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

Go Now
Patty Griffin Lyrics

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Go Now

Here's your moon
Here's your stars
Go now
Go now
Here's the sun

Here's the birds
Here's you are
Go now
Go now

Got a stellar reputation
As the star that never fell
As the train that left the station
As the secret that no one could ever tell
Here's the lamp
Here's the landing
We might never understand it
Go now
Go now
Here's the trees red and gold
Here's the snow
Here we go now
Let's go now

I was waiting for the leap year
And got caught out in the rain
Singing like a sparrow
Always planning my narrow escape

Here's the morning shining on us
Here's the twilight upon us
Here's the moon
Here's the stars
Here I am

Here you are
Let's go now

Overall Meaning

Patty Griffin's song "Go Now" is a simple yet powerful song that tells a story of someone who is urging the listener to move on from their current situation. The first stanza of the song sets the scene of a beautiful day with the moon, stars, sun, and birds, and then the listener is told to "Go now." The second stanza talks about the person's reputation as someone who never falls, leaves, or shares secrets. The third stanza describes the beauty of nature, and then the listener is urged once again to "let's go now."

The repetition of "Go now" throughout the song is quite effective in conveying a sense of urgency and restlessness. The song is essentially about taking action and not being afraid to move on from whatever is holding you back. The lyrics are open to interpretation, but the overall message seems to be one of encouragement and empowerment.

Overall, "Go Now" is a beautiful and inspirational song that reminds us that sometimes we need to take a leap of faith and move on from our current situations in order to grow and evolve.

Line by Line Meaning

Here's your moon
I offer you a symbol of guidance and beauty

Here's your stars
I offer you a path to follow through the vast universe

Go now
Take what I give you and embark upon your journey

Here's the sun
I offer you warmth, light, and energy

Here's the birds
I offer you a song and the freedom of flight

Here you are
You exist in this world

Got a stellar reputation
I have a reputation for success and stability

As the star that never fell
I am a shining example of consistency and reliability

As the train that left the station
I am always moving forward, leaving the past behind

As the secret that no one could ever tell
I hold mysteries that remain hidden

Here's the lamp
I offer you light in the darkness