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
Buck Naked Heart
Patty Griffin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But that don't mean it is
I sat and I thought, and I thought, of the things I could say
And I just came up with this
Truth is harder than hell
Is it love or flies to a candle
As years go by it's hard to tell
As years go by it's hard to tell
You're actin' like it's nothing, baby
But I don't think I can play that part
When you have looked straight in the eyes
Of my buck naked heart
We were sometimes light so bright it hurt your eyes
And everything, to the touch, feels burned and raw
But folding back into the arms of a lie
Can never change, no never change, those things we saw
I can hardly stand to see you
You're so careful what you say
Do you think you're the only one
Who ever gave something away
You're actin' like it's nothing, baby
But I don't think I can play that part
When you have looked straight in the eyes
Of my buck naked heart
'Cause honesty is hard to handle
Truth is harder than hell
Is it love or flies to a candle
As years go by it's hard to tell
As years go by it's hard to tell
Years go by, hard to tell, hard to tell
You're actin' like it's nothing, baby
But I don't think I can play that part
When you have looked straight in the eyes
Of my buck naked heart
"Buck Naked Heart" by Patty Griffin explores the complexities of honesty, truth, and vulnerability in a relationship. The opening lines suggest a distance between the singer and their partner, emphasizing that distance does not diminish the significance of their emotions. The singer contemplates what they can say, ultimately settling on the idea that honesty is difficult but necessary. They question whether their connection is fueled by genuine love or temporary attraction akin to flies being drawn to a candle's flame.
The second verse delves into the intensity of their past relationship. The imagery of being blinded by their love's brightness but also feeling the pain of its intensity portrays a love that was both passionate and overwhelming. However, choosing to ignore the truth and embrace lies cannot erase the experiences and memories shared. The singer struggles with the dishonesty and carefully calculated responses of their partner, highlighting that they are not the only one who has made sacrifices or offered something valuable in the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
It must seem like a million miles away
Although it may appear distant and unreachable
But that don't mean it is
It does not necessarily mean it actually is
I sat and I thought, and I thought, of the things I could say
I pondered deeply, contemplating the words I could express
And I just came up with this
And this is the conclusion I arrived at
'Cause honesty is hard to handle
Being truthful is difficult to handle
Truth is harder than hell
In fact, truth is even more challenging
Is it love or flies to a candle
Is it genuine affection or just momentary attraction
As years go by it's hard to tell
As time passes, distinguishing becomes difficult
You're actin' like it's nothing, baby
You are behaving as if it holds no significance, my dear
But I don't think I can play that part
However, I do not believe I can pretend in the same way
When you have looked straight in the eyes
After you have directly confronted
Of my buck naked heart
The vulnerable core of my being
We were sometimes light so bright it hurt your eyes
There were moments when our brightness was overwhelming
And everything, to the touch, feels burned and raw
And every sensation, every contact, feels scorched and unrefined
But folding back into the arms of a lie
However, returning to the embrace of deception
Can never change, no never change, those things we saw
Can never alter, no, it can never alter the things we witnessed
I can hardly stand to see you
I can barely bear to look at you
You're so careful what you say
You are exceptionally cautious with your words
Do you think you're the only one
Do you believe you are the sole individual
Who ever gave something away
Who has ever bestowed something upon another
Years go by, hard to tell, hard to tell
As time passes, it becomes increasingly difficult to discern
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
saturdayboy4454
Thanks for that
flydiegofly
You're welcome! I'm glad you liked it =)