Redondo Beach

Patti Smith

About Redondo Beach

"Redondo Beach" is a rock/reggae song written by Patti Smith, Richard Sohl, and Lenny Kaye. It was first released on Patti Smith's 1975 album Horses. It was also published as a poem in Smith's 1972 book kodak under the title "Radando Beach". The lyrics relate the suicide by drowning of a young woman following an argument with the song's narrator. It has frequently been interpreted as a lesbian-themed song; Smith appeared to encourage this interpretation in her live performances, frequently introducing the song with "Redondo Beach is a beach where women love other women". She later said that she wrote the lyrics in 1971 following a fight with her sister Linda; Linda subsequently disappeared for the day, causing Patti to worry that she had come to harm. Smith has also stated that she considers herself "beyond gender" in her artistic expression. Smith's lyrics were set to a reggae arrangement. 


Year:
1996
3:26
170 
#2

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Late afternoon, dreaming hotel
We just had the quarrel, that sent you away
I was looking for you, are you gone, gone?

Called you on the phone, another dimension
Well, you never returned, oh you know what I mean
I went looking for you, are you gone, gone?

Down by the ocean, it was so dismal
Women all standing with shock on their faces
Sad description, oh I was looking for you

Everyone was singing, girl is washed up
On Redondo beach and everyone is so sad
I was looking for you, are you gone, gone?

Pretty little girl, everyone cried
She was the victim, of sweet suicide
I went looking for you, are you gone, gone?

Down by the ocean it was so dismal
Women all standing with shock on their faces
Sad description, oh I was just looking for you

Desk clerk told me, girl was washed up
Was small, an angel with apple blonde hair, now
I went looking for you, are you gone, gone?

Picked up my key, didn't reply
Went to my room, started to cry
You were small, an angel, are you gone, gone?

Down by the ocean it was so dismal
I was just standing with shock on my face
The hearse pulled away and the girl that had died, it was you

You'll never return into my arms 'cause you were gone, gone
Never return into my arms 'cause you were gone, gone
Gone, gone
Gone, gone
Goodbye

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Patti Smith

Patricia Lee "Patti" Smith (born December 30, 1946) is an American singer-songwriter, poet and visual artist, who became a highly influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 debut album Horses. more »

6 fans

Written by: Leonard J Kaye, Patti Smith, Richard A Sohl

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Redondo Beach" is a reggae-infused rock song written by Patti Smith and Richard Sohl, which appears on her 1975 debut album "Horses."
Inspirational Source
The song was allegedly inspired by a quarrel and subsequent temporary estrangement between Smith and her sister.
Lyrics
The lyrics of the song, quite melancholy in nature, describe a woman who commits suicide by drowning following a lover's quarrel.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists, including Morrissey, former lead singer of the band The Smiths, who introduced the song to a new generation of listeners.
Track Version Difference
Two versions of the song were recorded – one with only Smith and an acoustic guitar, and another, more upbeat version with a full band.
Album Ranking
The "Horses" album, which includes "Redondo Beach," is consistently ranked among the greatest albums of all time. In 2003, the album was ranked number 44 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
Live Performance
Patti Smith occasionally performs "Redondo Beach" live in concert, and it remains one of her most popular songs.
Song Usage
"Redondo Beach" was used in the movie "Times Square" (1980) and in the soundtrack of the French film "Gazon Maudit" (1995).
Genre Blending
The track is notable for its blend of rock and reggae music, showcasing Smith's eclectic musical tastes.
Smith's Influence
With the song "Redondo Beach," Patti Smith helped pave the way for other women in rock music, challenging the genre's male-dominated status quo.

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