Earle was born in Fort Monroe, Virginia, and grew up near San Antonio, Texas. His father, Jack Earle, was an air traffic controller. Although he was born in Virginia where his father was stationed, the family returned to Texas before Earle's second birthday. They moved several times but Earle grew up primarily in the San Antonio area.
Earle began learning the guitar at the age of 11 and placed in a talent contest at his school at age 13. He is reported to have run away from home at age 14 to follow his idol, singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt around Texas. Earle was "rebellious" as a youngster and dropped out of school at the age of 16. He moved to Houston with his 19-year-old uncle, who was also a musician, where he married and worked odd jobs. While in Houston Earle finally met Van Zandt, who became his hero and role model.
In 1975, at the age of 20, Earle moved to Nashville and began working as a songwriter. In these early days, he recorded with Guy Clark and Emmylou Harris. He finally scored a country hit in 1981, writing Johnny Lee's top ten cut "When You Fall in Love." Earle's early work as a performer tended towards the rockabilly sound, popular at the time. In 1986, his first proper album Guitar Town was a critical and commercial success. It sold over 300,000 copies and led some to herald him as a saviour of country music.
Earle long struggled with drug abuse. His addiction eventually caused a departure from performing and recording after he was dropped by MCA in 1991. Whilst in jail on drug and firearm charges, he kicked the habit and returned to music after his release in 1994.
Earle's "second, post-jail, musical career" has been more stylistically diverse than his early material, dipping in acoustic, bluegrass, and roots rock sounds. I Feel Alright and Transcendental Blues met with good reviews and decent sales. 2002's somewhat controversial Jerusalem was one of the first albums to directly address the September 11 attacks. It brought Earle's leftist views to media attention, especially the song "John Walker's Blues."
His latest album of original material I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive was released in 2011. Songfacts reports that one of the tracks, This City, got played on HBO’s New Orleans based show Treme several months before the album‘s release. Earle, who plays a recurring street musician, composed the song especially for the drama series.
Earle has also released a tribute album of material written by friend and mentor Townes Van Zandt, entitled Townes.
For more information and photographs of Steve Earle go to his official website, www.SteveEarle.com.
When I Fall (Feat Stacey Earl
Steve Earle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On my way to another lonesome town
I thought I might see the first light of a new day
As it lay like fool's gold on the ground
[Chorus]
But whenever I'm feelin' low
I won't have to cry alone I know
If I soar above the clouds and then
I come crashin' back to earth again
You will catch me when I fall
All these years I've watched you trip and stumble
There were times that I feared that you were lost
But every tear that I dried after you tumbled
Comes to mind when I'm considerin' the cost
[Chorus]
In my heart there's a place for you to run to
Anytime you're tired and hurt and blue
For my part I have only to remind you
You will find me waiting when you do
[Chorus]
The song "When I Fall" is about the comfort and reliability of having someone to lean on during difficult times. The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and the recognition that we all need support when we are feeling low. The opening verse sets the mood of the song with the image of the singer being alone on a dark highway, hoping to find some glimmer of hope in the form of a new day. However, the message of the song is that even when everything seems bleak, there is someone we can count on to be there for us.
The chorus emphasizes the theme of support and reassurance, with the singer expressing confidence that the person they are singing to will always answer their call and catch them when they fall. The lyrics suggest a deep bond of trust and understanding between the two people, with the acknowledgment that they have both experienced hardship and helped each other through tough times.
The bridge of the song emphasizes the reciprocity of the relationship, with the singer expressing their willingness to be there for the other person whenever they need support. The overall message of the song is one of mutual reliance and emotional connection, with the recognition that having someone to lean on is an essential part of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Late at night on some dark deserted highway
In the midst of darkness and loneliness, with no one around, I am on the road.
On my way to another lonesome town
I am traveling to yet another place where I will be all alone.
I thought I might see the first light of a new day
I hoped that the dawn of a new day would bring me some hope and light.
As it lay like fool's gold on the ground
The first light of dawn had a deceptive beauty, like fool's gold that looks like the real thing but isn't.
But whenever I'm feelin' low
When I am feeling sad and down,
I won't have to cry alone I know
I can take comfort in the fact that I have someone to turn to who will be there for me.
'Cause you will answer when I call
The person I am thinking of will be there for me when I need them.
If I soar above the clouds and then
If I experience great success,
I come crashin' back to earth again
But then suffer a great failure or setback,
You will catch me when I fall
The person I am thinking of will be there to support me and help me through the tough times.
All these years I've watched you trip and stumble
Over the years, I have seen this person experience failure and setbacks.
There were times that I feared that you were lost
At times, I worried that this person might not be able to recover from their struggles.
But every tear that I dried after you tumbled
However, I have been there for this person through their struggles, helping them to get back on their feet.
Comes to mind when I'm considerin' the cost
I remember all the effort and support I have given to this person and how much it has cost me emotionally.
In my heart there's a place for you to run to
I have a special place in my heart for this person to turn to when they need help and support.
Anytime you're tired and hurt and blue
Whenever this person is feeling tired, hurt, or sad.
For my part I have only to remind you
All I need to do is remind this person that I will be there for them.
You will find me waiting when you do
And they will find me there, waiting to support and comfort them when they need it most.
Chorus: But whenever I'm feelin' low
Whenever I am feeling down,
I won't have to cry alone I know
I can take comfort in the fact that I have someone who will be there for me and support me.
'Cause you will answer when I call
The person I am thinking of will be there when I need them most.
If I soar above the clouds and then
If I experience great success,
I come crashin' back to earth again
But then suffer a great failure or setback,
You will catch me when I fall
This person will be there to help me get back up, offering comfort and support when I need it most.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: STEVE EARLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
gurlsingerfan
The song is a tribute not to a girlfriend but to his sister Stacey whom he gives credit for "saving my life" during his time of troubles. As a man with sisters, I will attest to the deeply felt emotion a guy can feel toward loving sisters, it is a priceless gift. Stacey does such a great and touching job on this song too...:-)
Edwin Johnstone
A
Edwin Johnstone
A
dev ro
Idk man could be a wife too it's how you all interpret it
ricardo cogorno
@dev romaybe but the point is that he made it for his sister
rosebud8028
He deserves to be much more known and appreciated!! SUCH A GREAT TALENT!! I love you Steve xxx
Sherry Guelke
Love this song!! First heard Steve back in the day. I still love listening to him. I saw him in Craven Countryfest and he still sounded just as good.👍
Lee Rockwell
I had this song playing in my head & heart all day!!! Finally picked up my guitar & well here I am madly in love with Steve Earle again!!! Thanx Steve & for all good comments too... love
Michael Shine
Ive stuck by this man since 1990 so proud of him and my judgement,best songwriter ive ever heard
Deborah Gallant
saw Steve Earle at the Folk Festival and for all who have not seen Steve Earle live do yourself a favour...won't be disappointed...sister's voice is so unique and blends perfectly