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 Heard an Owl
Carrie Newcomer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Homeless and confused
I stood naked and bewildered
By the evil people do
Up upon a hill there is a terrible sign
That tells the story of what darkness waits
When we leave the light behind.
Don't tell me hate is ever right or God's will
Those are the wheels we put in motion ourselves
The whole world weeps and is weeping still
Though shaken I still believe
the best of what we all can be
The only peace this world will know
Can only come from love.
I am a voice calling out
Across the great divide
I am only one person
That feels they have to try
The questions fall like trees or dust
Rise like prayers above
But the only word is "Courage"
And the only answer "Love"
Light every candle that you can
For we need some light to see
In the face of deepest loss,
Treat each other tenderly
The arms of God will gather in
Every sparrow that falls
And makes no separation
Just fiercely loves us all.
The first stanza of Carrie Newcomer’s song "I Heard an Owl" captures a sense of confusion and despair. A nightmarish scenario is painted with the image of an owl screeching, the singer standing alone and vulnerable, and the darkness of evil that is created by human actions. The second part of the song is a cathartic release of the singer’s feelings. They refute the idea that hate could ever be in line with the will of God and suggest that the very reason we are experiencing this tragic loss is because we have lost sight of love. The singer urges us all to be courageous, treat each other with tenderness and compassion, and to light candles to eradicate the darkness.
The lyrics are incredibly powerful and almost inarguably universal. Everyone at some point will experience some form of tragedy, loss or confusion, and this song acts as a reminder that despite these feelings of helplessness, we can always find solace in love and compassion. The metaphor of the owl is one that can be interpreted in endless ways, adding to the song's depth and complexity. A lot of the imagery in the song is religious, which could speak to some listeners on a spiritual level, but the message of love and courage reaches across races, religions and nationalities, making it a universally relatable song.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard an owl call last night
Last night I heard an owl call, which is a sign of the unknown and can cause fear in people who feel confused about their situation.
Homeless and confused
Being uncertain and lost like the homeless leaves one feeling confused.
I stood naked and bewildered
Feeling exposed and vulnerable to the cruelty of the world can leave you feeling bewildered.
By the evil people do
Observed the wickedness, inhumane actions or thoughts of people.
Up upon a hill there is a terrible sign
On the top of the hill lies a sign that signifies the horrors we are capable of when we leave goodness behind.
That tells the story of what darkness waits
The sign tells a story of what awaits when we allow the darkness within and around us to fester.
When we leave the light behind
When we intentionally choose to follow darkness instead of ensuring the light remains in our lives.
Don't tell me hate is ever right or God's will
Hatred has no justification or divine approval; it is something we initiate ourselves.
Those are the wheels we put in motion ourselves
It is through our choices and actions that the cycle of hate is set in motion.
The whole world weeps and is weeping still
The entire world mourns, and for several reasons. It's not just something that happened in the past.
Though shaken I still believe
Even though I'm troubled, my conviction or faith remains steadfast.
the best of what we all can be
What we have the potential to become is the best possible version of ourselves.
The only peace this world will know
The solitary means of calming the world is through embracing love.
Can only come from love.
Love is the only thing that can create inner peace, and if it spreads, it can convert the world.
I am a voice calling out
I am a solitary voice that speaks out, attempting to unite those separated by differences in opinion.
Across the great divide
Overcoming the distance that separates us requires effective communication.
I am only one person
A single person cannot solve every problem, but everyone can contribute to positive change.
That feels they have to try
There is an inherent desire to become involved and attempt to make a difference.
The questions fall like trees or dust
Questions continue to arise, like the fall of a tree and the dust that follows its removal from that environment.
Rise like prayers above
Similar to how our prayers rise to a higher power in spiritual faith, our queries prompt us to think about and ponder life’s mysteries.
But the only word is "Courage"
The solution to our problems requires courage, bravery, and determination.
And the only answer "Love"
The only solution to resolving our differences is by mutual love and respect.
Light every candle that you can
In times of darkness, one should spread brightness by lighting candles, which ultimately enhances visibility.
For we need some light to see
In the absence of illumination, we cannot see, and it's vital to have enough light to operate during difficult times.
In the face of deepest loss,
In times of pain and grief, we must continue to move forward, work together, and take solace in each other’s company.
Treat each other tenderly
It is essential to be kind, compassionate and gentle in our dealings with other people.
The arms of God will gather in
Eventually, the promises and the eternal love provided by God will help to bring us together.
Every sparrow that falls
God watches over every one of us, including the smallest animals.
And makes no separation
God does not discriminate based on differences such as race, gender, religion, or social status, instead; he inclusively loves all.
Just fiercely loves us all.
God, like any loving creator, fiercely and wholeheartedly loves and cares for everyone.”
Contributed by Liam C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@SinWillFindYouOut
Since you invoked the name of my God in your song I just wanted to clarify the God of the Bible. He hates.
You say Don't tell me hate is ever right or God's will
Psalm 5:5 The boastful cannot stand in Your presence; You hate all evildoers.
Romans 9:13 As it is written: I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau.
Psalm 139:21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
Psalm 139:22 I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies.
Proverbs 6:16-19 The LORD hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.
Hebrews 1:9 You {Jesus} have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; this is why God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of joy rather than Your companions.
@bplebanek
We played this today in our Sunday Service as planned, before the attacks in the Middle East. It's global, national, local, and personal. A beautiful song
@barbarakernohan8474
Thank you for this inspired piece, for truly, if we all lived these words, we would have the Peaceable Kingdom. Amen.
@skturner42
I've been listening to this song several times the past 24 hours.
@janebuttery4613
I agree with Sylvia. In our earthly world where so much is going wrong and so many do not seek love, cooperation and understanding. I love Carrie's songs.
@DanielElwell
One of my favorite Carrie Newcomer songs!
@carolmattison3549
Carrie Newcomer is my go to when I walk on the treadmill with my headphones
@susanbrace5827
I really needed to hear these encouraging and inspiring words today. Thank you Carrie N for sharing your inspiring spirit with us. Love and treasure your. Work.
@andrewudstraw
Powerful.
@carolmattison3549
I have shared this video lota of times. The message is so wonderful
@marksmith-sx5eh
Amazing song.