Mary Gauthier - Between Daylight and Dark
Gauthier was raised in Louisiana, after being given up at birth by a mother she has never known. At age 15, she stole her parent’s car and ran away from home. She spent her 18th birthday in prison. She has spent much of her younger life either in rehab, or being dependent on drugs. At the age of 35, she wrote her very first song. Now leading a clean life at the age of 45, she shares some of those experiences in her latest CD.
Her follow up to her successful CD Mercy Now is perhaps her best yet. Producer Joe Henry recorded the CD with a more bare-boned live acoustic feel than Gauthier’s previous releases. This allowed the music itself to flow freely and speak volumes.
Gauthier is a true poet. Her lyrics could stand alone even without music accompaniment, and amaze you on how easily it rolls along. Her music may not be simple and bright; It paints a dark picture that leads the listener think. Gauthier captures the listener with her tired and cracked vocals that are very reminiscent of Lucinda Williams.
From the first song called “Snakebit,” which was co-written by Hayes Carll, Gauthier draws you into her world of misery and blind faith. It is a beautifully constructed song of how one may deal with her dark issues.
Gauthier’s ability to put her own vulnerability on display is best highlighted with the songs “I Ain’t Leaving” and “Soft Place to Land.” Both songs are equally mesmerizing lyrically, as they tell about dealing with your own demons. The harmonies on these two songs are provided by none other than Loudon Wainwright.
One of the many highlights is the song called “Same Road.” Gauthier writes about two lives passing each other; one on the way down and one on the way back up. It is a fight not to be dragged in a downward spiral on the same road again. It is truly an uplifting song that allows the listener to feel the emotional struggle to endure.
“Last of The Hobo Kings” is a classic railway song which has never been told. Gauthier reflects on how life has changed, even for the hobos, and not for the better. It is perhaps a life that she has longed for, as she writes, “The last free men are hobos, Steinbeck said.”
This CD, while dark, has many positive things to say. Gauthier is living proof that one can fall into the depths she puts into her music, and still have the ability to fight back and come out on top.
