Elliott Smith - A Distorted Reality is Now A Necessity to be Free (From A Basement On The Hill)

[@jonathanturkmusic]

“I’m floating in a black balloon, OD on Easter afternoon.” He was a BEAST of a lyricist.

[@Iznessmaurer]

The proud Lion's final album. Truly unique artist whom I've been listening to since I was 15. I'm now 37 and I'll listen until it's my time to depart this life.

[@jacelynagea6601]

I'm floating in a black balloon O.D. on Easter afternoon My mama told me "Baby stay clean There's no in-between" And all you ladies and you gentlemen Between is all you've ever seen or been Fit poorly and arrange the sight Doll it up in virgin white You disappoint me, you people raking in on the world The devil's script sells you the heart of a blackbird Shine on me baby, 'cause it's raining in my heart Sun's rising on a chopping glare Rain dropping acid bought up in the air A distorted reality's now a necessity to be free It's so disappointing First I put it all down to luck God knows why my country don't give a fuck Fuck Shine on me baby, 'cause it's raining in my heart Shine on me baby, 'cause it's raining in my heart

[@Jonleespradlin777]

Ayşe Ece Ayhan thank you

[@moonsuns2941]

Thank You!!!

[@manuela5142]

Thank you

[@DiabolicalSplinky]

A lyrical genius.

[@UncleAnaesthesia]

I found myself singing this out loud out of the blue just recently... so here I am. Miss you Elliott.

[@cellardoor4199]

it's definitely an elliott smith kind of day. will be blasting his music all day in the car when i drive to and from work and take random breaks to scream in my car and smoke a cig.

[@BoxerCLC]

Hang in there ❤ Cellar Door? I like the reference. Still having Elliott Smith days?

[@thomascraymer8712]

Same here... well am sick now, and distorting my own reality with the help of alcohol and cigs, will be listening all night... Elliott is always there for us, even when nobody else is

[@Laneganswake]

This is the way

[@o0musiic0o]

I can't express I love him. its a very unique relation. I miss him so much even though I've obviously never known him. That shows how much Elliott was close to his music

[@brrnay]

I'm never gonna know you now but I'm gonna love ya anyhow.

[@FleaMarketGold]

I feel the same. It’s like no one will ever know me as well as Elliott.

[@imightbblind6132]

shine on me baby, cause it's rainin' in my heart

[@giangarciamusic]

it's almost like the direct antithesis to "here comes the sun, and I say it's alright"

[@cameronsharples5514]

@@giangarciamusic totally!😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@polymathing]

Except earlier in the song he says "rain dropping acid blotter in the air", which would mean the rain is full of LSD 🌈🌦 🎵Shine on me baby❤

[@markmatejikjr.5281]

"The devil's script sells you the heart of a blackbird" my fave line of the song

[@jennifermariedylanjosephwe1345]

My favorite as well. :) You have great taste.

[@russellpaloor8225]

Mark Matejik Jr. What does it mean?

[@thebordenasylum7726]

that whole transition into "shine on me baby, cause it's raining in my heart" is just about as beautiful as it gets in music

[@Theghostdiaries]

Also, "You disappoint me, you people raking in on the world." Not as poetic as the devil's script but captures a basic painful sentiment that we all deal with

[@Keiran19]

@@russellpaloor8225 I think it's probably about the drugs the doctors sell.

[@adammaddox2383]

A distorted reality is now a necessity to be free. Elliott Smith is the best artist for me to listen too, when I want to feel again.

[@baddestjoanna-michellesmit5578]

Truthhhhh

[@lisapresley6315]

This is such a hauntingly beautiful song. This is one of a few that i want played at my funeral.

[@jamesupton5601]

Honestly, after I got into the Beatles as a 14-year old, I thought nothing or no-one would come close to their songwriting chops, or the emotional purity that came with it. Bands and artists sometimes get a song on their level, sometimes even an album, but only Elliott managed a career that came close to them. I don't say that lightly either.

[@jimberkey2894]

Ladies and gentlemen. The music critic, james upton

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

Not commercially but I agree. There are others out there as well. From the start to the end was gorgeous and he progressed every step.

[@robertmclean5356]

Lol. Beatles songwriting typically eats balls. A couple of gems but nothing to write home about. There’s always Dylan if you want lyrics… or stick to “I want to hold your hand”.

[@thomascraymer8712]

Same here... spent most of my teens listening to the Beatles, but the later part of my teens I listened to Pink Floyd more (mostly Syd Barrett era Floyd)... Syd and Elliott were both geniuses of their time, taken too soon

[@joe0toole568]

Man was a self destructive genius. Beautiful music. He had too much to say. Sad to see him go :(( wish there was a new album next year

[@Adyman182]

He said more in a song title than some artists do on an entire album

[@el34glo59]

Yeah a bit too much. Not all titles need to be so descriptive

[@joshkarosis132]

Not all artists need to 'say much'

[@321micks123]

@@joshkarosis132 mantle?

[@joe0toole568]

Man was a self destructive genius. Beautiful music. He had too much to say. Sad to see him go :(( wish there was a new album next year

[@jermyhopkisn9654]

@@joe0toole568 He knew the deal on this wretched planet too well for his own good.

[@x07b36]

beautiful soul he is.

[@MrRocksW]

I am no longer on anti-depressants but I took them for a few years and I needed them. Things are better for me now thankfully.

[@theone5022]

I just got a new phone and wanted to drop a comment with it. What better comment than to say this dude is the absolute best ever 😂

[@davidcervin3408]

Heart of a blackbird

[@amandad6782]

This is one of the best.

[@wesleymercer2184]

I can count on one hand, the artists who may have reached a higher level of genius-- Beethoven, for sure, and John lennon-- Velvet Underground... I struggle to name another. Elliott has had such an important impact on music and the lives of so many; his art continues to reach a greater and greater amount of people-- a legend, an inspiration, a melodic and lyrical genius... A statue in a fountain, his attention looking backwards... with a blue songbird on his shoulder... singing over everything............

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

I can’t say on Beethoven. Totally different era’s, like almost alien. I love the Velvet Underground tho I don’t think Ostrich guitar tuning is extremely creative. All objective tho. I’m with you on the Beatles 100%. I personally preferred Harrison’s solo stuff to the others tho. Doesn’t mean Lennon wasn’t a musical genius tho. I’d go with Cave, (far reach, huh?) Judee Sill, and some newer artists like John Moreland, Jason Isbell, Conor Oberst. Not that any rlly reach Elliott IMO. Todd Snider is pretty dope as well.

[@mrbungle603]

Yo, you forgot Trent, Miles, and the Crash Test Dummies.

[@mzlww]

I miss Elliott every fucking day

[@mywhychromosome]

How do you guys feel about the original, single version of this?? I love the much rawer sound of the guitars (being that "Basement" ended up in the production hands of the specific people Elliott had said he didn't want to touch it before his death, they smoothed over a lot of the rough parts), but it lacks the "shine on me baby" sections, and although its just a single line, the bluntness of "OD on Easter Afternoon" really sets the mood better than that versions line. Still a badass alternate, though.

[@HowToDriveinOregonReviews]

mywhychromosome I like this one better. The vocals are just so beautiful in this one, I'm almost sure this wasn't the intended mix for FABOTH; it sounds very different than all the other "intended mixes". So I bet this one sounded pretty raw too

[@Dani92670]

@@HowToDriveinOregonReviews Let me see if I have this correct. This version here is not the original single, I take it? Is the original version still available? I guess I could stop being lazy & go search for it, lol.

[@JunkBondTrader]

I honestly felt like Shooting Star should have closed the album. Not taking anything away from this brilliant song. Just didn't feel like a closer. He has a few song types, poignant, cool, sad. This is definitely a cool lol. But I think it should end on a poignant, or sad. That's just me. The album, in it's essence, is sad. And the way Shooting Star just trails out into dissonance and echoes and the "ooo ooos" - just... that's a beautiful end. Anyway. One minor gripe on my favourite album. Ever.

[@alisainchains7453]

More relevant everyday...

[@jainsworr]

Rock and roll Elliott rip

[@BarryESchwartz]

Do you think the 7" single version is what he wanted it to ultimately sound like?

[@roiybenkel682]

I'm floating in a black balloon O.d. on Easter afternoon My mama told me baby stay clean There's no in between And all you ladies and you gentlemen Between is all you've ever seen or been Fit poorly and arrange the sight Doll it up in virgin white You disappoint me You people raking in on the world The devil's script sells You the heart of a blackbird Shine on me baby ‘cause it's raining in my heart Sun is rising on a chopping glare Rain dropping acid blotter in the air A distorted reality's now a necessity to be free So disappointing So first I put it all down to luck God knows why my country don't give a fuck Fuck Shine on me baby ‘cause it's raining in my heart Shine on me baby ‘cause it's raining in my heart

[@sweethands4328]

Fucking brilliant 👏

[@sebastianschultz3107]

I want these lyrics with the other instrumental

[@eloloel]

Sick

[@MaravillosoFilosofía]

I'm floating in a black balloon OD on Easter afternoon My momma told me, "Baby stay clean, there's no in between." All you ladies and you gentlemen Between's all you've ever seen or been, Fit poorly and and arrange the sight Doll it up in virgin white. You disappoint me You people raking in on the world The devil's script sells You the heart of a blackbird. Shine on me baby Cause it's raining in my heart. Sun rising on a chopping glare Rain dropping acid blotter in the air Distorted reality's now a necessity To be free. So disappointing, First I put it all down to luck God knows why my Country don't give a fuck (fuck). Shine on me baby Cause it's raining in my heart. Shine on me baby Cause it's raining in my heart.

[@player4741]

First i put it all down to luck, always hits me 😭

[@jainsworr]

So fucking good

[@engineeredaccess6026]

Grace, Soup, From a Basement on a Hill, airplane over the sea....anything im missing from this list?

[@user-ob9zo9cr4c]

any another artists like Elliott?

[@jwpark3693]

I'd like to know that too. After hearing this album, even radiohead and portishead don't float my boat... Perhaps Jeff Burkley?

[@user-ob9zo9cr4c]

@@jwpark3693 hi, thanks for replay. hope you fine.

[@jerryk3280]

Elliott was one of a kind. Jeff Buckley was pretty awesome too, although stylistically they are different. You might want to check out Big Star or Grandaddy as well.

[@user-ob9zo9cr4c]

@@jerryk3280 hi Jerry, thanks for replay about, hope you fine.

[@gingergrrrl6242]

Jason Pierce of Spiritualized & Spacemen3. Same tragic trials through life, both amazing musicians, both loved the same girl (H). Jason's still around. My favorite album from Spiritualized is "Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space". Enjoy the ride:-)

[@Sainamonroll]

how do i tell youtube to stop showing me stupid shhawn mendes ads?

[@awesomeianmarco]

Simón García Cardi B too, I feel ya.

[@colinmurphy3478]

Ad block addon.

[@JunkBondTrader]

you install ublock origin extension. It BAFFLES me.... how... like... I've been using adblocks since like 2006 or some shit.

[@Cruizzerr]

Could somebody tell me what the blackbird lyric is supposed to mean?

[@sevenorange1888]

"the devils script sells you the heart of a blackbird" im pretty sure is supposed to be something along the lines of "ur greed is consuming you and youll get what you want but itll come at the cost of innocence and purity"

[@Cruizzerr]

@@sevenorange1888 Interesting, I've read some other interpretation that claims that it could refer to the corruption within pharmaceutical companies that are willing to prescribe mind-altering drugs to everyone for the benefit of the drug manufacturers. That could also explain the title of the song more aptly, but it could just be a reach lol.

[@Kings_Crossing]

I like to think that line in particular is about how much of his success came at a cost of his own suffering. In king's crossing there is a line that goes "the method acting that pays my bills". Maybe he felt that he was trapped in his image, basically method acting to pay his bills. "The devils script sells you the heart of a blackbird" could allude to the old making a deal with a devil at the crossroads to get success. The devils script being his story. The heart of a blackbird being his own tortured soul. Stuck in a persona, addicted to it maybe. I'm just brainstorming though.

[@RECON02]

Man I really like this version but I think I still prefer the alternative one.

[@MrPhyxsyus]

Dude

[@jeremynothing]

[@JunkBondTrader]

If Elliott was the fourth Beatle instead of Ringo... George would be considered the Ringo Starr. Isn't that weird? lol

[@mondoraptor]

distortion

[@B_kinda]

there’s no inbetween.

[@dexex2950]

Just imagine some country rock patriotic republanthem (not that those are inately bad...) then be happy that you are free to just start this fucking master peace over again ;) Really my whole point isnt even very relative to much of the song. but the tone of the "my country dont give a fuck part" carrys about as much as i know of his politics.... wasnt poli sci his minor in college :) And without much desire of discussing personal tastes... i strongly prefer this (original ? "Basement"

[@OrdinaryThings138]

prescient as fuck

[@simsvideos777]

This makes every other rock artist I like sound like garbage. 🥲👍

[@kevinthomas4180]

Obviously Elliott was a 'libtard'. He was so right. Love you man and miss you.

[@jacksonszabo3179]

What does his political affiliation have to do with anything, let alone this song? haha

[@kevinthomas4180]

@@jacksonszabo3179 "God knows why my Country don't give a fuck"

[@Dani92670]

@@kevinthomas4180 I don't know how old you are or what your, if any, political leanings are, but I fail to see how the line "God knows why my country don't give a fuck" would label Elliott as a "libtard", an expression that I loathe, to boot. He was correct - his country didn't give a fuck and clearly it gives even less of a fuck today then it did 16 years ago before Elliott checked out. Just to be reasonable as to what a "libtard" even is, though I have my own specific definition of things outside of what the internet says, I use the Urban Dictionaries definition: 1. an individual, whose thinking process has been rendered impaired by political correctness and the failure to understand that people are responsible for their actions and the world does not owe lazy or stupid people a living. Elliott was not a "libtard". I didn't know the man but highly doubt he gave a fuck about being politically correct, a term that wasn't even being used widely until years after his death. I doubt he thought his country owed him anything, I mean, come on, Elliott? I heard he was extremely intelligent and also keep in mind he was a white male of Generation X - he would have turned 50 a month ago (Aug 6th) if he hadn't been murdered by his selfish, sociopathic, psychotic "owner". I am generation X and have yet to come across intelligent white men my age who aren't realistically conservative and in possession of most of their marbles and common sense with a propensity to think logically. Other men should try this, they might like it.

[@leanteardrops]

@@Dani92670 thank you for this comment

[@giliam415]

@@Dani92670 Ok boomer

[@ThoughtCriminal7.62]

Rip Elliott we love you thanks for sharing your music with us . Wish you were here to see the travesty called America now. God bless brother

[@polymathing]

A Distorted Reality Is Now A Necessity To Be Free. Everywhere.

[@nottocleverxx614]

I'm floating in a black balloon OD on Easter afternoon My momma told me, "Baby stay clean, there's no in between." All you ladies and you gentlemen Between's all you've ever seen or been, Fit poorly and and arrange the sight Doll it up in virgin white. You disappoint me You people raking in on the world The devil's script sells You the heart of a blackbird. Shine on me baby Cause it's raining in my heart. Sun rising on a chopping glare Rain dropping acid blotter in the air Distorted reality's now a necessity To be free. So disappointing, First I put it all down to luck God knows why my Country don't give a fuck (fuck). Shine on me baby Cause it's raining in my heart. Shine on me baby Cause it's raining in my heart