Return of the Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Won't you scratch my itch sweet Annie Rich And welcome me back to town Come out on your porch or I'll step into your parlour And I'll show you how it all went down Out with the truckers and the kickers and the cowboy angels And a good saloon in every single town Oh and I remember something you once told me And I'll be damned if it did not come true Twenty thousand roads I went down, down, down And they all lead me straight back home to you 'Cause I headed West to grow up with the country Across those prairies with those waves of grain And I saw my devil, and I saw my deep blue sea And I thought about a calico bonnet from Cheyenne to Tennessee We flew straight across that river bridge, last night half past two The switch-man wave his lantern goodbye and good day as we went roling through Billboards and truck stops pass by the grievous angel And now I know just what I have to do (pick for me James) And the man on the radio won't leave me alone He wants to take my money for something that I've never been shown And I saw my devil, and I saw my deep blue see And I thought about a calico bonnet from Cheyenne to Tennessee The news I could bring I met up with the king On his head an amphetamine crown He talked about unbuckling that old bible belt And lighted out for some desert town Out with the truckers and the kickers and the cowboy angels And a good saloon in every single town Oh but I remember something you once told me And I'll be damned if it did not come true Twenty thousand roads I went down, down, down And they all lead me straight back home to you Twenty thousand roads I went down, down, down And they all lead me straight back home to you
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: Graham Parsons, Beau Brown
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Origin"Return of the Grievous Angel" is a song written by American country rock pioneer Gram Parsons and his girlfriend, poet Thomas Brown. It was first released on Parsons' 1974 album, "Grievous Angel."
|
CollaborationFeatured vocals on the version of "Return of the Grievous Angel" found on the album were shared by Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, marking one of their many notable collaborative efforts.
|
InfluenceThe song is regarded as a seminal influence on country rock, as well as alt-country and Americana genres.
|
Song MeaningWhile the song's lyrics are open to interpretation, many believe "Return of the Grievous Angel" reflects on Parsons' own experiences with life on the road, loneliness, and longing for a sense of home and love.
|
VersionsThe song has been covered by numerous artists, including Lucinda Williams, who recorded the song as the title track for a 1999 tribute album to Parsons.
|
Tragic ConnectionThe album "Grievous Angel" was released posthumously after Parsons' sudden death from a drug overdose in 1973, at the age of 26.
|
LegacyGrammy award-winning artist Emmylou Harris, who shared vocal duties on the track with Gram Parsons, has often credited Parsons as a major influence on her own musical direction and style.
|
Album CoverThe cover art of the "Grievous Angel" album features a painting of Parsons and Harris together, highlighting their deep professional and personal connection.
|
Parsons' ImpactDespite his untimely death, Parsons' songwriting on tracks like "Return of the Grievous Angel" has led to his recognition as an enduring figure in American roots music.
|
Emmylou ConnectionAfter Parsons' death, Emmylou Harris went on to have a successful solo career, and she often performed "Return of the Grievous Angel" in her live sets as a tribute to Parsons.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Return of the Grievous Angel Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/937104/Gram+Parsons/Return+of+the+Grievous+Angel>.
Discuss the Return of the Grievous Angel Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In