Nanci Griffith

On Friday, November 7, Nanci Griffith reprised many of her best known songs in a concert at Berklee's Performance Center in Boston, MA.

Though I've been a fan of Nanci's for more than two decades, I've only had the opportunity to see her in concert once before. I first saw Nanci in concert at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH. A bittersweet experience, I ended up seeing Nanci by myself, though I had two tickets to the show. Back then, sifting through the debris of my relationship with "The Love of My Lives," I'd bought the second ticket with the hope that he'd see the show with me. Regardless to say, (and thankfully for me), I can't recall why I ended up there by myself - and wasted the second ticket - but, I remember the experience as amazing.

First, Nanci's height took me by surprise. Her being one of those tall Texan girls totally surprised me. I pictured her as a petite waif! But, she awed me, nonetheless!

So, on Friday, November 7, with a good friend, we witnessed the wonder that is Nanci in all her complex simplicity. Nanci performed her songs with a small and tight band that consisted of two guitarists and one percussionist/drummer. She performed many of the songs that define her career. She particularly showcased songs from her last CD: "Ruby's Torch."

Specifically, three songs from that last disc stand out. Below you'll find the lyrics to the three that stood out for me. And, Nanci states she's headed to the studio in December to record her next disc. I can't wait! Till then, enjoy . . .


"When I Dream"

I could have a mansion that is higher than the trees
I could have all the gifts I want and never ask please
I could fly to Paris, oh, it's at my beck and call
Why do I go through life with nothing at all

But when I dream, I dream of you
Maybe someday you will come true

I can be the singer or the clown in every room
I can even call someone to take me to the moon
I can put my makeup on and drive the men insane
I can go to bed alone and never know his name

But when I dream, I dream of you
Maybe someday you will come true

But when I dream, I dream of you
Maybe someday you will come true


"If These Walls Could Speak"

If these old walls
If these old walls could speak
What a tale they'd have to tell
Hard headed people raising hell
A couple in love living week to week
Rooms full of laughter
If these old walls could speak

If these old halls
If hallowed halls could talk
These would have a tale to tell
The sun going down, a dinner bell
And children playing at hide and seek
From floor to rafter
If these old halls could speak

They would tell you that I'm sorry
For being cold and blind and weak
They would tell you that it's only
That I have a stubborn streak
If these old walls could speak

If these old fashioned
window panes had eyes
I guess they would've seen it all
Each little tear and sigh and footfall
And every dream that we came to seek
or followed after
if these old walls could speak

They would tell you that I owe you
more than I can ever pay
Here's someone who really loves you
Don't ever go away
Is what these walls would say

If they were not so mean
If these old walls could speak


"In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning"

In the wee small hours of the morning
While the whole wide world is fast asleep
You lie awake and think about the girl
And never ever think of counting sheep

When your lonely heart has learned its lesson
You'd be hers if only she would call
In the wee small hours of the morning,
that's the time you miss her most of all

When your lonely heart has learned its lesson,
you'd be hers if only she'd call
In the wee small hours of the morning,
that's the time you'll miss her most of all