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Sarah McLachlan — Building a Mystery
Album: Surfacing
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2485









Released: 1997
Length: 4:03
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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You come out at night
that's when the energy comes
and the dark side's light
and the vampires roam
you strut your rasta wear
and your suicide poem
and a cross from a faith
that died before Jesus came
you're building a mystery


You live in a church
where you sleep with voodoo dolls
and you won't give up the search
for the ghosts in the halls
you wear sandals in the snow
and a smile that won't wash away
can you look out the window
without your shadow getting in the way
oh you're so beautiful
with an edge and a charm
but so careful
when I'm in your arms


(Chorus)

'Cause you're working
building a mystery
holding on and holding it in
yeah you're working
building a mystery
and choosing so carefully


You woke up screaming aloud
a prayer from your secret god
you feed off our fears
and hold back your tears


Give us a tantrum
and a know it all grin
just when we need one
when the evening's thin


Oh you're a beautiful
a beautiful fucked up man
you're setting up your
razor wire shrine.


Chorus

Repeat chorus
Comments (182)add comment
 Proclivities wrote:

Just think how many hit songs are composed of three chords - some iteration of a I-IV-V.



Beethoven's 9th has four chords.  Maybe it's a thing (Dm Cm G A)
Posted 1 day ago by mkane67    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

We'll give you Rush for a 6-pack of Coors.



Oh hey now ...
Posted 1 day ago by mkane67    [ Reply ]
 msymmes wrote:

Bill,    Let's call a truce between Canada and the USA.    Stop playing Sarah M. and The Cowbow Junkies AND stop play Natalie M.

Fair deal?


Man, remember when we were just fighting over music? I miss those days.
Posted 1 day ago by q4Fry    [ Reply ]
I'm glad CD93 still plays her
Posted 1 month ago by Goodears    [ Reply ]
 Laptopdog wrote:

I never paid much attention to the lyrics of this song back when it was played 10,000 times a day on the radio, but I'm glad I decided to today.  The lyric "you strut your rasta wear" sounds much better than "you stretch your ass to where..." which is what I always thought she was singing.



I also thought that's what she was singing!
Posted 1 month ago by mikepogo54    [ Reply ]
Beautiful song performed by one Canada's treasures!
Solid 10.. 
Posted 1 year ago by Johnwayne    [ Reply ]
This album still somehow manages to give me chills all these years later.  Also sounds amazing on a really good system. Oh yeah..
Posted 1 year ago by Fiddlefye    [ Reply ]
Because the world hasn't had enough of those chords.
Posted 1 year ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
I still remember this was massively overplayed on the local FM stations in 1997.  I'm just now getting to a point where I can hear it again, but that overplaying still stings.
 
Also after almost 30 years I finally see it's not "you strut your astral wear in a suicide pose".
Posted 3 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
More Sarah pls @BillG !
Posted 3 years ago by Montreal_Mort    [ Reply ]
 MattRudely wrote:

The Four Chords. 


Just think how many hit songs are composed of three chords - some iteration of a I-IV-V.
Posted 3 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 MattRudely wrote:

The Four Chords. 



what a great way to use those 4 chords
Posted 3 years ago by paloeguevo    [ Reply ]
The Four Chords. 
Posted 3 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
This song was popular when I was dating a guy who seemed to “have it all”. Good looks, super smart, funny as hell. He was always smiling and making people laugh. He also had a very dark side…..addiction, to many things as he was extremely unhappy inside. Whenever he started to fall in love he would break things off in order to “Save you from him”. I tried to help him as I know others did too. In the end his demons got the better of him and he killed himself. He truly was “ a beautiful fucked up man” RIP Blake L.
Posted 3 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
formative album for me in college.  too bad her songs were killed by the radio mafia.  
Posted 3 years ago by rlr511    [ Reply ]
 cosmiclint wrote:

We Canadians are polite even when cussing.


Judging from Trailer Park Boys, I can say that this is not a true statement.
Posted 3 years ago by flyboy    [ Reply ]
 cosmiclint wrote:

We Canadians are polite even when cussing.


Really!?!!   Once upon a time maybe....
Posted 3 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
Wonderful song, but a better version is the live one on Mirrorball.
Posted 4 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
 MattRudely wrote:
I don't know how any songwriter can play those four chords and not stop immediately and say, "Well I can't just do that again. I'll do something else."
 
Yes, like "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", or "Shout (These Are The Things I Can Do Without". These were challenging songs to produce well, apparently, because they were so atmospheric. I can imagine the early versions played on a guitar were probably underwhelming sounding. But they had a soul in them that came out in the instrumentation and vocals, like this one from Sarah.
Posted 4 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
Have always loved the lyrics, the performance, the atmosphere it conveys, and have no idea what it's about ?? "you're beautiful, for a fucked up man" ?? Can anyone explain it?
Posted 4 years ago by mmartinwhite1938    [ Reply ]
 TimeWaster wrote:
 All the times hearing this, I never noticed the F-bomb.
 
We Canadians are polite even when cussing.
Posted 4 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
On October 23, 2001 "Building a Mystery" became the first song ever played on an Apple iPod. Apple founder, chairman and CEO Steve Jobs selected and played a short portion of the song at the iPod Introduction keynote held at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California. The song was the top track in his "Favorites" playlist.    -Wikipedia
Posted 4 years ago by veganaiZe    [ Reply ]
All the times hearing this, I never noticed the F-bomb.
Posted 5 years ago by TimeWaster    [ Reply ]
I don't know how any songwriter can play those four chords and not stop immediately and say, "Well I can't just do that again. I'll do something else."
Posted 5 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
 Bat wrote:

I'd like to point out that the artists and songs in your playlist do not match up at all.  Not even a little bit.

 
Hey...Relax!  It was a tribute album.

Image result for 20 Explosive Dynamic Super Smash Hit Explosions
Posted 5 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
I never paid much attention to the lyrics of this song back when it was played 10,000 times a day on the radio, but I'm glad I decided to today.  The lyric "you strut your rasta wear" sounds much better than "you stretch your ass to where..." which is what I always thought she was singing.
Posted 6 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:

Ha!  Thanks for the bad flashback on the car, agmusci!  I needed a good laugh today.

What that photo doesn't show is that this car also had the short-lived automatic seat belts strapping you in which damn near knocked the wind out of you as your turned the ignition. 

But hey, it was the first BRAND NEW CAR I ever bought, so there's that.  I can still hear this 1991 tape I dubbed spinning in the cassette deck:

20 Explosive Dynamic Super Smash Hit Explosions!


The SlugsHooked On A Feeling3:16
–The Sneetches With ShoesI Wanna Be With You3:08
–Smashing Pumpkins*Jackie Blue3:51
–The FarmersCrocodile Rock2:39
–Material IssueLittle Willy2:48
–TrenchmouthThat's The Way (I Like It)2:37
–The ReiversBrandy (You're A Fine Girl)3:27
–No EmpathyThe Night Chicago Died3:39
–The Sinatras (2)Shannon3:12
–Cheer-AccidentTheme From Shaft5:21
–The Service (2)Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)2:41
–Young Fresh FellowsBlack Betty2:18
–Spies Who SurfHocus Pocus3:15
–The New Duncan Imperials*Convoy3:49
–13 NightmaresEverything I Own4:56
–M.O.T.O.Dancing In The Moonlight4:52
–God's AcreMississippi Queen3:17
–Poster ChildrenI Feel Love4:58
–Boom HankJimmy Loves Mary-Anne2:41
–Mojo Nixon & The Second EditionJust Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)4:43
 
I'd like to point out that the artists and songs in your playlist do not match up at all.  Not even a little bit.
Posted 6 years ago by Bat    [ Reply ]
This was a great album, ahem, I mean CD.  ;-)
 
Posted 6 years ago by WannabeBanned    [ Reply ]
 agmusci wrote:

I can see where the melancholy feel of the tune would seem particularly sad driving around in this.

 
Ha!  Thanks for the bad flashback on the car, agmusci!  I needed a good laugh today.

What that photo doesn't show is that this car also had the short-lived automatic seat belts strapping you in which damn near knocked the wind out of you as your turned the ignition. 

But hey, it was the first BRAND NEW CAR I ever bought, so there's that.  I can still hear this 1991 tape I dubbed spinning in the cassette deck:

20 Explosive Dynamic Super Smash Hit Explosions!


The SlugsHooked On A Feeling3:16
–The Sneetches With ShoesI Wanna Be With You3:08
–Smashing Pumpkins*Jackie Blue3:51
–The FarmersCrocodile Rock2:39
–Material IssueLittle Willy2:48
–TrenchmouthThat's The Way (I Like It)2:37
–The ReiversBrandy (You're A Fine Girl)3:27
–No EmpathyThe Night Chicago Died3:39
–The Sinatras (2)Shannon3:12
–Cheer-AccidentTheme From Shaft5:21
–The Service (2)Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)2:41
–Young Fresh FellowsBlack Betty2:18
–Spies Who SurfHocus Pocus3:15
–The New Duncan Imperials*Convoy3:49
–13 NightmaresEverything I Own4:56
–M.O.T.O.Dancing In The Moonlight4:52
–God's AcreMississippi Queen3:17
–Poster ChildrenI Feel Love4:58
–Boom HankJimmy Loves Mary-Anne2:41
–Mojo Nixon & The Second EditionJust Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)4:43
Posted 6 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:
If only PSD had been invented in 1997.  Oh yeah, I guess it already was.  
This was always an instant button-pusher when I was driving around in my '91 Mercury Tracer.

 
Image result for 1991 mercury tracer

I can see where the melancholy feel of the tune would seem particularly sad driving around in this.


Posted 7 years ago by agmusci    [ Reply ]
I never tire of this song..NICE
Posted 7 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
 vanillagorilla wrote:
Ahhh...human humidores...should market that...On a different note...love Sarah M

 


Posted 8 years ago by vanillagorilla    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:

I have that too, but with a different song. Pink Floyd's Have A Cigar.

 


Posted 8 years ago by vanillagorilla    [ Reply ]
Payed some dues, and I guess came back from future just to see you wear sandals in the snow.
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
If only PSD had been invented in 1997.  Oh yeah, I guess it already was.  
This was always an instant button-pusher when I was driving around in my '91 Mercury Tracer.
Posted 8 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 kylieh wrote:
I can't listen to this without thinking of Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky.

 
I have that too, but with a different song. Pink Floyd's Have A Cigar.
Posted 8 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Agreed. Hip Hop? Sound like Toke's been doing a little too much tokin'.

 
Just a troll. Makes you wonder how people like that sleep at night.
Posted 8 years ago by wgsu_1978    [ Reply ]
 plaid wrote:
I read those words, and I don't understand how you're using them here.
 
Agreed. Hip Hop? Sound like Toke's been doing a little too much tokin'.
Posted 9 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 Toke wrote:
What a load of monotony garbage, bordering on the edge of Hip Hop and it dont get anymore boring than that genre, just no expression in her voice and seems to be going nowhere,  surely she can do better than this track ... Oh thank God its finished.

 
I read those words, and I don't understand how you're using them here. 
Posted 9 years ago by plaid    [ Reply ]
i got startled there for a second
the opening sounded like Osborne's 'What If God Was One Of Us' 
whew, that was a close one 
Posted 9 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
I can't listen to this without thinking of Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky.
Posted 9 years ago by kylieh    [ Reply ]
It just never did anything for me.
Posted 9 years ago by stegokitty    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

There's apparently a trade in the works: Anne Murray and Nickelback for 4 Non Blondes and Billy Joel.

 
I dunno if that's gonna pan out: Billy says he has to drive. 
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:
Am I the only one who DOESN'T miss Sarah McLachlan?

 

You are never alone as you think.
Posted 9 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
I love her more every day xxxxxx
Posted 9 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:
Am I the only one who DOESN'T miss Sarah McLachlan?

 
Yes you are {#Lol}
Posted 9 years ago by Fiji5555    [ Reply ]
 activelistener wrote:
Its like old Avril Lavigne

 
Not!
Posted 10 years ago by Keef    [ Reply ]
Its like old Avril Lavigne
Posted 10 years ago by activelistener    [ Reply ]
 Sarah is WAY BETTER !   Puhleese don't put them in the same sentence.
 

Lessard0570 wrote:
Better than Céline for me!

 

Posted 10 years ago by Highspirits    [ Reply ]
Am I the only one who DOESN'T miss Sarah McLachlan?
Posted 10 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
Better than Céline for me!
Posted 10 years ago by Lessard0570    [ Reply ]
I can't stop hearing REM's Drive in this song.  I thought about listening to both songs back to back to see if it's just my imagination, but then I thought better of it. 
Posted 10 years ago by mondlak    [ Reply ]
Home, home on the range, where the vampires and werewolves do play
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word, just the blood-curdling screams of their prey

I'll get me cloak...
Posted 10 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
What a load of monotony garbage, bordering on the edge of Hip Hop and it dont get anymore boring than that genre, just no expression in her voice and seems to be going nowhere,  surely she can do better than this track ... Oh thank God its finished.
Posted 10 years ago by Toke    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:
There's apparently a trade in the works: Anne Murray and Nickelback for 4 Non Blondes and Billy Joel.
 
We'll give you Rush for a 6-pack of Coors.
Posted 11 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Great segue from Silversun Pickups just now!! You still got it, Bill.
Posted 11 years ago by mediamarv    [ Reply ]
 annie_fannie wrote:
....i sort of resent her for those ASPCA commercials with the sad dogs. even the dogs are like, 'jeez, Sarah, dial down the melodrama a bit. we're just dogs.'.....

 
You owe me a new keyboard, as I snorted my coffee all over my old one when I read this!
Posted 11 years ago by Ag3nt0rang3    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

There's apparently a trade in the works: Anne Murray and Nickelback for 4 Non Blondes and Billy Joel.

 

G*d-damn, that made me laugh!
Posted 11 years ago by EarthMama    [ Reply ]
A beautiful voice, beautiful production etc. Just kind of worn thin of this tune. Great album though...
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
One of her best for sure. This still holds up well after 16 years.
Posted 12 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
"Listen to your heart, when it's calling for you..." {#Nyah}
Posted 12 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
Sarah must have learned her music from the angels.
She always touches my heart..............
Posted 12 years ago by MirageRF    [ Reply ]
RP is so full of hate. i mean, i sort of resent her for those ASPCA commercials with the sad dogs. even the dogs are like, 'jeez, Sarah, dial down the melodrama a bit. we're just dogs.' but otherwise i've always really liked her stuff. not sure how this is caterwauling. pretty mellow to me...but then, i like a diverse set that includes female punk vocalists too.
Posted 12 years ago by annie_fannie    [ Reply ]
"heartfelt caterwauling" according to a coworker...
Posted 12 years ago by neuticle    [ Reply ]
Excellent lyrics.
Posted 12 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
 msymmes wrote:
Bill,    Let's call a truce between Canada and the USA.    Stop playing Sarah M. and The Cowbow Junkies AND stop play Natalie M.

Fair deal? 
 
There's apparently a trade in the works: Anne Murray and Nickelback for 4 Non Blondes and Billy Joel.
Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 msymmes wrote:
Bill,    Let's call a truce between Canada and the USA.    Stop playing Sarah M. and The Cowbow Junkies AND stop play Natalie M.

Fair deal?

 
 
Yeah, not sure what the point is, but look up Lianna Klassen...Song for Canada/America/Ireland.  There's your truce...
Posted 12 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
I love air drumming to this song. Ashwin Sood lags ever so slightly on the downbeat. Neat effect.
Posted 12 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 msymmes wrote:
Bill,    Let's call a truce between Canada and the USA.    Stop playing Sarah M. and The Cowbow Junkies AND stop play Natalie M.

Fair deal?

 
 

What are you going to do in return?  Doesn't seem like any sort of bargain unless telling someone what to do is a 'deal'.
Posted 12 years ago by TJS    [ Reply ]
Bill,    Let's call a truce between Canada and the USA.    Stop playing Sarah M. and The Cowbow Junkies AND stop play Natalie M.

Fair deal?

 
Posted 12 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

Mission accomplished - that's what those commercials do. They tug the heartstrings and make people feel sorrow for abused animals (not just puppies.)  I admire her stand, and I used to love her music. The first thing I ever heard by her was "Drawn to the Rhythm," and I bought the cassette and played it to death.  Kinda tired of her music now, but if I could get a break from it, I'd probably become a listener again.

BTW:  I change channels when her commercials air, because I don't want to cry anymore.
 
Fully agree. A friend of mine played "Black" and I went straight to the natural healing/Wicca shop downtown (I lived in Nebraska at the time) to grab it. 
Posted 13 years ago by ufamsm    [ Reply ]
 ufamsm wrote:
Used to be such a huge fan of this album and some of the ones before it. Now whenever I hear any of her songs, all I can think of is 

PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES!  
 
Mission accomplished - that's what those commercials do. They tug the heartstrings and make people feel sorrow for abused animals (not just puppies.)  I admire her stand, and I used to love her music. The first thing I ever heard by her was "Drawn to the Rhythm," and I bought the cassette and played it to death.  Kinda tired of her music now, but if I could get a break from it, I'd probably become a listener again.

BTW:  I change channels when her commercials air, because I don't want to cry anymore.

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


do you require medical assistance?
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO9d2PpP7tQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gspElv1yvc

 
Posted 13 years ago by ufamsm    [ Reply ]
 ufamsm wrote:
Used to be such a huge fan of this album and some of the ones before it. Now whenever I hear any of her songs, all I can think of is 

PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES!  
 

do you require medical assistance?
Posted 13 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]
Used to be such a huge fan of this album and some of the ones before it. Now whenever I hear any of her songs, all I can think of is 

PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES! 
PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEFORMED PUPPIES IN CAGES! DEAD PUPPIES IN CAGES!  
Posted 13 years ago by ufamsm    [ Reply ]
 spacemoose wrote:
I blame the commercial nature of the music industry. . . . (see full post below)
 
Excellent post, spacemoose!  {#Cheers}
Posted 13 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
This conjures memories from a really great decade of my life. {#Good-vibes}
Posted 13 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

I wouldn't say "she has fallen so far", but like so many artists, she went through an incredibly creative period and then just kinda started repeating herself. Think The Stones, The Who, CSN, Paul McCartney and the list goes on. Most mere mortals only have so many great songs in them until the well runs dry.

 
I blame the commercial nature of the music industry.  When people achieve commercial success they become subject so such a vastly different set of influences than those that motivated them to begin with, and those that motivate the normal human being.  They live in a sort of bubble and are pushed by the economics of the system and the executive and sycophants whispering in their ears.  So they strive to reproduce their success, rather than to produce something of artistic merit, or to generate an artistic expression of some deeper experience.  The musicians become victims of their own success. They suffer, society suffers, and a parasitic and exploitative group of grasping individuals, whose primary job is to own things, grows fat. 

I haven't done a thorough analysis, but I have the impression that there is a strong correlation between financial success and the deterioration of the contributions of an artist.  Those artists with long creative careers are those for whom mainstream success remains elusive, or who only obtain a limited, fringe success.   The worst cases are those who achieve success too quickly and are not mature enough to resist the corrupting influences.

It's worth noting that the copyright-oligarchy achieves this by subverting democracy and perverting copyright laws, which provides yet another reason to question copyright (see www.questioncopyright.org).

Posted 13 years ago by spacemoose    [ Reply ]
One of the most beautiful songs ever written and sung. Came out while I was in highschool so bubbles up all those good feelings everytime I hear it.  You know, windows down on the car, driving fast, wind blowing though your hair...
Posted 14 years ago by Kittee    [ Reply ]
cayenne: I always thought she was referring to an ankh.
Posted 14 years ago by audiophelia    [ Reply ]
 cayenne wrote:
I've always imagined that the ancient religion she alludes to in this song is Druidism.
 
Not with the reference to vampires, which is a relatively late concept. I'm not sure she's referring to anything in particular, just a sort of generic paganism/animism.

Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
8. I'm in a generous mood today.
Posted 14 years ago by le_colonel    [ Reply ]
overplayed adult contemporary
Posted 14 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
 physicsgenius wrote:
I like the chorus of this song, even though the goth junk is so 90s. Also, it brings back good memories of pre-Bush America.
 

The 1990s was the Golden Era for the USA.   Foreign academics and intellectuals all wanted to go live and work in the USA.

 


Posted 14 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 rbigelo wrote:
'Surfacing' and 'Fumbling Towards Ecstasy' are on my top shelf of all time favorite works by a single artist. They reside alongside Elton John's 'Madman Across the Water' and Pink Floyd's 'Animals.'


 
Wow we are completely on the same page. Those are my exact top shelf choices as well. {#Hug}
Posted 14 years ago by ugly    [ Reply ]
After reading the lyrics in a previous post, I have new respect for this song and for Sarah.

Posted 15 years ago by bronorb    [ Reply ]
'Surfacing' and 'Fumbling Towards Ecstasy' are on my top shelf of all time favorite works by a single artist. They reside alongside Elton John's 'Madman Across the Water' and Pink Floyd's 'Animals.'


Posted 15 years ago by rbigelo    [ Reply ]
to_the_eleven wrote:
guess I was only exposed to this one on FM radio; never heard the f*bomb verse before.

It's always been there, with the vowel edited out...

Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
guess I was only exposed to this one on FM radio;  never heard the f*bomb verse before.
Posted 15 years ago by to_the_eleven    [ Reply ]

Sarah gets a 10 and the song gets an 8 . . . I hereby proclaim this to be an 18!


Posted 15 years ago by wenatchee    [ Reply ]
 mjwstickings wrote:
Perhaps her last great song. She has fallen so far since Fumbling.
 
I wouldn't say "she has fallen so far", but like so many artists, she went through an incredibly creative period and then just kinda started repeating herself. Think The Stones, The Who, CSN, Paul McCartney and the list goes on. Most mere mortals only have so many great songs in them until the well runs dry.

Posted 15 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 holborne wrote:
This is the only song of hers I can stand, but it is a nice one.
 
I hear you, I think she has a great voice but (and I know I'm in the minority here) it's wasted on so many mediocre songs. I love the song she did with Delerium but I really wish she had recorded songs with some edge...just rocked out more.
Posted 16 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 holborne wrote:


I almost hate to break this news to you, pevend, but your ignorance is showing. Islam is a way, way younger religion than Christianity, by about 600 years.

No surprise, somehow, that you don't have any idea what you're talking about.
 
Well said, holborne.

I've always imagined that the ancient religion she alludes to in this song is Druidism.


Posted 16 years ago by cayenne    [ Reply ]
 pevend wrote:
If not for people like George Bush fighting against Islamic fascism, it might not be too long before we all are reduced to wearing sandals in the snow and are forced to adhere to a faith from before Jesus.

Very good song, too.
 

I almost hate to break this news to you, pevend, but your ignorance is showing. Islam is a way, way younger religion than Christianity, by about 600 years.

No surprise, somehow, that you don't have any idea what you're talking about.
Posted 16 years ago by holborne    [ Reply ]
 pevend wrote:
If not for people like George Bush fighting against Islamic fascism, it might not be too long before we all are reduced to wearing sandals in the snow and are forced to adhere to a faith from before Jesus.

Very good song, too.
 

F***me...are people really that stupid in your world?

I love early SM. Her material was just so pure in the beginning.

Posted 16 years ago by peyotecoyote    [ Reply ]
This is the only song of hers I can stand, but it is a nice one.
Posted 16 years ago by holborne    [ Reply ]
Older stuff always seems better. Very good.
Posted 16 years ago by Kerly    [ Reply ]
pevend wrote:
If not for people like George Bush fighting against Islamic fascism, it might not be too long before we all are reduced to wearing sandals in the snow and are forced to adhere to a faith from before Jesus. Very good song, too.
If you truly think Bush is fighting Islamic fascism out of an idealology, then you are truly blind and neither religion can help you.
Posted 16 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
pevend wrote:
If not for people like George Bush fighting against Islamic fascism, it might not be too long before we all are reduced to wearing sandals in the snow and are forced to adhere to a faith from before Jesus. Very good song, too.
But who's going to protect us from Christian Fascism? I agree about the song.
Posted 16 years ago by Ag3nt0rang3    [ Reply ]
Watching her perform this song in a large venue concert was so good. The combination of her voice and a great backup band was most memorable.
Posted 16 years ago by Ericac    [ Reply ]
A wonderful song from the last quality album she ever released.
Posted 16 years ago by Rickvee    [ Reply ]
i like the cd. always have and its good "mood music".
Posted 16 years ago by rickhoran    [ Reply ]
self-righteous? hmmm, i've never seen that in her.
Posted 16 years ago by K_Love    [ Reply ]
I remember being intrigued and excited by self-righteous McLachlan... ...then I heard some of her songs.
Posted 17 years ago by electronicshaman    [ Reply ]
I prefer the live version on "Mirrorball," not to imply this one is bad, but that's she is AWESOME in a live performance and a really cool human being in person.
Posted 17 years ago by rbigelo    [ Reply ]
pevend wrote:
If not for people like George Bush fighting against Islamic fascism, it might not be too long before we all are reduced to wearing sandals in the snow and are forced to adhere to a faith from before Jesus.
Christianity springs from a 10-century-long Eygptian religion by way of Judiasm - only the names have changed. Islam too is descended from older religions. Just folks coping with community relations and fear of death/pain. Read your Dawkins and "The Pagan Christ" !! Your argument is spurious. And silly IMHO.
Posted 17 years ago by tnt_thomas    [ Reply ]
The least magical of her renditions of this song. Please find a better one. Many intelligent and knowledgeable comments have been posted on this page!
Posted 17 years ago by rKokon    [ Reply ]
pevend wrote:
If not for people like George Bush fighting against Islamic fascism, it might not be too long before we all are reduced to wearing sandals in the snow and are forced to adhere to a faith from before Jesus. Very good song, too.
You must drink a lot of Kool-aid.
Posted 17 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
I had the privilege of seeing Sarah right after her first album came out - a tiny club called the Green Parrot in Neptune, NJ. Got to hang out with her after the show, even got a signed poster. Two other artists have grabbed me as much on the first listen (not because of similar music, just similar artistry and passion): Melissa Etheridge and Del Amitri...
Posted 17 years ago by kaz    [ Reply ]
Perhaps her last great song. She has fallen so far since Fumbling.
Posted 17 years ago by mjwstickings    [ Reply ]
pianocomposer wrote:
I am both a HUGE McLachlan fan and a critic of the Bush war in Iraq. This is my favorite post from the genius.
Word.
Posted 17 years ago by susaine    [ Reply ]
meydele wrote:
Yep. She's got good stuff, but this isn't it.
In my humble opinion even her "mediocre" is way above most other stuff. I love her voice...................!!
Posted 17 years ago by felix_the_man    [ Reply ]
If not for people like George Bush fighting against Islamic fascism, it might not be too long before we all are reduced to wearing sandals in the snow and are forced to adhere to a faith from before Jesus. Very good song, too.
Posted 17 years ago by pevend    [ Reply ]
Usually when I rate songs, i rate them either very high (8,9,10) or very low (1,2). The ones in the middle never really inspire me to open the page to give it a rating at all. However, if ever a song deserved a 5, this is it!
Posted 17 years ago by thatslongformud    [ Reply ]
davin wrote:
Long standing mediocre hit for SM
Yep. She's got good stuff, but this isn't it.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
NorthernLad wrote:
hey, she swears in this song! i'm telling george bush.
I love it when she talks dirty.
Posted 17 years ago by rrowdies    [ Reply ]
Long standing mediocre hit for SM
Posted 17 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
My wife loves this stuff. That increases my chances of getting lucky. Ergo, I like this stuff.
Posted 17 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
SCprof wrote:
I totally agree
count it
Posted 17 years ago by th3boon    [ Reply ]
SmackDaddy wrote:
annoooooooooooyyyyyyyyyyyyiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnngggggggg!!
I totally agree
Posted 18 years ago by SCprof    [ Reply ]