Elliott Smith — Miss Misery (early version)
Album: New MoonAvg rating:
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Length: 3:05
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I'll fake it through the day
With some help from Johnny Walker red
Send the poisoned rain down the drain
To put bad thoughts in my head
With two tickets torn in half
And a lot of nothing to do
Do you miss me, Miss Misery
Like you say you do?
A man in the park
Read the lines in my hand
Told me I'm strong, hardly ever wrong
I said man you mean
You had plans for both of us
That involved a trip out of town
To a place I've seen in a magazine
That you left lying around
I don't have you with me but
I keep a good attitude
Do you miss me, Miss Misery
Like you say you do?
I know you'd rather see me gone
Than to see me the way that I am
When I am in the life anyway
Next door TV's flashing blue
Frames on the wall
It's a comedy of errors, you see
It's about taking a fall
To vanish into oblivion
It's easy to do
And I try to be
But you know me I come back when you want me to
Do you miss me, Miss Misery
Like you say you do?
With some help from Johnny Walker red
Send the poisoned rain down the drain
To put bad thoughts in my head
With two tickets torn in half
And a lot of nothing to do
Do you miss me, Miss Misery
Like you say you do?
A man in the park
Read the lines in my hand
Told me I'm strong, hardly ever wrong
I said man you mean
You had plans for both of us
That involved a trip out of town
To a place I've seen in a magazine
That you left lying around
I don't have you with me but
I keep a good attitude
Do you miss me, Miss Misery
Like you say you do?
I know you'd rather see me gone
Than to see me the way that I am
When I am in the life anyway
Next door TV's flashing blue
Frames on the wall
It's a comedy of errors, you see
It's about taking a fall
To vanish into oblivion
It's easy to do
And I try to be
But you know me I come back when you want me to
Do you miss me, Miss Misery
Like you say you do?
Comments (47)add comment
I miss Elliott Smith's musical contributions to this world. I always thought it a bit odd that he and I share the same birth month, date, and year. Fortunately, not the same date of death (at least thus far).
Carl wrote:
sirdroseph wrote:
I was referring to their uses of phrasing, which is quite similar. I wasn't thinking of their respective creative genius, which seems quite more subjective than I would ever judge. I've sometimes dreamed of being there to intervene in Elliott's demise so he could continue putting out his incredible music. But then…
Love this. Elliott Smith and The Shins are two of my RP Favorites; I hear similarities in both their styles that really makes me smile.
sirdroseph wrote:
Don't get me wrong, I like the Shins, they just are no creative equal to the genius of Elliot Smith.
I was referring to their uses of phrasing, which is quite similar. I wasn't thinking of their respective creative genius, which seems quite more subjective than I would ever judge. I've sometimes dreamed of being there to intervene in Elliott's demise so he could continue putting out his incredible music. But then…
I've never heard of Elliot Smith until right now. I enjoyed the song, but even more the incredible thread of comments addressing his tragic passing. I can't imagine that he wouldn't have enjoyed seeing his music sparking such incredibly kind and thoughtful postings, and an important dialog carried out in his name. Another great RP moment..
Wimpy voice. Insta-PSD.
dsd wrote:
Well said.......I have a grown son who is bipolar. I thank the Lord that medicine has been created that works for him. He gave me a copy of William Styron's "Darkness Visible" which really opened my eyes on the subject. I highly recommend the book to anyone who can't see suicide as anything but cowardice.
Well said.......I have a grown son who is bipolar. I thank the Lord that medicine has been created that works for him. He gave me a copy of William Styron's "Darkness Visible" which really opened my eyes on the subject. I highly recommend the book to anyone who can't see suicide as anything but cowardice.
mollusk wrote:
Well said.......I have a grown son who is bipolar. I thank the Lord that medicine has been created that works for him. He gave me a copy of William Styron's "Darkness Visible" which really opened my eyes on the subject. I highly recommend the book to anyone who can't see suicide as anything but cowardice.
I know all too well how someone's suicide affects those who were close to him or her - just this week I had another friend leave us too early and too young. I also recognize how difficult it is for someone who isn't subject to severe depression to grasp just what a deep, dark, unraveled place it is to live in, where death seems to be a realistic choice - it's hard enough for me to understand when I'm not depressed. I would urge those who characterize suicide as some sort of selfish act or "easy way out" to instead reflect on their good fortune that they can't comprehend that particular choice.
The priest at a friend's funeral a number of years ago showed some of that comprehension when he told the assembled mourners "she died of a disease - depression."
The priest at a friend's funeral a number of years ago showed some of that comprehension when he told the assembled mourners "she died of a disease - depression."
Well said.......I have a grown son who is bipolar. I thank the Lord that medicine has been created that works for him. He gave me a copy of William Styron's "Darkness Visible" which really opened my eyes on the subject. I highly recommend the book to anyone who can't see suicide as anything but cowardice.
Must admit ES has been one of my peak discoveries as a result of RP - thanks Bill! Really impressive body of work given his short career.
I know all too well how someone's suicide affects those who were close to him or her - just this week I had another friend leave us too early and too young. I also recognize how difficult it is for someone who isn't subject to severe depression to grasp just what a deep, dark, unraveled place it is to live in, where death seems to be a realistic choice - it's hard enough for me to understand when I'm not depressed. I would urge those who characterize suicide as some sort of selfish act or "easy way out" to instead reflect on their good fortune that they can't comprehend that particular choice.
The priest at a friend's funeral a number of years ago showed some of that comprehension when he told the assembled mourners "she died of a disease - depression."
The priest at a friend's funeral a number of years ago showed some of that comprehension when he told the assembled mourners "she died of a disease - depression."
"I'll make it through the day with a little bit of Johnny Walker Red." or something similar. Poignant, and very telling.
We all get by with a little help from our friends, eh?
rdo wrote:
I think there are very few certainties in life, but when someone takes that dreadful step, I think we can be certain that the pain was so bad that it could not be bore any longer. How the fuck can you know what that feels like? Weak? Was David Foster Wallace weak? He'd eat you up and spit you out without even noticing it.
Read his bio and unless he was a mixed martial arts expert, I doubt that seeing how I am lot bigger and more muscular than he was. Secondly, he also could do me no harm because he is dead and no longer with us. Thirdly, I bet his family has suffered greatly missing him and that is very sad for them. Fourthly, I don't know what it feels like never said I did.
I think there are very few certainties in life, but when someone takes that dreadful step, I think we can be certain that the pain was so bad that it could not be bore any longer. How the fuck can you know what that feels like? Weak? Was David Foster Wallace weak? He'd eat you up and spit you out without even noticing it.
Read his bio and unless he was a mixed martial arts expert, I doubt that seeing how I am lot bigger and more muscular than he was. Secondly, he also could do me no harm because he is dead and no longer with us. Thirdly, I bet his family has suffered greatly missing him and that is very sad for them. Fourthly, I don't know what it feels like never said I did.
My All Time Favorite Movie!
Beautiful
sirdroseph wrote:
Suicide is selfish because it hurts the ones that they leave behind who love them, that is as selfish as you can get, end of story.
BTW, I am as agnostic as the day is long and have absolutely nothing to do with Christianity or organized religion of any kind. I didn't even know that this suicide is selfish notion had anything to do with Christianity at all and quite frankly don't give a damn what Chrisitans think.
I think there are very few certainties in life, but when someone takes that dreadful step, I think we can be certain that the pain was so bad that it could not be bore any longer. How the fuck can you know what that feels like? Weak? Was David Foster Wallace weak? He'd eat you up and spit you out without even noticing it.
Suicide is selfish because it hurts the ones that they leave behind who love them, that is as selfish as you can get, end of story.
BTW, I am as agnostic as the day is long and have absolutely nothing to do with Christianity or organized religion of any kind. I didn't even know that this suicide is selfish notion had anything to do with Christianity at all and quite frankly don't give a damn what Chrisitans think.
I think there are very few certainties in life, but when someone takes that dreadful step, I think we can be certain that the pain was so bad that it could not be bore any longer. How the fuck can you know what that feels like? Weak? Was David Foster Wallace weak? He'd eat you up and spit you out without even noticing it.
WonderLizard wrote:
This is a fascinating thread because both Smith and Cobain were acknowledged depressives and master tunesmiths, whose lyrics mirrored the difficulty they had with living from day to day—torture if you will. Are they any different from similarly displaced souls who merely had their death wishes fulfilled by their own hand but without the suicidal drama: Jim Morrison, Hendrix, Janis, Brad Nowell, Shannon Hoon, and so on? I disagree with sirdroseph and the generally Christian notion that suicide is "selfish," other than it is certainly an act of self. It's your life, most likely the only chance you have, and I think if you want to end it, that's a choice only you can make. But "selfish" in the sense that you're depriving someone else of something or you're hoarding something or other? Hardly.
Oh, and before you flame me, I was raised Catholic and had long and substantive experience with the "selfish" argument. Peace, okay?
Suicide is selfish because it hurts the ones that they leave behind who love them, that is as selfish as you can get, end of story.
BTW, I am as agnostic as the day is long and have absolutely nothing to do with Christianity or organized religion of any kind. I didn't even know that this suicide is selfish notion had anything to do with Christianity at all and quite frankly don't give a damn what Chrisitans think.
This is a fascinating thread because both Smith and Cobain were acknowledged depressives and master tunesmiths, whose lyrics mirrored the difficulty they had with living from day to day—torture if you will. Are they any different from similarly displaced souls who merely had their death wishes fulfilled by their own hand but without the suicidal drama: Jim Morrison, Hendrix, Janis, Brad Nowell, Shannon Hoon, and so on? I disagree with sirdroseph and the generally Christian notion that suicide is "selfish," other than it is certainly an act of self. It's your life, most likely the only chance you have, and I think if you want to end it, that's a choice only you can make. But "selfish" in the sense that you're depriving someone else of something or you're hoarding something or other? Hardly.
Oh, and before you flame me, I was raised Catholic and had long and substantive experience with the "selfish" argument. Peace, okay?
Suicide is selfish because it hurts the ones that they leave behind who love them, that is as selfish as you can get, end of story.
BTW, I am as agnostic as the day is long and have absolutely nothing to do with Christianity or organized religion of any kind. I didn't even know that this suicide is selfish notion had anything to do with Christianity at all and quite frankly don't give a damn what Chrisitans think.
WonderLizard wrote:
This is a fascinating thread because both Smith and Cobain were acknowledged depressives and master tunesmiths, whose lyrics mirrored the difficulty they had with living from day to day—torture if you will. Are they any different from similarly displaced souls who merely had their death wishes fulfilled by their own hand but without the suicidal drama: Jim Morrison, Hendrix, Janis, Brad Nowell, Shannon Hoon, and so on? I disagree with sirdroseph and the generally Christian notion that suicide is "selfish," other than it is certainly an act of self. It's your life, most likely the only chance you have, and I think if you want to end it, that's a choice only you can make. But "selfish" in the sense that you're depriving someone else of something or you're hoarding something or other? Hardly.
Oh, and before you flame me, I was raised Catholic and had long and substantive experience with the "selfish" argument. Peace, okay?
Edifying to read the well thought out and expressed musings of my fellow listeners like WonderLizard and Bluedot. Bravo.
This is a fascinating thread because both Smith and Cobain were acknowledged depressives and master tunesmiths, whose lyrics mirrored the difficulty they had with living from day to day—torture if you will. Are they any different from similarly displaced souls who merely had their death wishes fulfilled by their own hand but without the suicidal drama: Jim Morrison, Hendrix, Janis, Brad Nowell, Shannon Hoon, and so on? I disagree with sirdroseph and the generally Christian notion that suicide is "selfish," other than it is certainly an act of self. It's your life, most likely the only chance you have, and I think if you want to end it, that's a choice only you can make. But "selfish" in the sense that you're depriving someone else of something or you're hoarding something or other? Hardly.
Oh, and before you flame me, I was raised Catholic and had long and substantive experience with the "selfish" argument. Peace, okay?
Edifying to read the well thought out and expressed musings of my fellow listeners like WonderLizard and Bluedot. Bravo.
ULTIMATE SUPERGROUP:
Elliot with Kurt and Jimi!
Keith Moon on drums,
Chris Wood on sax and flute!
Maybe Entwhistle on bass...
Elliot with Kurt and Jimi!
Keith Moon on drums,
Chris Wood on sax and flute!
Maybe Entwhistle on bass...
bluedot wrote:
I have a hard time with Elliott Smith and also Kurt Cobain. They both wrote a bunch of extremely seductive, melodic songs, the lyrics of which were mostly bitter descriptions of how terrible life is. Then they killed themselves. What is the meaning of this? Were their songs a cry for help? Or just a byproduct of their depression? Was there ever any hope for them, or was their suicidal end just the final destination of a trajectory that was established long before they even got into the music business?
All that background noise makes it hard to just appreciate the performance. I can't separate the song from the suicide. I guess that's why musical part is so arresting. It has to be, because otherwise, why would anyone listen to such agonized sentiments?
Kurt and Elliott may even have felt that if they didn't kill themselves, then their lyrics would be a lie.
This is a fascinating thread because both Smith and Cobain were acknowledged depressives and master tunesmiths, whose lyrics mirrored the difficulty they had with living from day to day—torture if you will. Are they any different from similarly displaced souls who merely had their death wishes fulfilled by their own hand but without the suicidal drama: Jim Morrison, Hendrix, Janis, Brad Nowell, Shannon Hoon, and so on? I disagree with sirdroseph and the generally Christian notion that suicide is "selfish," other than it is certainly an act of self. It's your life, most likely the only chance you have, and I think if you want to end it, that's a choice only you can make. But "selfish" in the sense that you're depriving someone else of something or you're hoarding something or other? Hardly.
Oh, and before you flame me, I was raised Catholic and had long and substantive experience with the "selfish" argument. Peace, okay?
I have a hard time with Elliott Smith and also Kurt Cobain. They both wrote a bunch of extremely seductive, melodic songs, the lyrics of which were mostly bitter descriptions of how terrible life is. Then they killed themselves. What is the meaning of this? Were their songs a cry for help? Or just a byproduct of their depression? Was there ever any hope for them, or was their suicidal end just the final destination of a trajectory that was established long before they even got into the music business?
All that background noise makes it hard to just appreciate the performance. I can't separate the song from the suicide. I guess that's why musical part is so arresting. It has to be, because otherwise, why would anyone listen to such agonized sentiments?
Kurt and Elliott may even have felt that if they didn't kill themselves, then their lyrics would be a lie.
This is a fascinating thread because both Smith and Cobain were acknowledged depressives and master tunesmiths, whose lyrics mirrored the difficulty they had with living from day to day—torture if you will. Are they any different from similarly displaced souls who merely had their death wishes fulfilled by their own hand but without the suicidal drama: Jim Morrison, Hendrix, Janis, Brad Nowell, Shannon Hoon, and so on? I disagree with sirdroseph and the generally Christian notion that suicide is "selfish," other than it is certainly an act of self. It's your life, most likely the only chance you have, and I think if you want to end it, that's a choice only you can make. But "selfish" in the sense that you're depriving someone else of something or you're hoarding something or other? Hardly.
Oh, and before you flame me, I was raised Catholic and had long and substantive experience with the "selfish" argument. Peace, okay?
Elliott Smith cropped by ~sleepwalkingdead
©2007-2010 ~sleepwalkingdead
A cropped version of my other Elliott Smith print, the popularity of which surprised me - this one is a bit better in my mind.
sirdroseph wrote:
You know, I don't even care. The music is all that matters and if it has a wonderful melody that makes the listener happy, I don't really give a damn whether they were happy or sad. Quite frankly, suicide is for the weak and selfish unless of course, you are terminally ill anyway, but that is a totally different subject.
Wow, must've had a bad day!
Prolly need to exclude those with mental illness and chemical inbalances.
You know, I don't even care. The music is all that matters and if it has a wonderful melody that makes the listener happy, I don't really give a damn whether they were happy or sad. Quite frankly, suicide is for the weak and selfish unless of course, you are terminally ill anyway, but that is a totally different subject.
Wow, must've had a bad day!
Prolly need to exclude those with mental illness and chemical inbalances. bluedot wrote:
I have a hard time with Elliott Smith and also Kurt Cobain. They both wrote a bunch of extremely seductive, melodic songs, the lyrics of which were mostly bitter descriptions of how terrible life is. Then they killed themselves. What is the meaning of this? Were their songs a cry for help? Or just a byproduct of their depression? Was there ever any hope for them, or was their suicidal end just the final destination of a trajectory that was established long before they even got into the music business?
All that background noise makes it hard to just appreciate the performance. I can't separate the song from the suicide. I guess that's why musical part is so arresting. It has to be, because otherwise, why would anyone listen to such agonized sentiments?
Kurt and Elliott may even have felt that if they didn't kill themselves, then their lyrics would be a lie.
You know, I don't even care. The music is all that matters and if it has a wonderful melody that makes the listener happy, I don't really give a damn whether they were happy or sad. Quite frankly, suicide is for the weak and selfish unless of course, you are terminally ill anyway, but that is a totally different subject.
I have a hard time with Elliott Smith and also Kurt Cobain. They both wrote a bunch of extremely seductive, melodic songs, the lyrics of which were mostly bitter descriptions of how terrible life is. Then they killed themselves. What is the meaning of this? Were their songs a cry for help? Or just a byproduct of their depression? Was there ever any hope for them, or was their suicidal end just the final destination of a trajectory that was established long before they even got into the music business?
All that background noise makes it hard to just appreciate the performance. I can't separate the song from the suicide. I guess that's why musical part is so arresting. It has to be, because otherwise, why would anyone listen to such agonized sentiments?
Kurt and Elliott may even have felt that if they didn't kill themselves, then their lyrics would be a lie.
You know, I don't even care. The music is all that matters and if it has a wonderful melody that makes the listener happy, I don't really give a damn whether they were happy or sad. Quite frankly, suicide is for the weak and selfish unless of course, you are terminally ill anyway, but that is a totally different subject.
Carl wrote:
Don't get me wrong, I like the Shins, they just are no creative equal to the genius of Elliot Smith.
Love this. Elliott Smith and The Shins are two of my RP Favorites; I hear similarities in both their styles that really makes me smile.
Don't get me wrong, I like the Shins, they just are no creative equal to the genius of Elliot Smith.
bluedot wrote:
Compelling and well written post, but I hope you are wrong. Still, it's hard not to feel voyeuristic when hearing this.
...Kurt and Elliott may even have felt that if they didn't kill themselves, then their lyrics would be a lie.
Compelling and well written post, but I hope you are wrong. Still, it's hard not to feel voyeuristic when hearing this.
Damn! He took one fantastic melodic sense with him!
Love this. Elliott Smith and The Shins are two of my RP Favorites; I hear similarities in both their styles that really makes me smile.
Yesterday i saw a german movie, and at the end there was a ES song! That was the best part of the movie!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH8-lQ9CeyI
Directed by Ross Harris
sirdroseph wrote:
I have a hard time with Elliott Smith and also Kurt Cobain. They both wrote a bunch of extremely seductive, melodic songs, the lyrics of which were mostly bitter descriptions of how terrible life is. Then they killed themselves. What is the meaning of this? Were their songs a cry for help? Or just a byproduct of their depression? Was there ever any hope for them, or was their suicidal end just the final destination of a trajectory that was established long before they even got into the music business?
All that background noise makes it hard to just appreciate the performance. I can't separate the song from the suicide. I guess that's why musical part is so arresting. It has to be, because otherwise, why would anyone listen to such agonized sentiments?
Kurt and Elliott may even have felt that if they didn't kill themselves, then their lyrics would be a lie.
Man, listening to his music, suicide was not a far stretch. He had a wonderful sense of melody though and will be sorely missed!
He had a wonderful sense of melody though and will be sorely missed!I have a hard time with Elliott Smith and also Kurt Cobain. They both wrote a bunch of extremely seductive, melodic songs, the lyrics of which were mostly bitter descriptions of how terrible life is. Then they killed themselves. What is the meaning of this? Were their songs a cry for help? Or just a byproduct of their depression? Was there ever any hope for them, or was their suicidal end just the final destination of a trajectory that was established long before they even got into the music business?
All that background noise makes it hard to just appreciate the performance. I can't separate the song from the suicide. I guess that's why musical part is so arresting. It has to be, because otherwise, why would anyone listen to such agonized sentiments?
Kurt and Elliott may even have felt that if they didn't kill themselves, then their lyrics would be a lie.
Nice!
Al_Koholic wrote:
Johnnie is no substitute for a hearty single malt!
He said Johnnie Walker Red-prefer Black, Gold, Green, or Blue. Red will do in a pinch.
Johnnie is no substitute for a hearty single malt!
Man, listening to his music, suicide was not a far stretch. He had a wonderful sense of melody though and will be sorely missed!
He had a wonderful sense of melody though and will be sorely missed!He said Johnnie Walker Red-prefer Black, Gold, Green, or Blue. Red will do in a pinch.
Exene wrote:
Interesting you mentioned "New Slang"... when this song started I was reminded instantly of that song.
Elliott Smith - Miss Misery
Emory Joseph - Brown Eyed Women
Jefferson Airplane - Embryonic Journey
The Shins - New Slang
Porcupine Tree - Lightbulb Sun
Bill & Rebecca, you made my morning! Did you plan this just for me?
Much appreciated, either way!
Emory Joseph - Brown Eyed Women
Jefferson Airplane - Embryonic Journey
The Shins - New Slang
Porcupine Tree - Lightbulb Sun
Bill & Rebecca, you made my morning! Did you plan this just for me?
Much appreciated, either way! Interesting you mentioned "New Slang"... when this song started I was reminded instantly of that song.
Nazareth did a song with the same title that SCREEMED
Did he just sing "do you miss me?"
*shiver*
Spooky. And yes, I miss him a lot.
*shiver*
Spooky. And yes, I miss him a lot.
Elliott Smith - Miss Misery
Emory Joseph - Brown Eyed Women
Jefferson Airplane - Embryonic Journey
The Shins - New Slang
Porcupine Tree - Lightbulb Sun
Bill & Rebecca, you made my morning! Did you plan this just for me? Much appreciated, either way!
Emory Joseph - Brown Eyed Women
Jefferson Airplane - Embryonic Journey
The Shins - New Slang
Porcupine Tree - Lightbulb Sun
Bill & Rebecca, you made my morning! Did you plan this just for me?
Much appreciated, either way! Is is me or are The Shins aping Elliott Smith on their tune "New Slang" (just played here)...??
Either way, I really like it....chill. 
Either way, I really like it....chill. i've walked around this city a lot this winter thinking of elliott. he's still here for sure and we miss him everyday.
Fairly frequently, I have a conversation with myself that goes something like this:
"Hmmm... I like this song a lot. The artist seems familiar, but I can't quite put my finger on who it is. Let's check.... Elliott Smith? Isn't that the same person it was the last time I did this?"
This probably means that I should just buy an album of his and see how I like it.
"Hmmm... I like this song a lot. The artist seems familiar, but I can't quite put my finger on who it is. Let's check.... Elliott Smith? Isn't that the same person it was the last time I did this?"
This probably means that I should just buy an album of his and see how I like it.
This version is actually from the Good Will Hunting soundtrack. The version on New Moon pre-dates this one; he hasn't even come up with the "Miss Misery" chorus. So, so sad about Elliott. We miss him every day.
A two-man band played at the bar where I work the other night. They grew up with this guy and did a cover of this song. Sad story...great song.
Bripatfan wrote:
Great song...the only good thing to come out of Good Will Hunting...
I always thought Good Will Hunting was a good movie. When I first saw the movie, I thought Matt was a better actor than Ben. Years later it is no doubt which is better. Sorry Ben. But he did do Ms. Lopez...
I feel very fortunate to have seen him play once.
Great song...the only good thing to come out of Good Will Hunting...
amazing song. sounds like THE SILENCERS and THE DREAM ACADEMY. music from the 80's.
FINALLY this is on RP... i miss him so much
YES! First comment!
Song to slash your wrists to. In a good way.
c.