J.S. Ondara — Lebanon
Album: Tales Of AmericaAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2853
Length: 3:20
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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In the water, fire
I'll go wherever you go
In the valley, in the canyon
I'll go wherever you go
Hey, love, I'm ready now
Can't you see this riot
Inside of my veins
Hey love, I'm overcome
By desire
How must I wait?
In the water, fire
I'll go wherever you go
In the valley, in the canyon
I'll go wherever you go
Hey, love, it's been three years now
Since you heard from Jesus
Of His chosen man
Hey love, you'll twist and turn
Til your colors wither
Then there'll be no man
In the water, fire
I'll go wherever you go
In the valley, in the canyon
I'll go wherever you go
In the water, fire
I'll go wherever you go
In the valley, in the canyon
I'll go wherever you go
Oh, Lebanon, life is brief
Don't sit alone in your constant fear
Open up, I shan't be like Canada
Oh, Lebanon
Oh, Lebanon, life is brief
Don't sit alone
In your constant fear
Open up, I shan't be like Canada
I'll go wherever you go
In the valley, in the canyon
I'll go wherever you go
Hey, love, I'm ready now
Can't you see this riot
Inside of my veins
Hey love, I'm overcome
By desire
How must I wait?
In the water, fire
I'll go wherever you go
In the valley, in the canyon
I'll go wherever you go
Hey, love, it's been three years now
Since you heard from Jesus
Of His chosen man
Hey love, you'll twist and turn
Til your colors wither
Then there'll be no man
In the water, fire
I'll go wherever you go
In the valley, in the canyon
I'll go wherever you go
In the water, fire
I'll go wherever you go
In the valley, in the canyon
I'll go wherever you go
Oh, Lebanon, life is brief
Don't sit alone in your constant fear
Open up, I shan't be like Canada
Oh, Lebanon
Oh, Lebanon, life is brief
Don't sit alone
In your constant fear
Open up, I shan't be like Canada
Comments (82)add comment
Played way too much on RP.
I would never have heard of him if it weren't for RP. What a loss that would be .
Fantastic. And the art work has that atmospheric Music Maker Relief Foundation feel to it (and if you don't know about these amazing guys based in NC and their great work, look them up)
Discover the Piedmont Blues - Music Maker
Discover the Piedmont Blues - Music Maker
It is worth checking out this guy's bio.
Born in Kenya, raised on American music but his family couldn't afford an instrument. Won the Green Card lottery. Moved to Minneapolis (and got a fedora) because he idolized Bob Dylan. Taught himself play guitar, and went from coffeeshop gigs to earning a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album.
The next time you hear someone tell you what it means to "be a real American", think on this.
Born in Kenya, raised on American music but his family couldn't afford an instrument. Won the Green Card lottery. Moved to Minneapolis (and got a fedora) because he idolized Bob Dylan. Taught himself play guitar, and went from coffeeshop gigs to earning a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album.
The next time you hear someone tell you what it means to "be a real American", think on this.
laserace wrote:
The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls.
Words of the poet can be open to individual interpretation.
Shall I compare thee to a summers day, or you are like a Hurricane?
I think therefore I am. The answer is blowing in the wind!
The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls.
Words of the poet can be open to individual interpretation.
Shall I compare thee to a summers day, or you are like a Hurricane?
I think therefore I am. The answer is blowing in the wind!
Shall I compare thee to a summers day, or you are like a Hurricane?
I think therefore I am. The answer is blowing in the wind!
rrowdies wrote:
Too funny! Your comment made me laugh!
'I shan't be like Canada'? WTF is that supposed to mean? You wish you were like Canada
Too funny! Your comment made me laugh!
rrowdies wrote:
You too can Google! ;)
"What went into the writing of “Lebanon”?
'I shan't be like Canada'? WTF is that supposed to mean? You wish you were like Canada
You too can Google! ;)
"What went into the writing of “Lebanon”?
That’s
quite a mysterious song, even to me. That’s one that just comes out of
you. My songwriting is subconscious, just free writing things. After
these songs have existed for a while, sometimes days, sometimes months,
sometimes years, I start to figure it out, “Oh, that’s what that meant,
that’s what this meant.” The songs start developing meaning. When I
think about it, I talk about Lebanon and Canada. I think it’s a
reference to someone I knew from Lebanon, another person that I knew
from Canada. Referring to a person as a state. It’s just a love song
about sticking it out through the thick and thin with the person you
love."
'I shan't be like Canada'? WTF is that supposed to mean? You wish you were like Canada
What a voice! Hit again. Thanks, RP.
xrdstv wrote:
I thought it was because we kept the border closed longer. We live super well here in the GWN.
A little bit cold but i think it's ok after all )
I thought it was because we kept the border closed longer. We live super well here in the GWN.
A little bit cold but i think it's ok after all )
mdnlsn wrote:
I thought it was because we kept the border closed longer. We live super well here in the GWN.
Such a haunting voice. I know he’s just using Canada as a reference to a person who’s not living super well, but admittedly it’s hard not to feel a bit of National defensiveness.
I thought it was because we kept the border closed longer. We live super well here in the GWN.
I’ll follow him where ever he goes!
Fresh and nice and 100% sincere. I hope his music stays that way.
So intoxicatingly, delightfully original! Easy 9 👍🏽
Every time JS comes up his song is in my head for 2 days!
Such a haunting voice. I know he’s just using Canada as a reference to a person who’s not living super well, but admittedly it’s hard not to feel a bit of National defensiveness.
talexb wrote:
Beauty EH!
It's Friday, the end of my work week, and a week from Christmas Eve. This song wonderfully reflects how relaxed I feel about life right now, even with all the crap going on. As we say in Canada, 'Beauty.'
Beauty EH!
I gave it an 8 on first hearing it. This is a grower, bumped up to 9! Well done young man!!
8 --==>> 9
SHADES OF THE EVERLY BROTHERS 
It's Friday, the end of my work week, and a week from Christmas Eve. This song wonderfully reflects how relaxed I feel about life right now, even with all the crap going on. As we say in Canada, 'Beauty.'
Just bumped up from a 7 to an 8. This is just great, pure musicianship.
Открыл для себя этого персонажа несколько лет назад благодаря РП.
Есть в нем что-то для меня, что трогает и хочется слушать и слушать...
Спасибо тебе, Райское Радио! )))
Есть в нем что-то для меня, что трогает и хочется слушать и слушать...
Спасибо тебе, Райское Радио! )))
kentbigdog wrote:
He learned British English.
First time I've heard "shan't" in a song. Well done Mr. Ondara.
He learned British English.
Somethin' about this song that I really like. I need to hear it more so I can figure out what it is.
I think wanting to sing along has something to do with it...
I think wanting to sing along has something to do with it...
First time I've heard "shan't" in a song. Well done Mr. Ondara.
Cool song, nice, minimal production.
Stunning musicality, honest production, perfect restained delivery of the backing band and a voice that pulls you away from whatever you were just doing and now have completely forgotten about. Can't wait to listen to more of this phenom's music. Kudos RP and thank you again for opening my eyes to something new.
I never heard this artist before, but I rate him with a 9!
Had to give one a boost 8-9 : soul muzak
Very appropriate for these WuFlu times...
> Oh, Lebanon, life is brief
Don't sit alone
In your constant fear
Open up, I shan't be like Canada
Not sure why I like this song....but I do -> 9
> Oh, Lebanon, life is brief
Don't sit alone
In your constant fear
Open up, I shan't be like Canada
Not sure why I like this song....but I do -> 9
jules44 wrote:
Only an 8? This is so fresh and delightful, it is ethereal! A fat 10 for sho! :)
Fresh! I give it an 8!
Only an 8? This is so fresh and delightful, it is ethereal! A fat 10 for sho! :)
JTRox8 wrote:
Couldn't agree more.
RP is the first place I've heard of Ondara and I CANNOT get enough of this album. After so many years of listening, I'm always so grateful to continue to hear new, amazing music courtesy of Bill and Rebecca. His voice is just stunning.
Couldn't agree more.
THOUGHT AT FIRST IT WAS EVERLY BROTHERS.
If this isn't Godlike (10), then nothing is! I love his voice, style and passion! African music is always the best, and to combine his African roots with Americana/folk music is a new and wonderful sound!
jademon wrote:
Yeah, as a fellow Canadian I'd like to add my voice to the apology. However, where has Jesus been the last three years?
I wish to apologize to J.S. on behalf of Canada. We'll make it up to you!
Yeah, as a fellow Canadian I'd like to add my voice to the apology. However, where has Jesus been the last three years?
I wish to apologize to J.S. on behalf of Canada. We'll make it up to you!
jules44 wrote:
I'll see your 8 and raise you one.
Fresh! I give it an 8!
I'll see your 8 and raise you one.
I LOVE this guy! 
Beautiful class, tenderness, glory, harmony, ...
oh yeah .. preach it brother .. 9/10
I suspect a black and white photo probably doesn't do his suit justice!
RP is the first place I've heard of Ondara and I CANNOT get enough of this album. After so many years of listening, I'm always so grateful to continue to hear new, amazing music courtesy of Bill and Rebecca. His voice is just stunning.
Beautiful! A simple song, but a voice that gives me shivers.
Maybe this about Lebanon, NH? Canada is closed and nearby.
roxy29 wrote:
I am not sure why, but totally agree.
Love this track. This guy has a sensational grip on rhythm
I am not sure why, but totally agree.
Love this track. This guy has a sensational grip on rhythm
So beautiful voice
More I hear more I like
raising to 8 now
More I hear more I like
raising to 8 now
"I can't be like an otter"?
jpfueler wrote:
What happened to his back?
I like this guy's back story.
Kudos to you, sir.
And he is quite entertaining, singing too.
Kudos to you, sir.
And he is quite entertaining, singing too.
What happened to his back?
I love his voice. This is very nice.
What a great back-story. And a very nice song.
A huge thanks to RP for introducing us all to brilliant new artists like this!
What went into the writing of “Lebanon”?
That’s quite a mysterious song, even to me. That’s one that just comes out of you. My songwriting is subconscious, just free writing things. After these songs have existed for a while, sometimes days, sometimes months, sometimes years, I start to figure it out, “Oh, that’s what that meant, that’s what this meant.” The songs start developing meaning. When I think about it, I talk about Lebanon and Canada. I think it’s a reference to someone I knew from Lebanon, another person that I knew from Canada. Referring to a person as a state. It’s just a love song about sticking it out through the thick and thin with the person you love.
-- from an interview in Minnesota Monthly
That’s quite a mysterious song, even to me. That’s one that just comes out of you. My songwriting is subconscious, just free writing things. After these songs have existed for a while, sometimes days, sometimes months, sometimes years, I start to figure it out, “Oh, that’s what that meant, that’s what this meant.” The songs start developing meaning. When I think about it, I talk about Lebanon and Canada. I think it’s a reference to someone I knew from Lebanon, another person that I knew from Canada. Referring to a person as a state. It’s just a love song about sticking it out through the thick and thin with the person you love.
-- from an interview in Minnesota Monthly
Solanus wrote:
david Gray, YES! and a little Willie Nile, too...
The vocal delivery is reminiscent of David Gray, minus the accent.
david Gray, YES! and a little Willie Nile, too...
Hey! Bill
Minnesota is great for new artists!
Minnesota Public Radio, The Current plays interesting stuff
Bill DeVille does the Americana show
another great musical discovery, thanks RP
7 for now.
But I think it will raise soon
(more I hear more I like this voice)
But I think it will raise soon
(more I hear more I like this voice)
I like this guy's back story.
Kudos to you, sir.
And he is quite entertaining, singing too.
Kudos to you, sir.
And he is quite entertaining, singing too.
It's true - the album name is precisely what it should be.
Okay, I had to Shazam it, as well, as I thought for sure this was not right!! Instant 9!! One case where dropping out of school to play music is really warranted....
He grew up in Nairobi and moved to Minneapolis. Quite a change in climate.
This is an 8.
This is an 8.
He also has some amazing suits
ppopp wrote:
I haven't seen him live, but I bought the album too, and completely agree with the rest of ppopp's comment.
Saw J.S Ondara supporting Lindsey Buckingham last year. Ondara has a voice from the heavens which sounds even better on stage. Stunning stuff.
Bought his album. It's the real deal. No computer assistance at all. Beautiful songs performed by a natural talent.
Bought his album. It's the real deal. No computer assistance at all. Beautiful songs performed by a natural talent.
I haven't seen him live, but I bought the album too, and completely agree with the rest of ppopp's comment.
Instant 8 on first listen.
Altready gave it a 7, I listened up the first time.
Emotionall, strong arrangements and rythm section.
Love it, so up to 8 :-)
Emotionall, strong arrangements and rythm section.
Love it, so up to 8 :-)
Saw J.S Ondara supporting Lindsey Buckingham last year. Ondara has a voice from the heavens which sounds even better on stage. Stunning stuff.
Bought his album. It's the real deal. No computer assistance at all. Beautiful songs performed by a natural talent.
Bought his album. It's the real deal. No computer assistance at all. Beautiful songs performed by a natural talent.
lazylemming wrote:
Amazing story !
Amazing story !
Love this. Looking forward to hearing his career unfold.
Incroyable voix
this young man has a great voice and an incredible story! thanks for playing him.
Happy we have JS in the Minneapolis music community! He's an outstanding songwriter!
The vocal delivery is reminiscent of David Gray, minus the accent.
Glad you've discovered this interisting artist, there are more gems on this album.
Agreed!!
Oui, cool ! 8, for the moment.
Beautiful tune! Great image too!!!
Fresh! I give it an 8!
Very nice.