This perfect union of sound has been in the making for years though, just never before as the fearsome foursome as it stands today. Callie and Phoebe Cryar have been honing their craft for many years having been brought up in a musical family and having the luxury of being born and raised in a city ripe with undiluted talent. Their vocal exchange and pure harmonies have been described as “two angels”, “ghostly and haunting”, “honey sweet” and “serene”. Excepting no side note to their vocal prowess is their expansive instrumental skills. The sisters travel with guitar, ukulele, banjo, electric bass, accordion, and mandolin in tow knowing full well how to wield each one effectively. As a duo, Phoebe and Callie recognized that all was not complete in the band they had dubbed The Vespers. A bottom end was to be desired. So as the story goes, at a campfire jam one night, the girls met musical eyes with two long-locked boys who were doing their own thing around Music City.
Taylor and Bruno Jones knew instantly that campfire jam was a fateful event. After a single show combining Taylor’s percussion and Bruno’s acoustic bass to the sisters sound, the band was set. The boys’ “tight and creative rhythm section” is grounded in the earthy volume of the gritty southern rock and lowdown blues that they were gratefully exposed to at a young age. That raw approach to the music and to the live stage show was the missing ingredient to The Vespers’ overall approach that is said to be “reminiscent of hearing the words ‘I love you’ for the first time.”
In 2011, The Vespers will pack up their unique take on music in their beloved old green van and travel across the country. Four Nashville natives setting out to share what they love. As all will concur that have had the privilege to hear them perform, this is the band to watch and, most certainly, to listen for.
Eyes Wide Open
The Vespers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When his days left here were few
He sat me down at his bedside
Told me things that I should do
Please respect this crown of wisdom,
He said, pointing to his gray head
I leaned in and listened closely
Live your life with eyes wide open
Bide your time with palms toward heaven
People come in circles and squares
Some are hearts but they're quite rare
Told me stories of his childhood
Of mistakes that he had made
Told me, Don't you make the same ones
Because love is not a game.
Live your life with eyes wide open
Bide your time with palms toward heaven
People come in circles and squares
Some are hearts but they're quite rare
I don't want you to be like me,
I want you to be a heart.
But I said, No, Grandpa, you're different.
Take a look at what you are.
Grandpa didn't know what a heart he was
When You see him, tell him for me Jesus.
Grandpa died with eyes wide open
Grandpa died with palms toward heaven
People come in circles and squares
Some are hearts but they're quite rare
Grandpa was one of these hearts
Take a look at what you are
The Vespers’ lyrics in Eyes Wide Open convey a message of wisdom passed down from a grandparent to a younger relative. The song includes personal and intimate moments shared between the two where the grandparent imparts life lessons and advice. The first verse sets the scene of a grandson who visits his grandpa in September, knowing that his days are numbered. Grandpa takes the opportunity to offer valuable tidbits of insight to his grandchild. He implores him to live his life with curiosity, taking in all that surrounds him while maintaining his faith, represented by palms toward heaven.
The chorus instructs the young man to recognize the disparities within each person he comes across in life. People vary in shape, size, and character; while some may be full of good intentions, others may lack compassion or integrity. The chorus also alludes to the rarity of empathetic, heart-led individuals. The second verse follows with Grandpa reflecting on his past and revealing his regrets, cautioning his grandson not to repeat his mistakes. He reminds him of the importance of treating love with sincerity, telling him that it should not be taken lightly.
In the third verse, Grandpa humbly acknowledges his flaws and wishes for his grandson to be a heart, rather than someone like himself. However, the grandson reassures his grandfather that he already embodies a heart, introducing him to the beauty he expressed throughout his life. It is revealed that the grandpa passes away, and the final lines of the song suggest that he died with a heart and an awareness of the world around him.
Line by Line Meaning
Went to see Grandpa in September
The singer visited their grandfather in September.
When his days left here were few
The grandfather was close to passing away.
He sat me down at his bedside
The grandfather sat down with the singer at his bedside.
Told me things that I should do
The grandfather shared advice with the artist.
Please respect this crown of wisdom,
The grandfather asked the artist to value his advice.
He said, pointing to his gray head
The grandfather indicated his age and wisdom.
I leaned in and listened closely
The singer paid attention to the grandfather's words.
As my dear grandfather said
The artist continued to listen to the grandfather's advice.
Live your life with eyes wide open
The grandfather advised the artist to be observant and aware.
Bide your time with palms toward heaven
The grandfather suggested the artist be patient and have faith.
People come in circles and squares
The grandfather acknowledged that people are diverse and come from different backgrounds.
Some are hearts but they're quite rare
The grandfather recognized that some people are loving and kind, but they are not common.
Told me stories of his childhood
The grandfather shared memories of his past with the singer.
Of mistakes that he had made
The grandfather reflected on mistakes he had made in his life.
Told me, Don't you make the same ones
The grandfather advised the singer to avoid making the same mistakes.
Because love is not a game.
The grandfather emphasized the importance of taking love seriously.
I don't want you to be like me,
The grandfather didn't want the artist to follow in his footsteps.
I want you to be a heart.
The grandfather wanted the singer to be a kind and loving person.
But I said, No, Grandpa, you're different.
The singer disagreed with the grandfather's self-evaluation.
Take a look at what you are.
The artist encouraged the grandfather to recognize his own loving nature.
Grandpa didn't know what a heart he was
The grandfather was unaware of his own kind nature.
When You see him, tell him for me Jesus.
The artist requested that Jesus tell the grandfather about his true nature.
Grandpa died with eyes wide open
The grandfather was observant and aware until the end of his life.
Grandpa died with palms toward heaven
The grandfather remained faithful throughout his life and until his passing.
Grandpa was one of these hearts
The grandfather was one of the rare kind and loving individuals.
Take a look at what you are
The singer encourages readers/listeners to recognize their own loving nature.
Contributed by Alyssa N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
meli hall
My grandfather died in the hospital last night and this song reminds me so much of him. This has been on repeat all day today, its comforting to hear. Always in my heart grandpa. <3
Ettore Meniconi
I just fall in love with this song, it's stunning and sweet, my heartfelt congratulations from italy :D
Nashville Ear
This just about the best song I have heard in the past few months.. Great lyrics and performed exceptionally well. Great vocals.. Good job guys...
I will miss Dudley too.
Caroline
this is one of my favorites that ya'll have done :) please keep posting songs! I love them :)
AJayDeep31
This music is so pure and beautiful,truly touching to the soul. Where have you been all my life? Sweet name by the way!=] God Bless and keep making more of this awesome music! Thanks!
Faith Mackey
This is my favorite by you guys! I love your music! :)
Muffin Kung Fu
I’m still listening and loving it...5/17/20
Star Pearson
beautiful song
Dani H
This is a perfect song because my grandfather died
Muffin Kung Fu
Sorry for your loss. It’s nice to see recent activity here anyway. I always find my peaceful, happy place when I listen to The Vespers.