His debut album "State of Mind" also contains a guest apperance on harmonica by Stevie Wonder on the track titled "Expression of Love".
Raul Midón's debut on US television was The Late Show with David Letterman on June 28, 2005.
State of Mind
Raul Midón Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Worrying about the future don't change the past
Used to think that tomorrow would be better
But now I know that I'm doing the best I can
I'm just a man trying to find the reasons why I stand
Took some time to realize that I am what I am
And I want to be rich, I want to be happy
And live inside a love that shines bright enough to last a lifetime
Ride the winds and climb, cause it's all a state of mind
Wake up in the morning and I turn the pages
Don't understand what's going down
Everybody's acting so outrageous
It's gonna take a lot of love to turn things around
I'm just a man trying to find the reasons why I stand
Took some time to realize that I am what I am
And I want to be rich, I want to be happy
And live inside a love that shines bright enough to last a lifetime
I want to be rich, more than a fantasy
Ride the winds and climb cause it's all a state of mind
Hear people talk about going to heaven
Grab a little bit of heaven right here on earth
Troubled times lead to healing times
I was sad now I'm feeling fine
It's the taking and the giving that makes this life worth living,
Makes this life worth living
I want to be rich, I want to be happy
And live inside a love that shines bright enough to last a lifetime
I want to be rich, more than a fantasy
Ride the winds and fly,
Spread your wings and fly
Cause its all a state of mind
Ride the winds and climb,
Spread your wings and fly
Cause its all a state of mind
The lyrics of Raul Midón's "State of Mind" focus on the idea of perception and mindset. The opening lines speak about how the artist used to worry about the future, but soon realizes that worrying about the future does not change the past. He now recognizes that he is doing the best he can in the present and accepts himself for who he is. The chorus continues this theme of wanting to be rich and happy and finding love that will last a lifetime. The artist suggests that these desires are achievable by recognizing that everything is a "state of mind" and that to achieve these goals, one must change their mindset.
The second verse touches on the idea of troubled times leading to healing times. The artist is surrounded by people who are acting outrageously, but he chooses to focus on finding a little bit of heaven on earth. The lyrics emphasize the importance of taking and giving in life, giving it meaning and purpose. The chorus is repeated again, with an emphasis on the idea of spreading your wings and flying, which alludes to the idea of rising above one's current situation and embracing a new mindset.
Overall, the song suggests that everything is a state of mind, and happiness and success are achievable through a mindset shift. The artist encourages the listener to focus on love, joy, and positivity while accepting themselves for who they are. By doing so, they will achieve their desires and live a more fulfilling life.
Line by Line Meaning
Used to sit and worry about the future
In the past, I used to be anxious about what might happen in the future.
Worrying about the future don't change the past
Fretting about what's to come doesn't alter what has already occurred.
Used to think that tomorrow would be better
I used to believe that the future would be much brighter than the present.
But now I know that I'm doing the best I can
I have come to understand that I'm doing everything in my power to bring about change/certainty.
I'm just a man trying to find the reasons why I stand
I am only human, trying to comprehend my purpose and identity.
Took some time to realize that I am what I am
There was a moment when I came to accept myself as I am.
And I want to be rich, I want to be happy
I desire financial and emotional prosperity.
And live inside a love that shines bright enough to last a lifetime
I crave an enduring, affectionate relationship that radiates happiness and care.
I want to be rich more than a fantasy
My yearning for wealth goes beyond a mere wish, it's a goal I'm working towards.
Ride the winds and climb, cause it's all a state of mind
Chasing my dreams requires a positive attitude and a strong belief in oneself.
Wake up in the morning and I turn the pages
I start each day by reading the latest news, stories or articles
Don't understand what's going down
I find it hard to grasp what is happening around me.
Everybody's acting so outrageous
People are behaving inappropriately or unreasonably as I see it.
It's gonna take a lot of love to turn things around
Affection, care and compassion are what's needed to bring about positive change.
Hear people talk about going to heaven
I hear many folks speak of a paradise beyond this world.
Grab a little bit of heaven right here on earth
We can find moments of joy and peace on this planet too.
Troubled times lead to healing times
Difficult situations can sometimes lead to recovery and growth.
I was sad now I'm feeling fine
I was once unhappy or grieving, but I'm in a better place now.
It's the taking and the giving that makes this life worth living,
The exchange between individuals - giving and receiving - is what makes life meaningful.
I want to be rich, I want to be happy
I aspire to security, peace and joy.
And live inside a love that shines bright enough to last a lifetime
I wish to dwell in a love that is strong and enduring.
I want to be rich, more than a fantasy
Acquiring wealth is not just an imaginary idea, it's something I actively yearn for.
Ride the winds and fly,
I'm determined to take risks to achieve my goals.
Spread your wings and fly
I will use all my capabilities to soar high.
Cause its all a state of mind
Success is a consequence of our attitude and perspective.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Fintage House Publishing
Written by: LAURENCE HOBGOOD, BRIAN QUADE TORFF, PAUL DAVID WERTICO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@FlankDrummer
This guy is absolutely fantastic, the vocal, the pinched harmonics, the mouth trumpet, such a fantastic talent, GO RAUL! I love the part after the guitar/trumpet solo when you can see him counting his way up the fret-board with his fingers, GENIUS!
@roxiebeane
Still makes me cry. Phenomenal performance, I almost forgot I used to watch this every day for at least a year.
@buti
yeah in 2017
@kingskid1985
Yes. It never ceases to bring a ginormous smile to my face!!
@johannesschmitz6370
its an inspiring performance. I knew Raul since I was in my teens. I am 28 now.
@Bambabababambam
He's extremely talented. I've never seen such a good guitarist before.
@crnkmnky
Came back to watch this again, after 17 years. I teared up when the audience applauded the 'trumpet' solo.
Raul Midón is a little bit of heaven, right here on earth. Plus he responded to my messages on Instagram and MySpace. ❤️
@SpiderSkot
This just popped back into my head tonight for no reason 15 years after seeing it when it aired. I had to look it up by lyrics lol. Still epic though, and I'm glad he's still active in the business and doing well.
@jones2720
Watched this guy performing this song in New Hampshire last night. It was awesome! Thanks Raul.
@alexewing10
what a legend!!! To be able to do that to a guitar when your not blind is something, but when your blind. WOW!!!!!!! And that trumpet thing, great stuff. Pure pure talent!