Escovedo's family tree includes former Santana percussionist Pete Escovedo and Pete's daughter, Sheila E (also Prince's former drummer and later a pop star). He began his music career with the Nuns, a mid-'70s punk band based in San Francisco. He co-founded the pioneering cowpunk band Rank and File in 1979, which moved to Austin, Texas, in 1981 after a stint in New York City. The band released Sundown on Slash Records in 1982, but shortly after, Escovedo left to form the True Believers with brother Javier. The band recorded two albums for EMI and toured the country, often as an opening act for Los Lobos. However, EMI opted not to release the second album, which eventually led to the group's break-up. (It eventually surfaced as a bonus item when Rykodisc reissued the first set on CD in 1994.)
Escovedo released a solo album in 1992 on Watermelon Records, Gravity, uniting his wide variety of styles; the album was produced by Stephen Bruton of Bonnie Raitt's band. Escovedo also began gigging periodically with the band Buick MacKane, who fused old-school punk with 70's glam rock; after Rykodisc released Escovedo's With These Hands in 1996, they followed it up with Buick MacKane's long-awaited album. After Escovedo parted ways with Rykodisc, he signed with the Chicago-based alt-country label Bloodshot in 1998, who released the live album More Miles Than Money: Live 1994-1996 and the acclaimed studio set A Man Under The Influence.
In April of 2003, Escovedo collapsed following a show in Phoenix, AZ, and he was subsequently diagnosed with Hepatitis C. An outpouring of support from musicians led to a series of successful benefit concerts to help pay Escovedo's medical expenses and keep his music before the public, followed by a tribute album, Por Vida: A Tribute to the Songs of Alejandro Escovedo, which was released in 2004.
In June 2010, Escovedo released Street Songs of Love.
Wedding Day
Alejandro Escovedo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Out where the Eagle flies
on your Wedding Day -----
Long as the river runs,
Long, as the time to come
So I've got to say -----
That you look so fine
You were locked in time
On your Wedding Day -----
On your Wedding Day -----
Out where the evening stars
Shine as to lovers dance -----
On your Wedding Day -----
Long as the Veil that runs
Strong as a promise sung
So i've got to say -----
That you look so fine
You were locked in time
by the ring that binds you
On your Wedding Day
The lyrics to the song Wedding Day by Alejandro Escovedo are poetic and full of meaning. The first verse sets the scene for a beautiful outdoor wedding in a valley, with eagles flying overhead. The imagery helps to convey the feeling of freedom and unbridled happiness that comes with finding love.
The singer then goes on to say that the love between the couple is as enduring as the river and time itself. It is a powerful statement of commitment and love that is hard to come by in this day and age. The refrain, "that you look so fine, you were locked in time by the ring that binds you", reinforces the idea that the couple is now forever linked to each other, through the vows they have taken and the rings they wear.
The second verse takes place at night, under the bright stars in the sky. The veil that the bride wears is a symbol of her purity and commitment to her partner. The promise that is sung is one of love, trust, and mutual respect. The overall message of the song is one of hope and faith in the power of love to conquer all obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
Out where the Valley lies,
The Valley symbolizes a place far away from civilization where things are more simple and romantic.
Out where the Eagle flies
The Eagle represents freedom and the ability to soar to great heights.
on your Wedding Day
This line means that the song is about a wedding day and all of the emotions and feelings that come along with it.
Long as the river runs,
This line symbolizes eternity and the concept that the love between two people will last as long as time itself.
Long, as the time to come
This line is similar to the previous one and suggests that the love between two people is everlasting, even stretching into the future.
So I've got to say
This line indicates that the singer has some important thoughts or feelings to share.
That you look so fine
This line is simply a compliment to the bride or groom on their special day.
You were locked in time
This line means that the couple will be remembered forever in the minds of those who attended the wedding, and that their love will never be forgotten.
by the ring that binds you
This line is a reference to the wedding ring, which symbolizes the commitment and bond between the two people getting married.
Out where the evening stars
This line refers to romantic moments under the stars, which are often associated with love and passion.
Shine as to lovers dance
This line is a poetic way of saying that the stars shine brightly for the two lovers as they dance together.
Long as the Veil that runs
This line refers to the wedding veil, which is also a symbol of the bride's commitment and devotion to her partner.
Strong as a promise sung
This line suggests that the promises made during the wedding ceremony are strong and unbreakable.
Contributed by Alyssa H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.