Song for Adam
Jackson Browne
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Though Adam was a friend of mine I did not know him well He was alone into his distance He was deep into his well I could guess what he was laughing at But I couldn't really tell Now the story's told that Adam jumped But I've been thinking that he fell Together we went traveling As we received the call His destination India And I had none at all Well, I still remember laughing With our backs against the wall So free of fear, we never thought That one of us might fall I sit before my only candle But it's so little light to find my way Now this story unfolds before my candle Which is shorter every hour As it reaches for the day But I feel just like a candle in the way I guess I'll get there But I wouldn't say for sure When we parted we were laughing still As our goodbyes were said And I never heard from him again As each our lives we led Except for once in someone else's Letter that I read Until I heard the sudden word That a friend of mine was dead I sit before my only candle Like a pilgrim sits beside the way Now this journey appears before my candle As a song that's growing fainter The harder I play That I fear before I end I'll fade away But I guess I'll get there Though I wouldn't say for sure Though Adam was a friend of mine, I did not know him long And when I stood myself beside him, I never though I was as strong Still it seems he stopped his singing In the middle of his song Well I'm not the one to say I know But I'm hoping he was wrong I'm holding out my only candle Though it's so little light to find my way Now this story's been laid beneath my candle And it's shorter every hour As it reaches for the day Yes, I feel just like a candle in the way I hope I'll get there But I never pray
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Written by: JACKSON BROWNE
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Album Appearance"Song For Adam" is a track from Jackson Browne's self-titled debut album, also known as "Saturate Before Using". The album was released in 1972.
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Song InspirationThis song was written and inspired by Browne's friend, Adam Saylor, who died tragically. The lyrics reflect the themes of loss, grief, and fleeting mortality.
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Songwriter's CraftThe song shows Browne's early work in songwriting. It plays with time and narrative, shifting between third person to first person perspective.
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Recognizable MelodyThe harmonic progression of "Song for Adam" is distinct and is reminiscent of Stephen Foster's song "Hard Times".
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Greg Allman’s RenditionIn 2017, rock musician Gregg Allman covered "Song for Adam" on his final album, Southern Blood.
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Emotional ImpactJackson Browne has repeatedly been unable to finish singing the song in live performances due to the emotional impact and personal significance that the song holds for him.
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Reviews & ReceptionThe song is viewed by listeners and critics as a sobering and insightful exploration of life and loss, making it one of Browne's most impactful songs.
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Song Length"Song for Adam" is approximately five minutes long, showcasing Browne's penchant for detailed storytelling.
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Musical StyleThe song has a folk-rock style, which is fused with introspective and melancholy lyrics, thereby helping to define the introspective singer-songwriter movement of the 70s.
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Guitar ApplicationThe song showcases Browne's skillful application of acoustic guitar, which acts as both a rhythmic and melodic device.
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Citation
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"Song for Adam Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 17 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2270529/Jackson+Browne/Song+for+Adam>.
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