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
Calling Me Home
Patty Griffin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Anytime you're falling apart
When you're washing the sheets
Any stranger you meet
When there's somebody waving goodbye
You're coming home to me, just remember
You're coming home to me
It's a world full of bar rooms and alleys
Of blue nights and red river valleys
When you feel like a shirt and a tie
Or like dirt
Or a lion and no one can see
You're coming home to me, just remember
You're coming home to me
When you get to that place
That's just under the stars
Hanging over the tree
At a quarter to three
When you get there you'll know
That's as far as you go
When you get there you'll see
You were already free
When you get there you'll la la la la la la
When you're lost and you're found
And you're found and you're lost
When you're dancing with no one around
You're coming home to me, just remember
You're coming home to me
In "Coming Home to Me," Patty Griffin expresses her devotion and commitment to a person she loves. Throughout the song, she reminds them that no matter where they go or what they experience in life, they are always coming back home to her. The verse "Anytime you say it with heart, anytime you're falling apart" emphasizes that no matter what kind of emotions they are feeling, good or bad, they can always find solace and support in her love for them. Griffin's use of the metaphor, "It's a world full of bar rooms and alleys, Of blue nights and red river valleys," paints a picture of a chaotic and uncertain world, but also highlights that her love is a constant source of stability in the midst of this unpredictability.
Further on, the lyrics mention a particular place under the stars, where one might arrive at a quarter to three, suggesting that this time symbolizes the darkest moment of one's journey. But the song assures the listener that in that despairing moment, their liberation is found, and they will realize that they were always free. The song culminates with the idea that the person might feel lost, found, lost again, but ultimately, they will always find their way back home to Griffin's love.
Overall, the song's message is one of unwavering and unconditional love, a love that is always present, no matter the circumstance. The song tells the listener that they are never alone and can always anchor themselves in Griffin's love.
Line by Line Meaning
Anytime you say it with heart
Whenever you speak truthfully and from your heart
Anytime you're falling apart
Whenever you feel broken or lost
When you're washing the sheets
During the mundane tasks of daily life
Any stranger you meet
Any person you encounter along your journey
When there's somebody waving goodbye
When you see someone leaving your life
You're coming home to me, just remember
You will always have a place in my heart
It's a world full of bar rooms and alleys
Life is unpredictable and full of challenges
Of blue nights and red river valleys
There are moments of both serenity and turmoil
When you feel like a shirt and a tie
When you feel like conforming to societal norms
Or like dirt
When you feel worthless or insignificant
Or a lion and no one can see
When you feel powerful but misunderstood
When you get to that place
When you reach a point in your journey
That's just under the stars
A moment of clarity and awe
Hanging over the tree
A natural beauty that surrounds us
At a quarter to three
A specific moment in time
When you get there you'll know
You will have an innate understanding
That's as far as you go
You have reached the end of your journey
When you get there you'll see
You will gain a new perspective
You were already free
You were never truly held back by your limitations
When you're lost and you're found
The ebb and flow of life's journey
And you're found and you're lost
The cyclical nature of growth and change
When you're dancing with no one around
When you find joy in solitude
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PATRICIA J. GRIFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kristinpeterson3579
Thank you for putting this up as its difficult to find. Everytime i hear this song it goes right to my heart for both my daughter and my own mother. Love her voice and this beautiful song.
@robertandkristinhall5006
Can't believe I posted that 5 years ago. Still rings as true as ever. My daughter is now 12. It's been a process of letting go of my baby and accepting the young woman she is becoming. You never understand until you have one of your own.
@michellemallen9496
My absolute favorite song ....thank you ❤️
@r____7548
nice voice