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.
The Christ Child's Lullaby
Shawn Colvin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh dear, the heart that foundly loves
Though but a tender babe thy arth
The graces all grow up with thee
Oh dear, the wind that pulls the trees
Oh dear, the rain that softly falls
Though but a tender babe thy arth
Oh sweet, the night that holds your name
Oh sweet, the star that truly shines
Though but a tender babe thy arth
The graces all grow up with thee
Oh dear, the eye that softly looks
Oh dear, the heart that foundly loves
Though but a tender babe thy arth
The graces all grow up with thee
The Christ Child’s Lullaby by Shawn Colvin is a beautiful song that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, and highlights the divine qualities that are embodied within him. The lyrics speak to the tenderness and purity of the infant Christ, and recognize that even as a young babe, he possesses an inherent goodness that will grow and flourish over time. The opening lines of the song emphasize the loving gaze of the child, with the phrase “Oh dear, the eye that softly looks” implying a sense of gentleness and compassion. The following lines continue this theme, expressing admiration for the heart that loves so deeply despite the young age of the child.
The subsequent verses of the song draw connections between the Christ child and the natural world, highlighting the beauty and harmony of both. The lines “Oh dear, the wind that pulls the trees / Oh dear, the rain that softly falls” convey a sense of wonder at the power and innate grace of nature. The final verse brings together these two themes, with the mention of a “sweet” night and a shining star that hold the name of the Christ child. Throughout the song, there is a sense of reverence and awe for the beauty and goodness embodied within the infant Christ, and a recognition of the deep spiritual significance of his birth.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh dear, the eye that softly looks
The gentle gaze that looks upon you with love and affection.
Oh dear, the heart that fondly loves
The tender and affectionate love that lives in one's heart.
Though but a tender babe thy arth
Even though you are just a baby.
The graces all grow up with thee
The virtues of grace and goodness will grow alongside you throughout your life.
Oh dear, the wind that pulls the trees
The gentle breeze that moves the trees in the night.
Oh dear, the rain that softly falls
The gentle rain that falls softly from the sky.
Oh sweet, the night that holds your name
The beautiful night that holds your name in its embrace.
Oh sweet, the star that truly shines
The shining star that illuminates the night with its beauty.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ALEC WILDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Thang Leminh
on I Don't Know Why
....but I do !