Although he has only put out two albums, Rolling Stone magazine named Randolph as one of the 100 greatest guitar players of all time.
Robert Randolph set the music world on fire in late 2000 and early 2001 when he began to play his first club dates in New York City. These were a result of being discovered playing his pedal steel guitar at the first Sacred Steel Convention in Florida in the spring of 2000. Randolph started playing the pedal steel as a teenager and started playing at his Orange, NJ, church just outside of Newark. The House of God Church, an African-American Pentecostal denomination, has been implementing steel guitars (or "Sacred Steel") in services since the '30s, with the pedal steel in particular being introduced during the '70s. Randolph learned to play by watching other steel players in his church. Jim Markel was the man who heard Randolph play at the Sacred Steel Convention, and he later introduced him to his friend, Gary Waldman. Waldman, who already managed several artists, invited Randolph to audition for him. Waldman and Markel began to manage Randolph; they played the audition tape over the phone to Matt Hickey, talent buyer at Manhattan's Bowery Ballroom. Hickey signed Randolph on as the opening act for the North Mississippi Allstars and it was the beginning of a very large explosion. Within a month, Randolph was playing to thousands with Medeski, Martin & Wood (MMW) at the Beacon Theater. Allstars and MMW keyboardist John Medeski liked Randolph so much that he asked him to record an all-instrumental gospel/blues album with them. The Word was released in August 2001 to great critical and popular acclaim. Randolph's own band, the Family Band, includes cousins Danyell Morgan and Marcus Randolph (bass and drums, respectively) and John Ginty (Hammond B-3 organ). Their career began with opening gigs for a variety of blues, jazz-funk, and jam bands such as the Derek Trucks Band, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, and Soulive. Headlining gigs became the norm within a few months. Robert Randolph & the Family Band released Live at the Wetlands in fall 2001. 2003's Unclassified and its single, "I Need More Love," introduced Randolph to an even wider audience. Colorblind followed in 2006
Stronger
Robert Randolph & The Family Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sometimes life can be so hard
But I can rise above it
With you I can be stronger
Sometimes it gets lonely
And I can feel the weakness creepin' in
But I can rise above it
Stronger than I've ever been
Cause love can conquer anythin'
Stronger than I've ever dreamed
Cause love is all I ever need
With you I can be stronger
Sometimes the load is heavy
Sometimes it's just too much for me to bear
But I can rise above it
With you I can be stronger, I can be stronger
Stronger than I've ever been
Cause love can conquer anythin'
Stronger than I've ever dreamed
Cause love is all I ever need
With you I can be stronger
(I can be stronger)
I can go for many miles
(Go for many miles)
Climb all the way you mounted
(Climb)
With you I got the strength to carry on
(Carry on, carry on)
Carry on
(Carry on)
Stronger than I've ever been
(Stronger)
Cause love can conquer anythin'
Stronger than I've ever dream
(Stronger)
Cause love is all I ever need
(Ever need)
With you I can be stronger
(I can be stronger)
I can be stronger
(I can be stronger)
With you I can be stronger
The song "Stronger" by Robert Randolph & The Family Band is an uplifting and hopeful song about the power of love to help us overcome our struggles. The lyrics describe how life can be challenging and sometimes even overwhelming, but with someone by our side, we can rise above it all and become stronger. The singer acknowledges that sometimes it gets lonely and we can feel weak, but with the love and support of another person, we can find the strength we need to carry on.
The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, with the repeated phrase "Stronger than I've ever been, 'cause love can conquer anything." This line reinforces the idea that love is a powerful force that can help us overcome even the toughest challenges. The lyrics also emphasize the importance of having someone to rely on when things are tough, someone who can help us carry the load and give us the courage to keep going.
Overall, "Stronger" is a powerful and inspiring song that reminds us of the importance of love and connection in our lives. It encourages us to reach out to others when we're struggling and to remember that we don't have to face life's challenges alone.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes it ain't easy
Life can be difficult sometimes
Sometimes life can be so hard
Life can be incredibly challenging
But I can rise above it
I can overcome these challenges
With you I can be stronger
I am empowered and strengthened by your presence and support
Sometimes it gets lonely
I can feel alone and isolated at times
And I can feel the weakness creepin' in
I start to feel vulnerable and powerless
Stronger than I've ever been
I am more resilient and powerful than I have ever been
Cause love can conquer anythin'
The power of love can overcome any difficulties and obstacles
Cause love is all I ever need
Love is the most important thing in my life
Sometimes the load is heavy
Sometimes life is overwhelming and burdensome
Sometimes it's just too much for me to bear
At times, the challenges and difficulties feel unbearable
I can go for many miles
I have the endurance to persevere through challenges
Climb all the way you mounted
I have the strength to reach new heights and overcome obstacles
With you I got the strength to carry on
Your love and support give me the strength to keep going
Carry on
I will keep pushing forward
With you I can be stronger
Your presence and love make me stronger
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DANYEL MORGAN, ROBERT RANDOLPH, STEVE MC EWAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind