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.
Still Still Still
Mary Chapin Carpenter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One can hear the falling snow
For all is hushed, the world is sleeping
Winter star, its vigil keeping
Still, still, still
One can hear the falling snow
Sleep, sleep, sleep
The night is peaceful all around you
Close your eyes, let sleep surround you
Sleep, sleep, sleep
'Tis the eve of the baby's birth
While guardian angels without number
Watch you as you sweetly slumber
Dream, dream, dream
Of the joyous day to come
Still, still, still
One can hear the falling snow
For all is hushed, the world is sleeping
Winter star, its vigil keeping
Still, still, still, still, still, still
Still, still, still, still, still, still
Mary Chapin Carpenter’s song "Still Still Still" is a gentle and peaceful Christmas carol that evokes the sense of calm and quiet that permeates the winter season. The lyrics describe a snowy night that is perfect for sleeping, with everything in the world hushed and quiet. The singer advises the listener to close their eyes and embrace the peace of the night, with guardian angels watching over them as they dream of the joyous day to come.
The song’s title phrase “Still, still, still” comes from the German Christmas carol “Still, Still, Still, Weil's Kindlein Schlafen Will,” which was composed in the early 19th century. This song has been translated into English and recorded by many artists over the years, including Mary Chapin Carpenter.
The second verse of the song describes the night before the birth of the baby Jesus, a time of peace and quiet just before the world changed forever. The lyrics suggest that we should honor this moment, with its sense of tranquility and awe.
The third verse encourages us to dream of the joyous day to come, when the baby Jesus is born and the world is reborn. The words remind us that even in the midst of winter’s dark and long nights, there is still hope for renewal and new beginnings.
Overall, "Still Still Still" is a beautiful and contemplative Christmas carol that invites us to pause and reflect on the deeper meanings of the season. Its gentle melody and peaceful lyrics make it a perfect song for quiet moments of reflection during the busy holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
Still, still, still
Everything is quiet and still
One can hear the falling snow
It is so silent that you can hear the snow as it falls
For all is hushed, the world is sleeping
The world is totally silent and asleep
Winter star, its vigil keeping
The shining star in the winter sky is watching over everything
Sleep, sleep, sleep
Go to sleep
'Tis the eve of the baby's birth
It's the special night before the birth of a child
The night is peaceful all around you
The night is totally calm and peaceful
Close your eyes, let sleep surround you
Close your eyes and let sleep take over you
While guardian angels without number
There are many guardian angels
Watch you as you sweetly slumber
The angels are watching over you as you sleep peacefully
Dream, dream, dream
Dream of wonderful things
Of the joyous day to come
Think of the wonderful day that is coming
Still, still, still, still, still, still
All is calm, all is peaceful
Still, still, still, still, still, still
All is calm, all is peaceful
Contributed by Jake B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
LIsa McNeil
First thing I looked at up awaking, and your video was like a beautiful Christmas/Winter Dream. I am hugely blessed. Beautiful soothing song with the most precious pictures going along with it. It took me to a safe and beautiful place. You keep topping yourself over and over with these videos that minister to the heart.
Dana Boney
Love your mysterious voice. Something so unique that gives me chill bumps . Listen to opera voices a lot but your voice is so intriguing. Beautiful
FAUSTORICCARDO
Very beautiful these Christmas songs, thanks
o7jimmy
Wonderful arrangement and a very Merry Christmas to you and family! 100/100*****
Dalila Cunha
Love this song....so sweet !!
beanscot
Thank you! Merry Christmas!
Holly Sweet
What a sweet story! Love the video! Thanks so much. You are such a blessing to me! :0)
beanscot
Thanks, my friend! The presence of God is a safe and beautiful place...
lotis333
What a beautiful video! I love the pictures you posted. Thank you -
Carolyn Wheeler
The very best version of this song I M H O!