Early life
LaMontagne was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, in 1973, one of six children raised by his mother. In his early teens he lived in Morgan, Utah, and was more interested in drawing images of Dungeons & Dragons than in his school work. After graduating from high school, LaMontagne moved to Lewiston, Maine, and found work in a shoe factory. LaMontagne also spent a significant amount of time in Wilton, Maine. Other sources state that by his teen years he was living in Maine, spending time in Turner and Buckfield.
Style
LaMontagne has a unique vocal style which he says is created by singing through his gut instead of through his nose. He cites Stephen Stills, Richard Manuel, and Rick Danko as strong musical influences while critics have compared LaMontagne's music to that of The Band, Van Morrison, Nick Drake, and Tim Buckley.[failed verification] A Rolling Stone review of his album Supernova referred to his voice as an "impeccably weathered tenor croon" and his phrasing as "marble-mouthed."
Awards
For his debut album, LaMontagne won four awards, including three Boston Music Awards (Best Male Singer-Songwriter, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year) and an XM Nation Music Award for Acoustic Rock Artist of the Year. LaMontagne has received a nomination from the Pollstar Concert Industry Awards for Best New Touring Artist, the BRIT Awards for International Breakthrough Act, the MOJO Awards for Best New Act, and was given the title of Best Voice in 2006 by Esquire.
In 2011, Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs received two Grammy Award nominations, and they were awarded the Grammy for the Best Contemporary Folk Album for God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise.
Controversy
On July 23, 2014, during a show at the Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan, LaMontagne interrupted a song and walked off stage as a result of two fans talking during his concert, after having previously asked the audience to quiet down. The incident included yelling profanity at the couple before walking off stage. Once the couple was escorted away LaMontagne continued the concert.
On September 20, 2016, LaMontagne announced that he was canceling a September 22 show at the Bass Concert Hall at the University of Texas at Austin, due to Texas's recently implemented campus carry law.
Personal life
In 2009, LaMontagne paid $1.05 million for a 103-acre farm in Ashfield, Massachusetts, the former residence of U.S. Ambassador William C. Bullitt, where he lives with his wife, Sarah Sousa, and their two children in the farmhouse built in 1830. Sousa is a published poet via Red Mountain Press and their sons are budding artists. He refers to himself as a "very private person" and rarely gives interviews.
Let It Be Me
Ray LaMontagne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A time in everyone's life
Where nothing seems to go your way
Where nothing seems to turn out right
There may come a time
You just can't seem to find your place
And for every door you open
Seems like you get two slammed in your face
That's when you need someone
Someone that you, you can call
When all your faith is gone
And it feels like you can't go on
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend that you need
Let it be me
Let it be me
Feels like you're always coming up last
Pockets full of nothing and you got no cash
No matter where you turn you ain't got no place to stand
You reach out for something and they slap your hand
Now, I remember all too well
Just how it feels to be all alone
You feel like you'd give anything
For just a little place you can call your own
That's when you need someone
Someone that you, you can call
When all your faith is gone
It feels like you cant go on
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend you need
Let it be me
Let it be me
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend you need
Let it be me
Let it be me, let it be me
The song "Let It Be Me" by Ray LaMontagne is a heartfelt ballad about being there for someone when things are tough. The lyrics speak of a time in everyone's life when it feels as though nothing is going right, and no matter how hard you try, you can't seem to catch a break. It's a moment of hopelessness and despair, where you need someone to turn to, someone who can be a friend and a place of comfort in the midst of the turmoil.
The song uses vivid imagery to convey the sense of isolation and desperation that the singer is feeling. He talks about doors closing in his face, his pockets empty, and feeling like he has no place to stand. The chorus repeats the refrain "Let it be me," emphasizing the idea that in moments of hardship, you need someone to lean on.
The message of "Let It Be Me" is one of compassion and empathy. It reminds us that when we see someone struggling, we should be there for them, offering a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear. We all need someone to turn to sometimes, and it's important to be that person for others as well.
Line by Line Meaning
There comes a time
There are moments in life
A time in everyone's life
These moments come for everyone
Where nothing seems to go your way
You feel like nothing is working out for you
Where nothing seems to turn out right
Things are not going as planned
There may come a time
There could be a moment
You just can't seem to find your place
You feel like you don't belong anywhere
And for every door you open
Even when you try to make things better
Seems like you get two slammed in your face
Things end up even worse for you
That's when you need someone
This is when you require someone's help
Someone that you, you can call
Someone who you can rely on
When all your faith is gone
When you no longer have hope
And it feels like you can't go on
When it seems like you can't move forward
Let it be me
Let me be the one to help you
Let it be me
Let me be the one to support you
If it's a friend that you need
If you require a friend
Let it be me
I want to help you
Feels like you're always coming up last
You always seem to be at the bottom
Pockets full of nothing and you got no cash
When you have no money or resources
No matter where you turn you ain't got no place to stand
When you feel lost and have no direction
You reach out for something and they slap your hand
When you are rejected after seeking help
Now, I remember all too well
I have experienced this situation myself
Just how it feels to be all alone
I understand what it's like to be isolated
You feel like you'd give anything
You would do whatever it takes
For just a little place you can call your own
To have a sense of belonging
If it's a friend you need
If you require a friend
Let it be me
I am here for you
Let it be me
I want to help you
Let it be me
Count on me
Let it be me
I am willing to support you
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Raycharles LaMontagne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@abimartinez4269
There comes a time
A time in everyone's life
Where nothing seems to go your way
Where nothing seems to turn out right
There may come a time
You just can't seem to find your place
And for every door you open
Seems like you get two slammed in your face
That's when you need someone
Someone that you, you can call
When all your faith is gone
And it feels like you can't go on
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend that you need
Let it be me
Let it be me
Feels like you're always coming up last
Pockets full of nothing and you got no cash
No matter where you turn you ain't got no place to stand
You reach out for something and they slap your hand
Now, I remember all too well
Just how it feels to be all alone
You feel like you'd give anything
For just a little place you can call your own
That's when you need someone
Someone that you, you can call
When all your faith is gone
It feels like you cant go on
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend you need
Let it be me
Let it be me
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend you need
Let it be me
Let it be me, let it be me
@snatchbloock
I was about to undergo heart surgery when a nurse asked, " Who is your favorite artist? I said Ray LaMontane. A few minutes later, a song was blaring through overhead speakers. As I was being prepped, the outcome of the surgery was unclear so I enjoyed Ray's music one more time as it were my last. It wasn't and I'm a fan for life.
@nicolegranath5385
I’m glad you made it ❤
@snatchbloock
One of the most beautiful R.L. songs I have heard is 'We'll Make it Through'. During a particularly frightening time with my health, I found this song and listened to it with my wife. We were both in tears as the poignant lyrics resonated to the deepest part of our emotions. If you or someone you love is going through a difficult personal situation, listen to this song...it has remarkable healing powers.
@joleneestes5501
This was my wedding song.
We both had been through alot and it fit.
A few weeks after getting married my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He lived 7 months.
Its been 3 years and have just been able to listen to this song.
@corinna5110
I'm so sorry for your loss! You know his is with you always.
@jennmck
So sorry.
@JennBhere82
Hugs from SC
@jpaus29
😪😔 I am so so sorry! At least you managed to have that amazing connection even if it was brief. A special person obviously worth meeting. I hope u have been able to move on somewhat ❤❤❤❤ hugs xxx
@broeyes219
Wow. I am so sorry for your loss. But I am glad that you got to experience that love. 💔
@k8marlowe
I listened to this album while driving late one summers night between Charleston, SC and Savanna, GA....all alone, on my own schedule, with the windows down and Ray’s voice on full volume. It was an utterly intoxicating experience.