From a Distance

Nanci Griffith

About From a Distance

"From a Distance" is a song written in 1985 by American singer-songwriter Julie Gold. Gold was working as a secretary at the time for HBO and writing songs in her free time. Gold's friend, Christine Lavin, introduced the song to Nanci Griffith, who first recorded it for her 1987 album, Lone Star State of Mind. The song was covered a number of times, with the most successful being a version by Bette Midler which became a major hit in 1990.


Year:
2003
4:12
52 

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From a distance the world looks blue and green
And the snow-capped mountains white
From a distance the ocean meets the stream
And the eagle takes to flight
From a distance there is harmony
And it echoes through the land

It's the voice of hope, it's the voice of peace
It's the voice of every man
From a distance we all have enough
And no one is in need
There are no guns, no bombs, no diseases
No hungry mouths to feed
From a distance we are instruments
Marching in a common band

Playing songs of home, playing songs of peace
They're the songs of every man
God is watching us, God is watching us
God is watching us from a distance
From a distance you look like my friend
Even though we are at war
From a distance I can't comprehend
What all this war is for

From a distance there is harmony
And it echoes through the land
It's the hope of hopes, it's the love of loves
It's the heart of every man
It's the hope of hopes, It's the love of loves
It's the song of every man

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Nanci Griffith

Nanci Caroline Griffith (born July 6, 1953, in Seguin, Texas) is an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter, reared in Austin, Texas, who currently lives in Nashville. more »

3 fans

Written by: JULIE GOLD

Lyrics © A SIDE MUSIC LLC D/B/A MODERN WORKS MUSIC PUBLISHING, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Presentation
"From a Distance" is originally a song written by Julie Gold. It was first recorded by Nanci Griffith for her 1987 album, Lone Star State of Mind.
Famous Cover
The song is best known for the version by Bette Midler, which won the Grammy for Song of the Year in 1991.
Additional Cover
Christine Lavin also recorded her version of "From a Distance" in 1995.
Song Theme
"From a Distance" is a philosophical song, with its lyrics emphasizing the unity of humanity and the smallness of our disputes when viewed "from a distance."
Chart Achievement
Bette Midler's version peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the Adult Contemporary chart.
Global Recognition
The song has been translated into many languages and covered by many artists worldwide, reflecting its universal appeal and message.
Impact of Song
It became an unofficial anthem during the Gulf War attributed to its thematic relevance.
Noteworthy Performance
At the 1992 Academy Awards, Bette Midler performed "From a Distance" following an 'In Memoriam' montage paying tribute to Hollywood personalities who passed away the previous year.
Different Genres
The song crosses the genres of folk, pop, and gospel music.
Famous Covers
Beyond Bette Midler and Christine Lavin, prominent artists such as Cliff Richard, Judy Collins, and Elaine Paige have also covered the song.

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