Mary Chapin Carpenter - Songs From Home Episode 33: Late For Your Life

Hi friends,
Welcome to the month of August and another “Songs From Home” song.
”Late For Your Life” has a simple message that reminds us not to put off those things that would make our lives better, happier, more fulfilled…whatever those aspirations might be. Even
in a pandemic, every day is all there is, and it all goes by so fast.
In the first episode of our podcast “One Story”****, Sarah Kay and I talked about how regrets can shape our thoughts and actions, worrying about time running out and accepting where we find ourselves in life, in our work, in our relationships, in our passions and callings. This song seemed a good musical partner for that part of the conversation.
In other news, I am counting down the days until next Friday August 7th, when “The Dirt And The Stars” is released!
Until the next time, stay well, stay strong, wear your mask, and #staymighty !
#lateforyourlife #songsfromhome #august #virginia #blueridgemountains #thedirtandthestars #angus #goldenretriever #squeakytoy #home #farm #patienceismysuperpower #weareallconnected #staythefuckhome #stayhome #withme #podcast #onestorypodcast #sarahkay
****available wherever you find your podcasts

[@annmorse2552]

Mary Chapin, if you have ever had the slightest doubt about the value of your life and music on this planet (as you suggest in the podcast) know that Songs from Home alone has gifted you a first row seat in Heaven (and I'm Unitarian!). Thank you, thank you for reaching out to us with your heart, honesty, warmth and wisdom.

[@johns20901]

another Unitarian and I agree with Ann. 😉

[@amyhaselgren7886]

Am in absolute agreement with this!! 💚

[@stevesurowiec6229]

I love this song!! From an Episcopalian with lots of Unitarian friends. Love them too!

[@JackChurchill712]

No better way to start the day than 5 minutes with Mary and Angus.

[@philiptamer8995]

Yes sir ABSOLUTELY !!!!!!!!

[@constancemiller3753]

Nobody plays the squeaky like Angus.

[@mseudaimonia5917]

Mary - you are such a gemstone to behold on this aching planet of ours. Thank you for giving to us your 'songs from home.' It has kept me afloat and continues to. Blessings.

[@aldocomelli]

Your songs are a moment of happiness for poeple over the world. Simplicity as you present it is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

[@deanjhaas1393]

Chapin, I believe I own every song you’ve ever recorded. There are so many that allow me to track the arc of my life. Late for Your Life has long been one of the most resonant and meaningful and thought-provoking for me. It meant something in my 30s as I pondered life’s choices and decisions. And now, in my late 50s it still hits deep during these surreal and transformational times. Thank you. Songs from Home is such a gift.

[@kevinvoge507]

Time*Sex*Love is still one of my favorite albums. I wish I'd hear more of it on your tour, Chapin. So many great songs, and so little time together. I'd pay twice the ticket price just to hear John Carroll play his intro to "Whenever You're Ready," the first track on the album. Something Wild.

[@edalexander1432]

This song speaks to me, perhaps like no other. The day I retired, as I left my empty office, I tacked the lyrics to this song to my office door. For almost a year, as I listened to this song, it seemed that it was telling me, urging me, to "find a quiet little town". And I did, where to this day, I "sit on the back porch and watch the sun go down". Thanks, Mary, for helping nudge me no my way; I haven't regretted it at all.

[@JS45678]

A beautiful post and you earned your wonderful retirement and relaxation dear friend, enjoy. 🙂

[@rosannemadden8520]

The thoughts and words of this song follow along with what you say in your podcast, One Story, about time running out. I have taken that to heart and am working on lifestyle improvements! Thank you, MCC for sharing your spirit, your heart!

[@aubreycary7251]

Thank you sweetheart. For all your lovely music god bless. Awsome.

[@joshellyson]

Ms Mary, this particular song has soothed and challenged my soul more times than i can recall. Almost invariably, on a long, late drive, pensive with all the regrets of the day or the whole of life, i have put this song on, and it has restored me to keep pressing on. Will never be able to say thank you enough.

[@carolwallace6242]

Still wonderful 10 months later...SFH just the best of everything, ever xo

[@annf1804]

Thank you! Beautiful voice, beautiful guitar, beautiful song.

[@xoxb2]

"Every day is all there is" - wise words, and a timely reminder. Thank you!

[@pamelaott1256]

You photo is beautiful. The calm and peacefulness that awaits before your video airs! Sundays wouldn't be Sundays if you didn't bless us with your music. Thank-you seems like a small word for what you have given us all these weeks! You have enriched so many lives around the world and all over the US!! Take care and Stay Mighty!!

[@audreyfelso993]

Good morning Pamela! Hope you have a beautiful day and you are doing well! You write so nicely in your comment! Here we are fine, Thank God just like last week. Our weather has been very hot, our news are varied. Next Monday is already August 10, the new school year is not far away, we will need to see many things again. Today is going to be a beautiful day with Mary!! Smiles on our faces! Wishing all the best to You!

[@pamelaott1256]

@@audreyfelso993 Hello!! It's always nice to hear from you!! We are doing well here. It has been really warm here also. Hard to believe it is August already! School will start here the beginning of September. I think it will be on line here. I don't have any children in school any longer. Each state here is starting their school session differently, depending on how bad the virus is. It's a real mess as some teachers are afraid of being in the schools for fear of catching the virus. We have to wear masks indoors here no matter where we go to. Some people are worried when winter comes and flu season starts as to how bad the virus will be. There's talk that there will be a vaccine soon. It's incredible to me that Christmas plans have been cancelled in the park where I work already. How do they know that far in advance that it will still be bad?? It is a strange day and age we are in isn't it?? I know God has a plan and it is good. We just have to trust him and Stay Mighty right?? Take care friend!!

[@audreyfelso993]

Dear Pamela! So good to hear from you, thank you! As for us, we have the we don't know yet state of affairs for September. In June we had 2 weeks of partial online partial personal work, 2 months+2 weeks of online before that. We also wear our masks everywhere in indoor places. Very good news is that I still love my job:) I'm so grategul to Mary that she reaches out to us, she is great inspiration to pass on the good in our surroundings!! 'Stay Mighty', too, and please take care! Have a lovely day!!

[@daviddorais6071]

like a real friend who drops in every week....THANK YOU!

[@gin6752]

Your songs will drift in time like a leaf floating down a river, so thank you, that I got to see and feel your music from the muddy bank.

[@milevapavlovic5139]

Hi mary angus white kitty angus sure knows a rhythm thanks for the songs stay safe stay strong all much love thank you mary your songs are so beautiful you have been a blessing in these uncertain times😷😷😷😷💪💪💪💪💕💕💕💕💕💕🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@71NF]

I have always loved your songs, Mary ... But now in this series of videos you are on top of the mountain, on top of music world. Kind, lovely, heart-warming. You give so much... That's what people need nowadays. Your music is eternal, because it addresses our most humán depths and our better selves. Never quit, because I'll never quit listening to you. Best wishes from Hungary, the other side of the Northern Hemisphere.

[@dawnsmoke2586]

I Love You ... Thank you for sharing your beautiful Spirit during these very difficult times ... hugs xoxo

[@johngoeddeke2882]

Hi Mary. Once again your music and message has touched a special place in my heart. Your spirit is lovely beyond measure.

[@patgaff2536]

Thank you Mary for sharing your gifts with us. Each time, I look forward to the next one. Blessings.

[@m.javadechaudhri5950]

In the wee hours of the night, when the existential crises of being threaten to overwhelm us, MCC’s music provides the spirit to endure and even to exalt in that endurance. Thank you.

[@carrollverbeck2964]

Ahh my favorite song. Beautiful guitar work Mary. For some reason this song always brings a tear in my eye. The words, melody and thought provoking song seems to start the water flowing and who says guys don't cry. I want to do so much on my bucket list but can't. It seems life is just going by so fast and this covid is stopping me from enjoying it. I just don't want to be late for my life. Again thank you Mary for your talent and sharing it in these wild and crazy times. Stay strong and mighty!!!!

[@wjcorrinne4052]

Hello Carroll, These Sunday mornings are a blessing, a few minutes to shut out the stress and troubles in our lives. Perhaps if you look at this time as a gift? I understand that for the thousands that have lost someone close it may not be. Yes the time does seem to fly by us almost as if we’re going backwards. The gift I relish is the chance to think, remember and relax from our world that is now swimming with tension, stress and anxiety. The opportunity to take the time to notice the little things we often take for granted but do so much to fill the corners of our lives with things that make us human and alive. Peace and grace to you.

[@giancarlozulian6976]

Oggi finalmente sono riuscito ad ascoltare il brano. Dolcissimo! Un raggio di sole in un cielo azzurro... Grazie di cuore Mary. Buona vita!

[@sharonhutchinson9604]

Thank you for another gracious gift!

[@scottschell6578]

Thanks for reminding us that life is always worth the living-no matter the circumstance- we can always share in a dance!

[@TheLittletrees]

Thank you Mary Chapin Carpenter bringing more of your wonderful songs to all of us, many of the words certainly can apply to a lot of us. ❤️ Be well and safe

[@johnpfeifer7591]

Thank you - you are one of MY heroes. Your music speaks to me and of my life. You aren't afraid to say what might be unpopular, and you are true to yourself. Thank you .

[@hannesheller3162]

... and I was afraid that nothing would come. Can't wait for episode 33!👍🍀♥️💪

[@KCron59]

"Like a Gershwin clarinet" Brilliant.

[@SunMeidell]

Hazy hot humid...and a song will rise

[@mitchmatthews6713]

You are the best medicine, Ms Mary. Big hug from Detroit!

[@toniriss]

This moment with you accompanied by Angus is the medicine I need. I am not suffering with cancer I am incurably alive and loving every minute of my life. You are an angel to me.

[@audreyfelso993]

Good afternoon and I would like to express well done to Your recovery!!! All the best! 'Stay Mighty'!

[@wjcorrinne4052]

How fortunate my friend, that you move in the glory of Nature as She enfolded her arms around you. It is good medicine that all to often we tend to put aside it’s healing power. It will fill your soul with gladness, peace and harmony if you let it carry you through the day and evening.

[@mirtikaschultz3282]

YOu have such a lovely spirit that comes through. Wonderful song and a lovely lady (and cute poochie). Blessings.

[@Lancelot59]

You and Angus and White Kitty are such a bright spot in dark days. You are such an inspiration. Thank You for these blessings... Much Love from the Smokies..

[@jellybean6778]

The squeaky toy at the start of the vid made all my dogs get up and start barking. I love this tune!

[@janelawless621]

These Sunday morning songs are such wonderful gifts. ❤️🎶🌹

[@sharonvyse330]

365 days ago that amazing LP of yours was released!!! Remember it like yesterday? It was a pleasant surprise during such dark days Ms Carpenter. Each on of your songs transported onto an LP were so well written and beautifully mixed. So much of your life was transposed onto those gems. What works of art. Although you mentioned you may have taken a risk and put yourself out there on this most recent "The Dirt And The Stars", I don't think it was. Watching grow and blossom as an artist has been a privilege, and such has allowed some of us to see that we need to continue to soul search, crack open that armor and do some deep down reflection to 'work out' some of our own 'stuff'. Thanks so much for the music and these reflections within SFH. Be well, and stay safe as the fall tours commence.

[@pls2028]

Mere words cannot describe how much I love this song. I love all your music, but this one, more than any other, resonates so deeply with me. It brings tears to my eyes every time I listen to it - including right now. Several years ago, I saw you perform in Toronto with Shawn Colvin. Hopefully, when the world gets back to normal (post-COVID), you will come back. You have many, many fans up north of the border, but it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that I’m your biggest one! Stay safe and stay well and yes…Angus is adorable!

[@Highland804]

I always feel so calm after listening to you sing. Makes me forget, if only for a little while. Thank you.

[@ethnicmusiclover]

Late but wonderful! Busy dealing with my late brides family photos that have been astounding. Learning about people I never knew and some never heard of but now I know them! Now that my 15 year old pooch is over the rainbow bridge I have much time to do whatever. Music is first.

[@nurturenature2282]

“The seed of goodness is found in the soil of appreciation” - Dalai Lama. All of your lovely goodness (your kindness, generosity, beautiful voice, warm heart and soul, etc, etc) is so appreciated! You have created such a beautiful and positive environment for us and have attracted some wonderful followers. The people who comment here are kind and supportive people. The podcasts are incredible. You are courageous and honest and open and I thank you. Being a secret keeper who has a hard time being vulnerable, it means a lot to me that you would reveal everything you did. It is a great honor to hear your story. Thank you for sharing. Stay well and #staymighty. 💕☮️💐

[@pamelaott1256]

Hi! I was hoping to say howdy to you!! Beautiful message!! Stay Mighty!!

[@pskeck04]

Good morning Nurture Nature. I hope you are well! So nice to see your comment. Stay Strong and Mighty!

[@ursulamulder110]

Hi Nurture Nature. Exceedingly well expressed - thank you! I have a lump in the throat, listening to Late for Your Life, and being reminded that 'yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, today is the gift.' The podcast is truly amazing, and I can't wait for the new album release on 07 August!

[@audreyfelso993]

Good afternoon Nurture Nature! Your post is wonderful! I hope you are doing well! For me it is so helpful to believe that kindness and goodness works:) How great energy Mary has!! We all come here for this Hope week by week and She always supports! 'Stay Mighty'

[@nurturenature2282]

Hello everyone. Thank you for stopping by my room (if you listened to the 2nd episode of the podcast, then you know what I mean). I’m glad you found your way in here, It’s always nice to have such kind visitors. 😁

[@leelossi1257]

Thanks Mary, I wait for your home songs! You cheer up my day every time. PLEASE keep them coming. WE NEED THEM

[@tammyweinke1138]

I love this song.... and am really enjoying hearing so many that I have never heard before... and from such an intimate setting as your home. Thanks again for sharing these treasures! They truly speak to my heart.

[@maryannefrett2983]

Thank you so much for all your songs from home. I look forward to them. Angus and his squeaky toys make me laugh. Keep on singing. The world is a better place because you share your gifts with us.

[@crow2able]

This song, this song instructed me so long ago to do the things I have dreamt about and begin to live my life in my own way. I did am still am at 70 yrs. old. I have been hoping and waiting for you to play this song as it gives me beautiful reflections of all that I have done in my life. Thank you, dear one. I guess we never know where a light will shine for us, thanks for your light.

[@JackieSewert]

If you ever get to go out on your again, you might take pause when you don’t hear the squeaky toy or bone rattling in the background as accompaniment! Love this!

[@joannekozaroff7500]

I won’t miss COVID but I will miss songs from home. Thank you for bringing calm and hope into our chaotic world MCC.❤️❤️❤️

[@jamescopeland5358]

Life is a search in everything. I love the notes, lyric expressions and the alt tuning. Is it not a wonderful thing we were given the ability to reason and search for answers of heart, soul and mind as well as people and places.

[@davidlendzyk8684]

Yet another wonderful song ! Thank you !

[@jacs3659]

Wow wow wow...Thank You yet again mcc...cheers from Australia..xx

[@stacheful1]

Thank you so much. I can’t even begin to explain how this particular song touched me today. But that’s what good writing does ...I’m grateful. 💕

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

Hi Mary, thank you for another wonderful song from your extensive back catalogue. I’ve just listened to your podcast too. It was fascinating hearing about your inspirations and thoughts on your upcoming album and your life. I find it hard to believe you have too much to reproach yourself for. Your warmth, compassion, generosity, kindness and thoughtfulness shine through in these videos. You mention in the podcast that we need art, music, theatre. I think in these troubled times, we need those things more than ever. Stay mighty. Stay you.

[@nandowner5774]

Thank you again Mary! Your music is so calm and inspiring! I always look forward to your Songs From Home on Sunday mornings!

[@dhtm3577]

Thank you again. So beautiful and sweet. You stay healthy & strong. ❤️🙏

[@davidholman5765]

Thank you for your continued “Songs From Home”.

[@terryfriend16]

Thanks for this. Love Angus. Keep our beliefs of normality going....Bless your home, and thank you for sharing your songs.

[@canoslo6126]

One of my favorites!!!!! It found me at just the moment I needed it. What a blessing.

[@tomas5376]

Truly enjoy squeaky! Listen to podcast. Fascinating to learn the thinking behind those songs. Gracias👍✌️😊🙏🏼🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶🎵🎶

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

Such a beautiful photo ❤️ I always look forward to Sundays now 😊

[@captainkprflury3480]

Once Again MCC, perfect Sunday is complete- thanks ever so much for making a great day even greater with your amazing gifts. Stay mighty !

[@captainkprflury3480]

Thanks MCC I know you read all the comments -we are with you even though we are "closer and closer apart" stay mighty!

[@sagebutterfly2]

So very blessed to 'share' this time with you (and Angus). As always, heart-felt thanks and love flowing your way! xxx

[@Book-Keeper37]

I adore you, your peacefulness, your music. You are my church every Sunday. You settle my mind. You bring me joy! I wish we were best friends or sisters! ❤❤❤❤❤ Thank you for sharing your talent and strength!

[@keithjordan3532]

Wise words ....like Why walk when you can fly !

[@jokautzman2971]

So much love for you, MCC! Listening to you, your soft, amazing voice = forever grateful! 💛

[@R..Montana]

Hi Miss Mary, that song means a lot to me because it help me to move on in my life. This song helped me to make a year-long trip to Hawaii, and that's what started my recovery back to love and happiness. But so many of your songs have done that for me throughout my life. You are so loved and cherished. Thanks you for healing us with your words and song and your beautiful spirit.

[@marlenedegrood]

Thank You! Enjoy the journey ... don’t wait for the destination.

[@amyhaselgren7886]

Having to make some big changes in my life due to Covid and teaching, so this song hit home today! Thank you!!💚

[@joannarice]

Beautiful song. Thank you for sharing.

[@stevieray7203]

Thank you...as a mental health worker you rejuvenate me and always have 💖

[@viggytea750]

To everyone out there who has received comfort, enjoyment and nourishment from “ MCC Songs From Home” , on August 7 , WE ALL KNOW , what to do. Heartfelt thanks 🙏 for this song and new music to feast upon.

[@oldschoolchicky]

Your wonderful music and calming voice is the highlight of my Sunday! Thank you Mary. Staying mighty in Northern CA. Have a great day. :)

[@MANI-gp6wn]

Just what I needed to hear...to soothe my soul and to get motivated. Thank you!

[@pwb0511]

Wisdom here, time travel, while you wait for change, change has come and gone, love your insight into what really matters in our life’s journey.

[@amyhaselgren7886]

Thanks again for brightening my day with your music and fun interactions with Angus! Have a wonderful day!!😊

[@tammychilds5326]

🙏🏽🥰Bless you 🌟💗 and your Angelic voice

[@raymondmedeiros1802]

Late for Your Life and Note on a Windshield are 2 of my favorite songs by Mary.

[@pskeck04]

Warmest Greeting Mary from Wild Wonderfully WV. Another lovely song, thank you so much. Good old Angus as squeaking as ever. Stay Strong and Mighty Mary!

[@randalbladel2817]

The master of alternate tunings, and how to play them.

[@dianehansen704]

These songs have been such a calming part of my day. I so appreciate them. Thank you so much!

[@sharonvyse3686]

Keeping these words close in mind as the one year mark and then some moves us into another Easter of semi isolation with covid taking younger lives right now. Not sure where we belong but a new day may bring more vaccinations and some changes...thank you for this ms MCC. Be well. Take good care of Angus and yourself.

[@rogerplested9484]

Thank you. I wish you all the best

[@robynholliday4794]

MCC I have enjoyed your first 2 podcasts about the new album.

[@bakokat6982]

Thank you Mary for another beautiful song! Pure poetry and wisdom in your lyrics..Your guitar sounds great! Please sometime share your mystery tunings. God bless you for your gifts of song, can’t wait for August 7th! 😻🙋🏼‍♀️❤️❤️

[@richtfingers]

Simply enchanting.

[@jeffdawes879]

Mary... thank you... you're the best. (I know these words sound small, but I just can't seem to find the words to express me great appreciation).

[@LindyLooo99]

So happy to see you again this morning! We are so loving these Songs from Home!

[@garryanderson6727]

Hey M.C. Out of 14 day isolation today in Canada, Alberta, Red Deer Hooray!

[@rosannemadden8520]

Alberta you say? Reminds me of "Four Strong Winds." No one does it better than does MCC!

[@julesdas712]

Loved the podcast Mary, thanks for sharing the story of how you first met Joan Baez. You too are a mentor and influencer to many, who are learning the chords you've shown us in your Songs from Home. We're immersed in your music and generosity - sending it right back to you. Stay Mighty and we'll be with you in a concert hall again soon. x

[@bevincampbell557]

Your talent makes me stop in my tracks. I'm immediately transported. And I know your success is a great product of intense, hard work, but I can't help but think your musical beauty is God given. Thank you for the help, healing, and happiness your music brings.

[@shelleypeterson8685]

MCC - a calm breath of fresh air, thank you! Your RN kindred spirit in Dallas....Staying Mighty with ya sister!

[@annenyman678]

One of my favorites! Thank you!

[@garryanderson6727]

Everlasting life ,on Earth!

[@psexton]

It's just not possible to tell you how much your "Songs from Home" mean to me. And when I drive, I'm finding myself listening more and more to your earlier work, particularly the Hometown Girl and Time*Sex*Love discs. I've realized that listening to your work in chronological order is not unlike thinking about my own life's journey, at least if were more talented and eloquent and thoughtful. Thank you so much! Would it be possible for you to perform "The Dreaming Road" or "Alone But Not Lonely"? No matter what, you're giving thousands of us some very personal inspiration and encouragement. Big socially distant hug to you, Angus and White Kitty. We owe you big time.

[@coopnlolo]

Thank you so much for doing these little concert tidbits- makes my workdays so much better.

[@charlessmith1051]

Songs from Home are just a lovely collection with one great song after another. They give me a little insight into what it must have been like to see her perform back when she was a solo act, one-woman show traveling the country before everyone discovered how wonderful she is.

[@clbrant]

You are amazing and thank you for these gifts. My squeeky toy pal wanted to pay squeeky with your pal.

[@joycegilcrest9945]

Beautiful Piano....... Beautiful Music .... Beautiful Woman... Beautiful squeaky toys ...Beautiful Naps....

[@reneewisch6798]

Truly a great song..it really touched home tonight here in Chicago. Thanks MCC.

[@cornstorm666]

I have thought how many times I have been late for my life...not anymore, I try to be early...love this so special song..❤ Angus #stay mighty