Billy Bragg Must I paint you a Picture?

[@JoeTheGrunt]

I was introduced to Billy's music in Germany when I was in the U.S. Army back in the mid 80s. I even got to see him in a small joint in Nashville TN and he kept giving me stares and smiles as I was the only one there that had ever heard his music and would scream titles of his songs to play. As an American, I thank Billy for his work on putting old lyrics recently found by the "Guthrie" family of Woodie's to music. Only a musician of his caliber could ever do it.

[@slappedhappy9549]

Always made me cry..still does now! Thanx Billy for your music!🫶🏻 M,54y,Germany.

[@vicpur]

Billy must of truly been in love when he wrote this. Its a classic.

[@sharonnaylar4463]

He was, I heard him talk about it in a radio interview with Jo Wiley. Really moving

[@SuperChrisDub]

"The temptation to take the precious things we have apart must be resisted..." - is the some of the best relationship advice ever. This album is the sound of man who was in love deep for the first time but then it all turned to sh*t and now he is in in pain. You can hear it in his voice, completely authentic.

[@dmn23]

Can we take a moment to acknowledge Danny Thompson on bass? Taste for days, just sublime.

[@jdpoland1086]

I thought it was Bruce Thomas on bass? I'm glad if it aint. And respect to Mr. Thompson if so x

[@dmn23]

Now I'm second guessing myself. I know Danny played on that album but perhaps not on that track. Fantastic regardless.

[@LeviticusCorwall1899]

It's bad timing and me We find a lot of things out this way And there's you A little black cloud in a dress The temptation To take the precious things we have apart To see how they work Must be resisted for they never fit together again If this is rain let it fall on me and drown me If these are tears let them fall Must I paint you a picture About the way that I feel? You know my love for you is strong, girl You know my love for you is real It took a short walk and a talk To change the rules of engagement While you searched frantically for reverse And them claiming That virtue never tested is no virtue at all And so I lost my ignorance And now the bells across the river chime out your name I look across to them again Must I paint you a picture About the way that I feel? You know my love for you is strong, girl You know my love for you is real All your friends said come down It will never fly And on that imperfect day We threw it all away Crisis after crisis With such intensity This would never happen if we lived by the sea Most important decisions in life Are made between two people in bed I found that out at my expense And when I see you You just turn around and walk away like we never met Oh we used to be so brave I dreamt the world stopped turning as we climbed the hill I dreamt impossible dreams that we were lovers still Must I paint you a picture About the way that I feel? You know my love for you is strong, girl You know my love for you is real [Repeat]

[@samsuzzza]

The bells across the river bit gets me every time. Such emotion. Thank you Billy

[@BobShowSide]

Gives me goose pimples listening to this , the man is pur class . Never gets the recognition he deserves

[@PWood-gh5cq]

This is one of the really special musicians. The impact he has on people is profound.

[@judithmurphy4133]

'Walking & Talking' is one of my favourite films & this song features in the closing scenes. So beautiful! Love it! 💖

[@americouhima8629]

Me too

[@djsi38t]

When the female vocalist comes in I always start to well up in my eyes. Absolutely stinkin beautiful.

[@weatheranddarkness]

Who is she?

[@michelledean4276]

Cara Tivey

[@LeeBoyd-pn9jv]

I'm a hairy arsed bricklayer and this song and tank park salute get me everytime 😢

[@grahammccready2647]

I am amazed this song hasn't been covered more. A wee lyric change here & there, or not, if a woman wants to sing it & this is just a perfect song for anyone to sing. Bravo Billy

[@geebeemarie]

my favorite Billy Bragg song. you can find this song on the Walking and Talking movie soundtrack, it's placed in the perfect spot at the end of the movie ;)

[@leonardc.middelkamp1797]

This gem brings tears to my eyes. I saw Billy and Cara Tivey in Regina, Sask.. It was a most special evening.

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

So beautiful. Means so much to me this song.

[@tezprice7987]

been listening to the legend that is billy bragg since i was 14 now at 43 he can still bring a smile or a tear

[@sharonnaylar4463]

Me too Tez legend

[@eughrologh]

I'm now 43 and can say the same!

[@patrickburke3826]

Loved this song for so long. Hadn't heard it in a while, but have had it in my mind the last few months....sigh...

[@robertmurphy6772]

"And now the Bells across the river chime out your name! I look to them again!" Even this big macho guy here gets a bit girlie whenever he hears this song.

[@219woodburn]

I love being Petes little black cloud in a dress. And his sunshine.

[@williemcgee7291]

That line about the most important decisions in life being made by 2 people in bed is so devastating. I'm not even sure it's true, but it just stops you dead to think about it. Awesome song.

[@craigmiller5045]

It's about havin a baby mate

[@americouhima8629]

Thanks for upload it. GREAT songs

[@lievedeprijcker1012]

Love you

[@sreynoldsmichelle4117]

True Love I Pray can be found if one chooses to seek what they lost or realize what they truly have in what they have found.

[@Skyviking]

My favorite Billy Bragg song! ❤️❤️❤️

[@AurelioRomero72]

Genius. I'm glad my bro introduced me to this back in 1988. Love all his music.

[@austinnightingale5134]

Best song he ever will do, just beautiful.

[@brooklyn59]

Too Beautifull for the real world..the honesty of this song can hurt the best of us.

[@thebuzzardandtheworm190]

"Virtue never tested is no virtue at all" - I know Billy Bragg wasn't the first to say this, but it's one of the truest things I've ever heard.

[@gilbag]

Yessssss

[@rowanbaker700]

just brilliant love this and grew up listening to Billy back in the 80's !!

[@shellygeorgia4229]

This would never happen if we lived by the sea....my dream.

[@edwardcanning5031]

Still loving it, beautiful

[@GB-nl5jg]

What an artist a.voice on par with Dylan and.Strummer

[@vicpur]

Seeing him Friday in Auckland !! Im from the same town as Billy so a reunion of sorts.

[@edwardcanning5031]

loved this song for a long time, think ive listen to it every day for the last 28years never stopped loving it.Its about me not about love lost I just love it.sitting here listening to this track what can i say the perfect song

[@edwardcanning5031]

still listening after all of theres years perfect

[@edwardcanning5031]

still here

[@edwardcanning5031]

still

[@loosersic]

You are not alone. 'Little black cloud in a dress'

[@edwardcanning5031]

@@loosersic still listening

[@karamazovbrothers1]

'Most important decisions in life Are made between two people in bed I found that out at my expense And when i see you You just turn around and walk away like we never met Oh we used to be so brave I dreamt the world stopped turning as we climbed the hill I dreamt impossible dreams that we were lovers still' Fantastic lyrics

[@OfficialMixture]

This is my break up song to my love Danielle. Thanks for the good times, My beautiful children, The memories. I live in hope x

[@thomasbutcher3593]

How did the hope work out?

[@paulhinckley7506]

This is true genius...

[@Richardracky]

Cant believe how few people have listened to this or Aztec Camera and Deacon Blue come to that either

[@edwardcanning5031]

Yea love them all

[@robertmurphy1566]

The Clash and the Smiths rolled into one. WHO but MR. Bragg coulda pulled THAT one off?

[@redbug3485]

Totally off. His type of music comes from a different area.

[@gopgoddess]

Someone reccomended me this song as being very appropriate about a piece I'm writing. I have to say that I agree with him wholeheartedly. Painful and winsome all at the same time.

[@betweston44]

Sad but lovely all at the same time ...

[@caccec]

Always makes me feel sad, such a lovely song.

[@mediasurfer]

This song is eternal. Mr. Braggo musically and lyrically at his peak. Great musical influence of Cara Tivey at the piano & backing vocals.

[@gailwyattstevewyatt]

What a song

[@hangwire4971]

I really love this...reminds me of how i should feel great song,great singer , brilliant guitar rock on stay rude stay left wing

[@deegillespie1]

I know, right? I've listened to it about a thousand now, but man! Holy shit is very apt!

[@ddavescott]

He's really good, love it :)

[@jazmincolebrooke8573]

I listened to this everyday at 15. 48 now. Still the same. Bronya

[@janeecoco]

this song kills me and i love it,xx

[@stevenalmond4180]

Magic song.

[@amandagregory2951]

Beautiful

[@stephanieregan7412]

I LOVE BILLY BRAGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@adambarrett6186]

Billy loves you too

[@redbug3485]

Why don't you marry him. With all those exclamations, you wouldn't need anymore. Lol

[@lievedeprijcker1012]

I love Billy and the only person that's invited at my funeral xxxxx love you folks and respect!!!!!! Amazing it is.!!!!

[@lievedeprijcker1012]

@@redbug3485 really funny 😂😂😂😂

[@COTTESITO]

I was a tourist from Chile who walks on Brightons streets for long time ago , when i found thats old " vinilos" I love this music.

[@marthahutton9440]

Thank you Billy

[@jchandlerkraus]

There was a time we were all brave. Makes you wonder...

[@harrice4dimitri]

oh my god :3 this brings up memories of my early childhood hehe. this song is amazing ;3

[@sharonnaylar4463]

Love this so much

[@MrDamBrooks]

wow man that is really nice. very fitting for me.

[@mickdainty9275]

the original, one and only working class hero

[@pr0methian]

I too, got burnt by the 'Little black cloud in a dress'.

[@neridawalker6623]

I love you billy

[@paololongo3859]

wonderful, stunning, brillian Billy !

[@robertmurphy1566]

I spent 5 hours where we sat like two of the most pathetic things; five hours with her sitting on my lap. Five of the best hours of my life.

[@beezlbobdestraint6869]

+Robert Murphy I though was a quote from a book, or something. Huh. That's actually really sweet.

[@gilbag]

Well Put, man. Well Put.

[@aussiebragg1231]

legend

[@JBinOtown]

Ah this is so good!

[@patrickMRfarrell]

grew up on billy bragg

[@timbo4040]

its like he means everything he sings! his words mean far more to me than yours @hoolifart

[@sreynoldsmichelle4117]

My Love You are the one I hope you see my picture for us goes on forever. MY LOVE IS REAL.

[@malibumut]

I know D... I always know... Love you....

[@blahman178]

first time hearing this.... holy shit

[@roberthigginson2363]

Good stuff , no picture necssary , hope my spelling 's o.k. best wishes from the peoples' republick of Lancashire , carry on Bill ! Some people eh ? Upwards & forwards ! ! ! Who is the dutchy of Lancashire anyway , ( answers on a post card no text or Emails .) Best wishes to good music . The 5 th wealthiest country , time for sharing it out , hey friends , NHS .

[@luvcud1]

Life summed up

[@sanderreventes]

im going to see him tormorrow :) in amsterdam :)

[@lievedeprijcker1012]

Really? Omg

[@Kaiivex]

Totally not my kind of music.. But.. WOW.. This is.. Amazing.

[@tamcoyle1220]

Fabulous

[@rosedaddona4262]

One of my comedian friends kind of has a political slant and I told him..I am STILL waiting for the great leap forwards..

[@cooperk937]

you cant be turned off billy bragg

[@shinds165]

A little black cloud in a dress... (yep been there)...short walk nd a talk..while we searched frantically for reverse..(.nice if we could..!) this would never happen if we lived by the sea...bring it on MArgate (sorry Southend)...

[@romawall1]

La lucha continua Billy.

[@bettacat]

Yes, I need the picture. :)

[@PIXbyGrant]

Send me your mail address and i'll send one..

[@bettacat]

Are you serious? You know, people gotta be scared about things like this... but is that a picture of you and your girls? Great art by the way. :)

[@PIXbyGrant]

I am sorry, but I have no refefence to this mail.... What are you wanting?

[@samwisegamgeese]

The best

[@neridawalker6623]

i love you

[@lapuntadelfin]

If this is rain?

[@svejkfan2220]

Who was the female singer? She's wonderful.

[@alexrobertson7514]

Cara Tivey - she has been a regular for Billy's albums rather than just a session muso...

[@sarianna]

I honestly wish she wasn't on here

[@gmpyearof96]

oh, remember to county how many go up and down

[@doctorwintercold]

..picture painted

[@gezblair]

A little black cloud in a dress

[@hangwire4971]

it is right so right

[@thebouncinghearts]

we like

[@weebo20]

Tää on kyllä hieno biisi, millä mittarilla vaan. Ja hei, käsin sävelletty!

[@damianweaver9123]

billy is the shizznickel!

[@ouroboros98]

Anyone else from the UK listening to this today and thinking of Europe?

[@lievedeprijcker1012]

Really? You don't have school? Culture, music and art? I don't understand. But respect, it's not your fault.. Xx

[@lievedeprijcker1012]

Afwall. It's not a problem, we'll help you. Bye

[@TheWilhelmBrothers]

yes you must :-)

[@stonesforlife4267]

How does he reach those high notes at 02:30??

[@saturninedays]

He isn't singing.

[@kaseymcguire6523]

This song goes out to my ex 🌹

[@LarzGustafsson]

Reminds me a bit of a certain Costello...

[@nedgoldreyer8761]

Other way round mate

[@gmpyearof96]

decisions?

[@icygood101]

@JimmyCatRules Listen to some other Bragg songs. if you dont like his message, then maybe there isn't much of a point

[@miller66ify]

I like turtles

[@damionmarkham9835]

i love turtles too

[@lievedeprijcker1012]

Me to, I have of them I my garden.. Really..

[@mattcoily6281]

I missed being English even after seeing gun death I still missed being English. Some thing about being human that I just wanted for my life

[@amynoschese7078]

nick drake

[@mattcoily6281]

But it's just the power at be have some sick tryst with Windsor. Didn't have to involve me at all I could of just fought the American invasion of my country.