Her songwriting has been praised for its wit, and her technical guitar playing has also received praise (which she made light fun of in her feminist song, Not Bad for a Broad).
In 1990, she joined Christine Lavin, Megan McDonough, and Sally Fingerett to form the Four Bitchin' Babes, with whom she toured and recorded one album.
In 2005, Larkin produced La Guitara, a compilation of songs performed by female guitarists designed to answer the question, "Why are there no great female guitar players?" with the answer being that "There are–and here they are."
Carolina
Patty Larkin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is a pretty bird
I see her in my dreams
On a mountain
Looking at the side of the world
I watch her spread her wings
Moving one step at a time
In my own way
I follow
Carolina
I'm going there
The morning air to breathe
In my pocket
I will keep my northern words
Let her speak to me
Moving one step at a time
One step at a time
In my own way
I follow
Carolina
Is a little girl
Who holds my hopes for me
And I wonder
Looking at the side of the world
What it is she sees
Moving one step at a time
One step at a time
In my own way
I follow
The song “Carolina” by Patty Larkin talks about the singer’s dream and desire to visit North Carolina. The first verse of the song starts with “Carolina is a pretty bird” which refers to the state’s nickname “the Tar Heel State”. The song speaks to the singer’s longing to be there, to see the world from high up on a mountain, and to follow her own path, taking one step at a time. The second verse mentions “the morning air to breathe” indicating the singer’s yearning for a fresh start and a new beginning. She carries with her memories from home, signified by her "northern words," but allows herself a chance to be touched by the beauty of North Carolina. The last verse mentions a little girl named Carolina, holding the singer’s hopes for her. The song suggests that the singer wants to bring those hopes out into the open, and North Carolina provides a backdrop for a new beginning.
Line by Line Meaning
Carolina
Referring to the state of North Carolina in the United States
Is a pretty bird
Metaphorical reference to North Carolina as a beautiful and captivating place
I see her in my dreams
The singer has an emotional connection and admiration towards North Carolina
On a mountain
Possibly physically high and distant from the rest of the world or a metaphorical journey to self-discovery
Looking at the side of the world
Reflecting on one's perspective or worldview while in North Carolina
I watch her spread her wings
Imagery of North Carolina's beauty and vastness from the singer's viewpoint
Moving one step at a time
The singer takes life and their journey at their own pace
One step at a time
Encouragement towards patience and perseverance
In my own way
Self-reliance and individual style of living
I follow
The artist sets their own goals and plans in life, and follows their own path
I'm going there
The singer intends to visit, explore or possibly move to North Carolina
The morning air to breathe
Anticipation of experiencing the fresh air and natural beauty of the morning in North Carolina
In my pocket
Carrying something of personal importance on their journey
I will keep my northern words
Bringing a piece of their past with them while immersing in a new culture
Let her speak to me
Allowing oneself to be affected and inspired by North Carolina's surroundings and culture
Is a little girl
Metaphorically, the state of North Carolina is personified as a young girl, a symbol of innocence, hope and growth
Who holds my hopes for me
North Carolina contains the artist's dreams for the future
And I wonder
Curiosity and reflection on what North Carolina has to offer
What it is she sees
Wondering what North Carolina can offer in terms of personal growth and self-discovery
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PATTY LARKIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind