Crowell was born in Houston, Texas to James Walter Crowell and Addie Cauzette Willoughby. A contemporary of Steve Earle and, like Earle, influenced by the (songwriting) greats Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt, Crowell played guitar and sang for three years in Emmylou Harris' "Hot Band".
He was married to Rosanne Cash (daughter of famous singer/guitarist Johnny Cash) from 1979 to 1992 and had a great influence on her career, producing most of her albums during that period. They collaborated on a number of duets, including 1988's "It's Such a Small World." Though Crowell and Cash are now divorced, they remain on friendly terms, performing together occasionally. Six years after the breakdown of his marriage to Rosanne he married Claudia Church.
Although best known as a songwriter and alternative country artist, Crowell enjoyed mainstream popularity during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His critically acclaimed album, 1988's Diamonds and Dirt, produced five No. 1 hits during a 17-month span in 1988 and 1989: "It's Such a Small World" (a duet with Cash), "I Couldn't Leave You If I Tried," "She's Crazy for Leaving," "After All This Time" and "Above and Beyond." His follow-up album, 1989's "Keys to the Highway," produced two top 5 hits in 1990, which were "Many a Long and Lonesome Highway" and "If Looks Could Kill."
As Crowell's popularity in mainstream country faded, he continued his prolific songwriting. In 2001 he released The Houston Kid on Sugar Hill Records. Many songs on the album were semi-autobiographical, and the album included a duet with Crowell's ex father-in-law Johnny Cash on "I Walk the Line (Revisited)". Initially, Cash was annoyed at Crowell changing the tune to his song, but he came to like the finished product. Crowell followed up this effort with Fate's Right Hand in 2003 and The Outsider in 2005. Crowell considers these three albums his finest work as a solo artist.
2004 saw the release of The Notorious Cherry Bombs, a reunion of The Notorious Cherry Bombs, a group that existed briefly in the 1970s with Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill, Tony Brown, and others. The future Keith Urban hit "Making Memories of Us" was included on this disc.
In 2005, Crowell served as producer for established Irish singer/songwriter Kieran Goss on the album Blue Sky Sunrise.
The Last Waltz
Rodney Crowell Lyrics
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Good years and bad years, we live through it all
There's no easy answer to the trouble I see
But I'm happy just knowin', you're saving the last waltz for me
Sometimes it's diamonds and sometimes it's dirt
Sometimes it's magic and sometimes it's work
There's no easy answer to the trouble I see
Someday we're gonna sail away
Somehow we're gonna fly
Someway we'll see the light of day
Shine on high
After the harvest when winter is near
The last fiddle playin' is all I can hear
There's no easy answer to the trouble I see
But I'm happy just knowin', you're saving the last waltz for me
There's no easy answer to the trouble I see
But I'm happy just knowin', you're saving the last waltz for me
Someday, someway, ooh, ooh
The lyrics to Rodney Crowell's The Last Waltz are a beautiful tribute to enduring love and the ups and downs that come with it. Crowell begins by acknowledging the difficult times that we all face in life - heartaches, tears, and trouble. However, he finds comfort in the knowledge that his partner is "saving the last waltz" for him. This is a beautiful metaphor for the idea that even in the midst of difficulties, there is always something to look forward to - a moment of joy and connection with the person we love.
As the song continues, Crowell reflects on the various phases of life that we all experience - from diamonds to dirt, magic to work. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic and grateful to have someone to share his life with. He knows that someday they will sail away, fly, and see the light of day - all metaphors for the hope and promise of the future. And in the end, when the last fiddle is playing and winter is near, he takes solace in the fact that his partner is still saving the last waltz for him.
Overall, The Last Waltz is a beautiful and poetic expression of the enduring nature of love, and the hope that sustains us through difficult times. By acknowledging the challenges of life and the uncertainty of the future, Crowell reminds us of the power of connection and the importance of treasuring the moments we have with the people we love.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes there's heartaches and teardrops will fall
Life has its ups and downs, and sometimes we cry
Good years and bad years, we live through it all
We experience both good and bad times throughout life
There's no easy answer to the trouble I see
Difficult problems cannot be easily solved
But I'm happy just knowin', you're saving the last waltz for me
I am content knowing that despite the difficulties, there is something special waiting for me
Sometimes it's diamonds and sometimes it's dirt
Life can be both luxurious and challenging
Sometimes it's magic and sometimes it's work
Life can be both joyful and demanding
Someday we're gonna sail away
One day we will escape our troubles and leave our worries behind
Somehow we're gonna fly
We will find a way to soar above our difficulties
Someway we'll see the light of day
We will eventually overcome our challenges and find a brighter future
Shine on high
We will find success and happiness
After the harvest when winter is near
During the end of a fruitful time, just before a difficult period
The last fiddle playin' is all I can hear
All that remains is the sweet sound of music, a reminder of the good times
There's no easy answer to the trouble I see
Difficult problems cannot be easily solved
But I'm happy just knowin', you're saving the last waltz for me
I am content knowing that despite the difficulties, there is something special waiting for me
Someday, someway, ooh, ooh
One day, somehow, it will all work out
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RODNEY J. CROWELL, WILL JENNINGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind