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Josh Ritter — Joy To You Baby
Album: The Beast In Its Tracks
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1299









Released: 2013
Length: 4:31
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I go to the parties
Throw my hands in the air
I drink what they pour me
The cups of who cares
Go up in the night sky
Up in the clouds
Fly over the houses
I'm looking down

Joy to the city
Joy to the streets
And joy to you baby, wherever you sleep
Tonight, tonight, tonight
Tonight, tonight, tonight

There's no ghosts in the graveyard
That's not where they live
They float in between us
'What is' and 'what if'
And cast our own shadows
Before our own eyes
You don't get them up here though
They don't come up high

Joy to the city
The parking lot lights
The lion of evening
With the rain in its eyes
Joy to the freeway
Joy to the cars
And joy to you baby, wherever you are
Tonight, tonight, tonight
Tonight, tonight, tonight

There's pain in whatever
We stumble upon
If I never had met you
You couldn't have gone
But then I couldn't have met you
We couldn't have been
I guess it all adds up
To joy to the end

Joy to the city
The heatwave and all
To the lion of evening
With the storm in its paw
Joy to the many
And joy to the few
And joy to you baby
Joy to me too
Tonight, tonight, tonight
Tonight, tonight, tonight
Tonight, tonight, tonight
Comments (69)add comment
Still no Rodriguez during UK normal hours on Mellow Mix!!  I'm sure there must be someone out there who also likes some of Sexto Reodriguez's music - even if he was a little 'strange' - and there was the doc-feature - Searching For Sugar Man which did win an Oscar for best Doc feature!!
Posted 2 months ago by prs    [ Reply ]
a song for my wife who died last year….. makes me cry.
Posted 4 months ago by glassbrain    [ Reply ]
When this came on I thought it was Rodriguez - error - Please RP - why do you not play him!
Posted 10 months ago by prs    [ Reply ]
 musicology wrote:
all break-ups should be this graceful and peaceful
 

Now I understand the difference between should and would. 
Posted 3 years ago by Pjesnik    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
I love this.  9
 
I love you.
Also a 9 from yo boy
Posted 3 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
Edweirdo I’m with ya mate! With a voice like cotton candy to me!! 6
Posted 3 years ago by Matt_Maurer    [ Reply ]
Initial progression reminds me of Billy Joel's "Captain Jack".
Posted 3 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
Nice song. Musically it reminds me of two songs: 1) "Crocodile cryer" by Martin Stephenson & the Daintees (from excelent album "Boat to Bolivia". 2) Keyboards part is reminiscent of a song from the band Televison ( LP "Adventure").  Both very dear to me.   
Posted 4 years ago by Pjesnik    [ Reply ]
A nice easy feeling song
Posted 4 years ago by stephen.king12101    [ Reply ]
This is one of a horde of artists that I would never have heard of without Radio Paradise. What a transcendent songwriter.
Posted 5 years ago by hdb    [ Reply ]
 dareapr wrote:

Blah blah blah...zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
 

the only thing  zzzzzzzz ... here:: your lazyness to read a passionte and well done  and articualatet thought on music by your former fellow listener...
Posted 5 years ago by saellig668552    [ Reply ]
 Stickman66 wrote:
Sure, this track might hint at a Smashing Pumpkins or a Cure track or whoever else. The fact is that most pop /alt /rock songs all use some combination of regular intervals or chord combinations. Lots of songs are terribly derivative (that's a topic for another argument), but Joy To You isn't one of the overtly guilty ones. The bulk of this fine little track is built – I believe – around a 1-4 change (as in something like a G to C. Don't quote me on that.). Pretty simple stuff. But the point is, chord changes aren't what makes this song interesting. There's a texture /production that supports the writer's message, lyrics and voice (even if the chords have been used a kazillion times by, like, everybody before him ... Lou Reed did pretty well with 1-4 changes, for example ... and The Blues haven't suffered from lack of chordal variety.). Music can be more than just originality for originality sake. Among texture, feel and other things, music can - and should have a place to be - a continuation of previous stories, where chords are simply a familiar part of a language listeners are fluent in.
 
Blah blah blah...zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Posted 5 years ago by dareapr    [ Reply ]
Sure, this track might hint at a Smashing Pumpkins or a Cure track or whoever else. The fact is that most pop /alt /rock songs all use some combination of regular intervals or chord combinations. Lots of songs are terribly derivative (that's a topic for another argument), but Joy To You isn't one of the overtly guilty ones. The bulk of this fine little track is built – I believe – around a 1-4 change (as in something like a G to C. Don't quote me on that.). Pretty simple stuff. But the point is, chord changes aren't what makes this song interesting. There's a texture /production that supports the writer's message, lyrics and voice (even if the chords have been used a kazillion times by, like, everybody before him ... Lou Reed did pretty well with 1-4 changes, for example ... and The Blues haven't suffered from lack of chordal variety.). Music can be more than just originality for originality sake. Among texture, feel and other things, music can - and should have a place to be - a continuation of previous stories, where chords are simply a familiar part of a language listeners are fluent in.
Posted 5 years ago by Stickman66    [ Reply ]
Don't get the negs......great sound, great song......
Posted 5 years ago by miquela75269    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:
Then you're dissing a premier song writer. To the Dogs or Whoever and Right Moves are two very fun and fab songs. Girl in the War is played here often. More Josh Ritter.
 
ellaspace rates everything sucko-barfo.
He/she could easily find another station but would rather stay on RP and bitch and complain.
Please ignore him/her.
Posted 6 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 eliaspace wrote:
I really dislike this song, sounds like a bad copy of Smashing Pumpkins "Tonight tonight", gave it a nice 1 and hope not have to listen again

 
Then you're dissing a premier song writer. To the Dogs or Whoever and Right Moves are two very fun and fab songs. Girl in the War is played here often. More Josh Ritter. 
Posted 6 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 eliaspace wrote:
I really dislike this song, sounds like a bad copy of Smashing Pumpkins "Tonight tonight", gave it a nice 1 and hope not have to listen again

 
tough luck
Posted 7 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
I really dislike this song, sounds like a bad copy of Smashing Pumpkins "Tonight tonight", gave it a nice 1 and hope not have to listen again
Posted 7 years ago by eliaspace    [ Reply ]
In the first minute of the Barr Brothers' song before this one, I thought I was listening to Josh Ritter - and then Bill follows it with this one - looks like he sees the similarity too!
Posted 7 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
There's pain in whatever
We stumble upon
If I never had met you
You couldn't have gone
But then I wouldn't have met you
We couldn't have been
I guess it all adds up
To joy to the end

8 > 9
Posted 8 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 RabbitEars wrote:
anybody hear buckley's last goodbye in the guitar intro?

 
More of Al Stewart for me. 70's touch definitevely. Deserved 7.
 
Posted 8 years ago by Pjesnik    [ Reply ]
Great song, surprised more folks haven't commented on it.  
Posted 8 years ago by cozmobell    [ Reply ]
Never heard this before, but I like it.  Solid 8
Posted 8 years ago by Johnny_Wave    [ Reply ]
Lovely attitude.  Like it a lot.
Posted 9 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
Kind of empty, but can't fight loving this. Simple, nostalgic melancholia.
Posted 9 years ago by OceanBlue    [ Reply ]
anybody hear buckley's last goodbye in the guitar intro?
Posted 9 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Ahhh, very nice.
An unexpected, melancholy treat.
Posted 9 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Solid 7 for the song but terrible album cover.
Posted 9 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
Flat voice, boring song.
Posted 10 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Joy to anyone lucky enough to hear this...
Posted 10 years ago by Bobert_ParkCity    [ Reply ]
 Antigone wrote:


 
Great follow-up to Colin Hay {#Cool}
Posted 10 years ago by ShaunJ    [ Reply ]

Posted 10 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
I love this.  9
Posted 10 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
X will do that...

 (Banned) wrote:
Joy to the freeway.  Joy to the cars.

 


Posted 10 years ago by dc_zee    [ Reply ]
all break-ups should be this graceful and peaceful
Posted 10 years ago by musicology    [ Reply ]
Josh's songs are very similar. But when they are so good, why change?
Posted 10 years ago by richlister    [ Reply ]
I rocked my little baby boy to sleep that last time Bill played this song.  Good memory there.
Posted 10 years ago by Egrey    [ Reply ]
 MsJudi wrote:
Does anyone else see that album cover thumbnail and think, "Bobby Flay has an album?"

 
Lol yes
Posted 10 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
This song always paints such a clear picture in my head.  I adore it.
Posted 10 years ago by jamelch    [ Reply ]
Nice, I never cared much for Josh Ritter in the past but I do like this, 7.
Posted 10 years ago by jim1964    [ Reply ]
 Segue wrote:
Dumb lyrics. Dull, repetitive, annoying. More dumb lyrics. Had to turn it off. Sorry.

 
C'mon, you can try harder than that.  Cheap shot.  
Posted 11 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
they remind me of the National and your comment could definitely fit into a the National song comments.

 Segue wrote:
Dumb lyrics. Dull, repetitive, annoying. More dumb lyrics. Had to turn it off. Sorry.

 


Posted 11 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
Dumb lyrics. Dull, repetitive, annoying. More dumb lyrics. Had to turn it off. Sorry.
Posted 11 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
Joy to the freeway.  Joy to the cars.
Posted 11 years ago by WannabeBanned    [ Reply ]
 fiorello wrote:
One of the Best albums of the year . Track for Track , Lyric for Lyric... it tells as great a Tale and it's an album to listen to over and over . Quite a great singer and songwriter. 

 
yep

nice little slice of americana
Posted 11 years ago by miamizsun    [ Reply ]
 fiorello wrote:
One of the Best albums of the year . Track for Track , Lyric for Lyric... it tells as great a Tale and it's an album to listen to over and over . Quite a great singer and songwriter. 

 
Dang. This whole album is solid. Thanks for the heads up.
Posted 11 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
Aaaaaaaaahhhhhahahaa! Damn near spat out my coffee! (I do indeed dig this song.)


    MsJudi wrote:
Does anyone else see that album cover thumbnail and think, "Bobby Flay has an album?"

 


Posted 11 years ago by EarthMama    [ Reply ]
One of the Best albums of the year . Track for Track , Lyric for Lyric... it tells as great a Tale and it's an album to listen to over and over . Quite a great singer and songwriter. 
Posted 11 years ago by fiorello    [ Reply ]
The guitar hook sounds like New Order to me (reinforced by the synth sound). Like it. 
Posted 11 years ago by cambuddyf    [ Reply ]
Does anyone else see that album cover thumbnail and think, "Bobby Flay has an album?"
Posted 11 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
Joy To You Baby, tonight, tonight! {#Hug}
Posted 11 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
 mdc wrote:
Josh Ritter sounds like Tim Freeman from 'The Whitlams', a Sydney rock band.

 
You're right. He kinda does sound like Tim.
Posted 11 years ago by teapot    [ Reply ]
Josh Ritter sounds like Tim Freeman from 'The Whitlams', a Sydney rock band.
Posted 11 years ago by mdc    [ Reply ]
 ottovonb wrote:
Is it my imagination or is that pretty guitar hook straight out of The Cure's "Pictures of You"?

 
There's definitely a similar guitar sound in the production, but also, it's just two arpeggiated chords: a I - IV progression, different key (though the Cure song goes to the V chord in the bridge and takes on some minor chords later).  I agree that it's probably safe to assume that Mr. Ritter and/or his producer were somewhat influenced by "Pictures Of You".
Posted 11 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
not only the cure, but the stereophonics pick a part as well.  this is good 
Posted 11 years ago by joeydalts    [ Reply ]
Champion voice
Posted 11 years ago by Spaceball    [ Reply ]
{#Sunny}
Posted 11 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
Don't much care for this, but it's now Cinco de Mayo and three shots of tequila make it listenable.

No.  I take it back; they don't.

"Joy to the freeways, and joy to the cars" ... really, man?  
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Woe to this milli-mouthed nonsense.  
Posted 11 years ago by :+:_DL    [ Reply ]
I'll have to hear this one again. Will start it at a 6.  I've been enthralled by Ritter since my very first listen -- Man Burning -- he's a terrific writer and story teller. To the Dogs or Whoever and Right Moves are classic, but track to track, album to album he seems to waver between wistful and exuberant and you can never be sure what's in his proverbial box of chocolates. 
Posted 11 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 ottovonb wrote:
Is it my imagination or is that pretty guitar hook straight out of The Cure's "Pictures of You"?

 
sure sounds like it . . . but it sounds good.
Posted 11 years ago by grant    [ Reply ]
Is it my imagination or is that pretty guitar hook straight out of The Cure's "Pictures of You"?
Posted 11 years ago by ottovonb    [ Reply ]
 Steve wrote:
I uploaded this from the free NPR download of 100 songs from SXSW artists for this year.

Still available thru April 4th...
 
A very catchy song. Love the guitar!
Posted 11 years ago by ShaunJ    [ Reply ]
I really need to read through all these comments before I blow my cash! Thanks anyway, Steve!
Posted 11 years ago by CawCat    [ Reply ]
I uploaded this from the free NPR download of 100 songs from SXSW artists for this year.

Still available thru April 4th...
Posted 11 years ago by Steve    [ Reply ]
I'm really enjoying the new album, but I'm sorry to hear that Josh had to go through a painful divorce to produce more good music.
Posted 11 years ago by Dancing_banana    [ Reply ]
and it's free: https://www.noisetrade.com/joshritter/live-at-the-iveagh-gardens
Posted 11 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
Always enjoy Josh Ritter.  This CD will be arriving at my house today.  Thanks for the preview RP!
Posted 11 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
I am liking that Guitar....
Posted 11 years ago by culchie    [ Reply ]