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Widespread Panic — This Part of Town
Album: Don't Tell The Band
Avg rating:
6.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1055









Released: 2001
Length: 4:56
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I was walkin' the other day with my head down,
When I met a man who had his hand out.
So I gave him, gave him a dollar,
But as I walked away I heard him call out,


"Tell me Brother, can you see the sun
From where you're standin' now?
I've been up and I've been down,
But I've never been to this part of town."


So I started thinkin' 'bout, this world we live in,
And about how far I've got my hand in.
Sometimes it seems that all we have, we have taken,
But maybe next time, won't be the forsaken.


Tell me Brother, can you see the sun
From where you're standin' now?
I've been up and I've been down,
But I've never been to this part of town.


So I went to see my girl, told her about my day.
She said, "Life can be that way.
But don't give up, don't give up, no,
'Cause where there is love, there is hope."


Tell me Brother, can you see the sun
From where you're standin' now?
I've been up and I've been down,
But I've never been here before.


Tell me Brother, can you see the sun
From where you're standin' now?
I've been up and I've been down,
But I've never been to this part of town.
Comments (139)add comment
Musically, it's OK, but not much more. Thematically, I think Wharf Rat is a more nuanced take on this general theme. There was only one Robert Hunter and one Jerry Garcia, and their interpretation of this aspect of the human condition soars above this.
Posted 3 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
Would love to hear more of these guys on RP! Great stuff
Posted 4 years ago by wilsondan    [ Reply ]
 Imagi wrote:
So these guys this year and they were so wonderful. I wasn’t sure if there were a whole Lotta people that like them as much as I do.
 
yes Imagi. We. Are. Everywhere.
Posted 4 years ago by jasonthehead    [ Reply ]
Maybe not their best track, but always love their tight groove, swirling under the melody. One of the very best jam bands ever imho
Posted 5 years ago by weavus    [ Reply ]
So these guys this year and they were so wonderful. I wasn’t sure if there were a whole Lotta people that like them as much as I do.
Posted 5 years ago by Imagi    [ Reply ]
Here can I find this specific track to purchase? Damnit. 
Posted 7 years ago by FourFortyEight    [ Reply ]
Never heard this one, liked it enough to look to see who it was, said "No wonder". What a good band these guys are.(were?)
Posted 7 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]

Rest in Peace Mikey Houser!!!!!!!!!!!

Tell me brother, can you see the sun, from where you're standing now?"

{#Cowboy}


Posted 7 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:


I agree but for some weird reason still like this song.{#Stupid}

 
Ummm...  because it's a good song?  A really good song, actually..
Posted 8 years ago by tkosh    [ Reply ]
Suiting my mood. Like it for the instrumental work, especially.
Posted 8 years ago by kudubundu    [ Reply ]
Today is 1/11/2016.

Is it too much to ask for a little David Bowie?
Posted 8 years ago by leafmold    [ Reply ]
 bb_matt wrote:
This voice could send me to sleep - and not in a good way. Dull. Reminds me of kermit the frog...

 
Now, this fellow may have a dull voice (to some ears), but Kermit the Frog did not.
Posted 8 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Vocal is simply acceptable, but the song/instrumental is most excellent
Posted 9 years ago by black321    [ Reply ]
 bb_matt wrote:
This voice could send me to sleep - and not in a good way. Dull. Reminds me of kermit the frog...

  

I was thinking of Phish—and that is NOT a good thing—what a forgettable band. 

I've heard a lot better from Widespread Panic. Something from them with a little more pep, maestro!
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Well, I just went off and listened to this about 15 times in a row. It's pretty brilliant. Thanks for finding it RP.
Posted 9 years ago by andychannelle    [ Reply ]
 Cueburned wrote:
...dig the Steve Miller "Book of Dreams" harmonies. 

 
+ 1 on the Steve Miller sound on this one.
Posted 9 years ago by zepher    [ Reply ]
 coolpeople_rule wrote:


The music compensates somehow though...creates a cool mood in my mind.

 
exactly {#Good-vibes}
Posted 9 years ago by ShamanManu    [ Reply ]
Sounds quite a bit like Estimated Prophet at times...
Posted 9 years ago by dave216j    [ Reply ]
 bb_matt wrote:
This voice could send me to sleep - and not in a good way. Dull. Reminds me of kermit the frog...

 

I agree but for some weird reason still like this song.{#Stupid}
Posted 9 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]


Today: 10:47 am -> 7:01 pm - A RP "must", more than excellent setlist.


Posted 10 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 bb_matt wrote:
This voice could send me to sleep - and not in a good way. Dull. Reminds me of kermit the frog...

 

The music compensates somehow though...creates a cool mood in my mind.
Posted 10 years ago by coolpeople_rule    [ Reply ]
You know when you can remember only a bit of a song, and it remains on the edges of consciousness, unidentified,  until you run into it again? This is one of those, wow. Don't know how I missed it. Thanks, RP.
Posted 11 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
This voice could send me to sleep - and not in a good way. Dull. Reminds me of kermit the frog...
Posted 11 years ago by bb_matt    [ Reply ]
Everybody in my fleabag motel room being held at gunpoint best bloody love this song...
Posted 11 years ago by richlister    [ Reply ]

love this song soooo much...

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Golf Registration Includes:
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Goody bag
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Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Definitely my favorite song by these guys, although I understand why the vocals would not impress....  I love the groove/vibe
Posted 12 years ago by silby    [ Reply ]
 jools wrote:
Sounded so much like The Dan!
 
Particularly the lead guitar! Love it.
Posted 12 years ago by rushed    [ Reply ]
Everybody in my fleabag motel room hates this song...
Posted 12 years ago by gvan    [ Reply ]
Mikey...
Posted 12 years ago by Gregfine    [ Reply ]
 ick wrote:

Of or pertaining to the stars.  Like a star, as in brilliance, shape, etc.  Pertaining to a preeminent performer, athlete, etc.

; ) hope this helps.

By the way, I am hearing shades of Steve Miller Band in this number

 
Yup, I hear what you hear. I think it's the lead vocal in octaves a la Miller's "Serenade" that makes it strike that chord.
Posted 12 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
This is a pretty nice sounding piece EXCEPT for the insipid singing. My apologies to those who like it, but every time I hear this weak voice it grates.
Posted 12 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
it hates you!
I hate that song    {#Puke}
 


Posted 12 years ago by shemp    [ Reply ]
Gave this a 7 on first listen.

I suspect that this may creep up to an 8 upon further listenings.... 
Posted 12 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
Sounded so much like The Dan!
Posted 12 years ago by jools    [ Reply ]
I hate that song    {#Puke}
Posted 12 years ago by superfido    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of Wishbone Ash
Posted 12 years ago by jberko    [ Reply ]
 cohifi wrote:
I like the word "Stellar".  not sure what that means
 

They misspelled the name of a perfectly good beer.
Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Lead singer's voice reminds me of Eeyore.

1wolfy wrote: {#Yes} wingfinger wrote: Lead singer's voice reminds me of Tom Petty.



\

Oh well, never mind.....
Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 ick wrote:

Of or pertaining to the stars.  Like a star, as in brilliance, shape, etc.  Pertaining to a preeminent performer, athlete, etc.

; ) hope this helps.

By the way, I am hearing shades of Steve Miller Band in this number

 



You Rock On p
Posted 12 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
I'm enjoying this song this evening and we have very similar music tastes.
Posted 13 years ago by agd3    [ Reply ]
Lead singer's voice reminds me of Eeyore.

 1wolfy wrote:
{#Yes} wingfinger wrote:
Lead singer's voice reminds me of Tom Petty.
 
 


Posted 13 years ago by wonderunit    [ Reply ]
Amazing band. In some measures, like Porcupine Tree, they define eclectic.
Posted 13 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 cohifi wrote:
I like the word "Stellar".  not sure what that means
 
Of or pertaining to the stars.  Like a star, as in brilliance, shape, etc.  Pertaining to a preeminent performer, athlete, etc.

; ) hope this helps.

By the way, I am hearing shades of Steve Miller Band in this number

Posted 13 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
Love their sound. Always wanted to see them live.
Posted 13 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]

Widespread Panic - Acceptance Speech

Georgia Music Hall of Fame Ceremony
September 20, 2008
Posted 13 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
I like the word "Stellar".  not sure what that means
Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
I could have sworn this was Howe Gelb...
Posted 13 years ago by drinkycrow    [ Reply ]
Very  nice!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:
This song is not very good, but I like it anyway.

 
Whoa dood...that's the epitome of profundity!

Posted 14 years ago by scott_bruce    [ Reply ]
This song is not very good, but I like it anyway.

Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
{#Yes} wingfinger wrote:
Lead singer's voice reminds me of Tom Petty.
 


Posted 14 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
Really love this band but...just aint feeling this tune at at all :((( Vocals and lyrics just...cheesy
Posted 14 years ago by KOLFanSince2002    [ Reply ]
This guy sounds like Bill Callahan.
Posted 14 years ago by vesta0424    [ Reply ]
Shades of Steve Miller Band Batman!
Posted 14 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]

Widespread Smile by *GRhoades
Greg Rhoades  ©2009-2010 *GRhoades

John Bell of Widespread Panic

VooDoo 2009



Widespread Panic and Susan Tedeschi - Little Wing, Live

John Bell and Jimmy Herring & Widespread Panic are joined by Susan Tedeschi on this sweet version of Little Wing. 

Jimmy Herring has played with Jazz is Dead, The Grateful Dead, Aquarium Rescue Unit, The Allman Bros, and now Widespread Panic.

"With ya! I revisit this vid/ disc a couple of times a year for the goosebumps and huge smile it brings. What a night. And I got Birmingham the next weekend. F***n great times."      truthandreasonnow
Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 wingfinger wrote:
Lead singer's voice reminds me of Tom Petty.
 
All the bad aspects of Petty's voice, with none of the appeal. "Singer" is really a stretch. {#Ask}
Posted 14 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
 helgigermany wrote:
Very nice!
 
Let's all work together to keep Romeo from any WSP concerts okay?  This tune is great even.

Posted 14 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
Lead singer's voice reminds me of Tom Petty.
Posted 14 years ago by wingfinger    [ Reply ]
Very nice!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Romeotuma REEEAAALLY likes this song.

Posted 14 years ago by j7    [ Reply ]
 wrangler wrote:
tell me brother, can you see the sun where you're standing now? RIP mikey houser
 
Dam. I had no idea their lead guitarist & genius songwriter died.  Hichael Houser on wiki. Anyways, this is a great, mellow track. 
Posted 15 years ago by pianocomposer    [ Reply ]
I'm not a big Widespread Panic fan, but I rather like this one. I find myself checking out who it is whenever Bill plays it. I guess it makes sense that I finally give it a rating.
Posted 15 years ago by newwavegurly    [ Reply ]
Most excellent.
Posted 15 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:
Love it...  this song is good for the ears...
 
It's ear friendly.
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 papaman wrote:
Sounds like a young Willie Nelson.

 
A young Willie Nelson?  Was that during The Crimean War?  Actually, he sort of does though, I just couldn't resist the opening.

Posted 15 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
{#Frustrated}
Posted 15 years ago by pinklife    [ Reply ]
Sounds like a young Willie Nelson.

Posted 15 years ago by papaman    [ Reply ]
 mcklein18 wrote:
seen these guys many times and this is just not very inspired.........a mish mash of styles and what the hell is he even talking about?
 
what's he talking about?  it's pretty clear man.
I was walkin' the other day with my head down,
When I met a man who had his hand out.
So I gave him, gave him a dollar,
But as I walked away I heard him call out,

"Tell me Brother, can you see the sun
From where you're standin' now?
I've been up and I've been down,
But I've never been to this part of town."

So I started thinkin' 'bout, this world we live in,
And about how far I've got my hand in.
Sometimes it seems that all we have, we have taken,
But maybe next time, we'll be the forsaken.

So I went to see my girl, told her about my day.
She said, "Life can be that way.
But don't give up, don't give up, no,
'Cause where there is love, there is hope."


Posted 15 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
seen these guys many times and this is just not very inspired.........a mish mash of styles and what the hell is he even talking about?
Posted 15 years ago by mcklein18    [ Reply ]

mikey houser - hell yeah.  {#Guitarist}
tell me brother, can you see the sun from where you're standing now?


Posted 15 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
This is an AWESOME track.
Posted 15 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
 wenatchee wrote:
And so the producer was like . . . "be sullen and neglect to have any soul or substance with this particular track", and so it had been said and was thus recorded.
 

wrong.  so very wrong.
Posted 16 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]

Vocals reiminscent of Steve Miller during chorus, followed by Tom Petty singing "...part of town.'


Posted 16 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
 hippiechick wrote:

More WP!
 
Fine with me.

Posted 16 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
And so the producer was like . . . "be sullen and neglect to have any soul or substance with this particular track", and so it had been said and was thus recorded.
Posted 16 years ago by wenatchee    [ Reply ]
Not so much a song, as a bland musical droning that seems to never end.
Posted 16 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
Alifreckles50 wrote:
yep. this is excellent stuff
Bill playing Widespread Panic is why I started listening to RP. More WP would be very good!!
Posted 16 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
superfido wrote:
Is he holding his nose when he sings???? I think so.
I'd hold my nose too, if my music stank.
Posted 16 years ago by Zweiblumen    [ Reply ]
anniebear wrote:
I remember seeing these guys in Raleigh at a little bar. SHow was $5.00 I thought (and still do) they sound like a more mellow Steppenwolf.
Hey you, I'm in Chapel Hill too! :-)
Posted 16 years ago by smehan55    [ Reply ]
tell me brother, can you see the sun where you're standing now? RIP mikey houser
Posted 16 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
iamkevin wrote:
get smokier first!
Right on man, right on... is there an emoticon for that one?
Posted 16 years ago by kindermanltd    [ Reply ]
Vocalist sounds like an apathetic Tom Petty to me.
Posted 16 years ago by tompoll    [ Reply ]
Is he holding his nose when he sings???? I think so.
Posted 17 years ago by superfido    [ Reply ]
I'm likin these guys more and more...
Posted 17 years ago by Sunman    [ Reply ]
yep. this is excellent stuff
Posted 17 years ago by Alifreckles50    [ Reply ]
anniebear wrote:
I remember seeing these guys in Raleigh at a little bar. SHow was $5.00 I thought (and still do) they sound like a more mellow Steppenwolf.
get smokier first!
Posted 17 years ago by iamkevin    [ Reply ]
sounds like chris rea w/o the talent
Posted 17 years ago by iamkevin    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
I agree! More WP!
I agree! this kicks ass!
Posted 17 years ago by Alifreckles50    [ Reply ]
jksteacher wrote:
Awesome!!! Not nearly enough Widespread! (Not really true, but a little more would be nice.) Thanks for playing this one!
I agree! More WP!
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Awesome!!! Not nearly enough Widespread! (Not really true, but a little more would be nice.) Thanks for playing this one!
Posted 18 years ago by jksteacher    [ Reply ]
This song has pleny of cow bell!
Posted 18 years ago by jbtidwell    [ Reply ]
I remember seeing these guys in Raleigh at a little bar. SHow was $5.00 I thought (and still do) they sound like a more mellow Steppenwolf.
Posted 18 years ago by anniebear    [ Reply ]
RIP Michael Houser....
Posted 18 years ago by Helchat    [ Reply ]
amcallis wrote:
Good music and groovy to boot, but the message is skewed. If you succeed in life, and you were honest doing it, you shouldn't feel guilty. You earned it.
What's skewed about that message?
Posted 18 years ago by Helchat    [ Reply ]
I'm a big fan of WP. Their live stuff really makes the studio stuff seem boring.
Posted 18 years ago by olsaltybastard    [ Reply ]
Good music and groovy to boot, but the message is skewed. If you succeed in life, and you were honest doing it, you shouldn't feel guilty. You earned it.
Posted 19 years ago by amcallis    [ Reply ]
"Did you see the lights as they fell all around you? Did you hear the music a serenade from the stars? Wake up, wake up, wake up and look around you. We're lost in the space and the time is our own." just saying it's a bit similar in parts.
Posted 19 years ago by red5_bc    [ Reply ]
Skyhawk wrote:
Yes! More Petty!
haven't heard this one in a while - takes me back to 2001...
Posted 19 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]
I first heard these guys on Austin City Limits and was so awestruck I rushed out an bought the first thing I could find from them. Which was this disc. Frankly, it was kind of disappointing, though this song isn't bad. On the other hand, it did come with a bonus "live" disc that was much better. Are these guys just much better live, or did I buy the wrong disc?
Posted 21 years ago by Typesbad    [ Reply ]
Good choice! Thanks!
Posted 21 years ago by grit2868    [ Reply ]
I got a little worn out on WP a few years ago, but I like this number. Good stuff.
Posted 21 years ago by eddief    [ Reply ]
Yes! More Petty!
Posted 21 years ago by Skyhawk    [ Reply ]
I love this song! I think their music will never be the same
Posted 21 years ago by ladyj    [ Reply ]
I have to admit that I lost track of Widespread around 1996. Very glad to hear that they\'re still making good music. I spent practically a year of my youth listening to Space Wrangler. My friends still wonder why I like coconuts so much :)
Posted 22 years ago by BobbyBunny    [ Reply ]
Really like this song, the lead singer\'s voice, the musicianship, and most of all the lyric and story line. Been studying stuff like \"active listening\" and \"empathic communication\" for my work in community mental health. Can\'t say that I\'m ready to listen to all the pandhandlers I pass on my commute. How many of us are ready to be honest about the emotional conflicts they put us through? Well here\'s a song about hearing something in passing, and putting it to a gentle groove. \"snore?\", \"yawn?\" I think not ! \"May all beings be free of suffering, and the causes of suffering.\"
Posted 22 years ago by philarktos    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by banana: boring---yawn---
snore :oops:
Posted 22 years ago by karen    [ Reply ]
This puppy has a realll nice groove, and I can\'t help but appreciate hearing a lead singer who sounds like joe sixpack and not someone with a coke bottle shoved up his patootie.
Posted 22 years ago by dadofsammy    [ Reply ]
Mmm, Widespread, been meaning to put a few of the discs on and tip one to Mikey. Poor guy succumbed to the Big C this week. He\'ll live on in a lot of people for sure.
Posted 22 years ago by fRedline    [ Reply ]
More Panic!! Catch their covers of Papa Legba on Light Fuse Get Away and Superstition on Another Joyous Occasion (w/Dirty Dozen Brass Band).
Posted 22 years ago by deecee99    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by odoggy: Well, now I don't feel so bad anymore! :D
Can't remember when I listened to them for the last time, but I used to love some of the older stuff the Bee Gees did (time to confess). btw, the chorus sounds indeed a little like Steve Miller. Wonder why it still ain't a monster hit, with all that in it!
Posted 22 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Johray63: ...That guitar riff/the rhythm reminded me of Nights On Broadway by the Bee Gees!
Well, now I don't feel so bad anymore! :D
Posted 22 years ago by odoggy    [ Reply ]
Widespread is truly one of the greatest bands out there. I have all of their albums so far, and I hope they stick around for many many years to come.
Posted 22 years ago by Platypus    [ Reply ]
\"Spread Head\"- I like that.... Great song great band; hugely diverse stylings! When I was touring Virginia as a comic, I heard \"Ain\'t Life Grand\" by Widespread Panic- well, I didn\'t know who it was, but was SO into the sound that I pulled over, found a phonebooth, called the station, and went out and bought the CD at the next music store I drove by... these guys are super!
Posted 22 years ago by keenevision    [ Reply ]
Very talented band. They get along real fine with all the influences (as mentioned in earlier commends). That guitar riff/the rhythm reminded me of Nights On Broadway by the Bee Gees!
Posted 22 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
I reached over and turned up the volume because I thought it was Randy California and Spirit. Kept it turned up because I thought it sounded really good.
Posted 22 years ago by beachedge_bill    [ Reply ]