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Elliott Smith — Tomorrow Tomorrow
Album: XO
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1303









Released: 1998
Length: 3:03
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Everybody knows which way you go
Straight to over
No one wants to see you inside of me
Straight to over

I heard the hammer at the lock
Say you're deaf and dumb and done
Give yourself another talk
This time make it sound like someone

The noise is coming out and if it's not out now
Then tomorrow, tomorrow...
They took your life apart and called your failures art
They were wrong though they won't know
'Til tomorrow

I got static in my head, the reflected sound of everything,
Tried to go to where it led, but it didn't lead to anything,
The noise is coming out, and if it's not out now,
I know it's just about to drown tomorrow out
Comments (88)add comment
 meatmike wrote:

Translation: Tomorrow, tomorrow - Elliot sings, but I want to today, now



haunting harmony, too. love it.
mental and emotional health - something all artists call to attention to in their myriad of ways. I have been in the lowest emotional/mental places I have ever been in for the past 6 months…
 rdo wrote:


It's sad when anyone takes their life.  It's not a "sign of the times", it's not about drug addiction, and it's not something that just happens to artists.  It's called Depression, it's a serious public health and, more importantly, philosophical issue. 



Depression is a term used by doctors which does nothing to describe the experience. For those of you that have not experienced it firsthand or had a family member struggle, you feel tired all the time. Nothing brings you joy. Your mind dwells on dark things. You feel trapped, lonely, and helpless.

Even the strongest among us can get tired if living is like working in a quarry. Life is hard. It's easy to slip on the surface. But all of it is an illusion conjured by media, culture, and an environment in which nothing is sacred. It passes if you ride it out with the love of family and friends - if you manage to access their love by taking your eyes off the abyss and looking at what matters.

So universal is this struggle, people you've never met will recognize it by simply  looking. The way you move as if carrying a weight across your shoulders. The phony laugh you invoke when you know it's appropriate to laugh. Complete strangers  will try to help but you often don't recognize it.

If you feel you can't talk to friends or family, call a hotline before making an impulsive decision. Or listen to RP.  Take your playlist for a walk. Look around at your neighborhood. Get out of the bathrobe and shower. Baby steps.


Sorry for the extremely Western approach to seeking help. But like previously observed, the kindness of people you don't know, the compassion of those you do, and discovering what remains sacred to you will help.
I have never heard this; it is achingly lovely, as usual, and I would posit that people don't ever know how many others actually see them, value them, and would be bewildered and sad if they chose to leave the party early, as it were. 
Translation: Tomorrow, tomorrow - Elliot sings, but I want to today, now
 jp33442 wrote:


English dude please


I Googled "translate Завтра, завтра - поёт Эллиот, а хочется сегодня, сейчас!" 
and got:  Tomorrow, tomorrow - Elliot sings, but you want it today, now!

Which is kind of funny...good one cabanini! 

Long Live RP and the universal translator device we have with GOOGLE!!
 jp33442 wrote:


English dude please
 
Why? There are ways to translate these days that were impossible only a few years ago. It's also possible this commenter was not "speaking" to you.
Hello I'm from Brazil! I hardly listen to music from my country, please search for "Raul Seixas" and "Legião Urbana"
 cabanini wrote:
Завтра, завтра - поёт Эллиот, а хочется сегодня, сейчас!
 

English dude please
Завтра, завтра - поёт Эллиот, а хочется сегодня, сейчас!
I've never heard this before, and it is lovely. 
A favorite. Thanks Bill.
RIP lil bro,
Say hello to the angels
That was beautifully mesmerizing. 8 maybe a 9 for me.
Poor sod Elliott. Miss seeing his sweet homely face around Portland
I've really become passionate about his work.  He really had that X Factor.  Brilliant stuff, a shame his career was cut so short. 

I especially love the guitar work and harmonies in this one.

 

Miss you, Elliott.


 MJdub wrote:

You're very right, he was definitely heavily influenced by them and some of his stuff reminds me of George Harrison's songwriting style probably more than anything else does.  I didn't mean that he had invented his style from scratch, he definitely had influences (Nick Drake also comes to mind), I guess I feel that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts in this case.

 
It's clear he had numerous influences (Beatles, Dylan, Drake, etc.), but how many musicians (especially acoustic guitar players) subsequent to those artists have not?  Has anyone really ever "invented a (musical) style from scratch"?  It's not really possible, especially since the advent of recorded music; one's style of playing an instrument and singing has to be based on those who have preceded them to some extent.  
I was deep in musical stagnation when I heard this album.  It envigorated me to seek out new stuff again.
Come on 69th coment, what'cha you got?
Frankly Scarlet.. ;) 


    (This is good stuff!)
Very Nice !
Wow so unexpected. 8 on first hearing.
Hitting me in all the right spots this evening!
 Trustocity wrote:
I searched the internet for days when I heard Elliott died, seeking quotes from friends and collegues, just lapping it all up. Everyone was sad and lamented that they couldn't do more to help him, but Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips said something to the effect of, "I'm fucking tired of watching rock stars die." His point was that he was angry with Elliott, for embracing the despair like a drug addict, knowing that it will help his art. Coyne was also hurt and betrayed and sad and all the other things, and I feel all those also but the anger as well. Because Coyne was angry at himself, too, for not doing more to help Elliott. Anyway, I don't think about Elliott the dead rock star anymore. I just listen to his music and wallow in the bliss. I mean, hey, I never knew the guy anyway. That was just an illusion created by the music, an illusion he projected. Fuck that. I have enough dead friends who knew my name. Sorry Elliott, Jeff, Kurt and the rest. Someone misses you dearly, but it's not me. I just miss your tunes.
 

It's sad when anyone takes their life.  It's not a "sign of the times", it's not about drug addiction, and it's not something that just happens to artists.  It's called Depression, it's a serious public health and, more importantly, philosophical issue. 
 lshinkawa wrote:

Don't leave us hanging. What are the details of the conspiracy?
 
He killed himself by stabbing himself in the chest....twice...seems unlikely, but not sure it constitutes a conspiracy as much as lazy policing.
 Byronape wrote:

It did, but don't get me started on that.  Let's just say that there are a small number of Elliott Smith fans that actually buy the official record of his death.
 
 
Don't leave us hanging. What are the details of the conspiracy?
 Businessgypsy wrote:
That voice moved me through some big obstacles. So sorry it did not do the same for him.
 
It did, but don't get me started on that.  Let's just say that there are a small number of Elliott Smith fans that actually buy the official record of his death.
 
Elliot is starting to grow on me.  Keep him coming Mr. Bill.

 Such a weird story surrounding his death


Typical August 6th for me; listening to Elliott and crying like a little baby {#Sad}

Happy birthday Elliott.
That intro alone deserves a 12 - at least!
I never met an Elliott Smith song I didn't like.{#Yes}
 Businessgypsy wrote:
That voice moved me through some big obstacles. So sorry it did not do the same for him.
 
This album got me through the toughest period of my life. His voice made me feel like he was talking to me directly.
jagdriver wrote:
And his wimpy voice is overrated.
Respectfully disagree. That voice moved me through some big obstacles. So sorry it did not do the same for him.


Every time I hear an Elliott Smith song I feel sad that such a talent is no longer with us.
 lemmoth wrote:

From the first time I heard Elliot, I knew had a spent some time absorbing the Fab Four.

 
You're very right, he was definitely heavily influenced by them and some of his stuff reminds me of George Harrison's songwriting style probably more than anything else does.  I didn't mean that he had invented his style from scratch, he definitely had influences (Nick Drake also comes to mind), I guess I feel that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts in this case.


 BKardon wrote:

Absolutely.  His music drips with Beatles influence.  I do have a strong background in music theory and agree that he approaches songwriting in a way that not many are doing these days.  Very strong melodies in every piece of the puzzle.

  Elliot APPROACHED songwriting. He's dead, remember. No more tomorrows.

Sadly.


 lemmoth wrote:
  From the first time I heard Elliot, I knew had a spent some time absorbing the Fab Four.
 
Absolutely.  His music drips with Beatles influence.  I do have a strong background in music theory and agree that he approaches songwriting in a way that not many are doing these days.  Very strong melodies in every piece of the puzzle.

Dark, grey, cold & raining in Portland, OR today. Perfect day for some Elliott!
 MJdub wrote:
I know I'm going to sound like a total music snob when I say this...but I'm always surprised by discussions about Elliott Smith that don't mention music theory.  Analysis and appreciation of theory being what I enjoy most about music, I've always been captivated by Elliott and his unique style of songwriting.
Without rambling about the specifics, his melodies and chord progressions are just different — maybe not unique per se but quite different from just about anything I can think of outside of classical music.
That said, I remember clearly the first time I heard this song and the way I sat there with my jaw dropped, shaking my head unable to find the proper words for about a minute afterward, before playing it again.  It's so rare that a song will do that to me on the first listen, and it happened so many times with Elliott...

 
I am not trained in music theory but I  consider myself an officionado of creatively constructed melodies and chord progressions.  You are right on in my opinion regarding the tremedous talent of  Elliot.

But as for "quite different from anything...outside of classical music" — have you ever heard of a little pop group called The Beatles.  From the first time I heard Elliot, I knew had a spent some time absorbing the Fab Four.

Missing having new Elliott to look forward to.
 ZedLeppelin wrote:
Elliott's guitar skills are very underrated.
 
that's exactly what Beck said when participated in first tribute show in Portland
It's just a pretty sounding tune to me.  All the parts fit... a solid 8 in my book.
I know I'm going to sound like a total music snob when I say this...but I'm always surprised by discussions about Elliott Smith that don't mention music theory.  Analysis and appreciation of theory being what I enjoy most about music, I've always been captivated by Elliott and his unique style of songwriting.
Without rambling about the specifics, his melodies and chord progressions are just different — maybe not unique per se but quite different from just about anything I can think of outside of classical music.
That said, I remember clearly the first time I heard this song and the way I sat there with my jaw dropped, shaking my head unable to find the proper words for about a minute afterward, before playing it again.  It's so rare that a song will do that to me on the first listen, and it happened so many times with Elliott...

 ZedLeppelin wrote:
Elliott's guitar skills are very underrated.
 
And his wimpy voice is overrated.

Elliott's guitar skills are very underrated.
maggies came home

A lot of negative comments, but in a way, I dont know which, i like his music,
 DeeCee1109 wrote:
{#Sleep}
 

I'm with you.  This guy does absolutely nothing for me ... other than make me want a nap.
Am I the only one who hears a very slowed down Bolero when I listen to this?
{#Sleep}
hugoallen wrote:
what do people make of the "New Moon" stuff?
I'm a big Elliott Smith fan, and I really like New Moon. It's from '94-'97 (I think) and that's becomes obvious if you're familiar with the unfolding of his career. For the most part, it's the quiet, guy-with-guitar type of music of his first three albums. If you like that better than Figure 8, then you should definitely grab it. If you like Elliott Smith at all, it's worthwhile.
hugoallen wrote:
all agreed, but he was dreadful when I saw him live, in London after X/O came out. He bludgeoned all the subtlety out of the songs by playing everything as a power trio. And turned down some requests because "I don't have an acoustic guitar with me", which is odd seeing as it's the main instrument on that album. definitely a terrible loss though. what do people make of the "New Moon" stuff?
The show I saw at the 9:30 Club in D.C. was great. He played both acoustic and electric that night, and covered his earlier material as well as Figure 8, which was the album he was touring. Sorry to hear your performance wasn't of the same quality.I suppose all musicians have off-nights. Now I really feel lucky! What is the "new moon stuff?"
Instant bummer.
robco1 wrote:
Great songwriter, incredible guitarist, and a terrible loss. I'm glad I got to see him when I did.
all agreed, but he was dreadful when I saw him live, in London after X/O came out. He bludgeoned all the subtlety out of the songs by playing everything as a power trio. And turned down some requests because "I don't have an acoustic guitar with me", which is odd seeing as it's the main instrument on that album. definitely a terrible loss though. what do people make of the "New Moon" stuff?
such an amazing voice
Great songwriter, incredible guitarist, and a terrible loss. I'm glad I got to see him when I did.
This song reminds me of hitchhiking as a teenager and a young man. That hope would always lie with the next car, the next face. This is gonna be it, this guy is gonna get me where I wanna go. Car pass This is gonna be it, this guy is gonna get me where I'm going. Cars pass, and go away. And pass, and go away. And finally. One stops, you get in, and you are reborn. Faith works. And you're on your way. Love Elliot Smith. Takes me back. To Yesterday. And Tomorrow.
Wow, that was lovely. Thank you
ahoylola wrote:
I am completely flummoxed by the appeal of this artist.
To me it's his sense of harmony - his changes and song structure are very unique, plus his stacked vocals always sound lovely. I adore his cover of The Beatles' "Because", as his multi-tracked vocals sound so smooth and precise. They do on this too, of course. I find his songwriting to be unexpected and fresh, even after having heard all his stuff a bunch.
Still get chills when I hear his stuff. Love the harmonies. "And you took your life apart, and you called your failures art..." RIP Elliott
I am completely flummoxed by the appeal of this artist.
meydele wrote:
Such gorgeous music. Such a waste of a great talent. So sad.
I definitely agree with the exception of "gorgeous". This kind of harmony doesn't do anything for me.
Such gorgeous music. Such a waste of a great talent. So sad.
TrixxieL wrote:
....miss you Elliott....
It'll be three years already on 10/21. I saw him in 2000 in Chicago. I still have the T-shirt I bought. I'll wear it until it's threadbare.
Elliott, man you played a fine guitar... and some dirty basketball.
I have purchased 3 of his CDs since I first heard this song on RP.
Bill_Kunsler wrote:
that guitar work is gangbusters, as is all of his work. would have liked to see him live...
I actually did see him live at Field Day Fest in 2003. It was sad - he seemed out of it and did not remember the words to many of his songs. He was quite apologetic during the whole thing and asked the audience for help. In a related story, a friend of mine saw him in a small club - she said he looked super depressed through the whole show. Afterwards she was hesitant to ask for a picture with him, but eventually did. When the cameraperson said ok, here we go - Elliott proceeded to smile in a huge and exaggerated way, like he was the happiest man alive. Needless to say, it is a pretty awesome picture.
Stabbed himself in the chest twice? Good Lord, how the hell can someone do that to themselves? I sure hope he has been forgiven and can now see how many people love and admire him through his music.
nothing from Basement on RP yet?
Fat_Man_Flo wrote:
at least we have the tunes we do :) and we should be thankful for that. And no doubt, these artists influence other artists, and the cycle continues. Long live Music!
Thank you for being such a positive force reminding us of the good we should take from this tradgedy. Music will live on long after any of us do!
....miss you Elliott....
bobringer wrote:
Not that I wish death on anybody... but we lose people like Elliott Smith and Jeff Buckley (not to mention all that came before them)... while creatures that make up Good Charlotte, Yellow Card, Story Of The Year and countless other mall punk bands continue to crank out crap year after year after year. Wonder how many of their fans (who somehow really believe they are really "punks") have any clue who ES is? I like Greenday and all (sometimes)... but they destroyed the world with this crap they opened the door foor. This... on the other hand... gets an 8.6 rounded up to a 9.
xoxoxoxo Thank you for the music, Elliott. (RIP)
can't get enough of this cd, sooooooooo sooooo good ">
Well said, sir! Trustocity wrote:
I searched the internet for days... (see below)
Trustocity wrote:
.... I just miss your tunes.
at least we have the tunes we do :) and we should be thankful for that. And no doubt, these artists influence other artists, and the cycle continues. Long live Music!
I am sad that I only "discovered" Elliott Smith after his death. I was at a Pearl Jam concert on the day the sad news broke. Eddie V. dedicated a song to him; I think it was either "Immortality" or "Off He Goes" (or maybe it was "Dead Man")
Great CD. What a shame.
Great CD. What a shame.
that guitar work is gangbusters, as is all of his work. would have liked to see him live...
bobringer wrote:
Not that I wish death on anybody... but we lose people like Elliott Smith and Jeff Buckley (not to mention all that came before them)... while creatures that make up Good Charlotte, Yellow Card, Story Of The Year and countless other mall punk bands continue to crank out crap year after year after year. Wonder how many of their fans (who somehow really believe they are really "punks") have any clue who ES is? I like Greenday and all (sometimes)... but they destroyed the world with this crap they opened the door foor. This... on the other hand... gets an 8.6 rounded up to a 9.
I searched the internet for days when I heard Elliott died, seeking quotes from friends and collegues, just lapping it all up. Everyone was sad and lamented that they couldn't do more to help him, but Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips said something to the effect of, "I'm fucking tired of watching rock stars die." His point was that he was angry with Elliott, for embracing the despair like a drug addict, knowing that it will help his art. Coyne was also hurt and betrayed and sad and all the other things, and I feel all those also but the anger as well. Because Coyne was angry at himself, too, for not doing more to help Elliott. Anyway, I don't think about Elliott the dead rock star anymore. I just listen to his music and wallow in the bliss. I mean, hey, I never knew the guy anyway. That was just an illusion created by the music, an illusion he projected. Fuck that. I have enough dead friends who knew my name. Sorry Elliott, Jeff, Kurt and the rest. Someone misses you dearly, but it's not me. I just miss your tunes.
all of ES is amazing. reading into some of his lyrics tell an erie tale of what he was really thinking all this time. he will be missed. RIP.
Gorgeous. Sadly we will not be able to hear any more from this troubled but brilliant artist. Elliot Smith and Jeff Buckley, RIP.
Not that I wish death on anybody... but we lose people like Elliott Smith and Jeff Buckley (not to mention all that came before them)... while creatures that make up Good Charlotte, Yellow Card, Story Of The Year and countless other mall punk bands continue to crank out crap year after year after year. Wonder how many of their fans (who somehow really believe they are really "punks") have any clue who ES is? I like Greenday and all (sometimes)... but they destroyed the world with this crap they opened the door foor. This... on the other hand... gets an 8.6 rounded up to a 9.
Melancholy suits me like a glove these days.
Some of the intro riffs to this song sound mysteriously like Topographical Oceans, and old Yes album. Nice song though.