Harris is truly an innovator. For over 30 years, Emmylou has flowed effortlessly between genres achieving popularity in pop, folk, country and now alternative. The common bridge is an exquisite vocal style and a gift for discovering the heart of a song.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama on April 2, 1947, the daughter of Walter and Eugenia Harris grew up near Washington, D.C. As a college student in the late 60s, she sang with a local folk duo and eventually moved to Greenwich Village. She played the clubs on the local folk scene occasionally sharing the stage with Jerry Jeff Walker and David Bromberg.
Discovered in 1971 by Chris Hillman, Hillman brought Gram Parsons to hear her sing in a small club in the Washington D.C. area. In 1972, she answered the call from Gram to join him in Los Angeles to work on his first solo album, "GP." According to Songfacts, Parsons tragic early death in 1973 left Harris at an emotional and musical crossroads. Her earliest signature song, Boulder To Birmingham was written shortly after Gram's death, and it showed the depth of her shock and pain at losing her friend and mentor.
After the loss of Gram, Emmylou went back to the D.C. area and formed a country band, playing with them until her 1975 major label debut, Pieces of the Sky, when she formed the first version of the legendary Hot Band. Over the years the Hot Band included world class players such as Albert Lee, Rodney Crowell and Hank DeVito.
Emmylou has been called by Billboard Magazine a "truly venturesome, genre-transcending pathfinder." Throughout her career, she has been admired for her talent as an artist and song connoisseur, but it was with her 2000 album, Red Dirt Girl, for which Ms. Harris was awarded her tenth (out of eleven total to date) Grammy, that she revealed she is also a gifted songwriter. Continuing the trend with her September 2003 album, Stumble Into Grace, Emmylou wrote ten of the album's eleven tracks. Though Emmylou is the most admired and influential woman in contemporary country music, her scope extends far beyond it. She has recorded with such diverse artists as Ryan Adams, Beck, Elvis Costello, Johnny Cash, Lucinda Williams, Bob Dylan, Tammy Wynette, Neil Young, The Chieftains, Lyle Lovett, Roy Orbison, The Band, Willie Nelson and George Jones.
She sings with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt on the incomparable albums Trio and Trio II, making all three artists living American legends.
A longtime social activist, Harris has lent her voice to many causes. She is active in cultural preservation issues, notably the Country Music Foundation and the Grand Ole Opry. As an animal rights activist and the owner of several dogs and cats, Emmylou also supports PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and the Humane Society. Since 1997 she has been the most visible spokesperson for the Campaign for a Landmine Free World, drawing public attention and notable musical artists to the cause.
Farther Along
Emmylou Harris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
While there are others living about us, never molested, though in the wrong
When death has come and taken our loved ones, it leaves our home so lonely and dreary
Then do we wonder why others prosper living so wicked year after year
Farther along we'll know all about it; farther along we'll understand why
Cheer up, my brother; live in the sunshine, we'll understand it all by and by
Faithful till death said our loving master; a few more days to labor and wait
Toils of the road will then seem as nothing as we sweep through the beautiful gates
Yes, we'll understand it all by and by
The lyrics of "Farther Along" by Emmylou Harris express the common human experience of being tested and tried in life, wondering why some people seem to suffer more than others. The song acknowledges that even when we lose loved ones and face difficult trials, it seems that wicked people around us continue to thrive. The refrain speaks of a hope that in the future, we will understand why things happened the way they did.
The first verse of the song presents the common human experience of questioning why life is so difficult, and why some people seem to have it easy while others suffer. The second verse acknowledges that when we lose loved ones, it can be very difficult to reconcile our loss with the seeming success of evil people around us. The chorus reminds us that, despite our struggles, there is hope for understanding and peace in the future, and urges the listener to "live in the sunshine" until that time comes.
The third verse of the song speaks about being faithful to one's beliefs even unto death, and looking forward to the rewards of the afterlife. The final chorus repeats the refrain, reminding us that someday we will be able to understand the trials of this life, and bringing the song to a hopeful conclusion.
Line by Line Meaning
Tempted and tried we're oft made to wonder why it should be thus all the day long
When we're tempted to do things that we know are wrong, we're often made to wonder why we struggle with this day in and day out.
While there are others living about us, never molested, though in the wrong
We often see people around us who are doing wrong and seem to be getting away with it, while we struggle even when we're doing the right thing.
When death has come and taken our loved ones, it leaves our home so lonely and dreary
When someone we love dies, it feels like our home is no longer filled with life and joy, but rather sadness and emptiness.
Then do we wonder why others prosper living so wicked year after year
It's hard not to question why those who live their lives in a wicked way seem to be prospering year after year, while good people struggle and suffer.
Farther along we'll know all about it; farther along we'll understand why
As we move forward in life, we'll gain understanding and clarity about why things happen the way they do.
Cheer up, my brother; live in the sunshine, we'll understand it all by and by
We should strive to stay positive and live our lives in a bright and joyful way, with the hope that we will eventually gain complete understanding of life's mysteries.
Faithful till death said our loving master; a few more days to labor and wait
Our godly master said that we should remain faithful until our deaths, and though we may have many more days of hard work and waiting, we must continue to have faith.
Toils of the road will then seem as nothing as we sweep through the beautiful gates
Once we've completed our hard work and waiting, the difficulties of our journey will seem small and insignificant when we finally reach our beautiful reward - heaven.
Farther along we'll know all about it...
Again, we'll gain more knowledge and understanding as we continue on our journey through life.
Yes, we'll understand it all by and by
Ultimately, we will gain a complete understanding of life's mysteries in the end.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing, O/B/O CAPASSO
Written by: W B. Stevens
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
damianop100
This rendition brings tears to my eyes. The whole thing is beautiful, and the last line sung here so hauntingly by Emmylou is breathtaking.
Lee Wilkerson
Crying now! Praise God!
jmnpod
I grew up singing this song. When I heard this recording at a recent funeral for a friend, I knew it was a keeper. We played it two days ago at my Mother's funeral. It touches my soul deeply.
Ana Gonzalez
Beaitiful song sung by the three most beautiful voices I have ever heard. One of my favourite songs of all times. BRAVO!!!
Georgie Bailey
This was sung at my husband's funeral 8 1/2 years ago. Today I grieve for my older sister who passed away yesterday and this is the song I turn to.
Brock Beckham
this song has helped me through a lot of grief.
coachpill
Every female country singer in Nashvegas should be forced to listen to this CD at least once a day! Linda's phrasing of the line "living so wicked" starting at 1:04 is genius!!
agw505
AWESOME! I never get tired of hearing them and their angelic voices!
uncleelroy2
This was my mother's favorite hymn-- in December it'll be 7 years since she died, and I'm just now getting to the point that I can listen to this without breaking up... beautiful song... For those thinking about it, please have a heart and don't "thumbs down" this, or leave a cruel comment...
S London
I catch myself day after day coming back and listening to this. I love this - incredible version!