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Beth Orton — Thinking About Tomorrow
Album: Daybreaker
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 4397









Released: 2002
Length: 6:33
Plays (last 30 days): 4
Tired, but I ain't sleepin'
Thinking about some sad affair
And why I should be leavin'
'Cause some of these thoughts
Only seem to take me out of here

Yeah, these habits are so hard to break
They're the most easy to make
These habits are so hard to break
And the most easy to make

Thinking about tomorrow
Tired from all the time I spared
On what I still believe in
When none of my talk
Ever seems to get me anywhere

Yeah, these habits are so hard to break
Are the most easy to make
These habits are so hard to break
Are the most easy to make
So easy to make

So long
Night-night friends, so long
So long
Will it ever happen again?
You know that I've been waiting for you
I've been created for you
So long
You know that I've been fading from you
Nothing could save me from you
So long

Tired, but I ain't dreamin'
Falling into solid earth
On why I must be leavin'
'Cause one of these days
I'm gonna pull out all my hair

Yeah these habits are so hard to break
And the most easy to make
Well, these habits are so hard to make
And the most easy to break
So easy

So long
Night-night friends, so long
So long
Will it ever happen again?
You know that I've been waitin' for you
I've been created for you
So long
You know that I have faded from you
And nothing could save me from you
So long
Comments (558)add comment
Bill plays this song a lot.  I am glad he does it is really well done!!
So there I was, November 14 2022, standing all alone at the front of the line in Denver waiting in the cold and snow, fresh from an Ausust major surgery, for Beth Orton. I was right in front of her for the show. Toward the end, she asked if anyone had something they wanted to hear. The people I was close to there at the stage prodded me, knowing I had something I really, really, wanted to hear. But I was too shy. I wanted Thinking About Tomorrow.
Fell madly in love with Beth 25 years ago. Still  sounds fresh to these old ears.
Always a "just wow" moment
Outstanding album.
L O V E Beth!
 Bakaretsu wrote:


Then you would want a 12

or a 20
 jp33442 wrote:

i really wish that william and alanna would have ratings go above 10.


Then you would want a 12
 Pitjes wrote:

I would let it 11 and three quarters))


i really wish that william and alanna would have ratings go above 10.
The last hour or so has been a very soothing start to my day, so nice to have a human in charge.
I would let it 11 and three quarters))
I caught her fall tour at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Va. this past September and was so glad I did. Thanks RP! 
About twenty years ago in a theatre in Portland OR, several noisy blokes up in the gallery got an earful from Ms Orton when she & her band stopped playing suddenly and she spoke directly to them, saying "Would you shut the f*ck up? I'm singing my heart out down here." Applause & cheers, then silence from the perps, followed, at least for a little while. Goodonya, Beth. Keep singing your heart out.
I like this song very much, it's meandering forward.
 anzlmjd wrote:
Had to give it a solid 10 - we had it playing in the delivery room when my daughter was born. She loves it too 



Totally Cool!
The best way to describe it is: my plug found its outlet.
This song always makes me stop and just listen! So good!
 dave3ld wrote:

There's something so beautiful about how this tune meanders along and then morphs into the killer chorus. An excellent tune in so many ways!



agree completely. i even remember where i was when i first heard this. times were different...
I mean, there's a big dose of nostalgia going on for me, but really, this is an amazing song and an amazing album.
Had to give it a solid 10 - we had it playing in the delivery room when my daughter was born. She loves it too 
 xcranky_yankee wrote:
did that today so i am free to think of something more exciting...Dump Day! Life in the country is action packed but satisfying...



Just a suggestion: "Landfill Day" might eliminate some confusion amongst your city readers.
 dave3ld wrote:

There's something so beautiful about how this tune meanders along and then morphs into the killer chorus. An excellent tune in so many ways!



I agree! Not to mention, the unique voice Beth has! Makes this song stand out all the more! 
 idiot_wind wrote:

thinking about tomorrow

gotta cut grass

did that today so i am free to think of something more exciting...Dump Day! Life in the country is action packed but satisfying...

Still so good…

Marvelous. At first I thought Dido would sing. Thanks for all the great music here on RP

Another killer segue

From Sorten Muld - was just thinking 'this outro sounds like...' and it was indeed Beth.
Much Respect!!!!
If it was not for this station i would never know about beth Orton, thank you bill and Rebecca
Good tune!
7>9 - I have fallen in love with this one over the years
This is so cool I just amended my rating from 7 to 8.  
thinking about tomorrow

gotta cut grass
This is an absolutely amazing song, with raw, riveting emotional power that can still grab me and make me stop what I'm doing and give it my full rapt attention. This song reminds me that from the time it came out and I first heard it on RP, I was happy to be based in tony, hip Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, for a full decade, and I loved hearing it on weekend afternoons as I puttered around my penthouse doing domestic chores. I enjoyed gazing at the distant peak of Fuji-san to the west, or at the skyscrapers of Shinjuku and Roppongi Hills to the east. Now, I'm hearing it on a lazy sunny Saturday as I gaze over at The Flatirons west of me here in Boulder. In spite of the scary constant rise in the expense of living here, it is still by far The Happiest Town I've ever known, and the charge gained by being here feels worth every bit it costs. Thinking about tomorrow seems to feel easier and more optimistic here than any other place on Earth. Thanks to RP and Beth Orton for reinforcing those vibes!
I work nights and can listen to RP.  Sometimes I have a "best song of the night" contest in my head....this is tonight's winner.
Thank you so much, B & R, for introducing THESE ears to Beth Orton! That woman can carry a serious tune!! Not only does she bring to us much talent through her songs but, IMO, this woman would make an ideal movie score singer/writer!! She's just absolutely fabulous!! Thanks again, guys! LLRP!!
I hear a bit of Walk on The Wild Side in there.  

edit - oops, I should have read more comments.  Already noted...lol
My Beth, my song, and you can all push off!
 smackiepipe wrote:

Been a solid 9 for many years, for me.
 
Just rated it. 9 as well
A great 'last song' for an album
I love the synth in this song, it soothes me so much 
If you're a Beth Orton fan, do yourself a favor and *do not* watch Southlander, the indie film referenced in her Wikipedia entry. Oooof. 
There's something so beautiful about how this tune meanders along and then morphs into the killer chorus. An excellent tune in so many ways!
 Skydog wrote:
It's raining here, this song sounds good when it's raining

 
I feel ya but does the music make the mood or the mood make the music?
 coloradojohn wrote:
Such searing lyrics, such soaring melody... Thinking about all the yesterdays that once seemed to hold such promise, and all the tomorrows that seem to hold nothing but uncertainties... Rated The Happiest Place to Live by National Geographic, alas, the reality is that this town has become too ridiculously expensive to hang on in... What's next? (Buddha said that Happiness is an illusion, I know.)

 
I hear you. The National Geographic described my hometown of Nags Head NC as "criminally overdeveloped." Like a lot of people I could no longer afford it. Like the great surfer Gerry Lopez, I had to move elsewhere away from the ocean to get away from the crowds, the corrupt politicians, and the property developers who did a better job of chasing off the black and poor people than the Klan ever did.
Those double stops get me every time.  Love this tune!
 Joanna91540 wrote:

yes I do ! {#Music}

 
Seems like I'm not the only one
Such searing lyrics, such soaring melody... Thinking about all the yesterdays that once seemed to hold such promise, and all the tomorrows that seem to hold nothing but uncertainties... Rated The Happiest Place to Live by National Geographic, alas, the reality is that this town has become too ridiculously expensive to hang on in... What's next? (Buddha said that Happiness is an illusion, I know.)
 Joanna91540 wrote:

yes I do ! {#Music}

 
I logged on just to say that. Not the whole song though. The first 16 or so measures of the verse take me off guard everytime.:-)
I said: 'Hey, honey talk a walk on the wild side.' :-)
 Raechel wrote:
Anyone else hear influences of Lou Reed - Walk on the Wild Side?

 
yes I do ! {#Music}
Anyone else hear influences of Lou Reed - Walk on the Wild Side?
 Skydog wrote:
7 bumped to 8

 
Been a solid 9 for many years, for me.
 LowPhreak wrote:
What?

I can name several American speaker mfg's that are every bit as good or better than anything from Europe or Canada. I've owned many high-end models from both sides of the pond — (Brit): B&W and B&W Nautilus, REL, Mission, KEF, ProAc; (U.S.): Apogee Acoustics, Magneplanar, a/d/s, Klipsch, Entec, JBL, Audioengine, Vandersteen, Infinity, Martin Logan; Canadian: so far just some Dahlquist's I had back when DQ-20's and M909's were around. I'm sure I'm forgetting some and I've heard tons of other top speakers from around the world and U.S.

I'm not biased either way but "don't get American speakers, get Euro or Canadian" is just a silly statement. What matters is the design, what you can afford, and the kind of sound you're after far more than country of manufacture.
 
I'm still enjoying the JBL L-100s I bought circa 1975; they sound grrrreat!
What a lovely song
With the strings I can't help but think that Holly came from Miami, FLA

But this song fits into an emotional groove with that Moby hit, and "Get Me" by Everything But the Girl. Maybe it's what was  happening in my life then, but there's something so comforting and sad and it'll never go away but I'll always want it.
 LowPhreak wrote:

What? {#Rolleyes}

I can name several American speaker mfg's that are every bit as good or better than anything from Europe or Canada. I've owned many high-end models from both sides of the pond — (Brit): B&W and B&W Nautilus, REL, Mission, KEF, ProAc; (U.S.): Apogee Acoustics, Magneplanar, a/d/s, Klipsch, Entec, JBL, Audioengine, Vandersteen, Infinity, Martin Logan; Canadian: so far just some Dahlquist's I had back when DQ-20's and M909's were around. I'm sure I'm forgetting some and I've heard tons of other top speakers from around the world and U.S.

I'm not biased either way but "don't get American speakers, get Euro or Canadian" is just a silly statement. What matters is the design, what you can afford, and the kind of sound you're after far more than country of manufacture.

 
Loved my Cerwin Vega's back in the 70's.  Still have em.  The woofers need re foamed.
Hmm, I thought I didn't like Beth Orton.
Guess I was wrong.  : )
It's raining here, this song sounds good when it's raining
Yeah....love this. The lyrics mean so much and the groove is spot on. Thank you Bill and Rebecca.
She's quite an artist - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rHa78_M16I
 Piranga wrote:
An amazing song on a fantastic album!

 
This song is a long story unto itself. It places you in the passenger seat and slowly ambles until the last few notes run dry and the trip is over. Bliss. 

"Will it ever happen again....?" 
7 bumped to 8
 chinaski wrote:
If only I could marry Beth Orton, Neko Case and Alison Goldfrapp and have them singing and musing around the house. *sigh* If only...

 
Maybe go move to Bountiful B.C.  I guy with the last name Jeffs has an overstock deal for you!
great 9
wow, heard the name but never a song i will refrain from a rating til the end of the first playthrough
I've been waiting for ya, I've been created for ya, Beth! {#Roflol}
 chinaski wrote:
If only I could marry Beth Orton, Neko Case and Alison Goldfrapp and have them singing and musing around the house. *sigh* If only...

 
Looking forward to the day I see her live! {#Clap}
If only I could marry Beth Orton, Neko Case and Alison Goldfrapp and have them singing and musing around the house. *sigh* If only...
 Skydog wrote:
is the rest of the album this good?
 
Yes, it is an absolutely blindingly good album. Songs from it became my own personal records of the week for months after I got it!
An amazing song on a fantastic album!
Beth Orton has a new album and a summer tour for 2016!
What a great run! XTC > Talk Talk > Ray Lamontagne > Beth Orton. Cool stuff Bill! Thank you so much!
 Highlowsel wrote:

Yeppers.  At least I think so.  It some of her early stuff, and this one is nicely done.  

 
I see on the credits that one of the songs was written by Orton and The Smith's Johnny Marr, "Concrete Sky"
I'm going to check it out 
 Skydog wrote:
is the rest of the album this good?

 
Yeppers.  At least I think so.  It some of her early stuff, and this one is nicely done.  Matter of fact...not to wax gloomy or maudling but this is one of those songs I'd like sung at my funeral, by way of saying....

"Soooo long...night night (my) friends so long!" 

*Sniff*  Juuust sayin' since those would be my last thoughts as I head for the exit door.  {#Cheers}

Highlow
American Net'Zen
is the rest of the album this good?
folktronic    Way cool description :) Thanks for that. This is one of my all time -stranded-on-an-island- pieces of music!
So trippy, so folktronic. So sublime. I'd marry Beth Orton yesterday. Just wish she'd tour.
 msymmes wrote:
And don't get American speakers.  Get some European or Canadian made speakers.

 

 
What? {#Rolleyes}

I can name several American speaker mfg's that are every bit as good or better than anything from Europe or Canada. I've owned many high-end models from both sides of the pond — (Brit): B&W and B&W Nautilus, REL, Mission, KEF, ProAc; (U.S.): Apogee Acoustics, Magneplanar, a/d/s, Klipsch, Entec, JBL, Audioengine, Vandersteen, Infinity, Martin Logan; Canadian: so far just some Dahlquist's I had back when DQ-20's and M909's were around. I'm sure I'm forgetting some and I've heard tons of other top speakers from around the world and U.S.

I'm not biased either way but "don't get American speakers, get Euro or Canadian" is just a silly statement. What matters is the design, what you can afford, and the kind of sound you're after far more than country of manufacture.
Bill, I'm working well into the night here in the Midwest.  I've had RP on for about the last hour and a half, and this has been one of the best musical experiences.  Your sets have really kept me going!  Beautiful, engaging music that I wouldn't hear anywhere else.
You have likely toasted your voice coils.  And don't get American speakers.  Get some European or Canadian made speakers.

 

LowPhreak wrote:

Sounds like some music with stronger bass content overdrives your woofers or amplifier, or the woofers could have some damage. Perhaps you should have them checked or get new speakers that have better low-end ability.

I can recommend the JBL Studio 500 series, models 530, 570, 580, and 590. I have 590's and they handle everything on RT quite well.



 


 joetekubi wrote:
Love this tune.  Don't know why.
 

Possibly because it's a fabulous song that is well arranged and superbly sung?


A most impressive vocal performance, and the string and percussion arrangements are impeccable! Thinkin' about this forever, Beth!
 joempie wrote:
That bass does strange things to my speakers. I'm not playing it loud, but certain bass tones just turn into a scratching noise.
 

 
Sounds like some music with stronger bass content overdrives your woofers or amplifier, or the woofers could have some damage. Perhaps you should have them checked or get new speakers that have better low-end ability.

I can recommend the JBL Studio 500 series, models 530, 570, 580, and 590. I have 590's and they handle everything on RT quite well.


Love this tune.  Don't know why.
That bass does strange things to my speakers. I'm not playing it loud, but certain bass tones just turn into a scratching noise.

Reminds me of the Curve song Crystal from the Cuckoo album. I used to play that loud and literally wrecked my speakers with that bass....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gVJ2jwWBGk
 
'8'.

BTW, best of luck to you, ColoradoJohn. Hang in there dude!

Finally read the lyrics.  Instead of "I've been created for you" I heard her singing "I've been creating for you".  And that seemed more appropriate, it's a better expression of love to create for someone than to be created for them.  Guess I'm a little disappointed.  Still, solid track in the RP library — long may it play.
Love Beth's voice. This song is smooth and chill. I'm digging it. 
 Citizen225 wrote:

Great album. If you haven't heard it on headphones you're missing out.

 
If you weren't in the studio while it was being recorded, you haven't lived.

I wasn't there, of course... that's just what i heard. 
 jchrise wrote:
This is on my top 10 "Rainy Day" songs. Puts me in a temporary melancholy trance every time!

 
Ethereal,
This is on my top 10 "Pouring Outside Rainy Day" songs. Places me in a temporary melancholy trance without fail!
 richlister wrote:
If you haven't got this album, you don't know music.

 
Great album. If you haven't heard it on headphones you're missing out.
Too common of a female vocal style now days but wow...very cool song.
This is awesome, and Many Thanks to the RP Community Energy at work here, especially enkay and oldsaxon! It's happening! It's so incredibly great and groovy to be hearing this in a fabulous old familiar place — same complex (with the best views and location in all of Boulder!) that I lived in during my Grad School days '91-'93 and again 2000-01 just after my 7-year 2nd stint in Japan — and with everything so far going amazingly well since arrival: Flatirons view from every window and level, 3 blocks from work, and THANKS, RP
I was wondering who might be able - worthy - to followup Marvin Gaye what's going on. And along comes Beth and, you know, she can do it.
 coloradojohn wrote:
Here I am hearing this wonderfully bittersweet song again. Life keeps performing its Quantum Exchange Program. It's been a couple months since I felt so incredibly low; but all things arise and pass, arise and pass, without cease. Now, somehow, I find myself again feeling more positive; I recovered the will to be away from the ruins of the last sad affair and all its aftermath; I consciously changed Vibration into Action, and it is happening. I am moving back to Boulder, my Rock Medicine connection, and I shall be healed, Amen. 

 
Change is always good. It may not be the good you thought was coming, but it will be good. Best of luck.
I wish it went to 11.
 
 coloradojohn wrote:
Here I am hearing this wonderfully bittersweet song again. Life keeps performing its Quantum Exchange Program. It's been a couple months since I felt so incredibly low; but all things arise and pass, arise and pass, without cease. Now, somehow, I find myself again feeling more positive; I recovered the will to be away from the ruins of the last sad affair and all its aftermath; I consciously changed Vibration into Action, and it is happening. I am moving back to Boulder, my Rock Medicine connection, and I shall be healed, Amen. 

 
Sounds like you've turned an important corner. Stay strong and I hope that by the next time you hear this beautiful song you will have completed your return to a more positive place figuratively, emotionally, spiritually, psychologically and yes, geographically.
Here I am hearing this wonderfully bittersweet song again. Life keeps performing its Quantum Exchange Program. It's been a couple months since I felt so incredibly low; but all things arise and pass, arise and pass, without cease. Now, somehow, I find myself again feeling more positive; I recovered the will to be away from the ruins of the last sad affair and all its aftermath; I consciously changed Vibration into Action, and it is happening. I am moving back to Boulder, my Rock Medicine connection, and I shall be healed, Amen. 
This song is absolutely killing me now; feeling the chill of the abyss and haunting despair of The Blues, exactly as she is singing about.
 dumstot wrote:
Je pense de demain...
 

en pensant à demain {#Pray}
Holly came from Miami F.L.A, hitch-hiked her way across the USA..........Take a walk on the wild side......
Je pense de demain...
amazing artist ! Thanks RP for exposing this to the masses !
 EarthMama wrote:
Love this song.....sweet memories whenever I hear it. I dig Beth and that quirky voice of hers.
Beth can do "sublime" very well...as she does here, once again. 


Amazingly beautiful. I never tire of this one.
 afrixluvguy wrote:
Sometimes the sequence of a mix will build up a song till it's indescribably exquisite. Happened for me with this following More Than This. And that LaMontagne Supernova track before it.

That guitar, that voice, like wine to the thirsty. Or... water or whatever.
 
you're deff right, great sequence of songs building on each others vibe, i answered the phone (its 11pm here) and the girl calling me was like damn you sound awake and happy! 

Dont wanna go to sleep anymore!!! 
Sometimes the sequence of a mix will build up a song till it's indescribably exquisite. Happened for me with this following More Than This. And that LaMontagne Supernova track before it.

That guitar, that voice, like wine to the thirsty. Or... water or whatever.
Love this song.....sweet memories whenever I hear it. I dig Beth and that quirky voice of hers.
 richlister wrote:
If you haven't got this album, you don't know music.

 
I would of had it still if I would not of already sold it which I regret because they play it a lot here and I like it.
If you haven't got this album, you don't know music.
 hayduke2 wrote:
she is a beautiful singer, imo    9

 
..... she sure is 8 >>>>> 9
Thank you so much for playing this right now!
she is a beautiful singer, imo    9

Bill and Rebecca, you're really killing me here with the last set of songs:  John Hiatt, Buddy Holly, Los Lobos, U2, Neil Young and now Beth Orton.  I'm not getting any work done!  Keep 'em coming!


yum
What a wonderful composition. I hear four clearly identifiable 'hooks'. Great inventions of progression that stand on their own as focal points.

And a beautiful, whimsical look at relationships and emotional power. I love this song. It gives me rapture.
 
My ears keep waiting for...

And I-i-i-i-i... want to thank you... for giving me the best day-hay of my life...
 oceansurf wrote:
She sings through her nose =/.  You know I'm right.

 
All singers sing through their noses to some extent; you ought to know that, Enrico Caruso.  These vocals don't sound especially nasal, except when she's humming at the end, which is the nature of humming since one cannot hum with one's mouth open.
Nice!!
Really need to re-listen to this record again in light of how much I love this song.