Sleeps Dark and Silent Gate

Jackson Brown (The original JB)

[@markcrosby5874]

Written after the suicide of his first wife Phyllis. The baby he references was his then one or two year old son who he was left to raise alone. Been a massive fan since I was 10. Seen Jackson over 100 times and my most prized possession is a picture of him and I at a benefit concert for Rawanda. Beautiful person and for my money the greatest lyricist of all time!

[@stargazer6753]

+ Mark. You are one of the few people who know the real life story.

[@kellykordie1759]

After hearing his music for many years, I am truly in a place in life where I can now feel the meaning in his words. I am hearing songs for the 1st time and I simply cannot get enough. He is with me on the treadmill each morning, my office everyday and in my car to/from everywhere I go. I'm loving the ride❤

[@jamestohill8287]

The entire album made after that tragedy. One of the most profound groupings of music I have ever heard

[@stargazer6753]

@@jamestohill8287 Yes , indeed , but the problem is people assume that all of the songs were written within these horrible circumstances, which is just not true. Only one song was written after the suicide and it was “Sleeps Dark and Silent Gate.” You can find it out with Google. It is all very sad. Some of the songs seem prescient , but there is no evidence of such. We have to take Jackson’s word.

[@DeenDesperado]

Yup. I actually read about it in an article in the Time magazine in the early 80's. They were kind of reviewing his latest album at the time, Lawyers In Love but also touched on the suicide subject that he wrote on one of his previous albums. Never heard the song before, got curious and went to get the particular album. I listened to Sleep's Dark and Silent Gate and the rest of The Pretender, and became a fan ever since.

[@sjs928]

He has the gift to say more in 2 min than most do in a lifetime

[@iamintheburg]

+Steve Sullivan His two minutes can usually make me feel a Lifetime in the truth of living a basic and oblivious life. I hope he knows how very much we appreciate those two minutes or six minutes that he gives to us.

[@sjs928]

Yeah... Just watched and LISTENED again....such good stuff

[@sjs928]

Had to go back and soak this in . Such great stuff. You're in " the burg " ? ...cant be Pittsburgh...ther would be an"h" on the end...

[@iamintheburg]

I live in Harrisburg. I bought LATE FOR THE SKY in January of 1975, when Rolling Stone named it one of the best of '74. WAS I LUCKY, OR WHAT ?? I still have the lyric sheet that Asylum would send by request. I have kept that original record all these years, too; it's going into my pyramid with me so's I can dance and sing my way through the tunnel into the light.

[@sjs928]

+iamintheburg ...Haaa...thats funny...

[@kentbeery8653]

Absolutely one of the Best musicians of our time. ....

[@JamesHarris-hl2bm]

Agreed. His female counterpart, in my mind is Mary Chapin Carpenter. Another absolutely masterful songwriter.

[@garymorris4526]

Combination of great song writing and a younger generation hungry for complexity!! ✌️❤️

[@lisamalone5219]

Yes he is.... Beautiful. Thank you, Jackson Browne 🦋🐝🥊

[@jimmyjames2170]

So difficult to say for sure because he’s written so many incredible songs but this might be the one that most stops me in my tracks. Wrecks me every time.

[@stargazer6753]

About the death of his wife and his very much alive baby boy.

[@TheDanprusaitis]

There are two versions of this song on Amazon Prime but neither one hits like this one does. I love love love Jackson Browne, don't get me wrong.

[@maryannchamplin878]

He wrote this whole album after his wife committed suicide. This is the one song he admits to being about her😪

[@swellofthespeakers]

Especially the "Oh God, this is some shape I'm in" lyric. Heartbreaking.

[@Spiderlash97]

Me too

[@sjs928]

Bonnie Raitt and Graham Nash telling it like it is for the intro … true

[@MelodyLovesMusic]

All of his songs are so precious and comforting in a way that no other artist can do. We simply understand.

[@derblae52]

I am of the generation that was there with "Doctor My Eyes." I have been there since. Joni Mitchell and Jackson Browne were my run-tos.. When things got bad,I would play Blue or The Pretender. I am crying now hearing this version. God bless Jackson Browne.

[@cowsongs]

I discovered this when I was 17. The songs of maturity and sorrow were beautiful. But they were abstract things that happened to "somebody else" at that age. Now, some 40+ years on, whether sadly, beautifully, or happily, the things Jackson Browne wrote about in those songs have all happened to me in one way or another.

[@brianmullins5824]

'I found my love too late',brings me to tears every time

[@stargazer6753]

Yes . How horrible. She was dead when he arrived home , without a clue.

[@DougWittrock]

"I don't know what love has to do with happiness". True words.

[@twinsinger]

My absolute favorite Jackson Browne song, among so many others, it goes right through to your soul!

[@rockdog6801]

This is one of the best songs ever

[@jwattfaqir]

his music touches me to my very soul. always has. always will. Fountain of Sorrow is my very favorite song.

[@iamintheburg]

Oh yeah, Julie Faqir : I read in Rolling Stone that LATE FOR THE SKY was one of the best LP's of 1974, so I bought it in January of '75 and it didn't leave my turntable - we had record players then - for a good 6 months. Nothing else played, because nothing else mattered. Fountain of Sorrow is the best song ever written or felt or lived. Fountain of Sorrow is as real and basic as the breath in your lungs or the humanity in your soul.

[@albertschepis]

The best way to express something is to tell a story, like this, of a moment in time... this moment lasting six months... He does does lay it out there for us to grab and hold onto, like the loves we lose I suppose. He inspired us all to think poetically. I love it. Love man. It's so vital you want to just die than do without it, once you've found it.

[@iamintheburg]

Albert John Paul Schepis Yes -- to think of having to do without JB and his music and words : what a loss of emotion and intensity and human-ness . You said it : it's vital. Necessary to your life, once you're lucky enough to make it part of your life.

[@cindyinnew]

As is mine...

[@dianesaienni5466]

Such a short song that says so much. This is one of my many favorites from Jackson. Purely love it.

[@sjs928]

Bonnie summed it up … “ truthful and heartbreaking at the same time “ … we’ve been through that …

[@angelbulldog4934]

Rainy, warm Saturday afternoon in Chapel Hill, NC. Stretched out on the bed with my bf at the time. He put on "Saturate Before Using". Right from the first note, I was more in love with the music that I could've ever been with him. I'm devoted enough to have seen JB in a hurricane. Stood ankle deep in rain in the VIP tent. We were all drenched through to the skin. One of the most memorable nights of my life.

[@JamesHarris-hl2bm]

I remember when I first heard this one. I was only 24 years old and it's just as powerful today. Has a similar feel as Sky Blue and Black, Another among his many brilliant songs.

[@carolinen5396]

Heartbreaking song beautiful! He is a true treasure in songwriting, gets right into your soul.

[@kentbeery8653]

TRUTH

[@zacharyjones4945]

I believe he is one of the best songwriters ever

[@RayFryMidasKingproductions]

Jackson is such a talented songwriter who digs far deeper than most songwriters of today. He is unfortunately a dying breed.

[@maryannchamplin878]

I play this song often in honor of our beloved grandson, Jackson, who died at age 2 months old. He would have been turning one this month 😪

[@texasstardust6010]

....I am so sorry for the loss of your little grandson... How heartbreaking that must be. I pray that The Archangels help you cope with such a loss. I also have a grandson, ....named Jaxson. 🙏🏻🙏🏻💫

[@125Tiquer1]

Much love and hugs!

[@yogavnture1]

a living legend

[@billblaney2522]

the greatest 2 min in history of music

[@meganatzei]

Jackson is "brilliant" when it comes to the HEART....he always speaks to my soul!

[@jojomelicor2198]

Song-writing artistry at its best!!! Hands-down, the best song-writer on earth. Never tire of this man & his songs. I have this DVD but wonder if it is now available on BD.

[@nyrichiek]

He is the one artist who truly gives me goosebumps when i listen to him. I think the only other two that come even close for me in Linda Ronstadt and Dan Fogelberg.

[@opadennis]

I did not know why he wrote this song. If I could ask him one question it would be, "Do you realize how good a songwriter you are and how many lives you have touched?" I'm 65 now; been listening to his songs forever; have every one of his albums; took my three sons to see him in Albuquerque years ago - their first concert. I guess I'm a fan.

[@stargazer6753]

I know why he wrote this song.

[@stargazer6753]

He wrote this song as he was finishing up the album " the Pretender" It was the only song on the album that dealt directly with his wife's death. The lyrics , "And the only time I seem to cry, is when I see the kindness in my baby's eye" related to his baby boy and Jackson's feeling of desolation. Many of the other songs on the album appear to be related to her death, but they were all written before. An example would be " The Only Child". It starts out " Boy of mine" and then I start to cry. "I found my love too late" refers to coming home in the wee hours of the morning after working all night in the studio recording "The Pretender" only to find his wife had died and he was too late to save her. Scott Thurston's background singing refers to the song "Your Bright Baby Blues". Every word of this song is heartbreaking.

[@Goralyna123]

This song kills me! The depth of loneliness & depression. It's almost too much.

[@jacksonbrownepuppy]

this song is absolutely heartbreaing... only Jackson writes like this...

[@johnoshea3349]

Sadly beautiful. His songs have a wonderful way to affect us in so many different ways. The incredible ability by an artist is very rare. JB has this gift.

[@murraylee9558]

SO beautiful...taking a tragic moment from his own life (the passing of his wife) and sharing that "moment" in a way that transcends the singular event and becomes something we can all feel and relate to so deeply. Incredible song...so much feeling.

[@stargazer6753]

You said it best. The only song that addressed the loss of his wife and the love of his son. Jackson always said that the listener needs to take away his interpretation . . . . Well, you and Jackson said it best in and from this video.

[@Joey3203]

What a beutiful and sad song... can't stop listening to it. It's gotta be hard for him to sing it to people, considering the fact that he wrote it for his wife who committed suicide.

[@stargazer6753]

I had the same thought, but that is what Jackson did back then. He once said (somewhere?) , “The only thing I can ever really know is myself”. An example par excellance of the introspective singer/songwriter.

[@1950BobbyF]

This song is stunningly beautiful & heart-touching. What world do I live in where this song gets 16,093 views & Justin "Baby, Baby" Bieber gets 75 million views? I live in a world which has embraced mediocrity.

[@twotetah]

1950BobbyF It's a damn shame.

[@jasontinmar]

I have been a fan of Jackson since the early 80s when I was 12 years old. All my friends were into Wham, Madonna and all that stuff. I was into Jackson and his beautiful songs. I still am into him and I am 42 years old now. Fan for Life !

[@joeseeking3572]

Discovered this album (this, Dewars, and a few other things) when I was 16 in the record collection of a woman twice my age. She hadn't had an easy life; she was both hard and vulnerable - bent but not broken. And a redhead. There were.... complications, lol. But I became and remain an instant fan of Jackson's music. As with so many others, it has helped me through some rough times - but also facilitated some really satisfying reflections which have now morphed into mellowed, bittersweet but pleasant memories.

[@ThePico1950]

I never, never tire of this man or his music... Just Beautiful....

[@zacharyjones4945]

Jackson Browne is such a talented artist.he will bring you up to the heavens and bring you down to your knees at the same time I love it

[@owenpatrizio1922]

Love this total hero, what an amazing talent, grew up listening to his music and seen him in concert too many times to remember.

[@iamintheburg]

The simple and basic words of " Oh, God, this is some shape I'm in " and it says all that you are in your frail, weak, mistaken and tragically mis-timed human life. Then, you hear, " The times when we were happy / Were the times we never tried " and it's all here and now and up close and personal and so very lucid and easy to understand. So you tear up, and your throat lumps, and your heart throbs with the intensity of the realization that you're special, and unique, and exceptional, only because you're like Everybody Else who's lucky enough to grow up and experience a Life with the fun, joy, challenge, excitement, regret and Loss of those times when you never tried. Thank you, JB.

[@hogsbelly63]

Wow

[@eugeniodgv]

iamintheb

[@beckylink]

Well said, lamintheberg!!

[@iamintheburg9820]

Thankyaverrymuch.

[@Jazzabor]

That's one deep review. JB sure gonna love it like me!

[@4FabBEATLES]

its from the "Going Home" documentary that originally aired on Disney. It's now on DVD thru wwwDOTjacksonbrowneDOTcom and itunes. Its full of wonderful live footage and insightful commentary by Browne as well as others who have wrote and played with him throughout the years.

[@stargazer6753]

" I found my love too late" and " the only thing that makes me cry is the kindness in my baby's eye". When I first discovered the circumstances of this song, the tears just started flowing and wouldn't stop until at least 10 listenings.

[@cdhanks]

It is a heart wrenching song, so much soul in under 3 minutes. JB is the best.

[@garymorris4526]

"taking an isolated incident that happened to you and turning it into poetry that is general enough for everybody else to be able to relate to"

[@locheestewart9540]

I have listened to Jackson Browne since I was a boy in the seventies and I feel I an better for it in many ways

[@JohnnyTheWad1]

sittin' down by the highway lookin' down the rode waitin' for a ride I dont know where ive been wishin' I could fly away don't know where I'm going wishin I could hide... oh God this is some shape im in when the only thing that makes me cry is the kindness in my baby's eye

[@stargazer6753]

Thank you Johnny. “Sittin’ down by the highway” is a reference to an earlier song, “Your Bright Baby Blues” which was surely written about Phylis Major.

[@mauricebrouillette4731]

I will always be one of his devoted fans. He goes where most songwriters only dream they could go. He works hard to delve into our inner soul as he does by sharing his own. We all share what this artist shows in our own humanity. Always a fan.....

[@nightingaleofsorrow9349]

Kindred spirits indeed! He’s a magician with words and music! 💕🎼💕

[@Spiderlash97]

I love to read the comments because I’ve never found anyone who appreciates and loves him like I do. Nice to see other people on here very recently. Love you, Jackson! ❤

[@stonemichaels1774]

Even not knowing the story behind this song, I can't watch it through clear eyes. Unreal.

[@2510katjo]

This song brings tears to my eyes. It is so beautiful and so special. I know this song was a long time ago but i relate to it even now, wondering where all those years have gone. Jackson is and always has been my favorite artist.

[@SueHasy]

This song just takes my breath away. This is what I wish to have played at my funeral when I go. I have told my family but I know they will never remember. So if anyone wants to remind them, please do. I just love this song. Thanks!

[@SueHasy]

I still love this song more than ever.

[@jacksonbrownepuppy]

makes me cry...had the opportunity a few years ago to sit in the 1st row @ the Palace in NYC.....I can't even find the words to describe how that felt....I have loved his music/him for 40 years...his music has been with me through all of the phases of my life...good/bad...crazy, I know but I named my Maltese Jackson Browne....

[@jshelledy1]

Where would we be without him?

[@JawremChongthu]

This song still hits me to the core

[@JamesMiles619]

Oh god this is some shape i'm in

[@JEMMAW300]

This is my very favorite version of this song & video...just amazing...thank you Jackson & Scott (from OR) !!!❤️❤️❤️🙏✌️😎

[@kevinmcnamara2082]

Short and amazingly beautiful. Sometimes a few minutes are enough to show your heart.

[@marmcmick]

Another "masterpiece" by Jackson Browne.

[@bfsheri]

Never should had to try so hard to make a love work out, sleeps dark and silent gate, when the only thing that makes me cry..sometimes I lay awake at night and wonder..the songs he writes makes you wonder, they touch your soul..

[@hedlines]

He's a poet. And I wore this album out in college.

[@KCChief1558]

Exactly!!!!! One of the greatest lyrics ever, and you hear the emotion in his voice EVERY TIME he sings it!

[@buddyskinner1633]

This is one of my favorite Jackson Browne songs, especially this version. Scott Thurston is fantastic as well.

[@stephaniefortney22]

❤filled with and tears…. Always

[@debraanderson4738]

Jackson is the best buying rate to rock on

[@sjs928]

Just HAD to watch/ LISTEN to this again.... What a truly amazing gift these guys have...one take. Bonnie.really sums it up...truth and heartbreaking , but beautiful.

[@danielmendicino6551]

Great songwriter & beautiful song!! Who would dislike is my question!!!!!

[@christinepersak1801]

All of us Jackson Browne's fans also wonder "where the years have gone. . ." He was young when he wrote and recorded this though he had experienced pain. I would like to hear him sing those final lines now that he is much older. I know I could feel the weight of those lyrics as well.

[@courtneypanzer3655]

Lately I've been drawn to Jackson Browne's songs and life story. I don't really know why. My dad loved his music when I was a child and often played his tapes in our car in the 70's. I had a difficult childhood and adolescence that has stayed with me well into middle age. I've been thinking about my past, reflecting, and the memories of listening to "Running On Empty" started echoing in my mind. I started researching Browne's life story and tragedies and felt such a rekindled connection to his music. "Shape of a Heart"is my favorite; so haunting and raw. His lyrics could have been my written about my childhood, even though they are about his beautiful 1st wife, Phyllis. I hope Mr. Browne has found peace all these years later. I'm sure he will be reunited with her in heaven and they will complete the shape of a heart together.

[@nanbyu]

Saw his pic in an old 64' yearbook at the library at High School (sunny hills, fullerton ca.)...Clyde Browne...a sophmore in 64...my neighbors sister said he always had his guitar with him, played at parties occasionally...

[@thomaskearns193]

Makes my heart ache. All if us benefit frim this type of experience. Thank you.

[@helenpengelly1108]

I have loved every song he ever wrote and he is so gorgeous I love him from afar!

[@thegreatsongtraveler]

Sometimes I lie awake at night and wonder Where the years have gone They have all passed under sleep’s dark and silent gate

[@sallumetta5620]

Thanks Jackson... I heard you on the radio in the late 70's. Came to age with you in the 80's. And made it through a dark period with you in the late 90's-early 00's. It helped sometimes to know that you had lived in emotional pain and loneliness too. I don't know your story and nobody else but you really will. Just sobbing with you playing on my CD player or iPod always seemed to help.

[@IanAnderson888]

Stunning....

[@jackiefields6032]

Jackson Browne is my very favorite songwriter EVER! I ADORE HIM" JACKIE ODEN

[@srfgrn]

Scott Thurston is an amazing musician also!

[@mlady204103]

Oh the way Jackson plays those chords makes my heart skip a beat! Most touching and sexiest video on youtube by far. I can't stop clicking replay.

[@lisamalone5219]

I Love this Song with Gregs Background Vocals. 😊❤✌️

[@friarskid85]

I would HIGHLY recommend buying the DVD "Going Home" It was Disney so I wasn't sure hwo it would be done.....it is amazing. Watched it 4 times since Christmas. The old pictures, the behind the scenes stories, and the music are all phenomanel.

[@metark]

This is one of my favorite Jackson Browne videos.

[@Gloria-ck3yn]

What A singer songwriter

[@LifelongDive]

Heaven is the greatness to walk hell out the door, one step at a time. I'm thinking of his lyrics as I write this for myself.

[@peterjohnson4811]

the older i get it all makes more sense . We are all wandering around emotional scattered misfittsss

[@pwg0070]

Great lyrics and melody. "The only thing that makes me cry is the kindness in my baby's eyes". So many beautiful messages. The times that we were happy, were the times we never tried.

[@stargazer6753]

Phillip, you are right on with the lyrics. So sad. To quote Jackson , " You can't hide from sorrow".

[@karmas-twin]

For my Matty on his 60th b-day... Sending to the heavens for him... RIP I love you, KK

[@livelife4263]

Breaks my heart, but, beautiful

[@dianesaienni5466]

Hands down my favorite

[@tkdove14]

Awesome. THE BEST! Thanks so much for posting.

[@weatwilliam]

Incredible.Think about where we go-where we end up...Beautiful song...

[@jacksonbrownepuppy]

can't get enough of this...

[@davidmaholchic6146]

What a stellar performance

[@helenmarko]

Littkerl, I used to play this a lot in my pensive mood, because sometimes you just have to cry and let it all out. Jackson Brown's music helped me heal from a nasty divorce many years ago. Thank you very much for sharing this video.

[@crazeedogs]

Jackson you sing the songs of my soul and my life.

[@ronshull2205]

Always think of you with this song sorry I'm just listening to music this afternoon

[@Lyle-f8h]

Love Jackson, miss David

[@jeansanders5549]

Always loved this song the words are beautiful and the piano is awesome what can I say so true

[@hollycipriani6895]

Absolutely beautiful...

[@daisymaevillas1052]

This is another one great piece..simply superb🎶🎧

[@1penteman]

What a GREAT SongMaster this guy is !!!! I go way back with him 72 and SONG for Adam tore me up !!!! He's a genius.....and he continues with words and music that fit together PERFECTLY. Try TOO MANY ANGELS ( Unreal ) and In The Shape Of A Heart ( About His Fights with his x and inspired by her suicide !! )

[@hogsbelly63]

Brings tears to my eyes. Superb.

[@justawaiterminute]

One of those songs you want to share on FB, but decide that it's best to enjoy alone.

[@sazzz8g456]

THE HARMONY! AMAZING!

[@peterroberts542]

Powerful and beautiful

[@kimwatson7463]

Beautiful! Stunning!