Song for Adam

Jackson Browne

About Song for Adam

"Song for Adam" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne. It is the third track on his self-titled debut album, Jackson Browne, released in 1972.


Year:
1972
5:23
145 
#1

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

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

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Jackson Browne

Clyde Jackson Browne (born October 9, 1948) is an American singer-songwriter and musician who has sold over 17 million albums in the United States alone. more »

17 fans

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.
Song Inspiration
This 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.
Songwriter's Craft
The song shows Browne's early work in songwriting. It plays with time and narrative, shifting between third person to first person perspective.
Recognizable Melody
The harmonic progression of "Song for Adam" is distinct and is reminiscent of Stephen Foster's song "Hard Times".
Greg Allman’s Rendition
In 2017, rock musician Gregg Allman covered "Song for Adam" on his final album, Southern Blood.
Emotional Impact
Jackson 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.
Reviews & Reception
The 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.
Song Length
"Song for Adam" is approximately five minutes long, showcasing Browne's penchant for detailed storytelling.
Musical Style
The 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.
Guitar Application
The song showcases Browne's skillful application of acoustic guitar, which acts as both a rhythmic and melodic device.

Discuss the Song for Adam Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Song for Adam Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 30 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2270529/Jackson+Browne/Song+for+Adam>.

    Missing lyrics by Jackson Browne?

    Know any other songs by Jackson Browne? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Song for Adam

    148.8K
    1,800     0

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    She can't see the landscape anymore, it's all painted ___ ___ ___
    A on the streets
    B blue at sea
    C at her feet
    D in her grief

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Jackson Browne's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Jackson Browne tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!