“This Is To Mother You”: A Lullaby of Unconditional Love from Two Celestial Voices
For those of us who have long cherished the pure, crystalline harmonies and profound emotional depth of Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, their collaborations are nothing short of legendary. Their voices, distinct yet exquisitely complementary, possessed a rare alchemy that could transform any song into a moment of poignant beauty. While they are renowned for their work with Dolly Parton as the iconic Trio, it was in their later, deeply moving duet work that “This Is To Mother You” found its perfect home—a tender, almost sacred lullaby that speaks to the most primal and unconditional of human bonds.
“This Is To Mother You” was featured on the highly anticipated 1999 album, “Western Wall: The Tucson Sessions,” a deeply personal and powerful project recorded by Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris. This album was a critically acclaimed and commercially successful collaboration, showcasing their continued artistic synergy. “Western Wall: The Tucson Sessions” achieved significant chart success, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 62 on the Billboard 200 in the United States. It also performed strongly internationally, reaching number 21 on the UK Albums Chart. While “This Is To Mother You” was not released as a single and therefore did not chart independently, its inclusion on such a prominent and celebrated album ensured its widespread recognition among their devoted fanbase. It quickly became a beloved deep cut, treasured for its gentle beauty and the warmth of their combined voices.
The story behind “This Is To Mother You” is rooted in the tender songwriting of Sinead Lohan, an Irish folk singer-songwriter. Lohan originally released the song on her 1998 album, No Mermaid. Its gentle melody and deeply empathetic lyrics immediately resonated with the two iconic artists. The decision by Harris and Ronstadt to record it speaks volumes about the song’s universal appeal and their shared appreciation for material that explores the most fundamental human emotions. For Emmylou Harris, in particular, who has always been a champion of exquisite songwriting, discovering and interpreting Lohan’s poignant piece was a natural fit. The collaboration itself was a testament to their enduring friendship and mutual respect, allowing them to bring their combined vocal prowess to a song that celebrates nurturing, comfort, and unconditional care. Their performance is notable for its understated elegance, allowing the purity of their harmonies and the power of the lyrics to shine without elaborate production.
The meaning of “This Is To Mother You” is a profound and moving expression of comfort, protection, and unconditional love, particularly from a nurturing figure—be it a biological mother, a mentor, or simply someone offering solace and guidance. It’s a song designed to reassure and soothe, to provide a sense of safety and belonging. The lyrics speak directly to the idea of a compassionate presence watching over someone, offering a haven from the difficulties of the world: “This is to mother you / To hold you close / Never to lose you / For always you’ll know / That I’m here to care for you.” It speaks to the quiet strength found in genuine empathy and the deep desire to shield someone from pain and uncertainty. Sung by two women known for their own maternal warmth and wisdom, the song takes on an even deeper resonance, embodying the universal archetype of the nurturer. It’s a lullaby for the soul, offering a sense of peace and security in a world that can often feel harsh and unforgiving.
For those of us who have found solace and beauty in the combined voices of Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, “This Is To Mother You” evokes a powerful sense of warmth, comfort, and quiet reflection. It brings to mind intimate moments, perhaps shared with loved ones, or private moments of introspection where one seeks or offers solace. It’s a reminder of the enduring power of gentle harmony and heartfelt lyrics to touch the deepest parts of our being. Even now, decades later, the ethereal beauty and profound sincerity of “This Is To Mother You” continue to resonate, pulling us back to that tender, sacred space where two extraordinary voices wove a tapestry of unconditional love, leaving us feeling cherished and understood.