Photo by Morgane Imbeaud
On July 25th, Tift Merritt shared "Last Day I Knew What To Do," a previously unreleased song from the original Tambourine recording sessions. Tracked with a full band and produced by George Drakoulias over two decades ago, the song was recorded for the album but was ultimately left off the final release. Now, 20 years later, it sees the light of day as part of Merritt's forthcoming collection Time and Patience, out August 29, 2025 via One Riot Records.
“I was so frustrated with the music business in those days, trying to be true to myself and my band and the people who believed in my career. I felt pretty lost,” says Merritt, reflecting on the writing of the single. “I’m not sure I really had an advocate who saw who I was until I met George [Drakoulias] to make Tambourine.”
“Last Day I Knew What To Do” is one of four studio tracks on Time and Patience, which otherwise features home demos and unreleased songs from the early 2000s, recorded in Merritt’s North Carolina kitchen with just a notebook, her voice, and her dog Lucy. The never-before-heard recordings offer a rare glimpse of an artist reaching, reckoning, and writing her way into the world. An intimate demo of “Good Hearted Man” is also available now. Listen HERE.
Time and Patience arrives alongside the 20th anniversary vinyl reissue of Tambourine, Merritt’s GRAMMY-nominated breakthrough album that earned critical acclaim for its genre-defying blend of southern soul, poetic lyricism, and fearless songwriting. Featuring contributions from Mike Campbell, Maria McKee, Neal Casal, and Don Heffington, Tambourine became a cult favorite and a foundational text for a generation of Americana and folk artists.
Pre-save Time and Patience HERE.
For the first time in many years, Tambourine will be available on vinyl again. Pre-order Tambourine (20th Anniversary Edition) vinyl HERE.
Fresh off a run of European and UK tour dates—including a performance at Glastonbury Festival and a feature on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour—Merritt’s return marks a moment of rediscovery and revival, honoring her legacy while opening a new chapter. The North Carolina-based musician will return to AmericanaFest in September for multiple performances and showcases. In addition to her work in music, Merritt is Practitioner-in-Residence at Duke University, and is also developing and is also revisioning The Gables Lodge, an eighteen room hotel and salon project in her hometown, and a traveler's retreat since 1928.
The Tambourine (20th Anniversary Edition) vinyl and Time and Patience will be available August 29 via One Riot Records. The Tambourine reissue is dedicated to the late Neal Casal and Don Heffington, cherished members of Merritt’s studio band.
Tift Merritt is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and writer known for her richly poetic voice and genre-defying work that blends Americana, folk, country, and soul. Since the release of her breakout debut Bramble Rose in 2002, Merritt has released a string of critically acclaimed albums, toured with artists like Jason Isbell and Iron & Wine, and built a devoted international following. Hailed by NPR and The New Yorker for her lyrical precision and magnetic stage presence, she has collaborated with Andrew Bird, classical pianist Simone Dinnerstein, and many others. A North Carolina native, Merritt is also an accomplished interviewer and archivist, hosting “The Spark” series and working with institutions like the Library of Congress. She currently serves as Practitioner-in-Residence at Duke University and is developing The Gables Lodge, a creative residency center in Raleigh dedicated to nurturing the artistic process.
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