Currently, the group comprises singer and harmonica player John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, drummer Brendan Hill, bassist Tad Kinchla and keyboardist Ben Wilson. Tad Kinchla and Ben Wilson joined the band following the death of original bassist Bobby Sheehan in 1999.
While Blues Traveler is best known among fans for their improvisational live shows, the general public is most familiar with the group from their Top 40 singles "Run-Around" and "Hook". They gained mainstream popularity after their fourth studio album four, released in 1994. Sheehan's death and Popper's struggle with obesity put a damper on the group's success, and A&M dropped the band in 2002.
Saving Grace
Blues Traveler Lyrics
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And the cradles have been switched
Norma Jean, well she came clean
So I guess that dog's been fixed
Her skirt's too tight
For a Monday night
Her sewing machine
I guess it works all right
The lace that graces Grace
I'm tired of songs about angels
I could use a punch in the face
If I wasn't saying nay
I'd be saying grace
And it's hard to find your minders
And it's easy to lose faith
But I really never minded
Saving Grace
Well if home is where the heart lies
And my heart is in your hands
Then every place you try to pray
A dead canary lands
The love I lost
Was the love you lent
The cane you raised
While I raised the rent
Asking for grace
But grace didn't leave a trace
I'm tired of songs about angels
I could use a punch in the face
If I wasn't saying nay
I'd be saying grace
And it's hard to find your minders
And it's easy to lose faith
But I really never minded
Saving Grace
When the gypsy starts to jingle
Her bracelet full of charms
I'll be dreaming in the bedroom
With a Valkyrie in my arms
I'm tired of songs about angels
I could use a punch in the face
If I wasn't saying nay I'd be saying grace
And it's hard to find your minders
And it's easy to lose faith
But I really never minded
No I never really minded
No I never really minded
Saving grace
The lyrics of "Saving Grace" by Blues Traveler explore themes of personal struggles, redemption, and the search for meaning in life. The song starts with a reference to a scandal and the switching of cradles, which symbolizes a chaotic and disordered situation. Norma Jean is mentioned as having confessed or "came clean" about something, suggesting that the truth has been revealed and the problem has been resolved. The line "I guess that dog's been fixed" implies that the issue has been dealt with and resolved.
The next verse reflects a feeling of weariness and frustration with the idea of songs about angels and heavenly beings. The singer wishes for something more real and tangible, even if it means getting a "punch in the face," indicating a desire for a wake-up call or a harsh reality check. The line "If I wasn't saying nay, I'd be saying grace" suggests that instead of rejecting or doubting the existence of grace or divine intervention, the singer would prefer acknowledging and embracing it.
The following verse delves into the idea of home and the metaphorical representation of the heart. The singer suggests that their heart belongs to someone else and wherever this person is, that is where their true home lies. However, in every place the singer tries to find solace or pray, they encounter disappointment or failure. The mention of a dead canary landing implies a sense of foreboding or bad luck associated with their pursuit of happiness.
The final verse introduces the image of a gypsy with a bracelet full of charms, which represents an enchanting and mystical figure. The singer dreams of being in their bedroom with a Valkyrie, a mythical female warrior from Norse mythology. This imagery suggests a longing for passion and adventure. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the frustration with songs about angels and the desire for something more grounded in reality.
Overall, "Saving Grace" reflects a deep yearning for authenticity and a struggle to find meaning within a seemingly chaotic and disappointing world. It showcases the human desire for redemption, faith, and connection, even in the face of challenges and doubts.
Line by Line Meaning
When the scandal broke the handle
When the controversy or scandal was revealed or uncovered
And the cradles have been switched
And the situations or circumstances have been altered or manipulated
Norma Jean, well she came clean
Norma Jean, she admitted the truth or confessed
So I guess that dog's been fixed
So I suppose that issue has been resolved or taken care of
Her skirt's too tight
She wears a tight skirt
For a Monday night
Even for a less lively or spontaneous evening such as a Monday night
Her sewing machine
Her machine used for sewing or fixing things
I guess it works all right
I suppose it functions adequately or satisfactorily
To tie a bow in the lace
To create a decorative knot with the lace fabric
The lace that graces Grace
The lace that adorns or beautifies someone named Grace
I'm tired of songs about angels
I am weary of hearing songs that focus on angels or heavenly beings
I could use a punch in the face
I could benefit from a literal or metaphorical punch or wake-up call
If I wasn't saying nay
If I wasn't expressing refusal or denial
I'd be saying grace
I would be offering a prayer of thanks or asking for divine assistance
And it's hard to find your minders
And it is difficult to locate or identify those who look after you or provide guidance
And it's easy to lose faith
And it is simple to lose belief or confidence
But I really never minded
But I never truly objected or complained
Saving Grace
Preserving or protecting someone named Grace
Well if home is where the heart lies
Well, if one's true emotional connection lies in a particular place
And my heart is in your hands
And my deepest feelings or affection are entrusted to you
Then every place you try to pray
Then wherever you attempt to find solace or seek divine intervention
A dead canary lands
A metaphorical representation of failure or disappointment occurs
The love I lost
The affection or romantic relationship I no longer have
Was the love you lent
Was the love you temporarily or conditionally provided
The cane you raised
The disciplinary action or punishment you imposed
While I raised the rent
While I increased the cost or demands
Asking for grace
Requesting for mercy or forgiveness
But grace didn't leave a trace
But mercy or divine intervention did not leave any noticeable mark or evidence
When the gypsy starts to jingle
When the Romani person begins to make a tinkling sound
Her bracelet full of charms
Her wrist accessory containing various trinkets or symbols of good luck
I'll be dreaming in the bedroom
I will be indulging in fantasies or imaginative thoughts while in the sleeping quarters
With a Valkyrie in my arms
With a powerful or influential female figure in my embrace
No I never really minded
No, I never really objected or took offense
Saving grace
Preserving or protecting a source of redemption or salvation named Grace
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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