Bonnie Raitt — When the Spell Is Broken
Album: Beat the RetreatAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1832
Length: 4:59
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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When the spell is broken
When the spell is broken
How you ever gonna keep her now
You can't cry if you don't know how
When the spell is broken
When the spell is broken
All the joy is gone from her face
Welcome back to the human race
How long can the flame
Of love remain
When you curse and fight
And never see like
Or hear like spoken
When the spell is broken
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
When the spell is broken
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
Oh when the spell is broken
All your magic and your ways and schemes
All your lies come and tear at your dreams
When the spell is broken
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
When the spell is broken
Now you're handing her that same old line
It's just straws in the wind this time
When love has died,
There's none starry-eyed
No kiss, no tears,
No farewell souvenirs
Not even a token, when the spell is broken
Don't swear your heart
From the very start
Love letters you wrote
Are pushed back down you throat
And leave you choking, when the spell is broken
(When the spell, When the spell, When the spell is broken)
When the spell is broken
When the spell is broken
(When the spell, When the spell, When the spell is broken)
When the spell is broken
When the spell is broken
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
(You can't cry if you don't know how)
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
(Can't cry if you don't know how
When the spell is broken
How you ever gonna keep her now
You can't cry if you don't know how
When the spell is broken
When the spell is broken
All the joy is gone from her face
Welcome back to the human race
How long can the flame
Of love remain
When you curse and fight
And never see like
Or hear like spoken
When the spell is broken
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
When the spell is broken
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
Oh when the spell is broken
All your magic and your ways and schemes
All your lies come and tear at your dreams
When the spell is broken
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
When the spell is broken
Now you're handing her that same old line
It's just straws in the wind this time
When love has died,
There's none starry-eyed
No kiss, no tears,
No farewell souvenirs
Not even a token, when the spell is broken
Don't swear your heart
From the very start
Love letters you wrote
Are pushed back down you throat
And leave you choking, when the spell is broken
(When the spell, When the spell, When the spell is broken)
When the spell is broken
When the spell is broken
(When the spell, When the spell, When the spell is broken)
When the spell is broken
When the spell is broken
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
(You can't cry if you don't know how)
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
(Can't cry if you don't know how)
(Can't cry if you don't know how
Comments (178)add comment
Bat wrote:
i enjoy her voice so much more thank richard's. this is great. never heard it before.
Completely different take from Richard Thompson's original.
Bonnie sings it with sadness - our love is over and I'm heartbroken and blue.
Richard sings it with bitterness - our love is over and I hope you rot in hell you miserable bitch.
i enjoy her voice so much more thank richard's. this is great. never heard it before.
dragon1952 wrote:
If not outstanding...maybe even godlike...just so powerful.
This has got to be at least Most Excellent
If not outstanding...maybe even godlike...just so powerful.
This is a very fine cover of a very fine song. Bonnie Raitt can do very little wrong, though I'm not so much of a fan when she strays into reggae.
all_ears wrote:
When I very first heard the backing vocals, I thought it sounded like Pops Staples. BTW, they go by Blind Boys now (not "Five"). Truly a treasure.
When I very first heard the backing vocals, I thought it sounded like Pops Staples. BTW, they go by Blind Boys now (not "Five"). Truly a treasure.
Great Tune!
dmcanany wrote:
Ok. Look like that got covered elsewhere on this threat. Yes.
Am I crazy to think that the backup singers are the Blind Boys of Alabama? Does anyone know who they might actually be?
Ok. Look like that got covered elsewhere on this threat. Yes.
Am I crazy to think that the backup singers are the Blind Boys of Alabama? Does anyone know who they might actually be?
Bonnie - I want you to sing at my funeral. I'll be happy to arrange it at your convenience.
(Just joking there).
(Just joking there).
Love Bonnie, but I'd much rather hear the original.
I love Bonnie! The backing singers are fantastic.
Mustangbill wrote:
When I very first heard the backing vocals, I thought it sounded like Pops Staples. BTW, they go by Blind Boys now (not "Five"). Truly a treasure.
And the Five Blind Boys from Alabama. Nice blend!
When I very first heard the backing vocals, I thought it sounded like Pops Staples. BTW, they go by Blind Boys now (not "Five"). Truly a treasure.
This is lovely. In a lovely way. Lovely Bonnie always managing to be lovely.
AhhtheMusic wrote:
The Blind Boys of Alabama
Who is singing backup with lovely Bonnie?
The Blind Boys of Alabama
Who is singing backup with lovely Bonnie?
9 to a 10, for the song and the songwriter ... golden.
Saw her recently, opened for James Taylor. Those guitar licks are hers, she plays lead. And kills doing it! I like her blues stuff a lot more, but this pays the bills...
c.
c.
Bat wrote:
times 2
Completely different take from Richard Thompson's original.
Bonnie sings it with sadness - our love is over and I'm heartbroken and sad.
Richard sings it with bitterness - our love is over and I hope you rot in hell you miserable bitch.
Bonnie sings it with sadness - our love is over and I'm heartbroken and sad.
Richard sings it with bitterness - our love is over and I hope you rot in hell you miserable bitch.
times 2
Bat wrote:
Completely different take from Richard Thompson's original.
Bonnie sings it with sadness - our love is over and I'm heartbroken and sad.
Richard sings it with bitterness - our love is over and I hope you rot in hell you miserable bitch.
Bonnie sings it with sadness - our love is over and I'm heartbroken and sad.
Richard sings it with bitterness - our love is over and I hope you rot in hell you miserable bitch.
And the Five Blind Boys from Alabama. Nice blend!
I will be seeing her tour this year!!! By the time the spell is broken, I hope spring has sprung!!! ~~~> https://www.bonnieraitt.com/tour
123K
123KMeh I'll give it a generous 3
Holy cow, terrible. Hardly a fitting tribute to the "Great One".
Completely different take from Richard Thompson's original.
Bonnie sings it with sadness - our love is over and I'm heartbroken and blue.
Richard sings it with bitterness - our love is over and I hope you rot in hell you miserable bitch.
Bonnie sings it with sadness - our love is over and I'm heartbroken and blue.
Richard sings it with bitterness - our love is over and I hope you rot in hell you miserable bitch.
And that slidework! Masterful!
Nice cover, but not as gut-wrenchingly great as from the one who was feeling it when he wrote it.
This has got to be at least Most Excellent
gotta up my rating to Godlike Bonnie and the Blind Boys do an outstanding job of this terrific RT tune
The 4 o'clock hour of tunes is the best,
Not a fan of yelling female vocalists (see American Idol) but Bonnie is an exception with her cool grove and great styling. A class act to my ears.
Bat wrote:
For all practical purposes the band Dinosaur Jr = the man J. Mascis who released a really good CD last year (2014) named "Tied To A Star".
Lou Barlow, the other founding member of Dinosaur Jr is has been very active making music as well since then, and still is. He and Mascis have recorded some new Dinosaur Jr albums of late.
For all practical purposes the band Dinosaur Jr = the man J. Mascis who released a really good CD last year (2014) named "Tied To A Star".
Lou Barlow, the other founding member of Dinosaur Jr is has been very active making music as well since then, and still is. He and Mascis have recorded some new Dinosaur Jr albums of late.
WonderLizard wrote:
Similarly dated. Whatever happened to Dinosaur Jr., Evan Dando, and Syd Straw?
For all practical purposes the band Dinosaur Jr = the man J. Mascis who released a really good CD last year (2014) named "Tied To A Star".
Similarly dated. Whatever happened to Dinosaur Jr., Evan Dando, and Syd Straw?
For all practical purposes the band Dinosaur Jr = the man J. Mascis who released a really good CD last year (2014) named "Tied To A Star".
wow, awesome album! Fabulous Bonnie's voice and guitar are an exquisite pleasure on this bitter cold work day
Boy_Wonder wrote:
Similarly dated. Whatever happened to Dinosaur Jr., Evan Dando, and Syd Straw?
'Beat the Retreat' is actually an album of covers of Richard Thompson songs... an all-star line-up, definitely worth investigating (as are the originals, of course - by one of the most distinctive, inventive musicians)
Shoot out the Lights X
Wall of Death R.E.M.
When the Spell Is Broken Bonnie Raitt
Turning of the Tide Bob Mould
For Shame of Doing Wrong Evan Dando / Syd Straw
Down Where the Drunkards Roll Los Lobos
Beat the Retreat June Tabor
Genesis Hall June Tabor
I Misunderstood Dinosaur Jr.
The Madness of Love Graham Parker
Just the Motion David Byrne
Valerie Beausoleil
A Heart Needs a Home Shawn Colvin / Loudon Wainwright III
Dimming of the Day The Five Blind Boys of Alabama
Farewell, Farewell Martin Carthy / Maddy Prior
The Great Valerio Martin Carthy / Maddy Prior
Similarly dated. Whatever happened to Dinosaur Jr., Evan Dando, and Syd Straw?
Never realized how similar joan osbornes voice is beginninng to resemble bonnie raitt's
Is that Vera Hall gate crashing the backing vocals?
"I Put a Spell on You" followed by "When the Spell is Broken"--good one there!
What is better than this? RT & BR and the BBofA? The best.
Ms. Raitt & The Blind Boys Of Alabama singing a Richard Thompson anthem. Thanks,
Life is Good!
I have nearly worn out this cd.
I read the names of all commentors for the last 4 songs and are surprised to find hardly any of the old bunch.
That makes me even sigh a sigh of relief to find my buddy Mr. Riley from the Nottingham front (and Helgi).
Where the hell is the rest? Did I scare them away? All of them?
Once I am not here for 2 month, and already no stone is in his old place!
Kinda sad!
calypsus_1 wrote:
wow, is similar to my turntable vinyl records .... good memories from this raw and direct sound!
.
DaveInVA wrote:
I like the original also....
yep, the only thing that sounds sweeter than vynal, is live in person.....
wow, is similar to my turntable vinyl records .... good memories from this raw and direct sound!
.
DaveInVA wrote:
I like the original also....
yep, the only thing that sounds sweeter than vynal, is live in person.....
slide it on me now, me bonnie lass .......
'Beat the Retreat' is actually an album of covers of Richard Thompson songs... an all-star line-up, definitely worth investigating (as are the originals, of course - by one of the most distinctive, inventive musicians)
Shoot out the Lights X
Wall of Death R.E.M.
When the Spell Is Broken Bonnie Raitt
Turning of the Tide Bob Mould
For Shame of Doing Wrong Evan Dando / Syd Straw
Down Where the Drunkards Roll Los Lobos
Beat the Retreat June Tabor
Genesis Hall June Tabor
I Misunderstood Dinosaur Jr.
The Madness of Love Graham Parker
Just the Motion David Byrne
Valerie Beausoleil
A Heart Needs a Home Shawn Colvin / Loudon Wainwright III
Dimming of the Day The Five Blind Boys of Alabama
Farewell, Farewell Martin Carthy / Maddy Prior
The Great Valerio Martin Carthy / Maddy Prior
First Sophie Hunger bewitched me, then Nina Simone put a spell on me, and finally Bonnie Raitt came along. It would take a woman like Bonnie to break Dr. Simone's spell.
This set was very nicely done, sir!
This set was very nicely done, sir!
all that, and red hair too. 
fredriley wrote:
Sorry Fred, you are corrected, an RT original from "Across a Crowded Room" - mid 80's
That's quite some captcha on the cover :o). Great rendition of a blues classic, too (at least, I think it's a cover - I sit ready to be corrected). 8 from the toe-tappin' Nottingham jury.
Sorry Fred, you are corrected, an RT original from "Across a Crowded Room" - mid 80's
SwampYankee wrote:
Agreed... RT can do little wrong!
It's a solid 8; the original by Richard Thompson is a 10.
Agreed... RT can do little wrong!
"love letters you wrote well they're pushed back down your throat" RT can write some songs.
yep, Blind Boys on backup.. i have this know this by heart. I like X's version "Shoot out the Lights"
Bonnie is the master of sad songs.
mattrettig wrote:
There is such a duet, but it didn't happen at Red Rocks. See link.
br_bb
Sounds like Blind Boys of Alabama on backup vox. Anyone know?
There is such a duet, but it didn't happen at Red Rocks. See link.
br_bb
Sounds like Blind Boys of Alabama on backup vox. Anyone know?
coloradojohn wrote:
Was at that show. Only entered comments to say the same thing - Bonnie live is exquisite! (And cj is always ahead of me on these observations) Rock on, brother....
I count myself blessed for having seen her sing and jam and weave her vocal spells with Stevie Ray at Red Rocks! Sing, Bonnie, sing!
Was at that show. Only entered comments to say the same thing - Bonnie live is exquisite! (And cj is always ahead of me on these observations) Rock on, brother....
I count myself blessed for having seen her sing and jam and weave her vocal spells with Stevie Ray at Red Rocks! Sing, Bonnie, sing!
Bonnie's great here - vocals and guitar!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!
Her backup singers are absolutely KILLER! Of course she's beyond awesome.
Right up there with Brother Ray with that rich note bending voice and ability to make one feel blue.
SwampYankee wrote:
I'd agree with you.
It's a solid 8; the original by Richard Thompson is a 10.
I'd agree with you.
Love it!!
wow, is similar to my turntable vinyl records .... good memories from this raw and direct sound!
.
DaveInVA wrote:
I like the original also....
gatorade wrote:
This ex-Gator agrees with you 100!!
Bring it on Bonnie! Always just flowing thru the bones of the audiences, bands, and the vibes are soooo good. Thanks Bonnie. True Pedigree.
This ex-Gator agrees with you 100!!
Nice!
I like the original also....
Makes me want to hear the original. Nothing against Bonnie, but the original is much better.
It's a solid 8; the original by Richard Thompson is a 10.
That's quite some captcha on the cover :o). Great rendition of a blues classic, too (at least, I think it's a cover - I sit ready to be corrected). 8 from the toe-tappin' Nottingham jury.
RideMaine wrote:
Very cool.
I first saw her outdoors at Capitol Park in downtown Hartford.
First heard/saw Bonnie at the Melody Tent on Cape Cod... and I fell in love. With Bonnie and with the woman who is now my wife and has been for the last 17 years. That was our first date. Happy sigh...
Very cool.
I first saw her outdoors at Capitol Park in downtown Hartford.
First heard/saw Bonnie at the Melody Tent on Cape Cod... and I fell in love. With Bonnie and with the woman who is now my wife and has been for the last 17 years. That was our first date. Happy sigh...
DaveInVA wrote:
A time capsule of sorts. X no longer exists. And whatever happened to Dinosaur, Jr., Syd Straw, and Evan Dando? Remember when Dando was all over the pop tabloids? Too funny.
Here is the cover art for this LP..
There are many other great cover songs on it also by groups such as REM etc
There are many other great cover songs on it also by groups such as REM etc
A time capsule of sorts. X no longer exists. And whatever happened to Dinosaur, Jr., Syd Straw, and Evan Dando? Remember when Dando was all over the pop tabloids? Too funny.
gatorade wrote:
Bring it on Bonnie! Always just flowing thru the bones of the audiences, bands, and the vibes are soooo good. Thanks Bonnie. True Pedigree.
And you should see Richard Thompson doing his song live!!! Caught him solo, at WOMAD one time, AWESOME!!Bring it on Bonnie! Always just flowing thru the bones of the audiences, bands, and the vibes are soooo good. Thanks Bonnie. True Pedigree.
DaveInVA wrote:
Here is the cover art for this LP..
There are many other great cover songs on it also by groups such as REM etc
DITTO
There are many other great cover songs on it also by groups such as REM etc
DITTO
good guitar, too, of course.
Nice!!
NarfU wrote:
Oh, yes! (Thank you, Jesus!)
Love the song.
Is that the Blind Boys of Alabama backing her up?
Is that the Blind Boys of Alabama backing her up?
Oh, yes! (Thank you, Jesus!)
This is one of those covers where the artist definitely adds something that wasn't there in the original. Great stuff. 
I like the words to this song—it's a very sing-alongable version here.
Here is the cover art for this LP..
There are many other great cover songs on it also by groups such as REM etc
There are many other great cover songs on it also by groups such as REM etc
"Interesting discussion about Br and Adele —who I think is just great. To me Adele's smokey, plaintive voice reminds me .of the late, great Dusty.Springfield. To me, the contemporary singer that you can tell listened to a couple of thousand of Bonnie Raitt tunes is blues powerhouse Susan Tedeschi." zalman595
Bonnie is so awesome! love the easy soulfullness of her songs 
bokey wrote:
You've probably never seen Richard Thompson perform live (with or without a backing band). He is extremely passionate and very far from homogenized or lifeless. But, as you wrote: "to each their own".
Interesting.Thompson is a great guitarist but fire and passion aren't words I associate with him. Homogenized certainly is. And lifeless? I can listen to RT with no problem but it doesn't grab me. To each their own.
You've probably never seen Richard Thompson perform live (with or without a backing band). He is extremely passionate and very far from homogenized or lifeless. But, as you wrote: "to each their own".
I like this version - gave it an 8 - because the guitar and vocals are so nice. But maybe too nice. This song should be sung with bitterness, not sadness.
katyb wrote:
Agree. This is pretty meh, to put it kindly.
I know this comes from a tribute album but this version is way too anemic; try Richard Thompson's version to hear how this tune should rightly sound.
Agree. This is pretty meh, to put it kindly.
I know this comes from a tribute album but this version is way too anemic; try Richard Thompson's version to hear how this tune should rightly sound.
Glockman45 wrote:
guess that depends on who's rating her, not her best or worst but the woman can play the blues I prefer early Raitt tho her work with John Lee is very good
her talent is absolutely over rated!
guess that depends on who's rating her, not her best or worst but the woman can play the blues I prefer early Raitt tho her work with John Lee is very good
Love the song.
Is that the Blind Boys of Alabama backing her up?
Is that the Blind Boys of Alabama backing her up?
robco1 wrote:
That's the magic of RP
Bonnie Raitt - When the Spell Is Broken
Nina Simone - I Put a Spell on You Nice segue!
Nina Simone - I Put a Spell on You Nice segue!
That's the magic of RP
Ignorant of the earlier versions, I am enjoying this one.
asbellem wrote:
I prefer Richard Thompson's version, but not bad.
+1...This seems a bit rushed to me.Please finish!
I prefer Richard Thompson's version, but not bad.
painter wrote:
I am very pleased that she NO LONGER has a self-destructive thing. The only time I saw her (Philadelphia, probably 1974, with Randy Newman), she kept a Bud by her side during her set, kept making hash jokes, and barely even tried to play her guitar. Drunk is a gentle way to describe the state she was in. Simply strummed what seemed to be random chords. Randy sniffed with a coke nose during his set. I guess things had to settle down, for which we should all be grateful.
Bonnie doesn't have that self destructive substance abuse thing going like Lowell did. You can still hear him in her slide.
I am very pleased that she NO LONGER has a self-destructive thing. The only time I saw her (Philadelphia, probably 1974, with Randy Newman), she kept a Bud by her side during her set, kept making hash jokes, and barely even tried to play her guitar. Drunk is a gentle way to describe the state she was in. Simply strummed what seemed to be random chords. Randy sniffed with a coke nose during his set. I guess things had to settle down, for which we should all be grateful.
I can't believe this song isn't rated higher! It's intoxicating. More Bonnie on RP, please.
One goddess following another! Magnificent!
Ulises wrote:
Surely, you jest. Right?
i stand corrected. her career is not over rated cause she surely has been successful but her talent is way over rated!
sorry?
Glockman45 wrote:
golly gee, her whole career is sure over rated!
Surely, you jest. Right?
justin_thyme wrote:
Bonnie's vocal control is awesome.
Bonnie IS awesome.
her talent is absolutely over rated!
Bonnie's vocal control is awesome.
cc_rider wrote:
They really make it, don't they?
Hey, it's not as odd as Robert Plant and Alison Krause together.
c.
thanks, I think they are a natural combo... I just didn't see them in the credits anywhere.
Hey, it's not as odd as Robert Plant and Alison Krause together.
Ain't that tha' truth!
Hinkamp wrote:
Bonnie and Blind Boys?
They really make it, don't they?
Hey, it's not as odd as Robert Plant and Alison Krause together.
c.
Bonnie and Blind Boys?
bokey wrote:
Interesting.Thompson is a great guitarist but fire and passion aren't words I associate with him.Homogenized certainly is.
And lifeless?I can listen to RT with no problem but it doesn't grab me.
To each their own.
I'm a long time fan of both artists discussed here, but I don't understand at all how you could call Richard Thompson homogenized. And when Bonnie has written as many songs with the fire that his best has then we can talk about a comparison.
Love all the voices here....Bonnie Raitt's heartfelt blues register & BB's smooth & sometimes sharp backing vocals. Really like "Can't cry if you don't know how...."
Ugh. The only song on this RT tribute I can listen to is REM's. Not a Bonnie fan, though.
Bonnie Raitt - When the Spell Is Broken
Nina Simone - I Put a Spell on You
Nice segue!
Not my favorite by Bonnie, but you just have to love a blues playing guitar woman! Been lovin her for years and years.
bokey wrote:
Interesting.Thompson is a great guitarist but fire and passion aren't words I associate with him.Homogenized certainly is.In a good way,but I think that really describes his entire style.
And lifeless?I can listen to RT with no problem but it doesn't reach out grab me by the scruff of the neck the way Bonnies good stuff does.
Then again I've never seen him live.
To each their own.
Give "Shoot Out the Lights" a listen. Newly divorced, he spins some incredible lyrics behind that guitar.
Pyro wrote:
Same here...been a fan for 36 years! That first album was phenomenal. Just saw Bonnie last Fri night...and was spellbound, as always.
The Blind Boys really MAKE this tune work.
I was just going to ask if the Blind Boys were backing her up on this...glad I read first!
woozurdaddy wrote:
This rather homogenized version lacks the fire and passion of the original Richard Thompson track, basically turning it into a somewhat lifeless pop tune.
For the real deal, get the 1985 CD "Across A Crowded Room" by Richard Thompson and prepare for goosebumps.
Interesting. Thompson is a great guitarist but fire and passion aren't words I associate with him. Homogenized certainly is.
And lifeless?I can listen to RT with no problem but it doesn't grab me.
To each their own.
painter wrote:
Bonnie doesn't have that self destructive substance abuse thing going like Lowell did. You can still hear him in her slide.
Whoa daddy. She used to party him(and eevryine) into the dirt.
Damn, that is a sweet version! ...this song suits Bonnie's voice well.
gawd, i love this song.
bokey wrote:
This is one tough old broad.I never thought she was gonna outlast Lowell.
Bonnie doesn't have that self destructive substance abuse thing going like Lowell did. You can still hear him in her slide.
This is one tough old broad. I never thought she was gonna outlast Lowell.
I hear a little "Gypsy Woman" from the 60's
Saw her recently, opened for James Taylor. Those guitar licks are hers, she plays lead. And kills doing it! I like her blues stuff a lot more, but this pays the bills...
c.
Man, I bet that was one Hellova show!