From a Distance

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The song, From a Distance was written in 1985 by Julie Gold, who was working as a secretary at the time for HBO and writing songs in her free time. Gold's friend, Christine Lavin introduced the song to Nanci Griffith who first recorded it for her 1987 release, Lone Star State of Mind. It quickly became a favorite of Griffith's fans around the world. The song reached commercial success when it was recorded in 1990 by Bette Midler for the album Some People's Lives, and went on to win a Grammy for Song of the Year in 1991. Bette Midler re-recorded a christmas version for her 2006 Christmas Album, Cool Yule, with additional lyrics by Midler, Robbie Buchanan and Jay Landers. Additional recordings of the original have been performed by Gold, Griffith, Simon Nicol (of Fairport Convention) and many others.

The song seems to be about how distance, both physical and emotional, can change perceptions, though perhaps not always for the better. It has a hopeful message about how God is watching us, suggesting that, even though there are wars, cruelty, calamity, and want, somehow, someway, we may yet have a little peace and love in this world.

Another interpretation is that the perception of love and peace only exists "from a distance" and that the reality is not being addressed. It suggests that God doesn't actually act on our problems, and is only an observer. This perception is heightened when the lyrics are actually examined. From a distance no one is in need, and there are no hungry mouths to feed. God is watching us from a distance. In other words, God is so far from human experience as to not be able to see, and thus respond, to hunger or need. Hardly a message of hope. Or perhaps its intent is to remind us of what John F. Kennedy observed, that "here on earth, God's work must truly be our own."

Somewhat ironically, much of the song's popularity coincided with the first Persian Gulf War. It received a "Minute Man Award" from the United States Army for inspiring the troops and a "Seven Seals Award" from the Department of Defense.

The song also won a "3 Million Airs Award" from BMI.

On VH1's list of the "50 Most Awesomely Bad Songs Ever" (compiled with Blender Magazine), Bette Midler's recording of this song ranked #37 [1].

In the mid 90's many Los Angeles area public schools had their 5th and 6th graders sing this song in their music classes.

In 1992, singer-songwriter Jay Mankita wrote a parody, From a Dog's Stance, which appeared in Sing Out! magazine and was later included on his recording, Dogs Are Watching Us. [2]

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