Agreed. There are many achingly beautiful versions of this song - John Prine, Robert Plant/Alison Krauss get memorable & haunting awards too - but the 2 you mention are the very best for me too. Really can't choose between them...
oh lordy, i love this so much! Shawn, i could gladly just listen to you play this for the rest of eternity in heaven, if that's the way things turned out to a' bein. but nonetheless completely psyched that i've gotten to hear shawn play this live a coupla times at Tupelo Music Hall in Derry NH and hope i get to again.
"Killing the Blues" is by Rowland (Roly) Salley. He recorded what I consider to be the definitive version on Woodstock Mountains: Music from Mud Acres (an amazing collection that includes Pat Alger, Rory Block, Bill Keith, Jim Rooney, Eric Anderson, John Sebastian, just to name a few), but Roly's song is the standout! He also recorded it on his recent solo album, Killing the Blues. Roly is the bass player for Chris Isaak. Check out Roly doing the song at a Chris Isaak concert on CZcams.
TimMcMullen For some reason I took out my old lp of More Songs From Mudacres, which I have not listened to in several years. While listening to this great lp, I started to think back @ the many times I saw this group @ The Other End in Greenwich Village between 1977-80. Each performance seemed to get better. The one constant in each of their performances was the audiences outstanding reaction to Roly Salley's "Killing the Blues." It is great to discover that this fabulous song has been covered by so many artists. It also great to find someone who remembers the origins of this musical treasure.😀
Oh, leaves were falling They're just like embers In colors red and gold they set us on fire Burning just like moonbeams in our eyes Someone said they saw me They said I was swinging the world by the tail Bouncing over the white clouds That I was killing the blues Just killing the blues Well, I am guilty of something That I hope you never do 'Cause nothing is sadder Than losing yourself in love Someone said they saw me They said I was swinging the world by the tail Bouncing over the white clouds Just killing the blues Just killing the blues Oh, when you asked me Just to leave you And set out on my own to find what I needed You asked me to find what I already had Someone said they saw me They said I was swinging the world by the tail Bouncing over the white clouds I was killing the blues Just killing the blues Someone said they saw me They said I swinging the world by the tail Bouncing over the white clouds I was killing the blues Been killing the blues Just killing the blues
This is NOT a "Prine Song" (i.e., by John Prine). it was covered by Prine, but it is written by Rowland Salley. Colvin does a wonderful job with this song IMHO.
Agreed. I love this song, particularly JP's album version (as opposed to any of the live ones I've seen on here), but Shawn nails it for me. Simple, poignant...wonderful
@TimMcMullen PS, YES it's a truly fuckin great song an I'm busy trying to nail it on the guitar! But I'm 60, and there's SO MUCH music to hear. I haven't got enough time left to get too hung up on one song! You tube is such an endless source of pleasure and DISTRACTION ! (without looking at any vids of skateboarding dogs or folk falling on their arses) I may never get a chance to actually play MY geetar again! Just found Ray Wylie Hubbard ; WOW ! ! where's HE bin hiding all my long life !??
Well Phil, I can only conclude you must (3 months ago) have been ignorant of Salley's original. The Stringer/Wilson version has nice harmonies but with his lead vocal being stronger and having to hand the melody over and sing harmony is what ruins it for me. That, and the fact that their version is virtually devoid of the true emotion within and behind the song, nope, surely NOT the best.
@longjonwhite Thanks for the tip, Longjon. Grumpy Coyote Tunes does a unique talk/sing version; quite interesting. The thing about the guitar is that it doesn't matter: this song is so good that you can finger pick it, flat pick it, strum it, play it on the banjo, the ukelele, the autoharp, a capella w/ harmonica, faster, slower, it just kills. I haven't recorded this one; I post mostly originals, except for my 3 musical lectures, but I sing this one for fun. Maybe I'll add my version sometime.
@TimMcMullen Of the twenty-five versions that I have, about half are women, and probably 2/3 are using Shawn Colvin's arrangement; clearly, hers is a primary source. But check out Chris Smither's, for example, for a "finger-picker's" variation on the piece.
@TimMcMullen Hi Tim . I stumbled across this great song whilst trying to check out samples of a particular Martin guitar I saw on eBay.... First version I saw was by someone on here who goes by the handle "Grumpy Coyote Tunes". Recommend you track it down and add to your collection. I've heard this, Allison and Rob, J.Prine and Rowly's versions since, but that amateur guy is really good. Kind Regards, Jon
@wolfone30062 I love Shawn Colvin's work as a songwriter and an interpreter, and clearly, her work here is terrific. But just to give perspective on what a truly great song this is, it has at least 25 versions on iTunes. I downloaded all of them-i.e, the 18 I didn't already have-for a "Killing" marathon CD. Every one of them is quite listenable; most of them are extremely good; a number of them, like Shawn's, are extraordinary interpretations. How many songs can come close to that?
Did you get Chris Smither's version, which he plays in Open D tuning? In the comments under one video of Chris performing it, someone mentions that at a show they attended, Chris said he had performed it at one venue where a guy came up to him afterward and said "I don't think I've ever heard that played more to my liking." Chris thanked him, and told him "I didn't write that one, Rowland Salley did." The other guy said "I know; I'm Roly Salley." Chris told the audience he felt "high for about a week after that."
@TimMcMullen Hi, Personally I am a pretty shit guitarist/singer!!, I like Grumpy's version cos it's kinda just about in my ability threshold...and key. If you love acoustic, Americana , alt country singer/songwriters whatever the hell you wanna call it, I assume you already know of Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings if not, TREAT yourself !! If you like Shawn and Allison, Emmy Lou etc. you gotta love Gillian and David sings close harmony n plays a very cool and very different acoustic lead...
Heard her play this on "Prairie Home Companion" one cold December night. Told the story. I've loved Prine's version a good long while. Alison Krause and Plant did a fair version. But the only one that rang true was hers. Somebody said they saw me...
@Terra210000000 Killing the Blues is...yes a Prine song. We were discussing 'This Must Be The Place' as well. I muddied things up with thinking ahead, and posting irrelevance by not talking in complete sentences or being clear. I don't post much.
Check out A J Lee and Blue Summit on this song. There is a couple versions they do on CZcams and one you can hear without the Crowd noise and a bad auditorium echo.
Shawn Colvin is one of the most overlooked Artists of all time. She is awesome.
I told Rolly that Shawn does my favorite cover of his song. It's exquisite 💗
Saw her perform this in Boulder Colorado, opening for Roly and Chris. It was just after my brother's death and this song brought me to tears. Lovely.
There so much passion and feeling in this song. OMG she has got it so captured! What a great performer .
WOW. John would love to hear this ❣️
Bravo! That’s a spectacular version of Roly Salley’s gem.
I STILL love you 😍 so much.
Ty for getting me through the rough times I know we have both been through. Love, me
My favorite offering of this song. She is magical
Perfect marriage of voice and guitar.
Outstanding!
It is one of the most lovely and simple songs I know of.
The power of a pure heartfelt voice, laying vulnerable the soul, touching with the heart and soul of an audience. Very special. .
best version I've heard. From the heart
absolutely love this....she is a phenomenal artist.
She's such a fine performer. Her shows are so entertaining.
I love how Shawn makes this her own in some respects. I also love Chris Smither’s cover if it too.
Agreed. There are many achingly beautiful versions of this song - John Prine, Robert Plant/Alison Krauss get memorable & haunting awards too - but the 2 you mention are the very best for me too. Really can't choose between them...
she is pure pure soul... OMG!! peformance precious
Lovely nuanced interpretation of a highly creatively written and crafted song.
Wow, an epic rendition.
SUPERBE INTERPRÉTATION! Bravo! Shawn Colvin. elle revisite avec brio cette chanson. « WONDERFUL JOB! » effectivement M. Burke.
Loved you for 30 years... And will forever.
oh lordy, i love this so much! Shawn, i could gladly just listen to you play this for the rest of eternity in heaven, if that's the way things turned out to a' bein. but nonetheless completely psyched that i've gotten to hear shawn play this live a coupla times at Tupelo Music Hall in Derry NH and hope i get to again.
Listen to Chris Smither sing and play this-the best!
Yep
Beautiful ❤
Wow!
@TimMcMullen Thanks for this info. I went many years thinking it was a Prine song. Must give Rowland his props. I've lived this song and then some.
Love her!❤️
Nice!
"Killing the Blues" is by Rowland (Roly) Salley. He recorded what I consider to be the definitive version on Woodstock Mountains: Music from Mud Acres (an amazing collection that includes Pat Alger, Rory Block, Bill Keith, Jim Rooney, Eric Anderson, John Sebastian, just to name a few), but Roly's song is the standout! He also recorded it on his recent solo album, Killing the Blues. Roly is the bass player for Chris Isaak. Check out Roly doing the song at a Chris Isaak concert on CZcams.
TimMcMullen .
TimMcMullen o
TimMcMullen For some reason I took out my old lp of More Songs From Mudacres, which I have not listened to in several years. While listening to this great lp, I started to think back @ the many times I saw this group @ The Other End in Greenwich Village between 1977-80. Each performance seemed to get better. The one constant in each of their performances was the audiences outstanding reaction to Roly Salley's "Killing the Blues." It is great to discover that this fabulous song has been covered by so many artists. It also great to find someone who remembers the origins of this musical treasure.😀
Chis Smithers in Paris czcams.com/video/z8t-i606WA8/video.html&start_radio=1
Written by Rollie Salley, who’s Chris Isaak’s bass player!
Right now we are in a devastating pandemic. I hope Shawn and all her fans are staying safe.
so tender .. thank you for the video Mr,Provider
Oh, leaves were falling
They're just like embers
In colors red and gold they set us on fire
Burning just like moonbeams in our eyes
Someone said they saw me
They said I was swinging the world by the tail
Bouncing over the white clouds
That I was killing the blues
Just killing the blues
Well, I am guilty of something
That I hope you never do
'Cause nothing is sadder
Than losing yourself in love
Someone said they saw me
They said I was swinging the world by the tail
Bouncing over the white clouds
Just killing the blues
Just killing the blues
Oh, when you asked me
Just to leave you
And set out on my own to find what I needed
You asked me to find what I already had
Someone said they saw me
They said I was swinging the world by the tail
Bouncing over the white clouds
I was killing the blues
Just killing the blues
Someone said they saw me
They said I swinging the world by the tail
Bouncing over the white clouds
I was killing the blues
Been killing the blues
Just killing the blues
... thank you for this post
she does this song really good. thanks!
One of my favorite Shawn songs. I wish she'd do another covers album. #Covergirl2
She turned me on to some great songs.
Killing the blues lyrics
You got your wish.
LOVE .
....!!!!!! Great!!
This is NOT a "Prine Song" (i.e., by John Prine). it was covered by Prine, but it is written by Rowland Salley. Colvin does a wonderful job with this song IMHO.
Agreed. I love this song, particularly JP's album version (as opposed to any of the live ones I've seen on here), but Shawn nails it for me. Simple, poignant...wonderful
fouldsie1 check out the version Alison Krauss and robert plant
Or Chris Smither’s version in Paris. My favorite.
Chris Smither. Definitive.
northernmuse9, I like Martin Simpson's version best of all by far, but this here is a pretty good one.
Very nice . Great moment ...
on the 'Cover Girl' CD, she segues into Dylan's 'Your Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go' it's great...
I adore this song, but my absolute favorite rendition is by Malcombe Holcombe. So heartfelt.
His is good but have you heard Chris Smithers' version? It is the best in my opinion.
I would cook for her and be thankful
@ourpat1 that's one of my favoite's too...I know you said that a year ago, but I feel the same...
@TimMcMullen PS, YES it's a truly fuckin great song an I'm busy trying to nail it on the guitar! But I'm 60, and there's SO MUCH music to hear. I haven't got enough time left to get too hung up on one song!
You tube is such an endless source of pleasure and DISTRACTION ! (without looking at any vids of skateboarding dogs or folk falling on their arses) I may never get a chance to actually play MY geetar again!
Just found Ray Wylie Hubbard ; WOW ! ! where's HE bin hiding all my long life !??
check out Chris Smithers' version - Roly Salley said it was the best version he'd ever heard -- but this is super good too!
@hocuspocusfocusable
and I absolutely love that Talking Heads song, more so how she interprets it.
and I knew that... : )
Chris Smithers also does a nice but differernt job with this great song...
For the very best version - take a listen to Liz Stringer and Dan Wilson. Simply moving😙
I will check it out, and so far Shawn is doing a mighty fine job of honouring the beautiful Rowland Salley original - THAT IS THE BEST.
Well Phil, I can only conclude you must (3 months ago) have been ignorant of Salley's original. The Stringer/Wilson version has nice harmonies but with his lead vocal being stronger and having to hand the melody over and sing harmony is what ruins it for me. That, and the fact that their version is virtually devoid of the true emotion within and behind the song, nope, surely NOT the best.
Nice
@longjonwhite Thanks for the tip, Longjon. Grumpy Coyote Tunes does a unique talk/sing version; quite interesting. The thing about the guitar is that it doesn't matter: this song is so good that you can finger pick it, flat pick it, strum it, play it on the banjo, the ukelele, the autoharp, a capella w/ harmonica, faster, slower, it just kills. I haven't recorded this one; I post mostly originals, except for my 3 musical lectures, but I sing this one for fun. Maybe I'll add my version sometime.
ROLY Salley, songwriter---- oxoxoxo
wow
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!9/27/2023 STILL ADORE THIS
Anyone else harmonizing along?
@TimMcMullen Of the twenty-five versions that I have, about half are women, and probably 2/3 are using Shawn Colvin's arrangement; clearly, hers is a primary source. But check out Chris Smither's, for example, for a "finger-picker's" variation on the piece.
Incredible woman and piece of music, but what is withe the camara people?
@TimMcMullen Hi Tim . I stumbled across this great song whilst trying to check out samples of a particular Martin guitar I saw on eBay.... First version I saw was by someone on here who goes by the handle "Grumpy Coyote Tunes". Recommend you track it down and add to your collection. I've heard this, Allison and Rob, J.Prine and Rowly's versions since, but that amateur guy is really good. Kind Regards, Jon
Roly, Chris and Shawn. Tied for 1st
and Mother Judge?
@wolfone30062 I love Shawn Colvin's work as a songwriter and an interpreter, and clearly, her work here is terrific. But just to give perspective on what a truly great song this is, it has at least 25 versions on iTunes. I downloaded all of them-i.e, the 18 I didn't already have-for a "Killing" marathon CD. Every one of them is quite listenable; most of them are extremely good; a number of them, like Shawn's, are extraordinary interpretations. How many songs can come close to that?
Did you get Chris Smither's version, which he plays in Open D tuning?
In the comments under one video of Chris performing it, someone mentions that at a show they attended, Chris said he had performed it at one venue where a guy came up to him afterward and said "I don't think I've ever heard that played more to my liking." Chris thanked him, and told him "I didn't write that one, Rowland Salley did." The other guy said "I know; I'm Roly Salley." Chris told the audience he felt "high for about a week after that."
@TimMcMullen Hi, Personally I am a pretty shit guitarist/singer!!, I like Grumpy's version cos it's kinda just about in my ability threshold...and key. If you love acoustic, Americana , alt country singer/songwriters whatever the hell you wanna call it, I assume you already know of Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings if not, TREAT yourself !! If you like Shawn and Allison, Emmy Lou etc. you gotta love Gillian and David sings close harmony n plays a very cool and very different acoustic lead...
Heard her play this on "Prairie Home Companion" one cold December night. Told the story. I've loved Prine's version a good long while. Alison Krause and Plant did a fair version. But the only one that rang true was hers. Somebody said they saw me...
@ttaitt sorry...your right, I don't know what came over me.
for a really great version type: Killing the Blues.Mov
@hocuspocusfocusable Not from this song she doesn't. She segues from This Must Be The Place.
XXXXX
What a wee cutie pie ! Uh huh uh huh, uh huh uh huh uh huh huh, uh huh uh huh cutie pie 🎼
@Terra210000000 Killing the Blues is...yes a Prine song. We were discussing 'This Must Be The Place' as well. I muddied things up with thinking ahead, and posting irrelevance by not talking in complete sentences or being clear. I don't post much.
No, not a Prine song. Rowland Salley. See Chris Isaak's band.
rowland salley writes some good songs, don't he?
Not bad, but Plant & Krauss did it better
I am not a fan of Shawn. She did a great job with this song.
Check out A J Lee and Blue Summit on this song. There is a couple versions they do on CZcams and one you can hear without the Crowd noise and a bad auditorium echo.