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Iron & Wine — Naked As We Came
Album: Our Endless Numbered Days
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2224









Released: 2004
Length: 2:28
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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She says, "Wake up, it's no use pretending"
I'll keep stealing, breathing her
Birds are leaving over autumn's ending
One of us will die inside these arms

Eyes wide open
Naked as we came
One will spread our
Ashes 'round the yard

She says, "If I leave before you, darling
Don't you waste me in the ground"
I lay smiling like our sleeping children
One of us will die inside these arms

Eyes wide open
Naked as we came
One will spread our
Ashes 'round the yard
Comments (151)add comment
 chasech5 wrote:

Reminds me of "Kathy's Song," a bit. 

 




I was thinking it may be a John Denver tune until the singing started.  Oh, oh Bill, I thought.  Imagine the comments?
Posted 3 years ago by nomnol    [ Reply ]
very haunting and beautiful
Posted 3 years ago by lindaurq    [ Reply ]
I thought he was going to launch into a very tame version of Rocky Mountain High.     
I like this. Very soothing.
Posted 3 years ago by nomnol    [ Reply ]
On first listen I thought this was Elliott Smith.
Posted 3 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
 murdog wrote:
Amazing to hear such vitriol over a simple, peaceful song. Ok, don't like it. Doesn't mean it's 'bad'. My prescription: put on the album on a slow morning, make yourself a good coffee, look out the window for a bit, hug something warm, and snuggle under a blanket with an easy read.
Sometimes a good album is not in your face, but simply atmosphere. Ask Satie. If you're angry about this song, maybe my prescription is exactly what you need!
 
Great suggestion, murdog!  And I'm surprised I haven't posted a comment on this one yet....it's one of my favorites, and I think I first heard it here....


Owing to the sentimental nature of the lyrics and the future looking aspect of a lost spouse (yikes...that sounds unintentionally coldhearted!), this one is a 10 for me.  I'm also a fan of a cover of this by Sachal Vasandani, who my wife and I watched at Seattle's Jazz Alley on one of our earlier wedding anniversaries (11/11!) and while he didn't perform this he was a great singer and rather enjoyable.  Long Live RP!!

https://youtu.be/RLTLDaKJDro
Posted 6 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
Amazing to hear such vitriol over a simple, peaceful song. Ok, don't like it. Doesn't mean it's 'bad'. My prescription: put on the album on a slow morning, make yourself a good coffee, look out the window for a bit, hug something warm, and snuggle under a blanket with an easy read.
Sometimes a good album is not in your face, but simply atmosphere. Ask Satie. If you're angry about this song, maybe my prescription is exactly what you need!
Posted 6 years ago by murdog    [ Reply ]
 Webfoot wrote:
I've heard that our bodies store a lot of toxins that are concentrated after cremation. Maybe just spread them around the ornamentals.


Man: Well, um, which would you recommend?

Undertaker: Well they're both nasty. If we burn her, she gets stuffed in the flames, crackle, crackle, crackle, which is a bit of a shock if she's not quite dead. But quick. And then we give you a handful of the ashes, which you can pretend were hers.

M: (timidly) Oh.

U: Or, if we bury her she gets eaten up lots of weevils and nasty maggots, which, as I said before, is a bit of a shock if she's not quite dead.


Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 Webfoot wrote:
I've heard that our bodies store a lot of toxins that are concentrated after cremation. Maybe just spread them around the ornamentals.

 
But then there's always this:

https://grist.org/living/mushroom-burial-suit-turns-dead-bodies-into-clean-compost/


Posted 8 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
I've heard that our bodies store a lot of toxins that are concentrated after cremation. Maybe just spread them around the ornamentals.
Posted 8 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
Thought the intro was Nick Drake. Fooled again.
Posted 8 years ago by dkgillett    [ Reply ]
 Skydog wrote:
Bill, you are going to make me like this yet

 
Relax, lay back and open your arms wide to the warm embrace of this ambient muse
Posted 8 years ago by Will62    [ Reply ]
Bill, you are going to make me like this yet
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Another R. P. find, thanks guys.
Posted 8 years ago by madaxeman    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

But who would win in a cage fight?

 
{#Lol}
Probably Raffi - he has more stage props.
Posted 8 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Rather than having my ashes spread about the yard, I'm hoping to be buried in the yard and have a nice peach tree planted on top of me.
Posted 9 years ago by Johnny-smooth    [ Reply ]
Is there some kinda SC connection with/to Iron & Wine? Curious. Only because I'm from SC. 
Posted 9 years ago by Grayson    [ Reply ]
 KKeith wrote:
I don't know of any other song that so beautifully expresses the love and commitment two people have for each other.

 
Yes, I agree. Soft, quiet, heartfelt voices really compliment the beautiful lyrics.
Posted 9 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
 Vaxhall wrote:
The melody carries something of a Simon & Garfunkel song

 
Kinda, yeah. Someone else mentioned "Kathy's Song" but I can't remember that one right now. The beginning of the song reminds me of the The Grateful Dead's "Friend of the Devil."
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:
I'd almost prefer Raffi to Dan Fogelberg.
 
But who would win in a cage fight?
Posted 9 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of "Kathy's Song," a bit. 

Vaxhall wrote:
The melody carries something of a Simon & Garfunkel song

 


Posted 9 years ago by chasech5    [ Reply ]
This song is pretty heart wrenching thinking about one of us dying and leaving the other.  I sure hope my wife goes first so she doesn't have to endure the heartache and the difficulties of facing the world alone.  I consider this most every day on the hour commute when the end seems only one stupid driver trick away.
Posted 9 years ago by flyboy    [ Reply ]
great  solid song,deserves the airplay
Posted 10 years ago by flatop    [ Reply ]
As one who struggles with cancer, this song is particularly poignant
Posted 11 years ago by Johnny-smooth    [ Reply ]
The melody carries something of a Simon & Garfunkel song
Posted 11 years ago by Vaxhall    [ Reply ]
 KKeith wrote:
I don't know of any other song that so beautifully expresses the love and commitment two people have for each other.

 
Wow, just read the lyrics...wow, yeah.
Posted 11 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
I don't know of any other song that so beautifully expresses the love and commitment two people have for each other.
Posted 11 years ago by KKeith    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

You're a little old for that, aren't you?
 
LOL...:)
Posted 11 years ago by Highspirits    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:

Reminds me of grandma trying to sing me into sleep!

 
You're a little old for that, aren't you?
Posted 12 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Absolutely beautiful.  I cry every time.
Posted 12 years ago by Lewis_Moon    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

I'd almost prefer Raffi to Dan Fogelberg.  This tune's pretty good.
 

Pretty good??  Huh??

A solid 10.
Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 jnhashmi wrote:
This coming right after "For No One" by The Beatles makes me realize how exceptional this song is. A true classic. Just wonderful. A 9 that I might just change to a 10.
 
Correct.
Posted 12 years ago by madaxeman    [ Reply ]
 bachbeet wrote:
It's OK.  too much like Dan Fogelberg for my taste.  Though I prefer this to DF.
 
I'd almost prefer Raffi to Dan Fogelberg.  This tune's pretty good.


Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Nice
Posted 12 years ago by Xing    [ Reply ]

Lyrically beautiful.


Posted 13 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]

Reminds me of grandma trying to sing me into sleep!


Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 jnhashmi wrote:
This coming right after "For No One" by The Beatles makes me realize how exceptional this song is. A true classic. Just wonderful. A 9 that I might just change to a 10.
 
what a great segue...
Posted 13 years ago by dpvest    [ Reply ]
This coming right after "For No One" by The Beatles makes me realize how exceptional this song is. A true classic. Just wonderful. A 9 that I might just change to a 10.
Posted 13 years ago by jnhashmi    [ Reply ]
An auto-rate Ho-Hum, sadly. I'm sure many find the Iron & Wine sound elegaic, but for these ears it's the equivalent of a lullaby after a dose of Mogadon. Excellent when you want to go bye-byes, but not so good in the middle of a sunny Spring day. 3 from the soporific Nottingham jury {#Sleep}
Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Music inspired by Sufjan Stevens, CD cover inspired by Van Gogh
Posted 13 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
Such a beautiful song!
Posted 13 years ago by anifan    [ Reply ]
Sam Beam's new album includes a band.
Posted 13 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
I must not get it...this is awful.
Posted 13 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
Love me some Iron & Wine!
Posted 14 years ago by bshawkins    [ Reply ]
sigh...sooo...beautiful....
Posted 14 years ago by fevertree    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:
Hmmm...
I usually come naked.
 
I tend to hear that double entendre when this song starts playing also. I wonder if it's meant to be there?

Posted 15 years ago by linden    [ Reply ]
I'm generally not a big Iron & Wine fan but I really like this song...{#Music}
Posted 15 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
 ncollingridge wrote:
Personally I thought this was gorgeous - just shows that not everyone has the same taste. Indeed I have to say that I don't really understand the other complaints about this track. Incidentally I thought the guitar playing had very distinct echoes of Nick Drake about it.
 
I think it's lovely as well.  And I can't resist posting the simple but beautiful lyrics:

She says "wake up, it's no use pretending"
I'll keep stealing, breathing her.
Birds are leaving over autumn's ending
One of us will die inside these arms
Eyes wide open, naked as we came
One will spread our ashes 'round the yard

She says "If I leave before you, darling
Don't you waste me in the ground"
I lay smiling like our sleeping children
One of us will die inside these arms
Eyes wide open, naked as we came
One will spread our ashes round the yard


Posted 15 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
This song always makes me feel like crying.
Posted 16 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
definitely his best song.  the rest...meh.
Posted 16 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
keep this line....

Posted 16 years ago by spiritual76    [ Reply ]
Another fine group RP has gotten me interested in.
Posted 16 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
I like this.

Very pleasant.
Posted 16 years ago by onlylynne    [ Reply ]
It's OK.  too much like Dan Fogelberg for my taste.  Though I prefer this to DF.
Posted 16 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
 Limpopoking wrote:
My wife uses this track as her alarm clock on her mobile... doesn't endear me much to the song!
 
Alarm clock?  More like a lullaby!
Posted 16 years ago by RosieRedfield    [ Reply ]
Ahhh. I do love this album, and this song is one of my favorites from it. Simple, warm, and utterly entrancing. Four years on, it still gives me shivers. 

Posted 16 years ago by WonkoTheSane    [ Reply ]
{#Yawn}
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
Just a beautiful song.
Posted 16 years ago by dkeifer    [ Reply ]
On_The_Beach wrote:
Ahhhhhhh . . . very nice. "Each Coming Night" from the same CD is even better.
agree 100%
Posted 16 years ago by raga    [ Reply ]
Dave_Mack wrote:
I was lamenting this morning that while I like I&W, I would like him more if we didn't hear him twice a day every day. This is the third time today. Ugh.
Quoted for truth.
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
I was lamenting this morning that while I like I&W, I would like him more if we didn't hear him twice a day every day. This is the third time today. Ugh.
Posted 16 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
nigelr wrote:
Looks like Fidel on the cover, tee hee!
Indeed, Fidel in a field of tobacco just waiting to be harvested and turned into a fine cigar!
Posted 16 years ago by agbar713    [ Reply ]
ncollingridge wrote:
Personally I thought this was gorgeous - just shows that not everyone has the same taste. Indeed I have to say that I don't really understand the other complaints about this track. Incidentally I thought the guitar playing had very distinct echoes of Nick Drake about it.
HaHa. For about 2 seconds I thought this was Nick until I realized it was I&W! Good thoughts though!
Posted 16 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
If I could do this kind of stuff, I'd start a band and call it Copper & Bourbon.
Posted 16 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
My wife uses this track as her alarm clock on her mobile... doesn't endear me much to the song!
Posted 16 years ago by Limpopoking    [ Reply ]
Looks like Fidel on the cover, tee hee!
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Can't separate the song from thousands of colored bouncing balls in my local streets, which is where I first heard it. Unclear if I'd rate the tune as highly without the imagery.
Posted 17 years ago by lee_sf    [ Reply ]
How weird. The DCFC song Lightness played right before had this morning dove call in the background, and something in the background of this song is similar enough that my addled brain is translating it into the morning dove call! Aaaaacccck. Make it stop!
Posted 17 years ago by smdeeg    [ Reply ]
Hmmm... I usually come naked.
Posted 17 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Jobs this guy is ill-suited for: Fire Warden, Umpire, Circus MC (or any other MC for that matter) lead singer for a (rockin) rock band.
Posted 17 years ago by rocco1207    [ Reply ]
I have this CD. I love this sweetly sad song. It is the best one on the CD.
Posted 17 years ago by PurplePrincess    [ Reply ]
meydele wrote:
I love Sam Beam's whispery voice. . . sounds very intimate to me. And I like what he says.
I agree it makes me think of post-coital cuddling and ear murmuring or just woke up Sunday morning sighs and procrastination of getting out of bed
Posted 17 years ago by jenakle    [ Reply ]
Personally I thought this was gorgeous - just shows that not everyone has the same taste. Indeed I have to say that I don't really understand the other complaints about this track. Incidentally I thought the guitar playing had very distinct echoes of Nick Drake about it.
Posted 17 years ago by ncollingridge    [ Reply ]
Jack_Jefferson wrote:
I wonder if he talks like the low talker on that Seinfeld episode.
If his partner is wearing a ruffled shirt, it's a dead giveaway.
Posted 17 years ago by nate917    [ Reply ]
I love Sam Beam's whispery voice. . . sounds very intimate to me. And I like what he says. For those who like I&W's Southern Gothic lyrics, check out an amazing song called "The Trapeze Swinger", which I believe is only available on the "In Good Company" soundtrack.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
FilmSurgeon wrote:
These guys just rub me the wrong way, starting with an instinctive dislike of their name, and ending with the whispery, "this is important music, so be quiet & hear what we are saying" delivery. And this may be TMI, but rubbing me the wrong way is not easy to do.
Bill talks about dynamics alot but its true there's no dynamics here its full on mellow always. And please, quit whispering
Posted 17 years ago by rocco1207    [ Reply ]
Check out the video on YouTube...quite cool. Still an excellent tune in my book. Great, threadbare emotion there.
Posted 17 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
how much is iron and wine paying radio paradise to play their songs. they seem to be on every time i turn on this station.
Posted 17 years ago by ndad47    [ Reply ]
i dig the postal service remakes
Posted 17 years ago by bdblinux    [ Reply ]
These guys just rub me the wrong way, starting with an instinctive dislike of their name, and ending with the whispery, "this is important music, so be quiet & hear what we are saying" delivery. And this may be TMI, but rubbing me the wrong way is not easy to do.
Posted 17 years ago by FilmSurgeon    [ Reply ]
thewaxtadpole wrote:
I'd rate this higher if I enjoyed the singing. I dislike the raspy whispery vocals.
I feel the same way. This guy's voice creeps me out. I don't think it's raspy, though. It could use more texture, in my opinion. I like the music--just not the singing.
Posted 17 years ago by QueenLucia    [ Reply ]
Beautiful sounds.
Posted 17 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Not in the mood on this gorgeous spring day. Off with the headphones.
Posted 17 years ago by pannaramma    [ Reply ]
Jack_Jefferson wrote:
I wonder if he talks like the low talker on that Seinfeld episode.
yeah he's definitely not a "high talker..." maybe he's got "man hands?"
Posted 17 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
celadonstone wrote:
Interesting song. The album cover recalls river of dreams by billy joel.
Except I'm pretty sure Christie didn't paint this one. Still an excellent tune in my book.
Posted 17 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
I play Iron and Wine frequently while my 6th grade class is working on projects...always a hit (hopefully, they like it too)
Posted 17 years ago by fatcatjb    [ Reply ]
chuck_flacks wrote:
Radio Paradise turned my family on to this duo and we all love them!! This song always gives me chills...a good death is important!
Final thought.
Posted 17 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
Radio Paradise turned my family on to this duo and we all love them!! This song always gives me chills...a good death is important!
Posted 17 years ago by chuck_flacks    [ Reply ]
Interesting song. The album cover recalls river of dreams by billy joel.
Posted 17 years ago by celadonstone    [ Reply ]
thewaxtadpole wrote:
I'd rate this higher if I enjoyed the singing. I dislike the raspy whispery vocals.
I wonder if he talks like the low talker on that Seinfeld episode.
Posted 17 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
does this song sound like Nick Drake?
Posted 17 years ago by grimmel    [ Reply ]
Every time I hear the opening bars of this song, I think: Oh, nice - some Sufjan Stevens... oops...
Posted 18 years ago by rtkmusic    [ Reply ]
Ahhhhhhh . . . very nice. "Each Coming Night" from the same CD is even better.
Posted 18 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I'd rate this higher if I enjoyed the singing. I dislike the raspy whispery vocals.
Posted 18 years ago by thewaxtadpole    [ Reply ]
On first hearing I only gave it a 4. After hearing it a few more times, I decided that it really deserves a solid 2.
Posted 18 years ago by Old_Pat    [ Reply ]
Just beautiful.
Posted 18 years ago by kevin36    [ Reply ]
I've been meaning to leave the house for the last hour but can't seem to turn of the damn computer! Great Saturday afternoon set.
Posted 18 years ago by robadr    [ Reply ]
Very nice, like someone else said - its bare.
Posted 18 years ago by sainzfan    [ Reply ]
This band is very good. me likey
Posted 18 years ago by woods    [ Reply ]
Surprised that in the past 2 years of playing I hadn't commented. Truly one of the most bare tunes played on RP today. Always love hearing it, and the obvious feelings laid within hearing of every listener. Most excellent.
Posted 18 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
I think this is such a touching love song. It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.
I was just thinking the same thing, it makes me tear up too...
Posted 18 years ago by Bizzarefall    [ Reply ]
NOW I know who Sufjan is copying all the time!
Posted 18 years ago by penguinja    [ Reply ]
brokemusician wrote:
Who was first, this or Kings of Convenience?
KoC
Posted 18 years ago by d-mac    [ Reply ]
Who was first, this or Kings of Convenience?
Posted 18 years ago by brokemusician    [ Reply ]
d-mac wrote:
Too bad there's no replay button. This is the sort of song that I want to listen to 12 times in a row and let it really sink in. :)
Use realplayer- you can rewind.
Posted 18 years ago by twcarlin    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by monkeywonders    [ Reply ]
Too bad there's no replay button. This is the sort of song that I want to listen to 12 times in a row and let it really sink in. :)
Posted 18 years ago by d-mac    [ Reply ]
This song really gets better when you listen to it properly (i.e., with headphones). Upped from 5 to 7.
Posted 18 years ago by xouba    [ Reply ]
This is one of my favorite songs. One of my best friends "gave" it to me about a year ago, and I can't get enough of it.
Posted 18 years ago by jleigh    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
I think this is such a touching love song. It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.
Right you are hippechick, I couldn't agree more .
Posted 18 years ago by porkchopper    [ Reply ]
I think this is such a touching love song. It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Not the most uplifting song I've ever heard but real pretty all the same
Posted 18 years ago by RobGraham    [ Reply ]
That's it. I've heard enough Iron & Wine on RP and no sir, I don't like it.
Posted 18 years ago by timc    [ Reply ]
"One will spread our ashes round the yard"
Posted 18 years ago by Jujufruit    [ Reply ]
WordMariner wrote:
FREE FOR THE DOWNLOADING: A live concert of Iron and Wine with Calexico......at NPR.....awesome stuff from the most current tour...I saw them in Denver and they were OUTSTANDING! https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5029368 ENJOY!
Thanks for the heads up. You can also find live Calexico at https://www.archive.org/audio/etreelisting-browse.php?collection=etree&cat=Calexico Sound qualities are generally excellent as they are picky about what is released. They are kind enough to release live material for free. Very cool in my book.
Posted 18 years ago by Dylan76    [ Reply ]
NiceGuy2005 wrote:
Naked as we came? Isn't that the way it's usually done?
aharamanx wrote:
Obviously, you're not thinking outside the box.
hahahahahahaha thinking outside the box... get it?
Posted 18 years ago by Bizzarefall    [ Reply ]
Simon and Garfunkel?
Posted 18 years ago by serendipity_blue    [ Reply ]
WordMariner wrote:
FREE FOR THE DOWNLOADING: A live concert of Iron and Wine with Calexico......at NPR.....awesome stuff from the most current tour...I saw them in Denver and they were OUTSTANDING! https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5029368 ENJOY!
Oh my god, I am listening to this show now, and I&W&Calexico together on All Tomorrow's Parties is sublime. Check it out! (Starts about 10:45 into the show) I want to get that song on RP!
Posted 18 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]
FREE FOR THE DOWNLOADING: A live concert of Iron and Wine with Calexico......at NPR.....awesome stuff from the most current tour...I saw them in Denver and they were OUTSTANDING! https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5029368 ENJOY!
Posted 18 years ago by WordMariner    [ Reply ]
Since I can't afford to buy new CDs on a grad student salary, this is the first I've heard of this (although I've heard a lot of I&W). Nice one.
Posted 19 years ago by Ender43    [ Reply ]
Nice tune... good poetry
Posted 19 years ago by mach-hog    [ Reply ]