JACKSON BROWNE Fountain of Sorrow REACTION - First time hearing

JACKSON BROWNE Fountain of Sorrow REACTION - First time hearing
#jacksonbrowne
#musicreactions
#rockreaction

[@RetNemmoc555]

"...and at the moment my camera happened to find you, there was just a trace of sorrow in your eyes." Gets me every time.

[@joelliebler5690]

Great song, so emotional.

[@steveullrich7737]

Yes that whole intro to the song I've also loved too...how he paints a picture of that moment that you can image being there... The other lines that get me are: "And all the future's there for anyone to change, still you know it seems It would be easier sometimes to change the past I'm just one or two years and a couple of changes behind you In my lessons at love's pain and heartache school."

[@John_Locke_108]

Pure poetry

[@jrepka01]

For me it's "You could be laughing at me, you've got the right. But you go on smiling..."

[@Jaceno]

It’s ”camel” not camera

[@indiandoc2]

Jackson Browne is one of the best songwriters ever. Amazing to see live, l was blessed to see him.

[@MrGettysburg44]

JB is an absolute genius. "Late for the Sky", the album which this song comes from, is a masterpiece! My favourite album of all time. Still making superb music after all these years....his new album "Downhill From Everywhere" is excellent...

[@rainmanjr2007]

We libs are very lucky to have his voice helping us through our time. He is living it along with us, after all, and was a son of the 60's so illusions were popping.

[@iamintheburg9820]

My favorite also. The absolute best LP ever.

[@DavidWilliams-yc7kt]

I couldn't agree more. Been listening to the album for almost 50 years and will never tire of it. Absolute genius

[@malcolmplatt3768]

I love the way he juxtaposes sorrow and loss with joy and love.

[@rainmanjr2007]

Joni Mitchell is known to change moods on a dime.

[@charlesc7950]

"I'm just one or two years and a couple of changes behind you." Love that line.

[@steveullrich7737]

Jackson is one of the greatest singer songwriters of our generation. He has such wonderful and introspective ability to capture "loves illusions" in his lyrics and write great music that fits so well to the meaning of the song. Hari, there are many more songs from him that will bring you pleasure. If you haven't done them yet you should do his songs, "Running on Empty", "The Road" and "You Love the Thunder". BTW he co-wrote "Take it Easy" with Eagle's band member Glenn Frey which was a massive hit for the Eagles.

[@lancevaughn432]

Jackson Brown, first album Saturate before Using, “Something Fine”,. “Jamaica Say You Will”,. “Doctor My Eye”,. “Rock Me On The Water”,. “Song For Adam”,. “Looking For You”,.”Under The Falling Sky”, oh just listen to whole album. Then go on to his second album. “For Everyman” third album, “Late for the Sky”,. then “The Pretender”,. “Running On Empty,. I’m 64 grew up listening to Jackson Browne, obviously I’m a big fan.

[@theresakerlin3505]

These albums are Jackson Browne at his very best. The songs on I'M ALIVE are reminiscent of the songs from these earlier albums.

[@timoneill1129]

“And while the future’s there for anyone to change it, still you know it seems, it would be easier sometimes to change the past.” Too true.

[@HaveMonkeyWillDance]

Nice. Cracking reaction as ever. For the love of all the false gods, PLEASE react to his 'Jamaica Say You Will'? You will be the first ever, and it is the most beautiful song Jackson Browne ever mastered...in my humble opinion anyway. Breathtaking. I can't understand why it isn't his most famous song.

[@double00spy]

He always has a great way with lyrics - "looking through some photographs I found inside a drawer, I was taken by a photograph of you". Brilliant.

[@Rkw772]

His voice is beautiful. When I saw him his voice is like glass. Best of any singer I’ve heard live.

[@deirdre108]

"Looking through some photographs I found inside a drawer, I was taken by a photograph of you." One of the best opening lines in a song, ever!

[@MrRonk55]

Dude, I've lived this song almost my whole life. i always keep a pot a pot of coffee ready for her to show at at my door. And I would welcome her back like there's no tomorrow.

[@beckhutton47]

JB is a favorite ❤

[@tbam994]

What a time to be coming of age ....in the 70s with great introspective music such as this

[@captainmoretokin2172]

This song made me smile and cry at the same time.

[@johnharkness7114]

When you see through love's illusions there lies the danger, when your perfect lover just looks like a perfect fool and you go running of in search of a perfect stranger---rings a lot of changes on the nuances of meaning of 'perfect' in these phrases; quite ingenious, and of course also deep

[@rainmanjr2007]

Nobody's perfect. Therefore, these aspects of what we see are perfect illusions.

[@BOOMNERD51]

Have always loved Jackson Browne, and his lyrics. I need too much time to explain how great I've found his songs! ❤️

[@JerisEve]

I think there's a lot of room for interpretation in this song, as there is many of his songs. His poetry is often beyond brilliant, tho this isn't even one of my favorites. For a Dancer and my very favorite Before the Deluge are his best in my opinion, but it is just an opinion. He has so many great songs. Song for Adam is gorgeous and heartbreaking and a true piece of soul-searching about the meaning and value of life. I love the way you dig right in when you react to a song. Thanks, Harri.

[@JeanetteFaith]

You wrote pretty much everything I was thinking!

[@rattlesnakeconservation]

Those are my two favorites as well!

[@rainmanjr2007]

I agree that the emotional interpretation can be appreciated by almost everyone but the song lyrics are about his time with Joni Mitchell. She was also big on photography so carried a camera everywhere. The song's character is partially her and partially Jackson's experience of her.

[@cindyschneider4728]

Exactly! He has a gift of tapping into and expressing those universal themes.

[@John-gq7vt]

You hear a trace of country? Absolutely, the California sound that included people like Linda Rondstadt, The Eagles, Joe Walsh, and MANY more. He co-wrote Take it Easy and Desperado with the Eagles. Definitely a touch of country, try the live version of "Runnin' on Empty". Jackson is one of the very best - beautiful voice, great writer.

[@andythrush3341]

Jackson puts on a great concert. So relaxed but he has a very clean sound and vocals. He truly is one of the good guys from my/era. Thx Harri!

[@dugdoll3295]

A beautiful tribute to his past relationship with Joni Mitchell

[@jgriffin282]

Really? They don’t match to me somehow. Can you imagine these two legendary poets/ songwriters together? Amazing.

[@ohnean1]

I always thought it was about his rocky relationship with Daryl Hannah ... some of the lyrics seem to point more to that union than to Joni.

[@raycewilliams3300]

Many of Jackson Brownes songs are like poetry to me. His lyrics always tell la story. He, as well as Michael Franks, have always been two of my favorite songwriters.

[@beckycourtemanche1088]

Love Jackson Browne. So many great tunes! I love the entire Pretender album. Thank you for so many great reactions! Love how you appreciate so many different genres of music. I feel so lucky growing up with the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s music! I’m just a old hippie girl who loves when great music & artists are recognized by the younger generations!

[@rainmanjr2007]

Jackson was working on The Pretender when his first wife committed suicide. He went into their room and didn't come out for three days (not saying her name, again, until Shape Of A Heart; which is about those 3 days). I think the record's final song was finished after her death and he became bitter about love. Joni had not gone well, either.

[@johnthegreek5836]

Harri, thank you, great song, You can’t go wrong with any Jackson Browne song, he’s a talented musician, singer and songwriter

[@sherryheim5504]

As far as I know, there has never been a Jackson Browne song I haven't liked, as a matter of fact, I love all of them, I have been a fan since I first heard him. This is an interesting song, particularly the intro where he says that after writing this song, he found that he had been far too generous in his thoughts and words. It is often like that. There is a reason for a rear view mirror, it is so you don't have to go back there to see what you have moved away from. Life is a forward motion but nostalgia is often a whole lot of trickery and staying focused is often not as easy as we would hope.

[@randybandy4764]

JB is a lyrical genius in my humble opinion and his music got me through some dark places! Thank you for sharing and I'm digging your vibe, (pardon my old school slang). Nothing but Peace & Love from this end to everyone here ... and the rest of the universe!

[@dlewis5631]

Listen to "The Fuse" or "For A Dancer". They are both great songs!

[@brendamilloy2557]

You should listen to For A Dancer. Love your Jackson reactions! 😊

[@malcolmplatt3768]

That country sound you hear is from that gorgeous Fender Telecaster.

[@joelliebler5690]

One of his legendary tunes!

[@brucifurrose9956]

Harri, I've been listening to this song for fifty years, but you nailed it with one listen. I agree that this guitarist is one of Jackson's best. Happy New Year, my friend.

[@drdr76]

"fountain of sorrow, fountain of life" to me means sorrow is a part of life but it doesn't last forever.

[@surlechapeau]

Harri, his classic "Running On Empty", "The Pretender" and "Tender Is The Night" are next for you!!

[@Dusty999]

The late 1970's live performance of "Running On Empty'' is the quintessential version. Everyone looks to be enjoying themselves while producing crisp perfect sounds.

[@pncombies]

@@Dusty999 Saw JB in late '77 for the first time on the "Running On Empty Tour"in Austin, TX. The first of the four times I would see him over the years.

[@robynanthony1612]

He is one of my all time favorites. I hope you listen too more of his music, cause he has a lot of great songs.

[@billbitterman9487]

Often overlooked is that Jackson ALWAYS has great musicians in his band. I’ve seen him several times between the mid-70s up to the last time in 2015 and never been disappointed with his performance or his band…I do miss David Lindley who is brilliant (if it has strings, Lindley can play it

[@pncombies]

@Bill Bitterman No doubt, and I'm sure there are musicians chomping at the bit to tour with him. Saw him four times in Austin fron '77-89. More than once Russ Kunkel was his drummer.

[@rainmanjr2007]

@@pncombies This version of the song is the best I've ever heard and I've seen him 8X. Last one was @The Greek.

[@reganschaeffer7361]

When I was 19YO, or so, (it was a long time ago), I saw Jackson Browne open for Joni Mitchell. I can’t over-emphasize the intensity in which (thousands/millions? dunno) of my generation and beyond, felt these singer-songwriters had joined Bob Dylan in identifying and putting words to our individual longing and our revelatory experience of the real world. It’s painful to grow up, but their songs became our love, and awareness, and frustration (and with Dylan, our anger), anthems.

[@debbiechang5781]

I absolutely love this song. Thanks for requesting it Neal! Such amazing lyrics and beautiful melodies! As always, Harri’s insights are spot on! Great reaction. 🌺✌️

[@pncombies]

Thank you, Debbie...so many JB songs to choose from.

[@JeanetteFaith]

I think Harri got this one wrong. #1 Nothing country about it. #2 I, nor anyone I've known, interpreted the words the way Harri did. He saw this girl/woman twice. It wasn't once and then he saw her again randomly. He had a RELATIONSHIP with her twice.

[@rainmanjr2007]

@@JeanetteFaith It's about his time with Joni Mitchell. Joni is the "Fountain of sorrow/Fountain of light"

[@JeanetteFaith]

@@rainmanjr2007 He did once say at a concert that Joni Mitchell was the worse woman in his life. He didn't use those exact words. But it was funny!

[@eirikrdberg1161]

One of my favourite songs. I think it is for Joni Mitchell who he dated a little while in the 70s.

[@robertwalker1803]

Musical genius to say the least….Try his “ That Girl Could Sing.”

[@TheOnespeedbiker]

"l'm just one or two years and a couple of changes behind you", described an old relationship of mine to a t.

[@donnasmith4426]

You should do For Everyman and I Thought I Was A Child

[@deborahhenderson3151]

He wrote the song about Joni Mitchell.

[@johnharkness7114]

Great song by a great songwriter/singer. Joan Baez did a very nice cover of this, as well. I just noticed that on the wiki page they say most critics assume this was about his relationship with Joni Mitchell!

[@rainmanjr2007]

Many think it was about his first wife but the song was written long before she died. Jackson spat into the mic, when someone requested this song, "I don't do that anymore" and it was taken to be his pain over her death. His anger was over Joni saying that Jackson caused her suicide by cheating on her (as he had with Joni). She has always been a photographer so Jackson tags it to her.

[@onsesejoo2605]

He did compose songs to The Eagles as well and it is easy to imagine this song being performed by them too.

[@Cynthia...]

Some great songs here tonight. Good choice PN Combies and Harri of course.

[@pncombies]

Thank you, Cynthia, and please call me "Neal".

[@Cynthia...]

@@pncombies Will do Neal.

[@jtcolo43]

Wow Harry, you sure pick ‘em. Thank you for playing his early stuff. I suggest you listen to 2 songs of his. “Lives in the Balance “ and for early Christmas present play “The Rebel Jesus”. One of the best songwriters ever who captured the attention of so many ‘boomers’. Thanks again

[@pncombies]

Actually his patreons pick them. I, like you, enjoy JB's early stuff, too.

[@malcolmplatt3768]

There's an American expression, I think, that says "you can't go home again".

[@mikewilkinson4588]

I think i would hope my past lovers have found happiness.......

[@jtcolo43]

Yeah, he was a big part of that So. California scene when the term ‘country rock’ hit mainstream

[@Jeff8357]

Hi Harri. I really enjoy your reactions. I envy you to be able to hear these songs for the first time. I would love to be able to go back and hear and feel them for the first time again. If I might suggest one Jackson Browne song for you it would be "Sky Blue And Black". I'm sure you would enjoy it.

[@junkyardheaven]

Actually my favorite JB song. One of the few songs where I prefer the album version, though. I'd also pick an early live-version before this one. Btw "Late for the Sky" is one of the best albums ever recorded, IMHO... :)

[@rainmanjr2007]

This version is the most rocking and I'm unsure the song needs that. I love it but I understand the song well so Rocking it is nice.

[@junkyardheaven]

@@rainmanjr2007 Fair point! You've heard Indigo Girls' cover? Absolutely stunning IMHO. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKDNe4Cjps2Ze6M&ab_channel=1TeraPercent

[@hongfang2508]

It's widely believed that Jackson is talking about Joni Mitchell in this song

[@michaellombard894]

Lovely analysis Harry! Of a great song.... curiously my ex and I used to listen to this song quite a bit. Like Jackson, she was from California too. We used to call this style "California Folk Rock".....there was a pedal steel in the mix?

[@jameskruse537]

For a song in a similar vein check Dan fogelbergs ‘Same old lang syne’.

[@bobdelp2023]

ARE YOU GOING INTO THE ( JACKSON BROWNE ) RABBIT HOLE HARRI??? LOL :) UHHHHHHH OH, THAT'S AWESOME MAN! :)

[@granfall00n]

Listen to those lyrics. He is singing to a photo.

[@jgriffin282]

Love love love Jackson Browne.

[@scar4265]

He wrote this about Joni Mitchell

[@thecultivationofwisdom]

song is about his relationship w/ joni mitchell

[@benmobi]

Joan Baez did a fantastic, beautiful cover of this song on her "Diamonds and Rust" album.

[@TheOnespeedbiker]

It actually has a very similar theme as Diamonds and Rust.

[@benmobi]

@@TheOnespeedbiker It was on the Diamonds and Rust album.

[@TheOnespeedbiker]

@@benmobi Yes I was responding to your post. I bought the album when it was first released just a year after Jackson Browne released his Late For the Sky Album.

[@rainmanjr2007]

@@TheOnespeedbiker The song is about Dylan so exactly the same theme.

[@TheOnespeedbiker]

@@rainmanjr2007 Fountain of Sorrow was supposedly written by Jackson Brown about his brief relationship with Joni Mitchell.

[@meliplay]

Ya gotta hear rock me on the water sky blue and black and in rhe shape of a heart. Pretty sure this song was about a certain singer he dated who answered this on her album named turbulent indigo.

[@juliemoss6175]

React to “For A Dancer”

[@karenmandeville7116]

you need to check out his Song For Adam.

[@theresakerlin3505]

You should have listened to the song off the album, not this live version. I've heard him play this live many times, and it sounded great. Don't know what happened here.

[@14gilbertst]

The studio version is worth hearing. I would also recommend the live performance of 'For Everyman' from The Secret Policeman's Ball.

[@pncombies]

@Rick Albee I included it with live version for Harri to select. The remastered studio version is nice but open up the cover of the book seeing his live perfromance.

[@John_Locke_108]

Nothing can touch the studio version. Much better than this.

[@pncombies]

@@John_Locke_108 So says the all knowing. Speak for yourself. I included the remastered studio version and the live version from Austin City Limits when I chose this song as one of my June selections. Harri chose the live version which was fine by me. This live version opens up Browne's book and allows the listener, or those less familiar with JB, a peek inside.

[@John_Locke_108]

@@pncombies Thank you for the kind words. Nobody has ever called me 'all knowing' before and it definitely warms my heart.

[@turnerdan53]

In the early 70's Country music was slow to take in new music sounds but rock was willing to bend to the artist that country said no to. John Prime, Jimmy Buffet and many more. Jackson and Glenn Fry (of The Eagles) were both members of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and wrote Running On Empty with The Eagle doing the stronger country rock version. Many of use didn't care for the country influence so much, But with voices like Linda Ronstadt and others it was hard to deny.

[@justj11061]

Frey and Browne co-wrote Take It Easy not Running on Empty.

[@kevintucker8909]

Co wrote the song, "Take It Easy" by the Eagles and I like his studio version better than the Eagles.

[@dii6266]

I am so glad this guy didn't join the Eagles.

[@billallen1307]

Give Call it a Loan a listen.

[@pattiannmclaughlin7914]

This song is about Joni Mitchell

[@billkant849]

A bit of dietary caution in an online BBC article I found quite a while ago: Cavoli riscaldati (Italian) “Literally ‘reheated cabbage’,” according to Moore, “this Italian phrase describes a pointless attempt to revive a former love affair, and comes from a proverb: cavoli riscaldati né amore ritornato non fu mai buono - ‘neither reheated cabbage nor revived love is ever any good’.”

[@cliffordjones9226]

Ready or Not is a great song imho

[@electraruby4078]

I think it is Nico from Velvet underground he is referring to. She was beautiful but a troubled sou;. She died of an overdose many years ago,

[@rainmanjr2007]

Joni was the photographer and always carried a camera. Her moods were also more volatile than Nico's. That's why she's the fountain of sorrow and light.

[@trudymorris9981]

Joan Baez recorded this song.

[@rainmanjr2007]

You are not "Way off line" in that view. The song is written for Joni Mitchell (a big photographer), who later accused Jackson of having caused his first wife's suicide by his womanizing. This is what Jackson said in the intro, that it was "More generous than she deserved," and the specific line which feels generous was that "It's good too see your smiling face tonight." My read on Jackson is that he hadn't yet become bitter but this is the song request which made him vehemently say, "I don't do that song, anymore." Everyone thought it was for his first wife, which is odd because she wasn't smiling anymore, but it was written before her suicide.

[@kevinreckley9547]

I like some of your first take BUT it’s not country

[@tubiviral9093]

You should try to listen to studio versions of songs before reacting to the live performances.

[@tubiviral9093]

@@pncombies No sh*t Sherlock, who said he couldn't?!

[@euthmanbelaidi2146]

You picked up on country sound? Clean your Headphones my dear!