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
I'm Still Standing
Carrie Newcomer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Standing up, on solid ground
Voices carry, to tell the tale
Rising up in one great voice in one great wail
I will not be ashamed, walk away or shift the blame
I'm right here inside my shoes
Saying "I will not be moved."
Lets get it straight, let's make this clear
I'm still standing, I'm still standing here
I wish I had a dollar, for every time
You were caught, in another lie
You're so damn sure, you have no doubt
That I am said and done and I'm down for the count
I will not be ashamed, walk away or shift the blame
I'm right here inside my shoes
Saying "I will not be moved."
I'm still standing
Lets get it straight, let's make this clear
I'm still standing, I'm still standing here
I don't care if I'm abandoned
I don't matter I'm still standing
This is proof a lesson taught
I am stronger than you thought
Across these fields, across this town
Standing up on solid ground
I won't be broken, I won't be silent
I've heard the lines and I just don't believe or buy it
I will not be ashamed, walk away or shift the blame
I'm right here inside my shoes
Saying "I will not be moved."
I'm still standing
Lets get it straight, let's make this clear
I'm still standing, I'm still standing here
Carrie Newcomer's "I'm Still Standing" is an empowering song about standing up for oneself and not allowing others to bring one down. The lyrics begin by depicting a town and its inhabitants rising up in one voice and not being ashamed or shifting the blame. The persona of the song emphasizes that they will not be moved and will remain standing strong. The song then shifts to a more personal focus as the persona speaks directly to someone who has lied to them repeatedly. The persona declares that they will not be broken or silenced and they won't be abandoned or defeated. The lyrics make it clear that the persona has learned a lesson and is stronger than the antagonist realizes.
The chorus repeats the line "I'm still standing" as if to emphasize its importance. It's crucial that individuals feel that they can withstand whatever life throws their way and have the strength to remain standing. The song speaks to anyone who has experienced betrayal or disappointment but has found the courage to keep going.
Overall, the message of the song is one of resilience, determination, and hope. It reminds listeners that they are capable of standing strong and not allowing others to dictate or destroy their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Across these fields, across this town
Despite challenges and difficulties that come my way, I will not falter.
Standing up, on solid ground
I am standing firm in my beliefs and values, and refuse to let them waver.
Voices carry, to tell the tale
My inner voice speaks louder than external criticism or opposition.
Rising up in one great voice in one great wail
Together with others who share my beliefs, we stand united and will not be silenced.
I will not be ashamed, walk away or shift the blame
I will take responsibility for my actions and stay true to my values, no matter how difficult it may be.
I'm right here inside my shoes
I am confident and comfortable with who I am and the path I have chosen.
Saying "I will not be moved."
I am resolute in my convictions and nothing will cause me to deviate from my path.
I'm still standing
Despite efforts to knock me down, I am still standing and will not be defeated.
Lets get it straight, let's make this clear
It's time to set the record straight and assert my position with clarity and purpose.
I wish I had a dollar, for every time
I have been let down and disappointed so many times by those who have betrayed my trust.
You were caught, in another lie
Your dishonesty and lack of integrity have been exposed.
You're so damn sure, you have no doubt
You underestimate me and are overconfident in your ability to break me.
That I am said and done and I'm down for the count
Your assumptions about my weakness and vulnerability are misguided and incorrect.
I don't care if I'm abandoned
Even if I am left alone, I will not abandon my beliefs or values.
I don't matter I'm still standing
My worth and significance are not defined by others, and I remain steadfast despite their opinions.
This is proof a lesson taught
Through my struggles and hardships, I have learned valuable lessons that have made me stronger.
I am stronger than you thought
Despite being underestimated by others, I am resilient and have proven to be far stronger than expected.
I won't be broken, I won't be silent
Even in the face of adversity and pressure to conform, I will not be broken or silenced.
I've heard the lines and I just don't believe or buy it
I am not swayed by the empty words or false promises of others who do not share my values.
Lets get it straight, let's make this clear
It's time to assert myself and make it known where I stand, with unwavering clarity and purpose.
I'm still standing, I'm still standing here
Despite all obstacles and challenges, I am still standing in my truth and my convictions.
Contributed by Elena C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.