Performing Songwriter calls Hutchinson, "...A master of introspective ballads filled with understated yearning and an exquisite sense of metaphor." The twenty-six year old describes her style as "lyric-based, folk-pop, with a whole lot of small town idealism and one devastating break up thrown in for good measure." Among her influences she is quick to include poet Mary Oliver along with the likes of David Grey, Patty Griffin, Greg Brown and Shawn Colvin. Her songs are characterized by a weathered but unselfconscious optimism, a love of language and of the natural world. Having grown up in a town of 5,000 people, "just outside the National Historic District," her songs possess all the charm of Lake Wobegon, tempered by a sweet and timeless voice.
Making You A Place
Meg Hutchinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Took the longest day of the summer
And made our own longest night together
Lay our blankets in the shelter of the pines
And lay down under that big sky
If nothing can stay, I better love you today
If nothing can stay, I'm just gonna love you today
I was making you a place
Part laughing, part crying
Part being born, part dying
If nothing can stay, let's stay open to the changes
At the end of the day, let's try to choose amazement
Where were you …
If the path leads away I won't beg you to stay
But if the pain takes hold you won't have to face it alone
Where was I all that time …
If nothing can stay let's stay open to the changes
If nothing can stay I better love you today
Where were you all that time …
The lyrics of Meg Hutchinson's song "Making You A Place" speak of the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with the people we love. The first few lines describe the four elements - land, water, air, and fire - which represent the varied experiences that make up our lives. The second line references the longest day of the year, which is symbolic of the fleeting nature of time. The singer then goes on to describe a night spent under the stars with someone she loves, emphasizing that even though everything is temporary, love can make our moments together feel infinite.
The chorus repeats the question "Where were you all that time?" which implies that the singer has been waiting for this person for a long time and has been working hard to make a home for them. The second verse continues to explore the duality of life, with the singer acknowledging that happiness and sadness are intertwined, and that life is a cycle of birth and death. The lines "If nothing can stay, let's stay open to the changes / At the end of the day, let's try to choose amazement" emphasize the importance of adapting to life's twists and turns and finding joy in the midst of uncertainty.
The bridge speaks of the difficulties that may come in a relationship, but assures the listener that they will never have to face them alone. The final chorus repeats the question "Where were you all that time?" again, but this time the singer follows it with the affirmation "I was making you a place," suggesting that despite the uncertainty and transience of life, the love they have found for each other has given them a kind of home that will last forever.
Line by Line Meaning
Part land, part water, part air, part fire
We are made up of various elements and forces of nature.
Took the longest day of the summer
We spent a long time together, enjoying each other's company.
And made our own longest night together
We created an unforgettable memory together that will last forever.
Lay our blankets in the shelter of the pines
We found a cozy spot under the trees and made ourselves comfortable.
And lay down under that big sky
We looked up at the vastness of the sky, feeling small but connected to something bigger than ourselves.
If nothing can stay, I better love you today
Since nothing lasts forever, I need to cherish this moment and express my love right now.
If nothing can stay, I'm just gonna love you today
I am committed to loving you fully and completely in this moment.
Where were you all that time?
I had been preparing a special place for you in my heart and in my life.
I was making you a place
I was actively creating a space reserved just for you, both literally and metaphorically.
Part laughing, part crying
Our experiences together have been a mix of happiness and sadness.
Part being born, part dying
We have gone through significant changes and transformations together.
If nothing can stay, let's stay open to the changes
We need to be willing to adapt and embrace the changes that come our way.
At the end of the day, let's try to choose amazement
Despite the challenges and hardships, let's focus on the wonder and beauty of our relationship and of life itself.
If the path leads away I won't beg you to stay
I trust that each of us will find our own path and respect each other's choices.
But if the pain takes hold you won't have to face it alone
I promise to be there for you in times of difficulty and provide comfort and support.
Where was I all that time …
I was patiently waiting for you and preparing my heart for our love story.
Contributed by Charlie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.