Joan Osborne — What You Are
Album: Pretty Little StrangerAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1754
Length: 5:39
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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All the ladies on the lake they start to dance
It's been a long time don't you wish you had the chance
What do you wish you were?
Do you wish you were the silence of the moon?
Nobody knows but maybe you will be soon
I used to think that the sidewalk was the way
Always waiting for my lucky day
Over and over, every patch of gray
One day inside me I was lucky anyway
What do you wish you were?
Do you wish you were the light of every star?
Nobody knows but maybe that's just what you are
All night, count all the singing stars
All right is where you want to know you are
What do you wish you were?
Do you wish you were the light of every star?
Nobody knows but maybe that's just what you are
Nobody knows but maybe that's just what you are
It's been a long time don't you wish you had the chance
What do you wish you were?
Do you wish you were the silence of the moon?
Nobody knows but maybe you will be soon
I used to think that the sidewalk was the way
Always waiting for my lucky day
Over and over, every patch of gray
One day inside me I was lucky anyway
What do you wish you were?
Do you wish you were the light of every star?
Nobody knows but maybe that's just what you are
All night, count all the singing stars
All right is where you want to know you are
What do you wish you were?
Do you wish you were the light of every star?
Nobody knows but maybe that's just what you are
Nobody knows but maybe that's just what you are
Comments (237)add comment
This is a 10.
easmann wrote:
Agreed. Joan does this beautiful song by Patty Griffin justice. It’s Patty’s version that carries the full payload of sublime magic though.
Love, love love Patty. But Joan aces this song.
Agreed. Joan does this beautiful song by Patty Griffin justice. It’s Patty’s version that carries the full payload of sublime magic though.
Love, love love Patty. But Joan aces this song.
sharkey wrote:
Confirmed - absolutely...
One of those "Stop what your doing & listen" moments
Confirmed - absolutely...
sharkey wrote:
yeah, I'm starting to become a fan!
One of those "Stop what your doing & listen" moments
yeah, I'm starting to become a fan!
zanref wrote:
So true! Anyone who gives women singers rating below 8 is a misogynist! We need equality!
I agree that women are generally hated on with much more frequency and vitriol than male artists, but a rating less than 8 doesn't make one a misogynist. Now if they're rating it sucko-barfo when the majority of the ratings are in the 7-8 range, then yes, I'd say it's largely misogyny at work.
So true! Anyone who gives women singers rating below 8 is a misogynist! We need equality!
I agree that women are generally hated on with much more frequency and vitriol than male artists, but a rating less than 8 doesn't make one a misogynist. Now if they're rating it sucko-barfo when the majority of the ratings are in the 7-8 range, then yes, I'd say it's largely misogyny at work.
Anthem for any woman fighting for her place in the world. Or just trying to make it thru the night during a crappy divorce. Thanks Joan. I made it.
bentonian wrote:
In my experience Segue's comment is calm and accurate, devoid of name-calling or finger-pointing, none of which I can say about yours.
Anyhow, your comment only serves to underscore rather than undermine his point. Segue’s comment does not “tag the listenership of RP” as anything at all, it merely reflects the reality of comments, primarily, found on the pages of women artists all across RP.
What a sexist and lazy comment.
RP is about the music. Don't believe it? Just look at the average ratings for male and female artists. Aretha Franklin and Patsy Cline have average ratings of 8.38 and 8.36, respectively. Those ratings blow away even alleged rock gods like Neil Young (average of 7.58).
Joan Osborne's average rating is 6.66. Not the greatest, but right in line with Alanis Morrisette (5.98), Chrissie Hynde (6.94), and Joan Baez (6.81).
Why not simply consider the possibility that Joan Osborne's music is good, but not that great? You happen to like her more than most people. That's fine, that's what styles and taste is all about.
But to tag the listenership of RP as a bunch of sexist trogs simply because we don't agree with your preference is just knee-jerk, culture war finger-pointing. I've rated a lot of music on RP, and I rate the music (not the person) in as thoughtful a manner as I can.
Next time think before you click "Post".
Segue wrote:
RP is about the music. Don't believe it? Just look at the average ratings for male and female artists. Aretha Franklin and Patsy Cline have average ratings of 8.38 and 8.36, respectively. Those ratings blow away even alleged rock gods like Neil Young (average of 7.58).
Joan Osborne's average rating is 6.66. Not the greatest, but right in line with Alanis Morrisette (5.98), Chrissie Hynde (6.94), and Joan Baez (6.81).
Why not simply consider the possibility that Joan Osborne's music is good, but not that great? You happen to like her more than most people. That's fine, that's what styles and taste is all about.
But to tag the listenership of RP as a bunch of sexist trogs simply because we don't agree with your preference is just knee-jerk, culture war finger-pointing. I've rated a lot of music on RP, and I rate the music (not the person) in as thoughtful a manner as I can.
Next time think before you click "Post".
Segue wrote:
Because even on RP women have to work twice as hard and take twice the flak.
In my experience Segue's comment is calm and accurate, devoid of name-calling or finger-pointing, none of which I can say about yours.
Anyhow, your comment only serves to underscore rather than undermine his point. Segue’s comment does not “tag the listenership of RP” as anything at all, it merely reflects the reality of comments, primarily, found on the pages of women artists all across RP.
Joan is up there in my book! Watched her at A Willie Nelson 4th of July 3 day show. The 1st time The Dead toured w/o Jerry. She rocked it! Actually have the CD from the show. Beautiful!
Love Joan's beautiful voice but, her music could take on a whole new meaning, if some of Ozzie's was mixed in!! Lol
One of those "Stop what your doing & listen" moments
Gosh I live thus song.
What a sexist and lazy comment.
RP is about the music. Don't believe it? Just look at the average ratings for male and female artists. Aretha Franklin and Patsy Cline have average ratings of 8.38 and 8.36, respectively. Those ratings blow away even alleged rock gods like Neil Young (average of 7.58).
Joan Osborne's average rating is 6.66. Not the greatest, but right in line with Alanis Morrisette (5.98), Chrissie Hynde (6.94), and Joan Baez (6.81).
Why not simply consider the possibility that Joan Osborne's music is good, but not that great? You happen to like her more than most people. That's fine, that's what styles and taste is all about.
But to tag the listenership of RP as a bunch of sexist trogs simply because we don't agree with your preference is just knee-jerk, culture war finger-pointing. I've rated a lot of music on RP, and I rate the music (not the person) in as thoughtful a manner as I can.
Next time think before you click "Post".
Segue wrote:
Because even on RP women have to work twice as hard and take twice the flak.
RP is about the music. Don't believe it? Just look at the average ratings for male and female artists. Aretha Franklin and Patsy Cline have average ratings of 8.38 and 8.36, respectively. Those ratings blow away even alleged rock gods like Neil Young (average of 7.58).
Joan Osborne's average rating is 6.66. Not the greatest, but right in line with Alanis Morrisette (5.98), Chrissie Hynde (6.94), and Joan Baez (6.81).
Why not simply consider the possibility that Joan Osborne's music is good, but not that great? You happen to like her more than most people. That's fine, that's what styles and taste is all about.
But to tag the listenership of RP as a bunch of sexist trogs simply because we don't agree with your preference is just knee-jerk, culture war finger-pointing. I've rated a lot of music on RP, and I rate the music (not the person) in as thoughtful a manner as I can.
Next time think before you click "Post".
Segue wrote:
Because even on RP women have to work twice as hard and take twice the flak.
Patty is always #1 in my book, but Joan Osborne has a special place in my heart. Both versions are incredible. LOVE.
Lyndont wrote:
Agreed. Joan does this beautiful song by Patty Griffin justice. It’s Patty’s version that carries the full payload of sublime magic though.
great song, but I prefer Patty Griffins version
Agreed. Joan does this beautiful song by Patty Griffin justice. It’s Patty’s version that carries the full payload of sublime magic though.
eveliko wrote:
Perhaps the only objection I would have is the sleeve cover...
Looks like Stephen Hawking in drag.
Segue wrote:
Because even on RP women have to work twice as hard and take twice the flak.
So true! Anyone who gives women singers rating below 8 is a misogynist! We need equality!
Because even on RP women have to work twice as hard and take twice the flak.
So true! Anyone who gives women singers rating below 8 is a misogynist! We need equality!
Lovely voice,smooth and so perfectly satisfying.
DaidyBoy wrote:
Why such low ratings for such a beautiful piece of work?
Because even on RP women have to work twice as hard and take twice the flak.
Beautiful.
great song, but I prefer Patty Griffins version
God I love this song. It reminds me so of my niece...whom I love dearly. Good song.
A good done by joan besides one of us
There are probably lots of covers of "What You Are". I like the one by the Greencards. This one is pretty good, too. But Patty Griffin's original is the best.
Perhaps the only objection I would have is the sleeve cover...
I am hearing "What if God smoked cannabis" for some reason
What a segue rough gravel to diamonds.
George_Tirebiter wrote:
Agreed
This is one of those songs that are a joy to hear, even if it's by someone other than the original artist. Lovely
Agreed
This is one of those songs that are a joy to hear, even if it's by someone other than the original artist. Lovely
kojiroh wrote:
Thanks for the head's up. I'm listening to Patty Griffin's interpretation and it's soft, soothing, achingly tender. Tender female power.
Yeah, not bad, but the original one blows this away for me. Sorry, Joan.
Thanks for the head's up. I'm listening to Patty Griffin's interpretation and it's soft, soothing, achingly tender. Tender female power.
Who did the original?
Angel-like (Patty Griffin original : )
I don't really know Joan Osborne. When this song first started I thought it was Emmylou Harris. And that's a high compliment from me.
DaidyBoy wrote:
Because the original is godlike
Why such low ratings for such a beautiful piece of work?
Because the original is godlike
Wonderful song. Osborne has a clear, strong voice, proper enunciation, appropropriate strength of emotion - an 8..
In January she's a 10.
Why such low ratings for such a beautiful piece of work?
Stunning Voice. Thanks RP, how would I have known about Joan if not for you?
Have to say that this is one hell of a well-done song, from start to finish and in every way. Her voice, the timing, the movement - WOW!
xtalman wrote:
You and Kingart have the same college flame?
You and Kingart have the same college flame?
Yeah, not bad, but the original one blows this away for me. Sorry, Joan.
Joan Osborne is very talented...and underated. Thanks RP for giving her exposure.
Really like this song. Surprised by the 6.5 average rating. Thanks, RP, for exposing me to this artist.
Such a good song, like it was written for Joan to sing
Hogtownmike wrote:
I thought the same thing!
You and Kingart have the same college flame?
I thought the same thing!
You and Kingart have the same college flame?
Hogtownmike wrote:
I thought the same thing!
We in the valleys thought so too...well in this valley...well in this cottage in this valley.
I thought the same thing!
Good Stuff during lunch
Anyone listen to her in Trigger Hippy?
This song got me through some really dark days. Now, I appreciate the silence of the moon, every patch of grey and the light of every star. Thanks Joan.
very sweet and soothing on my brain..
kingart wrote:
I thought the same thing!
Thought this was Emmy Lou. Nice song — evocative lyrics, music is a bit cliched, but her voice makes it happen and worth listening to. And Joan has an uncanny facial resemblance to a college flame.
I thought the same thing!
for all you concert-goers, don't miss her if the chance arises. Joan is absolutely electric and uber-impressive live.
her new album is amazing...mature and bluesy. unfortunately, cant hang w any of the others
Not quite my kind of music, but I can't help but say that Ms. Joan is highly talented. Great voice, phrasing, lyrics and arrangements. A life affirming tune even if it's wistful.
bokey wrote:
One year later, still at 6.5. Tough crowd. I love this.
Average rating 6.5?WTF?
One year later, still at 6.5. Tough crowd. I love this.
Thank you Joan for making me smile and glad to be listening to RP right about now!
R7-12 wrote:
You should see her live. Goose bump city.
I agree with the comments that the arrangement needs a few dynamic changes. However, a sparse arrangement may have chosen to showcase Joan's voice - and what a voice it is! Well, not just a great voice but she's a talented singer with beautiful vibrato! In the same league with Bonnie Raitt, Jane Siberry and kd lang.
You should see her live. Goose bump city.
ziakut wrote:
I saw her first.
Joan? Oh Joan? I know you don't care or are listening...but I am now in love with you. Beautiful song.
I saw her first.
Joan? Oh Joan? I know you don't care or are listening...but I am now in love with you. Beautiful song.
lily34 wrote:
absolutely. And as an earlier commenter noted, how the hell is this only 6.5?!?
patty's version tops this one. but i still love joan and joan's voice. it's a nice change.
absolutely. And as an earlier commenter noted, how the hell is this only 6.5?!?
Joan, Joan, Joan. I like listening to you much more when you're rockin' the blues.
patty's version tops this one. but i still love joan and joan's voice. it's a nice change.
Top song
Average rating 6. 5?WTF?
Just brillant
jnhashmi wrote:
I second that. I love Patty's version too - it's on Silver Bell.....
Glad to see Patty's "lost" songs seeing the light of day.
I second that. I love Patty's version too - it's on Silver Bell.....
Thought this was Emmy Lou. Nice song — evocative lyrics, music is a bit cliched, but her voice makes it happen and worth listening to. And Joan has an uncanny facial resemblance to a college flame.
Osborne has a beautiful voice -she's a great singer. I thought she sounded a bit like Linda Ronstadt when the song began.
Achingly boring. . .
To see a real indication of Joan's ability and talent check this out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gA0GcXV2njY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gA0GcXV2njY
shakitten wrote:
Yes, I just assumed it was EH. Like it no matter who it is.
Anyone else hearing an Emmylou influence?
Yes, I just assumed it was EH. Like it no matter who it is.
Anyone else hearing an Emmylou influence?
I agree with the comments that the arrangement needs a few dynamic changes. However, a sparse arrangement may have chosen to showcase Joan's voice - and what a voice it is! Well, not just a great voice but she's a talented singer with beautiful vibrato! In the same league with Bonnie Raitt, Jane Siberry and kd lang.
citizenkeith wrote:
While I'm all for a band allowing the singer's voice to take center stage (even more so when it's someone with a voice like Joan's), I completely agree with this. They need some dynamics, something to make this song a little more interesting. Maybe a little slide guitar to go with the organ, or at least something different with the drumming. If I was stuck playing that simple beat over and over again, I'd fall asleep.
It's just screaming for a better arrangement with a little more push and pull between verse and chorus.
While I'm all for a band allowing the singer's voice to take center stage (even more so when it's someone with a voice like Joan's), I completely agree with this. They need some dynamics, something to make this song a little more interesting. Maybe a little slide guitar to go with the organ, or at least something different with the drumming. If I was stuck playing that simple beat over and over again, I'd fall asleep.
I think what bothers me about this song is the performance. While perfectly competent, the band isn't playing with any dynamics. It's the same medium feel throughout the entire song. Joan is a great singer, and I think it's a good song. It's just screaming for a better arrangement with a little more push and pull between verse and chorus.
OMG her voice is beautiful and powerful. 
raenvald wrote:
only if nomination == win. and you believe the Grammys actually signify anything.
Can we all finally agree that Joan's 5 Grammy nominations are worth more than Alannis' 4 awards in 1996?!
only if nomination == win. and you believe the Grammys actually signify anything.
Achingly beautiful....
Very nice!
listen_n_sf wrote:
Ditto!
Sadly such a low rating for a beautiful sound. Can't understand why the Junkies weak whispering is so popular.
Ditto!
Sadly such a low rating for a beautiful sound. Can't understand why the Junkies weak whispering is so popular.
Immediately recognizable voice...just love Joan's work. My friends and I faithfully attended her shows in small venues back in the mid-1990s in upstate NY. Those were some great evenings...
Glad to see Patty's "lost" songs seeing the light of day.
raenvald wrote:
Thanks for putting her to bed?
Can we all finally agree that Joan's 5 Grammy nominations are worth more than Alannis' 4 awards in 1996?!
Thanks for putting her to bed?
Amazing!
I like Joan, but this song is doing nothing for me this morning. It's putting me back to sleep!
Can we all finally agree that Joan's 5 Grammy nominations are worth more than Alannis' 4 awards in 1996?!
calypsus_1 wrote:
Joan Osborne at the Clearwater Festival by Pilgrim on this road - Bill Revill
https://www.flickr.com/photos/billrevill/
I usually don't go for microphone in the face shots, but it seemed to work for this one. What a voice...
© All rights reserved.
Look what's behind the microphone - woof!Nice!
The Funk Brothers
feat. Joan Osborne
Montreal Jazz Festival 7/4/2004
" "For Once in My Life" is a pop song written by Ron Miller and Orlando Murden for Motown Records' Jobete publishing company in 1967. The composition was originally recorded by Jean DuShon, while other artists, such as Tony Bennett and The Temptations, recorded slow-ballad versions of the song.
The most familiar and successful version of "For Once in My Life" is an uptempo hit version by Stevie Wonder, recorded immediately after DuShon's original. "
lovely WonderLizard wrote:
This has been said elsewhere, but just a reminder, folks. Bill 86'd Excelsior about a year and a half ago. No need to respond to his posts any more.
oh. thanks. that guy(?) really got to me. Probably what he wanted all along.
This has been said elsewhere, but just a reminder, folks. Bill 86'd Excelsior about a year and a half ago. No need to respond to his posts any more.
oh. thanks. that guy(?) really got to me. Probably what he wanted all along.
Sounds like Joan cut her chops listening to "The Hissing of Summer Lawns"
Joan Osborne at the Clearwater Festival by Pilgrim on this road - Bill Revill
https://www.flickr.com/photos/billrevill/
I usually don't go for microphone in the face shots, but it seemed to work for this one. What a voice...
© All rights reserved.
This song just proves that Patty should be treated as a national treasure. And Joan Osborne even adds a lot to the mix here I think.
joshtime wrote:
I'll see your 4 and raise you 5 for her sweet voice. That's a good strong 9.
'4' only because of the strength of Patty's songwriting. otherwise it would be much lower.
I'll see your 4 and raise you 5 for her sweet voice. That's a good strong 9.
The last hour's songs ave been perfect—Thanks real person DJ!
sandymac2010 wrote:
Go someplace else and listen to music you really like, you insulting little dweeb.
This has been said elsewhere, but just a reminder, folks. Bill 86'd Excelsior about a year and a half ago. No need to respond to his posts any more.
Go someplace else and listen to music you really like, you insulting little dweeb.
This has been said elsewhere, but just a reminder, folks. Bill 86'd Excelsior about a year and a half ago. No need to respond to his posts any more.
'4' only because of the strength of Patty's songwriting. otherwise it would be much lower.
Excelsior wrote:
Go someplace else and listen to music you really like, you insulting little dweeb.
Two songs by this no-talent hack in one day? Blech.
Go someplace else and listen to music you really like, you insulting little dweeb.
" "Sara Smile" is a song written and recorded by the American musical duo Hall & Oates. It was released as the first single from their album Daryl Hall & John Oates in 1976.
"Sara Smile" was the first single release from Hall & Oates' 1976 self-titled album for RCA Records. Co-written by both halves of the duo, it was their breakthrough single, with a #4 peak on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1976. It was written about Hall's girlfriend, Sara Allen. The song is also considered a standard of seventies blue-eyed soul"
edrickvb wrote:
I much prefer the original by Patty. For those of you who haven't heard it, the song is on "Silver Bell", which was supposed to be her third release before A&M dropped her.
For more info on "Silver Bell", check out my post here. Also, I'm offering "Silver Bell" in its entirety (in .mp3 format), to anyone who promises to donate to Radio Paradise. PM me for details.
Nice to hear Joan cover a Patty Griffin tune - good choice!
I much prefer the original by Patty. For those of you who haven't heard it, the song is on "Silver Bell", which was supposed to be her third release before A&M dropped her.
For more info on "Silver Bell", check out my post here. Also, I'm offering "Silver Bell" in its entirety (in .mp3 format), to anyone who promises to donate to Radio Paradise. PM me for details.
WayUpNorth wrote:
I've always wondered how popular joan osborne would be if she were more traditionally marketable (i.e. bimbo-ish). She's an incredible talent.
Yes. And she got sort of pigeonholed as pop Christian or something because of her hit, yeah? It's like she's caught in the middle, not a cult figure like, say, Sam Phillips, and not a big star either. Too bad, she is really talented.Yes, I'm quite certain Joni knows, for sure.
philbertr wrote:
philbertr wrote:
"Do you wish you were the light of every star?
Nobody knows but maybe that's just what you are."
OK, brain fart going on here. Who wrote "we are stardust"?
Anyway, I wonder if, at the time they wrote that, did they know that that is literally true?
Nobody knows but maybe that's just what you are."
OK, brain fart going on here. Who wrote "we are stardust"?
Anyway, I wonder if, at the time they wrote that, did they know that that is literally true?
gjeeg wrote:
gjeeg wrote:
Great Comments!
To repeat: The song takes it's sweet time. No hurry. Allows time to go deep into the sacredness.
gjeeg wrote:
Love how she takes her time - drawing out the melody structure. Confident, deep from the heart. Like a hymn. Sounds to me like Emmy Lou. Sweet, souful, sad. Just my thing.
Great Comments!
To repeat: The song takes it's sweet time. No hurry. Allows time to go deep into the sacredness.
Excelsior wrote:
Two comments by this no-talent self important idiot in one century?
Two songs by this no-talent hack in one day? Blech.
Two comments by this no-talent self important idiot in one century?
jgeyer wrote:
Looks like maybe she's got a shy one coming on.
Yup, that's it. You've pegged it. LOL, this comment kills me. Thank you. Too funny.
Looks like maybe she's got a shy one coming on.
Yup, that's it. You've pegged it. LOL, this comment kills me. Thank you. Too funny.
I was just thinking ... I'm not sure why I find this simple song so completely satisfying. Read back through the thread, and this helped explain it:
gjeeg wrote:
gjeeg wrote:
Love how she takes her time - drawing out the melody structure. Confident, deep from the heart. Like a hymn. Sounds to me like Emmy Lou. Sweet, souful, sad. Just my thing.
Mandible wrote:
I've always wondered how popular joan osborne would be if she were more traditionally marketable (i.e. bimbo-ish). She's an incredible talent.
I feel bad saying this, but is that REALLY the best cover shot they could come up with???
I've always wondered how popular joan osborne would be if she were more traditionally marketable (i.e. bimbo-ish). She's an incredible talent.
I think this is a beautiful song, just plain and simple.
This would be so much better if they picked up the tempo just a little bit or toned down that repetative one hit of the drum that sounds like someone is getting flogged. As it is it sounds old and tired.
Mandible wrote:
Yeah, the art director on this one needs some help.
I feel bad saying this, but is that REALLY the best cover shot they could come up with???
Yeah, the art director on this one needs some help.
Mandible wrote:
Looks like maybe she's got a shy one coming on.
I feel bad saying this, but is that REALLY the best cover shot they could come up with???
Looks like maybe she's got a shy one coming on.
I feel bad saying this, but is that REALLY the best cover shot they could come up with???
Excelsior wrote:
No talent?
Two songs by this no-talent hack in one day? Blech.
No talent?
I agree that women are generally hated on with much more frequency and vitriol than male artists, but a rating less than 8 doesn't make one a misogynist. Now if they're rating it sucko-barfo when the majority of the ratings are in the 7-8 range, then yes, I'd say it's largely misogyny at work.
Dang, I really like the Patty Griffin version, but I don't really care for this version. So please tell me how to cure my "largely misogyny" habits.