Brothers Oliver and Chris Wood grew up in Boulder, CO, and both left the area after graduating from high school, Oliver moving to Atlanta while Chris ended up in New York. Oliver, a guitarist, discovered he had a knack for writing songs and formed the blues-based King Johnson, which continues to do frequent gigs on the Southern circuit. Chris, a bassist, began playing jazz and rock in New York, eventually teaming up with John Medeski and Billy Martin to form the successful jazz-funk trio Medeski, Martin & Wood. The brothers began jamming together at family functions, and the duo's roots-inflected blend of blues, folk, and rock quickly took shape. They privately released the Live at Tonic EP, which was drawn from their first-ever public concert at New York's Tonic venue on March 5, 2005. Signed to Blue Note Records, the Wood Brothers released their debut album, Ways Not to Lose, in 2006. The album, which features drummer Kenny Wollesen on five tracks, was produced by John Medeski and recorded at Allarie Studios in Shokan, NY.
Luckiest Man
The Wood Brothers Lyrics
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I was thinking about ways not to lose
I lay down my weapons is what I've done
Too late to hide, feet too soft to run
But people say I'm the luckiest man
Yeah they say
Running is useless and fighting is foolish
And too many horses and mysterious forces
What you don't know is you are the luckiest man
You're the luckiest man
I done talked to the devil when he calls my name
But sometimes when I'm losing it all seems the same
And when I fall I'm back up again
Just to slip on the same mistakes and slide right back in
But people say I'm the luckiest man
Yeah they say,
Running is useless and fighting is foolish
You're not gonna win but still you're the luckiest man you're up against
And too many horses and mysterious forces
What you don't know is you are the luckiest man
You're the luckiest man
Try to keep my faith and keep my mind
Hate to lose either one when the whip cracks behind
And I can't help but mourning just a little each night
People say everything is gonna be alright
They say I'm the luckiest man
Yeah they say,
That running is useless and fighting is foolish
You're not gonna win but still you're the luckiest man you're up against
And too many horses and mysterious forces
What you don't know is you are the luckiest man
You're the luckiest man
You're the luckiest man
The Wood Brothers's song "Luckiest Man" seems to be a reflection on life and the challenges it brings. The lyrics convey feelings of helplessness and defeat, yet perhaps a sense of optimism. The first verse establishes the theme of the song, with the singer contemplating ways to avoid losing. He has put down his weapons and is resigned to his fate. However, despite his struggles and failures, he is still considered the luckiest man by others. The chorus, repeated throughout the song, reinforces this sentiment that running and fighting are futile; there are too many unknown variables that affect the outcome. The singer is up against mysterious forces beyond his control, yet still considered lucky.
The second verse delves deeper into the singer's inner turmoil. He has talked to the devil and is often on the losing side, but also experiences fleeting moments of triumph before slipping back into old patterns. Still, others view him as fortunate. The last verse introduces a hint of faith that everything will ultimately work out, even in the face of adversity. The singer tries to hold onto his faith and sanity, but also recognizes the fragility of both. Ultimately, though, the sentiment remains that, in spite of all the challenges, the singer is the luckiest man.
Line by Line Meaning
My whole saturday and sunday too
I spent my entire weekend contemplating how to not lose.
I was thinking about ways not to lose
Thoughts of not losing occupied my mind.
I lay down my weapons is what I've done
I've given up fighting.
Too late to hide, feet too soft to run
I can't escape or flee anymore.
But people say I'm the luckiest man
Despite my struggles, others praise me as fortunate.
Running is useless and fighting is foolish
It's pointless to flee or fight against the odds.
You're not gonna win but still you're the luckiest man you're up against
You may not triumph, but you're still ahead of the game.
And too many horses and mysterious forces
There are too many unknown factors and powerful entities affecting the situation.
What you don't know is you are the luckiest man
You might not recognize it, but you're actually quite fortunate.
I done talked to the devil when he calls my name
I've communicated with temptation and evil.
But sometimes when I'm losing it all seems the same
When I'm losing, it feels like there's no difference between good and bad.
And when I fall I'm back up again
Despite setbacks, I always rise again.
Just to slip on the same mistakes and slide right back in
That said, I often repeat the same errors and fall back into trouble.
Try to keep my faith and keep my mind
I try to maintain my belief and sanity.
Hate to lose either one when the whip cracks behind
I fear losing either of those things, and feel threatened by consequences.
And I can't help but mourning just a little each night
I can't help feeling some sadness each night.
People say everything is gonna be alright
Others assure me that things will turn out okay.
You're the luckiest man
Overall, you're quite fortunate.
Contributed by Jeremiah L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ElectricBrown1
I think your brothers are okay. I was listening to this and I decided to scroll through the comments while also looking at the change from my pocket(something I don't do) I read your comment and was immediately emotional and looked down at the coin in my hand.
misprint
two eagles.
no shit
I'm serious.
I debated telling you because it was so friggin weird.
I'm sorry if it was offensive or too evocative.
thank you and your brothers for your sacrifices.
were gonna be okay.
@ario8247
My friend used to get drunk grab a guitar and play their music. A year ago today he didn’t see no way but out and took his life. I wish he realized he was the luckiest man in so many ways. Love you Kenny. I hope you found the peace you were looking for.
@RandomPerson-oq6zd
RIP
@tophjones8110
It is never easy.. What's sad is I understand where he was.
@scottmurray4689
i'M so SORRY
@davidbarton9778
Hey man, I know how you feel, I shed tears everytime for the same reason.
@christopherfatkin8014
Sorry brother
@nadjavanderstroom413
This is my favorite song. Not my favorite Wood Brothers song, not my favorite folk song. My favorite song. Period.
@gr8FLdude
Raw an beautiful - The Wood Brothers are a national treasure.
@KevinSmith-fi1zy
Totally agree
@DELTA19ACTUAL
I just lost my 3rd brother, now it is just me, this song says it all, I was the "Luckiest Man" to be raised with such fine brothers, such is the tale of the tape for Vietnam, we all participated, and the price must be paid, GOD BLESS MY BROTHERS, WE WILL SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN ! Thank YOU Wood Brothers for this song, it warms my heart !