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]
Heart Like A Rock
Susan Ashton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the uneasy posture of your doubt
Why do you find yourself rehearsing your own questions
Instead of praying and digging your way out.
When I pull for my view of truth
Well, I seem to push you farther away
Is there any chance you'd listen to my reasoning
I'm just looking for any possibility
Vulnerability - some place to start.
But your heart is like a rock
He's at the door but you can't hear the knock
Have you lost the combination to the lock
Well, it's hard to know
Cause your heart is like a rock.
So it seems you just shut me out
Well have all my ideas been pidgeonholed
Don't you know that my intentions are well-meaning
With a genuine concern for your soul
I just want to give you what's been given me
But your hostility gets in the way.
Cause your heart is like a rock
He's at the door but you can't hear the knock
Have you lost the combination to the lock
Well, it's hard to know
Cause your heart is like a rock
Can't you hear the ticking of the clock
The ship is sailing but your still on the dock
And you let it go
Cause your heart is like a rock.
I just want to give you what's been given me
But your hostility gets in the way.
Cause your heart is like a rock
He's at the door but you can't hear the knock
Have you lost the combination to the lock
Well, it's hard to know
Cause your heart is like a rock
Can't you hear the ticking of the clock
The ship is sailing but your still on the dock
And you let it go
Cause your heart is like a rock...
The song "Heart Like A Rock" by Susan Ashton is about the frustration and difficulty of trying to reach a person who is resistant to religious beliefs. The first verse addresses the person's tendency to rely on their own doubts and questions rather than seeking answers through prayer and faith. The second verse speaks to the singer's own struggle to persuade the person, despite their genuine concern and desire to help. The chorus laments the person's hardened heart, which prevents them from hearing the message of Jesus and moving forward in their faith journey. The clock reference reminds the person of the urgency of the situation, and the need to embark on their spiritual journey before it is too late.
The lyrics convey a sense of sadness and frustration, as the singer is struggling to convince someone to open up their heart to Jesus. Despite the singer's good intentions and genuine care for the person's well-being, their efforts are thwarted by the person's resistance and hostility. The metaphor of the heart being like a rock underscores the idea that the person has become entrenched in their beliefs and is unwilling to consider a different perspective.
Overall, the song "Heart Like A Rock" is a powerful reminder of the challenges of sharing one's faith with others, and the need for patience, understanding and perseverance when faced with resistance. It encourages the listener to keep trying to reach those who are lost or struggling, even when it feels like an uphill battle.
Line by Line Meaning
On your own you seem to rest
You appear to be calm and collected, but you're really troubled
In the uneasy posture of your doubt
You're physically and mentally uncomfortable because of your uncertainty
Why do you find yourself rehearsing your own questions
You keep going over the same doubts in your mind without seeking answers
Instead of praying and digging your way out
You should turn to faith and actively seek solutions to your doubts
When I pull for my view of truth
I try to convince you of my beliefs
Well, I seem to push you farther away
My attempts at persuasion make you more resistant
Is there any chance you'd listen to my reasoning
Can you be open to hearing my arguments and thought process
Instead of closing down when you hear Jesus name
Don't shut off or resist just because my beliefs are based on Christianity
I'm just looking for any possibility Vulnerability - some place to start
I'm seeking any opportunity to open up and begin a discussion, even if it's a vulnerable one
But your heart is like a rock
Your heart is hardened and unyielding to change or persuasion
He's at the door but you can't hear the knock
God is reaching out to you, but you're not receptive
Have you lost the combination to the lock
You've forgotten the way to open your heart to faith
Well, it's hard to know Cause your heart is like a rock
It's difficult to discern what's truly going on since you're not open to communicating
So it seems you just shut me out
You're actively closing yourself off to me and my arguments
Well have all my ideas been pidgeonholed
Are you dismissing my beliefs without truly considering them
Don't you know that my intentions are well-meaning
I have good intentions and only want to help you find your own faith journey
With a genuine concern for your soul
I care about your well-being on a spiritual level
Cause your hostility gets in the way
Your aggressive resistance is making it difficult to make progress or have a productive conversation
Can't you hear the ticking of the clock
Time is running out and opportunities for change may pass you by
The ship is sailing but you're still on the dock
You're not moving forward or taking action towards your faith journey
And you let it go Cause your heart is like a rock
You're giving up or missing out on opportunities because of your hardened heart
Contributed by Layla G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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.