For A Dancer- Jackson Browne & David Lindley

For a Dancer- Jackson Browne
Keep a fire burning in your eye
Pay attention to the open sky
You never know what will be coming down
I don't remember losing track of you
You were always dancing in and out of view
I must have thought you'd always be around
Always keeping things real by playing the clown
Now you're nowhere to be found
I don't know what happens when people die
Can't seem to grasp it as hard as I try
It's like a song I can hear playing right in my ear
That I can't sing
I can't help listening
And I can't help feeling stupid standing 'round
Crying as they ease you down
'cause I know that you'd rather we were dancing
Dancing our sorrow away
(right on dancing)
No matter what fate chooses to play
(there's nothing you can do about it anyway)
Just do the steps that you've been shown
By everyone you've ever known
Until the dance becomes your very own
No matter how close to yours
Another's steps have grown
In the end there is one dance you'll do alone
Keep a fire for the human race
Let your prayers go drifting into space
You never know what will be coming down
Perhaps a better world is drawing near
And just as easily it could all disappear
Along with whatever meaning you might have found
Don't let the uncertainty turn you around
(the world keeps turning around and around)
Go on and make a joyful sound
Into a dancer you have grown
From a seed somebody else has thrown
Go on ahead and throw some seeds of your own
And somewhere between the time you arrive
And the time you go
May lie a reason you were alive
But you'll never know

[@johnmacnamara4163]

16 years ago, my wife, Kate, had ovarian cancer, during the ordeal, she said to me , For a Dancer should be played at her funeral. five or six years later, we held hands at the Marquee in Cork, Ireland, as Jackson Browne and David Lindley played the song. Some years later, through a contact, Jackson signed a poster "With best wishes to Kate" Magic ! RIP David

[@lotsoffun4716]

Lovely story.

[@NevadaBoss]

"...in the End there is one dance you'll do alone..." RIP the great David Lindley.

[@dkerr4077]

I am at this time a terminal patient in the VA hospital. This song has never held so much meaning. I began listening to him in '72 in the mekong delta when I first heard "Doctor, my Eyes".

[@scotteranger4524]

I hope you are doing OK.

[@orangenads]

May the music keep your spirits high...

[@micheleramos5689]

Prayers that you may know peace ♡♡♡

[@randyclere7756]

Healing and God speed my friend

[@Steve-pi1eg]

From veteran to veteran: in your weakness please know that there are those of us who appreciate your service to our country. Many of us are fighting for those like you to get the benefits and care that you all have earned. I know this is the most difficult battle of your life. Find peace in knowing that you inspire others and inform the work we do for those like you who’ve served on the front lines.

[@gregfishel4559]

I am deeply saddened by David Lindley's passing - his guitar, violin and other instruments helped to define much of Jackson Browne's early catalogue of great songs. He will be sorely missed - may he Rest In Peace

[@randyclere7756]

Oh, me too… he ALWAYS added value no matter what situation he found himself in. I hear Ry Cooder say, “David could have a second career as a stand up comedian “… he was a very funny cat!

[@DMBGirl1234]

​@@randyclere7756 yes indeed so beautiful and so funny too ❤️🙏❤️🎶

[@richardwagner4798]

David Lindley was a superstar I miss him every day

[@bevbradley2]

Hank you

[@claudioconsoli3199]

I was 17 (now 63). I was in high school and I was in full adolescence crisis. After dinner at 8 in the evening I went to my room, turned off the light, lit a cigarette and the radio and waited for 9: first there was SUPERSONIC that sent beautiful music but a little "commercial" if you can say so of pieces still incredible. Then Massarini arrived with POPOFF and the night began: with him I discovered Jackson Browne, DESPERADO's Eagles and countless others. It was a real journey into the night: I was out of my room traveling around the world. I still have the chills in the memory of those years. I try to relive them by learning to play and sing those pieces: it is a palliative but it is good for me even if I am late for the sky. Thanks Jackson

[@chooselife-ng2mh]

My mum (RIP) loved Jackson Browne so I was subjected to him as a child I'm so thankful for it he is truly one of the best songwriter storytelling musicians RIP David Lindey

[@nedmiller55]

RIP, incomparable, irreplaceable, David Lindley.

[@people4peace999]

Absolutely 😢

[@thegolfnut812]

RIP David Lindley. An appropriate song ... in the end there is one dance you'll do alone. All my favorite musicians who wrote THE best songs are getting old like me and some are leaving us and it all seems too soon. Anyone who listened to David or Jackson, their lives were made better because the music had meaning and touched the soul.

[@richardwagner4798]

Amen

[@robertanderson9013]

Two very talented & gifted gentlemen. David just passed away. I will miss him, but he will be kept alive by his music. RIP David

[@Chris-sj5fh]

RIP David. Play on. My favorite song of all time. It has always reminded me of my daughter. While it's obviously about death, I've always heard a father or parent talking to daughter in it. My daughter was gracious enough to allow it to be our daddy/daughter dance song (with some lyric adjustments here and there by the band's lead singer).

[@DMBGirl1234]

This is almost surreal... Rest in the Peace you deserve Dearest David. 🙏💖🎶 And MUCH Love to Jackson. And friends. ❤️

[@patlatorres7000]

David Lindley, the KING of polyester! This man could play any instrument with strings. He was a classy man and one who was open to his fans. He will be GREATLY missed by so many!

[@FinnBeen]

Thank you dear David Lindley for countless moments of pure bliss that your music and your beautiful soul have gifted us forever. May warren Zevon be there to welcome you across the border. 🙏❤️🙏

[@kendrach3314]

Warren and David what a show that must be.

[@colerainfan1143]

I was 22 when this was released, and 23 when my best friend was killed. This song was so important to me then. 45 years later, it still is.

[@orangenads]

David is dancing now...R. I. P.

[@marvinroos3520]

It's amazing that JB can continue singing and playing instead of just stopping and becoming enthralled with David's brilliance like the rest of us. Thanks for ALL the great music!

[@gailwilliams2678]

I came here after hearing of Lindely's death. Browne's records are where I learned to love his skill and his humor, and then it was on to El Rayo-X. This song is from the first of Browne's albums that I purchased. It remains lovely. RIP, David.

[@jamessim1858]

This song gives me strength after my beloved wife went to heaven after a very long illness which was borne with great grace and courage thank you for giving me also grace in my life.

[@fredrickmillstead6397]

There is a certain grace in the lyric and tone of this lovely work.

[@nancyboyd6273]

I lost my husband on 2008 after an 8 yr. Battle I feel you and wish you all the best. I know it's hard.💓 stay strong.

[@garyneilson3075]

" hold fast"!

[@tbach2]

Peace!

[@llywellynjones1554]

I lost my husband almost 5 years ago and yes, this song really gets me...

[@bestpossibleworld2091]

When I first heard this song in the mid-70s I was blown away. I played it over and over to grasp all of its multi-layered meaning. We were all so young then and it was startling and even brave to have a major music star sing about human mortality.

[@eaubin9065]

I was just mentioning elsewhere that I once met a girl online years ago, we were discussing music. She told me that the lyric , "..may lie a reason you were alive , but you'll never know" kept her from taking her life. The power of a song. JB is the best.

[@diannebunnell5582]

I am 80 and enjoying UR Music.

[@ffrederickskitty4607]

'You never know what will be comin' down...' R.I.P. David Lindley.

[@pattyp2296]

Peace Be With You, David Lindley. Thanks for all your brilliant talent/music. 💔

[@eugeneplaud2131]

Jackson is the bridge who allowed us to walk in to the 1970's when we couldn't see through our tears.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

Why were we crying?

[@eugeneplaud2131]

@@lastnamefirst4035 We could not take the sadness of the 60's. We took drugs instead.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

@@eugeneplaud2131 😀many of us did. Some of them good like the psychedelics

[@PHL76Music]

@Eugene Plaud, how beautifully put. I plan to quote you (with full attribution, of course). Be well!

[@eugeneplaud2131]

@@PHL76Music Absolutely! Feel free!

[@TheJohnnymike]

His voice is still so honest and unique. Like all of us, his face has changed the most. He's the most handsome old guy I think I've ever known.

[@FreedomRock44]

RIP DAVID.........THANKS FOR THE BEAUTY!!!!!!!!!!!! MASTER CRAFTSMAN!!!!!!

[@angelawelch4610]

Dammit! RIP, dear David.

[@petersmith4838]

Lindley was a phenomanal talent. He was underappreciated because he didn't have rockstar looks, but he NEVER failed to deliver solid music, regardless of genre and instrument. RIP

[@twclay10]

Just a wish for Mr. Lindley that the streets of Heaven be paved in polyester, Thank you for all the musical pleasure you have gifted the world. If I possessed your beautiful falsetto, I would implore you, "Oh, won't you stay, just a little bit longer..."

[@BWThompsonAZ]

Just do the steps that you've been shown By everyone you've ever known Until the dance becomes your very own No matter how close to yours another's steps have grown In the end there is one dance you'll do alone. It doesn't get any better than that.

[@johnrenaud2216]

One of the best lines in any song ever written. I agree with you it doesn't get any better than that.

[@1952FMS]

Precious.

[@Peter-oh3hc]

I was in a building across the street from the world trade center on 9/11. "Pay attention to the open sky" hits hard. I also wonder how many dancers we lost that day

[@abdulazizabdullah6497]

David Lindley elevated JBs music to another level akin to heaven

[@leslieunderwood810]

I agree!

[@joannehack7588]

Yes indeed

[@user-sd9hg1ex8w]

What a remarkable transition between the 2006 version and the 1976. Somehow, seeing JB when he was that young, makes us all remember when we were that young.

[@alexbowie6316]

I think like all great writers, he wrote way beyond his years on many songs. Such insight they have.

[@bobnicholas5994]

I have listened to J.B. every day since 1976. I have seen him in concert five times and his voice is the same now as it was then. It always amazes me.

[@HardPen-jj5nl]

Kind "like" this enough!!! Right on dancing....

[@smellyfrogbits3424]

"In the end there is one dance you'll do alone"....RIP David Lindley.

[@fredrickmillstead2804]

David Lindley RIP, you gave much beauty and joy to those of us who listened.

[@serenamufflermusic]

Still so beautiful and always brings tears to my eyes. Thank you Jackson Browne.

[@9outlier]

Thank you David Lindley. Rest in peace, brother.

[@Peter-vn6gl]

Truly, one of the most beautiful songs written in our lifetime. Linda Rondstadt did it well. But, this is the masterclass.

[@johncrimmins6314]

Lindley and Jackson. The voice and the fiddle. Perfection ❣️

[@jane2738]

RIP, the wonderful David Lindley.

[@69BigJay]

We might have thought Dave would always be around. RIP we will dance .

[@willrothfuss8470]

I came to here this for David. RIP, you were a beautiful soul.

[@kentborges5114]

LINDLEY THEE LEGEND.

[@SteveEcksteinDouglasDrive]

{{ REST IN PEACE DAVID LINDLEY< A MASTERFUL< MAGICAL< MUSICAL GENIUS}}:DAVID LINDLEY. MASTER VIOLINIST &MASTER STEEL LAP GUITAR & MASTER ELECTRIC GUITARIST, PLUS UNUSUALLY HIGH FALSETTO, IS A WONDER, SO CRUCIAL TO JACKSON'S SOUND & SONGS; ADD ROSEMARY BUTLER, THE OTHER BACK UP SINGER, THE PIANIST, ORGANIST, BASSIST & JIM GORDON ON THE DRUMS(LAYLA), THIS IS THE ONE & ONLY "JACKSON BROWNE".TURNED ON TO J.B. LATE IN LIFE, WILL NEVER PUT HIS MUSIC DOWN(FAV="FOR A DANCER", "RUNNING ON EMPTY" & "THE LOAD OUT/STAY

[@scottworsham]

Lindley is so damn good and so undersung. He drives this song and you almost don't see it unless you look for it.

[@davehardy9555]

It just doesn't get much better than Jackson singing with David Lindley playing that violin in harmony. I was looking for The Road but this is equally amazing!

[@lisamalone5219]

RIP David Lindley 🌹 🕊️❤ He was a Wonderful Musician.😊 Blessings to the family.

[@stevebiggio9140]

I had a band, long story, but my deceased wife's brother Guy, was our utility man, guitar, piano and fiddle... wow we do live on.

[@breanabartholomew5579]

..we never do know what will be coming down...RIP David Lindley...We were blessed to have you and Jackson Browne...there lies a reason we may never know,,,'

[@catylady2]

David Lindley- genius gift to this world, made more beautiful by your heart stopping contributions. All the love. Xx

[@mobetta56]

For everyone we’ve lost, who are remembered with love.

[@richardcarew4708]

🙏

[@LaurenMiddleton28]

I saw Jackson Browne at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater Florida back in 2007 or 2008? I forgot. I went to the show by complete accident. I was maybe 15 and i sat transfixed. He played by himself with either a keyboard or guitar during a song. Just his voice and 1 instrument. For roughly 2 hours i sat there in a kinda dream state. Just a magical experience. I was sitting 4th row.

[@ellariel7457]

I saw him on that tour. Most of the songs - as he has done often - were by audience request. It was a magical, spontaneous way to see the true depth & extent of his talent. He joked on that tour about how many of his songs were sad vs. upbeat. And he does deliver - and lift us from - melancholy better than anyone, imho. But he also can carry us to places where where more than anything, we want to join in the dance. I’ve been a fan since his early solo days, back when I was growing up in Central Florida, and about your age at that concert. Glad to see he’s still reaching new folks coming up! If you get the chance, I hope you can see him again, with a full band backing him as well. It’s magic of a different kind. En-joy!

[@kbbpll7338]

You never know what will be coming down. Rest in peace David.

[@people4peace999]

I think we all think that..always around..then, life hits..on it's own time 🪄🎶🕉🙂✌️💥💥

[@davetupman462]

this song lets me reflect on the good friends I have lost ,but for the grace of God go I

[@MotoLen51]

And somewhere between the time you arrive And the time you go May lie a reason you were alive But you'll never know RIP David

[@alecsandymayo]

Over 40 years of friendship and playing music together and it shows, so tune with each other. Live music at its best, and live music is best. ✌&❤

[@lightlyone]

Why does this song bring tears even before Jackson starts singing?

[@TheJohnnymike]

Because you know what's coming 😏

[@jadymontgomery1634]

whoever you are. i ask the same question

[@jamesgannon6192]

My wife and I have seen him in concert 4 or 5 times. When he sings like this (and others) she asks… “how do you know this one ❤️?” Because ….. they Cut to the Soul.

[@52ndState]

Thank you, David, for everything. RIP. 💔💔💔

[@michellemetcalf7337]

Just beautiful.

[@clydejacksonbrowne3199]

Hi big fan. I’m using this medium to appreciate you in particular as a fans of mine. Keep supporting me❤️ Where are you watching from ?

[@applebysattictreasures9394]

RIP David Lindley

[@kevinwoodward8909]

Eternally grateful for his music, that lives on in those of us , that got so much comfort from his music.

[@EdwardJRapp]

In the end....you dance alone.

[@leslieunderwood810]

This is one of my favorite songs Jackson has ever done!

[@maryannbrown5762]

Me, too. Just the piano, violin and Jackson singing. So beautiful. ❤️

[@denisewebster9695]

I've picked this out for my funeral, along with several other exception songs

[@yamapenny5960]

Jackson, you make my life more peaceful❗

[@jacksonbrowne-de2fu]

Hello 👋 yama 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 ❤️

[@stevehughes1510]

You drop a note as you grow older but you never lose the meaning and passion..........so it goes.

[@kellysalone2779]

R.I.P. David ...what a treasure you will always be!

[@theheadfromflushing]

RIP David

[@knbd]

RIP DAVID 🥲

[@karengardner4545]

The best poetry and music of my life

[@laurenraine]

One of the great American poet/Bards.

[@jacksonbrowne-de2fu]

Hello 👋 Lauren 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 ❤️

[@fredrickmillstead6397]

This is my funeral elegy song.

[@stevepeterschmidt4712]

Thank you david

[@michelebulson5465]

Jackson brown is the best singer ,song writer talented musician ever thank u for the song u wrote fOr a dancer the song is write on point

[@michelebulson5465]

I seen Jackson brown in concert at the palace theater in albany ny and he asked did any one want to hear a song I stood up and yelled down for a dance . He made my whole nght there is a lot of meaning to the song my cousin passed away in 86 and had this song for a dancer plyg at his services. Thnk u Jackson BROWN

[@anotherjoshua]

what a wonderful day when these two found each other.

[@connopv]

I agree

[@lynnfindlay1895]

Could not be more true.. its magic

[@abdulazizabdullah6497]

Match made in heaven

[@ThePogo59]

Beautiful song. For everyone we have lost. Especially for Nicolette Larson and Laura Brannigan

[@diannebunnell5582]

My fav thing to do is listening to Great Music & knit.

[@leethburn]

One of his Best..

[@oldbladderhorn]

David Lindley RIP

[@inoya39]

Rest In Peace, David Lindley

[@timheidman4927]

Beautiful version ,beautiful song , beautifully performed , such talent

[@TamaTamaFoFama]

I love this particular live version of this beautiful song, and find it interesting that you merged the old live footage with the new. Thanks for posting it. :-)

[@lynnwarf2174]

Magical

[@jacksonwilliams5917]

How are you doing?

[@leslieunderwood810]

This song reminds me of my daughter!

[@paulliamniall1]

What a lovely song great playing great singing Declan

[@bman8406]

This whole concert is amazing. Check it out

[@leslieunderwood810]

This is such a sweet, sad song!

[@glennsmoak]

The Whistle 1976 live version is a killer.

[@nancyboyd6273]

I call it celestial.💓

[@TheElinden]

Exactly

[@warflynn]

I am amazed everytime i hear this

[@jacksonwilliams5917]

It's very nice

[@jacksonwilliams5917]

How are you doing?

[@dshaw9665]

Visionary song

[@bobbieenke350]

on the funeral playlist

[@sandybuck9945]

My Favorite

[@elanyacoleman9862]

A most precious man!

[@MegaPeePop]

Brilliant juxtaposition!

[@diannebunnell5582]

Such great Music.

[@patriciafoard6317]

What an amazing song, so beautiful but it makes me a little sad my footsteps have been alone for a long time.

[@georgew.spradlin8333]

Absolutely amazing song.