Colvin's formative years were spent in the town of Carbondale, Illinois, where she attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She learned to play guitar at the age of 10. Her first public concert was at age 15 at the University of Illinois campus. Colvin cites Joni Mitchell as a primary influence on her music, and her initial performances closely mirrored Mitchell's inflections and guitar tunings.
Colvin began working in the music scene in earnest in the late 1970s, first in Austin, Texas and then nationally. She met music partner John Leventhal during this time; Leventhal would go on to be Colvin's producer on several albums. Colvin often lends her talent to contemporaries in the music business - she can be heard singing the backing vocals on the Suzanne Vega hit, "Luka" from 1987. Vega returned the favor, singing backup on Colvin's, "Diamond In The Rough", from her debut album, "Steady On". Colvin, again can be heard singing backing vocals on Mary Chapin Carpenter's, "The Hard Way" and "Come On Come On" and Mary Chapin returns the favor on Colvin's, "Climb On (A Back That's Strong)", from Colvin's "Fat City" album.
Colvin's first several albums were met with critical acclaim, but did not sell in substantial numbers. After several albums of original work, Colvin released "Cover Girl", a collection of cover songs, but the work was a departure for her and was not well received.
Colvin experienced breakthrough success with "A Few Small Repairs" in October of 1996. The single "Sunny Came Home" reached the US Top Ten, and won Grammy Awards for Song and Record of the Year. She has released several subsequent albums that were nominated for Grammys, and has also released a greatest-hits album and a collection of Christmas music.
A new album from Colvin, entitled "These Four Walls", was released on September 12, 2006.
She was the guest vocal artist on the Lisa Loeb single "Falling in Love" as well as appearing at various Lilith Fair music festivals. She also has been featured on the popular live music show Austin City Limits and played at the 2003 Austin City Limits Music Festival. She also appeared in a tribute to her idol Joni Mitchell in 2001 that was broadcast on the cable network TNT.
She has made two guest appearances on The Simpsons as Rachel Jordan, lead singer for a Christian rock band. She first appears in "Alone Again, Natura-diddly," where Rachel wins Ned Flanders' heart after the untimely death of his wife, Maude. Later, in the episode "I'm Going to Praiseland," Ned dates Rachel, only to scare her off when he tries to turn her into a version of Maude.
Colvin lives with her daughter, Caledonia, and husband, Mario Erwin in Austin, Texas, and still participates in the Austin music scene.
In the Bleak Mid-Winter
Shawn Colvin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stormy winds may blow
Earth tood hard as iron
Water like a stone
Snow had fallen snow on snow
Snow on, snow on, snow
In the bleak midwinter
Long, long ago
What can I give him
Poor as I am
If I were a shelter
I would bring a lamb
If I were a wise man
I would do my part
What can I give him
Give my heart
Snow had fallen snow on snow
Snow on, snow on, snow
In the bleak midwinter
Long, long ago
The lyrics of Shawn Colvin's "In The Bleak Mid-Winter" were originally written as a poem by Christina Rossetti in 1872. The song describes the dreariness of winter, as the singer describes how the earth is frozen solid, water has turned to ice, and snow has piled upon snow in a never-ending cycle. The song's simple melody and haunting harmonies create a sense of isolation and loneliness, as if the singer is pleading for attention in the midst of the empty winter landscape.
Despite the bleakness of the winter landscape, the second half of the song takes a turn and becomes a plea for charity. The singer asks, "What can I give him, poor as I am?" and contemplates offering a lamb or a wise word. Ultimately, the only thing the singer can offer is their own heart, as they acknowledge their own shortcomings and their desire to connect with the divine.
The song's somber tone and reflective lyrics make it a popular choice for Christmas and winter holiday services, and it's often performed in choral settings. Yet, the song's universal themes of charity, humility, and hope make it a powerful message for people of any faith or creed.
Line by Line Meaning
In the bleak midwinter
At this time of great cold and barrenness
Stormy winds may blow
The howling winds may bring tempestuous conditions
Earth tood hard as iron
The ground beneath our feet is hard and unyielding
Water like a stone
The water has turned to ice and become solid like a rock
Snow had fallen snow on snow
The snowfall is immense, with layer upon layer of accumulation
Snow on, snow on, snow
The snowfall is unceasing, piling up without end
In the bleak midwinter
Once again, we are in the midst of this frigid season
Long, long ago
This scene has been played out countless times before, from time immemorial
What can I give him
In this season of giving, I am left to ponder my own contribution
Poor as I am
Although I may lack material possessions
If I were a shelter
If only I had the means to provide a warm and safe haven
I would bring a lamb
I would present the purest and most innocent offering possible, a symbol of love and sacrifice
If I were a wise man
If only I possessed the discernment of the wisest of sages
I would do my part
I would offer my own unique gift, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant
What can I give him
In the end, what truly matters is the sincerity and generosity of our hearts
Give my heart
May the love and compassion that resides within my soul be enough to warm and comfort those in need
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DAVID FINDLAY, N TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
kenny maclean
Beautiful version of the poem by Christina Rosetti. Shawn has just the right "homely sweet" voice and it sounds really perfect.
seoulseoul
One of my favorite Christmas tracks. It's the first one I play when I get out the Christmas music every year. Such a beautiful performance and arrangement. Love her!
YamiNoChibi
This was what I fell asleep to every night as a child. Thank you.
Thomas Hall
I believe this song is just about perfect.
WAMama
This song totally reminds me of my mommy, one of her favorites!
Ron Frankl
I love this song, as sad as it is. Thanks for sharing it.
Steven Meredith
Baby it's Colvin outside! I believe in angels!
trfesok
Nice, low key version. It' s in my "ItBW" with 15 other versions! Thanks for uploading!
Yi Fang Shen
the nostalgia... darn...
Alex Shaffer
Merry Christmas