George Jones and Emmylou Harris, two titans of country music, joined forces for a duet that would become a cornerstone of their respective discographies. Released in 1979 on Jones’ album My Very Special Guests, “Here We Are” is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human connection. The song, penned by the gifted Rodney Crowell, serves as a perfect vehicle for the emotional depth and vocal prowess of these two iconic artists.
Background
To understand the impact of “Here We Are,” one must first delve into the individual careers of Jones and Harris. George Jones, often hailed as the “Possum,” is a legendary figure whose raw, emotive vocals have defined the genre for generations. His voice, marked by a distinctive vibrato and a whiskey-soaked timbre, is capable of conveying a depth of pain and longing that few can match. Emmylou Harris, on the other hand, possesses a crystalline soprano that effortlessly blends elements of folk, bluegrass, and country. Her voice is a comforting presence, capable of both soaring heights and intimate whispers.
Together, Jones and Harris create a vocal alchemy that is both powerful and tender. Their harmonies on “Here We Are” are nothing short of breathtaking, as their voices intertwine to create a tapestry of emotion. The song’s melody, simple yet evocative, provides a perfect framework for the lyrics’ exploration of themes of weariness, longing, and ultimately, finding solace in another’s presence.
Crowell’s lyrics are imbued with a sense of lived-in experience. The imagery is spare and evocative, allowing the listener to project their own experiences onto the song. The lines “We’ve both grown tired of running after rainbows” and “Here we are, darling, here we are” resonate with a profound sense of acceptance and resignation. It is a song about two souls who have weathered life’s storms and found refuge in each other’s arms.
The production of “Here We Are” is understated, allowing the focus to remain on the vocals and the lyrics. The instrumentation is spare, with acoustic guitar, steel guitar, and subtle percussion providing a gentle backdrop. The arrangement is reminiscent of the classic country sound of the 1960s and 1970s, a period when the genre was at its creative peak.
Video
“Here We Are” has become a standard in the country music repertoire, a testament to its enduring power and emotional resonance. It is a song that speaks to the human condition, exploring themes of loss, longing, and redemption. The collaboration between George Jones and Emmylou Harris on this track is a perfect match, resulting in a performance that is both heartbreaking and uplifting.
Harley