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.
Wild Flowers
Ryan Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nothing much to speak of
But a rough diamond
Sleep now and your angels will come, dear
Poor Matilda
Handcuffed hard to the wheel and
Steering wildly
Through love's fields, so blindly
Forever only takes its toll on some, oh-oh
But, tonight you're sleeping alone without him
Tonight you're sleeping alone without him
And everything went up in smoke
Like wildflowers
Wildflowers, dear
Poor girl, lonely
Shuffles through the parade
Of a sleepless circus promenade
Hold on, dear
Poor girl, no Ma
Sister steals her a coat
For the windless breezes
Sleep now and Jesus will come, dear
Forever only takes its toll on some, oh-oh
But, tonight you're sleeping alone without him
Tonight you're sleeping alone without him
And everything went up in smoke
Like wildflowers
Wildflowers
Wildflowers
Wildflowers
Oh
Ryan Adams's song "Wild Flowers" tells the story of a poor girl named Matilda who struggles to navigate through life's challenges. Matilda is described as "a rough diamond," highlighting her potential for greatness despite her humble background. The image of Matilda being "handcuffed hard to the wheel" and "steering wildly through love's fields, so blindly" illustrates the difficult path she must take in order to succeed. Despite the hardships, the song suggests that Matilda will still find success and happiness, as evident in the lyrics, "Sleep now and your angels will come, dear."
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that Matilda's struggles are not unique. The imagery of a "sleepless circus promenade" illustrates the chaos and unpredictability of life. However, the song suggests that holding on and persevering are the keys to overcoming adversity, as emphasized in the lyrics, "Hold on, dear."
The chorus of the song brings everything together, describing how everything in Matilda's life seems to have "gone up in smoke like wildflowers." However, wildflowers are known for their beauty and resilience, returning after being burned or cut down. The chorus seems to suggest that Matilda, like wildflowers, will persevere and come back stronger.
Overall, "Wild Flowers" is a poignant and inspiring song that encourages listeners to persevere through life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Poor girl, no Ma
A girl from a poor background with no mother
Nothing much to speak of
She doesn't have much to show for her life
But a rough diamond
She has potential despite her rough exterior
Sleep now and your angels will come, dear
Rest and good things will come to you
Poor Matilda
The girl's name is Matilda
Handcuffed hard to the wheel and
She's stuck and struggling
Steering wildly
Trying to make it through life, but without direction
Through love's fields, so blindly
Navigating love without a clear view of what's ahead
Forever only takes its toll on some, oh-oh
Time affects people differently
But, tonight you're sleeping alone without him
You don't have to rely on others for comfort
And everything went up in smoke
Things didn't go as planned and fell apart
Like wildflowers
Things that seem beautiful and promising can quickly fade away
Wildflowers, dear
A reminder to find beauty in simple things
Poor girl, lonely
The girl is lonely
Shuffles through the parade
Going through the motions of life
Of a sleepless circus promenade
A metaphor for the chaos of life
Hold on, dear
Take comfort and keep going
Sister steals her a coat
Her sister helps her despite their circumstances
For the windless breezes
Preparation for hard times
Sleep now and Jesus will come, dear
Rest and faith will bring peace
Wildflowers
A symbol of the fleeting beauty of life
Wildflowers
A reminder to cherish every moment of beauty in life
Oh
An expression of emotion
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RYAN ADAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kirkwatson1442
I miss the earth so much...
@ozzyhead73
i bought this album right before september 11th 2001, and was cruising down the road with new york, new york from this album cranking on my car radio, i got home and turned on the tv and saw the attacks on the world trade center, i was so saddened by what i saw, but i put this cd on and had a drink and heard this song for the 1st time, and it helped to heal and sooth my soul from what i saw that day!!! god bless those people and the power of music to heal and bring peace to us all!!! GOD BLESS!
@nimrod2550
The album was released on the 25th September 2001. Just sayin'. Peace be with you brother.
@lyonslaforet
Gold is among the finest albums released in 2001.
@JCPatrick
Takes me back & still makes my heart ache..
@kirkwatson1442
Oh so pretty
@aunicornwithnonameskywalke2430
Wonderwalls, Wildflowers, & Wheels
@mspirit
1:45 = Heaven!
@Firecracker13598
Beautiful song
@NadRaad1
Thank you.