Patty Griffin - Forgiveness

Patty Griffin's Song "Forgiveness" (Album "Living with Ghosts", 1996)
Lyrics:
We are swimming with the snakes
At the bottom of the well
So silent and peaceful in the darkness where we fell
But we are not snakes and whats more
We never will be
And if we stay swimming here forever we will
Never be free
I heard them ringing the bells
In heaven and hell
They got a secret
Theyre getting ready to tell
Its falling from the sky
Calling from the graves
Open your eyes, boy, I think we are saved
Open your eyes, boy, I think we are saved
Lets take a walk on the bridge
Right over this mess
Dont need to tell me a thing, baby
Weve already confessed
And I raised my voice to the air
And we were blessed
Everybody needs a little forgiveness
Everybody needs a little forgiveness
We are calling for him tonight on this
Thin phone line
As usual were having ourselves one
Hell of a time
And the planes keep flying right over our heads
No matter how lond we shout
Hey, hey, hey !
And we keep waving and waving
Our arms in the air
But were all tired out
I heard somebody say
Todays the day
A big old hurricaine
Is blowing our way
Knocking over the buildings
Killing all the light
Open your eyes, boy, we made it through the night
Open your eyes, boy, we made it through the night
Lets take a walk on the bridge
Right over this mess
Dont need to tell me a thing, baby
Weve already confessed
And I raised my voice to the air
And we were blessed
Everybody needs a little forgiveness
Everybody needs a little forgiveness

[@physicx07]

This is by far her most heart-felt song, and that's saying a lot for Patty.

[@jillcohnmusic]

i just had to hear this song tonight.. Patty.. this is the most brilliant song and vocal ever... still makes me cry. thank you for this song a million times

[@als3243]

Love these lyrics-It's hard to give, hard to get, but we all need a little forgiveness. So true!

[@patrickgormley4824]

She is extremely talented..

[@theresaluchsinger4488]

Love her music, love this album!!

[@pattygriffin3232]

Thanks

[@vanessa-no-stressa2780]

Forgiveness and love is all we need at times💕😇

[@TheBham54]

I imagine that this is how angels would sing....which may be enough to make me change my ways....damn, I love her voice

[@pattygriffin3232]

Thanks 💘

[@TheBham54]

@@pattygriffin3232, somehow a "thumbs up" seems to be a rather underwhelming reply when one of your favorite artists has replied to a comment of yours. Hope you are well Patty & so look forward to seeing you perform again, post COVID.

[@pattygriffin3232]

@@TheBham54 Yeah Am Doing Fine... I Can See You Are A True Fan Of Mine... How Long Have You Been Following Me??

[@conrad152]

Thank you wirklicheitsskizze,for uploading this great song by this great artist.

[@mulfordstacey4668]

Nick Yarris story brought me here it seems reading the coments its the same for alot of people If your reading this Patty I would like to hear you sing a song as dedication a gesture of recognition to Nick for not only introducing us to your beautiful voice but for the inspiration Nick has been to people ❤ to smell the rain and feel blessed even when you cant see it or feel it wow

[@pattygriffin3232]

❤️❤️

[@IordanP_0710]

"THE TIME IS NOW" CSI MIAMI.😭🥺🧡🙏🏻

[@karolinarachidova1185]

❤🙏🏻

[@malgorium]

it's her best song ... IMHO

[@WilsonEatsASMR]

love love love her voice!

[@pattygriffin3232]

Thanks 💘

[@mtobrien1]

I went through a terrible experience with my family. I was my granny's executor. I had a aunt and two uncles who tried to steal a vulnerable uncle's inheritance. They were complete snakes. This song takes me back to all of that, the struggle to help my uncle while safeguarding Granny's estate. I don't know how to thank patty for giving me a little strength to do the right thing for my poor, little uncle.

[@pattygriffin3232]

❤️❤️

[@mtobrien1]

patty griffin, are you the actual Patty Griffin?

[@AlissaK1994]

this makes me happy, knowing there are really people out there who can make music :)

[@EllenMarieDumer]

Thanks to Fr. John Devaney on Art and Justice. The topic was the Lampedusa Concert tour with the Jesuit Refugee Service. I had to hear Patty Griffin after it was mentioned she wrote a song called "Mary"...it is transcendent...and so my search led me to other songs. Now a fan of Patty Griffin. Thank you for sharing God's gift to you with us!

[@rsanders1569]

The movie Loggerheads used a lot of her best songs in the movie. It's very moving. I love her voice, it etherael

[@trcinderella]

Patty Griffin is absolutely my favorite artist. I can listen to her voice forever and her songs always have a story.

[@pattygriffin3232]

Thanks I Appreciate

[@harderb]

Wooow... wunderschönes Stück! Danke fürs hochladen! 5*

[@DerBlutsauger]

I had the pleasure of working with this incredible talent in the late 90's. She gave me a copy of this album and I treasure it to this day. It has gotten me through so much and always conjures memories, good and bad, when I need to visit them. She is a treasure, a rare person who can touch your soul with her voice and words.

[@marsinajdeni3907]

Same here. I lived in Austin Texas when she was only known in that city. Her music lifted me up. Cheers.

[@brentskinner1495]

She has got me through some rough times, we share the same birthday, love her lyrics. Hit me harder than any other artist. She is my Muse.

[@jsilin7648]

she was ours in Boston first

[@tomteow1619]

You are the luckiest person in the whole world. Yessiree, I would like to steal the album but then again it's Blessed. She is beyond anything I've heard before.(01072019mon)

[@9716248]

Caught Patty in Boston in the late 90's...City Hall... She was a unknown opening act....This tiny peanut belted out most of the first album....She brought me to tears.

[@suyayaran8184]

Sos hermosa Patty!!! Te amo!!!

[@thecopaceticlife]

Happy Birthday Patty!

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

FORGIVENESS IS NOT A GOOD AS FIVEGIVENESS !

[@tommahawk666]

You gotta be careful , you might just love this singer songwriter

[@karenmcpherson2347]

Reminds me of sorrow .

[@dorothydoubleu4946]

well ya know i got a well, and ive seen those snakes mate, all coiling atop eachother. Never snakes, no we copulte differently. Here, free/ home sweet sky falling where Grandpa died and we made easter poems cause thats the day. There' confessed. I feel so blessed. Patti Griffin you so awesomeness in my world when you entered via saul williams. A cousin Lorraine I have called for help ya know. Vegetable farmers. Hey. Why not? Isnt it what most people want? To go back home? To have a belly full. All tired out the work making that makes you. Sleep good. Tornados too blow. Forgiveness.......

[@pattygriffin3232]

❤️❤️

[@melinademinova5417]

Song makes m think of someone... And i dont forgive people..

[@karenmcpherson2347]

Reminds me of the horror of last night.

[@PapierVersnipperaar]

@@ so beautyful, my ears are hugging me now.

[@vidclickr]

The lyrics as printed above are incomplete. First chorus is: And I raised my voice to the air And we were blessed It's hard to give, it's hard to get, but Everybody needs a little forgiveness Everybody needs a little forgiveness ... Second chorus: And I raised my voice to the air And we were blessed It's hard to give, it's hard to get It's hard to live here, baby, but still I think it's the best bet It's hard to give, but I'm never gonna forget that Everybody needs a little forgiveness Everybody needs a little forgiveness

[@debrahatfield2934]

😍💖💋👣

[@betsyowers2835]

Her best effort ever! "We are swimming with snakes at the bottom of the well" Ain't it the truth?

[@rikasings]

It's hard to give, it's hard to get, but everybody needs a little forgiveness.

[@saras.2173]

Has this song inspired anyone to extend forgiveness to a person who has hurt you? Please share your story.

[@juditjakim1660]

I am very surprised that this song is not available on spotify. It's sad.

[@MsAmos61]

Soul traveling to another dimension!!!!! Hallelujah

[@valentinasacco7976]

Deeper than the sea, stronger than the wind: that's what I'm thinkin of, listening to this angel singing out loud.

[@petermay3531]

+Valentina Sacco so evocative

[@Broziff13]

My beautiful son is battling some serious issues. I have sobbed and sobbed, listening to this song and that beautiful voice. At the end of the day, it has given me hope-- not just for me, but for my 19 year old (always my baby)... Thank you

[@marymaughan-otten7496]

Is he ok now?

[@tortugabob]

Our hearts go out to you and your baby. God bless and keep both of you.

[@englishlanguagewithnina5965]

I am so sorry for your heart ache and his pain. I don't think it's worth much but I am crying with you two years later.

[@pattygriffin3232]

You Welcome

[@lolobaf]

as an atheist,the only moments I Believe in God is when I HEAR THIS BEAUTIFUL VOICE

[@metorphoric]

Reminds me of a soul going to heaven.

[@petermay3531]

+K Moss Beautifully said

[@montemichelbleu]

+K Moss wonderfully said. yes...

[@jasonfrenell5314]

Only recently discovered her thanks to a Dixie Chicks concert and Natalie Maines mentioning her. This is the good stuff.

[@Stratman389]

god forgive me for my sins and mistakes

You forgive you.

[@johnpepe180]

What a way to start the new year 2021 Thank You and Happy New Year Patty Griffin.......

In the darkness where we fell..................................

[@kfj68agent53]

Thank you CSI:Miami!😁

[@karolinarachidova1185]

❤🙏🏻

[@lelerussell3623]

As good as music gets.

[@basecamp11]

I first heard this song just after Hurricane Katrina. I was amazed how the lyrics reflected their experience during and after the storm. This song has a special place in my heart and will always remind me of Jenn.

[@robertalexander1299]

basecamp11 Wow! I only heard of the song within the last few years and just assumed that is what it was about, because it seemed so obviously to be a statement about it. Am I alone here in thinking that Patty Griffin can sing into the future somehow?

[@petermay3531]

+Robert Alexander she's always calling us from the future through the past

[@brentlanyon8056]

im and atheist and i love this song

[@radioparadisiac]

Stops me in my tracks *every* time.

[@RedBird128]

May our hearts and eyes be open ! ! ! I'am a fan from now on . I feel your heart in your music Patty Griffin and I love you.

[@pattygriffin3232]

Thanks 💘💘

[@Oneshot8242]

@aarondoobz While I agree with you that it's a shame that she doesn't have a MUCH broader audience, I don't think that her success has anything to do with her continuing to write and perform music. Most artists, and Ms Griffin in particular, couldn't give a shit about what people think of their music. They do it for reasons known only to them.

[@TheTashiebear]

This song popped up on my computer screen and started playing out of the blue a couple of weeks ago. I believe this to be my soul speaking through Patty. God bless Patty Griffin and God bless all of us. Thank you. *bowing in homage*

[@pattygriffin3232]

❤️❤️

[@awsjr12]

Heard her name but never her music, not like this. That's going to change now.

[@Cboym10]

Forgive me buddy, should've been there more for you. Was too young and naive.. love u always Leko...RIP 🌹

[@strawberryfields132]

Most great songwriting comes from pain. I can feel hers every time I hear her music. Catharsis is a good thing.

[@bubblzz0711]

One of the most heartfelt underrated singers

[@dudshumane]

She is so darn good.

[@wreednelson]

Unreal emotion and power.

[@ctrlaltdestroy000]

i cannot believe that she isnt recognized more. this song is amazing.

[@pattygriffin3232]

Thanks

[@TheMichelleCarrBand]

This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard....... Namaste, Michelle Carr

[@blackmarketlightbulbs6321]

No words can describe .... :)

[@123tylerman]

BlackMarket Lightbulbs some ppl just dont get it

[@jweyek]

@elishamjfan Where do you start. Just buy every one of her albums. They're all good, and many of them are out of this world.

[@mdwpjmwmom]

People are totally sleeping on this magnificent artist. People do not venture out in their music, they miss alot. I am so glad that she sticks to folk.

[@pattygriffin3232]

Thanks

[@maszlagma]

(cont.) ... the worst part of the situation: the falling out itself (Hurricane). So they should just make up as this hatred goes nowhere ("Let's take a walk over the bridge, right over this mess). This is my short analysis of the lyrics but there might be a different explanation to it! That is the beauty of it! She uses synonyms, metaphors and symbols as that is how one situation or feeling can be expressed in art! And this IS art!

[@67bex]

Can't believe I didn't hear about here until now! Wonderful!

[@christybass5707]

Love her!!!

[@JeordieMusic]

Wow cool compliment someone last night told me I sound like this talented singer... Big smiles=} Never listened to before ..

[@davyboy176]

+Jeordie Schekeryk They were high , don't pay attention to them ;-)

[@karenmcpherson2347]

Everybody need's a little forgiveness....

[@ePRTN]

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD JESUS CHRIST is the Light of the world. Whoever follows Him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Turn to Jesus Christ !

[@AMorgan57]

@wirklichkeitsskizze I never heard of PG until seeing a KZbinr do a cover and finding many beautiful PG recordings here and now am a big PG fan, buying her albums and hoping to see her in concert someday.

[@pattygriffin3232]

You are always welcome

[@xonedayillfindawayxx]

this song is amazing

[@notcutegirl3]

i love this song :)

[@christinecurtin2389]

I love Patty.

[@pattygriffin3232]

💛

[@ningkywonkle]

thumbs up if nothing brought you here exept your own great tase in music

[@sweetwaterfilm]

patti -thank you - you are our medicine

[@colerainfan1143]

One of my absolute favorites.

[@JamesPDower]

thank you csi miami for introducing me to this song!

[@pavelabadjiev8220]

me too just watched the episode

[@andrewhayes305]

Beautiful 1⃣

[@ptlump]

Poetry put to music. I love it.

[@honorahgale3365]

Love this.

[@johnbyrne6013]

An amazing raw talent.

[@ClazzGA]

I love artists like Tracey Chapman and I have now discovered a new female, folk singer to add to my wonderful collection.

[@pattygriffin3232]

Thanks

[@michaelferry2733]

Day Of The Total Eclipse - Post Event - Dear Patty, I think I took your picture once at Starbucks in Austin without your permission. It's still in my blog set to private so it's a treasure. It means a lot for me to hear this song from you on thus auspicious day of new light and hope. I love you. God bless you forever. Peace

[@silvafr1980]

Almost a year ago, I said open your eyes, I think we are saved. A new storms season has began and now I know already that we are going to make it through the night!

[@barbiedoll11144]

This song her voice and heart she puts out resonates so loudly in this thing we call life. The journey has been something and this stops me every time i hear it. It is my go to when I need to belt out the pain inside that needs addressing. Thank you Patty so many of us are calling for hell tonight and we get thru it all the same. Forgiveness is all we have left to heal that which wounds us so deeply. Yes we were blessed to have been able to hear this song and start our healing.

[@maszlagma]

As always it comes from individual memories that she experienced so we don't know what exactly she means but as I gather it: this is about her relationship with someone who she had a row or a falling out with and now they don't talk. They are swimming with the snakes as the snakes symbolise their anger that comes out in poisonous (get the snake reference?) relationship now which manifests in arguments now. How to get away from this situation? The answer is forgiveness as they are through...

[@MidnightWriter8210]

So proud to know that Patty is from Maine, my home state.

[@pattygriffin3232]

❤️❤️

[@Zeppolino100]

Oh man/woman--I like this SO much better than "Rain," the suggestion that brought me for the first time to this artist. Thank goodness I took the chance to click on this piece--phenomenal! I suggest that this piece be used instead of Rain to recommend to others in oreder to introduce her to others who may not know of her. For instance, I don't watch TV, so I haven't had the exposure to new singer/songwriters that so many people have.

[@maszlagma]

If you mean that methaphors are commonly used by songwriters, I agree. It's a talent to write a song that "doesn't call brown on its name"!

[@MegKampen]

The song is about a murder!

[@rg72rp]

@InTheCity3D true. she's not famous here in europe but i had chance to know her by buddy miller . i hope she'll have the success she deserves here too. fantastic voice

[@Kalivath]

I just woke up and the tv was on and Ed the tv show was on and I heard this and was mesmerized ....after a brief search I found out that it was Ed season one episode 17 and this is what I found ...... WOW!!!!!!!

[@pattygriffin3232]

Thanks

[@Lara-eu9sk]

God bless you

[@YvonaRachidova]

🙏🏻❤️

[@YvonaRachidova]

❤🙏🏻

[@strawberryfields132]

a propos. we are swimming with snakes and seemingly unwilling to stop.

[@SuperUkuleleGirl]

Lots of songwriters use metaphor- it would be pretty heavy handed to spell it out all the time.

[@Duratek]

Not a better, clearer, beautiful recording do I own....makes my Klipschs"s sing...

[@virgorising7388]

Did she really write this after Hurricane Andrew? I heard that somewhere.

[@DmitriVosche]

I think she would would amazing singing this with Idgy Vaughn

[@JuanLorenZerimar]

Peace and light!