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Patty Griffin — Ohio
Album: American Kid
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2117








Released: 2013
Length: 5:10
Plays (last 30 days): 2
Meet me in the evening, where the river is low
Meet me on the waters of the Ohio
No lines, no lines, the river is a river, not a line
My blood is the water and it's darker and deeper than time

If the hounds are howling, then you cannot hide
My friend, I will meet you on the other side
No lines, no lines, the river is a river, not a line
My love is the water and it's stronger and deeper than time

Meet me 'neath the moon, under the singing tree
If you are the first, stay there and wait for me
If no one comes by morning and the sun is a-rising red
If no one comes by morning, please forgive me, my friend
For I am dead
Comments (133)add comment
 Bat wrote:
I once heard an artist (not her, but it goes with the comment) say that the single greatest thing an audience can do is listen. It's not about the applause or praise or whatever. It's about the courtesy of sitting and  listening to the words and music that is being offered. I find this to be true, even more in some of the smaller more intimate settings. If you're going to go see someone perform and you sit there and talk through it until you hear the one song you know, don't be surprised when I tell you to shut the fuck up. I'm not here to listen to your dumbass blubber through the show. Go home and do that. Aside from pissing people off, it is totally disrespectful to the artist. Not everything revolves around you. Sorry, I'm done now. :)

A few months late replying to this but I also saw her at that show.  She was good (of course) but I have to say that I was greatly disappointed by many of the folks in attendance.  By the end of the show at least a third and maybe more had left and she was singing to a lot of empty chairs.  OK, it was a weeknight but you paid good money to see a musical goddess in a fabulous setting and you've got to run home to bed?  Come on folks.


beautiful
Thank you RP! 
 skindy wrote:

Yay! I love this new track from Patty with her hubby Robert Plant singing backup. I could listen to her all day. LOVE HER!


Hearing this again, just as enraptured by it... though sad that she's no longer with Robert Plant. (I don't think they ever married, but I could be wrong...)
Patty hmmmmm love her
LOVE Patti, real songs for real life  :)
 xcranky_yankee wrote:
like a pain scale, someone always wants to go above. what's missing is nuance to define a rating, this is where our comments come in


I don’t think this song is painful at all, beck or moby yes it is painful 
Have to take my eyes off the monitor and stare out the window for a minute or two.

I hope to meet all of you on the other side.
She's breaking my heart, and putting it back together.
She sure is a genius.
 DW4554 wrote:

Robert Plant on duet vocal.  The man surely did and very much still does get around.  LZ was quite the springboard.  




They were an 'item' for many years. 
really enjoyed this...   great rhythms
Push to 10. I live beside a river and man this resonates. My favourite Patty Griffin song. 🥰
Robert Plant on duet vocal.  The man surely did and very much still does get around.  LZ was quite the springboard.  
Every. Single. Time.

Somebody here once said 'Patty Griffin is God'.
We could do worse.

c.
 jp33442 wrote:

Great song made it a 10, bill can you make the ratings up to 15

like a pain scale, someone always wants to go above. what's missing is nuance to define a rating, this is where our comments come in

 wonderunit wrote:

"Long Ride Home" off her 1000 Kisses LP is a particular masterpiece in this regard.  I first heard it on RP not long after my son died. It gave me some measure of comfort to know "Ok, there's somebody else that really gets what's happening to me."
that is an incredible piece to listen to on the drive after death. the lyrics cut right through when you hear someone who is realizing how few loving words she/he has spoken to the one they've lost. am grateful i was more thoughtful but wish i'd said so much more...
 deepevil wrote:

Awful



Awfully absurd.
lotsa stuff going on by the banks of the Old Ohio
some good, some bad, some really scary
Awful
 cc_rider wrote:
 
 Wow, what an interesting thought. The lyrics fit perfectly with that interpretation. Hounds howling, crossing at night...

Did a bit of searching - you nailed it, or close enough:

The song was inspired by the Toni Morrison post-Civil War set novel, Beloved. The book tells the story of Sethe, a former slave living on the outskirts of Cincinnati, Ohio, who is haunted by Beloved, the reincarnation of her dead daughter.

c.






The official music video for the song is moving, too. (And Robert Plant makes an appearance.) There's a good description of the significance of the paper cut-outs in the video, plus a link, here: https://www.rollingstone.com/m...
Great song made it a 10, bill can you make the ratings up to 15
 cc_rider wrote:
 
  ...She's written some of the best songs about death...


"Long Ride Home" off her 1000 Kisses LP is a particular masterpiece in this regard.  I first heard it on RP not long after my son died. It gave me some measure of comfort to know "Ok, there's somebody else that really gets what's happening to me."

 expatlar wrote:
Paying attention to this song makes me think "I should find out more about this artist." Very good on so many levels.
 I've been fortunate enough to see her several times. She's a great performer, very engaging. Even better when she's sitting in with folks like Sara Hickman and Shawn Colvin - now THAT was a show!

Her music has entranced me for years. She's written some of the best songs about death: 'Goodbye' is about Jeff Buckley. The Ohio album is about her father -this song 'might' be the exception, depending on your interpretation.

Glad you like it, she's an RP staple. I recommend 'Silver Bell' - its history alone is worth the price of admission.
Best,
c.

Paying attention to this song makes me think "I should find out more about this artist." Very good on so many levels.
She was a cute kid! Looks like a school  photo, made the drill team apparently.
 sunybuny wrote:
I just really read the lyrics.... this could be the lament of an escaped slave heading for the north. The southern bank of the Ohio River was the last barrier to freedom for so many.

Huh.
 
Very likely.  Thanks.
 cc_rider wrote:
 sunybuny wrote:
I just really read the lyrics.... this could be the lament of an escaped slave heading for the north. The southern bank of the Ohio River was the last barrier to freedom for so many.

Huh.
 Wow, what an interesting thought. The lyrics fit perfectly with that interpretation. Hounds howling, crossing at night...

Did a bit of searching - you nailed it, or close enough:

The song was inspired by the Toni Morrison post-Civil War set novel, Beloved. The book tells the story of Sethe, a former slave living on the outskirts of Cincinnati, Ohio, who is haunted by Beloved, the reincarnation of her dead daughter.

c.



 

I always liked this song, but never paid close attention. Just enjoyed the sounds. Now with all of this information - goosebumps. 
 cc_rider wrote:
 sunybuny wrote:
I just really read the lyrics.... this could be the lament of an escaped slave heading for the north. The southern bank of the Ohio River was the last barrier to freedom for so many.

Huh.
 Wow, what an interesting thought. The lyrics fit perfectly with that interpretation. Hounds howling, crossing at night...

Did a bit of searching - you nailed it, or close enough:

The song was inspired by the Toni Morrison post-Civil War set novel, Beloved. The book tells the story of Sethe, a former slave living on the outskirts of Cincinnati, Ohio, who is haunted by Beloved, the reincarnation of her dead daughter.

c.



 
I love to see comments like this that add value to the experience of listening to the song in question.
The start of this song  seems so similar to a David Crosby tune ("Laughing"?)
 sunybuny wrote:
I just really read the lyrics.... this could be the lament of an escaped slave heading for the north. The southern bank of the Ohio River was the last barrier to freedom for so many.

Huh.
 Wow, what an interesting thought. The lyrics fit perfectly with that interpretation. Hounds howling, crossing at night...

Did a bit of searching - you nailed it, or close enough:

The song was inspired by the Toni Morrison post-Civil War set novel, Beloved. The book tells the story of Sethe, a former slave living on the outskirts of Cincinnati, Ohio, who is haunted by Beloved, the reincarnation of her dead daughter.

c.



Benooooooit thanks for sharing
R.P you have impeccable taste … glad to know you!
The collective "We" must assure your sustainability  : >
$$$ donate often !!!
I just really read the lyrics.... this could be the lament of an escaped slave heading for the north. The southern bank of the Ohio River was the last barrier to freedom for so many.

Huh.
 xkolibuul wrote:

Yes.  What country should be.  Gorgeous.
 
Who knew Plant was country all along... Patty is one of a kind too
Very well may have been. They were dating during this time. I saw her at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles during her tour for this album. Robert Plant came onstage and sang  "Highway Song" with her. aelfheld wrote:
I thought I heard Robert Plant in there.
 

I thought I heard Robert Plant in there.
THis woman can sing at my funeral.....almost worth dying for :D
Gorgeously Sad
{#Sunny}
 ziggytrix wrote:

You certainly wouldn't hear this on any Country station.  I might listen to one if they played songs like this.

 
Yes.  What country should be.  Gorgeous.
Not bad but not very memorable either. Have to agree with the dirge like quote below. 
 cc_rider wrote:

The album is mostly about her Dad, who passed away a few years ago.

We saw her just the other day at the Paramount, after the blade-lighting ceremony. She is just amazing. Makes it look so easy.
 

 

A few months late replying to this but I also saw her at that show.  She was good (of course) but I have to say that I was greatly disappointed by many of the folks in attendance.  By the end of the show at least a third and maybe more had left and she was singing to a lot of empty chairs.  OK, it was a weeknight but you paid good money to see a musical goddess in a fabulous setting and you've got to run home to bed?  Come on folks.
 cc_rider wrote:

Amen! I have this and Silver Bell on heavy rotation in my workshop.

 
What goes on in your workshop? I noticed from you member page that you list as your interests "DIY: wood, cars, home, guns, audio, etc". Stuff like that?
So, so good.
 ziggytrix wrote:

You certainly wouldn't hear this on any Country station.  I might listen to one if they played songs like this.

 
Try KOKE-FM or Sun Radio. Both are local Austin with an internet presence. KOKE is commercial but fully owned by locals. Sun Radio is non-commercial and is a veritable 'who's who' of Austin radio stalwarts.
 MrsTom wrote:
A bit dirge-like
 
The album is mostly about her Dad, who passed away a few years ago.

We saw her just the other day at the Paramount, after the blade-lighting ceremony. She is just amazing. Makes it look so easy.
 
 Imkirok wrote:
Country?

 
You certainly wouldn't hear this on any Country station.  I might listen to one if they played songs like this.
A bit dirge-like
 ShaunJ wrote:

Actually, I read an article recently in Rolling Stone where Robert Plant said they have separated and he is back living in Wales.
 
What a pity! They are good together!
 BlueBerryKush wrote:

I think the fact that Plant & Griffin are now married and living together in Austin and are performing regularly together; it's safe to assume that they are collaborating and influencing each other tremendously.  They are both extraordinarily talented and have been, or still are, at the top of their profession.   

 
Actually, I read an article recently in Rolling Stone where Robert Plant said they have separated and he is back living in Wales.
Buying this song for my autumn playlists. It's good for the soul. 
 rdo wrote:

I'd say that is a "propper" usage of the RP rating mechanism.  Do you mind if I join you in bumpin' this to a 9?
 
Just read the lyrics and felt the need to bump to a "10". Maybe it's my mood, maybe it's other things, but loving me some Patty these days. 
Nice!
{#Clap}
The more I hear of Patty Griffin, the more I appreciate her work. Sublime guitar, vocals, heart.
Did not think I would be recommending Train. But I could hear Mississippi alongside this. Actually I think it would be a step up.
 Peter_Bradshaw wrote:
{#Arrow}{#Heartkiss} 9
 
I'd say that is a "propper" usage of the RP rating mechanism.  Do you mind if I join you in bumpin' this to a 9?
 Jim_Messenger wrote:
I haven't got PSD on my internet radio  :-(

This track has now been played EVERY day for the last week.

ENUFF BILL.     Play one of her other albums FFS.  The lady made more than one. 

 
Bill and Rebecca play new music more frequently.  Deal with it.  
This song was stuck in my head at 2 a.m. this morning.
 sharkey wrote:
 Jim_Messenger wrote:
I haven't got PSD on my internet radio  :-(

This track has now been played EVERY day for the last week.

ENUFF BILL.     Play one of her other albums FFS.  The lady made more than one. 

 

Sign in & you will have the PSD button. Not that you should use it for Patty Griffin.

 
I need a different button for PG: 'stop doing whatever you're doing and just listen.'
{#Arrow}{#Heartkiss} 9
Nice.....  {#Clap}
Right On...
 
8
 Jim_Messenger wrote:
I haven't got PSD on my internet radio  :-(

This track has now been played EVERY day for the last week.

ENUFF BILL.     Play one of her other albums FFS.  The lady made more than one. 

 

Sign in & you will have the PSD button. Not that you should use it for Patty Griffin.
I haven't got PSD on my internet radio  :-(

This track has now been played EVERY day for the last week.

ENUFF BILL.     Play one of her other albums FFS.  The lady made more than one. 
 kcar wrote:

Where have I been? I will take all your listens and then some! 

 
Amen! I have this and Silver Bell on heavy rotation in my workshop.
 Larrygrrl wrote:
This song is o.k., but seriously overplayed.  It's turning into an instant "PSD".

 
Where have I been? I will take all your listens and then some! 
 Pyro wrote:
Her writing is so amazing.  Add Plant's guitar and vocals, great studio production (better, IMHO, than some of her previous albums) and you have an amazing poignant piece of work.  Bravo.

 
Plant's vocals are great, but it's Luther Dickinson and Craig Ross on guitar.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Kid
This song is o.k., but seriously overplayed.  It's turning into an instant "PSD".
Country?


{#Clap} 
 Jim_Messenger wrote:

Absolutely.    And EIGHT times in last 30 days !!   Come on Bill -  if you want to play Country then there are plenty of choices out there. You may have a glut of Country Stations in the USA but the rest of us are starved.  And we follow up with Alison Kraus ....  again !.   I love her but what about Reba, Trisha, Patsy.   Give them all a fair crack of the whip.

 
                             OH COME ON.    NOT THIS WHINING DIRGE AGAIN !!



 siskinbob wrote:
The vocals are a bit too whiny for my taste

 
Absolutely.    And EIGHT times in last 30 days !!   Come on Bill -  if you want to play Country then there are plenty of choices out there. You may have a glut of Country Stations in the USA but the rest of us are starved.  And we follow up with Alison Kraus ....  again !.   I love her but what about Reba, Trisha, Patsy.   Give them all a fair crack of the whip.
Her writing is so amazing.  Add Plant's guitar and vocals, great studio production (better, IMHO, than some of her previous albums) and you have an amazing poignant piece of work.  Bravo.
 siskinbob wrote:
The vocals are a bit too whiny for my taste

 
She might not have the best voice in the world, I personally like it, but her song writing ability is exceptional.   
The vocals are a bit too whiny for my taste
 Proclivities wrote:

He's the quarterback for the Washington Redskins.  {#Wink}
 
Ha! I want to see that!!
 xtalman wrote:

Huh?  Maybe a little due to Page liking to experiment with other stringed instruments.  Not sure how much Plant had to do with some it.

 
I think the fact that Plant & Griffin are now married and living together in Austin and are performing regularly together; it's safe to assume that they are collaborating and influencing each other tremendously.  They are both extraordinarily talented and have been, or still are, at the top of their profession.   
 jimys wrote:
So who is playing that marvelous guitar?

 
Guitars are played by the equally marvelous Doug Lancio and Luther Dickinson.
 Imkirok wrote:
This whole album (with the exception of one song I don't care for) is beautiful.  It's a very emotional and heartfelt tribute to her father who recently passed away.  I listened to it over and over the first day I got it, and cried all night thinking that this will be me when my dad dies, which hopefully won't be for a long time.

 
Awesome quote, thank you for this. Patty has a wonderful gift for identifying those universal themes that move us all and then writing beautiful songs about them. She's in a class all her own.
 Chingachgook wrote:
PLANT, my dear boy, PLANT. 
 
What? Robert is a plant? I don't get it.
I saw her couple years ago at Hardly, Strictly Bluegrass in SF, on stage with Emmy Lou, Shawn Colvin and Buddy Miller. They were doing  a song circle, so on one of her turns she declared she wanted to try out a new song. Title was "Our Love Was A Dud."  After the song, she admitted that it might need some more work, especially the title. Wonder what became of the song.....
This whole album (with the exception of one song I don't care for) is beautiful.  It's a very emotional and heartfelt tribute to her father who recently passed away.  I listened to it over and over the first day I got it, and cried all night thinking that this will be me when my dad dies, which hopefully won't be for a long time.
 cc_rider wrote:
I knew who it was instantly, but I don't think I've heard this song before. As usual, Ms. Griffin is transcendent.

But who is this 'Robert' guy Bill mentioned? Robert Griffin? Never hearda him.

 
He's the quarterback for the Washington Redskins.  {#Wink}
Thank goodness Mr. Plant's voice is well back in the mix.  Shouldn't be there at all ....... but that's mostly me being jealous.
Great song. Truly. But can you please stop driving it into the ground? I really do love you guys, but the amount you overplay a few select songs is frustratingly baffling.
excellent... another backcatalogue for me to invest in !
Very nice song!
Saw Patty and her guitarist do this last Thursday.  The live version was even better than this and would deserve a 10.
LOvely harmonies and soul-searching melody and lyrics.
 cc_rider wrote:
I knew who it was instantly, but I don't think I've heard this song before. As usual, Ms. Griffin is transcendent.

But who is this 'Robert' guy Bill mentioned? Robert Griffin? Never hearda him.

 
PLANT, my dear boy, PLANT. 
Patty talks about a few of the new songs (including Ohio) here https://www.npr.org/2013/07/08/189504039/patty-griffin-on-world-cafe
 lemmoth wrote:
Robert sounds more like Michael Stipe on this one to me.

 
Blasphemy!

Kidding. I sorta hear it too. As long as he doesn't get in Patty's way, I'm okay with it. 
Robert sounds more like Michael Stipe on this one to me.
I knew who it was instantly, but I don't think I've heard this song before. As usual, Ms. Griffin is transcendent.

But who is this 'Robert' guy Bill mentioned? Robert Griffin? Never hearda him.
 paradisepig wrote:
{#Daisy}delicate on the ears{#Daisy}
 

Well said...  hope you are having a marvelous moment right now...  love this song...
 
 paradisepig wrote:
{#Daisy}delicate on the ears{#Daisy}

 
and good for the soul eh {#Meditate}
This one made it to my top 100 {#Daisy}
{#Daisy}delicate on the ears{#Daisy}
Tonight @ The Neptune in Seattle - looking forward to it.
 jimys wrote:
So who is playing that marvelous guitar?

 
I was wondering the same thing ...
I'm a big fan of Patty Griffin's rocky side, but not so much of her deep country side, and sadly this doesn't set my ears alight. I'm sure that it's a tasteful treatment of an old classic.
So who is playing that marvelous guitar?
{#Daisy}
 stargazer1 wrote:
American folk plus some (east) Indian riffs. Great lyrics. Freakin' awesome!

 
Yup !
I'm kinda diggin' this
Wow.  Someone actually rates this a '1'.  Defies logic.  Stingray, you trolling again?
 bronorb wrote:


The guitars are very Zep-like
.

 
Huh?  Maybe a little due to Page liking to experiment with other stringed instruments.  Not sure how much Plant had to do with some it.
from an 8 to a 9!
 Steve wrote:
I love you Patty, but your boyfriend just gets in the way of your beautiful voice.

 
I agree a little.  Still, a great new addition to the RP library. 7.
my fav trak from American Kid, so love it! so love the album! so love Patty! {#Kiss}
 Imkirok wrote:
Is everybody in your hotel/church dancing?
 

Indeed...  hope you have a spring in your step today...  love this marvelous song...
 
American folk plus some (east) Indian riffs. Great lyrics. Freakin' awesome!
 skindy wrote:
Yay! I love this new track from Patty with her hubby Robert Plant singing backup. I could listen to her all day. LOVE HER!

 

The guitars are very Zep-like
.
Oh yes. Just bought the new album - it's wonderful. Mostly very stripped down sound, and Patty's voice and lyrics never better. Going to see her here at the Haw River Ballroom in a couple of weeks. CanNOT wait. A Plant sighting would top off the night, but either way, gonna be a transcendent show methinks.
The new album is most excellent!
 philbertr wrote:

What he/she said.

 
Oh hey Rochester NY! I'm in Albany. Originally from Auburn. And I'm a she. {#Biggrin}
Fantastic lyrics.