Gillian Welch — The Way It Goes
Album: The Harrow & The HarvestAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1320
Length: 3:53
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Becky Johnson bought the farm
Put a needle in her arm
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
And her brother laid her down
In the cold Kentucky ground
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
That's the way that it goes
Everybody's buying little baby clothes
That's the way that it ends
Though there was a time when she and I were friends
Well, Miranda ran away
Took her cat and left LA
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
She was busted, broke and flat
Had to sell that pussy cat
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
That's the way that it goes
Everybody's buying little baby clothes
That's the way that it ends
Though there was a time when he and I were friends
See the brightest ones of all
Early in October fall
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
While the dark ones go to bed
With good whiskey in their head
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
Now Billy Joe's back in the tank
You tell Russo, I'll tell Frank
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
Did he throw her down a well?
Did she leave him for that swell?
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
That's the way that it goes
Everybody's buying little baby clothes
That's the way that it ends
Though there was a time when all of us were friends
When you lay me down to rest
Leave a pistol in my vest
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
Do you miss my gentle touch?
Did I hurt you very much?
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
That's the way that it goes
Everybody's buying little baby clothes
That's the way that it ends
Though there was a time when you and I were friends
Put a needle in her arm
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
And her brother laid her down
In the cold Kentucky ground
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
That's the way that it goes
Everybody's buying little baby clothes
That's the way that it ends
Though there was a time when she and I were friends
Well, Miranda ran away
Took her cat and left LA
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
She was busted, broke and flat
Had to sell that pussy cat
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
That's the way that it goes
Everybody's buying little baby clothes
That's the way that it ends
Though there was a time when he and I were friends
See the brightest ones of all
Early in October fall
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
While the dark ones go to bed
With good whiskey in their head
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
Now Billy Joe's back in the tank
You tell Russo, I'll tell Frank
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
Did he throw her down a well?
Did she leave him for that swell?
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
That's the way that it goes
Everybody's buying little baby clothes
That's the way that it ends
Though there was a time when all of us were friends
When you lay me down to rest
Leave a pistol in my vest
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
Do you miss my gentle touch?
Did I hurt you very much?
That's the way that it goes
That's the way
That's the way that it goes
Everybody's buying little baby clothes
That's the way that it ends
Though there was a time when you and I were friends
Comments (83)add comment
Is there a typo in the lyrics? "You tell Russo, I'll tell Frank."
Musso & Frank Grill is a restaurant located at 6667-9 Hollywood Boulevard in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles. The restaurant opened in 1919 and is named for original owners Joseph Musso and Frank Toulet. It is the oldest restaurant in Hollywood and has been called "the genesis of Hollywood."Wikipedia
Musso & Frank Grill is a restaurant located at 6667-9 Hollywood Boulevard in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles. The restaurant opened in 1919 and is named for original owners Joseph Musso and Frank Toulet. It is the oldest restaurant in Hollywood and has been called "the genesis of Hollywood."Wikipedia
Just....delightful!
bam23 wrote:
Gillian is a very talented singer, who if were not for this station, i never would have heard, one of the many reasons why I have given up on commercial music radio
I have trouble understanding why so many "listeners" dislike both this song and Gillian Welch. I find her brilliant, having seem her perform with Dave Rawlins several times. In San Francisco, after they had finished their set at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, they ended up jamming with Robin Hitchcock and several others, in an inspired ad hoc set. Obviously personal taste is paramount, but too many commenters are attuned to a dissonant drummer, or maybe that's her fans. Who can tell? I like this.
Gillian is a very talented singer, who if were not for this station, i never would have heard, one of the many reasons why I have given up on commercial music radio
bam23 wrote:
me too a terrific artist song writer and producer really well respected amongst her peers
I have trouble understanding why so many "listeners" dislike both this song and Gillian Welch. I find her brilliant, having seem her perform with Dave Rawlins several times. In San Francisco, after they had finished their set at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, they ended up jamming with Robin Hitchcock and several others, in an inspired ad hoc set. Obviously personal taste is paramount, but too many commenters are attuned to a dissonant drummer, or maybe that's her fans. Who can tell? I like this.
me too a terrific artist song writer and producer really well respected amongst her peers
wolverine wrote:
David Rawlings is a great player.
There's some tasty finger pickn happening in this.
David Rawlings is a great player.
That cover is BAD ASS. As is this song. Though depressing as shit.
Saw her live in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Not sure I was buyin her "kinfolk" shtick. Best thing in the performance was her cover of White Rabbit
AlonzoTheArmless wrote:
The CD came with a white cover insert, and Gillian made an instructional video on how to get that nice aged look by dying it with coffee.
What beautiful album cover art! Perfect for this lovely song.
The CD came with a white cover insert, and Gillian made an instructional video on how to get that nice aged look by dying it with coffee.
I have trouble understanding why so many "listeners" dislike both this song and Gillian Welch. I find her brilliant, having seem her perform with Dave Rawlins several times. In San Francisco, after they had finished their set at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, they ended up jamming with Robin Hitchcock and several others, in an inspired ad hoc set. Obviously personal taste is paramount, but too many commenters are attuned to a dissonant drummer, or maybe that's her fans. Who can tell? I like this.
There's some tasty finger pickn happening in this.
Typesbad wrote:
As if! I think her voice is one of the selling points.
I can only assume that those criticizing this song are only listening to her voice, which admittedly is a little over repetitive, and not listening to to the guitar work, which is brilliant throughout.
As if! I think her voice is one of the selling points.
CamLwalk wrote:
lol...i was just thinking that. She have any happy songs?
That's some dark s**t.
lol...i was just thinking that. She have any happy songs?
That's some dark s**t.
Typesbad wrote:
I agree - the guitar work for me makes this a '7' ( = I want to listen to this again), rather than a '6' ( = I quite like, but don't want in my RP "favourites" mix)
I can only assume that those criticizing this song are only listening to her voice, which admittedly is a little over repetitive, and not listening to to the guitar work, which is brilliant throughout.
I agree - the guitar work for me makes this a '7' ( = I want to listen to this again), rather than a '6' ( = I quite like, but don't want in my RP "favourites" mix)
Shotoverplain wrote:
But enough about your sex life.
Boring / dreary / going knowhere dribble
But enough about your sex life.
I can only assume that those criticizing this song are only listening to her voice, which admittedly is a little over repetitive, and not listening to to the guitar work, which is brilliant throughout.
Had me dancing in my office chair
Seeing all the criticism makes me want to raise my rating. There, done. Thanks.
Can't bear this song.
I'm starting to wonder if I've heard this song more than Gerry Rafferty's Baker Street. 
Boring / dreary / going knowhere dribble
These two are up there (with Ryan Adams, Neil Young, CSTN&Y et al) for being utterly compelling storytellers. Yet somehow as a couple they are even greater than the sum of their parts. Truly a majestic, unmistakable duo.
Dave Rawlings is great
ezzyme wrote:
Uh, there's a lyrics link. You are way off on how it actually goes.
Wow, didn't know so many hillbillies listen to RP. "oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes,.."
Wait, how does it go?
"oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,"
Sure D'yer Mak'er is repetitive, but, although immensely enjoyable for it's sonic stimulus, it's one of LZ's lesser songs.
Now the Doves, that's music worth listening to.
Wait, how does it go?
"oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,"
Sure D'yer Mak'er is repetitive, but, although immensely enjoyable for it's sonic stimulus, it's one of LZ's lesser songs.
Now the Doves, that's music worth listening to.
Uh, there's a lyrics link. You are way off on how it actually goes.
wow
ezzyme wrote:
Try to keep them shorter, please. Like this:
D'yer Mak'er is crap.
Thank you.
Wow, didn't know so many hillbillies listen to RP. "oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes,.."
Wait, how does it go?
"oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,"
Sure D'yer Mak'er is repetitive, but, although immensely enjoyable for it's sonic stimulus, it's one of LZ's lesser songs.
Now the Doves, that's music worth listening to.
Wait, how does it go?
"oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,"
Sure D'yer Mak'er is repetitive, but, although immensely enjoyable for it's sonic stimulus, it's one of LZ's lesser songs.
Now the Doves, that's music worth listening to.
Try to keep them shorter, please. Like this:
D'yer Mak'er is crap.
Thank you.
Wow, didn't know so many hillbillies listen to RP. "oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes,.."
Wait, how does it go?
"oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,"
Sure D'yer Mak'er is repetitive, but, although immensely enjoyable for it's sonic stimulus, it's one of LZ's lesser songs.
Now the Doves, that's music worth listening to.
Wait, how does it go?
"oh, that's the way that it goes, oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,oh, that's the way that it goes,"
Sure D'yer Mak'er is repetitive, but, although immensely enjoyable for it's sonic stimulus, it's one of LZ's lesser songs.
Now the Doves, that's music worth listening to.
WonderLizard wrote:
Well, she's not the first to have an ol' timey epiphany; e.g., Bobby Zimmerman, Clapton, Creedence, and so on. I enjoy that she's embraced the genre with equal measures of heart and soul.
Yes indeed. It's all a matter of emotional expression via the genre. Of being able to feel it, put yourself in the shoes of the "theme, " and then communicate it emotively to anyone listening. The "theme," the genre, doesn't always require having lived it (though sometimes it helps); but it does need one to be able to empathize with it.
If living it was a requirement then not only would you have fewer musicians in all the genres, you'd also have fewer empathetic listeners, too. And it probably wouldn't be music....which would make the world a god-awful place to be from my point of view....
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Well, she's not the first to have an ol' timey epiphany; e.g., Bobby Zimmerman, Clapton, Creedence, and so on. I enjoy that she's embraced the genre with equal measures of heart and soul.
Yes indeed. It's all a matter of emotional expression via the genre. Of being able to feel it, put yourself in the shoes of the "theme, " and then communicate it emotively to anyone listening. The "theme," the genre, doesn't always require having lived it (though sometimes it helps); but it does need one to be able to empathize with it.
If living it was a requirement then not only would you have fewer musicians in all the genres, you'd also have fewer empathetic listeners, too. And it probably wouldn't be music....which would make the world a god-awful place to be from my point of view....
Highlow
American Net'Zen
I can't listen to Gillian Welch and David Rawlings without thinking the interplay of their guitar and voice is the closest musical experience to making love.
Businessgypsy wrote:
Well, she's not the first to have an ol' timey epiphany; e.g., Bobby Zimmerman, Clapton, Creedence, and so on. I enjoy that she's embraced the genre with equal measures of heart and soul.
joelbb wrote:
for a SoCal child of television studio writers/musicians who graduated from Santa Cruz and played in goth and surf bands, that would be a tall order. Not throwing rocks, I love her delivery and writing. David Rawlings gets stuff out of that f-hole guitar that makes my spine wiggle in deliciously uncomfortable ways. She has certainly studied and immersed in Americana with a passion and love that defies birthright. The Coen Brothers sure thought so. Guess your statement could be seen as the ultimate compliment. Her work feels so authentic it has to have a backstory. I started this comment as a tedious know-it-all diatribe, but I'm ending it charmed by your impression. She is hard core, brother. Remarkably so.
... this woman is just remarkably hard-core and has both seen and lived the country version of the hard, street life...
for a SoCal child of television studio writers/musicians who graduated from Santa Cruz and played in goth and surf bands, that would be a tall order. Not throwing rocks, I love her delivery and writing. David Rawlings gets stuff out of that f-hole guitar that makes my spine wiggle in deliciously uncomfortable ways. She has certainly studied and immersed in Americana with a passion and love that defies birthright. The Coen Brothers sure thought so. Guess your statement could be seen as the ultimate compliment. Her work feels so authentic it has to have a backstory. I started this comment as a tedious know-it-all diatribe, but I'm ending it charmed by your impression. She is hard core, brother. Remarkably so.
Well, she's not the first to have an ol' timey epiphany; e.g., Bobby Zimmerman, Clapton, Creedence, and so on. I enjoy that she's embraced the genre with equal measures of heart and soul.
With a hard G.
beautiful clear gimmick-free singing. what a concept.
Very nice!
joelbb wrote:
... this woman is just remarkably hard-core and has both seen and lived the country version of the hard, street life...
for a SoCal child of television studio writers/musicians who graduated from Santa Cruz and played in goth and surf bands, that would be a tall order. Not throwing rocks, I love her delivery and writing. David Rawlings gets stuff out of that f-hole guitar that makes my spine wiggle in deliciously uncomfortable ways. She has certainly studied and immersed in Americana with a passion and love that defies birthright. The Coen Brothers sure thought so. Guess your statement could be seen as the ultimate compliment. Her work feels so authentic it has to have a backstory. I started this comment as a tedious know-it-all diatribe, but I'm ending it charmed by your impression. She is hard core, brother. Remarkably so. hippiechick wrote:
Sure, but what a soul soothing downer she is.
I love Gillian, but boy she is a downer.
Sure, but what a soul soothing downer she is.
hippiechick wrote:
lol...i was just thinking that. She have any happy songs?
I love Gillian, but boy she is a downer.
lol...i was just thinking that. She have any happy songs?
coding_to_music wrote:
That's not THAT hard to figure out...
lyric:
had to sell that pussy cat
??
"took her cat and left L.A." ....."she was busted, broke and flat - had to sell that pussy cat" had to sell that pussy cat
??
That's not THAT hard to figure out...
I love Gillian, but boy she is a downer.
Nice!
You guys are talking back and forth about instruments and failing to notice that this woman is just remarkably hard-core and has both seen and lived the country version of the hard, street life . Pay attention to what she's singing.
ick wrote:
Git-fiddle? That is unfortunate - named for the git who invented it??
That is some nice git-fiddle pickin' there!
Git-fiddle? That is unfortunate - named for the git who invented it??
I don't know..Whats her other songs like?
Sounded like someone pressed the " - P L A N E GENERICK Sound Again - " Button
Sounded like someone pressed the " - P L A N E GENERICK Sound Again - " Button
That is some nice git-fiddle pickin' there!
Jackson_Feelgood wrote:
It's NOT Country you Morons. Ever heard of Folk ?
Gillian is keeping it " Real "
Yeah, this is not country. I saw her once, quite a good show. It was put on by the "Rogue Folk Club", not the "Grand Ole Opry"
It's NOT Country you Morons. Ever heard of Folk ?
Gillian is keeping it " Real "
Yeah, this is not country. I saw her once, quite a good show. It was put on by the "Rogue Folk Club", not the "Grand Ole Opry"
Jackson_Feelgood wrote:
It's NOT Country you Morons. Ever heard of Folk ?
Gillian is keeping it " Real "
As not a very big fan of folk and country, i like Gilian and David very much! Good music and very good guitar work!!
It's NOT Country you Morons. Ever heard of Folk ?
Gillian is keeping it " Real "
As not a very big fan of folk and country, i like Gilian and David very much! Good music and very good guitar work!!
Hr-Rosendahl wrote:
It's NOT Country you Morons. Ever heard of Folk ?
Gillian is keeping it " Real "
Enough country music today! Oy vey.
It's NOT Country you Morons. Ever heard of Folk ?
Gillian is keeping it " Real "
Love this cover art (in addition to the music)! Just picked up this CD a few days ago and was very pleased that the artwork is embossed on cotton paper stock, suitable for framing, which is exactly what I'm going to do with it.
lyric:
had to sell that pussy cat
??
had to sell that pussy cat
??
How can you say that!!
Takes us Brits to appreciate true genius,,, saw her and David Rawlins before Xmas and was blown away by the artistry - he is such a good guitarist and she's not so bad either! Just the two of them had the hall transfixed... just like all good music should.
And followed by Thea Gilmore... also saw her recently in the wonderfully named St. Bonaventura's Social Club in Bristol.... about 150 or so in the audience..also great!
What's up next?
Takes us Brits to appreciate true genius,,, saw her and David Rawlins before Xmas and was blown away by the artistry - he is such a good guitarist and she's not so bad either! Just the two of them had the hall transfixed... just like all good music should.
And followed by Thea Gilmore... also saw her recently in the wonderfully named St. Bonaventura's Social Club in Bristol.... about 150 or so in the audience..also great!
What's up next?
Yes plz stop the contry-trip for today!:
Enough country music today! Oy vey.
Enough country music today! Oy vey.
While I think this is a good song, RP plays it much too frequently. Isn't there another good song off this album that could be played, instead?
Antigone wrote:
Got the cd before the holidays. Really good stuff. I need to see them live sometime.
Yes, you do. Simply incredible! Gillian and David really were made for each other on the stage.
Got the cd before the holidays. Really good stuff. I need to see them live sometime.
Yes, you do. Simply incredible! Gillian and David really were made for each other on the stage.
mike_chouinard wrote:
Agreed! The blend works very well.
Nice back to back to back from Patty Griffin, Kathleen Edwards and Gillian Welch.
Agreed! The blend works very well.
Antigone wrote:
Got the cd before the holidays. Really good stuff. I need to see them live sometime.
I really love this. Going to have to get this cd.
Great lyrics, singing and picking!
Great lyrics, singing and picking!
Got the cd before the holidays. Really good stuff. I need to see them live sometime.
I saw these folks at HSB 11 (thank you Warren and Godspeed!) and at The Fillmore. Unbelievable live act.
Nice back to back to back from Patty Griffin, Kathleen Edwards and Gillian Welch.
gypsyman wrote:
Everyone in romeotuna's hotel room loves this song.
for some reason this tune has been stuck in my head these last few weeks, although I've only heard it a few times on this station - Im taking that as a sign that this is a pretty good song with some resonance in there somewhere......it's not profound or earth-shattering or anything, but has a very grounded feeling that i like
Everyone in romeotuna's hotel room loves this song.
I really can't deal with the repetition of the "oh" sounds in this song. I just keep hearing OH.. OH.. OH.. OH over and over. I turn it down until the song passes.
fredriley wrote:
Isn't that the cruellest cut? Just put a knot in it, man :o)
Hey Fred ! this is so cool how I just had a bowl of cereal and everything.....soy of course
Isn't that the cruellest cut? Just put a knot in it, man :o)Hey Fred ! this is so cool how I just had a bowl of cereal and everything.....soy of course
Sasha2001 wrote:
Isn't that the cruellest cut? Just put a knot in it, man :o)
This song makes me want to get that vasectomy I've been putting off.
Isn't that the cruellest cut? Just put a knot in it, man :o)I really love this. Going to have to get this cd.
Great lyrics, singing and picking!
Great lyrics, singing and picking!
Really growing on me. Found it to be grating at first — now I don't know what I was thinking. Idiot former me.
Saw Gillian and David at a medium size venue a few weeks ago. The audience was absolutely silent.....appreciating every note and nuance. Fabulous show. More, please..........
Sasha2001 wrote:
Go for it man!
This song makes me want to get that vasectomy I've been putting off.
Go for it man!
This song makes me want to get that vasectomy I've been putting off.
Saw them for second time at Newport Folk Festival this yr - incredible show/set had the entire place spellbound. These two take music and song writing to a whole new level.
What beautiful album cover art! Perfect for this lovely song.
2cats wrote:
Me 2. That's the way that it goes, that's the way 8.
Well, I like it.
Me 2. That's the way that it goes, that's the way 8.
I've missed them—too long between new releases.
Only 42 year old kidless dude amongst all my breederific friends...I relate to this one. 9 for relevance.
7 billion and counting...
7 billion and counting...
Nice addition to the rotation...thanks RP!
Comin' soon to SB county! Yippee
Instant classic.
Encore for sure ! This CD is wonderful. Years ago I saw Gillian and David play in a very small venue in Dayton,OH (Canal Street). I remember it as one of the few times I've ever witnessed a sold out house in a bar become absolutely spellbound. The talents of these two fit so well together that it became like magic. They've obviously still "got it"
MORE PLEASE (-;
MORE PLEASE (-;
Encore! Encore!!!
Thats right, like says artist N. Jones i "Don't Know Why", but this is a fantastic song. Pure, simple and organic, like a love at first sight. The simplicity and naturalness of the artist G. Welch, his detachment for any type of decorations and ornaments that are unrelated to music, is charming and disconcerting, as I have not seen for a long time in the arts, where almost everyone wants to be the "star". Nice work too D. Rawlings on guitar. 9.
All songs written and composed by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. According to Welch, "The songs are mostly first and second takes, and Dave composed some of the music spontaneously in the studio. It was very freeing. We learned to accept mistakes and rough edges, because those didn't impede what the heart of the matter was"
Highlighted on NPR Weekend Edition. One fantastic guitar picker
Well, I like it.
But enough about your sex life.
Ha!