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.
You Belong to Me
Steve Earle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's been cold as hell and you just can't tell what a girl might do
I made a whole lot of promises baby, but none of my dreams came true
And it's you that paid and I'm so afraid that I'm losing you
But you belong to me
You belong to me
You belong to me, me, baby, me
Now your mama said you could do better than me, baby I know that's true
But you believed me instead, every word I said, and I did too
Now every day's a little bit harder out there no matter what I do
Well I could carry the world on my shoulders girl long as I got you
But you belong to me
You belong to me
You belong to me, me, baby, me
You belong to me
You belong to me
You belong to me, me, baby, me
Well my shining armor is rusted and worn
There's a heart inside here entrusted and sworn to you
Just tell me baby what I need to do
I can win you over again if you want me to
But you belong to me
'Cause you belong to me, me, baby, me
Well my shining armor is rusted and worn
There's a heart inside here entrusted and sworn to you
Just tell me baby what I need to do
I can win you over again if you want me to
But you belong to me
You belong to me, me, baby, me
You belong to me, me, baby, me
'Cause you belong to me, me, baby, me
You belong to me, me, baby, me
You belong to me, me, baby, me
You belong to me, me, baby, me
In Steve Earle's song "You Belong to Me", the singer admits to feeling uneasy lately and running straight home to his lover. He notes that it's been cold and he can't tell what a girl might do. He then regrets not fulfilling his promises and dreams, and being fearful of losing his lover. He recognizes that her mother may have been right about her being able to do better than him. However, he believes that as long as he has her, he can carry the world on his shoulders. The singer understands that his shining armor is rusted and worn, but he still has a heart that is entrusted and sworn to his lover. He pleads with her to tell him what he needs to do to win her back.
The lyrics of the song are heartfelt and sincere, with the singer admitting his faults and recognizing the worth of his lover. It is a plea for forgiveness and a desire to make things right. The repetition of "You belong to me" is an assertion of ownership and commitment, as well as a reminder to himself of the importance of his relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Lately I've been feeling a little uneasy so I run straight home to you
Recently, I have been feeling anxious and uncomfortable, so I immediately head back to you for comfort and security.
It's been cold as hell and you just can't tell what a girl might do
The weather has been extremely cold, and it is difficult to predict how someone might react under these circumstances.
I made a whole lot of promises baby, but none of my dreams came true
I made many commitments, but unfortunately, none of them resulted in the realization of my aspirations.
And it's you that paid and I'm so afraid that I'm losing you
Your sacrifices have been significant, and I am worried that I may be losing you as a result.
Now your mama said you could do better than me, baby I know that's true
Your mother believes that you deserve a better partner than me, and I understand her perspective.
But you believed me instead, every word I said, and I did too
Despite your mother's advice, you trusted and believed in me, and so did I.
Now every day's a little bit harder out there no matter what I do
Each day seems to be getting more challenging, regardless of my efforts.
Well I could carry the world on my shoulders girl long as I got you
I am willing to bear any burden as long as I have you by my side.
Well my shining armor is rusted and worn
Although I may appear strong and resilient, I have been through a lot, and it has taken a toll on me.
There's a heart inside here entrusted and sworn to you
Despite my external appearance, I have a heart that belongs entirely to you.
Just tell me baby what I need to do
Please communicate to me what actions or changes I need to make to improve our relationship.
I can win you over again if you want me to
I am willing to do whatever it takes to regain your love and affection, should you give me the opportunity.
You belong to me
You are mine, and I will do everything in my power to keep you by my side.
You belong to me, me, baby, me
I am possessive of you, and I do not want to lose you to anyone else.
'Cause you belong to me, me, baby, me
I reiterate my ownership of you and my desire to maintain our relationship.
You belong to me, me, baby, me
I am claiming you as mine, and I will protect you from anyone else who may try to take you away.
You belong to me, me, baby, me
I value you above all else, and I want to keep you close to me, no matter what.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEVE EARLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheBunnyist
Love this song, and the whole entire Copperhead Road album!!
@MrLoneCrow
OK lets try again! This man broke my mind at 3.00 am on a lonely nightshift many years ago. It remains broken even now! May he go on and on forever!
@loriwhitcher5560
Steve Earle is one of the best rock country bands out there..
@georgettegora227
Love this song!great artist!
@katadantesux
This is probably the best 'outlaw' country tune of that era.
@johnstonejaxfldoxmebitch7388
This song sucks moose cock compared to his other stuff you twit.
@bluestarlighting29
Fantastic song, I always buy cds. Awesome album. Truly enjoy classic hits songs. Buy three cd box collection few years back. My favorite music artist.
@brendacard1306
this song pulled me threw the hardest time of my younger yrs
@muskokapuss13
I'm sitting in my hottub, and this is amazing but I know that there is so much more to Steve, I love this song because it makes me feel like someone wants me...
@TonyBudi
This kicks ass.