Chris Cornell, When I’m Down - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

#chriscornell
While on the surface appearing as a warm, luscious blues piece, the details reveal a… double entendre? No, how about a TRIPLE entendre! Deeply intimate, beautifully sincere; a beautifully rich piece of music!
Here’s the link to the original song by Chris Cornell:
• When I'm Down
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Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.
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Credits: Music written and performed by Chris Cornell
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[@brendaotoole4012]

Oh man I wish it was the live version with just him and a piano player. He said that was how it was meant to be. The version Live at the Troubadour is the one reactors always pick and is absolutely amazing! ❤😊

[@dumahim]

Second this. It's right up there with Nothing Compares 2 U.

[@AlexTapisevic]

Rectors always use that although this one is wy better.

[@tcjnz86]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIvVp5WQbMR2ic0si=ObYNTUT6CozVKvtx

[@michaelblaine6494]

Is that the one with Natasha Shneider’s studio track being played or was there someone playing live?

[@dcQ23]

agree

[@robertgardner8015]

Can't wait. You should definitely check out "say hello to heaven" from temple of the dog. Another band Chris made an album with.

[@bachirmessaouri4772]

You can feel the filiation between those two songs. There is something similar to them. Both great songs . One doesn't eclipse the other, they complement each other nicely instead.

[@joshcopley9039]

"Say Hello To Heaven" would be a great selection from Temple Of The Dog.

[@andyjackson304]

Krist Novoselic(Nirvana) and Kim Thayil were interviewed by Rick Beato. Novoselic was talking about how all the Seattle bands supported each other but he said they all looked up to Soundgarden because they were not like any other band. Chris on drums and vocals, Kim on guitar, and Hiro on bass. Kim said when they decided to bring in Matt to play drums so Chris could just sing, he was so nervous at first, he would sing with his head down or back to the audience. He was use to being behind the drum kit and now he was front and center. Kim said that was when they all realized how powerful Chris's voice was and he said it probably had to do with him always having to sing over the drums as he was playing. Kim added that he couldn't count how many mic's Chris fried because of his power and range. Krist laughed at the fact that Soundgarden had the ultimate lead vocalist ever in his mind, hidden behind a drum kit.

[@tjeales]

Knowing the whole Cornell story makes this song so unutterably sad. A man so grateful for the love in his life but with a clear eyed understanding of the sickness that would kill him in the end and take everything away.

[@michaelblaine6494]

So glad this is being highlighted,loved this song since 1999. A hidden gem on a perfect album

[@LeeKennison]

My first time hearing this. It was interesting hearing Chris sing in a lounge blues style, for which his voice seems well suited. I just watched a live performance and learned that the piano was played by Natasha Shneider, a Latvian born Russian musician/singer/songwriter. While it looks like Chris was the sole writer on this song, Natasha co-wrote some of the other songs on the album this was on. She died of cancer at age 52, so when Chris performed it in 2015 on the YT video I watched, he sang over her piano performance that he extracted from the album onto a vinyl recording, saying he only likes to perform it with her piano.

[@MegaMatth]

Seeing chris cornell play this at the sydeny opera house was such a gift ❤

[@horsanmartin]

Great reaction! This is one of many great collaborations between Chris Cornell and his friends Alain Johannes and Natasha Shneider, including an amazing version of Ave Maria. Alain and Natasha also had a band called Eleven, which had awesome songs, such as Hieronymus, Kill me no more, You're my diamond, and a lot more.

[@kendallneason3645]

This album became my musical obsession when it was first released. It took me on such a fascinating journey. That voice! Lordy it is sexy and soulful and sad all at once in this song. Heavenly. I think you’d like his song Wave Goodbye from this album Euphoria Morning and also the Audioslave song Like A Stone. They are wonderful too.

[@michaelblaine6494]

It instantly takes me back to being 19 in late 99. It was a great time in my life but over the years I’ve learned the record was done during the most difficult point in Chris’ life,it’s amazing that something so beautiful can come from such a dark place. There’s something comforting knowing that the music is eternal and outlives us all

[@michaelblaine6494]

Also I was just about to suggest Wave Goodbye before I saw your comment

[@mikecramer7010]

It was a very special album for me. I was still grieving from the loss of Soundgarden, so it felt like a gift from the heavens. It made me appreciate all the more his contributions to the songwriting in SG.

[@pablofuego81]

This album is an all time favorite for me as well. Maybe even more than any actual Soundgarden

[@mistersmeagol259]

YYYYAAASSSS! So glad you chose to do this song. It's such a haunting and unassumingly complex piece of music. The musicians on this album comprised the alt-rock trio called Eleven, whose music you may also find intriguing. The keyboardist for Eleven, Natasha Shneider, was a classically trained pianist and you'll find lots of Bach influences-like the moving basslines and inversions and pivot chords-throughout many of her compositions. Thank you for digging into Chris' "deep cuts" with this one! Would love for you to check out *music from Shireen* , either *"Umai"* and/or *"So Human of You."*

[@RJ-oy7cq]

You REALLY need to to do the stripped down LIVE version...it's an awesome display of his voice.

[@fatimaerdogan8193]

I only heard Black Hole Sun before; but he certainly was great singer! I shall listen to more from them/him.

[@redline5406]

I'm a huge Chris Cornell fan and I don't even really like Black Hole Sun. To me it's really average, it's ok when you are in the mood for it. His solo stuff is the best, in my opinion, and it has such a huge range of different sounds. His lyrics seem to be more critic in Soundgarden and Audioslave, but he tends to pour his emotion out in his solo stuff.

[@ocelotl23]

"but one thing for you to keep in mind, you know that I'm down all the time" he was referring to his mental illness, he suffered from depression which ultimately ended with his life.

[@mikeg5018]

Chris cornell's cover of Ave Maria is beautiful.

[@disappearingone11]

"Seasons," Cornell's first solo song, is another one you should check out.

[@AlexTapisevic]

Chris Cornell's Euphoria Morning is a Masterpiece, every track is treasure. Credits to female chorus to Natash Schnaider R.I.P.

[@babaoriley1]

Chris recorded this album using the software program "Cool Edit Pro". Now known as "Adobe Audition".

[@babaoriley1]

Speaking of time signatures. Soundgarden was known for some crazy time signatures. Chris started out as a drummer so maybe some of that can be attributed to him.

[@n.johanness7451]

The album title Euphoria Mourning indeed suggests a certain bittersweetness in the song meaning as well, a sentimental touch. It’s definitely a departure from the harsher sound from the Soundgarden glory days (even though he and Soundgarden reunited after his time with Audioslave).

[@thomasmeyer8798]

A great and wonderful album.

[@Nobody-br1rq]

I am the highway the live acoustic version is beautiful

[@DegraTrip]

Euphoria Mourning is one of my favorite albums. I love When I'm Down, Steel Reign, and Wave Goodbye. Different range of styles

[@rubentullenaar2934]

One of my favorite songs of Chris Cornell's solo work, it's exquisite.... Also react to the song "Let Your Eyes Wander".

[@bennovonfakir]

Thank you for pick this song 🥲

[@SneakySolidSnake]

when it was described as being bluesy, i heard it at first. but shortly after the song began, it morphed into a more gospel style. that made me think maybe the song isn't about a woman at all.

[@rose.888]

What do you think it about?

[@PantsofVance]

I agree about the gospel sound. But the song is about his then-wife Susan, they were having marital struggles. The songs for Audioslave's first album were written during their breakup and has much more anger to it. But Chris always had a spiritual side to much of his music

[@JG-lx5pm]

Love the blues (my number 1 music) this song has well over 50% blues so.... I do like it.

[@blackcrow4218]

Live version is even better

[@matias.salimbene]

I miss you Chris Cornell, always 💔

[@thomassharmer7127]

Speaking of returning to bands you didn't like on first encounter, you could try Yes again (Close To The Edge was a big ask and very dense for a first listen) with a track called Turn Of The Century. It is shorter and gentler, awash with lovely melodies, gorgeous guitar playing, subtle instrumentation, much more accessible, story-telling lyrics and soaring, evocative vocals.

[@andrewmason6069]

Beautiful song. Vocals are incredible. Temple of the Dog is C.C.'s prime.

[@dcQ23]

Thank you for the beautiful reaction video. Would love to hear reactions to Ghosts, Steel Rain, No Such Thing, Wave Goodbye, Preaching the End of the World and Follow My Way.

[@Anthony-dy5cq]

It's a waltz and how the vocals leave us wanting more, waiting for more the subject is left wanting more knowing the love she craves is a moment away from being snatched away from her if her love recovers.

[@adamsullivan2310]

Please please please please listen to the live version at the troubadour.. it’s magnificent, this version is ok kinda. Please, the live has the real song. It’s soooooooo much better. Who cares if you do a reaction, just hear and FEEL that version. I appreciate what you do.

[@billylacombe7880]

This live was great but his best solo single had to be stay with me baby!! The anguish and the emotional rollercoaster he puts the listener on is just incredible. You not only hear but you feel and almost live the pain he brings in every lyric of that song. I still can not hear him sing that song since he’s passing and not try and fight back the tears that flow it’s impossible for me to get through it and not cry. We lost a vocal great that we will never see replaced in our or my children’s CHILDRENS lifetime rest in peace mr Cornell you will never be forgotten and or replaced you will be forever missed and loved!

[@eduardoserrao7372]

Yes, Black Hole Sun again!

[@michavandam]

Yeah man, I'm very happy about that too. I hope she'll dive into the wonderfull chords of that song.

[@user-pn3fh1oh9h]

Need to hear the live version. Just him and a piano at the edge of the stage.

[@WindmillChef]

There are two things that I hear in the lyrics, first is an irony of sorts; yes you'll get to have my love but it will be the love of a man who is a downer. Second, I hear a plea, a plea to stick with me, not dump me. This time signature I've heard in countless songs and, Amy, I thank you for your explanation, so simple and clear, of how it effects the music. The song doesn't give me full satisfaction as a stand alone number but I can feel it as one of the songs of an entire album, offering some change in a mix of songs. Most of these Seattle grungers were great at making full albums, I'll simply have to buy the album. The song, as a musical melodic construct is too plain to me, like something standard issue with good lyrics, of course superb vocal performance and several facets detailed really well. With the female back-up chorus singers and the honkey struck piano it sounds like a Las Vegas varieté show program number, but with dark lyrics and a heavy, heavy blues sway. Still, I imagine a row of 20 girls, dancers behind the band, dressed in corsets kicking their legs up in unison and to the beat of the music. All of this also of course make it for an interesting song. Amy and Vlad, thank you so much for the 3 video Chris Cornell weekend.

[@kendallneason3645]

Euphoria Morning is a fabulous album. Every song is unique. I highly recommend listening to each song.

[@idh9395]

You need to check out some of his other stuff, such as Fell On Black Days, The Day I Tried To Live, Spoonman, Like Suicide, Blow Up The Outside World, Disappearing One, Say Hello 2 Heaven, Call Me A Dog, Four Walled World, Billie Jean, Thank You, Patience, etc. So many amazing and varied tracks to choose from.

[@splitimage137.]

Soundgarden's sub-penultimate album, DOWN ON THE UPSIDE, doesn't get enough love, imo. It's actually pretty good.

[@michavandam]

Yes, Down on the Upside is totally amazing once you get really into it. Even the mix of the instruments and the vocals is special (very 'democratic'), which is part of the reason why it takes a little bit more effort to get 'into' the songs. But oh boy, how wonderful those songs actually are!...

[@splitimage137.]

@@michavandam My bad. I shall fix.

[@mikecramer7010]

Yeah, it's an excellent album.

[@raymullett6571]

What's happened to The Wall ?

[@peterhughes8699]

I thought Mr Cornell's best work was for Audioslave. They were a super group he fronted after Sound Garden. They made 3 great hard rock albums then folded

[@XXjg_]

Would have loved to have heard Freddy Mercury interpret this.

[@zarni66]

You ever gonna finish the wall album?

[@splitimage137.]

She says she will... and I believe her.

[@SecksyMan]

I really enjoy your enthusiasm and analysis. Thank your for your videos.

[@michaelromano1153]

Should listen to Black Hole sun Live Earth it’s better than the studio

[@Vitosax32]

What dose “ Rock “ mean, what does to be “ Rock” ? Rock is being rebellius, protesting, modern, casual, unscupolous, coherent, revolutionary? A video was publisched on friday that contains all these characteristics and adds others: culture, study, awareness, professionalism, theatricality, poetry, humanity, weakness….a 360 degree masterpiece of art was published on friday: Money game part 3 by Ren.

[@johnchornyTheOnly]

Solid

[@LeeKennison]

"Money Game Part 3" is a masterpiece by Ren. Another artistic and poetic story telling performance by Ren on the level of "Hi Ren" and the Tales, if not a step above. I would love for Amy to do this so she can hear Ren playing on a Yamaha grand piano in a classical music style in the beginning. In addition, I think she will enjoy the string quartet portion (with two cellos) in which the orchestra performs Ren's own string composition. Of course for proper context, she should do Parts 1 and 2 first.

[@splitimage137.]

@@LeeKennison on your personal suggestion, Lee, I shall now check out "Money Game Part 3" - I'm back. I see what you mean about the piano and cellos, but I wouldn't put this song on the list of about 10,000 songs suggested for Amy to hear. (I have this other song Amy REALLY should listen to... ;)

[@suesmith9665]

Not gay in him

[@RaymondHogue1111]

never even heard of Chris Cornell

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Wow….

[@BrandonStandberry]

Then you're in for a treat. Look into his discography, I'd start with temple of the dog, then work your way up to his other stuff. You'll get very bluesy,soulful, and articulate vibes from Cornell. One of the greatest or the greatest singer of his generation.

[@sonjalord7833]

No..don't analyze the lyrics in your way...he meant the first meaning....He was a depressive. ...he was down as in sad all the time...behind the smile..I know this..x

[@badcameratv]

So gross to hear someone misconstrue such an intense song about depression and love.

[@t3ngos3d]

you're not that virgin

[@cecilia_mackie]

That’s fantastic! Let’s connect?