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
VERTIGO
Patty Griffin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tumbling, fallin
We used to makin a stand in the sinkin sand
Aint we darlin'?
No need to make up your mind when it's already made
We got all that we need right here on parade
Welcome to this dance we call ?????
There's something to this dance, somethin to it
Just do the best you can do, that you know
Everyday the wind will blow
So don't look down and hang on to it
Vertigo
I take you out for a ride but you're already there
You got the breeze in your hair
You've been asleep at the wheel
Well here's your wake up call
Beware
You fallen under the wheels of a million dreams
I know how that feels
I know just what you mean
Gettin' caught in the wheels of the pagentry
Of a big machine
Can't keep it clean
What do they mean
Oh the Vertigo
Just do the best that you can do
That you know
Everyday the wind will blow
So don't look down
Hang on to it
Vertigo
I could be put you on but you'd just wear me out
Like a sweater
I could lend you my heart and my soul for a while
That'd be better
You've fallen under the wheels of a million dreams
I know how that feels I know just what you need
Getting caught in the wheels of the pagentry
Of the mystery of the big machine
Can't keep it clean
What do they mean?
Oh the Vertigo
Just do the best that you can do
That you know
Everyday the wind will blow
So don't look down
Hang on to it
Vertigo
The song Vertigo by Patty Griffin is an ode to life, its challenges, and its ever-changing nature. The lyrics describe the feeling of falling and tumbling, both physically and metaphorically, while also acknowledging the need to keep going and hang on to what we have. The song talks about the frustrations of feeling caught in the wheels of a big machine, where things need to be kept clean and tidy, but emphasizes the importance of doing the best we can, even when we don't know what the future holds.
The chorus, "Welcome to this dance we call Vertigo," suggests that life is like a dance, where things can spin and twist unexpectedly, but ultimately it's up to us to keep moving and adjusting our steps. The phrase "just do the best that you can do, that you know" serves as a reminder that when we are faced with challenges, we should focus on what we do know and make the best of what we have.
Overall, the song is a beautiful reminder to stay present in the moment, embrace the unknown, and keep moving forward despite the challenges we may face.
Line by Line Meaning
I grab a hold of your hand but then we both go tumbling
We try to hold on to each other, but end up falling and losing our grip.
We used to makin a stand in the sinkin sand, Aint we darlin'?
We have a history of sticking together through difficult situations.
No need to make up your mind when it's already made
There's a decision that has already been made and doesn't need to be reevaluated.
We got all that we need right here on parade
We have everything we need to be happy and successful in life, and it's all on display for the world to see.
Welcome to this dance we call?????
Welcome to this journey we call life, with all its ups and downs.
There's something to this dance, somethin to it, We call it Vertigo
Life can be overwhelming and disorienting, but there's still something beautiful and thrilling about it.
Just do the best you can do, that you know Everyday the wind will blow
Do your best with what you know, because life is always changing and unpredictable.
So don't look down and hang on to it Vertigo
Don't get too caught up in the chaos and confusion of life, just hold on tight and keep moving forward.
I take you out for a ride but you're already there
I offer to take you on a journey or adventure, but you're already fully immersed in life.
You got the breeze in your hair You've been asleep at the wheel
You've been enjoying life's simple pleasures but may have lost sight of the bigger picture.
Well here's your wake up call, Beware
It's time to snap out of your daze and pay attention to what's going on around you.
You fallen under the wheels of a million dreams, I know how that feels, I know just what you mean
You've been swept up in the overwhelming number of possibilities and expectations for your life, and I understand that feeling all too well.
Gettin' caught in the wheels of the pagentry Of a big machine, Can't keep it clean What do they mean
Life can sometimes feel like an elaborate, confusing system that's impossible to navigate or fully understand.
Oh the Vertigo Just do the best that you can do That you know Everyday the wind will blow So don't look down Hang on to it Vertigo
Despite all the chaos and confusion of life, just keep doing your best and hold on tight to the things that matter most.
I could be put you on but you'd just wear me out Like a sweater I could lend you my heart and my soul for a while That'd be better
I could try to control or take care of you, but ultimately it would be exhausting for both of us. Instead, I'll offer my support and understanding for a while.
Getting caught in the wheels of the pagentry Of the mystery of the big machine Can't keep it clean What do they mean? Oh the Vertigo
Life is full of confusing systems and challenges that we can't fully understand or control. It's easy to get overwhelmed and disoriented by it all, but we have to keep moving forward and doing our best.
Contributed by Lucy Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
idavidicus
Amazing this 1997 concert remains relevant. She's a great songstress.
MrRyukage
This song was on my Lilith Fair Promo CD
Darren Parker
❤️