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.
Shining Through the Dark
Ryan Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whatever happened to the old me?
Whatever happened to us?
Whatever it was, it doesn't matter now
Those days went speeding by
And left us in the dust
The car's on empty
Whatever this is, is permanent
A red wine stain or a scar
Like one of those if you flip the negative
You knew who I was and even before
I even knew
Now just look who we are
And these wheels turn fast
These wheels turn bright
Reflecting every blurry moon that long goes shining
Shining through the dark of the night
Shining through the dark of the night
You know that house that I wanna buy
I wanna buy it for you
The walls are made out of the wishes I make
When I close my eyes and I'm lying here with you
Whatever this is, is everything
My feet are sore and blue
Everything I ever said I did before
Was just to get me here, get me here next to you
And these wheels turn fast
These wheels turn bright
Reflecting every moon that long goes shining
Shining through the dark of the night
These wheels turn fast
These wheels turn bright
Reflecting every moon that long goes shining
Shining through the dark of the night
Shining through the dark of the night
Shining through the dark of the night
Shining through the dark of the night
Shining through the dark of the night
In the song "Shining Through the Dark" by Ryan Adams, the lyrics paint a picture of nostalgia and reflection on past experiences and relationships. The song opens with a sense of longing and questioning about the singer's past self and the moments shared with a loved one. The reference to the "speeding days" that have left them behind and the feeling of being stuck in a moment that has passed creates a bittersweet atmosphere of looking back on what once was.
As the song progresses, the singer delves into the idea of permanence and how certain memories or scars can define who we are. The comparison to a "red wine stain or a scar" speaks to the lasting impact of choices and experiences on one's identity. There is a sense of acceptance in acknowledging that what has shaped them is an integral part of their existence, even if it may be painful or difficult to confront.
The imagery of the wheels turning fast and bright reflects the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life. The mention of the moon shining through the dark symbolizes hope and guidance in moments of uncertainty or darkness. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is a light that can guide us through and illuminate our path.
The final verses of the song bring a sense of love and dedication to the forefront, as the singer expresses their desire to create a future with their partner. The metaphor of buying a house made of wishes ties back to the idea of building a life together and cherishing the moments shared in their relationship. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the resilience and endurance of love, shining through even the darkest of nights. Overall, "Shining Through the Dark" captures a poignant reflection on the past, the present, and the enduring power of love and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Whatever happened to the old me?
What has become of the person I used to be?
Whatever happened to us?
What happened to our relationship?
Whatever it was, it doesn't matter now
The past is irrelevant now
Those days went speeding by
Time passed quickly
And left us in the dust
Leaving us behind
The car's on empty
We are running low on fuel
It rattles in the rust
The vehicle is old and worn
Whatever this is, is permanent
The current situation is lasting
A red wine stain or a scar
Leaving a mark like a stain or scar
Like one of those if you flip the negative
Revealed when looking at things differently
You knew who I was and even before
You understood me even before I did
Now just look who we are
Consider where we are now
Reflecting every blurry moon that long goes shining
Each moon that shines bright in the night sky
You know that house that I wanna buy
I want to purchase a house for you
I wanna buy it for you
It's a gift for you
The walls are made out of the wishes I make
Symbolizing my dreams and desires
Whatever this is, is everything
This holds great significance
My feet are sore and blue
I have walked a long path to reach you
Everything I ever said I did before
All my words and actions led me here
Was just to get me here, get me here next to you
All for the purpose of being by your side
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ryan Adams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
zizzlah
Cindy Cashdollar is a national treasure. Always amazed at the beauty she brings to every song.
Jim Sanford
I love what she does on the Dylan tune, "Not Dark Yet"...
Munkhbat Enkhtaivan
Very artistic... Lost for words. Been listening to this for about x100 times
Matty Holcombe
So glad to hear REALLY good , real music is still alive!!!
Alberto Ramirez
This song is absolute fire! Don’t know why it has been left off of the last few albums
Donnie Bell
Love this tempo. 😀 underated song for sure
Glorified G
I think I've listened to this every day for like six months straight. Goddam I need to catch his live show.
Adelita Magaña
:-)
Reagan Miller
I saw him in San Diego, Dec. 2014 with The Shining - no disappointments - it was awesome.
Piers Lunnon-Wood
This is actually better than the studio version because of the dobro