By the late 1970s Colvin was singing in a Western Swing band in Austin, Texas-the city she now calls home.
She made her first public appearance on campus at the University of Illinois at age 15. A small-town childhood in the university town of Carbondale, Illinois, drew her to the guitar by the age of 10. In the 27 years since the release of her debut album, Colvin has won three Grammy Awards, released eleven albums, written a critically acclaimed memoir, maintained a non-stop national and international touring schedule, appeared on countless television and radio programs, had her songs featured in major motion pictures, and created a remarkable canon of work.Ĭolvin was born in Vermillion, South Dakota, where she lived until she was eight. As a storyteller, Colvin is both keen and warm-hearted, leavening even the toughest tales with tenderness, empathy, and a searing sense of humor. Her songs are slow-release works of craft and catharsis that become treasured, lifetime companions for their listeners. But “Sunny Came Home” has proven to be a timeless classic.In an era when female singer-songwriters are ever more ubiquitous, Shawn Colvin stands out as a singular and enduring talent. They also suggest that her intention was for the music to be life and the lyrics what happens to a person during the uncoupling.Ĭolvin rereleased A Few Small Repairs in 2017 for the 20th anniversary of her landmark album. Many think that Colvin was trying to let people know that sometimes breaking up is the only course of action. This juxtaposition was meant to balance the song, but it ended up adding more to the reading of it. The dark lyrics are set against light, almost cheerful music. “Get the kids and bring a sweater dry is good, and wind is better. One of the things that sets the song apart from most other music is the composition of the song. With “Sunny’s” success, Colvin has tried to use that format even more. It was the first time she had played with that format. “Sunny Came Home” is one of several ‘story songs’ on A Few Small Repairs. Including trying to fix the relationship, “she opened a book and a box of tools.” The rest of the song would follow the end, including the fire that takes place in the middle of the song. In fact, many of them believe the song as a whole is a metaphor for the emotions of a breakup. Critics say those feelings shine through in the song. In her memoir, Diamond In The Rough, Colvin admitted to being depressed and anxious. As she wrote the song, Colvin began to tell a story about a woman who was left for another woman. Part of the inspiration for “Sunny Came Home” was the CD’s artwork, which was painted by Colvin’s friend Julie Speed. So she turned the project into a concept album. Divorce Thy Name Is SunnyĪs Colvin was writing songs for A Few Small Repairs, her marriage to Simon Tassano was coming to an end. Colvin had reached the kind of success most artists only dream of.Īnd she has a dark period in her life to thank. It won Grammy awards for Record and Song of the Year.
It peaked at #7 on the Billboard hot 100 charts.Īlong with being a commercial success, the song was also a critical smash. Executives watched as the song took off in popularity and reversed their decision.
The record company didn’t think the song had commercial appeal. “Sunny Came Home” was not supposed to be released as a single though, it was just another track from A Few Small Repairs. June 24, 1997, saw the release of Shawn Colvin’s most popular single to date.
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