Patty Griffin — Burgundy Shoes
Album: Children Running ThroughAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 845
Length: 3:23
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We wait for the bus that's going to Bangor
In my plaid dress and burgundy shoes
In your red lipstick and lilac kerchief
You're the most pretty lady in the world
Sun
The bus driver smiles, a dime and a nickel
We climb on our seats, the vinyl is cold
"Michelle Ma Belle", the song that you loved then
You hold my hand and sing to yourself
Sun, sun
Sun, sun
Sun, sun, sun, sun
Sun, sun, sun, sun
Sun, sun, sun, sun
Sun
The leaves are green and new like a baby
Tulips are red, now I don't miss the snow
It's the first day I don't wear my big boots
You hold my hand, I've got burgundy shoes
Burgundy shoes
Burgundy shoes
Sun
In my plaid dress and burgundy shoes
In your red lipstick and lilac kerchief
You're the most pretty lady in the world
Sun
The bus driver smiles, a dime and a nickel
We climb on our seats, the vinyl is cold
"Michelle Ma Belle", the song that you loved then
You hold my hand and sing to yourself
Sun, sun
Sun, sun
Sun, sun, sun, sun
Sun, sun, sun, sun
Sun, sun, sun, sun
Sun
The leaves are green and new like a baby
Tulips are red, now I don't miss the snow
It's the first day I don't wear my big boots
You hold my hand, I've got burgundy shoes
Burgundy shoes
Burgundy shoes
Sun
Comments (193)add comment
Thanks for the link ccryder ..filled in some blanks for me.
Sublime seamless segway from Prelude #1 In C by JS Bach to this Patty Griffin song which I am hearing for the first time and also very much like.
bahalana wrote:
No one in my library activates the tear ducts as consistently as Ms. Griffin.
What is this fluid leaking from my eyes?
No one in my library activates the tear ducts as consistently as Ms. Griffin.
Beautiful, and a terrific segue from Bach's Prelude #1 in C.
wow just wow
Fantastic song from a rare talent - Patty Griffin is a National Treasure.
What is this fluid leaking from my eyes?
Keef wrote:
I tried to rate it "awesome" but had to go w/ "outstanding"...
Awesome!
I tried to rate it "awesome" but had to go w/ "outstanding"...
cc_rider wrote:
Because we keep our emotions hidden most of the time. When something draws out our emotions, which Ms. Griffin seems to do effortlessly, we seem to like the experience. Even the sad emotions. Maybe especially the sad emotions, they remind us who we are, where we've been, who we've known.
Like our dear friends Ann (Cynaera) and MelissaB. And all the others who've passed through our lives.
Poignant and true. cc_rider has expressed eloquently the perfect sentiment that was felt and hardly shared. I too miss our dear friends.
Because we keep our emotions hidden most of the time. When something draws out our emotions, which Ms. Griffin seems to do effortlessly, we seem to like the experience. Even the sad emotions. Maybe especially the sad emotions, they remind us who we are, where we've been, who we've known.
Like our dear friends Ann (Cynaera) and MelissaB. And all the others who've passed through our lives.
Poignant and true. cc_rider has expressed eloquently the perfect sentiment that was felt and hardly shared. I too miss our dear friends.
ScottN wrote:
The rumor here in Austin is yes, she did indeed marry him. My son is their neighbor! And they are living in the house Patti has been in for quite some time.
Song is great as is most of her work, But what I really want to know is Did she marry Robert Plant?
The rumor here in Austin is yes, she did indeed marry him. My son is their neighbor! And they are living in the house Patti has been in for quite some time.
ziakut wrote:
Because we keep our emotions hidden most of the time. When something draws out our emotions, which Ms. Griffin seems to do effortlessly, we seem to like the experience. Even the sad emotions. Maybe especially the sad emotions, they remind us who we are, where we've been, who we've known.
Like our dear friends Ann (Cynaera) and MelissaB. And all the others who've passed through our lives.
Chilling and sad. Why should I like something that makes me feel this way?
Because we keep our emotions hidden most of the time. When something draws out our emotions, which Ms. Griffin seems to do effortlessly, we seem to like the experience. Even the sad emotions. Maybe especially the sad emotions, they remind us who we are, where we've been, who we've known.
Like our dear friends Ann (Cynaera) and MelissaB. And all the others who've passed through our lives.
Yellow moon risin'.
One of my favorite Patty Griffin songs - such an amazing evocation of a childhood memory. Brings tears to my eyes every time.
Cynaera wrote:
We really miss you, Ann... wish you were here... you are with your parents now...
rest in peace...
"10"
I have reached the point where I just can't bear to listen to Patty Griffin's tender music - every single song seems to remind me of my long-deceased mom and dad. I love her voice and I love her music, but I must just be getting old and foolish and soft and sentimental... I'll always rate it highly when it comes on, but I'll also mute it because one can only cry so many tears before it hurts like a chest-cold.
We really miss you, Ann... wish you were here... you are with your parents now...
rest in peace...
"10"
Awesome!
PSD paid off! Thanks for this great song!
Song is great as is most of her work, But what I really want to know is Did she marry Robert Plant?
Patty Griffin is pretty much always a big win.
holy f, beautiful.
such a beautiful song
dogpound wrote:
HA! Oh, I'm so there with you on that feeling about these songs today...probably evoking something more beautiful and calming if you caught me in a different mood, though...
Bill's going for the wrist slit trifecta
HA! Oh, I'm so there with you on that feeling about these songs today...probably evoking something more beautiful and calming if you caught me in a different mood, though...
Bill... do you need someone to talk with... I got your back.
By the way I love Patty Griffin
By the way I love Patty Griffin
Bill's going for the wrist slit trifecta
ssg wrote:
Mine aren't quite burgundy, but the angels want to wear them.
Wherever you go whatever you do
I'll be right here wearing burgundy shoes.
I'll be right here wearing burgundy shoes.
Mine aren't quite burgundy, but the angels want to wear them.
jules44 wrote:
Oh yeah, no matter how many times I've heard it, that song just crushes me. So beautiful and perfect and sad. Just like Jeff, I guess.
Thanks Jules.
And then, try to listen to Patty Griffin's "Goodbye" which is about Jeff Buckley...good god, it gets me every time!
Oh yeah, no matter how many times I've heard it, that song just crushes me. So beautiful and perfect and sad. Just like Jeff, I guess.
Thanks Jules.
cc_rider wrote:
I know what you mean. Patty Griffin's music cuts right to the core. I love it, but damn sometimes it's hard to hold it together. Couple of Jeff Buckley's songs do that to me too.
And then, try to listen to Patty Griffin's "Goodbye" which is about Jeff Buckley...good god, it gets me every time!
I know what you mean. Patty Griffin's music cuts right to the core. I love it, but damn sometimes it's hard to hold it together. Couple of Jeff Buckley's songs do that to me too.
And then, try to listen to Patty Griffin's "Goodbye" which is about Jeff Buckley...good god, it gets me every time!
I just fell asleep waiting for it to end....
ssg wrote:
And I'll bet there were people back in 1991/1992 that Bryan Adams had borrowed the melody from an earlier song. Old news. So let's just move on, shall we?
Wherever you go whatever you do
I'll be right here wearing burgundy shoes.
I'll be right here wearing burgundy shoes.
And I'll bet there were people back in 1991/1992 that Bryan Adams had borrowed the melody from an earlier song. Old news. So let's just move on, shall we?
Dave_Mack wrote:
I know what you mean; there is something very distinct and remarkably emotional about her voice.
This song is so beautiful. Even though it's happy, it's hard not to cry.
I know what you mean; there is something very distinct and remarkably emotional about her voice.
ssg wrote:
I was just about to mention that the intro sounds just like the mess of a song from Robin Hood. It was a while before I could respect Sting again after that.
I just can't rate this very well because I keep hearing that crap song!
Wherever you go whatever you do
I'll be right here wearing burgundy shoes.
I'll be right here wearing burgundy shoes.
I was just about to mention that the intro sounds just like the mess of a song from Robin Hood. It was a while before I could respect Sting again after that.
I just can't rate this very well because I keep hearing that crap song!
Wherever you go whatever you do
I'll be right here wearing burgundy shoes.
I'll be right here wearing burgundy shoes.
I really love the singing on the verses at the beginning and end, but the middle really detracts.
This song is so beautiful. Even though it's happy, it's hard not to cry.
I am a big fan of Ms. Griffin's. I recently saw her performing with Band of Joy in Atlanta's Fox Theater. Although the show was superb, I still want to go and see her performing as the main artist. Cheers! 
Patty G. <3 u Lady.
All her music is so touching. The Long Goodbye is my favorite.
All her music is so touching. The Long Goodbye is my favorite.
Cynaera wrote:
I know what you mean. Patty Griffin's music cuts right to the core. I love it, but damn sometimes it's hard to hold it together. Couple of Jeff Buckley's songs do that to me too.
I have reached the point where I just can't bear to listen to Patty Griffin's tender music - every single song seems to remind me of my long-deceased mom and dad. I love her voice and I love her music, but I must just be getting old and foolish and soft and sentimental... I'll always rate it highly when it comes on, but I'll also mute it because one can only cry so many tears before it hurts like a chest-cold.
I know what you mean. Patty Griffin's music cuts right to the core. I love it, but damn sometimes it's hard to hold it together. Couple of Jeff Buckley's songs do that to me too.
SinisterDexter wrote:
You should see 'em together.
Wow, she sounds a lot more like Shawn Colvin than she does herself.
You should see 'em together.
james_of_tucson wrote:
One of the funniest YouTube videos ever:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdxkVQy7QLM
The progression of the Pachelbel Canon, used by WAY more than "a hundred" others....
One of the funniest YouTube videos ever:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdxkVQy7QLM
we danced to that at out wedding. i love that song.
huebdoo wrote:
The progression of the Pachelbel Canon, used by WAY more than "a hundred" others....
Even if it does have the same progression as Richard Marx, Journey and about a hundred other bands :)
The progression of the Pachelbel Canon, used by WAY more than "a hundred" others....
Chilling and sad. Why should I like something that makes me feel this way?
Wow, she sounds a lot more like Shawn Colvin than she does herself.
dogpound wrote:
I'm quoting myself and I still feel this way!
good lord winter needs to end.
I'm quoting myself and I still feel this way!
As for Richard Marx - I think this chord progression is used in about a thousand tunes... I think its almost stock file like using Chuck D or James Brown to a hip hop band for sampling.
That aside - I wonder how many of us will be thought of in this way by our children? I do so want my children to look up to me this way, I guess I want to give them everything that I didnt have and opportunity to have, and I would be so incredibly proud if one of my daughters was to write a song like this... I cant think of anything better than being a parent and mentor to my kids.
Even if it does have the same progression as Richard Marx, Journey and about a hundred other bands :)
That aside - I wonder how many of us will be thought of in this way by our children? I do so want my children to look up to me this way, I guess I want to give them everything that I didnt have and opportunity to have, and I would be so incredibly proud if one of my daughters was to write a song like this... I cant think of anything better than being a parent and mentor to my kids.
Even if it does have the same progression as Richard Marx, Journey and about a hundred other bands :)
I have reached the point where I just can't bear to listen to Patty Griffin's tender music - every single song seems to remind me of my long-deceased mom and dad. I love her voice and I love her music, but I must just be getting old and foolish and soft and sentimental... I'll always rate it highly when it comes on, but I'll also mute it because one can only cry so many tears before it hurts like a chest-cold.
An 8. For Bryan Adams!
helgigermany wrote:
For me!
Not for me!
For me!Not for me!
Yet another wonderful song that was used so elegantly on an episode of "One Tree Hill." That show was my guilty pleasure until about 2 years ago. But the song reminds me of the scene and it just grabs the heartstrings.
This voice, preceded by Brick by Ben Fold Five, while I am framing a treasured card from a girlfriend from 20 years ago. Bill, you are really pulling the emotions tonight.
Patty Griffin's voice frequently breaks my heart... I love her music. 
Wherever you go, whatever you do, I will be right here waiting for you . . .
I wasn't listening closely and I thought this was Vienna Teng. Similar Tori Amos type intensity with a Sarah Mclachlan type purity of sound. And I'm not embarrassed about using those two as paragons of their aspects.
Billy and the girls!
You are a true "Frauenversteher", Billy-boy!
You are a true "Frauenversteher", Billy-boy!
jeezy creezy...
this is beautiful
this is beautiful
dogpound wrote:
"March middle something".... I laid ot in the sun... with my clothes... I could use some ROCK
good lord winter needs to end.
"March middle something".... I laid ot in the sun... with my clothes... I could use some ROCK
Love this song ... so tender! 
good lord winter needs to end.
as a southerner, the lyrics were totally gibberish to me, but with a little help from songmeanings.net i think they're really beautiful
Thanks for all the Patty G. lately. It does my soul good. I'm new to this artist and loving her!
while y'all are debating the wherefores of the melody i am transported by the lyrics to my 6 year old self, moving south from the snow to the beach with my young mother, except the bus was a white Montego, the song she hummed was Elton John's 'Island Girl' and i don't think i was wearing any shoes at all once the temperature got above 65
TanteJensen wrote:
It is a solid progression; it's just become kind of cliched over time. As a result, there are plenty of "bad" songs made to that backing as well.
This, of course, is not one of them.
But isn't it amazing, on the other hand, how many great songs you can make to that backing?
It is a solid progression; it's just become kind of cliched over time. As a result, there are plenty of "bad" songs made to that backing as well.
This, of course, is not one of them.
sirrus wrote:
Its not just the progression; its the exact same rhythm of that piano arpeggio.
I certainly dont think Patty 'ripped' it. Its just sad that we have to do a double-take on a Patty song...
I know how you feel. Anyway, had she picked some different rhythm (or notes, that fifth "do-din-din" is just the same), it would propably remind us of "With or without you" or "Letter to Elise" or Pachelbels canon (no, they are just similar, no matter what he's saying). Then again, that piano arpeggio is just right for this song, whether or not some other song has it, too.
But isn't it amazing, on the other hand, how many great songs you can make to that backing?
(Danimal174: I'm honored, that made my day. Thank you.)
Its not just the progression; its the exact same rhythm of that piano arpeggio.
I certainly dont think Patty 'ripped' it. Its just sad that we have to do a double-take on a Patty song...
I know how you feel. Anyway, had she picked some different rhythm (or notes, that fifth "do-din-din" is just the same), it would propably remind us of "With or without you" or "Letter to Elise" or Pachelbels canon (no, they are just similar, no matter what he's saying). Then again, that piano arpeggio is just right for this song, whether or not some other song has it, too.
But isn't it amazing, on the other hand, how many great songs you can make to that backing?
(Danimal174: I'm honored, that made my day. Thank you.)
TanteJensen wrote:
Its not just the progression; its the exact same rhythm of that piano arpeggio.
I certainly dont think Patty 'ripped' it. Its just sad that we have to do a double-take on a Patty song...
I incidently checked and it seems to be the same chord progression as "Right here waiting for you" and a couple of other songs (C G Am F). It happens, you find a melody, search the harmonies for it and then you find out it's one of the ole bastards. Either you go "oh, not that again" and try to stick in some odd chord or a middle eight or a different chorus. Or you think that there are some things we'll never get tired of, originality for originality's sake isn't worth much and go for it.
(click here) for more songs with that progression
(click here) for more songs with that progression
Its not just the progression; its the exact same rhythm of that piano arpeggio.
I certainly dont think Patty 'ripped' it. Its just sad that we have to do a double-take on a Patty song...
Nice voice. 
pelucid wrote:
See TanteJensen's excellent post below, regarding the chord progression that both this song and "Right Here Waiting", along with many other songs, use.
That being said...I absolutely love Patty's work, and find her truly original. A similar chord progression doesn't mean she copied the song.
haha..never mind. I just saw that I stated the obvious.
pelucid wrote:
pelucid wrote:
I can't help but feel as if a Richard Marx song is about to break out of this. haha... Not my favorite of Radio Paradise selections.
See TanteJensen's excellent post below, regarding the chord progression that both this song and "Right Here Waiting", along with many other songs, use.
That being said...I absolutely love Patty's work, and find her truly original. A similar chord progression doesn't mean she copied the song.
haha..never mind. I just saw that I stated the obvious.
pelucid wrote:
pelucid wrote:
I can't help but feel as if a Richard Marx song is about to break out of this. haha... Not my favorite of Radio Paradise selections.
I can't help but feel as if a Richard Marx song is about to break out of this. haha... Not my favorite of Radio Paradise selections.
cc_rider wrote:
Just bought the album after hearing this here and reading the comments on this board. She's thoroughly unknown here in Québec and I had a tough time finding it (or even a spacer with her name on it). But it paid off. It's a marvelous record. Only trouble is the same day I also grabbed Elbow's Seldom Seen Kid and it is glued in my player...
An 8? I gave Patty Griffin an 8?! What was I thinking? Solid 9, at least.
c.
ginger wrote:
OMG, that sounds phenomenal. Was it great?
I just bought tickets today for "Three Girls and Their Buddy" featuring Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris, and Shaun Colvin with Buddy Miller. I'm so psyched, so it's extra great to hear this today!
OMG, that sounds phenomenal. Was it great?
Need to see her someday.
I incidently checked and it seems to be the same chord progression as "Right here waiting for you" and a couple of other songs (C G Am F). It happens, you find a melody, search the harmonies for it and then you find out it's one of the ole bastards. Either you go "oh, not that again" and try to stick in some odd chord or a middle eight or a different chorus. Or you think that there are some things we'll never get tired of, originality for originality's sake isn't worth much and go for it.
(click here) for more songs with that progression
(click here) for more songs with that progression
patty is god.
An 8? I gave Patty Griffin an 8?! What was I thinking? Solid 9, at least.
c.
Rated a 10 for GodDESS like.
I had the joy of seeing her do this live a while back, and it really made me appreciate the song more. Since then, it's been one of my favorites off this CD.
I just bought tickets today for "Three Girls and Their Buddy" featuring Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris, and Shaun Colvin with Buddy Miller. I'm so psyched, so it's extra great to hear this today!
Man, I'm so glad there are those of you that heard that damned Richard Marx song in this as well. 
The intro always trick me, and I pop into Richard Marx - "right here waiting for you". 
Oh my god, this woman makes me want to take a hot bath with my toaster.
I love her for that.
I think.
I love her for that.
I think.
I will always love you, Bill, for playing Patty.
I'll send money soon.
I'll send money soon.
Bill's "redheads we adore" set —- Neko then Patty.
Be still my beating heart.
firerytrigon wrote:
In a way I quite like it, but after a while one comes to the conclusion that those burgundy shoes need to be stuffed somewhere where the sun don't shine
Not nice at all. Shame on you.Being a father of a three year old girl, tears are on the edge of coming. It's about now she's experiencing the things that will one day be her first memories. Great song (though I first thought of whatever it takes, ... too. But don't let that distract you.).
LUVS it!
Quite possibly THE best song off an extraordinary CD. And that's saying something, because all the songs are terrific.
The simplicity of this song makes it so wonderful. She really captures the perspective of the little girl she once was (and the child that we all once were)... appreciating things like the spring sunshine, the cold vinyl seats on the bus, the colors of her mother's lipstick and scarf, her mother's singing. And the most important thing to her is finally being able to wear her nice new shoes instead of her "big boots." I remember feeling this way!
The simplicity of this song makes it so wonderful. She really captures the perspective of the little girl she once was (and the child that we all once were)... appreciating things like the spring sunshine, the cold vinyl seats on the bus, the colors of her mother's lipstick and scarf, her mother's singing. And the most important thing to her is finally being able to wear her nice new shoes instead of her "big boots." I remember feeling this way!
We were able to see Patty earlier this year on the Three Girls and their buddy tour with Emmy Lou Harris, Shawn Colvin and their buddy Buddy Miller. Patty's songs were some of the highlights of a once in a lifetime set.
What Vienna Teng wishes she sounded like.
blacklite wrote:
Wherever you go, whatever you do
I will be right here, waiting for you
Whatever it takes, or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you
The melody is way too close for comfort.
Haha, you read my mind!
I love this song regardless of that reminder.
mefrombrazil wrote:
beautiful women, old cars. all that i want.
I'll take beautiful cars and old women.
Pyro wrote:
What IS it about her? I never tire of her.
Thanks RP, for introducing me to Patty. I've bought several of her CDs and they are all outstanding! (This CD is still my favorite. Almost spiritual.)
Truth.
Thanks to RP for the same. Stunning music. Need to purchase more.
RP thank you - I was not aware of this tremendous artist until exposed on this rockin' site.
keller1 wrote:
I personally can't make a lot of sense of the lyrics to this one but god I love this song and Patty Griffin.
It's about her growing up in Maine. After the hard winter, she was so exited to get to wear her "nice" (burgundy) shoes, instead of goloshes, when spring came.
beautiful women, old cars. all that i want.
What IS it about her? I never tire of her.
Thanks RP, for introducing me to Patty. I've bought several of her CDs and they are all outstanding! (This CD is still my favorite. Almost spiritual.)
auburntigerrich wrote: Oddly, I feel like my musical tastes have reached middle age: I'm really drawn to this album. I'm also a sucker for a pretty voice and a piano.
Most excellent.
And me
Thanks, BillG.
dookie wrote:
easily one of the best CDs I have bought in years.
One of the best CDs MADE in years.
Ms. Griffin gives me chills every time. Wow.
c.
Haunting finish.
dookie wrote:
easily one of the best CDs I have bought in years.
Same here.
timc wrote:
Richard Marx?
Oh yes!
PG can be so still and quiet and other times she can rock your socks off...I love her.
In a way I quite like it, but after a while one comes to the conclusion that those burgundy shoes need to be stuffed somewhere where the sun don't shine
dogpound wrote:
man, it's suicide hour here at RP
man, it's suicide hour here at RP
I personally can't make a lot of sense of the lyrics to this one but god I love this song and Patty Griffin.
dewinter wrote:
Richard Marx?
"Right Here Waiting"
GAAAH. I normally really dig Patty Griffin, but what in hell is with the Bryan Adams intro??
something, something..."Wherever you go, whatever you do. I will be right here waiting for you. Whatever it takes or how my heart breaks. I will be right here waiting for you"
Richard Marx?
"Right Here Waiting"
And I raise you an Emmy Lou. .. . ..
GAAAH. I normally really dig Patty Griffin, but what in hell is with the Bryan Adams intro??
something, something..."Wherever you go, whatever you do. I will be right here waiting for you. Whatever it takes or how my heart breaks. I will be right here waiting for you"
Thank you, Bill, for your introduction to PG. This is a fantastic song from a great CD. 
dookie wrote:
easily one of the best CDs I have bought in years.
Same here. My FIRST PG CD. I've since bought more. Can't seem to take this one out of the CD player!
How did bashing Neko get into this comment string? I am crazy about both Neko and Patty. Not to be compared really. Like the comment said "apples and oranges". They are really quite different in tone, mood and lyric.
sweethuebdoo wrote:
Its not just her voice... its not just the production ... its how she sculpts the song and when I close my eyes I can see the story she is singing about ...
Who didn't look at their parent at one time or another in amazement as a child...
God I hope I have done a good enough job as a Dad that my girls think of me that way
Beautiful
I think the fact that you have taken the time to stop and ask yourself that question probably means that they do.
I know that, for myself, this song instantly brought back memories of watching my parents doing what seemed like amazing things to my childhood self.
Nowadays, I still think they are amazing....just for different reasons.
Beautiful!
Because we keep our emotions hidden most of the time. When something draws out our emotions, which Ms. Griffin seems to do effortlessly, we seem to like the experience. Even the sad emotions. Maybe especially the sad emotions, they remind us who we are, where we've been, who we've known.
Like our dear friends Ann (Cynaera) and MelissaB. And all the others who've passed through our lives.
And it's a song about her mother. She is a master at honestly felt lyrics