Wilco — How to Fight Loneliness
Album: Summer TeethAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2509
Length: 3:44
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How to fight loneliness
Smile all the time
Shine your teeth to meaningless
And sharpen them with lies
And whatever is going down
Will follow you around
That's how you fight loneliness
You laugh at every joke
Drag your blanket blindly
Fill your heart with smoke
And the first thing that you want
Will be the last thing you'll ever need
That's how you fight it
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time
Smile all the time
Shine your teeth to meaningless
And sharpen them with lies
And whatever is going down
Will follow you around
That's how you fight loneliness
You laugh at every joke
Drag your blanket blindly
Fill your heart with smoke
And the first thing that you want
Will be the last thing you'll ever need
That's how you fight it
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time
Comments (119)add comment
This song is lovely - a perfect marriage of melody and lyrics.
Puss N Boots cover of Jesus, Etc. to this Wilco track is the type of musical transition that keeps me coming back to RP. Many many thanks!
These guys better tour this Summer.
My tour card is starting to fill up: James McMurtry, Umphrey McGee, and Willie Nelson.
My tour card is starting to fill up: James McMurtry, Umphrey McGee, and Willie Nelson.
TJOpootertoot wrote:
Agreed.
I love the little ascension to the Bm ... subtle, perfect
Everything about this song is perfect.
-the lyrics
-the backward loops
-the acoustic guitar pushing it forward
-the organ
-the bass
-the drums
-the way it moves through moods by shifting from minor key to major and back again
I could go on. I like this song is what I'm saying, I guess.
Agreed.
I love the little ascension to the Bm ... subtle, perfect
I was just thinking how much the Grateful Dead's 'Uncle John's Band' sounded like Wilco (or vice versa) and Bill plays Wilco immediately afterwards. Interesting. Well, to me anyway.
wtango wrote:
Me too!
Hey, me three!
Me too!
Hey, me three!
ScottyB wrote:
Roger that
"Shine your teeth to meaningless"
I love that line.
Roger that
Feel as if this tune really exemplifies the true essence and purpose of this band. It has all the qualities of unhurried, unpretentious and atmospheric with a sense of warm familiarity.
fedtho wrote:
Wow...total props for an EXCELLENT post!! I also "found" Wilco via House, MD, which is maybe my fav TV show in the 21st century....and I've rated this track an 8+1 for the House introduction. LONG LIVE RP!! PEACE!!
My first Wilco song too.
I love the sobriety; every note of every instrument contributes to the mood and progress of the song. I still have to find a Wilco song that gets to me this much, but I love them anyway, they have a truly unique thing in almost all their songs (can't claim I have listened to every album, though...)
Having checked the (not that long) discussion, I can now mention for the first time (it seems) that I discovered this courtesy of the end of a House, M. D. episode (I will tell the title here if it comes back to me...)
It was absolutely spot-on with House's state of mind; they cut out just after "You laugh at every joke" and, of course, the joke is on House, who claims to be perfectly fine on his own when he's not, which makes him human (etc.... I know that not everyone's a fan, but House IS MY DAD, and that show helped me dealing with a lot of things
)
I love the sobriety; every note of every instrument contributes to the mood and progress of the song. I still have to find a Wilco song that gets to me this much, but I love them anyway, they have a truly unique thing in almost all their songs (can't claim I have listened to every album, though...)
Having checked the (not that long) discussion, I can now mention for the first time (it seems) that I discovered this courtesy of the end of a House, M. D. episode (I will tell the title here if it comes back to me...)
It was absolutely spot-on with House's state of mind; they cut out just after "You laugh at every joke" and, of course, the joke is on House, who claims to be perfectly fine on his own when he's not, which makes him human (etc.... I know that not everyone's a fan, but House IS MY DAD, and that show helped me dealing with a lot of things
)Wow...total props for an EXCELLENT post!! I also "found" Wilco via House, MD, which is maybe my fav TV show in the 21st century....and I've rated this track an 8+1 for the House introduction. LONG LIVE RP!! PEACE!!
Totally gorgeous.
and hard to find tutorials about it 
wtango wrote:
Me too!
Love this whole album.
Me too!
Hmmm, I'm hearing a little Crowded House / Finn Brothers here.
Festa Lenta
How to Fight Loneliness? How about being a self-starter?
You may be surprised of what you find.
Yourself in some flying saucers .
How to Fight Loneliness? How about being a self-starter?
You may be surprised of what you find.
Yourself in some flying saucers .
Love this whole album.
Has anybody seen this band recently?
Are they still playing RnR in concerts?
Their last couple albums are kind of "mushy" not provocative...unlike their first five albums.
Are they still playing RnR in concerts?
Their last couple albums are kind of "mushy" not provocative...unlike their first five albums.
Everything about this song is perfect.
-the lyrics
-the backward loops
-the acoustic guitar pushing it forward
-the organ
-the bass
-the drums
-the way it moves through moods by shifting from minor key to major and back again
I could go on. I like this song is what I'm saying, I guess.
-the lyrics
-the backward loops
-the acoustic guitar pushing it forward
-the organ
-the bass
-the drums
-the way it moves through moods by shifting from minor key to major and back again
I could go on. I like this song is what I'm saying, I guess.
One more cup of coffee.
My first Wilco song too.
I love the sobriety; every note of every instrument contributes to the mood and progress of the song. I still have to find a Wilco song that gets to me this much, but I love them anyway, they have a truly unique thing in almost all their songs (can't claim I have listened to every album, though...)
Having checked the (not that long) discussion, I can now mention for the first time (it seems) that I discovered this courtesy of the end of a House, M. D. episode (I will tell the title here if it comes back to me...)
It was absolutely spot-on with House's state of mind; they cut out just after "You laugh at every joke" and, of course, the joke is on House, who claims to be perfectly fine on his own when he's not, which makes him human (etc.... I know that not everyone's a fan, but House IS MY DAD, and that show helped me dealing with a lot of things)
I love the sobriety; every note of every instrument contributes to the mood and progress of the song. I still have to find a Wilco song that gets to me this much, but I love them anyway, they have a truly unique thing in almost all their songs (can't claim I have listened to every album, though...)
Having checked the (not that long) discussion, I can now mention for the first time (it seems) that I discovered this courtesy of the end of a House, M. D. episode (I will tell the title here if it comes back to me...)
It was absolutely spot-on with House's state of mind; they cut out just after "You laugh at every joke" and, of course, the joke is on House, who claims to be perfectly fine on his own when he's not, which makes him human (etc.... I know that not everyone's a fan, but House IS MY DAD, and that show helped me dealing with a lot of things
) rdo wrote:
I think it's closer to 99.4%.
I am going to wax philosophical here. 99.9% of all advice is utter worthless crap...
I think it's closer to 99.4%.
Peter_Bradshaw wrote:
My favourite Wilco album. 8 >>>>>> 9
DITTO
My favourite Wilco album. 8 >>>>>> 9DITTO
Nice work Wilco
gatorade wrote:
He may be singing about smiling, but nonetheless this is proof positive that music appreciation is almost totally subjective. "Happy" is not a word I would apply to this tune, or almost any Tweedy Wilco track. Indeed, I think a music doctor needs to write this guy a prescription for Happy Place pills.
This is the soundtrack to my iPhoto upload slide show. 
Wilco is one of my Happy Places.
Wilco is one of my Happy Places.He may be singing about smiling, but nonetheless this is proof positive that music appreciation is almost totally subjective. "Happy" is not a word I would apply to this tune, or almost any Tweedy Wilco track. Indeed, I think a music doctor needs to write this guy a prescription for Happy Place pills.
My favourite Wilco album. 8 >>>>>> 9 rdo wrote:
LOL... hmmmm..... or look around a little bit more.... or try something different... hmmm.... some might consider those things as lowering their standards.....
I am going to wax philosophical here. 99.9% of all advice is utter worthless crap. But maybe this one is not: if you are lonely, then, lower your standards....
LOL... hmmmm..... or look around a little bit more.... or try something different... hmmm.... some might consider those things as lowering their standards.....
This is the soundtrack to my iPhoto upload slide show. Wilco is one of my Happy Places.
Wilco is one of my Happy Places.I am going to wax philosophical here. 99.9% of all advice is utter worthless crap. But maybe this one is not: if you are lonely, then, lower your standards....
Super piece for spoons accompaniment to percussions, really, try it. :)
Dare I say that from Regina Spektor who I love to this also very good song I heard my first ever sloppy changeover on here? Apparently I do dare but I'm actually not all that bothered by it given that's one in years and the music is so good this morning, just a little surprised.
another masterpiece by wilco
5 ——> 7 Just because I feel like it. I actually am kind of liking this more. Perhaps I can relate?
Good, trippy song from the band when it was still creative. I'm afraid its only a shadow of what it was. And they seem to have completely forgotten Tupelo days...and those were some glorious ones.
lily34 wrote:
I like your equal opportunity randomness. It's refreshing.
7 to 8 just because it's today.
I like your equal opportunity randomness. It's refreshing.
7 to 8 just because it's today.
"I licked his face and it tasted like biscuits! I am the moon..."
I never really warmed to Wilco. But I always did like this album, and this song in particular.
6 to a 5. The blandness and vague quality of the lyrics just send me into the nothingness of now. Not the best Wilco. Blasé.
Wimpy wrote:
That's the kind of thing I would look out for. BTW, the current playlist almost reached the same plateau but was marred by the final song on the list (Pet Yorn, "I Feel Good Again," 6.8).
Wow! That is the first time I have seen the whole playlist page with a rating of 7 or higher! I've been playing this silly game for years...
That's the kind of thing I would look out for. BTW, the current playlist almost reached the same plateau but was marred by the final song on the list (Pet Yorn, "I Feel Good Again," 6.8). Oh...yeah!
Exquisite.
Wow! That is the first time I have seen the whole playlist page with a rating of 7 or higher! I've been playing this silly game for years...
jpdribbler wrote:
That's sort of how I feel about Sky Blue Sky. Although I like most of the cuts, Either Way, You Are My Face and Impossible Germany are at a completely different level than the rest of the album. A talented group of musicians have worked with Mr. Tweedy over the years.
Summerteeth is a bit hit-and-miss for me, the Pieholden Suite -> How to Fight Loneliness -> Via Chicago trio is just perfect.
That's sort of how I feel about Sky Blue Sky. Although I like most of the cuts, Either Way, You Are My Face and Impossible Germany are at a completely different level than the rest of the album. A talented group of musicians have worked with Mr. Tweedy over the years.
My favorite Wilco song by far. Sad and soothing.
Also, while Summerteeth is a bit hit-and-miss for me, the Pieholden Suite -> How to Fight Loneliness -> Via Chicago trio is just perfect.
Also, while Summerteeth is a bit hit-and-miss for me, the Pieholden Suite -> How to Fight Loneliness -> Via Chicago trio is just perfect.
perfect album. perfect song. Bill you have redeemed yourself after playing that god-awful Grateful Dead song.
How to fight loneliness
Smile all the time
Shine your teeth til meaningless
Sharpen them with lies
And whatevers going down
Will follow you around
That's how you fight loneliness
You laugh at every joke
Drag your blanket blindly
Fill your heart with smoke
And the first thing that you want
Will be the last thing you ever need
That's how you fight it
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time
Smile all the time
Shine your teeth til meaningless
Sharpen them with lies
And whatevers going down
Will follow you around
That's how you fight loneliness
You laugh at every joke
Drag your blanket blindly
Fill your heart with smoke
And the first thing that you want
Will be the last thing you ever need
That's how you fight it
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time
Nice!
https://berkshireliving.com/Wilco-Solid-Sound-MASS-MoCA-Seth-Rogovoy-8-14-10
Outstanding performance Aug 14 @ MoCA, North Adams Mass
Outstanding performance Aug 14 @ MoCA, North Adams Mass
Grateful Dead, Yo La Tengo, now Wilco: 1 => 2 => 3 
. Maybe I'll get a 5 in a couple of songs at this rate of progression. In the meantime, wilco and out.
. Maybe I'll get a 5 in a couple of songs at this rate of progression. In the meantime, wilco and out.Just downloaded off your link to iTunes. Wilco is a current favorite.
I think it would be hysterically ironic if Tweedy actually recorded an alt' country album. Where Son Volt, Jayhawks, Richmond Fontaine, Damien Jurado, Ryan Adams, et al. have never been able to put that style of music "on the map", I bet Tweedy could do it.
I really dislike Wilco, but this song sounds quite different from their usual — this one I do like!
Draggy...drony....I want to like it, but I just can't. I really like the 'Foxtrot' stuff..."Jesus etc." and "Trying to Break your heart"....but this is pale to me.
Wilco by ~sharpfoto
Dave ©2007-2010 ~sharpfoto
absolutely unparalleled.
it was taken during the line "what was i thinking when i said goodbye".
lathyris wrote:
My wife just discovered last night that she's going to be taking classes with Jay Bennett! How awesome is that!
It's a masters program at the University of Illinois for teaching critical thinking. He must be a pretty smart guy in addition to all those awesome musical abilities, eh?
Not anymore she's not.
My wife just discovered last night that she's going to be taking classes with Jay Bennett! How awesome is that!
It's a masters program at the University of Illinois for teaching critical thinking. He must be a pretty smart guy in addition to all those awesome musical abilities, eh?
Not anymore she's not.
winter wrote:
smackiepipe wrote:
Either one of those KC gems would be ADORED over here. Lake or Wetton progging along to the loopin' King Fripp.
In other news, this melancholical tune is a faithful descendant of said gems. If you can't introspect far enough to recognize your own fallibility, you might as well be...
...listening elsewhere
Starting to understand why there's so much buzz about Wilco after this song. Very nice! The backward guitars remind me of King Crimson's "I Talk to the Wind."
smackiepipe wrote:
I hear big shades of frippertronics. Sound more like 'Book of Saturdays.'
Either one of those KC gems would be ADORED over here. Lake or Wetton progging along to the loopin' King Fripp.
In other news, this melancholical tune is a faithful descendant of said gems. If you can't introspect far enough to recognize your own fallibility, you might as well be...
...listening elsewhere
The first few notes always make me think it's going to be Touch & Go's "Tango In Harlem" (which, btw, would be an excellent addition to RP's library 
)
)...nice...
Tim_in_N_FL wrote:
I miss Uncle Tupelo very much. I was quite lucky to see them live in State College, PA a month or two before their breakup. You could tell there was a little tension, but it was still a great set. I'd love to hear something from Anodyne myself.
Lovin' the Wilco, Bill. Please play something from their A.M. release when you have a chance. You might also play some Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt...
I miss Uncle Tupelo very much. I was quite lucky to see them live in State College, PA a month or two before their breakup. You could tell there was a little tension, but it was still a great set. I'd love to hear something from Anodyne myself.
lathyris wrote:
My wife just discovered last night that she's going to be taking classes with Jay Bennett! How awesome is that!
It's a masters program at the University of Illinois for teaching critical thinking. He must be a pretty smart guy in addition to all those awesome musical abilities, eh?
Dang.
My wife just discovered last night that she's going to be taking classes with Jay Bennett! How awesome is that!
It's a masters program at the University of Illinois for teaching critical thinking. He must be a pretty smart guy in addition to all those awesome musical abilities, eh?
Dang.
redeyespy wrote:
We used to call these pills "Disco Biscuits". Go figure!
In a good way
We used to call these pills "Disco Biscuits". Go figure!
horstman wrote:
I think some one finally shot this guy.
although he *was* right about this one...
I think some one finally shot this guy.
although he *was* right about this one...
Excelsior wrote:
I think some one finally shot this guy.
I think some one finally shot this guy.
Tim_in_N_FL wrote:
Stick around and you'll hear all three!
Lovin' the Wilco, Bill. Please play something from their A.M. release when you have a chance. You might also play some Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt...
Stick around and you'll hear all three!
Lovin' the Wilco, Bill. Please play something from their A.M. release when you have a chance. You might also play some Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt...
Whimsy and clever...but I don't agree!
Excelsior wrote:
Wilco: how to fight insomnia.
Seriously, there is absolutely no energy here. One of the most bland songs I've ever heard.
Seriously, there is absolutely no energy here. One of the most bland songs I've ever heard.
Wow. Someone's on a roll with this set. 
Excellent song from an excellent group. I even have snippets of theirs as my welcome and shutdown music for my computer.
Oregon_Steve wrote:
My wife just discovered last night that she's going to be taking classes with Jay Bennett! How awesome is that!
It's a masters program at the University of Illinois for teaching critical thinking. He must be a pretty smart guy in addition to all those awesome musical abilities, eh?
Summerteeth is my favorite Wilco album, too, and this is one of the best tracks on it. I think Jay Bennett really grounded Jeff Tweedy a bit (against his will) and contributed immensely to the music.
My wife just discovered last night that she's going to be taking classes with Jay Bennett! How awesome is that!
It's a masters program at the University of Illinois for teaching critical thinking. He must be a pretty smart guy in addition to all those awesome musical abilities, eh?
Wilco: how to fight insomnia.
Seriously, there is absolutely no energy here. One of the most bland songs I've ever heard.
Seriously, there is absolutely no energy here. One of the most bland songs I've ever heard.
In a good way
Eh, i'm bored.
Love the piano in the middle.
"How to Fight Loneliness" is the best song on this very well-done album.
Wilco is one of the few bands that transcends pop and alternative- and still remain likeable to both.
So blah. Such a downer.
"Shine your teeth to meaningless"
I love that line.
music_man wrote:
Yeah, definitely underrated. I remember when it first came out, I was thinking what a departure it was from their earlier sound. It really grew on me and now stands as one of my favorites.
This was my first Wilco album, and though I own (and love) them all, this is my very favorite.
Pharlap wrote:
this is one great record. My favorite Wilco and maybe my favorite record in the past 5-6 years
Yeah, definitely underrated. I remember when it first came out, I was thinking what a departure it was from their earlier sound. It really grew on me and now stands as one of my favorites.
Pharlap wrote:
this is one great record. My favorite Wilco and maybe my favorite record in the past 5-6 years
Same here, until Sky Blue Sky came out.
Springsteen "Point Blank" vibe.
this is one great record. My favorite Wilco and maybe my favorite record in the past 5-6 years
winter wrote:
Starting to understand why there's so much buzz about Wilco after this song. Very nice!
The backward guitars remind me of King Crimson's "I Talk to the Wind."
I hear big shades of frippertronics. Sound more like 'Book of Saturdays.'
Leslie wrote:
I just love this.
Good way to put it
I just love this.
skooney wrote:
thanks for that, RobK, great quote! It answers a lot of my questions...
those raiseed by some of the comments I read here. I sometimes wonder
if these people can actually hear?
`
thanks RobK, great quote! Explains why I am always bored.
RobK wrote:
A wise tv character once said, "you're bored because you're boring."
thanks for that, RobK, great quote! It answers a lot of my questions...
those raiseed by some of the comments I read here. I sometimes wonder
if these people can actually hear?
`
marmelock wrote:
Wilco just got boring after 'Being There'...
All this 'YHF' bla bla.... boring.
A wise tv character once said, "you're bored because you're boring."
Outstanding!!! One of my favourites off this album. These guys are brilliant, and even better live! Totally disagree with the comment directly below. But hey, David Hasselhof was big in Germany.....
Wilco just got boring after 'Being There'...
All this 'YHF' bla bla.... boring.
this song is even better seen live - Stirret on upright bass and Glenn Kotche keeping the beat with the brush on top of dueling pianos...oops don't see them live, i mean wilco's bad live, don't buy tickets when they come to town (until after i get some) ;)
I agree... I could easily fall asleep too. Very relaxing!!!
Such a cool piano solo...lots of spaces...
Yo La Tengo and then this Wilco song...i think i will go to sleep now, but this just means these songs are very mellow and peaceful, i like them. but maybe not at 4:30 when i'm at work, you can't help that though.
Summerteeth is my favorite Wilco album, too, and this is one of the best tracks on it. I think Jay Bennett really grounded Jeff Tweedy a bit (against his will) and contributed immensely to the music.
First time hearing this one from Wilco. I've been wanting to add a Wilco CD to my collection and judging from all the positive remarks here, I think this one will do just fine!
Yo La Tengo followed by Wilco....Thanks!
This is one of my favorite Wilco tunes!!
yashpheh wrote:
Wow, my first ever Wilco tune I really enjoy
Ditto! This is their last good album before they went critic-crazy.
Wow, my first ever Wilco tune I really enjoy
Starting to understand why there's so much buzz about Wilco after this song. Very nice!
The backward guitars remind me of King Crimson's "I Talk to the Wind."
living it up at Hotel California...
Wilco 2 days in a row makes me happy!
dirtroosters wrote:
I think I'm the only Wilco fan on the planet whose favorite album is this one.
You're not alone, my brother! This is their masterpiece! From start to finish! When someone asks me to recommend a great "new" (okay, contemporary, hard to believe it's been 9 years since "Outtasite") band, Wilco, is always the first band I come up with, and I recommend Summerteeth 1st. I like the subsequent albums they released, but have had to "make" myself get into them. I hope Jeff Tweedy & co. will make another "Summerteeth" some day...
More Summerteeth songs from Wilco, please...!
I think I'm the only Wilco fan on the planet whose favorite album is this one.
naughteragain wrote:
me either
Nor me. Just saw them last week in Charlotte, North Carolina. Incredible show. Wilco is quickly becoming one of my 2-3 favorite bands.
Great song, great album. Rock needs Wilco.
Anything Tweedy does is fine with me!! Have a listen to
" A Shot In The Arm " also from album " Summer Teeth" . Such a
powerful song!! Keep on doing it, Wilco and RP...Thank you!
Really fine disc. Becomes essential when you weren't looking.
Platypus wrote:
this one just gets better and better as the song goes on. didnt want it to end.
me either
jannes wrote:
Would be really great if it wasn't for the vocals. The singing's boring...
ANNE_MARIE wrote:yes...kind of like loneliness.
Some people just don't get it. MsfStl wrote:Tweedy's the man.
Tweedy's the man.
This song works--from the lonely piano line to the hook ( "Just smile all the time").
this one just gets better and better as the song goes on. didnt want it to end.
Would be really great if it wasn't for the vocals. The singing's boring...