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.
COME ON HOME
Mary Chapin Carpenter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In your eyes I can't believe
All the love I'm seeing now
Plain as day to me somehow
Oh, love, come on home
Promises a heart can keep
Happiness is you and me
Love has finally come in sight
Oh, love, come on home
You fit into my life and
You seem so right, like someone planned it
You give yourself to me and
You give so easily
Seems like you always understand
Everything says you are the one
Time is shining like the sun
Telling my heart what to say
Growing old with you someday
Oh, love, come on home
The song "Come On Home" by Mary Chapin Carpenter depicts the moment of realization that the love she's been waiting for finally stands in front of her. Carpenter sings about the intense love that she experiences while looking into her partner's eyes. The verses communicate the promises of love growing old together, and the happiness that will follow them throughout their lives. The second line of the chorus resonates with the song's central message, calling for love to come home. The song speaks to those who have waited for love to knock on their doors, encouraging them to open up and hold onto that love.
The lyrics describe a feeling that many people have experienced - finding the one they have been waiting for. Carpenter explains that promises can be kept, stating that happiness is something that can be achieved. As the chorus repeats asking for love to come home, she explains how everything says the partner is the one they have been waiting for. The singer is sure of their long-term future together and is eager to grow old with their loved one.
Line by Line Meaning
Slowly as you look at me
The way you gaze at me is full of affection and tenderness, causing me to feel loved and appreciated.
In your eyes I can't believe
When I look into your eyes, I'm amazed and grateful for the love and devotion that I see within them.
All the love I'm seeing now
You're giving me so much love and attention lately, and it's making me feel fulfilled and content in our relationship.
Plain as day to me somehow
I can see how much you love me so clearly, as if it's in broad daylight and impossible to miss.
Oh, love, come on home
I'm inviting you to come back to me and to our relationship, bringing all of your love and adoration with you and never leaving again.
Promises a heart can keep
I'm making heartfelt promises to stay true to you and to our love, keeping my word and being faithful and committed to our relationship.
Happiness is you and me
I'm happiest when we're together, enjoying each other's company and cherishing the love that we share.
Never was a dream so right
Being with you feels so perfect and natural, as if it were always meant to be and not just a figment of my imagination.
Love has finally come in sight
After waiting and searching for so long, I've finally found true love with you and it's a beautiful sight to behold.
You fit into my life and
You seem to fit into my life so smoothly and effortlessly, complementing my personality and lifestyle perfectly.
You seem so right, like someone planned it
It feels as if our relationship was meant to be, orchestrated by a higher power or destiny, because everything feels so right and natural between us.
You give yourself to me and
You're willing to be vulnerable and open with me, sharing your love and affection freely because you trust me completely.
You give so easily
You're effortlessly generous and compassionate with me, always willing to go above and beyond to make me happy and fulfilled in our relationship.
Seems like you always understand
You have an innate understanding of my needs and emotions, making me feel seen and heard and appreciated for who I truly am.
Everything says you are the one
All signs and indications point to you being my soulmate and the person I'm meant to spend the rest of my life with.
Time is shining like the sun
Time seems to fly by when I'm with you, creating golden moments that shine and sparkle like the sun and leave a lasting impression on my heart.
Telling my heart what to say
My heart is overflowing with emotions and love for you, leaving me at a loss for words at times but always expressing how much I care for you.
Growing old with you someday
I look forward to growing old with you and experiencing all of life's joys and challenges together, staying by your side and holding your hand every step of the way.
Oh, love, come on home
I'm asking you to come back to me and to our shared home, bringing all of your love and adoration with you and continuing to build our life and love together.
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARY ANN KENNEDY, PAM ROSE, PAT BUNCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind