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]
There Is A Line
Susan Ashton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That golden moment when the darkness rolls away
But there is a moment none the less.
In the regions of the heart there is a place
A sacred chater that should not be erased
It is the marrow; the moral core that I can not ignore.
Within the scheme of things
Well I know where I stand
My convictions they define who I am
Some move the boundaries at any cost
But there is a line, I will not cross
No riding on the fence - no alibis
No building on the sands of compromise
I won't be borrowed and I can't be bought
There is a line, I will not cross.
Ask the ocean where the water meets the land
He will tell you it depends on where you stand
And you're neither right or wrong.
But in the fathoms of the soul that won't ring true
Cause truth is more than an imposing point of view
It rises above the changing tide
As sure as the morning sky.
Within the scheme of things
Well I know where I stand
My convictions they define who I am
Some move the boundaries at any cost
But there is a line, I will not cross
No riding on the fence - no alibis
No building on the sands of compromise
I won't be borrowed and I can't be bought
There is a line, I will not cross.
Within the scheme of things
I know where I stand
My convictions they define who I am
Some move the boundaries at any cost
But there is a line, I will not cross
No riding on the fence - no alibis
No building on the sands of compromise
I won't be borrowed and I can't be bought
There is a line, oh, there is a line
There is a line, I will not cross...
The song "There Is A Line" by Susan Ashton is an ode to standing firm in one's moral convictions, no matter what pressures or temptations come one's way. The opening lines of the song allude to the moment of dawn, where the darkness of the night gives way to the light of day, and this serves as a metaphor for the moment of decision in which one must choose to cross a line or stay true to one's principles. Ashton sings of a "sacred charter" that exists within the heart, an unyielding moral core that cannot be erased. This moral compass is what defines a person's identity, and to cross the line is to compromise oneself in a fundamental way.
Ashton acknowledges that there are those who would seek to move the boundaries of what is acceptable, and she makes it clear that she will not be swayed by such forces. She rejects the idea of riding the fence, making excuses, or building on the sands of compromise. She knows where she stands and will not be bought or borrowed. Ultimately, the song is a call to hold fast to one's beliefs and to resist the pressure to compromise.
Line by Line Meaning
It's hard to tell just when the night becomes the day
It's difficult to pinpoint the exact moment when darkness transitions into light.
That golden moment when the darkness rolls away
That special moment when the darkness disappears and the day begins.
But there is a moment none the less.
Despite the difficulty in identifying the exact moment, it still exists and has significance.
In the regions of the heart there is a place
Deep within one's emotions there is a special location.
A sacred chater that should not be erased
An area that holds great importance and should not be ignored or forgotten.
It is the marrow; the moral core that I can not ignore.
An integral part of me that cannot be disregarded or compromised, as it represents the very essence of my moral values.
Within the scheme of things
In the context of the overall situation.
Well I know where I stand
I am clear and confident about my position and beliefs.
My convictions they define who I am
My beliefs and values are fundamental to my identity.
Some move the boundaries at any cost
Some people are willing to compromise their morals and values regardless of the consequences.
But there is a line, I will not cross
Despite the pressures to compromise, I have a personal moral boundary that cannot be crossed.
No riding on the fence - no alibis
I will not remain neutral, nor make excuses for my beliefs.
No building on the sands of compromise
I will not establish my convictions on temporary solutions or half-measures.
I won't be borrowed and I can't be bought
My values are not for sale or up for negotiation.
Ask the ocean where the water meets the land
The location where two opposing forces interact is different depending on one's perspective.
He will tell you it depends on where you stand
The location of the boundary is subjective and dependent on one's position.
And you're neither right or wrong.
Neither party is correct or incorrect in this scenario, as it is a matter of subjective perception.
But in the fathoms of the soul that won't ring true
Despite the ambiguity of some situations, there are core moral truths that cannot be ignored or redefined.
Cause truth is more than an imposing point of view
Truth is not just a matter of perspective, but an objective reality that transcends individual viewpoints.
It rises above the changing tide
The truth is an immovable force that remains constant despite the ebb and flow of circumstances.
As sure as the morning sky.
Just as the sunrise is a certain and immutable event, so too is the truth of core moral values.
There is a line, oh, there is a line
The moral boundary is a reality that cannot be ignored or wished away.
There is a line, I will not cross.
Despite the challenges and pressures, I will stand firm in my principles and not compromise my moral values.
Contributed by Brooklyn H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Thomas Dodson
Have always loved this song, after today's Supreme Court rulings this song jumped into my mind. This a divine message for believers today. Let's not get swept away with the madness. Keep our eyes on the prize and be obedient.
Stu Stig
Fair play to you
cutetay71
I am gay and I love this song
Jean Wrenn
great song with moral and personal ethics and what a beautiful voice....love it.
Your Man In London Collecting
A supreme example of her Voice. Just perfection....
Autumn Blue
I live the lyrics to this song and believe in them wholeheartedly.
jaiamarie
Love the lyrics. Amazing job!
J J
This song helped me through a lot of tough times, when I was about to make some bad decisions.
Paul Horton
How absolutely beautiful is God in His Son Jesus! How sure we can be that our trust is placed correctly. How absolutely sure. Thank you Father, for what you have allowed Your servants to do for the people in darkness. Your mercy is evident everywhere I look! Bless you, Lord, for the Love that You ARE!
Dex Koontz
Susan Ashton -- if there was only some way my wife and I could give to your life some of the beauty you've given us. Thank you! God bless and prosper you.