Zebra

The John Butler Trio

About Zebra

"Zebra" is the first single released from the John Butler Trio's album Sunrise Over Sea. Featuring the Sunrise lineup of John Butler on guitar/vocals, Shannon Birchall on double bass and Nicky Bomba on drums/percussion, it blends the genres of folk, funk, rock, and a bit of blues. Zebra is exceptionally known for its catchy refrain and lyrics which are entirely about opposites, for example "I can be alive, man, or be the walking dead" or "I can be black or I can be white".


Year:
2013
3:56
84 

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I can be loud man, I can be silent
I could be young or I could be old.
I can be a gentleman, I can be violent.
I could turn hot or I can be cold.
I could be just like the calm before the storm
Waiting for all hell yeah to break loose.
I could be innocent or I could be guilty
Doesn't mean that I man believe in no noose

I could be rich like a wandering Gypsy
I could be poor like a fat wallet lost.
I could be first or I could come last
Its not who breaks the ribbon
It's how you get across.
I could be red blue black and white sunset
Darkest at day man brightest at night
I could be the sun man I could be the moon
I'm made up from the stars man
I shining so bright.

I could be asleep man, I could be awake
I can be alive or be the walking dead
I can be ignorant, I could be informed
I could lead my life or i could be led
I can be anything i put my mind to man,
all i gotta do is give myself half a chance
I can bring love back into my life
and share it with the world if i got some balance

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The John Butler Trio

The John Butler Trio are an Australian roots/rock band led by guitarist and vocalist John Butler, an APRA and ARIA-award-winning musician. They formed in Fremantle in 1998 with Jason McGann on drums, Gavin Shoesmith on bass and John Butler on vocals. By 2009, the trio consisted of Butler with Byron Luiters on bass and Nicky Bomba on drums and percussion, the latter being replaced by Grant Gerathy in 2013. After both Luiters and Gerathy exited the trio in early 2019, bassist OJ Newcomb and drummer Terepai Richmond (also of The Whitlams) joined the band, accompanied by touring musician Elana Stone on keyboards, percussion and backing vocals. The band's second studio album, Three (2001) reached the top 30 in the Australian album charts and achieved platinum sale… more »

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Written by: JOHN CHARLES WILTSHIRE BUTLER

Lyrics © SPIRIT MUSIC GROUP

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

About the Band
The song "Zebra" is a creation of an Australian roots/rock band called The John Butler Trio, which is headed by lead vocalist John Butler.
Release Date
The song was released in December 2003 as the first single from their second studio album, "Sunrise Over Sea".
Chart Success
"Zebra" surged in popularity, reaching the number 22 spot on the ARIA Singles Chart. This made it the band's first track to chart in Australia.
Unique Genre Blend
The band is known for its fusion of different music genres. "Zebra" stands out as a prime example of this, merging elements of rock, folk, and bluegrass to create a unique sound.
Lyric Content
The lyrics of "Zebra" are a bit cryptic and open to interpretation, but they typically communicate a hopeful, encouraging message.
Awards and Recognition
The song earned the band its first APRA Award. It won the Song of the Year award in 2004.
Instrumentation
The song is noted for its eclectic and layered instrumentation, including prominent acoustic guitar parts, and the use of a unique 11-string guitar.
Festival Favourite
"Zebra" has become a favourite at music festivals, often chosen by the band for live performances due in part to fan enthusiasm for the track.
Behind-the-scenes
"Zebra" is also notable because it was one of the first tracks Butler wrote after a significant lineup change within his band.
Global Reach
Beyond Australian borders, "Zebra" has proven very popular, finding a substantial audience in international markets such as the United States.
Cover Versions
Since its release, the song has been covered by many artists during live performances, showcasing its enduring influence and appeal.

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