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.
Oh My Sweet Carolina
Ryan Adams Lyrics
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I passed up the station for the bus
Was trying to find me something but I wasn't sure just what
I ended up with pockets full of dust
So I went on to Cleveland and ended up insane
Bought a borrowed suit and learned to dance
I was spending money like the way it likes to rain
Oh my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home
I ain't never been to Vegas but I gambled up my life
Building news print boats I raced to sewer mains
I was trying to find me something but I wasn't sure just what
Funny how they say that some things never change
Oh my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home
Up here in the city it feels like things are closing in
The sunset's just my light bulb burning out
I miss Kentucky and I miss my family
All the sweetest winds they blow across the south
Oh my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home
May you one day carry me home
The lyrics of Oh My Sweet Carolina by Ryan Adams depict the singer's restless and aimless wandering across America, in search of something he cannot quite define. He travels from Houston to San Antone, Cleveland, and Vegas without finding what he is looking for, only accumulating pockets full of dust, cocaine, and regrets. The nostalgic and melancholic tone of the chorus, "Oh my sweet Carolina, what compels me to go? Oh my sweet disposition, may you one day carry me home," suggests that the singer's true home and comfort may be in his native Carolina, where the sweet winds blow across the south, and where he misses his family.
The song's use of vivid sensory imagery, such as "the way it likes to rain" and "the sunset's just my light bulb burning out," creates a sense of physical and emotional displacement, as if the singer is adrift and out of sync with his environment. The repeated refrain of "trying to find me something but I wasn't sure just what" emphasizes the theme of aimlessness and the search for meaning and purpose.
Overall, Oh My Sweet Carolina is a poignant and introspective song that reflects on the universal themes of home, identity, and the search for belonging. It is a testament to Ryan Adams's songwriting skills and his ability to convey complex emotions through evocative lyrics and melodies.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I went down to Houston and I stopped in San Antone
I traveled around searching for something, went to Houston and San Antonio.
I passed up the station for the bus
I made a choice that I later regretted.
Was trying to find me something but I wasn't sure just what
I was searching for fulfillment but didn't know what I wanted.
I ended up with pockets full of dust
I came back empty-handed and unsatisfied.
So I went on to Cleveland and ended up insane
I continued to roam, but it drove me crazy.
Bought a borrowed suit and learned to dance
I tried to fit in and learn some new skills.
I was spending money like the way it likes to rain
I was wasting my resources carelessly.
And I ended up with pockets full of 'caine
I resorted to drugs and addictive behavior.
Oh my sweet Carolina
Referring to the state Carolina with fondness and a sense of longing.
What compels me to go?
What is driving me to keep moving and searching for something?
Oh my sweet disposition
Reflecting on his own personality and emotional tendencies.
May you one day carry me home
Hoping that his sense of home and belonging will be found one day.
I ain't never been to Vegas but I gambled up my life
I've taken risks and made choices that have had negative consequences.
Building news print boats I raced to sewer mains
I wasted my time and energy on pointless pursuits.
Funny how they say that some things never change
Reflecting on the cyclical nature of life.
Up here in the city it feels like things are closing in
Feeling trapped and overwhelmed in a big city.
The sunset's just my light bulb burning out
Feeling a sense of melancholy and isolation in the city.
I miss Kentucky and I miss my family
Feeling homesick for a place and people who provide a sense of comfort and belonging.
All the sweetest winds they blow across the south
Longing for the familiar and comforting aspects of the southern United States.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ryan Adams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind