Natalie Anne Merchant (b. 10/26/63) is an American singer-songwriter. She joined the band 10,000 Maniacs in 1981 and was lead vocalist and primary lyricist for the group. She remained with the group for their first seven albums before leaving to begin her solo career in 1993. She has since released nine studio albums as a solo artist. I came into the 10,000 Maniacs with In My Tribe. Listening to the album transports me to another place. Her voice is beguiling. The mesh of the instruments supporting her beguilement will never grow old. Unfortunately I haven’t kept up with the band or with Natalie as a solo act. It’s funny to say, but this album is enough for me.

Musicians on the album:
Natalie Merchant– voice
Robert Buck– guitars, mandolin, pedal steel guitar
Dennis Drew– keyboards
Steve Gustafson– bass guitar
Jerome Augustyniak– drums, percussion

Additional musicians on some songs:
Michael Stipe– other voice on “A Campfire Song”
Don Grolnick– piano on “Verdi Cries”
Dennis Karmazyn –cello on “Verdi Cries”
Novi Novog–viola on “Verdi Cries”
Bob Magnusson–double bass on “Verdi Cries”
David Campbell – viola & string arrangement on “Verdi Cries”

The band debuted with an EP in 1982. In My Tribe was their third studio album, released in 1987. My two very favorite songs on the album are The Painted Desert and My Sister Rose, but every one is a winner to me.

The Painted Desert says a lot without saying it. You have to read between the lines. The story is achingly beautiful and painful at the same time. Who hasn’t let a love of their life slip away?

The Painted Desert can wait till summer.
We’ve played this game of just imagine long enough.
Wait till summer?
When I’m sure the rains have ended, the blooms have gone,
Every one killed by the morning frost.
Is a cactus blooming there in every roadside stand
Where the big deal is cowboy gear worn in Japan?
The Painted Desert can wait till summer.
We’ve played this game of just imagine long enough.
Wait till summer?
When I’m sure the rains have ended and the blooms have gone,
Every one killed by the morning frost.
Is a cactus blooming there upon the Northern rim
Or in the ruins of the Hopi mesa dens?
You met a new friend in the Canyon, or so you wrote.
On a blanket in the cooling sand you and your friend agreed that
The stars were so many there they seemed to overlap.
The Painted Desert can wait till summer.
We’ve played this game of just imagine long enough.
Wait till summer?
When I am sure the rain has ended, the blooms have gone,
Every one killed by the morning frost.
Was a cactus blooming there as you watched the Native boy?
In Flagstaff trailer court, you wrote the line:
“He kicked a tumbleweed and his mother called him home
where the Arizona moon met the Arizona sun.”
I wanted to be there by May at the latest time.
Isn’t that the plan we had or have you changed your mind?
I haven’t read a word from you since Phoenix or Tucson.
April is over will you tell me how long before I can be there?

My Sister Rose has an infectious festiveness that gets me every time!

Big big plans are being made for my sisters wedding day.
We’ll have a ball at the Sons of Roma Hall.
Family, friends come one and all.
First the best man make a toast to Rocky and my sister Rose,
“A life of years free of tears. Bottoms up and lots of luck!”

Polka, tango everyone, cha-cha, mambo Rose and Rock alone.
Frankie Rizzo and his Combo play on.

Single girls all hear the call from a crowd at the back wall
and when the bouquet flies each one tries
to be the best catch and next years bride.
Uncle Sam and Uncle Joe take their places in a row.
They’re standing by side to side for dollar dances with the bride.

Polka, tango everyone, cha-cha, mambo, Rose and Rock alone.
“He’s a banker, she’ll be well off now.”

Sister Rose take your mother’s place.
Trade your home and your maiden name.
For a list of vows and a veil of lace made a wife of you today.

Now they cut the five tier cake, “That Colucci, he can bake.”
A frosted tower of sugar and flour for the couple of the hour.

Polka, tango everyone, cha-cha, mambo Rose and Rock alone.
She was born to wear that gown.

Sister Rose take your mother’s place.
Trade your home and your maiden name.
For a list of vows and a veil of lace made a wife of you today,
but you’re my sister Rose the same.

Songwriters on both songs:
Jerome Augustyniak and Natalie Merchant

Jim Adams is the host of Song Lyric Sunday. This week Jim wants us to find songs written and/or performed by the October born.

I wrote about Natalie in Women Music March a few years back:

Women Music March 2024 — Day 2 — Natalie Merchant