Mary Chapin Carpenter - "Between The Dirt And The Stars"

“The Dirt And The Stars,” the newest album from Mary Chapin Carpenter, will be available everywhere August 7th and is now available for pre-order. In advance of the release, the title track, “Between The Dirt And The Stars,” premieres today.
Pre-order the album here: smarturl.it/the....
Produced by Ethan Johns (Ray LaMontagne, Paul McCartney, Kings of Leon) and recorded entirely live at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios in Bath, in southwest England, the album finds the 5-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter pondering life’s intimate, personal moments and exploring its most universally challenging questions at an unprecedented time. Written at her rural Virginia farmhouse before stay-at-home orders became the “new normal,” the songs celebrate invaluable experiences and irreplaceable wisdom, while also advocating exploration of the best in all of us.

[@billcleveland8911]

My wife and I are both 70 years old today. A time to reflect! Have just listened again to “Sometimes just the sky”, a wonderful song to reflect to, a reminder of our shared humanity from someone I don’t know. Someone who lives in another country. True songwriting is a wonderful gift and I am so grateful for yours. Thank you so much!

[@russdulaney3022]

The best guitar solo of all time. Period.

[@user-ym1du1kq1q]

duke levine

[@andrewbriggs6392]

She's getting better. I can't believe it's possible but she really is.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

WOW EVERY TIME!! "GRAND CENTRAL STATION," FOR 9/11, AND "MRS. HEMINGWAY," HEARD AFTER I READ THE BEAUTIFULLY! WRITTEN NOVEL:"MRS.HEMINGWAY," --ALL HER MUSICAL/POETRY WILL LAST FOREVER.

[@geoffteece3230]

She is. I agree. This just blew me away.

[@MoNoHair]

Hear hear

[@elizabethkvistad958]

I agree

[@elizabethkvistad958]

I agree

[@Craig-bz3dm]

I absolutely LOVE the " Singing " from the Great Duke Levine and His Fender Telecaster at the end of this Masterpiece . He just picks up the Song and wraps it in a warm blanket , then safely stores it in a Safe Place where we can all find it when our Soul needs it again ☮️

[@violinmke]

Remember when music grabbed you like nothing else ? This is what those times were like and we've got one example today.

[@Craig-bz3dm]

There are plenty of other Beautiful Artists out there today my Friend , we just have to look a little harder to find them . Check out , The Stable Song by Gregory Alan Isakov , Darling Girl by Mandolin Orange , When I'm Married by Wilder Adkins , or Midnight In Harlem by Tedeschi Trucks Band just to name a few . Oh and you have to listen to , Don't Be A Fool by Gregory Porter !!! The Spirit of the 70's is still alive and well , it's just harder to find . Peace ☮️

[@sharonvyse3686]

I missed the actually one year anniversary on the 7th to wish Ms Carpenter a very genuine congratulations on such a beautiful album. (as a double vaccinated therapist i was getting covid test having been around an anti vaxxed family, and isolating all over again pending results). Ms Carpenter's music, especially "One Night Lonely " as well as the last 3 newest albums gave solace and reflection waiting for results. Thank you for all your grace, inspiration and unknowing support through all of this health crisis. Do hope you are enjoying the last weeks of summer before you hit the road for your 'M. S. M.' "Together Again" fall tour!! I am sure you are getting some sets rehearsed or prepared so all is just right, but remember what cutting a few of these last several albums has taught you...sometimes magic happens in the spontaneity of the first live cut Mary Chapin Carpenter. You got this! Just look after yourself, especially your own physical condition!!! Oh, and congratulations on this amazing album's one year treasure to the 🌎 !!!

[@derrickswift4976]

Hi can I ask you a question please ❤❤

[@karlagreen6310]

Girl. Miss our Sundays♥️ Thank You Mary! Wish you would check in.

[@stephengrant5332]

I’ve been following this wonderfully talented lady since I accidentally (didn’t know who was playing that night)... saw her play at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA about 1980 or 1981.... since then.. I saw her several times at Wolftrap... once in London (circa 94 or 95)... and last at the Sandler Center in VA Beach (can’t believe it’s been 2 years since then).... thank you so much Mary for your songs from home... we’re folk from the same age.. and I know so many of your songs by heart... God Bless - regards to Angus.. & stay mighty!

[@richardjohnson3463]

The ONLY artist whose new albums I automatically purchase before listening, can't wait, great song, naturally.....

[@michaelhunt2483]

Agreed. If Mary's put it out, it's gonna' be wonderful.

[@sonyamccann2402]

Helll???

[@sonyamccann2402]

Oops lol hello?

[@carolwallace6242]

Something one cannot seem to find words for...MCC finds them...brilliant

[@robbishop2127]

Agreed. I bought Between Here And Gone on the day it was released. As I was leaving the store, I heard the intro to a song which sounded so good I thought I might be tempted by another purchase. Then I realised it was the CD I was holding in my hand...

[@charlesrobinson3461]

Anyone who hears this without recognition, wonder, and wistful memories is either under 25 or lost to all human feeling.

[@paulrickman7549]

Mary's music, one of the only things that got better since the 80s.

[@leeannemiller536]

Is anyone else concerned about Mary's health? Many of her Fall '21 concerts were canceled due to an injury she suffered about 2 months ago. If anyone knows about her recovery please pass it along. Best wishes to her. I will miss the joyous experience I was anticipating but more importantly I hope she is healing.🙏🙏❣

[@markbrownner6565]

that little acoustic guitar lick from wild horses was a nice touch....

[@paulhbrown]

Try to conjure up a night Of jessamine upon the air I'm seventeen and in a car Ready to ride anywhere This summer night sticks to my skin And the beer's gone to my head My arm hangs out the window And I can't hear what you just said Over the radio Wild, wild horses Everything you'll ever know Is in the choruses Everything that made you whole Everything that broke your heart Whatever called you by your soul And piece by piece took you apart Every spark you ever chased All the faith love robbed you of Every light the dark erased Every cause that gave you up Turn on the radio Wild, wild horses Everywhere we'd ever go Is in the choruses Standing on the porch tonight All I hear is a distant car Watching the fading light Between the dirt and the stars Between the rough and smooth And the easy and the hard The lonely sound of loneliness That's shaped just like my heart Years will pass before we turn To face the place where we come from Years will pass before we learn What time denies to everyone If we're lucky ghosts and prayers Are company, not enemies I time travel straight back there When you were singing back to me Along with the radio Wild, wild horses Everything we'll ever know Is in the choruses Over the radio Wild, wild horses Everywhere we'll ever go Is in the choruses

[@RobMacKendrick]

America's permanent poet laureate. You click on the file, and she takes you into a world you've been to but didn't know it till now.

[@davidparnell1893]

"Between The Dirt And The Stars" pretty well describes the setting for life on this earth...ALL of Mary Chapin Carpenter's lyrics are humanistically beautiful !! She has a special intelligence for the dimensions of life and the graces of life and "living."

[@floydshambles]

beautiful song. thanks for bringing duke back

[@janking8009]

Why would anyone give her a thumbs down, she is such a great singer and wonderful writer. Another beautiful song from a beautiful person.

[@Ma_Ba]

Maybe they are all thumbs on a phone app and it was a mistake because the thumb icon was near something else. That's the only explanation I can imagine!

[@user-wm3gr8fv3p]

Yes songs from home so helped during the pandemic. I thank you. I love the soul and sounds of your music. I am grateful to the universe for you.

[@patgaff2536]

Her voice, beautiful. Her music, magical.

[@timothyforsythe3155]

She still has it. To bad country music has shut her out and some other greats from the 90's. Keep showcasing that fantastic voice.

[@davidsmith-jj4iq]

BEAUTIFUL,AND STUNNING GUITAR WORK,TOO.

[@pushyred]

It's like you've been readin' my diaries❤️

[@robinoconnor1203]

Heard this song for the first time Sunday 24/10 its gone straight into my top 5 songs of all time, recorded in the UK very close to my home, always liked Mary C C.

[@davidparnell1893]

There are four chambers in the human heart and Mary Chapin Carperter has been in each of them. So few artists can feel the human pulse of life and express it in a song. Like two old friends sitting on the couch sharing those feelings. The heart keeps time, the heart keeps feelings, the heart weeps and the heart laughs. The heart tends life for everything else. Mary Chapin Carpenter can find a chord and a voice to express and sooth the soul. She's not a priest or a therapist but she can calm the soul in a song and make sense of today or yesterday. She can cast a spell that may leave you thinking for the rest of the day. You are not alone, find your desiderata in a song.

[@paulinebelisle9384]

Summer '75 . . .Wild wild horses couldn't drag me away. . . . Wild wild horses we'll ride them some day.

[@dcinkc58]

Remember it well. It was between my sophomore and junior years of high school. She nailed that time in this song.

[@carolwallace6242]

MCC gets better over time...how amazing...stunns the heart...

[@MartinPraetorius]

This is simply epic. A masterpiece of songwriting, the truth in and between the lines. A story anyone who has been young and full of dreams can relate to and fill with own memories. The perfprmance is stellar and that guitar solo arguably the best that has been put to tape in the past 20 years.

[@madisonstubbs542]

This... is a masterpiece.

[@paulmcd226]

Nobody does melancholy or unrequited heartbreak like Mary......smooth as a good bourbon

[@jewelleannwilliams8076]

Such a beautiful song that captures the exact things I am feeling while scanning old photographs and closing my eyes to feel the memories attached to them. The longing, wondering, hoping :) Maybe you can play it for us on Sunday, dear Mary?

[@johns20901]

Great comment, maybe she’ll do it for us from the farm. I suspect she does read or scan these comments. Maybe if we grovel enough 😄

[@Ma_Ba]

@@johns20901 I really think she likes this production though; it is her new baby that she and we can relish as conceived for awhile. On the other hand, I have seen the piano in the house. Maybe there's an amp in there somewhere too!

[@davidparnell1893]

Such a beautiful person...gifted with a poet's heart...a woman..a higher lifeform than man...where can I start...touch your face ..smell your breath and every scent...thin silken skin...longer in the womb than any man...God's last creation...the last hope of our species...and you with your gifted voice knowing every word's choice...to describe this world with your angel's voice...

[@reginaldpayne6747]

Mrs.Mary..Perfect.. Hello my good friend..Very Nice 👍✌️♥️

[@kenac64]

Can't stop listening to this.

[@MSDOGS1976]

A good song, good singer and a good person. Nice combination.

[@barques95]

Great song, great lyrics and a 3+ minute jam session guitar solo at the end. I can't wait to crank this up in the car with the windows open.

[@debbiewilson958]

You have always captured me.

[@deanjhaas1393]

I love this song, Chapin.

[@GoodStuffForeverMore]

Wow, Chapin! This is awesome.Your voice is still as smooth and velvety as ever. Just like molasses. Love the arrangement! The extended guitar wail, punctuating the song as it fades off into the distance, Is exactly what the doctor ordered. Magnificent work, magnificent❣️

[@alt2ooning]

GoodStuffForeverMore ......we would be remiss if we didn't include the full stops and whirling Leslie's of the B3 filling in the space behind the driving distorted wail of the signature tone of the LP........most importantly this is MCC at her best

[@dalelight8340]

Gotta love those wild, wild horses MCC, you continue to shower us in the sweetness of soul.

[@Williecat1814]

Classic Mary Chapin Carpenter music! Thank you for the new music ❤️

[@sharong3458]

Chapin you have outdone yourself again... Brava ... what great lyrics and guitars... My young adult self was a ablaze

[@jokautzman2971]

Aw, @marychapin you are such an amazing human being! Your music is so soothing and beautiful! You have and continue to be a gift to us all! Thank you for sharing your heart with us. You are so loved, hope you can feel it from across the many miles! Love from AZ 🧡☀️🌵💞💞

[@svanasaga5239]

Wow! I’m floored.

[@EugeneCHolly]

"Between The Dirt And The Stars" Try to conjure up a night Of jessamine upon the air I'm seventeen and in a car Ready to ride anywhere This summer night sticks to my skin And the beer's gone to my head My arm hangs out the window And I can't hear what you just said Over the radio Wild, wild horses Everything you'll ever know Is in the choruses Everything that made you whole Everything that broke your heart Whatever called you by your soul And piece by piece took you apart Every spark you ever chased All the faith love robbed you of Every light the dark erased Every cause that gave you up Turn on the radio Wild, wild horses Everywhere we'd ever go Is in the choruses Standing on the porch tonight All I hear is a distant car Watching the fading light Between the dirt and the stars Between the rough and smooth And the easy and the hard The lonely sound of loneliness That's shaped just like my heart Years will pass before we turn To face the place where we come from Years will pass before we learn What time denies to everyone If we're lucky ghosts and prayers Are company, not enemies I time travel straight back there When you were singing back to me Along with the radio Wild, wild horses Everything we'll ever know Is in the choruses Over the radio Wild, wild horses Everywhere we'll ever go Is in the choruses

[@laurasmith7421]

Thankyou, Eugene for taking the time and giving of your effort to gift us us with the lyrics. Your generosity is received with gratitude.❤️🙏🏼

[@johns20901]

Thank You Eugene !

[@maikelcasado4331]

Thanks for the lyrics!!!

[@ulissesgomes1806]

Show....

[@KCron59]

Thanks for the lyrics! There's such value in reading them!

[@davidtechau4083]

couldn't drag me away...

[@uthinkaboutthat]

You just brought back the longing and restlessness of 17, the angels and magnolias witnessing my comings and goings, headlights on the Kings Highway, warm summer nights ready to ride anywhere, not knowing where I was going or what pearl I had. Contented with the wind in my hair and the tremulous heartbreak of the Stones and the Sundays.

[@Craig-bz3dm]

Wow , what a Poignant message of The Freedom of Youth . You should Definitely be a Writer !!!!☮️

[@uthinkaboutthat]

Craig Whitey Thank you for reading and reacting. We have more power at 17 than I think we often realize.

[@Craig-bz3dm]

@@uthinkaboutthat If we could only somehow go back just long enough to explain this to our 17 Year Old Self , just think how much Sweeter the " Journey " would be 💖 Oh well , no regrets ☮️

[@uthinkaboutthat]

Craig Whitey Yes. Too bad that’s not the way wisdom works.

[@lesliehoran6741]

Goose bumps! Closed my eyes and drifted back to that feeling of a free spirited sense of wonder. I was moved by this beautiful music and lyrics. me I felt like me... again! Thank you Mary for sharing your gift.

[@luzrivera6621]

Mary Chapin is like a fine wine--just gets better with age! Like mana from heaven--a balm that soothes your soul and brings you to tears with her incredible lyrics which are poetic beauty! I can just imagine the smile on her face when the shredding of the guitar starts in the song! WOW, just WOW!!!

[@philliptommy3639]

Hello 😊

[@oghippiechick]

Mary, I've always loved your music, since I first saw you play at the Bob Dylan 30 year anniversary show. You've also kept me sane during the quarantine, playing from your kitchen. I just wanna say, this new tune is beautiful! I cannot wait to be able to see you perform live and in-person before too long!

[@chiangchengpun2641]

High hippie chick, I totally agree MCC fantastic songwriter/performer. Please check on Sandy Denny but beware you may be hooked for life like many of us. to billie holiday, sandy denny, arundhati roy and all hippie chicks on this planet 🍄🌄🦄🐞🦚🇺🇲🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇳🌬👏🌻🦋💗🕉🙏✌🏾.................. 🤓

[@michaeldavid329]

Hello How are you doing

[@derekhassack-restoringyour3376]

What a blessing to my life this woman has been, and continues to be. This is just wonderful. Thank you.

[@tarotapy9144]

Wowie Mary!! Wonderful resonating!! Lovely😍😍💖💖

[@XannaDont]

Very cool.

[@eddygeneraal1223]

Thank you for this impressive album. Loved listening to all songs. Top quality!! Greetings from Groningen NL from a 70 old guy

[@sandrapost8087]

Mary Chapin taking it to the NEXT level!

[@mikeevans1952]

Brilliant and very unexpected guitar solo...

[@Lancelot59]

Standing ovation from the Smokies!

[@captainhuggins]

Mary Chapin, you just keep getting better. Over the years, you've capture my life in your songs. Please, don't ever stop. (And thanks for Songs At Home!)

[@leerimmer6329]

Couldn't have said it better myself!

[@casssmith3887]

I remember waiting outside Peaches record store, nose pressed against the glass for them to open, everytime she released a new album. Though the ways to buy albums have changed, still buy it as soon as it's out.

[@NatuReelVideo]

What. A. Track.

[@pskeck04]

Absolutely lovely Mary! Stay Strong and Mighty Everyone😊!!

[@patriciau6277]

I love her music. It’s what music used to be. You know worth listening to.

[@philliptommy3639]

Hello Patricia😊

[@stevencoffeen6684]

Such a distinctive voice she is easily recognized, and she now sounds so comfortably smooth, I think like a fine wine that has fully matured. I look forward to hearing the full album.

[@uthinkaboutthat]

Keep playing the blues. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Wynton Marsalis said, “What we are about to see is what’s gonna happen when people take the blues and turn it into what happens when you play the blues.” He also said in Smithsonian Mag as a sort of coda, “We are blues people. And blues never lets tragedy have the last word.”

[@alfberisso]

Beautiful tune, very meaningful lyrics and great sound engineering!! Mary deserves that we her fans turn it into a platinum album as a heartfelt sign of appreciation to her meaningful and generous help to us during this pandemic 💕

[@geoffteece3230]

Well said. I couldn’t agree more

[@ole-ol1ok]

I agree . Let’s do it !

[@marylouschubert2974]

For sure...👍❤

[@janking8009]

Yes

[@AlanJan_UK_49]

Us two too. Jan and I love her to bits. Can't begin to say how wonderful it's been to be with Mary in her home during this horrible time.

[@ccarter1023]

What a beautifully evocative song! Simply brilliant! MCC has been my favorite for almost 30 years now and she's still creating timeless music. Bravo!

[@markphillips1893]

I'm lovin this Mary ticks all my boxes and I just adore your photo on the album. MCC you're an inspiration and an angel - Stay Mighty! ❤✌

[@RonWarner60]

What a beautiful song!!!

[@Jamie.Laszlo]

Nice guitar solo. I didn't see that coming. It's a folk song that turns into a full-fledged rock song.

[@johns20901]

Indeed, guitar solo was a nice surprise. As has been said, it’s not how many votes you can shred fast, it’s the feeling and meaning of the notes. A joy for me, a senior citizen and guitarist. 👏🎸.

[@craighlady9364]

@@johns20901 Yes Duke Levine is awesome and a longtime local gem in Boston . I used to work with him in the studio in the early 90's .

[@KellK-1975]

So much love for this lady!

[@aileenwaters5050]

I can't stop listening to the new album. Thank you MCC for continuing to add joy, introspection and reflection to my life. You are amazing! Good dance songs, great musicality, good dig at L.G. (I assume he is the stooge!) And Duke rocks it. Love you!

[@mikedriscoll6785]

Perfect singing, beautiful organ and guitar

[@borderterrierpoppyadventures]

She has been one of the biggest highlights for me during this Covid crazy time.

[@elizabethkvistad958]

This makes me happy and brings tears of recognition. You are an assert to this old world. Now we all have to find what gifts we each have to give.

[@sharonvyse3686]

Heard Ralph McLean interview MCC yesterday on BBC 🇮🇪. He spoke such truthful words, and I quote, Mary Chapin is "true grits, amazing songwriter storyteller", beautiful (album). He felt honoured that you also sent along personally recorded tracks of " Farther Along and Further In" and "Secret Keepers". Thank you for speaking honestly about feeling blessed to be safe at home all this time, ok with the solitude and that we just don't know what's going on in another's life...so kindness leads with empathy. (My take aways from your conversation.) May you all continue to stay safe and be well at the farm. Much thanks for the gift you are to us. Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend. 🇺🇸 😊 🇨🇦 !!

[@barryanderson8740]

Wow, so beautifully produced. Loving that soulful organ vibe. ;) Gorgeous lyrics, melody and vocals once again, Mary. 🙌✌️🎧

[@susanread1234]

Wild, wild horses - I love the reference - brings me back to my teenage years - beautiful once again, MC :) - thanks from the heart. The electric guitar parts are especially lovely.

[@domgrosso121]

I can’t wait for the rest of the album.

[@markishaug6781]

Possibly my favorite MCC song of all time. And I love soooo many. Best 7 minutes and 43 seconds of music in 2020.

[@jeffallbon5838]

I love the song MaryChapin - thank you 😊

[@barques95]

If Bob Dylan wrote these lyrics today, they'd say, "The old guy has still got it."

[@barrymasterman5738]

Great tune, great recording, incredible guitar work from Duke Levine!

[@daver.summers3280]

Mary Chapin Carpenter, You & your 'core value Meyers-Brigs (16) Personality play hell with a solos Soul in an INFJ bent on getting it right this time around on this 3rd rock. Your Chops and lines cook like piping hot candy on a red hot wood stove, piping & crackling. They SMOKE as a Catalyst for this mind, body, and critter called Me! You really do throw out double fists full of Mustard Seeds that all sprout & make Life so necessary for the seconds, moments, & tomorrows. Please keep sharing I'm addicted to this high you genre at! You make a difference in Life.

[@cathytroutman3689]

Love love love !

[@bernicewalsh3432]

Great song. Love her songs.

[@derrickswift4976]

Hi can I ask you a question please ❤❤

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

This caught me a little off-guard. I wasn’t expecting a new album. Great news. This song has something of a new sound. Fabulous lyrics and a voice just as beautiful as ever. Roll on August! Thanks Mary.

[@marke.anderson1072]

I'm excited about this new album; and, even moreso after listening to this track. Some beautiful guitar here. Makes me think of Stevie Ray Vaughan, maybe a little of Jimi Hendrix. Bring it on!

[@charlessmith1051]

Already purchased the CD. Now I have to wait for its release! Lovely, lovely song. Thank you.

[@toddlewys1588]

Another melodic and lyrical delight!

[@ellenh278]

Hauntingly beautiful vocals and the guitar takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. Thanks. I've been enjoying your 'music from home'. You've brought a calm warmth into some of my anxious days. And I thank you for that, also.

[@KILLERMEDIACLUB]

oh. be still my heart.

[@stevepeconi]

Couldn't have said it better myself, friend.

[@poodlenme]

Killer vocals and lead guitar! ❤️

[@waynechance8449]

Great album.

[@drumcconaughy330]

Wow. I keep playing this again and again. Fantastic song, lyrics, vocal, musicians, production, everything. I’m so glad I pre-ordered it because I can’t wait to hear the whole CD!

[@nicoletiedemann461]

I love this song on so many levels. I cannot wait for August.

[@chrisdolby2870]

Absolutely love the fuller sound. Hammond organ and guitar compliment the lyric beautifully. A stunning introduction to the new album, and everything we have come to expect from Chapin. Can't wait for the album....magnificent!

[@johnloftus6043]

What a great song, yes, Wild Horses, lyrics by a young Gram Parsons, gifted to his pal Keith Richards. Gram was lonely as a child. Mom died on High School Graduation after Dad suicided before Christmas when he was 12. The lyrics were about his younger sister’s struggles.

[@stevepaul7877]

Just beautiful.

[@bmi1967]

Fantastic!!!

[@neilprimeau5475]

LOVE IT MARY....CANT WAIT TO BUY THE CD....THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR GREAT SONGS FROM HOME SINCE COVID HIT....SO APPRECIATED....HI TO ANGUS & WHITE KITTY