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Wilco — Jesus, Etc.
Album: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3901









Released: 2002
Length: 3:48
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Jesus, don't cry
You can rely on me honey
You can combine anything you want
I'll be around
You were right about the stars
Each one is a setting sun

Tall buildings shake
Voices escape singing sad sad songs
Tuned to chords strung down your cheeks
Bitter melodies turning your orbit around

Don't cry
You can rely on me honey
You can come by any time you want
I'll be around
You were right about the stars
Each one is a setting sun

Tall buildings shake
Voices escape singing sad sad songs
Tuned to chords strung down your cheeks
Bitter melodies turning your orbit around

Voices whine
Skyscrapers are scraping together
Your voice is smoking
Last cigarettes are all you can get
Turning your orbit around

Our love
Our love
Our love is all we have
Our love
Our love is all of God's money
Everyone is a burning sun

Tall buildings shake
Voices escape singing sad sad songs
Tuned to chords strung down your cheeks
Bitter melodies turning your orbit around

Voices whine
Skyscrapers are scraping together
Your voice is smoking
Last cigarettes are all you can get
Turning your orbit around

Last cigarettes are all you can get
Turning your orbit around

Last cigarettes are all you can get
Turning your orbit around
Comments (447)add comment
Hands down my favorite of Wilco's. I was going through a stressful period in my life when Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was released and had the strings intro as my ringtone...a regular Zen fix when I needed it {#Boohoo}
I always thought he was yelling "two chords" to the band.  And they'd play a long string of 6 chords every time.  And I'd be like "guys, don't be dicks, just play the two chords."
 amcostigan88 wrote:

My father turned me onto these guys when this album dropped. He loved this album dearly. Remember it playing A LOT.

He passed away in December of 2007. I was 19.

I performed this song at his funeral and barely remember doing. It was as if I was fueled by his love for this song and all music. Took me a long time to listen to it again.

Now when I hear it, I feel warmth and his deep love for music. Priceless memories of trading notes on music new and old, of which remind me that he is still with me.



beautiful.
such a great tune and band… saw em at a small bar in Portland OR when they were just starting out
I don't recognize this version but it's not the YHF album version.
 RParadise wrote:

Not particularly fond of this song, but the album cover makes me nostalgic for my home town.  Those are the Marina Towers which are right on the Chicago River.  One of the reasons Chicago was known mid-century as the place for architecture.



Oh pooh. 

If you want to see the "real" home of Wilco, go to the home of Uncle Tupelo: Belleville, IL.  That's downstate IL.

Instead of some lifeless Chicago towers for an album cover, they can show the old Stag beer brewery.  Now that's memorable,  




 RParadise wrote:

Not particularly fond of this song, but the album cover makes me nostalgic for my home town.  Those are the Marina Towers which are right on the Chicago River.  One of the reasons Chicago was known mid-century as the place for architecture.



One of my favorite Wilco songs.
I always thought the towers were pretty cool. My father was a driver who hauled steel to Chicago daily for their construction.
Not particularly fond of this song, but the album cover makes me nostalgic for my home town.  Those are the Marina Towers which are right on the Chicago River.  One of the reasons Chicago was known mid-century as the place for architecture.
Wilco is hit or miss for me. This tune is a HIT! Nice!
 Stuff_n_Nonsense wrote:
Wilco = depressing dad rock.
 
People who have done no living say what?
Wilco = depressing dad rock.
 jimmy99s wrote:
album is incredible too. So good their record label dropped them for it. If that's not the seal of approval, i don't know what is. 10/10
 
One can mistake this for a joke, but I hear ya
 pousso wrote:

Agree - love this version with Nels Cline on David Letterman:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4_O4Sj-XTs 
 the live version on Kicking Television is wonderful Again props Nils  Cline

Love the live version as well. I've seen them live 5 or 6 times and this song has turned into a great "sing-a-long" song.
8 - 9, I love these guys!
 pamorama wrote:
Why do I never get tired of this song? It's addictive. 
 

It is as close as anything to the way I feel about Nick Drake's Pink Moon. When it comes on I'm compelled to stop what I'm doing and really listen.
What's not to love about this song? And the album is incredible too. So good their record label dropped them for it. If that's not the seal of approval, i don't know what is. 10/10
Nice.... Sounds new to me.
Nice.
My father turned me onto these guys when this album dropped. He loved this album dearly. Remember it playing A LOT.

He passed away in December of 2007. I was 19.

I performed this song at his funeral and barely remember doing. It was as if I was fueled by his love for this song and all music. Took me a long time to listen to it again.

Now when I hear it, I feel warmth and his deep love for music. Priceless memories of trading notes on music new and old, of which remind me that he is still with me.
Why do I never get tired of this song? It's addictive. 
Three trips to church this week:)

Tweedy in Seattle last Sunday ... Delgres in Berkeley last night ... Tweedy at the  Fillmore tonight.

My cup runneth over...
there is just something about this song ...
{#Smile}Great song from what seemed to be adifficult album for Tweedy and Co.  Wilco are agreat band, full stop
Such a beautiful, beautiful song, from a band in the midst of major problems, both surrounding them from the industry and from within their own ranks. To then write and produce a track of such beauty is all the more remarkable. Made a life long Wilco fan out of me!! 
Thank you ... a wonderful song by Wilco .. for this Friday night..
Food for myriad thoughts..

Thank you ....  A ten for sure !
Favorite Wilco Song and Favorite Wilco album 
yeah, this song. these lyrics. le sigh...
 mblue wrote:
Amazing song. I now tear up each time I hear it, after I chose to have it played at my sister-in-law's ceremony. She passed after a 17-year battle with breast cancer. She was a huge Wilco fan and this was one of her favorites. Every star IS a setting sun.

 
Thanks for sharing!
just saw them live!
{#Bananajam}{#Bananapiano}{#Drummer}{#Boohoo}{#Biggrin} 
hii
 Wilfrue wrote:
Not sure why the hate for this song, or for Wilco. Lots to like here in it's concurrent depth and simplicity. As for the banal lyric, I hear and take away something a little different every time... that't the mark of a good piece in my book.

 
Don't spend too much time on your wonderings.  There's never any real reason for the h8 or the h8r.  It's what they do. 

This is indeed a good piece and the lyrics are, as you say, the mark of a quality well written song.
 Proclivities wrote:

Terry Gilliam could run for president.  Imagine the TV ads.

 
{#Clap}
Amazing song. I now tear up each time I hear it, after I chose to have it played at my sister-in-law's ceremony. She passed after a 17-year battle with breast cancer. She was a huge Wilco fan and this was one of her favorites. Every star IS a setting sun.
Not sure why the hate for this song, or for Wilco. Lots to like here in it's concurrent depth and simplicity. As for the banal lyric, I hear and take away something a little different every time... that't the mark of a good piece in my book.
Desperate boredom! 
Why Juliett Tango
 bassbinrevival wrote:
This is the first time i've  ever heard this song on the radio..ever.. Thank you Radio Paradise 
 
 
Stick around, you can hear it 5 times a month here.  Not that that's a bad thing.  It's just one of Bill's favorites.
As with so many Wilco songs, this is sublime. I love particularly in this song the way that they incorporate so much variety in the accompaniment.
 progrockette wrote:

Agree.

 
I agree with you 110%
 ScottishWillie wrote:

Fuunily enough I listen to the same thing as you and hear a blindingly good song from a band that is at best sublime. 
 

This is the first time i've  ever heard this song on the radio..ever.. Thank you Radio Paradise 
 
 lkovathana wrote:
The cover is the only redeeming element

 
Do you live in Marina City?
Music for ever
The cover is the only redeeming element
 bethslave wrote:
A bad song from a band that is at best mediocre.

 
riiiiiiiight.  Don't quit your day job.
 bethslave wrote:
A bad song from a band that is at best mediocre.

 

Funnily enough I’m listen to the same thing as you but I hear a blindingly good song from an artist that is sublime.


A bad song from a band that is at best mediocre.
 Stingray wrote:
Does noooothing for me. At all!!

 
yeah....not a whole lot there to get excited about but to each his own.
 Stingray wrote:
Does noooothing for me. At all!!

 
Alrightie, then.
Does noooothing for me. At all!!
 Biscobret wrote:
Best.  Song.  Ever.

 
Agree - love this version with Nels Cline on David Letterman:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4_O4Sj-XTs 
 Skttrbrain wrote:
Every single time you guys play a Wilco song in Radio Paradise, while I'm listening, I smile and say thank you. Every time it saves my whole day.

 
Agree.
 Proclivities wrote:

Terry Gilliam could run for president.  Imagine the TV ads.


Conrad Poohs and his dancing teeth endorse... 


Monty Python animation: Conrad Pooh and his dancing teeth

Monty Python animated Gif of giant cat eating city buildings

Weapons of Feline Destruction! Is your city safe?

Aces
 Dave_Mack wrote:

I'm afraid Michael Palin can't be president, but I'd vote for him anyway. I also vote for pints.

 
Terry Gilliam could run for president.  Imagine the TV ads.
 Dave_Mack wrote:

I'm afraid Michael Palin can't be president, but I'd vote for him anyway. I also vote for pints.

 
I would too.  Alas, he was not born here.   I would LOVE, and I mean love, to vote for the Canadian Jennifer Granholm for POTUS (former governor of Michigan).   She is hot and smart as they come.  WOOOWEEEEE.......{#Tongue}  I could maybe intern for her and provide the kind of service provided to Bill Clinton by his interns.  Too bad she cannot run.


File:Jennifer Granholm.jpg 
I know I have said this before,  but this is one of my favorite Wilco songs,  I never get tired of it.  Thanks for playing RP!
Every single time you guys play a Wilco song in Radio Paradise, while I'm listening, I smile and say thank you. Every time it saves my whole day.
 Dave_Mack wrote:

I'm afraid Michael Palin can't be president, but I'd vote for him anyway. I also vote for pints.

 
{#Lol} I'd vote for him too!
I love playing bass to this song. Lovely Tune 
I saw them on July 10 in Minnepoplis with Bob Dylan. Outdoors. Great venue, except for a train now and then.

They put on a GREAT show. Better than I've seen during last few years.


Good to see them play RnR.       
 rdo wrote:


{#Cheers}   Pints on Fred! 
Palin 2016  

 
I'm afraid Michael Palin can't be president, but I'd vote for him anyway. I also vote for pints.
beautiful song that many say reminds them of 9/11
Sounds a lot like Aztec Camera and that makes it good by me :-)
They played live last night in Duluth, MN on the Bob Dylan Americanarama tour, and covered "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", right there on the shore of THE BIG LAKE THEY CALL GITCHE GUMEE!


Would have loved to have been there for that one...  
This and Impossible Germany sound alot the same... Good song though.
I had two kids sing this in class today. It was awesome.
Wilco — Jesus, Etc.


Miles......Streets......Jesus - awesome set.
I wish I could give a song an 11.
Love the violins on this.
Check out the Bill Fay version...
I like this sound, makes me wish RP would play some Aztec Camera.
One of the better Wilco tunes. Lyrics are still a bit banal...but together with the understated music makes for a nice tune.
The "rock" song - as in solid
Edit

 
Papernapkin wrote:
Everything by Jeff Tweedy and Wilco is just greatgrates
 


Everything by Jeff Tweedy and Wilco just grates. 
Can't, won't ever tire of this song.  For 2 years Wilco evolved this into a crowd sing along.  They have since retaken it and it continues to evolve live.  Never changed, evolved.  And throughout its life, the same beautiful sonic landscape and emotional journey.

Thank you Wilco.

Thank you RP.   
Best.  Song.  Ever.
This is perfect Sunday song. No church this morning but this song for sure!

Twice, is it Christmas or what?

Cheers 
I sometimes think I am giving to many 10 here, particularly when I hear this song, because it is one song that definetly deserves the 10 (and no there is no 11).

I always hear a bit of "Six Blade Knife" (Dire Straits) whenever this song starts up.


I'm getting quite tired of hearing this one on RP. In fact this whole set is starting to get stale.

Hey Bill, time to mix it up. 
Beautiful so simple. One of my favourite Wilco songs.
Just had to move this up a notch...love this song.
Ultimate Love Song.
This songs gets me every time...
I have the album..I like it....do I ever play it? Nope. Go figure.
 h8rhater wrote:

Come on now, Fred.  Don't be like that.  You need not look far to find positive commentary from H8r on these boards and I never slag on the music.  You and I are in agreement (your position on The Who not withstanding) more than you might realize.  I think we need to tip a pint of real ale in old Nottingham and bury the hatchet.
 

{#Cheers}   Pints on Fred! 
Palin 2016  
 fredriley wrote:

mandolin posted a reasonable and argued comment, and you just slag it off in your usual negative fashion. Even given your self-appointed role as 'hater hater', you've gone over the top as the original post wasn't a "this sucks!!" post and mandolin isn't a hater. Knock it off, and quit being such a hater yourself. Post something positive for a feckin' change.

 
Come on now, Fred.  Don't be like that.  You need not look far to find positive commentary from H8r on these boards and I never slag on the music.  You and I are in agreement (your position on The Who not withstanding) more than you might realize.  I think we need to tip a pint of real ale in old Nottingham and bury the hatchet.
 Exene wrote:

I liked them OK but it wasn't until I saw them play live that I just lost my mind over this band. Seriously, go see them if you have a chance and you will be converted. Some of the best shows I've ever seen. The cd's are great but these songs just shimmer gorgeously live.
 

x2.  Just saw them Tuesday.  Don't judge them unless you see them.
Great song from a very good album. But it appears the band has lost its edge. Maybe it needs to move back to Belleville, IL near the old Stag beer brewery and get inspired.
Just noticed the excellent lyrics...especially the chorus:
"our love
our love
our love is all we have
our love
our love is all of God's money
everyone is a burning sun"

Nice!  Reminds me of Lennon's 'Instant Karma' - we all shine on!
7>8
 Stingray wrote:


Stop being the selfmade arrogant Prickle Pit - Nottingham!
Remember where you come from!
Blue Collar is an exaggaration!
 
Nothing wrong with being from Nottingham or any other place. Probably the worst place to be is inside Stingray's head.

 kingart wrote:
One of those "good" songs that doesn't float my boat. Annoys me. I hit mute. Does this band rock out every once in a while? 
 

Stephenater wrote:

Give a listen to Art of Almost off their latest album, The Whole Love.  It rocks my world;-)
 
When I first heard this song my thoughts were along the lines of, "Oh, for God's sake shut up!" but I have to admit it seems to be growing on me. 
 kingart wrote:
One of those "good" songs that doesn't float my boat. Annoys me. I hit mute. Does this band rock out every once in a while? 
 
Give a listen to Art of Almost off their latest album, The Whole Love.  It rocks my world;-)
One of their best.
One of those "good" songs that doesn't float my boat. Annoys me. I hit mute. Does this band rock out every once in a while? 
It's one of those "jerk me out of whatever I'm doing" songs, regardless of anything and everything.

"Our love is all of God's money" . . . . amazing concept verbalized perfectly. 
 mandolin wrote:
...i don't get wilco, i totally don't get wilco at all...

...what is it so many people love about this band that i just can't hear?..sure, they're technically proficient, their albums are immaculately mastered, and their songwriting exhibits sufficient variety not to plod through the same material over and over, but i just can't hear any spark in their music:  it's just there, like cast-off discount wallpaper...

...okay, less than you think was pretty cool, and following it up with the late greats made a nice musical counterpoint to close the album, but that's really an anomalous moment in their canon, and i don't say that for lack of giving them a fair listen...
 
I liked them OK but it wasn't until I saw them play live that I just lost my mind over this band. Seriously, go see them if you have a chance and you will be converted. Some of the best shows I've ever seen. The cd's are great but these songs just shimmer gorgeously live.
 jimmpypowder wrote:
A great song ,one of Wilco's best.
 
Well, we both liked Led Zeppelin I...but I can't take thisong...
Hello Marina Towers!
A great song ,one of Wilco's best.

quin·tes·sen·tial - adj.

Of, relating to, or having the nature of a quintessence; being the most typical.

Most typically representative of a quality, state, etc.; perfect


 Stingray wrote:


Stop being the selfmade arrogant Prickle Pit - Nottingham!
Remember where you come from!
Blue Collar is an exaggaration!
 
Fick dich, arschloch. I know where I come from, and it's not Nottingham, scheisskopf. At least I'm not a racist and a troll. 

I like this tune a lot.
{#Roflol}

...oh, you guys made me chuckle...
WOW flames on!!{#Beat}

btw...nice song!
This is totally a Chicago album.
 fredriley wrote:

mandolin posted a reasonable and argued comment, and you just slag it off in your usual negative fashion. Even given your self-appointed role as 'hater hater', you've gone over the top as the original post wasn't a "this sucks!!" post and mandolin isn't a hater. Knock it off, and quit being such a hater yourself. Post something positive for a feckin' change.

 

Stop being the selfmade arrogant Prickle Pit - Nottingham!
Remember where you come from!
Blue Collar is an exaggaration!
 h8rhater wrote:

5 compliments, followed by a negative conclusion.  Clearly you've put in you due diligence.  Their legion of fans, including Bill and many others here, are just an anomaly and clearly didn't analyze the music as well as you.  Such simpletons.

 
mandolin posted a reasonable and argued comment, and you just slag it off in your usual negative fashion. Even given your self-appointed role as 'hater hater', you've gone over the top as the original post wasn't a "this sucks!!" post and mandolin isn't a hater. Knock it off, and quit being such a hater yourself. Post something positive for a feckin' change.

 SinisterDexter wrote:
I like the shot of the Bob Newhart Towers on the cover.
 
They're actually the Marina Towers in downtown Chicago, where the Chicago River touches Lake Michigan.  I say "touches" because I think city engineers actually reversed the river's flow to carry stormwater runoff away from the lake — so the river no longer "flows into Lake Michigan."

 SinisterDexter wrote:
I like the shot of the Bob Newhart Towers on the cover.
 
You mention Bob Newhart, while I was thinking that this song reminds me of "The Courtship of Eddie's Father". 70s tv...
one of the very few wilco songs which i do NOT like very much. they do cross the line from sentiment to kitsch, here, imho...
mmmmm hmmmm.
great song. great album.
 trissi wrote:
Jerry, is that you?
 

I knew I wasn't alone! After all,we ARE everywhere...
 mandolin wrote:
...i don't get wilco, i totally don't get wilco at all...

...what is it so many people love about this band that i just can't hear?..sure, they're technically proficient, their albums are immaculately mastered, and their songwriting exhibits sufficient variety not to plod through the same material over and over, but i just can't hear any spark in their music:  it's just there, like cast-off discount wallpaper...

...okay, less than you think was pretty cool, and following it up with the late greats made a nice musical counterpoint to close the album, but that's really an anomalous moment in their canon, and i don't say that for lack of giving them a fair listen...
 
5 compliments, followed by a negative conclusion.  Clearly you've put in you due diligence.  Their legion of fans, including Bill and many others here, are just an anomaly and clearly didn't analyze the music as well as you.  Such simpletons.

Great song from a great Album. Lucky enough to get the demo CD for YHF. Thanks Jason P.

 
Love it !