The Sweetest Gift
Linda Ronstadt feat. The Seldom Scene & Emmylou Harris Lyrics
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© 1942 Stamps-Baxter Music & Ptg. Co.
© renewed 1970 by Stamps-Baxter Music & Ptg. Co.
© 1977 Stamps-Baxter Music of the Zondervan Corporation
One day a mother went to a prison
To see an erring but precious son
She told the warden how much she loved him
She did not bring to him a parole or pardon
She brought no silver, no pomp or style
It was a halo bright sent down from heaven's light
The sweetest gift, a mother's smile
She left a smile you can remember
She's gone to heaven from heartaches free
Those walls around you could never change her
You were her baby and e'er will be
She did not bring to him a parole or pardon
She brought no silver, no pomp or style
It was a halo bright sent down from heaven's light
The sweetest gift, a mother's smile
She did not bring to him a parole or pardon
She brought no silver, no pomp or style
It was a halo bright sent down from heaven's light
The sweetest gift, a mother's smile
The sweetest gift, a mother's smile
The lyrics of Linda Ronstadt's song "The Sweetest Gift," written by J.B. Coats, talks about a mother's unconditional love and how it can have a positive impact on their children even in their darkest moments. The song paints a picture of a mother visiting her son who is in prison, telling the warden how much she loves him and bringing her sweet, reassuring smile. The lyrics convey that her love and support are all her son needs and that she believes in his potential for redemption.
The song explores the true meaning of love, which is not about material possessions but the gift of one's self. The mother does not bring silver nor pomp and style; instead, she brings a halo bright from heaven's light - a mother's smile. The simple gift of a smile can bring light to the darkest of places and is the sweetest gift a mother can give.
In conclusion, "The Sweetest Gift" is a beautiful tribute to the love and devotion of mothers. It tells the story of how a mother's love can have a positive influence on her child even in the most challenging times of their lives. The song encourages us to appreciate our mothers' love and to have faith in the power of love and hope.
Line by Line Meaning
One day a mother went to a prison
A mother visits her son in prison.
To see an erring but precious son
Despite her son's mistake, he remains precious to her.
She told the warden how much she loved him
The mother expressed her love for her son to the warden.
It did not matter what he had done
The mother's love for her son remained steadfast regardless of his actions.
She did not bring to him a parole or pardon
The mother did not have the power to alter her son's sentence.
She brought no silver, no pomp or style
The mother brought no material possessions, only her love.
It was a halo bright sent down from heaven's light
Her love was pure and divine.
The sweetest gift, a mother's smile
The mother's smile was the most invaluable gift she could bestow upon her son in his time of hardship.
She left a smile you can remember
The mother's smile left a lasting impression on her son.
She's gone to heaven from heartaches free
The mother has passed away and is now free from any pain and suffering.
Those walls around you could never change her
Even in death, the mother's love for her son remains unaltered.
You were her baby and e'er will be
The mother's love for her son will always be maternal.
She did not bring to him a parole or pardon
The mother did not have the power to alter her son's sentence.
She brought no silver, no pomp or style
The mother brought no material possessions, only her love.
It was a halo bright sent down from heaven's light
Her love was pure and divine.
The sweetest gift, a mother's smile
The mother's smile was the most invaluable gift she could bestow upon her son in his time of hardship.
She did not bring to him a parole or pardon
The mother did not have the power to alter her son's sentence.
She brought no silver, no pomp or style
The mother brought no material possessions, only her love.
It was a halo bright sent down from heaven's light
Her love was pure and divine.
The sweetest gift, a mother's smile
The mother's smile was the most invaluable gift she could bestow upon her son in his time of hardship.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: James B. Coats
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@richardhopp8378
I can not remember the first time I heard this Classic. I have seen Linda so many time in Concert, and have had a crush on both these amazing singers since the early 70's ... Now well into my 60's .... still feel the same for Emmylou and Linda.
@tjwash5118
I went to the concert for the Western Wall concert. Like here, they shared lead vocals on many of the songs they sang. Was especially nice when they sang A River For Him, written by Emmylou, recorded by both.
@BJane58
I loved these beautiful ladies since college back in 71. Singers of today, take note. It simply doesn't or ever will get better than this. Voices of angels. Thanks for posting this.
@jlquat19
Their voices are so pure and clear. It brings tears to my eyes! Thank you
@anagonzalez2211
Unbeatable!! The best version ever!! Love their voices!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
@rainymctrixie1
The best version ever.
@deeway1963
One of my favorite songs from two of the BEST singers in the world! Simply WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1,000 STARS AND THUMBS UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@margyb7469
Just beautiful
@smiley19912
Two beautiful voices, two beautiful women.
@lnl3237
Two bosom buddies!