Greg Brown — Just A Bum
Album: In The Dark With YouAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2089
Length: 4:05
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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I saw a man, he's a well-dressed man
He had a tan from the Yucatan
He had a car, he looked like a star
I said, Hey, don't I know who you are
But when he glanced into my eyes
I saw yes I saw was such a big surprise
He was afraid that he's just a bum
Someday when all his stuff is gone and he's left without a dime
Time ain't money when all ya got is time
And you can see him standin on the corner with a nine-day beard and bright red eyes
I know a guy, he's a pal of mine
I say, hey. He say, I'm doin fine
I'm movin up the ladder, rung rung rung
I'm gonna get my million while I am still young
But at night when he's had a few
His eyes say different than his tongue
They say I'm afraid that I'm just a bum
Someday when all my stuff is gone and I'm left without a dime
Time ain't money when all ya got is time
And I can see me standin on the corner with my nine-day beard and my bright red eyes
Goin hey, hey hey hey hey, come on and listen to my story, hey, hey hey hey hey, ah hey
Some people live to work, work to live
Any little tremble and the earth might give
Ya can't hide it in a Volvo or a London Fog
Can't hide it in a mansion with an imported dog
No matter how we plan and rehearse, we're at pink slip's mercy in a paper universe
And we're afraid that we're just a bum
Someday when all our stuff is gone and we're left without a dime
Time ain't money when all ya got is time
And we can see us standin on the corner with our nine-day beards and our bright red eyes
Goin, hey hey hey hey hey hey hey
Hey hey hey hey, come on and listen to my story man hey, hey hey hey hey, ah hey
The man of sorrow's acquainted with grief
Stands in line waiting for relief
He will tell ya it wasn't always this way
One bad little thing happened one bad little day
Heartbreak has bad teeth and a sour smell and lives when he can in a cheap hotel
And he's afraid that he's just a bum
Someday when all his stuff is gone and he's left without a dime
Time ain't money when all ya got is time
And you can see him standin on the corner with a nine-day beard and bright red eyes
Goin, hey hey hey hey hey hey hey
Hey hey hey hey, come on and listen to my story man hey, hey hey hey hey, ah hey
He had a tan from the Yucatan
He had a car, he looked like a star
I said, Hey, don't I know who you are
But when he glanced into my eyes
I saw yes I saw was such a big surprise
He was afraid that he's just a bum
Someday when all his stuff is gone and he's left without a dime
Time ain't money when all ya got is time
And you can see him standin on the corner with a nine-day beard and bright red eyes
I know a guy, he's a pal of mine
I say, hey. He say, I'm doin fine
I'm movin up the ladder, rung rung rung
I'm gonna get my million while I am still young
But at night when he's had a few
His eyes say different than his tongue
They say I'm afraid that I'm just a bum
Someday when all my stuff is gone and I'm left without a dime
Time ain't money when all ya got is time
And I can see me standin on the corner with my nine-day beard and my bright red eyes
Goin hey, hey hey hey hey, come on and listen to my story, hey, hey hey hey hey, ah hey
Some people live to work, work to live
Any little tremble and the earth might give
Ya can't hide it in a Volvo or a London Fog
Can't hide it in a mansion with an imported dog
No matter how we plan and rehearse, we're at pink slip's mercy in a paper universe
And we're afraid that we're just a bum
Someday when all our stuff is gone and we're left without a dime
Time ain't money when all ya got is time
And we can see us standin on the corner with our nine-day beards and our bright red eyes
Goin, hey hey hey hey hey hey hey
Hey hey hey hey, come on and listen to my story man hey, hey hey hey hey, ah hey
The man of sorrow's acquainted with grief
Stands in line waiting for relief
He will tell ya it wasn't always this way
One bad little thing happened one bad little day
Heartbreak has bad teeth and a sour smell and lives when he can in a cheap hotel
And he's afraid that he's just a bum
Someday when all his stuff is gone and he's left without a dime
Time ain't money when all ya got is time
And you can see him standin on the corner with a nine-day beard and bright red eyes
Goin, hey hey hey hey hey hey hey
Hey hey hey hey, come on and listen to my story man hey, hey hey hey hey, ah hey
Comments (148)add comment
You'd never know he was from Iowa City. He's so good.
Love me some Doug Brown. Always puts me in a great mood!
For some reason I keep hearing "standin on the corner with a nine millimeter". I guess some gangsta rapper could rework this song.
Ironically, I want all my "stuff" gone. I am beginning to realize that all it is at this point in my life is a burden.
Found myself tapping my toes on a different screen and had to come back here to make sure I rated this one decently (8 it is). Very delightful !
That's a truly hideous profile picture.
I am often tortured by a similar nightmare: Someday when all my stuff is gone and I'm left without a dime, I'm just standing on a corner with a nine-day beard and bright red eyes.
Scary.
Scary.
It is a 10 for me. Why, would you ask? Well, this tune had some effect on me, I wanted to listen to it countless times, spent hours with Greg Browns other albums. I see so much truth in every line of the lyrics. It helps in hard times. Pretty awesome, for such a niche piece of art. Thanks RP!
-10
Burn this song. Please, please destroy it!
Burn this song. Please, please destroy it!
FYI...Alot of people in Iowa say: "Hey".
It's kind of melodic, if you say it in a Southeast Iowa sort of way.
It's kind of melodic, if you say it in a Southeast Iowa sort of way.
macadavy wrote:
"Is this Heaven?" "No, it's IOWA!!"
One of my clients from Kansas City once told me Iowa is a 4-letter word.
😀
"Is this Heaven?" "No, it's IOWA!!"
One of my clients from Kansas City once told me Iowa is a 4-letter word.
😀
jwolf8609 wrote:
"Is this Heaven?" "No, it's IOWA!!"
IOWA!!
"Is this Heaven?" "No, it's IOWA!!"
idiot_wind wrote:
Transcendental Meditation, baby!
So...here's the idea:
Greg Brown is from SE Iowa and plays local venues.
Highway 61 (yes, that Highway 61) runs through SE Iowa.
Therefore, in celebration of Summer 2021 shows again, we get Bob Dylan and Greg Brown to play one or more outdoor venues in SE Iowa, along Highway 61.
That's part of of Iowa is kind of strange, anyway. So the show(s) will be a 'happening". Strange but good vibes to be had by all.
Yeah, baby.
Transcendental Meditation, baby!
IOWA!!
He's just a bum, but it's fun!
That house looks a little like the house in the famous Grant Wood painting, "American Gothic".
That house is located in Eldon, IA, Which is close to Greg's home town.
Go figure.
That house is located in Eldon, IA, Which is close to Greg's home town.
Go figure.
Excellent lyrics,
Signed the unemployed
So...here's the idea:
Greg Brown is from SE Iowa and plays local venues.
Highway 61 (yes, that Highway 61) runs through SE Iowa.
Therefore, in celebration of Summer 2021 shows again, we get Bob Dylan and Greg Brown to play one or more outdoor venues in SE Iowa, along Highway 61.
That's part of of Iowa is kind of strange, anyway. So the show(s) will be a 'happening". Strange but good vibes to be had by all.
Yeah, baby.
Greg Brown is from SE Iowa and plays local venues.
Highway 61 (yes, that Highway 61) runs through SE Iowa.
Therefore, in celebration of Summer 2021 shows again, we get Bob Dylan and Greg Brown to play one or more outdoor venues in SE Iowa, along Highway 61.
That's part of of Iowa is kind of strange, anyway. So the show(s) will be a 'happening". Strange but good vibes to be had by all.
Yeah, baby.
brilliant, haven't heard in a while
Never heard of him until I heard him hear and love everything of his that you have played so far. Very interesting and charismatic performer. Would love to see him live one day.
Love Greg Brown... an American Treasure!
We will all be “Bums” when our stuff is gone!
We're all bums on this blessed day 
Love his voice, but not one of his best & certainly not Mellow at all!
What great and true lyrics!!!
"There but for the grace of God go I."
Not mellow at all
I really love this song. Speaking a sad truth with light heart. 7>9.
lizardking wrote:
I've gone to a 9 rating on this...GB is one of my new favs...Long Live RP!!
Me too! Thanks Bill and Rebecca!
A friend played this album for me c. 1999. Within a few weeks, I had about 10 Greg Brown albums... couldn't believe I'd missed him all that time.
The tune is fun, but you might forget it if it weren't for the lyrics.
Ya can't hide it in a Volvo or a London Fog
Can't hide it in a mansion with an imported dog
No matter how we plan and rehearse, we're at pink slip's mercy in a paper universe
Ya can't hide it in a Volvo or a London Fog
Can't hide it in a mansion with an imported dog
No matter how we plan and rehearse, we're at pink slip's mercy in a paper universe
after rhyming tan with Yucatan I'm surprised he didn't try to rhyme guy with Paraguay
"Train kept'a rollin', all night long"
I've gone to a 9 rating on this...GB is one of my new favs...Long Live RP!!
I can imagine Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks singing this too...
I played this for my mom because she's learning to play the harmonica. She loved it!
Proclivities wrote:
I agree with you about that great line, Proc....and I also like the tune, although I've recently started to really dig Greg Brown's music, something about his voice that makes me enjoy these tunes (maybe) more than I should. I'd call this song a 5 + 2 for that great line = 7. Long Live RP!!
"Time ain't money when all you got is time." I don't particularly like this tune, but that's a good line.
I agree with you about that great line, Proc....and I also like the tune, although I've recently started to really dig Greg Brown's music, something about his voice that makes me enjoy these tunes (maybe) more than I should. I'd call this song a 5 + 2 for that great line = 7. Long Live RP!!
wo-hoo! I think it's a good one
"Time ain't money when all you got is time." I don't particularly like this tune, but that's a good line.
Horrible
oilydwarf wrote:
Well, I wish I could use this at work but I do not want to offend anyone.
When I was a young apprentice at Rolls-Royce I used to work with a guy from Stoke on Trent who described himself as the company's sexual adviser. I asked him to explain and he said that his boss was always saying to him "John, when I want your fuckin' advice I'll ask for it"!
Well, I wish I could use this at work but I do not want to offend anyone.
Love this album
DaveInVA wrote:
Oh my god, you're right. That sure is a dark tale to tell.
Sounds like he is singing "With a 9mm and a bright red asshole" 
Oh my god, you're right. That sure is a dark tale to tell.
Oh my...he's singing about living in southeast Iowa, in these strange little Moments Of Time, and watching the world go by.
When I was a young apprentice at Rolls-Royce I used to work with a guy from Stoke on Trent who described himself as the company's sexual adviser. I asked him to explain and he said that his boss was always saying to him "John, when I want your fuckin' advice I'll ask for it"!
Otomi wrote:
Nice. That's my kinda humor. Thanks for sharing.
I met an old Gringo in the Cucaracha bar en San Miguel de Allende, back in 1977, when it was still in the old Canal palace on the main square. He gave me his card. Under his name was the word "Hobosexual." I asked him what he meant by that. He replied with a smile, "I'm a fuckin' bum."
Nice. That's my kinda humor. Thanks for sharing.
ArseneFurst wrote:
I feel the same fear, ArseneFurst. Sometimes life seems like a tenuous pile of pick-up-sticks and they're getting pulled out awful quickly.
Congrats on 7 years.
These lyrics stopped me in my tracks. I'm an alcoholic, sober now for seven years but still living with the fear described here.
I feel the same fear, ArseneFurst. Sometimes life seems like a tenuous pile of pick-up-sticks and they're getting pulled out awful quickly.
Congrats on 7 years.
These lyrics stopped me in my tracks. I'm an alcoholic, sober now for seven years but still living with the fear described here.
go see Greg, well worth the trip, ...
DaveInVA wrote:
Sounds like he is singing "With a 9mm and a bright red asshole"
Correctiom: In my bright red asshole.......What ? Just a bum !
Correctiom: In my bright red asshole.......What ? Just a bum !
Sounds like he is singing "With a 9mm and a bright red asshole"
AvoidingWork wrote:
It doesn't remind me of Paul Williams, but then, I probably haven't thought about - or heard any music from Paul Williams in about thirty years. At least no one claimed this sounds like Pink Floyd.
His voice reminds of Paul Williams. Does anybody else get that? I wouldn't expect anybody younger than 40 to get that.
.
.
.
(edit) Okay, I just hit youtube and I take it all back.
Have a good day!
.
.
.
(edit) Okay, I just hit youtube and I take it all back.
Have a good day!
It doesn't remind me of Paul Williams, but then, I probably haven't thought about - or heard any music from Paul Williams in about thirty years. At least no one claimed this sounds like Pink Floyd.
Sounds like some Taj to me.
His voice reminds of Paul Williams. Does anybody else get that? I wouldn't expect anybody younger than 40 to get that.
.
.
.
(edit) Okay, I just hit youtube and I take it all back.
Have a good day!
.
.
.
(edit) Okay, I just hit youtube and I take it all back.
Have a good day!
I love the backround vocal harmonies
Old Greg may be a bum. But he's an Iowa bum. Liviing somewhere in SE Iowa..making beautiful music.
I'm enjoying the lyrics of this song very much.
The rhythm of the lyrics is catchy.
The tune's pretty good, too.
I'm saying thing is a solid "8".
And enough for me to go find his album and have a looky-look. (soundy-sound?)
The rhythm of the lyrics is catchy.
The tune's pretty good, too.
I'm saying thing is a solid "8".
And enough for me to go find his album and have a looky-look. (soundy-sound?)
that's going to be me — left without a dime
Paolo Nuttini's grandad
I don't know why but I've had the line "Time ain't money when all ya got is time" stuck in my head for days. And Bill hasn't even played this in weeks.
Vocally it sounds a lot like Mark Knopfler. I like it.
This song is so infectious, can't get it out of my head!!! Rock on Bill!
Time ain't money when all ya got is time
I like this...
Reminds me of Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks. Nice sound.
There's a reason Dr. Demento is history.
Is that cover an Edward Hopper painting? Sure has that look.
Is this John Prine's little brother? Like the ballad style.
Speaking of bums... What was that "Beat" Takeshi movie where he plays a bum (of sorts)? 
I IMBD'ed it, but nothing there rang a bell.
I IMBD'ed it, but nothing there rang a bell. xkolibuul wrote:
Why we fought the Revolution.
bravo!
Why we fought the Revolution.
bravo!
crankypage wrote:
Me too!
WEll, 7.
after 30sec - I hated it.
after 2minutes - rated it an 8.
Good song
after 2minutes - rated it an 8.
Good song
Me too!
WEll, 7.
thought he was saying "standin on the corner with a nine-millimeter..."
after 30sec - I hated it.
after 2minutes - rated it an 8.
Good song
after 2minutes - rated it an 8.
Good song
sort of nice
I was gonna rate this a ten, which i've never done, but "Godlike" is maybe too much. Solid 9.5 tho Hope i can buy it on amazon mp3. instant satisfaction. love it!
Meh.
Marginally better than his Who Stunk It.
Not by much though.
Marginally better than his Who Stunk It.
Not by much though.
Musically? Whatever. Storywise? Cool. Timely? You betcha!
pixidrizzl wrote:
WORD...
Greg Brown reminds me of Mason Jennings. I realize Greg came first but I wasn't exposed to him until after Mason. I wish my Mason songs would get added 
WORD...
Rotterdam wrote:
Great story and a delightful song.
Nice comment - paints a nice picture!
Great story and a delightful song.
Nice comment - paints a nice picture!
Otomi wrote:
Great story and a delightful song.
I met an old Gringo in the Cucaracha bar en San Miguel de Allende, back in 1977, when it was still in the old Canal palace on the main square. He gave me his card. Under his name was the word "Hobosexual." I asked him what he meant by that. He replied with a smile, "I'm a fuckin' bum."
Great story and a delightful song.
xkolibuul wrote:
Why we fought the Revolution.
Hey, vive la difference. tiggers wrote:
Why we fought the Revolution.
I'm British and if this is what I'd have to listen to in America then thank the Lord for that 
Why we fought the Revolution.
Otomi wrote:
that is f—-ing hilarious
I met an old Gringo in the Cucaracha bar en San Miguel de Allende, back in 1977, when it was still in the old Canal palace on the main square. He gave me his card. Under his name was the word "Hobosexual". I asked him what he meant by that. He replied with a smile, "I'm a fuckin' bum".
that is f—-ing hilarious
I met an old Gringo in the Cucaracha bar in San Miguel de Allende, back in 1977, when it was still in the old Canal palace on the main square. He gave me his card. Under his name was the word "Hobosexual." I asked him what he meant by that. He replied with a smile, "I'm a fuckin' bum."
sub-arctic wrote:
I suddenly realized that my foot was tapping. That must amount to something? Seven-ish?
Do agree - toe tappin' and "Quite Likeable"
I suddenly realized that my foot was tapping. That must amount to something? Seven-ish?
Now! Here's something I can get my teeth into! (I still have all but two of them!)
I woke up with this song in my head for weeks on end in China. I have no idea why!
Every time I hear Greg Brown, I think it's Mark Knopfler. It only lasts for a few seconds, because neither the lyrics nor the guitar sound like MK.
But the voice is very, very close. It's uncanny.
I love this dude. Someone should upload his version of Cock Robin.
Story of my life...
lmic wrote:
At a dinner party, I'd sit him next to John Prine.
HA! Wouldn't that be fun!!!
Hmmmm... sexy voice, and a smart guy. That makes a winner in my book!
He's a guy you really need to see live, so cool......
lmic wrote:
At a dinner party, I'd sit him next to John Prine.
This tune has the light fun feel of some Louisiana zydeco I've heard. Nice.
It's... like... blueggae. Or reggrass. Or something.
Great song that got me dancing in my chair here in my office. Thanks!
mem_313 wrote:
More Greg Brown!!!!!
No matter how we plan and rehearse, we're at pink slip's mercy in a paper universe
man what a great line! love this song... 
Yes! Greg Brown is treasure!
More Greg Brown!!!!!
hahaha....
mardy bum to
just a bum.
greg brown is MUCH better than arctic monkeys, though ... which says a lot considering i don't really like greg brown.
At a dinner party, I'd sit him next to John Prine.
No matter how we plan and rehearse, we're at pink slip's mercy in a paper universe
man what a great line! love this song...
Greg Brown reminds me of Mason Jennings. I realize Greg came first but I wasn't exposed to him until after Mason.
I wish my Mason songs would get added
flyfree wrote:
Sounds Knopflerish from where I sit.
try sitting somewhere else
Sounds Knopflerish from where I sit.
In fact the whole thing sounds like a jug band line up. Can anybody throw any light on that?
Love the harp. School of Sonny Terry
stubbsz wrote:
Not true and for the 14 years that I've been in California, I've laughed pretty often at the Yanks inability to understand dead-pan humour.
I have that dry sense of humor, maybe I was a brit in another lifetime?
ANNE_MARIE wrote:
I had no idea they were together...thanks for the info. she's from my area...and quite an artist. is Iris singing with Greg on this tune?
great tune guys....thanks!
No no no, this is a very old album, I think about 1985
an excellent one to turn folks on to greg with.
Some of his later stuff is a bit dark for most folks but I love it and find it the more profound stuff.
stubbsz wrote:
Not true and for the 14 years that I've been in California, I've laughed pretty often at the Yanks inability to understand dead-pan humour.
I love the Brits' dead-pan humour!
agreed!xkolibuul wrote:
Anyone who writes 'a tan from Yucatan' into the lyrics gets my approval...man is a national treasure.
xkolibuul wrote:
Anyone who writes 'a tan from Yucatan' into the lyrics gets my approval...man is a national treasure.
Bingo! This guy has it going on...Life really is a simple, lovely, wonderous, passing thing, enjoy it while you may. Carpe diem...
Hey.... hey! hey! hey! heyheyheyheyhey!!
The mating call of the red-eyed bearded thunderbird
I'm British and if this is what I'd have to listen to in America then thank the Lord for that
GaryW wrote:
You Britts are way to serious 
Not true and for the 14 years that I've been in California, I've laughed pretty often at the Yanks inability to understand dead-pan humour.
Anyone who writes 'a tan from Yucatan' into the lyrics gets my approval...man is a national treasure.
:goodvibes.gif:
One thing really interesting about Greg Brown is how different his interpretations of his own songs can be. I'm more familiar with a version of this he did live (maybe from a recording, maybe from when he came to Missoula, I'm not sure) and the musical style was completely distinct.
You'd never know he was from Iowa City. He's so good.
Wait until you hear about the guy from Duluth