The band's namesake and place of origin is the Cincinnati, Ohio neighborhood Over-the-Rhine. Karin attended school in Barnesville, Ohio and graduated from Barnesville High School in 1984. She then went to Malone College, located in Canton, Ohio, where she met Linford. Karin and Linford were married in the fall of 1996 in Cincinnati and several years ago relocated to a pre-civil war farm outside of town.
Over the Rhine is now primarily Bergquist (vocals, acoustic guitar, piano) and Detweiler (keyboards, electric bass, vocals) accompanied by complementary musicians on albums and tours. Over the years, they have toured and recorded in many variations. They have shared the stage with a number of fine musicians, including Bob Dylan, John Prine, Adrian Belew, Squeeze, Ani DiFranco, My Morning Jacket, Hem, and toured as "adjunct" members of Cowboy Junkies.
Over the Rhine's new album, _The Long Surrender_ was released nationally on 1/1/11. It recorded on California with Grammy winning producer, Joe Henry and contains a duet with Lucinda Williams on "Undamned" and two songs co-written with Joe Henry.
Darlin'
Over the Rhine Lyrics
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Darlin', darlin'
So it's been a long year
Every new day brings one more tear
Till there's nothing left to cry
My, my, how time flies
We'll make it disappear
Let's start a brand new year
Darlin', Christmas is coming
Salvation army bells are ringing
Darlin', Christmas is coming
Do you believe in angels singing'
Darlin', the snow is falling
Falling like forgiveness from the sky
(Darlin', darlin')
Darlin', darlin'
If I could have anything
What would I want this new year to bring
Well, I'd want you here with me
Tear these thorns from my heart
Help the healing to start
Let's set this old world free
Let's start with you and me
Darlin', Christmas is coming
Salvation army bells are ringing
Darlin', Christmas is coming
Do you believe in angels singing'
Darlin', the snow is falling
Falling like forgiveness from the sky
So it's been a long year
Every new day brings one more tear
Till there's nothing left to cry
Darlin', Christmas is coming
Salvation army bells are ringing
Darlin', Christmas is coming
Do you believe in angels singing'
Darlin', the snow is falling
Falling like forgiveness, falling like forgiveness
Falling like forgiveness from the sky
(Darlin' darlin')
Darlin', darlin'
The song "Christmas is coming" by Over the Rhine is a love letter to Christmas, an acknowledgement of the emotional struggles of the past year and a hopeful message for a better year ahead. The song starts with the singer reflecting on the past year that has been filled with tears, and wishing for a fresh start in the new year. The reference to "little children hiding their eyes" is a metaphor for the desire to hide from the pain of the past year, but the singer emphasizes that they will work to make that pain disappear in the new year.
The song then takes a turn towards the spirit of Christmas, with the singer reminding their lover that Christmas is coming, and that the Salvation Army bells are ringing. The imagery of the bells ringing and angels singing evoke the joy and hope of the holiday season. The snow falling "like forgiveness from the sky" reinforces the message of a fresh start and the possibility of redemption.
Ultimately, the song expresses the hope that the love between the singer and their lover can help heal the pain of the past year and set them on a path towards a better future. The repeated use of "darlin', darlin'" emphasizes the intimacy and closeness between the couple, and the strong connection they share.
Line by Line Meaning
Darlin', darlin'
The singer addresses their loved one in a familiar and affectionate way.
So it's been a long year
The singer reflects on the length and difficulty of the past year.
Every new day brings one more tear
The singer emphasizes the constant pain they have felt throughout the year.
Till there's nothing left to cry
The artist suggests that they have exhausted their capacity for tears.
My, my, how time flies
The artist comments on the fast passage of time, despite emotional struggle.
Like little children hiding their eyes
The singer compares the innocence and vulnerability of themselves and others.
We'll make it disappear
The singer expresses hope that their problems will go away.
Let's start a brand new year
The artist looks forward to a fresh beginning.
Darlin', Christmas is coming
The artist notes the timing of Christmas and addresses their loved one again.
Salvation army bells are ringing
The artist hears a sign of the holiday season and goodwill towards others.
Do you believe in angels singing'
The singer asks a rhetorical question about the supernatural qualities of the holiday season.
Darlin', the snow is falling
The artist mentions the beauty and purity of snowfall.
Falling like forgiveness from the sky
The singer compares the snowfall to a symbol of spiritual redemption.
If I could have anything
The singer expresses a hypothetical desire for something in the new year.
What would I want this new year to bring
The singer asks a reflective question about setting goals for the future.
Well, I'd want you here with me
The artist answers their own question with the unequivocal desire for companionship.
Tear these thorns from my heart
The artist uses a metaphor to describe emotional pain and asks for healing.
Help the healing to start
The singer asks for someone to assist in their personal growth.
Let's set this old world free
The singer notes a desire for social justice and progress.
Let's start with you and me
The artist suggests that personal relationships are integral to enacting change.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: LINFORD DETWEILER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind