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Ray LaMontagne — Beg Steal or Borrow
Album: God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2606









Released: 2010
Length: 4:26
Plays (last 30 days): 0
So the home town's bringin' you down,
Are you drownin' in the small talk an the chatter?

Are you gonna step into line like your Daddy done?
Punchin' the time, and climbing life's long ladder.

You've been howlin' at the Moon like a slack-jawed fool
an breaking every rule they can throw on.

Well, one of these days is gonna be right soon,
you'll find your legs and go.
And stay gone.

Young man,
so full of big plans,
an thinkin' about tomorrow.

Young man,
wanna make a stand,
you Beg, you Steal, you Borrow.

You Beg, you Steal, you Borrow.

Now all the friends you knew in school
they used to be so cool, now they just bore you.

Just look at em' now, already pullin' the plow.
So quick to take to grain, like some old mule.

Young man,
so full of big plans,
an thinkin' about tomorrow.

Young man,
wanna make a stand,
you Beg, you Steal, you Borrow.

You Beg, you Steal, you Borrow.

Dreamin' of the day you're gonna pack your bags
an put the miles away.
Oh, just grab your girl and go where no one knows you.
What will all the old folks say?

So the home town's bringin' you down,
Are you drownin' in all the small talk an the chatter?

Are you gonna step into line like your Daddy done?
Punchin' the time, and climbing life's long ladder.

Young man,
so full of big plans,
an thinkin' about tomorrow.

Young man,
wanna make a stand,
you Beg, you Steal, you Borrow.

You Beg, you Steal, you Borrow.
Comments (311)add comment
I always forget how much I love Ray LaMontagne until I hear him again. Needed this one today.
Can't help but think Ray sounds more than a bit like middle-aged Joni Mitchell (after about 15 years of smoking) here...weird. 
Nailed it!
Is there a more solid drummer than Jay Bellerose? He sets up such a great groove.
So for all you folks thinking Joni - take a listen to early Stephen Stills… really anything he has done is where Ray gets most of his style
 Sawyer wrote:


I was thinking the same . . .  very Joni Mitchell, but not so much that I have to skip it. 
 
The last person I thought of was Joni Mitchell. Too hokey. Maybe more like CSN's country'ish stuff, without the harmonies...
 cely wrote:
I've rarely liked this guy (even though I kind of get why people do), but this very Joni Mitchellesque song is a total exception.  The verse is just so musical (for lack of a better word).
 

I was thinking the same . . .  very Joni Mitchell, but not so much that I have to skip it. 
 texdillo63 wrote:
I want to take a bong hit and swim in a lake.
 
Me too.
Unique while nostalgic in one.  good composition
I've rarely liked this guy (even though I kind of get why people do), but this very Joni Mitchellesque song is a total exception.  The verse is just so musical (for lack of a better word).
I've always liked the arrangement and sound of this song.  Very different.
 Proclivities wrote:


He uses a lot of her phrasing style in this song.
 

Oh-- I had this thought before I saw your post
Does anyone else hear a melodic structure eerily reminiscent of Joni Mitchell?
Why the hell haven't more people ripped off Joni Mitchell and sounded beautiful?
I personally like the poetic  license. It's the artists way of being free from restraint. Here's one that really bothers my brother... "So open up your morning light
And say a little prayer for I" : Paula Cole, or pronouncing the song as Con-cwis-ta-dor instead of the Spanish pronunciation as Conquistador. If was pronounced like that it just wouldn't fit.

So I say...Wighten up a Wittle  It's Art!!!! 
I want to take a bong hit and swim in a lake.
 funkyalfonso wrote:

I was absolutely sure ( convinced ) it was a Joni cover.
 

He uses a lot of her phrasing style in this song.
 easmann wrote:

Saw him recently and there was no sign of that. He's a bit restrained in his audience interactions compared to some perhaps, nothing more. It was a terrific show by the way.
 
Have seen him 3 times now in Dublin, he is quiet between songs but a brilliant live performer and highly
 easmann wrote:

Saw him recently and there was no sign of that. He's a bit restrained in his audience interactions compared to some perhaps, nothing more. It was a terrific show by the way.
 
My wife and I saw him last year. He played a lot of music and let himself go on several songs that extended for several minutes longer than studio versions. He keeps the light and background pretty simple so one is not distracted from the music. At the end of the show all I could think about was how soon I can see him perform again. He did not interact much with the audience but he certainly gave a mind blowing performance with this voice and guitar skills.
 Nerubo wrote:
OK, pet peeve time rant starting here.  Whether or not standard English grammar is needed depends on the genre.

A Ray LaMontagne song is not a school paper. It's a song.

"Are you gonna step into line like your Daddy done?"

This is how some people actually talk. It's a detail that paints a picture.

Is there anyone here who really wants to listen to the Rolling Stones hit "I Can't Get Any Satisfaction"? Does anyone really believe 'I Can't Get No Satisfaction" means "I CAN get satisfaction" because it's supposedly a double negative. I don't think so.

End rant.

Stealth update: That said, I always use "I've" even when texting.

 

 
Ain't got nothin' but love, babe, eight days a week. 

And a slew of other such appropriate malapropisms. 
 Nerubo wrote:
OK, pet peeve time rant starting here.  Whether or not standard English grammar is needed depends on the genre.

A Ray LaMontagne song is not a school paper
. It's a song.

"Are you gonna step into line like your Daddy done?"

This is how some people actually talk. It's a detail that paints a picture.

Is there anyone here who really wants to listen to the Rolling Stones hit "I Can't Get Any Satisfaction"? Does anyone really believe 'I Can't Get No Satisfaction" means "I CAN get satisfaction" because it's supposedly a double negative. I don't think so.

End rant.

Stealth update: That said, I always use "I've" even when texting.

 
Actually, the lyrics to this song are from a school paper that Ray wrote when he was in 8th Grade; he got a B+.
{#Wink}
I Just bought this on CD... Great stuff...
Solid 7
 Nerubo wrote:
OK, pet peeve time rant starting here.  Whether or not standard English grammar is needed depends on the genre.

A Ray LaMontagne song is not a school paper. It's a song.

"Are you gonna step into line like your Daddy done?"

This is how some people actually talk. It's a detail that paints a picture.

Is there anyone here who really wants to listen to the Rolling Stones hit "I Can't Get Any Satisfaction"? Does anyone really believe 'I Can't Get No Satisfaction" means "I CAN get satisfaction" because it's supposedly a double negative. I don't think so.

End rant.

Stealth update: That said, I always use "I've" even when texting.
 
"This is how some people actually talk. It's a detail that paints a picture."

True. And simply and elegantly stated. 
: )

P.S. This is an example of a longstanding Literary Device: a Colloquialism
OK, pet peeve time rant starting here.  Whether or not standard English grammar is needed depends on the genre.

A Ray LaMontagne song is not a school paper. It's a song.

"Are you gonna step into line like your Daddy done?"

This is how some people actually talk. It's a detail that paints a picture.

Is there anyone here who really wants to listen to the Rolling Stones hit "I Can't Get Any Satisfaction"? Does anyone really believe 'I Can't Get No Satisfaction" means "I CAN get satisfaction" because it's supposedly a double negative. I don't think so.

End rant.

Stealth update: That said, I always use "I've" even when texting.

 
 Hannio wrote:

And I've.



 
Their, they're, it's alright.
Love that voice. Moody. Like me.
so sally can wait.
 gregskrtic wrote:

...starting with "you're"?

 

And I've.


 stunix wrote:

if your starting there, ive got a list.

 
...starting with "you're"?
 ODAD wrote:
Joni Mitchell's male counterpart, maybe ?

 
He wishes.  His phrasing in this tune is very similar to hers - it's likely he is familiar with her music.  To Ray's credit, she's not a bad person to emulate.
 LowPhreak wrote:
He means, "...like your Daddy did..."  {#Beat}

Doh.

Bad grammar!

 
if your starting there, ive got a list.
Good set this morning.
Great track! Nice ear candy. {#Cheesygrin}
 stunix wrote:
So much good stuff from Ray, but has anyone seen him live?  I have heard a few reports that he is very poor live due to crippling stage fright.

Can anyone confirm this?
 
Saw him recently and there was no sign of that. He's a bit restrained in his audience interactions compared to some perhaps, nothing more. It was a terrific show by the way.
Joni Mitchell's male counterpart, maybe ?
He means, "...like your Daddy did..."  {#Beat}

Doh.

Bad grammar!
 dris wrote:
Great track indeed.  So much so I went and got the CD - no regrets there!  {#Bounce}

 
Absolutely.
no, but i can confirm the existence of bigfoot, if that is helpful...

seriously, this is someone i would pay bucks to see also. hope he doesnt have that stage fright problem... if he does, hope he can just come on out and sit down and remember everybody is only there because we love him.  (you hear me, ray?) 
stunix wrote:
So much good stuff from Ray, but has anyone seen him live?  I have heard a few reports that he is very poor live due to crippling stage fright.

Can anyone confirm this?

 

Saw him give a Storytellers performance on Palladia last year and while his pacing was very deliberate and thoughtful, his stories were great and the playing was stellar. I'd see him live.
Not good, too whiney.  A 3 at best
 Stingray wrote:
BAD-BAD-BAD!!!

  What you're really saying is GOOD...right?  
Would have rated higher had it not so much steel guitar in it.  Not a big fan.
I wish his latest album was as good as his few selected tracks heard here on RP.
Great track indeed.  So much so I went and got the CD - no regrets there!  {#Bounce}
So much good stuff from Ray, but has anyone seen him live?  I have heard a few reports that he is very poor live due to crippling stage fright.

Can anyone confirm this?
I like this track, but was also surprised to see that this was a guy!
 Stingray wrote:
BAD-BAD-BAD!!!

 
more like bad-ass!!! Love ya, Ray.
BAD-BAD-BAD!!!
I'm kinda hearing Tracy Chapman in this...?

countertenor is a type of classical male singing voicewhose vocal range is equivalent to that of the femalecontralto and mezzo-soprano voice types.

The term first came into use in England during the mid 17th century, and was in wide use by the late 17th century. However, the use of adult male falsettos in polyphony, commonly in the alto range, was common in all-male sacred choirs for some decades previous, as early as the mid-16th century, and modern-day ensembles such as the Tallis Scholars and The Sixteenmaintain the use of male altos in period works. During the Romantic period, the popularity of the countertenor voice waned and few compositions were written with that voice type in mind.

It's all expression , try not to shut it out...dig? 

 easmann wrote:
KevinM wrote:
This guy is tolerable in small doses only. After a while he starts sounding like a male Joni Mitchell - which is not a good thing.
   
oldsaxon wrote:
do what I do when that Kathleen Edwards dirge comes on ....just hit PSD...works for me. Of course, for me I have to hit it twice, that song is so long. Nobody like a decenting opinion here. For the record, I rather admire yours (quite clever really) even if I don't agree.
 
A decent dissent from a discerning person is welcome, and well-tolerated.

 

Hmm, the king of the stutter breath technique.
Maybe you need new speakers?

rlr511 wrote:
can't figure out if this is a girl with a deep voice or guy with a high pitched voice.  {#Stupid}

 


This and Asaf Avidan- Painting on the Past on the same day? I really need to make a compilation CD of men who I think are women singing.
 rlr511 wrote:
can't figure out if this is a girl with a deep voice or guy with a high pitched voice.  {#Stupid}

 
Yea, I was thinking the same thing.  Not much of a fan, but I actually like this tune.
can't figure out if this is a girl with a deep voice or guy with a high pitched voice.  {#Stupid}
most excellent guitar...cool song
 MusiqueMusique wrote:


It does sound like her. Great song, talented guy.
Did you hear the interview Joni Mitchell gave to Gian Gomeshi on Q ?

 

Yes, I watched it on Q-TV.. Boy, she sure does like her ciggies. What blew my mind was that after being a big Joni fan for decades, I found out that I can see where she lives accross the water at Sechelt from here on the Island. Gian G. is a fine journalist in all aspects of the arts. It was interesting to see some negative comments on his Billy-Bob Thornton interview, in what was the most extraordinarily wonderful visual nonsense I've ever seen.
 KevinM wrote:
This guy is tolerable in small doses only. After a while he starts sounding like a male Joni Mitchell - which is not a good thing.

 
do what I do when that Kathleen Edwards dirge comes on ....just hit PSD...works for me. Of course, for me I have to hit it twice, that song is so long. Nobody like a decenting opinion here. For the record, I rather admire yours (quite clever really) even if I don't agree.
 
 KevinM wrote:
This guy is tolerable in small doses only. After a while he starts sounding like a male Joni Mitchell - which is not a good thing.

 

I was just wondering what it was about Ray's voice that is somewhat off-putting.  I think you nailed it.
This is another artist I can thank Bill for.  Already have two of his albums and will probably add this one also.
 
 KevinM wrote:
This guy is tolerable in small doses only. After a while he starts sounding like a male Joni Mitchell - which is not a good thing.

 
Unless you happen to be one of the MANY people who dig Joni Mitchell.
This guy is tolerable in small doses only. After a while he starts sounding like a male Joni Mitchell - which is not a good thing.
D.Js lament....{#Lol}{#Bounce}...love the steel....{#Dance}
 funkyalfonso wrote:

I was absolutely sure ( convinced ) it was a Joni cover.

 

It does sound like her. Great song, talented guy.
Did you hear the interview Joni Mitchell gave to Gian Gomeshi on Q ?
Great mix tonight, Bill! Thanks for a great lineup!  Installing recessed lighting in the living room ceiling, and the great tunes are making a messy job go just fine!
Wow, surprised to see the negative comments here. I think this guy has one of the best voices of his generation; he could sing a menu and I'd be rapt.
Polished and smooth...must be amazing live.
Great songcraft!
 bb_matt wrote:
Very Neil Young, like this.

 
Absolutely!  Another way of saying "outstanding"!

("Admittedly, I am also biased towards a liking of Ray La Montagne because of respect for the outstanding way he conveys the experience of depression in "Empty")", said the man who has learned to live through chronic depression.)
Very Neil Young, like this.
 jammin_alli wrote:
Love Joni and Ray both!

 
Interesting. I hate them both. Something about the singing style. Each to his own. See you back in a few minutes.
Not a huge fan, I will admit.  It sure seems like he gets a lot of plays.  Was surprised to see just 5 in last 30 days.  One of those tunes I feel like I hear to often.
Yuk -whiny singer- and all the other negatives on this one
i been listening all day bill. u've been right on dude
 BBOGDA wrote:

Have to admit it took a while, but now I am a Ray fan.  I think his voice is feminine, but it works.  I think he sounds like Tracy Chapman, and I think she sounds like a man - so there you go.  I like them both.

 
Why does it matter in either case?  
The lyrics alone,conjure up such a picture and feel of a young mans Lament, "Howling at the moon like a slack jawed fool' country rocking, reminicent of C S N & Y..... ( imo ){#Guitarist}
Why Bill? Why oh why do you do this to me? Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy? {#Sad}
Nice tune, I just wish he would take a deep breath before beginning a line........any line.
I really do not like this man's voice and the way he uses it... too bad.
I don't usually go for the whiny singers, but Ray's voice has a huskiness that makes it sound not quite like whining — like, maybe, a melancholy reflection on aspects of Life that aren't barefoot dancing in a field of daisies.
 BazH wrote:
I like Ray but not one of his best. Still worth 7.
 


I like Ray but not one of his best.
If his full given name is Raycharles, then mine will be Leonardcohen.
Love Joni and Ray both!
Most Excellent.

 
Getting rather tired of this one.
 hagz21 wrote:
Thank goodness for the PSD!
 
and the STD's
Thank goodness for the PSD!

Have to admit it took a while, but now I am a Ray fan.  I think his voice is feminine, but it works.  I think he sounds like Tracy Chapman, and I think she sounds like a man - so there you go.  I like them both.


 joelbb wrote:
This is the best old Joni Mitchell song since "For the Roses"
 
I was just thinking the same thing.
Come on! Let the peddle steel just wash over you like an August wave from the Atlantic. His voice is like if velvet and chocolate had a baby and named it Fresh pot of coffee.
Cool!  I love Neil Young!!

Oh...wait a minute...who is it?
 
This is the best old Joni Mitchell song since "For the Roses"
I like him despite the cliches.
 KaiT wrote:
Yuck. Can't get into this guy. 
 
I couldn't agree more!
 onelittlemoose wrote:

p2h2d2 wrote:

Does anyone else think this song sounds like something Joni Mitchell could have done?

Now that you mention it, yeah, I'd go with you on that.   

 
I was absolutely sure ( convinced ) it was a Joni cover.
The guitar hooks are coming from the left speaker. Sounds like the guy's just sitting over in the corner, throwing in a lick here and there. Cool.
 I would have bet money this was a woman singing - tend to like that type of voice on a woman singer

p2h2d2 wrote:
Does anyone else think this song sounds like something Joni Mitchell could have done?
 


Yuck. Can't get into this guy. 
This song is certainly pleasant and strikes all the expected notes but it is a perfect example of how genre-bound and impersonal Ray's music has become over the last two albums. He sings about cliches and people that he doesn't know, that no longer exist and may never have existed ("What will all the old folks say?" The "old folks"? Really?). But then again, I did expect him to move in this direction after 'Til the Sun Turns Black...how could he or anyone else maintain that level of intimacy or openness? Even if he never goes there again, for his first two albums he will always be one of the immortals...
Don't like this one nearly as much as his others.  Probably because this one is too "twangy country" for me.  I guess if I had a choice between this and some of the other country songs out there today, I'd choose this because it's Ray.
His voice is androgynous. Not a fan.
My first name is Ray, therefore this song gives me goosebumps. His voice is great, his talent is great, this song is great. If this is the new voice of country music, I now love country music passionately. He sings like I fantasize I could. And that melody is perfect. I won't be shy, I'll slap a ten on this.
Just grab your girl and go where no one knows you.... I have that feeling every day.
Nobody has sung this sentiment better. That feeling we all get at one time of another when our small worlds become suffocating and it's time to break out, with your girl on your arm. Perfect image. Thank you RP and Ray, from another Ray.
I know RLM must be good, as I trust the overall musical taste of this forum. But his voice makes me want to throw up. Sorry. Hurray for mute.
7 -> 9. Hitting the spot today.
Really starting to like this guy!! Great lyrics! {#Heartkiss}
Love Ray!  Best new artist in years!
I'm not a huge fan of Ray, but damn this song is great!
Hittin all the right notes for me today! Thanks - *groovin*
not feeling it today..maybe next time
 gemtag wrote:
How can I hate country music and love Ray? What is the determining factor in the choice between love and hate? I must need therapy.

 
 

I dont think you can categorise Ray's music as "Country"
If I had to label a genre it would be a blend of Alt.Country, Folk, Americana. 
Perhaps it's a genre of his own? Whatever way you categorise the Artist I can highly reccomend the most recent album.
 bev wrote:
I've gone through a lot of phases with LaMontagne so far...

Phase 1: first heard this song and 1) thought it was some old song from the 60s that had been unearthed/previously undiscovered; 2) thought I kinda liked it; 3) immediately got sick of it due to incredibly "heavy rotation" (I even heard it over the grocery store sound system...gah!).

Phase 2: heard some other songs by LaMontagne that 1) were all good; and, 2) all sounded completely different, increasing my respect for his talent exponentially.

Phase 3: Got a break from the heavy rotation of this track. Re-evaluated my initial impressions. Heard it here and think it's worth at least a "7" now. May go higher if given the gift of time...

Phase 4: Considering purchasing the album.

 
I'm on phase 5- bought everything to date, waiting for his next.
I first heard this on a KC, MO station Alice 102...and loved it then...and now!  Such a unique voice...draws me in. {#Clap}

p2h2d2 wrote:

Does anyone else think this song sounds like something Joni Mitchell could have done?

Now that you mention it, yeah, I'd go with you on that.   


Does anyone else think this song sounds like something Joni Mitchell could have done?
8...Most Excellent.

First started hearing Ray on Sirius XM's The Coffeehouse...nice to hear him on RP. 
 LowPhreak wrote:

According to what you consider "rational"? Get through your head that some of us don't want to hear the same song almost every time we randomly tune in for a few hours.
 
Bill has repeatedly written in various song comments that no song is played more than once a day. From my reading of comments in my years of listening to this wonderful station, "overplayed" is usually synonymous with "this sucks and I don't wanna hear it again". Songs that listeners like are rarely "overplayed". Perhaps it's because songs that suck for a listener immediately grab the attention and spark a lunge for the mute button? I'm no psychologist so couldn't say.

Personally I can't be doing with Ray the Mountain's voice, but whilst various songs of his get played often I don't remember a particular song being "overplayed". I just hit mute and wait to see what's next on the playlist. Makes for a quieter life than getting into a paddy on the forum :)