Dimming Of The Day (2011) – Alison Krauss & Union Station

Posted on April 8, 2026 by observationblogger — Leave a comment

The most adorable voice I’ve heard in country music is back once again with a beautiful ballad called Dimming of the Day. The song was written by the English singer-songwriter Richard Thompson and first recorded with his then-wife Linda Thompson on their 1975 album Pour Down Like Silver.

Alison Krauss & Union Station released their version of Dimming of the Day on their 2011 album Paper Airplane. The English folk and Celtic vibes are strong here, not only in the lyrics – where love and nature are closely tied – but also in the melody. It’s a song about love, longing, and quiet dependence, with a narrator who feels fragile and worn down (“This old house is falling down around my ears”) and who needs their lover close as the day fades into night.

I’ve never heard the slide guitar sound so perfectly matched to someone’s voice as I have with Alison’s music – and once again on Dimming of the Day. That combination evokes such ache and tenderness – it’s so deeply affecting. I’m a latecomer to Alison Krauss, but when I first heard her sing, it was love at first listen – just so pure and authentic. Just about everything I’ve heard from her has gone straight into my music library project, so I’ve had some catching up to do.

The song has been covered by more artists than you can poke a stick at. So many, in fact, that a large portion of the Wikipedia page is devoted to listing versions – including those by Mary Black, Emmylou Harris, and David Gilmour, to name just a few. Richard and Linda don’t exactly get their just due there.

[Verse 1]
This old house is falling down around my ears
I’m drowning in the fountain of my tears
When all my will is gone you hold me sway
I need you at the dimming of the day

[Bridge]
You pull me like the moon pulls on the tide
You know just where I keep my better side

[Verse 2]
Now days have come to keep us far apart
A broken promise or a broken heart
Now all the bonny birds have wheeled away
I need you at the dimming of the day

[Bridge]
Come the night, you’re only what I want
Come the night, you could be my confidant

[Verse 3]
Now I see you on the street in company
Why don’t you come and ease your mind with me?
I’m living for the night that we steal away
Oh I need you at the dimming of the day
I need you at the dimming of the day

References:
1. Dimming of the Day – Wikipedia