Jackson Browne: The Story Behind "These Days"

Jackson Brown talks to Sam Jones about writing "These Days" at 16 - and takes an on-camera journey to the past when Sam digs up a demo.
If you liked this video, there's a lot more where it came from. This is a small excerpt from a much longer conversation that you can watch right here: offcamera.com/issues/jackson-b...
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[@easywindalan893]

I looked at Jackson and said my god he's gotten old, then looked in the mirror and realize I've been listening to him for 40 years and have grown old with him though he will live forever with his beautiful music..

[@rickhand8392]

I agree , started listening to him when I came home from Vietnam , excellent music !!

[@easywindalan893]

Was RA all the way, no more

[@LovezTunez]

I saw him in person the night before Glenn Frey passed away. Jackson looks like a kid in this video. He’s still gorgeous and sings like a dream, but, yeah, we lucky ones have been pulled along by the river of time for decades to get to where we are today. Feels so good remembering our younger days and the incredible soundtrack that accompanied it. Go see your favorite artists perform ASAP. No tomorrows are guaranteed. Might be them, might be you, but we aren’t immortal - except during those 2 hours live in concert.

[@lorenhall7252]

No Doubt..my sentiments exactly..lol

[@lindairvin8681]

LovezTunez..Couldn't have said it better!

[@daniels897]

lyrically its my favorite song ever written.. just jaw dropping beautiful - These days I'll sit on cornerstones And count the time in quarter tones to ten my friend Don't confront me with my failures I had not forgotten them

[@rickjamesdos2239]

Who the hell writes that at 16?! It seriously seriously seriously blows my mind my god

[@annedavis2585]

Love Jackson’s writing! No one else like him!

[@nancymerritt9248]

He is one of the rare singer/songwriters that truly lives the life he sings about. He is and will continue to be my all-time favorite.

[@jdjd6560]

@Clyde Jackson Browne psycho

[@jacksonbrowne-de2fu]

Hello 👋 Nancy How're you doing. Thanks for this comment, I'm nothing without fans like you who appreciate my musical craftiness It's nice meeting you here.

[@lyndawhite5171]

JB is just beyond talented❤️. Ok, it’s not like I know him, ever met him, hell, I didn’t even get to go to one of his concerts. Guess I shouldn’t be so cozy with initials. 💕 Far as I know, he didn’t tour anywhere close to me. 😢😡. Punk ass. 😂 So special, one of the absolutely best for sure. Enjoyed many yrs. 👍 Praying 🙏🏼 all the best! Some, NOT all, is just crap screaming violently at everyone. Can’t even understand the words, even though they “talk” a song. Screams , noooo talent. I’m 64 and have appreciated damn near all of his music over decades.

[@philgranito4043]

I saw Joni Mitchell in Hawaii, 1972. In the middle of her show she brought a new singer/songwriter named Jackson Browne, who hadn't recorded yet. He sang, "These Days" and "Song For Adam". I've been a fan ever since.

[@emilygraham1153]

Phil Granito Lucky you. That's awesome. 😁 Emily Liberty

[@ckn711]

Lucky you!!

[@davidh2550]

That’s epic. Joni Mitchell is another brilliant song writer

[@Caligari...]

One of the Greatest songs ever written .

[@gabrielfariasjr6097]

Jackson puts a little for the heart and mind in every song. Been a fan since the 70s and fascinated with his writing

[@pj1995____]

When the song started to play you could see the memories flash over his eyes

[@ragtimegals]

This song perfectly incapsulates depression when you’re inside of it. And what he said is so true - children can experience and go through some of the worst trauma and can’t do anything about it. It’s very privileged to think that children can’t have emotional depth. that just means you must not have gone through much as a kid.

[@futureal33]

Discovered Jackson Browne in early 70's - I have played his music almost every day ever since. Wonderful Style Wonderful Writing. If you have to pick out one massive talent - it is his writing. Intelligent Lyrics - a story you must hear in every song. Love him to bits even at 68 !

[@joshb8976]

Who writes a song so deep and introspective when they’re 16? Wtf? This song is fucking beautiful.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

Josh B: John Prine also wrote some while he was very young. Please give a listen.

[@doglover31418]

Joni Mitchell was 21 when she wrote ' Both sides now'. Sandy Denny was 20 when she wrote 'Who knows where the time goes?' How? I don't know.

[@ivancastro365]

Honestly amazing

[@DJKinney]

Someone who just emulates emotions. Like a suburban white kid rapping.

[@PatriciaRaiff]

He has such a soothing voice even when talking. What a great man.

[@lindap689]

A precious man Jackson

[@ChoppingtonOtter]

I find that song meaningful at my time of life - I can't imagine how at 16 he could so understand how it feels to be a far, far older man. Amazing.

[@veritasuno3304]

I just sent a copy to a friend in Australia who had never heard it -- it brought her to tears now xxx O #ART

[@niteosphere]

It’s amazing that he could express how he was feeling at such a young age as 16 but, it’s sounds like depression that many teens go through. can’t imagine it’s only how it feels to be old but he has a way with words

[@lyndawhite5171]

Also, I’m guessing he either took creative writing in class, or, found it on his own. Special talent for sure❤️

[@MrGsdavis72]

nice to see Jackson being transparent about his early writings...humble dude.

[@kentbeery8653]

Boy's and Girl's that rite there is a True Legend and one of the Best song writers of our time

[@michele21auntiem]

That song has always meant so much to me. I ran away from home at 14 encouraged by someone who had committed statutory rape. He left me with a baby and never supported her. So i made those mistakes. Forgiving ourselves is the hardest thing.

[@J24J]

I hope you are healing and now thriving with your child…I’ve made mistakes too which can lead to regrets…I know we shouldn’t have regrets, but I do…

[@fotofitstrips]

Saw Jackson perform by himself at a lecture hall at the University of Virginia in 1973. Very intimate. Didn't realize he was only a few years older than me. Big fan ever since.

[@htetreau]

These days I seem to I seem to think a lot about the things that I forgot to do...and all the times I had the chance to. Profound words...written by a 16 year old. And just like that ...I find I'm old and loving, appreciating these words and these days with each precious moment.

[@rubydawn1]

Jackson Browne will always be there to discover his work is timeless it documents a generation it holds advice for all. He is my favorite artist.

[@ellenmahony2457]

I have been listening to Jackson since college days, finally got to see HIM perform live last year, two times, in NYC at the Towne Hall with Raul Rodriquez, and at Seneca Niagara in Buffalo, NY. I brought my 13 yr granddaughter to Buffalo, and my Husband and daughter and her husband to NYC, I hope to see a few more performances before he does not perform anymore.

[@The_Hamateur]

Great song-Glen Campell (RIP) covered it beautifully. Mr. Browne's art lives long.

[@wesleydickens9283]

David Korchin i wonder how he felt when Glen Campbell recorded this song and how it fit so well with the final stages of Glen's life

[@Deep.Purple]

Did you know that was the first song Glen recorded after he found out that he had but a short time to live?

[@sapelesteve]

Just saw him in concert a few days ago (May 10, 2018) at the Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CT. One of the best concerts that I have ever seen! Let's face it, writing a song like "These Days" with those lyrics & music at age 16 is pure musical genius. One has to be born with that kind of talent. Jackson Browne is one of those people & we love him & his music! The music that's being played these days is not even close, very sad...................

[@emmgeevideo]

Sapele Steve LOL. The old folks in the 70s used to listen to my music and said the same thing. There are two kinds of music: good music and not-so-good music. I think every generation has both. I’m glad we had artists like Jackson Browne...

[@steviesevieria1868]

@@emmgeevideo you’re saying this generation has good music? Name something

[@emmgeevideo]

@@steviesevieria1868 And that’s exactly what my parents were saying when they heard “Late For The Sky” and “Doctor My Eyes”…

[@steviesevieria1868]

@@emmgeevideo No, that’s a lame and trite meme. I find Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller to be excellent and they certainly aren’t from my generation. Sucky music is sucky music, whenever it is.

[@emmgeevideo]

@@steviesevieria1868 See my original comment Mr. Lame-and-Trite-Meme. You agreed with half of what I said. I’ll add the other half for your benefit: non-sucky music is non-sucky, whenever it is.

[@veritasuno3304]

Wow -- Jackson os SO HONEST ! -- H'e's right on --- sounds like Nico ! I LOVE YOU JACKSON.

[@barryetherton4889]

I too have listened to Jackson for 40 years.

[@warriorv9359]

One of the best songs ever written

[@MyMonkeynose]

We all must 'Saturate Before Using'...Learn't a lot of guitar licks, by listening to this, wonderful, man!

[@MisterstereoOso]

2nd January 2021....I just uploaded Jackson’s live version of “ These days” recorded on Jools Holland’s show on English t.v. Way back when, sort of as a little New Years gift to all my friends, it’s a song that has resonated with me for50 years or so. What a pleasure to find this clip & hearing him talk about it, as “ open, honest & thoughtful” as always....what a legend 🍻😊🙏🎶 Happy New Year to anybody who sees this in January 2021

[@joycecolemanallsep3732]

Me Too! I have listened to him for more than 40 years myself

[@jacksonbrowne-de2fu]

Hello 👋 Joyce How're you doing. Thanks for this comment, I'm nothing without fans like you who appreciate my musical craftiness It's nice meeting you here.

[@katecone7416]

Wow! I saw Jackson Browne perform at Club Passim in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1971 or 72.

[@jacksonbrowne-de2fu]

Hello 👋 Kate How're you doing. Thanks for this comment, I'm nothing without fans like you who appreciate my musical craftiness It's nice meeting you here.

[@robertweinblatt2018]

One of my favorites

[@ToddSauve]

Gregg Allman's version is my favourite, from his "Laid Back" album, which is full of good songs! That Jackson Browne could write such a deep song at age 16 is nothing short of amazing!

[@Caligari...]

Gregg did it justice that's for sure ! His version is more seasoned but Jackson's is great to .

[@siobhanonavon1989]

Oh my God! The connection between These Days and It's Alright Ma are clear as a bell!

[@gaylegreene]

Love his music and concerts.

[@denisehedden5108]

🥀Amazing interview with Jackson Browne he's so creative with a tool for being more positive attitude meaning of best of song's since he started in the music industry. I respect him more for for being honest and devoted to his song's. Thank's for posting this video🥀✌🥀

[@jacksonbrowne-de2fu]

Hello 👋 Denise How're you doing. Thanks for this comment, I'm nothing without fans like you who appreciate my musical craftiness It's nice meeting you here.

[@willieboy3011]

I remember this song from Gregg Allman's wonderful version on his Laid Back LP released in 1973. His version is by far my favorite, although Jackson Brown does a later version that has a nice country sound.

[@elanyacoleman9862]

He was wise beyond his years 💗

[@jacksonbrowne-de2fu]

Hello 👋 Elantya How're you doing. Thanks for this comment, I'm nothing without fans like you who appreciate my musical craftiness It's nice meeting you here.

[@elanyacoleman9862]

@@jacksonbrowne-de2fu thank you for all you are ❤️.

[@jacksonbrowne-de2fu]

You have being a amazing fan all this while and I really appreciate that, your support and also showing me deep love on my music ❤️big thank to you ❤️🙏 I will be expecting you to send me a text on my mail below and also feel free to send me text

[@jacksonbrowne-de2fu]

jacksonbrowne751

[@jacksonbrowne-de2fu]

𝓪 🅖︎ 🅜︎ 🅐︎ 🅘︎ 🅛︎ . 🅒︎ 🅞︎ 🅜︎.

[@jmar5785]

I’m 55 and I just started to appreciate JB only within the last few years. I felt the “hits” he had in my youth were a bit corny and overwrought. It wasn’t until I heard deeper cuts that I recognized the brilliance of his song writing. I would suspect he belongs in the category with some of the great American poets. TOTH

[@JM-wd7uv]

Great insight by you. There was a period that just didn’t fit JB and your description fits. But before and after he has been the best songwriter of our generation. I guess everyone can succumb to commercial pressure. Ironic that he preached about that in The Pretender.

[@Syfoll]

I adore both his version and Nico's version. Truly a special song

[@elliel4902]

Nice glimpse into his life at the time! Thanks!

[@JamesWilliams-se3vr]

Fantastic insight. Thanks very much.

[@tahitislim25]

Thankyou for posting this. Nico's version (with Jackson on guitar btw) is one of my favourite records ... 😎

[@patriciadoucet7337]

Tahiti Slim little p v xxx lmao. 👎.].n boo j hi.by night no. @@?," z did

[@alvareo92]

He also plays on another of his compositions of the record, the beautiful opener The Fairest of the Seasons!

[@ternak001]

Wow great interview. I first heard the Nico and Velvet Underground version of this song.

[@keithskelton5596]

Legend Respect to JB ✌🏼🌈🙏 One of the tracks in my life 🌈✌🏼

[@brianruppert1071]

A remarkable song.

[@guitarvocs]

The gorgeous cover of this masterpiece by Will Carter brought me here. I linked that to Facebook, quoted that very same line, and then and only then watched this. I have to say that I am a singer songwriter who also does tons of covers, and this song is one of them, along with one of his most recent songs, "A Little Soon To Say." I am grateful beyond the ability for words to express for the songs of Jackson Browne.

[@joycecolemanallsep3732]

Jackson Browne always sounds good.❤❤❤❤

[@JohnnyCardinale]

Top 10 songwriter of all time.

[@tombryant52jumpscoach]

Awesome stuff

[@larrymclarnon-pd8xf]

Jackson Browne, an absolutely sound human being.

[@tylertoenyes7530]

Wow, that was cool to witness

[@alecmcgrathofcanada9175]

Awesome!

[@jonathanhall6163]

What a lovely man.

[@jacksonbrowne-de2fu]

Hello 👋 jonathan How're you doing. Thanks for this comment, I'm nothing without fans like you who appreciate my musical craftiness It's nice meeting you here.

[@mickpower7414]

One of the all time best. Glen Campbell does a good cover this brilliant song.

[@like2view]

"That is funny" Great clip.. I've heard this song covered by many and a few of his own interpretations. A clear favorite was a Nitty Gritty Dirt Band version!

[@tearose3763]

Wonderful…..I loved it

[@jacksonbrowne-de2fu]

Hello 👋 Linda How're you doing. Thanks for this comment, I'm nothing without fans like you who appreciate my musical craftiness It's nice meeting you here.

[@baronessvarney9379]

I read that Paul mcCartney wrote 'When I'm 64' in his early teens!

[@coolerthanyou28]

Anyone know where I can find the version played at the beginning of this video?

[@judeandrewskinne6258]

Wish for better volume, but loved this !

[@jameslaskowski9542]

Thank you

[@joycecolemanallsep3732]

Sounds good. ❤❤❤!

[@MyMonkeynose]

Tom Rush covered this in 1970'ish That was the one for me!

[@michelleflick1937]

The Dylan influence is evident, but the Jackson Browne influence is just as unique and reflects that special introspection of the 60's. The guitar sounds so good on this recording; he has a wonderful relaxed style with both piano and guitar.

[@barbiec4090]

I prefer Jackson Browne version of the song

[@sophiefritschner5200]

At the first two notes of the demo I just thought, geez, that sounds exactly like Nico's version. I always thought she wasn't doing that song justice. Now I see she was just singing it as he originally played it. But I agree, the "For Everyman" version seems to have more heart to it.

[@johnnada586]

JB Actually gives credit to changing the style and tempo to Greg Allman whose cover is very close to the way JB chooses to do the song

[@shaheer151]

There's a version by Tom Rush that I love.....you might like it too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJKtq4SDqdSCj7c

[@leonardlyons6916]

Not to mention David Lindley’s steel guitar on the Everyman version has a passion that really drives the song home. Two young guys at the top of their game.

[@toddbentler141]

I prefer the Gregg Allman version.

[@DMBGirl1234]

❤Oh my the Demo. Oh Jackson🙏

[@tobyblake851]

I heard him play this live in 1966 at the Paradox Coffee House in Orange, CA. I think he played it slower and may have fingerpicked it. He was totally acoustic then. He opened for a hypnotist named George Sharp, and that was the first time I ever saw him; figured he'd make it, I think he went pop rock by the advice of a manager who saw money. Sorry, but I liked him more in '66.

[@steviesevieria1868]

I take it you also booed when Dylan went electric…

[@benmeltzer]

Donovan wrote "Writer In The Sun" when he was young too. Similar perspective.

[@joycejeffries7465]

Somewhat Ironic that Jackson mentions Nico's German Accent when he was born in Germany and probably heard it a lot as an infant. Perhaps that was part of how they were able to perform together so well.

[@richardmorava5018]

Jesus in 3/4 time-Jackson Browne

[@ethanwolfson9351]

sounds so much like Nico. He was spot on

[@Paul1958R]

Ive been a fan of Jackson Brown since I was 13 years old in 1971. His original version of These Days on For Everyman is my favorite version. The Natalie Merchant/10000 Maniacs cover is my favorite cover of this song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoq1gGChfdGMhqM

[@Bamaboompa]

It’s all personal opinion I STILL can’t believe he wrote those words at that age. To me THE version is David Allen Coe’s recording because you know he has LIVED it.

[@emu8435]

Just occurred to me he’s very like George Best

[@luckyman4003]

I love you.

[@francesedwards9854]

☮️

[@deltanine2468]

Great song but truth be told no one does this song better than Greg Allman and Jackson would concur!

[@mattyice852]

So he wrote it, but Nico recorded it and published it first?

[@Raymantico]

Nico completely does the same version of the song--love to both

[@Ignatius1972]

My fave is Nico's version. Second, the Glenn Campbell one

[@richardcarew4708]

vielen Dank... ich bin serh viel ausgeflip... mit Nika und Jackson... ein gedanken experiment... mit das immer und Immer....carry on sir... please (das immer... der immer.... ?)

[@luckyman4003]

God

[@JonUbick]

Being 16 in the sixties was a strange time...fortunately I waited for the '70s for such misfortune. We grew up in prosperity and fear (crouching under tables near ground zero for nuclear bombs in cardboard school rooms for 'emergency air raid sirens' tests) and it made us reflective existentially and serious. He was not too young to write such profound poetry. At 14 I recall going to a school friend's baby sitting job, he and I had had sex before - beautiful. When I arrived he became aggressive, when I was there to make out. I left and put a ten year pause on sexuality.

[@tbthomas5117]

As a 60-something now, I can't imagine how a 16-year-old could write that song. JB must have drawn it from a prior life...(?)

[@job1778]

All sounds like the way Glenn Campbell recorded it

[@engineeringartist4801]

I wanted to hear a story about a girl that broke his heart and what she did to make him record this great song.

[@kikeheebchinkjigaboo6631]

That flicker JACKSON BROWNE DIDNT MENTION NICO

[@vivianebalbino4010]

I miss Nico

[@richardcarew4708]

school of hard knocks?❤... probably

[@RobHollanderMusic]

It was her German accent; how about the "clones" (clowns) in Lou's Femme Fatale.

[@SteveDennisMusic]

One of my favorites of all time. I just posted a cover if you guys would like to check it out :)

[@billtruttschel]

Why are these interviews in black and white?

[@marksink1652]

Bouncy These Days! Probably "of the era". Glad it changed as he rethought it. My sister's first husband loved The Alman Brother's version. Disliked Jackson Browne. Couldn't believe that he wrote it. Wonder if they came by it by hearing Nico's version?

[@willieboy3011]

Good song but Greg Allman's version from 70s is preferable because of Greg's great vioce

[@4000Wiggins]

It’s astonishing to me those lyrics were written by a 16 year old.

[@Camille719]

Glen Campbells version is the best. Glen instinctively knows how to phrase the lyrics And of course no one knows how to play a guitar like Glen Campbell.

[@joepasquarello1273]

It wasn't her German accent. She had a speech impediment from being partially deaf.

[@ragtimegals]

She also has a German accent. I’m an American, I speak German, and she has a strong German accent in her singing. She does not pronounce the hard r’s for example. Her deafness just made her voice deeper which made it incredibly unique since she’s a woman, and the Deutsch accent just added even more to the exotic sound. In American English for examples we would pronounce the r strongly in the word “failures”, but she pronounces it more like fail-yuz” because that’s how rs are pronounced in German and she also probably learned British English and they also use soft rs.

[@user-nq9gz4xf7f]

Its a great song but i think Nico put a lot into that song interpretation

[@JR-gb6no]

That rendition sucked anyway. The one I like was presumably from the album, sung by him, with a better tempo where the lines weren't rushed.

[@kikeheebchinkjigaboo6631]

It's NICO's SONG NOT JACKSON

[@steviesevieria1868]

Huh?

[@patriciapalumbo3259]

Nico's soul and voice really gave that song meaning - I don't think she was imitating him at all -Frankly I was shocked he wrote it -never been a fan of his

[@Publius_Americanus]

LOL

[@helenholt1161]

Riiiiggggght. And all his other songs were what? Accidents? She was a nasty little racist B who knew the right people.

[@arnold-hu4vk]

@@helenholt1161 little?

[@robbrown6934]

he aint too pretty now girls is he?

[@ThePaysoncarlos]

he is to me !

[@leonlawson2196]

Rob Brown looks better than most people his age

[@skylarkblue4853]

His beautiful spirit shines through.

[@marthadivin289]

Still breathtakingly handsome!!!!

[@Dreams-vo6xf]

Are you crazy?!?!? He’s BEAUTIFUL!♥️