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Norah Jones — That's the Way That the World Goes Round (w/ Richard Julian)
Album: Live in 2004
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1757









Released: 2004
Length: 3:03
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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I know a guy
that's got a lot to lose
he's a pretty nice guy
but he's kind of confused
he's got muscles in his head
that ain't never been used
thinks he own half of this town

starts drinking heavy
gets a big red nose
beats his old lady
with a rubber hose
then he takes her out to dinner
and buys her new clothes
that's the way that the world goes 'round.

That's the way that the world goes 'round
you're up one day
and the next you're down
it's half an inch of water
and you think you're gonna drown
that's the way that the world goes 'round.

I was sitting in the bathtub
counting my toes
when the radiator broke
water all froze
I got stuck in the ice
without my clothes
naked as the eyes of a clown

I was crying ice cubes
hoping I'd croak
when the sun come through the window
the ice all broke
I stood up and laughed
thought it was a joke
that's the way that the world goes 'round
Comments (83)add comment
Posted 1 month ago by TallCreative1    [ Reply ]
 Kajukenbo wrote:

Seems to me these lyrics are normalizing domestic violence. Granted the violence suggested in these lyrics unfortunately isn't that unusual, but I don't think we should just chalk it up to "that's the way that the world goes 'round." Let's take a stand! And that may start by not playing this song. 

starts drinking heavy
gets a big red nose
beats his old lady
with a rubber hose
then he takes her out to dinner
and buys her new clothes
that's the way that the world goes 'round.


Domestic violence is indeed a terrible thing, but it's real.  It's important to realize that Mr Prine wrote this in 1976, and that may indeed have been his world -- or the world that he observed.  

If domestic violence were completely wiped out tomorrow, it would not change Mr Prine's view from 45 years ago, nor would it change my desire to hear this song.
Posted 4 months ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 AlanNorth wrote:



Sorry but I think you missing the point...
I believe sarcasm and absurdist thought is the lens that was meant to view the Human condition.
Peace be with you ;)


I understand your point and thank you for a peaceful message! I seem to be personally familiar to too many situations in which this behavior is not sarcastic or absurd and instead is a fact of life. I'd like to look at this behavior as absurdist, but experience has taught me otherwise. I thank you for your explanation, but to me these lyrics condone domestic violence, and I'm thinking other people may understand these lyrics from a similar literal viewpoint. For those people, this isn't a very fun song at all.
Posted 4 months ago by Kajukenbo    [ Reply ]
Great rendition but, start with almost any John Prine song and your start at 7 and go up!
Posted 5 months ago by trmurf    [ Reply ]
"it's half an inch of water
and you think you're gonna drown"
 PLEASE!!! Raindrops have been spotted in Central Illinois!!!
Posted 9 months ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
 Kajukenbo wrote:

Seems to me these lyrics are normalizing domestic violence. Granted the violence suggested in these lyrics unfortunately isn't that unusual, but I don't think we should just chalk it up to "that's the way that the world goes 'round." Let's take a stand! And that may start by not playing this song. 

starts drinking heavy
gets a big red nose
beats his old lady
with a rubber hose
then he takes her out to dinner
and buys her new clothes
that's the way that the world goes 'round.




Sorry but I think you missing the point...
I believe sarcasm and absurdist thought is the lens that was meant to view the Human condition.
Peace be with you ;)
Posted 11 months ago by AlanNorth    [ Reply ]
Seems to me these lyrics are normalizing domestic violence. Granted the violence suggested in these lyrics unfortunately isn't that unusual, but I don't think we should just chalk it up to "that's the way that the world goes 'round." Let's take a stand! And that may start by not playing this song. 

starts drinking heavy
gets a big red nose
beats his old lady
with a rubber hose
then he takes her out to dinner
and buys her new clothes
that's the way that the world goes 'round.
Posted 1 year ago by Kajukenbo    [ Reply ]
 mrtuba9 wrote:
John and Colbert with a special intro...

Never would have come across his music anywhere else.



Thank you for reminding me of this performance. Moist eyes....

"We'll probably to this for the Internet, unless, you know, something terrible happens and we have to cheer the world up on TV show..."
Posted 2 years ago by eyke    [ Reply ]
Sweet!!! 2 John Prine songs in a row, first John himself with Fish and Whistle and this cover of the "Happy Enchilada Song"

RIP John, you are sorely missed  

thanks BillG
Posted 2 years ago by eyke    [ Reply ]
 Wardleader wrote:

Hey kid be careful, you could drown in half an enchilada!!



Only if you drink way too much tequila with it.
Posted 2 years ago by kazoo    [ Reply ]
Thank you John.... & Norah!
Posted 2 years ago by kazoo    [ Reply ]
 stanohlohovec5 wrote:
Too much American style...
 
Obviously, American music is third rate. Let's hear some of that modern German, Slovak, Czech, Egyptian, Ukranian, etc. music that resonates worldwide. How about some modern Chinese music. How about that modern Mongolian music. My point has nothing to do with your perspective, but if you are tuned into a free music stream that originates in America but plays an extremely wide array of music from across the planet, you should be able to take a little bit of Americana. It's World music, isn't it?
Posted 3 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:
John Prine followed by a John Prine tune done by this duo ... nice work, Mr Disk Jockey!

Like the sparse instrumentation and production.  Methinks Mr Prine would approve.
 

Methinks you're right.
Posted 3 years ago by chinacat    [ Reply ]
On "John Prine Live" he tells a story of a little girl who thanked him for her favorite song, about a "happy enchilada." He said he didn't recall ever singing about an enchilada, happy or otherwise, but she said it was the one with "it's a happy enchilada and you think you're going to drown." So he said "I'm glad you like the song" to the girl and then sang the verse with "happy enchilada" just for kicks at the concert.
Posted 3 years ago by danmc    [ Reply ]
Bill you did it again a JP song by the man and then a JP song by Norah. Thanks I'm in a very John Prine mood tonight. Thank you
Posted 3 years ago by janac13    [ Reply ]
 WhiteWater wrote:
It's the "Half an Enchilada" song!
 
Henceforth, I will never hear this song without thinking of this comment 
Posted 3 years ago by rhlrstn    [ Reply ]
 mrtuba9 wrote:
 Shotoverplain wrote:
sounds worst every time im subjected to this durge
 
worse, I'm, dirge

And no, I do not agree. 
 

LOL!  Mean neither.........
Posted 3 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
 stanohlohovec5 wrote:
Too much American style...
 
To much American style!
c.
Posted 3 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 WhiteWater wrote:
It's the "Half an Enchilada" song!
 
Nope, "Happy Enchilada" per Mr. Prine.
Posted 3 years ago by KermitDfrog    [ Reply ]
Love Norah!
Posted 3 years ago by WannabeBanned    [ Reply ]
Too much American style...
Posted 3 years ago by stanohlohovec5    [ Reply ]
John and Colbert with a special intro...

Never would have come across his music anywhere else.

Posted 4 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
 danthebeachman wrote:
Artists will be performing and singing the songs(poetry) of John Prine long after he leaves us.
 
John Prine lyrics and compositions are unmistakable and uniquely his.
What sjccroquet said below

  RIP John
Posted 4 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
 danthebeachman wrote:
Artists will be performing and singing the songs(poetry) of John Prine long after he leaves us.
 
And indeed they are.  Rest in peace, John.
Posted 4 years ago by sjccroquet    [ Reply ]
These folk songs all sound the same. Ho Hum.
Posted 4 years ago by Piranga    [ Reply ]
John Prine followed by a John Prine tune done by this duo ... nice work, Mr Disk Jockey!

Like the sparse instrumentation and production.  Methinks Mr Prine would approve.
Posted 4 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
i hear too much norah jones
Posted 4 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 Shotoverplain wrote:
sounds worst every time im subjected to this durge
 
worse, I'm, dirge

And no, I do not agree. 
Posted 4 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
sounds worst every time im subjected to this durge
Posted 4 years ago by Shotoverplain    [ Reply ]
Artists will be performing and singing the songs(poetry) of John Prine long after he leaves us.
Posted 5 years ago by danthebeachman    [ Reply ]
 lazylemming wrote:
I love John Prine's story of how this became "The Happy Enchilada" song!
He starts talking about it at 2:10.
https://youtu.be/cNu46mpJC60

 
Thank you lazylemming this is enriching, simple beauty  : )
Posted 5 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Norah Jones is lovely. Thanks for this version. New to me. 
Posted 5 years ago by albert11    [ Reply ]
 lizardking wrote:
6→7 simply b/c of the imagery of NJ in the bathtub, esp. needing immediate assistance with that ice problem.  I'm sure I could help you out of this, Norah. 
 
7-->8 for that imagery from you! I'd let her sing to me with that image any day!

Posted 5 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
There should be a law prohibiting Notah Jones from touching a John Prine song. 
Posted 5 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
6→7 simply b/c of the imagery of NJ in the bathtub, esp. needing immediate assistance with that ice problem.  I'm sure I could help you out of this, Norah. 
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
Nice but ... why?  Give me Prine.
Posted 6 years ago by Gustov    [ Reply ]
 WhiteWater wrote:
It's the "Half an Enchilada" song!

 
Hey kid be careful, you could drown in half an enchilada!!
Posted 6 years ago by Wardleader    [ Reply ]
It's the "Half an Enchilada" song!
Posted 6 years ago by WhiteWater    [ Reply ]
OMG.  This is wonderful.  

All the way from Kuwait!

Graham 
Posted 7 years ago by grahamdillabough    [ Reply ]
"naked as the eyes of a clown"    : )          Thank the almighty powers for John Prine  (this versions lame-o)
Posted 7 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Made me stop and see who was dueting with Norah - GREAT version! 
 
Posted 7 years ago by stevegoertz    [ Reply ]
I prefer the version where John tells a story about a woman at one of his gigs requesting the song about the "happy enchilada".  I can't listen to this song without hearing "its a happy enchilada and you think your gonna drown" now.  

This versionisn't bad... but hopefully we can hear some Prine soon too. 
Posted 7 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
 MilesW wrote:
I kinda like this version.  Original is great, of course, but this is nice too...

 
Yeah, it is a pretty good version.  It's interesting to hear how different people cover Prine's material, though I always like his versions best.  "Half an enchilada".
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
boy that's not john
oh well that's the way the worl goes round.  
Posted 7 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
There ought to be a law, maybe the 11th commandment, Norah Jones is not allowed to cover a John Prine song. Like the laziest, most unoriginal artist doing the most unique. Just shouldn't be permitted. 
Posted 7 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
Me thinks only John Prine can do this song justice.
Posted 7 years ago by MusicAddict    [ Reply ]
Play the happy enchilada song!
Posted 8 years ago by Reepicheep    [ Reply ]
Bless you, Bill.  Such a sweet song.
Posted 8 years ago by Randy    [ Reply ]
Cant believe that I'm hearing this tune! Loved it when John Prine did it. Love it now!
Posted 8 years ago by Lindo525    [ Reply ]
I love John Prine's story of how this became "The Happy Enchilada" song!
He starts talking about it at 2:10.
https://youtu.be/cNu46mpJC60
Posted 8 years ago by lazylemming    [ Reply ]
I kinda like this version.  Original is great, of course, but this is nice too...
Posted 9 years ago by MilesW    [ Reply ]
nice musiv
 
Posted 9 years ago by PUNS    [ Reply ]
One of the very few artist from who i can stand this music!
Posted 9 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Nothing wrong with either of these artists - but the orig is still better, IMHO
Posted 9 years ago by wbeaver    [ Reply ]
Muzak!
Posted 17 years ago by highwindows    [ Reply ]
FallOutOfWindow wrote:
I guess JP is John Prine and NOT Judas Priest
Now that would be an interesting version of the song. I still think JP (John Prine) does it best though.
Posted 17 years ago by byrd    [ Reply ]
oufason wrote:
One of my all time favorites. Obviously I believe JP delivers this song best. I would like to hear Lyle do this on his own. I dont think NJ brings anything to it.
I guess JP is John Prine and NOT Judas Priest
Posted 17 years ago by FallOutOfWindow    [ Reply ]
Have really come to thoroughly dislike Nora Jones. I have what the Scientologists would call an engram about her. Her precious delivery just really grates on me. And on this song, too. I loves me some John Prine. But I take my headphones off for this version. Hurts.
Posted 17 years ago by Odyzzeuz    [ Reply ]
Buzzardcheater wrote:
BZZZZT! Sorry, but thanks for playing. That, sir, is no Lyle Lovett. That much is certain.
You are correct sir!
Posted 17 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
One of my all time favorites. Obviously I believe JP delivers this song best. I would like to hear Lyle do this on his own. I dont think NJ brings anything to it.
Posted 18 years ago by oufason    [ Reply ]
Guess I'm easy. I don't have any of Norahs stuff and she doesn't get a lot or airplay around here so I like her voice, like Lyle L, like John P, and like this song - great tune while working.
Posted 18 years ago by dogugotw    [ Reply ]
Too popular, people? Tsk tsk... Snobbery will get you nowhere... And I don't even like country...
Posted 18 years ago by lunar1963    [ Reply ]
trekhead wrote:
The correct response is: LYLE LOVETT- End of SUBJECT!
BZZZZT! Sorry, but thanks for playing. That, sir, is no Lyle Lovett. That much is certain.
Posted 18 years ago by Buzzardcheater    [ Reply ]
Fat_Man_Flo wrote:
This is a John Prine song right?
So it was. And so it should remain.
Posted 18 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
This is a fairly lame cover of a classic Prine tune. Stick with John's original, please.
Posted 18 years ago by ThirdRail_33    [ Reply ]
If it is the Live in 2004 DVD as I posted earlier, Amazon lists the male singer as Richard Julian.
Posted 18 years ago by TheLoneIguana    [ Reply ]
randomprime wrote:
Is it Ravi Shankar?
that would be dad to her... Norah... mmmm... me like.
Posted 18 years ago by Nuance    [ Reply ]
I like John Prine, and I like Norah Jones. And I don't like this recording. It makes a fun song less fun, and it makes a good singer sound lame.
Posted 18 years ago by Vogelfrei    [ Reply ]
I am a John Prine fan and this is one of my favorites from him. I also like some of Norahs work, but she doesnt bring anything to this cover. Please play the original
Posted 18 years ago by oufason    [ Reply ]
This song is NOT on "Come Away with Me". Since it's LIVE, I'll go see what I can find....
Posted 18 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
I gave this a '6', only because it's a John Prine song, and even Norah Jones can't ruin that. John's original is far better.
Posted 18 years ago by Zarba    [ Reply ]
I heard the first few bars and thought, cool - I haven't heard from John Prine in awhile. Guess I'm just a purist at heart, but some songs should NOT be covered. Since Congress wants to legislate stuff they know nothing about, they should legislate that! :P
Posted 18 years ago by miasma    [ Reply ]
This is a John Prine song right?
Posted 18 years ago by Fat_Man_Flo    [ Reply ]
I like it..
Posted 18 years ago by notfadeaway    [ Reply ]
When I first heard it I thought it was Rickie Lee Jones, but alas it's the wildly overated (and overhyped) Norah Jones. Maybe they are related ;>
Posted 19 years ago by doobes    [ Reply ]
sans wrote:
Thank you for removing all of the humor from this great tune.
really. this is dry. it's a half enchilada...
Posted 19 years ago by JrzyTmata    [ Reply ]
Jimhrguy wrote:
Anybody know who the male vocalist is?
The correct response is: LYLE LOVETT- End of SUBJECT!
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Anybody know who the male vocalist is?
Posted 19 years ago by Jimhrguy    [ Reply ]
This appears to be on the "Live in 2004" DVD, FYI.
Posted 19 years ago by TheLoneIguana    [ Reply ]
I was hooked on Norah for awhile, but after playing her debut CD eighteen times, it struck me that her stuff kinda all sounds the same. I DO like her paired with someone, though...keeps it from sounding so similar to her previous work.
Posted 19 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
First thought: Jesus, Norah's been drinking too much whiskey.
Posted 19 years ago by Adam    [ Reply ]
Thank you for removing all of the humor from this great tune.
Posted 19 years ago by sans    [ Reply ]