Phillips grew up in Leesburg, Georgia and went to Lee County High School. He graduated Albany Technical College, but had to miss the graduation ceremony due to being on American Idol.
Phillips auditioned for American Idol in Savannah, Georgia. He auditioned by singing the Stevie Wonder song "Superstition." The judges then asked him to audition with his guitar where he performed Michael Jackson's "Thriller." He made it to the Hollywood rounds and later to Las Vegas round.
On February 23, 2012, Phillips was chosen as one of the Top 24 semi-finalists. For the semi-finals, he performed "In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins. He was one of the top five male vote getters and advanced to the Top 13. After the Top 13 performance night, Phillips was taken to a doctor for possible kidney stones. The Home Songfacts reports that after advancing to the final, Phillips was declared the winner on May 23, 2012. He won with a record breaking total vote count of 132 million.
Can't Go Wrong
Phillip Phillips Lyrics
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I feel like a blind man trying to make a start
And I don't know, no I don't know
Where I'm gonna go
I've seen the sun come up a mile off the ground
Flew back the other way and saw it go back down
I know the days changed but always seem the same
And now I know, now I know
I can't go wrong, as long as I remember where I'm from
Hold my head up just to keep it clear
I want a chance just to face my fear, face my fear, oh
Never mind all the times I just couldn't wait
I cant remember when it all began to change
Watching the grass grow and die from summer to fall
It's funny how the year passes by and you don't notice at all
I know, I know
I can't go wrong, as long as I remember where I'm from
Hold my head up just to keep it clear
I want a chance just to face my fear, face my fear,
Oh oh oh, oh oh oh
Oh oh oh, oh oh oh
Oh, oh
I can't go wrong, as long as I remember where I'm from
Hold my head up just to keep it clear
I want a chance to face my fear, oh
I can't go wrong, as long as I remember where I'm from, oh
Hold my head up just to keep it clear
I want a chance just to face my fear, face my fear
I can't go wrong, as long as I remember where I'm from, oh
Hold my head up just to keep it clear
I want a chance just to face my fear, face my fear, ohh
In this song, Phillip Phillips reflects on the uncertainty and confusion he has experienced in his life, but ultimately comes to the conclusion that as long as he remembers where he came from and faces his fears, he can't go wrong. He describes feeling lost, like a blind man trying to make a start, with no sense of direction or clear path forward. However, he has also seen moments of beauty and wonder, such as the sun coming up from a mile off the ground.
Phillips also acknowledges his mistakes and the passage of time, but again emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and facing his fears rather than avoiding them. In the chorus, he repeats the mantra that he can't go wrong as long as he remembers where he's from, holds his head up to keep a clear perspective, and faces his fears.
The lyrics provide an uplifting message of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The song encourages the listener to remember their roots and face their fears head-on, without fear of failure.
Line by Line Meaning
I've seen the lights come from the flashes in the dark
I've experienced moments of clarity and insight amidst confusion and uncertainty.
I feel like a blind man trying to make a start
I feel lost, like I don't know where to begin on this journey.
And I don't know, no I don't know, Where I'm gonna go
I'm unsure of how my path will unfold.
I've seen the sun come up a mile off the ground
I've had moments of elation and excitement that I never thought possible.
Flew back the other way and saw it go back down
But I've also had moments of disappointment and failure that have brought me back to reality.
I'll take the best of what I can from my mistakes
I'm determined to learn from my failures and use them to grow and improve.
And now I know, now I know
After experiencing both success and failure, I've gained a better understanding of myself and my abilities.
I can't go wrong, as long as I remember where I'm from
As long as I stay grounded in my roots and values, I can't make a wrong decision.
Hold my head up just to keep it clear
I will stay positive and focused on my goals, even when faced with challenges and setbacks.
I want a chance just to face my fear, face my fear, oh
I'm ready to confront my fears and take risks in pursuit of my dreams.
Never mind all the times I just couldn't wait
I won't let impatience or frustration get in the way of my progress.
I cant remember when it all began to change
I don't know exactly when my growth and transformation began, but I know it's happening.
Watching the grass grow and die from summer to fall
I'm realizing how quickly time passes and how important it is to make the most of every season in life.
It's funny how the year passes by and you don't notice at all
It's easy to get caught up in the distractions of life and forget to appreciate the fleeting moments.
I want a chance to face my fear, oh
I'm eager for opportunities to challenge myself and overcome my fears.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDREW PEARSON, GREG HOLDEN, PHILIP PHILLIPS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind