This song reminds me in texture and voice of Australia’s country artist Kasey Chambers who has featured a lot here. Iris’s album My Life which this song was included is described by Spin as ‘unbreakable gentleness as a modern epiphany about rural values‘. It was nominated for the best contemporary folk album at the Grammys.
Standing barefoot on a cold wood floor
Looking out the window of my back door
If it keeps on raining I think the whole damn house is gonna float away
The alarm was buzzing at the break of dawn
My husband asking “Is the coffee on?”
And easy is gettin’ harder every day.
I’ll drop the baby off at school at nine
And bust the lights to get to work on time
Where I’ll be staring at the clock just waiting to knock off another day
When supper’s done we’ll watch some TV show
Of a bunch of folks who’ve never heard of Idaho
Where easy is gettin’ harder every day
Iris is the 14th and youngest child of Pat DeMent and wife Flora Mae. It’s said Iris’ mother wanted to be a singer, but got married and her youngest Iris wanted to fulfill her mother’s dreams because of her influence. She soon realized that songwriting was her calling in life.
DeMent has sung duets with Steve Earle and Emmylou Harris and is featured on the albums of many other performers. She married singer-songwriter Greg Brown on November 21, 2002. They live in rural southeast Iowa (Field of Dreams territory or thereabouts!) with their adopted Russian-born daughter.
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Gosh! Great song! I didn’t know it (or Iris) at all.
I thought I got this song from Max’s site, but apparently, given it’s his first-listen, too. I’m glad you liked it Bruce.
Very cool song and singer Matt! It’s worth it if only for the line “And easy is gettin’ harder every day”. Her voice really suits this stark arrangement.
So I didn’t get this song from your site? I’m stumped how I learnt of it. I agree her voice feels at one with the message.
No you didn’t but I love her damn voice. It’s the complete package…love the songwriting.
I can’t get over how similar she sounds to Kasey Chambers. I really like the honesty in her writing too.
I agree with that. I just listened to her again and yes you are right.
I wonder if Iris had an influence on Kasey Chambers. I know both sang with Emmylou Harris.
Very well could have because Iris has been around for a while.
Iris has been in my listening pile for a while. Anyone who can Hand with Merle and Greg Brown is in another class. Good nod to an deserving talent.
May be I got the song from you. I’m still perplexed. You know your stuff and I’m just soaking it in. Cheers buddy.
I cant take credit Matt. (and I do like taking credit). Iris is a treasure. So much good music. Greg is a favorite of mine. I had no idea they were a couple until just a while ago and I have been listening to both of them for years. I just like the music they both make.
This is a fantastic song. Thanks for posting.
Cheers, thanks for your comment.