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.
Spirit
The Wood Brothers Lyrics
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Just to get my solitude
I need some juju
And I don't know what to do
I'm tired of seein' clouds
When all I need's a drop of rain
I got my cuts and bruises
If the spirit moves you
If the spirit moves you
If the spirit moves you
Please, won't you send him,
Please, won't you send him to me?
Well, how do you do that magic
What's the secret, what's the spell?
I try to work it
But I just can't do it well
I know I'm lucky to be in the jungle
Doin' what I please
I got no birds I got no buds
I should just get down on my knees
But please
If the spirit moves you
If the spirit moves you
If the spirit moves you
Please, won't you send him,
Please, won't you send him to me?
If the spirit moves you
If the spirit moves you
If the spirit moves you
Please, won't you send him,
Please, won't you send him to me?
If the spirit moves you
If the spirit moves you
If the spirit moves you
Please, won't you send him, please
Please, won't you send him, please
Please, won't you send him,
Please, won't you send him to me?
Send him to me
Send him to me
The Wood Brothers' "Spirit" is a song about the desire for spiritual connection, despite the struggles and hardships of life. The lyrics convey a sense of longing for something greater, a need for guidance and understanding beyond the physical realm. The jungle is used as a metaphor for the unknown and mysterious, a place where one can find solitude and seek answers.
The singer is tired of just seeing clouds and wants to feel the rain, indicating a desire for a deeper spiritual experience. They have tried to access this spirituality themselves, but can't seem to do it well. They are lucky to be in the jungle, but recognize that they need help from something beyond themselves to find what they are looking for.
The repeated line, "If the spirit moves you, please won't you send him to me?" speaks to the idea that true spiritual connection is not something that can be forced or obtained through one's own efforts. The singer is asking for a higher power to intervene and guide them towards the spiritual fulfillment they seek.
Overall, Spirit is a song about the search for meaning and the desire for connection with something greater. It speaks to the human experience of feeling lost and alone, and the hope that there is something out there that can provide us with the answers we seek.
Line by Line Meaning
I had to step into the jungle
I needed to get away and be alone.
Just to get my solitude
I needed to be alone with my thoughts and feelings.
I need some juju
I need some magic or spiritual power.
And I don't know what to do
I'm lost and need guidance.
I'm tired of seein' clouds
I'm tired of feeling down or sad.
When all I need's a drop of rain
All I need is a small sign of hope or positivity.
I got my cuts and bruises
I've been through hardships and have been hurt.
Now I'd like to feel the pain
I want to feel something real and raw.
If the spirit moves you
If you feel inclined to help me.
Please, won't you send him,
Please send the spiritual power or guidance I need.
Well, how do you do that magic
How can I access that spiritual power or guidance.
What's the secret, what's the spell?
What is the key to unlocking that power or guidance?
I try to work it
I've tried to figure it out on my own.
But I just can't do it well
But I haven't been successful.
I know I'm lucky to be in the jungle
I know I should be grateful for this time alone.
Doin' what I please
Doing what I need to do to find myself.
I got no birds I got no buds
I don't have any distractions or obligations.
I should just get down on my knees
I should humble myself and ask for help.
Send him to me
Please send that spiritual power or guidance to me.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ANDREW TAYLOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind