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
Ohio
Patty Griffin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Meet me on the waters of the Ohio
No lines, no lines, the river is a river, not a line
My blood is the water and it's darker and deeper than time
If the hounds are howling, then you cannot hide
My friend, I will meet you on the other side
No lines, no lines, the river is a river, not a line
Meet me 'neath the moon, under the singing tree
If you are the first, stay there and wait for me
If no one comes by morning and the sun is a-rising red
If no one comes by morning, please forgive me, my friend
For I am dead
The song "Ohio" by Patty Griffin is a poignant and reflective piece about the meaning and impact of personal connections, the strength of love and relationships, and the inevitability of death. In the first verse, Griffin invites her friend to meet her in the evening by the river in Ohio. The second line reflects the significance of the location, as the river represents a place where nature and life flow together but also evoke memories of tragedy and loss. She talks about how the river is just a river, not a line, indicating that life itself is made up of fluid, ever-changing experiences rather than fixed paths or fates. Griffin adds that her blood is the water, symbolizing that the river is as much a part of her as it is a part of the landscape.
The second verse of the song references the howling of hounds, perhaps a metaphor for the challenges that life can throw at us, but also suggesting that these difficulties cannot be hidden from the people we care about. Griffin assures her friend that she will meet them on the other side, indicating that their personal connection transcends the boundaries of life and death. Once again, she reinforces the idea that the river is a river, not a line, and that love is the water, and it is deep and strong enough to weather any storm.
The final verse is a reflection of Griffin's mortality, urging her friend to wait for her under a singing tree, knowing that if she does not join them by morning, then she is no longer of this world. In this somber context, there is a powerful message of forgiveness and the acceptance of the events of life and death.
Overall, "Ohio" is a poignant and moving song about the power of connection and the significance of natural landscapes to the human experience. It underscores the idea that life is transient, but connections endure and leave lasting impressions on the lives of those we love.
Line by Line Meaning
Meet me in the evening, where the river is low
Join me at the place where the river is at its lowest point during the evening
Meet me on the waters of the Ohio
Come meet me directly on the Ohio River
No lines, no lines, the river is a river, not a line
The river is not meant to be divided into boundaries or limitations
My blood is the water and it's darker and deeper than time
My soul is closely connected with the water, and it carries difficult emotions that span throughout time
If the hounds are howling, then you cannot hide
The situation is dire, and there is no running from it
My friend, I will meet you on the other side
Despite the circumstances, I will make sure that we come together on the opposite shore
My love is the water and it's stronger and deeper than time
My love resembles the unbreakable and timeless nature of water
Meet me 'neath the moon, under the singing tree
Come meet me underneath the moon, by the tree that makes sweet music
If you are the first, stay there and wait for me
If you arrive before me, wait in place for my arrival
If no one comes by morning and the sun is a-rising red
If neither of us manage to make it before morning, and the sky's color is changing to red
If no one comes by morning, please forgive me, my friend
If neither of us arrive in time, please know that it was not by choice, and that I am sorry
For I am dead
I did not make it alive to our meeting point
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROBERT PLANT, PATTY GRIFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shaunmcgee4204
Ohio
Meet me in the evening, where the river is low
Meet me on the waters of the Ohio
No lies, no lies, the river is a river, not a line
My blood is the water and it's darker and deeper than time
If the hounds are howling, then you cannot hide
My friend, I will meet you on the other side
No lines, no lies, the river is a river, not a lie
My love is the water and it's stronger and deeper than time
Meet me 'neath the moon, under the singing tree
If you are the first, stay there and wait for me
If no one comes by morning and the sun is a-rising red
If no one comes by morning, please forgive me, my friend for I am dead...
@stevemasseroni4237
I first came here in 2013. Such a haunting, beautiful and timeless tune. It can, and has made me weep. 10 Years later and only 234k views? Our civilization is lost.
@charlesrobbins2208
Music, when done right, is an experience which the soul recognizes and the heart craves. People talk about what Robert is doing for Patty, it is clear to see what Patty has done for Robert. Beautiful music.
@accordionamericana8776
Patty Griffin is underrated, both as a songwriter and as a singer. She can reach that special spot, somewhere in the inner ear and in the heart of the brain. What a great song. Also, great work on the resonator. Love it all.
@sanrenlo4582
Love this song. Patty's voice is just beautiful.
@SylviaSchmutz
This video was sent to me last night, and I can't stop listening to it❤❤. It is hauntingly beautiful and sad if one listens to the lyrics. My generous sender: thank you for ever love❤❤❤❤
@Soaringflat
There are some nights when Patty Griffin is one of the most gifted, important and deeply, deeply singer songwriters alive. I'm glad she got out of the Band of Joy to return to where she belongs and what we need her for. It's fine to dabble and to dally but this - this is what she was born to do. Thanks Robert for allowing her to swim back in her sea and giving her some of your power in this song.
@davenye1704
Couldna said it better!
@Soaringflat
Feel it, Brother!!!
@captinbeyond
Robert allowed her?? More like he was uncomfortable playing husband,singing folk songs. He needed a beer. They were way too opposite in every perspective.
@pamritchey6634
@@captinbeyond You are 100% right. He left her to go back to England .