Following an unsuccessful spell in the mid-1990s as part of a band called Spoonful, in 1998 Hoge began touring the American south with guitarist Dan Baird (former of The Georgia Satellites). Hoge independently released his first CD, Live At The Exit/In, a live set recorded at the Nashville club. This drew some attention and that, and constant touring, led to the release Hodge's first studio album, Carousel. A record deal followed in early 2002 and his major label debut, Blackbird On A Lonely Wire, in 2003.
Hoge was involved in a scooter accident on August 20, 2008 after leaving a studio session for what would be his next album, "The Wreckage". Following numerous surgical procedures (mainly on his shattered femur/leg), Hoge made a full recovery.
His album "Number Seven" was released in 2011.
Hoge has made a career of writing and singing powerful songs about life’s cruel and dark turns. Not long ago, he fell victim to one such turn. As Hoge rode his scooter home from the studio, he was struck by an oncoming van that had veered into his lane. There were no skid marks. Launched off his bike, Hoge ended up bloodied, broken-boned, temporarily blinded, and near death. “[The accident] was like stopping a record as it spins,” says Hoge, who had been halfway through recording material for his new record before getting derailed. “It was like taking the needle and pushing it off the turntable.” For ten months, the accident sidelined Hoge. For ten months, it made him do something he hadn’t done in 18 years: stop the music. Larger matters dominated his life, like physical recovery and the well-being of his family. “People would say, ‘I bet you’re ready to get back to playing and writing.’ I’m thinking, ‘Playing or singing is not the issue right now. I’m ready to get back to walking.’”
His previous album, Draw the Curtains, had been a unanimous high-water mark in his career, a magnificent collection of rock, country, soul, blues, and folk. With a great band, good vibes, and clear skies overhead, Hoge felt like he was building something real as a career artist. Eight months after the incident he re-entered the studio in pursuit of that mission.. “Making The Wreckage opened me up in a different way,” says Hoge. “I felt a calmness, a purpose. Right now it feels like I’m getting to the core of what I want to do and why.”
The Wreckage listens like a record with a purpose. Having stared down his own mortality, Hoge has now rediscovered the simple joys of making good music. “It’s hard to explain, but I felt a certain serenity making this album,” he says. “It doesn’t come through in the songs, but the process has become easier, and I believe the songs flow with more confidence.”
When Hoge’s fans hear these songs, they’ll feel that resolve too. The Wreckage both curses life’s wrong turns and celebrates its triumphs. “I’ve always tried to make albums that have a good reason for every song, and for the sequence of those songs. On this album you get 40:18 of music, and hopefully you’ll want to hear the whole thing start to finish.”
The album was crafted with a depth of sound and musicality that breaks new ground for Hoge. Rugged, pulsating rock fuels “Just Like Me.” Spirited melody characterizes tunes like “Highway Wings” and “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.” The gruff ghosts of the barroom return on Hoge’s “Hard to Love,” as does the searing country roots rock of “Long Gone.” Ballads like “What Could I Do” and “The Wreckage” are rife with the sort of brooding melancholy you’d expect from a guy who has been to the edge and back. “‘The Wreckage’ is one of the favorite songs I’ve ever sung,” Hoge admits. “I couldn’t have sung this physically before the accident, because my voice just wasn’t suited to how quiet it is.”
“Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” his paean to rock and roll as life’s true calling, is another tune Hoge admires. “The minute we started recording it, it was one of those songs that drove itself. Everyone in the room understood the sentiment. There was magic in that moment you don’t get very often.”
Even though half of The Wreckage was written and most of it recorded after the crash, images of the episode are only discreetly woven into the fabric of the album, like streaks of red on a dark surface. That’s because Hoge would rather leave those lines, words, and phrases to interpretation.
Released one year almost to the day of his accident, The Wreckage is not, song by song, a celebration of life. The sentiments are too dark, his lyrics too biting, his voice brimming with moodiness. Risen from the ashes of Hoge’s own “wreckage,” the recording is an incredible achievement, hands-down his best work to date. And that is as good a cause as any for real celebration.
www.willhoge.com
All Night Long
Will Hoge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Her daddy said no, but her momma said it's alright
Let 'em fuss and fight
She don't care what they say's right or wrong
She's gonna stay out all night long
All night long
No, she just wants to rock and roll baby
She's no fool
You're so cool
Well I know the way you feel now baby can't you see
Well I know the way you want your little tangled web to weave
Black lipstick she got a fake I.D.
You know the one that says Ms. Jones is turning 23
Oh baby take a look and see
The opening lines of Will Hoge's song "All Night Long" introduce Katie - a young girl who is trying to break free from the constraints placed upon her by her parents. Despite her father's objections to her new dress, her mother supports her, and Katie continues to defy their authority by staying out all night long. The lyrics suggest that Katie is determined to live her life on her own terms, caring little for what society deems right or wrong. She craves independence and freedom, and her rebellious attitude is reflected in her choice of music, rock and roll.
In the second verse, the lyrics paint a picture of Katie's personality - she is carefree, spontaneous and focused on living in the moment. Rather than focusing on her studies or books, Katie just wants to let loose and rock out. The lyrics suggest that this attitude makes her all the more attractive to those around her, as evidenced by the line "You're so cool."
The chorus of the song reinforces Katie's rebellious, free-spirited outlook on life. She wants to stay out all night long, unencumbered by any responsibilities or obligations. The final verse reveals more of Katie's wild side - she wears black lipstick and has a fake ID that claims she is 23 years old. Yet despite her fake ID, Katie is still just a young girl trying to find her place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Katie's got a new dress she wears too tight
Katie is wearing a new dress that is too tight, but she doesn't care.
Her daddy said no, but her momma said it's alright
Katie's dad disapproved of her dress, but her mom thought it was okay.
Let 'em fuss and fight
Katie is not bothered by her parents' arguments about her dress.
She don't care what they say's right or wrong
Katie doesn't care if people think her dress is right or wrong.
She's gonna stay out all night long
Katie plans to stay out all night, despite what anyone thinks.
She don't care about books or school
Katie is not interested in education or reading.
No, she just wants to rock and roll baby
Katie wants to listen to rock and roll music.
She's no fool
Katie is not stupid.
Well I know the way you feel now baby can't you see
The singer understands how Katie feels and wants her to realize it.
Well I know the way you want your little tangled web to weave
The singer understands that Katie wants to have fun and enjoy her life, despite its complications.
Black lipstick she got a fake I.D.
Katie is wearing black lipstick and has a fake ID.
You know the one that says Ms. Jones is turning 23
Katie's fake ID has the name 'Ms. Jones' and says she is 23 years old.
Oh baby take a look and see
The singer encourages Katie to enjoy herself and have a good time.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WILL HOGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind