Jackson Browne — That Girl Could Sing
Album: Hold OutAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 222
Length: 4:26
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She was a friend to me when I needed one
Wasn't for her I don't know what I'd done
She gave me back something that was missing in me
She could of turned out to be almost anyone
Almost anyone--
With the possible exception
Of who I wanted her to be
Running into the midnight
With her clothes whipping in the wind
Reaching into the heart of the darkness
For the tenderness within
Stumblin' into the lights of the city
And then back in the shadows again
Hanging onto the laughter
That each of us hid our unhappiness in
Talk about celestial bodies
And your angels on the wing
She wasn't much good at stickin' around--but
That girl could sing
She could sing...
In the dead of night
She could shine a light
On some places that you've never been
In that kind of light
You could lose your sight
And believe there was something to win
You could hold her tight
With all your might
But she'd slip through your arms like the wind
And be back in flight
Back into the night
Where you might never see her again
The longer I thought I might find her
The shorter my vision became
Running in circles behind her
And thinking in terms of the blame
But she couldn't have been any kinder
If she'd come back and tried to explain
She wasn't much good a saying goodbye--but
That girl could sing
Wasn't for her I don't know what I'd done
She gave me back something that was missing in me
She could of turned out to be almost anyone
Almost anyone--
With the possible exception
Of who I wanted her to be
Running into the midnight
With her clothes whipping in the wind
Reaching into the heart of the darkness
For the tenderness within
Stumblin' into the lights of the city
And then back in the shadows again
Hanging onto the laughter
That each of us hid our unhappiness in
Talk about celestial bodies
And your angels on the wing
She wasn't much good at stickin' around--but
That girl could sing
She could sing...
In the dead of night
She could shine a light
On some places that you've never been
In that kind of light
You could lose your sight
And believe there was something to win
You could hold her tight
With all your might
But she'd slip through your arms like the wind
And be back in flight
Back into the night
Where you might never see her again
The longer I thought I might find her
The shorter my vision became
Running in circles behind her
And thinking in terms of the blame
But she couldn't have been any kinder
If she'd come back and tried to explain
She wasn't much good a saying goodbye--but
That girl could sing
Comments (77)add comment
This album is where I sadly parted ways with JB, one of my adolescent icons of songwriting genius.
a poet laureate for a generation, speaking as a baby boomer, always resonate with me. ahh, maybe you had to be there?!
Mr. Browne is an amazing singer/songwriter.
Liking Danny Kortchmar's rippin' guitar.
gak, so much of the 80s needs to be laid to rest permanently.
Jackson Frown. 
jedley wrote:
Very, very good point. I remember when this album came out, it seemed a radical departure from everthing he'd done up to that point. Almost like he intentionally tried to make more radio friendly music here. Even the cover art is something of a departure. I remember buying this album and being very dispointed in it, although I like this song well enough.
I get the feeling that during the '80s ol' Jackson was being poorly advised by someone telling him he should add more 'muscle' to his music. This is the result. Same thing happened to Billy Joel.
Side 1 of Late for the Sky constitutes 20 of the most sublime minutes in musical history...
Side 1 of Late for the Sky constitutes 20 of the most sublime minutes in musical history...
Very, very good point. I remember when this album came out, it seemed a radical departure from everthing he'd done up to that point. Almost like he intentionally tried to make more radio friendly music here. Even the cover art is something of a departure. I remember buying this album and being very dispointed in it, although I like this song well enough.
emmidad wrote:
Love Jackson but please find something less obliterated by the radio...
yeah I agree that this song isn't as good, but do you see the apropos!? Such a fitting followup!
Heard the brilliant 'Sing' by Travis only to be followed by the mediocre 'That Girl Could Sing' by Jackson Browne, oh well, can't win 'em all...
This is crap
mute
Having heard this in it's original era, I have to say that it was a weak effort even then. All these years later, it only makes me cringe.
Love Jackson but please find something less obliterated by the radio...
h8rhater wrote:
Great song in any era... fool
This is one of the songs where I have to sing along much to the chagrin of whoever is unfortunate enough to be around me when it is on!
Great song in any era... fool
This is one of the songs where I have to sing along much to the chagrin of whoever is unfortunate enough to be around me when it is on! rez wrote:
It's an era thing.
Great song in any era... fool
It's an era thing.
Great song in any era... fool
suebee3 wrote:
It's an era thing.
Maybe it's an era thing - but to me, this can't be beat.
It's an era thing.
FogAudio wrote:
Apparently it was either Rick Marotta or more likely Russ Kunkel which given his disco/funk background probably is the likely drummer in that song! I remember an article in Electronic Musician (or Mix?) a few years ago about his son Nathaniel Kunkel, now a popular producer. It's funny the more I get into music the smaller the industry seems!
I don't know about this stuff being too pop-py. Never heard so it can't be *that* pop-py. I would like to know who was playing drums on this track. If I were a betting man I would say it was Jeff Porcaro - it sounds awfully good. In any event, the drums in the track by themself making the song stand out!
Apparently it was either Rick Marotta or more likely Russ Kunkel which given his disco/funk background probably is the likely drummer in that song! I remember an article in Electronic Musician (or Mix?) a few years ago about his son Nathaniel Kunkel, now a popular producer. It's funny the more I get into music the smaller the industry seems!
I don't know about this stuff being too pop-py. Never heard so it can't be *that* pop-py. I would like to know who was playing drums on this track. If I were a betting man I would say it was Jeff Porcaro - it sounds awfully good. In any event, the drums in the track by themself making the song stand out!
Maybe it's an era thing - but to me, this can't be beat.
jedley wrote:
Great point
I get the feeling that during the '80s ol' Jackson was being poorly advised by someone telling him he should add more 'muscle' to his music. This is the result. Same thing happened to Billy Joel.
Side 1 of Late for the Sky constitutes 20 of the most sublime minutes in musical history...
Side 1 of Late for the Sky constitutes 20 of the most sublime minutes in musical history...
Great point
I get the feeling that during the '80s ol' Jackson was being poorly advised by someone telling him he should add more 'muscle' to his music. This is the result. Same thing happened to Billy Joel.
Side 1 of Late for the Sky constitutes 20 of the most sublime minutes in musical history...
Side 1 of Late for the Sky constitutes 20 of the most sublime minutes in musical history...
eric_constantin wrote:
You youngins don't know anything about GOOD music.
80's butt-rock synth cheese
You youngins don't know anything about GOOD music.
I like the song... always did. But what made this one interesting was a claim I found on a site that this song was written by him about Laura Nyro. Laura Whosit? I asked myself... so I learned about an artist I'd never heard of and... I'm glad of it. Not exactly my style, but, yes... that girl could sing. Completely appropriate lyric.
cherinoel wrote:
The song 'Call It A Loan' all by itself makes this album worthwhile. Rosemary Butler's backing vocals are perfect. I would even mention 'Of Missing Persons' as a highlight. I like that the album is represented here.
Not his best album....in fact Holdout is where it all started to unravel into commercialism....
The song 'Call It A Loan' all by itself makes this album worthwhile. Rosemary Butler's backing vocals are perfect. I would even mention 'Of Missing Persons' as a highlight. I like that the album is represented here.
rtrudeau wrote:
Bah! Dude, you're as cool as ever. . . Mr. Brown on the other hand, is still the epitome of boredom. . .
Note to self: Don't let it be known that you like Jackson Browne or the cool kids that hang out at RP won't like you.
Bah! Dude, you're as cool as ever. . . Mr. Brown on the other hand, is still the epitome of boredom. . .
eric_constantin wrote:
Synth? Huh? One of Jackson Browne's two primary instruments is piano. Perhaps you've heard of it? The thing that has actual hammers that strike actual strings and resonates on a sounding board? Hopeless outdated I'm sure, but not a synth. BTW, his other main instrument is guitar - also not a synthesizer. I'm sure he's quite capable of playing synthesizers, given that they generally tend to be ludicrously easy to play if you're a skilled pianist as he is. I suppose the rest of your comment is a matter of personal opinion, and you're certainly entitled to your opinion, but if you're going to criticize someone, at least get your facts straight.
80's butt-rock synth cheese
Synth? Huh? One of Jackson Browne's two primary instruments is piano. Perhaps you've heard of it? The thing that has actual hammers that strike actual strings and resonates on a sounding board? Hopeless outdated I'm sure, but not a synth. BTW, his other main instrument is guitar - also not a synthesizer. I'm sure he's quite capable of playing synthesizers, given that they generally tend to be ludicrously easy to play if you're a skilled pianist as he is. I suppose the rest of your comment is a matter of personal opinion, and you're certainly entitled to your opinion, but if you're going to criticize someone, at least get your facts straight.
Not his best album....in fact Holdout is where it all started to unravel into commercialism....
Excellent choice to follow that Travis song. If you're going to sing about singing.
This song reminds me of the biggest crush I ever had, in fifth grade. I could set the clock on my radio to WLS 89 AM because they'd be playing every night when I was going to bed.
This song reminds me of the biggest crush I ever had, in fifth grade. I could set the clock on my radio to WLS 89 AM because they'd be playing every night when I was going to bed.
The best Jackson Browne song ever!
To each their own, I guess, but it is interesting how the "in the know" folks are quick to shout down an artist.
BTW, who is the arbiter of "eclectic" music and good taste?
For me, when I saw him, he was outstanding. A gifted musician and songwriter...
BTW, who is the arbiter of "eclectic" music and good taste?
For me, when I saw him, he was outstanding. A gifted musician and songwriter...
sutcliff wrote:
i do not like him as a person, either. but as a sofa, he's the bomb.
I do not like him as a person.
i do not like him as a person, either. but as a sofa, he's the bomb.
CCinSB wrote:
do you know him?
Thank goodness no.
do you know him?
Thank goodness no.
80's butt-rock synth cheese
Not my fave cut off the album but I love to hear him any time. Thanks Bill! Maybe sometime you could play Boulevard? It's a stellar song off this album.
Note to self: Don't let it be known that you like Jackson Browne or the cool kids that hang out at RP won't like you.
sutcliff wrote:
do you know him?
I do not like him as a person.
do you know him?
He was good last Friday nite, very good! 
I do not like him as a person.
It's an OK song. I liked it better when it was current. Not one of his best and I don't think it's stood the test of time as well. I still think his Saturate before Using LP was his best. Doctor My Eyes is a much better song than this one.
Ughhh,
this guy is about as pop, pop, poppy as you can get, a rare one one RP, thank God
Hallelujah
Gettin' a little too commercial for me here Bill......
Given the relatively high rating this song has on RP, I must be an outlier, but I never could stand Jackson Browne, even when he was very popular. I find him insipid, and this song is no exception. I don't think he deserves play-time on RP. Not creative enough.
Laptopdog wrote:
What's this?!
A male singer with some actual drums in the background?! Is this still Radio Paradise?!
Careful, I might actually start tapping my toe.
Plodding. Dull.
Man this song/album brings back LOTS of GREAT memories. Always GREAT to hear!!!!
Zep wrote:
OMG, please no. 
That would be a deal-breaker.
Agreed - JB is the antithesis of eclectic; not even his presence on RP is eclectic, more like dubious. . .
That would be a deal-breaker.There's nothing like an echo effect to remind you of the cheese-ball 1980s, or is it just Jackson Browne?
What's this?!
A male singer with some actual drums in the background?! Is this still Radio Paradise?!
Careful, I might actually start tapping my toe.
I always hated this; my opinion hasn't changed. . .
Skip this guy and play more of his sideman: David Lindley!
I always liked his
HEART SHAPED PENDANT(?)
This is 8, easy.
steeler wrote:
Or Late for the Sky.
Or Saturate Before Using.
Fountain of Sorrow or the Late Show - this ones rubbish !!!
Marina1 wrote: That would be a deal-breaker.
Play something from For Everyman or Pretender. Or Running on Empty maybe.
OMG, please no. That would be a deal-breaker.
I've never seen the attraction to JB or his music. Puts me to sleep.
Marina1 wrote:
Play something from For Everyman or Pretender. Or Running on Empty maybe.
Or Late for the Sky.
Or Saturate Before Using.
ugh. time for lunch.
ahh, we love JB! don't we girls?
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Ahh, that's better.
Rating = 7
Volume Knob = 9
a blast from the past... the good old bad old days of college and falling in love
johnwwwatson wrote:
In his induction speech, Bruce Springsteen noted that while the Eagles got to the Hall first, "You wrote the songs they wished they had written".
Jackson did indeed co-write "Take It Easy" with Glenn Frey, if that's what you mean.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Ahh, that's better.
Play something from For Everyman or Pretender. Or Running on Empty maybe. I don't like this.
puh 
LEEZ
LEEZ
I wish this hadn't been so overplayed, because I think I'd like it more if I hadn't heard it thousands of times.
maxmox wrote:
Gives me an insight to the real americana. ie middle class progressive ideals leading us to the brink of the petit bourgeois. Jackson's OK though.
College sophomore much?
I've loved JB since "Saturate" came out. This was the beginning of his long decline, IMHO.
Jacko may have done some weird stuff here and there but made some good music too. Still lookin' good for 60 too 
johnwwwatson wrote: Most of you don't get it. Sam you're alright, Mano too, but that petit BS, c'mon. Musicians like JB don't come around that often. He was the most unpretentious epitomy of cool, still is. I know, I was there. At 24, he released "Doctor My Eyes" Listen to it, what were you doing at 24? Browne was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. In his induction speech, Bruce Springsteen noted that while the Eagles got to the Hall first, "You wrote the songs they wished they had written".
Ahh, that's better.
maxmox wrote:
Gives me an insight to the real americana. ie middle class progressive ideals leading us to the brink of the petit bourgeois. Jackson's OK though.
He even does windows!
maxmox wrote:
Gives me an insight to the real americana. ie middle class progressive ideals leading us to the brink of the petit bourgeois. Jackson's OK though.
Wow! Jackson Browne does all of that??
Gives me an insight to the real americana. ie middle class progressive ideals leading us to the brink of the petit bourgeois. Jackson's OK though.
Damn--I just transported through space and time to arrive at a hot summer's day in Sacramento, 1980. Dancing with Carrie Tuz, hot flesh and sweaty polyester. Excellent times, 'mano.
Huge-selling overproduced 80s album. But still, 7.
Romantic longing at it\'s best. Takes me to a place where I wish I were unhappily in love again.
Samiyam