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Patty Griffin — Boston
Album: Silver Bell
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 772









Released: 2013
Length: 3:55
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I went back to Boston
Back to the city you were lost in
I went back to the place
Without your face in the stone

Walked around Harvard Square
The runaway kids are still hanging out there
And I took the red line
All the way across the River Charles

Some things try and try
But they never fly, and they never fly
You reach up from the waves
And find that you're only waving goodbye

Went walking in Boston
Over a bridge I used to walk on
I was looking for my heart
That I'd flung into that sea of stone

Boston said, you need not apply
For your license to fly
Hey, young lady, don't look so surprised
You know you're not alone

Some things try and try
And they never fly, and they never fly
You reach up from the waves
And find that you're only waving goodbye

It was Memorial Day
I went to where you lay
There were thousands of people
Just like you in a giant graveyard

You came all of that way
Looking for the sky, you got a slap in the face
You had a desperate need to be loved
You just got put in that place
You better know your place, boy

Some things try and try
And they never fly, and they never fly
You reach up from the waves
And find that you're only waving goodbye

Only waving
You're only waving
You're only waving
You're only waving goodbye
Comments (111)add comment
i like hearing her sing in the lower range like this. such a great song.
Posted 9 months ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 Grayson wrote:


Never forget! That PG can rock walls down. When she feels like it. Why I had to walk out of her show at some yuppie AF reserved-seating clap-on-cue venue in Atlanta last time I went to see her. Was like having to go on a date with Mike Pence. Unbearable. 
 

Big fan of hers. But I too was a bit disappointed when I saw her live a few years ago,  but for a different reason. I tend to like her more contemplative side than her rocker side and she was really into rockin the night I saw her. Good show, but almost none of her songs that I really dig were played. Still, my experience was way better than a date with Mike Pence!
Posted 4 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
 Phlegmaticman wrote:
Patty Griffin can really rock when she wants to!
 

Never forget! That PG can rock walls down. When she feels like it. Why I had to walk out of her show at some yuppie AF reserved-seating clap-on-cue venue in Atlanta last time I went to see her. Was like having to go on a date with Mike Pence. Unbearable. 
Posted 5 years ago by Grayson    [ Reply ]
 Phlegmaticman wrote:
Patty Griffin can really rock when she wants to!
 
Amen to that!
Posted 5 years ago by meatmike    [ Reply ]
Patty Griffin can really rock when she wants to!
Posted 5 years ago by Phlegmaticman    [ Reply ]
Great cut! It reminds me of her "Flaming Red (1998)" era material.
Posted 5 years ago by jumpskirt    [ Reply ]
She should tour with Kathleen Edwards. 
Posted 6 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Home to WAAF, the second best radio station in the universe.
Posted 6 years ago by eveliko    [ Reply ]
A question for PG fans. Does anyone know who this song is written about? I can't find it.
c.
Posted 6 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
I was listening to this album in the car on a recent trip - I had forgotten how hard this rocks! And I love her vocal delivery.
Posted 6 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
 melzabutch wrote:
WOW.  Had to look to see who it was, would have never guessed in a million years.  Awesome.

 
Yeah, it's not typical of her. But, as mentioned below, she was about 20 when she recorded this. Still rocks. Both this song and Ms. Griffin.
c.
Posted 6 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
WOW.  Had to look to see who it was, would have never guessed in a million years.  Awesome.
Posted 7 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
Oh my! Outstanding and quite unexpected!{#Bananapiano}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananajam}
Posted 7 years ago by sid1950    [ Reply ]
{#Roflol}It's OK. Bit muddy but not necessarily a bad thing. Awesome album cover{#Eek}
Posted 7 years ago by bagman1673290    [ Reply ]
This sounds slower and a bit muddled vs. the "original"  I have.  Still excellent!
Posted 8 years ago by xtalman    [ Reply ]
Not bad, and its about my home town,,,,,
Posted 8 years ago by Kaisersosay    [ Reply ]
She can do no wrong!
Posted 8 years ago by leafmold    [ Reply ]
Not my favorite song from her!
Posted 9 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 jnhashmi wrote:
Back when Patty rocked.

 
That's silly. I saw Patty in Boston last summer and I she definitely rocked.
Posted 9 years ago by bwanab    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

It looks like my crush has been nipped in the bud, as I hear that she's gone and got herself shacked up to the ancient rockster Robert Plant. Boy, did he strike lucky. What's he got that I haven't? Other than fame, talent, money, and other such ephemerals...

 
Chin up, Fred; I've heard she and Robert are on the outs.
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 cc_rider wrote:

You know Patty Griffin was born in 1964 don't you? That makes her only four years younger than you. Crush away, Fred!

Patty could get an 8 from me just reading her grocery list.

(She does sound much younger on this song though. She can make her voice whatever she wants you to hear...)
 
She sounds younger here since this is actually a 20 year old remastered recording.  Still kicks the donkeys boot as Fred said earlier.
Posted 9 years ago by xtalman    [ Reply ]
Loved that track - very like te Cranberries
Posted 9 years ago by MTC68    [ Reply ]
 DD gypsyman wrote:
Patty Griffin can rock!

 
Wow! Seriously! Had no idea! 
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Back when Patty rocked.
Posted 10 years ago by jnhashmi    [ Reply ]
Sounds like she reworked the guitar a bit from the original.

Still rocks!!!! 
Posted 10 years ago by xtalman    [ Reply ]
This is what a rock bass guitar should sound.
Posted 10 years ago by spij    [ Reply ]
 cc_rider wrote:

You know Patty Griffin was born in 1964 don't you? That makes her only four years younger than you. Crush away, Fred!

Patty could get an 8 from me just reading her grocery list.

(She does sound much younger on this song though. She can make her voice whatever she wants you to hear...)


 
It looks like my crush has been nipped in the bud, as I hear that she's gone and got herself shacked up to the ancient rockster Robert Plant. Boy, did he strike lucky. What's he got that I haven't? Other than fame, talent, money, and other such ephemerals...
Posted 10 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
I love Patty and I live in Boston, but this song has always seemed campy to me.
Posted 11 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
Nice choice, especially this week.
Posted 11 years ago by darrio    [ Reply ]
 gypsyman wrote:
Patty Griffin can rock!
 
Yes!
Posted 11 years ago by cayenne    [ Reply ]
Patty Griffin can rock!
Posted 11 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
JUST GETS BETTER.......... &.........BETTER...............
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
5 out of 10 {#Neutral}
Posted 11 years ago by hidey    [ Reply ]
I hear where Liz Phair gets her influence from. Or maybe it's vice versa.
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Great album indeed.  Glad I was able to find it.  Speaking of unreleased albums how about something off of DMB's Lillywhite Sessions (sorry haters).
Posted 12 years ago by Keef    [ Reply ]
this is my favorite album of hers.
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]

 

hmmm... I only know the black and white version of the cover but this is really nice. Did you do this yourself?

 


vandal wrote:

Silver Bell
 


Posted 12 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
Damn, Patty G can rock! Rated this an '8' which, by my own admission is stupid. I shoulda made it a '9'. Thanks to Danimal for providing me access to this great unreleased CD. LOVE IT!!!!
Posted 12 years ago by paulmack    [ Reply ]
Go Patty!  {#Bananajam}
Posted 12 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
 phlattop wrote:

google "silver bell-Patty Griffin" . It may take clicking through a few links to find it. try looking for a blogger named "salty" (that's where i got it)
 
Got it. Thanks a ton. I thought I could never have this.
Posted 13 years ago by Anax    [ Reply ]
This Rocks,   I like it!

Posted 13 years ago by Baketown    [ Reply ]
Man, this is just flyin!  Excellent!
Posted 13 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
Reminds me a bit of Chrissie Hynde singing about Akron.
Posted 13 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
Can I get a Fuck Yeah!! ?
Posted 13 years ago by Photo-John    [ Reply ]
I like anything I've heard by Patty Griffin, but the fact this amazing song and the album on which it lives remain unreleased is frustrating to no end. Once again, another glaring example of how the law of supply and demand does not always work so well. Thanks, RP, for playing it. One day, I'd like to own it.
Posted 13 years ago by mike_chouinard    [ Reply ]
A Patty Griffin song that doesn't make me cry and ache for things that can never be...  I have GOT to get this in my collection! Perfect for summer road-trips. {#Motor}{#Sunny}
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
I give this an 8 just for singing about Boston! Woot!
Posted 14 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
This woman seriously boots donkey (sorry, 'kicks ass' ;-)) and if I were 20 years younger I'd likely develop a crush for her. An easy 8 from the Nottingham jury.
 
You know Patty Griffin was born in 1964 don't you? That makes her only four years younger than you. Crush away, Fred!

Patty could get an 8 from me just reading her grocery list.

(She does sound much younger on this song though. She can make her voice whatever she wants you to hear...)

Posted 14 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Every time I hear something from this album, I think "Man, that Patty Griffin can cover all the bases!" and I try to think which album it's from: seems it's often this one. Some of her best material is on her only unreleased album!

Posted 14 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 reyespoint wrote:
Great cut. Anybody know how I can get my hands on this?
 
google "silver bell-Patty Griffin" . It may take clicking through a few links to find it. try looking for a blogger named "salty" (that's where i got it)

Posted 14 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
 zaknafein wrote:
I love it when Patty cranks up the volume.

Would like to get my hands on this album as well....
 
Totally agree - this is the Patty Griffin I love best - that clear-as-a-bell voice with just a touch of grit, and those guitars and drums.... Yeah! Kick it, Patty!  {#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananajam}{#Bananapiano}{#Bananajumprope}{#Bananasplit}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Nice to hear a song about Boston as I sit at work at Harvard, looking at all those scruffy kids hangin' out in the pit...

she's observant.
I <3 u Boston! 
Posted 14 years ago by Rachoh    [ Reply ]
no shit Vandel...I believe your Idea would fall under the catogory of JUSTIFYABLE HOMOCIDE...Patty will survive, Her fans(I am a true PG groupguy)  may not...tis a shame assholes run some of these artistic companies.....wonder what BP would say??Hmmmm?
Posted 14 years ago by cattail321    [ Reply ]

I just obtained a copy of Silver Bell the other day, partly based upon hearing this song and "Little God."  What a great album!  Too bad record labels are such flaming assholes that they not only prostitute their artists, but also commoditize them, and hold their art hostage as well. 

The CEO of A&M records should be publicly flogged nude with an energized appliance cord. . .

{#Whipit}

Posted 14 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
Great cut. Anybody know how I can get my hands on this?
Posted 14 years ago by reyespoint    [ Reply ]
 zaknafein wrote:
I love it when Patty cranks up the volume.

Would like to get my hands on this album as well....
 
Amen!

Posted 14 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
 ericconrad wrote:
Bill:

Many thanks for playing tracks off the awesome (and tragically unreleased) Silver Bell.  Stuff like this is what makes RP so great!!!
 

Yes good call Bill


Posted 14 years ago by pope183    [ Reply ]
I really like this woman! 
Posted 15 years ago by V12Silly    [ Reply ]
Wow...10
Posted 15 years ago by asocash    [ Reply ]
Yes. That's better........ much better

Posted 15 years ago by j7    [ Reply ]
Dang Bill - you can't play a song that I can't buy in iTunes. Not fair!

Great song though  :-)
Posted 15 years ago by hilbink    [ Reply ]
Bill:

Many thanks for playing tracks off the awesome (and tragically unreleased) Silver Bell.  Stuff like this is what makes RP so great!!!
Posted 15 years ago by ericconrad    [ Reply ]
 starfishNcoffee wrote:
OMG! Did she just mention Harvard Sq.? My home town!!!!!!! {#Dancingbanana}
 
There's not a serious glut of songs about Cambridge, that's for sure! Cool song.

Posted 15 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Next some EmmyLou and then Buddy Miller?
Posted 15 years ago by to_the_eleven    [ Reply ]
OMG! Did she just mention Harvard Sq.? My home town!!!!!!! {#Dancingbanana}
Posted 15 years ago by starfishNcoffee    [ Reply ]
This woman seriously boots donkey (sorry, 'kicks ass' ;-)) and if I were 20 years younger I'd likely develop a crush for her. An easy 8 from the Nottingham jury.
Posted 15 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Love it when Patty RAWKS. One of my fave songs from her. Too bad it's so darned hard to find.
Posted 15 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
I have all of "Silver Bell" and am making it available. See my post here to get details.

Posted 16 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
 Marley wrote:
I sent you a message with the info. :)
 
How about another one? I've only tracked down about half the songs so far. 
Posted 16 years ago by jnhashmi    [ Reply ]
I love it when Patty cranks up the volume.

Would like to get my hands on this album as well....
Posted 16 years ago by zaknafein    [ Reply ]
Wow! She's amazing. I never really acknowledged her before RP, and she's quite the chameleon!

Plus this song gets extra points for being set where I am right now! I'm mere feet from the bridge o'er the River Chaahhles....

Posted 16 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
 Marley wrote:


I sent you a message with the info. :)
 

Could you send it to me as well?  It would be greatly appreciated. 
Posted 16 years ago by peyotecoyote    [ Reply ]
jennywho wrote:
This song is AMAZING... how do I get my hands on this album?
I sent you a message with the info. :)
Posted 16 years ago by Marley    [ Reply ]
cattail321 wrote:
Click the Info/purchase at the bottom of the album art
It's not there. This was not released so you can't buy it commercially, but it can be found online if you know where to look.
Posted 16 years ago by Marley    [ Reply ]
jennywho wrote:
This song is AMAZING... how do I get my hands on this album?
Click the Info/purchase at the bottom of the album art
Posted 16 years ago by cattail321    [ Reply ]
The album rocks! One of my favorites from Patty. I'm so glad I was able to find it. Shoulda been released....obviously the record execs had their head up their asses, but then again, when do they not?
Posted 16 years ago by Marley    [ Reply ]
Is she singing about a Boston bridge persons jump off to wave goodbye?
Posted 16 years ago by earthbased    [ Reply ]
This song is AMAZING... how do I get my hands on this album?
Posted 16 years ago by jennywho    [ Reply ]
Thank you Ryan, for sharing this CD with me. I think of you every time I hear a song off of it on RP.
Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
She's no one trick pony is she...love her voice
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
Boston I went back to Boston Back to the city you¹re lost in I went back to the place That etched your face in the stone Walked around Harvard Square The runaway kids are still hanging out there And I took the red line all the way Across the River Charles Some things try and try And they never fly And they never fly You reach up from the waves And find that you¹re only waving goodbye Went walking in Boston Over a bridge I used to walk on I was looking for my heart That I¹d flung into that sea of stone, stone Boston said you need not apply For your license to fly Hey young lady don¹t be so surprised You know you¹re not alone Some things try and try And they never fly And they never fly You reach up from the waves And find that you¹re only waving goodbye It was Memorial Day I went to where you lay There were thousands of people Just like you in a chain graveyard You came all that way Looking for the sky And got a slap in the face You had a desperate need to be loved You just got put in that place You better know your place, boy Some things try and try And they never fly And they never fly And reach up from the waves You¹ll find that you¹re only waving goodbye Only waving You¹re only waving You¹re only waving You¹re only waving Goodbye
Posted 16 years ago by rogersullivan    [ Reply ]
daveesh wrote:
good little ditty... didn't know she had this in her.
Flaming Red is my favorite album overall from her, and it's pretty rockish. I wish someone would put this album out..
Posted 16 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
good little ditty... didn't know she had this in her.
Posted 18 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
LOVE this one. patty griffin rocks my world.
Posted 19 years ago by PattonFever    [ Reply ]
Any song about my hometown can do no worse than a 9! (but this one really rocks!)
Posted 19 years ago by Shaken_Bake    [ Reply ]
Most excellent bass line, song moves nicely.
Posted 19 years ago by Daveinbawlmer    [ Reply ]
It is a frickin' tragedy that this album is not available for purchase. I know this has been asked before, but does anyone know how I could get my hands on a bootleg copy of this album?
Posted 19 years ago by hcaudill    [ Reply ]
One of her very best rockers. Woman can do no wrong.
Posted 19 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
wow, this track is fun, I wish they'd release albums instead of not... ::shakes fist at the RIAA::
Posted 19 years ago by BoFiS    [ Reply ]
krocdoc wrote:
I hope this is a return to Flaming Red form for Patty!
It's from an album she recorded right after Flaming Red, but which was shelved by her label. I too wish she'd rock out again, or more, but that doesn't seem to be the direction she's gone in.
Posted 19 years ago by rgj13    [ Reply ]
lazywhinerkid wrote:
"Boston" following the song "Road to Nowhere"... Trying to tell us something, Bill? You Northern Cali snob. :)
You *dare* insult the mighty Bill Goldsmith? Blasphemy!! Heresy!! You are not worthy to untie even one of his Nike Air Jordans. Grovel and beg for mercy, lowly listener! :D Be thankful for such music as can soothe the savage breast. No doubt Bill has friends in Maaulden, Medfaah, or Lynn, Lynn - "city of Sin", or possibly even Reveeeah Beach! Why else would he play this obvious Sheyrl Crow knockoff? What mortal from Boston can resist such a song? You must admit, it's better than "...Love that dirty water!...". From Reindeer, A self professed Northern Cal snob (Palo Alto), and a decidedly IMproper Bostonian. Yow!
Posted 19 years ago by reindeer    [ Reply ]
I hope this is a return to Flaming Red form for Patty!
Posted 19 years ago by krocdoc    [ Reply ]
Which album is this song (Boston) on?
Posted 19 years ago by saltsoft    [ Reply ]
Whoa! Rock AND Roll!
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
jayladdin wrote:
Yeah!!! More stuff from Silver Bell, please! :)
:nodhead: The title track is AWESOME!!
Posted 19 years ago by phineas    [ Reply ]
Yay!!! Finally some real, great ROCK! I love this woman's rollicking energy! This is real rock music! :D/ :goodvibes.gif:
Posted 19 years ago by rKokon    [ Reply ]
some very nice tunes tonight...thanks for the mix
Posted 19 years ago by goveach    [ Reply ]
"Boston" following the song "Road to Nowhere"... Trying to tell us something, Bill? You Northern Cali snob. :)
Posted 19 years ago by lazywhinerkid    [ Reply ]
Posted 19 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
Yeah!!! More stuff from Silver Bell, please! :)
Posted 19 years ago by jayladdin    [ Reply ]
AWESOME song - one of my faves from Silver Bell.
Posted 19 years ago by gypsy222    [ Reply ]
To Ryan, Thanks for the upload I love boston was there over a year ago and it is a brilliant city.
Posted 20 years ago by Drunkenlilacwine    [ Reply ]
masterhead wrote:
VERY DISTINCTIVE "GARAGE" SOUND, PRE-MADE!!!
O_o Has somebody accidentaly selected the LRC?
Posted 20 years ago by Hob    [ Reply ]
VERY DISTINCTIVE "GARAGE" SOUND, PRE-MADE!!!
Posted 20 years ago by masterhead    [ Reply ]
what a lot of noise #-o
Posted 20 years ago by cheetah    [ Reply ]
fridgepoet wrote:
You have to look for Patty's Silver Bell tracks in the nooks and crannys of the 'Net since it was not released.
Or send me a PM (this one's my upload). ;)
Posted 20 years ago by rgj13    [ Reply ]
You have to look for Patty's Silver Bell tracks in the nooks and crannys of the 'Net since it was not released. Her 'Flaming Red' CD is one of the great road cd's of all time.
Posted 20 years ago by fridgepoet    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of Sheryl Crow, but not in a bad way...
Posted 20 years ago by RoyalTS    [ Reply ]
I grew up in Boston .. any mention makes me sorta homesick.. but at some point the song ventures (oh about a 1/3rd) into something else..
Posted 20 years ago by ajudd    [ Reply ]
Where did RP get this? Patty Griffin just keeps amazing me. She's all over the place musically - the only constant is high quality. What an amazing artist. Thanks RP - now I've got to go out and track this down!
Posted 20 years ago by jnhashmi    [ Reply ]