In 2014, something unusual happened. On the strength of their breakthrough … Read Full Bio ↴In 2014, something unusual happened. On the strength of their breakthrough album Too Many Roads, Denmark’s Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado went global.

Now it’s one thing for an artist from Copenhagen to enjoy success at home and in a few adjacent countries. But the release of Too Many Roads saw the seven-piece combo fronted by singer and guitarist Risager gaining widespread notoriety in the U.S. and being invited to play in locales as far away as Mumbai, India. The album took home the Danish Music Award as the Top Blues Album of 2014 and also earned Germany’s illustrious “Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik,” but perhaps even more impressively, it was selected as one the year’s best by Britain’s influential The Blues magazine, right alongside international stars like Robert Cray, Walter Trout and Joe Bonamassa. Clearly, Risager and his mates had taken their exhilarating mix of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll to the next level.

Early in 2015, Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado celebrated that triumph by returning to one of their favorite nightspots – the Harmonie in Bonn, Germany. They would treat local fans to a one-of-a-kind spectacle, hitting the stage as a ten-piece mini-orchestra. After Thomas Ruf of Ruf Records introduces this deluxe edition of the band – including a three-man horn section and backing vocalists Ida Bang und Lisa Lystam – the colossal sound of Risager’s semi-hollow body spearheads the all-out attack of opening number “If You Wanna Leave.” He and his Black Tornado are off to the races…

The succeeding 100-minute concert, captured on CD and DVD for the newest addition to Ruf’s Songs from the Roadseries, shows off every facet of this unique conglomeration of musicians. There’s the sinuous funk of “Paradise” and the furious boogie of “The Straight and Narrow Line” (featuring big-time playing by piano man Emil Balsgaard and saxophonist Hans Nybo). There’s the twin-guitar blues of “Too Many Roads” and the rough-and-tumble attitude of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Ride.” There’s the chilling “China Gate” and the dark drama of “Long Forgotten Track.” Finally, the band whips the crowd into frenzy with their ultra-groovy take on the classic “Baby Please Don’t Go” and the timeless party anthem “Let The Good Times Roll,” the latter track showcasing the talents of lead guitarist Peter Skjerning. The funk workout “Opener” and the charming “I Won’t Let You Down” (performed as a duet with Lisa Lystam) offer some welcome after play.

More than anything, Songs from the Road shows that the success of Too Many Roads was no fluke. Thorbjørn Risager and his highly skilled accomplices have perfected a spicy blend of musical ingredients. The hundreds of shows they’ve played during the past few years have them running like a well-oiled machine. More great things can be expected of them in the future – but until then, we have this brilliant document of a band that is quietly revolutionizing the way we look at the blues.

The Black Tornado band
Thorbjørn Risager – leadvoc, gtr
Emil Balsgaard – keys
Peter Skjerning – gtr,voc
Kasper Wagner – alto-/barythonsax
Hans Nybo – tenorsax, voc
Peter Kehl – trumpet, perc, voc,
Søren Bøjgaard – bass
Martin Seidelin – drums, perc, voc,

The Tornadettes (guest appearance on “Songs from the road” and on special occasions!)
Ida Bang – voc
Lisa Lystam – voc

BAND FACTS
● Nominated for a British Blues Award 2014 & 2015
● Winner of the Danish Music Award 2013 & 2014
● The band was founded in 2003 and 5 of the band members have been there
since the start.
● In 2005 their cooperation with Annika Westman started who has booked
more than 700 concerts for them in 21 countries.
● Songs From The Road is their 10th album in 10 years!

Same Old Lies
Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

SAME OLD LIES - PART 1

SHE SAID COME ON ALONG IT'LL BE ALRIGHT
JUST TAKE MY HAND
BUT IT'S A LONG, LONG, HARD ROAD TO GO

I DONE LOST MY WAY
I DONE LOST EVERYTHING I HAD

NEED A LITTLE HEAT TO MELT THIS ICE-COLD HEART

OUT IN THE BACKWOODS
THERE'S A FIRE STILL BURNING

BUT THE STORMCLOUDS ARE RISING
AND THE HOUNDS BEGIN TO HOWL

I BELIEVE IT'S RAINING, RAINING ALL OVER THE WORLD
AND I'LL SOON BE DEAD AND GONE

I WANNA GO, JUST LET MED GO ONE MORE TIME
COME ON AND GIVE ME JUST A LITTLE TASTE OF THAT SWEET, SWEET WINE

Overall Meaning

Thorbjørn Risager's song "Same Old Blues" captures the essence of a person who has lost their way in life and is desperately seeking some form of solace or escape. The opening lines suggest someone offering a helping hand, a glimmer of hope, telling the singer that everything will be alright. However, the singer recognizes that the road ahead is long and hard, indicating that they are aware that the challenges they face cannot be easily overcome.

The lyrics continue to convey a sense of loss and despair, with the singer confessing that they have lost everything they once had. They long for something to warm their ice-cold heart, a metaphorical representation of their emotional state. The mention of a fire burning in the backwoods suggests that there is still some small spark of hope, a glimmer of possibility. However, the storm clouds are rising and the hounds are starting to howl, indicating that trouble is on the horizon.

The chorus delves into a broader perspective, with the singer expressing their belief that it is raining all over the world. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the difficulties and hardships that people face universally. The line "I'll soon be dead and gone" reflects a hint of resignation, suggesting that the singer feels trapped in their circumstances and sees no way out.

In the final lines, the singer pleads to be allowed to go one more time, seemingly seeking some temporary relief, symbolized by a taste of sweet wine. It's a desire for a fleeting moment of escape from the burdens and sorrows that weigh them down.

Overall, "Same Old Blues" portrays a person at their lowest point, grappling with loss, despair, and the harsh realities of life. It captures the universal theme of seeking solace and temporary respite from difficulties, even if it means retreating to familiar vices.

Line by Line Meaning

SHE SAID COME ON ALONG IT'LL BE ALRIGHT
She tried to reassure me, telling me to come along and that everything would be okay.

JUST TAKE MY HAND
She wanted me to hold her hand as a sign of support and unity.

BUT IT'S A LONG, LONG, HARD ROAD TO GO
However, she warned me that the journey ahead would be difficult and filled with obstacles.

I DONE LOST MY WAY
I have lost my sense of direction in life.

I DONE LOST EVERYTHING I HAD
I have experienced a significant loss of all my possessions and personal connections.

NEED A LITTLE HEAT TO MELT THIS ICE-COLD HEART
I am desperately seeking some warmth and compassion to break through the cold and numbness I feel inside.

OUT IN THE BACKWOODS
In the remote and isolated areas away from the bustling world.

THERE'S A FIRE STILL BURNING
There is still a spark of hope and passion alive within me.

BUT THE STORMCLOUDS ARE RISING
However, the challenges and difficulties are growing and becoming more intense.

AND THE HOUNDS BEGIN TO HOWL
The troubles and dangers lurking in the shadows are starting to emerge and make their presence known.

I BELIEVE IT'S RAINING, RAINING ALL OVER THE WORLD
I have a deep sense of despair and believe that troubles and misfortune are affecting everyone globally.

AND I'LL SOON BE DEAD AND GONE
I feel as though my time on this earth is limited and that I will soon cease to exist.

I WANNA GO, JUST LET MED GO ONE MORE TIME
I have a strong desire to escape and be free, allowing myself one last chance to live without restraints or burdens.

COME ON AND GIVE ME JUST A LITTLE TASTE OF THAT SWEET, SWEET WINE
Please grant me a small moment of pleasure and enjoyment, even if it is fleeting, like the taste of sweet wine.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Thorbjørn Risager

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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