The Innocence Mission are a folk band featuring the beautiful, mesmerizing … Read Full Bio ↴The Innocence Mission are a folk band featuring the beautiful, mesmerizing vocals of Karen Peris, and the guitar backing of her husband, Don Peris.

Their signature style is dreamy slow songs, with beautiful melodies.

The original band, including Mike Bitts (bass), and Steve Brown (drums), was formed in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the early 80s when the members met during a Catholic school production of Godspell. Although all members of the band have contributed musically, Karen Peris does most of the group's writing.

Their eponymous debut album, released in 1989 (A&M Records), was produced by Larry Klein, then-husband of Joni Mitchell, and recorded in the couple’s basement recording studio. The album peaked on the Billboard charts at #167 in 1990, and the album’s second track, "Black Sheep Wall", released as a single in 1989, peaked at #22 on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks. The album’s fifth track, "Clear to You", was used on the soundtrack of the pilot episode of Beverly Hills 90210. Klein also produced their 1991 follow up, Umbrella.

Their third and final A&M album, Glow, released in 1995 (A&M Records), Was produced by Dennis Herring, who had previously produced two records for Camper Van Beethoven. This album is a departure from Klein's heavier production style. Whereas the first two releases may have brought to mind The Sundays and The Cocteau Twins with their moody keyboards, Herring's lighter touch gave more emphasis to the group's guitar work and to Karen's vocals and lyrics.

Glow contains songs that appear on the soundtracks of the films Empire Records, and Dream for an Insomniac, as well as the television series Party of Five. The album’s second track, Bright as Yellow, peaked on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks at #33.

In 1999 the band recorded for a new label, Badman. Additionally, drummer Steve Brown left the band to pursue a career as a chef. On the subsequent album, Birds of My Neighborhood, Brown played drums and brushes on "Snow," but otherwise the group became a trio. Now bereft of drums, their sound took an even more acoustic direction. Some songs featured just Don and Karen, and a few, such as "She May Turn Around," featured only Karen's voice and instrumentation.

The 2000 release of Christ is My Hope, featuring religious music that had inspired them over the years, was independently released on their own website. Small Planes, released in 2001, featured outtakes from Glow and Birds of My Neighborhood. 2003's Befriended was their next "regular" album.

In 2004, the Innocence Mission released Now the Day is Over, a collection of lullabies. Except for "My Love Goes With You," all songs are cover versions, such as a stripped-down vocal and piano rendition of Henry Mancini's Moon River,

The Innocence Mission's new album We Walked in Song was released March 13, 2007.

My Waltzing Days Are Over/Minta's Waltz
The Innocence Mission Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

my waltzing days are over
thank you just the same
I wouldn't want to embarrass you
you are so kind
and I will remember this night
for years to come

I am no fool

I have no romantic notions in my head
at my age, I'm content to watch
so go on, go on

my waltzing days are over
thank you just the same
I wouldn't want to embarrass you
but you are so kind

and I will remember this night
for years to come

Overall Meaning

The Innocence Mission's song My Waltzing Days Are Over/Minta's Waltz is a reflective piece about aging and contentment. The lyrics speak of a person who has come to accept their place in life and has no illusions of living a life full of romance and passion. The song's opening lines, "my waltzing days are over, thank you just the same" suggest that the singer has reached a point in their life where they can no longer engage in the dance of youth and passion. The singer acknowledges the kindness of their partner and expresses their gratitude for what has been a beautiful evening. The repetition of the line "you are so kind" seems to suggest that the singer is appreciative of authentic kindness, as opposed to shallow gestures that are often associated with romance.

The last few lines are a reflection of the singer's acceptance of their age, "I am no fool, I have no romantic notions in my head, at my age, I'm content to watch, so go on, go on". The singer seems to have reached a point of contentment in their life and is happy to watch the continuation of youth and romance from a distance. The line "for years to come" suggests that the singer will hold on to this memory of contentment and serenity for a long time. Overall, the song is a beautiful reflection on acceptance and the natural cycle of life.

Line by Line Meaning

my waltzing days are over
I am no longer interested in pursuing romantic relationships or dancing

thank you just the same
I appreciate your offer or invitation, but I decline

I wouldn't want to embarrass you
I decline out of consideration for your feelings or reputation

you are so kind
I acknowledge and appreciate your kindness

and I will remember this night for years to come
This night will stay in my memories for a long time

I am no fool
I am not naive or foolish

I have no romantic notions in my head
I am not dreaming of romance or love

at my age, I'm content to watch
I am happy observing or experiencing things without participating

so go on, go on
You may continue without me

but you are so kind
I appreciate your offer or invitation, even though I decline

and I will remember this night for years to come
This night will stay in my memories for a long time