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Cowboy Junkies — Hard To Explain
Album: Pale Sun Crescent Moon
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1803









Released: 1993
Length: 4:28
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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If it ain't one thing
I tell you it's always another
I wonder why
I started treating you like a step-brother

Love is hard to explain
I know my loss is someone else's gain

Sometime's love is like a bitter pill
But we just have to take it like it is
Sometimes life is the sweetest thing
and sometimes it's just naked pain

Oh, it's so hard to explain
I know my loss is someone else's gain

My troubles started when I found you
But that's when I (wrapped?) my world around you
And now my living ain't so easy
I thought that's what a woman was supposed to do

You see, it's so hard to explain
I know my loss is someone else's gain

I went to see my doctor
'Cause I thought I had a hole in my heart
but he said "Girl, you're just wasting my time
Because some man messed up,
went and messed up your mind"

It's so hard to explain
I know my loss is someone else's gain

Oh, love it's so hard to explain
It'll make you forget your name
It'll turn you upside down
It'll make you wish that you'd never been found
Comments (197)add comment
Posted 1 year ago by kuly-s    [ Reply ]
Movin' it up to 9. Fisher tubes + JBL making it shine even more.
Posted 1 year ago by mortrates    [ Reply ]
love the junkies!
Posted 1 year ago by jjbix37    [ Reply ]
Margo is a great singer with a great voice.  I'd love to hear her really let loose... 
Posted 2 years ago by stretcher    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:

Whaddya call blues stripped of all emotion? Utterly lacking in feeling? Without soul? 
Canadian 



This is obviously just a ribbing, a joke.  Made me chuckle and I love Canada and don't dislike this song.  People take themselves way too seriously.
Posted 2 years ago by JustinErickson    [ Reply ]
Can't say I've heard this cut before, very much a 9 on the guitar solo. Made me hold the remote's volume up button for a brief moment to really *hear* the recording. 
Posted 2 years ago by eyke    [ Reply ]
this leaves me wanting to hear "Banjo and Violin" by the Audreys, despite a bit of  a similar vibe. Always enjoy this band, despite a bit of similarity...
Posted 3 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
Outstanding Blues Groove!
Posted 3 years ago by soneill4920941    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
Whaddya call blues stripped of all emotion? Utterly lacking in feeling? Without soul? 
Canadian 
 
Wow, you can paint a whole country with the brush of one band!  2 guesses what country you're from.  So wise thewiseking.
Posted 4 years ago by bpemby    [ Reply ]
 scrubbrush wrote:
A hint of "The Thrill is Gone"... anyone hear that too? BB King passed today, and either Bill hears it too or i just have BB on my mind.
 
A 12-bar blues progression in a minor key.  "The Thrill Is Gone" is probably the best-known example and this song is inspired by it, though the two progressions are slightly different.
Posted 4 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
"The thrill is gone, and the living is easy...." 
Posted 4 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
I really only knew about this band from their cover of Sweet Jane. I've grown to like them, thanks to RP.
Posted 4 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
Slow, sure, prodding, dull and uninspired. It's pleasant enough for a nothing day.
Posted 4 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 Castelfranco wrote:
 scott_bruce wrote:

Waddya call comments full of emotion? Utterly disregarding popular consent? Showing a complete lack of soul?

thewiseass

 

With 880 respondents, only 18 of which think this is a 1, and 80% rating this Quite Likeable or above, perhaps no one cares about your lame, wiseass comments? 


 



Thank you, Bruce!

 
Ditto.  Me thinks thewiseass is rather trollish.
Posted 6 years ago by S-curvy    [ Reply ]
This showcases their talents well, like them or not.  I enjoy the mellow, classy feel.
Posted 6 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
Most excellent tune , for first listen ! 
Posted 6 years ago by pfwashburn    [ Reply ]
 MJMJ wrote:
 Bill just followed CJ "Hard to Explain" with BBK "The Thrill is Gone", so I guess you made your point. I see it now too.

cubaninlondon wrote:
Is it just me or has this tune got BB King's "The Thrill is Gone" written all over it? Starting with the intro down to the bass hook and guitar.

 

 
I concur, but that doesn't make it a bad thing. BBK put in a G7 and F#7 not in this one. I turn it up!
Posted 7 years ago by nomnol    [ Reply ]
NEVER get sick of this song and I've played it a hundred times.  Amazing!!!!
Posted 7 years ago by maxjboxer    [ Reply ]
 scott_bruce wrote:

Waddya call comments full of emotion? Utterly disregarding popular consent? Showing a complete lack of soul?

thewiseass

 

With 880 respondents, only 18 of which think this is a 1, and 80% rating this Quite Likeable or above, perhaps no one cares about your lame, wiseass comments? 


 

Thank you, Bruce!
Posted 7 years ago by Castelfranco    [ Reply ]
 MJMJ wrote:
 Bill just followed CJ "Hard to Explain" with BBK "The Thrill is Gone", so I guess you made your point. I see it now too.

cubaninlondon wrote:
Is it just me or has this tune got BB King's "The Thrill is Gone" written all over it? Starting with the intro down to the bass hook and guitar.

 

 
I was thinking all the same as above, had to click on to write a comment and I see your comments.  Nothing else to say.
 
Posted 7 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
 Bill just followed CJ "Hard to Explain" with BBK "The Thrill is Gone", so I guess you made your point. I see it now too.

cubaninlondon wrote:
Is it just me or has this tune got BB King's "The Thrill is Gone" written all over it? Starting with the intro down to the bass hook and guitar.

 


Posted 7 years ago by MJMJ    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
Whaddya call blues stripped of all emotion? Utterly lacking in feeling? Without soul? 
Canadian 

 
Waddya call comments full of emotion? Utterly disregarding popular consent? Showing a complete lack of soul?

thewiseass

 

With 880 respondents, only 18 of which think this is a 1, and 80% rating this Quite Likeable or above, perhaps no one cares about your lame, wiseass comments? 


Posted 7 years ago by scott_bruce    [ Reply ]
Whaddya call blues stripped of all emotion? Utterly lacking in feeling? Without soul? 
Canadian 
Posted 7 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 Tippster wrote:
Man, If I was stil DJing I'd segue back and forth between this and BB King's "Thrill is gone" for the duration of both songs.

 
Well said
Posted 8 years ago by Chinto    [ Reply ]
are they cowboys who are junkies? or just really into cowboys?
Posted 8 years ago by LaurieinTucson    [ Reply ]
Man, If I was stil DJing I'd segue back and forth between this and BB King's "Thrill is gone" for the duration of both songs.
Posted 8 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
For the love of music... possibly slightly formulaic but these truly are heartfelt blues. What a group!
Posted 8 years ago by SECA_Alan    [ Reply ]
That opening riff would work great on a cover of The Thrill is Gone
Posted 8 years ago by dragon1952    [ Reply ]
Thanks Bill, just arrived home from their excellent show. Once again a true angel on stage with the ability to draw the entire room into an intimate affair. If you can see these Guys they are truly in their prime. 
Posted 9 years ago by Stefan_Lutz    [ Reply ]
It's so hard to explain
I know my loss is someone else's gain
that's why now I play
only non-zero-sum games 
{#Sunny}


Posted 9 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]
 scrubbrush wrote:
A hint of "The Thrill is Gone"... anyone hear that too? BB King passed today, and either Bill hears it too or i just have BB on my mind.

 
Good call. They had to have had in thier mind when this was written. And that's a good thing. 
Posted 9 years ago by OlderGentleman    [ Reply ]
 Kaw wrote:

Exactly my thoughts!

 
Absolutely!
Posted 9 years ago by Akso    [ Reply ]
Ahhh.... the Junkies!  :-)
Posted 9 years ago by grahamdillabough    [ Reply ]
I don't know, I think Cowboy Junkies are overplayed here.  They are good, but not great. 
Posted 9 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
First in the office. Easing into consciousness with the aid of coffee. This fits. 
Posted 9 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
 scrubbrush wrote:
A hint of "The Thrill is Gone"... anyone hear that too? BB King passed today, and either Bill hears it too or i just have BB on my mind.

 
Exactly my thoughts!
Posted 9 years ago by Kaw    [ Reply ]
A hint of "The Thrill is Gone"... anyone hear that too? BB King passed today, and either Bill hears it too or i just have BB on my mind.
Posted 9 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:

Your name is "THEWISEKING", right...?

Why not simple and easy "THEDOUCHEBAG"...? 

 
Stingray
" I do not have the IQ to understand Mr. Davis!"

Well, Stingray, you are indeed a humble man and you have alot to be humble aboutt.

Posted 9 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 cubaninlondon wrote:
Is it just me or has this tune got BB King's "The Thrill is Gone" written all over it? Starting with the intro down to the bass hook and guitar.

 
It's a pretty standard, minor-key, blues progression, but they are obviously paying homage to B.B. King, especially in the guitar solo. "The Thrill Is Gone" was originally performed by Roy Hawkins in the early 1950s and is loosely based on a song with the same title from the 1930s.  B.B.'s classic version was recorded in 1969.
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 cubaninlondon wrote:
Is it just me or has this tune got BB King's "The Thrill is Gone" written all over it? Starting with the intro down to the bass hook and guitar.

 
My problem is only with the vocals. I can't get past the prozac stiffened upper lip. The thrill is all gone. We had some but sold it out. My life coach says more is on back order.
Posted 10 years ago by averybadcat    [ Reply ]
 averybadcat wrote:
started out promising. Technically there. But stopped short of emotional as the martha stewart bummed no botox at the perfume counter blues have arrived. 

 


Posted 10 years ago by averybadcat    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
Remember Yuppies? No? Well this and Norah Jones was the kind of marginal crap they used to play at dinner parties back in the 90s.

 
Your name is "THEWISEKING", right...?

Why not simple and easy "THEDOUCHEBAG"...? 
Posted 10 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Is it just me or has this tune got BB King's "The Thrill is Gone" written all over it? Starting with the intro down to the bass hook and guitar.


Posted 10 years ago by cubaninlondon    [ Reply ]
great, classy
Posted 10 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
Remember Yuppies? No? Well this and Norah Jones was the kind of marginal crap they used to play at dinner parties back in the 90s.

 
Funny...but it would have been difficult to listen to Norah Jones in the 90s since her first recording was released in 2001...just saying :-).
Posted 10 years ago by ericgage    [ Reply ]
Margo jyet does it for me....she sings like an Angel
Bravo! 
Posted 10 years ago by fitmartin    [ Reply ]
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of homeless camps loves this song soooo much!!!!
Posted 10 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Remember Yuppies? No? Well this and Norah Jones was the kind of marginal crap they used to play at dinner parties back in the 90s.
Posted 10 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 rharvey658 wrote:
The thrill is gone... 
 

Good call rharvey...but still like it !
Posted 10 years ago by QuestionMark    [ Reply ]
The thrill is gone... 
Posted 10 years ago by rharvey658    [ Reply ]
wow, they sounds so lively here! like the heroin has worn off. i like it! nice guitar.
Posted 10 years ago by zenhead    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:
Her voice to my ears is like nails on a chalkboard!{#Stop} Automatic 1 for all songs from them.

 
There should NEVER be an "automatic 1"....except for Coldplay of course
Posted 10 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 planet3one9 wrote:
Anyone hear "the thrill is gone" in this song ?
 
Might be intentional ---> Seems like a prequel to me...

If it ain't one thing
I tell you it's always another
I wonder why
I started treating you like a step-brother

Love is hard to explain
I know my loss is someone else's gain

Sometime's love is like a bitter pill
But we just have to take it like it is
Sometimes life is the sweetest thing
And sometimes it's just naked pain

Oh, it's so hard to explain
I know my loss is someone else's gain

My troubles started when I found you
But that's when I (wrapped? ) my world around you
And now my living ain't so easy
I thought that's what a woman was supposed to do

You see, it's so hard to explain
I know my loss is someone else's gain

I went to see my doctor
`cause I thought I had a hole in my heart
But he said 'girl, you're just wasting my time
Because some man messed up,
Went and messed up your mind'

It's so hard to explain
I know my loss is someone else's gain

Oh, love it's so hard to explain
It'll make you forget your name
It'll turn you upside down
It'll make you wish that you'd never been found

 

 

Posted 11 years ago by zepher    [ Reply ]
I just love the cowboy junkies. They're very addictive!
Posted 11 years ago by PaoloManana    [ Reply ]
Some bands grow on me and I find myself changing my initial negative opinion of them. Cowboy Junkies is not one of them. Although I can now listen to 'Sweet Jane' without cringing, so that's progress, I guess :)
Posted 11 years ago by Bridieboo    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my churches loves this song soooo much!!!!
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
I can't help but swoon when I hear this, and love how it cuts so deliciously deeply into the places that matter in quantum ways that remind me ALL IS IN FLUX...  It totally evokes The Thrill Is Gone and that only adds to its power...  This is what got me into all the fine CJ music!
Posted 11 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Great voice! 
 
Posted 11 years ago by crischu    [ Reply ]
The Thrill Is Gone 

itaish wrote:
I am probably missing something but I find the Cowboy Junkies music very boring.
 


Posted 11 years ago by Delawhere    [ Reply ]
I am probably missing something but I find the Cowboy Junkies music very boring.
Posted 11 years ago by itaish    [ Reply ]
Good singin' — Good playin'
Posted 11 years ago by misterbearbaby    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite bands and deserving of the respect they receive. Her voice is sultry and the music is cascading!
Posted 11 years ago by dew34    [ Reply ]
 trissi wrote:
what is up with all of the Cowboy Junkies play of late? They stink no matter which way you listen.{#Razz}
 
Well!!! You don't say....
Posted 11 years ago by S-curvy    [ Reply ]
what is up with all of the Cowboy Junkies play of late? They stink no matter which way you listen.{#Razz}
Posted 11 years ago by trissi    [ Reply ]
 pcicatar wrote:

Yes!  I heard the same thing!
 
...me too......but that isn´t a bad thing at all.............like this song......
Posted 12 years ago by rockpommel16    [ Reply ]
 icemang wrote:
The thrill has gone away.
 
S'ok.... nice tune anyway. And B.B.'s not hurting from the loss of these royalties.
Posted 12 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
 icemang wrote:
The thrill has gone away.
 
Yes!  I heard the same thing!
Posted 12 years ago by pcicatar    [ Reply ]
 lemmoth wrote:
Can some big Cowboy Junkies fan out there help me - I don't currently own any of their stuff, but its time to start.

Where should I start?

Thanks
 
Trinity Sessions - eponymous Junkies
Posted 12 years ago by Bobert_ParkCity    [ Reply ]
Sadly I find the fluent, languid guitar deserves a more interesting and inspiring voice.

Posted 12 years ago by daedalus    [ Reply ]
The thrill has gone away.
Posted 12 years ago by icemang    [ Reply ]
Can we hear "Seven Years" from this cd now and then?  Easily one of my top 5 of theirs.
Posted 12 years ago by emh    [ Reply ]
Wow, she's really got soul in this song!
Posted 12 years ago by TJS    [ Reply ]
Can some big Cowboy Junkies fan out there help me - I don't currently own any of their stuff, but its time to start.

Where should I start?

Thanks
Posted 12 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:
Her voice to my ears is like nails on a chalkboard!{#Stop} Automatic 1 for all songs from them.
 

So thrilled to be back to the "completely disagree with sirdroseph" camp.  Been agreeing up with you too much.

She is a very effecting and soulful singer.  Don't get your complaint.
Posted 12 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Wow, a CJ song that doesn't sound like suicide is imminent. On it's way, sure, but not yet imminent.
Posted 12 years ago by icemang    [ Reply ]
...morning coffee and CJ's - gets no better
Posted 12 years ago by drivingunit103    [ Reply ]
Love anything by CJ's!!!!
Posted 12 years ago by Whimary    [ Reply ]
 pcicatar wrote:
I keep waiting for BB to start singing "The Thrill is Gone."
 
I just came here to post the exact same thing - glad I'm not the only one that caught that...
Posted 13 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
I keep waiting for BB to start singing "The Thrill is Gone."
Posted 13 years ago by pcicatar    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite tracks of all time.  Been awhile since I've heard it.   Thank you Radio Paradise.
Posted 13 years ago by amb599    [ Reply ]
At the height of their powers here a superb track
Posted 13 years ago by TheMagus    [ Reply ]
Have to turn this up.
Posted 13 years ago by Cuse    [ Reply ]
Her voice to my ears is like nails on a chalkboard!{#Stop} Automatic 1 for all songs from them.
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 planet3one9 wrote:
Anyone hear "the thrill is gone" in this song ?
 

Yes, yes, yes, and yes {#Hand}

Posted 13 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]
Anyone hear "the thrill is gone" in this song ?
Posted 13 years ago by planet3one9    [ Reply ]
This is my new favorite Cowboy Junkies song; thanks.
Posted 13 years ago by slidingdovetail    [ Reply ]
I LOVE the Junkies, this included. 9.
Posted 13 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
Like the guitar work on this!
Posted 13 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
ugh....from the biggest 10 ever to THIS..........what a let down..........where's the MUTE!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 14 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
 rjewyo wrote:
AKA..."The Thrill is Gone"
 

Indeed...
Posted 14 years ago by Sjaaks    [ Reply ]
No I don´t think so, it´s not Hard to explain, A great tune.
Posted 14 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]
Yup. Lou Reed even thinks it's better 'n his. High praise indeed.

 chuck_flacks wrote:


I thought the same thing.  It's very intentional...this is the same group that reworked "Sweet Jane" that is, in my opinion, way better than the Velvet's!
 


Posted 14 years ago by donnyballgame    [ Reply ]

Margo Timmins Cowboy Junkies 3 by =rachellcoe
Rachell   ©2010 =rachellcoe

Margo Timmins - Cowboy Junkies

.


Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 rjewyo wrote:
AKA..."The Thrill is Gone"
 

It starts out a bit that way, but the rest isn't that.
Posted 14 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
AKA..."The Thrill is Gone"
Posted 14 years ago by rjewyo    [ Reply ]
The CJs were one of the first non grunge/metal bands I got into during my teen angst years. I've been a big fan ever since, and an even bigger fan after seeing them play live a few years ago.
Posted 14 years ago by grungepuppy    [ Reply ]
 Frater_Kork wrote:
I'm waiting for B.B. king to step onto the stage and steal the number.
 

I thought the same thing.  It's very intentional...this is the same group that reworked "Sweet Jane" that is, in my opinion, way better than the Velvet's!
Posted 14 years ago by chuck_flacks    [ Reply ]
I'm waiting for B.B. king to step onto the stage and steal the number.
Posted 14 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
yeah, I wish I was.

 siskinbob wrote:
Hmmmm ...Back in that smoke filled blues club again {#Clap}
 


Posted 14 years ago by musickat    [ Reply ]
 stkman wrote:
She does sound good but this sounds like Riley Kings The Thrill is Gone when it starts out lol well the middle too

 

Posted 14 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
How many moose does it take to change a CD?

Posted 14 years ago by mooseisadick    [ Reply ]
MOOSE
MOOSE
MOOSE
Posted 14 years ago by mooseisadick    [ Reply ]
COWBOY MOOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 14 years ago by mooseisadick    [ Reply ]
Hmmmm ...Back in that smoke filled blues club again {#Clap}
Posted 15 years ago by siskinbob    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
the blues as sung by a patient medicated for oral surgery
 

Yah, that missed the center mark, but yah . . . a kind of "shrug" on the oomph that could have been there.
Posted 15 years ago by wenatchee    [ Reply ]
 stkman wrote:
She does sound good but this sounds like Riley Kings The Thrill is Gone when it starts out lol well the middle too

 
Right you are, but so be it. It still sounds terrific, given that just about everything we're listening to is derived from something.

Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite recordings...{#Daisy}
Posted 15 years ago by cathenley    [ Reply ]

This is a wonderful album for the first ten tracks.  Then along come "Hunted" and "Floorboard Blues" and they spoil it — so sour.


Posted 15 years ago by spindrift    [ Reply ]
 vaiodon wrote:
Wow, that opening guitar break really smacked me, fantastic.
 

Me too.  Had to look and I was surprised it was CJ.  Good song I think.
Posted 15 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
the blues as sung by a patient medicated for oral surgery
Posted 15 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
I remember when this recording came out in 1993...it was a real life changer....
Posted 15 years ago by cathenley    [ Reply ]
She does sound good but this sounds like Riley Kings The Thrill is Gone when it starts out lol well the middle too

Posted 15 years ago by stkman    [ Reply ]
Wow, that opening guitar break really smacked me, fantastic. That's another Cowboy Junkies CD on the Amazon wishlist.

( Yeah, go Calypsus, you haven't quite set a trend yet but your comment style is definitely better than that vowel-less excuse for communication that's becoming common)
Posted 15 years ago by vaiodon    [ Reply ]
Very Nice!  I like it!!
Posted 15 years ago by ronshock    [ Reply ]

 

yes!, that good moments we have in the RP Station hearing the "Cowboy Junkies", and its fabulous lead-singer Ms. Margo Timmins!

** 8 **



Posted 15 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Quick!  Somebody call the Eagles and tell them that someone stole their guitarist!
Posted 15 years ago by sdn    [ Reply ]
Lou Reed, move over.
Posted 15 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
Great song from a great album
Posted 16 years ago by oldman    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:
Saw them years ago as a warm-up act to Sting...wasn't impressed. That said, Bill has since made me a believer.
 

CJ's in a large arena is a no-go. Small clubs/venues only.
Posted 16 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
 ThePoose wrote:


But the Cowplop Flunkies only sing about the loved and lost.
There's no change-up to up-tempo. SCREAM a little, Margo,
and dance a jig once in a while.
 

She has said, probably many times (just like with your mother, you were probably weren't listening), that she tried singing louder early on with disasterous results and learned that she had much more control over her voice when singing low. So they're kind of stuck with a smaller range of tempo. Joan Jett she is not and that's a good thing.
Posted 16 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]