Though Ketchum first began recording in the mid-1980s, not until his 1991 record deal with Curb Records did he have a major hit with the album Past The Point Of Rescue. The title cut to the album was a Top 3 single, and other singles that met similar success included "Small Town Saturday Night" and "Sure Love".
In 1994 Ketchum toured Britain, issuing the single "Past The Point Of Rescue" on that side of the Atlantic. Though the single failed to make the UK Top 100 pop charts, it received extensive airplay on country radio. The album Every Little Word (of which the UK release featured a bonus disc of past US hits including "Past The Point...") made the Top 40 on the UK country charts and also did the same back in the US.
Ketchum continued to record and release new material. His final US releases were Father Time in 2008, and I'm the Troubadour in 2014.
His film credits included appearing in the 1988 film Heartbreak Hotel and a small role in the 1994 film Maverick.
Every Little Word
Hal Ketchum Lyrics
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I got blisters on my fingers, salt stains on my shirt
Close the gate behind me, hear you call my name
Cuttin' cross the backyard, shakin' off the dirt
Strikes a chord within' me, the deepest sound I ever heard
I hear you in the kitchen singing like a bird
It's more than just I love you, baby, it's every little word
Talking to flowers, laughing with the kids
Cussing, crying, whisperin'
The sweetest song I have ever heard
It's more than just I love you, baby, it's every little word
When the house is finally settled, kids are all asleep
I'll ask you to walking down along the creek
We'll listen to the night birds, hear the crickets stir
It's more than just I love you, baby, it's every little word
Talking to flowers, laughing with the kids
Cussing, crying, whisperin'
The sweetest song I have ever heard
It's more than just I love you, baby, it's every little word
In Hal Ketchum's song "Every Little Word," the singer is reflecting on the simple moments that make up a relationship. He describes working hard outside, but being comforted by his wife's singing voice in the kitchen. He acknowledges that "I love you" doesn't fully encompass the depth of their connection, and that it's really "every little word" they share that makes their bond so strong. The singer goes on to describe the joys of family life, and ends with a romantic walk along a creek.
The lyrics capture the beauty of the small moments that make up a well-lived life. The singer highlights the importance of communication - whether it's talking to flowers, laughing with kids, or just whispering sweet nothings to his partner. He paints a picture of a full, rich life that's not necessarily full of grand gestures, but rather made special by the little things.
Interestingly, the song was written by Nanci Griffith, a legendary singer-songwriter known for her own introspective and emotional lyrics. Hal Ketchum's version became a hit in 1992, but the song has been covered by other artists as well.
Line by Line Meaning
Old man sun is setting, he won again today
As the sun sets, it signifies the end of another day. Despite achieving great things, the sun always sets, indicating that even if someone wins today, they may not win tomorrow.
I got blisters on my fingers, salt stains on my shirt
Physical pain and hard work are the signs of an honest day's work. The sweat, blisters, and stains earned from labor should be worn as badges of honor.
Close the gate behind me, hear you call my name
As one leaves home, it's bittersweet to hear loved ones' voices calling out. It's a reminder that even though you're leaving, they're still there, supporting you.
Cuttin' cross the backyard, shakin' off the dirt
After a long day of work, it's comforting to head home and shake off the dirt. It's about shedding the physical and emotional burden of work.
Strikes a chord within' me, the deepest sound I ever heard
Certain sounds or situations can evoke strong emotions in an individual, resonating with them deeply.
I hear you in the kitchen singing like a bird
Hearing a loved one sing while they perform domestic tasks, such as cooking, can be extraordinarily comforting and heartwarming.
It's more than just I love you, baby, it's every little word
Love is more than just a few words spoken. It's about every little action, conversation, and detail that makes up a relationship.
Talking to flowers, laughing with the kids
Simple pleasures, such as talking to flowers or laughing with children, can bring immense joy to life.
Cussing, crying, whisperin'
People experience a range of emotions, including negative ones like frustration or sadness. Being able to share those feelings with a loved one is a crucial aspect of a healthy relationship.
The sweetest song I have ever heard
Love and the moments shared with loved ones are like a song - beautiful and precious, evoking strong emotions in an individual.
When the house is finally settled, kids are all asleep
After a long day, when the family is safe and comfortable, it's the perfect time for intimate, quiet moments between partners.
I'll ask you to walking down along the creek
Taking a romantic walk with a loved one by the creek can be calming and peaceful, giving two individuals a chance to connect away from the chaos of everyday life.
We'll listen to the night birds, hear the crickets stir
Nature has a calming effect that can bring two people closer together. Listening to night birds or crickets can create a romantic and peaceful atmosphere.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: HAL KETCHUM, MARCUS HUMMON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind