Jill Barber — Legacy
Album: For All TimeAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 672
Length: 3:59
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Does it get lonely in the day
All by yourself in this big old place
Do you ever come out and play
Scream out loud or walk the stage
And maybe you are looking down tonight
Maybe you can see
Burning like an old spotlight
Shining down on me
Oh it must be great
To have this enormous estate
Rebecca, do you think it's fate
That brought me here onto your stage
And you always played it by heart
Like a patron saint, a patron of the arts
Was it ever hard to justify it
To someone else, or to yourself
Rebecca, I know you understand
Why I write these songs
Rebecca, I overheard the plan
But I don't know what happens when you're gone
And whether I write three chords
Or a symphony
At least I'm gonna try to leave behind
Some kind of legacy
So Rebecca, if you're looking down tonight
Then maybe you can see
Burning like an old spot light
This legacy left behind
And maybe you are looking down tonight
Maybe you can see
Burning like an old spotlight
Shining down, on me
All by yourself in this big old place
Do you ever come out and play
Scream out loud or walk the stage
And maybe you are looking down tonight
Maybe you can see
Burning like an old spotlight
Shining down on me
Oh it must be great
To have this enormous estate
Rebecca, do you think it's fate
That brought me here onto your stage
And you always played it by heart
Like a patron saint, a patron of the arts
Was it ever hard to justify it
To someone else, or to yourself
Rebecca, I know you understand
Why I write these songs
Rebecca, I overheard the plan
But I don't know what happens when you're gone
And whether I write three chords
Or a symphony
At least I'm gonna try to leave behind
Some kind of legacy
So Rebecca, if you're looking down tonight
Then maybe you can see
Burning like an old spot light
This legacy left behind
And maybe you are looking down tonight
Maybe you can see
Burning like an old spotlight
Shining down, on me
Comments (96)add comment
9>10
I remember an interview she did on the CBC (not the CBC!) where she talked about leaning in to her voice instead of trying to change it. Despite the bubble gum vocal comments I like her voice.
My memory hazily recalls that her comment was made as she was doing a jazz album and I think her voice does shine more in the "slow jazz genre." (I know, I know.......... I just can't think of another description)
IMHO her voice gains a depth and sultry aspect that is slightly missing in her folk-pop songs.
My memory hazily recalls that her comment was made as she was doing a jazz album and I think her voice does shine more in the "slow jazz genre." (I know, I know.......... I just can't think of another description)
IMHO her voice gains a depth and sultry aspect that is slightly missing in her folk-pop songs.
A fine example of Canadiana country-rock...beautiful peddle steel tripping throughout...really nice first listen...will be a grower, I'm sure...
phlattop wrote:
I think "voices" go in and out of vogue/get noticed by people in the recording industry. The nasal tone that's been popular since Green Day showed up wasn't present in the 70s. A great voice will always rise above the crowd. I'm not a vocal coach-just my layman's opinion
I like Sade's voice but I made a point to click on the RP page to see who this was because I like her voice a lot and wouldn't consider it a bubblegum voice ... but to each their own.
I think "voices" go in and out of vogue/get noticed by people in the recording industry. The nasal tone that's been popular since Green Day showed up wasn't present in the 70s. A great voice will always rise above the crowd. I'm not a vocal coach-just my layman's opinion
I like Sade's voice but I made a point to click on the RP page to see who this was because I like her voice a lot and wouldn't consider it a bubblegum voice ... but to each their own.
Mandible wrote:
I think "voices" go in and out of vogue/get noticed by people in the recording industry. The nasal tone that's been popular since Green Day showed up wasn't present in the 70s. A great voice will always rise above the crowd. I'm not a vocal coach-just my layman's opinion
whoa, we went from Sade's deep, chocolate voice to Jill Barber's bubblegum girly voice 
I think "voices" go in and out of vogue/get noticed by people in the recording industry. The nasal tone that's been popular since Green Day showed up wasn't present in the 70s. A great voice will always rise above the crowd. I'm not a vocal coach-just my layman's opinion
Hey... A lovely CanCon set with some lovely Beach Boys (appropriately In My Room during this Covidian wintry day in January) to tie it all together. Thanks RP
Totally channeling Ms Harmer. Nice, but derivative.
I mean, it's nice. The problem I'm having is that there are about 15 young ladies up here in Canada getting airplay lately on CBC channels and podcasts - and they ALL sound the same. That cutesy, Harmer-like feel. After a few, it gets a little tiresome.
Wow, I was really surprised to see that this WASN'T Sarah Harmer! Hard to tell the vocals apart.
Outstanding ......... 
Wow - I keep thinking this is Martha Wainright
We represent the Lollipop Kids, the Lollipop Kids, the Lollipop Kids....!
Mandible wrote:
Ha!
whoa, we went from Sade's deep, chocolate voice to Jill Barber's bubblegum girly voice
Ha!
10 -> 20
This started... conventional... but I like it overall.... maybe even I like it... yes, very good
WEELLL guess it's time to sgn off thanks to the voice! Yellow brick road heli/ox voclas.
sirdroseph wrote:
The whole album is good!
I like this song, its a nice little ditty!
The whole album is good!whoa, we went from Sade's deep, chocolate voice to Jill Barber's bubblegum girly voice
ick wrote:
ha! agreed. Seeing Neil Young next on the playlist is the only thing that kept me tuned in.
A slight bit more modulation in her voice and we'd be listening to the lolly-pop kids.
ha! agreed. Seeing Neil Young next on the playlist is the only thing that kept me tuned in.
Xeric wrote:
Yeah. A strange warble like fingernails on a chalk board.
She graduated from the Lucinda Williams vocal school. I've thrown eggs at it for years, but it remains open.
Yeah. A strange warble like fingernails on a chalk board.
She graduated from the Lucinda Williams vocal school. I've thrown eggs at it for years, but it remains open.
danagle wrote:
Yeah. A strange warble like fingernails on a chalk board.
There are aspects of this song that are nice I just can't get come to terms with quirks in her voice. It has a strange warble.
Yeah. A strange warble like fingernails on a chalk board.
I love this lady!
I like this song, its a nice little ditty!
danagle wrote:
Yep, I get that.
There are aspects of this song that are nice I just can't get come to terms with quirks in her voice. It has a strange warble.
Yep, I get that.
I could have sworn that this was Sarah Harmer. Oh well, this is pretty.
I'm guessing we're talking a Honda Legacy eh Bill?
There are aspects of this song that are nice I just can't get come to terms with quirks in her voice. It has a strange warble.
peter_james_bond wrote:
Way to get entirely too literal.
I dig her voice and the tune BTW.
Wrong, sap is what comes straight out of the tree, the image you have is the end product...the sweet processed ambrosia. 
And while it is true that the Canadian product can be of very high quality, the northeastern US states(Vermont for example) also make some good stuff!
to_the_eleven wrote:
Pure Canadian sap.
And while it is true that the Canadian product can be of very high quality, the northeastern US states(Vermont for example) also make some good stuff! to_the_eleven wrote:
Pure Canadian sap.
Way to get entirely too literal.
I dig her voice and the tune BTW.
Cancon! 
I quite like her voice.
dedawson wrote:
dedawson wrote:
Pretty annoying voice in my book
Pretty annoying voice in my book
ScopArch wrote:
Cool
Cool
Another nice RP discovery. Thanks Bill.
Yay, get to see Jilly on July 18th at the Home County Folk Festival here in good ole London Ontario.
Wrong, sap is what comes straight out of the tree, the image you have is the end product...the sweet processed ambrosia. And while it is true that the Canadian product can be of very high quality, the northeastern US states(Vermont for example) also make some good stuff!
to_the_eleven wrote:
Pure Canadian sap.
And while it is true that the Canadian product can be of very high quality, the northeastern US states(Vermont for example) also make some good stuff! to_the_eleven wrote:
Pure Canadian sap.
Pure Canadian sap.
A soothing voice on a rainy day. LOVE JILL!!
A slight bit more modulation in her voice and we'd be listening to the lolly-pop kids.
Y'all are crazy. She doesn't sounds like Sarah Harmer at all. Competely different inflection.
dynamaniak wrote:
I hear that too, plus the Sarah Harmer. It's nice.
She really sounds like Canadian songstress Sara Slean - I like :)
I hear that too, plus the Sarah Harmer. It's nice.
bindi wrote:
Thought this was the winner of the Sarah Harmer sound-alike contest.
love her voice - kind of like Sarah Harmer, but different. Great selective overdubbing.
Thought this was the winner of the Sarah Harmer sound-alike contest.
bindi wrote:
Yes, that's it! Thank you. Thought it was Sarah before checking...
love her voice - kind of like Sarah Harmer, but different. Great selective overdubbing.
Yes, that's it! Thank you. Thought it was Sarah before checking...
Great to hear Jill on RP. I caught her a couple years back at the Media Club here in Vancouver, opening for Wintersleep. We filmed both acts. I never got to see the final results. Hey BigA - did you ever get around to editing that show?
pyxxel wrote:
yes . . beauty can be boring somtimes. .
Pleasant, but ordinary. Give it a 4 - for the induced boredom I get from it! :)
yes . . beauty can be boring somtimes. .
love her voice - kind of like Sarah Harmer, but different. Great selective overdubbing.
Very nice.
Great vocal track, and all the instruments just seem to nestle around them without stepping on the feel thereof...
...Plus I'm a sucker for a good pedal steel (when its not corny).
Great vocal track, and all the instruments just seem to nestle around them without stepping on the feel thereof...
...Plus I'm a sucker for a good pedal steel (when its not corny).
8>9 I've missed hearing this song...
Pleasant, but ordinary. Give it a 4 - for the induced boredom I get from it! :)
I have seen her perform live many times, I just get lost in her lyrics!
Please play some Sarah Harmer so I can say she sounds like Jill Barber.
She really sounds like Canadian songstress Sara Slean - I like :)
Why does this bring scenes of Gilmore Girls to mind?
Canuck gal 
she sounds great...
i like her so far.
i like her so far.
Not to rock the boat of "sounds like Sarah Harmer" me-toos, but I was hoping this would turn out to be Emily Haines when I first heard it.
Love the pedal steel.
Yup. Sarah Harmer wannabe. Not quite there, though.
yeaaaaaaah!!!
boooooooo!!!
isnt this best thing about RP.
our ears get bigger.
sums up reason I listen
radiojunkie wrote:
our ears get bigger.
sums up reason I listen
radiojunkie wrote:
So I came on here to say something about this sounding like Sarah Harmer, and discovered that discussion had long since taken place. I consider this a tribute to RP, since before I started listening I wouldn't have even known who Sarah Harmer was (much less Jill Barber), and now I'm able to confuse them with the best of you.
There's been somewhat of a Jill Barber resurgance around these parts...she seems to be everywhere. I just heard her in an interview and performing some of her material on CBC radio yesterday and there's been lots of buzz over her in the general media as well.
Wonderful voice, wonderful person, well deserved buzz in my opinion. GO JILL!!
Wonderful voice, wonderful person, well deserved buzz in my opinion. GO JILL!!
i thought this was sarah harmer, too, for sure!!!
and i met sarah (and jill) right here. thank you, bill.
and i met sarah (and jill) right here. thank you, bill.
So I came on here to say something about this sounding like Sarah Harmer, and discovered that discussion had long since taken place. I consider this a tribute to RP, since before I started listening I wouldn't have even known who Sarah Harmer was (much less Jill Barber), and now I'm able to confuse them with the best of you.
I thought Martha Wainwright but Jill's word smithing is definitely a bit more polished and seems less controlled by a drug/alcohol induced fever...
ok! sharkey (Hogtown) lets see:
you will see, how much to this nothing i can make; i try my best; Now, if exactly after you trying to perceive, you continue not to perceive, well how much to this nothing i can perhaps make (except some grammatical english-adaptations; i do not think and write direct in english, perhaps therefore) but i think that he will not be thus so difficult to "grasp" my idea; but if exactly thus you do not obtain, looks at, then this commentary is not for you definitively. Ty.
A quick Google search for "Sarah Harmer Jill Barber" reveals (in addition to this page, which is the first result):
1. The comparison is not original, an awful lot of people have noticed the similarity
2. They share a drummer and clarinetist on some tracks
3. They've toured together and Sarah has sung on some of her tracks
...but no indication that Sarah wrote this song. I guess in the world of folky Canadian songstresses, Sarah Harmer is an towering presence and unavoidable influence. Evidently she is the Beatles of the Great White North coffeehouse scene.
1. The comparison is not original, an awful lot of people have noticed the similarity
2. They share a drummer and clarinetist on some tracks
3. They've toured together and Sarah has sung on some of her tracks
...but no indication that Sarah wrote this song. I guess in the world of folky Canadian songstresses, Sarah Harmer is an towering presence and unavoidable influence. Evidently she is the Beatles of the Great White North coffeehouse scene.
trekhead wrote:
Beat me to it! It's not just the chord progressions, which are so close that I'd swear Sarah Harmer wrote the song, it's the phrasing and the vocal styling as well. Wouldn't have thought Sarah was well-known enough to spawn imitators, but who knew.
MAN! I thought this was Sarah Harmer!
Beat me to it! It's not just the chord progressions, which are so close that I'd swear Sarah Harmer wrote the song, it's the phrasing and the vocal styling as well. Wouldn't have thought Sarah was well-known enough to spawn imitators, but who knew.
calypsus_1 wrote:
What?? Sorry I didn't get that.
speaking in general, nobody knows anticipatedly to the certain and in the competitive world of the songs and music, which the secret and the prescription certain to get success; i find that each artist who if considers with talent and will of presenting in public does not have for in first place this objective, that is, to work for the success; this is a first objective of the editors that face music as a business;
but a thing is known, when the editors try to impose or sugest good criteria to make the artists, despite some momentary success, the result the medium or long stated period alone can be bad; the public functions for the two sides, supporting or punishing;
now about Ms. Jill Barber, desire its bigger happinesses and success in its musical career, we go to follow its work in progress.
What?? Sorry I didn't get that.
dburges wrote:
Thought the same thing myself.
WTF?! This isn't Sarah Harmer?
Thought the same thing myself.
peyotecoyote wrote:
My favorite Christmas CD! These girls are amazing - and I got to see them perform this entire album last year at Christmas
LOVE JILL...she's an east coast favourite of mine, also a very nice lady.
She put out a beautiful Christmas CD last year...all proceeds going to the Halifax Food Bank I believe. Check out the link and sample some songs. https://www.cbc.ca/ns/features/anewkindoflight/cd.html
Christmas IS coming!
psst...Meaghan Smith on the CD is my neighbour and her mom taught my daughter piano lessons
She put out a beautiful Christmas CD last year...all proceeds going to the Halifax Food Bank I believe. Check out the link and sample some songs. https://www.cbc.ca/ns/features/anewkindoflight/cd.html
Christmas IS coming!
psst...Meaghan Smith on the CD is my neighbour and her mom taught my daughter piano lessons
My favorite Christmas CD! These girls are amazing - and I got to see them perform this entire album last year at Christmas
rickf wrote:
She is a real gem for sure...glad you "found" her :) Legacy is my favorite!
Wow, lots of comments for a song I uploaded not too long ago There are a few more songs from each of the last two CD's in the appraisal queue and hopefully the harbinger's of good taste (Rebecca & Bill) will add one or two more.
I loved her voice form the very first time I heard it and couldn't believe she'd been playing as long as she has without me hearing of her before. I immediately ordered the 2 CD's (actually got a signed copy of Chances being one of the first 100 purchases from maplemusic.com).
Enjoy (or not as it strikes you).
There are a few more songs from each of the last two CD's in the appraisal queue and hopefully the harbinger's of good taste (Rebecca & Bill) will add one or two more. I loved her voice form the very first time I heard it and couldn't believe she'd been playing as long as she has without me hearing of her before. I immediately ordered the 2 CD's (actually got a signed copy of Chances being one of the first 100 purchases from maplemusic.com).
Enjoy (or not as it strikes you).
She is a real gem for sure...glad you "found" her :) Legacy is my favorite!
perked my ears up because i never hear songs with my name in it.
not sure if i like it or not, though. reserving my rating.
not sure if i like it or not, though. reserving my rating.
WTF?! This isn't Sarah Harmer?
Wow, lots of comments for a song I uploaded not too long ago There are a few more songs from each of the last two CD's in the appraisal queue and hopefully the harbinger's of good taste (Rebecca & Bill) will add one or two more.
I loved her voice form the very first time I heard it and couldn't believe she'd been playing as long as she has without me hearing of her before. I immediately ordered the 2 CD's (actually got a signed copy of Chances being one of the first 100 purchases from maplemusic.com).
Enjoy (or not as it strikes you).
There are a few more songs from each of the last two CD's in the appraisal queue and hopefully the harbinger's of good taste (Rebecca & Bill) will add one or two more. I loved her voice form the very first time I heard it and couldn't believe she'd been playing as long as she has without me hearing of her before. I immediately ordered the 2 CD's (actually got a signed copy of Chances being one of the first 100 purchases from maplemusic.com).
Enjoy (or not as it strikes you).
Is this dirge nearly over yet?
speaking in general, nobody knows anticipatedly to the certain and in the competitive world of the songs and music, which the secret and the prescription certain to get success; i find that each artist who if considers with talent and will of presenting in public does not have for in first place this objective, that is, to work for the success; this is a first objective of the editors that face music as a business;
but a thing is known, when the editors try to impose or sugest good criteria to make the artists, despite some momentary success, the result the medium or long stated period only can be bad; the public (audience) functions for the two sides, supporting or punishing;
now about Ms. Jill Barber, desire its bigger happinesses and success in its musical career, we go to follow its work in progress.
Sweets wrote:
Damn straight, Kris.
"Jill Barber is a real songwriter... a damn good songwriter." Kris Kristofferson
Damn straight, Kris.
thatrunnerdude wrote:
I thought it was Iris Dement at first. Pronunciation/diction is the same. Alas...
Her timbre and vibrato does sound like Iris Dement.
I thought it was Iris Dement at first. Pronunciation/diction is the same. Alas...
Her timbre and vibrato does sound like Iris Dement.
I just love her voice...so lush and deep.
trekhead wrote:
...and again, just now!
Good - it's not just me!
I really like Sarah Harmer - so for me, this is easy to enjoy. I love finding new artists - thanks RP!
...and again, just now!
Good - it's not just me!
I really like Sarah Harmer - so for me, this is easy to enjoy. I love finding new artists - thanks RP!
Droidac wrote:
Perhaps Martha Wainwright or Mary Margaret O'Hara?
It's ok, but I don't really anything too memorable about this song. Interesting voice though - reminds me of someone who I can't think of right now.....
Perhaps Martha Wainwright or Mary Margaret O'Hara?
Yes she does sound a bit like Sarah Harmer, especially on one song called Ashes to Ashes. But her voice is lovely and the album is very strong. Jill has gone very retro, she has a new cd out that sounds like it was recorded in 1955... I'm not kidding (and I'm not referring to the sound quality lol). You can check it out for yourself , she streams the cds on her website, jillbarber.com
I liked her better - when her name was Sarah Harmer (said in David Spade voice)
"Jill Barber is a real songwriter... a damn good songwriter." Kris Kristofferson
Droidac wrote:
...other than too many annoying references to Deborah, about whom I care not.
It's ok, but I don't really
...other than too many annoying references to Deborah, about whom I care not.
LOVE JILL...she's an east coast favourite of mine, also a very nice lady.
She put out a beautiful Christmas CD last year...all proceeds going to the Halifax Food Bank I believe. Check out the link and sample some songs. https://www.cbc.ca/ns/features/anewkindoflight/cd.html
Christmas IS coming!
psst...Meaghan Smith on the CD is my neighbour and her mom taught my daughter piano lessons
She put out a beautiful Christmas CD last year...all proceeds going to the Halifax Food Bank I believe. Check out the link and sample some songs. https://www.cbc.ca/ns/features/anewkindoflight/cd.html
Christmas IS coming!
psst...Meaghan Smith on the CD is my neighbour and her mom taught my daughter piano lessons
This has an Over the Rhine quality about it. 
bindi wrote:
me too - maybe the chord progression that SH favors - a good thing me thinkith!
...and again, just now!
me too - maybe the chord progression that SH favors - a good thing me thinkith!
...and again, just now!
trekhead wrote:
me too - maybe the chord progression that SH favors - a good thing me thinkith!
MAN! I thought this was Sarah Harmer!
me too - maybe the chord progression that SH favors - a good thing me thinkith!
Droidac wrote:
I thought it was Iris Dement at first. Pronunciation/diction is the same. Alas...
It's ok, but I don't really anything too memorable about this song. Interesting voice though - reminds me of someone who I can't think of right now.....
I thought it was Iris Dement at first. Pronunciation/diction is the same. Alas...
MAN! I thought this was Sarah Harmer!
It's ok, but I don't really anything too memorable about this song. Interesting voice though - reminds me of someone who I can't think of right now.....
awww - my favorite from the album...nice to hear Jill on RP
Thank you RP for the great music on a regular basis.
Lots of new stuff today! I'll second the nine that was entered just as this started.