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 Heard 'Em Say
Ryan Bingham Lyrics
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Was black and poor
I heard 'em say, that if we talked
The shoot him more
I said we might look reckless
But we're not helpless
We may look ragged, because we have been torn
We're not afraid, of your kind, yeah
I heard 'em say, that if we leave
They should lock the door
I heard 'em say, they could do
What they done before
I said we might look reckless
But we're not helpless
We may look ragged, because we have been torn
We're not afraid, of your kind, yeah
Anymore
Now this man, took my hands
And tied them up
Then he drug, my good friend
Behind his truck
I said I might look worthless, but I'm not helpless
I may look ragged, because I have been torn
I'm still not afraid, of your kind yeah
Anymore
The lyrics to the song I Heard 'Em Say by Ryan Bingham use powerful imagery to convey a message about racism and inequality. The song describes the experience of being a black person in a society where people make assumptions and judgments based on their appearance and skin color. The first verse describes how the singer has heard people saying that his good friend is black and poor, and that if they were to talk, he would be shot more. This shows the dangers and prejudices that African Americans faced in America, particularly during the Civil Rights era.
The second verse is even more harrowing, as it depicts the singer hearing people say that they should lock the door if they leave, because they might do what they've done before. This suggests that there is a history of violence and discrimination against black people, and that it's not safe for them to go outside or leave their houses. The chorus sings of how they may look reckless or ragged, but they are not helpless, and they are not afraid of the oppressors' kind any more.
The final verse of the song takes an even more disturbing turn, as the singer is tied up and watches his friend be dragged behind a truck. The powerlessness and helplessness he feels is contrasted with the reminder that he is not worthless or helpless, despite his ragged appearance. The song ends on a note of defiance, with the singer asserting that he is not afraid of his oppressors any more.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard 'em say, that my good friend,
Someone spread a rumor that my friend is black and poor.
Was black and poor
My friend's ethnicity and financial status were being discussed.
I heard 'em say, that if we talked
There were rumors that talking to us could lead to violence.
The shoot him more
If someone spoke to us, they would shoot my friend repeatedly.
I said we might look reckless
I acknowledged the perception that we may be reckless.
But we're not helpless
However, we were not powerless.
We may look ragged, because we have been torn
The trials and hardships we experienced have taken a toll on us.
We're not afraid, of your kind, yeah
We are no longer scared of those who spread rumors and fear-monger.
I heard 'em say, that if we leave
There was talk that we should be contained.
They should lock the door
The solution to us leaving was to literally lock us up.
I heard 'em say, they could do
Rumors implied that certain actions could be taken against us.
What they done before
These actions have been taken in the past against us.
Now this man, took my hands
A man physically restrained me.
And tied them up
He bound my hands together.
Then he drug, my good friend
This man violently dragged my friend behind his vehicle.
Behind his truck
The man dragged my friend behind his car.
I said I might look worthless, but I'm not helpless
Despite our rough appearance, we are not defenseless.
I may look ragged, because I have been torn
Once again, I acknowledge the hardships that have left us looking rough.
I'm still not afraid, of your kind yeah
Despite the violence and mistreatment, we are not intimidated by those who harm us.
Anymore
We have overcome our fears and are no longer scared.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RYAN BINGHAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
LandoLoots
Still a fantastic song. I just wish there was a studio acoustic version. The bootleg was phenomenal just needed better quality.
cody parnell
im just playing with ya
cody parnell
fucking audiophile ;)