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Chris Smither — Link of Chain
Album: Up on the Lowdown
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1064









Released: 1995
Length: 3:43
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Can't you see? I can't explain
I'm a little like a link of chain
Just a ring around another
Runnin' in and out again
Fly me on a kite line
Smilin' like a gold mine
I don't need to do right
Go to the end
That'll do to hold me tonight

Mornin' rain, make it soon
Just a little in the afternoon
To hold me like a mother

Hang me on the evenin' moon
Set me on a low one
Show me how to go one
More whenever I finally decide
Go to the end
And take it along for the ride

Well I ain't got long
I leave 'fore day
And I never had a lot to say
Tell me like a brother

Do we throw it all away
Sittin' on the side line
Foolin' with a fine mind
Never need to know the desire
Go to the end
Play it right down to the wire

Go to the end
Play it right down to the wire

Can't you see? I can't explain
I'm a little like a link of chain
Just a ring around another
Runnin' in and out again
Runnin' in and out again
Runnin' in and out again
Comments (71)add comment
BIIIGGGG 8
Posted 2 weeks ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
Chris is an AMAZING guitarist! I swear he has 8 fingers on his left hand. See him live if you can.
Posted 7 months ago by tompoll    [ Reply ]
Makes me want to hear Cracker's wicked "Trials and Tribulations;" I love both songs for the same reason:  Gentleman's Blues!
Posted 1 year ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:
chain
Nice tune.


this is mesmerizing , and in time with the song! LOL
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Would love to have heard him play with J. J.
Posted 2 years ago by DW4554    [ Reply ]
I had never heard of him until I was invited to a show of his several years ago, by a co-worker.  The venue was a small room in a housing community in Durham, NC.  It felt very bizarre but it was a great show.  

Per Smither's, his royalties from a couple songs that he wrote that Bonnie Raitt has recorded are his biggest source of $$$s.  The songs are "Love You Like a Man" and "I Feel the Same" per his wiki.    
Posted 2 years ago by OhCanada67    [ Reply ]
 nuggler wrote:
newbaby wrote: J.J.Cale is awesome. This guy wishes he was J.J.Cale....



Since JJ has passed and Chris hasn't, I imagine he is quite happy being himself. Probably was anyway.
Posted 3 years ago by kazoo    [ Reply ]
Sloggydog wrote:
Love this song, the album it's from and this completely righteous dude. What a guy. Will be tryin to keep an eye out for anytime he is back touring my way.


 khardog145 wrote:


I downloaded the song immediately after hearing it on RP.  I'll check out the album.  Hope he will find his way to Chicago and the Old Town School of Folk Music when it opens back up.
 

Yinz will not be disappointed. I'm seen him, like, 3 times. He is great live.
Posted 3 years ago by eyke    [ Reply ]
 Sloggydog wrote:
Love this song, the album it's from and this completely righteous dude.  What a guy.  Will be tryin to keep an eye out for anytime he is back touring my way.
 

I downloaded the song immediately after hearing it on RP.  I'll check out the album.  Hope he will find his way to Chicago and the Old Town School of Folk Music when it opens back up.
Posted 4 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:
chain
Nice tune.
 
brilliant.
Posted 4 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
John Lee Hooker school. I like it!
Posted 6 years ago by yoksa    [ Reply ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOKBjpPhTCk
Posted 7 years ago by samuiwerner    [ Reply ]
 JIan wrote:

Kind of sounds like it, doesn't it.

 

 Misterfixit wrote:

He taught J.J.

  

? Really? Their biographies don't seem to jibe with that notion. 
Posted 8 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 JIan wrote:

Kind of sounds like it, doesn't it.

 
I thought so too
jj cale I really miss you 
Posted 8 years ago by fatcatjb    [ Reply ]
Love this song, the album it's from and this completely righteous dude.  What a guy.  Will be tryin to keep an eye out for anytime he is back touring my way.
Posted 9 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
Amazing recording quality for a record that came out in year 0.
Posted 9 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]
chain
Nice tune.
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
oh, and Mr. Smither will be playing at the New Orleans Jazz Fest in April 2014, check him out if you can!!!!!!
Posted 10 years ago by newbaby    [ Reply ]
Chris Smither is a GOD as far as i'm concerned, his music touches deep into my soul and being.  
Posted 10 years ago by newbaby    [ Reply ]
I really dig Chris Smither.
Posted 10 years ago by jamelch    [ Reply ]
 marmelock wrote:
JJ is that you?

 
Kind of sounds like it, doesn't it.
Posted 11 years ago by JIan    [ Reply ]
Love me some Chris Smither.  Very good live performer also.
{#Jump}
Posted 11 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
A real sense of forward movement on this song.   Great guitar track - nothing special but it just works
Posted 11 years ago by southcoastsounds    [ Reply ]
 Luna2 wrote:
This song is enjoyable enough for me to forget that woman tainted a great jimi hendrix song
 
still true 6 years later  (tainted is an understatement)

Posted 12 years ago by DD rabbi_phil    [ Reply ]
JJ is that you?
Posted 12 years ago by marmelock    [ Reply ]
 That_SOB wrote:
 My toe just got a mind of it's own... how do I shut it off ?
 

I don't know but if you find out, tell me.  My toe's doing the same thing.
Posted 12 years ago by Andy_B    [ Reply ]
Does that Ovation proud.
Posted 12 years ago by cmplus    [ Reply ]
 My toe just got a mind of it's own... how do I shut it off ?
Posted 14 years ago by That_SOB    [ Reply ]
I hadn't thought much of this guy until I saw him perform solo at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in 2002 and he totally blew me away. As I am a lover of bands and interplay between musicians, as well as the variety they suggest, it is very seldom that a solo performer holds my interest for more than a few songs. I'm also not a huge fan of the one-guy-with-guitar singing thing, as I've seen just too many of them and they're typically flat, boring and undynamic. But THIS guy took me on a journey with his playing and I was totally rapt for his whole set. 
Posted 14 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
 trekhead wrote:
"Smithers! Quit this confounded nincum-boobery and change your name BACK to Waylon...at once!!!"
 


Posted 14 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
Lord, I JUST watched a video of Chris singing this, as well as "Father's Day", on youtube less than 15 minutes ago! Incredible timing, Bill! {#Yes}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
 jsteer wrote:
First saw Chris Smither on a wintery night in '70-'71 at a high school coffee house in New Hampshire  .. Still have the vinyl of his first album.  RP can't play too much Chris Smither..  Don't miss him if get a chance
 
wow cool! i didn't catch him til 2004 - a mesmerizing live performer {#High-five}
Posted 15 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
Me likey. New to my ears. Great example of how a simple song, in the right "hands", can be great.
Posted 15 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
 flyboy wrote:


I thought this was J.J. Cale at first.  I think he would probably dig this song.
 
He taught J.J.


Posted 15 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
First saw Chris Smither on a wintery night in '70-'71 at a high school coffee house in New Hampshire  .. Still have the vinyl of his first album.  RP can't play too much Chris Smither..  Don't miss him if get a chance


Posted 15 years ago by jsteer    [ Reply ]
Tappin my toes...
Posted 16 years ago by Kittee    [ Reply ]
 nuggler wrote:


J.J.Cale is awesome. This guy wishes he was J.J.Cale....
 

I thought this was J.J. Cale at first.  I think he would probably dig this song.
Posted 16 years ago by flyboy    [ Reply ]
I prefer Bonnie Raitt's covers.
Posted 16 years ago by kaz    [ Reply ]
Much love for the Smither man. I think when J.B. Hutto died he somehow occupied Chris' body.
Posted 16 years ago by tompoll    [ Reply ]
I've seen this fellow in concert several times now; he never fails to impress. I *love* him. Big big love.
Posted 17 years ago by Pilgrim301    [ Reply ]
WOW - this is awesome fun!!! never even heard of this guy before. RP rocks
Posted 17 years ago by Alifreckles50    [ Reply ]
I really liked "Train Home", but his voice was so gravelly on his latest "Leave the Light On" that I could barely understand him.
Posted 17 years ago by MellowMonotheist    [ Reply ]
And I thought JJ Cale was cool! This guy totally rules!
Posted 17 years ago by healyf52    [ Reply ]
Good tune, but I like the version on "Live as I'll Ever Be" better. He's playing at Joe's Pub in NYC next month.
Posted 17 years ago by LazyBoy    [ Reply ]
audiolizard wrote:
I've seen him live. He's the real deal - an exceptional musician and good storyteller with the life experience to backup his lyrics.
Agree with that.
Posted 17 years ago by sailsup    [ Reply ]
I've seen him live. He's the real deal - an exceptional musician and good storyteller with the life experience to backup his lyrics.
Posted 17 years ago by audiolizard    [ Reply ]
SteveT wrote:
Most excellent! And if you every get a chance to see him live, do it. His shows are among the best small venue shows I've ever seen.
I was just gonna ask. He's coming to Chi.
Posted 17 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
I like this stuff. It's unfortunate that his name reminds me of the Smithers character on the Simpsons.
Posted 17 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
Most excellent! And if you every get a chance to see him live, do it. His shows are among the best small venue shows I've ever seen.
Posted 18 years ago by SteveT    [ Reply ]
excellent! btw, the songs this afternoon make me think it's raining somewhere. I'm high in the clear and oh so sunny southern rockie mountains and the picks this afternoon sounded incongruous... it even made me check your weather page. 466 inches of rain this year for you guys. wow. and here i am unpacking boxes from my move from the bay area....
Posted 18 years ago by Robolink    [ Reply ]
I have to agree..don't miss him live. PHENOMANAL. You WILL be amazed by those flying fingers on that guitar. Great performer and songs.
Posted 18 years ago by LaurieBlue    [ Reply ]
nuggler wrote:
J.J.Cale is awesome. This guy wishes he was J.J.Cale....
He's probably as old as JJ. Been playing since the 60's.
Posted 18 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
This song is enjoyable enough for me to forget that woman tainted a great jimi hendrix song
Posted 18 years ago by Luna2    [ Reply ]
Mari, are you a script that's been running for 15 hours?
Posted 18 years ago by tammaye    [ Reply ]
i cannot recommnend highly enough seeing this guy live - saw him at Wolftrap for my birthday (thanks Jeff and Margo!) and could not stop grinning while he was picking p.s. this song almost does him an injustice because there's backup musicians. you see him live, it's just him and his guitar and his feet...
Posted 18 years ago by tammaye    [ Reply ]
Annoying
Posted 19 years ago by swelements    [ Reply ]
nuggler wrote:
J.J.Cale is awesome. This guy wishes he was J.J.Cale....
No doubt, but you've got to admit that this guys' still doing one hell of a job.
Posted 19 years ago by Adam    [ Reply ]
wow, this is stellar!
Posted 19 years ago by MisterVErb    [ Reply ]
newbaby wrote:
this guy is awesome...........
J.J.Cale is awesome. This guy wishes he was J.J.Cale....
Posted 19 years ago by nuggler    [ Reply ]
I love Chris Smither, but haven't listened to him in years! I saw him a ton of times in the early 90s. Wow. I heard this tune and said holy crap, that sounds like Chris Smither. GO RADIO PARADISE! Thanks for reacquanting me with the whiskey-smooth voice of Chris Smither.
Posted 19 years ago by bostonbeerguy    [ Reply ]
Sweet. :sunny.gif:
Posted 19 years ago by Old_Pool_Skunk    [ Reply ]
He's been through here a few times, and I've missed him...darn. Will make a point to go see him in October when he comes back to my town. :nodhead:
Posted 19 years ago by DownHomeGirl    [ Reply ]
"I am a man , of constant sorrow..."
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
I thought, "Gee, this sounds like Chris Smither!" and it was. Happy day!
Posted 19 years ago by Pilgrim301    [ Reply ]
mmmm.....rolling thunder bass.....
Posted 19 years ago by beelzebubba    [ Reply ]
Hmm, yeah ok I like it, I think, yeah I do, I think?
Posted 19 years ago by g1lgam3sh    [ Reply ]
You're welcome! I first heard this song on NPR about ten years ago and immediately went out and got the album which I recommend. I'm sure glad it made it on the list too :-)
Posted 19 years ago by RockinBlueVoodoo    [ Reply ]
jbtidwell wrote:
Fantastic reinterpretations of the classic blues! - Thanks to whoever submitted this.
i wish it was me who submitted it........i've been listening to him for a while now and his music "moves" me
Posted 19 years ago by newbaby    [ Reply ]
"Smithers! Quit this confounded nincum-boobery and change your name BACK to Waylon...at once!!!"
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Fantastic reinterpretations of the classic blues! - Thanks to whoever submitted this.
Posted 19 years ago by jbtidwell    [ Reply ]
this guy is awesome...........
Posted 19 years ago by newbaby    [ Reply ]