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.
The Road
Emmylou Harris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every song you played
Long ago when we were younger
And we'd rock the night away
How could I see your future then
Where you would not grow old
With such a fire in our bellies
Such a hunger in our souls.
I guess I probably loved you
When those words rolled off your tongue
It seemed that we were travelin'
Under some ol' lucky sun
I know I couldn't save you
And no one was to blame
But the road we shared together once
Will never be the same
Hey, hey gonna fly away
Won't be coming round today
Hey, hey with a song I pray
And on the wings of a song I'll fly away.
I wandered in the wilderness
For a while I was so lost
To everything there is a season
And every blessing has it's cost
So I took what you left me
And put it to some use
Went looking for an answer
With those three cords and the truth
I come down from the mountain
I come walkin' in your shoes
I was taken for a gambler
When I had no more to lose
'Cause you put me on that pathway
How could I refuse?
And I spend my whole life out here
Workin' on the blues
So I carried on.
You can't be haunted by the past.
People come and people go.
And nothing ever lasts.
But I still think about you
Wonder where you are
Can you see me from some place
Up there among the stars
But down here under heaven
There never was a chart
To guide our way across
This crooked highway of the heart
And if it's only all about
The journey in the end
On that road I'm glad I came to know
My old friend.
Hey
Gone away
Won't be coming round again
Hey
With a song I pray
And on the wings of a song
I'll fly away
I'll fly away
I'll fly away
Emmylou Harris's song "The Road" is a unique amalgamation of the Appalachian sound and romanticism. She sings about West Virginia, a heaven-like state that is almost a forgotten paradise. The song starts with a glimpse of the beauty of West Virginia, where the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River create an epic landscape. The line "life is old there, older than the trees" hints at the history and tradition of the region. The reference to the mountains being younger than the trees but still blowing like the breeze, can represent the uncontainable yet constantly ancient spirit of the area.
The chorus, "Country roads, take me home, to the place where I belong, West Virginia, mountain mama, take me home, country roads," describes the strong connection Harris has with her home state. It's a declaration of a desire to go back to one's roots, where familiarity and belonging are guaranteed. The verse talks about the memories she has gathered around her home state - the miner's lady, the stranger to water, the dark, and the dusty painted sky that evokes a sense of mystery and magic. Harris describes the bittersweet taste of moonshine and the misty taste of a teardrop in her eye.
In the end, Harris confesses that every time she hears the radio or drives down the road, the feeling of longing to go back home becomes profound. It appears like she should have been back home yesterday, yet she is still searching for that place where she belongs. The geographical idealism in this song may represent a part of the human psyche that separates one from worldly problems and seeks refuge in a place that's reminiscent of simpler times.
Line by Line Meaning
Almost Heaven, West Virginia
West Virginia feels like a heavenly paradise.
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
The region has stunning natural beauty in the form of mountains, hills, and rivers.
Life is old there, older than the trees
Life in West Virginia is ancient and deeply rooted in history.
Younger than the mountains, blowing like the breeze
Despite its long history, there is still a youthful energy in the people of West Virginia that keeps them moving forward.
Country roads, take me home
The singer yearns for the comforts of her home in West Virginia.
To the place, where I belong
She knows that West Virginia is her true home, where she feels most comfortable and at peace.
West Virginia, mountain mama
The state of West Virginia is like a nurturing mother, providing comfort and warmth to its people.
All my memories gather 'round her
The singer's fondest memories are all connected to West Virginia.
Miner's lady, stranger to the water
The singer describes herself as a miner's daughter who is unfamiliar with the sea or large bodies of water.
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
The landscape of West Virginia is characterized by a rich, dark earth and the vast expanse of the sky overhead.
Misty taste of moonshine, teardrops in my eye
The singer reminisces about the taste of homemade moonshine and is moved to tears by her memories.
I hear her voice in the morning light, she calls me
The singer hears the comforting voice of West Virginia calling her home.
Radio reminds me of my home far away
Even when she is far from home, the radio stations remind the singer of the sounds and culture of her West Virginia upbringing.
Driving down the road, I get a feeling
The simple act of driving through the countryside of her home state floods the singer with memories and emotions.
Like I should have been home yesterday, yesterday
The singer feels like she has been away from home for too long and should have never left.
Take me home on a country road
The singer pleads for someone to take her back to West Virginia, following the comforting curves of its country roads.
Take me home, down a country road
The singer repeats her request for someone to bring her back to West Virginia, emphasizing the importance of the winding country roads that remind her of home.
Won't you take me home, down a country road
The singer begs for someone to take her back to West Virginia, emphasizing the importance of the country roads in making her feel truly at home.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EMMYLOU HARRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@UCqkdtMiE5ZquD_lF9prae4Q
সেই রাস্তায়, আমার পুরোনো বন্ধু জানতে পেরে আনন্দিত..💓🙏
Lyrics:
I can still remember
Every song you played
Long ago when we were younger
And we'd rock the night away
How could I see your future then
Where you would not grow old
With such a fire in our bellies
Such a hunger in our souls
I guess I probably loved you
When those words rolled off your tongue
It seemed that we were travelin'
Under some ol' lucky sun
I know I couldn't save you
And no one was to blame
But the road we shared together once
Will never be the same
Hey, hey gonna fly away
Won't be coming round today
Hey, hey with a song I pray
And on the wings of a song, I'll fly away
I wandered in the wilderness
For a while, I was so lost
To everything, there is a season
And every blessing has it's cost
So I took what you left me
And put it to some use
Went looking for an answer
With those three cords and the truth
I come down from the mountain
I come walkin' in your shoes
I was taken for a gambler
When I had no more to lose
'Cause you put me on that pathway
How could I refuse?
And I spend my whole life out here
Workin' on the blues
So I carried on
You can't be haunted by the past
People come and people go
And nothing ever lasts
But I still think about you
Wonder where you are
Can you see me from someplace
Up there among the stars
But down here under heaven
There never was a chart
To guide our way across
This crooked highway of the heart
And if it's only all about
The journey in the end
On that road, I'm glad I came to know
My old friend
আমি এখনও মনে করতে পারেন
প্রতিটি গান আপনি গেয়েছেন
অনেক আগে যখন আমরা ছোট ছিলাম
এবং আমরা দূরে দোলা চাই
তখন তোমার ভবিষ্যৎ কেমন করে দেখতাম
যেখানে তুমি বুড়ো হবে না
আমাদের পেটে এমন আগুন নিয়ে
আমাদের প্রাণে এমন ক্ষুধা
আমার মনে হয় আমি তোমাকে ভালোবাসতাম
সেই কথাগুলো যখন তোমার জিভ থেকে বেরিয়ে গেল
মনে হচ্ছিল আমরা ভ্রমণ করছিলাম
কিছু সৌভাগ্যবান সূর্যের নীচে
আমি জানি আমি তোমাকে বাঁচাতে পারিনি
এবং কেউ দোষী ছিল না
কিন্তু রাস্তাটা আমরা একসাথে ভাগ করে নিয়েছিলাম একবার
এটা একই হতে হবে
আরে, হেই উড়ে যাবে
আজ রাউন্ড আসবে না
আরে, আরে একটা গান নিয়ে দোয়া করি
আর গানের ডানায় উড়ে যাবো
আমি প্রান্তরে ঘুরে বেড়াতাম
কিছুক্ষণের জন্য, আমি হারিয়ে গিয়েছিলাম
সবকিছু একটি ঋতু আছে
এবং প্রতিটি আশীর্বাদ এর মূল্য আছে
তাই তুমি যা রেখেছ তা নিয়েছি
এবং কিছু কাজে লাগান
উত্তর খুঁজতে গেল
ঐ তিনটি cords এবং সত্য সঙ্গে
আমি পাহাড় থেকে নেমে আসি
আমি তোমার জুতা পায়ে হেঁটে আসছি
আমাকে জুয়াড়ি হিসেবে নিয়ে যাওয়া হয়েছিল
যখন আমার আর হারানোর ছিল না
'কারণ তুমি আমাকে সেই পথে রেখেছ
আমি কিভাবে প্রত্যাখ্যান করতে পারি?
এবং আমি আমার সারা জীবন এখানে কাটিয়ে দিই
ব্লুজে কাজ করছি
তাই আমি চালিয়ে গেলাম
আপনি অতীত দ্বারা ভূতুড়ে করা যাবে না
মানুষ আসে আর মানুষ যায়
এবং কিছুই কখনও স্থায়ী হয় না
তবু তোমার কথা ভাবি
আপনি কোথায় আশ্চর্য
আপনি কি আমাকে কোথাও থেকে দেখতে পারেন?
তারাদের মধ্যে সেখানে উপরে
কিন্তু এখানে স্বর্গের নিচে
একটি চার্ট ছিল না
জুড়ে আমাদের পথ গাইড করতে
হৃদয়ের এই আঁকাবাঁকা রাজপথ
এবং যদি এটা শুধুমাত্র সব সম্পর্কে
শেষ পর্যন্ত যাত্রা
সেই রাস্তায়, আমি জানতে পেরে আনন্দিত
আমার পুরোনো বন্ধু
@joeholden6129
An anthem to love.
@sarahwhyte55
"and on the wings of a song I'll fly away" love that line so much.... ♥️♥️
@margaretross9150
I didn't understand at first that she was referring to Gram.
@JoeMurphy-ih7og
On Emmy,Gram certainly knew what he was looking for when he first came across you and what a treasure he found in you.Test in peace Gram and God bless you Emmy.
@brenda-leeheathcote5530
So soulful. Breaks my heart every time I hear it. Love you Emmylou. Have for 45 years or more. Keep writing and singing and doing what you do. You're such an inspiration. xx
@a.vestige
God, I love this song brings tears everytime. Emmylou, you & Graham Parsons were the real thing. You still are. Keep on making those songs. ♥
@markduncan8988
A good song, really good and an awesome tribute to Gram Parsons
@afonso-zd8cg
You can not hear THE ROAD with Emmylou without remembering Gram. Emmylou's beautiful song, from the bottom of heart !!!
@kennyalex8888
On the wings of a song I'll fly away....bravo!!
@robertfanfalone3099
I just love YOU ❤️😍 Emmylou... my heart is Yours. I can't help it Emmylou forgive me for what I feel for You.