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.
Last Word
Mary Chapin Carpenter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And when you've got, it I'll be gone
It won't matter what you're saying
When the damage has all been done
Can't seem to keep the faith
As if that's all I need to do
I'd rather walk away
You can have it; I don't want it
And when you've got, it I'll be gone
It won't matter what you're saying
When the damage has all been done
Some words will cut you down
Like you were only in the way
Why should I stand this ground?
It won't hurt as much to say
You can have it; I don't want it
And when you've got, it I'll be gone
It won't matter what you're saying
When the damage has all been done
Sometimes we're blinded by
The very thing we need to see
I finally realized
You need it more than you need me
You can have it; I don't want it
And when you've got, it I'll be gone
It won't matter what you're saying
When the damage has all been done
The damage has all been done
In Mary Chapin Carpenter's song "Last Word," the singer seems to be ending a relationship with someone who has caused them hurt. The singer says "you can have it; I don't want it," indicating that they are no longer interested in participating in the relationship. The singer also mentions that "when you've got it, I'll be gone," showing that they are planning on leaving once the other person has what they want. The singer seems to be done with the damage that has been caused and is ready to move on.
The second verse mentions that the singer can't seem to keep the faith, as if faith could have saved the relationship. Rather than keep trying to make it work, the singer says they would rather walk away than take what belongs to the other person. The third verse mentions that some words will cut you down, and the singer questions why they should continue to stand their ground. It won't hurt as much to say that the other person can have what they want and move on.
Line by Line Meaning
You can have it; I don't want it
I have no need or desire for what you are offering, so it is all yours to take.
And when you've got, it I'll be gone
Once you take what you want, I will leave and move on with my life.
It won't matter what you're saying
Your words will hold no relevance to me, as I will have already removed myself from the situation.
When the damage has all been done
Once the negative effects of the situation have taken place and are irreversible, I will be gone.
Can't seem to keep the faith
I am struggling to maintain my optimism and hope for the future.
As if that's all I need to do
I understand that keeping faith alone is not enough to solve this problem.
I'd rather walk away
It is best for me to remove myself from this situation.
Than take what belongs to you
I do not wish to take something that rightfully belongs to you.
Some words will cut you down
Certain words can be very hurtful and damaging to a person's self-esteem.
Like you were only in the way
These words can make it seem as though you are an obstacle rather than a valuable human being.
Why should I stand this ground?
I am questioning the decision to stay in a situation where I am being hurt.
It won't hurt as much to say
It is less painful for me to simply remove myself from the situation rather than try to defend myself.
Sometimes we're blinded by
Occasionally we are unable to see what is right in front of us.
The very thing we need to see
It is possible that the thing we are overlooking is the key to finding a solution to our problems.
I finally realized
I have come to the understanding that something is more important to you than it is to me.
You need it more than you need me
In the end, the thing you wanted was more important to you than maintaining our relationship.
The damage has all been done
Irreversible harm has been caused and there is no going back.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARY CARPENTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind