Also impressive is Krauss's unwavering commitment to being an independent-label artist who has succeeded far beyond the scope of many major-label artists. She has circulated freely within pop, mainstream country and roots music circles, as a solo artist and with her long-time band Union Station, creating impeccably produced records that appeal to an equally wide-ranging and inquisitive audience. Krauss has continued doing things the old-fashioned way: following her heart and whatever path the music takes her on.
The Scarlet Tide
Alison Krauss Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Must I accept his fate
Or take myself far from this place
I thought I heard a black bell toll
A little bird did sing
Man has no choice
When he wants every thing
That trickles down through the mountain
And separates the widow from the bride
Man goes beyond his own decision
Gets caught up in the mechanism
Of swindlers who act like kings
And brokers who break everything
The dark of night was swiftly fading
Close to the dawn of day
Why would I want him just to lose him again
We'll rise above the scarlet tide
That trickles down through the mountain
And separates the widow from the bride
The Scarlet Tide is a song that reflects the struggles and decisions that one has to make in their life. The song begins with the singer, Will, pondering upon his fate and whether he should accept it or leave everything behind. The next line refers to a black bell tolling, which could symbolize the end of his old life and the beginning of a new one. The little bird singing represents a sense of hope and new beginnings, but the next line explains that man has no choice in wanting everything.
The chorus of the song reflects the resilience of the human spirit and its ability to rise above the challenges that life presents. In this case, the scarlet tide, a metaphor for the difficulties and struggles faced in life, separates the widow and the bride. This could refer to how life can separate us from our loved ones either through death or other circumstances, but despite it all, we can still rise above it.
The next verse highlights how man can get caught up in the mechanisms and politics of society, with swindlers and brokers acting like kings and breaking everything in their path. Yet, the singer still ponders on whether it is worth losing everything just to have him back in his life again. The chorus repeats, emphasizing that we can still rise above the difficulties that life presents to us.
Line by Line Meaning
Will, I recall his parting words
I remember what he said when he left
Must I accept his fate
Do I have to agree with the outcome?
Or take myself far from this place
Should I move away from here to avoid the situation?
I thought I heard a black bell toll
I heard something that sounded like a bad omen
A little bird did sing
I heard something that gave me hope or guidance
Man has no choice
When he wants every thing
When a person desires too much, they often lose the freedom to make choices
We'll rise above the scarlet tide
That trickles down through the mountain
And separates the widow from the bride
We will overcome the challenges that divide people
Man goes beyond his own decision
Gets caught up in the mechanism
Of swindlers who act like kings
And brokers who break everything
People often make choices that are not entirely their own, influenced by manipulative or greedy individuals
The dark of night was swiftly fading
Close to the dawn of day
Why would I want him just to lose him again
As the night ended and a new day began, the singer wondered if it was worth being with someone who might leave again
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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Anika44
The harmonies of Alison and the accompanist are truly what I imagine angels sound like. The addition of the beautiful piano and cello create the haunting background for this heartbreaking song.
Barbara McCroy
I love this song! I used to watch Cold Mountain just to hear this very beautiful song and very beautiful harmonies ! I like the lyrics there very honest . ♥️
tristancheyrose matthews
Wow, her voice is so peaceful & beautiful.She is truly blessed.
Virgil Davis
She sure is...
joe glenn
and also very beautiful woman
Susan Smith
I agree with the music critic who wrote the following "And yes. Alison Krauss could sing a duet with a chainsaw, and she would still win a Grammy. She's that good." He voice is the gift we can all cherish.
papa 726 54
This woman has the most beautiful voice I have ever heard. When I go to heaven, this is the voice I want to hear.
Elisabeth ML
This song is very sad but also beautiful and I love the song I'm crying
Rodriguez  Gonzalez Cinthya Beatriz
Primera vez que la escucho, en una película, canta con el alma!
Daniel Lyons
What a serene voice, so want to have her sing this before bed every night for the rest of my life!!!!!!