Counting Crows — Mrs. Potter's Lullaby
Album: This Desert LifeAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 625
Length: 7:42
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One, two, one, two, three, four
Well I woke up in mid-afternoon 'cause that's when it all hurts the most
I dream I never know anyone at the party and I'm always the host
If dreams are like movies, then memories are films about ghosts
You can never escape, you can only move south down the coast
Well, I am an idiot walking a tightrope of fortune and fame
I am an acrobat, swinging trapezes through circles of flame
If you've never stared off into the distance, then your life is a shame
And though I'll never forget your face, sometimes I can't remember my name
Hey, Mrs. Potter don't cry
Hey, Mrs. Potter I know why
But hey, Mrs. Potter won't you talk to me?
Well there's a piece of Maria in every song that I sing
And the price of a memory is the memory of the sorrow it brings
And there is always one last light to turn out and one last bell to ring
And the last one out of the circus has to lock up everything
Or the elephants will get out and forget to remember what you said
Oh, and the ghosts of the tilt-a-whirl will linger inside of your head
Oh, and the ferris wheel junkies will spin them forever instead
When I see you, a blanket of stars covers me in bed
Hey, Mrs. Potter don't go
I said hey, Mrs. Potter I don't know
But hey, Mrs. Potter won't you talk to me?
All the blue light reflections that color my mind when I sleep
And the lovesick rejections that accompany the company I keep
All the razor perceptions that cut just a little too deep
Hey, I can bleed as well as anyone, but I need someone to help me sleep
Oh, so I throw my hand into the air and it swims in the beams
It's just a brief interruption of the swirling dust sparkle jet stream
Well, I know I don't know you and you're probably not what you seem
Oh, but I'd sure like to find out, so why don't you climb down off that movie screen
Hey, Mrs. Potter don't turn
Hey, Mrs. Potter I burn for you
Hey, Mrs. Potter won't you talk to me?
When the last king of Hollywood shatters his glass on the floor
And orders another, well I wonder what he did that for
That's when I know that I have to get out 'cause I have been there before
So I gave up my seat at the bar and I head for the door
We drove out to the desert, just to lie down beneath this bowl of stars
We stand up in the Palace like it's the last of the great pioneer town bars
Oh, we shout out these songs against the clang of electric guitars
Well, you can see a million miles tonight but you can't get very far
Oh, you can see a million miles tonight but you can't get very far.
Hey, Mrs. Potter I won't touch
And hey, Mrs. Potter it's not much
But hey, Mrs. Potter won't you talk to me?
Hey, Mrs. Potter won't you talk to me?
Hey, Mrs. Potter won't you talk to me?
'''Well that was very nice, thank you very much.'''
Well I woke up in mid-afternoon 'cause that's when it all hurts the most
I dream I never know anyone at the party and I'm always the host
If dreams are like movies, then memories are films about ghosts
You can never escape, you can only move south down the coast
Well, I am an idiot walking a tightrope of fortune and fame
I am an acrobat, swinging trapezes through circles of flame
If you've never stared off into the distance, then your life is a shame
And though I'll never forget your face, sometimes I can't remember my name
Hey, Mrs. Potter don't cry
Hey, Mrs. Potter I know why
But hey, Mrs. Potter won't you talk to me?
Well there's a piece of Maria in every song that I sing
And the price of a memory is the memory of the sorrow it brings
And there is always one last light to turn out and one last bell to ring
And the last one out of the circus has to lock up everything
Or the elephants will get out and forget to remember what you said
Oh, and the ghosts of the tilt-a-whirl will linger inside of your head
Oh, and the ferris wheel junkies will spin them forever instead
When I see you, a blanket of stars covers me in bed
Hey, Mrs. Potter don't go
I said hey, Mrs. Potter I don't know
But hey, Mrs. Potter won't you talk to me?
All the blue light reflections that color my mind when I sleep
And the lovesick rejections that accompany the company I keep
All the razor perceptions that cut just a little too deep
Hey, I can bleed as well as anyone, but I need someone to help me sleep
Oh, so I throw my hand into the air and it swims in the beams
It's just a brief interruption of the swirling dust sparkle jet stream
Well, I know I don't know you and you're probably not what you seem
Oh, but I'd sure like to find out, so why don't you climb down off that movie screen
Hey, Mrs. Potter don't turn
Hey, Mrs. Potter I burn for you
Hey, Mrs. Potter won't you talk to me?
When the last king of Hollywood shatters his glass on the floor
And orders another, well I wonder what he did that for
That's when I know that I have to get out 'cause I have been there before
So I gave up my seat at the bar and I head for the door
We drove out to the desert, just to lie down beneath this bowl of stars
We stand up in the Palace like it's the last of the great pioneer town bars
Oh, we shout out these songs against the clang of electric guitars
Well, you can see a million miles tonight but you can't get very far
Oh, you can see a million miles tonight but you can't get very far.
Hey, Mrs. Potter I won't touch
And hey, Mrs. Potter it's not much
But hey, Mrs. Potter won't you talk to me?
Hey, Mrs. Potter won't you talk to me?
Hey, Mrs. Potter won't you talk to me?
'''Well that was very nice, thank you very much.'''
Comments (173)add comment
Hannio wrote:
My reaction lies somewhere within the spectrum to the left. Call it mildly scandalized tittering.
I like CC's "Sullivan Street" but most of the time Mr. Duritz doesn't do it for me.
Where's my Adam Duritz voodoo doll? Time for another pin in the eyes.
My reaction lies somewhere within the spectrum to the left. Call it mildly scandalized tittering. I like CC's "Sullivan Street" but most of the time Mr. Duritz doesn't do it for me.
9
I was down our local deer park earlier today, and whilst I was vegging out by the lake I was counting the crows (and ducks and geese and anchovies and orang-utans), and that was far more interesting than the songs that come out of this bunch. A nailed-on Ho-Hum from the laid-back Nottingham jury.
So funny ... was just going through rating music earlier today and came across this one. One of their better ones, still not sure if I like this album more than their first ("August..") but it's pretty damn close most days.
OOOOH yes! spent my whole morning listening to one song!
Does anyone else find it ironic that someone who goes by the moniker "raga" finds a song too long?
Does anyone else find it ironic that someone who goes by the moniker "raga" finds a song too long?
People love to slam Counting Crows, but this is actually a pretty good song, good lyrics. So there.
raga wrote:
Does anyone else find it ironic that someone who goes by the moniker "raga" finds a song too long?
really.... PLEASE STOOOOOOP 
Does anyone else find it ironic that someone who goes by the moniker "raga" finds a song too long?
cosmiclint wrote:
I discovered this song when I picked up their Films About Ghosts greatest hits CD. Good collection, and this track was a nice discovery.
Yeah ... this is my favorite Counting Crows song and you don't hear it much. Nice drive and groove. I included it in my Random Lost Gems compilation.
I discovered this song when I picked up their Films About Ghosts greatest hits CD. Good collection, and this track was a nice discovery.
Yeah ... this is my favorite Counting Crows song and you don't hear it much. Nice drive and groove. I included it in my Random Lost Gems compilation.
Papernapkin wrote:
Yeah, this doesn't get it.
Can't take Crow's crying.
Yeah, this doesn't get it.
OK, I admit, I am a sucker for Adam's whiny emotions.
splooge wrote:
You got it.
It's really saying something when you're disappointed that a song isn't "the one from Journey".
Everytime I hear this song it reminds me of the Journey song 'Just The Same Way'.
You got it.
It's really saying something when you're disappointed that a song isn't "the one from Journey".
JavaJones wrote:
I discovered this song when I picked up their Films About Ghosts greatest hits CD. Good collection, and this track was a nice discovery.
One of my favorites off of This Desert Life. As my Counting Crows fandom fades, this is one that remains. A real "epic" of a song, with a great story and melody arc. Very satisfying to sing along to!
I discovered this song when I picked up their Films About Ghosts greatest hits CD. Good collection, and this track was a nice discovery.
Xeric wrote:
I disagree with everything in this comment.
I liked these guys more until one day I suddenly though "Geez, that sounds like the Stones." But I still like 'em pretty good!
I disagree with everything in this comment.
Where's my Adam Duritz voodoo doll? Time for another pin in the eyes.
Can't take Crow's crying.
One of my favorites off of This Desert Life. As my Counting Crows fandom fades, this is one that remains. A real "epic" of a song, with a great story and melody arc. Very satisfying to sing along to!
Don't like a lot of their music, but I really like this one. The opening piano is just great. I also think Miami by them is pretty good...in my opinion.
Every time I hear this I wonder why they wrote a song about Colonel Potter's wife.
Love the song though.
When I saw the Crows in concert, this was my "I really hope they do this one" song. They did.
"The price of a memory is the memory of the sorrow it brings."
Deal with it, haters.
"The price of a memory is the memory of the sorrow it brings."
Deal with it, haters.
Everytime I hear this song it reminds me of the Journey song 'Just The Same Way'.
dedawson wrote:
Whoa, I didn't think that was ever going to end.
really.... PLEASE STOOOOOOP
Whoa, I didn't think that was ever going to end.
Yipes! The comparisons to Dylan I see below are blasphemy!
Please don't do that!!!!!!
mwsteele79 wrote:
As soon as I find out that a singer is a jerk (as Duritz is) it ruins his music for me... not that I loved it anyway.
His voice alone makes me want to punch something (preferably him). He's also a jerk? I like him.
Dear lord the Counting Crows suck.
This music conjures up images of preppy frat boys.
yuk!
I liked these guys more until one day I suddenly though "Geez, that sounds like the Stones."
But I still like 'em pretty good!
Whirlpool wrote:
You know what would be interesting. The lead singer of Barenaked Ladies (what's his name?) and the lead singer of Counting Crows (Adam Duritz) having a whining contest. Who can whine the loudest?
that's hilarious.
my sentiments exactly
Don't forget Dave Matthews
ed: this song gets a 6 anyway...pretty good I think
You know what would be interesting. The lead singer of Barenaked Ladies (what's his name?) and the lead singer of Counting Crows (Adam Duritz) having a whining contest. Who can whine the loudest?
The one Counting Crows song I like. I haven't paid attention to the lyrics yet, but like the melody and feel.
As soon as I find out that a singer is a jerk (as Duritz is) it ruins his music for me... not that I loved it anyway.
I'm feeling good and this song just got bumped up. 7 -> 8
Yeah, the Dylan Crows.
While I love this song, and think every single verse is a poetic gem... what the hell is this song about?
A fantastic song, the lyrics, melody; all rolls together. I listen to it about once a month just to be reminded why I really this band.
Quietly visualizing a murder of crows.
I always think of the Bodeans when I hear the guitar on this song.
I've always wonder...who is Maria and what is her connection to Duritz?
Almost Dylan-esque at times
*edit* didn't realize i stole moaks thunder*
Some folks don't like Adam's voice, but it is penetrating and distinct. Like Shannon Hoon of Blind Melon and Neil Young, these guys have that special intonation which makes the listener stop and ... well, listen.
Good cut, good group and great album.
Mari wrote:
... that's what it's all about! 
composition I think they call it? 
Love the Crows! 
Taffy stuck, tongue tied
Stuttered shook and uptight
Pull me out from inside
I am ready
I am ready
I am ready
I am...fine
I am covered in skin
No one gets to come in
Pull me out from inside
I am folded, and unfolded, and unfolding
I am
colorblind
composition I think they call it?
Love the Crows!
musical ecstasy
Mari wrote:
... that's what it's all about! composition I think they call it?
Love the Crows!
This is kind of Dylanesque in its oblique rambling story...great song.
composition I think they call it?
Love the Crows! sonofpick wrote: composition I think they call it?
Love the Crows!
ok, now he's just making stuff up.
... that's what it's all about! composition I think they call it?
Love the Crows!
ok, now he's just making stuff up.
Much as it goes against EVERY fibre of my being;
6 
7
7
K-BILLY wrote:
Nice Choices of songs today on RP...
Enjoying the diversity in a big way!
I was just gonna say that; thanks!
The sakura glow outside the window and I can jam to RP in here and rock this whole gray-sky Saturday away!
buddy0407 wrote:
The Counting Crows had a couple of good tunes back then. This wasn't one of them...
this time I disagree
I was reading some of the comments to Neil Young's "Don't Let It Bring You Down" earlier today and noticed most negative comments were about Neil's whiny voice.
I feel the exact same way about Adam Duritz's voice, yet I love Neil's. And now I'm wondering just why the Hell that is...
Nice Choices of songs today on RP...
Enjoying the diversity in a big way!
The Counting Crows had a couple of good tunes back then. This wasn't one of them...
I never really cared for this band, Mr. Jones got played way too much back in the early 90's, but after hearing this song I have kind of mellowed on them a bit. Some of his vocals are a bit too affected at times, but this is pretty enjoyable.
Yuk! Hyper-cheesy!!
The crows live are awesome. Adam gives it 200%.
Hard to judge a live band from studio.
Helps me whistle while I work.
This is the best Counting Crows song I have ever heard! I mean that. Still torture to listen to, though.
Nothing wrong with it except it just won't end. Prefer other CC songs to this one; especially Perfect Blue Buildings that never seems to get played.
What a great groove that it. Loving it...(gave it a 7)
mfassett wrote:
This is from when this band was still good. How long ago was that?
1999, so 7 years? Love this song!
This is from when this band was still good. How long ago was that?
Kerly wrote:
from Kerly on RP! 
Mari, I am so happy now, while its on!!!! 
On or Off, I'm just so happy to get a kiss ! from Kerly on RP!
ObsidianInfinity wrote:
"If you've never stared off into the distance then your life is a shame."
I've always thought this is one of the best lines ever incorporated into a song.
agreed.
Mari wrote:
Except for CC Lovers 
Mari, I am so happy now, while its on!!!!
Kerly wrote:
You fit together with my taste.
Thanks for it. It is mainly CC haters club here.
Except for CC Lovers
Very good tune from an excellent band. Poetic and often sublime. Not for everyone as is evident from these comments but the rating is decent.
Lonestar wrote:
This song started and I left the office to go and watch the entire star wars trilogy, I came back and this was still going. Damn.
I don't mind most of CC, including this song, really like "A Long December" and caught a pretty good live show this summer, but this comment made me LOL.
I'm not a Crows-hater, but one thing I tend to dislike about lead singers that don't play an instrument is that they tend not to know when to shut the #*&% up, and let the music play.
Varan_Komodsky wrote:
In the name of all that is holy, make it stop.
What he said!
Love it. Beautifully paced and put together. Rambling and tight all at once.
I like 'em! CC-likers unite!
Kerly wrote:
You fit together with my taste.
Thanks for it. It is mainly CC haters club here.
not here! I'm with you guys, think they are great and think they'll be seen as great in the future, theres is a sound that lasts,
I think anyway
Well, at least they made a few records and then went away quietly. No harm, no foul.
I hope they invested their money well.
In the name of all that is holy, make it stop.
ocsike wrote: 
Yes, all of those aply!
You fit together with my taste.
Thanks for it. It is mainly CC haters club here.
Yes, all of those aply!lophrequa wrote:
ah, a perfect song for running the vacuum cleaner. back in 20 minutes...
ah, a perfect song for running the vacuum cleaner. back in 20 minutes...
desnos wrote:
One of rock's few poets as opposed to one of its many songwriters
Well said!
Hannio wrote:
I beg to differ.
Agreed. Incredibly long-winded, wordy, truly in love with the sound of his own voice and with his pseudo-profound lyrics. GOD I can't stand this song!
This is an utterly unnecessary band.
This song started and I left the office to go and watch the entire star wars trilogy, I came back and this was still going. Damn.
every song is EXACTLY THE SAME directionless dribble! someone please kill this band!!
Odyzzeuz wrote:
Wow. A Counting Crows song that isn't utter torture to endure. A 3.
I beg to differ.
One of rock's few poets as opposed to one of its many songwriters
Wow. A Counting Crows song that isn't utter torture to endure. A 3.
japanmoran wrote:
Dang this song ever end?
Yep. Right at the ending where it should end.
Dang this song ever end?
"If you've never stared off into the distance then your life is a shame."
I've always thought this is one of the best lines ever incorporated into a song.
Atombender wrote:
...
Everytime i hear them my head feels like the guys' on the Album cover.
Not sure if that is good or bad 
... Good of course! ...
Certainly not the best CC song. But still good nonetheless.
Everytime i hear them my head feels like the guys' on the Album cover.
Not sure if that is good or bad
mrrmt wrote:
To have cut it shorter would have changed what he is trying to express.
Their UK record company actually tried to do that for UK radio. The band responded by splitting the track in two having the first half as track one and the second half as track two of the radio promo. Needless to say it wasn't played much and was, I think, never officially released as a single.
mrrmt wrote:I love this song.
Me too.
Yes, all of those aply!Well, I don't know Adam from Eve, but I do like this song. Heard it first last summer while digging at an archaeological site in Italy, and now this second time I could follow the lyrics. Good spirit of memories and something that apparently never quite happened, carried along by a good tune.
freeone1 wrote:
Right on, dig the writing here. You're right about Adam though, I was lucky and caught one of his really good ones a few years back! Good stuff!
I got to catch the complete opposite, he was pissed because he didn't think the audience was respectful of the opening act and stated we were a bunch of A##$%# and played a very short set with no encore
stewnana wrote:
This is one of my favorite songs of all time! It's a beautifully done song, and lyrically profound. Thanks, it made my day, please play more lesser known Crow songs!
me too!!!
is it over yet. i tire of them so easily. 
This is one of my favorite songs of all time! It's a beautifully done song, and lyrically profound. Thanks, it made my day, please play more lesser known Crow songs!
This band is the biggest bunch of pretentious posers to come along in a while.
mig7 wrote:
Adam is a moody fuck-- and catching a good show may be 50/50--but this song rocks!
Right on, dig the writing here. You're right about Adam though, I was lucky and caught one of his really good ones a few years back! Good stuff!
Crows may deserve some of the flame out comments but I've always enjoyed this long song with quirky imagery and tangled lyrics.
"There's a piece of Maria in every song I sing..." is a great line.
Good stuff.
dwhayslett wrote:
If only.
Nice, but I think I liked the singer better when he was Van Morrison
DirkGently wrote:
Jeez, it really doesn't end.
If only.
this is live no?
eeeekkk ... 
make him drink some whisky and smoke so that his voice isn't like this anymore ... 
ok, but lyrics are nice.
make him drink some whisky and smoke so that his voice isn't like this anymore ...
ok, but lyrics are nice.Jeez, it really doesn't end.
dogpound wrote:
terrible voice alert
i know it is long but it is one of his greatest lyrical songs. listen to the words. the life philosophy is just bursting out of him in a way that can't be contained. It is stream of consciousness song writing. To have cut it shorter would have changed what he is trying to express. I love this song.
terrible voice alert
CliffRockyMountain wrote:
Way.
Too long.
Edit to way long wayways: Wut? no automatic cropping? Ah.. I get it. We're supposed to write sane and civilized comments.
No. You just needed some spaces in between all the ways.
Edit to way long wayways: Wut? no automatic cropping? Ah.. I get it. We're supposed to write sane and civilized comments. CliffRockyMountain wrote:
Yes. It is.
Way.
Too long.
Yes. It is.
CliffRockyMountain wrote:
Waywayway...
Too long.
Yo, Cliff. Your comment is way too long.
Way.
Too long.
Edit to way long wayways: Wut? no automatic cropping? Ah.. I get it. We're supposed to write sane and civilized comments.
Edit to way long wayways: Wut? no automatic cropping? Ah.. I get it. We're supposed to write sane and civilized comments. n4ku wrote:
Whew. Thank goodness that's over.
I kept wondering when this piece of suck would end.... shut up already... *sheesh*
Whew. Thank goodness that's over.THEY SUCK!!!
Playing Counting Crows after Grateful Dead is like a dentist telling you that you don't have any cavities and then he jams a needle in your neck.
Great tune....
One of the most annoying bands ever. Not good then, not good now.
Off to listen to KCRW while this song ends.