Jackson Browne - Your Bright Baby Blues / HQ Lyrics

This is in my opinion the best lyrics ever written for a song, it still gets me every time.
I posted this on my former channel a few years ago. That was terminated due to my love of music, but this song is well worth the bother to post again and again.
Lyrics:
I'm sitting down by the highway
Down by that highway side
Everybody's going somewhere
Riding just as fast as they can ride
I guess they've got a lot to do
Before they can rest assured
Their lives are justified
Pray to God for me baby
He can let me slide
'Cause I've been up and down this highway
Far as my eyes can see
No matter how fast I run
I can never seem to get away from me
No matter where I am
I can't help feeling I'm just a day away
From where I want to be
Now I'm running home baby
Like a river to the sea
Baby if you can see me
Out across this wilderness
There's just one thing
I was hoping you might guess
Baby you can free me
All in the power of your sweet tenderness
I can see it in your eyes
You've got those bright baby blues
You don't see what you've got to gain
But you don't like to lose
You watch yourself from the sidelines
Like your life is a game you don't mind playing
To keep yourself amused
I don't mean to be cruel baby
But you're looking confused
Baby if you can hear me
Turn down your radio
There's just one thing
I want you to know
When you've been near me
I've felt the love stirring in my soul
It's so hard to come by
That feeling of peace
This friend of mine said
"Close your eyes, and try a few of these"
I thought I was flying like a bird
So far above my sorrow
But when I looked down
I was standing on my knees
Now I need someone to help me
Someone to help me please
Baby if you need me
Like I know I need you
There's just one thing
I'll ask you to do
Take my hand and lead me
To the hole in your garden wall
And pull me through
**************************
www.jacksonbrow...
itunes.apple.co...
open.spotify.co...

[@auntturbo]

He's the soundtrack of my life

[@swetomsawyervers20]

And that's a good choice my friend =)

[@indianxbullet]

This mans music saved my life once.

[@TheRainman904]

he is not a song writer, he is more than that, a lyricist, a poet who puts great guitar licks around his poems.

[@billvill61]

IMO, JB is the greatest American Song writer ever. His first 4 or 5 records were as close to lyrical perfection as you can get.

[@stargazer6753]

Yes, indeed.@@billvill61

[@dshanson92]

I agree, this is the greatest song ever." No matter how fast I run, I can never seem to get away from me." This is my favorite line of the song.

[@jblazedaytona]

Mine too. I've been searching for this song and those lyrics in particular.

[@stargazer6753]

dhsanson92 One of the greatest lyrics ever written.

[@atourdeforce]

Its weird we both have absolute favourite lines from Jackson browne both in the same song and both different. mine are "I thought I was flying like a bird So far above my sorrow But when I looked down I was standing on my knees" There is just something so powerfull about those lines, and very clever about the way he worded them.

[@MartyPowell55]

8 1/2 years ago, i was introduced to this song by a woman i was seeing. We were having some issues at the time, and she text this song title to me. I looked it up on you tube and listened to the words. I then realized she understood me.. She understood our dynamic. She was the love of my life. Our romantic relationship didn't work, but we stayed very close. Kindered spirits, if you will..She was diagnosed with lung cancer a little over a year ago, and passed away June 10th of 2018.. I miss her incredibly, and i am so thankful our paths crossed. My dearest Nanette, i will never ever forget you and will always love you deeply. Until we meet again

[@MChiave]

What a heartwarming story, Marty. Thank you for sharing and much love from here.

[@MartyPowell55]

@@MChiave There will never be another like her in my life.. Thank you for your kind words. Love back to you

[@lisamalone2647]

Beautiful Story...I'm sure you will be together again. 💛🌼 My first time hearing this Song. I don't know Love You're lucky to have known Nanette.

[@MartyPowell55]

@@lisamalone2647 she left me better than she found me.. Without question❤

[@jena8728]

@@MartyPowell55 Beautiful ❤ Music connects our souls. I am seeing Jackson in September. All of his songs hold a special story to someone❤

[@Theo-hc5ob]

He knew of loss: His wife died from a suicide 2 years before writing this, his "friend of mine" that told him to "try a few of these" was Lowell George; who played slide on the original song and was a collaborator on many of his songs. There is just so much pain throughout his music. This rendition was so stark: just his voice and and an acoustic slide guitar that it is breathtaking. Thank you tomsawyermusic for posting this.

[@stargazer6753]

Theo. Jackson sang this in Ron Kirshner's concert with the Eagles in 1974, with slightly different wording having to do with what your life's worth living for. It's on You Tube. His wife died in 1976 of suicide.I don't mean to sound harsh, it's just the facts.The lyrics were changed to be published on the " The Pretender " not only for the best, but very creatively for this great song. If you appreciate this song , which I think is a masterpiece, please go to Proseworks : Jackson Browne Should Be The Next Voice You Hear. It is a literary explanation of 4 of the verses. I agree with everything else you said. I too agree that less is more for many of his songs as he performs them today. This song is about redemption, salvation and salvation that can only be achieved through the metaphor of the hole in that garden wall, representing the healing love of his life with those " Bright Baby Blues". When I came to the true meaning of this song , and the fact that she later died, and some of the other songs on the album although they were written before before her death but seemed to be connected in a haunting way, I just wept, many times. Listen to " The Only Child" and it will break your heart. The only song on " The Pretender" that was directly related to Phylis Major's death was "Sleep's Dark and Silent Gate". Once you understand that song , tears will flow. Ten years later he published " In The Shape of a Heart", trying to reconcile and come to terms with her death. I wondered if he did that not only for himself but for his boy, who would have been 12 or 13.

[@stargazer6753]

+ Theo. You got the history and everything else right about this song. Excellent.

[@joannjohnson8907]

I agree, my FAVORITE Lyrics ever, especially the line, I looked down and I was standing on my knees.

[@wncmtngirl]

Same here!

[@stargazer6753]

jo ann. The person who said “Try a few of these” was Lowell George, a good friend of Jackson’s.

[@RisingOfTheMoon]

I've loved this song for decades, but never heard this version until today. It's unbelievably fine. I was going to say something about my fav lines, but every line is so perfect, I couldn't pick one, or even two, three, or four.

[@swede910]

Absolutely along with Emmy Harris and Don Henley my favorit song writers since childhood. I wish I could kiss him from the hospitalbed I'm writing this.

[@swetomsawyervers20]

You have good taste in music. I hope you're feeling better now.

[@robertcronin6603]

Are you feeling better now?

[@jamesfoxx8302]

This song should have 2 million views. Get your act together world!

[@RSoulle]

I absolutely agree. There is no better lyricist/songwrite in the world.

[@robertcronin6603]

Damn amazing...his ability to express our feelings thru his own words is just remarkable 🔥

[@swetomsawyervers20]

Well put

[@stewartwhincup9317]

Not only a great songwriter and lyricist, but an amazing instrumentalist!!

[@stargazer6753]

Yes indeed.

[@isaachidder7563]

Wow, I have said this to every one I know. Best lyrics ever written. Period.

[@swetomsawyervers20]

This comment made me smile. Thanks for that :-)

[@gingerbread1950]

Never heard this this version until today. Woke up today with the song running around my head. Found this version & have been playing it over & over all day. Have always loved this song but the slide guitar on this version really puts it over the top for me. Hard to choose a favorite but this is certainly way up at the top of the list.

[@stargazer6753]

+ gingerbread. And that slide would be , wait for it . . . .. .. the great Jackson Browne , so underappreciated in so many ways.

[@timothyreid3061]

Me too. Just now.

[@CeeGilesy]

Best version, best songwriter ... ever!

[@swetomsawyervers20]

I agree. BTW: I surely hope you didn't get Covid, but had a 69 ;)

[@pipemasteruaw]

My boy was killed on March 20, 2014. He was 19. He had some bright baby blues. Love your children.

[@nightingaleofsorrow9349]

Jim Cooper May your days be shown light Jim. Can't imagine losing a child. There is a song by Karine Polwarte We're all leaving on KZbin. May it bring you comfort...

[@CocoOPNY]

Jim Cooper so sorry for your terrible loss.

[@pipemasteruaw]

Thank you, Coco S. We got justice. The prick is serving 34 years minimum and 68 years maximum.

[@swetomsawyervers20]

I'm really sorry for your loss Jim. Thank you for your comment

[@heatmizer-jim6762]

Jim Cooper we lost a 13 year old in 2005, and just lost our oldest boy Mother's day 2017. We feel your pain...truly. And you are right, love your children. 😔

[@Asmaa-qw7sp]

denis!!!! come back to me!!!!!! I can't bear to live without you!!!!

[@robertcronin6603]

Your comment kills me....what happened to him?

[@pipemasteruaw]

Excellent performer. Only seen him once, at Meadowbrook in Michigan. Great show. Wish I was 20 years younger. I am a old soul. I will teach all my grandkids this style/type of music. I love it!! My grand daughters already are already asking to hear ELVIS....

[@1kenspitz2]

Jim Cooper I live in Canton, MI...Hey neighbor.. I've been to Meadowbrook many times. The 1st time I saw Jackson Browne was at Hill Auditorium in 1974 after Late for the Sky was released.

[@ewenmurray1855]

Lowell George will always be missed. The lyrics at the end of the third verse so poignant: a literal cry for help.

[@stargazer6753]

+Ewen M." Somebody help me, help me please", is what I was thinking, but that is not the third verse. The third verse is " Baby You Can Free Me In the Power of All Your Sweet Tenderness. Every line in this song is a gem, but tell what you were thinking. There is no wrong answer. This song has been so overlooked. Go to Proseworks:" The Next Voice You Should Hear Is Jackson Browne" , a literary description of this song.

[@robertthole695]

i thought i was flying like a bird. so far above my sorrows, when i looked down i was standing on my knees...................story of my life

[@winvestman9745]

I'm sitting down by the highway Down by that highway side Everybody's going somewhere Riding just as fast as they can ride I guess they've got a lot to do Before they can rest assured Their lives are justified Pray to God for me baby He can let me slide I've been up And down this highway Far as my eyes can see No matter how fast I run I can never seem To get away from me No matter where I am I can't help thinking I'm just a day away From where I want to be Now I'm running home baby Like a river to the sea Baby if you can see me Out across this wilderness There's just one thing I was hoping you might guess Baby you can free me All in the power of Your sweet tenderness I can see it in your eyes You've got those bright baby blues You don't see what you've got to gain But you don't like to lose You watch yourself from the sidelines Like your life is a game You don't mind playing To keep yourself amused I don't mean to be cruel baby But you're looking confused Baby if you can hear me Turn down your radio There's just one thing I want you to know When you've been near me I've felt the love Stirring in my soul It's so hard to come by That feeling of peace This friend of mine said Close your eyes And try a few of these I thought I was flying like a bird So far above my sorrow When I looked down I was standing on my knees Now I need someone to help me Someone to help me please Baby if you need me Like I know I need you There's just one thing I'll ask you to do Take my hand and lead me To the hole in your garden wall And pull me through Pull me through

[@stargazer6753]

Thank you for the lyrics. We all need to be reminded just how great they are.

[@nathanlamb1897]

I've never been a big fan of the production values on the studio version, but this version of the song is simply amazing.

[@stargazer6753]

+ Nathan L. Yes indeed. It is amazing. I too don’t normally like studio versions compared to live performances , but this is an exception. I agree.

[@isantooo]

SurelyThe best songwriter ever, i was i child and listening to his songs,thanx for everyting

[@williamcairns7547]

Man's a lyrical genius.

[@jamesboniface8779]

This song and the album The Pretender are so melancholy. A dark time in his life.

[@erikamcgrath8999]

one of my favourite all time singer song writers of all time , ever since song for adam hes been on my desert island must haves xx

[@trooper744]

So profound, well thought off and intricate.. I absolutely love his lyrics. My wife and I crank the JB when cooking and enjoying drinks.. The conversation of how much heart these lyrics have always comes up.

[@billvill61]

He is THE greatest American song writer of our time. A supreme lyricist and poet. His first 6 records are absolutely unparalleled in terms of telling poignant and meaningful stories. This when compared to the Dr. Seuss lyrics coming out of Nashville these days is tragic how far we've fallen musically.

[@stargazer6753]

+ billvill61. You are so right in everything you said and with the conviction with which you said it. I wish I could shake your hand along with Jackson's. Well done and "rave on".

[@ericheine2414]

Yes Jackson there will be a judgment. What in your life is not in about judgment? If you were born knowing it what would be the point We are here for our lesson. Life must have meaning.

[@guyhillyer101]

Love this rendition of one of my favorite JB songs 4:01

[@patti13866]

This is the song that brought me to UTube today. He is my favorite singer/songwriter and this is not in the top 30 on my list. The words are so relatable to so many. This is my first time commenting on one of these, I hope I didn't break any rules.

[@stargazer6753]

+ Patricia D. You did just fine . I break the rules all the time. Put this back in your top 30 list.

[@anguslewis23]

His Music Rings As True As A Bell That An Angel Rings In Heaven !

[@stargazer6753]

Tom, thank you so much for the wonderful graphics. So fitting for this great song. I implore everyone who admires Jackson Browne's songwriting to google "Proseworks : Jackson Browne Should Be The Next Voice You Hear". It is a literary comment about the writing of "Your Bright Baby Blues". Believe me, you will appreciate it.

[@stargazer6753]

You and me Tom. The best lyrics ever. I implore everyone to go to "Proseworks, Jackson Browne : Jackson Browne Should be The next Voice You Hear". Literary commentary on this song. Excellent.

[@LeoAsc]

Thank you for this. I've looked for a live version where he doesn't change the best part of the lyric "you watch yourself from the sidelines ~ like your life was a game ~ you don't mind playing, to keep yourself amused ~ I don't mean to be cruel babe, but you're lookin' confused". Sheer poetic brilliance.

[@douglayton3498]

LeoAsc This is taken off Solo Acoustic Volume 1. Available in stores. There is a Volume 2 now also available.

[@stargazer6753]

+ LeoAsc. I'm so sorry to say that the change in the lyrics probably had to do with his wife's death. You are the first person I have come across who has even noticed. Keep paying attention. I am the informant.

[@YouggleItifnyacantfixit-BR549]

love this song, love all Jackson's music. excellent.

[@TheSeoulsista]

Solo acoustic, small venue, intimate settings…goes with my bran muffins and ptsd….

[@jamesadryden9470]

My favorite artist. Am I to sentimental?

[@swetomsawyervers20]

No, just good taste man

[@bombteacher]

For those of us with blue eyes, this song has a very special meaning. Thank you for posting!

[@stargazer6753]

+ Randy G. Jackson's wife had blue eyes. This song was probably about her . I have blue eyes, but this song was probably about his wife . This song is about redemption and salvation , but in the the end, in real life, his wife died. Very, very sad.

[@stargazer6753]

+ tomsawyermusic. Magnificent. One of the best songs ever written. Jackson first wrote this song about his partner and wife and mother of his son , Phylis Major. The lyrics were somewhat different, but with her death , the lyrics were changed and for the better both lyrically and musically and for probably for other reasons for which we can guess but never know.

[@sergiorighetto4250]

2022 la musica che amo...

[@swetomsawyervers20]

Sono d'accordo con te

[@Andrew-tx9jy]

Jackson, thank you for all your work, you take people and lead them to the hole in the garden wall and you pull them through. Thanks for the wave at the Royal Albert Hall in London on the 24th of this year too! All the best mate!

[@edd-romer9947]

went through my liked playlist...glad I did...AMAZING

[@swetomsawyervers20]

I'm always looking for new music. Sometimes I go back to the stuff I "liked" like you did. And I agree. You should do that sometimes :-) There's usually a reason you did

[@rgleather48]

Last time I saw JB was at the Toledo Zoo Amphitheater....I remember him saying, " we've played in zoos before, but this place is really a zoo".....his music is timeless, means as much to me now than it did when I "discovered" him back in '69, when he was 21.

[@dangodog1]

And he called the road his own

[@liliznan]

awesome!!! can't pick one! they're all favorites!!!

[@Missymissanne]

Saw Jackson on His Solo Acoustic Tour in Cedar Rapids Iowa~So Good

[@srenthuesen4519]

Yes, amazing lyrics - always

[@SuperSandyguy]

Talk about your mixed signals. It sounds likes he doesn't like her then he tells her he loves her. Nevertheless, I love this song for the expression 'no matter how fast I run, I can never get away from me'. I can't either.

[@suziemcdonald9590]

Maybe he loves her but isn't sure he wants her to know how much., or possibly he's not sure if she loves him like he loves her. (as both should love enough) As if they're both playing games possibly in order to keep hearts intact. They both have baby blues if you will.

[@CocoOPNY]

sandy guy just wrote these words in my journal ... amazing song

[@stargazer6753]

+ sandy guy. That is what happens in relationships and in marriage. When Jackson wrote this song, the protagonist saw the woman with those bright baby blues as his salvation. After his wife died, a blue eyed blonde , Jackson changed some of the original lyrics. They had an 18 month old baby boy at the time. Agreed, there are some great lyrics in this song. I think it is a masterpiece.

[@stargazer6753]

+ sandy guy. Don't most relationships have those kind of mixed signals. It is rare that someone loves the other 100% 24/7. I too , love your favorite line "no matter how fast I run, I can never get away from me” (unless I am a narcissist). And I can't either.

[@terrimoore8433]

WOW Thanks for loading this up! It is the best version I have heard! Just over the top! Love Jackson Browne!

[@swetomsawyervers20]

Thanks Terri =)

[@shannonbilyeu5556]

So very fine.

[@ritamauget8271]

Great Guitar!!!

[@rajeebtimalsina5464]

Everything is okay but why does it have only 1K likes?

[@swetomsawyervers20]

Ignorance, bad taste, or just a bad upbringing? =)

[@stargazer6753]

tomsawyermusic. People need to start realizing what a great guitarist Jackson is when it comes to his own music. Certainly up there with “Blackbird” instrumentally , which is considered a masterpiece (instrumentally) written by Paul McCartney. Jackson needs his due credit. Let’s hear it from his fans.

[@kareneDallas]

Agree wholeheartedly. He should be far more recognized for the genius poet, lyricist, musician, guitarist, & singer that he is. Why hasn’t he gotten a Kennedy Center Honor - so long overdue. And where’s the Nobel Poet Laureate? Someone needs to send them his lyrics!

[@stargazer6753]

@@kareneDallas Yes indeed , right along there with Bob Dylan.

[@swetomsawyervers20]

@@stargazer6753 I agree.

[@terrimoore8433]

Too good! Love it so much

[@billvill61]

This one, 'Song for Adam', 'These Days' , 'Fountain of Sorrow' or 'I Thought I Was a Child' are all equally moving, imo. The man was simply a poet back then.

[@stargazer6753]

+ Billvill61. I thought I was a child, until you turned and smiled.

[@fredrohan8089]

could agree more. thanks for sharing

[@stargazer6753]

+ Fred. Could or could not?

[@douglayton5199]

I brought the CD played it once and lost it. Guess I've got to get it again.

[@Fairy-door-78-86]

Thanks for posting, great song, I might try a cover😊

[@rogersimmons5410]

So fine.. what a song.. Jackson. on It... Roger

[@markrigsby2107]

O, yes.

[@brentchachere1828]

Amen Brother.......

[@markrigsby2107]

Alpha & Omega

[@connopv]

Nice.

[@nickmeola5990]

Is he still touring????????

[@robertcronin6603]

yes!

[@patti13866]

This IS in my top 30, sorry for the typo

[@CoopsterJr]

Reminds me of my son who was murdered at 19 in 2014. Had them blues eyes like the old man. Love ya Jake, RIP son

[@colleenbonniwell4226]

Shhhhh honey .just sit is ok ❤

[@davidsalinas9495]

Beauty... Except o I had to change the lyrics for it to be useful to Me. I m a CHICANO &_I'm not holding MY BREATH till I see BLUE Eyes staring back...peace, david y-que?

[@TheRainman904]

what's a CHICANO?

[@tomnicholas4125]

+David Salinas I know what you mean. The same thing bothered me--it's such a great song, but the phrase "you've got those bright baby blues" defines the person the singer is addressing as white. I tried various lines to replace it with, but the best one I've come up with so far is "I can see it in your eyes--you've grown accustomed to the blues." That fits the rhythm of the melody and the meaning of the words, and it makes it so that the person could be any race. I don't know how JB feels about people changing the words to his songs, though. . .

[@suziemcdonald9590]

Not necessarily, any one's baby can have "baby blues"(as in the blues) if you look at it that way.

[@suziemcdonald9590]

Jackson Browne is referring to the situation she and he are in. They both have bright baby blues, as in the blues because of confusion and unequal love for each other. Not the actual color of the eyes, I think, as he sings: "i can see it in your eyes".

[@stargazer6753]

His wife was a blue eyed blonde. What more explanation do you want. And she died.

[@joshuabullock4520]

Yep

[@ibnelmouata1]

elle est divine

[@awabrams]

no white boy come close to these blues

[@johngallagher821]

Simply perfection this describes this prodigy

[@stargazer6753]

+ Alan A. Except maybe one of Jackson's friends, Gregg Allman. Take a listen. Someone on YT once said that if you ever thought that a white man couldn’t ever sing the blues, you have not heard Gregg Allman.

[@stargazer6753]

Except for maybe Gregg Allman. He recorded 4 of Jackson’s songs and taught Jackson how to sing “These Days “ just by way of example.

[@sharicrocker5841]

If your going to be honest... it goes close your eyes, and try to feel at ease.

[@GeorgeWitman]

Listen to the lyric again. The drug reference is clear and as such is repleat with meaning about JB's own drug use, the drug use of his friend, Lowell George, and that of many in his (our) generation. The lyric is an acknowledgement of how our generation so often retreated in a drug induced haze as a way of convincing ourselves that we were dealing with problems.

[@stargazer6753]

@@GeorgeWitman Good explaination. The friend was Lowell George. I’ll bet you are the only person besides me that understands the change in the lyrics after his wife’s death. Some people want to really take me to task and don’t believe me. The original words in 1974 were , “ You’ve got to stop wondering what your life is worth living for , I don’t mean to be cruel babe , but you’re looking confused “. When she died from an intentional overdose of barbiturates , obviously the words had to be changed and for the better , lyrically..

[@stargazer6753]

+ Shari Crocker. “Close your eyes and try a few of these” is a self acknowledged referral to his good friend, Lowell George.

[@cityzen2717]

I'm sitting down by the highway Down by that highway side Everybody's going somewhere Riding just as fast as they can ride I guess they've got a lot to do Before they can rest assured Their lives are justified Pray to God for me baby He can let me slide I've been up And down this highway Far as my eyes can see No matter how fast I run I can never seem To get away from me No matter where I am I can't help thinking I'm just a day away From where I want to be Now I'm running home baby Like a river to the sea Baby if you can see me Out across this wilderness There's just one thing I was hoping you might guess Baby you can free me All in the power of Your sweet tenderness I can see it in your eyes You've got those bright baby blues You don't see what you've got to gain But you don't like to lose You watch yourself from the sidelines Like your life is a game You don't mind playing To keep yourself amused I don't mean to be cruel baby But you're looking confused Baby if you can hear me Turn down your radio There's just one thing I want you to know When you've been near me I've felt the love Stirring in my soul It's so hard to come by That feeling of peace This friend of mine said Close your eyes And try a few of these I thought I was flying like a bird So far above my sorrow When I looked down I was standing on my knees Now I need someone to help me Someone to help me please Baby if you need me Like I know I need you There's just one thing I'll ask you to do Take my hand and lead me To the hole in your garden wall And pull me through Pull me through Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Jackson Browne

[@stargazer6753]

city zen. Thank you for the lyrics. After his wife died in 1976, Jackson changed the lyrics that had to do with her wondering what her life was worth living for. Very sad . You will see the 1974 version with the Eagles below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2SUZqCAnd1kbas