Every once in a long while a song comes out and just crushes you with its lyrics This is one of them. A brilliant lyrical masterpiece sung by a legend.
Bonnie has been a soundtrack in my life since about 1975. She's just amazing - her vocals, her guitar playing, her lyrics. This song is just gorgeous. The story, the music, the heart-breaking wrenching beauty of the story. What a talent. She's just an amazing talent, still - in her 70's!!!! Love her. I am NOT a musically trained person, so I appreciated your notes, Coach. So happy for her that this song won song of the year. She deserved it!
My husband had a heart transplant on June 24th, 2022. This song absolutely rocks me to the core. I am so thankful to the donor and the family. I cannot even put the feelings into words. ❤
I am 72 years old now. When I was 14 I saw Bonnie perform at the bitter end in New York City. She was the first person I’ve ever seen perform live. She sang and played the slide guitar. At the Bitter End, you ate your $2.50 cover charge and ice cream. I’ve been a fan of hers ever since. I lost my son recently. Needless to say I cry every time I hear this song.
I saw Bonnie Raitt here on Maui a few months ago with my twin brother who I flew in from Kona, and I listened to this song for a month every day, so I knew every word that came out her voice that evening. Just Like That.... had more than a several feelings for me. My bother just had a stroke on Kona and he's saying this song tells his story.... things will change "Just Like That ". Today is 1 week since the fire has consumed us here on Maui. We lost friends, homes and business (mine included) ... Please pray for us and those who lost everything....
This song exemplifies why organ/body donation is so important. It is the gift of life. I’ve been open about wanting to donate everything I have to someone who needs it. This song reminds us all how important it is.
As a 50 yr+ musician and teacher myself, I learned this point from a big band leader I played for, "If you're counting time your already behind."--DON'T count the time. Internalize the tempo, FEEL the beat but DON'T try to count it! "FEEL" is the key word you missed here. In this Raitt tune, it's all about 'feeling' the tempo, subtly aided by the bass pulse played. Once you've INTERNALIZED the tempo, and FEEL it in your heart, then can float all over here and there and always stay in time. Thank you for the word "Float", I love that, it's the perfect description of what Raitt does with the music emotionally here. I've done it for years on my horn. I always called it 'intentional dragging', lol. Good video, thank you, sir.
You're far from being the only one to cry at this. Bonnie's "Nick of Time" still hits me just as hard as it did when I first heard it. There's a quality in such songs which is uplifting at the same time as being heartbreakingly sad. I use the word melancholy, That's the word I use. It fits for me.
I loved the way she put the song together, starting in the middle of a story and then the beginning coming when you aren't expecting it. It takes you right in the chest. The way she phrases has always been so great but you have broken it down beautifully and explained why it gets you so viscerally. Thank you very much.
Thank you for your comment and for watching. Yes! The way it starts makes the impact of the past hit so much harder. Such effortless mastery of the phrasing...it is gorgeous and original!
Agreed. Such an emotionally connected performance of the truth of life. There is a such a tragic beauty in the moments when we connect to those who are not with us any more.
I just discovered your channel after watching her grammy win acceptance video. I have been in music for about 40 years. This is truly an amazing song, but a legendary artist. You sir, have gained another subscriber today. Thank you so much for a wonderful reaction. I look forward to seeing more.
Anthony, thank you so much for your kind words for me and I agree this song is a true evergreen that will stand the test of time. I look forward to seeing you around. I'd love to know about your music journey, kindly tell me your story.
Bonnie is phenomenal, a real treasure. I never knew her before this song, being new to north America but now all I want to listen to all day is this song. Makes me cry when she reaches "I lay my head upon his chest and I was with my boy again". That is killing if you have children and a heart.
Hi Dan. First time watching your video and talking about Bonnie Raitt. That song touched my heart and soul! Hope that many people will subscribe for you 🌞
How amazing that Bonnie is still going strong this many decades later and putting out amazing music like this. She's a treasure. If you want some more songs on emotionally heavy topics, try these: Bronte by Gotye. It's a song about the crippling guilt a pet owner feels when it's clearly time to put their old friend down. You know it's the right thing to do, but even then the guilt of being the one to ultimately decide to end their life and lose them forever is still overwhelming. It's the main downside of having a pet. All Dead, All Dead by Queen. Similar to the previous one, it's something Brian May wrote when his childhood cat died. Brian was always very good at making and especially singing sad and somber songs. The music video that was made for the song a couple years ago is tough to watch if you just recently lost a pet. In My Room by the Beach Boys. Beach Boys always made absolutely incredible use of chord progression and harmony, and this one is no different. Brian Wilson wrote this one when he was having severe anxiety attacks and depression episodes and felt solace by isolating himself in his bedroom. The song isn't all that sad on the surface and uses a pretty happy sounding chord progression, but if you've ever experienced these issues before then it will hit home very hard.
The legendary Godmother of Blues Bonnie Raitt. One of my all-time favorite artist. Good to see you get emotional about this deep song. She is so great and write such great music!!! Love her!!!!
It makes me so happy to watch you crying to this song. I cried the first time I heard it, and do every time now. I want to learn to sing it but not sure I can stop crying long enough. The chord and melodic changes, her phrasign,and 'talking voice' are so quintessential mature Bonnie Raitt.
Love this analysis of a great song. Your crying made me cry. Thanks for your courage in showing your own vulnerability… just like your advice for writing a song. There is similar advice for those who are writing a book: “reach down inside your own throat to pull out some truth”
I received the gift of a new heart 8-19-20. This hit me really hard my first time hearing this. I'm yet to meet my donors family but I'm hoping to someday.
Nice video. Of course this song makes me sob. I sob for Olivia Sands. But, upon the 15th listening of this song, something occurred to me and I sobbed for the man who took the time and effort to find her.
I had the privilege of seeing Bonnie Raitt perform live earlier this month, and that song had me in tears there in the auditorium. Just a beautiful moment.
I love Bonnie Raitt and took my husband John and a friend to see her live last Summer. It was completely amazing, so glad that we went. I will remember it always!!
Hi Dan, just found your channel. I lost my son at 28. Brain bleed. It was 2020. No Nuro beds here. We had to get him to Vanderbilt in Nashville. Nothing they could do. His mom, my wife passed 4 year's before my son. He was on life support. They asked me about donating his organs. Tennessee Donor. I was made at first. But i thought. My son loved the Lord wirh all his heart. 140 attended his service. I decided, my family, helped me. Too do it. So they took him tò have it done. They, asked me to write who he was.. i filled out a card. Put dòwn his favorite two songs. America Trilogy, How Great Thou Art. Elvis. Then when they were finished. Doctors and Nurses lined the hall. On both sides as they rolled him down the hall. I am keeping in touch with Tennessee Donor and two whom my son helped. God bless each of you. We will see them again. May the peace of our Lord comfort you.
I have so much enjoyed this video. If I may make a suggestion for a performer. If you haven't heard of Kenny Rankin, particularly his cover of While My Guiter Quietly Weeps. Would really love to hear what you think of his voice.
You are amazing!!! You have musical precision and heart. You said "The heartbeat of the song" and I'm not sure you realized that the word "heart is the core of the lyrics. Well done, and I admire your expertise. I cannot hear this song without breaking down in tears.
New subscriber here? Really enjoyed the insight on the song. Wondering if you could analyze John Hiatt's "I'm in Asheville". I'll binge watch some of your videos now. ☮️
Bonnie was clearly SHOCKED to hear her name called when they announced she was the winner of the Song of the Year Grammy. She had zero expectation of winning considering she was competing against Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Adele.
Bonnies beautiful voice is like Karen Carpenters. Filled with feeling and emotion that transcends the lyrics from her heart to the recipients. You obviously have a good one. I have long felt that Bonnie and Jackson Browne have some of the best lyrics. Good reaction and analysis. Thanks!
My impression is that first that droning D-down tuned guitar starts drawing one in, then her raspy voice comes in like she’s standing there telling you what happened
Im a 68 year old man and that made me cry too. I think a younger Bonnie could not have pulled this off and I think she consciously did not try to hide her 72 year old voice
That was wonderful. The song was definitely a tear jerker but Bonnie Raitt's touch, maid it so much more . From my contemporary Bonnie Raitt and I try this one... Steve Goodman - The Ballad of Penny Evans - 4/18/1976 - Capitol Theatre (Official) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Q7mYhpcoSjc.html
It’s literally a 3 chord song. Drop D…D-A-G…but the timing is difficult (at least for me it is). PS: as of this comment NO ONE has done a tutorial on this song (shocking considering it won Best Song and this is RU-vid…the guitar tutorial epicenter).
I have been working on it for days. I think it may actually be open D, not just dropped. The words move me to tears every single time as I study it. Magnificent!
The 2 I saw say standard tuning and we know that's not right. I wish people were more conscientious. That is why I learn the long and slow way, from recordings.
As “a music teacher”, which you mentioned repeatedly, I was expecting you to address more of the musical choices and theory that you mentioned at the outset. You kept mentioning the simplicity but didnt describe how musically she used the simplicity. Nor did you mention the drop D tuning choice and what that musically does. Then you dismissed her “la la las” as not being a related part of the song (!!??) but that musically it goes so well. I’m afraid you really missed the dramatic/interpretive mark as well as the musical mark. But you’re young. You just might need some more music theory behind you and maybe writing or life experience? behind you. You love music and want to help others experience music in a powerful way and I commend you. Just not sure you’re ready to put yourself out there as an expert yet. Keep loving music and encouraging others to love it.
OK Dan...if you want songwriting and a miraculous vocal instrument, dive into Joni Mitchell from beginning to end and witness a growth and maturity of an artists life.
Honestly, this is a really interesting idea for content too! Of course, I am familiar with some of her work...but doing a full artist review could be a really cool thing. Thank you!
I think this goes beyond great song writing, though it is great song writing, I think this goes beyond great storytelling, though it is great storytelling, I think this goes beyond a wonderful performance, though it is wonderful. This speaks to the heart of a nation that has lost its way, and has embraced the darkness, and yet there remains a light which beckons us, to repent and receive grace....in Christ.
I choose to look at auto tune as a tool. just like an xacto knife can be used for clay, paper, and other artistic purposes, but you can't bring one on an airplane. auto tune can be a delight and also a weapon. ask Pete T of The Who about turning guitars into weapons. how many stages were injured during the filing of this movie?
