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.
Sweet Old World
Emmylou Harris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
See what you lost when you left this world, this sweet old world
The breath from your own lips, the touch of fingertips
A sweet and tender kiss
The sound of a midnight train, wearing someone's ring
Someone calling your name
Somebody so warm cradled in your arm
See what you lost when you left this world, this sweet old world
See what you lost when you left this world, this sweet old world
Millions of us in love, promises made good
Your own flesh and blood
Looking for some truth, dancing with no shoes
The beat, the rhythm, the blues
The pounding of your heart's drum together with another one
Didn't you think anyone loved you
See what you lost when you left this world, this sweet old world
See what you lost when you left this world, this sweet old world
In "Sweet Old World," Emmylou Harris laments the loss of life and love, encouraging those who consider suicide to remember the beauty of the world and love that would be left behind. She lists the simple and tender pleasures that life has to offer- the warmth of someone in your arms, the sound of a train, the beat of your heart, and the touch of lips and fingertips. She wonders whether those considering suicide believed they were deserving of not only these pleasures, but also the love and affection of others. The song is a reminder that life is finite and that the small moments of joy are worth holding on to.
The lyrics of "Sweet Old World" were written by singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams, and the song was featured on Harris's 1995 album of the same name. The album was produced by Daniel Lanois, who has worked with Bob Dylan, U2, and Willie Nelson.
Line by Line Meaning
See what you lost when you left this world, this sweet old world
Reflect on what you missed in life when you departed from the earth, this beautiful world.
The breath from your own lips, the touch of fingertips
The feeling of warmth and comfort that comes from breathing and being touched by the hands of someone who loves you.
A sweet and tender kiss
A loving and affectionate kiss that brings joy and emotional fulfillment.
The sound of a midnight train, wearing someone's ring
The nostalgic sound of a train passing by in the dark of night, while wearing a symbol of someone's love and commitment on your finger.
Someone calling your name
The comforting feeling of being recognized and called by name, knowing that someone cares for you enough to remember you.
Somebody so warm cradled in your arm
The deep sense of comfort and security that comes from holding someone close who loves you and reciprocates your feelings.
Didn't you think you were worth anything
Questioning one's own self-worth and failing to recognize that they deserve love, attention, and care from others.
Millions of us in love, promises made good
The immense number of people around the world who experience love and the promises that they fulfill to each other.
Your own flesh and blood
The connection and bond with family members, who share your blood and heritage.
Looking for some truth, dancing with no shoes
The desire to find meaning and purpose in life, while being carefree and unencumbered by material possessions.
The beat, the rhythm, the blues
The joy and passion that comes from music, and the way it moves and connects people of all backgrounds and cultures.
The pounding of your heart's drum together with another one
The deep emotional connection and sense of togetherness that comes from being in a loving relationship with another person.
Didn't you think anyone loved you
Feeling undeserving of love and failing to recognize that there are people in the world who care deeply for you.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LUCINDA WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind