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Joan Osborne — Safety In Numbers
Album: Righteous Love
Avg rating:
6.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1398









Released: 2000
Length: 4:20
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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There is safety in numbers
and people and things
and in big wads of money
and great big platinum rings
And no one will ever get near me again
There is safety in numbers
in numbers my friend

There are people who watch you
in your windows at night
and they follow your movements
in the cold fluorescent light
They wait for their moment
they'll get you in the end
There is safety in numbers
in numbers my friend

I was just like you before
You want somebody to love
Since that day I learned the score
I know how to rise above
There is shelter in power
and promises of pain
and in lovers and lawyers
and dogs pulling at the chain
And no one will ever get near me again

There is safety in numbers
in numbers my friend
You will find me well protected
when you come around today
So remember what I told you
and continue on your way
Cause no one will ever
get near me again

There is safety in numbers
in numbers my friend
Comments (105)add comment
 Pjesnik wrote:


It almost slightly chanelling Stones from Black&Blue period.  Why not.  


oooo, good call! i can hear that.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Saw Joan live in a small club in Greenville, SC when she was the lead singer in Trigger Hippie with a few members of the Black Crowes. WOW, what a show. I have always loved her stuff. 
Posted 1 year ago by tripp1    [ Reply ]
 Jacksonstat wrote:

This song rocks... rock on Joan!



It almost slightly chanelling Stones from Black&Blue period.  Why not.  
Posted 2 years ago by Pjesnik    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:

This is how one maintains a closed mind: refusal to listen to new things.


Uncle --
Your post accuses me of refusing to listen to new things. I've been listening to this song on RP since Bill first played it 19 years ago. I made my comment about this song four years ago, which means I had been listening to it for somewhere around 15 years before I posted my thought. 

I think 15 years disqualifies it as a new thing. If you delete your post, I will delete mine. 
Posted 3 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
She played with The Dead July 4, '03 at Willie Nelson's Picnic. my first introduction to her and she rocked it!  Have loved her music since!
Posted 3 years ago by deadheadmark    [ Reply ]
 truebeliever wrote:

In my opinion, now that Dusty is gone,  Joan is the custodian of the great white soul voice.  I don't like all her material choices, but man can she get on top of a good song.



Joss Stone is another blue eyed soul siren
Posted 3 years ago by rbrise    [ Reply ]
 eastcoast wrote:
I feel like I am listening to Jessica Simson
 

Earwax?
Posted 3 years ago by mjbaumann    [ Reply ]
Sing it Joan!

Hope the neighbors like it!
Posted 3 years ago by mjbaumann    [ Reply ]
Completely inconsequential
Posted 3 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
I am so glad we can hear other stuff from joan besides one of us which i am so sick of
Posted 4 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
 TheLoneIguana wrote:
Joan Osborne falls into a category with Tracy Chapman. Absolutely frickin' hated the first song I heard from both of them ("One of Us" and "Fast Car", respectively), but I've liked most everything else they've done. Don't know what that has to do with anything, but hey.
 
Joan apparently hates One of Us too.  I heard her live at a folk festival, and she blew us away with her other material.  We were all like, why don't we hear this on the radio!  (Y'know, back when radio was a thing. :-)  )

Posted 4 years ago by Sarcophaga    [ Reply ]
 Grammarcop wrote:
There's also safety in the PSD button, which will take me to a different number!
 
This is how one maintains a closed mind: refusal to listen to new things.
Posted 5 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:
The more I hear of Joan, the more I like her stuff!
 
Same here...enough to up my 7 to an 8 on this one.....I'm also a fan of the "Mongrels" song she rocks....Long Live RP!!
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:
The more I hear of Joan, the more I like her stuff!
 
Agreed!
Posted 5 years ago by RallyX    [ Reply ]
There's also safety in the PSD button, which will take me to a different number!
Posted 7 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
marvelous song...

 


Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
The more I hear of Joan, the more I like her stuff!
Posted 12 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Is she struggling to sing this number or just struggling to sing ??
Posted 12 years ago by Toke    [ Reply ]
 shellbella wrote:
See her live.... {#Clap}
 
Agreed.  Seeing her perform ruined me for listening to her recorded tracks. 

Posted 12 years ago by NeuroGeek    [ Reply ]
7->8 

 {#Drummer}{#Bananajam}{#Music}
Posted 12 years ago by alezz_ua    [ Reply ]
See her live.... {#Clap}
Posted 12 years ago by shellbella    [ Reply ]
This song really doesnt offer much. It feels bland musically and very bland lyrically. Best I can muster is a 5.
Posted 13 years ago by BikeCoachDave    [ Reply ]
lovely voice
Posted 13 years ago by Tamster    [ Reply ]
 philbertr wrote:


You are sick.  Just saying.
 

That's what main stream radio is for....
Posted 13 years ago by wulfpig    [ Reply ]
Ok, whatever.

Gimme shelter!
Posted 13 years ago by mapman    [ Reply ]
decent song except for the parts where she makes the weird frog-croaking noises...  WTF Joan? {#Stupid}
Posted 13 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
PERFECT segue from Al Green - Love & Happiness to this song!
Posted 13 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]

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

© 2010 Kirk Stauffer Photography

Copyright All rights reserved

.
Posted 13 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 aquadonia wrote:
I'm stuck in the middle with this one. Maybe it's a grower.
 
That's what she said. {#Biggrin}

Posted 14 years ago by fingerpin    [ Reply ]

The Funk Brothers & Joan Osborne - Love Is Like A Heat Wave, Live

The Funk Brothers & Joan Osborne - Live Motown - Love Is Like A Heat Wave
Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
A math majors theme song. Finally!
Oh wait...
Posted 14 years ago by LaurentianD    [ Reply ]
like this song
Posted 14 years ago by Dinges,_the_Dude    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 14 years ago by ginniet    [ Reply ]

Joan Osborne - Midnight Train to Georgia, Live at studio

"Joan Osborne's release Breakfast In Bed, from the forthcoming album is best described as an homage to the great Soul and R&B songs of the late 60s and early 70s. It will contain a mixture of her powerful interpretations of classic songs as well as new originals written by Ms. Osborne in a style and sound faithful to the classics"

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 Walrus_Gumbo wrote:

Moroning sums up USA TODAY quite aptly!

 
LOL!!!  I was so sure "moroning" was a joke in coy's post that my mind didn't even register the "that" coming before it

Posted 15 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
In my opinion, now that Dusty is gone,  Joan is the custodian of the great white soul voice.  I don't like all her material choices, but man can she get on top of a good song.

Posted 15 years ago by truebeliever    [ Reply ]
coy wrote:
funny comments
definitely a bump up from the forum at usa today where i was this moroning

Moroning sums up USA TODAY quite aptly!

Posted 15 years ago by Walrus_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
 OldFrenchie wrote:
I'd much rather listen to Ozzy Osborne than Joan Osborne.

Just sayin'...
 

I like em both.  Wonder what a duet would sound like ...
Posted 15 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
 slartibart_O wrote:
whoo boy. Joan sang Mean Woman Blues on Austin City Limits and she just melted the microphone.
 
Her breath is that bad, huh?
Posted 15 years ago by TimeWaster    [ Reply ]
funny comments
definitely a bump up from the forum at usa today where i was this moroning
Posted 15 years ago by coy    [ Reply ]
 OldFrenchie wrote:
I'd much rather listen to Ozzy Osborne than Joan Osborne.

Just sayin'...
 

You are sick.  Just saying.
Posted 15 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:
For my money the sexiest singer alive...
 

I think OldFrenchie and WonderLizard ought to battle it out. If only so I can say the phrase" OldFrenchie vs. WonderLizard."
Posted 15 years ago by EaLaSpada    [ Reply ]
For my money the sexiest singer alive...
Posted 15 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
I'd much rather listen to Ozzy Osborne than Joan Osborne.

Just sayin'...
Posted 15 years ago by OldFrenchie    [ Reply ]
Nice change! From the first sounds I had to check who it was. For my great surprise - Joan {#Chef}
Posted 15 years ago by Kerly    [ Reply ]
Joan Osborne is still making music? What a tragedy.
Posted 15 years ago by cirruss    [ Reply ]
Funny to scroll all these "her-worst-tune" comments when I was just thinking, Hey, this is pretty good . . . for Joan Osborne!

Posted 15 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
There is safety in lovers, and lawyers and dogs pulling at the chain...

{#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 15 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
I'm stuck in the middle with this one. Maybe it's a grower.
Posted 16 years ago by aquadonia    [ Reply ]
E_A_D_G wrote:
Really awful. Likely the worst bit of album filler ever commited to ones and zeros. The irony is that Joan is really tallented and has vastly better material to choose from. Bill, make this go away.
I agree
Posted 16 years ago by crazy    [ Reply ]
i like it...
Posted 16 years ago by keyholder    [ Reply ]
Reminded me of Alannah Miles for a second... Whatever became of her...?
Posted 16 years ago by garthwb    [ Reply ]
Great song... very catchy, pleasantly singable, inspired.
Posted 16 years ago by ramulose    [ Reply ]
I like Joan a LOT (Dracula Moon!) but this song is less than impressive.
Posted 16 years ago by okelle    [ Reply ]
Kinky, I can dig it Joan! Superb band!
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Really awful. Likely the worst bit of album filler ever commited to ones and zeros. The irony is that Joan is really tallented and has vastly better material to choose from. Bill, make this go away.
Posted 16 years ago by E_A_D_G    [ Reply ]
LorraineV1 wrote:
Anyone ever hear Joan Sing "Son of a Preacherman?"- Man she's good. She is also one of the sexiest women I have ever seen in real life. :)
whoo boy. Joan sang Mean Woman Blues on Austin City Limits and she just melted the microphone.
Posted 17 years ago by slartibart_O    [ Reply ]
Forgot about this chick. Not too keen on this number myself.
Posted 17 years ago by kickstartmyheart    [ Reply ]
First Dolly, now this?
Posted 17 years ago by plaid    [ Reply ]
I love Joan. Not so this tune - mind numbingly dull and repetitious. That said; check out her bravura performance of "What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted" on Standing In The Shadows Of Motown.
Posted 17 years ago by E_A_D_G    [ Reply ]
Anyone ever hear Joan Sing "Son of a Preacherman?"- Man she's good. She is also one of the sexiest women I have ever seen in real life. :)
Posted 17 years ago by LorraineV1    [ Reply ]
Way to flex the boring muscle Joan!
Posted 17 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
Not bad.
Posted 17 years ago by Odyzzeuz    [ Reply ]
Disappointingly boring.
Posted 17 years ago by ahoylola    [ Reply ]
jingjoh wrote:
Anyone who claims Captain Beefheart as a major influence and then goes on to record a cover of one of his songs (Blue Million Miles) is A-OK in my playlist. Listen to the Captain's influence in "Right Hand Man" if you can find it.
Couldn't agree more. Not only that, but the guitarist from the Captain's last band--Gary Lucas--plays on that album too.
Posted 17 years ago by suddenchad    [ Reply ]
Anyone who claims Captain Beefheart as a major influence and then goes on to record a cover of one of his songs (Blue Million Miles) is A-OK in my playlist. Listen to the Captain's influence in "Right Hand Man" if you can find it.
Posted 17 years ago by jingjoh    [ Reply ]
eastcoast wrote:
I feel like I am listening to Jessica Simson
You think Joan Osborne sounds like Jessica Simpson? You know, you really shouldn't start drinking this early in the day (wink)
Posted 17 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
I feel like I am listening to Jessica Simson
Posted 17 years ago by eastcoast    [ Reply ]
savoyard wrote:
Man, This song is horrible. Not the best way to start the weekend.
I'm not impressed by the song, but I really like her voice and delivery; I'll cut her some slack for occasional poor material. (Except that horrendously bad God on a bus song - that purely sucked)
Posted 18 years ago by rsfc_carp    [ Reply ]
I refuse to blame Joan for her record label chosing to push the most poppy song out her first great album, rather than the many other great songs. Spider Web and the raunchy/rocking Right Hand Man would have made better choices.
Posted 18 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
Man, This song is horrible. Not the best way to start the weekend.
Posted 18 years ago by savoyard    [ Reply ]
Nothing lives up to her first, live version of Crazy Baby ...
Posted 18 years ago by seacompass    [ Reply ]
Xeric wrote:
Sorry, Beans, but I'm with your husband on this one--I'd rather listen to a hockey game, too!
So, I'll admit that this song isn't very good. There. I admitted it. It's a new day. But I can't help it. I like it anyway. I'm chronically lame or something.
Posted 18 years ago by Beanie    [ Reply ]
Joan Osborne falls into a category with Tracy Chapman. Absolutely frickin' hated the first song I heard from both of them ("One of Us" and "Fast Car", respectively), but I've liked most everything else they've done. Don't know what that has to do with anything, but hey.
Posted 18 years ago by TheLoneIguana    [ Reply ]
When I think of all the local bands I've seen and how great they were and then I hear this and think, how the FU(K does this rate a record contract and regular air play on R the Fu(K P!!!!!!!!!!!???? Where is the justice?
Posted 18 years ago by wondertoofar    [ Reply ]
Could she be any more annoying? Songwriting SUCKS!
Posted 18 years ago by turnergirl1of2    [ Reply ]
The number stuff reminds me on Sesame Street ;)
Posted 18 years ago by matchball    [ Reply ]
Nice song, but a great voice.
Posted 18 years ago by lester    [ Reply ]
Beanie wrote:
OK, my husband just came over and closed my office door...says he can't hear the hockey game over my singing along to this!
Sorry, Beans, but I'm with your husband on this one--I'd rather listen to a hockey game, too!
Posted 18 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
Even Joan Osborne's second-rate songs are fantastic, in my book. What a talented voice, that dark, smoky thing that is not quite a growl. I fantasize about what would have happened if J.O. and the early Joni Mitchell had been contemporaries. One great low, one great high!
Posted 18 years ago by rKokon    [ Reply ]
OK, my husband just came over and closed my office door...says he can't hear the hockey game over my singing along to this!
Posted 18 years ago by Beanie    [ Reply ]
Volume went way up on this one. Good tune.
Posted 18 years ago by olsaltybastard    [ Reply ]
Funky... tokin' ... .... sing it Joan!
Posted 19 years ago by honeygirl    [ Reply ]
This song rocks... rock on Joan!
Posted 19 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
I really liked this album and she's great live. I don't know why it takes her so long to put out a new CD. It's just depressing to think that she's going to be known as a one hit wonder. :(
Posted 19 years ago by Roto    [ Reply ]
Is this the girl with the song "What if God smoked Cannabis?" That one is pretty cool! This however... This is about as mediocre as Jimmy Carter's presidency.
Posted 19 years ago by SpaceCowboy    [ Reply ]
Nice job following Al Green's "Love and Happiness" with this. Yep, same groove. Joan has that extra little something in her voice. Don't know what it is, but it gets to me every time. Osborne!
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
Rockin'! Joan Osborne's voice has that unique quality that makes it so well suited for her style of storytelling in song. Powerful, yes!
Posted 19 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
First time I heard Joan, she sang a couple of songs with Cracker, then last year touring with The Dead. Since then I have been a fan-she has a powerful voice.
Posted 19 years ago by Al_Koholic    [ Reply ]
This song is why I listen to RP. Although many complain of overplaying, due to the wasteland I live in (S.Fla) I never would have heard of it if not for RP. Such a mix of raw emotion, power , and lyric from the human voice! The bitterness and sorrow of the argument of many indescrete "interludes" as opposed to an intimate relationship with one comes through loud in clear in Miss Osbourne's voice over the funky bass and rocking beat. This song has brought tears to my eyes every time I've heard it as I can relate to this kind of pain.
Posted 20 years ago by Rickmerr    [ Reply ]
Lordnelson55 wrote:
If you want to hear her show her chops get the "Funk Brothers" soundtrack Standing in the Shadows of Motown. I kinda liked her before but what she does on the 2 songs she sings on this is very outstanding CD made me move her into my top five female singers. If you buy it you also get some fun with Bootsy Collins, not to mention the best group of studio musicians ever
saw her at the Montreal Jazz fest with the funk brothers. I'll have to say, she was the highlight of the show for me. Well done on her part to get the crowd hopping. Wtg Joan
Posted 20 years ago by ironlung    [ Reply ]
this is one of the few JO songs i like. it's good!
Posted 20 years ago by PattonFever    [ Reply ]
If you want to hear her show her chops get the "Funk Brothers" soundtrack Standing in the Shadows of Motown. I kinda liked her before but what she does on the 2 songs she sings on this is very outstanding CD made me move her into my top five female singers. If you buy it you also get some fun with Bootsy Collins, not to mention the best group of studio musicians ever
Posted 20 years ago by Lordnelson55    [ Reply ]
Pipes wrote:
She has such potential. Unfortunately it doesn't show on this song.
While this tune may be a bit overplayed, I think it is an excellent example of her talent. I'm curious, what of her work do you feel does show her potential? And for what it's worth, I'd be happier with a glance from Joan than everything Britiany promises with her over-produced choreography and singing.
Posted 20 years ago by ksb    [ Reply ]
MsJudi wrote:
I hear Brittany calling, boys, she's waiting for you to put cash in her pocket......
Don't you mean g-string?
Posted 20 years ago by rulebritannia    [ Reply ]
She has such potential. Unfortunately it doesn't show on this song.
Posted 20 years ago by Pipes    [ Reply ]
Once again Joan belts out another great tune (and predictably, once again she gets slammed for it.... I hear Brittany calling, boys, she's waiting for you to put cash in her pocket......)
Posted 20 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
bmarti wrote:
"What if Cher rode on a bus." Sorry, but I don't see the appeal of Joan Osborne.
Amen - way too much airplay here
Posted 21 years ago by casablues    [ Reply ]
hm. This doesn\'t sound much like her style (or what I thought was her style). It\'s a nice change from what I\'ve heard from her. bc
Posted 21 years ago by bc    [ Reply ]
i\'m so sick of this song, but only because the station i worked at spun it WAY too many times....repetition kills good songs, much like I can barely stomach Ben Harper\'s \'Sexual Healing\' anymore, even though Ben is one of my favorites.
Posted 22 years ago by mlsully7    [ Reply ]
Reading folks thoughts on Joan is pure proof that music arises great passion. Personally, I think Ms. Osborne is fantastic. Her lyrics, phrasing and groove have always impressed me greatly. Keep playin\' her Bill!
Posted 22 years ago by BenK    [ Reply ]