From the recording Sea Salt and Sawdust
Words: My first marriage was falling apart and I was now alone in my house. In trying to adjust to this new norm, I needed to find a sign of hope, and it came in a snowy landscape.
Key lyric: I need some kind of sign that I have not been beaten, a glimpse of the divine to take me back to Eden.
Music: Hank Stone’s twinkly acoustic guitar by way of cut capos, piano accents, lush harmonies
Sounds like: classic Elton John, Dar Williams
Credits: Marian Mastrorilli-lead and backing vocals; acoustic guitar-Hank Stone; Kevin Kelly-keys; Glenn Govier-bass. Recorded and mixed by Kevin Kelly at The Workshoppe East.
Lyrics
Cardinal in the Snow ©2005 Marian Mastrorilli
Mid-December mornings the landscape has turned bleak
Sun won’t break the clouds to melt the ice upon the creek
Mercury sinks low, riotous winds blow
All around, there’s whiteness on the ground
Strands of colored light blink artificial cheer
Strains of Silent Night ring in my ear
But things are not so bright anywhere this year
Not like yesterday, so I pray
I need a thing of beauty, a haunting piano line
A sudden burst of color splashed against the sky
I need some kind of sign that I have not been beaten
A glimpse of the divine to take me back to Eden
Humidifier’s low, blankets piled high
Never quite alone, with two cats by my side
Wish I could’ve known what would turn the tide
‘Cause I can’t get warm to this new norm
I need a thing of beauty, a haunting piano line
A sudden burst of color splashed against the sky
I need some kind of sign that I have not been beaten
A glimpse of the divine to take me back to Eden
Now right outside my window, a cardinal in the snow
Casts a flash of fire against the ashen glow
The simple scene inspires a single ray of hope
Like a Christmas card in my backyard
For it was a thing of beauty
Art upon the air
Across the grey horizon
A flight out of despair
Cardinal in the snow, vision made of splendor
Take me where you go, make my pain surrender
Cardinal in the snow, vision made of splendor
Take me where you go, make my pain surrender
Cardinal in the snow, don’t know where you’ll be
Find your way back home to your destiny