The Decemberists — The Crane Wife 3
Album: The Crane WifeAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2072
Length: 4:14
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And under the boughs unbowed
All clothed in a snowy shroud
She had no heart so hardened
All under the boughs unbowed
Each feather, it fell from skin
Till threadbare as she grew thin
How were my eyes so blinded?
Each feather, it fell from skin
And I will hang my head, hang my head low
And I will hang my head, hang my head low
A gray sky, a bitter sting
A rain cloud, a crane on wing
All out beyond horizon
A gray sky, a bitter sting
And I will hang my head, hang my head low
And I will hang my head, hang my head low
And I will hang my head, hang my head low
And I will hang my head, hang my head low
And I will hang my head, hang my head low
And I will hang my head, hang my head low, low, low
All clothed in a snowy shroud
She had no heart so hardened
All under the boughs unbowed
Each feather, it fell from skin
Till threadbare as she grew thin
How were my eyes so blinded?
Each feather, it fell from skin
And I will hang my head, hang my head low
And I will hang my head, hang my head low
A gray sky, a bitter sting
A rain cloud, a crane on wing
All out beyond horizon
A gray sky, a bitter sting
And I will hang my head, hang my head low
And I will hang my head, hang my head low
And I will hang my head, hang my head low
And I will hang my head, hang my head low
And I will hang my head, hang my head low
And I will hang my head, hang my head low, low, low
Comments (322)add comment
drug rehab in New Jersey
NicJohn wrote:
This impression, and I share it sometimes, is created by the one-pitch vocalist. Great songwriting, held back by the lead singer, in my opinion.
Do all of their songs sound the same or is it just me? Just kinda OK, not better than that. I guess that means I feel this way about all of their songs. Just saying.
This impression, and I share it sometimes, is created by the one-pitch vocalist. Great songwriting, held back by the lead singer, in my opinion.
itsme_bygolly wrote:
Dreary, perhaps. If you choose to make it so. Many people feel compelled to make their lives an ordeal. If you want to turn your life into one giant to-do list, by all means, that's your choice. If you choose to approach life as an experience even the bad times seem apart of the experience and does not require an inner judgement on your part.
You do realise that, for some people, the "choice" to make their lives an ordeal is no choice at all. I do concede that it's somewhat unlikely that many of them are reading the comments on a Decembrists song though.
Dreary, perhaps. If you choose to make it so. Many people feel compelled to make their lives an ordeal. If you want to turn your life into one giant to-do list, by all means, that's your choice. If you choose to approach life as an experience even the bad times seem apart of the experience and does not require an inner judgement on your part.
You do realise that, for some people, the "choice" to make their lives an ordeal is no choice at all. I do concede that it's somewhat unlikely that many of them are reading the comments on a Decembrists song though.
Edweirdo wrote:
Check your privilege. For many people life is incredibly dreary, and then they die.
Dreary, perhaps. If you choose to make it so. Many people feel compelled to make their lives an ordeal. If you want to turn your life into one giant to-do list, by all means, that's your choice. If you choose to approach life as an experience even the bad times seem apart of the experience and does not require an inner judgement on your part.
Check your privilege. For many people life is incredibly dreary, and then they die.
Dreary, perhaps. If you choose to make it so. Many people feel compelled to make their lives an ordeal. If you want to turn your life into one giant to-do list, by all means, that's your choice. If you choose to approach life as an experience even the bad times seem apart of the experience and does not require an inner judgement on your part.
jacopo777 wrote:
Check your privilege. For many people life is incredibly dreary, and then they die.
Their music is generally pretty deary. It has this underlying message of "Life sucks and then you Die." Given on how popular they are, there must be plenty that feel the same.
Check your privilege. For many people life is incredibly dreary, and then they die.
jacopo777 wrote:
Ya know, I agree. I frequently click the "Next" button when Decemberists start playing. I can't help but wonder with this song, "Why are you hanging your head low? Get out and do something exciting!"
Their music is generally pretty deary. It has this underlying message of "Life sucks and then you Die." Given on how popular they are, there must be plenty that feel the same.
Ya know, I agree. I frequently click the "Next" button when Decemberists start playing. I can't help but wonder with this song, "Why are you hanging your head low? Get out and do something exciting!"
Is there any Decemberists release that is not a concept album? A serious question.
One of my all-time favourite songs. One of the very few I have rated 10.
jacopo777 wrote:
Couldn't disagree more. Sure, some of the material is melancholy but Colin is hardly the first to write sad songs. I suggest you listen to OK GO. Seems more to your taste.
Their music is generally pretty deary. It has this underlying message of "Life sucks and then you Die." Given on how popular they are, there must be plenty that feel the same.
Couldn't disagree more. Sure, some of the material is melancholy but Colin is hardly the first to write sad songs. I suggest you listen to OK GO. Seems more to your taste.
Check out 'The Crane Wife' Parts 1 & 2, just as good as Part 3
Love this guys voice . . .
Their music is generally pretty deary. It has this underlying message of "Life sucks and then you Die." Given on how popular they are, there must be plenty that feel the same.
NicJohn wrote:
no, they do not all sound the same.
Do all of their songs sound the same or is it just me? Just kinda OK, not better than that. I guess that means I feel this way about all of their songs. Just saying.
no, they do not all sound the same.
This will make a good Song Du Jour.
coyotexxx2 wrote:
We miss your optimism Cynaera.
Now , we can bring Cynaera's posts back to life now by simply upvoting the originals.
Yay!
We miss your optimism Cynaera.
Now , we can bring Cynaera's posts back to life now by simply upvoting the originals.
Yay!
NicJohn wrote:
No, they are annoying. PSD, here I come!
Do all of their songs sound the same or is it just me? Just kinda OK, not better than that. I guess that means I feel this way about all of their songs. Just saying.
No, they are annoying. PSD, here I come!
The segue from And You and I into this was masterly. Wow.
Cynaera wrote:
On my list of stuff to buy when I win the lottery or marry that really rich guy who doesn't care how I look and only wants to buy me anything I want.
I love the Decemberists. Um, is this gonna be one of those Pink Floydish things that once I sink into it, I never come out again? Because if it is, I'll have to buy some pot-buoys or life-vests or something....
Seriously - I love the Decemberists, and I really do want to invest in some of their stuff. This will definitely be the first one of theirs I buy...
We miss your optimism Cynaera.
On my list of stuff to buy when I win the lottery or marry that really rich guy who doesn't care how I look and only wants to buy me anything I want.
I love the Decemberists. Um, is this gonna be one of those Pink Floydish things that once I sink into it, I never come out again? Because if it is, I'll have to buy some pot-buoys or life-vests or something....
Seriously - I love the Decemberists, and I really do want to invest in some of their stuff. This will definitely be the first one of theirs I buy...
We miss your optimism Cynaera.
Love this song!
Do all of their songs sound the same or is it just me? Just kinda OK, not better than that. I guess that means I feel this way about all of their songs. Just saying.
This song brought me the Decemberists. Love it. Absolutely love it.
AMAZING!!! a work of art
Heard this song starting and actually went, "Woo!" out loud, so I think I must like it.
Don't be hatin' on this song. STOP IT. NOW!!
One month later, head still hanging. Cool bass and drum pattern though.
Is he going to hang his head low? I mean, he only says it about 842 times, so I'm not sure.
Good song, though.
Good song, though.
Just saw them tonight in Portland. Amazing show. They did this song. 
Let's make it 3 in an hour! I'm getting revved up to see them in concert tonight. I don't find Colin Meloy's voice annoying, as some do, in fact I quite like it, but I think he actually sounds better in person. What seems grandiose to some is the right size in a concert. As he's sung, he's "meant for the stage."
dogpound wrote:
I know! Stop it, just stop it already, we get it you like the Decemberists!
2nd decemberist song in an hour.
I know! Stop it, just stop it already, we get it you like the Decemberists!
2nd decemberist song in an hour.
I really like this song!
9 -> 10
9 -> 10
Hannio wrote:
I used to like it because it was unique. But now I think you are right, it is annoying.
Dern tootin' it is!
I used to like it because it was unique. But now I think you are right, it is annoying.
Dern tootin' it is!
tbaloney619 wrote:
I used to like it because it was unique. But now I think you are right, it is annoying.
singer's voice is annoying.
I used to like it because it was unique. But now I think you are right, it is annoying.
singer's voice is annoying.
Papernapkin wrote:
Pretentious warbling.
6 —-> 9
(Can't believe I rated it a 6 to begin with)
(Can't believe I rated it a 6 to begin with)
I like this band about as much as EssexTex likes David Bowie!
gosh this is good.
dray2009 wrote:
It tells a story based on an old Japanese tale according to Wikipedia. I wonder, though, why The Crane Wife #3 starts the album while The Crane Wife #1 and 2 come much later.
Great song, but this is part of an overall 'concept album,' and is best heard in the context of the entire album, which is terrific.
You can tell, listening to this song, especially the end, that the story continues... check out the full album. You'll thank me.
You can tell, listening to this song, especially the end, that the story continues... check out the full album. You'll thank me.
It tells a story based on an old Japanese tale according to Wikipedia. I wonder, though, why The Crane Wife #3 starts the album while The Crane Wife #1 and 2 come much later.
Great band
dray2009 wrote:
On my list of stuff to buy when I win the lottery or marry that really rich guy who doesn't care how I look and only wants to buy me anything I want.
I love the Decemberists. Um, is this gonna be one of those Pink Floydish things that once I sink into it, I never come out again? Because if it is, I'll have to buy some pot-buoys or life-vests or something....
Seriously - I love the Decemberists, and I really do want to invest in some of their stuff. This will definitely be the first one of theirs I buy...
Great song, but this is part of an overall 'concept album,' and is best heard in the context of the entire album, which is terrific.
You can tell, listening to this song, especially the end, that the story continues... check out the full album. You'll thank me.
You can tell, listening to this song, especially the end, that the story continues... check out the full album. You'll thank me.
On my list of stuff to buy when I win the lottery or marry that really rich guy who doesn't care how I look and only wants to buy me anything I want.
I love the Decemberists. Um, is this gonna be one of those Pink Floydish things that once I sink into it, I never come out again? Because if it is, I'll have to buy some pot-buoys or life-vests or something....
Seriously - I love the Decemberists, and I really do want to invest in some of their stuff. This will definitely be the first one of theirs I buy...
hearts the Decemberists
Love this track! Especially the bass-line and the very last strum, just a minor detail but the guitar, bass-guitar and drums just hit the last note perfectly at the same time... 
9
9
Great tune. More an 8.5 than 8...
I definitely have to check out more of their music and get hold on some CDs.
I definitely have to check out more of their music and get hold on some CDs.
Great song, but this is part of an overall 'concept album,' and is best heard in the context of the entire album, which is terrific.
You can tell, listening to this song, especially the end, that the story continues... check out the full album. You'll thank me.
You can tell, listening to this song, especially the end, that the story continues... check out the full album. You'll thank me.
Stingray wrote:
At least I didn't say this (though maybe I wanted to
)!
HANG THEM - THEY DESERVE TO DIE!
"1"
"1"
At least I didn't say this (though maybe I wanted to
)! rowdydaisy wrote:
It's so interesting (and explains a lot about a persons comments) to look at their highest rated songs. Clearly you are partial to another era. I love The Decembersists and those other wimpy indie bands.
Too bad some people's tastes don't evolve. They are missing a lot of great music.
You are judging by my highest rated songs at this limited station as your determinant as to my personal music taste. You would be absolutely amazed were you to spend at least a couple of hours listening to Fredro radio (my own personal radio station) and realize that I listen to music from the earliest recordings of music at the turn of the century up until the latest releases from bands from every musical style, genre and literally every square inch of the globe. I just do not like these particular few bands that I mentioned. I do not use time, genre or any other generalized criteria to determine whether I like a song or a group or not, just my ears, just my ears...........
It's so interesting (and explains a lot about a persons comments) to look at their highest rated songs. Clearly you are partial to another era. I love The Decembersists and those other wimpy indie bands.
Too bad some people's tastes don't evolve. They are missing a lot of great music.
You are judging by my highest rated songs at this limited station as your determinant as to my personal music taste. You would be absolutely amazed were you to spend at least a couple of hours listening to Fredro radio (my own personal radio station) and realize that I listen to music from the earliest recordings of music at the turn of the century up until the latest releases from bands from every musical style, genre and literally every square inch of the globe. I just do not like these particular few bands that I mentioned. I do not use time, genre or any other generalized criteria to determine whether I like a song or a group or not, just my ears, just my ears...........
HANG THEM - THEY DESERVE TO DIE!
"1"
"1"
rowdydaisy wrote:
It's so interesting (and explains a lot about a persons comments) to look at their highest rated songs. Clearly you are partial to another era. I love The Decembersists and those other wimpy indie bands.
Too bad some people's tastes don't evolve. They are missing a lot of great music.
Yes, agreed!
It's so interesting (and explains a lot about a persons comments) to look at their highest rated songs. Clearly you are partial to another era. I love The Decembersists and those other wimpy indie bands.
Too bad some people's tastes don't evolve. They are missing a lot of great music.
Yes, agreed!
sirdroseph wrote:
It's so interesting (and explains a lot about a persons comments) to look at their highest rated songs. Clearly you are partial to another era. I love The Decembersists and those other wimpy indie bands.
Too bad some people's tastes don't evolve. They are missing a lot of great music.
They should take this band and My Morning Jacket and all of the other wimpy indie bands that sound like them; put them in a paper bag on someone's porch and set it on fire!
It's so interesting (and explains a lot about a persons comments) to look at their highest rated songs. Clearly you are partial to another era. I love The Decembersists and those other wimpy indie bands.
Too bad some people's tastes don't evolve. They are missing a lot of great music.
They should take this band and My Morning Jacket and all of the other wimpy indie bands that sound like them; put them in a paper bag on someone's porch and set it on fire!
Great!
Good stuff.
ohh... this is a siting-standing song for me... sitting = OK... standing = good
Oh Mrs Crane...you little monkey woman. You're lean, mean, and not too far in between. How'd you like to wrap your spikes around my...
I AM SO SICK OF THIS SONG!!!!!!!!
I never get tired of this song.
drjimmy wrote:
This cranky?
I like this a lot and I'm sure they put on a great concert, but I can only stand to listen to about 3 or 4 of their songs in a row before I start to get cranky.
This cranky?
Wow! Great!!
9
9
I like this a lot and I'm sure they put on a great concert, but I can only stand to listen to about 3 or 4 of their songs in a row before I start to get cranky.
Pretentious warbling.
Seconded!
mountainman wrote:
mountainman wrote:
If you like their music, you will love them live!
Shaker wrote:
hrm
I don't think they and she could even be in the same room at the same time w/o one of them imploding.
Mrs.Winehouse has a unique voice and her band is tight!
hrm
I don't think they and she could even be in the same room at the same time w/o one of them imploding.
mountainman wrote:
Some good videos of performances at https://www.decemberists.com/#av-room.html_q_video=the-hazards-of-love-2
If you like their music, you will love them live!
Some good videos of performances at https://www.decemberists.com/#av-room.html_q_video=the-hazards-of-love-2
If you like their music, you will love them live!
Mrs.Winehouse has a unique voice and her band is tight!
Not sure how to class this tune but I like it.
TheKing2 wrote:
Oh, man I would LOOOVE to hear that version!!
I'm wondering when Marianne Faithfull's exquisite rendition will make it to the Radio Paradise playlist.
(it has been on LRC for some time now)
(it has been on LRC for some time now)
Oh, man I would LOOOVE to hear that version!!
Thistle wrote:
..........
....
Good nerd rock.
.............. Thistle wrote:
yes, I think he will.....I think he's going to do it......he sure implied he was going to...
I'm thinking he's gonna hang his head low...
yes, I think he will.....I think he's going to do it......he sure implied he was going to...
Good nerd rock. Saw them this summer @ Lollapalooza. It was nice but I would much prefer them in a small venue.
TheKing2 wrote:
I second that motion. Please add it to the playlist.
I'm wondering when Marianne Faithfull's exquisite rendition will make it to the Radio Paradise playlist.
(it has been on LRC for some time now)
(it has been on LRC for some time now)
I second that motion. Please add it to the playlist.
Great stuff.
I like this album, but really dig the concept album/song "The Tain."
I like this album, but really dig the concept album/song "The Tain."
Beautifully mellow and harmonious lyrics. Good crescendo, but not as exuberant a peak as I like in songs that build like this one.
First time I ever heard the Decemberists was live at the Charlottesville Pavillion. They played the whole "Hazards of Love" album for the first set. I've been hooked ever since!
I'm wondering when Marianne Faithfull's exquisite rendition will make it to the Radio Paradise playlist.
(it has been on LRC for some time now)
(it has been on LRC for some time now)
peter_james_bond wrote:
Bippie, now there's a word you don't hear very often.
Look it up in your Funk and Wagnalls!
Bippie, now there's a word you don't hear very often.
Look it up in your Funk and Wagnalls!
wally42 wrote:
Bippie, now there's a word you don't hear very often.
You bet your bippie!
Bippie, now there's a word you don't hear very often.
TernaryBit wrote:
at least his voice is distintive (Dylan, Corgan, etc etc)
i love to hear something different instead of some pitch perfect American Idol
Worst RP band/"vocalist" ever. Please stop playing this mopey hackneyed emo melodrama so I don't have to run over and mute RP every time they come on. Thank you.
at least his voice is distintive (Dylan, Corgan, etc etc)
i love to hear something different instead of some pitch perfect American Idol
robco1 wrote:
If you are a creative professional and some jerk isn't accusing you of being "pretentious" then you are not trying hard enough.
Never been to the Guggenheim?
If you are a creative professional and some jerk isn't accusing you of being "pretentious" then you are not trying hard enough.
Never been to the Guggenheim?
So far this has pretty much been a "bring your MP3 player to work" kind of a day.
robco1 wrote:
If you are a creative professional and some jerk isn't accusing you of being "pretentious" then you are not trying hard enough.
Nice!
If you are a creative professional and some jerk isn't accusing you of being "pretentious" then you are not trying hard enough.
Nice!
jonahboo wrote:
You bet your bippie!
awesome band who delivers the goods!
You bet your bippie!
awesome band who delivers the goods!
WayUpNorth wrote:
If you are a creative professional and some jerk isn't accusing you of being "pretentious" then you are not trying hard enough.
Is pretentiousness in the ear of the beholder? The comments about their pretentiousness doesn't ring true for me at all ...
If you are a creative professional and some jerk isn't accusing you of being "pretentious" then you are not trying hard enough.
WayUpNorth wrote:
I don't mind the attitude. I'd like this song but for the vocals going well off pitch frequently in the verses. Makes me grit my teeth.
Is pretentiousness in the ear of the beholder? The comments about their pretentiousness doesn't ring true for me at all ...
I don't mind the attitude. I'd like this song but for the vocals going well off pitch frequently in the verses. Makes me grit my teeth.
Is pretentiousness in the ear of the beholder? The comments about their pretentiousness doesn't ring true for me at all ...
First MUTE of the day....
They certainly do ooze pretentiousness (is that a word?). But, whoa, they are writing some incredible music (IMO). I just got to Hazards of Love because it was at the bottom of a pile. Truly amazing stuff I think.
mwsteele79 wrote:
Well, as Cicero said: "De gustibus non est disputandum" (There's no accounting for taste).
Go figure!
toterola wrote:
I don't like all their stuff, either. But this song is genius level from several aspects.
"Oh, Valencia" ain't bad either.
I can`t see past the pretentiousness, just in case some sort of genius is lurking... sounds like the same schlock as the rest of their stuff.
I don't like all their stuff, either. But this song is genius level from several aspects.
"Oh, Valencia" ain't bad either.
I can`t see past the pretentiousness, just in case some sort of genius is lurking... sounds like the same schlock as the rest of their stuff.
Well, as Cicero said: "De gustibus non est disputandum" (There's no accounting for taste).
Go figure!
Nonsense. Calm down. This is simply brilliant music-making. 9.
Worst RP band/"vocalist" ever. Please stop playing this mopey hackneyed emo melodrama so I don't have to run over and mute RP every time they come on. Thank you.
I like it, but lead singer sounds like a talented David Sedaris.
The beginning of this song sounds like the Home Depot jingle. (It's not, is it?) I'm having a hard time getting past that.
Dear Bill,
Please have this followed by Marianne Faithfull's version. It has been sitting in the LRC waiting chamber for far to long. I know you like (obscure) covers. This would be the one to go with it.
Warm Regards
TheKing2
Please have this followed by Marianne Faithfull's version. It has been sitting in the LRC waiting chamber for far to long. I know you like (obscure) covers. This would be the one to go with it.
Warm Regards
TheKing2
toterola wrote:
I don't like all their stuff, either. But this song is genius level from several aspects.
"Oh, Valencia" ain't bad either.
I can`t see past the pretentiousness, just in case some sort of genius is lurking... sounds like the same schlock as the rest of their stuff.
I don't like all their stuff, either. But this song is genius level from several aspects.
"Oh, Valencia" ain't bad either.
I can`t see past the pretentiousness, just in case some sort of genius is lurking... sounds like the same schlock as the rest of their stuff.
The more I hear this, the more I like it.
6 -> 7
6 -> 7
i got the same impression—-he is definitely close to hanging his head like——-low
MaryM wrote:
I don't like all their stuff, either. But this song is genius level from several aspects.
"Oh, Valencia" ain't bad either.
I'm still on the fence about these guys. Sometimes I think wow-they're great, original, smart, other times the lead vocal just doesn't work for me????????
I don't like all their stuff, either. But this song is genius level from several aspects.
"Oh, Valencia" ain't bad either.
I'm still on the fence about these guys. Sometimes I think wow-they're great, original, smart, other times the lead vocal just doesn't work for me????????
It took me a while to get the Decemberists, but I like them more and more. I'll be interested to hear their new album; I hear it's of the Jethro Tull concept variety.
Oh, and that Marianne Faithful version has got to hurt...
Oh, and that Marianne Faithful version has got to hurt...
Dear God, has anyone heard Marianne Faithfull's version of this? Listening to it, I didn't know if I should laugh or cry.
Well .. once again the votes contradict most of the comments. And quoit roight too.
Great stuff, Oh Mighty Bill.
Great stuff, Oh Mighty Bill.
I'm thinking he's gonna hang his head low...
I know negative comments are annoying for the fans, but I just wanted to say that at first this guy's voice bothered me, later I began to really like it, but now it bothers me again. Not really sure why.
I think this song is genius. And I love the drums.
pswilco wrote:
This song is really annoying after the 1st time
Does that mean you found the first listen enjoyable?
This song is really annoying after the 1st time
Does that mean you found the first listen enjoyable?
almafi wrote:
I'm with you. Great song that repetition is just slaughtering.
This song is really annoying after the 100th time.
I'm with you. Great song that repetition is just slaughtering.
almafi wrote:
This song is really annoying after the 1st time
This song is really annoying after the 100th time.
This song is really annoying after the 1st time
Marianne Faithful has made an interesting cover of this song on her latest album.
This song is really annoying after the 100th time.
dunno wrote:
you lucky guy. my urge to press the mute button has still not worn off.
I suggest you work first on your urge to press the 'submit' button.
you lucky guy. my urge to press the mute button has still not worn off.
I suggest you work first on your urge to press the 'submit' button.
mandolin wrote:
Yeah I caught that as well
...i think he's going to hang his head low...
Yeah I caught that as well
Gives me chills. So good. 
Great record but too sad for me to listen to some times.
I really like trk. 2: The Island: - Come and See - The Landlord's Daughter - You'll Not Feel the Drowning.
Actually that's kinda grim as well but it's up next on the stereo here.
I really like trk. 2: The Island: - Come and See - The Landlord's Daughter - You'll Not Feel the Drowning.
Actually that's kinda grim as well but it's up next on the stereo here.
phoebe wrote:
you lucky guy. my urge to press the mute button has still not worn off.
Fortunately, I have not been innundated with hearing the overplaying of this song, so I'm still able to find pleasure in it.
you lucky guy. my urge to press the mute button has still not worn off.
So let me get this straight... what you doin' with your head?
...i think he's going to hang his head low...
Colin Meloy really kicks ass.... love his vocals. Touching in a special way. Some singers just have that little extra!
dig that bass when it kicks in. aw yeah