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Richard Shindell — Confession
Album: Somewhere Near Paterson
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 441









Released: 2000
Length: 5:12
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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I really like this counter Doc
So much more discreet
It's nice you've made a place here
Where the customer is free
To talk about a problem
With a bit more privacy
Better service

Reminds me of confession
When I used to go to Church
I used to go to therapy
But who needs all that work?
The one is too much reading
The other, too much pain
But now I'm happy

[Chorus:]
So hey Doc, how's about a refill?
Hey Doc, the pretty little blue pill?
Hey Doc, how's about a refill?

Are you following the market, Doc?
Everybody's flush.
You should go down to the trading floor,
It's such an awesome rush.
But everyone's a predator
So I've gotta keep my edge
Can you help me?

[Chorus]
Sometimes I lie awake at night
Sometimes I look up at the stars
Sometimes I cry, I don't know why.

I guess I should be riding high
The bears are all extinct
I pity all the suckers
Who take too much time to think
I could make a quarter million
Just lyin' in my sleep
Time is money
Can ya help me?

Sometimes I get down on my knees
Sometimes I wish that I could pray
Sometimes I cry I don't know why

[Chorus]

[Chorus overlapping with:]
Sometimes I lie awake at night
Sometimes I look up at the stars
Sometimes I get down on my knees
Sometimes I wish that I could pray
But I just don't know what to say
Sometimes I cry I don't know why

Sometimes I cry I don't know why.
Comments (107)add comment
This song is utterly brilliant and angsty and…just so spot on. 
Little Blue pill? Yeah…I’ll have another. 
Posted 5 days ago by AntonRoss    [ Reply ]
Anyone else hearing a little bit of Joan Osborne (One of Us) under this?
Posted 4 weeks ago by Queue    [ Reply ]
Richard is one of the best and I was pumped to hear him here, but this isn't the track I'd use to introduce him.  Listen to this man, especially his early work in folk.  This song is the closest he gets to pop and, though it's poignant, he has better.
Posted 4 weeks ago by brett.powell    [ Reply ]
Had to check to make sure this wasn't Richard Thompsom
Posted 2 years ago by nmcvaugh    [ Reply ]
 Decoy wrote:
heeeeeeeeeeeeey duck how about a refuel
heeeeeeeeeeeeey duck, with the pretty little blue bill....

bluebillduck 
 
{#Lol}
Posted 12 years ago by Xstar    [ Reply ]
heeeeeeeeeeeeey duck how about a refuel
heeeeeeeeeeeeey duck, with the pretty little blue bill....

bluebillduck 
Posted 12 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
 jfulton wrote:
Ugh.
Too on the nose and unimaginative. "Preachy" is the right word.
 



Hah, I had exactly the same reaction. It's a saccharin song about misery if there ever was one.
Posted 12 years ago by Via    [ Reply ]
Ugh. Pretty intrumentation & vocals destroyed by trite, surfacy, unrevealing lyrics. Great topic, artless exposition. A 3, imho.
Posted 12 years ago by Via    [ Reply ]
Not Richard's best song, but still a very good one. I guess you sorta got to be a 50's-ish, liberal arts, russian author reading, semiotic hipster to feel liberated by his depressing lyrics. But once you've drunk the koolaid, you'd understand. I've seen him live about 5 times in the last 7 or so years, and his shows are just like his albums. And that is unusual in these auto-tune days.
Posted 12 years ago by snitramc    [ Reply ]
 cayenne wrote:

The first time I heard this, the only blue pill I could think of was Dimetapp. Heh, that's the one that's been pulled off the market, at least in the blue version.

The lyrics remind me of Welcome to the Boomtown by David and David.
 
Remind you of Boomtown? Both albums are fantastic, but not even close to similar.

Posted 12 years ago by snitramc    [ Reply ]
He is clearly singing about the human condition....
Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
 leathepea wrote:
adderall anyone?
 
blue also...and would make more sense if he was using it to keep his edge on the trading floor.

Posted 13 years ago by Bocephus    [ Reply ]
 fingerpin wrote:

And those diabetics should learn to produce their own insulin.  

 
You're comparing apples to insulin.  Diabetes is a physical ailment, not a mental illness (like depression) for which medication can be appropriate, or an emotional void caused by your own choices (like he's singing about).

Posted 13 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
"I really like this kind of duck?"

I love duck.
Posted 13 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
lovely melodic song.  I like it...

Even (illusory) prosperity has its price.......

Cheers!
Posted 13 years ago by woodchuk    [ Reply ]
 lysisphere wrote:
Look.  Sometimes we have to just face our feelings instead of covering them up with pills.
 
And those diabetics should learn to produce their own insulin.  

Posted 13 years ago by fingerpin    [ Reply ]
adderall anyone?
Posted 13 years ago by leathepea    [ Reply ]
Lovely harmonies! GREAT!
Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Yes, this was the guy Richard Shindell reminded me of, though he's more straight, not as weird as Stipe.
Posted 14 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
Ugh.
Too on the nose and unimaginative. "Preachy" is the right word.
Posted 14 years ago by jfulton    [ Reply ]
I really like voices like his: just immediately love it. I won't even say who it reminds me of, who cares?
(This is the first time I've heard him.)

Posted 14 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
Is he being sarcastic or genuine?  The lyrical story is crap?
 
Posted 14 years ago by ddbz    [ Reply ]
 lysisphere wrote:
Look.  Sometimes we have to just face our feelings instead of covering them up with pills.
 

Thanks for that, Dr. Phil.

{#Think}
Posted 14 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
 lattalo wrote:

pretty little blue pill, Valuim........

  1/2 mg Xanax is blue too. 1 mg is green.

So I've heard.

Dig this song, btw.


Posted 14 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Look.  Sometimes we have to just face our feelings instead of covering them up with pills.
Posted 14 years ago by lysisphere    [ Reply ]
Having been on the floor some 30 years, I can relate. The only difference is what fuel we desired.
Posted 14 years ago by Jazbo    [ Reply ]

This entire album is excellent. I just wish I could find the damn thing!


Posted 14 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
Paterson, NJ??
Posted 14 years ago by lalalisa25    [ Reply ]
I quite like this one.  But then I'm a sucker for that folk-rock sound.
Posted 14 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
A song for the ages.
Posted 15 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 superfido wrote:
Boo!
 
Aw, c'mon.......

Posted 15 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
He reminds me of Josh Joplin, especially the "Useful Music" CD.

Posted 15 years ago by Anax    [ Reply ]
 greyfin10 wrote:
Definitely noticing a trend with this guy.  I won't use the word "preachy" because that's too negative, but its definitely in the ballpark.  He seems to have an agenda for sure.  Not that the world doesn't need a dose of SOMETHING these days, but I get sort of suspicious of everyone trying to sell their version I guess.  Probably says alot more about me than the writer I suppose.
 
Isn't everone trying to "sell their version"?

Posted 15 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
 leathepea wrote:
Love the lyrics in this song....pretty little blue pill.
 
pretty little blue pill, Valuim........

Posted 15 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
DoctorHooey wrote:
blue pill? I can only imagine...

The first time I heard this, the only blue pill I could think of was Dimetapp. Heh, that's the one that's been pulled off the market, at least in the blue version.

The lyrics remind me of Welcome to the Boomtown by David and David.


Posted 15 years ago by cayenne    [ Reply ]
Definitely noticing a trend with this guy.  I won't use the word "preachy" because that's too negative, but its definitely in the ballpark.  He seems to have an agenda for sure.  Not that the world doesn't need a dose of SOMETHING these days, but I get sort of suspicious of everyone trying to sell their version I guess.  Probably says alot more about me than the writer I suppose.
Posted 15 years ago by greyfin10    [ Reply ]
been there   rightous tune....Hmmmm  phoenixville??  is that in southeastern PA...sounds farmiliar{#Mrgreen}


Posted 15 years ago by cattail321    [ Reply ]
I dig.... interesting lyrics.

Posted 16 years ago by aed001    [ Reply ]
This is one of those artists that Bill introduces to me that wants to go out and get the album, listen to more. This guy seems like the real deal. Probably worth checking out.
Posted 16 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
Shindell just plain rocks this tune.
Posted 16 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
Nothing bland or forgettable in these lyrics, mate. Listen a little harder next time. Paul_in_Australia wrote:
I hear bland and forgettable gloop. What is this doing here?
Posted 16 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
healyf52 wrote:
I saw Richard Shindell at the 'Outpost in the Burbs' in Montclair, NJ on Friday, 9/14. I had no idea about what a monster he is on the guitar. He blew the room away. What a great show!
He is really adept. I usually go see him here in Berkeley every time he comes around. Just because he's so good on the guitar. I sorta like his music, hardly ever listen to his records but I always enjoy him live. He always does something solo, either a cover or his own stuff, that blows me away.
Posted 16 years ago by rasta_tiger    [ Reply ]
great lyrics..
Posted 16 years ago by healyf52    [ Reply ]
blue pill? I can only imagine...
Posted 16 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
I saw Richard Shindell at the 'Outpost in the Burbs' in Montclair, NJ on Friday, 9/14. I had no idea about what a monster he is on the guitar. He blew the room away. What a great show!
Posted 17 years ago by healyf52    [ Reply ]
Love the lyrics in this song....pretty little blue pill.
Posted 17 years ago by leathepea    [ Reply ]
It's a pretty cool song.
Posted 17 years ago by Whirlpool    [ Reply ]
jblue wrote:
I don't get all the negative comments. I really like this song, lyrics and all. I appreciate you playing Shindell. I got turned on to him on RP and have really been enjoying his music.
zipper wrote:
ditto
K-BILLY wrote:
DITTO x 2
And a triple ditto
Posted 17 years ago by weez    [ Reply ]
zipper wrote:
ditto
DITTO x 2
Posted 17 years ago by K-BILLY    [ Reply ]
onerb wrote:
Check out Richard Shindell's other work as well. He's simply an amazing songwriter and talent. He's also great live if you have the chance. Thanks for playing it!
Agreed. If you like songs that relate stories of the human condition, Shindell's hard to beat.
Posted 17 years ago by meloman    [ Reply ]
Check out Richard Shindell's other work as well. He's simply an amazing songwriter and talent. He's also great live if you have the chance. Thanks for playing it!
Posted 17 years ago by onerb    [ Reply ]
Why are people so negative? This is a great song! Great lyrics, very good commentary. None of us can avoid this message...
Posted 17 years ago by chuck_flacks    [ Reply ]
The doctor should forget about the refill and just have him put down.
Posted 17 years ago by Lonestar    [ Reply ]
I hear bland and forgettable gloop. What is this doing here?
Posted 17 years ago by Paul_in_Australia    [ Reply ]
Bocephus wrote:
this reminds me a lot of Jeff Black. Voice sounds very similar.
Sounds like Ian Anderson to me. That's not bad.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
Agree... discovered RS here on RP a few months back. Definitely a unique talent. Several albums are on E-music and are well worth downloading. RobK wrote:
I need to upload a half-dozen or so Richard Shindell songs. This is nice but it is not one of his very best, and his very best songs are incredible. I want RP listeners to understand what this man can do (lyrically, vocally, guitarily ) before making their assessments of what his motiviations are, who he sounds like...etc. He's a brilliant and unique artist, trust me!
Posted 17 years ago by Cyclehawk    [ Reply ]
jblue wrote:
I don't get all the negative comments. I really like this song, lyrics and all. I appreciate you playing Shindell. I got turned on to him on RP and have really been enjoying his music.
ditto
Posted 17 years ago by zipper    [ Reply ]
I don't get all the negative comments. I really like this song, lyrics and all. I appreciate you playing Shindell. I got turned on to him on RP and have really been enjoying his music.
Posted 17 years ago by jblue    [ Reply ]
bokey wrote:
My patience space has enough room for one boring acoustic guy named Richard and the position is already filled.
Posted 17 years ago by skyguy    [ Reply ]
Boo!
Posted 17 years ago by superfido    [ Reply ]
Richard can sometimes be a pretty hard guy to listen to because of the nature of the human condition he takes on. I like this and most of his other stuff that I've heard (live & recorded).
Posted 17 years ago by oldsinger    [ Reply ]
My patience space has enough room for one boring acoustic guy named Richard and the position is already filled.
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
epay wrote:
what a depressing song. seriously, i dont believe that solem, reflective music is not valueable, but this song expresses the complete emptiness that plagues the world today...someone said this is the song that gives depressed people more amunition against themselves...i couldnt agree more. more uplifting tunes please.
Yes, lets play some mindless happy pop drivel. Lets not get into anything sad or thought provoking because it might upset someone. Geeez are you listening to yourself? Depressed people will always find something as ammunition. Trust me.
Posted 18 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
hey doc...how's about a refill? ....great song. this reminds me a lot of Jeff Black. Voice sounds very similar.
Posted 18 years ago by Bocephus    [ Reply ]
I need to upload a half-dozen or so Richard Shindell songs. This is nice but it is not one of his very best, and his very best songs are incredible. I want RP listeners to understand what this man can do (lyrically, vocally, guitarily ) before making their assessments of what his motiviations are, who he sounds like...etc. He's a brilliant and unique artist, trust me!
Posted 18 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
little blue pill? I took a Viagra once, it got stuck in my throat. I had a stiff neck for hours! (rimshot) Thank you, I'm here all week, try the veal.
Posted 18 years ago by cptbuz    [ Reply ]
Someone give him the damn refill so he'll shut up! Yuck.
Posted 18 years ago by pigglywiggly    [ Reply ]
Sorry, this song is really trite. "Sometimes I cry, I don't know why..." - sounds like bad high school poetry.
Posted 18 years ago by wehriam    [ Reply ]
Umm, did this guy used to be a stock trader? Sounds like he knows how to make trades before others.
Posted 18 years ago by pdxguy    [ Reply ]
"The Grocer's Broom" may well be one of the saddest, loneliest songs of all time. Love this guy, but only in small doses.
Posted 18 years ago by liser    [ Reply ]
Even better live. For some reason, his range gets smoothed out when you hear him recorded. I saw him perform with Dar Williams (he was one of the other acts, and did a few songs with her) - and I became a fan.
Posted 18 years ago by Ennis    [ Reply ]
WOW. I know his name, but I had no idea RS had this kind of grit and rhythm. Second time I've heard him today, liking more and more.
Posted 18 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Seals & Crofts to me, in a musical reincarnation: finding his edges by losing his religion... Better than Summer Breeze, I'll say that.
Posted 18 years ago by KRobyn    [ Reply ]
Just as wonderful live, and super-nice to talk to.
Posted 19 years ago by LaurieBlue    [ Reply ]
90's version of 'Mother's Little Helper'?
Posted 19 years ago by CBJr    [ Reply ]
Faithful_Fool wrote:
I'm hearing a hint of Warren Zevon. RIP Warren!
Hey, that's who I hear too! I second your sentiments, RIP Mr. Z...
Posted 19 years ago by Helchat    [ Reply ]
DownHomeGirl wrote:
this guy sounds so much like richard buckner, i keep thinking it is him. maybe i'll upload some buckner... :-k i like this song a lot :nodhead:
I'm hearing a hint of Warren Zevon. RIP Warren! Edited to add: Note to self--Read other messages before posting something redundant of your own, as per Cherylg4 said
Posted 19 years ago by Faithful_Fool    [ Reply ]
MoSo wrote:
Second the recommendation for the Cry Cry Cry CD, I think that is the one "Cold Missouri Waters" is on, which is one of the best sad songs of all time
Hear, hear! I love "Cold Missouri Waters"!
Posted 20 years ago by pergamenta    [ Reply ]
reminds me of a saying re. "The Matrix" Ive seen on a t-shirt ... 'Is viagra the blue pill?' :D
Posted 20 years ago by mellotron    [ Reply ]
samiyam wrote:
Every time I hear Richard Shindell, I get shivers up my spine. Awwwwwsum!! :nodhead:
exactly... this song is such a scathing indictment of the last ten or fifteen years of greed and excess and mood-"enhancing" pharmcopia...
Posted 20 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]
this guy sounds so much like richard buckner, i keep thinking it is him. maybe i'll upload some buckner... :-k i like this song a lot :nodhead:
Posted 20 years ago by DownHomeGirl    [ Reply ]
Every time I hear Richard Shindell, I get shivers up my spine. Awwwwwsum!! :nodhead:
Posted 21 years ago by samiyam    [ Reply ]
what a depressing song. seriously, i dont believe that solem, reflective music is not valueable, but this song expresses the complete emptiness that plagues the world today...someone said this is the song that gives depressed people more amunition against themselves...i couldnt agree more. more uplifting tunes please.
Posted 21 years ago by epay    [ Reply ]
Sometimes a song just makes you decide "I gotta get that album." This is one of them. RP has by far the best percentage of these moments of any service or station.
Posted 21 years ago by fncll    [ Reply ]
A great song to give depressed people even more ammunition against themselves. (I gave it a 1)
Posted 21 years ago by robinesque    [ Reply ]
Cool; great bitter, biting lyrics, nice voice good production values. Heading off the Amazon now. Second the recommendation for the Cry Cry Cry CD, I think that is the one "Cold Missouri Waters" is on, which is one of the best sad songs of all time
Posted 21 years ago by MoSo    [ Reply ]
'Sounds a little Richard Thompson-ish to me. Mixed with Warren Zevon and Bruce Cockburn. 'Not sure whether that's a good thing... Edited to add: Note to self--Read other messages before posting something redundant of your own
Posted 21 years ago by cherylg4    [ Reply ]
A great character-driven song, with an excellent sardonic edge to it. I\'ve never heard him before, and he\'s another that RP has introduced me to that I\'ll need to add to my collection.
Posted 21 years ago by Dirktooth    [ Reply ]
this is why i listen to RP.
Posted 21 years ago by miamizsun    [ Reply ]
If you like the Shindell cut, I\'ll bet you\'ll like just about any of his cd\'s that are out. Also look for under Cry, Cry, Cry, for a collaborative effort albeit shortlived trio. The Shindell stuff is top notch, if this genre of music is your bag. (dating himself with anachronistic terms) Seriously, I\'ve picked up just about all I\'ve found by him and have yet to be disappointed. Take care!
Posted 21 years ago by KAJMK    [ Reply ]
Oh yeah !, Another great cd to get :) Kind of reminds me of some of Richard Thompsons work.
Posted 21 years ago by Coppertop    [ Reply ]
Man, what a great commentary on the now-dead boom. \"The bears are all dead...\" Don\'t ya wish?
Posted 21 years ago by rgrace    [ Reply ]
great lyrics, really strikes home
Posted 21 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
Wow, what a rush! I\'m clickin\' through to Amazon for this one.
Posted 21 years ago by wwgordon    [ Reply ]
I like it. Reminds me of Warren Zevon.
Posted 21 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Richard is excellent! \"Courier\" (his live album) is, in my opinion, perhaps the best thing he\'s put out! I\'ve heard the studio versions of the songs and the live ones are sooooo much better. \"Reunion Hill\" is quite an excellent album as well. Too many good songs to mention....
Posted 21 years ago by streetsintherain    [ Reply ]
Excellent! Play Cry Cry Cry
Posted 22 years ago by jamesbradley    [ Reply ]
Richard if you are reading this, please add Arizona to your tour stops. Hey, I can dream.
Posted 22 years ago by KAJMK    [ Reply ]
It is songs like this that make listening to Radio Paradise imperative. What a discovery!
Posted 22 years ago by BC_Night_Heron    [ Reply ]
I really like this song, and it introduced me to Shindell\'s music in general. Kind of surprised that he\'s considered a folk artist. The man does have a way with words!
Posted 22 years ago by steveinmaine    [ Reply ]
I thought it was some old REM song.
Posted 22 years ago by kevinc    [ Reply ]