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.
You Will Always Be the Same
Ryan Adams Lyrics
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Go on to the bus that left us in the dust and the flames
And when the son meets the father
It'll be something smarter for the pain
But you will always be the same
You will always be the same
Go on little girl, feet twirl, go and make him smile
And when the son meets the dad
It'll be pretty bad for the pain
But you'll always be the same
You will always be the same
You will always be the same
Go on to the ones with the smoking guns in the heat
Go on to the wars we won, they came home, they made up
And when the father meets the son,
And the blood makes us better than the gain
You will always be the same
The lyrics of Ryan Adams's song You Will Always Be the Same are about the inevitability of change while also acknowledging that some things will always remain constant. The repetition of the line "you will always be the same" serves as a reminder that even as things around us shift and transform, we can still find comfort and stability in certain aspects of our lives.
The first verse suggests a journey in the rain, perhaps a metaphor for a difficult and unpredictable path in life. The mention of the son and father meeting again implies a sense of closure or resolution, but Adams suggests that the outcome may not necessarily be positive or straightforward.
The second verse is addressed to a young girl, encouraging her to go and make someone happy. The metaphor of the "rumbling drums of the march of time" suggests that time is relentless and unstoppable, like the beat of a drum. Once again, the mention of the father and son meeting hints at the idea that the past cannot be easily forgotten or forgiven.
The final verse seems to suggest that even in times of conflict or war, there is something unchangeable and sacred in the connection between family members. The reference to "smoking guns in the heat" and "wars we won" hints at a military context, but the final lines shift back to the idea of blood ties and the unbreakable bond between father and son.
Overall, You Will Always Be the Same is a poignant and introspective song that explores the themes of family, time, and the passage of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Go on to the street to the cars in the pouring rain
Continue moving forward through the hardships, even if it seems like a never-ending downpour
Go on to the bus that left us in the dust and the flames
Don't dwell on past failures or missed opportunities, keep moving forward towards new goals
And when the son meets the father, It'll be something smarter for the pain
When the next generation carries on the legacy of the previous, they can learn from their struggles and create a brighter future
But you will always be the same, You will always be the same
Despite the changes and growth that occurs throughout life, some core aspects of oneself will always remain the same
Go on little girl, feet twirl, go and make him smile
Keep spreading joy and positivity in the world, even if it seems like a small gesture
Go on like the rumbling drums of the march of time
Keep pushing forward with the unstoppable force of time, making the most of every moment
And when the son meets the dad, It'll be pretty bad for the pain
When the next generation confronts the previous generation's mistakes and shortcomings, it can be difficult and painful
But you'll always be the same, You will always be the same, You will always be the same
Despite any criticism or judgment, one's true self will never truly change
Go on to the ones with the smoking guns in the heat
Keep moving forward despite dangerous and difficult situations, facing them head-on
Go on to the wars we won, they came home, they made up
Even after conflict and tragedy, it's important to find resolution and healing to move forward
And when the father meets the son, And the blood makes us better than the gain
Through the generational passing down of family values and traits, we can achieve a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment than mere material gain
You will always be the same
Through all of life's changes and challenges, a person's true self will remain constant
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RYAN ADAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind