Bingham dropped out of school at 17 and was introduced to rodeo bull riding. He learned the emotional aspect of pain early in life, when shuttling between small towns and family members in the hardscrabble ranching communities of West Texas and Hobbs, New Mexico -- and became well-acquainted with the physical facets of pain during his years on the Southwestern rodeo circuit.
That ache is palpable in the grooves of Mescalito, Ryan Bingham’s Lost Highway debut, but what’s even more plain is the steely strength needed to overcome it -- a tenor that’s evident in both the singer-songwriter’s preternaturally wizened voice and his remarkably poignant songs, which resonate with roadhouse wisdom and rough-and-ready border-town piquancy.
The Beg For Broken Legs Songfacts reports that Bingham's fourth album, Tomorrowland, was recorded in Malibu, California with producer Justin Stanley and self-released through Bingham's new independent record label Axster Bingham Records on September 18, 2012.
He has won an Oscar for the best film song (Crazy Heart - The Weary Kind) in 2010.
Influences include Bob Dylan among others.
I DON
Ryan Bingham Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With the future that we planned, so long ago
I don't know
Well I don't know if you're my friend
Or a long lost lover coming back again
Where did you go
Baby I don't know
You'd think by now that I would know better
But I ain't got a lot to show
I could write a song or I could write a letter
I could write a book about I don't know
Watched my life fall through the cracks
Like a long gone train that ain't coming back
Where did it go?
Baby I don't know
You'd think by now that I would know better
But I ain't got a lot to show
I could write a song or I could write a letter
I could write a book about I don't know
My past is pretty rocky
And my future ain't long
Why do I think we got a chance at all
Where does the wind blow?
Baby I don't know
In "I Don't Know," Ryan Bingham sings of uncertainty, particularly in regards to a relationship he once thought was secure. He begins by confessing that he doesn't know where he stands with the person he's addressing, and he doesn't know what's become of the future they once planned together. Both of these suggest a separation or a changing of hearts, as the vision they once shared has faded away. Bingham then questions the nature of their relationship, wondering if they are friends, or if the other person is a former lover coming back into his life. This indicates the mixed feelings he has towards the person, and perhaps even a hint of bitterness or mistrust.
The chorus repeats the main theme of the song, which is Bingham's confusion about his own life. He acknowledges that despite his experiences, he still doesn't have all the answers, and can't seem to find a solid direction. He compares himself to a train that's already gone too far down the tracks, a metaphor that suggests the feeling of inevitability and resignation. Bingham then admits that despite his uncertainty, he could at least express his feelings through creative outlets like writing a song, a letter, or even a book.
Overall, "I Don't Know" is a poignant reflection on the universal human experience of wrestling with the unknown. Bingham captures the sense of disorientation that arises when life doesn't go as planned, and the struggle to come to terms with the complexity of our emotions and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know baby where we stand
We are uncertain of our current status and position in our relationship, leaving us unsure about what the future holds.
With the future that we planned, so long ago
We had hopes and dreams for our future together, but it's been so long that we don't know if those plans are still viable.
Well I don't know if you're my friend
There is uncertainty about the nature of our relationship; whether it's purely platonic or romantic.
Or a long lost lover coming back again
It's possible that we had a romantic history and you're back in my life after a long time apart.
Where did you go
You've been away for a while and I have no idea where you've been or what you've been up to.
You'd think by now that I would know better
Despite my experiences in life, I still find myself uncertain and struggling to understand things.
But I ain't got a lot to show
Despite my lack of certainty, I don't have much evidence or proof to support any theories or assumptions.
I could write a song or I could write a letter
I have the ability to express myself creatively or even communicate directly, but I still lack any concrete answers or solutions.
Watched my life fall through the cracks
I've experienced failures and setbacks that have made me feel like my life has been slipping away from me.
Like a long gone train that ain't coming back
My life feels like a train that has left the station and is never going to return, leaving me feeling lost and without direction.
Where did it go?
I don't know how things got to this point or where I went wrong.
My past is pretty rocky
I've experienced a lot of difficulty and hardship in my past, which has made it hard for me to move on or make progress.
And my future ain't long
I don't have a lot of time to figure things out and make things right before it's too late.
Why do I think we got a chance at all
Despite all the uncertainty and difficulties, I still feel like there's a chance for us to make things work.
Where does the wind blow?
I have no idea which direction my life or my relationship is heading in, leaving me feeling lost and confused.
Baby I don't know
Overall, there is a lot of uncertainty and lack of clarity in my life and my relationship, leaving me feeling lost and without any answers.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: T-BONE BURNETT, TYRONE FITZGERALD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Zubair Khan
Such a great song . I could listen this song my whole life.
Ted Creviston
check out the movie crazy heart you'll love it has the music in it
LEGEND CITY
This CD has been stuck in my Pick-up trucks stereo for over 10 years...well..I tell people it's stuck.
aman chaudhary
Damn neat excuse 😘😜
Jim Coulter
Country Music is in good hands with Ryan Bingham, Chris Knight, Whiskey Myers, Turnpike Troubadours
Harley Babb
Awesome my friend one off my best songs in the world keep it up!!!🤑
Matt Eakins
Awesome! This guy is a great vocalist. Kinda reminds me of Randy Rogers.
mabel gonzalez
Amazing BRAVO I love Ryan Bingham
Punky Brewster
Love this mans music!
mr_metal
I'm not a dancer, but I could dance to this. thanks Ryan for your contribution to Yellowstone