Cook's West Virginia-born mother played guitar and mandolin and sang on local radio shows. Her father, a Georgia native, also performed country music and served jail time for running moonshine. Upon his release, he and Elizabeth's mother played in local bands together, eventually marrying. Elizabeth, born in 1972, moved to Nashville in her twenties and quickly got a publishing deal. Demos recorded between 1997 and 2000 comprised her independently released debut album, "The Blue Album", which showcased her formidable songwriting ability and featured such well-known Music City musicians as Tim Carroll, Kenny Vaughan, and Rick Schell.
She made her major label debut in 2002 with "Hey Y'All". But following a corporate re-structuring that left the album virtually abandoned and stagnant on sales, Elizabeth fought back with her 2005 independent release "This Side Of The Moon", which received positive reviews.
Her album "Balls" was released May 2007. It was been her most successful album to date, thanks to glowing press reviews and significant video play for the song "Sometimes It Takes Balls To Be A Woman."
Her 2010 album Welder features appearances by an all-star roster of guests including Dwight Yoakam, Crowell and Buddy Miller, and continued her increasing popularity becoming her highest charting album in the U.S.
Her album "Gospel Plow" was released June 2012.
Cook hosts the morning radio show "Elizabeth Cook's Apron Strings" on the Sirius XM radio station Outlaw Country on Channel 60. The show airs weekdays from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM (Eastern Time). The show format is a mix of Americana, Outlaw, and Alt Country.
In 2016, Cook released her sixth studio album Exodus of Venus.
Official Site
When She Comes
Elizabeth Cook Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On a hotel room floor where I take my last breath
But they don't really know me, they don't know my shame
They just know they're empty, and they know my name
Know my name
Don't have to talk myself into being fierce
Don't have to worry how my mouth hits your ears
I just took a detour, I'd just lost a friend
Lost a friend
Might not see me coming but you'll hear them drums
She'll be comin' round the mountain when she comes
When she comes
The road is long and weary for those designed to shine
It's easy to burn out, easy to fall behind
But I don't let it get me, I keep moving on
I'm learning to accept, I'm better off alone
Alone
Like a shadow on the sun
She'll be comin' round the mountain when she comes
When she comes
Daddy quit smoking so he could walk the hills
When he bought the farm and paid off his bills
He got cancer shy of 88
So he flipped off the devil, said hey, I did great
I did great
Shug
Scatter my ashes where the river runs
She'll be comin' round the mountain when she comes
When she comes
She'll be comin' round the mountain when she comes
On six white horses when she comes
They'll all come see her when she comes
Around the mountain when she comes
In these lyrics, Elizabeth Cook explores themes of mortality, personal growth, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life. The song begins by discussing the contemplation of one's impending death, symbolized by being on a hotel room floor taking a last breath. The singer acknowledges that others don't truly know them but only know their empty existence and their name.
The second paragraph highlights the singer's self-assurance and their lack of need to convince themselves to be strong. They express a sense of freedom in being able to express themselves without worrying about how their words may be received by others. The singer also states that they will return to the person they were before they met someone, suggesting a journey of self-discovery or self-rediscovery after losing a friend.
The chorus employs a familiar American folk song, "She'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain," to symbolize a sense of anticipation and change. The lyrics imply that the singer may not be easily noticeable, but the drums will be heard, signifying their arrival. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the singer's determination and resilience in the face of challenges.
The third paragraph delves into the struggles faced by those with great potential or talent. The road to success can be exhausting and often leads to burning out or falling behind. However, the singer refuses to let these difficulties deter them and chooses to keep moving forward. They also express a growing acceptance of being better off alone, suggesting a newfound independence and self-reliance.
In the following verse, the lyrics shift to a personal anecdote about the singer's father. Despite facing his own mortality and the challenges of illness, he chose to quit smoking and live a fulfilling life. When faced with the end, he defiantly expressed satisfaction with his achievements, flipping off the devil. This anecdote reinforces themes of resilience and triumph over adversity.
The final repetitions of the chorus emphasize the cyclical nature of life and the passage of time. The singer desires their ashes to be scattered where the river flows, symbolizing a connection to the continuous stream of life. The imagery of six white horses conveys a sense of grandeur and majesty, and the repetition of "when she comes" suggests the inevitability of change and renewal.
Overall, Elizabeth Cook's lyrics in "When She Comes" reflect on life's challenges, personal growth, resilience, and the acceptance of mortality. The song encourages embracing change, finding strength in solitude, and celebrating the cycle of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Talkin' the potential of my impending death
Discussing the possibility of my future demise
On a hotel room floor where I take my last breath
In a hotel room where my final moments will occur
But they don't really know me, they don't know my shame
However, they lack true understanding of who I am and the guilt I bear
They just know they're empty, and they know my name
All they are aware of is their own emptiness and my identity
Know my name
Recognize my name
Don't have to talk myself into being fierce
I don't need to convince myself to be strong
Don't have to worry how my mouth hits your ears
I don't need to be concerned about how my words sound to you
Who I was before I met you is who I'll be again
The person I was before our encounter is the person I will return to
I just took a detour, I'd just lost a friend
I simply veered off course momentarily, having recently experienced a loss
Lost a friend
Lost a dear companion
Might not see me coming but you'll hear them drums
I might catch you by surprise, yet the sound of drums will announce my arrival
She'll be comin' round the mountain when she comes
I will arrive with determination and resilience
The road is long and weary for those designed to shine
The journey is arduous and tiresome for those destined to stand out
It's easy to burn out, easy to fall behind
It's simple to exhaust oneself and lag behind
But I don't let it get me, I keep moving on
However, I refuse to let it defeat me, I continue to progress
I'm learning to accept, I'm better off alone
I'm understanding the value of solitude, I thrive in my own company
Alone
By myself
Like a shadow on the sun
Similar to a silhouette against the sun
She'll be comin' round the mountain when she comes
I will approach with resilience and strength
Daddy quit smoking so he could walk the hills
Father gave up smoking to wander the hills
When he bought the farm and paid off his bills
After acquiring the farm and settling his debts
He got cancer shy of 88
He developed cancer shortly before turning 88
So he flipped off the devil, said hey, I did great
Therefore, he defiantly showed his middle finger to the devil, exclaiming his accomplishment
I did great
I achieved great things
Scatter my ashes where the river runs
Spread my remains where the river flows
She'll be comin' round the mountain when she comes
I will return resolutely
When she comes
During her arrival
She'll be comin' round the mountain when she comes
She will approach with determination and steadfastness
On six white horses when she comes
Riding on six white horses during her arrival
They'll all come see her when she comes
Everyone will gather to witness her arrival
Around the mountain when she comes
Encircling the mountain in her arrival
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Elizabeth Yvonne Cook
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind