Elliott Smith - King's Crossing (from From A Basement On The Hill)

[@killrockstars]

Check out this rare live footage of Elliott's 1999 New Year's Eve performance at The Knitting Factory: kzbin.info/aero/PL6KwzgIePF4Dy7347Om6Ijcsr4vh6JJjP

[@stevenchavez885]

Kill Rock Stars happy New Years!

[@TimothyWalter-m3h]

A little late but you to!

[@tjb1085]

The "give me one good reason not to do it" line always gives me chills.

[@charlesglass739]

Yeah, especially coupled with the just barely audible "Because we love you" that comes right after. Absurd how good this song is

[@FuturCrayon]

and "I can't prepare for death any more than I already have"

[@dylanh1438]

@@FuturCrayon that line always gives me chills especially when everything crescendos right after he says it and its such a haunting sound that sounds kinda like he just played some random notes but it blends perfectly.... such an intense part of the song...

[@FuturCrayon]

@@dylanh1438 yeah i miss him too

[@KURTIS19801]

Who wonders if he's not in a better place than we are?!

[@Missjunebugfreak]

This song is one of Elliott's masterpieces in my opinion. Absolutely haunting and captivating in equal measure. It always breaks my heart to know he's no longer here, but I'm grateful for the wonderful art he left with us.

[@weavs90]

Brilliantly spoken! I found his music through my brother’s album collection . 🫶🏻 Elliott Smith R.I.P.

[@1980futureclone]

This is certainly my favorite of his, and it's fun to play.

[@Theghostdiaries]

This song is a masterpiece.

[@slugbones]

Hurts just as much as the first time I listened to it years and years ago.

[@garybier]

Because We Love You

[@zs5948]

i have never heard that lyric, buried in the mix. until tonight. i can't ever tell if these details make me happy or more sad...

[@alexjardine9934]

I hear 'because we love you, Son'. Never heard anything until I read the op's comment. Thanks

[@chrisgilliver1]

"Frustrated fireworks inside your head are going to stand and deliver dark instead". What a line...

[@raineejune3035]

holy....holy shit. i don't know if I just hit the high point of my life or rock bottom. Edit: I just came back to this comment after three years and saw that a whopping 140 Elliott fans not only watched this video, but went out of their way to come to the comments and like what I had to say. It is incredibly comforting and reassuring to know that there are so many others who get to experience the bliss that Elliott had to offer. Thank you all for reminding me that even if you feel alone, there are always people that have things in common with you and share even the deepest interests. I am beyond glad that he lives forever in my heart and in the hearts of all of you :)

[@orchardrecording]

Comment of the year in my book!

[@samanthagoldfarb326]

Same, I am not the same person I was five minutes ago

[@wombaterror]

props to you my friend it is going to be ok

[@Jonleespradlin777]

Either/or

[@RTEHeydrich]

Rain Chittester YES

[@perfectlyperfectpoint9090]

My favorite of all his songs. Moves me more than anything. I was a crack and heroin addict for 4 years. Heroin addict for 10. Still there... dying to get out of it and dying while staying in. It’s a double edged sword, regardless of the feeling it gives me. Everything is temporary. Thank you Elliot, for being an outspoken voice in the struggle that is all too real. May I hopefully come back to this comment section soon with a different response God bless all of you

[@mathieuandgeoff5385]

You have the strength to do it no doubt... it isn't gonna be easy (everything shit goes down I want to get high) but it's worth it!!! We love and believe in you!

[@HermesHeals]

Try Kratom

[@nickrandles1102]

@@HermesHeals yeah but then you become like me, heavy user who comes to listen to Elliot Smith during kratom withdrawals.

[@tehZyMa]

Come back now

[@Blooodhail]

@Patrick O'Brien so glad you got well, friend

[@baebald1842]

"the method acting that pays my bills keeps a fat man feeding in beverly hills" is next-level brilliance and heartbreaking at once. i love you elliott. thanks for all you gave us, despite everything

[@el34glo59]

Kurt would have loved that line

[@andrewheyd8429]

This is maybe the best lyrics I’ve ever heard. Genuine genius. Every line is amazing. “All you can do now is watch the shells. The game looks easy, that’s why it sells”

[@nickthomas6827]

He conjured Philip Seymour Hoffman talking about himself a good ten plus years ahead of time.

[@mariamalzarqaa]

The piano gets me every time. It's so tragically beautiful.

[@maddnessb]

My dear cousin took his life Sunday night, this was the last song he shared with me some days before that. I’m fucking empty, I miss him so much... how alone he must’ve felt breaks my fucking heart. I’ll always have your back Beau. I hope there’s peace on the other side.

[@BlamingBuddha]

Not Beau in AZ right??

[@thomascraymer8712]

I hope so too, I am sure he found peace

[@Itsa6stringthang]

My all-time favorite Elliott Smith song....

[@MoxieMoonbeam]

Are You A Heroin Addict?

[@MoxieMoonbeam]

Are You A Heroin Addict?

[@TheMikenanners]

@@MoxieMoonbeam Are you presumptuous and narrowminded?

[@Paul-dw2cl]

@@MoxieMoonbeam just wondering

[@unguelootay8589]

​@@MoxieMoonbeamasshole This song is perfect

[@crawlingamongthestars3736]

One of the heaviest and most devastatingly beautiful songs I've ever heard. "Because I love you..." "Don't let me get carried away, Don't let me be carried away..."

[@akkamal6999]

always hit me as a cry out for help from him

[@soulcleric]

When i hear the " because we love you." in the background it gives me goosebumps, that shit hits hard.

[@fdsfsdfsdfsfs]

This whole song gives me goosebumps and chills up my spine. Its otherworldly.

[@zero-pl3tt]

That's his sister if i remember correctly, she recorded the "because we love you" after he died.

[@amandad6782]

Just the melody and background is really intense in this song.

[@frankdrebin278]

Still chokes me up after all these years.I miss you,man.

[@treetrain]

one of thee most intense songs ever made. Hope you're at peace Elliott. You suffered enough.

[@masterblaster831]

Other 2?

[@roiybenkel682]

The king's crossing is the main attraction Dominoes are falling in a chain reaction The scraping subject ruled by fear told me Whiskey works better than beer The judge is on vinyl, decisions are final And nobody gets a reprieve And every wave is tidal - if you hang around You're going to get wet I can't prepare for death any more than I already have All you can do now is watch the shells The game looks easy that's why it sells Frustrated fireworks inside your head Are going to stand and deliver talk instead The method acting that pays my bills Keeps a fat man feeding in Beverly Hills I got a heavy metal mouth that hurls obscenity And I get my check from the trash treasury Because I took my own insides out It don't matter ‘cause I have no sex life All I want to do now is inject my ex wife I've seen the movie and I know what happens It's Christmas time And the needles on the tree A skinny Santa is bringing something to me His voice is overwhelming, but his speech is slurred And I only understand every other word Open your parachute and grab your gun Falling down like an omen, a setting sun Read the part and return at five It's a hell of a role if you can keep it alive But I don't care if I fuck up I'm going on a date with a rich white lady Ain't life great? Give me one good reason not to do it (because I love you) So do it This is the place where time reverses Dead men talk to all the pretty nurses Instruments shine on a silver tray Don't let me get carried away Don't let me get carried away Don't let me be carried away

[@BobbinTHEapples]

I've always thought the lyric that you put as "read the part and return at five" was "Read the porn and return at five". I guess in my mind it will always be that, as I like the imagery of depraved self gratification before getting back on the treadmill of life.

[@stella-vu8vh]

this hurt to read. I wish his album reached us as he wanted it to

[@danielgowers1531]

This might be the greatest series of lyrics I've ever seen

[@sithspitdanikan4725]

Thank you for including the "Because i love you" part.

[@ezekielbrockmann114]

I'm so glad he kept working on these. The earliest drafts were far inferior to brilliance of these.

[@puncturedbicycle7264]

“Give me one reason not to do it?” Because we love you Steven. You were meant to do so much more. The world wasn’t meant for someone as beautiful as you are. Rest well, they can’t hurt you anymore.

[@danh4724]

This is one of his darkest songs he wrote, and that's saying something.

[@CaptainPancakes]

+Dan Ham Close tie between this and "True Love".

[@cestlavegan5793]

"Everything Means Nothing to Me" has got to be up there too.

[@some_guy2607]

His unreleased song called abuse is one of his saddest songs too

[@dylanh1438]

@@zacharymartin4790 you know what he's feeling if you've been there.... that line hurts me to hear sometimes...

[@jlansdale536]

Whiskey works better than beer

[@samanthagoldfarb326]

My first reaction: horror, beauty, and twisted sadness. I'm coming from hearing this song only from a concert that's floating around and I thought it was simple and mournful. Anyone else found this incredible and devastating in the best way?

[@dithirambos]

Yeah, definitely.

[@Itsa6stringthang]

Beautiful yet tragic, like so much of his work ...

[@thomaswilliams7212]

Samantha Goldfarb yes

[@UncleAnaesthesia]

Considering how he died, the line "because I took my own insides out" feels... heaviest of all.

[@buster6552]

He was most likely murdered. I think the case is still open too because it was suspicious. But, I agree that this is a heavy song. He had a special connection with music and made some of the greatest musical pieces because of it.

[@jonlo444]

theres no way his death wasnt murder

[@miker7795]

@@buster6552 I think it's not beyond the realm of possibility that he did it himself. I mean he wrote enough songs about getting "out". Who would kill that poor boy?

[@seanmatthewking]

It sounds to me like he’s talking about getting paid for sharing his feelings in the form of music. Also, he didn’t die by taking his own insides out, he died from being stabbed in the chest. For a song with a lot of dark seeming lines, that doesn’t strike me as one of them.

[@TheSethism]

@@buster6552 Conspiracy aside, ES’s work could most accurately be described as “threatening” most of the time, “violent” at it’s most intense. I was a clinically depressed adult who related to his music at the time of his death. He died from suicide. If he died from cancer ten years after exhibiting symptoms, would you be here claiming homicide?

[@ChrisLeoThomas]

I’ve had many favourite songs in my time, but I’m almost certain, that I’ll never find one that could top this song. There’s something so special and unique about this song, it just does something to me. I’m in love with it, even though it disturbs me to my core. The lyrics, the mixture of sounds, the backstory, just everything. No other song has ever impacted me so deeply as this one. It’s authenticity is almost too much, but that’s its beauty.

[@johnhunter7093]

Right there with you when I discovered this song back like 10 years ago people who knew me knew it too just because id listen to it SO many times.

[@sadamandler4166]

I love how the context changes at the end of the song... "don't let me get carried away, don't let me get carried away, to don't let me BE carried away" as in a body bag....!!! Elliott was a master in writing lyrics obviously....! Fuck man this song will. ALWAYS hold a place in my heart.... Regardless of my mental State

[@EmptyAngelo]

"Don't let me be Burried away"

[@ammortal]

I've been an Elliott fan for 24 or so years now. Saw him several times live. I adore his whole catalog. But I've been crushed since 2003. And in the time since, what I listen to has mostly diminished to this one song. It's such a summary for his talent and the pain I will always feel for this loss.

[@drewfinn2]

more so than ever now

[@sciformation5716]

What a song. A masterpiece from the deeper soul. Woaw...

[@jaketd6262]

This shit feels like another dimension with some headphones

[@emiliecohen1795]

This is my favorite Christmas song. Wish I were kidding.

[@averywilson6143]

same lol

[@lisapresley6315]

Mine too! Most applicable (to me) song mentioning Christmas that I've ever heard.

[@ohbrazil]

Same here

[@RTEHeydrich]

Emilie Cohen Santa is an anagram for Satan...

[@ezekielbrockmann114]

Wow. Great comment!

[@treystarling1498]

As someone who struggles w my own addictions I take a lot of meaning from this song. I really see how someone can care so much but not see any other way out of it.

[@lorenzoarroyoballestero4324]

What are you addicted to? Just curiosity

[@lamueljsackson1376]

Yeah man lifes hard enough but we seem to make it worse with our struggles... Like in "Baby Britain" he says "for someone half as smart you'd be a work of art" as in he cant get out of his own way even tho he knows hes much more capable

[@unguelootay8589]

I'm an alcoholic and this song resonates so much .. especially after death and heartbreak, this song kept me alive

[@lilplanet9906]

Listen to this when my OCD and DPDR relapses. Oddly comforting to know you can curl up and hide in a song until it all goes away. Then I get a year of happiness before the next relapse.

[@jsg5000]

Fellow OCD sufferer here, feels good, for lack of a better term, to see someone mention it. Stay strong my friend!

[@speedtriials]

hi, another ocd sufferer here. sadly relate all too well. i sincerely hope you’ve been able to get over any recent relapses, and i hope elliott has helped.

[@bmcrak]

Hi diagnosis family! :)

[@comaprophet5760]

Elliotts' gift for songwriting is absolutely unrivaled. It's a shame so many great artists perish early... Always leaving so much unsaid.

[@rain4423]

He was a genuis

[@LuaBloe]

❦❤❦ Oh, Elliott, almost 15 years, but neither you nor your music will wither, ever. You are sorely missed ❦❤❦

[@ammortal]

Whatever his actual meaning and intent of this song, it is hands down the most beautiful/painful artifact I have of his life.

[@ikaikametcalfe4432]

Hardest hitting line for me is "his voice is overwhelming, but his speech is slurred And I only understand every other word!" Hits home so hard man. Fuck.

[@StormTossedSoul]

He told me whiskey works better than beer. True story. I miss you Elliott, XO always

[@boxcarboozy537]

One of the only songs that can bring my to my knees with lines of passion that have riddled me for almost two decades now. Talented voice, but admiringly a verbal assassin. He sung true, and left truer. RIP ES

[@Aaron-hg2rp]

God this song is powerfully beautitful, this is, in my opinion, Elliott’s cathartic ending

[@sicksavagelife5680]

“I can’t prepare for death more than I already have…”, so powerful.

[@GamesWithBrainz]

poetry like this in any art form is just so rare its insane what he was able to write

[@danielchristopher4155]

When I told myself that I couldn't find another great Elliott Smith song to listen to, I stumbled onto this beautiful masterpiece while watching one of his live performances. Christian Brothers and King's Crossing are my number one favorite songs by Elliott Smith. He is my biggest inspiration for music and even life.

[@BobbinTHEapples]

You have great taste. though for me personally, i like to add "Either/Or" and "Memory Lane" to that list, too. But who am i kidding? They are all beautiful and amazing.

[@johnarundell7951]

You told yourself that you "couldn't find another great Elliott Smith song to listen to" before you had even heard the main official posthumous album of previously unreleased songs? Do you actually own his albums? Usually a good place to start searching. Hope this helps.

[@Numerial0.0]

I first heard this song when I was in middle school in the mid 2000s. Me and my family were in the living room away from the windows because at the time there was a hurricane and we didn't want to risk getting hit by broken glass if the winds broke them. My sisters played this over and over while the winds were booming and it was surreal and haunting asf. It was the first song I heard from Elliot and this might sound cheesy but this song redefined what music meant to me. I've always wondered when Elliot and all culture, pop or otherwise, will be lost when this generation and their kids fade in 150 years but I guess it doesn't matter. His music will always have meaning and reminds me that timelessness doesn't mean being immune to being lost in the sands or snow of time. All that matters is being lost or celebrating in the art that means something to you in your life because everything will be erased- even the invention of time when the last man or woman dies.

[@mickeyg8675]

'gimme one good reason not to do it' (cuz we love you) 'so do it' poor elliott. i wonder....

[@russellpaloor8225]

Mickey G one of my favorite parts

[@russellpaloor8225]

Mickey G best part and the saddest part

[@DdDd-gd1rr]

Mickey G :'(

[@whoopshey826]

it was added to the recording after his death. it's his mom and sister

[@Dani92670]

@@whoopshey826 Is that true? Looking at your name it's hard to take this seriously, but I don't know this man's history and would like to know at least a few things.

[@jmarty1000]

This album is such a powerful statement that it's really hard to keep from saying it's the greatest. Or whatever. It's strong medicine.

[@wrayven]

I wish Elliott had lived to mix it though. His rough mixes are cooler plus he had some other pieces of more random noise and melodies that were tossed out of the final order. It would have been difficult to mix it after the fact, so I can't criticize the people who chose the tracks and mixed it. I do agree this is some of his strongest material.

[@xdbox6092]

I absolutely love the piano parts in this song

[@rafecolii]

Lyrics: The King's crossing was the main attraction Dominoes falling in a chain reaction The scraping subject ruled by fear told me Whiskey works better than beer The judge is on vinyl, decisions are final And nobody gets a reprieve And every wave is tidal If you hang around you're going to get wet I can't prepare for death any more than I already have All you can do now is watch the shells The game looks easy that's why it sells Frustrated fireworks inside your head Are going to stand and deliver talk instead The method acting that pays my bills Keeps the fat man feeding in Beverly Hills I got a heavy metal mouth, it hurls obscenity And I get my check from the trash treasury Because I took my own insides out It don't matter 'cause I have no sex life And all I wanna do now is inject my ex-wife I've seen the movie And I know what happens It's Christmas time And the needles on the tree A skinny Santa is bringing something to me His voice is overwhelming But his speech is slurred And I only understand every other word Open your parachute and grab your gun Falling down like an omen, a setting sun Read the part and return at five It's a hell of a role if you can keep it alive But I don't care if I fuck up I'm going on a date With a rich wife lady Ain't life great? Give me one good reason not to do it (Because we love you) So do it This is the place where time reverses And dead men talk to all the pretty nurses Instruments shine on a silver tray Don't let me get carried away Don't let me get carried away Don't let me be carried away

[@treetrain]

this song breaks my heart. Elliott. God. please. I am praying. God. Elliott. I am praying you are okay and in a good place. You suffered. God. take care of our Elliott. amen

[@christiankiernan4476]

James McKenna Elliott went to heaven... I know it

[@tylerlindsey3138]

And now I’m crying

[@snarp408]

This song never ceases to give me chills. We love you Elliott

[@theproleswillrise]

Is this my favourite Elliott Smith song? It's tough, but I think it might just be.

[@vincentaldaine4435]

+theproleswillrise Every time i think some other song of his is my favourite i listen to this and realise that i'm wrong. I couldn't have another favourite song even if i wanted to. He's such an excellent artist.

[@russellpaloor8225]

It's mine. That line Cuz I'm going on a date with a rich, white lady, ain't life great? So give me one good reason not to do it (Because we love you...) So do it!!!!

[@xdbox6092]

I favorite ES songs changes all the time, depending on my mood, the time of the year, real life occurances, etc.

[@KaceyRepublic]

It's been my favourite since I first heard this album a couple of days after release.

[@barrypower2331]

Always love the acoustic versions but there is just something more real about this,so glad they went with this one

[@49ERSoverEVERYBODY]

This album is definitely this guys best, his voice is actually mixed and sounds good, and it’s actual music that sounds great

[@markcruz8833]

"DON'T LET ME GET CARRIED AWAY., DON'T LET ME BE CARRIED AWAY"

[@EmptyAngelo]

Don't let me be buried away" is the last line

[@Awesomemusic19]

@@EmptyAngelo no its carried

[@EmptyAngelo]

@@Awesomemusic19 word.... i thought he slipped in a little extra buh- in there, like kurt from all apologies "in the sun, i feel as one. married... married.. buried..." i've been listening to elliott every damn day since i commented on here. love this man

[@Awesomemusic19]

EMPTy ANGELO I know man, I’ve been in love with his music for years. For the last 2 years, I’ve literally listened to from a basement on the hill multiple times a day, with only a couple month breaks here and there.

[@lamueljsackson1376]

As in dont let me get carried away with my addiction to the point of being carried away in a body bag or at least that's my interpretation.... Elliott Smith was truly one of a kind and from poets who are battling demons it seems to spawn the most beautiful music lyrically... hope that doesn't sound pretentious haha

[@pelesiren4959]

Used to broken dance to this in rehab ....just licking the last drops of tragedy from the bottom of the cup now

[@SHAWnAWE]

Fifteen years ago today Elliott left us. Rest in peace....we love you

[@Guy4755]

Pure and utter brilliance. Nothing less.

[@MEbrickCo]

Indeed

[@RTEHeydrich]

Guy Budziak Opus No. Last...

[@alisainchains7453]

I bawl like a baby everytime I hear this song

[@LateNightRewrites]

No matter how far I make it from my days as a junkie I always come back to Elliott. So much of his later work speaks to that part of me the most clearly. I don't know why I can't excise that part of me. The hopeless, scared, numb, alone 22 year old. Surrounded by people who love me (unlike most in my position) but unable to see it. I want to cut him out of me and leave him behind but no matter how hard I try he's still there, woven into my soul like a patchwork quilt. Every few months I come back to these songs and as a result I come back to that part of me. The part of me I don't speak of, that part I can only write about for random internet strangers. When I listen to songs like this I want to cry, I desperately need to cry, but I can't. And because I can't, that scared, numb 22 year old, the one with so many reasons to live but who lives like he has so many reasons to die, he sticks around in spite of my most fervent wishes. When it's quiet he whispers in my ear that I can put on a suit and tie, I can start a career, but somewhere deep down there will always be a part of me salivating for the chance to bang a needle full of golden brown oblivion straight into the crook of my arm If you got to the end of this, I am sorry for rambling. I just don't know how to forgive myself and forget. I guess I just needed to put it into words

[@dithirambos]

I think I understand you, I see you're feeling bad because you believe you should be ok, but you're not, maybe, it's not your fault, anyway I don't know what can be done to scape from this maze... I like the way you write, english is not my first language though, do you like to write?

[@LateNightRewrites]

@@dithirambos thank you. These days, I only seem to write when I'm sad (as is evidenced by my returning to this song, and this post a year after I wrote it). But I very much appreciate your response

[@LateNightRewrites]

@FRANCISCO ARMIJO thank you brother. I will read and re-read your comment because I think there is some worth there

[@danielwolfe9096]

The beginning of the song is how I picture Elliot in person just full of comedy

[@abdxyz8534]

man i love Elliott Smith

[@martinsmartini44]

The most beautiful intro of all time... It's my favourite.

[@pr0cessa]

Probably my favorite song on my favorite of his records.

[@blache_gotre]

His best song.

[@ammortal]

This fucking song crushes me. Decades later...

[@nickthomas6827]

For all the problems he had in his life, during the time he wrote this song, whether it be five minutes or five years, he was the greatest songwriter on the planet

[@treetrain]

the most ominous damn song he ever wrote. kills me. this one and "A Distorted Reality Is Now a Necessity to Be Free" when he says, ""Baby stay clean, there's no in between."

[@coryander4918]

fuck thats heavy

[@treetrain]

@@coryander4918 f*ckin' Elliott, always bringin' the heavy. I'm a recovering Alcoholic, he had his struggles. There aint no in between clean. Dig deep to live or dig deep your own grave. this life is heavy. Not preachin', just sayin'. Hope you're good, Cory. Be well

[@stevenrivera3977]

REALLY haunting lyrics. Imagine how amazing this record would have been. This is not even done. Strong and honest.

[@truefunksoul8638]

"This is not even done." What the fuck? It's well and truly done. Couldn't be any more done.

[@Ceb773]

@@truefunksoul8638 I think what OP is saying is it was released posthumously, Elliott hadn't finished it.

[@jennawelborn4992]

So much. Originality.

[@travisjohnson622]

This, one of my favorite songs, not just by Elliot, by Anyone. Every line in this song is utter brilliance, even the ambient sounds in this song. The beginning conversation that jumble together, I always imagine a mans life flashing before his very eyes, The conversations seem to display a sense of feigned sense of control or dominance over the issues that have always troubled him. Like random moments as he tried to "fake it till he made it" In this sense it was happiness. It was always taken away somehow. Or lost, and even thrown away and sabotaged even. Hes hearing bits and parts from his past converging at a crossroad. The entire album speaks like a dead man sent back from the future to come in loud and clear.. But this song truly confirms it: "This is the place where time reverses, and dead men talk to all the pretty nurses. Instruments shine on a silver tray, dont let me get carried away." But sadly, we all know he was taken away far to soon. He made that choice to go on his own. So the song is a crossroads of sorts. and it ends with his plea. Which is now downright eerie now and will remain so as long as his music is heard. I have heard people mention the danger of his music. If you are on the same wavelength as he, this music will really get in your mind and heart and you will take his trip to the end again. He will accompany you. You will live this story of kings crossing out in your own life and times and the two of you will definentely find a beautiful place to get lost. But he offers a choice. To see this song as a parable to represent futility, to be left with his ghost crying out for help. Knowing that the request for relief will remain unfulfilled. Knowing he died long ago and you cannot stop it. If all things end and that is what you seek, will you become the ghost? Or, do you wish to walk away on a path of recovery from your pain? Because his story can become your own if you cannot make the choice to use it for strength and positive change. Kings Crossing is the most beautiful things ive ever heard and that is no lie.

[@raincats2011]

Don´t let me get carried away!! Thanks Elliot

[@cestlavegan5793]

Knowing that Elliott struggled with mental health and eventually killed himself affects the listening experience profoundly, especially with this one. The first time I heard this it was so chilling, and still is.

[@willquick5090]

c'est la vegan actually there's no proof he stabbed himself. His gf at the time were having an argument she locked herself upstairs and came down after hearing a scream. Kinda strange just like C.C and K.C but whatcha gonna do. He was already starting to believe people were following him.

[@el34glo59]

@@willquick5090 Yeah and he had no hesitation marks with both stabs. That's almost unheard of.

[@lamueljsackson1376]

Kind of hard to believe someone could stab themselves with enough force to penetrate thru the heart

[@jm-tl6od]

@@lamueljsackson1376 Ya like I don't believe it lol

[@blixtenmusik]

First song of first album: ”I’m a Roman candle, my head is full of flames” Last song recorded: “frustrated fireworks inside your head”.

[@koalanectar9382]

I literally can't listen to this song anymore and it's one of his all time best. When you know what happened to this guy, and that it was written in 1999 at the height of his addictions (it only came out on basement four years later) it's just too much. Don't do heroin.

[@christiankiernan4476]

Or crack

[@stella-vu8vh]

Or meth, or pills

[@lamueljsackson1376]

Or alcohol people always take the effect of it for granted... it destroys lives... stick to smoking weed

[@joshua-ud2dk]

great musician

[@lifeisstr4nge]

I really love the first half of this song, so fucking well-written

[@aaronwimberleymbamsf5776]

Classic and timeless =]

[@jaimeromero84]

Amazing song. So much talent gone so soon.

[@shloopp]

2 minute atmospheric intro, you know elliotts hurting

[@Nalinalinali]

greatest song ever

[@dishields7808]

Oh how I love this man

[@UkuleleAversion]

The section from 1:48-2:20 is a bit weird because the phrases are irregular lengths while the metre underneath is 4/4. At first I thought it was a mixed metre (4/4+3/4+3/4+2/4+4/4) but if you add those you get 16/4 so it’s really just a riff that lasts four bars.

[@preludethealbum]

this album is so beautiful

[@darrenhenifin]

So Elliott wrote this song before he died, or killed himself.. rip Elliott. So I was reading about his life and turns out this album wasn't finished until a year after his suicide. The people who finished it were friends and family of Elliott, mainly friends I guess. But his family choose the songs for this album. But anyway, I always thought, that when they were mastering this song, the "because we love you" part between "give me one good reason not to do it" and "So do it" was added by his lady friend who was mastering it. I didn't really explain that super elegantly but I always thought that it was interesting. And super sad, I love you elliott. We miss you.

[@heggy_69]

I know absolutely everywhere says otherwise, but I think the line is "frustrated fireworks inside your head, stand to deliver/dark instead" I think its about feeling incredibly unsettled and anxious and having a voice in your head telling you that you need to do something, and then totally freezing up. "Going dark" Idk its just my interpretation

[@williamcole60]

I hear it

[@ShoshanaSki0]

This song's dope!

[@dannyhollywood8588]

I came here from Ray Donovan season 5 on one of the episodes I'm such a fan of Ray Donovan series

[@Pennywise]

merry christmas elliott

[@punkdee3457]

his greatest song

[@belial-hd4dg]

His parents lived in the same town I live and grew up in they lived across the street of a dear friend that used to mow the lawn of Elliott's folks my friend was pretty young at the time and had no clue who elliott was they waved to eachother a couple times

[@Gimme_Sum_Ganja]

thats amazing! its pretty awesome that you and your people you hold dear can say that!

[@johnarundell7951]

@@Gimme_Sum_Ganja My friend used to mow the lawn for Elliott's parents. That's amazing!

[@TheJubiter]

Idc what anyone says, this is the best song of all time

[@SeeHang]

When I think about this album this is the only song that comes to mind right off the top of my head.

[@user-locolalala225]

it 's been 7 years... but i still can't understand why... i miss you.

[@ImAllinDark]

Lyrically I dont know anyone who matches Elliott.

[@christiankiernan4476]

Red Beardman agreed

[@lamueljsackson1376]

Maybe Conor Oberst idk

[@joniivee]

Julian Casablancas can come close but he doesn't quite have Elliott's consistency.

[@bpeck131313]

Eminem is the only lyricist I (personally) put on par with Elliott.

[@DaWizard11]

Townes Van Zandt

[@Okambloo]

because we love you

[@Pennywise]

because i love you

[@corxnth]

Elliott, my dear friend, we meet again. It’s been a while.

[@andrewwabik5125]

When the piano comes in, it sounds a bit like a merry go round. Deep.

[@puffybara]

Happy Holidays, friends.

[@theone5022]

I’m the wolfman lmao.

[@EmptyAngelo]

"Frustrated fireworks inside your head are going to stand and deliver, darkness instead". That part hurts

[@Awesomemusic19]

talk instead*

[@EmptyAngelo]

@@Awesomemusic19 my bad. i always watch this live version habitually, and i could've sworn he said "dark instead" every time.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGaacmukltqlZ5o

[@heggy_69]

Darkness instead is a better line imo

[@matthewhernandez3343]

When will LOVE ever win? Transform your mind into the renewing of senseless sense and rumors of war. Hats off socks on seagulls slur and scary cakes glide Take it all in Matthew and hold on because tonight your gonna feel alive

[@edwardrice2848]

This snare really smacks