I suppose you should expect that, with a name like The Civil Wars, your new favourite band (est. in my heart, c. 18 months ago) was destined to break your heart.  And it's probably naive to suggest that the ability to make insanely beautiful music together ought to override all the other problems a pair of humans have in dealing with each other, but oh, how I wish it could in this case. I don't think there's been a month, possibly not even a fortnight, since I first heard it that I've not listened to Barton Hollow or Live in Eddie's Attic, and now the new album, The Civil Wars, is streaming over at the Guardian website.  It's pretty stunning on a first couple of listens - and this one, From This Valley, might just be my new favourite song - in tandem with Dust to Dust, I think, as a balance of lights and darks.  

FROM THIS VALLEY

Oh the desert dreams of a river That will run down to the sea Like my heart longs for an ocean To wash down over me Oh, won’t you take me from this valley To that mountain high above? I will pray, pray, pray Until I see your smiling face I will pray, pray, pray To the one I love Oh, the outcast dreams of acceptance Just to find pure love’s embrace Like an orphan longs for his mother May you hold me in your grace Oh, won’t you take me from this valley To that mountain high above? I will pray, pray, pray Until I see your smiling face I will pray, pray, pray To the one I love Oh, the caged bird dreams of a strong wind That will float beneath her wings Like a voice longs for a melody Oh, Jesus carry me Oh, won’t you take me from this valley To that mountain high above? I will pray, pray, pray Until I see your smiling face I will pray, pray, pray To the one I love Oh, I will pray, pray, pray Until I see your smiling face I will pray, pray, pray To the one I love