On "Compass & Companion", Mark partnered with Kelly Willis for the title song.
He regularly tours in support of Kris Delmhorst, Lori McKenna and Catie Curtis, playing acoustic and electric guitar.
Mark has worked with producer Lorne Entress exclusively and co-produced "Hillbilly Pilgrim" and "Hope & Other Casualties'.
Here and Now
Mark Erelli Lyrics
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Ten below zero, sleeping on the street
Someday we all will have a home
A place to come in from the cold
Somewhere so high above the clouds
Why not here? Why not now?
Still too many hands empty behind the golden door
Someday we all will have a home
A place to come in from the cold
Somewhere so high above the clouds
Why not here? Why not now?
Someday we all will live the dream
There'll be no cracks to fall between
Somewhere where everyone will have enough
But here and now, it's up to us
Someday we all will be at peace
And all of our suffering will cease
There's more than enough to go around
So why not here? Why not now?
Why not here? Why not now?
Why not here? Why not now?
Why not here? Why not now?
Why not here? Why not now?
The lyrics to Mark Erelli's song "Here & Now" convey a message of hope, resilience, and perseverance in the face of hardship and adversity. The opening verse introduces us to the image of a homeless person sleeping on the street, using a "cobblestone pillow" and "newspaper sheets" to keep warm in the frigid temperature of "ten below zero". Despite this dire situation, the song suggests that someday we will all have a home, a place where we can come in from the cold and feel safe and secure. The refrain "why not here? Why not now?" implies a sense of urgency and a call to action, challenging the listener to take action in the present moment to bring about the change we want to see in the world.
The second verse expands on this theme, invoking the idea of the "pastures of plenty" spoken of by Woody Guthrie in his classic folk song, "This Land Is Your Land". However, the song notes that many hands are still empty behind the "golden door" of opportunity and prosperity. Again, the refrain reinforces the idea that we have the power to change this reality and create a world where everyone has enough to thrive. The final verse speaks to the ultimate goal of achieving peace and an end to suffering, recognizing that the work to achieve this will be ongoing and difficult, but emphasizing that the present moment is the time to start.
Overall, "Here & Now" is a song that encourages us to think about the kind of world we want to live in, and to take responsibility for working towards that vision in whatever ways we can. The repetitive refrain is a call to action that challenges us to be present and engaged in the world around us, rather than waiting for some distant future perfection.
Line by Line Meaning
Cobblestone pillow, newspaper sheets
Sleeping on the street with a hard, uncomfortable pillow and newspapers for blankets
Ten below zero, sleeping on the street
Braving the bitter cold without a roof over your head, hoping to make it through the night
Someday we all will have a home
The hope that one day, everyone will have a place to call their own
A place to come in from the cold
A home that offers safety, security, and warmth against the elements
Somewhere so high above the clouds
The ideal, idyllic home, perfect in every way
Why not here? Why not now?
Why shouldn't we start making progress towards that perfect place now, where we are?
Pastures of plenty for the tired and poor
The thought of a place where the less fortunate will have plenty, and won't be worn down by hard work
Still too many hands empty behind the golden door
Even in wealthy areas with luxurious-looking homes, some people are still struggling to make ends meet
Someday we all will live the dream
A hope that one day, everyone will have what they need and won't have to worry about surviving
There'll be no cracks to fall between
In that perfect world, there will be no gaps or cracks for people to fall through - everyone will be cared for and supported
Somewhere where everyone will have enough
A place where there's always enough for everyone to have what they need (not just what they want)
But here and now, it's up to us
We have to start making changes now, in our current circumstances, to move closer to that ideal world
Someday we all will be at peace
A hope that violence and aggression will end and everyone will feel safe
And all of our suffering will cease
Everyone will have what they need, which will put an end to their suffering
There's more than enough to go around
The resources and potential to create that perfect world are available, if we just harness them wisely
So why not here? Why not now?
We can start making progress towards that perfect world right now, where we are, if we just try
Why not here? Why not now?
There's no reason for us to wait to start making a difference in our world, starting with ourselves
Why not here? Why not now?
We have the power to change our world for the better right here, right now - let's do it
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: IAIN WALLACE HARVIE, JUSTIN CURRIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind