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Sarah McLachlan — Sweet Surrender
Album: Surfacing
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2009









Released: 1997
Length: 3:53
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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It doesn't mean much
It doesn't mean anything at all
The life I've left behind me is a cold room
I've crossed the last line
From where I can't return
Where every step I took in faith betrayed me
And led me from my home
Sweet surrender is all that I have to give

You take me in
No questions asked
You strip away the ugliness that surrounds me (who are you?)
Are you an angel
Am I already that gone
I only hope that I won't disappoint you
When I'm down here on my knees (who are you?)
Sweet surrender is all that I have to give (who are you?)
Sweet surrender is all that I have to give

And I don't understand
How the touch of your hand
I would be the one to fall
I miss the little things
I miss everything about you

It doesn't mean much
It doesn't mean anything at all
The life I've left behind me is a cold room (who are you?)
Sweet surrender is all that I have to give (who are you?)
Sweet surrender is all that I have to give
Comments (169)add comment
It's been at least 15 years since I've heard this. Filled me with joy. 
Posted 1 year ago by roadie    [ Reply ]
Such a pure, evocative and powerful voice. 
Posted 1 year ago by Blackcloud    [ Reply ]
Play ANYTHING on her SURFACING album.
That album is a 10!
Posted 2 years ago by Michaeljcovel    [ Reply ]
 TerryS wrote:

Back from  when I liked her, before she became a movement.
Please forgive my split infinitive.


Nothing to forgive.  There is no split infinitive.
Posted 2 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
 andesitic wrote:

Alex, give me "Things I would hear on the radio" for $200.



Harrumph! My local radio would never play stuff like this.
Posted 2 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
Oh Sarah oh Lilith Fair oh the memories!
Posted 2 years ago by Malachy    [ Reply ]
She played at our student pub in the 80's just as she was becoming known in Canada.  Bought her a beer after her set.  Gracious, warm and engaging woman...and dare I say pretty damn sexy.  I still hear all those qualities in her voice...man, sure wish that I had been a bit bolder...never know how the story would have changed...
Posted 3 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
I think Bill likes Canadian women...2 in a row.
Posted 3 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
KD Lang is that you?
Posted 3 years ago by MrsTom    [ Reply ]
Posted 4 years ago by TimothyC    [ Reply ]
Really good tune to play bass with. Perfect warm up.  Like a panther prowling in tall grass. Relaxing, nourishing, vital.
Posted 4 years ago by DW4554    [ Reply ]
This tour was the only time I ever had front row center seats to a major concert (a friend couldn't go and I got his tic). The Chieftains opened at the outdoor venue. Damn fine show.
Posted 5 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
 Buddyo wrote:
overplayed
 

Nope. Not at all.
Posted 5 years ago by gillespp    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Transcendent.
Possibly Sarah's finest moment.

 
Yes. This was peak Sarah. 
Posted 7 years ago by Duc1098    [ Reply ]
I really like this when it came out.
For me she sort of wore out a while ago. 
Sorry just did.
Posted 7 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite songs from this great artist. 
Posted 7 years ago by AbileneTexas    [ Reply ]
Definitely one of my favorites.  Surrender is an important concept to me.
Posted 7 years ago by ListeningSpider    [ Reply ]
This is a nice version I was not aware of. Thanks! {#Cheers}
Posted 8 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]
Nice trip down memory lane. 
Posted 8 years ago by stevebeaver    [ Reply ]
Love that crazy guitar!  Sarah's not so bad either.  A solid "9".
Posted 8 years ago by robbiethet    [ Reply ]
Goddess like
Posted 8 years ago by Trinity_8    [ Reply ]
How so nice to hear this tune. Yes, it's been overplayed once upon a time, but hearing it after a long absence reminds me why Sarah is such a unique and special talent.
Posted 9 years ago by ThirdRail_33    [ Reply ]
There are much better songs on this recording, Sarah is amazing!
Posted 9 years ago by fitmartin    [ Reply ]

Transcendent.
Possibly Sarah's finest moment.


Posted 9 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 Absolutely the finest female voice today.
Posted 10 years ago by pinem    [ Reply ]
Sounds good tonight.  Yes, I do like her voice.
Posted 10 years ago by Eros92450    [ Reply ]
Ha!!  Haven't listened to Sarah for a couple of years....but I played this album yesterday. Weird that today it's on RP.
Posted 10 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
 Buddyo wrote:
overplayed

 
{#No}
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
 Buddyo wrote:
overplayed

 
That's too bad for you.  
Posted 10 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
overplayed
Posted 11 years ago by Buddyo    [ Reply ]
Her voice transports me.

edit November 22:  ... and this song drags me to the bittersweet edge of dissolution. 
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 crockydile wrote:

Damn, that's a long list for me...let's see, off the top of my head.

Porcupine Tree
Guster
Built to Spill
Wailin' Jennys
Vast
Paul Cusick
Portishead
Doves
Bat for Lashes
Silversun Pickups
John Butler Trio
Michael Frantie and Spearhead

I know there are more.
 
That's yr long list?  What's yr short list look like?
Posted 11 years ago by Hasan    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite Sarah songs.
Posted 11 years ago by misterimpatient    [ Reply ]
Back from  when I liked her, before she became a movement.
Please forgive my split infinitive.
Posted 11 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
sarah's voice - effortless, soaring and angelic. 'heard her live at a Bridge School Benefit in Mt View. her voice pinned me back, jaw dropping. left me in awe, crushing big time
Posted 12 years ago by midreaming    [ Reply ]
The only thing I like about this song is that it's not Adia.
Posted 12 years ago by thewaxtadpole    [ Reply ]
So happy I do not listen to other radio stations, and have to give a 10 to the slide show for this tune, so makes one very hungry for something sweet.... hahah I do enjoy Sarah's tunes, and have not been spoilt by the overexposure on other radio, so this is pleasing to my ears.
Posted 12 years ago by CTS    [ Reply ]
I remember buying this album and listening to it constantly on my CD Walkman.  Those were the days.
 

Posted 12 years ago by Desimia    [ Reply ]
Amazing artist, fabulous song.
Posted 12 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
 BikeCoachDave wrote:
clever. But good songs should never be diminished simply because they are popular or embraced by the masses. Being 'indy' or obscure might be romantic, but it doesnt add or subrtact from its credibility. Neither should popularity.
 
True, but unfortunately popularity leads to repetition, and repetition is tiresome...

Posted 12 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
 BikeCoachDave wrote:
clever. But good songs should never be diminished simply because they are popular or embraced by the masses. Being 'indy' or obscure might be romantic, but it doesnt add or subrtact from its credibility. Neither should popularity.
 
Well said Coach.
Posted 12 years ago by Groogrux69    [ Reply ]
Heard this WAY too many times on the radio and playing in the coffee shop I worked in.  It's a nice enough song, but a bit tired after all these years.
Posted 13 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
 andesitic wrote:
Alex, give me "Things I would hear on the radio" for $200.

 
Heaven forbid a recording artist gets her music played on the radio. Waiting tables and having no one ever hear your songs must be vastly preferable.
Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Ah, my mantra for 2011. {#Meditate}
Posted 13 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
 andesitic wrote:
Alex, give me "Things I would hear on the radio" for $200.

  clever. But good songs should never be diminished simply because they are popular or embraced by the masses. Being 'indy' or obscure might be romantic, but it doesnt add or subrtact from its credibility. Neither should popularity.


Posted 13 years ago by BikeCoachDave    [ Reply ]
 gjeeg wrote:
Her voice is like lying in bed with her.
 
What a lovely thought. Oh, be still my beating heart!  8 from the smitten Nottingham jury {#Hearteyes}
Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
The only SM song I actually like.
Posted 13 years ago by wilcogirl11    [ Reply ]
 crockydile wrote:

Damn, that's a long list for me...let's see, off the top of my head.

Porcupine Tree
Guster
Built to Spill
Wailin' Jennys
Vast
Paul Cusick
Portishead
Doves
Bat for Lashes
Silversun Pickups
John Butler Trio
Michael Frantie and Spearhead

I know there are more.
 

Add James, Travis, Gomez, Wilco

Posted 13 years ago by Wyocowboy    [ Reply ]
9+  Really nice in the headphones!
Posted 13 years ago by htowncoog    [ Reply ]
 gjeeg wrote:
Her voice is like lying in bed with her.
 
Hmm...you say that like you have a certain kind of knowledge.  As a decided S.M. fan from the pre - Stumbling Towards Ecstasy days (pre-'95), I must admit that the vision you create has crossed my mind on many occasions.  I go back to that place in my mind from time to time when listening to her music. {#Good-vibes}
Posted 13 years ago by Tim_in_N_FL    [ Reply ]
Loved this when it came out, still love it! 8
Posted 14 years ago by TimeWaster    [ Reply ]
 crockydile wrote:

Damn, that's a long list for me...let's see, off the top of my head.

Porcupine Tree
Guster
Built to Spill
Wailin' Jennys
Vast
Paul Cusick
Portishead
Doves
Bat for Lashes
Silversun Pickups
John Butler Trio
Michael Frantie and Spearhead

I know there are more.
 

Good list, man. Same experience for me with almost all of them.
Posted 14 years ago by lathyris    [ Reply ]
After Surfacing she began diving.
Posted 14 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]

Carlos Santana & Sarah Mclachlan - "Angel" Live

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
After I heard this lady on RP I made an order from US and now I´m waiting for 9 albums.
Posted 14 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]
Booooring
Posted 14 years ago by Zoonhollis    [ Reply ]
Luscious. Dreamy. Chills.
Posted 14 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
 peacockangel wrote:
I became a Sarah fan because of RP
 
Damn, that's a long list for me...let's see, off the top of my head.

Porcupine Tree
Guster
Built to Spill
Wailin' Jennys
Vast
Paul Cusick
Portishead
Doves
Bat for Lashes
Silversun Pickups
John Butler Trio
Michael Frantie and Spearhead

I know there are more.


Posted 14 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
The background vocals make this song magical. {#Good-vibes}

Posted 14 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
I became a Sarah fan because of RP
Posted 14 years ago by peacockangel    [ Reply ]
 nalle wrote:
Very nice, what do we know about artists from Canada. Think we´re missing a lot.
 
Yes definetly.

Posted 14 years ago by Jacob_Kalkan    [ Reply ]
O'kay, Sarah...you got me. What do you need? You slayed me with this tune x # of years ago now. This made the playlist at the nuptials. She freakin' KILLS on this song
Posted 14 years ago by Hodgie    [ Reply ]
Very nice, what do we know about artists from Canada. Think we´re missing a lot.
Posted 14 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]
 andesitic wrote:
Alex, give me "Things I would hear on the radio" for $200.

 

I *wish* they still played this on the radio...
Posted 14 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
she appears to have jumped the shark
Posted 15 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
 tompoll wrote:

You mean the cuddling and spooning part, or the snoring and morning breath part?  {#Tongue}

 
I think I could live with SM's morning breath.

Posted 15 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
WOOOW - "Bill's good in form tonight"
(Mick Jagger quote)
Posted 15 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 gjeeg wrote:
Her voice is like lying in bed with her.
 
You mean the cuddling and spooning part, or the snoring and morning breath part?  {#Tongue}

Posted 15 years ago by tompoll    [ Reply ]
 gjeeg wrote:
Her voice is like lying in bed with her.
 
Hey, Dude!  it's a little crowded in here with Sarah, don't ya think?  Oh wait, oh wow!  Oh Dude!  Oh My God!

Never Mind.

Posted 15 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
Loving the segue from Crowded House's "I Feel Possessed" to this. Both are speaking to me today.
Posted 15 years ago by newwavegurly    [ Reply ]
 gjeeg wrote:
Her voice is like lying in bed with her.
 
I was going to say something, but I like this better. What a singer!

Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
Whew!  What a relief after that depressing PF muck.
Posted 15 years ago by mread    [ Reply ]
I liked this and "Buidling a Mystery" okay off this album, but overall I though Surfacing was a minor effort compared to Fumbling Toward Ecstasy, which IMO is amazing and deep. Haven't followed her since...
Posted 15 years ago by alaken    [ Reply ]
Her voice is like lying in bed with her.
Posted 15 years ago by gjeeg    [ Reply ]
Alex, give me "Things I would hear on the radio" for $200.

Posted 15 years ago by andesitic    [ Reply ]
 jesspra wrote:


Maybe because sweet surrender is all that you have to give.
 

HA! you don't know me very well.

I've always felt guilty for how much I like Sarah McLachlan... like I need to appologize to someone...

Posted 15 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
Yuck, volume down.
Posted 15 years ago by esweazey73    [ Reply ]
What a sweet voice thank you Sarah
Posted 15 years ago by jtdiver    [ Reply ]
 gandalfbmg wrote:
I don't quite know why, but this has got to be one of my absolute favorite songs of all time...
 

Maybe because sweet surrender is all that you have to give.
Posted 16 years ago by jesspra    [ Reply ]
I don't quite know why, but this has got to be one of my absolute favorite songs of all time...
Posted 16 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]

Haven't listened to this album in years... I think I love it even more listening to it now!  {#Heartkiss}


Posted 16 years ago by sporkster    [ Reply ]
 KitKat wrote:
Nice transition from Comfortably Numb.  the 'beeping' opening was sonically and mentally interesting. 
 
...it works nicely in this context, i agree...
Posted 16 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
I think I read this a little while ago and I think it's true . . . .  Sarah could sing me her grocery list and I'd love it!
Posted 16 years ago by Ericac    [ Reply ]
Nice transition from Comfortably Numb.  the 'beeping' opening was sonically and mentally interesting. 
Posted 16 years ago by KitKat    [ Reply ]
Crowded House - I Feel Possessed into this.  Brilliant segue!  It gets an 8 just like both songs do.
Posted 16 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
timc wrote:
11:28 am - Sarah McLachlan - Sweet Surrender 11:24 am - The Clash - London Calling This transition gets a "meh" from me.
Wish my daughter were here. She used to love Sarah, while I always preferred Joe. Bill and Rebecca see the qualities of both.
Posted 16 years ago by 93vx800    [ Reply ]
queenjill wrote:
This song has gotten really old but I have to admit that was a nice transition from the Clash.
Ditto. The beeping transition thing was cool, but don't really need to stay for the song.
Posted 16 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
11:28 am - Sarah McLachlan - Sweet Surrender 11:24 am - The Clash - London Calling This transition gets a "meh" from me.
Posted 16 years ago by timc    [ Reply ]
The first female pop artist I loved...
Posted 16 years ago by agent67orange    [ Reply ]
This song has gotten really old but I have to admit that was a nice transition from the Clash.
Posted 16 years ago by queenjill    [ Reply ]
Always a winner
Posted 16 years ago by sdgserv    [ Reply ]
Man, I love her music. Her other songs can just be so sad to listen to though. I have to take her in stride. 9
Posted 16 years ago by kindermanltd    [ Reply ]
Exquisite interplay with background vocals; ethereal. Truly Godlike.
Posted 16 years ago by E_A_D_G    [ Reply ]
Easily one of my ATFs...
Posted 16 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
Kristi wrote:
I can't believe the number of people who hate her on RP... I'm just shocked. I love Sarah. Her voice is lovely.
VMS--vocal minority syndrome. I think I heard we are developing a new pharmaceutical for that
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
Kristi wrote:
I can't believe the number of people who hate her on RP... I'm just shocked. I love Sarah. Her voice is lovely.
I agree, great artist, a pleasure to listen to.
Posted 17 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
B-SIDES, PLEASE! Not only are b-sides often better material, we hear these 'radio-friendlies' blaring from enough elevators and stores to be set for life! Thanks, Bill!
Posted 17 years ago by victoryluna    [ Reply ]
I can't believe the number of people who hate her on RP... I'm just shocked. I love Sarah. Her voice is lovely.
Posted 17 years ago by Kristi    [ Reply ]
My absolute favorite Sarah McLachlan song. I even made a user icon off of the video: Feel free to take/use it. Credit me if you want, I don't care.
Posted 17 years ago by iransofaraway    [ Reply ]
On_The_Beach wrote:
Beautiful song, despite what the Sarah-bashing crybabies say.
Absolutely. I never get tired of her voice.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
I bought this for my wife when her nother died...beautiful album
Posted 17 years ago by eastcoast    [ Reply ]
how could you follow up nirvana with sarah mcblah-again?!!!?!?! ouch-issimo
Posted 17 years ago by pret-a-porter    [ Reply ]
Oh how I loathe you, the shame of vancouver. And after Nirvana, really?
Posted 17 years ago by th3boon    [ Reply ]
Enough! Enough! We give up!
Posted 17 years ago by dionysius    [ Reply ]
The first 15 seconds of this song is really pretty cool. The rest is a bit of a letdown.
Posted 17 years ago by the_om    [ Reply ]
Ssw eeee eeee eeee eeeet surrender
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Never ever get tired of this one..... Please hold as I try to find my copy......
Posted 17 years ago by Dutchess    [ Reply ]
Haha...where else can "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" be followed by this?
Posted 17 years ago by TexasAggies    [ Reply ]
Beautiful song, despite what the Sarah-bashing crybabies say.
Posted 17 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
So all of those detractors might want to ask themselves why this most popular tune sounds so unlike other songs frequently getting airplay? So who's going to lead the crusade asking listeners to avoid posting responses to the ranting resident geniuses.. it only encourages 'em.
Posted 17 years ago by MinMan    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by driver8    [ Reply ]
Sweet Surrender to this beautiful song is a breeze
Posted 18 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Marr wrote:
Hey, to each their own. I can respect that opinion much better than the usual saw about "overplayed". That doesn't mean I agree (I don't), but respect is enough.
I understand that not a lot of people agree with me on this one. Another thing is that this song reminds me of a commercial jingle for chocolate or something. Was it used that way? Or does it just seem like it could be?
Posted 18 years ago by helene    [ Reply ]
helene wrote:
Overplayed or not, I just really really don't like it. Once, a million times, doesn't matter to me. The emotion to me sounds overwrought, melodramatic, like a caricature of somebody trying to sound emotional, or maybe sexy. It ought to be funny, but it's not funny somehow. One of my friends said she could listen to SMcL sing the phone book. I think I'd prefer it to the songs.
Hey, to each their own. I can respect that opinion much better than the usual saw about "overplayed". That doesn't mean I agree (I don't), but respect is enough.
Posted 18 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
Overplayed or not, I just really really don't like it. Once, a million times, doesn't matter to me. The emotion to me sounds overwrought, melodramatic, like a caricature of somebody trying to sound emotional, or maybe sexy. It ought to be funny, but it's not funny somehow. One of my friends said she could listen to SMcL sing the phone book. I think I'd prefer it to the songs.
Posted 18 years ago by helene    [ Reply ]
A friend of mine described this as terrific funeral music. I think I see his point. It is beautifully produced and performed but way too sentimental and sappy for my tastes.
Posted 18 years ago by goo    [ Reply ]
physicsgenius wrote:
Yes. Why not? It makes sense whether you look at it from a "how much do I like this item" perspective (I'm sick of it) or a functional perspective, i.e. if the ratings influence the rotation at all.
Did you like it when it first came out? Did you ever like it? I think that's a much more valid way of rating music. You shouldn't really blame the artist for Clear Channel's sins.
Posted 18 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
Great stuff.
Posted 18 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
Marr wrote:
So because it is overplayed you gave it a "1"? Does that mean you would give Shakespeare a "1" because his plays have been overdone for the last feww hundred years?
Yes. Why not? It makes sense whether you look at it from a "how much do I like this item" perspective (I'm sick of it) or a functional perspective, i.e. if the ratings influence the rotation at all.
Posted 18 years ago by physicsgenius    [ Reply ]
try cue-ing this up right after "London Calling" sometime, with just a second's worth of overlap -- it's a neat (if bizarre) segue...
Posted 18 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]