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Elliott Smith — Between The Bars
Album: Either/Or
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1799









Released: 1997
Length: 2:19
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Drink up, baby, stay up all night
With the things you could do, you won't but you might
The potential you'll be that you'll never see
The promises you'll only make

Drink up with me now and forget all about
The pressure of days, do what I say
And I'll make you okay and drive them away
The images stuck in your head

People you've been before that you
Don't want around anymore
That push and shove and won't bend to your will
I'll keep them still

Drink up, baby, look at the stars
I'll kiss you again, between the bars
Where I'm seeing you there, with your hands in the air
Waiting to finally be caught

Drink up one more time and I'll make you mine
Keep you apart, deep in my heart
Separate from the rest, where I like you the best
And keep the things you forgot

People you've been before that you
Don't want around anymore
That push and shove and won't bend to your will
I'll keep them still
Comments (147)add comment
Anyone else hear the Grapes of Wrath? 
Posted 1 year ago by Myotis_mom    [ Reply ]
That was an extra sweet, and unique, transition from SY "New Hampshire" to this. Bravo William!  And this tune is exceptional - a 10 in my book.
Posted 1 year ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
If it hasn't been posted previously, there is a wonderful documentary about Elliot called "Heaven Adores You". 
Posted 1 year ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
He died way to young and early. What a loss. And what a great song. A Ten between the bars!
Posted 1 year ago by philonair    [ Reply ]
When you listen to this, you can absolutely connect with the hopelessness and desperation that eventually drove Elliott to take his life. So sad. 
Posted 2 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
very nice, never heard before. thanx for playing
Posted 2 years ago by Krid    [ Reply ]
 GarageDragon wrote:

Biggest problem with this song is that it ends too soon.



The biggest problem with this song is that Elliott Smith ended too soon... 
Posted 3 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
Hearing this song makes me sad, knowing Elliott is gone. 
Posted 3 years ago by snakechaser    [ Reply ]
 Kaw wrote:
If you like this you might like Sparklehorse too.
 
RIP Elliott Smith and RIP Mark Linkous <3 <3 <3

Forever in my tattered heart
Posted 4 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
Biggest problem with this song is that it ends too soon.
Posted 6 years ago by GarageDragon    [ Reply ]
If you like this you might like Sparklehorse too.
Posted 7 years ago by Kaw    [ Reply ]
{#Hearteyes}
Posted 8 years ago by Azrica    [ Reply ]
 dburges wrote:
Nailed it, Bill! Well, assuming it was intentional to play this immediately after Rocky Raccoon because the intros are so similar.

 
Yes, it's an Am7 chord opening in both tunes, strummed in a similar manner, though this song is at a different tempo.
Posted 8 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Nailed it, Bill! Well, assuming it was intentional to play this immediately after Rocky Raccoon because the intros are so similar.
Posted 8 years ago by dburges    [ Reply ]
 JasondotG wrote:

Photoshop document?

 
Nope, pretty shitty ditty.
Posted 8 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:
PSD

 
Photoshop document?
Posted 8 years ago by JasondotG    [ Reply ]
Always reminds me of  Good Will Hunting,  great movie,  great song!!
Posted 9 years ago by Baketown    [ Reply ]


Between the Bars


Posted 9 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
PSD
Posted 10 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
A main line to the soul...{#Shhh}
Posted 10 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
I wouldn't say I'm obsessed with Elliot Smith but this song finds its way into my soul.
Posted 10 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
Very nice song!
Posted 10 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Another tragic loss. I think the angels steal the good ones early so they can play for them in heaven..Nick Drake is another one.{#Angel}
Posted 11 years ago by molson    [ Reply ]
11.

Perfect.

Absolutely perfect.
Posted 11 years ago by Biscobret    [ Reply ]
Another of the great contributors to the score of my life.  RIP Elliot. 
Posted 11 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
Best song ever.
Posted 11 years ago by adamcoacher    [ Reply ]
 mauflex wrote:
God, this song... makes me cry. Old memories,  an old love, gone with my heart.. i'll never forget you, my one and only real love of my life.
 
You Italians are way-way too emotional! Many more love's to come. Better ones. Bet...?
Posted 12 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 leafmold wrote:
such a loss....
 
Yes, I was just thinking the same thing...
Posted 12 years ago by drsteevo    [ Reply ]
such a loss....
Posted 12 years ago by leafmold    [ Reply ]
God, this song... makes me cry. Old memories,  an old love, gone with my heart.. i'll never forget you, my one and only real love of my life.
Posted 12 years ago by mauflex    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

 I knew SOMEONE would have posted the lyrics to this song.  Bumping it up because, well, because it's Elliott Smith.  Damn - I said it before, and I'll say it again:  Why do the good ones die young while the crappy ones seem to be eternal?
 
RIP Cynaera. You were one of the good ones, and you died too young. 
Posted 12 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
this is a beautifully sad song that makes me want to sit cross-legged, head drooped down in a dark room, smoking a cigarette, with the speaker turned up loud.
Posted 12 years ago by HonduranRed    [ Reply ]
He was incredible
Posted 12 years ago by madebytim    [ Reply ]
Happy birthday Elliott.  I miss you more than ever.
Posted 13 years ago by MJdub    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

Why do the good ones die young while the crappy ones seem to be eternal?
 
Wondered the same ever since I heard ES for the first time here, and several others, for that matter. They were just really good (he, especially) and knowing that this is "all she wrote" makes it all the more poignant, methinks. But really love ES.

Posted 13 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
 Bocephus wrote:
For anyone that has had a problem with the bottle this song is about as honest as it comes. Quite a poetic description of becoming an alcoholic. drink up, baby, stay up all night
the things you could do, you won't but you might
the potential you'll be, that you'll never see
the promises you'll only make drink up with me now and forget all about the pressure of days
do what I say and I'll make you okay and drive them away
the images stuck in your head people you've been before that you don't want around anymore
that push and shove and won't bend to your will
I'll keep them still drink up, baby, look at the stars
I'll kiss you again between the bars where I'm seeing you
there with your hands in the air, waiting to finally be caught drink up one more time and I'll make you mine
keep you apart deep in my heart separate from the rest
where I like you the best and keep the things you forgot the people you've been before that you don't want around anymore
that push and shove and won't bend to your will
I'll keep them still

 
 I knew SOMEONE would have posted the lyrics to this song.  Bumping it up because, well, because it's Elliott Smith.  Damn - I said it before, and I'll say it again:  Why do the good ones die young while the crappy ones seem to be eternal?


Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
I'd only ever heard the Peyroux cover. I like the original more.
Posted 13 years ago by gabrielle7nt    [ Reply ]
I really like his work.  Sad his life was so short.
Posted 13 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
Have not heared ES since months! this tune... Very nice!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Short & SWEET. He made good use of the stereo effect. Lovely song. 9.
Posted 14 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
 Jamunca wrote:


I'm really hoping you didn't mean to make a pun there, but I do agree that his music is exquisite.
 
The comment kind of just came out; I thought "Maybe I should delete this?"

I mostly say what I mean...funny how things can be perceived as rudeness, sarcasm, innuendo or wit when you're just saying what you mean: sort of like that Peter Seller's movie "Being There."

Posted 14 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
 Giselle62 wrote:
It's kind of strange that Elliot died the way he did, his songs make me real sad and pierce my heart. I almost can't listen, but it's so exquisite.
 

I'm really hoping you didn't mean to make a pun there, but I do agree that his music is exquisite.
Posted 14 years ago by Jamunca    [ Reply ]

elliott by ~reganr
©2007-2010 ~reganr

smith


Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 heatherchickenlady wrote:
Elliot's music really is very pretty, and it is nice to hear it from time to time, but it is really very depressing, too. Could you maybe play him just a little bit less often?
 


Posted 14 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]

Elliott Smith - "Between The Bars" Live-acoustic


"The way he uses his voice is amazing. Great timbre and this song is just classic. So beautiful and sad and yet so hopeful."
Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Another talent who's life was cut tragically short, like so many others in the music biz.
R.I.P. Elliot.
Posted 14 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Elliot's music really is very pretty, and it is nice to hear it from time to time, but it is really very depressing, too. Could you maybe play him just a little bit less often?
Posted 14 years ago by heatherchickenlady    [ Reply ]
This song makes me almost cry... wonderful
Posted 14 years ago by mauflex    [ Reply ]
 azdcryan wrote:
Man, this dude breaks my heart every time...first couple chords of any song of his and it's like a tractor beam into a base sadness that exists deep inside of my being.  I used to be a sad person, and have since learned that life is a symphony; with point and counterpoint, ecstacy and grief, hopefulness and despairing, triumph and failure...all used in movements and proportions that bring our days and nights alive with color. 

In spite of all the blessings that my life today is filled with, the music of E.S. can without fail bring a lump in my throat, a weight in my chest, and an almost insatiable desire to weep...but not because it makes me sad - more because it makes me feel almost overwhelmed with joy.  He slays me.  His music, for me is that intensely beautiful. 

I feel that my life has been enriched by Elliot's sound; as well the sounds of others like Brian Wilson, Nick Drake, John Lennon, James Taylor, Tom Petty, Chris Robinson, and Billie Holiday to name a very very few.

Thanks RP, for providing a soundtrack to all of our lives. 
  Well said. Thank you.


Posted 14 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 azdcryan wrote:
Man, this dude breaks my heart every time...first couple chords of any song of his and it's like a tractor beam into a base sadness that exists deep inside of my being.  I used to be a sad person, and have since learned that life is a symphony; with point and counterpoint, ecstacy and grief, hopefulness and despairing, triumph and failure...all used in movements and proportions that bring our days and nights alive with color. 

In spite of all the blessings that my life today is filled with, the music of E.S. can without fail bring a lump in my throat, a weight in my chest, and an almost insatiable desire to weep...but not because it makes me sad - more because it makes me feel almost overwhelmed with joy.  He slays me.  His music, for me is that intensely beautiful. 

I feel that my life has been enriched by Elliot's sound; as well the sounds of others like Brian Wilson, Nick Drake, John Lennon, James Taylor, Tom Petty, Chris Robinson, and Billie Holiday to name a very very few.

Thanks RP, for providing a soundtrack to all of our lives. 
 
Thank you Azdcryan

Posted 14 years ago by jkhandy    [ Reply ]
Man, this dude breaks my heart every time...first couple chords of any song of his and it's like a tractor beam into a base sadness that exists deep inside of my being.  I used to be a sad person, and have since learned that life is a symphony; with point and counterpoint, ecstacy and grief, hopefulness and despairing, triumph and failure...all used in movements and proportions that bring our days and nights alive with color. 

In spite of all the blessings that my life today is filled with, the music of E.S. can without fail bring a lump in my throat, a weight in my chest, and an almost insatiable desire to weep...but not because it makes me sad - more because it makes me feel almost overwhelmed with joy.  He slays me.  His music, for me is that intensely beautiful. 

I feel that my life has been enriched by Elliot's sound; as well the sounds of others like Brian Wilson, Nick Drake, John Lennon, James Taylor, Tom Petty, Chris Robinson, and Billie Holiday to name a very very few.

Thanks RP, for providing a soundtrack to all of our lives. 
Posted 14 years ago by azdcryan    [ Reply ]
It's kind of strange that Elliot died the way he did, his songs make me real sad and pierce my heart. I almost can't listen, but it's so exquisite.
Posted 14 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
Wow, if this hadn't played just now while I was listening (its been a while), and if I hadn't checked this song specifically, and seen a comment from a year ago that seemed kind of unusual - until I realized that I had written it - then I might never have remembered my RP username.  I'm not sure whether to call it a senior moment, a synchronicity, or just random witlessness.
Posted 15 years ago by SmileOnADog    [ Reply ]

Metric, Emily Haines  - "Between The Bars" Live Acoustic


"but maybe a few people will see this and look for the original and see something really, really good"

"I think she could've done better, I mean she's a talented woman after all. Still, it's hard to capture the sadness and the beauty of the original... you hear the very first notes of Elliott playing it and it inmediatly feels like your heart is breaking. Still, nice to see her remembering Elliott. We all miss him."


Posted 15 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Genius.
Posted 15 years ago by geordiezimmerman    [ Reply ]
la la la ...speak up baby, look at the stars...
Posted 15 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
Wow who just slammed on the breaks......Teddy Thompson to this......warn me next time,          audio whiplash.
Posted 15 years ago by dBdwg    [ Reply ]
It's all just Nick Drake re-visted.
Posted 15 years ago by tribeca18    [ Reply ]
 robco1 wrote:
Radio Paradise, please keep playing Elliott Smith's brilliantly-written songs with their lack of overproduction so prevalent in commercial music (especially that produced in NYC).

And trolls, please suck it.

 

Its not an original.
Posted 15 years ago by two2fly    [ Reply ]
Radio Paradise, please keep playing Elliott Smith's brilliantly-written songs with their lack of overproduction so prevalent in commercial music (especially that produced in NYC).

And trolls, please suck it.

Posted 15 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
My 19 year old son and his friends like this artist..alot of it being played around my house these days..it is ok with me..


Posted 15 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
just love his sound
Posted 16 years ago by songbirdfemme    [ Reply ]
And after this: When I Was Drinking with Hem...
Posted 16 years ago by sub-arctic    [ Reply ]
Yep, is that good!
Posted 16 years ago by oscar_driver    [ Reply ]
Hey! I was just listening to this on the subway this morning. And it's still awesome.
Posted 16 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
ThePoose wrote:
Starts out like Rocky Raccoon.
Ha! I thought that too for a few seconds. Then fell asleep.">
Posted 16 years ago by shanester    [ Reply ]
alisams wrote:
Great song, but BILL are you recycling your PLAYLISTS? Back in March (as quoted below), the lineup was Radiohead, Calexico, and Elliot Smith... EXACTLY what you just did moments ago! This is a terrific song if I do say so m'self.
He did it again...
Posted 16 years ago by Blasserman    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of high school - in a good way - somehow
Posted 16 years ago by b17m4p    [ Reply ]
horstman wrote:
If that's your attempt at humour, it's pretty tasteless.
Well said. and for what it's worth it was a knife to the heart.
Posted 17 years ago by geordiezimmerman    [ Reply ]
bigB_3 wrote:
Like a knife to the gut.
If that's your attempt at humour, it's pretty tasteless.
Posted 17 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
The jury is still out on this one.
Posted 17 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
meydele wrote:
More Elliott . . . he was the best at making suicidal depression sound so sweet. Miss him.
except he was frequently berating himself in the lyrics. He showed how sad and smothering it could be and was for him. Not sure if it was sweet...musically I would call it bittersweet at best. And this is coming from one who loves his music, its just I always knew what he was talking about. (and I didn't mean that in a superior way, sorry if it came off as such)
Posted 17 years ago by out_to_lunch    [ Reply ]
daisky wrote:
painfully beautiful.
Like a knife to the gut.
Posted 17 years ago by bigB_3    [ Reply ]
I love this.
Posted 17 years ago by joyjoy    [ Reply ]
Just as I was thinking the previous song, Calexico's "Sunken Waltz", reminded me of Elliott Smith, guess who comes on. Well done, Bill.
Posted 17 years ago by andrewmi    [ Reply ]
"...they of whom the world was not worthy..."
Posted 17 years ago by SmileOnADog    [ Reply ]
ThePoose wrote:
Starts out like Rocky Raccoon.
yeah... he does that. He loved the beatles.
Posted 17 years ago by rachlan    [ Reply ]
Even better!!!!!!!
Posted 17 years ago by Almo80    [ Reply ]
Starts out like Rocky Raccoon.
Posted 17 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
painfully beautiful.
Posted 17 years ago by daisky    [ Reply ]
This sounds real.
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
auburntigerrich wrote:
Does this one remind anyone of the soundtrack from Garden State?
YES, I just watched the movie last night. The doctor's office scene, she was listening to the Shins... Great movie!
Posted 17 years ago by Moonflower31    [ Reply ]
More Elliott . . . he was the best at making suicidal depression sound so sweet. Miss him.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
Great artist RIP
Posted 17 years ago by torio    [ Reply ]
sutcliff wrote:
"Good Will Hunting" is an excellent soundtrack.
And movie... surpisingly
Posted 17 years ago by tony620d    [ Reply ]
More Elliott! Everything this guy did was pure gold.
Posted 17 years ago by 99    [ Reply ]
best song from his best album....9 at all
Posted 17 years ago by mirkolazza    [ Reply ]
love. it. yay :)
Posted 17 years ago by canadianbug    [ Reply ]
Does this one remind anyone of the soundtrack from Garden State?
Posted 17 years ago by auburntigerrich    [ Reply ]
rah wrote:
you're fired.
Posted 17 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
BadMongo wrote:
However, the Madeleine Peyroux version is better. I give this one a 7.
you're fired.
Posted 17 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]
holy shit, this song is actually decent when it's not sung as sickly-sweet annoying faux jazz
Posted 17 years ago by bostonbeerguy    [ Reply ]
Thank you, Bill. This song is simply one of my all-time favorites...
Posted 18 years ago by Buzilis    [ Reply ]
awesome. best movie ever.
Posted 18 years ago by canadianbug    [ Reply ]
However, the Madeleine Peyroux version is better. I give this one a 7.
Posted 18 years ago by BadMongo    [ Reply ]
alisams wrote:
Great song, but BILL are you recycling your PLAYLISTS?
! Do you honestly think Bill's in studio 24/7? C'mon....
Posted 18 years ago by rluking    [ Reply ]
Great song, but BILL are you recycling your PLAYLISTS? Back in March (as quoted below), the lineup was Radiohead, Calexico, and Elliot Smith... EXACTLY what you just did moments ago! This is a terrific song if I do say so m'self.
Posted 18 years ago by alisams    [ Reply ]
Great seque from Calexico...nearly the same strumming pattern, same multiple-of-three time signature (I'm a sucker for those). Love this song. Still a strong 9 for me.
Posted 18 years ago by ploafmaster    [ Reply ]
ndg wrote:
Why? R.I.P. Elliott
I agree...but, sometimes the demons get control...not fair...gentle souls have a harder time of it...
Posted 18 years ago by eman    [ Reply ]
Why? R.I.P. Elliott
Posted 18 years ago by ndg    [ Reply ]
great stuff - haven't heard this is a while and it sounds better than i remember =10. RIP Elliot.
Posted 18 years ago by jtdiver    [ Reply ]
i could do without the michael jackson breathing, but otherwise nice.
Posted 18 years ago by ahoylola    [ Reply ]
GChevy410 wrote:
wow thats exactly what i just got...and after rem and spinning jennies i am relieved too
And it's exactly what I just got... There's some "stretch of music" recycling going on here...
Posted 18 years ago by nufterinck    [ Reply ]
"Good Will Hunting" is an excellent soundtrack.
Posted 18 years ago by sutcliff    [ Reply ]
Just Plain Gorgeous.
Posted 18 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]
topherg87 wrote:
Yes! I was so hoping Elliott Smith would be next on the playlist. Radiohead, Calexico, and Elliot Smith...good lineup
wow thats exactly what i just got...and after rem and spinning jennies i am relieved too
Posted 18 years ago by GChevy410    [ Reply ]
Yes! I was so hoping Elliott Smith would be next on the playlist. Radiohead, Calexico, and Elliot Smith...good lineup
Posted 18 years ago by topherg87    [ Reply ]
Another sad case of a wonderful artist who left this Earth WAY too early. We love you Elliott! 9/10
Posted 18 years ago by djblitz    [ Reply ]
Mellow ... sorta sexy. Whodda thunk.
Posted 18 years ago by LadyLovelyLocks    [ Reply ]
I like 'em both! Hey--put that gun down! cptbuz wrote:
hey....isn't this a Madeleine Peyroux song?? just kidding....
Posted 18 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
cptbuz wrote:
hey....isn't this a Madeleine Peyroux song?? just kidding....
Yeah, I'm playing this on my computer right now just to get her version out of my head. How I love thee, Elliott.
Posted 18 years ago by nataliak    [ Reply ]
hey....isn't this a Madeleine Peyroux song?? just kidding....
Posted 18 years ago by cptbuz    [ Reply ]
brilliant
Posted 18 years ago by kanadan    [ Reply ]
eh, 8.2?! It's a ho-hum tune..
Posted 18 years ago by Sobient    [ Reply ]
TampaPurple wrote:
"People you've been before that you don't want around anymore...." Wow!
or ouch.
Posted 18 years ago by am    [ Reply ]
publiceric wrote:
The song, however, sounds listless and innocuous to me. :-k
For anyone that has had a problem with the bottle this song is about as honest as it comes. Quite a poetic description of becoming an alcoholic. drink up, baby, stay up all night the things you could do, you won't but you might the potential you'll be, that you'll never see the promises you'll only make drink up with me now and forget all about the pressure of days do what I say and I'll make you okay and drive them away the images stuck in your head people you've been before that you don't want around anymore that push and shove and won't bend to your will I'll keep them still drink up, baby, look at the stars I'll kiss you again between the bars where I'm seeing you there with your hands in the air, waiting to finally be caught drink up one more time and I'll make you mine keep you apart deep in my heart separate from the rest where I like you the best and keep the things you forgot the people you've been before that you don't want around anymore that push and shove and won't bend to your will I'll keep them still
Posted 18 years ago by Bocephus    [ Reply ]
tony620d wrote:
thank you for NOT playing the other version(s) of this song.
Yes! I'm so glad this is the original version.
Posted 18 years ago by zinzarin    [ Reply ]
thank you for NOT playing the other version(s) of this song.
Posted 19 years ago by tony620d    [ Reply ]
"People you've been before that you don't want around anymore...." Wow!
Posted 19 years ago by TampaPurple    [ Reply ]
My ears blinked and I missed this one.
Posted 19 years ago by physicsgenius    [ Reply ]