Angel

Sarah McLachlan

About Angel

"Angel" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan. The song first appeared on Surfacing, the Canadian singer's 1997 album. The lyrics are about the death of Jonathan Melvoin (1961–1996), the Smashing Pumpkins' touring keyboard player, from a heroin overdose, as McLachlan explained on VH1 Storytellers. It is sometimes mistitled as "In the Arms of an Angel" or "Arms of the Angel". "Angel" was McLachlan's second consecutive top-five hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number four and remaining in the top ten for nineteen weeks. In McLachlan's native Canada, the song reached number seven on the RPM Top Singles Chart and was the forty-eighth best-selling single of the year. Outside North America, the song has charted in several countries in the years following its release, including reaching number seven in Ireland (in 2002) and number nine in Norway (in 2008). 


Year:
2001
48 
#3

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Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay

There's always some reason
To feel not good enough
And it's hard, at the end of the day

I need some distraction
Oh, beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins

And maybe empty
Oh, and weightless, and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight

In the arms of the angel
Fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here

So tired of the straight line
And everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back

The storm keeps on twisting
Keep on building the lies
That you make up for all that you lack

It don't make no difference
Escape one last time
It's easier to believe in this sweet madness
Oh, this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees

In the arms of the angel
Fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here

You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here

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Sarah McLachlan

Sarah Ann McLachlan, OC, OBC (born January 28, 1968) is a Canadian musician, singer, and songwriter. Known for her emotional ballads and mezzo-soprano vocal range, as of 2009, she has sold over 40 million albums worldwide. McLachlan's best-selling album to date is Surfacing, for which she won two Grammy Awards (out of four nominations) and four Juno Awards. In addition to her personal artistic efforts, she founded the Lilith Fair tour, which showcased female musicians. The Lilith Fair concert tours took place from 1997 to 1999, and resumed in the summer of 2010. Since 2006 she has also been known as a highly visible supporter of the ASPCA, as well as various other charities. more »

8 fans

Written by: Sarah McLachlan

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


22 facts about this song

Release and Reception
"Angel" is one of Sarah McLachlan's most successful songs. It was released in 1998 as part of the album "Surfacing." - It topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in the United States and reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
Song Inspiration
The song was inspired by the death of the Smashing Pumpkins' touring keyboardist, Jonathan Melvoin, who overdosed on heroin. - McLachlan wanted to write about the tragedy, focusing on the pain and devastation of addiction.
Music Video
The music video for "Angel" shows McLachlan in an airplane graveyard. - The video won the award for Best Female Video at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.
Charity Usage
"Angel" has become famous for its use in commercials for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). - The commercials, featuring heart-wrenching images of mistreated animals accompanied by the song, reportedly increased the ASPCA's regular monthly donations.
Popular Culture
Due to the emotional impact of the song, it has frequently been used in television and film. - Some notable examples include "City of Angels," "Dawson's Creek," and "General Hospital."
Covers and Performances
Many notable artists have covered "Angel," acknowledging its universal appeal. - Artists including, Jessica Simpson, Jack Johnson, Willie Nelson, and David Archuleta among others, have done their renditions of the song.
Sarah's Connection to the Song
Being the writer and performer of the song, Sarah McLachlan has a deep connection with "Angel". - In an interview with Billboard magazine in 1998, she commented that the song "feels like it's been written through me."
Awards and Recognition
"Angel" won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1999. - It also won the Juno Award for Single of the Year in 1999 in McLachlan's home country of Canada.
Chart Success
The success of "Angel" wasn't limited to North America; it charted in several countries worldwide, including United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany. - It went on to become one of the most successful songs of 1999 in the United States.
Historical Significance
"Angel" was released by Sarah McLachlan on November 24, 1997. It is a track from her fourth studio album, "Surfacing".
Sales and Charts
The song peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing its wide acceptance and success within the music community.
Background and Inspiration
McLachlan wrote the song as a response to the high-profile death of Smashing Pumpkins keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin due to a heroin overdose. The track is often interpreted as a message about drug addiction and its tragic consequences.
Cultural Impact
The TV show "City Confidential" frequently used "Angel" in the underscoring of its closing scenes.
Philanthropic Importance
The song was featured in the ASPCA's (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) very successful "Angel" commercial.
Awards and Recognitions
In 1999, "Angel" won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Cover Versions
Various artists have covered "Angel," including Jackie Evancho, Celtic Woman, Jessica Simpson, and Katherine Jenkins.
Notable Performances
McClachlan performed the song in a duet with Pink at the 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2011.
In Media and Film
"Angel" has been featured on the soundtrack for numerous films and TV series, including "City of Angels" and episodes of "Dawson's Creek" and "Brothers & Sisters".
Musical Composition
The song is noted for its piano-based musical structure and minimalistic instrumental arrangement. McLachlan's soft, emotional vocals are the highlight of the track, which is written in the key of D-flat major.
Commercial Success
Over time, "Angel" has become one of McLachlan's biggest hits, selling over 3 million digital copies in the U.S. by 2015.
Global Reception
Beyond the U.S., "Angel" also charted well in the United Kingdom, Australia, and McLachlan's native Canada.
Legacy
"Angel" continues to be widely recognized and appreciated even decades after its release, proving its timeless appeal.

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    Angel

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1999

    Billboard #4


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