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.
Twilight
Mary Chapin Carpenter Lyrics
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And shadows grow long down the hill
Follow the path known by heart
Down to the wide open fields
Now that it's twilight
Twilight
Now that it's twilight
The morning mist burned off my noon
The dogs never moved from the shade
The mountains were bluer than blue
But the best of the day has been saved
Now that it's twilight
Twilight
Now that it's twilight
Twilight
You and me, you and me
You and me
You and me, you and me
You and me
Now we'll be let by even tight sand
Until then we'll walk through the [Incomprehensible]
Pack up the hill once again
Done with another day's roaming
Now that it's twilight
Twilight
Now that it's twilight
Twilight
Now that it's twilight
Twilight
Magical twilight
Twilight
Mary Chapin Carpenter's song "Twilight" is a beautiful and contemplative reflection on the passing of time and the importance of appreciating the present moment. The song paints a vivid picture of a peaceful, rural setting as day turns to night. The opening lines, "The sun's going down past the pines, and shadows grow long down the hill," describe the gentle transition from day to night, and evoke a sense of calm and tranquility.
As the song progresses, Carpenter reflects on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. The lines "The morning mist burned off by noon, the dogs never moved from the shade" suggest a sense of routine and repetition, as if the days blend together seamlessly. But despite the routine, there is a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. The mountains are "bluer than blue," and even though the best part of the day is over, there is a sense that there is still magic to be found in the twilight hours.
Line by Line Meaning
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NEIL DAVIDGE, ROBERT DEL NAJA, CLIFF ROBERT MARTINEZ, RICHARD LEIGH FILE, JAMES GABRIEL LEO LAVELLE, CHRIS GOSS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind