Nanci Griffith Love at the Five and Dime

[@marymuller7110]

Is there anyone else here who is still brought to tears at the sound of Nanci Griffith? I cannot stand the reality of her no longer being on this earth. Thankfully, she left us a wonderful catalog of her music. What an incredibly gifted artist. I can never get enough of her music. I hope she knew just how loved she was….and remains.

[@bobjm1950]

Same here Mary. I never met Nanci but I was initially so terribly distraught knowing she was no longer part of our world. She was Love personified. She was in an exclusive zone. She exuded unconditional Love whenever and wherever she appeared. God has a special place in heaven for our Beautiful Nanci. I still tear up whenever I watch her clips. 💔

[@rogerr2796]

Oh my goodness. Well said, Mary. Nanci Griffith moves me like no other singer does. RIP, Nanci. G_d bless you.

[@damonhucks6328]

I had no idea she had even passed until recently. I am heartbroken.

[@rogerr2796]

@@bobjm1950 Well said, Bob. Nanci truly was something special.

[@dottiejones4366]

Tears, immediately

[@dcmcvarish]

I had the privilege to hear Nanci in concert twice. A great songwriter, singer and person. RIP, Nanci..

[@xxx-qt3ju]

What a consummate pro. I started crying as I heard this again for the 800th time while I was having my dinner. It was so beautiful and so heartbreaking. She's the type of artist that you wish would live forever

[@alankelly-hamm2702]

Her music is always powerful yet her presentation is so gentle and gracious. Nanci Griffith is a real national treasure.

[@kimhorton6109]

They say everyone dies twice. Once when your life is over and again the last time anyone says your name. If you’re as good a songwriter as this lady it will be a long time before we won’t hear her voice. So genuine.

[@shin-i-chikozima]

I am immersed in pleasure while listening to her exquisite performance . From Tokyo in Japan .

[@juanitashatley9438]

@Cobb Knobbler Agreed💜💛😄😄💯💯

[@paulmazouat3777]

Miss you Nanci. I was a fan back in the 80's and you changed my appreciation for a well crafted and performed song.

[@Thadmotor1044]

Love this cherub , rip fine woman

[@hubertrochelle9445]

First I saw her was with John Prine on a PBS episode, mid 80s bought everything I could find of her!

[@linzief]

Throughout life, this song has made me feel happy, sad, hopeful again, and finally ambivalent. (My happy childhood hearing this song, my parents deaths, rediscovering this song and sharing it with my sister, my sister turning into a person I don’t know, respectively.)

[@wendylivingston1873]

I love her.I will never forget you,Mr.Neeson,Liam.

[@riverratrvr9225]

Helpless tears stream down my face...what times we live in. I never knew it would be gold growing up in Texas and hitching to Austin ...what are we doing now? RIP Nanci❤️

[@ckeilah]

Hitch back to Austin and come hang out with us old timers! 😉

[@jackandblaze5956]

These days we have excellent radios & crap music. Those days we had crap radios & excellent music. Who misses those days? Me.

[@tomwilliams8675]

I've come back to listen to your music Nancy because I miss you. 💔 RIP

[@cmcg5788]

Rest in peace, Songbird. Thank you for your song.

[@kirkwatson1442]

Shes a time machine...of love...❤

[@stevejohnson662]

how I miss the Woolworth's 5-10's from the early 50's as a kid, I know what she is talking about. it's to bad we don't have female singers like her and Kate Wolf on the crap box today. I could never get tired of listening to good music, not this junk in all types played on the radio.

[@Creaulx]

Wow. Never heard her before. Amazing! 😢

[@rexmundi8154]

Every time I hear this song, I seriously consider quitting my job and going home to be with my loved ones

[@lquinn7212]

We all miss you so much!

[@Womanofsmallwinds]

Beautiful voice! Such a talented lady❤️

[@jamesgodlewski2441]

Love it!!

[@jamesstrawn6087]

There is a Woolworth's downtown Berlin.

[@jamespriest9658]

Never been, never will. Can't believe I am resigned to proffering my love like this. I still dream of running into u in Austin. Fuck I miss you beyond wordsmith words.. big beyond hug my darling Nanci

[@cccnieh2468]

that is the perfect description of the smell of a Woolworths Store

[@gigidayz6936]

used to sing this to my 1 year old. Now she sings it to her young ones...RIP Nancy. Thank you for sharing your gift.

[@gregorysullivan7175]

Here's to Nancy.

[@soulvaccination8679]

why did she die?

[@mygoddess1]

@@soulvaccination8679 For the past 25 years Nancy had been fighting 2 types of cancer. She died from her cancers :(

[@randymesser5904]

Did she have children?

[@ckeilah]

@@soulvaccination8679 unreported, but she was 68 (not ancient but hardly young) and had fought multiple kinds of cancer. Recording media and fading memories means she will be with us for a while yet! 😜

[@MrAydinIreland]

Best storyteller I ever heard...Thank You Nancy...

[@TheGuerrillaPoet]

Rest in peace, Nanci, hope you're playing duets with John Prine. Cheers.

[@dntamuu76]

I was thinking the same thing when i read your post. I am sure they are.

[@nancywilsonbuckler846]

So heartbreaking💔she was such a talent & I will cherish her songs 🎶🙏🏻💞

[@miseenplacegirl]

Yes, the perfect thought....

[@JimDorman]

And Townes, Guy and Jerry Jeff 😟

[@gregoryschultz3803]

and with Guy Clark too.

[@nadianekooi5989]

I discovered the loveliness of Nanci Griffith as an undergrad at Texas A&M. Her voice was like honey and her words were poetry to me. I’ve been lucky enough to have seen her many times. Thanks for being part of the soundtrack of my life Nanci. Rest In Peace

[@larryjames8617]

My introduction to Nanci was hearing her on a porch in some small bar in College Station. Pretty happy I went there that day. Was a fan from that day on.

[@crawjay]

@@larryjames8617 that's where I first heard her also. What year? Possibly the same little bar.

[@katherinehargett1517]

Had the pleasure of seeing her and her guitar in Charlotte NC in 1992 or 1993 (no Blue Moon Orchestra) ... it was a spiritual experience ... she played and sang perfectly

[@HBJSpiegel]

I wish I had seen her in person. Please confirm that her hold over the other humans in the room was complete. My own Nanci Griffith story goes back to ~1987 when one of her hits hit me hard and I had to get her album so I went to the music store and searched and search in the pop section where she 'belonged' and after not finding the album I went to the clerk for help who said. "Why, OF COURSE we have it, that's a great album. This way to the country section" and I was blown away as I was sure I did not like country music. Guess what, dip$hit, music is music. Love hers. Such an underrated (because the ratings don't do THAT high) talent

[@abbgt]

Angelic voice and melody. She looked 25 at age 40, and sounded young. It's hard to reconcile she was 68 and now passed. Time rolls on. Thanks for sharing your gift. RIP Nanci.

[@catherinehowley220]

Wonderful voice😊

[@jenniferyoung9042]

The memory of the high note… “going up?” jumped from my lips at the end of a sacred sing-a-long tonight, as the ting sha chimed, and listening to her sing this just now…I was moved and weeping. For the memories of her beautiful voice, and the long ago times when she and I were so much younger. Thank you Nanci for sharing your gifts with us. You and your music held a deep and special place in my life.

[@edwelndiobel1567]

She was 40 here?! No way!

[@shawsheen]

I just wrote that same sentiment. No matter how old she was she always seemed young.

[@davidchamberlain5425]

Nanci..July 6..1953........August 13 ..2021🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 rest ye in eternal peace until ye rise again my beautiful voice from heaven..🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@JimmyD718]

Such a talent. I'm so sad to hear that she just passed away. Rest in Peace Nanci. May your memory be eternal.

[@georgetteneale6620]

Same here, Jimmy. I just learned that she sadly just passed away today, August 13th. What a sad day. Thank God for musical recordings and videos like this one on Austin City Limits, but we need Nanci with us. Losing John Prine and now Nanci Griffith is tough.

[@kjell1956]

RIP

[@denise1670]

What a loss :(

[@chuckthompson5724]

Came here to listen to this song after hearing the news. Saw Nancy at the Kent stage for the first time and she sang this song to end her set that night.

[@02mgnm]

Rest easy...

[@randalwashburn]

So quietly influential and classy. So many lady singers adored her style and phrasings. R.I.P. Nanci you will be missed.

[@lekkki1]

Lady singers? She was revered by most in the industry; male and female alike. And adored by millions of fans worldwide, male and female alike. An iconic talent, so sad that she falls silent for all of us.

[@mahalie23]

John Prine was so rugged and respectable. So many men adored his style and phrasings. 🙈

[@lynnbyrd9819]

An all time classic! Broke my heart when she passed away. 🥲

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Some people, entertainers, simply have a special knack with their voice, song, story, and delivery like an art. I enjoy a nice relaxing folk art song. This one is country. Seemed like a pleasant women. I've not heard of her but I came here to listen to her song and show respect due to her passing. RIP.

[@gchulack]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2iqp2qLg71ljpY

[@twinsisterstakeoncheese]

Hard not to feel the loss, even though this is the first time I have heard this song, or her haunting voice. Some things are so crystal clear that they require no comment, but I agree with you, her passing takes something from this world that can not be replaced. RIP Nanci.

[@fanoboss]

same

[@keithrichards4513]

Same Here

[@margauxdinerman2941]

Me too. I dont know her work, but it is all over social. She sounds beautiful. I love storytellers.

[@johnorabone6112]

She helped me get over a very tough time in my life when I was battling a very acute bout of debilitating anxiety. Would run in the dark after work just to burn up some of the stress. Her beautiful voice and kind spirit would carry me through the runs as I listened on a Walkman. 30 years have passed and hearing this song again just put me back out on the dark road in the middle of winter crying as I ran. She helped me so much.

[@suegee6722]

Thank you for sharing that. Similar story and time-line.

[@graphchick]

thanks for sharing your story. she helped me in the same way. her album "a clock without hands" helped get me through a hard time in my early 30s. i'm so sad Nancy is no longer with us, but her music and life lives on in our memories and hearts.

[@atsymbolhashtag2335]

Same, but I wouldn't have had the words. Hearts. RIP Nancy

[@sethfisher5081]

explain to the younger folks what a Walkman is!

[@Aceofwands688]

Me too, she helped me through a difficult time c.1989

[@alberttucker7624]

This song - reminds me of my wife Nancy. RIP to both of you.

[@mynamedoesntmatter8652]

What a sweet memory you have there. Your wife is well remembered.

[@Stan4488]

Just imagine, performing in a long skirt and blouse and allowing your music to stand for itself. No explosions, fog, and glitter...just lyrics that carry the gift of familiarity offered with an honest and generous voice. If people want to stand out today, they might look closely here...

[@jkoncz]

so true

[@jamesanthony897]

You NAILED it with that comment. When I look at the world today and the mess it is in this kind of music just takes me back to a better time in this country. We may never see this again.

[@duanejohnson6590]

Yes Stan and no pelvic thrusts and tit shows

[@lurking0death]

Very well spoken, Stan. "honest and generous voice" says it perfectly.

[@wildeyedherman3102]

As a fella, I’m not sure I wanna perform in a long skirt and a blouse. 🤣

[@johndavenport8843]

Even though she is gone I fall in love with her every time I watch her sing. Cherished forever.

[@norrisbjork1414]

Yes!

[@Ottee2]

She is alive in your heart,

[@melindarobin3880]

Always makes me smile

[@DrJohn-rl9zg]

I can't even come close to that.

[@derrickstoneUOWCHK]

I've been singing this song to get my daughter to sleep for about 3 years now... it's our little bedtime ritual. Couldn't be a better life

[@ciaraskeleton]

This will bring her comfort for the rest of her life 🥰 my dad and I used to listen to this version almost every day, he passed away 6 years ago, but when I play this I feel close to him again ❤

[@bravo478bl]

I would often take the album One Fair Summer Evening with me to my Local Audio Shop in the late 80s when Investing around £800 for new speakers, her voice is amazing and I always purchased the speakers, she passed the test💜

[@wilscott6763]

Good for you Derric Stone!!! I’m proud of you!!!

[@ianhfl3164]

My mom did the same thing for me-starting 34 years ago-and it makes me so happy that someone else is doing the same...she played it plenty of other times, too, since it’s just so good! Still makes both of us cry, too!!

[@ciaraskeleton]

@@albertful1967 this comment brought a tear to my eye! Thank you so much. X

[@mikemccarthy9361]

I find myself every day just tuning back in to Nancy and hear her gorgeous voice..what a beautiful person ...miss her

[@GuillermoHernandez-sg8nz]

Her version of Boots of Spanish leather is just perfect. She was really wonderful.

[@JB-js4xi]

She didnt put up with any crap. Texas treated her awful back around the time of this video and she let the critics and media know how she felt about it. Tiny little woman was not a pushover. I never could understand those critics bashing her so badly because her speaking and singing voice were so different? Constantly called a fake. Guess her Grammy is fake too, huh? Regardless, she was a true talent. She and Bobbi Gentry could write a song worth hearing every time.

[@just1oldman936]

Sad too loose someone that is so talented. My family has been in Texas since before 1888. Sometimes Texans can be really kind and sometimes they forget what is is to be kind.

[@mynamedoesntmatter8652]

@JB And you know now they’re all doing a 180, bragging on “their” fantastic Texas’ own, blah-blah, etc. Well, Nanci got past it with a superb style - we will too. We’ll do that in her memory.

[@EMSBoys]

What absurd criticism of such a genuine and uniquely talented woman. And I'll bet most of them grew up listening to Jim Nabors, with nary a word said. Rest in Power, Nanci. You're sorely missed.

[@JB-js4xi]

@@mynamedoesntmatter8652 i absolutely remember how they treated her. It was disgusting. They even picked on her for having pics of books on her album covers. Completely crazy non issue things.

[@mynamedoesntmatter8652]

@@JB-js4xi For pics of books! I love those, I’ve had a number of them since they were released. For pics of books, my my. They probably never read any. Just goes to show what kind of people they are: unschooled in everything that counts. Certainly manners never crossed their minds, or taste. There’s no accounting for taste, is there. But then we are comparing a lady with class, beauty and talent against what would be akin to sack of clanging hammers. Well, I can’t be bothered with that sort - nor can you. Like that beautifully talented, intelligent, demure, fine lady we will simply move along; leaving the flotsam and jetsam in little pieces to wash up with the rest of the trash. ‘Other Voices, Other Rooms’ (I’ll add ‘Different Houses,’ lol), ‘Poet in My Window,’ ‘Flyer.’ Beautiful jackets. Beautiful inside and out. What a natural, easy smile on her ‘Other Voices’ album and how great it is. First one I bought of hers, and I fell in love with her style. What a gal! Nice to meet you, Nanci Griffith fan. Listen to her music, your favorites, and smile with her. You know she left a number of them behind - just for us.

[@GlenAnne99]

I'm so sad to hear of her passing today. Your beautiful voice will be missed...thank you for the music❤️🌹 Safe journey, Nanci❤️

[@ty9884]

Rest in Peace, sweet Nancy. There's a light beyond these woods ....

[@michaellastname4922]

Lyrics ... for us newbies: Rita was sixteen years Hazel eyes and chestnut hair She made the Woolworth counter shine And Eddie was a sweet romancer And a darn good dancer And they waltzed the aisles of the five and dime And they'd sing Dance a little closer to me Hey, dance a little closer now Dance a little closer tonight Dance a little closer to me Hey, it's closing time And love's on sale Tonight at this five and dime Eddie played the steel guitar And his mama cried 'cause he played in the bars And he kept young Rita out late at night Soon they married up in Abelene Lost a child in Tennessee But still that love survived And they'd sing Dance a little closer to me Hey, dance a little closer now Dance a little closer tonight One of the boys in Eddie's band Took a shine to Rita's hand So , Eddie ran off with the bass man's wife Oh, but he was back by June Singin' a different tune Sporting Miss Rita back by his side And they'd sing Dance a little closer to me Hey, dance a little closer now Dance a little closer tonight Eddie played in the barroom band 'Til arthritis took his hands Now he sells insurance on the side And Rita's got her house to keep She sells dime store novels with a love so sweet And they dance to the radio late at night and still sing And they'd sing Dance a little closer to me Hey, dance a little closer now Dance a little closer tonight

[@RebeccaOsterbergFamilyandMusic]

Thank you 😊

[@unterwant]

thanks for the words !! I miss the elevator ... smile I love listening Nanci singing and playing !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@530eman]

C’mon man… can it get anymore brutal…

[@rayhoward8188]

@@RebeccaOsterbergFamilyandMusic Spot On REBECCA ,RAY TWELVE STRINGS

[@anneoboyle8447]

❤Much appreciation for you taking the time to share the Lyrics with us here! As a former medical & legal transcriptionist, your act of kindness means so much! (And it drives me crazy that so many songs posted don't think that we love to sing along)! 💐🍀

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

It's 1960 again. I'm 5 years old and my mom and I are sitting at the soda counter at the Woolworth's by our house. I'm sipping my coke and yes, the store smelled just like Nanci said. And the elevator "dinged" like she said. And now it's 2021. That Woolworth's is long gone. And now Nanci is gone, too. Can't stop crying. . .

[@pablohingley2679]

❤

[@jamesconner3437]

💯 ❣❣❣❣ 💯

[@Mark-oj9to]

My paternal grandmother, long since gone now, used to take me to the Woolworths at the old "original" mall in town, also long since gone now or forever changed. We'd get a soda and a hot dog or some such thing and it was the best of life. I miss her so much now and that was forty eight through fifty one years ago I guess. She never had a harsh word for anyone and fed the neighboring children any time they'd come to her home.

[@johnGabryowicz-ev7mz]

Now you're making me cry. I well remember going to Woolworths in Babylon long island over 60 years ago.

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

​@@johnGabryowicz-ev7mz My Woolworth's was in Montreal, Canada. I just watched the video again. And I cried again. . . Take good care!

[@gazelam]

Nanci Griffith’s music is simply beautiful and, in my mind, represents the legacy of the USA similarly to how Norman Rockwell’s art does. At heart, we resonate with her characterization of life.

[@yongcastillo1993]

Just heard this lovely woman passed. Terribly sad tonight, gonna have several drinks, smoke some grass and listen to a whole lotta what she gave us.

Good luck and enjoy. Stay strong 💓💪❤️

[@yongcastillo1993]

@@MikeSmith-uf3zn Enjoy the anonymity of the Internet, sweetheart. You'd never have the stomach to say something like that to my face, up close and personal. Cupcake, you are useless and pathetic.

[@michaelbell9697]

RIP Nanci, a true Texas woman who made beautiful music in this world. Thanks for leaving us such beautiful songs like this one.

[@robertsimpson5136]

When my Aunt Ruth told me that her first job was at the Sommer's Drug store in downtown San Antonio (a local version of Woolworths) in the 1930's.....I asked her what she remembered most about working there and she said "My first boyfriend" with a smile and would say no more about it.....but could not stop smiling. In 2010 or so when she was in her late 80's, she had learned to used Facebook and I would always send her videos I thought she would like. One, was this Video with a Caption....."Remind you of that boyfriend at Sommer's Drugstore?" Over the next few years as she was fading, she would message me and say "I can't find that Five and Dime Store song anymore!". She she didn't get the scrolling thing so I'd post it again and again for her....:) The story in a song doesn't have to be perfect fit....to bring you inside.

[@WxHerk]

Lovely. God BLESS You…

[@gleamac]

When we listened to this song my wife (recently passed) and i remembered visiting the Woolworths store in a little town, Wishaw in Scotland. Precious memories.❤

[@heyeverybody5616]

Sorry for your loss.

[@boxborolad]

Such a talent. This version always gets me, particularly the "Going up" at the end. Rest in peace, Nanci

[@jamesmann9471]

Jim Mann. Such a beautiful woman. Such a beautiful voice. Her songs will live on. Why our creator takes these wonderful people away from us is beyond me. We need them . They help us go on in this world. Even when we see no reason to. God bless you Nanci Griffith. R. I. P.

[@matsfreedom]

For the last 2 years, I've been sidetracked with the "covidian" assault on humanity and didn't listen to much music. I came back to this song, and it made me cry. Amazing.

[@mygoddess1]

@@jamesmann9471 I don't know either James perhaps they needed another angel in the heavenly choir 😀 I still can't figure out why my son was called home last year 😞 when I needed him 😞

[@johndeschenes8369]

Me too!

[@richardbarclay6320]

Going up...choked me

[@lelerussell3623]

RIP Sweet Nanci, you were one of the all-time greats and a deep, deep inspiration to those who had the pleasure and privilege of discovering your music. Goodnight to a mother’s beautiful dream. ❤️❤️

[@davidfollowerofjesuschrist5510]

What a talented, beautiful singer and songwriter we have just lost and maybe the world is just a little darker today but may she rest in peace, love from the 🇬🇧

[@ginocandia5770]

😊😊I'm very pleased to know I'm not the only one that loves the song but when las did you play it.

[@joshbrooks6812]

Yes we go huff FF cutters off g GG add too g GG FF FF FF

[@stevensmith743]

I lived in Austin during this era (still do), and this song brings tears to my eye every time I hear her. Voice of an angel. And I remember that Woolworths with all my heart.

[@utlonghrn78]

The storytelling, the vocals, the guitar... her captivating presence. This is perfection ❤

[@orogenicman]

Hearing that she passed today just took my breath away. Heartbreaking.

[@pablohingley2679]

😢

[@winemeister]

I have no idea why I pressed on this video to play, I have never heard of her before or this song, but in those few minutes and reading the comments below I realise what I have missed, and she is exactly my time of living too. My thoughts are with her family and may she live long in people's minds, I shall seek out more of her music today and weave her into the patchwork of my life, my wife died from cancer many years back and I feel every cancer death personally. RIP Nanci.

[@randalcolucci6833]

Thanks for sharing. I am a physician and have lost many patients to cancer and other illnesses, bu ti n no way am I comparing the magnitude of loss given your loss of your wife. It resonated with me however that you happened to click on this song not knowing Nanci. Your comment choked me up....had to share that and I hope you are well.

[@RebeccaOsterbergFamilyandMusic]

I am so touched by this incredible juncture of love and empathy I can’t help but cry. Thank you.

[@johnpadilla4091]

I found Nanci's music while serving in the Marines and fell in love instantly! Her music has helped me to find love, kept me in touch with friends and loved ones, helped me through the loss of my two sisters, the loss of my father, a divorce, and helped me deal with my son's PTSD from two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. My heart breaks at the news of this wonderful woman's passing. RIP Nanci, thank you for the beautiful songs.

[@bladerunner556]

This woman deserved far more recognition and success. Her beautiful voice, music, lyrics are mesmerizing.

[@joefran619]

I'm 63 why am I just hearing this? So beautiful.

[@johnholland723]

You can't know everything musically. I'm the same way when I discovered someone powerful

[@matthewtarka2804]

66......where was I......

Because she flew under the radar.

[@JamesPriest-vk8dd]

It's because Austin blows when it comes to celebrating Nancy.. I'm 70 and will be moving back soon, grandkids.. I am going to make it a mission to get Nancy her do

[@fishhuntadventure]

Actually, she flew way over it. She wasn’t tuned up for the radio- great albums, absolutely fantastic live.

[@carlolen5544]

It's September, 2024 and I'm watching this for the hundredth (?) or thousandth (?) time. I'll be 78 soon and still get a tear every time.

[@stevenflood5192]

Seen Nanci play in Dundrum Co Tipperary Ireland i think it was 1991 / 92 brings back such memories to me ever time i hear her . Amazing voices of my younger years.

[@datgrrl5698]

... love's on sale tonite at this five and dime...

[@ronsingel9512]

It always hurts to lose an artist. A singer. Writer...a painter....they saw life differently.....

[@Sugrshane]

They certainly do!!

[@lconger]

They saw life..., embelished.

[@enchantedcauldron]

Oh man, if this song doesn't just take you back to a simpler, sweeter time. Thank you, Nanci...

[@brianwade879]

First listen !

[@mikebastiat]

Before the State attacked all of society.

[@Craig-bz3dm]

Yes it does My Dear 💖💖💖

[@frankmelkert9503]

Agree. Had a Woolworths in London Ontario just like that. Rest peaceful

[@elizabethgordon9785]

This was the last song my husband heard as he passed away peacefully in Jan 2019, before Lockdowns, VAX Passports and Afghanistan. Simple sweet, thank you. X

[@ouime60]

I had the privilege to share a stage with Nanci many years ago. I remember being surprised at how high her lovely speaking voice was compared to her beautiful singing voice. I also remember how lovely she was and how talented she was.

[@beckyevepete]

The first time I heard her speak I thought it she was a child! Such a sweet, tiny voice! Then as she started singing, I was blown away by the powerful voice coming out of such a tiny person! Loved her immediately. Shortly after I had to go through back surgery (2 more followed through the next several yrs). I was so tense & in so much pain, my loved ones brought me music with a head set to the hospital! I could never thank her enough for helping get me through some extremely difficult time. One of the top singer/ songwriters ever! Can't believe she's gone

[@jamespriest9658]

I had a crush on Nanci since 79. She could roar like a lion when she wanted to. Armadillo/Threadgills wherever the songs where fresh red dirt stories, she was there swapping with the fellas. Gals charm could melt the devil himself. I'm petitioning city to put up a statue. No idea why it's not already done. Spread the word, I'll spread the petition.

[@mmacmobile]

This performance always puts a lump in my throat. Beautiful lady with a beautiful voice.

[@jerrodbrown7737]

So sad to hear of the passing of Nanci Griffith, an artist who crafted songs that have moved me for over 30 years. In 1991 I was a recent college graduate trying to find my way in the world and a friend shared some of his Nancy Griffith cassettes with me. I particularly remember the live album “One Fair Summer Evening”. The songs were full of joy, introspection, hope, longing, and love- and they resonated with me deeply. But even more powerfully, her banter between songs reminded me of the experiences of my people and resonated with my history. To this day I can remember things she said between songs on that album. I began to collect most of her albums on CD and even saw her in concert a couple of times. My wife and I have often had her music as a steady soundtrack on our road trips. I sure wish we could have heard her sing live in that sweet, Texas accent just one more time…

[@lucyvonherff8936]

My story with her music is almost identical to yours. I can’t believe how sad her passing has made me.

[@carriekeck740]

Right there with you. Gutted at her passing.

[@jlangguth1]

I was a sophomore in college1989 when I first heard this album. Has been a soundtrack for my life. So sad at her passing and so grateful for her words and music to help me through life.

[@simonbunyan3661]

Incredibly sad news, but that voice and those wonderful songs will live forever RIP Nanci

[@jojobo9265]

There will never be another Miss Nanci.

[@manchesterblue2007]

if you love this song it will love you right back

[@LinkRocks]

I love that!

[@scottgavin2733]

Gorgeous

[@kerensabirch5214]

Are you writing this on all her song clips?

[@edwardsbarbara25]

Wonderfully said

[@WayneMickel]

Excellent song

[@macs7641]

Nothing about ANY aspect of Nanci and this performance that isn't just simply perfect - perfect. This clip wins You Tube. Her spoken intro deserves an award in its own right - her timing is amazing and oddly brings a lump to my throat every time, such a beautiful accent she has. Effortless (but I'm sure it wasn't), and adore the way her voice breaks that little bit as she's saying goodbye. I 've also trawled all the other versions of this online and for me, this is the best version. Oh - having watched it and listened to it for the umpteenth time - watch out for her little raised eyebrow with a twinkle in her eye and smile after the first ‘elevator sound' note, as she sings the first verse, having explained its origin in the intro!

[@johnpastirchak1053]

A little too sophisticated for their own good, unforgiving critics would rough her up-- some for sounding too country, others for not sounding country enough. How stupid. Fans love Nanci for being and sounding like, "Nanci."

[@rossjoseph3844]

I get the same lump. Beautiful song.

[@fishhuntadventure]

John Pastirchak Exactly. The presentation and fidelity to the storytelling is nearly unmatched. Like a feminine version of Merle Haggard on some of those beautiful, obscure cuts he did.

[@johnpastirchak1053]

@@fishhuntadventure -- Couldn't have articulated it any better.

[@bobaldo2339]

To me Nanci and Iris were and are the real class of what we used to sometimes call alternative country - still are.

[@maryannfiore5329]

I can't believe she is gone. I was a Woolworth's counter girl at 16,about 50 years ago...woke up this morning with this song playing in my head and just had to see her perform it! A brilliant artist and storyteller who will be greatly missed. Rest in peace,Nanci; ,heaven is enhanced by your singing now.

[@taphhedrof1045]

I saw her preforming in Cork in 2010 at the Everyman Palace Theatre. Hearing Nancy live singing From a Distance was magical. RIP Wonderful talented Lady.

[@Clothahump1]

I used to eat lunch in the very Woolworth's in Austin that she is talking about. And man, is she ever correct about the store's unique scent. I love this song.

[@whalesong999]

Oh, my, Woolworth's, W.T. Grant, etc. When I was a boy, that undeniable scent and the creaking of the strip-oak wood floors as we walked. Little boy dreaming, looking at the modest countertop bins of toys. I recall Nanci from seeing her on Austin City Limits, decades ago. There was another popular female singer of similar style there too but don't recall the name right now.

[@libertyann439]

The one in my hometown of LA smelled the same!

[@lurking0death]

They all smelled like that. Gum, carmel corn, peanuts, hot pretzels.

[@pamelajordan2890]

Got it I'm getting old 🤣 been there.

[@johnjill3900]

Such a sweet song to hear on such a sad day. RIP Nanci Griffith

[@bellowphone]

She wins the internet, for getting the greatest number of boys to fall hopelessly in love with her while watching her videos. Speaking for a friend.

[@Oakheart]

So true even now as she is finally ageing a tiny bit.

[@markkubiak8296]

So true! I'm one of them!!

[@nathanielcromartie8924]

I could understand why. However, this video is over 30 years old.

[@mjt11860]

she just took my heart just now.

[@mikeparker5008]

Still sucks...

[@stevehilliard2342]

I have been playing music since 1959 -- no brag --- just fact , I have never heard such perfection in a crafted song and the performance there of . Thanks , Nanci !

[@randymesser5904]

Angel voice.

[@jackietidball280]

Tears falling, but heart swelling. RIP, Nanci!

[@davidstarr8990]

It's hard to watch this video without tearing up. I have been following Nancy forever and have ALL the music. It breaks my heart that she had to leave so soon. Her music rings in my ears and my heart. I love you Nancy !

[@splehcar]

Lyrics: Rita was sixteen years Hazel eyes and chestnut hair She made the Woolworth counter shine And Eddie was a sweet romancer And a darn good dancer And they waltzed the aisles of the five and dime And they'd sing Dance a little closer to me Hey, dance a little closer now Dance a little closer tonight Dance a little closer to me Hey, it's closing time And love's on sale Tonight at this five and dime Eddie played the steel guitar And his mama cried 'cause he played in the bars And he kept young Rita out late at night Soon they married up in Abelene Lost a child in Tennessee But still that love survived And they'd sing Dance a little closer to me Hey, dance a little closer now Dance a little closer tonight One of the boys in Eddie's band Took a shine to Rita's hand So , Eddie ran off with the bass man's wife Oh, but he was back by June Singin' a different tune Sporting Miss Rita back by his side And they'd sing Dance a little closer to me Hey, dance a little closer now Dance a little closer tonight Eddie played in the barroom band 'Til arthritis took his hands Now he sells insurance on the side And Rita's got her house to keep She sells dime store novels with a love so sweet And they dance to the radio late at night and still sing And they'd sing Dance a little closer to me Hey, dance a little closer now Dance a little closer tonight Songwriters: Nanci Griffith Love at the Five & Dime lyrics © BMG Rights Management

[@singmysong1167]

Thanks for the lyrics! Sometimes I don't understand the words, and can't read lips.

[@daniellemos7751]

I just discovered Nanci. I fell in love with her and her sweet voice... I went to research her and found out that she died in 2021. My heart broke and a tear rolled over here. She sang with her heart and soul.

[@opiedawg1]

Rest easy, Nanci. You will be missed.

[@larryjames8617]

Heart-broken, but glad she blessed this planet with her music and her soul.

[@kennyhussey4889]

We need more of these songs than all the BS they are trying to pass off as songs these days .

[@derekwyatt8376]

Oh my heart is heavy today , she truly was one of my musical hero's . The first time I heard her I was mesmerized and I just sat and listened to every story and every song . This was the first one I heard with the story of the Woolworth store . Rest in peace Nanci 💔 , you and John prine are once together again making beautiful music

[@marlinguy1955]

The saddest line ever: "Eddie traveled with the band 'til arthritis took his hands, now he sells insurance on the side." It makes me want to whimper, every time.

[@fishhuntadventure]

What? The story of a love grown stronger is the current that flows beneath a timeline of life with heartbreaks and changes we all experience in life if we’re fortunate to not die too young. They figured it out. What a heart-rending story. Renders the stuff from your heart and pours out your eyes. That he aged as they matured and she began writing dime store novels of “a love so sweet” is not tragic, it is beautiful.

[@oliverwayne1797]

Why. Arthritis isn't very bad. I have arthritis and my hands don't hurt all the time. But he would still have arthritis selling insurance. Only then he would have tendonitis so he really didn't help himself.

[@Craig-bz3dm]

@@oliverwayne1797 I don't think he meant the arthritis sir . If you were a Musician , you would know EXACTLY what he meant . Not being able to play your instrument is a life sentence , believe me when I tell you 💔💔

[@hazelwray4184]

@@oliverwayne1797 Arthritis isn't very bad? - My aunt had her arthritic hands operated on. In fact she's had several operations due to Arthritis. It's been crippling and often agonising for her.

[@jojobroom]

This was the song that introduced me to Nanci. RIP and thanks for the most wonderful songs over the years.

[@johngregg388]

Dead at 68: We will miss her playing and singing.

[@elsie911]

My father who past 30 years ago introduced me to Nancy's music as teenager in the 80's. I wasn't a big fan but I know a great artist when I hear one. Funny how you get older that songs take on a greater meaning & tug at the heart strings. Just listened to this numerous times & I'm blubbering like a baby. Fortunately due to Covid I am the only one in the office! Now I got to go search her back catalog of music & I have a whole weekend to myself to do so!.

[@wmpmacm]

So true.

[@donnazalapski2097]

So heartbroken to hear of her passing today. Missing you already 💔

[@notjusttherealmccoy]

My Grandmother was swept off her feet by a Woolworth's co-worker with one of the all time classic lines. My Grandfater Clint simply asked Vada " What is a million dollar girl doing working in a five & dime." Nanci, thank you for immortalizing this memory in a song so well done!

[@waynejones205]

That's a Good'un! Too bad we don't have five'n dimes now. Dollar stores though....think it's work there? :D Seriously, very Sweet!

[@jbdmed]

great story !!

[@bradmossman7201]

Who among us did not love Woolworths? And if you mock this comment, "I challenge you to a duel sir" Nerf guns at 10 feet!

[@mygoddess1]

@@bradmossman7201 I loved my Woolworths store :)

[@mariapark2374]

I will never forget you Nanci, you made the world a whole lot sweeter. R. I. P.

[@robertsmith9810]

@gregnormal5101 i keep come in back to hear Nanci sing you have a nice day

[@colinmcalister5243]

Funny how a person’s goodness just shines through. I wish I had have known her and her music a long time ago.

[@randymeyer6482]

She played many times at a small club along the Ct River in northern VT....she was an awesome person...God bless you Nanci.

[@beatrixjones2982]

She was special. RIP Miss Nancy. I danced to your song’s many times . Brings back memories. 💙

[@charleswarth1333]

this is the first time I have heard this song and artist. It will not be my last. Iove the song and I love the lady's voice.

[@mpec9405]

She was so good, a one of a kind voice and personality. Rest in God's Peace!

[@ppierquet1]

So sad Nanci is no longer with us....what a wonderful singer/songwriter. She'll never be replaced....such beautiful music! I regret that I never saw her live in concert...thanks to these KZbin videos, though I'm sure it is not the same as seeing her live. One of our treasures lost... :-(((

[@rjs1111]

May our memories of her music be a blessing.

[@VY10MH7]

Some songs are better than other songs, and this is one of them.

[@darbycrash4802]

God moves in mysterious ways, and every once in a while, if the image is right, you catch the beauty of the creation and you think "how can I be worthy" ! Bless her soul. Rest In Peace Miss Griffith.