Amos Lee is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist whose musical style spans folk, rock, and soul. He has released four albums on Blue Note Records. Lee’s “bluesy, folksy sound” had been compared to that of Bill Withers, John Prine, and Norah Jones. A New York Times music critic described him as having a “honeyed singing voice: light amber, slightly sweet, a hint of grain” that he delivers “straight forward, without much fuss or undue strain” on his “folky rock and rustic 80s soul.” 70’s”. musical song craft
I really like his style as a musician and every time I listen to him I hear that his sound changes slightly and his songwriting is also constantly evolving. As a singer-songwriter, every time I listen to his music it gets better and better. Lee is an artist who inspires me to push myself as a songwriter and keep pushing myself to make great music. His songwriting is amazing and it’s really evolving and I can’t wait to hear more. I’ve compiled a list of 5 great Amos Lee songs and what they mean or the best I can figure out. Sometimes the interpretation can be different from what the composer meant, but that happens all the time.
1. Street Corner Preacher – Last Days at the Lodge Album
A great song that tells a story about a man trying to overcome his past problems and sins and make it in today’s world (at least that’s what I think this song is about). It’s fun, but the song could be something else entirely. The best version I’ve heard of this song is from the “Live from Bonnaroo 2011” video. Lee is accompanied by a host of artists and backing vocalists. The song never sounded better.
“He obtained a new mercy, a new grace
Street corner preacher with angry face
They gave him two years off for good behavior.
Back in the neighborhood working for El Salvador”
2. In the Arms of a Woman – Amos Lee Album (Self-titled)
An amazing love song. That is. That’s all I have to say. When you hear this song it makes you feel romantic and loved and just good feelings. When I read the lyrics, sometimes it makes me think that it’s not a romantic song because it has a line that says “Even though most of my days are spent alone now.” Does he mean that he’s not with her anymore or that he’s always away from home on tour? I’m not sure, but the song is an instant classic.
“I’m OK
In the arms of a woman
Although now most of my days are spent alone
A thousand miles from the place where I was born
when she wakes me up
She takes me back home”
3. Colors – Amos Lee Album (Self-titled)
This duet with Norah Jones shows off her range as a vocalist when she hits those falsetto notes. A song about how the world is different when your love is not around. Things don’t seem to be the same and time drags on.
“When you leave
All the colors fade
When you leave
Not the years that parade
When you leave
The colors seem to fade”
4. Windows Rolled Down – Mission Bell Album
An upbeat song that makes you want to get in the car and drive until you run out of gas. This is a great song for a road trip or on a beautiful drive.
“The windows are down
the moon hangs low
The windows are down
I think it’s time for me to go hey-ay-ay-ay…-ay”
5. Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight – Amos Lee Album (Self-titled)
This is one of those songs that I talked about that is so open to interpretation. I think this song is about him dealing with his growing fame and learning to cope with the fame and still be humble with life. “Keep It Loose” means don’t get too drunk on being famous and making money and have fun with the process and “Keep It Tight” means you shouldn’t get TOO loose and still learn to maintain a discipline in your life. and keep working hard to maintain the music career. Also, keep it loose and tight not only in music, but also in life and love (referencing the second verse).
“and sometimes we forget what we have
about us,
and who we are not
I think we have a chance to get it right
keep it loose
hold it steady
hold it steady”
As a side note with these songs, I had to pick 5 GREAT songs. These are not the top 5 Amos Lee songs. I think he has so many great songs that could be the best. I didn’t want to force myself to choose, so I ran away and said 5 great songs. I look forward to more Amos Lee music because he gives me inspiration as a songwriter and he seems like a cool guy too.
