The tape was a hit locally—i.e. on the playgrounds where he and his daughter played—and Zanes realized that he liked making music that families could enjoy together, as opposed to music that is just for children or just for adults. So, he added a small number of women to his band, renamed it the Rocket Ship Revue, and began making a full-length homemade album, enlisting the help of some people he had met when he was a Del Fuego--Sheryl Crow, Suzanne Vega, and Simon Kirke, the drummer for Bad Company.
The album, Rocket Ship Beach (2000), was also a hit. The New York Times Magazine called it "cool", and added, "Mostly, though, Zanes' kids music works because it is not kids music; it's just music—-music that's unsanitized, unpasteurized, that's organic even." Sheryl Crow and Suzanne Vega made guest appearances on the album. The second album, Family Dance (2001) is composed of dance songs from a wide variety of musical traditions and features Loudon Wainwright III and Roseanne Cash. The third recording, the more mellow Night Time! (2002), features collaborations with Aimee Mann, Lou Reed, John Doe, Dar Williams, and other established musicians.
The fourth album in the family series is House Party (2003), a rambunctious 20-song collection with a diverse instrumentation that, in addition to the usual guitars, banjos, upright bass and drums, includes such instruments as tuba, accordion, pump organ, djembe and saw. House Party was nominated for a Grammy in the Musical Album for Children category. Music video selections from the House Party album play during the Disney Channel's morning program suite known as Playhouse Disney.
In 2007, Zanes received the Grammy Award for Best Musical Album for Children for Catch That Train! and produced a children's reggae CD with Father Goose called "Its a Bam Bam Diddly", which also features songs performed by Sister Carol and Sheryl Crow.
In early 2009, Zanes' ¡Nueva York! won in The 8th Annual Independent Music Awards for Best Children's Music Album.
Shining Star
Dan Zanes and Friends Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Still they had their love for the child they were anticipating
He was born one winter night on a road between two towns
They wrapped him up so warm and tight and said
It looks like heaven's come down
There was a new star shining in the sky up above
By its light that winter night
If we want to find it, I know we always will
For that new star is shining for us still
He worried how to feed him on the trade that was all he knew
It was hard enough to make ends meet when they were only two
But the cold, the dark and hunger couldn't take away their joy
And she knew that they would find a way
For their precious baby boy
There was a new star shining in the sky up above
By its light that winter night
They found peace and perfect love
If we want to find it, I know we always will
For that new star is shining for us still
The lyrics of Dan Zanes and Friends' song "Shining Star" tell the story of a couple who had little but their love for their unborn child. They didn't have a home or any material possessions, but they believed that their love for their child would be enough. The song describes their journey to a nearby town on a winter night where the woman gives birth to a baby boy. Even with the difficulties they faced, including having to figure out how to feed the baby, they remained committed to providing for their child and finding joy in their new family. The song emphasizes the importance of love and hope, especially during challenging times, and suggests that a shining star in the sky can remind us of the peace and love that exist in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
They didn't own a house, no crib no toys were waiting
Despite having no material possessions for their anticipated child, they had the love and care to provide for him.
Still they had their love for the child they were anticipating
Their love for their child trumped any desire for material possessions.
He was born one winter night on a road between two towns
The baby was born in harsh conditions, but his arrival was still a cause for celebration.
They wrapped him up so warm and tight and said
It looks like heaven's come down
Despite the harsh conditions of his birth, they still welcomed him with open arms and saw him as a gift from above.
There was a new star shining in the sky up above
By its light that winter night
They found peace and perfect love
The star represented hope and new beginnings, providing comfort and peace to the new family.
If we want to find it, I know we always will
For that new star is shining for us still
The message of hope that the star represents still exists and is accessible to those who seek it.
He worried how to feed him on the trade that was all he knew
It was hard enough to make ends meet when they were only two
The father was concerned about providing for his family, especially since he only had one trade to rely on for income.
But the cold, the dark and hunger couldn't take away their joy
And she knew that they would find a way
For their precious baby boy
Despite the hardships, the parents refused to let go of their joy and hope for their child's future, and believed that they would find a way to provide for him.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHANNA HALL, JOHANNA D HALL, JOHN HALL, JOHN J HALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind