Justin Townes Earle, born January 4, 1982 in Nashville, TN, was an American alt-country singer-songwriter who walked the line between old-time country and modern acoustic Indie music by breathing new life into early country, blues and gospel forms.
His first release, Yuma, in 2007 was a stark and beautiful set of songs written while Earle was fresh out of rehab and is now re-released by Bloodshot Records, who have a further three albums on their catalogue.
The Good Life, Midnight At the Movies (Americana award nominee) and the latest Harlem River Blues show Earle's characteristic charm, wit and rhythm to the forefront.
2009 saw him touring with Old Crow Medicine Show, The Felice Brothers and Gillian Welch/Dave Rawlings as a member of The Big Surprise tour and he has been touring solidly through 2010 making fans all along the way. In 2011, he received the Americana Music Award in the Song of the Year category for his "Harlem River Blues," from the album of the same name.
His fourth release "Nothing's Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now", released in 2012 was met with critical acclaim, it was listed at #37 on Rolling Stone's list of the top 50 albums of 2012, saying "The son of country-rock renegade Steve Earle has grown into a songwriter to rival his dad."
Earle died on August 20, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 38. His death was announced by his label on social media on August 23. The cause of death was not immediately announced, but Nashville police said they were investigating the death as a probable drug overdose. On December 1, 2020, Earle's family confirmed that he died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl-laced cocaine.
Christchurch Woman
Justin Townes Earle Lyrics
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Laying in and laying low
I was wasting my night
Calling in my favorite songs
On the local radio
I was standing in window
Staring down into the street
Just when the lightning flashed
The telephone ringed
I am waiting for Christchurch woman in the rain
Yeah, the rain keep coming
But it ain't enough to cover the pain
I've always been a fool
For a conversation and a couple of smokes
Yeah, and when I'm feeling this blue
I just need someone to laugh at my jokes
And I am waiting for Christchurch woman in the rain
And its early evening so there's hope for a better day
Now I know its getting late
It's Friday night
And the crowd's are starting to fade away
And I know I shouldn't be here waiting on her
But I keep thinking any second
She'll be coming 'round the corner
And I should be in my room, and I should learn how to forget
Well, she may be pretty
Oh, but someday I'll get sick of her shit
I am waiting for Christchurch woman in the rain
The rain keep coming
But it ain't enough to cover the pain
And I am waiting for Christchurch woman in the rain
And its early evening so there's hope for a better day
The lyrics of Justin Townes Earle’s song “Christchurch Woman” convey a sense of melancholy and longing. The singer appears to be in a state of emotional pain, with the rain acting as a symbol for his struggles. He is “waiting for Christchurch woman in the rain” and hopes that her arrival will bring him solace from his troubles. Despite the rain pouring down, it is not enough to “cover the pain” he is experiencing.
The first few verses provide insight into the singer's life. He is “laying in and laying low” and spending his time indulging in his favorite pastime: calling the radio station to request his favorite songs. He is staring out the window into the street when the lightning strikes, and the thunder rolls, which is a metaphor for the sudden changes that can occur in life. The telephone rings signaling that the Christchurch woman is due to arrive soon.
The chorus reveals the singer's desperation for companionship, even if it is just a conversation and a couple of smokes. He needs someone to laugh at his jokes and distract him from his troubles. He is waiting for the Christchurch woman, even though he knows he is wasting his time. He is aware that he should be in his room and learning how to forget her, but he can't help himself. Despite the pain he is feeling, there is still hope for a better day, as it is still early in the evening.
Overall, "Christchurch Woman" is a poignant song that deals with themes of loneliness and the human need for companionship. The singer's struggles with his emotions are relatable, and the song's somber melody helps convey the sense of melancholy that the lyrics express.
Line by Line Meaning
I was doing alright
Laying in and laying low
At first, I was feeling content with lying in bed and being idle.
I was wasting my night
Calling in my favorite songs
On the local radio
I was passing time by listening to music, but not really accomplishing anything.
I was standing in window
Staring down into the street
Just when the lightning flashed
And the thunder rolled
The telephone ringed
As I was gazing outside my window, a sudden thunderstorm began and interrupted my thoughts with a phone call.
I am waiting for Christchurch woman in the rain
Yeah, the rain keep coming
But it ain't enough to cover the pain
Despite the unfavorable weather conditions, I'm anticipating the arrival of a specific person who can help me forget about my troubles.
I've always been a fool
For a conversation and a couple of smokes
Yeah, and when I'm feeling this blue
I just need someone to laugh at my jokes
I have a tendency to crave company and camaraderie when I'm feeling down, whether it's through talking or sharing a cigarette, and a person to bond with through humor.
And its early evening so there's hope for a better day
Despite the current challenges, the time of day brings an optimistic outlook for a brighter tomorrow.
Now I know its getting late
It's Friday night
And the crowd's are starting to fade away
As the night progresses and the weekend ensues, people are gradually leaving the areas around me.
And I know I shouldn't be here waiting on her
But I keep thinking any second
She'll be coming 'round the corner
I am aware that it might not be reasonable to wait for the person I'm hoping for, however I still hold onto the possibility of them arriving.
And I should be in my room, and I should learn how to forget
Well, she may be pretty
Oh, but someday I'll get sick of her shit
I ought to be handling my emotions and letting go of the person I'm waiting for, despite their physical attractiveness, since I might eventually grow tired of their behavior.
I am waiting for Christchurch woman in the rain
The rain keep coming
But it ain't enough to cover the pain
Once again, I am eagerly waiting for the arrival of the person who can alleviate my emotional distress.
And its early evening so there's hope for a better day
I still have hope for a brighter outcome, as it is early evening rather than late at night.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Justin Townes Earle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind