Saint Teresa Of Avila

Nanci Griffith · Blue Roses From The Moons [1997]

Saint Teresa, your patron child's come home

Were you there to greet her?

Did your angels know her songs and all of her sorrows?

Did you lift them from her brow?

And did you kiss her hand that took her soul back up to you?

Our patron saint of harmony and vow



Help me in this stillness

Tell me things I need to know

How we loved your patron child

We say, so long, so along ago

Saint Teresa, can you speak to me at all?

Ah, from here where will we go? Saint Teresa



Saint Teresa, she was our sister of arms

Gone now the trio to Our Lady, Kate, and John

And fare to fare of tears that cannot fall

We send this melody please help her sing

Back up to our patron saint of harmony and song



Help me in this stillness

Tell me things I need to know

How we loved your patron child

We say, so long, so along ago

Saint Teresa, can you speak to me at all?

Ah, from here where will we go? Saint Teresa



Back up to her patron saint, beyond our wood, those lights

Saint Teresa of Avila Discalced De Carmelites

Back up to her patron saint and beyond our wood, those lights

Saint Teresa of Avila Descalced De Carmelites

Saint Cecilla to Saint Teresa, your patron child is home

(There are lights beyond thy woods)



Saint Teresa of Avila Discalced De Carmelites

(Lights)

Saint Teresa of Avila Discalced De Carmelites

(Lights)

Saint Teresa of Avila Discalced De Carmelites

(Lights)

Saint Teresa

Saint Teresa Of Avila

Nanci Griffith's 'Saint Teresa Of Avila' stands as a defining acoustic ballad from her 1997 album, Blue Roses From The Moons. Recorded in her signature style, the track blends folk storytelling with a haunting, ethereal atmosphere that reflects Griffith's deep engagement with spiritual and historical themes. The song explores the mysticism and devotion associated with the 16th-century Spanish mystic, Teresa of Avila, capturing the quiet intensity of her inner life through Griffith's delicate vocal delivery and intricate fingerpicking. As a centerpiece of her discography, the recording exemplifies her ability to weave complex narratives into accessible, emotionally resonant music, solidifying her reputation as a master of narrative folk songwriting.