Calling All Angels

The Wailin' Jennys · Live at the Mauch Chunk Opera House [2009]

A man is placed upon the steps, a baby cries

And high above, the church bells start to ring

And as the heaviness, the heaviness, oh it settles in

And somewhere you can hear a mother sing

Then it's one foot, then the other

As you step out on the road

You step out on that road

How much weight? How much?

Then it's how long? And how far?

And how many times?

Oh, before it's too late...

Calling all angels

Calling all angels

Walk me through this one

Don't leave me alone

Calling all angels

Calling all angels

We're tryin', we're hopin'

But we're not sure how this goes

Oh, and everyday you gaze upon the sunset

With such love and intensity

Why, it's almost as if

Oh, if you could only crack the code

Then we'd finally understand



What this all means

Oh, but if you could

Do you think you would

Trade in all, all the pain and suffering?

Oh, but then you'd miss the beauty

Of the light upon this earth

And the sweetness of leaving

Calling all angels

Calling all angels

Walk me through this one

Don't leave me alone

Calling all angels

Calling all angels

We're tryin', we're hopin'

But, we're not sure how

Calling all angels

Calling all angels

Walk me through this one

Don't leave me alone

Calling all angels

Calling all angels

We're tryin', we're hopin'

We're lovin' and we're hurtin'

We're cryin', we're callin'

Because we're not sure how this goes...

Calling All Angels

The Wailin' Jennys are celebrated for their intricate three-part harmonies and seamless blend of folk, bluegrass, and classical influences. This live recording of 'Calling All Angels' captures the group's signature sound during their 2009 performance at the Mauch Chunk Opera House. The track exemplifies the ensemble's ability to weave complex vocal arrangements around acoustic instrumentation, creating a rich, textured soundscape that defines their early discography. As part of a broader collection of live recordings from this era, the song highlights the band's dynamic stage presence and their commitment to organic, unadorned musical storytelling. The performance stands as a testament to their collaborative songwriting and the emotional depth they bring to both original compositions and traditional covers.