Before forming the Dream Syndicate, Wynn played guitar in the Davis, California-based band The Suspects, whose members included vocalist Kendra Smith (who later played bass in the Dream Syndicate) and Russ Tolman and Gavin Blair (who would form True West (band)); in 1979 they released a single, "It's Up to You" b/w "Talking Loud." Two years later, under the name 15 Minutes, he self-released another single, "Last Chance for You" b/w "That's What You Always Say" (later performed by the Dream Syndicate), which owed much to Joy Division.
Though they were popular with critics, an influence on other musicians, and signed briefly to a major label, The Dream Syndicate were never really commercially successful. They did establish, however, the fan base on which Wynn built his solo career.
Since 1990, Wynn has released a number of albums exploring various musical styles. His first solo album, Kerosene Man, included backing work by bassist Fernando Saunders (a frequent sideman of Lou Reed, to whom Wynn was often compared early in his career), drummer D.J. Bonebrake from the L.A. punk band X, Howe Gelb of Giant Sand and saxophonist Steve Berlin from Los Lobos. Peter Buck, from R.E.M., played on its follow-up, Dazzling Display, and co-wrote the title song. Backing on Melting in the Dark (1996) was provided by the Boston band Come.
Here Come the Miracles (2001) was his best-selling solo album to date, and the best-reviewed, appearing at year's end on numerous critical Top Ten lists.
In 1985, Wynn wrote a collection of songs with Dan Stuart of Green on Red, and recorded and released them as Danny and Dusty. This collaboration was revisited in 2007 for a second Danny & Dusty album. In the '90s he was a part of the indie supergroup Gutterball along with Stephen McCarthy of The Long Ryders and Brian Harvey and Johnny Hott of House of Freaks. In 2008 Wynn and his wife Linda Pitmon collaborated with Scott McCaughey (The Minus 5) and Peter Buck (R.E.M., The Minus 5) for a record with songs about legendary baseball players - this collaboration is known as The Baseball Project.
The double CD From a Man of Mysteries: A Steve Wynn Tribute was released by the German label Blue Rose in 2004 and features Wynn's songs performed by the likes of Concrete Blonde, the Silos, Chuck Prophet, The Minus 5 and others.
Wynn also records as Steve Wynn & The Miracle 3.
Wynn is at present more popular in Europe than in the United States. While domestic tours are rare, he continues to perform regularly overseas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Wynn_%28songwriter%29
Believe in Yourself
Steve Wynn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who tried to move the mountains and drain all the creeks
Wiping out the things that just didn't fit
I wonder what they ended up doing with it
I've always been content to take the pieces
That I've been given
Make a mess with the results
Everybody's using all their breath telling everyone else
What to do with their own breath
I can't believe it, I never was the type
To worry that much about everybody else
It's okay if you fall
You stumble, you get up
That's all
Believe in yourself for a while
Everybody wants to know
How the story is going to end
I wonder if they knew
If they'd do the same things all over again
In Steve Wynn's song "Believe In Yourself," the singer-songwriter expresses his views on society and how it has been shaped by the powerful few at the expense of the marginalized. Wynn describes history as having been "decided by the bullies and the freaks" who have tried to impose their will on others by exerting their dominance, reshaping landscapes to fit their ideals, and disregarding anything that does not conform to their idealistic worldview.
The song's lyrics also suggest that people's obsessions with controlling others' actions are often misplaced as people should be free to chart their own destinies. Wynn notes that he has never been the type of person to be concerned about other people's business, a trait he values. He encourages people to focus on their own lives and to "believe in yourself for a while." Despite setbacks that may occur, Wynn seems to encourage people to keep trying and never give up, as evidenced by his line, "It's okay if you fall, you stumble, you get up. That's all."
Overall, "Believe in Yourself" is a song about personal empowerment, the importance of staying true to oneself despite societal pressure, and the need to remain optimistic in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
History's been decided by the bullies and the freaks
Throughout history, the decisions have been made by the ones who are aggressive and nonconformist.
Who tried to move the mountains and drain all the creeks
These people attempted to accomplish the unachievable and alter things in a way that is not feasible.
Wiping out the things that just didn't fit
They destroyed all that was distinctive and did not conform to their ways.
I wonder what they ended up doing with it
It is still unclear what they did with those things that they bulldozed.
I've always been content to take the pieces
I have been happy with what I have had, and I have not asked for more.
That I've been given
I have only received what I deserve.
Make a mess with the results
I take what I have and create something novel and erratic out of it.
Justify it all
I justify my choices and my way of life.
Everybody's using all their breath telling everyone else
Everybody is preaching their beliefs to others, to the point of exhaustion.
What to do with their own breath
They are attempting to advise others on how to use their breath in the way that they think is best.
I can't believe it, I never was the type
I am taken aback; I have never been the type to be bothered with everyone else's business.
To worry that much about everybody else
I do not fret about others' concerns or troubles.
It's okay if you fall
It is alright to fail.
You stumble, you get up
When you make a mistake, get back on your feet and keep moving forward.
That's all
That is all there is to it.
Believe in yourself for a while
Have faith in yourself temporarily.
Everybody wants to know
Everybody is curious.
How the story is going to end
What will the conclusion of the tale be?
I wonder if they knew
I am thinking if they knew the outcome in advance.
If they'd do the same things all over again
Would they perform the same actions again?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave
Written by: STEVE WYNN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind