With guitar in hand, Craig can turn any setting into an intimate affair, infusing his music and lyrics with an uncompromising humanism rarely seen in today's production-heavy climate.
Craig makes it a point to keep the relationship with his fans personal, inviting and accepting any opportunity to make his audience as much a part of the performance as he is. Don't be surprised if one day you find yourself enjoying one of Craig's renowned shows in the comfort of your own living room.
In 2012, Cardiff was nominated for a Juno Award for Roots and Traditional Album of the Year: Solo, and for a Canadian Folk Music Award as Contemporary Singer of the Year.
For more information, tour dates, and music, please visit the official Craig Cardiff site.
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Dirty Old Town
Craig Cardiff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They've got all your little secrets clearly written down
You don't even know, and you can't even see
The butterfly that you're going to be
Oh, the butterfly that we are becoming
And all the roads, and all the miles
Hair goes grey, eyes stay wide
Come to bed, turn out the lights
Fall asleep inside
You're the one
You're the one
You're the one
Hearts grow into hearts until hearts become one
You're the one
You're the one
You're the one
I carry your heart in my heart
Sung with every song
Singing you're the one
Oh, you're the one
Poised with grace in this poisoned place
How you ever manage to keep it off your face
You don't even know, and you can't even see
The butterfly that you're going to be
Oh, the butterfly that we are becoming
Dirty old town, dirty old town
They've got all your little secrets clearly written down
You don't even know, and you can't even see
The butterfly that you're going to be
Oh, the butterfly that we are becoming
'Cause you're the one
You're the one
You're the one
Hearts grow into hearts until hearts become one
You're the one
You're the one
You're the one
I carry your heart in my heart
Sung with every song
Singing you're the one
Oh, you're the one
The song "Dirty Old Town" by Craig Cardiff is a poignant ode to the struggles of life in a less-than-perfect place. The lyrics describe a world where everyone has secrets, and these secrets are closely guarded by those in power. The singer (presumably a resident of this "dirty old town") is aware of this, but they also believe that there is hope for change. They see themselves and their fellow citizens as becoming something new, represented by a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis. This transformation comes about through love- specifically, the love felt between two people who are "the one" for each other.
The song's theme of transformation is reinforced by the repeated line "you're the one," which represents a connection with another person that transcends the physical world. This connection is so strong that both people's hearts become one, and the singer carries their loved one's heart in their own. Despite the difficulties they face, the singer is able to maintain grace and hope for the future. The repeated refrain of "the butterfly that we are becoming" reinforces the idea that in spite of all the struggles they face, there is still the potential for change and growth.
Overall, "Dirty Old Town" is a powerful meditation on the transformative power of love in the midst of a harsh and difficult world. It suggests that even in the darkest of times and places, there is always the possibility of hope and beauty.
Line by Line Meaning
Dirty old town, dirty old town
The town is old and dirty, with secrets kept by everyone.
They've got all your little secrets clearly written down
The town knows everyone's secrets, even if they themselves don't know it.
You don't even know, and you can't even see
People are unaware of their own secrets and how others perceive them.
The butterfly that you're going to be
People have the potential to change and grow into something beautiful, like a butterfly.
Oh, the butterfly that we are becoming
As people grow and change, the community also changes.
And all the roads, and all the miles
The journey of life, and all the experiences along the way.
Hair goes grey, eyes stay wide
Aging physically, but remaining open to new experiences and growth.
Come to bed, turn out the lights
A symbol of rest and peace.
Fall asleep inside
Finding comfort and safety within oneself.
You're the one
An affirmation of love and support for someone important.
Hearts grow into hearts until hearts become one
Love grows and merges until two people become one.
I carry your heart in my heart
A commitment and depth of love for someone else.
Sung with every song
Love is present in every aspect of life.
Poised with grace in this poisoned place
Remaining calm and collected in a negative environment.
How you ever manage to keep it off your face
Hiding one's emotions and remaining composed.
Cause you're the one
Reinforcing the importance of someone special.
Hearts grow into hearts until hearts become one
Repeated for emphasis on the merging of love.
I carry your heart in my heart
Repeated as a declaration of love and commitment.
Sung with every song
Repeated to reinforce that love is present in all aspects of life.
Singing you're the one
A declaration of love and dedication.
Oh, you're the one
Repeated for emphasis on the person's importance.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Craig Cardiff, Joel Stouffer, Kieran Adams, Laurie Les Goldblatt, Paul Richard Mathew
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind