Lately I have been mesmerized again by the lyrics and haunting voice of Carrie Cheron, a folk singer in Boston who is a friend of my friend Kellie Lin Knott (another folk singer). I met Carrie last May when I was in Boston for a few days and staying with Kellie (who was at that time roommates with Carrie) and got her CD then. Most of last summer I listened to it non-stop, and I just am re-discovering it in the past few weeks. Two songs in particular seem inspired to me - I have fantasies of learning these songs on the piano and playing them in church someday, or perhaps a powerful interfaith worship service. (Interestingly enough, Carrie is Jewish but has a regular gig playing in churches, if i remember correctly.)
Really, you should look these up on iTunes -- they're just not the same without the powerful piano and Carrie's haunting, gorgeous vocals.
Arms of Our Brothers
(I interpret the "you" and "your"s in this song to be referring to God.)
Though they're falling, pattern the stars to guide us home to you.
Shatter the spear, not the spirit, make us whole anew.
By faith in trial I hold onto your shore.
Let the last of us rise up to knock on your door.
Over borders, beliefs, seek an end to this grief,
lead my soul, let my singing be clear.
Any new day will find us beyond our means.
So weary, hungry, feeding on empty dreams,
where nothing much matters but the price to pay,
though the difference is knowing what stands in our way.
Still we cover our eyes, taking aim, telling lies.
Rescue me, may my song fill the skies.
And what if this were our one chance to set everything right?
By your hands, may we walk in grace on the arms of our brothers,
in one land of light.
What if we could make love blind tonight?
Though they're falling, pattern the stars to guide us home to you
Shatter the spear, not the spirit, make us whole anew.
By faith in trial I hold onto your shore.
Let the last of us rise up to knock on your door.
Over borders, beliefs, seek an end to this grief,
lead my soul, let my singing be clear.
Time
How much is distance?
How much is pain?
How must is seeing that little girl's face?
How much is rain?
I've plenty of time to think and wish and pray
for the things I'll never deserve...
I read of hope, I read of glory.
I read of mothers, of brothers with dreams;
I read G-d's stories.
I've plenty of time to sit and think upon
this life I have earned.
So once in a while I think on sin and The Word.
[Chorus]
Just how long is a minute on a life spent in here,
under cover of bars, and years upon years?
When you've long since lost count of the worst of your fears,
yet you grieve for the sun and the sky.
Last night I heard my saviour calling.
I laid up all night and prayed I'd be gone come morning.
Cause all of the time I hope and pray ain't much,
though this time I might learn.
So once in a while I think on sin and The Word.
[Chorus]
Long is the night. Longer is evening.
I close my eyes and imagine the stars on the ceiling.
I never took time to stop and think about what life meant to her.
So most of the time I think on sin and The Word.
Just how long is a minute on a life spent in here,
under cover of bars, and years upon years?
Well, I've long since lost count of the worst of my fears,
still I grieve for the sun and the sky.
