Mandolin Orange’s music radiates a mysterious warmth —their songs feel like whispered secrets, one hand cupped to your ear. The North Carolina duo have built a steady and growing fanbase with this kind of intimacy, and on Tides of A Teardrop, due out February 1, it is more potent than ever. By all accounts, it is the duo’s fullest, richest, and most personal effort. You can hear the air between them—the taut space of shared understanding, as palpable as a magnetic field, that makes their music sound like two halves of an endlessly completing thought. Singer-songwriter Andrew Marlin and multi-instrumentalist Emily Frantz have honed this lamp glow intimacy for years.
In the last three years, the group has toured throughout the U.S and Europe, including appearances at Austin City Limits, South by Southwest, Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Newport Folk Festival, Pickathon, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Rooster Walk, and MerleFest and the Omagh Bluegrass Festival. Mandolin Orange was the featured artist on CBS This Morning's Saturday Morning Sessions on December 7, 2019.
They signed to Yep Roc Records in 2013 and have produced four albums under their umbrella, This Side Of Jordan, Such Jubilee, Blindfaller and Tides of a Teardrop.
House Of Stone
Mandolin Orange Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
where the eyes are big, and the odds are lean.
The pockets all are empty, the chances all are gone,
but there's a free bet yet on a house of stone,
a house of stone.
Now some may sing sounds of hallelujah
and dream about a mansion of gold,
My dreams all are resting on a house of stone,
a house of stone.
Say that devil's a sly one with many kind friends.
His riches are boundless, they know no no end.
Down in the valley, the shadow's grown,
but in the light of Calvary sits a house of stone,
a house of stone.
The lyrics to Mandolin Orange's song House Of Stone seem to be a commentary on the idea of faith and money, and the role they play in shaping one's dreams and aspirations. The opening lines describe a churchyard auction, where people are vying for a chance at winning a house made of stone - a symbol of strength and durability. However, the pockets of the bidders are empty and the odds of winning are slim. This sets the stage for a larger discussion about the value of material possessions and how they can obscure our priorities.
The next few lines suggest that there may be different ways of thinking about what it means to have a "mansion of gold." While some might see it as the ultimate achievement or goal, the singer seems to suggest that there is something deeper and more meaningful than that. "My dreams all are resting on a house of stone," they sing, implying that they have found strength and stability in something that cannot be bought or sold.
The final lines of the song introduce the idea of the devil, and the temptations that come with his wealth. While he may seem powerful and alluring, the singer notes that there is still hope to be found in the light of Calvary - a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This imagery reinforces the idea that true strength and security can only be found in something that transcends the material world.
Overall, the lyrics to House Of Stone are a captivating exploration of the role that faith and money can play in shaping our dreams and desires. By juxtaposing the idea of a house made of stone with the empty pockets of the bidders, the song suggests that there is something more valuable than wealth alone.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a churchyard auction, a sight to see,
An exciting auction takes place within this sacred space.
where the eyes are big, and the odds are lean.
People are eager to bid despite having very little chance of winning.
The pockets all are empty, the chances all are gone,
All bidders have lost everything they had, and now have very little chance to acquire the house.
but there's a free bet yet on a house of stone,
Despite having nothing left to offer, there's still a chance to win the valuable house.
a house of stone.
The house that is being auctioned is made of stone and has high value.
Now some may sing sounds of hallelujah
There are some who express happiness and gratefulness for the things they have.
and dream about a mansion of gold,
Some people fantasize about having a big, luxurious house made of gold.
but to each be true and to each be known.
Each person should be true to themselves and remain true to their identity.
My dreams all are resting on a house of stone,
The singer's aspirations are pinned on acquiring the valuable house.
a house of stone.
The house being bid on is the focal point of the singer's dreams.
Say that devil's a sly one with many kind friends.
The devil is crafty and has many cunning associates.
His riches are boundless, they know no no end.
The devil has unlimited wealth that seems never-ending.
Down in the valley, the shadow's grown,
Darkness and negativity have taken over in the valley where the devil and his associates reside.
but in the light of Calvary sits a house of stone,
Despite the presence of darkness down in the valley, there is a rare and valuable house made of stone that is within reach and attainable.
a house of stone.
The house is again emphasized as the object of desire and focus of the song.
Contributed by Jayden C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@AdamBlevins
It's a churchyard auction
A sight to see
Where the eyes are big
And the odds are lean
The pockets all are empty
The chances are all gone
But there's a free bet yet on a house of stone
House of stone
Now some may sing sounds of Hallelujah
And dream about a mansion of gold
But to each be true and to each be known
My dreams all are resting on a house of stone
A house of stone
Say that devil's a sly one
With many kind friends
His riches are boundless
They know no end
Down in the valley
The shadow's grown
But in the light of Calvary sits a house of stone
A house of stone
@invaderzim451
Ever since discovering Mandolin Orange in the June of 2015, I have been convinced that I will never be able to discover music as good as this ever again
@sandybennett6037
These two gave me a soundtrack of
better days id had during the discovery of these songs. I have liveed in the mountains my entire life but have never really appreciated the serenity or beauty they hold until I included these songs in my drive.not just I but my entire family enjoy these two magnificent musicians not only for there playing but especially song writing abilities.im glad my wife introduced me to their music.
@evanskinner5820
100% agree
@SPINDY72
It's 2023 and I still agree.
@marcheuer9972
I keep coming back here for this song and that plaintive fiddle and oh so perfect vocals.
@michaelwattie489
Love everything about this song, the finger picking, the chording on the fiddle, the harmonies, the looks exchanged, mostly though the lyrics. Healing words for the hurt and aching church.
Thanks, as always
@conniewolf7300
I like the old stuff best! With just the 2 of them.
@landongaunt825
These two have the most beautiful harmony I have ever heard
@pampeterson3836
I’ve found this wonderful song late it seems. I’m glad I’ve heard it. Heartfelt lyrics, fantastic singing, clear crisp guitar, soulful violin, all add up to a song I’ve played over and over.
@jamesschierberl6069
History in the making. Genius at work.. I am so thankful to have found these two.