On Winter Solstice: Mary Chapin Carpenter ~ The Longest Night of the Year

image from Madison Guy

In the Northern Hemisphere, today is winter solstice.  Scientists tell us that winter solstice occurs at the instant when the Sun's position in the sky is at its greatest angular distance on the other side of the equatorial plane from the observer.  Different cultures interpret this day with many rituals, prayers and observances, reminding ourselves that the long nights and short days of Winter will eventually end.

One of my fav writers and performers is Mary Chapin Carpenter, whose new set Come Darkness Come Light: Twelve Songs of Christmas  includes this incredible poem/song about winter solstice:

They say that spring will come again--
No one knows exactly when.
Still the sun’s a long lost friend
On the longest night of the year.

We stare into the firelight
While December beats outside
Where the darkest hearts reside
On the longest night of the year

So keep me safe and hold me tight
Let the candle burn all night
Tomorrow welcome back the night
It was longest night of the year

I used to think the world was small
Bright and shining like a ball
Seems I don’t know much at all
On the longest night of the year

We press our faces to the glass
And see our little lives go past
Wave to shadows that we cast
On the longest night of the year

So keep me safe and hold me tight,
Let the candle burn all night,
Tomorrow welcome back the light.
‘Twas the longest night of the year

Make a vow when Solstice comes:
To find the Light in everyone
Keep the faith and bang the drum
On the longest night of the year

So keep me safe and hold me tight,
Let the candle burn all night,
Tomorrow welcome back the light.
‘Twas the longest night of the year

So keep me safe and hold me tight,
Let the candle burn all night,
Tomorrow welcome back the light.
After the longest night of the year

The Longest Night of the Year, Mary Chapin Carpenter

Comments

[M Light]

I just got this CD a week ago, and I love the songs on it - particularly this one. She's also one of my favorite singers.