In 1991, she released her debut album, Wakened by the Wi… Read Full Bio ↴1991-1993[edit]
In 1991, she released her debut album, Wakened by the Wind, which became the top-selling debut in the history of the Sparrow Records label, with Ashton repeatedly reaching number one in the Christian charts that year. She was nominated for a Dove award for New Artist of the Year and won a CCM readers and reporters poll for Best New Artist. Ashton claimed that her fondest memories with Sparrow Records were during the recording of her first album, "That was so special and since I was so young and green, there was a real innocence in that process that's still beautiful to me. I can listen to anything on that record, and it's all very clear with distinct emotions attached to making it. I love everything about the lyrics, musicianship and instrumentation. There's one song, "No One Knows My Heart," where the drummer played a shoebox. On "Suffer in Silence," one of the instruments credited was a "pencil guitar."[1]
In 1992, her second album, Angels of Mercy, produced four CCM number one singles and was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Pop Gospel Album category.
On her eponymous 1993 release, Ashton was quoted during the recording of the album track "Heart Like a Rock, "I was messing around doing vocals and singing along trying to sound like an electric guitar. We actually recorded it and that sound of me imitating the guitar is still kept in the final record. There was so much fun stuff on all those records and they were all a reflection of growth and maturity and life experience through those years."[1]
Ashton won the 1993 CCM readers award for Favorite Inspirational Album and a reporters poll for Best Female Artist. Later that year, she married John David Cunningham.
1994-1997[edit]
In 1994, Ashton, in collaboration with CCM artists Margaret Becker and Out of the Grey's Christine Denté, released a trio album Along the Road. The title track is a remake of the composition by Dan Fogelberg, while the remaining songs are original to this album. Lead vocals are split evenly among the three singers.
Also in 1994, Garth Brooks approached Ashton to open for him on his European Tour. She stated in 2005,"I did a leg of his '94 European tour, but we weren't playing to his largest crowds. But there was still something very special about his audience. Initially I was a little nerve-wracked, worrying they'd boo me off the stage, but I got a wonderful response. I was also really nervous about meeting him, but he was so nice and supportive. He told me if there was anything I ever needed, just to let him know."
So Far... The Best of Susan Ashton Volume 1, an album of mostly previously released singles, was released in 1995, and featured a newly recorded track entitled "Stand."
A Distant Call was released in 1996. This album included two songs co-written by Sheryl Crow, and one with the late Kevin Gilbert who wrote many hit songs for Crow. Wayne Kirkpatrick once again provided significant songwriting for the album, co-writing several songs with Ashton. Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith also provided co-writing credits on one song each. Alison Krauss provided background vocals for "Love Profound." Garth Brooks would release his own version of Ashton's single "You Move Me" on his own album "Sevens" the following year, which became an international hit.
Ashton provided vocals along with Collin Raye for the 1997 Jim Brickman single "The Gift", from Brickman's album of the same name. That single was number one on the pop charts for three consecutive weeks.
1997-2003[edit]
In 1999, Capital released her first non-CCM album Closer. She reached the country music charts with "You're Lucky I Love You," which peaked at No. 38. Included on this album is Ashton's cover of Can't Cry Hard Enough, a song previously covered by Julie Miller. This album was not a commercial success. When asked about this, Ashton responded in 2005, "My perspective is that it did not turn out what I wanted it to be. I wanted it to be a great country record because I'm from Texas and I love that music. But the producers I was working with—who I wholeheartedly believed wanted the best for me—loved my Christian records [with Sparrow], and they were trying to emulate those a little bit. I'm proud of those records, but they aren't country records."[1] Song writing for this album includes Kim Richey, Matraca Berg, Bill Mann and Diane Warren. Ashton only co-wrote one song. Closer was produced by Emory Gordy, Jr., husband and producer to Patty Loveless.
Around this time, Ashton and her husband divorced.[2]
Ashton widened her audience even further when, in 2000, she debuted on the PBS music television program Austin City Limits.
A second album for Capital was recorded, but the album was shelved and has never been released (although the first single "She Is", was released).[3] Ashton has stated, "I spent three years making a follow-up record for Capitol and then early last year they dropped me from the label. So I've spent the last year being a nanny, sitting, waiting and hearing what God wants me to do with my life. It was really difficult, but at the same time I've I needed some healing and clarity. This past year has been really emotional and ultimately turned out really good. I think I was probably aware that I was going to lose my deal, but it's a whole different story knowing you're going to lose it and then actually having it be gone."[1] This interview came after years of silence from Ashton.
2005-2009[edit]
In 2005 Ashton released a second trio album. Originally released only in Australia and Europe as Kisses from Heaven, the album was eventually released in the United States as Lost in Wonder: Voices of Worship. This album was recorded with Michelle Tumes and Christine Denté. The album was conceived in 2003. When asked how the project came about, Ashton replied, "About two years ago I became friends with [the project's producer] John Hartley. Before I lost my record deal, I was asked to sing some demos for what would become a worship project releasing in England. When I lost my deal, John asked if I would still be interested in continuing with the project. God had been healing me, growing me and helping me find my center again, and this seemed to fit as part of his plan."[1] Ashton did not record the vocals in person with Denté and Tumes. The three were only together for the cover's photo shoot.
In 2006 Sparrow Records released Susan Ashton: The Ultimate Collection, a two-CD set of previously released material.
Ashton started a myspace.com page in 2006, on which she posted two demo versions of new songs.
In 2009, she appeared on Collin Raye's album Never Going Back, sing a duet with Raye on a cover of "Without You".
2013-present[edit]
On March 5, 2013, Ashton released Thief, a self-distributed six-song EP. This marks her return to the music business.[citation needed]
A Rose Is A Rose
Susan Ashton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your mountains of dreams, seems harder to climb
By those who have made you feel like an outcast
Cause you dare to be different, so they're drawing a line
They say you're a fool, they feed you resistance
They tell you you'll never go very far
But they'll be the same ones that stand in the distance
Just keep on the same road and keep on your toes
And just keep your heart steady as she goes
And let them call you what they will
It don't matter, a rose by any name is still a rose
The kindness of strangers, it seems like a fable
But they've yet to see what I see in you
But you can make it if you are able
To believe in yourself the way I do
Just keep on the same road and keep on your toes
And just keep your heart steady as she goes
And let them call you what they will
It don't matter, a rose by any name is still a rose
'Cause a deal is a deal in the heart of the dream
And a spade is a spade, if you know what I mean
And a rose is a rose is a rose
To deal with the scoffers it's part of the bargain
They heckle from back rows and they bark at the moon
Their flowers are fading in time's bitter garden
But yours is only beginning to bloom
So keep on that same road and keep on your toes
Just keep your heart steady as she goes
And let them call you what they will
Just remember, a rose by any name is still a rose
A rose by any name is still a rose
The lyrics of Susan Ashton's song, A Rose Is A Rose, are an uplifting and encouraging message to those who are struggling to achieve their dreams and feel outcast by others. The song begins by acknowledging the obstacles and challenges that one faces when pursuing their dreams. The first verse describes a sense of being stuck or trapped, with looming obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. The second verse highlights the negative voices and naysayers in our lives who try to discourage us from pursuing our goals. However, the chorus offers a message of hope, reminding us that success is possible despite the odds or the opinions of others. The line "A rose by any name is still a rose" suggests that our value and worth are not defined by others' opinions, but rather by our intrinsic worth as individuals.
Throughout the song, there is a consistent message of resilience and determination. The phrase "keep on the same road and keep on your toes" emphasizes the need to stay focused and alert in order to navigate the challenges ahead. Ultimately, the song suggests that success and fulfillment come from believing in oneself and persevering despite setbacks.
Overall, the message of A Rose Is A Rose is a powerful one of hope and encouragement. It acknowledges the obstacles we all face in life, but ultimately celebrates the resilience and strength of the human spirit in overcoming them.
Line by Line Meaning
You're at a stand still, you're at an impasse
You're feeling stuck and unsure of how to move forward.
Your mountains of dreams, seems harder to climb
Your goals and aspirations seem increasingly difficult to achieve.
By those who have made you feel like an outcast
You've been made to feel like you don't fit in with the crowd.
Cause you dare to be different, so they're drawing a line
You've chosen to be unique and stand out, causing others to try to separate themselves from you.
They say you're a fool, they feed you resistance
They'll call you foolish and try to discourage you.
They tell you you'll never go very far
They'll say that you won't succeed or achieve your goals.
But they'll be the same ones that stand in the distance
Ironically, those same people will watch you from afar once you achieve your dreams.
Alone in the shadow of your shining star
They'll be overshadowed by the success that they doubted you could achieve.
The kindness of strangers, it seems like a fable
It may seem unlikely that people who don't know you will be kind and supportive.
But they've yet to see what I see in you
But there are people who believe in you and see your potential.
But you can make it if you are able
You have the ability to succeed and achieve your dreams.
To believe in yourself the way I do
Believe in yourself just as much as those who are rooting for you.
Just keep on the same road and keep on your toes
Keep going and stay alert for obstacles.
And just keep your heart steady as she goes
Stay positive and keep moving forward.
And let them call you what they will
Don't worry about what others say or think about you.
It don't matter, a rose by any name is still a rose
You are still you, no matter what labels or names others assign to you.
'Cause a deal is a deal in the heart of the dream
Once you commit to your dream, you must see it through.
And a spade is a spade, if you know what I mean
Be direct and honest about who you are and what you want to achieve.
And a rose is a rose is a rose
You are who you are and you shouldn't let anyone make you feel otherwise.
To deal with the scoffers it's part of the bargain
Dealing with negative comments and attitudes is a normal part of pursuing your dreams.
They heckle from back rows and they bark at the moon
Those who doubt you will try to bring you down from a distance.
Their flowers are fading in time's bitter garden
The success and happiness of those who doubt you is fleeting and temporary.
But yours is only beginning to bloom
Your potential for success and happiness is just beginning to show.
Just keep on that same road and keep on your toes
Keep going and stay alert for obstacles.
Just keep your heart steady as she goes
Stay positive and keep moving forward.
And let them call you what they will
Don't worry about what others say or think about you.
Just remember, a rose by any name is still a rose
You are still you, no matter what labels or names others assign to you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: WAYNE KIRKPATRICK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jean Marivel
on All Kinds Of People (Distand Call Album Version)
"ALL KINDS OF EOPLE" Great lyrics, awesome voice & style. I love this song and the lady who sings it. We're of "all kinds" and all in one likeness; JESUS-CHRIST OUR GRACIOUS CREATOR.