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.
Satan's Jewel Crown
Emmylou Harris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With diamonds and jewels profound
Well, I'd rather know that I had salvation
Than to know my reward would be Satan's jewel crown
Satan's jewel crown I've worn it so long
But God for my soul has reached down
His love set me free, He made me His own
Oh, the life that I live so sinful and needless
Drinkin' and runnin' around
All the things that I do for the love of the Devil
I know my reward will be Satan's jewel crown
Satan's jewel crown I've worn it so long
But God for my soul has reached down
His love set me free, He made me His own
And helped me cast off Satan's jewel crown
The song Satan's Jewel Crown by Emmylou Harris is a powerful expression of religious conviction and redemption. The central message of the song is that, although earthly riches and power may seem enticing, true happiness can only be found through salvation and a connection to God. The lyrics tell the story of a person who has led a life of sin and indulgence. She acknowledges that she has been wearing Satan's jewel crown, symbolizing the temporal rewards of a life spent chasing material wealth and pleasure. However, she has come to realize that true fulfillment can only come from a spiritual awakening, and she has cast off the temptations of the Devil in favor of God's love and guidance.
The song is particularly effective because of the powerful images it creates. The contrast between a queen with jewels and a person in possession of salvation is striking. The jewels represent material wealth, while salvation represents spiritual power. The idea of a "jewel crown" is a metaphor for the temporary pleasures of life that distract us from our true purpose. The singer acknowledges that she has been seduced by these pleasures in the past, but has now seen the error of her ways.
Line by Line Meaning
Now if I were a queen and a ruler of nations
If I held the power and wealth of a queen and ruler over many nations
With diamonds and jewels profound
With an extensive collection of glittering and valuable gems
Well, I'd rather know that I had salvation
I would prefer to have assurance of my spiritual redemption
Than to know my reward would be Satan's jewel crown
Instead of receiving Satan's offerings for my sins
Oh, the life that I live so sinful and needless
My current lifestyle is filled with immorality and triviality
Drinkin' and runnin' around
Engaging in drunkenness and careless behavior
All the things that I do for the love of the Devil
My actions are driven by my allegiance to Satan
I know my reward will be Satan's jewel crown
I am aware that I am deserving of the punishment that Satan offers
Satan's jewel crown I've worn it so long
I have long accepted the gifts and temptations of the devil
But God for my soul has reached down
God has intervened to save my soul
His love set me free, He made me His own
Through His love, I have been liberated and claimed by Him as His own
And helped me cast off Satan's jewel crown
God has aided in my relinquishing of Satan's rewards and temptations
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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