Barenakes Ladies - When I Fall [Bathroom Sesssions]

"When I Fall" by Barenaked Ladies from Rock Spectacle, available now.
Download the song from iTunes: bit.ly/eNFB9h
Links:
BARENAKEDLADIES barenakedladies
"When I Fall" Lyrics:
I look straight in the window, try not to look below
Pretend I'm not up here, try counting sheep
But the sheep seem to shower off this office tower
Nine-point-eight straight down I can't stop my knees
[Chorus]
I wish I could fly
From this building
From this wall
And if I should try
Would you catch me if I fall?
My hands clench the squeegee, my secular rosary
Hang on to your wallet, hang on to your rings
Can't look below me, or something might throw me
Curse at the windstorms that October brings
I look in the boardroom; a modern pharaoh's tomb
I'd gladly swap places, if they care to dive
They're lined up at the window, peer down into limbo
They're frightened of jumping, in case they survive
I wish I could step from this scaffold
Onto soft green pastures, shopping malls, or bed
With my family and my pastor and my grandfather who's Dead
Look straight in the mirror, watch it come clearer
I look like a painter, behind all the grease
But paintings creating, and I'm just erasing
A crystal-clear canvas is my masterpiece
[Chorus] Subscribe to Nettwerk's KZbin channel:
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[@commanderlooney]

I don't know if it means anything, but this song was played in Chicago as the final encore after a year of suffering through a horrible breakup after being with a girl for nearly 5 years. I awkwardly asked on Myspace for them to play it at the concert I was attending, and when it was the last BNL song I heard live as i stood fifth row from Ed Robertson I felt as if a part of my entire existence had been validated. This song has touched my life.

[@tippydayday1704]

15 years later. I hope you’re doing well. Please let me know

[@AirborneDaddy.]

Going through a divorce. After 5 years of beautiful happiness.. My own PTSD from the Army and issues with childhood brought us to an end. Your story is very relatable brother. I hope after these years you were able to find a centered peace.

[@tippydayday1704]

I hope you are doing well 15 years later. My family to yours and we love you

[@jordanedlinger8347]

still my favorite song in the world 20+ years later.

[@historybuff09]

This is the best BNL song because it is able to create a unique and humorous situation (a window washer singing) but at the same time, it deals with serious subject matter. Plus, there are a lot of creative lyrics ("my secular rosary", "painting's creating and I'm just erasing"). Plus the little physics reference. Just so good.

[@davequenville7186]

I never got the 9.8 straight down and always wondered what that meant until you mentioned the physics reference.

[@elierickson4660]

Hey man I cleaned windows for about 20 years. This song is special. Thanks.

[@kusuma.kusuma]

Eli Erickson how accurate is the song lol... btw much respect to you sir. Could never do what you did.

[@jkap34]

@@kusuma.kusuma I'm sure nowadays they are required to do a safety check of the lift (inspect the cables, raise it fully up and down, check the floor, check the controls, etc), wear a harness with a full safety check of that (inspect the harness, inspect the connections, look for threads that are torn or connections that are bent, etc) before they step foot onto the platform because that's a basic OHSA requirement nowadays. Granted, 20 years ago that probably did not exist, but I was eight 20 years ago. So I definitely wasn't working, unless you count mowing the lawn for a couple bucks a week work.

[@samsiskowski5656]

Shit you guys don't understand, huh? It's not literal at all

[@Timetonut]

I still can’t keep up with your fingers, but I’m trying. My wife and I have separated, and BNL is a group my time with her haven’t spoiled. I’m back to wrap up in these tunes to breathe again! Thanks for this song.

[@LadyNekoshema]

is it odd to say this song calms me when I'm having an anxiety attack? don't know why, something with the guitar and Eds voice can clear my mind and helps me relax.

[@pogogo51]

LadyNekoshema I know exactly what you're talking about, I think it's something to do with how complex the guitar part is plus the somber nature of the rest of the song.

[@xiphaut2454]

LadyNekoshema awesome

[@jordanedlinger8347]

it's beautiful. makes me feel the same.

[@ac-nu8do]

I still look straight in the mirror, but its not a bit clearer. 15 years later and this shit still speaks to me. Thanks Ed.

[@AsheAFK]

I've seen you guys in conscert about 10 times or so... and this song gets me every time. Your beautiful Ed. "Their frightened of jumping, in case they survive...." Just perfect.

[@jamesfgaspard]

These lyrics are some of the most beautiful I've ever heard.

[@peterallwine2375]

13 years later, this song and this performance still gets me. Bravo, Ed.

[@russellvt]

Always absolutely LOVED this song... Ed's finger picking and crystal clear voice, laying out ironically charged lyrics. NO OTHER BAND does masterpieces like this ... And yes, one of those songs that help clear your mind and make you feel oddly good, despite the rather dark subject matter. (LOL)

[@mathewdennis4964]

I get that 100% A rare band in their prime for sure.

[@mupman0]

This is the song that I have had going though my head for 8 years. I love this song so much, and I don't think that I would be the person that I am today without this song. Thank you.

[@AnotherPostcard]

When ever I hear this song, I listen to it twice. First I listen to the lyrics, then guitar -- Both incredibly important parts to this song. Makes me think about the the feel of the wind. How it gently flows around everything. Makes you want to just flow on through, just like it. A wonderful pick-me-up for those blue days every now and then.

[@mauvechalk]

This really makes you appreciate what a great lyricist, a great singer and a superb guitarist Ed really is!!!!

[@melanieshelton7566]

The chord progression at the start of the verse just pulls at something in my chest. I love this song.

[@MajesticHats]

Crystal clear canvas is my masterpiece... What great writing. We are hardly worthy.

[@GeorgiaSnowUK]

Such a beautiful song... I loved it the moment I heard it all those years ago, and still love it. Thank-you Ed. ❤

[@joesantora158]

This is the kind of wholesomeness the internet used to consist of in 2007. Man those were the good old days.

[@seanjmichel]

Artists like this dont exist anymore. Great song and a great song writer.

[@badmanners7078]

They do, just hard to find

[@Geeksmithing]

He's not dead. :P

[@pklues2711]

Ed, this is the greatest song you've ever written and by far my favorite. Never gets old.

[@MikeBodo]

It still brings tears to my eyes to listen to this song. So beautifully written and emotionally conveyed in composition. Thanks for creating this amazing classic!

[@rosiethedoggie5527]

Ed's voice and compassion is just amazing in all of his music.

[@TylerOcon]

@HalfwayxThere Not only that, but there's an extra "s" in "sessions." I love it!

[@AwesomeMusic25]

Thank you for perfectly describing this song. Ed always had a knack, as well as Steve for writing lyrics. Ed always has heartfelt songs usually about feelings. They deserve more respect.

[@PieterDaniell]

even after 9 years still relevant, a timeless classic by the masters of wordplay, the tongue in cheek tongue twisters. Wish they stayed forever young and never grew up, this is me in grade 9

[@cherylhanson6224]

As soon as I discovered "the bathroom sessions" I immediately started searching for this song. When I Fall is my absolute favorite BNL song (and has been for almost 10 years!). This version is so intimate and touching. Thank you Ed for sharing such beauty with me.

[@ketchfarcaster]

This is still one of the most breathtakingly good songs on KZbin

[@jayluck8047]

1.5 seconds in. Thank you to a fellow musician. Learned more about music in a moment than anyone taught me in five years of schooling. Big 👍 Edit: Capo was a huuuge help. Been doing it the hard way all these years. My fingers thank you as well. P.S. On a moving moment. I cried. Good work Sir. Re re edit: After the second watch... anyone else notice that the man uses his index finger to do barr chords even though the Capo is firmly in place? Thank you for being a creature of habit. Warms the heart.

[@jayc1981]

Wouldn't believe how desperate I was for you to play this song as part of the Bathroom Sessions. THANK YOU!!!

[@gasmmusic]

One of the greatest BNL tunes I have always wondered... does he jump in the end? All through the song, he says "If I fall..." Yet at the end, he asks "Would you catch me if I fall? When I fall...?"

[@flashmaster63]

I think this is my favourite BNL song. I decided when I started playing guitar that this was my ultimate goal, and that if I was able to play this song reasonably well, I would call my playing a success. Well, I can play it now (mostly), but have since set my sights higher... Like "Crazy".

[@christomopher89]

I was thinking this will be my end goal song for now too. Did you take lessons or start online?

[@ThatguyUkn0wfr0mS0mewhere]

Guys I did it

[@Vanderkitten]

This should have far more than 33,XXX hits!! This is one of my favorite songs... Thank you for sharing!

[@Purxxue]

@Belindashort I cry every time I listen to this too...

[@TheLockwoodVideos]

One of my absolute favorite Bnl tracks, 2nd only to Brian Wilson. Both Steven and Ed are genius songwriters!

[@stoneythepony6599]

This song saved my life.

[@tampalightning26]

This is absolutely amazing. You're my favorite band by far and I've been trying in vain to see a show for almost two years but for whatever reason I've been unable to go. Finally today, I got my tickets for the Chicago show and I'm so excited to see you guys for real! Thanks for everything, your music is just incredible and unlike anything I've ever heard before.

[@cara4226]

Thanks for posting this, always one of my favorite songs! I really love the rock spectacle cd!

[@NoodleStudioRecords]

So glad these sessions exist. Ed you are a star. It's so cool when a mastermind like yourself makes yourself so accessible and personal to your fans. Long may you pat yourself on the back for your contribution to the human soul. Bnl forever. Much peace and all the best for 2011.

[@troysummerill3018]

Probably one of my favorite songs of all time. The elaborate descriptions and the in-your-shoes feelings. The song tune itself is amazing and perfect. I can only compare this to another timeless song, little wing by SRV. Full of emotion.

[@boltsam]

still my fave bnl song. after all these years it still hits me... keep it up!

[@cowgillmonkey]

24 years already since this song came out. Growing up in BC I was lucky to see these guys live quite a few times in BC and Alberta starting in the early 90s. Will never forget those days skiing and road tripping with BNL, barney bentall, Tom cochrane, Northern pikes, great big sea, blue rodeo, ahh the memories!

[@wgkspur]

Whoever thought that a song about a window washer could be so passionate and emotional?! This used to be my favorite song of BNL, but now that Steve left the band I've become nostalgic and claim every song as my favorite.

[@burnzy3447]

this is my by far favorite barenaked ladies song...and i love the fact that it was recorded in a bathroom.......love you guys.keep it up

[@WilliamHawksworth]

brilliant... in my playlist many years ago, and still worthy to remain. Thanks Ed / BNL!!!

[@ajmaschinot]

on the face of it, it's about a window washer doing his job hanging from a scaffold high up on the outside of a building... but the words are much deeper and involve him analyzing his life... definitely my favorite song by them...

[@jsyrett07898]

Love his voice so much, this song calms me so much, especially this acoustic version

[@MrJammor]

My favorite of yours. The poetry touches on so many issues we all struggle with. And like LadyKekoshema says it's calming for some reason unknown to me....

[@joshuagervais8192]

Beautiful.

[@mrshanuck]

I agree! I wish they would release a bathroom sessions album! I just love them !!! I saw them in concert a few weeks ago....just amazing!

[@Sixfoot2player]

one of my favorite songs by them and I am loving the bathroom session version!

[@Myownhero18]

Love this song and this video will help me play it which is what I've wanted to do for a year now. You rock Ed and thanks.

[@Jon1Eve]

This has just made my year. Best. BNL Song. Ever.

[@jamesgaspard]

This song is amazing, and one of my all time favorites. Thank you for putting it up Ed.

[@FodderMoosie]

Absolutely. One of my favourites.

[@Mr78monkey]

You guys make a big difference in my life. Don't stop! :D

[@timothycoyne5874]

What beautiful music and amazing lyrics. Thank you for this.

[@thekillingspoon]

Brilliant. The chords are really neat. I just realized that this song reminds me a bit of Toad the Wet Sprocket's style (e.g., Something's Always Wrong), which is never, ever a bad thing.

[@MesaTheinsane]

wow i just woke up and watch some clips.... this is a nice one to wake up with!

[@mastermind2566]

tI've been going through a lot of shit lately. I dont really know why but this song makes me feel better. I've been listening to it almost non stop for the last coule days lol

[@TheShnizel]

How is it that this doesn't have like a million views yet? Hey, sheep, wake up.

[@Katie1996613]

I seriously am strting to think this band was for me :) cuz all of their songs make me thinkl of my life and how i feel like 90% of the time. GodBless u guys :)

[@CMB11388]

one of the more beautiful songs there is, so creative

[@jeremyjamesmusic]

Ed this really is one of your best songs. I love the guitar work! I wish the best for ALL of you guys! Keep rockin'!

[@trublgrl]

I remember once, I had been working in an old NY office building for about a week when one day, a man I'd never seen before walked in, with some stuff in a bucket, opened the window and stepped out. I had never been more afraid in my life! It was the window washer. He attached some ropes to the sides of the window and hung there washing the windows, risking his life, so we didn't have to look out dirty windows. At least he has a song to pay tribute to him!

[@koolkat104]

Indeed. This will always be a favorite of mine.

[@CostaRicaTowSurfer]

Best song of all time. You are a genius!

[@cblunceford]

Such a powerful verse, I can really relate. With trials and adversitys in our life, we overcome them and grow stronger. A crystal canvas is my masterpiece..

[@seanjmichel]

This is Robertsons best work

[@DonnyDealer]

Id say its almost better then the original! you should release an acoustic cd of the bathroom sessions!

[@dhudsonator]

A very beautiful song indeed. I have really been enjoying the "Barenaked Ladies and the Persuasions" album. I came here hoping to see how this song was played on the guitar : ) What a gem this is - thank you so much Ed Robertson and BNL : )

[@cnettleton7061]

Inspired, superb composition. Magnificent.

[@partyshorts]

This is my absolutely favorite BNL song.

[@OoryanoO42]

"Barenakes" Ladies, lol. Nah, really, thanks for posting this. I love this song.

[@Kdougyd]

I love that song. Thanks for sharing.

[@lovesdanecook]

my friend just introduced me to this song recently. it is amazing. i love the meaning in it. it's truly unique. keep up the great work, bnl. :D

[@ny2japan]

Thank you! Still one of my faves❤️

[@karenwiethoff3710]

So nice to show guitar players the chords. I am not a guitar player. I appreciate musicians.

[@StephanieForryan]

This will always be one of my favorite songs.

[@jtstevenson81]

Same here. By the way you are drop dead beautiful :* If you dont mind me saying so :)

[@StephanieForryan]

Thanks, @@jtstevenson81.

[@collinmc90]

there needs to be some HQ versions of these!

[@GrlGmr]

I have been a BNL fan for years but i only just found this song!! Damn being born in Australia! I love this song more than I can say :)

[@joeythechamp]

One of the greatest Canadian bands of all time

[@IllmaticSword]

absolutely beautiful song, only regret that i only recently came across it.

[@Drewriders]

I am impressed by the fact that the chords are the same as Pinch Me but that it sounds totally different.

[@austinFLAUGH]

@pysgodfach usually i hate it when people target the dislikers to make some kind of joke. but this one is right on. this is literally my favorite song.

[@mikesteel8748]

Sounds Awesome!

[@madisontosi6893]

it’s just such a beautiful song. ❤️

[@arkgunslinger]

Yep. " 9.8 straight down" "On the surface" the song is about a window washer Look straight in the mirror, watch it come clearer I look like a painter, behind all the grease But painting's creating, and I'm just erasing A crystal-clear canvas is my masterpiece One of my fav BNL tunes!

[@markranger8205]

Love this song !!

[@jel4888]

This was an inspiration for me to record myself playing. I've tried and failed so many times on this particular song. Wish I could nail it and sing like Ed.

[@cheery-hex]

damn I love this song. nice version, sweet guitar

[@jtstevenson81]

Beautiful. Great job brother!

[@jayisnotstraight]

What an incredible song

[@dunder567]

This is Ed's best song.

[@richgeroux3743]

dunder567 absolutely!

[@matthewbudnik8071]

this is THE best song

[@carparama]

I'm loving these. Keep 'em going! :)

[@stagermom]

I was hoping that you would do this song in your bathroom sessions. Thank You!!!!!

[@OlOleander]

Sorry to nitpick, but the title is misspelled. Love this song, both the album version from Born on a Pirate Ship and the live performance from Rock Spectacle.

[@TheGuitarplayer83]

This is my fav BNL song... so awesome

[@jcfialho]

This is very cool. Thanks for sharing it!

[@staskelrascal]

love the lyric at 2:28

[@rickyrocket12]

Thanks for sharing Ed - say hi to Serena - loved her in Spokane 5/2010