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Beck — Guess I'm Doing Fine
Album: Sea Change
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1352









Released: 2002
Length: 4:43
Plays (last 30 days): 1
There's a bluebird at my window
I can't hear the songs he sings
All the jewels in Heaven
They don't look the same to me

I just wade the tides that turned
Till I learn to leave the past behind

It's only lies that I'm living
It's only tears that I'm crying
It's only you that I'm losing
Guess I'm doing fine

All the battlements are empty
And the moon is laying low
Yellow roses in the graveyard
Got no time to watch them grow

Now I bade a friend farewell
I can do whatever pleases me

It's only lies that I'm living
It's only tears that I'm crying
It's only you that I'm losing
Guess I'm doing fine

Press my face up to the window
To see how warm it is inside
See the things that I've been missing
Missing all this time

It's only lies that I'm living
It's only tears that I'm crying
It's only you that I'm losing
Guess I'm doing fine
Comments (152)add comment
Fantastic segue from Big Thief's "Masterpiece."
 crogers wrote:

I, along with many of your fellow human beings, have resolved to accept followers of Scientology in precisely the same way that we accept followers of any of the "organized" religions to be found on Earth, including yours...

 



It doesn't have to be a concession as crogers' suggests.  All people cling to some ideology. No one is immune. Including crogers.
Quite the range of style with this guy.
One of the best road-trip songs, and albums, ever... I can recall it being perfect as a soundtrack for driving southward along the Sangre De Cristo Range down by Crestone Peak as the magenta and gold reflecting on the snows contrasted so nicely with the azures and purples of the Colorado sky at sunset-time... Haunting, surreal...and perfectly apropos for the journeys we all traverse in Life...
Hi, fellow RP-ers.

"Long-time listener, first-time writer." Sitting here quietly laughing at the negative language some people enjoy. 
I'm actually in the Radio trade here in Ireland and, like performers at ALL levels, attract my share of vitriol. My standard response is, "Lads, if you don't like it, don't try to poison my life; just listen to something else." Simple. 
Peace out.

Pat.
A lot of the Sea Change era music sounds the same, but no complaints here.  He has definitely has found a good sound.
 
Judging by the small peak of ratings around "3" I guess it's not for everyone.
 Stingray wrote:
SCIENTOLOGIST (and WHINER!!)


No. Former Scientologist and a LOSER (baby).
Beck's varied musical journey is second to none.  
 terrapin52 wrote:
One of my favorite sad, sad songs.
 

This makes me wish there was a "delete" button so I don't have to see this again. 
Whole album 10 easily
 Stingray wrote:
SCIENTOLOGIST (and WHINER!!)
 
I'm imagining this complaint being voiced in the whiniest possible voice. 
 crogers wrote:

I, along with many of your fellow human beings, have resolved to accept followers of Scientology in precisely the same way that we accept followers of any of the "organized" religions to be found on Earth, including yours...

 
 

Yes!  What they said.
nice one..
 Stingray wrote:
SCIENTOLOGIST (and WHINER!!)

 
I, along with many of your fellow human beings, have resolved to accept followers of Scientology in precisely the same way that we accept followers of any of the "organized" religions to be found on Earth, including yours...

 
 Verpeiler wrote:
THIS is Beck? I thought it might be Ryan Adams. Never heard anything this good from Beck - not a fan of his lo-fi experiments, but this I like.

 
If you like this.. You must inspect the entire scope of his release "Sea Change."  If there is a better break-up concept album, please tell me what that is.

 


THIS is Beck? I thought it might be Ryan Adams. Never heard anything this good from Beck - not a fan of his lo-fi experiments, but this I like.
A beautiful, sad song! The world doesn't have enough.
What an artist! Great stuff.
I deeply appreciate all the different aspects of this gifted musician, and most make me grin or laugh or sing along, but this one ALWAYS gets me right square in the heart, renders me pensive and gets me looking out the window at the slanting gray rain...(and The Corgis' remake he did for Eternal Sunshine, too...whoah; either of these can take me to where he is when he sings them...)
SCIENTOLOGIST (and WHINER!!)
One of my favorite sad, sad songs.
"Allman Brothers sound".

Wow. Good call....
I like this tune, esp. with the Alman bros thought.

 forge wrote:
Critics were like "what the faaah, this isn't anything like Beck's previous stuff, this kinda sucks," and although I agree, I still think this and a few other tracks on this disc are most superb. Dude is a genius all right, wonder what's up with that scientology thing. Meh whatever I guess.
 

This is by far my favorite album of his. Any critic that says that is not a very well versed critic IMO.
There's a blue bird at my window
I can't hear the songs he sings
All the jewels in heaven
They don't look the same to me

I just wade the tides that turned
Till I learn to leave the past behind

It's only lies that I'm living
It's only tears that I'm crying
It's only you that I'm losing
Guess I'm doing fine

All the battlements are empty
And the moon is laying low
Yellow roses in the graveyard
Have no time to watch them grow

Now I bade a friend farewell
I can do whatever pleases me

It's only lies that I'm living
It's only tears that I'm crying
It's only you that I'm losing
Guess I'm doing fine

Press my face up to the window
To see how warm it is inside
See the things that I've been missing
Missing all this time

It's only lies that I'm living
It's only tears that I'm crying
It's only you that I'm losing
Guess I'm doing fine (x2)


 Baby_M wrote:
Beck does his best Gordon Lightfoot imitation — and it works!
 

Nice call - and it does work.
Haunting.
Beck does his best Gordon Lightfoot imitation — and it works!
Allman Brothers sound
Critics were like "what the faaah, this isn't anything like Beck's previous stuff, this kinda sucks," and although I agree, I still think this and a few other tracks on this disc are most superb. Dude is a genius all right, wonder what's up with that scientology thing. Meh whatever I guess.
{#Clap}
 flatpicker wrote:
Haunting and wonderful.
Beck is one of the best in music today.

 
Agreed!

HANDS OFF - SCIENTOLOGIST!!!
Haunting and wonderful.
Beck is one of the best in music today.

 Buddikat wrote:
What do you do with yourself when you must bid "a friend farewell"?  I understand the "dreary" comments on this cut, but as I live with that question these days, I am grateful when a skillful artist/song can make a lonely process seem less lonely. And then you can move on to something like "Walking on Sunshine."   (Smile)
(And if you need something more raw than Beck, on a similar, heartbroken theme, check out nearly anything on "End Times" by Eels—not for the faint of heart.)
 
Nice post, and I agree completely. Love this Beck CD and that crazy/melancholy Eels disk as well.

What do you do with yourself when you must bid "a friend farewell"?  I understand the "dreary" comments on this cut, but as I live with that question these days, I am grateful when a skillful artist/song can make a lonely process seem less lonely. And then you can move on to something like "Walking on Sunshine."   (Smile)

(And if you need something more raw than Beck, on a similar, heartbroken theme, check out nearly anything on "End Times" by Eels—not for the faint of heart.)


Standing on the back porch... looking out across the yard... over the tall grass into the woods... listening alone...
The last few comments were quoting other comments that basically said this song was dreary, depressing, boring... Personally, I like it. It has a flow to it that matches my mood tonight. I don't sleep much, so when I can find a song that affects me like a warm, scented bubble bath right before I hit the sack, I'm a happy camper.

This song does it. I think I might actually be able to sleep without dreams tonight. And Beck, I mean that in a GOOD way. Beautiful, ethereal song. I didn't listen to your lyrics this time, because honestly, I just fell into the music. Thank you.
 leaf wrote:
The song is just plain dreary.
 

I'll add my nodding head....to just plain dreary too!   {#Yes}
 Antochius wrote:
So he made this album after a painful breakup  well boo hoo zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

Certainly left you bitter, didn't it?

 leaf wrote:
The song is just plain dreary.
 

The song is just plain bad.
 sirdroseph wrote:

Just an extraordinary album; start to finish. By far his best effort!{#Clap}


 

I'll add my nodding head as well. {#Yes}
 sirdroseph wrote:

Just an extraordinary album; start to finish. By far his best effort!{#Clap}


 
{#Yes}

 joskootje wrote:
most people disagree, but I don't mind.

sea change is beck's best album!
 

{#Yes}

Just an extraordinary album; start to finish. By far his best effort!{#Clap}


 leaf wrote:
The song is just plain dreary.
 
Yah, ain't it great?

The song is just plain dreary.
Polarizing album based on the comments. But it is an amazing album so far as beautiful sadness goes. As others pointed out, it was is tough break up album. All the more amazing when you consider the same artist did Odelay.
most people disagree, but I don't mind.

sea change is beck's best album!
 Randomax wrote:
I am the BIGGEST Beck fan...but this one really does get monotenous
 
Derren Brown could use this song as it's so hypnotic. I can feel myself getting sleepy, so sleepy... {#Sleep}
I am the BIGGEST Beck fan...but this one really does get monotenous
 baddog8it wrote:
Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z . . . .

 
yeah, but its a goood zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz........

Someone needs to kick his ass, 3 or 4 times. {#Beat}
 Great advice from PJB

peter_james_bond wrote:

I find it hard to believe you've listened to much of Beck's music. This particular song is from an album of slower songs written after a painful breakup, many people, including me, find the songs quite beautiful. But the majority of Beck's music is not like this, it's very hard to label the guy. His music is modern, it's vibrant, it's inventive, and it draws from a wide variety of influences from pop, country, hip-hop, jazz, etc. I thinks he's one of the most interesting artists in music today. If you give his music a chance I think you might change your mind.
 


I am a big Beck fan but not at all a fan of this track...
hm.
lots of Beck haters showed up for this one.  I love this album.
Great song and great SACD, if you're into those.
 Shimmer wrote:
I think we have consensus that this is just a poorer version of Golden Age. 
 
Do we?
Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z . . . .

So he made this album after a painful breakup  well boo hoo zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 peter_james_bond wrote:

I find it hard to believe you've listened to much of Beck's music. This particular song is from an album of slower songs written after a painful breakup, many people, including me, find the songs quite beautiful. But the majority of Beck's music is not like this, it's very hard to label the guy. His music is modern, it's vibrant, it's inventive, and it draws from a wide variety of influences from pop, country, hip-hop, jazz, etc. I thinks he's one of the most interesting artists in music today. If you give his music a chance I think you might change your mind.
 
Tried to explain, and succeeded well.

I think we have consensus that this is just a poorer version of Golden Age. Nix it.
 Stingray wrote:
Can somebody please try to explain,
why I am 102% unable to find anything, literally
AAANYTHING in this guy´s music, may it be this
or any other song.
If I am not annoyed, I am just bored. Yaaaawn!!!!

PS
Yes, usually I know what good music sounds like!


 
I find it hard to believe you've listened to much of Beck's music. This particular song is from an album of slower songs written after a painful breakup, many people, including me, find the songs quite beautiful. But the majority of Beck's music is not like this, it's very hard to label the guy. His music is modern, it's vibrant, it's inventive, and it draws from a wide variety of influences from pop, country, hip-hop, jazz, etc. I thinks he's one of the most interesting artists in music today. If you give his music a chance I think you might change your mind.
 Stingray wrote:
Can somebody please try to explain,
why I am 102% unable to find anything, literally
AAANYTHING in this guy´s music, may it be this
or any other song.
If I am not annoyed, I am just bored. Yaaaawn!!!!

PS
Yes, usually I know what good music sounds like!


 

We're all different and have different musical tastes.  Nobody likes everything.  Personally, I wonder why I like Beck as much as I do.
 jagdriver wrote:

W-Y-Y-Y-Y-L-D hor-SES, couldn't DRAG me a-W-A-Y...

 
Oh great.  Now that i hear it i'd much rather be listening to Wild Horses.
 Zep wrote:
Thought we were getting a new mash-up of "Golden Age" there.

 

Perzactly my thought. And I'm okay with that: GA is one of my fave Beck tunes.
LOVE BECK!! {#Clap}
Thought we were getting a new mash-up of "Golden Age" there.

delightful!  Beck's break up with girlfriend album
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2Erm1KBfdU&feature=related

W-Y-Y-Y-Y-L-D hor-SES, couldn't DRAG me a-W-A-Y...


 Stingray wrote:
Can somebody please try to explain,
why I am 102% unable to find anything, literally
AAANYTHING in this guy´s music, may it be this
or any other song.
If I am not annoyed, I am just bored. Yaaaawn!!!!

PS
Yes, usually I know what good music sounds like!


 
Because you are only LISTENING to Beck. You are not HEARING Beck.

great for rainy sundays
Can somebody please try to explain,
why I am 102% unable to find anything, literally
AAANYTHING in this guy´s music, may it be this
or any other song.
If I am not annoyed, I am just bored. Yaaaawn!!!!

PS
Yes, usually I know what good music sounds like!


 parrothead wrote:
Finally...A Beck tune that I can listen to...he can't sing worth a s#*t. I could do a better verson of this tune in my basement studio...and not get paid for it...
 

The point being... ?

The Beck "Breakup Album". Damn, that kid can sing!
o is beck into cientolo i thought he had a guru
Droner is the perfect word, which applies to many of his tunes
Ode to Ron Hubbard
NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:
I really like Beck but this is a real droner.
You took the words right out of my fingers. Still, this is a fitting segue to the high-pitched droning of Neil Young. 2 from the Nottingham jury :(
I really like Beck but this is a real droner.
This drones on even more than that other piece of crap from this CD that gets played all the time.
Julianusimp wrote:
Hi everybody. Just joined RP.
Did not last long as this was their only comment. Probably heard Beck and ran for the hills.
I have never heard this. The hair on my neck is standing up. Thanks. I'm buying this now, I just have to!!!
parrothead wrote:
Finally...A Beck tune that I can listen to...he can't sing worth a s#*t. I could do a better verson of this tune in my basement studio...and not get paid for it...
Yeah, but you didn't write it, and we're not coming to your basement to listen to it.
Awesome song, awesome album. Thanks
Still a 10. (can't believe this is 5 years old now)
Julianusimp wrote:
Hi everybody. Just joined RP.
A bit late, but welcome.
Finally...A Beck tune that I can listen to...he can't sing worth a s#*t. I could do a better verson of this tune in my basement studio...and not get paid for it...
I like this more every time I hear it. And every time I hear it, I have to check and see who it is! This ain't everyone's cuppa, but here Beck shows he can master anything he sets out after. This is soulful, heartbreaking, emotional stuff. I'm bumping it to a nine... c.
Hi everybody. Just joined RP.
boring
C57BL6 wrote:
i'm relatively down with beck but this is so horridly plodding i'd rather listen to bread
I'm a major Beck fan, but this is so horridly plodding i'd rather listen to bread...
C57BL6 wrote:
i'm relatively down with beck but this is so horridly plodding i'd rather listen to bread
I agree completely. I just don't see why so many others love this song. There's very little to it, and I keep expecting it to turn into "Golden Age", it's that similar (I know, same album).
Not normally a big Beck fan, but love the country tinge to this. . .
moody, sad, sweet.....yin/yang that is life. always choose to feel fine
C57BL6 wrote:
i'm relatively down with beck but this is so horridly plodding i'd rather listen to bread
White or Wheat?
I don't see the genius in Beck. Not that I think he is a talentless hack, just not seeing the greatness. That said, this is pretty good to my ear.
bokey wrote:
I think this is the first Beck song I've heard with real instruments on it.It's not bad.
He and the band are just great live, real instruments, marionettes, costumes, movies and all
Constant listens to this cd really helped me through a hard time. Music is the best
I think this is the first Beck song I've heard with real instruments on it. It's not bad.
New_Age_Glue wrote:
This is one of, if not, the greatest acoustic album I have ever heard. Anyone who thinks differently may have valid reason, but they cannot deny the aesthetic quality of this beautiful work of art.
To give New Age Glue a third nod on this one....this is just a gorgeous album.
Beck seldom disappoints me. My first listening expenience was a in scrungy diner just off campus when a wait staffer put on a CD copy of Odelay during the wee hours of the morning.
i'm relatively down with beck but this is so horridly plodding i'd rather listen to bread
Couldn't be more appropriate for me today. Thanks.
This is on the same album as Lost Cause. Yeah, worthy of Album of the Year. Its on my list for sure.
New_Age_Glue wrote:
This is one of, if not, the greatest acoustic album I have ever heard. Anyone who thinks differently may have valid reason, but they cannot deny the aesthetic quality of this beautiful work of art.
i couldn't have said it better myself.
New_Age_Glue wrote:
This is one of, if not, the greatest acoustic album I have ever heard. Anyone who thinks differently may have valid reason, but they cannot deny the aesthetic quality of this beautiful work of art.
Yes, and then listen to it in SACD format.
This is one of, if not, the greatest acoustic album I have ever heard. Anyone who thinks differently may have valid reason, but they cannot deny the aesthetic quality of this beautiful work of art.
in my opinion the best beck's thing ever.... very eclectic artist, but here "nacked" and "real"
Painfully plodding......
Normally I love this song (and just about everything Beck does) but on a cloudy Monday morning, it's not helping me wake up. I'm gonna need an extra cup of coffee.
tony620d wrote:
you sir are truely a retard. genX will having nothing to do with this fruit. bob dylan should bitch smack you. and lay off the weed, it clouds your judgement, hence your post.
I think you owe "grassfolk420" an apology. Posting comments on an open, public board brings with it certain responsibilities and obligations. The principal one is, I think, maintaining a proper level of civility with respect to your fellow RP listeners. You have the right to think whatever crass thoughts you wish, they are private and belong to you. However, when you post them for the world to read, they are no longer just yours, but become public property. Thus they affect all of us and give us the right to respond. Please remember, RP's comment board is not the inside wall of a toilet stall. Do not think that you can with impunity debase the level of our public discourse or attack fellow RP listeners.
Haven't heard this great song in a while.
tony620d wrote:
you sir are truely a retard. genX will having nothing to do with this fruit. bob dylan should bitch smack you. and lay off the weed, it clouds your judgement, hence your post.
Wow...it's one thing to express a clear, well thought out opinion. It's quite another to flat out insult someone because of their taste. I like to think we have a nice online community where people are kind to one another on RP. I suppose we'll have those few sour apples.
I would have guessed that "I'm a Loser" would have been a one-hit-wonder of a song, but it seems that Beck has become one of the most creative, original and prolific artist in recent history. I'm glad he's in RP's mix.
grassfolk420 wrote:
Can I get a freakin' 10 here! The greatest album by one of GenX's finest. Perhaps our generation's Bob Dylan?
you sir are truely a retard. genX will having nothing to do with this fruit. bob dylan should bitch smack you. and lay off the weed, it clouds your judgement, hence your post.
tony620d wrote:
suckers! this sounds just the 'golden age' of whatever.. welcome to the suckers for a whiner club!
What a horrible post, a further explanation would be nice.