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

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1054









Released: 2001
Length: 4:56
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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.
Would love to hear more of these guys on RP! Great stuff
 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.
Maybe not their best track, but always love their tight groove, swirling under the melody. One of the very best jam bands ever imho
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.
Here can I find this specific track to purchase? Damnit. 
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?)

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

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

{#Cowboy}


 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..
Suiting my mood. Like it for the instrumental work, especially.
Today is 1/11/2016.

Is it too much to ask for a little David Bowie?
 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.
Vocal is simply acceptable, but the song/instrumental is most excellent
 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!
Well, I just went off and listened to this about 15 times in a row. It's pretty brilliant. Thanks for finding it RP.
 Cueburned wrote:
...dig the Steve Miller "Book of Dreams" harmonies. 

 
+ 1 on the Steve Miller sound on this one.
 coolpeople_rule wrote:


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

 
exactly {#Good-vibes}
Sounds quite a bit like Estimated Prophet at times...
 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}


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


 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.
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.
This voice could send me to sleep - and not in a good way. Dull. Reminds me of kermit the frog...
Everybody in my fleabag motel room being held at gunpoint best bloody love this song...

love this song soooo much...

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Golf Registration Includes:
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Goody bag
Lunch on the course
Post golf awards reception
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Definitely my favorite song by these guys, although I understand why the vocals would not impress....  I love the groove/vibe
 jools wrote:
Sounded so much like The Dan!
 
Particularly the lead guitar! Love it.
Everybody in my fleabag motel room hates this song...
Mikey...
 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.
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.
it hates you!
I hate that song    {#Puke}
 


Gave this a 7 on first listen.

I suspect that this may creep up to an 8 upon further listenings.... 
Sounded so much like The Dan!
I hate that song    {#Puke}
Reminds me of Wishbone Ash
 cohifi wrote:
I like the word "Stellar".  not sure what that means
 

They misspelled the name of a perfectly good beer.

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.....
 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
I'm enjoying this song this evening and we have very similar music tastes.
Lead singer's voice reminds me of Eeyore.

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


Amazing band. In some measures, like Porcupine Tree, they define eclectic.
 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

Love their sound. Always wanted to see them live.

Widespread Panic - Acceptance Speech

Georgia Music Hall of Fame Ceremony
September 20, 2008

I like the word "Stellar".  not sure what that means
I could have sworn this was Howe Gelb...
Very  nice!
 sirdroseph wrote:
This song is not very good, but I like it anyway.

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

This song is not very good, but I like it anyway.

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


Really love this band but...just aint feeling this tune at at all :((( Vocals and lyrics just...cheesy
This guy sounds like Bill Callahan.
Shades of Steve Miller Band Batman!

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
 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}
 helgigermany wrote:
Very nice!
 
Let's all work together to keep Romeo from any WSP concerts okay?  This tune is great even.

Lead singer's voice reminds me of Tom Petty.
Very nice!
Romeotuma REEEAAALLY likes this song.

 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. 
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.
Most excellent.
 romeotuma wrote:
Love it...  this song is good for the ears...
 
It's ear friendly.
 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.

{#Frustrated}
Sounds like a young Willie Nelson.

 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."


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?

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


This is an AWESOME track.
 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.

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


 hippiechick wrote:

More WP!
 
Fine with me.

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.
Not so much a song, as a bland musical droning that seems to never end.
Alifreckles50 wrote:
yep. this is excellent stuff
Bill playing Widespread Panic is why I started listening to RP. More WP would be very good!!
superfido wrote:
Is he holding his nose when he sings???? I think so.
I'd hold my nose too, if my music stank.
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! :-)
tell me brother, can you see the sun where you're standing now? RIP mikey houser
iamkevin wrote:
get smokier first!
Right on man, right on... is there an emoticon for that one?
Vocalist sounds like an apathetic Tom Petty to me.
Is he holding his nose when he sings???? I think so.
I'm likin these guys more and more...
yep. this is excellent stuff
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!
sounds like chris rea w/o the talent
hippiechick wrote:
I agree! More WP!
I agree! this kicks ass!
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!
Awesome!!! Not nearly enough Widespread! (Not really true, but a little more would be nice.) Thanks for playing this one!
This song has pleny of cow bell!
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.
RIP Michael Houser....
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?
I'm a big fan of WP. Their live stuff really makes the studio stuff seem boring.
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.
"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.
Skyhawk wrote:
Yes! More Petty!
haven't heard this one in a while - takes me back to 2001...
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?
Good choice! Thanks!
I got a little worn out on WP a few years ago, but I like this number. Good stuff.
Yes! More Petty!
I love this song! I think their music will never be the same
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 :)
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.\"
Originally Posted by banana: boring---yawn---
snore :oops:
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.
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.
More Panic!! Catch their covers of Papa Legba on Light Fuse Get Away and Superstition on Another Joyous Occasion (w/Dirty Dozen Brass Band).
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!
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
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.
\"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!
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!
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.