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.
Old Five and Dimers Like Me
Emmylou Harris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
More than the measure of what I thought others could see
Good luck and fast bucks are too far and too few between
Cadillac buyers and old five and dimers like me
Yes she stood beside me letting me know she would be
Something to lean on when everything ran out on me
Fenced yards ain't hole cards and like is not never will be
It's taken me so long but now that I know I believe
All that I do or say all that I ever will be
Too far and too high and too deep ain't too much to be
Too much ain't enough for old five and dimers like me
Too far and too high and too deep ain't too much to be
Too much ain't enough for old five and dimers like me
And an old five and dimer is all I intended to be
In Emmylou Harris's song, "Old Five and Dimers Like Me," the singer discusses their life's journey and the realization that they will always be a certain kind of person. The singer spent their life trying to be more than what others saw in them, but ultimately, they recognize that they are just an "old five and dimer." The "old five and dimers" refer to the people who were always struggling, who couldn't afford a Cadillac, and who had to shop at discount stores like "five and dime" shops.
The singer also speaks to the importance of having someone to lean on when everything seems to be falling apart. They recognize that fenced yards (meaning a sense of security) are not guaranteeing of success, but having someone to support and love them is more important. The singer comes to a place of acceptance and understanding, that despite being considered "too far and too deep" by some, they are content to be exactly who they are.
This song is a reflection on the idea of humility, the recognition that one's worth does not come from the things they own or the status they have, but from the people and experiences that shape them. The song speaks to the idea that, regardless of our personal struggles and histories, we all have value and meaning in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I spent a lifetime making up my mind to be
After a lifetime of contemplation and introspection, I have decided to be my own person.
More than the measure of what I thought others could see
I do not want to be defined by what society deems to be successful or important.
Good luck and fast bucks are too far and too few between
The pursuit of wealth and happiness is difficult and elusive.
Cadillac buyers and old five and dimers like me
There are two types of people in this world, those who can afford luxury items like Cadillacs, and those like me who can only afford the cheap and simple things.
Yes she stood beside me letting me know she would be
Despite the challenges, I have had a supportive partner who promised to always be there for me.
Something to lean on when everything ran out on me
In difficult times when I had nothing left, I had someone to rely on for emotional support.
Fenced yards ain't hole cards and like is not never will be
Just because someone has material possessions or a comfortable lifestyle, it does not necessarily mean they have a good hand in life.
Reason for rhymers and old five and dimers like me
Desperation and hardship are common inspirations for poetry and music, especially for those like me who have lived a simple, hard life.
It's taken me so long but now that I know I believe
After many years, I have come to a realization and now have firm beliefs.
All that I do or say all that I ever will be
Everything I do and say will be a reflection of who I am and what I believe.
Too far and too high and too deep ain't too much to be
The pursuit of lofty ideals and goals, no matter how difficult or far-reaching, is always worth striving for.
Too much ain't enough for old five and dimers like me
Despite hardships and setbacks, those like me will always strive to achieve more and seek greater fulfillment.
And an old five and dimer is all I intended to be
Despite my hardships, I have come to accept and embrace my simple and humble lifestyle.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BILLY SHAVER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jimmmmy41
I've spent a lifetime making up my mind to be
More than the measure of what I thought others could see
Good luck and fast bucks are too far and too few between
For Cadillac buyers and old five and dimers like me
She stood beside me letting me know she would be
Something to lean on when everything ran out on me
Fenced yards ain't hole cards and like as not never will be
Reason for rhymers and old five and dimers like me
It's taking me so long and now that I know I believe
All that I do or say is all I ever will be
Too far and too high and too deep ain't too much to be
Too much ain't enough for old five and dimers like me
Yeah, an old five and dimer is all I really meant to be
yaakov
Emmylou brings a different depth to this wonderful song. She has a wonderful way of taking a song and making it hers. Beautiful music from some outstanding musicians, which always seem to surround Emmylou.
David Roga
Emmy not only has the most sensational voice but has the innate ability to sing any song to perfection. Cannot stop listening to her. She is the queen of country and can sing anything with a deep passion. Even her backing harmony is another level and lifts the song to a different level.
Anthony Moon
What an amazing voice! I mean, one of the most pretty & unique voice any lady ever had...🤙
dangervich
Unique, for sure. That adorable dropout.
David Parnell
The beauty of her persona and her music...casts a spell on me....life has depth...and meaning...as we all can see...
Maurice Marian
Best looking woman on planet Earth . Best singer on planet Earth
John Wood
Emmylou you have always had the most heart wrenching voice I’ve ever heard . Love you.
Richard the Cajun
Billy Joe wrote this song in 3/4 time. Heard Waylon do it like this too. Still works for me.
Marianne Menon
Simply beautiful Waldo...Wonderful duet vocals by John Starling...Love it so much...Thank you for sharing ... ~Marianne....
Dan ***
Two great artists singing a very relaxing song.