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Joan Osborne — St. Teresa
Album: Relish
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3236









Released: 1995
Length: 5:13
Plays (last 30 days): 2
Sit down on the corner, just a little climb
When I make my money, got to get my dime
Sit down with her baby, wind is full of trash
She bold as the street light, dark and sweet as hash

Way down in the hollow, leavin' so soon
Oh, St. Teresa, higher than the moon

Reach down for the sweet stuff, when she looks at me
I know any man sees you like I see
Follow down the side street movin' single file
She say...
"That's where I'll hold you, sleepin' like a child"

Way down in the hollow, leavin' so soon
Oh, St. Teresa, higher than the moon

Just what I've been needin', feel it rise in me
She say...
"Every stone a story, like a rosary"
Corner St. Teresa, just a little crime
When I make my money, got to get my dime

Way down in the hollow, leavin' so soon
Oh, St. Teresa, higher than the moon

You called up in the sky
You called up in the clouds
Is there something you forgot to tell me...
Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me

Show me, my Teresa, feel it rise in me
Every stone a story, like a rosary
Comments (317)add comment
Great performance, poignant lyric
 slugore wrote:

I always think this is PJ Harvey and then look at the track info and realize that I am totally wrong.... again. Great track.


PJ Harvey?  She wishes.
Marvellous. And not the best song on the album, either.
Polyrhythm?
4/4 with 6/4?
I saw her at a folk fest a number of years ago.  Most of us had only ever heard that One of Us song.  She completely blew us away!  Fantastic live performer with an unbelievably powerful voice.  Also, I like this song too. 
Ahhh...the song that me a fan of Joan.

Back when I subscribed to a now defunct online radio called: "RadioIO".

It's demise led me to find RP.  Serendipity is a funny sounding word, but it makes sense sometimes.  
I mixed Joan and her band at Fez in NYC right when this album came out.  They are great musicians and an all-around class act. 
Joan's talent and voice, the lyrics, the mandolin, bass. . . Makes this in my top 50. I'll always stop and listen when it's on.
 lizardking wrote:

Song Facts has this tidbit listed, and a few other production things too: 

https://www.songfacts.com/fact...

This song is about a woman who is down on her luck and trying to support herself and her baby by making money as a prostitute. The song explores how a woman who is overlooked and discarded is still very human and complex.

Almost a 9 to me, though I'll stick with an 8 and say LLRP!!


i thought it was about a prostitute looking for drugs...
i just love her voice! this one i never get tired of. 
 idiot_wind wrote:

She toured with The Other Ones (the Phil Lesh/GD group) about 10 years ago and she was fantastic.

it was an outdoor venue in Wisconsin. And the women were twirling like dervishes in the summer moon light. Wow. 



Interesting, then shew has history with the boys.  She toured with The Dead in '03,  the 1st tour they did as a whole since Jerry passed.  I was blessed to see them at Two Rivers Canyon, outside of Austin, at Willie Nelsons 4th of July picnic. First I every heard of her and man... she rocked it! 
 slugore wrote:

I always think this is PJ Harvey and then look at the track info and realize that I am totally wrong.... again. Great track.



I was thinking how much she sounds like PJ on this track as well. Great vocals. 
 fgreene wrote:


I saw her with them at Bonnaroo, around 2003(?). Great show. She was a good match with the band.


Yes, Bonnaroo 2003. Definitely a good match with the Dead. I saw her a few years later at a songwriters festival in Florida in a restaurant converted as a fest venue. I think it was just her and a guitarist. Absolutely. Amazing.
I always think this is PJ Harvey and then look at the track info and realize that I am totally wrong.... again. Great track.
John Osborne?  
 idiot_wind wrote:

this is a good  album 

she put on a good snow touring with grateful dead 



I saw her with them at Bonnaroo, around 2003(?). Great show. She was a good match with the band.
When that bass guitar hits those high notes during the chorus all I can think of is someone's stomach is rumbling and they need a lunch break.
this is a good  album 

she put on a good snow touring with grateful dead 
 haresfur wrote:

This has aged well


I was thinking the same thing.
Great song, powerfully delivered.
I've got nothin' bad to say about Joan!
Exceptional bass played by Mark Egan who studied with Jaco Pastorius among others.  Perhaps Joan's best work.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

 idiot_wind wrote:

ahhhh.

the song that made me a fan of Joan.




I can understand that... New to me today. Nice!!!
I love to hear the singer breathing heavy on a song. She's pushing it.  Belting it out. Working it.  
ahhhh.

the song that made me a fan of Joan.
her best
Joan Osborne, as a generality, does it for me...
It's 2021.01.14 now, deep night in Siberia, -31 grad  C outside. But this night is very rich in colossal music from RP. God bless you, Bill and Rebecca! Hot'n'frozing'R'n'R-ng (and bluesin') salut! 
 itsme_bygolly wrote:
 dwhayslett wrote:

That's because most of us only knew "What if god was one of us?".  Come on.  Sing it with me.  "What if god was one of us?  Just a goofball on a bus?"

You remember why Joan didn't win now?  {#Laughing}
 
I'm confused. Do you object to this song on religious grounds as your comment suggests or on some aesthetic basis?


 


There is nothing I would object to on religious grounds, frankly.

The post to which I was replying lamented grammy awards being "stolen" from Joan.  I was simply pointing out that, at that point, she was known for the one particular song, which IIRC wasn't really held in very high regard, in spite of its popularity at the time.
I actually bought this album when it came out.   One of the few from the 90s that I own.  plain good unpretentious music, at a time when grunge and discordant alt-rock was running rampant.
St. Teresa... bah  what a farce. 
 dwhayslett wrote:

That's because most of us only knew "What if god was one of us?".  Come on.  Sing it with me.  "What if god was one of us?  Just a goofball on a bus?"

You remember why Joan didn't win now?  {#Laughing}
 
I'm confused. Do you object to this song on religious grounds as your comment suggests or on some aesthetic basis?


Stevie Nicks, anyone?
 dmcanany wrote:
I adore this song, but is it just me who things this album cover is the goofiest piece of rubbish out there? 
 
Collage  on album covers was huge then. I adore this cover. 
 idiot_wind wrote:
Ha!

One of the first songs I heard on streaming radio via my PC!  It was with RadioIO. Now defunct.
 
There's a flashback--RadioIO!  Which I also use to listen to .  Then found Radio Paradise...and well, rest is history.!
I adore this song, but is it just me who things this album cover is the goofiest piece of rubbish out there? 
Ha!

One of the first songs I heard on streaming radio via my PC!  It was with RadioIO. Now defunct.
You called up in the sky
You called up in the clouds
Is there something you forgot to tell me...
Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me
love it, love it, love it.  Love the voice, the song, the production.  The whole album is full of great stuff,,,IMHO.
 themusicroob wrote:
Someone tell me I'm not crazy, this song is about a heroin addicted mother right?
 
Song Facts has this tidbit listed, and a few other production things too: 

https://www.songfacts.com/fact...

This song is about a woman who is down on her luck and trying to support herself and her baby by making money as a prostitute. The song explores how a woman who is overlooked and discarded is still very human and complex.

Almost a 9 to me, though I'll stick with an 8 and say LLRP!!
Good something else besides one of us
 themusicroob wrote:
Someone tell me I'm not crazy, this song is about a heroin addicted mother right?

 
You're not crazy. I understand it that way, too.
Really love Joan's delivery with just that bit of gravelly throated intonation thrown in !
I've been listening to this song for a couple of decades- first on CD and now on MP3.  Still a great song!
it's lasted well...
I adore Joan Osborne
I like some of her stuff, particularly her more recent bluesy work, but I find this song increasingly annoying and grating the longer it goes on. 
 thewiseking wrote:
sorry, this is not good singing
 

 
Unless you also listen with your soul.
This was my introduction to Joan - IMHO, more complex & interesting than the "God" song.
Awesome mix from Calexico's Guero Canelo. We wore out this LP/cassette/CD with endless repeat play, in the day. Ahhhh, so good.
the Cult and then this? Thanks!
St. Joan  : )
This whole album was incredible......except "What if God was one of Us", which she did not like.  Her producer wrote it and they made her record it for the album as a single.  Only song on the album that sucks, and is the only song that she didn't have a hand in writing (other than the Bob Dylan cover).
sorry, this is not good singing
 
This has aged well
ooooooooooooaaaaaahhhhhh sintareeeesaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.......{#Frustrated}
 sfyi2001 wrote:
Dear GAWD - WHHHHYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

 
Because it's a great song from a fantastic album. That's why.
Dear GAWD - WHHHHYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
 nutrod42 wrote:
 expertTexpert wrote:
Love that transition to 3/4, and the insistence it adds.

 
The whole thing is in 3/4.

 
I had to play this with a band last week (I'm a drummer), and I found it best to think of it in 6/8, with some sections in 3/4.

For me, It's all about where that down beat is — and in most of the song, I'm hearing it every 6 beats, not every 3.

Regardless of how it's counted, great song and great singing!
 
Easy 10
 Redpoint wrote:
Wow, not what I was expecting. Never gave Joan Osborne much listening time in the past. Might have to change that. what an excellent track.
 
Check out her performance of "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" in the "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" documentary; jaw-dropping. (Of course, having the Funk Brothers as your backing band doesn't hurt.)
 Redpoint wrote:
Wow, not what I was expecting. Never gave Joan Osborne much listening time in the past. Might have to change that. what an excellent track.

 
This song is what caused me to appreciate her too. Can't get enough of it.
 fatcatjb wrote:
we saw Joan and the Acoustic Trio at the beautiful Crest Theater in Sacramento a few weeks ago...on a Monday night, there were few empty seats and she was magnificent

 
Saw her with her acoustic guys in Oakland at Yoshi's about a month ago. My table literally touched the front of the stage.

She was fantastic. Obviously more comfortable, and still full of talent. STRONG RECOMMENDATION 
Wow, not what I was expecting. Never gave Joan Osborne much listening time in the past. Might have to change that. what an excellent track.
 themusicroob wrote:
Someone tell me I'm not crazy, this song is about a heroin addicted mother right?

 
I believe you got that right. As far as I can see, no one else did.
we saw Joan and the Acoustic Trio at the beautiful Crest Theater in Sacramento a few weeks ago...on a Monday night, there were few empty seats and she was magnificent
Joan performed outdoors at the Mammoth Mountain Blues Festival a few years back.  There was a huge fire in the sierras west of town and the town was engulfed in nasty smoke and ash.  Joan sang her ass off and never complained once.  It was so smoky that her flight was cancelled and the band had to drive all night from So Cal.  That's dedication. 
-John
Someone tell me I'm not crazy, this song is about a heroin addicted mother right?
This is a great song.
 dwhayslett wrote:

That's because most of us only knew "What if god was one of us?".  Come on.  Sing it with me.  "What if god was one of us?  Just a goofball on a bus?"

You remember why Joan didn't win now?  {#Laughing}

 
I LOVED Joan of Arcadia -   One of the most thoughtful gentle shows to pop up in years. Of course it was cancelled. I was afraid it would be replaced with Lime-Green Jello Acres,  but  Survivor 33 Guano Island appeared instead.
 expertTexpert wrote:
Love that transition to 3/4, and the insistence it adds.

 
The whole thing is in 3/4.
 wgsu_1978 wrote:
Love, love LOVE this song and album. A definite 10.

It killed me when Alanis Morrissette stole all the Grammys away from Joan. 

 
That's because most of us only knew "What if god was one of us?".  Come on.  Sing it with me.  "What if god was one of us?  Just a goofball on a bus?"

You remember why Joan didn't win now?  {#Laughing}
I absolutely love this song too but I would still have given the nod to Alanis as well.
 

wgsu_1978 wrote:
Love, love LOVE this song and album. A definite 10.

It killed me when Alanis Morrissette stole all the Grammys away from Joan. 

 

 wgsu_1978 wrote:
Love, love LOVE this song and album. A definite 10.

It killed me when Alanis Morrissette stole all the Grammies away from Joan. 

 
Strictly because everyone thought they were the same woman.
Love, love LOVE this song and album. A definite 10.

It killed me when Alanis Morrissette stole all the Grammys away from Joan. 
 jmkate wrote:
mesmerizing..

 
Well said.
 expertTexpert wrote:
Love that transition to 3/4, and the insistence it adds.

 
Good ear - just noticed for the first time.
 idiot_wind wrote:
She toured with The Other Ones (the Phil Lesh/GD group) about 10 years ago and she was fantastic.

it was an outdoor venue in Wisconsin. And the women were twirling like dervishes in the summer moon light. Wow. 

 
I thought that was the Dead tour, saw them in Orange County, don't remember the name of the outdoor theater.  They were good and the people watching was fun even the guy passed out at the end of the row where we were sitting.
She toured with The Other Ones (the Phil Lesh/GD group) about 10 years ago and she was fantastic.

it was an outdoor venue in Wisconsin. And the women were twirling like dervishes in the summer moon light. Wow. 
Love that transition to 3/4, and the insistence it adds.
{#Clap} {#Clap} {#Clap}
mesmerizing..
First time that I've sat and listened to her, very good
I like this Song.... Happy Good Friday Everybody. 

Just read about St. Teresa and "Mental Prayer" -->

One of the foremost writers on mental prayer, St. Teresa of Avila, stated: "Mental prayer is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us." Since the emphasis is on love rather than thought, modern authors recommend that it be called interior prayer.

Blessed Mother Teresa said that, "We must never forget that we are bound to perfection and should aim ceaselessly for it. The practice of mental prayer is necessary to reach that goal. Because it is the breath of life for our soul, holiness is impossible without it. It is only in mental prayer and spiritual reading that we cultivate the gift of prayer. Mental prayer is greatly fostered by simplicity-- that is forgetfulness of self and of the body and of the sense, and by frequent aspirations that feed our prayer."
Joan Osborne is quite possibly one of the most underrated singers in the U.S.
New album drops 4/8.
Hooters.
mhmmmmm, 9 ---->10
 afrixluvguy wrote:
For her voice, I'll rate any of her work highly. Except that God is One Of Us time that made this album, but then got grossly overplayed.
That mambo-ish piano on Ladder makes it my fav Joan Osborne song, today and everyday.  
 
Couldn't agree more about Ladder.  I recall there is a sample from T-Rex' Mambo Sun on that cut.
For her voice, I'll rate any of her work highly. Except that God is One Of Us time that made this album, but then got grossly overplayed.
That mambo-ish piano on Ladder makes it my fav Joan Osborne song, today and everyday.  
 Keef wrote:
If you like Joan check out some songs off of Trigger Hippy's upcoming album here https://triggerhippy.net/
 
Got tickets for their Boston show.  Can't wait!
One of my ALLTIME EVER favorite songs.{#Hearteyes}

Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked...  love this song...  love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...

 
 1wolfy wrote:
 Me too Miss....especially the TELL ME !!   at the end..  Deadwing wrote:
Love this song!
{#Daisy}
 


 

I know exactly what you're talking about and I like the same part... my 9 year old even knows that part 'cause we make a game of turning the volume way up at that exact moment....
 calypsus_1 wrote:

Joan Osborne @ Edmonds Center For The Arts, Edmonds WA 4-24-10 by Kirk Stauffer
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kirkstauffer/

© 2010 Kirk Stauffer Photography

Copyright All rights reserved

.



 

Too bad; St. Teresa wasn't considered to fill the Pope vacancy.  Neither was I.  I was really looking forward to infallibility.
 Me too Miss....especially the TELL ME !!   at the end..  Deadwing wrote:
Love this song!
{#Daisy}
 

Saw her at the Bowery many many moons ago. Perfect pitch, great swagger! Love it!
Love this song!
{#Daisy}
The album is outstanding.. tremendous musical texture
Tell her already! Maybe that's why she's singing so flat...
 
A good song
 stevendejong wrote:
Is this supposed to be singing? Ouch.
 
Agreed. Ears are bleeding.
 jagdriver wrote:
Twice in one day... within a couple of hours of each other?

2:48 pmJoan Osborne
St. Teresa
Relish (1995)

12:37 pmJoan Osborne
St. Teresa
Relish (1995)
 
 
That would be a technical error — a whole block of songs repeated by mistake. Our bad...
I very much like the tune, but this cover art is amateurish and should have been better to represent the cool music.
Is this supposed to be singing? Ouch.
Big kerfuffle on June 4!

I'm sorry buddy, but i think. we must not act as RP-cops, or be impertinent, we must give some leeway to those who, with dedication and patience, selects the music for us. Additionally, she can play here everyday, I do will I see it, given the unique artistic personality of the great artist Joan O.
More: Why you do not questions about the RP has only included in airplay playlist, two songs from the album Bring It On Home (2012), when lesser artists, have 5 or more songs? hmm

.
 
jagdriver wrote:
Twice in one day... within a couple of hours of each other?

2:48 pmJoan Osborne
St. Teresa
Relish (1995)

12:37 pmJoan Osborne
St. Teresa
Relish (1995)
 
 

Twice in one day... within a couple of hours of each other?

2:48 pmJoan Osborne
St. Teresa
Relish (1995)

12:37 pmJoan Osborne
St. Teresa
Relish (1995)
 

Again? A little too much Mauiwowie today.


ok, is it just me or was this on earlier today? i love it, but kinda strange... never have I noticed the same song twice in one day in the few years i have been a part of RP... oh well, at least it's a good one.
Love this song, but you played it like an hour ago.
 RedGuitar wrote:

The album's not bad either.

 
{#Lol}  FWIW—I don't think she's had a bad album yet. What a voice.


this song kicks ass
So Joan was playing at the Red Butte Gardens in Utah. Outdoor show, beautiful night. Her last song was "One of us". Midway through the song the sky just darkened, pitch black; the wind picked up and man it poured. Never saw the weather change so fast. Crazy. She never finished the song. End of show and we all went home soaked.
Man - Joan is just unbelievably good. Can't get enough of her stuff! !{#Clap}
{#Notworthy}
My favorite song of hers.  Magic.
Perfection. Why can't she put out dark and sweet hash this good again?
The intro to this always reminds me of LA Woman by the Doors.
 Jeff09 wrote:
"dark and sweet as hash"....
 
I agree.......... smooth too