For the Widows in Paradise, for the Fatherless in Ypsilanti

Suggestions of new music to listen to are something I always welcome, as I tend to stick with posting stuff I know or discover. One of our sons occasionally sends me songs to introduce me to something I might not find on my own. For instance, I don’t listen to rap; similar to jazz, I don’t know enough about it, or where to start. A few months back, he sent me the song “Introvert” by rapper Lil Simz, and I enjoyed going beyond my usual comfort zone and discovering something new in it (and I liked it!).

This morning, Kieran sent a link to a track by the American indie folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens, “For the Widows in Paradise, for the Fatherless in Ypsilanti.” The strange song name drew me in, so I started listening to the concept album it appears on, Michigan (stylized as Sufjan Stevens Presents… Greetings from Michigan, The Great Lake State), released in 2003. The collection has been described as a homage to that American state in the Great Lakes region.

I’ve tried out some of Stevens’ music in the past, as I’d seen friends talking about it on social media, but I have never gotten very far with it by myself. Today was different, though; I started at the beginning of the album and, while writing this post, listened to 15 of the 21 tracks on the deluxe version and didn’t find anything skip-worthy.

As I’ve mentioned before on this website, I like to figure out the meanings of songs. If I can’t, I’ll consult the internet to get others’ opinions on song meanings. On the SongMeanings website, many commenters feel the song is about Christianity in general; more specifically, some think it is about Jesus. Another one notes that the names in the song title are places in Michigan. And one other recounts an introductory speech Stevens gave about the song during a concert: he is reported to have said Michigan is home to both Paradise and Hell, and when in the community of Paradise, he noticed there were no men around, so he made up a story in his head that they had all died in a war; thus, the town was occupied by widows.

“I have called you, children
I have called you, son
What is there to answer
If I’m the only one
Morning comes in Paradise
Morning comes in light
Still I must obey
Still I must invite

If there’s anything to say
If there’s anything to do
I there’s any other way
I’ll do anything for you

I was dressed in embarrassment
I was dressed in white
If you had a part of me
Will you take your time
Even if I come back
Even if I die
Is there some idea
To replace my life

Like a father to impress
Like a mother’s mourning dress
If we ever make a mess
I’ll do anything for you

I have called you, preacher
I have called you, son
If you have a father
Or if you haven’t one

I’ll do anything for you
I’ll do anything for you
I’ll do anything for you
I’ll do anything for you

I did everything for you
I did everything for you
I did everything for you
I did everything for you

I did everything for you
I did everything for you
I did everything for you
I did everything for you”

“For the Widows in Paradise, for the Fatherless in Ypsilanti,” by Sufjan Stevens.
Lyrics retrieved from songmeanings.com.

The song features banjo as the lead instrument; it’s hard to tell if there’s one or two, with the neat echo effect on the recording. And there’s a gentleness in Stevens’ voice that is well-matched to the music on the album. Aside from backing vocals and a couple of horn parts, Stevens plays all the instruments on the album. It’s a record I’ll be listening to again.

And by the way, before I sign off for today: if there’s a favourite song you’d like me to know about and feature on a blog post, please send me a link in the public comments or a private message on my Contact page. I’d love to know some of what you’re listening to.

Now you know a little about why this is my Song of the Day for Today. Thanks for joining me here.

Please enjoy audio from the Sufjan Stevens YouTube channel:

With my best to you,

Steve