Love and family have always been sources of inspiration for critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter/musician Rodriguez, but never have they featured so prominently than on her release Love & Circumstance, a covers album that includes songs written by her father, and once performed by her great aunt.
Rodriguez' journey from teenage violin student to touring the world with the likes of Chip Taylor (famed songwriter of "Wild Thing), Lucinda Williams and Alejandro Escovedo, has resulted in a prodigious output of recordings - eight albums in as many years - for the young musician; with the new album, Carrie relies on others to handle the songwriting duties, she provides the interpretations.
"In 2009, after a very busy few years, I felt like I should take a step back and assess the situation," she says, during a quick stop between tours. "The idea of doing a covers record had been developing for a while, and had been prompted by requests I get at every show for a recording of some of the covers I play live, especially 'La Punalada Trapera.' I stated to wonder what kind of album I could make that would be a fit for that song."
Besides the contributions from her immediate family, Love & Circumstance, includes compositions from her extended musical family and friends, including John Hiatt/Nick Lowe/Ry Cooder/Jim Keltner (aka Little Village), Buddy Miller & Julie Miller, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Richard Thompson, Townes Van Zandt, M. Ward, Merle Haggard & Bonnie Owens, Hank Williams, and Lucinda Williams.
"It was very important for me to go back to my roots with this record and concentrate on what was important to me," Rodriguez explains, "songwriters like Richard Thompson, Townes, Hank, they're the ones who initially inspired me." And Rodriguez' inspirations are being admired, with Thompson exclaiming "It is always a thrill to write a song and have someone else take it to unexpected places. Thank you (Carrie) for the heartfelt and impassioned performance."
Rodriguez' professional career was launched in 2001 after a show at South By Southwest introduced her to Taylor, with whom she has recorded four full albums and an EP. Her musical development started much earlier, however, and at the hands of an equally seasoned songwriting veteran, her father David Rodriquez. "My dad gave me a Leonard Cohen record for my ninth birthday! I hated it. But of course I rediscovered it at thirteen and loved it." By fifteen Rodriguez and her dad were touring the Netherlands together; chops were being honed.
Rodriguez' maternal side of the family also influenced her musical upbringing. Not only was her mother a fanatical opera enthusiast, her great-aunt, Eva Garza, was a popular Latin recording artist in the 50's, and it was from Garza that Rodriguez first heard 'La Punalada Trapera,' which soon became a mainstay in her live set. Having family friends include Lyle Lovett, who invited Rodriguez to sit in with his band when she was at college, also helped her develop as a performer.
The list of bold faced names that have come into Rodriguez' orbit over the years also includes Lee Townsend, the famed producer, who collaborated with Carrie on the selection of songs for the album, and ultimately produced the project at her new label's (Ninth Street Opus) studios in Berkeley and at the renowned Fantasy Studios.
As might be expected from her and Townsend's A-list connections, the list of players on Love & Circumstance includes a sterling roster of music greats including Bill Frisell (guitars), Greg Leisz (pedal steel & slide guitars), Aoife O'Donovan (background vocals), and Buddy Miller (background vocals).
"Greg Leisz is the greatest pedal steel player in the world, and for someone with a Bill Frisell record collection getting to play with him is a dream," gushes Rodriguez, reminding us that despite a decade and a half in the trenches she's still a young (31) and impassioned music fan.
Those who have been following Carrie Rodriguez throughout her career will find Love & Circumstance an exciting addition to her oeuvre, new fans will get a glimpse of the rising star's influences; both will revel in the sterling musicianship and heartfelt interpretations of new and classic songs.
"This is a really important record for me,' says Rodriguez, 'not just because it gave me the chance to go back to my roots, but also because it celebrates my family."
And for those who need a more intimate experience with Carrie Rodriguez, you'll find her where she started, live and on the road.
02/10 - A. Pollock
Eyes On the Prize
Carrie Rodriguez Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everything I forgot looks just like new
I pulled the ends out of the tie that binds
To keep my promise with you
With my eyes on the prize
And my mind on you
I put my pride on the line
Anything you ask me for is yours now
Say the word and I'll lay it at your feet
I'll meet the pavements down the line somehow
You keep your promise with me
With my eyes on the prize
And my mind on you
I put my pride on the line
And my whole life too
You say, take your axe and fashion me a kind of swing
Walkin' blues have played a number on my feet
I'll dance whatever dance you need to dance
You keep you promise with me
You'll keep your promise with me
You'll keep your promise with me
In the song Eyes On the Prize, Carrie Rodriguez sings about the sacrifices she is willing to make for her loved one. The first two lines of the song suggest that everything she has learned in the past no longer serves a purpose in her relationship. However, everything she has forgotten now has a fresh and significant meaning as she tries to keep her promise with the person she loves. She reveals that she has untangled herself from the bond that once held her captive, but now she willingly places her whole life on the line to keep her promise. The phrase "eyes on the prize" means that she is focused and determined to keep her commitment to her beloved, despite the hardships she might face.
Carrie is willing to do anything for her special someone as she sings, "Anything you ask me for is yours now, say the word and I'll lay it at your feet." She is prepared to meet the pavements down the line somehow to keep her promise. Her promise is reciprocated with her loved one, who asks her to make him a swing with her axe. Carrie has been with her partner through thick and thin. She is loyal and will do whatever it takes to keep the relationship. Hence, she asks him to keep his promise with her.
Overall, Eyes on the Prize is a beautiful representation of selflessness, love, and commitment in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Everything I've learned, I have forgotten
Despite gaining knowledge, I no longer remember any of it.
Everything I forgot looks just like new
All the memories that have faded away seem fresh and recent.
I pulled the ends out of the tie that binds
I broke free from a commitment that held me down.
To keep my promise with you
So that I can stay true to my word and loyalty towards you.
With my eyes on the prize
My concentration and focus are fixed on the ultimate goal or objective.
And my mind on you
At the same time, all of my thoughts are centered around you.
I put my pride on the line
I was willing to compromise my ego and potential shame for a greater cause.
And my whole life too
I took a risk and bet everything I had on this venture.
Anything you ask me for is yours now
I am offering you a blank check to cash in any request you have.
Say the word and I'll lay it at your feet
As soon as you make a demand, I will fulfill it at your disposal.
I'll meet the pavements down the line somehow
I am hopeful that I will overcome any obstacles that are on the path ahead.
You keep your promise with me
In return, I expect you to uphold your own end of the bargain and remain faithful to me.
You say, take your axe and fashion me a kind of swing
You request that I create something new and unique from what limited resources I have.
Walking blues have played a number on my feet
Metaphorically, I have been affected and strained by some hardship or adversity.
I'll dance whatever dance you need to dance
Regardless of how difficult or strange a task is, I will fulfill it for you.
You keep your promise with me
Once again, I am demanding that you maintain your fidelity to me and keep your end of the bargain.
Contributed by Bailey D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.