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
Love Throw A Line
Patty Griffin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We run out of luck, we run out of days
We run out of gas, hundred miles away
From a station
There's a war and a plague yeah, smoke and disaster
Lions in the coliseum, screams of a laughter
Motherless children, a witness and a bible
Just before the flood comes, just before the night falls
Just before the blood runs into the valley
Just before my eyes go, just before we can't go no further
Love throws a line to you and me
I heard someone calling me from very far away
Sister oh sister, did I hear them say?
Prisoner of this endless story of pain
You hold the key, try to find the way
And just before the flood comes, just before the night falls
Just before the blood runs into the valley
Just before my eyes go, just before it all blows to pieces
You see love throw a line to you and me
Love throw a line
Love throw a line
Love throw a line
Love throw a line
On you and me
On you and me
On you and me
Love you better pick up your pace
If we're gonna win this race
Love we're running out of time
Pull yourself out from behind
Love throw a line
Love throw a line
Love throw a line
Patty Griffin's song Love Throw a Line is a powerful ballad that speaks of the perseverance and hope that love can bring in times of chaos and turmoil. The lyrics illustrate a scenario of impending doom, such as a flood or war, and the desperation of survival that people face in such circumstances. The opening line, "Let's write a story of a tidal wave," sets the tone for the song's theme, which is confirmed by the lyric, "Just before the flood comes, just before the night falls."
The verses list the different kinds of disasters that threaten mankind, such as a war, plague, and no chance of survival. However, the chorus offers a glimmer of hope as love throws a line to save the singer and the person they are singing to. The repetition of the phrase "Love throw a line" reinforces the idea that love is a strong rope that can pull people out of desperate situations.
The middle section of the song takes a personal turn, with the singer hearing someone call out to them for help. They are a prisoner of an endless story of pain, but the key to escape is through finding love. The song ends with the plea that time is running out, and love needs to act fast to save them both.
Overall, Love Throw a Line is a moving and emotional song that highlights the power of love to save us from even the most dire situations.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's write a story of, a title wave
Let's create a narrative of a powerful force that can wipe out everything in its path.
We run out of luck, we run out of days
We have limited chances to succeed and time is running out quickly.
We run out of gas, hundred miles away, From a station
We are stuck in a desperate situation far from any help or support.
There's a war and a plague yeah, smoke and disaster, Lions in the coliseum, screams of a laughter, Motherless children, a witness and a bible
The world is in chaos with various forms of violence, disease, and suffering. Innocent people and young children are caught in the middle, and there seems to be no end to the pain and misery.
Nothing but rain ahead and no chance for our survival
The future looks bleak, the odds are against us, and it seems like there is no hope left.
Just before the flood comes, just before the night falls, Just before the blood runs into the valley, Just before my eyes go, just before we can’t go no further
Right before everything falls apart and collapses, before it's too late to take any action, before we lose all hope and the chance to make a difference.
Love throws a line to you and me
Love provides an opportunity for us to connect and seek support, even in the darkest times.
I heard someone calling me from very far away, Sister oh sister, did I hear them say? Prisoner of this endless story of pain, You hold the key, try to find the way
There is a distant voice that beckons us to hope for better things. We have the power to change our perspective and take control of the situation, to find a way out of the suffering.
And just before the flood comes, just before the night falls, Just before the blood runs into the valley, Just before my eyes go, just before it all blows to pieces
Once again, emphasizing the importance of taking action before it's too late, before everything falls apart.
You see love throw a line to you and me
Love is always there to provide support and connection, even in the toughest times.
Love you better pick up your pace If we're gonna win this race
Love demands action and dedication if we want to overcome the obstacles and succeed.
Love we're running out of time Pull yourself out from behind
There's a sense of urgency in the need for connection and support. We can't afford to wait or hold back, we need to reach out and embrace love.
Love throw a line
Once again, emphasizing the importance of love as a source of strength and support.
On you and me
Love is something that requires our active participation and involvement, it's up to us to seek and embrace it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PATRICIA J. GRIFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind