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Album: Sister Sweetly
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3220









Released: 1993
Length: 6:12
Plays (last 30 days): 2
A little light looks through her bedroom window
She dances and I dream, she's not so far as she seems
Of brighter meadows, melting sunsets
Her hair blowing in the breeze
And she can't see me watching
And I'm thinking love, love
Love, love

It's bittersweet
More sweet than bitter
Bitter than sweet
It's a bittersweet surrender

It's bittersweet
More sweet than bitter
Bitter than sweet
It's a bittersweet surrender

I said I'm older now
I work in the city, we live together
But it's different than my dream
Morning light fills the room, I rise
She pretends she's sleeping
Are we everything we wanted
And I'm thinking love, love
Love, love

It's bittersweet
More sweet than bitter
Bitter than sweet
It's a bittersweet surrender

It's bittersweet
More sweet than bitter
Bitter than sweet
It's a bittersweet surrender

I said I know we don't talk about it
We don't tell each other
All the little things that we need
We work our way around each other
As we tremble and we
As we tremble and we bleed
As we tremble and we
As we tremble and we bleed

It's bittersweet
More sweet than bitter
Bitter than sweet
It's a bittersweet surrender

It's bittersweet
More sweet than bitter
Bitter than sweet
It's a bittersweet surrender
Comments (301)add comment
 kicking wrote:

If memory serves, they used to play at the FAC (Friday Afternoon Club) at CU in Boulder a few years before that.


For sure that was the case - I was there! Fun to watch them rise. Todd was in one of my classes at the time
 Tippster wrote:

I used to coil cables for them after their shows in Vail back in the early 90s. Still love me some BHTM.


If memory serves, they used to play at the FAC (Friday Afternoon Club) at CU in Boulder a few years before that.
 KPC1 wrote:

This is ome of those tracks, that
"I can name that tune in three notes"
LOL



saaaaame. Love seeing them live, with my 73 year old dad. He taught me right. 
This is ome of those tracks, that
"I can name that tune in three notes"
LOL
one of my best RP discoveries.....bighead, I can relate!
this song always makes me smile...this band has such a mellow vibe that i find calming
Definitely one of the most well recognized riffs of the mid-1990s.  Heard this a lot on the radio in 1993-1994.
J'adore, dommage qu'il ne vienne jamais en tournée en France. 
So looking forward to seeing them again at GMF this year.
I used to have a live version of this song  that I played the heck out of. A more up-tempo version, and the guitar solo really soared. A great song either way.
 waterwench21 wrote:

Oh wow...this album is nearly 30 years old?  God I'm old... still a favorite.  Callaway Gardens had a Music Festival once.  Was an extravaganza that was poorly advertised so low attendance.  We locals had a blast.  The best part of the weekend is when BHT and the Monsters played for us.  




For thirty years I thought this was Colin Hay.
Oh wow...this album is nearly 30 years old?  God I'm old... still a favorite.  Callaway Gardens had a Music Festival once.  Was an extravaganza that was poorly advertised so low attendance.  We locals had a blast.  The best part of the weekend is when BHT and the Monsters played for us.  
I used to coil cables for them after their shows in Vail back in the early 90s. Still love me some BHTM.
 LeonZA wrote:

Something is wrong with the sound quality of this song, not sure if the original sounds like this.



Good catch - I agree something is a bit "off" (tinny or staticky")
Something is wrong with the sound quality of this song, not sure if the original sounds like this.
I heard this when it first came out, headed down highway 101 up to Oregon.  Driving in the fall, with the beautiful colored leaves falling from the trees and blowing in the wind behind the car. wow, what a memory. 
More Big Head Todd please
Grew up in Boulder but long gone by '93.  This and the Samples are the epitome of that echo-ey harmony hipster-before-we-called-it-that ringing-guitar style.  
This still gets played very often in Colorado on the radio.  As much as I'd like to say I'm sick of it and all my friend make fun of them, I still enjoy it. 
Still sounds as poignant and yes -- bittersweet -- now as it did when it blew us all away back in the day.... They were great to us but they hadn't broke big yet...  Hard to find a better song to fit the times than this did... BHT making their signature groove for us to love; love it! 
The old JJ McCabes house band back in the '80's.
MY LIFE, MAKES ME CRY.   LOVE THE MUSIC, I DO. 
Great song! Always reminds me of Peter Frampton a little bit..
 bahalana wrote:

I've been a fan of Big Head Todd and the Monsters for decades, I own 4 of their albums, but never saw them live, a pity. There's something unidentifiably unique about their music, I could never explain it to anyone else, it's just ultimately pleasurable. One of the few bands I can still sit through an entire CD in one session.




They're still around and better than ever. Check their website. I've seen them many times, great show and really appreciative for their fans.
I've been a fan of Big Head Todd and the Monsters for decades, I own 4 of their albums, but never saw them live, a pity. There's something unidentifiably unique about their music, I could never explain it to anyone else, it's just ultimately pleasurable. One of the few bands I can still sit through an entire CD in one session.
I really enjoy the guitar solo on this track. 
Great song. Love it!
The timing of this song is perfect today. It's been a tough one, so to hear a beautiful melody like this, makes it better for a few moments.
There are a few "perfect songs" out there and this is absolutely one of them.  I can't believe it's from 1993.  Could be from today.  
 pawelcitak83 wrote:
Masterpiece to me, clean guitars, bass,drums  blurry voice, listener-digest, everything's on the right place in this song, it never ages.
 
Indeed.  And it has that beautiful hint of melancholy.
 rtrt wrote:
I'm reminded of toad the wet sprocket - not sure what song / album though
 
"Crazy Life" by Toad The Wet Sprocket was on a compilation cd that also had "Things We Do" by Indigenous. Mato Nanji and Todd Park Mohr's voices and guitar tones go very well together. 
saw them twice in 2020 when they were in SoCal, the lads (& Hazel) are still delivering the goods! All solid artist's. Todd Mark Pohr has a signature guitar sound. Right up there with players like Knopfler and Robert Cray in my book. "Poor Miss" & "Wearing Only Flowers" are a couple of my favorite BHTM tunes.
saw these guys live a couple of months ago. Great show! Distinct sound.
Please play more BHTM. One of my favorites!
Masterpiece to me, clean guitars, bass,drums  blurry voice, listener-digest, everything's on the right place in this song, it never ages.
So many times reading the comments then re-reading the lyrics leads me to raise my ratings!!!
very nice tune. It has some Smith sound I think
Very nice tune. A solid 8.
 coloradojohn wrote:
I remember bowling at the UMC with Rob, the bass player... and partying with Todd and friends in a 1970s aqua blue-cabineted kitchen at a house out on Valmont Rd... and the joy of seeing them play at JJ McCabe's, Tulagi's, and countless Friday Afternoon Club parties in the UMC... I had a radio show on the CU radio network in '87 and '88, and I recall telling my friends and listeners that once Todd got tired of nailing his Stevie Ray and Jimi H covers and tried some of his own explorations, they were going to go far indeed...  When they did "Kensington Line" on the Dave Letterman show, I was home in the US on vacation to catch it, and there were tears in my eyes and a thrill in my heart, for they had Arrived. I've lost track of the times I've seen them at Red Rocks, Boulder Theater and The Fox since then over the years, and even saw them jam for free under The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.
They are the essence of Rock and Roll Blues!
——- 

aspicer wrote:
Always brings back great memories from seeing them in Boulder while in school - actually shared a class with Todd! Who knew how they would soar...

 

I lived in Platt Park in the early 90's and got to see them at Herman's Hideaway on Broadway several times.  We ran into them at Pasquinis when we were feasting  on bear and breadsticks, seemed like really down to earth rocks stars (they were getting a moderate following by then). 
I just re-rated my 7 is now a 9.  Great track, fits a lot of my relationship....hope folks don't read the first verse as a peeping tom at work.  Long Live RP!!
The thing about this piece...it is sad, so sad really, and yet the sound is so beautiful, and uplifting and sweet,   Well, yes it truly is Bittersweet.  They touch the emotion, the bitter sweetness of love and loneliness and making it still feel good.  Amazing.  It can be no less than a 20.
When BHTM are good, they are so good.
Never, ever, ever get tired of this, it makes happy😁
11.
 jocelynsart wrote:
So BNL sounding!

 
Yep. My 1st thought!
So BNL sounding!
Guitar solo makes this song.
 coloradojohn wrote:
I remember bowling at the UMC with Rob, the bass player... and partying with Todd and friends in a 1970s aqua blue-cabineted kitchen at a house out on Valmont Rd... and the joy of seeing them play at JJ McCabe's, Tulagi's, and countless Friday Afternoon Club parties in the UMC... I had a radio show on the CU radio network in '87 and '88, and I recall telling my friends and listeners that once Todd got tired of nailing his Stevie Ray and Jimi H covers and tried some of his own explorations, they were going to go far indeed...  When they did "Kensington Line" on the Dave Letterman show, I was home in the US on vacation to catch it, and there were tears in my eyes and a thrill in my heart, for they had Arrived. I've lost track of the times I've seen them at Red Rocks, Boulder Theater and The Fox since then over the years, and even saw them jam for free under The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.
They are the essence of Rock and Roll Blues!
——- 

aspicer wrote:
Always brings back great memories from seeing them in Boulder while in school - actually shared a class with Todd! Who knew how they would soar...


 
AWESOME COJohn! YOUR share brings back tons of memories - no doubt we were standing in the same audience. Looks like we were there at the same time 86-89 - those were KICK ASS times for me.  Did you happen to know of Craig Maierhofer? He was a close friend who played a lot at Tulagi's etc.
Beautiful backing, to my ears.  Up to an easy 8 today.  Thanks RP.
Todd's amazing. The Monsters are pretty good too.
I'm reminded of toad the wet sprocket - not sure what song / album though
This is my Friday end of day lets go to the pub song, not Monday mid day song.  Bill you are killing me, 4 more days till the weekend start.  
Thanks for "Bittersweet" - a lifelong favorite song! When you can play something with Hazel Miller: she always adds a nice touch to live BHT performances!
Wow, I had almost forgotten about BHT. Thanks for putting them, and this great song back in my big head.
 
An RP staple, great tune.
I remember bowling at the UMC with Rob, the bass player... and partying with Todd and friends in a 1970s aqua blue-cabineted kitchen at a house out on Valmont Rd... and the joy of seeing them play at JJ McCabe's, Tulagi's, and countless Friday Afternoon Club parties in the UMC... I had a radio show on the CU radio network in '87 and '88, and I recall telling my friends and listeners that once Todd got tired of nailing his Stevie Ray and Jimi H covers and tried some of his own explorations, they were going to go far indeed...  When they did "Kensington Line" on the Dave Letterman show, I was home in the US on vacation to catch it, and there were tears in my eyes and a thrill in my heart, for they had Arrived. I've lost track of the times I've seen them at Red Rocks, Boulder Theater and The Fox since then over the years, and even saw them jam for free under The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.
They are the essence of Rock and Roll Blues!
——- 

aspicer wrote:
Always brings back great memories from seeing them in Boulder while in school - actually shared a class with Todd! Who knew how they would soar...

Thank you Billy, Todd is playing next week here in Tarrytown NY doing a set of Willie Dixon covers. I look forward to that as much as I do turning on RP daily. 
Always brings back great memories from seeing them in Boulder while in school - actually shared a class with Todd! Who knew how they would soar.....
This is my Friday avo, work done lets go get a beer song.  

Always enjoy hearing Bittersweet - thanks for playing today! How about tossing in in a live version of It's Alright with Hazel Miller accompanying?


 Stefan_Lutz wrote:
Thanks Billy. What a great band, one of the best to come from Colorado. Their studio work almost captures what they are capable of doing live, I highly recommend seeing them if your busy schedule allows this to happen.

  And, unfortunately for those of us who have been fans since high school; the ability to afford their concerts now..  :(


One of my all time favorites CDs.
Thanks Billy. What a great band, one of the best to come from Colorado. Their studio work almost captures what they are capable of doing live, I highly recommend seeing them if your busy schedule allows this to happen.
loves this song!
Mellow vibe.  Like this stuff and these guys in general. Easy 7+ from Bristol.
 SanFranGayMan wrote:

Jeez, can no one see the reference to relationships here? They are singing about the nature of partnerships/marriages/whatever. And to the person who said it's second grade stuff, think about it—relationships often move between sweet and bittersweet. Seems so 'quell duh' as to the lyrics-I find them very poignant. In the ear of the beholder I guess...

 

Yes, it is more about emotions; being evocative; and, of course, that can be and usually is highly subjective.  Songs are not novels. 
I am not especially a fan of this group, but have no major complaints about this song.       
 rfm wrote:
Used to see them at Tulagi's on the Hill in Boulder, CO back in the day...  Always liked these guys.  They put on a great live show.

 
Tru dat. Saw them live in Columbia, SC at Sprummer and they brought the house down. I mean - one of the best live shows I've seen in my 25 years of seeing all sorts of shows from U2 to Live to Pearl Jam to The Stones to Jack White. Don't miss an opportunity to see these fellas if you can.
The whole disc is good. Thanks RP for the mix!
Used to see them at Tulagi's on the Hill in Boulder, CO back in the day...  Always liked these guys.  They put on a great live show.
I told my friend that I like this band and I love this song.
He said,,,oh I saw these guys,,they were good,,and you know that Todd guy,,he really does have a big head.
I know,,,, very insightful. It is late Monday for me.     
 myersei wrote:
Takes me back to college. Great song, one of their best.

 
I immedeately felt  I met you in Princeton!
 rdo wrote:

This guy was wicked funny.  Too bad he is no longer with us.  Sorry folks, but I cannot stand the snooze-inducing smarmy stuff. 
 
Jeez, can no one see the reference to relationships here? They are singing about the nature of partnerships/marriages/whatever. And to the person who said it's second grade stuff, think about it--relationships often move between sweet and bittersweet. Seems so 'quell duh' as to the lyrics-I find them very poignant. In the ear of the beholder I guess...
 Excelsior wrote:
"It's bittersweet,
More sweet than bitter,
Bitter than sweet."

Who wrote those oh-so insightful lyrics... a second grader?  {#Snooty}

 
This guy was wicked funny.  Too bad he is no longer with us.  Sorry folks, but I cannot stand the snooze-inducing smarmy stuff. 
exactly what I needed to hear this morning! 
Used to help these boys set up and break down every time they played in Vail between '91 and '94.  Love these guys.
Takes me back to college. Great song, one of their best.
Like getting saved and baptized and laid by the riverside 
Loved your comment though loved flying Frontier before ownership changed (for the worse). The lady singing with BHTM was another local Denver artists: Hazel Miller. Wouuld still lveo to see the video of her "helping out" out Bittersweet but have yet to find that online. Easier to find her providing some true soul on It's Alright but let me know if you (anyone) finds the link to the live performance - perhaps Soiled Dove in 2007? - where Hazel joins BHTM on Bittersweet. Perhaps this 1990 song is boring to many but I still enjoy it.

 
handyrae wrote:

This is a bizarre song for an airline to plane before take-offs. Or maybe they're being honest and admitting your time with them will be, well, bittersweet. The whole experience will be a study in frustration (bitter), but you'll be happy when you get to where you're going (sweet). At least that's been my experience with flying. Yes, American Airlines, I'm looking at you!
 


 dougmbrown wrote:
Would love if you could find/play the version of Bittersweet featuring Todd singing with a gospel lady. Frontier Airlines - back when they were a Denver-owned airline - used to play this song on their planes before take-offs, and it's truly fun. Still, a great song regardless of the version you choose, and thanks for playing!
 
This is a bizarre song for an airline to plane before take-offs. Or maybe they're being honest and admitting your time with them will be, well, bittersweet. The whole experience will be a study in frustration (bitter), but you'll be happy when you get to where you're going (sweet). At least that's been my experience with flying. Yes, American Airlines, I'm looking at you!
Nice track, it sort of Lollops along with no breaks as if they are having a good time in the studio with no external pressure. And a good time was had by all .. Nice one RP
Peeping Todd... creepy!!!
yawwwwwwwnnnn
This song blows.
Would love if you could find/play the version of Bittersweet featuring Todd singing with a gospel lady. Frontier Airlines - back when they were a Denver-owned airline - used to play this song on their planes before take-offs, and it's truly fun. Still, a great song regardless of the version you choose, and thanks for playing!
Great band, wonderful musicianship. Put on a great show too.
Love this one
Never heard this wonderful band until RP, so THANKS!  (Blame it on raising kids during that era, I suppose.) 
Another example of a song I never knew until I got into RP in 2005. Unlike many posters below who seem to be jaded by its popularity in the day, I listened mostly to classical and some jazz (like Flim & the BBs, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, ...) and missed most of this type music from 1970s until 2000s. Actually, reading the negative posts, I feel lucky in a way to be able to enjoy music like this afresh!

I love Big Head Todd & The Monsters - they're just good for my soul. And that heartbreak guitar... {#Sunny}
Ah, yes... Takes me back to my early college years... Still not sure what I was thinking then... 

I'll admit I was somewhat ambivalent towards BHTM until I happened to see them live a couple of months ago.

Fan-freaking-tastic! Todd is one mean guitar playing mother effer and I say that with the utmost respect...the dude can play!

Check out any of their cover tunes on Youtube if you're not sure about Bittersweet...Voodo Chile?!?! The dude can play!




more sweet then bitter, bitter then sweet!
too much bittersweet I think
Relegated to being Muzak fodder.

OK, that was a little strong, but still...

Saw them live, great band! Solid 8.
 coy wrote:
oh it's just average
wait it's great
no i don't like it
could be good
may be bad
now it's over
bittersweet
 
yup, exactly how I feel - thanks!

 ernmoran wrote:


Similar but different: spring break, with a friend at Marco Island, early twenties, in college, just hangin' out and watching life go by.  It's part of my soundtrack to great times with great friends. 
 
Shore house 1994

Bill is spot on this afternoon....spinning some great tunes!  Thanks for including BHT!
8=>9
Kinda reminds me of Counting Crows - another band I'm not crazy about.
For the person below who wondered why Bill plays so much BHT, I just wanted to say to Bill, Then Play On. I bought this album after hearing some cuts on RP and it is a revelation. Great stuff. Soulful and musical.


I know about five words to this song, and yet it's one of my all-time worst earworms.

Shades of the Bare Naked Ladies....
yuck
 Danimal174 wrote:
Never really been a fan of BHT. Their stuff is just average, I think.
 
Another one of life's enduring mysteries is why this band gets so much airplay on RP? Did they once save Bill's life?

 laroue wrote:
classic. Denver in the winter. Snow falls lightly, and the city is quiet. I am 23 and hanging out with friends and attending college. Ahhh{#Bounce}
 

Similar but different: spring break, with a friend at Marco Island, early twenties, in college, just hangin' out and watching life go by.  It's part of my soundtrack to great times with great friends. 
oh it's just average
wait it's great
no i don't like it
could be good
may be bad
now it's over
bittersweet
Never really been a fan of BHT. Their stuff is just average, I think.
RP introduced me to Big Head Todd and I usually love 'em BUT this track's just dreary. Ughh.
 HarrO wrote:
OK people, I'll just keep saying it until it sinks in. The EX-man has been gone for many months. Please stop re-posting his ugliness. Thanks.
 

I hope the "EX man" has not in some way harmed himself!!
Saw them at Avalon in Boston a few years ago.
Fun show.
 a_genuine_find wrote:
.. maybe this is a 'pop' song, but I like it, especially the tonality of the guitar in the solo....
 
{#Iamwithstupid}

The live version of this off of 'Live Monsters' rips this one's guts out.
 laroue wrote:
classic. Denver in the winter. Snow falls lightly, and the city is quiet. I am 23 and hanging out with friends and attending college. Ahhh{#Bounce}
 
Ironic that this song is on the "Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead" soundtrack.

OK people, I'll just keep saying it until it sinks in. The EX-man has been gone for many months. Please stop re-posting his ugliness. Thanks.
 Excelsior wrote:
"It's bittersweet,
More sweet than bitter,
Bitter than sweet."

Who wrote those oh-so insightful lyrics... a second grader?  {#Snooty}
 
Excelsior, you sir are one screwed up individual, so negative.  Lighten up buddy,
everyone is struggling in this life, but they somehow manage to try and be positive.
They even have pills that may help you!  Just a thought. 

The music is not that special, and I haven't really listened to the lyrics.
It's got a very nice melancholic "feel", though.

 Ericac wrote:
Great Big Head Todd song.  Hearing it always stirs up some great memories from the early 90's.
 
Agreed.  Always enjoyed BHT&TMs back in that era and have not heard this tune for years now. Love that Stratocaster-fed hook.  Thanks Bill!!!{#Dance}
Not my fave song on the CD, but it is a well recorded and great sounding work, from a technical standpoint anyway.
 lemmoth wrote:


Sure they could.  Easily
 

My daughter's in 2nd grade...I don't think she could write these lyrics.  Could probably sing it but not write it!
I've somehow never heard this song before. (I'm in the wrong age bracket for it, but still, it's surprising.)  I quite like it. Yes, the lyrics are simple, but it evokes what it's going for quite skillfully.