One of her most widely known singles is "Passionate Kisses" (written by fellow singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams), a song with a rock flavor musically and lyrics listing simple desires such as "a comfortable bed", "food to fill me up", and "time to think". Another big hit was "Down at the Twist and Shout", which she performed in January 1997 at Super Bowl XXXI in New Orleans.
A number of Mary Chapin Carpenter's songs speak to women, urging them on through hard times or troubled relationships. In "He Thinks He'll Keep Her", co-composed by Carpenter and Don Schlitz, the singer makes the case for strength and self-respect. Another common theme in her music is that of taking life at your own pace, rather than rampant goal-driven materialism, such as "The Long Way Home" from her 2001 album Time*Sex*Love, which pokes fun at a man who "retire(s) at thirty to his big-ass house next to the putting green." The album has a relatively different feel musically, incorporating elaborate orchestra melodies, but with her characteristic lyrical depth.
Her album Between Here and Gone, was released in 2004.
Carpenter's 2007 album, The Calling, on Rounder Records' rock/pop imprint Zoë, features commentary about contemporary politics, a reaction to the impact of Hurricane Katrina on a track entitled "Houston," and an incendiary track entitled "On with the Song", dedicated to the Dixie Chicks, and addressing the visceral reaction to the trio. In less than three months after its release, The Calling sold more than 100,000 copies in the US.
Carpenter has won five Grammy Awards and is the only artist to have won four consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, which she received from 1992 to 1995. On October 7, 2012, Carpenter was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Carpenter is a fifth cousin of the late singer and humanitarian Harry Chapin, along with his brothers Tom Chapin and Steve Chapin.
Bells Are Ringing
Mary Chapin Carpenter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No stockings hung by the fire
No parties, no family to greet
No angel's heavenly choirs
Bells are ringing all over the world
Bells are ringing calling the light
Bells are ringing all over the world
No doorways, no windows, no walls
No shelter here on the ground
No standing and no safe place to fall
Just the promise of this distant sound
Bells are ringing all over the world
Bells are ringing calling the light
Bells are ringing all over the world
All over the world tonight
Wherever you're walking tonight
Whoever you're waiting for
Somehow by the stable's faint light
Peace in your heart is restored
Bells are ringing all over the world
Bells are ringing calling the light
Bells are ringing all over the world
All over the world
Bells are ringing all over the world
Bells are ringing calling the light
Bells are ringing all over the world
All over the world tonight
Mary Chapin Carpenter's song "Bells Are Ringing" tells a story of hope and peace during a time that may seem bleak for some. The lyrics suggest that there are some things that may not be present during the holiday season (no presents, no candy, no family to greet), but that no matter where you are or who you are waiting for, the sound of bells ringing all around the world can bring you peace and restore hope in your heart.
The use of the phrase "calling the light" suggests that the bells are a symbol of enlightenment or guidance, and the repetition of "all over the world" emphasizes the universality of this message of hope. The imagery of "somehow by the stable's faint light" seems to allude to the Christmas story, where the light of a star guided the three wise men to the birthplace of Jesus. This further emphasizes the idea that the sound of the bells can lead one to a peaceful and hopeful state of mind.
Overall, "Bells Are Ringing" is a song that speaks to the universality of hope and peace, especially during times when it may seem hard to find.
Line by Line Meaning
No presents, no candy, no treat
There are no gifts, sweets or rewards to be had
No stockings hung by the fire
There are no decorations or celebrations
No parties, no family to greet
No gatherings or loved ones to welcome
No angel's heavenly choirs
There are no divine or heavenly voices
Bells are ringing all over the world
Despite the lack of festivities, the bells are ringing everywhere
Bells are ringing calling the light
The bells are a call to hope and positivity
All over the world tonight
This is a worldwide phenomenon happening this night
No doorways, no windows, no walls
There is no physical barrier or protection
No shelter here on the ground
No security can be found on Earth
No standing and no safe place to fall
There is no balance or safety in the world
Just the promise of this distant sound
The only hope is a distant promise in the form of ringing bells
Wherever you're walking tonight
This applies to everyone, no matter where they are
Whoever you're waiting for
This is for those who are waiting for someone or something
Somehow by the stable's faint light
Despite the bleak surroundings, light can be found at the stable
Peace in your heart is restored
The bells bring peace and hope to those who hear them
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Sentric Music
Written by: JOHN JENNINGS, MARY CARPENTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind