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Greg Brown — Just A Bum
Album: In The Dark With You
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1922









Released: 1985
Length: 4:01
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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I saw a man, he's a well-dressed man
He had a tan from the Yucatan
He had a car, he looked like a star
I said, Hey, don't I know who you are
But when he glanced into my eyes
I saw yes I saw was such a big surprise
He was afraid that he's just a bum
Someday when all his stuff is gone and he's left without a dime
Time ain't money when all ya got is time
And you can see him standin on the corner with a nine-day beard and bright red eyes

I know a guy, he's a pal of mine
I say, hey. He say, I'm doin fine
I'm movin up the ladder, rung rung rung
I'm gonna get my million while I am still young
But at night when he's had a few
His eyes say different than his tongue
They say I'm afraid that I'm just a bum
Someday when all my stuff is gone and I'm left without a dime
Time ain't money when all ya got is time
And I can see me standin on the corner with my nine-day beard and my bright red eyes
Goin hey, hey hey hey hey, come on and listen to my story, hey, hey hey hey hey, ah hey

Some people live to work, work to live
Any little tremble and the earth might give
Ya can't hide it in a Volvo or a London Fog
Can't hide it in a mansion with an imported dog
No matter how we plan and rehearse, we're at pink slip's mercy in a paper universe
And we're afraid that we're just a bum
Someday when all our stuff is gone and we're left without a dime
Time ain't money when all ya got is time
And we can see us standin on the corner with our nine-day beards and our bright red eyes
Goin, hey hey hey hey hey hey hey
Hey hey hey hey, come on and listen to my story man hey, hey hey hey hey, ah hey

The man of sorrow's acquainted with grief
Stands in line waiting for relief
He will tell ya it wasn't always this way
One bad little thing happened one bad little day
Heartbreak has bad teeth and a sour smell and lives when he can in a cheap hotel
And he's afraid that he's just a bum
Someday when all his stuff is gone and he's left without a dime
Time ain't money when all ya got is time
And you can see him standin on the corner with a nine-day beard and bright red eyes
Goin, hey hey hey hey hey hey hey
Hey hey hey hey, come on and listen to my story man hey, hey hey hey hey, ah hey
Comments (145)add comment
For some reason I keep hearing "standin on the corner with a nine millimeter".  I guess some gangsta rapper could rework this song.
Posted 1 month ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Ironically, I want all my "stuff" gone.  I am beginning to realize that all it is at this point in my life is a burden.
Posted 2 months ago by ick    [ Reply ]
Found myself tapping my toes on a different screen and had to come back here to make sure I rated this one decently (8 it is).  Very delightful !
Posted 3 months ago by Cyndeeb    [ Reply ]
That's a truly hideous profile picture.
Posted 5 months ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
I am often tortured by a similar nightmare:  Someday when all my stuff is gone and I'm left without a dime, I'm just standing on a corner with a nine-day beard and bright red eyes.

Scary.
Posted 6 months ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
It is a 10 for me. Why, would you ask? Well, this tune had some effect on me, I wanted to listen to it countless times, spent hours with Greg Browns other albums. I see so much truth in every line of the lyrics. It helps in hard times. Pretty awesome, for such a niche piece of art. Thanks RP!
Posted 1 year ago by thomas1020    [ Reply ]
-10
Burn this song. Please, please destroy it!
Posted 1 year ago by Manbird    [ Reply ]
FYI...Alot of people in Iowa  say:  "Hey".

It's kind of melodic, if you say it in a Southeast Iowa sort of way. 

 

Posted 1 year ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 macadavy wrote:



"Is this Heaven?"  "No, it's IOWA!!"



One of my clients from Kansas City once told me Iowa is a 4-letter word.

😀
Posted 1 year ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
 jwolf8609 wrote:

IOWA!!




"Is this Heaven?"  "No, it's IOWA!!"
Posted 2 years ago by macadavy    [ Reply ]
 idiot_wind wrote:

So...here's the idea:

Greg Brown is from SE Iowa and plays local venues.

Highway 61 (yes, that Highway 61) runs through SE Iowa.

Therefore, in celebration of Summer 2021 shows again,  we get Bob Dylan and Greg Brown to play one or more outdoor venues in SE Iowa, along Highway 61.

That's part of of Iowa is kind of strange, anyway.  So the show(s) will be a 'happening". Strange but good vibes to be had by all.

Yeah, baby.
 



Transcendental Meditation, baby!
Posted 2 years ago by jwolf8609    [ Reply ]
IOWA!!
Posted 2 years ago by jwolf8609    [ Reply ]
He's just a bum, but it's fun!
Posted 2 years ago by islanduo    [ Reply ]
That house looks a little  like the house in the famous Grant Wood painting, "American Gothic".

That house is located in Eldon, IA, Which is close to Greg's home town.

Go figure. 
Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Excellent lyrics, Signed the unemployed
Posted 2 years ago by milleymeister    [ Reply ]
So...here's the idea:

Greg Brown is from SE Iowa and plays local venues.

Highway 61 (yes, that Highway 61) runs through SE Iowa.

Therefore, in celebration of Summer 2021 shows again,  we get Bob Dylan and Greg Brown to play one or more outdoor venues in SE Iowa, along Highway 61.

That's part of of Iowa is kind of strange, anyway.  So the show(s) will be a 'happening". Strange but good vibes to be had by all.

Yeah, baby.
 
Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
brilliant, haven't heard in a while
Posted 2 years ago by jkforde    [ Reply ]
Never heard of him until I heard him hear and love everything of his that you have played so far.  Very interesting and charismatic performer.  Would love to see him live one day.
Posted 3 years ago by terryweir    [ Reply ]
Love Greg Brown... an American Treasure! We will all be “Bums” when our stuff is gone!
Posted 3 years ago by Mushy    [ Reply ]
We're all bums on this blessed day
Posted 3 years ago by Sofa_King    [ Reply ]
Posted 4 years ago by Matt_Maurer    [ Reply ]
Love his voice, but not one of his best & certainly not Mellow at all!
Posted 4 years ago by Matt_Maurer    [ Reply ]
What great and true lyrics!!!
Posted 4 years ago by keenevision    [ Reply ]
"There but for the grace of God go I." 
Posted 4 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Not mellow at all
Posted 4 years ago by DavidStrand    [ Reply ]
I really love this song. Speaking a sad truth with  light heart. 7>9.
Posted 4 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 lizardking wrote:
I've gone to a 9 rating on this...GB is one of my new favs...Long Live RP!!
 Me too!  Thanks Bill and Rebecca!

Posted 4 years ago by MeanUncleJake    [ Reply ]

A friend played this album for me c. 1999. Within a few weeks, I had about 10 Greg Brown albums... couldn't believe I'd missed him all that time. 
Posted 5 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
The tune is fun, but you might forget it if it weren't for the lyrics.  


Ya can't hide it in a Volvo or a London Fog
Can't hide it in a mansion with an imported dog
No matter how we plan and rehearse, we're at pink slip's mercy in a paper universe
Posted 5 years ago by ice-9    [ Reply ]
after rhyming tan with Yucatan I'm surprised he didn't try to rhyme guy with Paraguay
Posted 5 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
"Train kept'a rollin', all night long"
Posted 5 years ago by MrStatenIsle    [ Reply ]
I've gone to a 9 rating on this...GB is one of my new favs...Long Live RP!!
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
I can imagine Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks singing this too...
Posted 5 years ago by dc_zee    [ Reply ]
I played this for my mom because she's learning to play the harmonica. She loved it!
Posted 5 years ago by linden    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:
"Time ain't money when all you got is time."  I don't particularly like this tune, but that's a good line.

 
I agree with you about that great line, Proc....and I also like the tune, although I've recently started to really dig Greg Brown's music, something about his voice that makes me enjoy these tunes (maybe) more than I should.  I'd call this song a 5 + 2 for that great line = 7.  Long Live RP!!
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
wo-hoo! I think it's a good one
Posted 6 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
"Time ain't money when all you got is time."  I don't particularly like this tune, but that's a good line.
Posted 6 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Horrible 
Posted 7 years ago by Kassbomb    [ Reply ]
 oilydwarf wrote:
When I was a young apprentice at Rolls-Royce I used to work with a guy from Stoke on Trent who described himself as the company's sexual adviser.  I asked him to explain and he said that his boss was always saying to him "John, when I want your fuckin' advice I'll ask for it"!

 
Well, I wish I could use this at work but I do not want to offend anyone.
Posted 7 years ago by Chrisjea    [ Reply ]
Love this album
Posted 8 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:
Sounds like he is singing "With a 9mm and a bright red asshole" {#Stupid}

 
Oh my god, you're right. That sure is a dark tale to tell. {#Bananajam}
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Oh my...he's singing about living in southeast Iowa, in these strange little Moments Of Time, and watching the world go by.  
Posted 9 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
When I was a young apprentice at Rolls-Royce I used to work with a guy from Stoke on Trent who described himself as the company's sexual adviser.  I asked him to explain and he said that his boss was always saying to him "John, when I want your fuckin' advice I'll ask for it"!
Posted 9 years ago by oilydwarf    [ Reply ]
 Otomi wrote:
I met an old Gringo in the Cucaracha bar en San Miguel de Allende, back in 1977, when it was still in the old Canal palace on the main square. He gave me his card. Under his name was the word "Hobosexual." I asked him what he meant by that. He replied with a smile, "I'm a fuckin' bum."

 

Nice. That's my kinda humor. Thanks for sharing.
Posted 10 years ago by Spiderwoman    [ Reply ]
ArseneFurst wrote:
These lyrics stopped me in my tracks. I'm an alcoholic, sober now for seven years but still living with the fear described here. 
 
I feel the same fear, ArseneFurst.  Sometimes life seems like a tenuous pile of pick-up-sticks and they're getting pulled out awful quickly. 
 
Congrats on 7 years.
Posted 10 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
These lyrics stopped me in my tracks. I'm an alcoholic, sober now for seven years but still living with the fear described here. 

 
Posted 10 years ago by ArseneFurst    [ Reply ]
go see Greg, well worth the trip, ...{#Guitarist}
Posted 10 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:
Sounds like he is singing "With a 9mm and a bright red asshole" {#Stupid}

Correctiom: In my bright red asshole.......What ? Just a bum !
 



Posted 10 years ago by yahig    [ Reply ]
Sounds like he is singing "With a 9mm and a bright red asshole" {#Stupid}
Posted 10 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
 AvoidingWork wrote:
His voice reminds of Paul Williams.  Does anybody else get that?  I wouldn't expect anybody younger than 40 to get that.
.
.
.
(edit) Okay, I just hit youtube and I take it all back.
Have a good day! 
 
It doesn't remind me of Paul Williams, but then, I probably haven't thought about - or heard any music from Paul Williams in about thirty years.  At least no one claimed this sounds like Pink Floyd.
Posted 11 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Sounds like some Taj to me.
Posted 11 years ago by caregiver    [ Reply ]
His voice reminds of Paul Williams.  Does anybody else get that?  I wouldn't expect anybody younger than 40 to get that.
.
.
.
(edit) Okay, I just hit youtube and I take it all back.
Have a good day! 
Posted 11 years ago by AvoidingWork    [ Reply ]
I love the backround vocal harmonies
Posted 11 years ago by ce    [ Reply ]
Old Greg may be a bum. But he's an Iowa bum. Liviing somewhere in SE Iowa..making beautiful music.
Posted 11 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
I'm enjoying the lyrics of this song very much.
The rhythm of the lyrics is catchy.
The tune's pretty good, too.
I'm saying thing is a solid "8".
And enough for me to go find his album and have a looky-look. (soundy-sound?)
Posted 11 years ago by Pilgrim301    [ Reply ]
that's going to be me — left without a dime
Posted 11 years ago by lkovathana    [ Reply ]
Paolo Nuttini's grandad
Posted 11 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
I don't know why but I've had the line "Time ain't money when all ya got is time" stuck in my head for days. And Bill hasn't even played this in weeks.
Posted 11 years ago by jehahn    [ Reply ]
Vocally it sounds a lot like Mark Knopfler.  I like it.

Posted 12 years ago by TJS    [ Reply ]
This song is so infectious, can't get it out of my head!!!  Rock on Bill!
Posted 12 years ago by oilydwarf    [ Reply ]
Time ain't money when all ya got is time
Posted 12 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
I like this...

Posted 12 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks.  Nice sound.  
Posted 13 years ago by GrannyO    [ Reply ]
There's a reason Dr. Demento is history.
Posted 13 years ago by aelfheld    [ Reply ]
Is that cover an Edward Hopper painting?  Sure has that look.
Posted 13 years ago by Bad_Art    [ Reply ]
Is this John Prine's little brother? Like the ballad style.
Posted 13 years ago by gregpw    [ Reply ]
Speaking of bums...  What was that "Beat" Takeshi movie where he plays a bum (of sorts)?    I IMBD'ed it, but nothing there rang a bell.


Posted 14 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
 xkolibuul wrote:


Why we fought the Revolution.  
 
bravo!
Posted 14 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 crankypage wrote:
after 30sec - I hated it.
after 2minutes - rated it an 8.

Good song 
 
Me too!
WEll, 7. 
Posted 14 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
thought he was saying "standin on the corner with a nine-millimeter..."
Posted 14 years ago by Lexapro_Headrush    [ Reply ]
after 30sec - I hated it.
after 2minutes - rated it an 8.

Good song 
Posted 14 years ago by crankypage    [ Reply ]
sort of nice

Posted 14 years ago by cactus7709    [ Reply ]
I was gonna rate this a ten, which i've never done, but "Godlike" is maybe too much.  Solid 9.5 tho  Hope i can buy it on amazon mp3.  instant satisfaction.  love it!
Posted 14 years ago by EthanAK1    [ Reply ]
Meh.

Marginally better than his Who Stunk It.

Not by much though.
Posted 14 years ago by aelfheld    [ Reply ]
Musically?  Whatever.   Storywise?  Cool.   Timely?  You betcha!
Posted 14 years ago by tpa29970    [ Reply ]
 pixidrizzl wrote:
Greg Brown reminds me of Mason Jennings. I realize Greg came first but I wasn't exposed to him until after Mason. I wish my Mason songs would get added
 

WORD...

Posted 14 years ago by pugifat    [ Reply ]
 Rotterdam wrote:


Great story and a delightful song.
 
Nice comment - paints a nice picture!

Posted 14 years ago by taylord    [ Reply ]
 Otomi wrote:
I met an old Gringo in the Cucaracha bar en San Miguel de Allende, back in 1977, when it was still in the old Canal palace on the main square. He gave me his card. Under his name was the word "Hobosexual." I asked him what he meant by that. He replied with a smile, "I'm a fuckin' bum."

 

Great story and a delightful song.
Posted 15 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
 xkolibuul wrote:
Why we fought the Revolution. 
  Hey, vive la difference.
Posted 15 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
 tiggers wrote:
I'm British and if this is what I'd have to listen to in America then thank the Lord for that
 

Why we fought the Revolution.  

Posted 15 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
 Otomi wrote:
I met an old Gringo in the Cucaracha bar en San Miguel de Allende, back in 1977, when it was still in the old Canal palace on the main square. He gave me his card. Under his name was the word "Hobosexual". I asked him what he meant by that. He replied with a smile, "I'm a fuckin' bum".
 

that is f—-ing hilarious

Posted 15 years ago by elliotgoettelman    [ Reply ]
I met an old Gringo in the Cucaracha bar in San Miguel de Allende, back in 1977, when it was still in the old Canal palace on the main square. He gave me his card. Under his name was the word "Hobosexual." I asked him what he meant by that. He replied with a smile, "I'm a fuckin' bum."
Posted 15 years ago by Otomi    [ Reply ]
sub-arctic wrote:
I suddenly realized that my foot was tapping. That must amount to something? Seven-ish?
Do agree - toe tappin' and "Quite Likeable"
Posted 15 years ago by Zeito    [ Reply ]
I suddenly realized that my foot was tapping. That must amount to something? Seven-ish?
Posted 16 years ago by sub-arctic    [ Reply ]
Now! Here's something I can get my teeth into! (I still have all but two of them!)
Posted 16 years ago by bupanishad2012    [ Reply ]
I woke up with this song in my head for weeks on end in China. I have no idea why!
Posted 16 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]
Every time I hear Greg Brown, I think it's Mark Knopfler. It only lasts for a few seconds, because neither the lyrics nor the guitar sound like MK. But the voice is very, very close. It's uncanny.
Posted 16 years ago by jruhnke    [ Reply ]
I love this dude. Someone should upload his version of Cock Robin.
Posted 17 years ago by dadsays    [ Reply ]
Story of my life...
Posted 17 years ago by Daniel_Pittenger    [ Reply ]
lmic wrote:
At a dinner party, I'd sit him next to John Prine.
HA! Wouldn't that be fun!!!
Posted 17 years ago by Walrus_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
Hmmmm... sexy voice, and a smart guy. That makes a winner in my book!
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
He's a guy you really need to see live, so cool......
Posted 17 years ago by mjaded    [ Reply ]
lmic wrote:
At a dinner party, I'd sit him next to John Prine.
Posted 17 years ago by skyguy    [ Reply ]
This tune has the light fun feel of some Louisiana zydeco I've heard. Nice.
Posted 17 years ago by celadonstone    [ Reply ]
It's... like... blueggae. Or reggrass. Or something. Great song that got me dancing in my chair here in my office. Thanks!
Posted 17 years ago by Cookie    [ Reply ]
mem_313 wrote:
No matter how we plan and rehearse, we're at pink slip's mercy in a paper universe man what a great line! love this song...
Yes! Greg Brown is treasure! More Greg Brown!!!!!
Posted 17 years ago by wally42    [ Reply ]
hahaha.... mardy bum to just a bum. greg brown is MUCH better than arctic monkeys, though ... which says a lot considering i don't really like greg brown.
Posted 17 years ago by phillips    [ Reply ]
At a dinner party, I'd sit him next to John Prine.
Posted 17 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
No matter how we plan and rehearse, we're at pink slip's mercy in a paper universe man what a great line! love this song...
Posted 17 years ago by mem_313    [ Reply ]
Greg Brown reminds me of Mason Jennings. I realize Greg came first but I wasn't exposed to him until after Mason. I wish my Mason songs would get added
Posted 17 years ago by pixidrizzl    [ Reply ]
flyfree wrote:
Sounds Knopflerish from where I sit.
try sitting somewhere else
Posted 17 years ago by rixtar99    [ Reply ]
Sounds Knopflerish from where I sit.
Posted 17 years ago by flyfree    [ Reply ]
In fact the whole thing sounds like a jug band line up. Can anybody throw any light on that?
Posted 18 years ago by algrif    [ Reply ]
Love the harp. School of Sonny Terry
Posted 18 years ago by algrif    [ Reply ]
stubbsz wrote:
Not true and for the 14 years that I've been in California, I've laughed pretty often at the Yanks inability to understand dead-pan humour.
I have that dry sense of humor, maybe I was a brit in another lifetime?
Posted 18 years ago by Bizzarefall    [ Reply ]
ANNE_MARIE wrote:
I had no idea they were together...thanks for the info. she's from my area...and quite an artist. is Iris singing with Greg on this tune? great tune guys....thanks!
No no no, this is a very old album, I think about 1985 an excellent one to turn folks on to greg with. Some of his later stuff is a bit dark for most folks but I love it and find it the more profound stuff.
Posted 18 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
stubbsz wrote:
Not true and for the 14 years that I've been in California, I've laughed pretty often at the Yanks inability to understand dead-pan humour.
I love the Brits' dead-pan humour!
Posted 18 years ago by four_felicity    [ Reply ]
agreed!xkolibuul wrote:
Anyone who writes 'a tan from Yucatan' into the lyrics gets my approval...man is a national treasure.
Posted 18 years ago by nohopenofearnoname    [ Reply ]
xkolibuul wrote:
Anyone who writes 'a tan from Yucatan' into the lyrics gets my approval...man is a national treasure.
Bingo! This guy has it going on...Life really is a simple, lovely, wonderous, passing thing, enjoy it while you may. Carpe diem...
Posted 18 years ago by ppak    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by nohopenofearnoname    [ Reply ]
Hey.... hey! hey! hey! heyheyheyheyhey!! The mating call of the red-eyed bearded thunderbird
Posted 18 years ago by Gnarlito    [ Reply ]
I'm British and if this is what I'd have to listen to in America then thank the Lord for that
Posted 18 years ago by tiggers    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
GaryW wrote:
You Britts are way to serious
Not true and for the 14 years that I've been in California, I've laughed pretty often at the Yanks inability to understand dead-pan humour.
Posted 18 years ago by stubbsz    [ Reply ]
Anyone who writes 'a tan from Yucatan' into the lyrics gets my approval...man is a national treasure.
Posted 18 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
:goodvibes.gif:
Posted 18 years ago by Deronius    [ Reply ]
One thing really interesting about Greg Brown is how different his interpretations of his own songs can be. I'm more familiar with a version of this he did live (maybe from a recording, maybe from when he came to Missoula, I'm not sure) and the musical style was completely distinct.
Posted 18 years ago by Vogelfrei    [ Reply ]
Dig it! Fun tune. Like upbeat blues.
Posted 18 years ago by yogaboat    [ Reply ]
Brought a smile to my face which is no mean feat, given that I'm at work and slept terribly last night...
Posted 18 years ago by Filofox    [ Reply ]
I must be a fool too, I like it :D
Posted 19 years ago by g1lgam3sh    [ Reply ]