Newcomer is recognised as a rare breed of singer/songwriter: the kind who illuminates life with startling depth, humor and clarity. Her ability for sharp observation of the world lead the Dallas Morning News to rave, "She's the kind of artist whose music makes you stop, think and then say, 'that is so true'." Mining what is true, Newcomer's latest Rounder release, Before and After is a multi-layered work that invites the listener to slow down and reflect on the experiences that have changed and shaped our lives. On Before and After, Newcomer remarks, she has "peeled back another musical and emotional layer". The result is melodious and smooth, infused with classic Newcomer grace and honesty, so that, she says "there is something unguarded and naked about this album."
Praised by Billboard as a "soaring songstress," Newcomer is an acclaimed musician who continues to create music from her uniquely spiritual and poignant take on the world. Before and After is no exception, highlighting Newcomer's ability to blend her rich alto with a poetic lyricism on a skillfully arranged and performed collection of folk roots tracks, with Appalachian and classical influences. "The joy and challenge in creating this album was endeavoring to be fearlessly uncluttered and subtle," Newcomer says. The title track features an unforgettably haunting and beautiful duet with a special guest appearance by Mary Chapin Carpenter, launching the album with a remarkable collaboration from two of acoustic music's most resonant female vocalists.
Recorded and produced by Newcomer and David Weber at Airtime Studios, Before and After is Newcomer's twelfth release on Rounder, with prior albums including Regulars & Refugees, The Age of Possibility, The Gathering of Spirits, the Betty's Diner collection and her last critically acclaimed album The Geography of Light. Before and After results from working closely with a core of exceptional musicians, including Gary Walters on piano, Chris Wagoner on violin, mandolin, dobro and accordion, Mary Gaines on cello, Byron House on upright acoustic bass, Jim Brock on percussion, Keith Skooglund on guitar, and a second stunning duet featuring special guest Krista Detor on "Do No Harm." At the center is Newcomer's adept guitar work and resonant voice, which the Austin Statesman has described as being "as rich as Godiva chocolate." The album's artwork features the work of Hugh Syme, whose sense of magical realism captures Newcomer's joyous idea about finding miracles in common places.
On Before and After, the listener experiences a deep connection through Newcomer's lyrics, which explore life with a progressive spiritual sensibility. The Minneapolis City Pages wrote, "Newcomer's musing is deeply introspective, but she offers it with a poet's sense of nuance and a folkie's common touch, turning philosophical theory into the stuff of people's daily lives." On the captivating title track, Newcomer ponders the notion that "We live our lives from then until now, by the mercies received or the mark upon our brow" - exploring the large and small experiences by which we mark our lives. On "Stones in the River" she tenderly reveals that we may never see fruit from the seeds we plant today, but regardless, it is still vital that we plant them. She holds close the insistence of hope in "If Not Now" ("But miracles do happen every shining now and then") in a style reminiscent of the richness and depth of the traditional spirituals. From the cinematic lushness of "Before and After" to the elegant string accompaniments of "I Do Not Know Its Name," to the lighthearted and poignant "I Wish I May I Wish I Might," Before and After is both timeless and contemporary.
Newcomer, a Quaker, cuts across secular and spiritual boundaries. In recent years, she has emerged as a respected and recognized artistic voice for the progressive spiritual community. On Before and After, Newcomer continues to be inspired by her friendships and recent collaborations with leading authors and theologians, including Parker J. Palmer, Phillip Gulley, Scott Russell Sanders, Jim Wallis, Brian McLaren, Jill Bolte Taylor, Richard K. Thomas and Barbara Kingsolver. Her relationship with this community influenced many of the album's compelling themes and inspired the songs: "Do No Harm," "Stones in the River," and "I Wish I May, I Wish I Might."
Newcomer has worked with many notable artists throughout her career and has met with critical acclaim for her music. In 2008, she was listed as one of the Top Most Influential Artists of the past 25 Years by Boston's WUMB. Her successful 2008 release, The Geography of Light, also earned her Artist of the Year and Album of the Year from Folk Wax Magazine. She has toured with Alison Krauss and Union Station in Europe and the U.S. and recorded the title track of her 2002 The Gathering of Spirits album with Krauss. Krauss went on to introduce Nickel Creek to Newcomer's song "I Should've Known Better," which the band recorded on their Grammy-winning, gold-selling album This Side (produced by Krauss). Currently Carrie is writing a collection of essays and a musical based on the characters and music of Betty's Diner with author, playwright and internationally recognized sound designer Richard K. Thomas.
Newcomer's music has been praised in Rolling Stone, The Village Voice, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Acoustic Guitar, Performing Songwriter, Paste Magazine and several other outlets. In the words of acclaimed writer Barbara Kingsolver, author of The Poisonwood Bible, "Carrie Newcomer is much more than a musician. She's a poet, storyteller, snake charmer, good neighbor, friend and lover, minister of the wide-eyed gospel of hope and grace."
In the fall of 2009, Newcomer was invited by The American Center, the cultural outreach division of The American Embassy in India, to represent the U.S. as a cultural ambassador. Newcomer performed concerts for Indian audiences and young people involved with community service, taught workshops on songwriting, community service, and met and performed with contemporary, traditional and classical Indian musicians. She also visited slum programs for women and children at risk throughout the country of India. About her impressions of India, Newcomer says, "Music can be a language deeper than words. I love our differences. Cultures are rich and what makes each culture unique is to be celebrated, but I was powerfully moved by what we share as a human family."
www.carrienewcomer.com
All I Know
Carrie Newcomer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's always been a matter of heart
Truth is not like a bird that sings
It's more like a rifle shot
Put on any pretense
You can't be what you're not
All I know
Is all pretty simple really
Take a deep breath in the morning
Know it won't come again
Let go of your regrets
This is now and that was then
All things change in the long run
And most come around in the end
All I know
All I see
Is all pretty simple really
What's the deal, what's the difference
What's the matter now
It's not you walk this life,
But that you can, you do and how
Love as much as you can love
Even if you won't get it back
There's this longing inside you
But there's nothing that you lack
Be kind as you can be
Come on and cut yourself some slack
All I know
All I see
Is all pretty simple really
The chorus of Carrie Newcomer's song, "All I Know," sums up the message of the song fairly well – "All I know, all I see, is all pretty simple really." The song is about the things that matter – the things that last. It's about the beauty of simplicity, the power of a kind word or a loving gesture. Newcomer suggests that we shouldn't get bogged down in the details of life, or the uncertainties of the future. But instead, we should focus on the present moment, let go of our regrets, and love as much as we can love.
The first verse of the song emphasizes the importance of listening to our hearts and being honest with ourselves. Newcomer suggests that truth isn't always easy to hear or to speak, but it's always important to listen for it. The second verse encourages us to live in the present moment, to let go of our regrets, and to have faith that everything will work out in the end. The third verse speaks to the idea that the most important thing isn't what we achieve in life, but how we live it. Newcomer encourages us to love as much as we can, to be kind, and to cut ourselves some slack.
All in all, "All I Know" is a song about living a simple life, being true to ourselves, and focusing on what really matters in life. It's a message that is as relevant today as it was when Newcomer wrote the song.
Line by Line Meaning
It's never been a matter of sureness
My decisions are not always based on confidence
It's always been a matter of heart
I rely on my emotions to guide me
Truth is not like a bird that sings
Truth is not always pleasant to hear
It's more like a rifle shot
Truth can be harsh and abrupt
Put on any pretense
Pretending to be someone else won't work
You can't be what you're not
Being true to yourself is the key
All I know
I have gained some understanding
All I see
This is my perception of things
Is all pretty simple really
The truth is not complicated
Take a deep breath in the morning
Take a moment to appreciate the present
Know it won't come again
The moment will never be repeated
Let go of your regrets
Don't hold onto past mistakes
This is now and that was then
Focus on the present, not the past
All things change in the long run
Everything is subject to change over time
And most come around in the end
Most things work out in the end
What's the deal, what's the difference
What's the point, what's changed?
What's the matter now
What's the issue at hand?
It's not you walk this life,
It's not just about living life
But that you can, you do and how
It's about how you live life
Love as much as you can love
Love without reservations
Even if you won't get it back
Love without expecting anything in return
There's this longing inside you
There is a desire to love and be loved
But there's nothing that you lack
You have everything you need to love
Be kind as you can be
Try to be as kind as possible
Come on and cut yourself some slack
Don't be too hard on yourself
Contributed by Chloe V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jerry McIntosh
A dear friend introduced me to you and I listen to your beautiful and peaceful music every night before I lay down to sleep. All the days stress just goes away. I am so blessed and thankful for both of you.
Alice Getchell
Listening again for the uncountable numbered time .it's how I start my day. Thank you Carrie 🙏
Bill Child
Wonderful .. every song I've heard of this gifted singing talent has lifted me up in joy and hope.. Have you heard "The Leaves Don't Drop...they Let Go".... another very special.sound and message with video visuals to of course to please the eyes ...
Anna R Ryan
YES! I need to stay connected in the times of storm...I ll remember to be a sanctuary to all till they can carry on...and when I need a sanctuary - I'll ask and Jesus will provide for me.
Nelda Adamson
I’ come back to this gorgeous song over and over. Isn’t that what all of us want, a sanctuary, a safe heart to hold us when Life at times gets hard. And it reminds me to be a refuge for others. So lovely.
Anne Boland
Thank
Jane Buttery
A beautiful song with just the words we need to here in this wild egotistical world. Thank you for the peace your song brings.I love it.
Ian Melrose
Such a touching and heartfelt song. It has always been one of my favourites ..... thank you for this beautiful rendition.
Helen Wright
What an honest and heartfelt prayer, reaching out in humility for the strength beyond our own! Such a request moves me more than public bragging masquerading as praise or thanks.
Nadene Brunk
We are having this song sung as a solo in our wedding. We are 65 and 67 and second marriage for both and know we will face then end of life together. Thank you, Carrie.