Patty Griffin (born Patricia Jean Griffin on March 16, 1964, in Old Town, M… Read Full Bio ↴Patty Griffin (born Patricia Jean Griffin on March 16, 1964, in Old Town, Maine) is an American Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and musician. Known for her stripped-down songwriting style centered around the folk music genre, her songs have been covered by a host of musicians including Emmylou Harris, Ellis Paul, Rory Block, and the Dixie Chicks. In 2007, she was the recipient of the Americana Music Association's "Artist of the Year" award and her album, Children Running Through, won for "Best Album". In 2011, her album Downtown Church won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Gospel Album.

After a short marriage which ended in 1992, Griffin began playing in Boston coffee houses and was scouted by A&M Records who signed Griffin on the strength of her demo tape. This resulted in her debut album Living With Ghosts -- a set of demos featuring only Ms. Griffin and her guitar -- which garnered critical acclaim in 1996. Her sophomore album, Flaming Red, demonstrated a more rocking, full-band sound. The ill-fated Silver Bell album was never released by her record label, however, and the label terminated her recording contract shortly after that. Many of the songs from Silver Bell were re-recorded for subsequent albums.

After switching to ATO Records Griffin brought out three albums in rapid succession: 1000 Kisses and Impossible Dream, which were both nominated for Grammy awards, and A Kiss in Time, a well-received live album. In March 2007, she released Children Running Through to great critical acclaim.

She has penned a wide variety of songs - Long Ride Home, Top of the World, Tony, Forgiveness, Chief, Mad Mission--that touch her listeners deeply. A number of high profile artists have covered Patty's songs, including the Dixie Chicks, Bette Midler, Emmylou Harris, The Wreckers, Solomon Burke and pop star Kelly Clarkson; these have brought her exposure in the more mainstream pop and country worlds outside of folk music circles. Upon hearing Solomon Burke's cover of one of her tunes, she said she almost didn't feel worthy of singing it anymore.

Following her collaboration with Mavis Staples on a tune for a compilation album Peter York, suggested Griffin make an album of gospel songs. Griffin agreed on the condition that Buddy Miller, a friend and bandmate, produced the record. Downtown Church was recorded at the Downtown Presbyterian Church in Nashville with a 2010 release date. The album features long-time friends Buddy and Julie Miller, as well as Shawn Colvin and Emmylou Harris. It also includes songs by Hank Williams, Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton, and "All Creatures of Our God and King," a song accredited to St. Francis of Assisi.

Griffin featured on Robert Plant's solo album, Band of Joy, which was released in September 2010

Griffin's album American Kid was released on May 7, 2013

2. Rowing Song
Patty Griffin Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

As I row, row, row
Going so slow, slow, slow
Just down below me is the old sea
Just down below me is the old sea
Nobody knows, knows, knows
So many things, things, so
So out of range
Sometimes so strange

Sometimes so sweet
Sometimes so lonely

The further I go
More letters from home never arrive
And I'm alone
All of the way
All of the way
Alone and alive

You just have to go, go, go
Where I don't know, know, know
This is the thing
Somebody told me
A long time ago

The further I go
More letters from home never arrive
And I'm alone
All of the way

All of the way
Alone and alive

Overall Meaning

Patty Griffin’s “Rowing Song” is a heart-wrenching lament about the loneliness of being away from home and the sea as a metaphor for the great unknown. In the first verse, she sings about rowing on the sea, feeling slow, but also feeling a connection to the vast ocean beneath her. She brings up the idea that there are so many things that people don't know and that some are out of range or out of reach for us to comprehend. Griffin’s lyrics in this song are dense with meaning—there is a suggestion of the unknown, perhaps even the mysterious, while also acknowledging the undeniable beauty of being alone and in nature.

As the song continues, she speaks of the letters from home that don't arrive, implying that the singer is far from home and lonely. In the chorus, she repeats that “all of the way” she is alone and alive which, when paired with the imagery of the sea, begs the question of how, in the midst of life’s loneliness, the beauty of nature can keep us alive. She ends the song with a simple phrase that encapsulates a sentiment many of us can relate to—that sometimes, in life, you just have to go where you don't know.

In summary, “Rowing Song” is a beautifully written song that could be interpreted in many ways, but at its core, it is a reminder that the beauty of nature can bring us solace in our moments of loneliness. The lyrics suggest that while life may be lonely, there is something precious and inherently valuable about being alive, even when we feel all alone.

· Patty Griffin wrote “Rowing Song” for her father, who was a sea captain.
· Griffin is known for her storytelling abilities, and “Rowing Song,” in particular, showcases her ability to paint a vivid picture with her lyrics.
· The song was featured on Griffin’s 2019 self-titled album.
· Griffin’s voice is often compared to that of Joni Mitchell.
· She has won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Gospel Album.
· Griffin has also written songs for other artists, including the Dixie Chicks and Linda Ronstadt.
· The song’s melody is simple, which allows the lyrics to shine through.
· The lyrics lend themselves to numerous interpretations and meanings.
· The song features beautiful acoustic guitar work.
· “Rowing Song” has been covered by a variety of artists, including The Wailin’ Jennys.

Chords: (Verse) Am, G, C, F (Chorus) C, F, G, Am

Line by Line Meaning

As I row, row, row
I am rowing steadily and repetitively

Going so slow, slow, slow
My speed is not fast, but rather slow

Just down below me is the old sea
The ocean lies just beneath me

Nobody knows, knows, knows
There are many secrets in the world that remain unknown

So many things, things, so
There are an endless amount of things and experiences

So out of range
Some things are so far away or unattainable

Sometimes so strange
Occasionally things can be unfamiliar, odd or unusual

Sometimes so sweet
At times, life can be enjoyable, pleasant or lovely

Sometimes so lonely
Occasionally one can feel isolated or without companionship

The further I go
The longer I journey and progress