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The Wailin' Jennys — Take it Down
Album: 40 Days
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1749









Released: 2004
Length: 3:44
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Take everything that we've had
Take it and burn it to the ground
Some things were never meant to last
Take it down down down
Take it down

I'm still married to it all
That ain't no place to hang around
My love is fifty feet tall
Take it down down down
Take it down

And I've grown accustomed to the way
You hurled us into space
I'll never make that trip
Tears all rusted on my face
I'm just an empty place
Where your love used to fit

South Carolina, where are you?
You were once lost, now are found
The war is over, the battle's through
Take it down down down
Take it down

Take it down down down
Take it down
Comments (246)add comment
John's Original, Patti's Cover and The Jenny's Cover -  this is a haunting song  personally - i prefer John Hiatt's version but like them all
A very mellow version of Fleetwood Mac's "Secondhand News".
Me thinks this selection may have something to do with the long overdue removal of the Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond, VA.
A way Toooo screechy whiney lead vocal for my taste. Soz folks :( a bit too Joni Mitchell~esq **
I love this version too.
 
 madebytim wrote:
Funny that this song comes right after a Satriani song... then you can talk about a contrast between good songwriting and not, I give this an eight... for good songwriting :) 
 
"Sleepwalk" (which was performed by Satriani, and preceded this song the day of this post) is also an example of "good songwriting"; it was not composed by Mr. Satriani.
Levon Helm is dead. Rest his beautiful, musical soul.
 Randomax wrote:
Please, Please, Please play Patti Griffins version of this John Hiatt song, please
 
Why settle for silver when you already have platinum times two?  Unless Patti Griffin's rendition makes it a "times three" thing?  Okay - I haven't heard that version, so perhaps a little more groveling might be in order here, for the sake of comparison. {#Mrgreen}
Funny that this song comes right after a Satriani song... then you can talk about a contrast between good songwriting and not, I give this an eight... for good songwriting :) 
i've seen them perform twice, and i swear, there is hardly a sweeter sound in the universe. three gifted ladies. a great cover, as well!
Listening to RP at work has it's advantages, but when Bill plays this song, it stops everything in my outer world and I just listen to the beauty of this song. Thanks Bill!
 ziggytrix wrote:
I have the same problem with this cover as I do with Patty's cover.  It's too pretty.  Doesn't convey the anguish of the lyrics.

That's being nit-picky, I know.  It's still a very lovely melody.
 

Listen to it live, they carry it off very nicely.
 johnjconn wrote:

What's not to love?
(which one is Jenny and which one is Wallin?) 



 
I know that looks has nothing to do with musical talent or song writing genius...  but holy hot.  Of course, the one on the far left with the black shirt off her shoulder looks like my high school best friend's sister that I was crushing on pretty hard.  I wonder what ever happened to Rachel...

(If my wife happens to see this, I'm so going to get the stink eye)

I have the same problem with this cover as I do with Patty's cover.  It's too pretty.  Doesn't convey the anguish of the lyrics.

That's being nit-picky, I know.  It's still a very lovely melody.
This one makes its moment right. Beautiful. 
 michaelgmitchell wrote:
Caught me at the right moment. Very nice.
 
Ditto..
Hmm..wailing,,right ! #4
I love the quote from "Amazing Grace:" "I once was lost/but now I'm found..."
Please, Please, Please play Patti Griffins version of this John Hiatt song, please
A blissfully sweet lullaby. Thanks again RP!
 Webfoot wrote:


Okay, I'll go to 10 also.  They really did hit the mark on this song.  What would I change?  Not a thing.
 
Me too! 10!
 Cynaera wrote:
Bumped to 10. There's no way I could NOT love this music. {#Notworthy}
 

Okay, I'll go to 10 also.  They really did hit the mark on this song.  What would I change?  Not a thing.
 helgigermany wrote:
Norah Jones like!
 

thank goodness no  {#No}
Shoot!  They're all good!
like Patti Griffin's cover better on that tribute album to John Hiatt....pls play it sometime
Bumped to 10. There's no way I could NOT love this music. {#Notworthy}
Norah Jones like!
+1 for being written by Master Hiatt. 10.
Bumping this up to a 9.  Y'all should visit the website and check out the bio on these ladies - they have QUITE the credentials!  I'll definitely be investing in some of their music when my cash-flow increases. {#Sunny}
 Stingray wrote:
Bill's a girli-man - without doubt!
Still, the WJ can be really good indeed!

Just wonder, why I picture them on a farm in Ohio,
travelling in a black horse-cart to their gigs!
 
So do I. They're from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Bill's a girli-man - without doubt!
Still, the WJ can be really good indeed!

Just wonder, why I picture them on a farm in Ohio,
travelling in a black horse-cart to their gigs!


This would fit nicely with "Dead of the Night" by Shawn Colvin.  8 for now, but who knows what the future holds?{#Music}
7——->9
Caught me at the right moment. Very nice.
No idea how i had this down at 7.  9 now.  What a great tune.
This is growing on me like a Kudzu vine.  Up to a nine teetering on 10.
Saw them in concert Feb. 26, 2010, in Arroyo Grande, CA. An absolutely stunning evening! Voices so pure they made me weep. For the encore they walked to the front of the stage and sans microphones sang "One Voice" acapella. Left me speechless! {#Clap}

I like this song, I like this whole album.  Their voices are beautiful and dreamy.
 BKardon wrote:
As much as I enjoy this band, I would REALLY like to hear some Waylon Jennings in regular rotation on here.  If not Waylon, then at least play more of the old school songwriter types, such as John Prine, Lyle, Willie, Townes, etc...  I know they get some representation, but I'd like them to take up a bit more of the pie and have currently popular bands (Killers, Artic whatever, Fiest, Jack Johnson) take up less of a slice.

I know, I know....can't please everyone.
 

+1
 BKardon wrote:
As much as I enjoy this band, I would REALLY like to hear some Waylon Jennings in regular rotation on here.  If not Waylon, then at least play more of the old school songwriter types, such as John Prine, Lyle, Willie, Townes, etc...  I know they get some representation, but I'd like them to take up a bit more of the pie and have currently popular bands (Killers, Artic whatever, Fiest, Jack Johnson) take up less of a slice.

I know, I know....can't please everyone.
 
Yeah and with luck they won't please you.
peaceful and ppuurrfect!  {#Kiss}
PLEASE play Patti's version!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 apd wrote:

What album is it on?

 

Regarding Patty Griffin's version, the record is called "It'll Come to You: The Songs of John Hiatt"

Simply sublime...
 ziggytrix wrote: 
Thanks - hadn't heard of this, looks good.

 apd wrote:

What album is it on?

 
https://www.amazon.com/Itll-Come-You-Songs-Hiatt/dp/B00008QXJO


Always like hearing the Jennies!

{#Bounce}
 ortallcowgirl wrote:
I am intoxicated by the voices.  Soothing, comforting, and methodical. I am loosing my high for my field work, but all in a good way.....ahhh I need a comfy couch and a cup of cocoa and rain outside.......
 
Happy to send some rain from Seattle—how much would you like? We have plenty for everyone.
 evansdad wrote:
Very nice, but Patty Griffin's version is better.
 
nuh UH 




 evansdad wrote:
Very nice, but Patty Griffin's version is better.
 
What album is it on?

I am intoxicated by the voices.  Soothing, comforting, and methodical. I am loosing my high for my field work, but all in a good way.....ahhh I need a comfy couch and a cup of cocoa and rain outside.......
comforting like a lullaby
Very nice, but Patty Griffin's version is better.
 rdo wrote:
I hope not.  Save the whales!
 
{#Lol} Agreed!

As much as I enjoy this band, I would REALLY like to hear some Waylon Jennings in regular rotation on here.  If not Waylon, then at least play more of the old school songwriter types, such as John Prine, Lyle, Willie, Townes, etc...  I know they get some representation, but I'd like them to take up a bit more of the pie and have currently popular bands (Killers, Artic whatever, Fiest, Jack Johnson) take up less of a slice.

I know, I know....can't please everyone.
When she slides up to the really high notes she sounds like a young Joni  (8 for me)
Beautiful
SO beautiful.
 peter_james_bond wrote:

Bill would have to be willing to play some Waylon. And of course that would cause some wailing in part of the RP community. {#Wink}
 

I hope not.  Save the whales!
 ColdBear wrote:
Take it down !

But I take it up 8 >9

10 next time ? maybe
 

My thoughts exactly.  {#High-five}
 vit wrote:
You know what would be cool? Some Waylon Jennings.
 
Bill would have to be willing to play some Waylon. And of course that would cause some wailing in part of the RP community. {#Wink}
 lawman wrote:
goddamn. I'm not looking forward to the next song or two. This one, and the previous (Coldplay, Warning Sign) are real downers. :-(
 
Stare at that album art for a while and you'll feel better. {#Meditate}
goddamn. I'm not looking forward to the next song or two. This one, and the previous (Coldplay, Warning Sign) are real downers. :-(
sweet, pretty, easy on the ears . . .
You know what would be cool? Some Waylon Jennings.
Yet another repetitive song song song song, they're easy to write and boring to listen to.
Hey gobits, those small round black discs headed your way are hockey pucks....better duck! {#Evil}

gobits wrote:

A Wailing Jenny

Heheh...
 


summer afternoon up the country lyin in a hammock.............
 peter_james_bond wrote:

Yes!

Canada
 
A Wailing Jenny

Heheh...
Snoozy.  {#Sleep}
 peter_james_bond wrote:

Yes!

Canada
 
w00t!

 Thistle wrote:
Go home-town girls.  Peg City represent.
 
Yes!

Canada
Go home-town girls.  Peg City represent.
I love the Jennys. Ruth Moody could sing the ingredients from a shampoo bottle and I would give it a 10.   

The significance of this song today is not lost.
damn this one keeps growin' on me, love it movin' it up not down down
Seen (heard) these gals on 3 continents and it just keeps getting bettah.

Purely hardworking honesty.

No posin' no struttin'.........well maybe a little and that's all good. 

I like 'em...but then, I love female folk-inspired singer-songwriter types (e.g., Shawn Colvin).  Relaxing stuff...{#Sleep}
Take it down !

But I take it up 8 >9

10 next time ? maybe
So sweet, I just love these girls!!!!!! So much talent,and so much beauty......
Saw these wonderful ladies every set they played (4 or 5) at California World Music Fest in Grass Valley this summer. Great Group!!!!!
Thank you Bill. {#Meditate}
Totally gorgeous.{#Daisy}
Got me some tickets going to see them in couple of weeks. THanks RP
Ah, Wailin' Jennys.  :)  RP turned me onto them a few years ago, and I'm a big fan now. They are great live. Annabelle was with them then; I haven't seen the newer girl. Anyway, thanks RP — for continuing to help me find good music!

heavenly!
I hope Waylon got some money for the name rip off......but very nice.
Wowowowowowowow. Oh, and wow!
I love these Jennies, even when they're not Wailin' " My love is fifty feet tall....."
These are very talented ladies, but Bill, can we get Ms. Griffin's cover back in the rotation? No one sings heartbreak like Patty Griffin, except for John Hiatt of course
a_genuine_find wrote:
And I've grown accustomed to the way You hurled us into space I'll never make that trip Tears all rusted on my face I'm just an empty place Where your love used to fit WOW...powerfully sad, yet beautiful.
Thank John Hiatt.
brownbrown wrote:
beautiful music, HORRIBLE COVER ART.
I LOVE it!!!
Soothing. I like this a lot.
These ladies rated an 8 from the first few notes. Few more listens are likely to bump it up. Wow. c.
What a voice!
BluEyes wrote:
Take it down, down down. Take it down.
Listened to this one last night; a really good album me thinks. I don't spend too much time on the cover, it's what's inside that counts! (thought I do miss vinyl record covers, those did afford opportunity for some truly great ART)
brownbrown wrote:
beautiful music, HORRIBLE COVER ART.
I really like the cover art. No accounting for taste I s'pose.
pretty but zZzZzZzZ
And I've grown accustomed to the way You hurled us into space I'll never make that trip Tears all rusted on my face I'm just an empty place Where your love used to fit WOW...powerfully sad, yet beautiful.
brownbrown wrote:
beautiful music, HORRIBLE COVER ART.
Really? On closer inspection it is a painting of a labyrinth -13 circuit Chartres type I believe. You've got something against several centuries worth of historical precedent used for album cover art? Rather nice me thinks. Wouldn't want it made into a t-shirt but rather nice.
Incredible harmonies.
You know, I used to love this song. Then I heard South Carolina in the lyrics and that excited me even more; then over time as I have listened to it here on RP over and over, slowly the sourness distills upon me that they have gone from preaching to meddling. Dontcha just get sick of people telling you what to do?  But they do sound purty doing it.

Beautiful vocals and simple, heartfelt instrumental work.
beautiful music, HORRIBLE COVER ART.
Yet another RP playlist (YARPP) where I can't tell if the song by itself is cool, or if it just seems cool because it fits into the mood so well (in this case, following Colin Hay - Beautiful World).
As much as I really like the WJ's, I'm surprised nobody has given props to John Hiatt, songwriter extraordinaire.
Playing tonight (Oct 21) in Toronto at Hugh's Room, a nice, intimate little room. Should be really good.
madaxeman wrote:
Gorgeous sound mmmmmmmmmmmm
Still Gorgeous.
fretman wrote:
I haven't heard them wail, as such. But I wouldn't call them a fraud because of that, or the fact that there aren't any Jennys in the band. The Little Willies don't have anyone in there called Willie, either. Nor did the Ramones have any of them, either. They weren't even produced by Phil Ramone!
inindian wrote:
Hey there are no Tanyas in the Be Good Tanyas either You tell 'im fretman, but the man's a kidder anyway and so are the Jennys... so what..and btw, if he didn't know, their name's a play on Waylon Jennings
...Well just crush my world like a paper cup... Next you'll be telling me that professional wrestling isn't real. I haven't felt this empty since I found out Mean Joe Greene's name was really Charles Edward Greene and he's a nice guy once you get to know him. To put my 2 cents worth in on this music, it is a pretty good album. In fact, if I had this on vinyl instead of CD, the grooves would be smooth; partially because I play it a lot. Mostly because I found out my turntable was really a lathe.
Good stuff them Jennys
Banaszak wrote:
This band is such a fraud. Nobody in this band is named Jenny. I was so disappointed to find that out. Next I'll hear that Nilli Vanilli didn't sing their own stuff. *sigh*
I suppose you're going to try and tell me Bob Dylan wasn't his real name. I'm not falling for that one!!!
Do they have a version of The Dukes of Hazard theme song too?
This is too excellent a rendition of this song to stay at a nine. I'm bumping it up to ten.
Kerly wrote:
This is oh so very beautiful and it makes my heart melt.
Yes Kerly, even on holidaze this sounds the most movin' of The Jenny's songs ;)
This is oh so very beautiful and it makes my heart melt.
Banaszak wrote:
This band is such a fraud. Nobody in this band is named Jenny. I was so disappointed to find that out. Next I'll hear that Nilli Vanilli didn't sing their own stuff. *sigh*
fretman wrote:
I haven't heard them wail, as such. But I wouldn't call them a fraud because of that, or the fact that there aren't any Jennys in the band. The Little Willies don't have anyone in there called Willie, either. Nor did the Ramones have any of them, either. They weren't even produced by Phil Ramone!
Hey there are no Tanyas in the Be Good Tanyas either You tell 'im fretman, but the man's a kidder anyway and so are the Jennys... so what..and btw, if he didn't know, their name's a play on Waylon Jennings