Adams dropped out of high school at age 16 to work in a shoe shop and make music. He formed a band named Whiskeytown in 1994; they disbanded in 1999 having released two full albums, Faithless Street and Strangers Almanac. Adams went on to put out his first solo record, Heartbreaker, in 2000. After a long delay, in 2001 Whiskeytown's third album Pneumonia was finally issued.
In 2002, Ryan contributed backing vocals on Butterfly in Reverse, from the Counting Crows album, Hard Candy; after Adam Duritz (Counting Crows lead singer) appeared on the album Gold.
Ryan is highly prolific, and in 2005 released one double album and two regular albums: Cold Roses, Jacksonville City Nights and 29, respectively. His album, 29, was produced by friend Ethan Johns (who also produced his first two albums, Heartbreaker and Gold). In between those two releases and his 2005 triple-header, Ryan released Demolition (a collection of out-takes), Love Is Hell and Rock N Roll. Unreleased studio albums include 48 Hours, Exile On Franklin Street and Suicide Handbook.
In addition, Adams worked with Jesse Malin to form the punk-rock group The Finger (under the pseudonyms, "Warren Peace" and "Irving Plaza" respectively), who released two E.P.s which were collected together to form We Are Fuck You, released on One Little Indian Records in 2003.
In 2006 Ryan went on a minor UK-tour and a minor US-tour along the west-coast and has streamed 11+ mini albums on his website, under numerous jokey pseudonyms (DJ Reggie, Werewolph, The Shit, Rhoda Ro, Ghetto Birds).
The following solo record, entitled Easy Tiger, was released on June 26, 2007. The newest and last record with his backing band The Cardinals, Cardinology, was released in October 2008 and followed by extensive touring through the UK, US and Australia.
In January 2009 he announced that he would be going on an indefinite hiatus from music. The Kindness Songfacts reports that the major reason for Adams’ temporary retirement was his struggles with Ménière’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear that wrecks havoc on hearing and balance. Adams resumed performing in October 2010, and released his thirteenth studio album, Ashes & Fire, on October 11, 2011. His now ex-wife, pop singer and actress Mandy Moore, contributed some backing vocals.
Gimme Something Good
Ryan Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My mind is so blank
So I'm going for a walk
I've got nothing left to say
I can't see
Some darkness on the rise
I'll be waiting here
All my life been shaking
Wanting something
Holding everything I have like it was broken
Gimme something good
Gimme something good
Gimme something
Gimme something good
Gimme something good
Gimme something good
I was playing dead
It didn't make a sound
Holding my breath
Going underground
So I can't talk
I got nothing to say
It's like there's no tomorrow
Barely yesterday
All my life been shaking
Wanting something
Holding everything I have like it was broken
Gimme something good
Gimme something good
Gimme something
Gimme something good
Gimme something good
Gimme something good
Gimme something good
Gimme something good oh now
All my life been shaking
Wanting something
Holding everybody back
Demanding ransom
Gimme something good
Gimme something good
Gimme something
Gimme something good
Gimme something good
Gimme something good
Gimme something good
Gimme something good oh now
The song "Gimme Something Good" by Ryan Adams is a soulful rock track that speaks about the feeling of being stuck in a rut and wanting something more meaningful in life. The opening lines of the song, "I can't talk, my mind is so blank. So I'm going for a walk, I've got nothing left to say", paint a picture of the singer feeling lost and unable to express himself to anyone. It's almost as if he has become numb to the world around him and needs a catalyst to break free from this stagnation.
The chorus of the song, "Gimme something good, gimme something good", is a powerful demand for change and a call to action. The singer is tired of feeling empty and unfilled and wants something to hold on to. The line "All my life been shaking, wanting something" encapsulates the idea of longing for something that has yet to be found. The metaphor of holding everything he has "like it was broken" is a sad reflection of the way he perceives everything in his life. The singer is holding on to something that is beyond repair, and he needs something new and meaningful to fill that void.
Overall, "Gimme Something Good" is a compelling and relatable song that speaks to the human desire for change and self-realization. It's a reminder that we all get stuck in a rut from time to time and need something to inspire us to take life by the horns and live it to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't talk
I am unable to communicate my thoughts and feelings.
My mind is so blank
I am struggling to come up with anything to say.
So I'm going for a walk
I am physically leaving the situation to clear my mind and gain perspective.
I've got nothing left to say
I have exhausted all my energy in trying to communicate and have given up.
I can't see
I am unable to see a way out of my current struggles and feel blinded by negativity.
Some darkness on the rise
I feel like dark times are approaching and things are getting worse.
I'll be waiting here
I will remain in this difficult situation until things get better.
'Til the end of time
I am willing to wait as long as it takes for things to improve.
All my life been shaking
I have always been struggling and searching for something.
Wanting something
I have a deep desire for something that will make me feel whole.
Holding everything I have like it was broken
I am holding onto everything in my life tightly, afraid that it will fall apart or break.
Gimme something good
I am pleading for something positive to come into my life.
I was playing dead
I was pretending like everything was okay, but it was really taking a toll on me.
It didn't make a sound
No one could hear the pain I was going through.
Holding my breath
I was anxious and scared, unable to relax.
Going underground
I was hiding from the world and my problems.
It's like there's no tomorrow
I am living in the moment and not looking to the future because it seems bleak.
Barely yesterday
My struggles have been ongoing and it feels like there is no relief in sight.
Holding everybody back
My struggles have not only affected me, but they have also held others back.
Demanding ransom
I feel like I am being held captive by my problems and need something to free me from them.
Gimme something good oh now
I am urgently and desperately searching for something positive to come into my life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RYAN ADAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jarrett Dean
Thank GOD for Ryan Adams and artists like City & Colour. In a day where the music business just gets worse and worse, these guys give you something so tasty to grab. I love this new song and can't wait for the album. BUY IT! Support true talented artists!
RebelScumThis
Dare I say it... gives you something good?
William Otey
Jarrett Dean 👊🏿
Danielle Moran
This song fucking rocks! I love the guitar sound, the big hair, how it's shot and of course the Mistress of the Dark! I love you Ryan, you never disappoint. ❤️ 🎸
Sham Bolic
This song just won't leave my head. It's classic Ryan Adams, simple and affective.
Cinemagoer
Ryan Adams rocks! Quality rock and song writing lives on because of his talent!
Louie O.Blevins Music
Def one of the best songwriters out there and I’m not even a huge fan.
Dillon August
I love Ryan Adams' music. This album is so eighties. Takes me back to some good times.
Music Keeper
Oh man, as if this song wasn't the best thing ever this video makes just that much better! Damn Ryan you are too cool! Love this video and I can't wait for the new album. I preordered it on Vinyl! Thanks Ryan!!!
sloburnnn
I just heard this album for the first time today while record shopping. Wow! I was blown away. This is next on my list.