Bonnie Raitt & Jackson Browne "My Opening Farewell"

Bonnie Raitt & Jackson Browne "My Opening Farewell" from Road Tested

[@JohnnyCardinale]

Jackson Browne, is, quietly, probably, the best American singer songwriter of all time.

[@stargazer6753]

+ Johnny C. You are absolutely right.

[@dennisatwell2210]

Agreed

[@anthonyparkinson8547]

And so consistent. Listen to his early albums from the seventies and his most recent there is no fall off in quality

[@JohnnyCardinale]

@@anthonyparkinson8547 None

[@jayr526]

I can't agree with this, but he is in the group at the top. I have enjoyed his music for decades. And what a singer. Way better than John Prine.

[@QueerAndUnplugged]

My God. Bonnie's soaring melody touches the Angels. And then there's the understated beauty of Jackson Browne's harmonies. Simply exquisite.

[@gerarddickson8099]

Who makes music of such beauty anymore? Makes me feel grateful to have grown up in the 70s.

[@fabianomiceli6896]

me too... Born 1954

[@stephenmarceau7872]

Best music decade hands down!

[@darrylpalmer2649]

Right on. Seasoned in 70s folk rock soul.

[@jeffstemen6761]

Amen

[@TheJthelen]

Like wise

[@barrykamin8776]

This seventy year old listens to this music and the tears just seem to come. Thank you JB.

[@Julie-sl3po]

I just turned 70 and I know just what you mean. Jackson Browne is the best that's ever been

[@madprinter]

Yeah, me too at 66... Totally!.

[@ralphdavis9670]

I am 78 and I am freely crying.

[@elizabethkaufman1813]

❤ the older we get the more we understand

[@hiskidkeller]

@@elizabethkaufman1813 Amen

[@JM-wd7uv]

It’s been 45 + years and I still can’t stop listening to him. No other songwriter captures feelings better than JB.

[@lizmargolis5985]

Infinite gratitude to this two amazing artists - Jackson giving Bonnie the spotlight to his beautiful song is priceless. I am forever blessed to have grown up in the 70’s - the best music of my generation.

[@myaimistrue100]

This song was written by Jackson Browne when in his early 20s. Bonnie is incredible and this version is beautiful, but even though he wrote this song, it's wonderful how Jackson just takes a back seat to Bonnie and does harmonies, though it's HIS song. To me, that's an artist with integrity. And his songwriting is genius.

[@skismith39]

I couldn't have said it better.

[@MANIMALIZED]

Agree 1000%

[@stargazer6753]

+Amy Bown. It appears that Jackson as usual does a song the way his partner wants it done. I loved seeing the two of them together on stage , what a treat. But with the upbeat tempo, it betrays the true sadness in this song. This song is a true heartbreaker.I agree with every thing you said previously. It is still a great performance.

[@JohnnyCardinale]

Brilliant

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

@Jay May Whew.

[@SirBloodnyt]

Bonnie is such a gifted artist. And to hear Jackson's amazing guitar work and brilliant harmonies with her makes this a perfect performance!

[@QueerAndUnplugged]

THIS is what the internet CAN be. Jackson Browne...& Bonnie Raitt.

[@rayokoa222]

but in the end can only cry

[@walterpewen7903]

This is why the 1970's were such a blessed time for music. No other decade produced as many incredible genres for people to enjoy. This kind of songwriting more or less passed with the decade. It's not just because I grew up with it, it really in many was was the peak in American music all around.

[@Hardcore3DaysGrace]

Actually, it is just because you grew up with it. Not that the music wasn't good. It's just that everyone feels that way about the music that was popular when they came of age.

[@65minimom]

Walter Pewen - Folk music 60s, Peter Paul & Mary, Bob Dylav

[@walterpewen7903]

Stu Raymond No, I don't think so. I've listened to popular music since the early 60's I graduated hs in 76. Overall, the best WRITING was in the 60's and 70's. If you were there you may remember. Music meant everything to a lot of us. I'm a native Californian who watched it all go down here. No compare, before or since

[@jackmckinney4110]

I am about nine years your senior and I couldn't agree with you more. The sixties had their genius as well with the Beatles and the rest of the British invasion, the memorable music from Motown, and the early acid rock. But the seventies had massive amounts of material coming from LA recording studios and Muscle Shoals studios. You can't discount Joni Mitchell, Hall and Oates , James Taylor, and a list of megabands that emerged at the time with gospel, folk, southern,light, and country rock influences. Truly an amazing time to be alive.

[@pjl92668]

Walter Pewen b

[@derekwood91]

There is simply nothing better than watching musicians at the top of their game, making what's incredibly difficult seem effortless. I absolutely love both of these people for what they have given over the years. Beautiful!

[@ralphdavis9670]

Bonnie Raitt captures the frailty of men better than anyone.

[@ralphdavis9670]

And also, the heart ache of women.

[@wasabiginger6993]

As a Boomer looking back I am so grateful that the music of the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s defined my world!

[@RichBobo]

These two should have done more together - what a beautiful rendition of Jackson’s poignant song!

[@thinwolf4516]

I covered this song in my younger days. It is still one of the most beautiful, saddest songs I know. This is one of the top two performances of it that I have heard in some 50 years. Thank you Jackson, for enduring beauty.

[@thinwolf4516]

What a privilege to have come across this video!

[@lauradewey5748]

You'd think that he wrote it just for her. Both are so amazingly good. I've been so lucky to have seen them both in concert multiple times. They just give their all to the audience. You'd think that they were singing directly to you alone.

[@deanpippitt3170]

IM,69 YRS OLD TODAY, AND I CANT HELP THE TEARS THAT CLOUD THESE EYES LISTENING TO MY YOUTH ALL OVER. LOVE JACKSON BROWNE TODAY AS MUCH AS 50 YRS AGO. BONNIE RAITT STILL MAKES ME MELT, AND THE TWO OF THEM TOGETHER IS MESMERIZING. WISH THERE WAS A WAY TO LET THEM KNOW HOW THEY TRULY HAVE ENRICHED MY LIFE ALL THIS TIME AND I HOPE FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.

[@grantbentley4177]

Shows Jackson also knows the power of harmony skillfully delivered.

[@powers.cj.80]

Two of the best in their prime. Nobody is that good anymore. That performance is an all-time great.

[@kenac64]

This is one of the best things I've ever heard. Seriously.

[@johnriggs2850]

I can count on one hand the number of songs that bring tears to my eyes.........this is one.

[@christinamcclurg2951]

Did me too.

[@CCRider-if7mw]

Yep....

[@tjwash5118]

It’s so relatable. Who hasn’t been in this part of a burnt out relationship? Brilliant.

[@jimwegrzyn6358]

Always. It's amazing. So poignantly sad. Perhaps that's it. We've all been there. Lowest common denominator.

[@Stringman1950]

Just love this. My Jackson ... my Bonnie. True legends. And the song is glorious.

[@risakarr6960]

i’ve played this song over and over again and never get tired of it. beautiful lyrics and music

[@pattyhurley7966]

Moves me to tears over all the years. Two Legends

[@1tishhead]

one of the saddest breakup songs ever. the glances exchanged between the two old friends at the end are priceless.

[@christinamcclurg2951]

Yep. Have been here...

[@edwardtaub1988]

I think he's one of America's best song writers. Love you, Jackson Browne.

[@wb7997]

These two together... treasure.

[@elghoutibrahimi7593]

Jackson Browne a legend

[@tjwash5118]

This gives me chills. A relationship full of ambivalence can be such a painful place to be. The emotions are so brilliantly captured here.

[@jimwegrzyn6358]

And we've all been there. For everyman...and woman.

[@ritabailey1742]

Have been a fan for decades

[@patti-joandersen9523]

I grew up in the 70s. I graduated in 1982, and wrote my senior term paper on Jackson Brown. His music, lyrics. Got an A. Saw him in NYC, celebrating his 60th birthday.

[@lawrencebassen6901]

I'm married now some 42 years to my wonderful wife. Our first date was seeing Jackson Browne at the Felt Forum in NYC. Since that night we've been to see him 15 times. I first saw Bonnie Raitt perform at Carnegie Hall as the opening act of an amazing triple Bill; Bonnie back in the days when Freebo played bass for her, and John Hall was on lead guitar that night. He stayed on for the 2nd band, which was Orleans! The headliner was Jackson Browne! I've been a professional musician for 58 years now. I play guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, and sing and write and record my own songs, playing and singing all the parts myself. So i think I'm qualified to say the following; I have never heard a more perfect performance of a perfect song by two of the most exquisite artists of our time! The subtle changes in the lyrics from Jacksons' version, the unusual harmonies added by Jackson, his gracious ability to surrender his masterful choice of words to her and add additional guitar parts in just the right places, all reveal the artistry these two obviously great friends bring to the table. Thank you for this shining example of what music can be at it's best. I have been and continue to be in awe of you both. And best of all, we're all still alive & well, and still performing! 💓

[@starlitblond]

Baby stands before an open window Looking so far away He can almost feel the southern winds blow Gently touching his restless day He turns from his window to me Sad smile his apology Sad eyes reaching to the door Daylight loses to another evening Still he spares me the words goodbye Sits alone beside me fighting his feelings Struggles to speak but in the end can only cry Suddenly it's so hard to find The sound of the words to speak his troubled mind So I'm offering these to him as if to be kind There's a train everyday leaving either way There's a world you know There's a way to go I'll soon be leavin', it's just as well This is my opening farewell A child's drawings is left there on the table And a woman's silk is lying on the floor I would keep them here if I were able To lock you safe behind this open door Suddenly it's so clear to me That I'd asked you to see what you may never see Now my kind words find their way back to me There's a train everyday leaving either way There's a world you know Got a way to go I'll soon be leavin' it's just as well This is my opening farewell This is my opening farewell ♡♡♡

[@jshelledy1]

Thank you.

[@tomcoryell]

Yes thanks

[@nancyrodgers735]

Yes indeed...thank you

[@starlitblond]

@@jshelledy1 You are so welcome Jim!!

[@starlitblond]

@@tomcoryell Thank YOU Tom!

[@stuntbaby63]

Bonnie and Clyde are awesome!

[@tobypuente8841]

Ya, this one brings a tear or two...and Bonnie's voice (just like her Papa-real strong and full), does such justice to the words Jackson wrote. I love her so much

[@tomcoryell]

I’ve cried more tears over Bonnie Raitt songs than any other.

[@tjwash5118]

tomcoryell listen to Louise. Maybe not a tear jerker but such a well told sad story.

[@susanrichard1653]

@@tjwash5118 lawyer Louise, and nurse practitioner that l was blocked from. Both of you were love and compassion and l will never forget

[@chicken2jail545]

This one. Louise. Dimming of the Day, and of course Angel From Montgomery. Music can't get much better than that.

[@rayokoa222]

God. What a heartbreaking song.

[@JeanetteFaith]

I first saw Jackson Browne in early 1974......his Opening Act was Bonnie Raitt!!! It was a great concert!

[@mimimimi377]

Bonnie is my all time favorite singer. Love Jackson Browne also☺️

[@waldosgrade]

Me too! At the Berkeley Community Theater.

[@edhalfen7380]

One of favorite Jackson Browne songs and Bonnie does so PROUD

[@feraldiva]

Tears my heart out every time. Saw this live and cried the whole time. Pure magic.

[@melaniemarshall6942]

Emotional indeed for me too.. I agree with you.. Pure Magic.. Cheers! Xo

[@mpowers2377]

I never get tired of this. These 2 together are extra special❤️

[@triumph6600]

That is true artistry by two people who are truly touched by this great song, and by each other’s passion for it. I love these two.

[@mikeallen7537]

You know there are some performances that you can listen to over and over. Intensity and honesty trump slick production and great audio quality every time. Every time. Thank you jack thank you Bonnie for filling so many of the empty spaces in my life.

[@joaniezahn4971]

It just doesn't get ANY BETTER!!

[@kathleenbutton6599]

Love this version! Beautiful harmonies.

[@LS-kg6my]

There is such a profound melancholy in this songbook that JB wrote and BR so often sang. The memories bring me to tears

[@petertatiner3167]

What a tender, moving, lovely song. Perfect duet.

[@susanrichard1653]

Gentleman as always

[@nitaalmand4264]

so sweet. they look at each other with love, appreciation and wonder.

[@christinamcclurg2951]

Yes, beautiful!

[@msmithrandir561]

Best Friends.....Beautiful Duet....Jackson's song

[@wncmtngirl]

Good Lord, this song makes me ugly cry and sling snot. Heart breakingly beautiful. Love these two so much!

[@kaleokaden667]

I’ll never forget the first time I heard this so beautiful so sad a masterpiece

[@davidroan2775]

"There's a train every day, leaving either way, there's a world, you know, there's a way to go..." Always struck me as a song to be sung at Commencement celebrations...an Opening Farewell.

[@kenspitz981]

Fron Jackson Browne ‘s 1st Asylum Album. Thank-you ALL contributors. From 1971 to 2020. “To infinity & beyond !🇺🇸🚀🎼🎸🎻🎹🎤🥁Suddenly, ..

[@clarkjones7765]

Wow, what a find! I'm proud to say Bonnie and I went to the same super small High School in upstate NY. Unfortunately she graduated 10 years before I got there. Jackson Browne is one of my all times favs. Would love to have seen him and Joni Mitchell play together.

[@richardcheatham9490]

Good grief! How many times am I going to watch this? Lovely harmony, such a sad harmonica; just beautiful.

[@jerrycarnes5412]

Richard Cheatham

[@Raittway]

Goosebumps and tears...so hauntingly beautiful

[@jacksonbrowne-de2fu]

Hello 👋 Fuphyter How're you doing, it's been a long journey, and I'm nothing without amazing fans like you who appreciate my musical craftiness, All love to you and yours ❤️

[@patrickhenrypdx5355]

I grew up when Jackson Browne ruled the FM airwaves, but I learned of this incredible song from the album "Paper Airplane" by Alison Krauss. She does a beautiful, heartwrenching version. ❤

[@mjtala]

I cry every single time.

[@crazycrow76]

MJinChi Do you still cry?? :)

[@mjtala]

For this one, you betcha.

[@jimwegrzyn6358]

Every. Single. Time.

[@radkid06]

Classic. Can't get much better than this folks.

[@softailspringer9915]

Folks, this is a gift to we mere mortals

[@cathydew]

What a gift to get to see and hear these two greats perform together! Wow...

[@aphillips1987]

a big part of professionalism is not breaking down and sobbing while you sing a song of such beautiful magnitude, a truly stellar composition in every sense, the most tender imagery, the most touching lyrics. That's professional.

[@dougmisantoni4384]

a phillips World Class....

[@tomcoryell]

They got the tears out in rehearsal.

[@makissoflife]

Two musical greats together on one stage...so good.

[@philipmacdonald6080]

Been so fortunate to see her about dozen times always so deeply personal in her Music Best Example Nick of time Song and Album

[@user-vj7ip8ml5o]

This is maybe my all-Time Jackson song, final song on "Soak bag , keep WET", 1969 when Jackson was seventeen eighteen years old , song writin' goodness...

[@saracinosalvage6062]

"daylight looses to another evening"... I remember dreading the night. I would've rather died than face the sunset alone. But somehow my life-force was stronger than my cowardice to end it."sits alone beside me, fighting his feelings. tries to speak but in the end only cries."...we took our turns in that role. you only need to feel that emptiness, that despair, once to learn it's bitter lesson. that, knowing that every word has been said. there's nothing left to say, no magic spell to make her stay. "suddenly it's so clear to me, that I asked you to see what you may never see"... that was twenty six years ago, still hurts like hell.

[@benvanbuskirk117]

this song literally brings me to my knees. weeping.

[@lnl3237]

Back when I was a teen in the 70's, liked "my music" but was obsessed with old movies of the 30's and 40's and the big bands and American songbook. I was thrilled when Linda Ronstadt entered her Nelson Riddle phase. Found my way to a movie theater last September to see the documentary on her life, and since then, thanks to KZbin and Alexa, have been revisiting old acquaintances and making them good friends. Enjoying it all, but this ...this...Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne, acoustic guitars and a melancholy melody, well, for me, it's the singer-songwriter equivalent of watching Astaire and Rogers trip the light fantastic. Thank you so much for posting.

[@joe-vz6hx]

another big thumbs up on LR's Nelson Riddle albums - she really got me going on a lot of the old classics

[@markking2766]

I do believe that a movie could be created around the feelings generated by this song. Melancholic, dark and moody...with a dash of hope. Best version ever...thank you both.

[@lnl3237]

@@markking2766 "...a dash of hope," the secret ingredient.

[@bubbathebulldog3809]

Can listen to this over and over!

[@bdmcmonk6447]

the 70's. ahhhhhh, I was in love with this guy.............what a troubadour

[@tributetomama]

This is one of my favorite top ten songs of all time. I’ve followed Jackson and Bonnie since the 70’s and their music brings me back to my younger days when anything was possible. I lived this song along with many others of JB’s. Thank you Jackson for bringing me incredible joy through your music.

[@bonniecarpenter7267]

Love this!! Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt -- can't get any better than that!

[@RepChrisWalsh]

The incomparable Bonnie Raitt opened up for Jackson Browne on New Years Eve in 1977...she started this beautiful song...he joined her after the first verse. goosebump inducing. memorable NYE with my dear dear friends Melinda and Elizabeth. And I actually had the opportunity to mention it to her at a Springsteen concert...she sat in front of me.

[@lupcokotevski2907]

Trivia: Jackson Browne was Laura Nyro's support act and boyfriend 1970/71. He wrote the song 'That Girl Could Sing' about Nyro.

[@ericbennion2128]

Or was it about Valerie Carter, the awesome backup singer who recently left us!?!?

[@fauxfurr]

That girl could sing I believe was for the Amazing Valerie Carter. Laura was also amazing but that song was Val's.

[@stargazer6753]

After Valerie Carter died Spring 2017, Jackson said that it was indeed for Valerie Carter that he had written "That Girl Could Sing". In the past it had been rumored that "That Girl Could Sing" was written about Joni Mitchell or Laura Nyro. He said he had been crazy about Valerie and had loved her for years.(Look for recent videos). That being said, this song is "My Opening Farewell". He probably wrote this somewhere around age 17 or 18, maybe older.What a lyrical song . Just the words "there's a way to go ", when there is a breakup. Does that not just say it all, with tears in your eyes. Some other versions are more solemn and sad than this one, as in his first album. Because he is with his long time friend Bonnie Raitt , it has a different tone.

[@tamaracline5739]

@@lupcokotevski2907 nope. He wrote That Girl Could Sing about Valerie Carter

[@termmight123]

Gives me the shivers.

[@elghoutibrahimi7593]

Jackson Browne the best of the best

[@bobwickes1380]

Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ... a lifetime ago, Bonnie looks left, looks right and says.." ya know, there isn't a face on this stage I haven't sat on" 😂 gotta love her

[@musicrelic8958]

It's gotta' be gratification for a song writer so get to sing something with someone who understands it so well. Great posting for all of us to see and share.

[@jrpipik]

Favorite version ever. Bonnie's interpretation is pirch perfect. The change of gender is wonderful. And Jackson sings so beautifully in support.

[@susandeason1356]

So beautiful. I’m glad I found this

[@jacksonbrowne-de2fu]

Hello 👋 Susan How're you doing, it's been a long journey, and I'm nothing without amazing fans like you who appreciate my musical craftiness, All love to you and yours ❤️

[@kimwatson7463]

This rendition is so beautiful! I saw them at Red Rocks together with David Lindley and someone for the life of me I can’t remember. It was a magical!

[@oldfisherman5112]

I had the pleasure of seeing both these artists multiple time and saw them do this song together twice.

[@twinsinger]

can't get any better that that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nancychace8619]

Pretty song. I had to look it up.

[@QueerAndUnplugged]

I was lucky to be in the audience for this show...THANK YOU Jackson (and Bonnie) for giving me backstage passes and access.

[@jenniferdibuono]

QueerAndUnplugged Jealous. So jealous.

[@VivalaVida000]

Jay Dee Me too!

[@QueerAndUnplugged]

Austin City Limits!

[@chmael55]

I got to see them at Universal Amphitheater in 1977. Great performers, great concert!!! How lucky all for all who grew up with the music of the 60's and 70's. Makes me ache for the loss of that connection.

[@KM00Youtube]

Much appreciation for both Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne.

[@lauragroce3816]

I love Jackson. Gives me the words that are lasting in my gut Might as well say it

[@albybak8989]

I absolutely have chills --- tears and chills --- I cannot even speak

[@tamaracline5739]

Stellar my friends. Pure brilliance!!!

[@densocling1235]

This is another case where I wish I could give two thumbs up.

[@diasdonegan6475]

This song is song perfectly by them as they express the song. Love when her and Jackson Browne do duets. She will walk u through the scenes in her song and that what I love about her. It like watching a movies as the song unfolds. Love u Mz. Bonnie Raitt & Jackson Browne.

[@4483kathy]

Cry every time I hear this song. So beautiful.

[@eliotdiamond9461]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written. Extra fine with Bonnie and Jackson together.

[@qlyde1]

One the nicest compositions by Jackson Browne from his 'Saturate Before Using' album. Bonnie sings it better than he did but together they sound even better.

[@tjwash5118]

Clyde Mq I agree. I heard his version and the phrasing isn’t as effective. She absolutely nailed the arrangement.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

was originally just called the Jackson Browne album. but so many people saw back in the day to keep your car from overheating they had radiator packs of burlap sacks that used to say saturate before using because that's how you kept it cool. Jackson finally came around just like Bruce Springsteen did to how they changed the idea of Born in the USA and the same thing happened with saturate before using.

[@esextonags]

Love Jackson's lyrics and Bonnie's voice....simply the best...those two!!!!

[@kma-ux3ci]

Opening Farewell. Remember every word, though not even what album it is on. Wish I could hear him sing this one somemore. Well, maybe he will.

[@jackiestar007]

Love the way they do this song together :) Thank you

[@sheaocallaghan5702]

i am watching this in April 2018. Not sure when it was recorded ie dont care. Two great artists and i have to say that the devotion and love between them is evident. Class will out always.

[@QueerAndUnplugged]

BEAUTIFUL!!!!

[@johnlocker9020]

this is song writing and musianship a its finest

[@gisleineleite6122]

Love them both 💖

[@jacksonbrowne-de2fu]

Hello 👋 Gisleine How're you doing, it's been a long journey, and I'm nothing without amazing fans like you who appreciate my musical craftiness, All love to you and yours ❤️

[@JM-wd7uv]

Jackson Browne is a poet.

[@elinew3587]

I can never get enough of this, simply beautiful ❤