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.
Stop Talking
Ryan Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I really think I'm gonna, really think I'm gonna
Bunch of pain but nothing to show
Better off without, better off without the pain
'Cause whatever is wrong
You gotta fix it
Wherever you belong
Hold it in your heart
Stop talking, stop talking
Start listening
Really don't know what I got left
Looking at the pavement smoking a cigarette
I like the way that you smile when you're sleeping
Maybe you were dreaming
Everything is keeping that you love
'Cause whatever is wrong
You gotta fix it
Wherever you belong
Whatever's missing
Hold it in your heart
Stop talking, stop talking
Start listening
Whatever is wrong
You'd better fix it
Wherever you belong
Whatever's missing
Hold it in your heart
Stop talking, stop talking
Start listening
Stop talking, stop talking
Stop talking, stop talking
In "Stop Talking" by Ryan Adams, the lyrics convey a sense of introspection and a desire for self-improvement. The song begins with the singer expressing reluctance to let go of something, possibly a relationship or an emotional burden. However, they also acknowledge that they are inclined to let go, suggesting a recognition of the need to move on. The pain they have experienced seems to have left them with no tangible results, making them believe that they are better off without it.
The chorus highlights the importance of taking action to address one's problems and finding a place where one truly belongs. The lyrics urge the listener to fix whatever is wrong and embrace what is missing in their life. The repetition of the phrase "stop talking, start listening" emphasizes the need to stop dwelling on negative thoughts or engaging in idle chatter and instead focus on actively listening to one's inner voice, intuition, or the wisdom of others.
The second verse delves deeper into the singer's emotional state. They express uncertainty about what they have left, suggesting a sense of loss or dissatisfaction. The image of looking at the pavement and smoking a cigarette evokes a sense of contemplation and perhaps loneliness. The mention of the other person smiling while sleeping and the idea that they love everything emphasizes the importance of finding happiness and contentment in the simple moments and embracing love.
Line by Line Meaning
Really don't want let it all go
I have a strong desire to hold onto everything
But I really think I'm gonna, really think I'm gonna
However, deep down I believe I will eventually let go
Bunch of pain but nothing to show
I have experienced a lot of pain, but it hasn't visibly affected me
Better off without, better off without the pain
I would be happier and more content without the pain
'Cause whatever is wrong
Because whatever is troubling me
You gotta fix it
I need to find a solution for it
Wherever you belong
Wherever you feel you truly fit
Whatever's missing
Whatever is lacking or absent
Hold it in your heart
Internalize it, keep it close to your emotions
Stop talking, stop talking
Cease speaking, talking is not the solution
Start listening
Begin to actively listen and be open to understanding
Really don't know what I got left
I am unsure of what remains within me
Looking at the pavement smoking a cigarette
I am deeply contemplative, observing the ground while smoking
I like the way that you smile when you're sleeping
I find joy in witnessing your peaceful smile while you sleep
Maybe you were dreaming
Perhaps you were in a dream or reverie
Everything is keeping that you love
Everything is holding onto the love you possess
Whatever is wrong
Whatever is causing distress or troubles
You'd better fix it
You should address and resolve it soon
Wherever you belong
Wherever you feel a strong sense of belonging
Whatever's missing
Whatever is absent or lacking
Hold it in your heart
Keep it deep within your emotions and soul
Stop talking, stop talking
Cease talking, verbal communication isn't the answer
Start listening
Begin to actively listen and understand
Stop talking, stop talking
Cease speaking, words won't solve the issue
Stop talking, stop talking
Cease talking, it won't bring resolution
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ryan Adams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind