents, as mentioned in "my momma walked with me and papa talked with me," acted as a shield to the child, until he grew up and realized that he had to face the consequences of his choices.
As the song progresses, the tone becomes more introspective and regretful as the singer reflects on his past decisions. The lyrics "I've had to live my life the way I sowed my seeds, and now I've done it wrong, I've got to face it on my knees" illustrate the realization that the singer should have made better choices, but it is too late to change them. The repetition of the phrase "big boy now" throughout the song symbolizes the singer's transition from childhood to adulthood and the responsibility that comes with it.
Overall, "Big Boy Now" conveys a powerful message about the importance of taking ownership of one's actions and facing the consequences without running away from them. It highlights the struggle that comes with growing up and accepting the harsh realities of life.
Line by Line Meaning
when i was just a child i used to run and hide so frightened of those lonely shadows
As a child, I was scared and sought refuge from my fears and insecurities.
my momma walked with me and papa talked with me now listen son it doesn't matter
My parents were there to support me and reassure me that everything would be okay.
you've got to live your life the way you sow your seeds
You must take responsibility for your actions and live with the consequences of your choices.
and if you do it wrong you've got to face it on your knees
If you make mistakes, you must take ownership of them and face the consequences with humility.
'cause you're a big boy now you're a big boy now you're a big boy now so let the big boy shout
You have grown up and should be proud of who you are and what you have accomplished.
i'm a big boy now i'm a big boy now i'm a big boy now so let the big boy shout
I have grown up and am proud of who I am.
well time has passed me by and i'm no longer crying i chase away those lonely shadows
As time has passed, I have grown stronger and more resilient, and am no longer held back by my fears and insecurities.
well now i can't break free no one can rescue me surrounded by those lonely shadows
Despite my growth, I still struggle with my inner demons and feel trapped and alone.
'cause what i do now doesn't matter
I must accept that my present actions and choices will not fix or undo past mistakes.
i've had to live my life the way i sowed my seeds
I must accept responsibility for my past choices and live with their consequences.
and now i've done it wrong i've got to face it on my knees
I must face the consequences of my mistakes with humility and learn from them.
i'm a big boy now i'm a big boy now i'm a big boy now so let the big boy shout
Despite my mistakes, I am still proud of who I am and how far I have come.
Contributed by Julian P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.