Patti Smith — Looking For You (I Was)
Album: Dream Of LifeAvg rating:
Your rating:
Total ratings: 2180
Length: 3:58
Plays (last 30 days): 2
share
tweet
In the medieval night
'Twas love's design
And the sky was open
like a Valentine
All the lacy lights
Where wishes fall
And like Shakespeare's child
I wished on them all
Ahh to be your destiny
was all that I pursued
I could see the sights
from the lofty heights
But my heart obscured the view
I was looking for you
Looking for you
What could I do
I was looking for you
Along the black river
The ambassador jewels
And you were reflected
in all that I saw
In the towers of gold
In the wheel and wing
Gripping my senses
like an ancient claim
Many is the time I knelt in the light
appealing to all that I know
Guide my eyes and steps
that I may find love true
I was looking for you
Looking for you
What could I do
I was looking for you
Come on darlin'
All that hearts desire
was written before us
In the medieval fire
It was love's design
In the glittering stars
Like Shakespeare's child
To be where you are
From the Portobello Road
To the Port of Marseilles
Where the dervish turns
Where the wild goats play
Looking for you
I was
'Twas love's design
And the sky was open
like a Valentine
All the lacy lights
Where wishes fall
And like Shakespeare's child
I wished on them all
Ahh to be your destiny
was all that I pursued
I could see the sights
from the lofty heights
But my heart obscured the view
I was looking for you
Looking for you
What could I do
I was looking for you
Along the black river
The ambassador jewels
And you were reflected
in all that I saw
In the towers of gold
In the wheel and wing
Gripping my senses
like an ancient claim
Many is the time I knelt in the light
appealing to all that I know
Guide my eyes and steps
that I may find love true
I was looking for you
Looking for you
What could I do
I was looking for you
Come on darlin'
All that hearts desire
was written before us
In the medieval fire
It was love's design
In the glittering stars
Like Shakespeare's child
To be where you are
From the Portobello Road
To the Port of Marseilles
Where the dervish turns
Where the wild goats play
Looking for you
I was
Comments (92)add comment
Legend.
i just saw her last Sunday (August 13th) at Stern Grove in San Francisco, and she put on an incredible show. Still rocking at 76. Go see her if you have a chance. Signed, a fan for 41 years
Looking for You (I Was).
Is that the Yoda version?
Is that the Yoda version?
danielcatania wrote:
I saw her live in Chieti (Italy). The first (and only!) artist i ever saw that has a spittoon on stage - and uses it all the time.
I remember how she suddenly disappeared from stage and reappeared in the middle of the audience hopping and singing - with great disgust and panic among the security staff *LOL*
Patti Smith always was and still is the embodiment of cool. Love this rockin' number! 
tm wrote:
So did suzi quatro
she inspired so many of the musicians playing here on Radio Paradise...
So did suzi quatro
she inspired so many of the musicians playing here on Radio Paradise...
hayduke2 wrote:
Patti Smith (L) smiles as the Dalai Lama speaks to the crowd during her performance on the Pyramid Stage as he visits the Glastonbury Festival of Music and Performing Arts on Worthy Farm near the village of Pilton in Somerset, South West England on June 28, 2015.
Cool photo, though I question the need for the (L) denoting which individual is Patti and which is the Dalai Lama. Maybe it's the hair.
Patti Smith (L) smiles as the Dalai Lama speaks to the crowd during her performance on the Pyramid Stage as he visits the Glastonbury Festival of Music and Performing Arts on Worthy Farm near the village of Pilton in Somerset, South West England on June 28, 2015.
Cool photo, though I question the need for the (L) denoting which individual is Patti and which is the Dalai Lama. Maybe it's the hair.
she sets standards wherever she goes. Fantastic
Good Tune!
A primo artist in every dept!
DeemerDave wrote:
I think your ears must be sharp.
She has a good band behind her, but she always sounds flat to me.
I think your ears must be sharp.
Loved this woman since first hearing in the 70's. Best female punk voice (and best poet) that's ever lived. And she was f'ing gorgeous back then as well. She still looks ok at 70 odd (but then I'm in my 60's now :-) )
Her voice sounds like Phoebe Buffay 
hayduke2 wrote:
Patti Smith (L) smiles as the Dalai Lama speaks to the crowd during her performance on the Pyramid Stage as he visits the Glastonbury Festival of Music and Performing Arts on Worthy Farm near the village of Pilton in Somerset, South West England on June 28, 2015.
Nice company. Both sides. Hey I might write a song kinda like that . Huh ? Ohh. I'm kinda late ;O
Patti Smith (L) smiles as the Dalai Lama speaks to the crowd during her performance on the Pyramid Stage as he visits the Glastonbury Festival of Music and Performing Arts on Worthy Farm near the village of Pilton in Somerset, South West England on June 28, 2015.
Nice company. Both sides. Hey I might write a song kinda like that . Huh ? Ohh. I'm kinda late ;O
Wiki says she's 74.
She's still at it... good for her!
She's still at it... good for her!
One of the reasons why i love listening to RP is deep dives like this, keep it up bill
DeemerDave wrote:
You say that as if it were a bad thing, haha.
She has a good band behind her, but she always sounds flat to me.
You say that as if it were a bad thing, haha.
It's questionable to assign numeric values to R&R performers who are genuinely poly-artistic at the level of Patti Smith. This is a great-if-not-famous-in-its-own-right cut.; seven wasn't good enough, gave it eight.
She has a good band behind her, but she always sounds flat to me.
Nice to hear something else than Gloria or Because the Night (I do love them, don't get me wrong)!
Long live Patti and long live RP
Long live Patti and long live RP
The title says "Looking for you (I was)" - I feel like Yoda should sing this!
Bleyfusz wrote:
Sadly, shaman's songs are incomprehensible chanting - speaking from actual attendance at shamans' rituals while doing my fieldwork. In fact, shamans rarely know what they said (channeling ancestors, after all), and everyone in attendance has to sit around afterwards and talk about what they thought the ancestors were saying through the shaman. Which makes it a great community-oriented health resolution meeting.
Fortunately, Patti is amazing in and of herself!
I figure shamans sing like she does. It's what I most appreciate about her art, I'd say.
Sadly, shaman's songs are incomprehensible chanting - speaking from actual attendance at shamans' rituals while doing my fieldwork. In fact, shamans rarely know what they said (channeling ancestors, after all), and everyone in attendance has to sit around afterwards and talk about what they thought the ancestors were saying through the shaman. Which makes it a great community-oriented health resolution meeting.
Fortunately, Patti is amazing in and of herself!
danthebeachman wrote:
her cover of GLORIA is absolutely the most astonishing 6 minutes in rock history
A classic artist who will most definitely go down in music history as one of a kind!!
her cover of GLORIA is absolutely the most astonishing 6 minutes in rock history
So nicely said 😁 Pjesnik wrote:
First nd foremost she is a poet. She has used music (mostly rock) as a way of expression for her verses. So she sings (quite well IMHO) mostly, but she has every right to chant as well because, as I said, she is a poetess. Her poetry is art which many of her admirers like a lot. For me, admiration goes along with respect. Especially, when you take into account the personal losses she had. Keep on rockin your poetry Patti!
A classic artist who will most definitely go down in music history as one of a kind!!
I figure shamans sing like she does. It's what I most appreciate about her art, I'd say.
I saw her live in Chieti (Italy). The first (and only!) artist i ever saw that has a spittoon on stage - and uses it all the time.
I remember how she suddenly disappeared from stage and reappeared in the middle of the audience hopping and singing - with great disgust and panic among the security staff *LOL*
I remember how she suddenly disappeared from stage and reappeared in the middle of the audience hopping and singing - with great disgust and panic among the security staff *LOL*
ccjemmett wrote:
Funny how all the shallows seem to need to mention that they don't like this.
great song, Patti !
dwhayslett wrote:
Funny how some folks think their opinion makes them 'deep' (or perhaps vice versa), and those with other opinions are somehow inferior.
Funny how you resemble cc's remark.
Pjesnik wrote:
First and foremost she is a poet. She has used music (mostly rock) as a way of expression for her verses. So she sings (quite well IMHO) mostly, but she has every right to chant as well because, as I said, she is a poetess. Her poetry is art which many of her admirers like a lot. For me, admiration goes along with respect. Especially, when you take into account the personal losses she had. Keep on rockin your poetry Patti!
Patti can do no wrong for meIk zit gewoon hier hoor
A rare 10 rating. Just about perfect IMO.
LOOKING FOR ME?!?
I can't handle this anymore.
love it, simple
First and foremost she is a poet. She has used music (mostly rock) as a way of expression for her verses. So she sings (quite well IMHO) mostly, but she has every right to chant as well because, as I said, she is a poetess. Her poetry is art which many of her admirers like a lot. For me, admiration goes along with respect. Especially, when you take into account the personal losses she had. Keep on rockin your poetry Patti!
ccjemmett wrote:
Funny how some folks think their opinion makes them 'deep' (or perhaps vice versa), and those with other opinions are somehow inferior.
Funny how all the shallows seem to need to mention that they don't like this.
great song, Patti !
great song, Patti !
Funny how some folks think their opinion makes them 'deep' (or perhaps vice versa), and those with other opinions are somehow inferior.
jbuhl wrote:
Good thing we are not all exactly the same .
Sorry you missed it.
Sorry you missed it.
Patti Smith has paid her dues and doesn't lose a thing with detractors. Good sound !
aelfheld wrote:
Sorry you missed it.
I have never understood the attraction some have for Patti Smith.
Sorry you missed it.
Wow a Patti Smith song that dosent sound like Because the Night! Still rubbish though.
aelfheld wrote:
If you listen to enough of her music and/or read her book "Just Kids", or hear an interview, whatever, you get a sense of her personality and that personality comes out in the music.
It's the personality that is attractive so when the music comes on, you recognize it like a friend... "ah yeah, it's Patti. Cool."
I have never understood the attraction some have for Patti Smith.
If you listen to enough of her music and/or read her book "Just Kids", or hear an interview, whatever, you get a sense of her personality and that personality comes out in the music.
It's the personality that is attractive so when the music comes on, you recognize it like a friend... "ah yeah, it's Patti. Cool."
treatment_bound wrote:
Never saw the point of her. Horses, horses, horses...etc.
Drums are very similar to Our Town off "Field Day" by Marshall Crenshaw. Which I'd rather be hearing right now.
Sorry Patti, not one of your better efforts.
Sorry Patti, not one of your better efforts.
Never saw the point of her. Horses, horses, horses...etc.
Drums are very similar to Our Town off Field Day by Marshall Crenshaw. Which I'd rather be hearing right now.
Sorry Patti, not one of your better efforts.
Sorry Patti, not one of your better efforts.
I have never understood the attraction some have for Patti Smith.
dsd wrote:
This
Is this Patti Smith or Patty Smyth? 
This
One of the most trivial and banal songs I ever listened to.
Signing (singing?) over that crunching guitar! Patti carries on with authentic panache!
Is this Patti Smith or Patty Smyth?
Patti Smith's latest book, M Train, was named a Michigan Notable Book for 2016 by the Library of Michigan. There's a reception for all the authors April 2 in Lansing. (You must buy a ticket in advance!) See you there!
One expedient was to sneak in extra washing behind a locked door in Father's psychic tones surgery.
In long black coat she looks like a saint.
Robert A. Heinlein
To Sail Beyond The Sunset
In long black coat she looks like a saint.
Robert A. Heinlein
To Sail Beyond The Sunset
There is a great interview with Patti on 'Fresh Air' (Public radio)
GODLIKE
Cynaera wrote:
Cynaera, you were always so positive and interesting...
Yes, definitely a change. I thought this was a fairly recent song, but wow it's from '88. I'm not sure that it's the best kind of song for Patti but hey the woman can sing what she wants. I wouldn't stop everything to listen to this but it's pretty good when supported by a strong set of other songs.
Definitely a change for her. I loved her "rock-poetess-goddess" persona, so this is quite a shock. I like it because it's a lighter sound for her. I'm glad she explored her options. She must have been wearing a billowy orange and yellow sundress for this one.
Cynaera, you were always so positive and interesting...
Yes, definitely a change. I thought this was a fairly recent song, but wow it's from '88. I'm not sure that it's the best kind of song for Patti but hey the woman can sing what she wants. I wouldn't stop everything to listen to this but it's pretty good when supported by a strong set of other songs.
Funny how all the shallows seem to need to mention that they don't like this.
great song, Patti !
great song, Patti !
Patti Smith (L) smiles as the Dalai Lama speaks to the crowd during her performance on the Pyramid Stage as he visits the Glastonbury Festival of Music and Performing Arts on Worthy Farm near the village of Pilton in Somerset, South West England on June 28, 2015.
Outstanding artist
Don't know what youre all whinging about! Goddesslike!!
.... logged in to see who this was because it was soo terrible....
Should have known
Should have known
kevinc wrote:
Interesting. I'm ripping CD's to the HD and stumbled on this album in the pile. Bought it as a cutout, its even notched. Didn't care for it much when I bought it way back then. But anyway, I decided to see if it was in the library and half the songs from this disc are here. As i'm listening to it, I was thinking just that, Doorsish, only a latter day twist with a female Morrison. Lyrics don't necessarily flow and the voice is Patti, but much of the music is actually really good.
Went to see Patti about a year ago. Never really listened to her, but figured I check out what the fuss (many years ago) was all about. I was quite impressed. Felt like I saw the bridge for the doors to Pearl Jam to some of the more recent bands. And I think her voice on this sounds pretty good :)
Interesting. I'm ripping CD's to the HD and stumbled on this album in the pile. Bought it as a cutout, its even notched. Didn't care for it much when I bought it way back then. But anyway, I decided to see if it was in the library and half the songs from this disc are here. As i'm listening to it, I was thinking just that, Doorsish, only a latter day twist with a female Morrison. Lyrics don't necessarily flow and the voice is Patti, but much of the music is actually really good.
NOT enjoyable
zoopmama wrote:
a particularly bad moment in music history when whatever-his-name-bruce-springsteen's producer's sound was all over everything. very 4/4 squarish overbaked drum sounds, bombastic.
I know it's the famous and respected Patti Smith, but to my ears it sounds like uninspired 80s pop dreck.
a particularly bad moment in music history when whatever-his-name-bruce-springsteen's producer's sound was all over everything. very 4/4 squarish overbaked drum sounds, bombastic.
Patti used to live here in Detroit long before the current crop of hipsters arrived from New York City.
The lyric
Along the black river
The Ambassador jewels
is a reference, I think, to the lights on the Ambassador Bridge. That bridge stretches across the Detroit River from Detroit to Windsor, Ontario. Detroit's mayor at the time had the idea to put the lights on the bridge. He called them a necklace in the sky.
The lyric
Along the black river
The Ambassador jewels
is a reference, I think, to the lights on the Ambassador Bridge. That bridge stretches across the Detroit River from Detroit to Windsor, Ontario. Detroit's mayor at the time had the idea to put the lights on the bridge. He called them a necklace in the sky.
Cynaera wrote:
miss you so much, Cynaera...
love this song...
Definitely a change for her. I loved her "rock-poetess-goddess" persona, so this is quite a shock. I like it because it's a lighter sound for her. I'm glad she explored her options. She must have been wearing a billowy orange and yellow sundress for this one.
miss you so much, Cynaera...
love this song...
I know it's the famous and respected Patti Smith, but to my ears it sounds like uninspired 80s pop dreck.
I think I figured out why I get so annoyed when she chatters in her songs. It's like she doesn't trust us to connect with the music, so she has to natter instead. This one is not the worst offender by a long stretch, but it happens to be the one that made me think of this.
Sounds very Bruce-y. Wonder if he's involved in this production.
..if great music inspires, this one must be great..when Patti sang "Shakespeare's child", my mind shifted to how a historical fiction novel could be based on the Bard's daughter, just as much a genius as he but spurned because she was a female..turn it into an allegory for today..
..or Shakespeare's Daughter, Alien Defender where she gets phasers from the future & protects Elizabethan England from a hoarde of alien invaders..
..whichever..
..or Shakespeare's Daughter, Alien Defender where she gets phasers from the future & protects Elizabethan England from a hoarde of alien invaders..
..whichever..
Rocks!! More Patti PleaseDon't think i have heard this before. No real edge, like you would typically expect from Patti.Just MOR.
oilydwarf wrote:
Totally agree. What is up?
Come on guys! Got to be worth more than an average 5!!! A rock goddess!
Totally agree. What is up?
oilydwarf wrote:
She is pretty talented but this is a bit generic for her. Now play Horses and I'll give that a 10!
Come on guys! Got to be worth more than an average 5!!! A rock goddess!
She is pretty talented but this is a bit generic for her. Now play Horses and I'll give that a 10!
Come on guys! Got to be worth more than an average 5!!! A rock goddess!
hippiechick wrote:
So is her music
Patti is AWESOME!
So is her music
Patti is AWESOME!
Definitely a change for her. I loved her "rock-poetess-goddess" persona, so this is quite a shock. I like it because it's a lighter sound for her. I'm glad she explored her options. She must have been wearing a billowy orange and yellow sundress for this one.
Interesting ratings distribution - the rating is a 5, but there are two distinct groups clustered around 1 and 7. No agreement on this song.
choffman2001 wrote:
Can't stand Patti Smith - three out of the last 4 songs sucked - changing the station. 
Later!
Can't stand Patti Smith - three out of the last 4 songs sucked - changing the station.
when the tambourine and backup vocls steal the show, there's a problem
:frustrated
This is the kind of crap that has given the 80\'s a bad name..
Hitting the Mute Button (I Am).
Each time she comes on, I try to listen open-minded. but soon the (rude) comment Mick Jagger once gave, when they asked him about her, gets in the way. \'A university teacher, who acts she\'s a whore\'. No business like showbusiness.
When did Patty start getting her song titles from Yoda? 
She\'s one of a kind, she is. 
She\'s one of a kind, she is. As much as I try to appreciate PS, her voice just sucks ass.
Nice
Went to see Patti about a year ago. Never really listened to her, but figured I check out what the fuss (many years ago) was all about.
I was quite impressed. Felt like I saw the bridge for the doors to Pearl Jam to some of the more recent bands.
And I think her voice on this sounds pretty good :)
Patti Smith (L) smiles as the Dalai Lama speaks to the crowd during her performance on the Pyramid Stage as he visits the Glastonbury Festival of Music and Performing Arts on Worthy Farm near the village of Pilton in Somerset, South West England on June 28, 2015.
I was lucky enough to see her on one of the side stages at Glasto 1999 at 11pm on the Saturday. Was able to get right up the front as only a small crowd. Couldn't believe my luck to see such an absolute legend up close