The group notion started in 1976, when the four brothers of the Neville family, Art (1937-2019), Charles (1938–2018), Aaron (b. 1941), and Cyril (b. 1948) got together to take part in the recording session of The Wild Tchoupitoulas, a Mardi Gras Indian group led by the Nevilles' uncle, George Landry ("Big Chief Jolly").
Art Neville reached out to Paul Howrilla (personal manager for Dr. John) and told him that he always wanted to do something with his brothers. Paul Howrilla created Neville Productions, Inc., serving as president and CEO with all four Neville brothers as members of the board of directors. The newly formed business covered the entire Neville family, designed to protect them from the music business abuse they had previously endured in their individual careers.
This experience led them to form the group the following year. Their debut album was released from Capitol Records in 1978.
In 1988, the group released Uptown from EMI featuring guests including Branford Marsalis, Keith Richards, and Carlos Santana. The following year saw the release of Yellow Moon from A&M Records produced by Daniel Lanois. The track "Healing Chant" from that album won best pop instrumental performance of the Grammy Awards.
In 1990, the Neville Brothers contributed "In the Still of the Night" to the AIDS benefit album Red Hot + Blue produced by the Red Hot Organization. Also in 1990, they appeared on the bill at that year's Glastonbury Festival. This also was the year they recorded "Sons and Daughters" on their Brother's Keeper album.
Their version of "Bird on the Wire" was played over the closing credits of the 1990 film, Bird on a Wire.
Due to the health problems of Art Neville, the band kept a low profile in the late 1990s onto the early 2000s. They made a comeback in 2004, however, with the album, Walkin' In The Shadow Of Life, from Back Porch Records, their first newly recorded effort in five years.
All brothers except Charles, a Massachusetts resident, had been living in New Orleans, but following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 Cyril and Aaron moved out of the city. They had not been performing in New Orleans since Katrina hit the city, however, they finally returned to perform there at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2008, being given the closing spot which had been reserved for them for years.
Infrequently, Ivan Neville, Aaron's son (keyboards) and Ian Neville, Art's son (electric guitar), both of the band Dumpstaphunk, have played with the band in recent years.
The group formally disbanded in 2012 but reunited in 2015 for a farewell concert in New Orleans.
Charles Neville died of pancreatic cancer on April 26, 2018, at the age of 79.
Art Neville died at age 81 on July 22, 2019, after years of declining health.
Line Of Fire
The Neville Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get off that corner, you're in the line of fire
War, the order of city life
Where street signs are markers of battle lines
Here children disappear without a trace
The thrills of the treasure are poison-laced
Dream, oh, dream, brother gave up that gun
Put down that gun, boy, you're in the line of fire
Get off that corner, you're in the line of fire
Lines are drawn down every street
Where neighbors are strangers who never meet
Guns aren't friends to anyone
You don't know where the next shot is coming from
Tears, oh, tears, better not make her cry, boy
Fears, oh, fears, you're never too young to die, boy
Put down that gun, boy, you're in the line of fire
Get off that corner, you're in the line of fire
Put down that gun, boy, you're in the line of fire
Get off that corner, you're in the line of fire
Screams, oh, screams, better not make her cry, boy
Dreams, oh, dreams, never too young to die, boy
Put down that gun, boy, you're in the line of fire
Get off that corner, you're in the line of fire
Put down that gun, boy, you're in the line of fire
Get off that corner, you're in the line of fire
Put down that gun, boy, you're in the line of fire
Get off that corner, you're in the line of fire
Put down that gun, boy, you're in the line of fire
The Neville Brothers's "Line of Fire" is a poignant commentary on the dangers of living in an inner-city neighborhood, where violence is an ever-present threat. The lyrics begin by warning a young man that he is in the "line of fire" and imploring him to put down his gun and get off the street corner. The theme of violence and danger continues throughout the song; the verses describe a city where "street signs are markers of battle lines" and children disappear without a trace.
The chorus repeats the refrain to put down the gun and get off the corner, with an added urgency. The verses also highlight the tragedy of violence, with lines like "Tears, oh, tears, better not make her cry, boy/Fears, oh, fears, you're never too young to die, boy." The song ends with a final plea to put down the gun and get off the corner.
Overall, "Line of Fire" is a powerful social commentary on the cycle of violence that plagues many inner-city neighborhoods. It is a passionate plea for young people to choose a different path, one that isn't marked by violence and loss.
Line by Line Meaning
Put down that gun, boy, you're in the line of fire
You are in danger of being shot, so stop holding that gun
Get off that corner, you're in the line of fire
You are at risk of being shot on this street corner, so leave
War, the order of city life
The violence and conflict in cities is a common occurrence
Where street signs are markers of battle lines
Streets become divided and hostile territories in times of conflict
Here children disappear without a trace
In this environment, it is not uncommon for children to go missing without a clear explanation
The thrills of the treasure are poison-laced
The allure of wealth and status may mask the reality of danger and corruption
Scream, oh, scream, mama you better run
The fear and danger of violence is a harsh reality for mothers and families
Dream, oh, dream, brother gave up that gun
There is hope and a better future when people choose to stop participating in violence
Lines are drawn down every street
Divisions and boundaries emerge and intensify in areas with high levels of violence
Where neighbors are strangers who never meet
The fear and violence creates an environment in which people cannot connect and build relationships with their neighbors
Guns aren't friends to anyone
Firearms are dangerous and harmful, and they do not provide safety or protection
You don't know where the next shot is coming from
In such a dangerous environment, it is impossible to predict or anticipate when violence will happen
Tears, oh, tears, better not make her cry, boy
The emotional toll of violence and fear is too much for mothers and loved ones
Fears, oh, fears, you're never too young to die, boy
All people, regardless of age, are at risk in environments of violence
Screams, oh, screams, better not make her cry, boy
The pain and fear caused by violence is a burden that should not be imposed on anyone
Dreams, oh, dreams, never too young to die, boy
The aspirations and potential of young people can be cut short by the dangers and realities of violence
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ART NEVILLE, CHUCK SHEEFEL, DWAYNE ST. ROMAINE, ERIC KOLB, RON CUCCIA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Judy Jenson
<3 this.