HEARTWARMING 🎵 The Black Crowes - She Talks To Angels REACTION

[@tomcoster191]

She is an addict. Pulling the shades down for her privacy, the pain is the pain of the injection...she smiles because she is about to get high and forget about anything else that is troubling her. The lock of hair is from a little boy that she had to give up or that was taken from her due to her addiction. The cross is self-explanatory...she wants to have faith, but isn't there yet. Her talking to angels is her mind in her drug-induced altered state...seeing and hearing things that aren't there...but they actually could be there, trying to save her. She's an "orphan" because her family has given up on her and her addiction, and wants nothing to do with her. She is on her own.

[@Zundfolge]

I also suspect the lock of hair is from her child that was either taken from her or has died.

[@richdiana3663]

Chased my daughter for 17 yrs through booze, pills, crack, and fentyal lace heroin. She's only alive from the methadone and I don't recognize her anymore.

[@ericsmith6615]

Wow..!Perfectly stated!!

[@ericsmith6615]

@@richdiana3663 Sooo very sorry for you...I went through the same thing with my father..Please try to find peace

[@ginao8935]

Exactly right!!! Couldn’t have said it better myself

[@andrewrayl1033]

The angels are a metaphor for the heroin that keeps calling her name/talking to her. Really great songwriting here. I love the Crowes dearly

[@dimedraweriv258]

Yep and it's a brutal commentary about someone so enthralled in their addiction they're gone. But music can be beautiful even when dark. I wish people understood lyrics more but I get it , not everyone is interesting in dissecting lyrics and song meanings like that.

[@dodlevez]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/np2xgKeJpbaNo6M

[@stoneysopranoyukon9398]

It also could be the suicidal aspect to addiction; being so near to death to kill the pain of something else. Great songwriting. ✌❤🇨🇦

[@mysonandme8424]

Uh, no sir. It was about the time his girlfriend got abducted by aliens when she was 16. That's what he said in an interview with Larry King last week. He wrote it when he was in AC/DC but saved it because they didn't believe him. He got mad and beat the shit out of the drummer so they kicked him out and that's when he replaced Joe Namath as the singer for The Black Crowes, formerly called The NY Jets. So...there...now you know. Pass it on.

[@andrewrayl1033]

@@mysonandme8424 glad someone here knows the real story. I stand corrected

[@NobodySpecial512]

I am so happy that you guys are too healthy and stable to understand this song.

[@addjen1972]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@gavilanchocolatero]

Yes. Me too. The naivete is positive in this case.

[@johnnycox7801]

Sometimes you truly don't know unless you you been there. I get so wrapped up I can't believe others don't understand loss and addiction.

[@justdone1068]

Yes, I was thinking this.

[@ld-wl3jz]

😂

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

"She don't know no lover", "To her that ain't nothin". She cares more about her next fix than human/physical companionship. "Talking to angels" is a metaphor for a heroin trip. Listen to "Heroin" by Lou Reed. "It's my wife and it's my life" "And I feel just like Jesus's son".

[@jeffforrester5896]

Dive deep with this band! So worth it! Amazing group! Remedy, Hard to Handle, Twice as Hard, Jealous Again would be other great introductory songs

[@brettkenschaft4239]

They actually did Remedy and Hard to Handle already.

[@afn3899]

Soul Singing I feel is underrated

[@5150pb]

Girl from a Pawn Shop, Descending, Thorn in my Pride, and my favorite Seeing Things.

[@Fawkes318]

I'm thinking Lickin would be a fun one. 😆

[@samuelnation5300]

It’s about addiction. “She smiles when the pain comes”. When the needle sticks her it’s going to make everything ok…”the pain is going to make everything ok”.

[@douglasgeorge6186]

I think it’s the opposite, I that she is such a good girl that she’s able to talk to angels.

[@charmlessman1]

@@douglasgeorge6186 nope. She's an addict. When she's high on heroin she feels like she's talking to angels. The first verse is all about how she lies to cover her addiction. Doesn't say the word, lies about her family so people don't find out about her problems that her family is probably broken up about. The second verse is about her loss. The hair from the little boy is her son that she's lost because of her addiction. The cross is the hope that some day she'll get her shit together, but she hasn't yet. The bridge is about how she treats sex like a transaction that doesn't mean anything, so although she has plenty of sex, there's never any love. The only happiness comes when the pain of the needle comes, and she smiles because now she's talking to angels.

[@JMitch67]

Absolutely but it’s because she lost a child that was stillborn.

[@charmlessman1]

@@JMitch67 Not sure where you got that from the context of the song, but "lost because of her addiction" can mean lots of things.

[@cloudnurdz6331]

well that's not true cause there is not pain from the needle

[@loristone9242]

It's about heroin addiction from what I understood. Giving a smile when the pain comes (the sting of the needle) Talking to Angels would be the hallucinations. The shades down, because addicts are usually paranoid and keep the blinds closed. She tells you she's an orphan when she's high, but he has already met her family and knows she is lying. I think he may have loved someone in this situation. He himself dealt with heroin addiction as well.

[@carlosvejar3938]

They keep it dark because heroin makes you photosensitive

[@UMfan21]

Yeah, I always thought it was about a heroin user also. "Talking to angels" being when she is high and/or near death.

[@bigbillhaywood1415]

Heroin doesn't make you hallucinate. Angels could be a metaphor for knowing she's flirting with death by shooting up.

[@JoseValdez-tb9nf]

I always thought her saying she was an orphan was metaphoric for her being out casted from her family

[@blindriv3r]

Yeah I heard an interview he did where he said he wrote this before really knowing someone affected in such a way and of course later he himself was, great writing

[@melissar8304]

Such a beautiful song. I absolutely love it and the Black Crowes. Regardless to how much the Robinson brothers fought, they always wrote such great music

[@jackiegoodspeed1849]

It's about drug addiction She wears a cross but she doesn't know the man on the cross. How many unsaved people wear a cross? Quite a few. Best line in the song.

[@cburton7238]

I love that line too!

[@BorisCampan]

One of my absolute favourite songs. Chris' voice is so full of emotions.

[@phonebone81]

I've liked the Crowes since I accidentally heard them on the radio in the early 90's. When they were in Hamburg (Germany) in `92, I interrupted my vacation to see the concert and that was great. In between, Chris Robinson even passed a few joints to the audience, which was very nice.

[@mpotter9944]

So many good tunes, the Black Crowes is one of those bands that managed to grab the banner of 70's era rock and carry it into the 90's and beyond. Sting Me, She Talks to Angels, Thorn in My Pride

[@Timoeltejano]

I agree with you on all these. The original Sting Me, I believe, was by Black Oak Arkansas. At least that's the version I'm familiar with. But I like Black Crowes version much better. Sounds less...dark.

[@jeffmay8139]

It's about an addict. As a recovering addict myself, I understand the ideas in this song to a tee. The sensations and sentiments that go along with being an addict.

[@brettkenschaft4239]

I saw them open for Lenny Kravitz years ago and was completely blown away. They had such a full sound and just killed it! Lenny was great too, but the Black Crowes stole the show!

[@bluetopguitar1104]

I saw that tour too. What a great combo of bands and a great night. The black crowes have that great southern and rolling stones influences

[@s.willis8426]

The Black Crowes are the best band from the 70's that wasn't actually a band from the 70's.

[@johnphillipsjr7238]

Ummmm no🤦‍♂️

[@mathewazaria1549]

@@johnphillipsjr7238what is that lie supposed to be responded to with as a remark?

[@Todzilla98]

Not really a 70’s sound going on here. It’s a 90’s alternative rock sound with country/folk/blues influence.

[@mathewazaria1549]

@@Todzilla98 no it ain’t 90s alternative rock. They sound more like The Rolling Stones did in the mid 60s than anything like the 90s alternative rock bands such as Nirvana.

[@mikelauer4297]

Well said

[@bradconrad936]

Go down the rabbit hole... this band is one of the greats. So much soul.

[@staratlas7778]

"He Had the Perfect amount of Dehydration!" 🤣🤣🤣. Lex, you are a gem 😎😄

[@f.murphy8340]

The problem with "lyric videos" for those who are hearing the song for the first time is that there is no true reveal - that moment when the words hit you because you are invariably "reading ahead" when the verse comes up on the screen. Absolutely reduces the element of surprise.

[@commiekiller8906]

Agreed

[@bretttodd2064]

"The perfect amount of dehydration" lmao. So funny.

[@s.willis8426]

I always assumed the lock of hair in her pocket was from a child she lost to protective services. But yeah, as others mentioned this is a straight up "hooked on heroin" song. Every line is about being an addict, lying, pulling the shades down, smiling when the pain comes (needle in the arm), pains gonna make everything all right (because it proceeds the heroin being shot in), and talking to angels... there's a reason heroin is deadly addictive and that because it makes the world feel like heaven even when your wasting away in a dark room.

[@sattymike0155]

Yeah, I had thought she had a son pass away and turned to drugs to damp her grief while she struggled to find faith. And I figured he loved her, but could only watch her struggle through.

[@Gordy63]

The Black Crowes are one of the best southern rock/ rock bands in the pat 20+ years. So many awesome songs in their catalogue. You can go in so many directions with them. Their first two albums are chock full of classics. But if I could suggest a next song to check out, I would recommend either Josephine or Seeing Things for the First Time, to experience their real inner soulfulness.

[@rockitflash]

She’s a heroin addict and her mind has been affected. She hallucinates, talks to angels She’s had a baby, keeps a lock of the baby’s hair. Who knows what happened to the kid?

[@johnphillipsjr7238]

🤦‍♂️

[@bobclark7939]

Maybe there was never a kid at all..it's all storytelling..maybe the little boy was someone else's kid..maybe the kid was him..and he's telling the story of his mom's addiction..

[@GinaGeeILuvu]

This is the most beautiful song about addiction ever! I love this song! I wish you had played the official video because I love to see Chris Robinson, the lead sing, move! “She gives a smile when the pain comes, the pain's gonna make everything alright..”, I believe she’s shooting up! She’s an addict.❤❤

[@assog5737]

I saw The Black Crowes. At The Joint in The Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas. The Joint is what they called their concert hall. It was more like a huge room. It was like only 40 yards long and 20 yards wide. With a huge bar along the back wall. The acoustics in that room were awesome. It sounded great. I went to a few concerts there. But it's all gone now. They tore it down. But The Black Crowes Rocked the hell out of that place.

[@dubbayabird6680]

Saw these guys in i think 96 or 97 in Atlanta. So awesome live. I love the basically a choir that accompanies them in alot of their songs. Just an all together great band

[@wallyh24]

She talks to the angels when she’s high...it’s a song about addiction...the hair from the little boy is a child taken away, I assume....

[@JohnNewkirk1]

From Songfacts: "During VH1's The Black Crowes Storytellers, filmed at The Bottom Line in New York City on August 27, 1996, lead singer Chris Robinson explained that this song is not about "one" person, but rather a "hot dog" (as he put it) of people that they knew from the Atlanta club scene in their early days. "Not all the best parts" explained Chris, "or the best parts for you." Chris says that there was always a girl in the club scene back then with really dark makeup (like Siouxsie And The Banshees), and after thinking about her one day, he scribbled the lyric "she paints her eyes as black as night." He then went on to write an entire biography (completely made up, by the way) about her in the form of the song that then became "She Talks to Angels."

[@deedoublejay]

"In 2010, Chris Robinson explained in a webisode (part of a promotional internet series for the band's 2010 Croweology album) that the song is loosely based on a "goth girl" he was acquainted with in Atlanta who was "into heroin"". From Wikipedia.

[@christinawoolley6206]

This came out 2 years after the passing of our first child. Oh, little Angela died two weeks before her 2nd birthday. Pulling the shades and talking to angels was right up my alley. I appreciate how the lyrics aren't specific, one can interpret them depending upon their point of view. And yes.....his voice is amazing, rough without trying. I am so pleased you reacted to this! Black Crows can truly rock yet this one is such a quiet & emotional gem. Thank you so much for sharing! 😽💋🎶

[@ItwasMenotU1234]

Love this song. Great choice to do. Definitely her battle with addiction.

[@ComicBookNerdOutCBNO]

I love when they try to dissect the songs. It shows they are trying to really listen and give you their perspective of the song and continue to encourage you guys. Thank you.

[@sharilynbratton6476]

Loved this song for ages, just gorgeous.

[@michaelflynn4397]

i get out my guitar, play this, and my daughter sings it...you should check out "seeing things" by the black crowes

[@wbishop1330]

Nice 👍 I just recently learned "She Talks to Angels" almost got it down but my memorization is bad. Have a good one. ✌

[@michaelflynn4397]

@@wbishop1330 , it is such a fun tune to play...i hope you are playing it in open E, or open D with a capo at the 2nd fret...if not, you will find it easier...plus Rich played it in open E...as for the memorization, repetition will eventually take care of that...the best to you bud!!

[@jenniferandrews1917]

Very sad song. Beautifully written and performed.

[@marjolewis9405]

The first line of the song tells you everything...she never mentions the word addiction in certain company.

[@jamessullenriot]

I think its an overused term to call a band underrated, especially with all the the success the Crowes have had. But with than, I'm going to say it here anyway, The Black Crowes are one of the most underrated bands ever. Its odd because when they broke in the early 90s, they weren't like the other bands of the time, but somehow they pulled it off. Mostly remembered for the early 90s stuff, they have an extensive catalog that goes into the late 90s and 00s. That just recorded material, their live shows are absolutely brilliant jam sessions that all should see at least once.

[@dougman23]

It's really just me paying too much attention to semantics, but I'd say they aren't as underrated as they are unrealized. No one alive during ...Money Maker missed their greatness. If they had replicated that for more than 2 albums ("The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion is just as good in different ways), they'd be immortal. They just didn't get it done. Amorica sounded like the mixed intentions and internal tension of the bamd...it was scattered, never less than good, but not great. After that, the chance was gone, through time away from the zeitgeist and a chamging industry. I'd say anyone who knows their stuff rates it highly. But they lost visibility, so they are largely overlooked or forgotten beyond those 2 albums.

[@AB-C1]

I listened to the Black Crows in the 80s same time as Guns N Roses Appetite For Destruction and Lies, had these albums on cassette same time I was only about 12 or 13 years old, but this was one of the greatest songs back then! Also their version of "Hard To Handle"! Cheers from London England 👍😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@FreddyFudd]

I'm glad you guys are enjoying the Crowes. They can be a lot to unpack. I have been a die-hard fan since 1993 or 1994 when Hard to Handle came out. Highly recommend working through their catalog. Their growth over time was truly something to experience.

[@RM0.0]

“And the cross is someone she has not met. Not yet.” Every single time that I have ever heard that lyric sung, it instantly makes me smile and fills me with complete internal happiness because we all will get this amazing chance to meet Jesus. ☺️

[@Reno_Slim]

Sounds like someone doesn't have a reliable way of distinguishing between imaginary things and real things...much like the protagonist in this song.

[@seantimmons5900]

Oh, we all do? Awesome! Jeffrey Dahlmer and I will be partying together with Jesus! Woot woot!

[@richard_n]

The Black Crowes are easily my favorite southern rock band. Their music takes me to church.

[@johnphillipsjr7238]

🤦‍♂️

[@williamsmith1399]

Shake Your Money Maker was a terrific first album for the Black Crowes. Reminded me of early blues Rolling Stones. The song "Jealous Again" is my favorite track on this album.

[@simong966]

Saw the Black Crowes supporting The Rolling Stones at Wembley Stadium London. Very good live . Forgotten how good this song is.

[@michaeloxendine6950]

The cross thing is a metaphor because she's a sinner but she is talking to angels if you remember the first verse she'll tell you she's an orphan after you meet her family that makes her a liar

[@michaeloxendine6950]

So she hasn't met Jesus yet but she's trying

[@juicesghost8501]

She never mentions the word "addiction" in certain company. She pulls the shades down tight (hiding inside her house with curtains drawn) She smiles when the pain comes (the prick from a needle) the only thing that dont make it alright (followed by the rush of heroin)

[@pdog547]

"The cross is someone she has not met - not yet" I took that as she is expecting to die soon - she will meet Jesus soon.

[@douglasgeorge6186]

No she not a addict. She’s a good girl. She doesn’t call people addicts around them.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

@@douglasgeorge6186 She's an addict, but she only talks about it around other addicts or those in the drug culture. But with other people she doesn't mention it.

[@MickeyValenz]

Such a great song, those pinch harmonics in the intro get me everytime And his voice is so good

[@Nonniewantsmore]

This song always makes my top 10 fave songs. For such a serious subject it surely is beautiful. 🥰

[@tomherd34]

It's about addiction, great song

[@chellj8175]

Beautiful song !! The Black Crowes have many great tunes! One of my favs !!

[@fronthorse]

One of my favorite bands ever. Saw them opening Monsters of Rock '91 in my hometown when I was 16. Unfortunately the Robinsons are massive...

[@TheStefan6969]

Excellent song!!! Shake Your Money Maker is a fantastic and complete album full of gems!!! I hope ya'll keep gping!!! 😉❤✌

[@thomassliwinski6524]

Check out the version from the Howard Stern Show, the slide guitar adds so much more feeling to it!

[@davepronti9505]

One of my favorite bands and an amazing singer!

[@danielmarshall3102]

The song is about addiction ... the opening verse says it all.

[@clare1061]

Song gives me chills every time. I hear it.

[@josephferretta5720]

You two are so innocent. Proven in every reaction. Love you guys

[@jamestate5059]

There is a band named Third Day that has a song called Black Bird that is a song pointing to the Black Crows telling them they need to clean up their act . even go so far as using the Black Crows song titles in the song to make sure everyone knew who the song was about

[@tannerdorsett9288]

This song always makes me cry bro. It's such a powerful song.

[@christianhansen3292]

love this song touches my heart brings me back in time to a certain point. dad loved black crowes music too.

[@fenderfox5080]

The black crows, love this band, so many good songs

[@Handletakenlol]

This is about a heroin addict, who almost died on a regular basis(talks to angels),she lost a baby(the lock of hair) she has avoided overdosing (she has not met) not about an actual person

[@darkstardan3309]

Chris Robinson, the lead singer, has a great current band called "Chris Robinson Brotherhood". Check out the live stuff from "Betty Blends" series.

[@mikebrock7606]

My youngest son struggles with addiction......so heartbreaking to see it. When he's ready for help, we will be there for him.....

[@TabathaBrabham-c9v]

Sending Love and Prayers Hugs

[@denisepierce969]

Seen them open up for Aerosmith and I remember that I was blown away by this band in late summer of 1990 what a great show Aerosmith was great just a time in my life I will always be greatful for being there rock on 🤘

[@wadsworthaaron]

I was lucky enough to see the Black Crows on this album's tour... they were just excellent live. You'd probably love "reactions" to a number of their songs. Great stuff from the 90s!

[@98wytebird]

One of my faves my them

[@chadwhitfield6946]

It's about addiction. The pain is the needle. I cross is Jesus. The hair I always take as her little boy that she probably lost custody of. I've known a couple of women that lost custody of their kids due to addiction.

[@cindyphifer970]

Always loved this song

[@Hobodeluxe960]

She's strung out on heroin. that's the pain that brings the smile. she talks to angels means she's hallucinating or maybe near death. the hair of the "little boy" could be one she lost to maybe child protective services or maybe the kid died? either way it's mentioned so it's probably one of the reasons why she's in the state she's in. and the cross is someone she has not met NOT YET means to me that she's headed for an overdose if she keeps it up.

[@lizetteolsen3218]

The woman in the song is so crippled by addiction that she's hallucinating talking to angels calling her on so death is near. Beautiful song--in a haunting way, given the song focus on addiction

[@charlesosburn4027]

So glad you played this song

[@bigjunk59]

You two are hilarious! Addiction...been there...

[@TheRealSweetcherryo]

Addiction....heroin addiction. Inspired by a girl they knew..... beautiful song....fantastic album. This song kills me for other reasons...I had a premature sick child, got divorced, lost my job, had to move back home ....same year this came out. This album is in my top 10. Just saw the Black Crowes last Sept for the 25 year anniversary of Shake Your Money Maker... On a side note and nothing to do with this song.... RIP Taylor Hawkins💙💔

[@dougmann66]

BEAUTIFUL !

[@michaelmontgomery7633]

Beautiful song!!

[@Amy-kj8nd]

I listened to this song so many times and only just realised what its about reading the comments!

[@markbaker3013]

Thank you for sharing this with me

[@davidldavis-oq3td]

This album Shake your money maker is one of my favorites album's of all time!

[@blopblop7311]

Between his voice and the lyrics this is one of the most beautiful songs ever made

[@darrinfi3716]

This song always hits close to home. I have an ex-girlfriend who turned to her addiction and away from me. I tried everything to get her help. She had three children that I got to know really well. Near the end of our relationship, I found out she had a little boy who was living with his father. I bought her a cross, which she wore around her neck. Eventually pawned off, I suppose. She told me a story while sitting in Chapters. She was having coffee with a church member, and went to use the restroom. When she entered, she was blinded by light obscuring a figure standing in the room. They had words. She talks to angels. Gets me every time.

[@TheRedStateBlue]

heartwarming? there's nothing heartwarming about this song. it's all about the tragedy of heroin addiction.

[@michaelkeefe8494]

Try some Billy Strings for the answer on acoustic guitar solos... Dust in a baggie is a good starting place.

[@paul2862]

I always thought he wanted to be her lover, but wasn't because she never took one. When she says she's an orphan, I take it to mean she feels estranged from her family, like they don't understand her.

[@Jeffbambam]

Touching ! ❤

[@Ghatbkk]

The Black Crowes continued the Rock 'n' Roll tradition of Amazing lyrics tied to beautiful lyrics

[@teverly5150]

Chris Robinsin, the lead singer, wrote this about all the days when the band had their starting days in the Atlanta Club scene. He picked a girl out with the black eye makeup and imagined a lot of things about her. It wasn't just based on one person, but the whole experience.

[@theeristicwriter8280]

got to check out "Remedy" next. man I love The Black Crowes XD

[@craigholt9571]

Beautiful song

[@pennysilvey8868]

Brad will fall in love with the Crowes if he’ll give them a deeper listen. Hope they do!

[@PhatLayCes7825]

I have listened to this song all my life and I figured she was dealing with grief, with loneliness. She's lost and trying to find herself, her identity. For Christianity, she may have her spirits follow her like a guardian angel to guide her and live for Jesus. Love your reactions 💕 The organ feels like you're in a church and in the middle of a sermon.

[@sca88]

That would be nice but it's about heroin addiction.

[@PhatLayCes7825]

@@sca88 yea reading the comments.. the song is still pretty though

[@sca88]

@@PhatLayCes7825 Yea it is. When it came out and I first heard it (I was in college) I didn't know from the first few lines but then a little farther in I was 'Wow, this is about heroin addiction'. I'd had had a couple friends that were hooked for a few months when they were 14 or 15, pretty young. Luckily they broke out and have been o.k. ever since with no slip ups. Not sure but that's probably not the norm.

[@Brandi6666]

Sad song😥🤘❤️ tale of a junkie. The pain is the needle

[@myreviews8099]

Lex has my favorite smile on the entire internet 🙂

[@MichaelGalok]

"The Perfect Amount of Dehydration" - I'm going to have to borrow that, lol

[@sPoNdOoLa]

So weird! This came up in my suggestions a couple of times and I didn't recognise the song title or the band. I felt the urge to listen and it's a song that I listened to at school loads and had completely erased from my brain!

[@bbox5938]

The entire band is great to watch live. The lead singer is too cool!

[@DanAnkers]

You two are awesome

[@slothwiggs8234]

Listen to "Round Here" It's an absolutely gripping song with both great sound and lyrics. I found it by accident and it was immediately a favorite of mine

[@elcaldy4435]

That’s by the Counting Crows, but also a great song and band.

[@slothwiggs8234]

@@elcaldy4435 quite the facepalm moment, but I regret nothing

[@turbodsm712]

Lex with the Bush reference at the end. She's taking it all in for sure. lol

[@ericlencher2356]

If you liked this one, you should definitely check out Remedy, Hard to Handle, Twice as Hard, Seeing Things, and Jealous Again. Those are my other favorites by them. The lead singer used to be married to actress Kate Hudson who starred in the movie Almost Famous. Great soundtrack to that movie too.

[@clintjo2377]

Great voice one of a kind !

[@michaelohara6614]

This song is about addiction. Call her out by name.