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Son Volt — Drown
Album: Trace
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1167









Released: 1995
Length: 3:15
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Sky cracks open, walls falling to the floor
Just as well to keep it a guessing game in store
You're with me now, will be again
All other points in between

And the cruel, cruel mornings
Have turned to days of swim or sink
If living right is easy, what goes wrong

You're causing it to drown
Didn't want to turn that way
You're causing it to drown
Doesn't make a difference now
You're causing it to drown
Silence knows, can't drown a heart

Happenstance is falling through the cracks each day
Too close now to change it, fool's gold is lighter anyway
When in doubt, move on, no need to sort it out
You're with me now, will be again
All other points in between

And I want to find the right side of you
If living right is easy, what goes wrong

You're causing it to drown
Didn't want to turn that way
You're causing it to drown
Doesn't make a difference now
You're causing it to drown
Silence knows, can't drown a heart

When in doubt, move on, no need to sort it out
You're with me now, will be again
All other points in between

And I want to find the right side of you
If living right is easy, what goes wrong

You're causing it to drown
Didn't want to turn that way
You're causing it to drown
Doesn't make a difference now
You're causing it to drown
Silence knows, can't drown a heart
Comments (146)add comment
 Broken_Ear wrote:
Does this singer ever hit a right note? {#Ask}
He's no Celine Dion but I wouldn't change a thing. Great song!

Posted 4 months ago by nickferrante10    [ Reply ]
Another "I can name that song in 3 notes" song.

Dig it
Posted 7 months ago by KPC1    [ Reply ]
 DaveInSaoMiguel wrote:


Is he singing "You're Cousin Itt"?



Posted 1 year ago by renegade_X    [ Reply ]
Broken_Ear wrote:
Does this singer ever hit a right note?

unclehud wrote:

Easy there, bro; you're causing it to drown.  (PS: He hits RIGHT notes all day long.)

Give him a break.  His ear is broken
Posted 1 year ago by Ihatethissong    [ Reply ]
Does anyone else think this dude sounds like John Fogerty?
Posted 1 year ago by renegade_X    [ Reply ]
Drown?

Drown?

Must be a reference to them growing up near the Mississippi River at STL. 
If you were swimming in the wrong spot, like a sink hole...the current will drag you under and your body pops out somewhere near Memphis.

Honest. 

You don't mess with Old Man River.  

 
Posted 1 year ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this in years, yet it used to be a regular... lovely
Posted 1 year ago by waterwench21    [ Reply ]
 Ok_Sobriquet wrote:

Trace is one of the Top 5 All Time Best Americana/Alt Country Albums.



agreed! i had a friend who worked in A&R at Warner Bros and asked if i wanted it when it came out and i snapped it up immediately. hooked me it right away. this is such a great song. so catchy.  

this is the kind of alt country/americana i can listen to anytime.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
I couldn't find this song for a long time because I didn't know enough info to look it up.... cool
Posted 2 years ago by Michaeljcovel    [ Reply ]
 Broken_Ear wrote:
Does this singer ever hit a right note? {#Ask}
 PRoeder61 wrote:
 Right according to whom?  You?  Jay has filled a few halls and sold a few records.  Tell about your singing career. 

I'd assume the original commenter meant "right" in the sense of standard 12 tone musical temperament and tuning, relative to the tuning of the instruments performing in the song.  

Assuming that's the case, it is a fact that this singer is unable to accurately hit an unusually large number (for a professional singer) of the notes he attempts.

That said, art is of course subjective, and one does not need to possess technical skill for people to enjoy it.
Posted 2 years ago by Hippostar    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:

Easy there, bro; you're causing it to drown.  (PS: He hits RIGHT notes all day long.)


In fact, the consistency in Farrar's tonality is what allows his melodies to be cohesive.
Posted 2 years ago by Greenman    [ Reply ]
Well that brings back some memories of the local rock station circa 1996.  Never knew who that was.
Posted 2 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Trace is one of the Top 5 All Time Best Americana/Alt Country Albums.
Posted 3 years ago by Ok_Sobriquet    [ Reply ]
  Great band....!!! 
Posted 3 years ago by RickyDrummer    [ Reply ]
I have always really loved this song since I heard it on 94 wave in Charleston. Don't know what the words are, but whenever I hear it I have to run and turn it up. Don't like to many of their other songs, but this one is the best. I always thought they would redo it. 
Posted 4 years ago by kquinn03    [ Reply ]
Whole album is pure awesomeness.
Posted 4 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:


Is he singing "You're Cousin it"?
 
Exactly what I was hearing 
Posted 4 years ago by peregrin    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:

Easy there, bro; you're causing it to drown.  (PS: He hits RIGHT notes all day long.)
 
I'd say he hits the left notes OK too...sticking with a 7 on this one (i.e. keeping it in the 'green') and LLRP!!
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
 Broken_Ear wrote:
Does this singer ever hit a right note?{#Ask}
 
Easy there, bro; you're causing it to drown.  (PS: He hits RIGHT notes all day long.)
Posted 5 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 Right according to whom?  You?  Jay has filled a few halls and sold a few records.  Tell about your singing career.
Does this singer ever hit a right note? {#Ask}

 


Posted 7 years ago by PRoeder61    [ Reply ]
Somehow Jay gets a Neil Young thing going with his voice, and I must say I especially enjoy the raw, jangly, ear-splitting guitar on this! Satisfying jam!
Posted 7 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Does this singer ever hit a right note? {#Ask}
Posted 8 years ago by Broken_Ear    [ Reply ]
 MsfStl wrote:

So, says the Hippo.  Which is why Hippos don't have a lot of friends. I pity the Hippo. Poor fella.

{#Devil_pimp} 

 
I think he meant "Hipsterstar:.
Posted 8 years ago by merobreno    [ Reply ]
these guys definitely have a Southern Rock groove.  (I feel like I'm back in Louisiana at one of my high school dances)
 
Posted 8 years ago by TigerStrong    [ Reply ]
I CAN RIDE A PINEAPPLE!!!!!! {#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananapiano}{#Propeller}{#Group-hug}{#Bananajam}{#Cheers}{#Boohoo}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Daisy}{#Bananasplit}{#Bananajumprope}{#Dancingbanana}{#Chillpill}{#Dance}
Posted 8 years ago by ekin    [ Reply ]
Nice grrooooove: )
Posted 9 years ago by peterm252    [ Reply ]
 Hippostar wrote:

Only without any sense of pitch, musicianship or originality.

 
So, says the Hippo.  Which is why Hippos don't have a lot of friends. I pity the Hippo. Poor fella.

{#Devil_pimp} 
Posted 9 years ago by MsfStl    [ Reply ]
 Rtbruin wrote:

This sounds like the guy from They Might Be Giants. Could it be him do a little more edgy rock under a different name?
 
Only without any sense of pitch, musicianship or originality.
Posted 10 years ago by Hippostar    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:
Asked this on another thread:  Can anybody identify the amplifier pictured on the album cover?

 
Thats easy - Its an early 50's Webster-Chicago 166-1: 
 
Posted 10 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
 rwhardy wrote:
Just Awesome. Incredible live.

 
 {#Yes} 


 
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:
Asked this on another thread:  Can anybody identify the amplifier pictured on the album cover?

 

I asked a friend of mine who works in a studio.

I've been wondering that myself since that album came out. Sounds awesome, doesn't it? Based on the styling I'd say it was from the 40s or early 50s.


Still a mystery!  




Posted 10 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
Just Awesome. Incredible live.
Posted 10 years ago by rwhardy    [ Reply ]
Asked this on another thread:  Can anybody identify the amplifier pictured on the album cover?
Posted 10 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
My favorite album of the 90's Hands Down.  They are fantastic in concert too.  BKardon wrote:
Great cut from one of the best albums (if not THE best) of the 90's.

 


Posted 10 years ago by Susan_Amati    [ Reply ]
Great cut from one of the best albums (if not THE best) of the 90's.
Posted 11 years ago by BKardon    [ Reply ]
 Biscobret wrote:
Ain't no Tupelo...  but...

 

Get over it.  Wilco is great and Son Volt are very good.
Posted 11 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
fun
Posted 11 years ago by Kaisersosay    [ Reply ]
Ain't no Tupelo...  but...
Posted 11 years ago by Biscobret    [ Reply ]


just awful 
Posted 11 years ago by prophetzarquon    [ Reply ]
Wilco > Son Volt
Posted 11 years ago by sieversfam    [ Reply ]
 Sweet_Virginia wrote:
Sounds like counting crows?
 
Is that an insult or a complament?
Posted 11 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
 gillespp wrote:
. . . what goes wrong, your Cousin It . . .

 
Duh. 
Posted 11 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 Sweet_Virginia wrote:
Sounds like counting crows?

 
Not even remotely.
Posted 11 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
Can't wait to see these guys in Telluride.
Posted 11 years ago by dig    [ Reply ]
 Rick_V wrote:
Great song from a stone cold classic album.

 
Amen brother
Posted 11 years ago by Johnny_Wave    [ Reply ]
 Not Really

Sweet_Virginia wrote:
Sounds like counting crows?
 


Posted 11 years ago by coachc    [ Reply ]
 It's just you.

superfido wrote:
Is it just me or is this song just colorless and boring??
 


Posted 11 years ago by coachc    [ Reply ]
seen these guys w the junkies, they stunk pretty bad. sorry to be neg. peace rp rules
 
Posted 11 years ago by nightmann    [ Reply ]
Sounds like counting crows?
Posted 11 years ago by Sweet_Virginia    [ Reply ]
. . . what goes wrong, your Cousin It . . .
Posted 11 years ago by gillespp    [ Reply ]
 idiot_wind wrote:
Still waiting for Uncle Tupelo. And I got Stag beer ready to drink. Nothing like midwestern brewed beer to drown one's sorrows.   
 
You should try Long Strange Tripel or Sixth Glass from Boulevard Brewing's Smokestack Series. Great, great beers in the Belgian tradition.
Posted 12 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 Rick_V wrote:
Great song from a stone cold classic album.
 
You said it, brother.
Posted 12 years ago by RKeaton    [ Reply ]
 idiot_wind wrote:
For crying our loud,

You play Son Volt.

You play Wilco.

Play some freakin Uncle Tupelo. The genesis for both these bands,

The band form Belleville, IL.

Home to Stag Beer. 
 
Also home to Jeff Tweedy by happinstance.
Posted 12 years ago by gemtag    [ Reply ]
Still waiting for Uncle Tupelo. And I got Stag beer ready to drink. Nothing like midwestern brewed beer to drown one's sorrows.   
Posted 12 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
For crying our loud,

You play Son Volt.

You play Wilco.

Play some freakin Uncle Tupelo. The genesis for both these bands,

The band form Belleville, IL.

Home to Stag Beer. 
Posted 12 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:


 Cousin it
 
{#Lol} Nice change from Van Snore-sson
Posted 12 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:


Is he singing "You're Cousin it"?
 

damn near fell out of my chair...{#Lol}
Posted 12 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]


Is he singing "You're Cousin Itt"?
Posted 13 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Steve Miller Band vibe for me, not necessarily a bad thing. First time I've heard of him/them. 7

Posted 13 years ago by hbs47    [ Reply ]

I have always liked Son Volt and try to keep up with their music and somewhat musical chair members..
This is a great album —- in this song the instrumentation is super —A kickin'
tune, but at times in the vocals, Jay sounds like he is in a tug of war with the lyrics, straining to pull them from the sheet music. As if  he is "strained, groping-for-pitch" —(an accurate description, from this site) The rpm's aren't in sync with the pitch, which is not in sync with the intonation, or visa versa.  Still, this is a very talented group of musicians who 9 times out of 10——->> nail it !  


Posted 13 years ago by That_SOB    [ Reply ]
 Rick_V wrote:
Great song from a stone cold classic album.
 

Absolutely, I must go home and find this. I loved it when it came out.
Posted 13 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
 TimeWaster wrote:
Music - good. {#Yes}
Vocals - bad. {#No}
 
Right on!  Every time he sings "your causing it" its a little nauseating...

Posted 13 years ago by sbegf    [ Reply ]
 Rick_V wrote:
Great song from a stone cold classic album.
 
+1  {#Bananajam}

What is up with Jay Farrar of late?  I love Jeff Tweedy's Wilco but still like Jay's work too.  I was a fan back when Uncle Tupelo was around...great stuff!

Thanks RP!

Posted 13 years ago by Tim_in_N_FL    [ Reply ]
Music - good. {#Yes}
Vocals - bad. {#No}
Posted 13 years ago by TimeWaster    [ Reply ]
Love it.{#Cowboy}{#Music} {#Bananasplit}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananajam}{#Bananapiano}
Posted 14 years ago by rowdydaisy    [ Reply ]
 Jim__Sheila wrote:
really horrible song!, please don't play it again.

 
Agreed — sometimes I wish for a FFWD button instead of just MUTE.....

Posted 14 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
Influences from Fogerty on the vocals...
Posted 14 years ago by Felix_The_Cat    [ Reply ]
``Bon Jovi like```?
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 Rick_V wrote:
Great song from a stone cold classic album.
 

Perfectly said ..
Posted 14 years ago by UncleChig    [ Reply ]
Great song from a stone cold classic album.
Posted 14 years ago by Rick_V    [ Reply ]
 peter_james_bond wrote:

Don't worry Dave, here's a positive comment...This song rocks!

 
Thanks for the smile {#Cheers}
Posted 14 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Cow bell!
Posted 14 years ago by BillJ    [ Reply ]
Love that opening lick. Like setting a match to a big pile of dry brush. In a good way.
Posted 14 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
I like it, this song.
Posted 15 years ago by Flying_Donut    [ Reply ]
 spacemoose wrote:

I don't mind Son Volt, I'm not familiar with Uncle Tupelo or Jay Farrar.

I don't care for Wilco much though.  I really liked their collaboration with Billy Bragg on the Mermaid Avenue CD's, so I picked up a CD of theirs, and was pretty disappointed.  Wound up giving he CD away.  Just seemed, for lack of a better word, derivative, uninspired, and unmoviing.

But I don't hate Wilco, and I don't mind hearing it on the radio once in a while.

 

Actually, Jay Farrar *is* Son Volt essentially, and basically half of Uncle Tupelo with Jeff Tweedy (of Wilco fame).

Posted 15 years ago by rtkmusic    [ Reply ]
 deepwoodskev wrote:

say what?? Counting Crows?

I don't think so. 
 
Sounds like Buffalo Tom.

Posted 15 years ago by von_Hayek    [ Reply ]
 radioparadisehead wrote:
I like Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, and Jay Farrar so much that I wonder how it's possible that some people actually desire to never hear those bands again.  Have you listened to a variety of their songs?  Do you like Wilco, separately?
 
I don't mind Son Volt, I'm not familiar with Uncle Tupelo or Jay Farrar.

I don't care for Wilco much though.  I really liked their collaboration with Billy Bragg on the Mermaid Avenue CD's, so I picked up a CD of theirs, and was pretty disappointed.  Wound up giving he CD away.  Just seemed, for lack of a better word, derivative, uninspired, and unmoviing.

But I don't hate Wilco, and I don't mind hearing it on the radio once in a while.

Posted 15 years ago by spacemoose    [ Reply ]
 coccyx wrote:
Sounds like Counting Crows

unfortunately
 
say what?? Counting Crows?

I don't think so. 
Posted 15 years ago by deepwoodskev    [ Reply ]
 Rtbruin wrote:
This sounds like the guy from They Might Be Giants.  Could it be him do a little more edgy rock under a different name?
 


I have always thought the same thing! The phrasing is the same, too.
Posted 15 years ago by jenntenn    [ Reply ]
Almost forgot about this one ... love it!  {#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 15 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
 radioparadisehead wrote:
I like Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, and Jay Farrar so much that I wonder how it's possible that some people actually desire to never hear those bands again.  Have you listened to a variety of their songs?  Do you like Wilco, separately?
 
You know, I always said I'd never get to the point of saying "these kids nowadays" or stuff like that. But I swear, the lack of good taste amongst the listeners on here just by-God astounds me sometimes.

Don't anybody "go off", now. I've got an opinion, same as anyone else.

I just don't understand some of the "stone-throwing" on here, is all. {#Wave}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
I like Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, and Jay Farrar so much that I wonder how it's possible that some people actually desire to never hear those bands again.  Have you listened to a variety of their songs?  Do you like Wilco, separately?
Posted 15 years ago by radioparadisehead    [ Reply ]
I always liked this song and never knew who it was     =D
Posted 15 years ago by Deadwing    [ Reply ]

I feel pretty indifferent about this song, although it does stick in one's head.  It doesn't help that I hear it as, "You're Cousin It..."


Posted 15 years ago by isocky    [ Reply ]
This sounds like the guy from They Might Be Giants.  Could it be him do a little more edgy rock under a different name?
Posted 15 years ago by Rtbruin    [ Reply ]
 Dave_Mack wrote:
My favorite Son Volt song.  So many negative comments for positive rating.  Oh well.
 
Don't worry Dave, here's a positive comment...This song rocks!

Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 viciousfishes wrote:
{#Cheers} Reminds me of the Ratskeller.
 
Not a seller of rats, but a cellar of rats.

Posted 15 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
My favorite Son Volt song.  So many negative comments for positive rating.  Oh well.
Posted 15 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
yer causin it!
Posted 15 years ago by HonduranRed    [ Reply ]
So happy every time this song comes on...
Posted 15 years ago by holborne    [ Reply ]
{#Cheers} Reminds me of the Ratskeller.
Posted 15 years ago by viciousfishes    [ Reply ]
really horrible song!, please don't play it again.

Posted 15 years ago by Jim__Sheila    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Counting Crows

unfortunately


Posted 15 years ago by coccyx    [ Reply ]
File this under "generic". Nothing stands out whatsoever
Posted 15 years ago by BoneRoller    [ Reply ]
2 —> 1 

Son Volt = instant channel change
Posted 15 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:
{#Puke}
 
Now how did I know you would respond this way? {#Money-mouth}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
This band is absolutely, consistently terrible.
Posted 15 years ago by MrGreg    [ Reply ]
Yikes! No substance...Mush!
Posted 15 years ago by moonchildsce    [ Reply ]
Excellent alt-country.
Posted 15 years ago by holborne    [ Reply ]
 Papernapkin wrote:
Just noise.
 
And a sprinkling of nasal whining. Dreadful!!

Posted 16 years ago by tiggers    [ Reply ]
Just noise.
Posted 16 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
{#Puke}
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
 Paul_in_Australia wrote:
Maybe you have to live in America to appreciate this sort of gloop? 
  It would appear not!
Posted 16 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
Sounds great coming after The Kinks, for sure!  Love these iconic sonic connections!  Pure tonic!  But I gotta get this dang guide-book written!  Hard to do, rocking around with RP blaring through the MacBook!
Posted 16 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
WonderLizard wrote:
Lotsa Jay Farrar and Son Volt the last couple of days. This is a good thing.

Maybe in an alternate universe.


Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
Am I alone in being allergic to cowbells? Leave 'em on the cows, I say.

(Cue the much-used clip of the wild geezer clonking a cowbell.)

 

Apparently you're not in on the joke. That "wild geezer" is Wil Ferrell from SNL in a skit about Blue Oyster Cult
Posted 16 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
Papernapkin wrote:
Blah.
Posted 16 years ago by Moak    [ Reply ]
WonderLizard wrote:
Lotsa Jay Farrar and Son Volt the last couple of days. This is a good thing.
Posted 16 years ago by Moak    [ Reply ]
Blah.
Posted 16 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
Lotsa Jay Farrar and Son Volt the last couple of days. This is a good thing.
Posted 16 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Am I alone in being allergic to cowbells? Leave 'em on the cows, I say. (Cue the much-used clip of the wild geezer clonking a cowbell.)
Posted 16 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
There is something about his voice that makes me think of Jackson Browne.
Posted 16 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
veegez wrote:
Maybe you have to be a dork from Australia to not appreciate this genre. (How's that for generalizing, old sport? And we ARE generalizing, aren't we?) :)
Paul_in_Australia wrote: Maybe you have to live in America to appreciate this sort of gloop? Every live music venue in Melbourne will feature better music than this, tonight and every night. I'm sure at least one of the bands could come to the sonic rescue...
veegez!
Posted 16 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
That's a 9 for this track, and a 25 for the album.
Posted 16 years ago by ptooey    [ Reply ]
Free ploughed this furrow some 40 years ago - and did it so much better.
Posted 16 years ago by Ngoziman    [ Reply ]
RobK wrote:
Quite a firestorm your comment set off there, eh Paul! You've got good taste as I recall. When it comes to Son Volt there are obviously plenty of us who think you've got it wrong. Different strokes, I guess. Or as they say in your part of the world, "No worries".
Throw 'em on the Barbi!
Posted 16 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
copymonkey wrote:
Yeah--send us more stuff like "The Wiggles"!! Thanks for that!!
Get 'em Monkey!
Posted 16 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
Quite a firestorm your comment set off there, eh Paul! You've got good taste as I recall. When it comes to Son Volt there are obviously plenty of us who think you've got it wrong. Different strokes, I guess. Or as they say in your part of the world, "No worries".
Posted 16 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
Maybe you have to live in America to appreciate this sort of gloop? Every live music venue in Melbourne will feature better music than this, tonight and every night. I'm sure at least one of the bands could come to the sonic rescue...
Yeah--send us more stuff like "The Wiggles"!! Thanks for that!!
Posted 16 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
veegez wrote:
Maybe you have to be a dork from Australia to not appreciate this genre. (How's that for generalizing, old sport? And we ARE generalizing, aren't we?) :)
Waaayy to go _Donnie_!! You're throwin' bricks tonight!
Posted 16 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]