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Patty Griffin — Sweet Lorraine
Album: Living With Ghosts
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 786









Released: 1996
Length: 5:20
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Sweet Lorraine, a fiery-haired and brown-eyed schemer
Who came from a long line of drinkers and dreamers
Who knew that sunshine don't hold up to dark
Whose businesses fail, who sleep in the park

Lorraine, who spoke of paintings in Paris
And outlandish things to her family just to scare us
Whose heart went poking where it shouldn't ought
Whose mother could only spit at the thought
Lorraine, sweet Lorraine

Her father would tear out like a page of the bible
Then he'd burn down the house to announce his arrival
Her mother was working and never was home
Lorraine carved out a little life of her own

Lorraine started working, Lorraine went to school
Her mother threw stones at her on the day that she moved
Now isn't that a very strange thing to do
For someone who never really wanted you
Lorraine, sweet Lorraine

Her daddy called her a slut and a whore
On the night before her wedding day
The very next morning, oh, at the church
Well, her daddy gave Lorraine away, Lorraine away
Lorraine, sweet Lorraine

In the battle of time, in the battle of will
It's only your hope and your heart that gets killed
And it gets harder and harder, Lorraine, to believe in magic
When what came before you is so very tragic
Lorraine, sweet Lorraine

Sweet Lorraine
Sweet Lorraine
Sweet Lorraine
Sweet Lorraine
Comments (98)add comment
THIS ALBUM. Always a favorite, but then I hear a song from it and get pulled back into listening to the whole damn thing. Thank you, Bill, for being a true fan of Ms. Griffin.
Posted 10 months ago by Middleton    [ Reply ]
This lady and her voice are a delight.
Posted 1 year ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
Crushing lyrics and delivery
Posted 1 year ago by mkane67    [ Reply ]
Ha!
Not five minutes ago, I finished streaming Patty's eponymous album from 2019. Powerful stuff.
c.
Posted 1 year ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
This would make a great music video... starring Sissy Spacek
Posted 4 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
 bstevens1951 wrote:
The voice and the delivery completely convey the song's meaning. No auto-tune.
 
This is powerful...
Posted 5 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
Great voice. But she sounds different here, a thinner and different pitch, than on some other tracks. Still, she lives and embodies her songs, if she's often a bit melancholy in them. 
Posted 9 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Doesn't sound like other, more recent PG. I wouldn't have guessed it was her. And I don't like it that much, either. She either was even then or became a better singer. And songwriter, too, if this is her work. 
Posted 9 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 Ericocean wrote:
That was like listening to a cat howl

 
Indeed :-)
Posted 9 years ago by flexradio    [ Reply ]
Sweeet Patty!
Me likey like, very much!
{#Meditate} 
Posted 9 years ago by ljoergen    [ Reply ]
The voice and the delivery completely convey the song's meaning. No auto-tune.
Posted 10 years ago by bstevens1951    [ Reply ]
That was like listening to a cat howl
Posted 10 years ago by Ericocean    [ Reply ]
Dead On. 

old_shep wrote:
Patty's appeal to me is that I see her experiencing the story of her songs as she sings them.  Heart trumps technical talent.   

 



Posted 10 years ago by jnhashmi    [ Reply ]
This older release barely hints at her talent that later emerged....thankfully.
Posted 10 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
I think I give up. I can't take Patty Griffin. I get her, I just can't listen to her.



Keep Calm

     and

    P S D
Posted 10 years ago by MassivRuss    [ Reply ]
{#Sunny} the real deal.....
Posted 10 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
{#Clap} ...... Pure quality
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
 Baby_M wrote:

She's overclocking her voice, and the song's probably not quite in the best key for her.  Pull it back, Patty!


 
Your overclocking my patience.  Patty is PERFECT on this one, it doesn't really get much better.
Posted 10 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
 xkolibuul wrote:

Dude, are you really trying to tell Patty Griffin how to sing?  

 

Well, I tend to agree with Baby_M.  

Thinking that Baby_M probably knows a thing or two about singing. 


Posted 11 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 Baby_M wrote:

She's overclocking her voice, and the song's probably not quite in the best key for her.  Pull it back, Patty!

 
Dude, are you really trying to tell Patty Griffin how to sing?  
Posted 11 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
Patty's appeal to me is that I see her experiencing the story of her songs as she sings them.  Heart trumps technical talent.   
Posted 11 years ago by old_shep    [ Reply ]
So beautiful what a girl can perform with just her voice and a guitar.
Posted 11 years ago by krysthal    [ Reply ]
Love!{#Hearteyes}
Posted 11 years ago by dragonlady    [ Reply ]
Strong performance! 
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 missquo wrote:
I remember watching Patty perform pretty much everything from this album in Nashville back in 1997.  I've never heard just a person and an acoustic guitar fill up a room like that, and with no PA.  Best $3 I ever spent.
  I've seen her a few times, mostly benefit shows so it's not a full set. Saw a show with Shawn Colvin at the Paramount, a benefit for something-or-other. Needless to say, they were pretty okay.

It's funny how folks outside of Austin are still discovering her, and we've been stunned by her performances for years.


Posted 12 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 Baby_M wrote:
She's overclocking her voice, and the song's probably not quite in the best key for her.  Pull it back, Patty!
 
Rest assured she is doing all of those things on purpose. Did Hank Williams sing within his comfort zone? Not hardly: his was the voice of a tortured soul crying out in pain. Those cracks and strained notes evoke emotion, not mere vocal stylings (Aaron Neville comes to mind, but he's not the only perpetrator, just one of the most egregious. And most famous.)

Ms. Griffin is one of the most evocative singers around. She makes her voice sing with emotion, not just notes. It ain't everyone's cuppa tea, I'll grant you that.
Posted 12 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
this song gives me chills, no matter how many times I hear it. 
Posted 12 years ago by sfearll    [ Reply ]
 missquo wrote:
I remember watching Patty perform pretty much everything from this album in Nashville back in 1997.  I've never heard just a person and an acoustic guitar fill up a room like that, and with no PA.  Best $3 I ever spent.
 

I hate you.  {#Angel}
Posted 12 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
I remember watching Patty perform pretty much everything from this album in Nashville back in 1997.  I've never heard just a person and an acoustic guitar fill up a room like that, and with no PA.  Best $3 I ever spent.
Posted 12 years ago by missquo    [ Reply ]
Just don't get the non-believers on this tune. It touches deep into the soul with some of the most far reaching lyrics I know. Forget the voice (even though I love it). Couldn't we all pick on Neil Young or Dylan for his voice? I don't get it. Great artist, great album... 
Posted 12 years ago by Troutnskibum    [ Reply ]
one of my favorites from PG - thank you for digging this one up and dusting it off!
Posted 12 years ago by mellyp    [ Reply ]
 Baby_M wrote:

She's overclocking her voice, and the song's probably not quite in the best key for her.  Pull it back, Patty!

 
I couldn't disagree more. She knocks it out of the park on this one, as usual. Bring it on, Patty!
Posted 13 years ago by skindy    [ Reply ]
 bobcat1963 wrote:
hou op! ik krijg dr koppijn van! {#Think}
 

Welnee joh!

Great song and an outstanding performance!!

9
Posted 13 years ago by Sjaaks    [ Reply ]
I find the vocal performance matches the song's lyrical content rather well; its sad, strained, and broken heartfelt.  A striking performance.
Posted 14 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
 solamenteuna wrote:

can't think of a more gifted lyricist


 
Agreed.

Posted 14 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
Love it! Love it! Give me chills!

~Lorraine
Posted 14 years ago by LorraineV1    [ Reply ]
Not feeling it.
Posted 14 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
yuk.
Posted 14 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Every Patty fan should start with this album.
Posted 14 years ago by listen_n_sf    [ Reply ]

Patty Griffin and Buddy Miller by Steve Hopson
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevehopson/

Patty Griffin and Buddy Miller perform at the Old Settler's Music Festival in Driftwood, Texas, April 16, 2010.

© All rights reserved.

.

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 rez wrote:

. . . the intonation on her voice is pretty shocking.

 
She's overclocking her voice, and the song's probably not quite in the best key for her.  Pull it back, Patty!

Posted 14 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
 gForce wrote:
I thought these were a lot of demos, so some rough edges are to be expected?

"Downtown Church" out next week. Already pre-ordered. Can't wait.
 
Heard another cut from it this morning. Outstanding, as usual. I could listen to Ms. Griffin sing a phonebook.

Posted 14 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Wow. Tough crowd.

Patty rocks. This is the best song ever in the history of the universe.

Right. 
Posted 14 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
hou op! ik krijg dr koppijn van! {#Think}
Posted 14 years ago by bobcat1963    [ Reply ]

Wow, talk about harsh comments. I think her voice is absolutely lovely. Not feeling the guitar work though {#Eh}
Posted 14 years ago by stephw    [ Reply ]
I thought these were a lot of demos, so some rough edges are to be expected?

"Downtown Church" out next week. Already pre-ordered. Can't wait.
Posted 14 years ago by gForce    [ Reply ]
 mamerjamer wrote:
I typically like Patti Griffin, but this one got turned down before it was over. Too much howling and too stripped down for my taste.
 
Right. Love many of her songs, but she's trying WAY too hard here.

Posted 14 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
I love the good Patty. This didn't seem like the good Patty. Painful vocal.

 cathenley wrote:
One of my top 3 songs that she has done, I LOVE Patty!!
 

Posted 14 years ago by FrankMc    [ Reply ]
I like some PG tracks, but not this one.
Posted 14 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
One of my top 3 songs that she has done, I LOVE Patty!!
Posted 14 years ago by cathenley    [ Reply ]

can't think of a more gifted lyricist


Posted 15 years ago by solamenteuna    [ Reply ]
gets me every time  {#Sad}
Posted 15 years ago by peyotecoyote    [ Reply ]
 jnhashmi wrote:
RP turned me on to Patty Griffin, and for that I will be eternally grateful. What a rewarding search and rescue RP sent me on.
  Couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you RP!


Posted 15 years ago by oldman    [ Reply ]
need a slitmywrist emoticon. 

No, the music's fine, just not my style AND very depressing.
Posted 15 years ago by rosedraws    [ Reply ]
nunofm wrote:
Great voice, but is she plucking the guitar strings with a fork?! {#Stop} {#Beat}

Are you deaf man ? Nothing wrong with the guitar but the intonation on her voice is pretty shocking.

Posted 15 years ago by rez    [ Reply ]
 nunofm wrote:
Great voice, but is she plucking the guitar strings with a fork?! {#Stop} {#Beat}
 

Huh.  I like the guitar; it's minimalist with conviction.
Posted 15 years ago by denmom    [ Reply ]
 jnhashmi wrote:
RP turned me on to Patty Griffin, and for that I will be eternally grateful. What a rewarding search and rescue RP sent me on.
 
No kidding.  Thanks BillG.  {#Clap}

7 ==> 9

Posted 15 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
Great voice, but is she plucking the guitar strings with a fork?! {#Stop} {#Beat}
Posted 15 years ago by nunofm    [ Reply ]
RP turned me on to Patty Griffin, and for that I will be eternally grateful. What a rewarding search and rescue RP sent me on.
Posted 15 years ago by jnhashmi    [ Reply ]
 agnes wrote:
Heartbreaking song. I saw her perform with Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, and Buddy Miller last week.

IN-CREDIBLE.
 
With Emmylou! Lucky you!!

Posted 15 years ago by inindian    [ Reply ]

Great Title.  :)


Posted 15 years ago by LorraineV1    [ Reply ]
That woman can sing anything.  So good!
Posted 15 years ago by dixiedeb    [ Reply ]
 lattalo wrote:


I have to ask what is 'caterwauling'?

  From Wiktionary:

To cry as cats in rutting time; to make a harsh, offensive noise.


Posted 16 years ago by DeemerDave    [ Reply ]
Love Love Love Patty. What a gem. She has the uncanny ability to make me tear up when I'm folding clothes or doing dishes, or lost in any number of mundane tasks- completely by surprise.
Posted 16 years ago by MiketheKnife    [ Reply ]
Hannio wrote:
Gets dangerously close to caterwauling, there towards the end.
I have to ask what is 'caterwauling'?
Posted 16 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
damn, poor lorraine
Posted 16 years ago by K_Love    [ Reply ]
Hannio wrote:
Gets dangerously close to caterwauling, there towards the end.
If that is caterwauling then I say let the cats...er ah...wail away all they want to. I LOVE her and this song and her singing are remarkable (like always) I am such a fan.
Posted 16 years ago by PurplePrincess    [ Reply ]
Heartbreaking song. I saw her perform with Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, and Buddy Miller last week. IN-CREDIBLE.
Posted 16 years ago by agnes    [ Reply ]
Listen to the words, genius writing...
Posted 16 years ago by cathenley    [ Reply ]
This must be the "move your soul" set.
Posted 16 years ago by lwilkinson    [ Reply ]
Soulful, basic, country-bluegrass roots ... ah, beautiful!
Posted 16 years ago by rbigelo    [ Reply ]
Is she nekkid in that pickture? Yee Ha! More Cowbell!
Posted 17 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
I typically like Patti Griffin, but this one got turned down before it was over. Too much howling and too stripped down for my taste.
Posted 17 years ago by mamerjamer    [ Reply ]
Gets dangerously close to caterwauling, there towards the end.
Posted 17 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Crisp and delightful, like I just sipped a smokey, rich taste of red wine... I keep closing my eyes and swaying my head slightly. This looks most unproductive to office passers-by. Mmm, delicious.
Posted 17 years ago by kelly652    [ Reply ]
Saw her on Letterman last night. One of the best talk-show/SNL performances I have seen.
Posted 17 years ago by cmrump    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
What's with this Sweet Lorraine chick? Everyone rights songs about her.
JANE. Sweet JANE. Close though. xoxox, c.
Posted 17 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
luminousjune wrote:
wow. I really have to get this album. beautiful.
it's a good one. thanks for the song :-)
Posted 17 years ago by phillips    [ Reply ]
What a song. What a voice. One of Ms. Griffin's finest moments. c.
Posted 17 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
What's with this Sweet Lorraine chick? Everyone rights songs about her.
Posted 17 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
savoyard wrote:
I thought you were playing the Dixie Chicks!! This song crosses the fine line between good folk music and country. Is Sweet Lorraine some childhood pet? Horrible song..
God forbid someone should like the Chicks...
Posted 17 years ago by liser    [ Reply ]
poor man's house on this album kills me everytime
Posted 17 years ago by meower    [ Reply ]
This song breaks my heart - it reminds me of too many of the girls I met in my rural high school. Just a suggestion, but I think it'd go well in a set with "Girl in the War."
Posted 17 years ago by Cookie    [ Reply ]
I am so enjoying this strong yet luscious guitar and voice Evocative Album Art! Sweet Lorraine Indeed!
Posted 18 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Did she ever move out of the U.S., as she promised?
Posted 18 years ago by stonesmaster    [ Reply ]
I'm falling in love with her. lol Thanks for turning me on to her Bill.
Posted 18 years ago by splooge    [ Reply ]
Pyro wrote:
Thought it was the Dixie Chicks at first. Her voice sounds a little like Natalie Maines.
As Sirrus said, she opened for them on their "Let Him Fly" tour, which was named after another song on this disk. That tour got her a lot of exposure, too, and the DCs have since recorded a number of her songs on their own disks, especially 3 or 4 (IIRC) on "Home"--to my mind, the best songs on that album were written by Griffin.
Posted 18 years ago by rgj13    [ Reply ]
wow. I really have to get this album. beautiful.
Posted 18 years ago by luminousjune    [ Reply ]
Nice bit o' strummin'
Posted 18 years ago by kerr    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
What a voice!
Couldn't agree more ...
Posted 18 years ago by tony99    [ Reply ]
What a voice!
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
I thought you were playing the Dixie Chicks!! This song crosses the fine line between good folk music and country. Is Sweet Lorraine some childhood pet? Horrible song..
Posted 18 years ago by savoyard    [ Reply ]
Pyro wrote:
Thought it was the Dixie Chicks at first. Her voice sounds a little like Natalie Maines.
Same here.
Posted 18 years ago by justlistening    [ Reply ]
sirrus wrote:
I believe she opened for them on a tour a few years back.
I really like her! Perfect opening act!
Posted 18 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
After such a brasilian sound it is an excelent bridge.
Posted 18 years ago by lackac    [ Reply ]
Pyro wrote:
Thought it was the Dixie Chicks at first. Her voice sounds a little like Natalie Maines.
I believe she opened for them on a tour a few years back.
Posted 18 years ago by sirrus    [ Reply ]
Great song. Glad to hear it here. I'd love to hear more of this album as well.
Posted 18 years ago by joelsephus    [ Reply ]
Thought it was the Dixie Chicks at first. Her voice sounds a little like Natalie Maines.
Posted 18 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]