Lynne's first recording for Epic was a duet with George Jones, "If I Could Bottle This Up", which became a top-50 hit in 1988. In 2000 she won a Grammy award for "Best New Artist", despite the fact that she had been recording and releasing records for more than ten years
With Tears, Lies, and Alibis the follow-up to 2008's Just A Little Lovin' and the first release on her own label, Everso Records, Shelby Lynne affirms her position as a visionary, iconoclastic artist who deftly weaves country, soul, rock, blues, pop and folk influences to forge her own unique style. Like Identity Crisis (2003) and Suit Yourself (2005), this sparse, unguarded collection was produced by Lynne, who evokes a live-in-the-studio vibe from a stellar group of musicians. Born in Quantico, VA, she grew up in Jackson, AL and headed to Nashville at an early age. At 18, Lynne s demos landed her an appearance on TNN s Nashville Now series, which led to a Top 50 duet ( "If I Could Bottle This Up" ) with George Jones and a record deal. Following the release of the critically acclaimed I Am Shelby Lynne in 2000, she won the GRAMMY® for Best New Artist. She made her acting debut in 2005, playing Johnny Cash's mother in the Fox Searchlight motion picture Walk the Line.
Following You
Shelby Lynne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Following you watch the day bring longer shadows garden's growing
I'm just a kid
A baby child
Waiting on direction
From your voices
You're just a king
But you made all your choices, um
Following you even though you don't know where you are going
Following you in your footsteps on the leaves
Even thoughing
I'll pretend
Just pretend
To let you think I don't know nothing
Like I'm supposed to
I prop you up
I stand you up
So I can keep you in the knowing
Your halo's showing
Following you
Following you
Following you
Following you
Following you
Following you
The lyrics of Shelby Lynne's song "Following You" are a poignant reflection on the dynamics of power and control in a relationship. The singer describes herself as a follower, a baby child waiting for direction from a king - the object of her affection. She follows him as the light falls on the water in the morning, watches the longer shadows in the garden, and even in his footsteps on the leaves.
Despite his authority, the king seems lost and uncertain of where he is going. The singer's role is to prop him up and keep him in the knowing, to pretend to know nothing and let him think he's in control. There's a sense of both devotion and desperation in her voice as she repeats "Following You" over and over again, like a mantra. She knows she's playing a dangerous game, that her halo is showing, but she can't help herself.
The song is a powerful exploration of the psychology of love and power, of how we seek validation and meaning in others, and how we can lose ourselves in the process. It's also a testament to Shelby Lynne's talent as a singer and songwriter, and her ability to create a mood and atmosphere that is both haunting and beautiful.
Line by Line Meaning
Following you as the light falls on the water in the morning
I am watching you as the first light of the day glistens upon the water, tracing your every move.
Following you watch the day bring longer shadows garden's growing
I am with you, observing the shadows growing longer as the day advances, and watching the garden develop as we walk.
I'm just a kid
I may be young or inexperienced in the world, still learning to find my way.
A baby child
I am innocent and naive, needing guidance.
Waiting on direction
I am seeking guidance from someone who knows better than me.
From your voices
I'm listening to what you say, since I believe you have the answers.
You're just a king
You may hold a powerful position, yet...
Only a king
...in the end, there is only so much you can control.
But you made all your choices, um
You have been the one to make all of the decisions along the way, for better or for worse.
Following you even though you don't know where you are going
I follow your lead, even though it seems like you may not have a clear plan.
Following you in your footsteps on the leaves
I'm walking behind you, copying your footsteps among the fallen leaves.
Even thoughing
Despite the uncertainty of the situation...
I'll pretend
...I'll pretend to be okay with it, to keep the peace.
Just pretend
I'll try to fake it till I make it, hoping that things will turn out alright.
To let you think I don't know nothing
I'll act as if I'm ignorant, to keep you from feeling self-conscious or embarrassed.
Like I'm supposed to
I'll do what I'm supposed to, even if it's not exactly what I think is best.
I prop you up
I help support you, both physically and emotionally.
I stand you up
I help you get back on your feet, or maintain a sense of dignity and self-worth.
So I can keep you in the knowing
By being there for you, I hope to remain informed and aware about what is going on.
Your halo's showing
You have a shining aura about you, or perhaps you are revealing more about yourself than you realize.
Following you
I am devoted to staying close to you on this journey.
Following you
I am committed to keeping pace with you, no matter where we go.
Following you
I am faithful to following your lead, in both actions and decisions.
Following you
I am steadfast in my willingness to be by your side, through thick and thin.
Following you
I am devoted to staying close to you through every twist and turn of life's journey.
Following you
I am committed to never losing sight of you, no matter the obstacle.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind