Nanci Griffith, If These Walls Could Speak

Nanci Griffith singing a great Jim Webb song, from early '90s(?)

[@parkewellman8364]

I'm heartbroken but still feel blessed in having seen Nanci in person perform numerous times. The thought that resonates with me at this very moment, after sitting and watching video after video, is how understated she was as a performer. But yet how powerful her ability as a singer was. No flash, no theatrics, just true, honest, passionate talent. God I miss that in todays musicians.

[@clearfield2009]

she was not underrated to millions of us. she was always and still is a precious jewel. please stop writing "rest in peace" She is not resting, she is a force that has just moved on. She is not resting any damn place.

[@carlaeskelsen]

@@clearfield2009 Perhaps you could allow people to express their grief in the way they feel compelled to, without feeling threatened and angry. Perhaps not, but it's worth a try, in the interest of community. Also, the OP said "understated", not "underrated".

[@robertmoraga1501]

Somehow, this old geezer never got to know her. Love music and enjoyed fine lady musicians from Vera Lynn to Patsy Cline to Carole King to Annie Wilson. How the heck did I miss her? I guess I did not spend enough time in Country. But I see what you all see; the talent, the softness, the humility and grace. Love at first byte. Now I got me some exploring to do and I look forward to it. What's that they say, better late than never. In closing, I'm sure she is at peace now, but also still thriving in ways we cannot even comprehend. Thank you Jesus for this Angel and the time she was here. Now she's jamming with the angels for real...

[@timflaherty6432]

@@clearfield2009 So true, I think. I have this image in my mind of John Prine and Townes Van Zandt sharing a drink and a smoke, and Nanci is up there writing a song about it...

[@artnouveau7633]

It's hard to call them musicians.

[@jaytoups]

Rest in eternal peace, dear Nanci. Your songs will resonate in human hearts for as long as there are means to hear them.

[@carlaeskelsen]

Hey, Jay. 💙🎶🙏🏻

[@juliapatricia6223]

She is greatly missed.

[@nancymccartney8845]

My heart breaks at her passing. God love you, lady.

[@joshuaheald1918]

I can't stop crying

[@unterwant]

if these walls could speak they would tell, that they love Nanci singing little big girl with lots of power in her voice.... RIP Nanci

[@TadRapidly]

this song, and the way she performs it is possibly the most beautiful thing I've ever heard.

[@alanmurphy7538]

Nanci is loved by the Irish, she has the heart of an Irish poet. The Irish sisters and brothers love her fragility and an understated humanity. The people of our fragile planet could do with more of the love she expresses in her soulful songs.

[@unterwant]

if you listen to 'it's a hard live wherever you go' at the celtic connections she begins with 'backseat driver' and ends with 'finaly I drove at the left side of the road' she realy had a heart of Irish ... miss her very much

[@eamonngaynor5762]

I'm irish so yes I couldn't agree with you more nanci had a huge fanbase in Ireland she was on the late late show with Gay Byrne a number of times

[@christiannige3363]

Her voice, her smile, her radiance, her beauty, an angel in life... and now an angel in Heaven ❤️

[@kathywallace940]

"Here's someone who really loves you, don't ever go away." That's me, but she has gone away. I became obsessed with this version of this song in the mid-90s. We had had to put down one of our cats, and when we came home from the vet, I held his body in my arms and played my video-taped copy of this performance over and over, crying. Thank you Nanci for helping me grieve. I'm still grieving for you.

[@utube4619]

My heart is all churned since I heard the passing of Nanci, I was following all her singing and interviews for the last few days, the more I read and watched her, the more i loved her....calm and a real lady, what a loss!

[@joshuaheald1918]

I'm just at a loss I can't talk. What happened

[@mcrbshoe]

i can't watch it without crying. i love nanci griffith. she is perfect.

[@artnouveau7633]

We all are perfect just need to polish so we can shine. She embodied perfection with her voice and gentle and humble nature

[@mt-nv4jd]

I'm an old man who has seen many thousands of musical performances. Nanci had a true love for her audience. I will miss her forever.

[@Hdtexan]

This left me breathless by its beauty. She looks so vulnerable....almost lost.. What a stunning performance.

[@SuperPaddyMac]

I'm so gutted. Love your music and your beautiful soul so much. RIP Nanci.

[@mjastoria]

Okay, that's about as beautiful as songwriting and song-singing can get. Jimmy Webb's greatest composition and a stunning performance by Nanci Griffith. Yeah, I'm crying. Now I'm moving on to Shawn Colvin's cover ...

[@winocat1]

I adore Shawn’s version.

[@rmyAddison]

Nanci Griffith has a captivating, haunting stage presence......with an angels's voice !~!~!

[@machtschnell7452]

Glad that since I lived in Austin I got to hear her younger voice with its lower range. A marvelous musician, an expressive singer and a glowing presence. Irreplaceable.

[@robinbugbee]

Such a touching and heartfelt gesture of love and race. Nanci was such a wonderful force in our world. I loved her from the first notes of “Once in a Very Blue Moon” and I never really wavered. She sang right into my soul and into those of the world who listened and heard with their hearts. She was such an incredibly touching woman who could touch the deepest part of us all. Her life was a gift that was just too short. I would have loved to hear her in her old age…bringing us along with her in her lifelong adventures. Sadly…this was not to be. I loved her work and the look on her face when she raised her hands in a kind of gesture of supplication…She has left us alone I am afraid but her gifts will carry us through to whatever “forever” is and her voice and her love will be forever with us.

[@patlatorres7000]

In almost every performance that I've seen this past week, she almost seems to be embarrassed that people feel that she's as good as she was. She is a treasure that we have lost far too soon!

[@dand4692]

If these old walls If these old walls could speak What a tale it had to tell Hard headed people raising hell A couple in love living week to week Rooms full of laughter If these old walls could speak If these old halls If hallowed halls could talk These would have a tale to tell The sun going down and dinner bell And children playing at hide and seek From floor to rafter If these old halls could speak They would tell you that I'm sorry For being cold and blind and weak They would tell you that it's only That I have a stubborn streak If these old walls could speak If these old fashioned Window panes had eyes I guess they would've seen it all Each little tear and sigh and footfall And every dream that we came to seek Or followed after If these old walls could speak They would tell you that I owe you More than I can ever pay Here's someone who really loves you Don't ever go away Is what these walls would say If they were not so mean If these old walls could speak

[@johnnydunphy5670]

Glen Campbell if these old walls could speak

[@tcferguso1]

I am ashamed to say I've never heard this song before.... it is one of the most beautiful and haunting songs I've ever heard. This performance will stay with me for a long long time. I am very happy I have it in my head now. Thank you Nanci. You are a treasure.

[@glenngilbert3236]

Interesting that you should say to Nanci Griffith that she is "a treasure". My understanding as an outsider is that in Japan the Imperial Family do sometimes bestow upon distinguished individuals a title which translates as National Treasure. How civilized. I agree with you of course that Griffith is one of our own treasures. I don't know her but it would be well for the USA to honor her in such a fashion whether she likes it or not. (Her progressive politics are such that probably it would have to be done soon.) Please give a listen to one of her lesser known masterpieces, "Goodnight to a Mother's Dream", one of the finest ballads I've heard, and squarely in the ballad tradition of sad-but-defiant. Magically uplifting, the slam of the back door. From prose narrative to pure poetry, all through the magic of music. It speaks of a deeply personal transformation which ends up transforming the spirit of a spirited listener. See what you make of it. There's something of a Southern preacher in Nanci that is becoming, winning. Even for an old sinner like me. Irrespective of whether Truth actually sets us free, it's always beautiful to watch, to listen to, the Truth being freed. Nanci in nutshell.

[@andrearider8758]

Just when I think hearts no longer sing melodies, and instruments are just to be broken on stage.....i discover this. Just when I think no one else appreciates something so real anymore, I find you .. .listening to. Thanks Thomas Ferguson.

[@Stringman1950]

This is an old Jimmy Webb song. He wrote many 60s pop hits including MacArthur Park. This is one of his perfect old piano songs. He was very underrated; didn’t perform much, just wrote hits for others. Still alive today.

[@tonkaGuy888]

@@Stringman1950 I beg to differ. He has toured regularly and continues to tour small clubs to this day. He has a fiercely loyal live following here and in Europe. I've seen him live five times, beginning in the early 70s. www.jimmywebb.com/shows

[@aaronmorissette4788]

@@andrearider8758 Well said and I agree!

[@thomasscott2112]

Beautiful song performed by a beautiful person. Always brings a tear to my eye.

[@ttwillow9073]

Now I miss her even more and more. So happy we have her music and these videos. I'm humming she's reconnected with her BY John from HS and all the musicians, John, Kate, Townes, Guy and others.

[@michaellundin6693]

As I ran through our park, I heard about her passing...this 70 year old man cried for the rest of his run. Her writing and performance talents were so incredible but under stated...I always wish I could have known her.

[@davidsmith6976]

miss you so much Nanci,never met you,but ,I feel like youre so much , a part of my coping daily,and my love of music , a true artist.

[@parileebijou6099]

Nanci Griffith is the epitome of acoustic music. I'll love her till my dying day.

[@artnouveau7633]

Listen to Kate Wolf Patty Griffin Patty Larkin.

[@MrJimwinder]

This song has brought tears many times. Our halls echo with our mistakes as mates and parents. Tears were shed here. And that just gets me. Nancy delivered here with soul and passion. She captured this lyric and felt the emotion personally. And she makes me look back too and say I’m sorry for my weakness and failures with my wife and children. Glad there’s forgiveness.

[@theresalawlor5880]

Such a treasure RIP Nancy 😭

[@tommyboy4027]

Just reading down through all of the comments going back for some years. One point to make is that each artist makes a Song their own through their interpretation and skilled delivery. Nanci's level of skill and delivery are all her own and so beautiful! Hers is an interpretation that pulls deep on heart felt emotion and sincerity, characteristics we all need to retain and "keep real" in such cheapened days. Coming across this humbled me, as an inferior but striving artist. This is how it's done when it's done right. Though still haunted by the waters of my favorite Trout streams, I now too am haunted by Nanci's genuine spirit, in this and so many of her other pieces. Keep on Truckin Nanci!! Heavy T

[@lennon1331]

The Beautiful Nanci who had the voice of an Angel she now is an Angel singing at the Gates Of Heaven welcoming your family, friends, pets and one day you who reads this post. Rest Easy Nanci, I still miss you Millions.💔🕊❤

[@sawwbones]

Sometimes we don't know what we have until it's gone. So many times I have sat and listened to that angelic voice as it softened my sad broken heart and now it's sad again. She was such a wonderful performer. Always from the heart.

[@user-lc1mz9br3j]

Wish we could see you again, beautiful Soul, what a voice keep singing Nanci. xxxx

[@kenhorneland7060]

The cutest and most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen! And her talent was amazing 😢 RIP

[@alanriley8933]

Never heard a more beautiful song.

[@DAVIDSMITH-io6pc]

Hard to listen to this ,the raw emotion ,the honesty of this performance ,transcends "music" it speaks directly to the heart, who else could sing like this ,and have you feel such a depth of warmth and evoke such sorrow,yet still remain beautiful?

[@alexjaymes2929]

thank you Nanci for the beautiful music....God bless you

[@jondenton757]

She was lovely in so many ways. Her live performances were great. I left the theatre feeling like she was a good friend. Rest in peace.

[@gdjohns]

Utterly captivating. Wonderful

[@eslovexc]

Nanci at her best...

[@e.e.napier7933]

The best that Texas has ever produced

[@tom83rodr37]

... apart from Ronna Reeves...

[@Aussie3225]

and Roy Orbison

[@joshuaheald1918]

What happened please tell me. I'm heart broken here.

[@Aussie3225]

@@joshuaheald1918 i live in Australia, but believe the latest we have is she'd had a long battle with cancer.

[@machtschnell7452]

@@Aussie3225 She had reputably beat breast cancer and thyroid cancer. I just hope she suffered no pain in her final days.

[@skiadikt]

an absolutely beautiful performance. there are so many favorites but can't stop watching this. touches deeply. no one like nanci.

[@dannilaser16]

Jimmy Webb the multi talented man who could paint a picture with his brain like no other. What else could I say that hasn’t been said of him? Total love.

[@johnthomson2164]

How true

[@thomasyelverton7586]

Nanci is a once off. She delivers this song perfectly. An Angel could not have sang it better. That she was too a gift from God. Her song writing, her voice her gentle approach yet steely core. Many a night I have listened to her and that will never stop. Blessed to have discovered heard and seen her in concert. Heartbroken she is gone but glad she will always be nearby by in voice and spirit. Rip

[@dannyr58]

A truly beautiful version of a great song. Nanci Griffith is a wonderful singer.

[@tomscott914]

Loved Amy Grant's version Now I love it even more cause it's nanci!

[@johnthomson2164]

Jimmy Webb wrote it but Nanci version is just pure class.

[@donnesmith4844]

Perfection! Everything I love about Nanci Griffith!

[@A1P36]

binging on all the Nanci stuff I can find during covid times, fills my soul. oof

[@glenngilbert3236]

I've been in crowds at night, beneath the stars as they come into view, just listening to Griffith and her band underplaying, and it's like a supplication, the quiet listening. And then when closes the crowd and I rise just automatically and joyously, because surreptitiously she has built such a moving story in our hearts and minds that one just gets pulled into the balladeering and doesn't quite realize until the break, how mesmerizing. She mesmorizes. And it ain't no parlour trick. Just really good. The songwriting, stand alone, just blows me away. She must've been doing that since she was a wee girl. Read her stuff in print sometime, absent the beautiful music. See what you think. It's moving, and meaningful. I wish I could know whether she tends first to the treble clef or rather to such beautiful words; does she conform her lyrics or else, the reverse, does she compose them for her music?

[@tishm2102]

Glenn Gilbert right on. i feel as though i've been allowed to share a little of the songwriter's world when listening to Nanci sing be it her songs or those of others. The Trans Atlantic Sessions are a delight to listen to, but also to watch as the musicians seems to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.

[@glenngilbert3236]

that's fair enough, surely. Please do follow on that fun example, Tish.

[@loriloden2500]

***** us

[@Danimal1577]

Jimmy Webb wrote this song actually, with Waylon Jenning’s voice in mind. Glen Campbell recorded it.

[@syn707]

I miss her and pray she is doing...ok. I have not heard any ‘movement’ from her since 2013. Some say she is ill...some say she pulled out due to criticisms the music press gave.

[@nottalackey4046]

A haunting masterpiece.

[@johnthomson2164]

Jimmy's song given a wonderful interpretation.

[@rlegear19]

I love that she got lost in this song. Jimmy Webb has to be pleased with that treatment. Outstanding keyboards to compliment awesome vocal.

[@anniehassett9370]

Dose anyone really know how much they are loved RIP i will always miss you but will always keep singing your heart songs

[@leafnlore2712]

Her death brought me to tears; not something that happens often when "celebrities" pass away. Nanci was special. I saw her live the first time at Telluride Bluegrass Festival. She was absolutely magnetic. Her music has meant so much to me for decades now. I'll be forever grateful to all the people posting videos of her live music. It's a blessing to see her performances. Rest in peace, Nanci. We miss you and love you!

[@armondscavo6551]

never seeing her is one of my most profound regrets. I love bher music and it will keep her close forever

[@leafnlore2712]

I can relate. At least we have the videos and recordings. @@armondscavo6551

[@mcrbshoe]

I've seen her perform twice, and have most all her CDs. She can write and pick a song and throw herself into it like no one else i've ever seen. Her vocals are flawless, honey. And I feel priviledged to know of her.

[@Danimal1577]

Emmylou is a great curator of other peoples’ songs too. Both of these women have that connection with the late great Townes Van Zandt.

[@joshuaheald1918]

Just reading this Saturday night. OVER COME WITH EMOTIONS. SO LOVED YOUR VOICE. THANKS FOR ALL YOU MENT TO ME. WE LOVE YOU RIP. IM SPEACHLESS SO SAD 😞

[@donaldewert2332]

Joshua, I read that Nancy had told her manager that she didn't want the cause of her death known until a week after her death. I too loved her singing. Have a good day Donald Ewert, Milwaukee, Wi

[@joshuaheald1918]

Thank you Donald. Peace my friend

[@kurage119]

Nancy's singing voice is a symbol of my peace.

[@VICTORTASSIETIGER]

A rare talent.

[@andresolomon-glover5383]

I may have heard this singer before. I didn't get her before. In this performance she had me before she uttered a sound. What a blessed presentation of a lovely song.

[@wthight123]

This is what happens when the singer and song and setting all connect. Magic. She just goes straight to the heart in that last verse.

[@artnouveau7633]

This beautiful woman's from my hometown Austin Texas i have grown up listening to her

[@otakte]

I didn't know her, but since I've listened hers songs on youtube, I want to listen to all....to know more about her, because she brings me light and joy, she is a very soulful person....

[@wednesday55]

She's created an oasis of loveliness here. Something to provide nourishment and warmth to our souls. This is such a beautiful gift. Thank you.

[@kenriley7427]

Incomparable!!!!

[@mcrbshoe]

Oh my God, Nanci. I will miss you until I see you again in Paradise. I'm so very sad.

[@chastd]

Absolutely Beautiful! I've had a hard time appreciating Ruby's Torch, too slick and produced for my taste. But, this! This is everything I've always loved about Nanci.

[@laurathornton1456]

Everytime I hear a Jimmy Webb song I think it's the best thing he's ever written. This might possibly be the best thing he ever wrote. Nanci Griffith has the perfect voice to sing Jimmy Webb.

[@Stringman1950]

I agree with the sentiment, except Jimmy Webb has written hundreds of songs. Too shy to perform himself, he gave many away (Galveston, By The Time I Get To Phoenix, etc.). Later in life he started performing them himself on the piano. Amazingly gifted. Nanci is a gifted interpreter of music. Cheers to them both.

[@tonkaGuy888]

@@Stringman1950 "Gave away" may not be the best characterization since he was a multimillionaire at 24, but he's been performing regularly since the early 70s while he was still in his 20s. He's released at least a dozen albums of his music and still tours to this day.

[@ChrisJNeale]

Just Love it! She brings such gravitas to this song without loosing the obvious love. And Jimmy Webb is one of the greatest ever writers. So glad I've found this version!

[@tslick75]

this is one of the greatest songs i have ever heard.

[@wayneprince243]

Just a beautiful and expressive performance!!!

[@riverreasteve]

In a very subtle and unassuming way she was a master at holding the audience's attention. Wonderful Performer!

[@toby071]

Bravo Nanci ! Great performance....

[@zimmee]

Brought to tears again. 😢Been a while since I've seen this and it's just so sad and beautiful at the same time. Her sweet little face and all the loving expressions she had along with that voice. 🤗💛🎼

[@johncrawford7312]

Her singing told you how humble Nancy was and ever so thoughtful a genuine human being.I will miss her terribly. J c Liverpool uk.

[@ratter531]

Nanci Griffith Always Loved, Never Forgotten Forever missed.

[@edsonsantosnovais]

*A ternura sempre me encanta, Nanci é terna, todo seu ser é canto e encanto.* *A voz de pássaro, as mãos, o olhar, tudo transmite leveza, ela te pega pela mão e te conduz à um outro plano, onde tudo é dito e sentido com amor.* *Aplausos de pé à Nanci Griffith*

[@JanKleber]

Edson Novais Nossa que incrível Edson. És a primeira pessoa brasileira que eu vejo que admira o talento de Nanci. Eu amo Nanci Griffith tanto, e estou muito feliz por saber que tem algum brasileiro com bom gosto!!!!

[@edsonsantosnovais]

Jan Kleber​ estou sinceramente surpreso que tu também ouça e goste de Nanci, é surpreendente teu bom gosto, mas penso que seja porque tu é músico e tem ouvido absoluto, parabéns , me deu uma alegria hoje.

[@rikbison7343]

Absolutely beautiful. I heard this on a compilation about 8 years ago - had it on tape. So glad someone posted this video. Such a beautiful voice. The feel reminds me of Eva Cassidy.

[@carlaeskelsen]

Even moreso, now. 😔💔

[@Massivo07]

Absolutely wonderful! I had this song in an mp3 file that someone has sent me. Nanci sings this song so wonderfully that I thought that she was the one who wrote it. In the same CD we have the privilege to listen to Ruby´s Arms, the best version of Tom Waits´ song. That song´s a gem that can turn our eyes into a flood.

[@willsomervell8246]

This is such a wonderful collaboration of talent. Nancy's beautiful voice, the foundation from the steady, clean pianist, the cellist who evokes such deep emotion .... and of course the exquisitely timed, barely perceptible, but oh so important percussionist. All I can say, is .... Wow!!!

[@glenngilbert3236]

Yes indeed. It sounds sort of naughty but I've always liked how she veils her artfulness. Nanci's such a powerful artist who's always striven not to come on too strong. What a lovely, quintessentially feminist way. Hers is such a gentle strength, musically. I'm not even sure she realizes that she's written half a dozen perfect songs, whereas even the most celebrated artists consider themselves lucky to have made only one or two. Not a snobby thing. Just a fact, on my limited finding.

[@willsomervell8246]

I presume you meant, "...a lovely, quintessentially feminine way". She's a special woman. Yes, gentle strength, in her voice, and of course her wonderful talent as a guitarist.

[@lafayettedad]

Oh man oh man. I’m crying so hard right now. When she holds her hands up near her face. Her eyes. She’s seeing places nobody else can see.

[@douglaslibby1184]

A beautiful lady, a beautiful heart.

[@googlegoogel1548]

Nanci Griffith doing a Jimmy Webb song with a small band and it all fits together perfectly.Wonderful.She turns out no Bad Performances and He turns out No Bad Songs.This one fits her beautifully.Great stuff.

[@carlaeskelsen]

Well, maybe MacArthur Park…🎂🌧️

[@MrSprayalex99]

Nanci delivers a classic song with her mixture of sweetness and power.

[@geoffreyharris8066]

What a beautiful song, by a beautiful singer, it almost brings her to tears while she sings. Just found this on KZbin can’t stop playing it.

[@Ribcracker]

This is one of those rare instances where I like the cover even more than the original. Such warm melancholy. I'll bet even Jimmy would swoon. Powerful stuff!

[@rishi-eq8kx]

Sweet And Beautiful Performance.....perfect for the emotions her singing evokes ! Thanks for such nice uploads.

[@trevorflarty1811]

What a great performance, by, Nancy, of, the great Jimmy Webb song. Touchingly, beautiful.

[@jeffcollins5188]

Melissa England & I were married on that blessed stage in 1999, a stage made more serene by this angel whom we all borrowed from Heaven. Thanks, Nanci for hallowing the wood you stood upon.

[@Gulftastic]

So wonderful. Thanks for posting.

[@EdArmstrong1]

The feeling that Nanci exhibits surpasses words. This song comes from her soul and you can see the regret and hurt that she endured at sometime in her life. I just want to somehow reach out and hold her and tell her that it is going to be all right in the end. There are many types of beauty and you see many of them in this woman. You keep on going girl, many people need you and your musical expressions of life. God Bless you Nanci.

[@johnthomson2164]

This is my favourite Nanci song. Glen Campbell does it wonderfully well but Nanci's version is captivating and beautifully crafted.

[@irishchopper9065]

Written by the wonderful Jimmy Webb. Also performed by Glenn Campbell.

[@sharonvyse330]

so glad we have video recordings of these purely gems of performances of Nanci Griffith. Thank you nutbrook for this one, especially with the passing of this talented soul Aug 13, 2021. Gone oh so soon.

[@cynthiaracicot6502]

What a performance!

[@FirstAndBestRobin]

The studio version from the Red Hot + Country album remains one of my favorite things ever in life.

[@colinfirth4bfast]

Feel humbled by the lyrics of Jimmy Webb and the voice of Nanci Griffith. What a combination. x

[@bailcal1]

Thank you Nancy.

[@seanmcdonagh5680]

Effortless. Heard this first in the 90s sometime. Fell in love with it immediately. Have since come across the great Jimmy Webb and the equally talented Glen Campbell doing a version, which is also beautiful. In total awe of these artists!

[@hobiehanson]

Nanci is an angel.

[@ttwillow9073]

I have a bunch of her CDs. This is a new song for me! I sure miss Nanci Griffith.

[@loisdaughenbaugh3864]

So sweetly done.