I'm a long time JB fan, have seen him live many times, owned and wore out most of his albums, and this is hands down my favorite. Every song on this album is a gem, a masterclass in song writing and lyrical poetry. Saw him twice on this tour and those shows remain in my top ten all-time...smaller, more intimate venues with great acoustics and world class musicians on every instrument. Jackson is a national treasure.
I have always considered Jackson Browne to be not just a talented musician... but a poet as well. This song does not have the typical structure of a poem. It is as though he is releasing all of his emotions and it is simply streaming out of him. Many of his songs have an emotional impact on me and this song is no exception. Great reactions. Thanks and take care.
This tale of pain, regret, and obsession is Jackson’s saddest and most beautiful song. And that’s saying a lot. For those of you new to Jackson: you’ve got to read the lyrics as you listen to the music. You’ll be rewarded. He has a lot to offer. His hymn-like melodies are wonderful; they are vehicles through which to deliver his powerful emotional messages. Late for the Sky and I’m Alive are his best albums.
His words are so important. I've always thought JB's lyrics should be taught as lessons in metaphor and thematic construction, not to mention as lessons in being human.
Thank you for reacting to this. This is a beautiful song. Jackson describes this song about a lost relationship and how he continues to look for the person everywhere he goes…. He sings “I’ll never stop looking for you” even though he knows he’ll never see the person again. We carry people from our past with us into the future. A true poet.
It’s too bad that those who have even heard of Jackson merely associate him with Running on Empty and Somebody’s Baby. IMO this is his best song. I saw him at Tanglewood in MA, a month ago, and expected to see a small but dedicated crowd of 2500 fans. Instead there were more like 25,000. I was shocked but pleased.
My favorite song writer since the early 70's. I can't even count how many times I have seen him in concert, and have never been disappointed! Amazing writer and musician!
I'm a huge Jackson Browne fan. I actually have one of his signed guitars in my living room. But no one reacts to this song and you guys nailed it. I think it might be he best song as far as lyrics and depth. Love hearing it live. Just so much more emotional. Cheers!
I did this last night at my gig. One of the hardest songs to get right. Not because of the notes. It’s the timing. You have to get it or you can’t sing it. Genius lyrics. Brilliant tune. Song writing at its finest. Love this man.
So have I. I had only known Browne for his song in Fast Times At East Ridgemont High: Somebody's Baby. However, not the other songs, until early 2020 that was. When YT algorithm brought me to this song after watching Friends, and then, his other songs followed, like Late For The Sky. The tears just kept flooding from then on.💯
I was wondering whether or not this was David Lindley playing guitar, but he's not on this track. Scott Thurston, (ex-Stooges and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), who also contributes keyboards in addition to JB's piano here, as well as Mark Goldenberg(cowriter, performer with Linda Ronstadt, Pointer Sisters, Peter Frampton, etc.etc.) are. Whose sometimes ringing tones, others, liquid lines I attributed in error to Lindley, I don't know, but ain't they sweet? 1993(?), Daryl Hannah breakup? So sad. Cute couple. Cheers, SAD, keep on keeping on. 😊❤
Yes, Daryl break up. He was obviously devastated. In fact, after writing the song, he didn’t play it all that often and, when he did, he often flubbed the lyrics. I think Jackson was crushed by the emotional weight of his own song. PS I saw Jackson live a few weeks ago. Now, 30 years later, he plays the song at nearly every show; it was the most intense moment of the concert.
SCARS If I could tell you a story Is it one that you'd want to hear About a girl from yesterday I left standing On a stair I said I'd be back in a minute And I thought that I'd see her again I've waited for that day to find me But find me that day never did These words they paint a picture And in my mind an image's been cast At the end of the day We all go our own way And carry the scars from our past
This album came from his breakup from his longtime relationship with actress Daryl Hannah. She left Jackson for JFK, Jr. JFK, Jr. later left her for a relationship with Carolyn Bessette who later became his wife. They both perished in a suspicious plane crash when he was running for NY state Senator against Hillary Clinton.
Where did you get this BS? He wasn’t a candidate and the plane crash wasn’t suspicious, he wasn’t an experienced enough pilot to be flying in the foggy conditions that night.
