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.
I am Weary
Emmylou Harris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It is your name that I am calling
Tho you're so far away
I know you hear my plea
Why won't you answer me
Here I am
I am in the blood of your heart
Why do you run for cover
You are from the dirt of the earth
And the kiss of my mouth
I have always been your lover
Here I am
I am the promise never broken
And my arms are ever open
In this harbor calm and still
I will wait until
Until you come to me
Here I am
Emmylou Harris’s song “Here I Am” is about an unrequited love. In the first verse, the singer explains how she is searching through the canyon and calling out the name of her love. Even though they are far away, she pleads for them to hear her voice, but unfortunately, they remain unresponsive. This sense of longing is reinforced, as the singer continues to ask why her love won’t answer her. This sense of impotence and yearning is a universal feeling, one that many listeners will identify with. The unrequited love that she describes will be familiar to anyone who has felt their heart broken.
The second verse focuses on the depth of love that the singer shares with her love interest. The lyrics emphasize that the two are connected on a fundamental level. The singer claims to be in the blood of her lover’s heart and the breath of their lungs. These descriptions suggest a profound interdependence and a love that is inseparable. However, despite these deep connections, her lover is hesitant and runs for cover, caught up with their own problems. Nonetheless, the singer promises love and acceptance, always willing to forgive and accept them.
Overall, “Here I Am” is a powerful, yet poignant love song that will resonate with many listeners. It speaks to the power of love and the sense of longing that comes from a relationship that is not meant to be. It's a bittersweet reminder that true love is not always easy and that it can come at a price.
Line by Line Meaning
I am searching through the canyon
I am on a quest to find you, navigating through the depths of a canyon.
It is your name that I am calling
I am reaching out to you by calling your name, hoping that you will hear me.
Tho you're so far away
Even though you are distant and hard to reach,
I know you hear my plea
I believe that you are receptive to my request or appeal.
Why won't you answer me
I am confused as to why you have not responded to me yet.
Here I am
I am present and available, waiting for you.
I am in the blood of your heart
I am an essential part of you, residing in the blood of your heart.
The breath of your lung
I am in every breath you take, making up a part of your life force.
Why do you run for cover
I wonder why you avoid me or try to hide from me.
You are from the dirt of the earth
You are made of the same elements as the soil beneath our feet.
And the kiss of my mouth
You have also been shaped by my love and affection.
I have always been your lover
I have loved you deeply and consistently over time and still do.
I am the promise never broken
I am a pledge that has never been broken, always showing up for you regardless of the situation.
And my arms are ever open
My embrace is always available to you, offering love and support.
In this harbor calm and still
I offer a place of peace and tranquility where you can find respite from the stormy seas of life.
I will wait until
I will linger and wait patiently until you are ready to accept my love.
Until you come to me
Until the time when you can feel safe to come to me and receive my embrace.
Here I am
I am steadfast and present, waiting for the moment when we can reunite and show our love for each other.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Dale A Harewood, Kenneth Lee Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lucille McKevitt
After I saw the movie "O' Brother, Where Art Thou", I played this song over and over- just couldn't get enough of it. As a few people mentioned, it gives me a feeling of peace. Love the words. I also related it to someone that I knew that passed away and wanted the grieving husband to hear it. But, he just didn't like blue grass. Sad, but true.
Jackie McCulla
There's no accounting for taste, is there?
smilelove2673
My husband deployed last month and he loves this song. Reminds me of him now. I love you, Sunshine.
Susan Mooney
Prayers for you Darling, God has his Angels around you and your husband ❤️ 🙏. I once read were in any given time we have 18 Angels! Prayers Susan
roger scott
God bless your husband His brothers respect him we have his back
Lloyd Morrison II
As a boy, my mom always sang to me. Old hymns bring happy memories of my mom's love and care for me.
Jackie McCulla
This is a brilliant performance of a tragically beautiful song. It almost breaks my heart every time I hear it.
Pete hugh
I don't hear a sad sad song. I hear a loving mother with her dieing child. That isn't sad, it's a tribute to a loving family.
EDWARDS EXPERIENCE
Beautiful song!
I cry each time I hear this warmly words.
Take care of your mothers!
whozis2
God bless and keep you both! I love this song, as well!