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Rickie Lee Jones — Running From Mercy
Album: Traffic From Paradise
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2429









Released: 1993
Length: 5:57
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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Oh sacred patience with my soul abide
There's a rainbow above me that the storm clouds hide
And kind words will never die
Cuz the magic in kindness springs from the love, love, love
Little acts of kindness and little words of love
Make our earthly home heaven above
And there is no sorrow heaven cannot heal
Abide within, no cross, no crown


Running from mercy, hidden and coy
Swimming upstream down oceans of joy
Die in the arms of a natural life
Waking our happiness drowning in light
Waking our happiness drowning in light

Little acts of kindness, little words of love
Make our earthly home like heaven above
And there is no sorrow heaven cannot heal
Abide within, no cross, no crown
This thing was not born with wings
Slow to stop our ways sing (chorus)

You, you wake up!, come on boy, come on little boy
Don't you stop her, don't you stop her
There's that door
I've got that door
I know where that door is
Just follow me and you wake up
Come on with me
Tomorrow
Comments (144)add comment
Another stunner.  Jones killin` it.
Posted 4 months ago by liveaudio608    [ Reply ]
Forever in love with Rickie..Listening to his song makes you fall in love instantly.
Posted 5 months ago by Ptijoc    [ Reply ]
Posted 5 months ago by Sofa_King    [ Reply ]
I've always had a big crush on Rickie Lee
Posted 7 months ago by dgeagon    [ Reply ]
I find his to be the best work she has ever done. Very soulful. Thank you Rickie
Posted 8 months ago by KudaRey    [ Reply ]
The only concert I ever walked out of in my life!  She disappointed in so many ways
Posted 9 months ago by Rcallinjr    [ Reply ]
I had the amazing privilege of seeing her 2-rows back in a small venue  several years ago here in Michigan, She was simply exquisite. What an amazing songwriter, musician, and performer.  < sigh! > 
Posted 11 months ago by Roguewarer    [ Reply ]
Dear Dwayslett,  Lyrics don’t have to make sense—they paint a picture, sometimes like Jackson Pollock.  And other times it is simply the beauty of the human voice…
Posted 11 months ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
 edbollix wrote:

Never cared for her...

despite 'Chuck E's ' being overplayed, was lucky enough to listen to the album and several after. saw her live and appreciate her talent. each album has several standout tunes

Posted 1 year ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
She's coming to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in SF this weekend. I will be very sorry to miss this year and her! 
Posted 1 year ago by surfool    [ Reply ]
Still the same solid 10 because ...


... there is no 11.
Posted 1 year ago by Fabian_R    [ Reply ]
Still so awesome after all these years
Posted 1 year ago by rosandguy    [ Reply ]
Just had to change my rating from 9 to 10.
I know, that's slightly over the top, 9.3 would be appropriate. But since that's not an available option (yet) and I cannot understand the average rating of 6.8, a solid 10 will do for now.
Posted 1 year ago by Fabian_R    [ Reply ]
💥🎯
Posted 1 year ago by Shipp    [ Reply ]
I miss you Rickie. Does she still perform?
Posted 1 year ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
nice album cover :)
Posted 2 years ago by garrettb    [ Reply ]
 dwhayslett wrote:

How, then, would you know they're "wonderful"?


Wild guess here but I reckon they know how to read
Posted 2 years ago by OneinAUS    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:

An unjustly neglected album, along with "Flying Cowboys" from two years previous. 




don't know those, but I'd likely love them... as I do adore her voice, even tho I can't make out half the words without reading them... ha.   I had her GHOSTYHEAD cd on solid rotation.
Posted 3 years ago by GoodKarm    [ Reply ]
 tinypriest wrote:
Can't understand the wonderful lyrics, for the life of me. ...

How, then, would you know they're "wonderful"?
Posted 3 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
 jab49 wrote:

7 months ago, I commented "Strangely Compelling". I stand by that.  But, now that I know it's Leo Kottke from the forward announcement (thank you), no wonder I love the instrumental background. Rickie might not be everyone's cup of tea, but she's mine.



She's not my cup of tea but this is her first song that I liked drinking.  Thanks to RP for introducing it to me.
Posted 3 years ago by jas1776    [ Reply ]
 GoodKarm wrote:

Love the voice of this woman so much.    ~~~>  Thanx so much Bill.   :)  123K 


Just-wish-there-was-less-mumble, in it.

It's Rickie's killer faux pas.

Can't understand the wonderful lyrics, for the life of me. ...

Imagine Joni Mitchell recording 'Blue' while mumbling like this....
Posted 3 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
 easmann wrote:

She’s not embarrassed. I’m not embarrassed. If you’re embarrassed then the shame rests on you, not her. 


I'm permanently embarrassed whether or not I'm listening to RLJ.
Posted 3 years ago by radioparadise35    [ Reply ]
Is that David Bryne on the album cover?
Posted 3 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Brings tears every time... Rickie and Kottke, beautiful.
Posted 3 years ago by k_trout    [ Reply ]
 FlatCat wrote:
I used to like RLJ when her albums first came out, but now I find her style of singing embarrassingly mannered.
 
She’s not embarrassed. I’m not embarrassed. If you’re embarrassed then the shame rests on you, not her. 
Posted 4 years ago by easmann    [ Reply ]
Gave this a 7
Posted 4 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
Love the voice of this woman so much.    ~~~>  Thanx so much Bill.   :)  123K 
Posted 5 years ago by GoodKarm    [ Reply ]
This album came out during a very troubled time in my life and it was one of those things I could play at night, sitting by myself, and it brought me a lot of peace - especially this song. Even though it should remind me of troubled times, it always brings me back to center. Thanks, RLJ, and for the kind words you wrote about Walter Becker when he passed.
Posted 5 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
 RabbitEars wrote:
Her most recent album is very strong - worth a good listen if you like her. 
 

Love this woman
Posted 5 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
Her most recent album is very strong - worth a good listen if you like her. 
Posted 5 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
She sounds horribly drunk.
Posted 5 years ago by trevc    [ Reply ]
7 bumped to 8. Saw RLJ last summer in an intimate little theatre on the north shore of Massachusetts.Always loved this album, but she also is such a quirky performer live. Loved it!
Posted 6 years ago by mlcarroll    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:
An unjustly neglected album, along with "Flying Cowboys" from two years previous. 

 
Indeed. Some of her best work for sure.
Posted 6 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
More RLJ please Bill
Posted 6 years ago by Lyndont    [ Reply ]
 buddy wrote:
Rickie & Leo, two of my favs together. Nice.

 
Agree!!
Posted 6 years ago by Aud    [ Reply ]
An unjustly neglected album, along with "Flying Cowboys" from two years previous. 
Posted 6 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
I just now noticed she kinda sounds like Kristen Schaal.
Posted 7 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
Anyone with music in the root of their soul will find themselves taken up and travelling with this artist....the rest of you may just fancy yourselves "experts" 
Posted 7 years ago by boomman8139    [ Reply ]
Rickie & Leo, two of my favs together. Nice.
Posted 7 years ago by buddy    [ Reply ]
7 months ago, I commented "Strangely Compelling". I stand by that.  But, now that I know it's Leo Kottke from the forward announcement (thank you), no wonder I love the instrumental background. Rickie might not be everyone's cup of tea, but she's mine.
Posted 8 years ago by jab49    [ Reply ]
not my genre
Posted 8 years ago by potopo    [ Reply ]
Thank you colt!  : )
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 hayduke2 wrote:
it's a great little song that I've heard an awful lot of times, but today, I not only get to hear it, in my deep sorrow and despair, but can read along to those story book lyrics, and weep and hope   thank you

 
Sorrow is meant to stay with us, but I hope your despair has moved along.
Posted 8 years ago by colt4x5    [ Reply ]
Why would anyone sing a duet with Leo Kottke? I mean, the man just cannot carry a tune. {#Ask}
Posted 8 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]
 Skydog wrote:

something about that "Chuck E's In Love" song that didn't go over to well

 
Didn't go over well with who?
Posted 8 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
Is she singing actual words, or just jamming random vowels and consonants together?
Posted 8 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Maybe RLJ is an acquired taste.  Maybe she's too much work for a casual listener.  I've never followed her work in any sort of compulsory way but find it takes time to find my way in to her work. For me hearing this track just now for the first time is like running into an old friend who happens to have time for coffee. Nice to catch up with you again Rikki.   
Posted 8 years ago by Cueburned    [ Reply ]
 Duc1098 wrote:
Such a lovely song from an under appreciated artist.

 
something about that "Chuck E's In Love" song that didn't go over to well
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
I have always loved her.  This is so nice.
Posted 8 years ago by MargoMallen    [ Reply ]
Strangely compelling.
Posted 8 years ago by jab49    [ Reply ]
Such a lovely song from an under appreciated artist.
Posted 8 years ago by Duc1098    [ Reply ]
I used to like RLJ when her albums first came out, but now I find her style of singing embarrassingly mannered.
Posted 9 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
One of my all-time favorite albums. Stayed in my car's tape deck for ages.
Posted 9 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
 MortimerS wrote:

Sounds like Leo Kottke is lowering in there doesn't it?

 
Would that be Leo the Cow?
Posted 9 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
 oldfart48 wrote:
{#Sunny} great song did R.L.J.write it? or Tom ?

 
Rickie and Kottke
Posted 9 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Leo Kottke and RLJ. 
 
Posted 10 years ago by zenhead    [ Reply ]
{#Sunny} great song did R.L.J.write it? or Tom ?
Posted 10 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
it's a great little song that I've heard an awful lot of times, but today, I not only get to hear it, in my deep sorrow and despair, but can read along to those story book lyrics, and weep and hope   thank you
Posted 11 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 MortimerS wrote:

Sounds like Leo Kottke is lowering in there doesn't it?
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_from_Paradise
Posted 11 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
love this whole album

this song speaks to our blindness

Oh sacred place that sets my soul alive
There's a rainbow above me that the storm clouds hide
And kind works will never die
Cuz the magic in kindness springs from the love, love, love
Little acts of kindness and little words of love
Make our earthly home heaven above
And there is no sorrow heaven cannot heal
A fire within, no cross, no crown
Running from mercy, hidden and coy
Swimming upstream down oceans of joy
Die in the arms of a natural life
Waking our happiness drowning in light 
Posted 11 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
 martinc wrote:
I like it, but where did she find the Marboro, Johnny Walker Choir for the back up singers

 
Sounds like Leo Kottke is lowering in there doesn't it?
Posted 11 years ago by MortimerS    [ Reply ]
This is much greater than I realized. Wonderful.
 
Posted 11 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
Started with a "4" and its dropping the longer this goes on.....
 
Posted 11 years ago by ckcotton    [ Reply ]
Really LOVE the cover artwork. It's GENIUS. Song is good too. Always respect Rickie!
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
I've never forgiven herself for "Chuck E's in love" which is an auto-mute these days. There's something about her voice which really grates.
 
I'd say "Chuck E" is her most commercial, and least interesting, song, and almost unforgivable. I'd mute it, too.

I understand how you could feel that way about her voice, but I can't agree: It's one of the things that draws me to her. 
Posted 13 years ago by colt4x5    [ Reply ]
Never cared for her...
Posted 13 years ago by edbollix    [ Reply ]
 Hannio wrote:


Personally, I like her voice and her singing style.  Her subject matter and lyrics are icing on the cake.  But I have to sympathize with Fred.  If the voice is grating to you then it pretty much doesn't matter how good the lyrics are, you aren't going to enjoy the music.
 
jagdriver basically says the same thing about if the voice is grating, it doesn't matter how good the lyrics are (he cited Jackson Browne in particular.)  I understand this, but I think I'm more able to listen in "stereo" - the lyrics as one perspective, the vocals as the other. When one or the other isn't good for me, I can usually adjust my balance control and focus on the perspective that works for me. Maybe I won't have total enjoyment, but I'll have enough to appreciate the song.  And then there are songs where everything blends into a very tasty casserole. {#Bounce}
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Wonderful lyrics.  Amazing. 
Posted 13 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

Mr. NottinghamJury, please get past a personal qualm about her voice, and focus on the lyrics and the music. And by the way - do you know the story about "Chuck E's In Love"?  Maybe if you did, it wouldn't be so harsh for you. This woman is amazing. Please don't write her off because her voice bugs you.  She writes from her soul and her experiences. She can improvise lyrics on the spot. She can open-tune her guitar like Joni Mitchell does and create songs in various "closets" of tunings.

Open your mind a little bit more, and forgive her for a song that was bad for you.  If you can't do this, you're pretty musically narrow-minded, and I know you're not...

 

Personally, I like her voice and her singing style.  Her subject matter and lyrics are icing on the cake.  But I have to sympathize with Fred.  If the voice is grating to you then it pretty much doesn't matter how good the lyrics are, you aren't going to enjoy the music.
Posted 13 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
I've never forgiven herself for "Chuck E's in love" which is an auto-mute these days. There's something about her voice which really grates.
 
Mr. NottinghamJury, please get past a personal qualm about her voice, and focus on the lyrics and the music. And by the way - do you know the story about "Chuck E's In Love"?  Maybe if you did, it wouldn't be so harsh for you. This woman is amazing. Please don't write her off because her voice bugs you.  She writes from her soul and her experiences. She can improvise lyrics on the spot. She can open-tune her guitar like Joni Mitchell does and create songs in various "closets" of tunings.

Open your mind a little bit more, and forgive her for a song that was bad for you.  If you can't do this, you're pretty musically narrow-minded, and I know you're not...

Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 Bleyfusz wrote:

Don't be shy, add Rickie herself.

 
My Sister Nancy Loves Rickie.  Tune is being played on RP now.  9


Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
"Traffic from Radio Paradise"! The best
Posted 13 years ago by takemehome    [ Reply ]
 wferrier wrote:
People really like this album cover art?!? That's fucked up. .  .

 
What do you dislike about it?  It's an engaging illustration.


Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
I've never forgiven herself for "Chuck E's in love" which is an auto-mute these days....
 
I normally can't stand her, but this one is a good first step at redemption.

Posted 14 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
I've never forgiven herself for "Chuck E's in love" which is an auto-mute these days. There's something about her voice which really grates.
Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 RabbitEars wrote:
love this song, love this album
 
Don't be shy, add Rickie herself.

Posted 14 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
love this song, love this album
Posted 15 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
I like it, but where did she find the Marboro, Johnny Walker Choir for the back up singers
Posted 15 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
 jhorton wrote:
Genius singer.

Wicked mediocre song.

Does anyone remember, " Coolsville?" 
 
Oh, yes, and she still does Coolsville in her shows.

Posted 15 years ago by Tana    [ Reply ]
Oh, and to k_trout;

I respectfully submit that the line is "swimming asleep down oceans of joy". 

Wonderful, yes? -)

Posted 15 years ago by liveaudio    [ Reply ]
Astonishing range of comments.  In my opinion you are all listening to a genius at work.  Pure genius.
Posted 15 years ago by liveaudio    [ Reply ]
Rickie Lee has been around a long time and she hasn't lost so much as a half-step. WAY TO GO, MS. JONES!
Posted 15 years ago by Mickb    [ Reply ]
 Odyzzeuz wrote:
That adenoidal, nose-plugged tonality is excruciating.
 
You should hear how they talk in Texas.

Posted 15 years ago by cochlear    [ Reply ]
Genius singer.

Wicked mediocre song.

Does anyone remember, " Coolsville?" 
Posted 15 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]
very few songs touch me the way this one does - absolutely outstanding
A fire within, no cross, no crown
Running from mercy, hidden and coy
Swimming upstream down oceans of joy
{#Cowboy}

Posted 16 years ago by k_trout    [ Reply ]
People really like this album cover art?!? That's fucked up. .  .

Posted 16 years ago by wferrier    [ Reply ]
grimmel wrote:
Do you hear Leo Kottke singing back up?
I *thought* that was him!!
Posted 16 years ago by denmom    [ Reply ]
That adenoidal, nose-plugged tonality is excruciating.
Posted 16 years ago by Odyzzeuz    [ Reply ]
Do you hear Leo Kottke singing back up?
Posted 16 years ago by grimmel    [ Reply ]
like the cover art, thats about it.
Posted 16 years ago by leathepea    [ Reply ]
Love ya Ricki Lee!
Stunning, actually, so close to a 10 it ain't funny!
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
yclept wrote:
Forget all the carping and complaining about her voice...those people probably don't like Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen or anyone else who happens to be a vocal square peg.
Loves me some Tom Waits. Love love loves me some Leonard Cohen. Lerve the Be Good Tanyas. Ricky Lee Jones, not so much. I'm not sure you can generalize about peoples' tastes based on whether they like RLJ.
Posted 17 years ago by Odyzzeuz    [ Reply ]
Where do I donate to the fund to have her adenoids removed?
Posted 17 years ago by Odyzzeuz    [ Reply ]
Pretty tune but now I know where the Be Good Tanyas learned to sing.
Posted 17 years ago by pannaramma    [ Reply ]
Very close to a nine for me. Great music! Personally I love Rickys' voice. Love the cover art also.
Posted 17 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Sweet! Caught this for the first time on the CBC last weekend
Posted 17 years ago by srlh62    [ Reply ]
cesare wrote:
Lots of funny comments below. But I just love Rickie Lee. Have for a long time.
High fives
Posted 17 years ago by BruceN    [ Reply ]
iMacomania wrote:
Me too!
I found parts of it quite pretty! The only problem is when we hear from the main vocalist, who sounds as though she is about to heave. But again, only part of the time. I am becoming more and more liberal, I see!
Posted 17 years ago by rKokon    [ Reply ]
Forget all the carping and complaining about her voice...those people probably don't like Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen or anyone else who happens to be a vocal square peg.
Posted 17 years ago by yclept    [ Reply ]
OK, queridos amigos, Ricky Lee has been singing this way for more than 30 years, so time to GET OVER IT. On another point: I highly suspect the evil twin of this song is Lyle Lovett's 'I Love Everybody'.
Posted 17 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
Traffic from Paradise is doin' alright! ... ... Luv ya Rickie!
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
I love you Ricki but you aren't your best in the morning.
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
scottc wrote:
What a mixed bag. Worth listening to. Usually like her, but I like this song best when it's instrumental or several are singing at once. Thanks Bill.
oh, meant to write: Who the hell would ask Kottke to sing back up...a guy who describes his own voice as "geese farting in the wind"....but hey, it works.
Posted 18 years ago by scottc    [ Reply ]
What a mixed bag. Worth listening to. Usually like her, but I like this song best when it's instrumental or several are singing at once. Thanks Bill.
Posted 18 years ago by scottc    [ Reply ]
Her lack of enunciation is worthy of comment. She sounds like she's got a cold and has taken too much Nyquil.
Posted 18 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
Adenoidal.
Posted 18 years ago by Odyzzeuz    [ Reply ]
cesare wrote:
Lots of funny comments below. But I just love Rickie Lee. Have for a long time.
she uses her voice as an instrument, some dont like the instrument, I do
Posted 18 years ago by meower    [ Reply ]
Daveinbawlmer wrote:
Everything about this song is quite well done EXCEPT for Rickie's singing. She really does need to blow her nose before she steps up to the microphone. Sorry.
Please don't be! Girl's got a serious sinus infection.
Posted 18 years ago by kilroyjoe3    [ Reply ]
Yes! A Zillion Times Yes!
Posted 18 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
NO! A thousand times NO!
Posted 18 years ago by Essbee    [ Reply ]
FamilyMan wrote:
" 'Oh, mother, this thing was not born with wings don't you stop her when she sings* " '*I wrote this line to all those mothers wo(sic) are always telling their babies to be quiet. LET THEM MAKE A BIG NOISE. Let them sing. Rejoice in them. Don't always be controlling them. Console them. Be a joyful witness to their existance. - rlj '" backup vocals: Teresa Tudury Leo Kottke Sal Bernardi John Leftwich Lyle Lovett
I thought I heard Leo Kottke's voice in there... neat to see that the others are on it, too.
Posted 18 years ago by NHMick    [ Reply ]
Lots of funny comments below. But I just love Rickie Lee. Have for a long time.
Posted 18 years ago by cesare    [ Reply ]
FamilyMan wrote:
" 'Oh, mother, this thing was not born with wings don't you stop her when she sings* " '*I wrote this line to all those mothers wo(sic) are always telling their babies to be quiet. LET THEM MAKE A BIG NOISE. Let them sing. Rejoice in them. Don't always be controlling them. Console them. Be a joyful witness to their existance. - rlj '" backup vocals: Teresa Tudury Leo Kottke Sal Bernardi John Leftwich Lyle Lovett
this is one of her finest, sweetest songs, all her, beautifully burnished by her 'helpers.' satin through the speakers.
Posted 18 years ago by bubble_headed_beach_blond    [ Reply ]
" 'Oh, mother, this thing was not born with wings don't you stop her when she sings* " '*I wrote this line to all those mothers wo(sic) are always telling their babies to be quiet. LET THEM MAKE A BIG NOISE. Let them sing. Rejoice in them. Don't always be controlling them. Console them. Be a joyful witness to their existance. - rlj '" backup vocals: Teresa Tudury Leo Kottke Sal Bernardi John Leftwich Lyle Lovett
Posted 18 years ago by FamilyMan    [ Reply ]
Everything about this song is quite well done EXCEPT for Rickie's singing. She really does need to blow her nose before she steps up to the microphone. Sorry.
Posted 18 years ago by Daveinbawlmer    [ Reply ]
Ahhh Rickie Lee Jones, Haven't heard her in awhile. This song is lovely
Posted 18 years ago by LadyLovelyLocks    [ Reply ]
pailz wrote:
That's Kottke singing in the background on the last chorus, too. Did he contribute any guitar to it? Didn't seem so, though I didn't think to listen until after I heard his voice (and it was too late).
Good catch! I knew I heard someone I knew, but I thought of Bruce Cockburn and wanted to see if anyone else heard it. Leo - that's the ticket!
Posted 18 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
skooney wrote:
Rickie Lee is cool, luv her STYLE, even when I don't really like it...huh?
Well put. (though I do like this, actually)
Posted 18 years ago by meloman    [ Reply ]
pezazul wrote:
I hated this!
Me too!
Posted 18 years ago by iMacomania    [ Reply ]
Rickie Lee is cool, luv her STYLE, even when I don't really like it...huh?
Posted 19 years ago by skooney    [ Reply ]