Letters
She Learned to Love the Thread
Dear Ann,
Breaking news: ROSANNE CASH IS A KNITTER.
Oh and also: she has a new record coming out today.
(Photo: Gael Towey.)
I know that Rosanne is a knitter, because I taught her. We met a few years ago, at a book signing for her memoir, Composed. She wanted to learn how to knit, and asked me if I gave lessons. I said, not really, but I’d be glad to teach you to knit. It was one of the nicest surprises ever.
We met up a while later; teaching her to knit took about a half hour. She seemed to already know how. One time, she showed me a bag of her late mother’s knitting and crochet supplies and WIPs. Which she had kept. Just like you did. I think very highly of anybody who keeps their mom’s knitting. Rosanne is a keeper of things, and from her I have learned that I should keep more things. (As you know, I can easily ditch 50 things a day. I’m a ditcher, I crave swept surfaces.) This learning came at a good time for me. It helped save Peter’s suits, for example. I had almost yielded to the powerful utilitarian logic of giving away most of his suits. (Remember, my mom taught me to ditch. Clean surfaces. Empty closets.) I learned that Rosanne keeps a pair of her dad’s boots in her son’s closet. Right there with his shoes. A few of her mom’s and stepmother’s things hang next to her own jackets and dresses. That was a revelation to my hardened little heart, about what keeping a material thing can mean, and how to do it. The other day a little note fell out of her bag and was read out to the assembled sewing circle. I was thinking, dang. I should keep some notes in my bag. I’ve got notes. All that is needed here is a beat up Filofax from the early 90s.
(Update: my bag still recalls Grandma Mabel’s vast snapping pocketbook. Contents: wallet, Altoids, Chapstick and an echo. Work in progress.)
Here is the first thing Rosanne knit, a Schmatta scarf in Malabrigo Rasta.
When she was done, she went straight out and found a good button for it. My work was done, and it was good.
Rosanne knit a few more things, but then she guided me down a completely different crafty rabbit hole: Alabama Chanin sewing. So now we sew, together with friends, more than we knit. The knitting, the sewing, the keeping, the circle–these were a balm to me the past couple of years. But the greatest gift has been discovering Rosanne’s music. When you are getting to know someone who makes music, and you don’t know very much of their music because you were working as a junior law-bot while they were making a lot of this music, it is embarrassing. In my haste to rectify, I fell into one album in particular, Black Cadillac. This album is extraordinary songwriting, or writing of any kind, about grief and what happens to an important relationship when one party dies. It floored me. One line: “I’m the list of everyone I have to lose.” That. That right there. When (not if: when) I make my first set of text-based quilts, they are going to be lines from Black Cadillac songs. My second set may involve the Bible. Or Mr. Darcy’s Letter. But Black Cadillac goes first.
The new record is called The River and the Thread. (NB: THE THREAD!) I keep reading reviews saying it’s about the South. To me, it’s about sewing. Just kidding. It has sewing in it (if you listen) and it also has a song that Rosanne apparently wrote in the 19th century: When the Master Calls The Roll. This song gives me the honest-to-goodness shivers. You can prelisten to the album on NPR here.
Excellent articles about the record, and Rosanne, and the South are: in the Oxford American, Rolling Stone, and the good old New York Times Magazine.
And if we need any further proof that I have raised up a knitter, Rosanne sent me this picture today.
In conclusion:
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL KNITTING MUSICIAN.
Love,
Kay
Well, that was not the album promotion I was expecting (I don’t know what I was expecting, but this is definitely not it!). I did read about the album in the NYT and thought about buying it because I loved the story. I don’t really know her music either. Great story though!
Favorite sad song right now is Stardust sung by Nat King Cole or Willie Nelson. Perfect song for a few minutes time out.
I heard the interview with RC on NPR this morning and loved the tracks they played. <3
Kindertotenlieder by Gustav Mahler. They are heartbreaking.
I was at Columbia shortly after you, and did the lawbot thing for 15 years — no tv, no knitting, no music. Then everything stopped due to illness, and I had TIME. Thank goodness for knitting, or I would have gone crazy.
My favorite sad song is Desperado by the Eagles or sung by Linda Ronstadt.
Michigan by The Milk Carton Kids is my favorite sad song. I love a good, haunting song.
There’s a song that Dar Williams sings called Family, on her CD Mortal City, that never fails to make me cry. I’m looking forward to hearing RC’s new work!
I pre-ordered it, too, along with Bruce’s new CD. I plan to spend the day listening while alternately knitting and working on one of my many Alabama Chanin projects, all while craving hot slaw from Bunyan’s Bar-B-Que in Florence, AL. As for sad songs, there are so many, but I never listen to Roseanne and Bruce since Sea of Heartbreak just once. I have to play it at least twice when it comes up on my playlist. (Many years ago, I walked into the independent bookstore near my house, and Roseanne was here, doing a reading of one of her books. I didn’t know it was happening–just a happy accident.)
THIS IS ME! I have to listen to Sea of Heartbreak quite a few times before I can let it go! Today is a BANNER music day!
What’ll I Do? By Nat King Cole gets me every time.
I love Rosanne Cash. And I haven’t had a chance to listen to the album on NPR. But I’m glad I didn’t order it as now I have a chance to win it :). I think my favorite sad song right now is The Living Years by Mike and the Mechanics.
Saddest song ever has to be a beautiful violin version of Time to say Goodbye, played at a friend’s funeral who died too young. It makes me weep just thinking about it.
Sand and Water by Beth Nielson Chapman – in fact a great record for sadness as well.
Can you believe I said RECORD — album, I meant album.
Showing my age . . .
The first sad song, for those of us who still say “record,” might be the old mope, Seasons in the Sun. eek.
I think my favorite sad song right now is “San Diego Serenade” by Tom Waits. Early Tom Waits albums are a treasure.
Angel From Montgomery….sung by Bonnie Raitt…I cry.
And Roseanne got me in her Terry Gross interview about the list.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow sung by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. I enjoyed the NYT Mag article and the Fresh Air segment, but this is the best thing I’ve read about Rosanne and the album.
Sufjan Stevens’ Casmir Pulaski Day must be the saddest song. Beautiful and tissue-paper vulnerable.
Wayfaring Stranger.
And jeez louise, Kay, what a sweet and timely post. You made me cry.
Thank you.
Became a fan of Roseanne after hearing her speak in Nash Vegas at an environmental conf 100 years ago. Saddest song was hearing June Carter Cash sing “Burning Ring of Fire” at her last visit to Carter’s Fold with Johnny. (A slowed down acoustic version). You and R have show me Alabama Chanin, through blogs and tweets. Thank you for getting me to earn this sewing technique.
Saddest song ever? The one by Bonnie Raitt that has the line “I can’t make you love me” in the chorus. I was with my ex-husband for ten years, and that one song seems to sum up so many of them—“I can’t make your heart feel something it won’t”
I was going to pick that one too!! SO SAD.
All Along the Watchtower, by Jimi Hendrix. It’s the guitar. It just sings of pain.
The thing is, songs are sad by association, not because of key, or lyrics. So, “Nothing Like a Dame” and “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” will have me in floods of tears because I associate them with funerals. The theme to The Archers (radio series, beloved by Franklin Habit) only doesn’t have me in tears because we couldn’t get permission to play it at a fellow morris dancer’s funeral.
The saddest song I know is Peter Paul and Mary’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane” . It was playing on the radio on the day we drove my husband (then boyfriend) back to the army base where he was shipping out to Vietnam. It haunts me to this day. Thank you.
I’d love to hear some new songs, sad or otherwise. Love this story, Roseanne is gorgeous.
American Pie (is that the title?) –about Buddy Holley, Big Bopper, etc. We had tickets to see them in concert later that week.
Not a particularly sad song, but for years I have loved Rosanne Cash’s version of “Tennessee Flat Top Box.”
Roseanne’s version of her father’s Tennessee Flat Top Box” gets me everytime . . .
What a great story!
One of the saddest songs I know, on a sad album (to me), is Lucinda William’s “Mama You Sweet”.
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones. I’ve loved the Cash family music since Johnny came on the scene in the 50’s. Yes, I am that old.
Favorite sad singer is Tom Waits, including On the Nickel. I don’t save things, this made me stop and think.
The song I listened to over and over when my mom died was “Keep Me In Your Heart” by Warren Zevon (written to his wife when he was dying). I actually didn’t think of it as a sad song at the time, because it’s so very beautiful and intimate, but looking back, I think it qualifies!
Can’t think of any sad songs. I think I avoid them just like I avoid sad movies!
“When She Loved Me” sung by Sarah McLachlan…… I know its a song about a toy and her young owner, I saw the movie….but to me it could be any relationship…you love them, but sometimes people move on……either by choice or by circumstance. I love this song, but I can’t listen to it in public….it’s too embarrassing to be caught crying in the cereal aisle of the grocery store 🙂
I know it’s contrite, but “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miz. Kills me every time, a song of loss & hope, yet no redemption.
Hank Williams I’m So Lonesome I Could Die does it for me. I loved reading this post. In part, it made me think about what I’ve kept down through the years, and since I’m in the midst of a paring down phase, I will now re-evaluate some of my decisions.
This is a gorgeous promotion. Knowing you like I do, and hearing what you’ve said about your lovely friend, I’d say you’re both lucky to have found each other. That makes me exceedingly happy. <3
PS: already have the album, don’t need the yarn – but thank you!
Well, for sheer wracking torment, there’s “Threnody on the Death of Benjamin Britten” by Arvo Part, but let’s instead say that “A Little Bit of Rain” by Fred Neil is a bit of melancholy that is always worth returning to.
GREAT post, Kay! How exciting for you and how exciting for Rosanne. I will definitely buy her music TODAY!
My fav sad song that comes to mind is Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” It was played at my sister’s funeral in September, so although sad, it is also uplifting, but I cry every time I hear it.
I appreciate everything you write, thank you so much!
Early Tom Waits,,all of it! And such a lovely post…thank you for the writing on saving…
I can’t remember which song Jonathon Schwartz played the other day that made me teary, but Carson comforting Lady Mary made me cry. I just lost my mother, finished sitting, and now I don’t quite know what to do. I want to find the shawl I knit her. I did buy a pink scarf with butterflies on it, though I probably shouldn’t have, but she would have bought it for me.
I would love to get to know her music. My current and all time favorite “sad” song is “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”, by Tony Bennett. It means the world to me. I’d love to find something more current. Thanks for the hope! 😉
Oh, I never enter the giveaways! But I want this album… and I love sad songs, so I have to share two favorites with you: Small Blue Thing, by Suzanne Vega and Angel with a Broken Wing by Jennie Stearns
Off to queue up some tunes and grab my tissues!
Brother Iz (Israel Kamakawiwo’ole)’s version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow is a sad song that makes me happy. So beautiful, it lifts my spirits when I’m down.
Sometimes songs run through my head as I stitch. And no matter how I try they don’t leave. I just finished a pair of socks that were stitches as I hummed night&day. Now this doesn’t qualify as a sad song – does it? But I don’t think I will ever wear these socks with out humming to myself….day&night, night&day, you are the one. Somehow it seems appropriate that or is it just nerdy that my socks are a love song to myself ; )
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones is my favorite.
elvis presley’s “softly as i leave you”, the only elvis presley song i actually like!
and for sheer wallow, when i really need a good cry, the entire Carole King Tapestry album.
hope you are well – helene
‘I Drive Your Truck’ by Lee Brice is the current sad song. I thought it was a brother song, but recently found out, it is a father-son song. Even more sad.
Kay! I’m honored by this. Thank you. And I will be happy to sign the CDs you give away!
I love this post! One of my favorite sad songs is from the band Hem and it includes the line, “and it’s not California here.” As a California native who loves her home state and has been gone for 15+ years, that line kills me sometimes, esp when already feeling blue.
My favorite sad song is “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye?” I cry EVERY time I hear it.
I discovered Roseann when she played my little local theatre in western Massachusetts, and was bowled away by her talent. Like my love of knitting, rodeo and lavender, the moment of discovery was a moment of “Where have YOU been all my life?” It was like connecting to something I already knew.
I love your story about connecting with her, and how her work helps to heal and inspire. And I love that Palomino sweater pattern, complete with smoking cowboy. Good stuff. Glad someone saved it. That’s what saving can do.
love Ms. Cash, love you, love knitting & sewing – happy 2014!!
Not sure I deserve to win because I can’t think of my favorite sad song and so many god ones have been listed. But I would love to win this CD.
Not sure I deserve to win because I can’t think of my favorite sad song and so many good ones have been listed. But I would love to win this CD.
I have enjoyed Rosanne Cash for ages! Seven Year Ache, Right or Wrong are two of her LPs I have had for ages!! Too many favourites, Rainin’, Seven Year Ache, Only Human, Take Me, Take Me…..etc! (And we are all fans of her Dad’s). Thanks for this opportunity, ladies!
“Question” by the Moody Blues, definitely. “…and if you could see/what’s it’s done to me/to lose the love I knew…”
Great post, too. Love Roseanne Cash!
“King David” by Herbert Howells (and Walter de la Mare) is a song I used to sing to my son when he was very small. The same son who used to sing “Ring of Fire” in the back of the car when he was about 5. He was a big Johnny Cash fan.
I’m not familiar with Rosanne’s music – but I’m off to listen to the NPR interview! Thank you for broadening my horizons. 🙂
Tim McGraw’s “Don’t Take the Girl” has that ambiguous ending that makes it sadder than if it ended with certainty.
I’m just going to say Hey Howdy Hey. What a nice story for a gloomy winter’s day. I’m a big fan!
What a great story! I can’t name just one sad song, but love to knit while I listen.
I have been a Johnny Cash fan since I was little. My granddad had 8 tracks of his music we listened to in the car. My dad took me to see him when I was 5 and even though I fell asleep before the show was over I still remember bits of the show! That was 40 yrs ago! I would love to get to know Rosanne’s music! I’m mainly a sewer but am trying to learn knitting. My favorite sad song would have to be Angel by Sarah McLaughlin, it makes me think of my mom every time I hear it. I didn’t start sewing or knitting till after she passed and regret that I couldn’t share that love with her.
From a totally different genre: “For Good,” from the musical “Wicked,” makes me weep.
My favorite sad song is “Guilty” by Bonnie Raitt – very lugubrious.
That Palomino Horse sweater is a hoot. I had to think a bit about a sad song. I think the instrumental song from The Civil War by Ken Burns is truly one of the saddest songs ever. I dont’ remember who wrote the song but I know it was composed especially for the documentary. It evokes all the sadness of that terrible time of war in our country. Thanks for the chance to win such a great sounding album.
Luv it! My favorite sad song is, “I’ll be home for Christmas.” Makes me tear up every time.
I heard her interview on NPR about the first house her dad lived in and how she wrote a song about the paint cans. It made me want to hear the whole collection.
Oof. This post just brought out all the weepy… Funny how the sad song evolves as we age. In my 20’s it was Joni Mitchel, anything from Blue but especially ‘River’… But then I got a little older and it was Neil Young’s Harvest Album (Out on the Weekend? Old Man?) that gots me every time… The album is like a prescription for catharsis. Thanks for so much for sharing!
My favorite ‘sad’ song is “It Happens Every Day,” by Carly Simon. It’s the breakup of a marriage, a situation which I have not encountered personally. But it’s a good reminder of why a marriage might unravel, and that maybe I need to pay more attention sometimes to make sure my own marriage stays whole.
Love this post, love Roseanne, and love MDK!
Great post – I heard Roseanne interviewed a year or so ago (that means it was probably 3) and she mentioned you and learning to knit. I don’t know if I have a favorite song, but I love Seven Year Ache – I got that album when I was drifting around the midwest in my 20’s, while you were a law bot. (we are about the same age, I’m sure.) The Gees Bend Knitters are going to be at Fiber College! Ask Gale Z.
Wow, love to listen to Roseanne Cash! Right now, for sad song, I’d have to go with “He Stopped Loving Her Today”, George Jones or the new one by Alan Jackson: “Blue Ridge Mountain Song”
The saddest song? Time in a Bottle. When I hear it, it reminds me of loved ones that are gone. But I still love the song, because it reminds me to cherish the time I have.
Wonderful piece that celebrates the “ties that bind” good friends. One of my favorite sad cathartic songs is “Not a Day Goes By” by Stephen Sondheim. Kills me every time. And Rosanne’s hauntingly beautiful, “The World Unseen”. Totally jealous of Rosanne’s first “Schmatta” effort, proving you’re a good teacher and she’s a good knitter….mine (and I’m a knitting newbie) didn’t even rank “Schmatta” status!
Thank you for a lovely post. Fav sad song “Neither One of Us Wants to Be the First to Say Good-bye”.
Love it. I need to get more familiar with her music! The one CD my library has is NOT cutting it. Thanks for the giveaway!
Saddest song?
Can bring tears to my eyes just thinking about it!
Don’t ever try to knit and listen to this song at the same time!
Not sure bucket of salt water is good for the yarn!
Your Long Journey –
Thanks to Robert Plant
and Alison Krause
Oh dear that one has me on the floor every time. Same genre as When the Master Calls the Roll.
This was another beautiful post, my friend. I feel a little ferklempt, between the saving/throwing of things, the purse with the echo, the beauty of friendship and then all the sad songs listed in the comments. Next up, I go listen to that NPR interview.
My sad song entries, dated though they are:
Blue by Joni Mitchell
Redemption Song- by Bob Marley (and covered by pretty much anyone else still gets me too)
anything on the Essence album by Lucinda Williams
The River by Bruce
all early Tom Waits
PS it is true what Mary Lou says above. Come to Fiber College this year, the Gees Bend quilters are coming for real.
great combo….music and yarn!
Great post… best sad song… On My Own from Les Mis… Superstar from the Carpenters… and all of the old Dan Fogelberg stuff…. makes me miss my albums!
Judy Garland singing “have yourself a merry little Christmas” makes me sad every time. And it doesn’t matter what time of year I hear it either, I always seem to get something in my eye…
You and the words and the feels. Don’t ever stop.
*weeps quietly into my knitting*
Very sweet story of friendship. I always hear loss and sorrow in Cohen’s Hallelujah.
Have loved her for quite a while. Love Runaway Train, Black Cadillac, Sea of Heartbreak (Bruuuuuuce).
My saddest song right now is “What’ll I Do” by Irving Berlin. “What’ll I do with just a photograph to tell my troubles to?” This was one of my mom’s favorite songs. She died last May.
What a beautiful post…I read a recent article about a man lost at sea (and found) in the New York Times Magazine and I would have to say a song that always hits me – The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I live in Wisconsin and know the weather of which he speaks and it always touches my soul… To good friends – and those we love! Happy Tuesday!
I’ve listened to Roseanne for years and love her music. I love that she knits, which I do, and sews, which I also do. I’ve also tried my hand at Alabama Chanin technique with good success and lots of fun (I have lived in Florence, Alabama where Ms. Chanin lives). Would love to win the CD!
“Fields of Gold” by Eva Cassidy. I can’t listen to it without being overcome by emotion.
As you may know, I have recently fallen down the Alabama Chanin rabbit hole! I’m pretty sure it was a photo that you posted somewhere that led me to investigate. Spreadin’ the Loving Your Thread gospel! So far, I’ve done more sewing than knitting in the new year.
Eva Cassidy’s rendition of “Autumn Leaves.” There are others, too, many of them on that album but probably mostly because of things personally associated with it.
“Album.” I sound old enough to be a grandma. Heh.
gah. I weep just -thinking- of ‘So Much Mine’ by Johnatha Brooke [the Story].
My favorite sad song is sometimes hard to narrow down, but right now it’s Burning Bridges by Chris Pureka. Malagbrigo is my favorite yarn to work with and yet I’ve still never knit up anything in the Rasta.
Excellent tale!
Weird, I know, but “Ode to Joy” just about kills me every time, even though I don’t speak German.
Freude, schoener Goetterfunken,
Tochter aus Elysium,
Wir betreten feuertrunken,
Himmlische, dein Heiligtum.
Joy, beautiful spark of Gods,
Daughter of Elysium,
We enter, fire-imbibed,
Heavenly, thy sanctuary.
Favorite sad song: The Little Girl and the Snake by Bill Monroe. Favorite knitting musician Roseanne Cash. Loving the new stuff
Cry A River by Amy Grant is haunting and about missed love. I listened to Roseanne’s autobiography and it was great!
Can’t wait to listen to this album! There is a song by Carla Sciaky, from her 1995 album “Awakening”, called “Gladys and Harley” – DON’T listen to it, I’m not kidding. All these years later and I simply cannot listen to that album without sobbing at that song. It is tender and sweet and lovely, but it just gets to me like nothing else!
My favorite sad song is “Helplessness Blues” by Fleet Foxes. It’s not really all that sad, but it always induces a feeling of nameless longing, so I think it counts.
Favorite sad song: “I put the eyes on the rabbit,” by Melvin Van Peebles. I only wish I could find a copy of it.
Favorite blog: yours, when a new comment is posted!
Well, now…..my husband is a huge (HUGE) Johnny Cash fan. I think, to represent, I need to investigate Roseanne’s music. Just saying. One of my favorite sad songs (totally represents my teen years!) is “At Seventeen” by Janis Ian.
I’ve got two that are closely related in theme that make me sad every time I hear them, but I still have to stop and listen if they come on: ‘My Hometown’ by Bruce Springsteen and ‘Rain on the Scarecrow’ by John Cougar Mellencamp. Growing up, I watched as factories closed and family farms were sold and it was sad and scary and so final. A way of life just. . . gone.
Great story and thanks for the reminder that Roseanne has a new album out! Coincidentally, it is her duet with her father, September When it Comes, that is up there are one of the most moving songs ever. The other song that always comes to mind for me is The Dimming of the Day by Richard and Linda Thompson (the original recorded back in the mid-70s).
I have to stop now, writing this has triggered an avalanche of musical memories and I’m likely to produce a mountainous playlist.
The song I can’t listen to in public is Why by Rascal Flatts. I first heard it around the time a young man I knew committed suicide, and it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. How/why does music so quickly cut through our protective layers in a way nothing else can?
Very thoughtful and inspired post. My list of favorite sad songs is too long to itemize. I think music is so powerful in communicating many different emotions; several of my favorites are only instrumental. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kay, the saddest song I know is Rosanne’s Dad’s song “Hurt.” I loved listening to anything Johnny Cash did but this song recorded just before he died is haunting and amazing. I am going to order Rosanne’s album today. She is strong and amazing.
Lovely wistful post. Saddest song ever: Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. Gets me every single time.
I learned a new sad song this past holiday season: The Little Boy that Santa Claus Forgot by Nat King Cole. I don’t think people write such sad Christmas songs these days. It’s schmaltzy but weepy all at once.
Saddest song ever? A quiet, acoustical version of Abba’s Dancing Queen. Heard it on public radio in Nashville more than 10 years ago, and even Abba’s version makes me cry now. Second best: Kanis Ian’s At Seventeen.
My favorite sad song is Boulder to Birmingham, but it has to be sung by Emmylou Harris. Thank you for writing this post, and for sharing your Rosanne with us. XOXO
Roseanne Cash herself is a thread from the past to the present – and what a wonderful friendship you must have. Thanks to her for for pulling these wonderful musical threads from her deep sources for us to enjoy. Looking forward to the new album…
Cannot wait to download the NPR poscast and will look for the one where Roseanne Cash mentioned you! Saddest song ever has to be “The Grand Tour” by George Jones, written by Norris Wilson, Carmol Taylor and George Richey.
An earlier post mentioned the haunting instrumental in Ken Burn’s documentary, The Civil War. It is Ashokan Farewell by Jay Unger, written in 1982. His web site tells the story of how he wrote and recorded the song.
I would truly cherish Roseanne Cash’s newest album.
love this article, looking forward to the NPR listen and hearing the cd.
Sad song – River by Joni
I love it when K-I-P and people say they wish they can knit. Maybe I should be more confident about teaching them. I may not meet a celebrity, but they say everyone’s got a story …
You want a sad song, try “Watercolour Ponies”, by Wayne Watson. I know and love lots of sad songs, but that is the first one that came to mind as I was reading your post. It goes along with your recent theme of boys growing up way too fast, lol. Thank you for teaching Roseanne to knit 🙂
I’ve listened to RC’s new album a few times on NPR and, man, is it good.
As for a sad song: Wilco’s Jesus, Etc. gets me everytime. Not a traditional weeper, but sad and dark and yet a little redemptive, too.
Great post, looking forward to hearing her new music. One of my favorite sad songs is Wake Me Up When September Ends
I’ve been so looking forward to this album, and even more so after your story about teaching Rosanne to knit. The saddest song I know is The Grand Tour, sung by either George Jones or Aaron Neville–both great versions. I will hold off on downloading The River & The Thread on the off chance I win.
Blue Eyes Crying in The Rain by Willie of course
Cause it just made me cry. On the train. And it’s raining.
Lovely post.
John McCutcheon’s “Christmas in the Trenches.” Great sobs every time.
The saddest song for me is Gillian Welch’s “Time (the Revelator).” Breaks me up every. dang. time.
hands down, got to be dolly parton’s ‘i will always love you’. makes me teary every. dang. time. and so pretty…
My favorite sad song is the Replacements’ “Skyway.” It’s hardly the saddest song going, but it’s sweet and mopey and you know the guy is never going to get the girl.
This post is wonderful and sad and happy. I have had the Alabama Chanin sewing book on my Amazon wish list forever-I am ordering it TODAY! Thanks for the inspiration.
Oh man, I can’t believe you taught Rosanne Cash to knit, my mind is boggling! Favorite: I Can’t Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt. I am grinning ear to ear at this blog entry!
Sad song? There are many that bring a tear for no explainable reason (yeah, I’m that person), but I must say, Johnny Cash’s Hurt really tugs at the heartstrings.
Run For the Roses-Dan Fogelberg. Any Dan Fogelberg.
Because of your occasional mentions of Rosanne Cash in MDK, I have explored her music. Thank you for introducing her to me! I figured, if I loved your taste in knitting so much, I would also love your taste in music. And my favorite sad song is Walk With You by Edwin McCain. Not so much sad as bittersweet, but makes me cry every time. I’m a sap.
I heard Roseanne sing at the Folk Festival in Richmond a couple years ago! I might even have been knitting in the audience. How cool!
I’ve got three favorites and a spare: Travelin’ Soldier, by the Dixie Chicks; Colder Weather, by the Zac Brown Band; and Where’ve You Been, by Kathy Mattea. But the saddest song ever written, without a doubt, is He Stopped Loving Her Today.
My saddest song nomination is “Gagna’s Song” by Jennifer Kimball….
Family lore has it that when I was three, my favorite album was a Johnny Cash record. I’m told that I knew all the words and would sing along. It would be an honor to win Roseanne Cash’s new album.
(Wow! You taught her to knit!!!)
Love Roseanne Cash! But for a sad song, I go to Joni Mitchell. River, say.
Like Pam, I think “Seasons in the Sun’ is one of the saddest songs I know. Possibly followed by ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ and ‘One Tin Soldier’
Oh, we are exactly the same age…
First time commenter here….actually have just begun following your blog! I’m just saying hi and thank you for the fun read. I don’t think I have a favorite sad song 🙂
Sad song: He Stopped Loving Her Today by George Jones
But that pattern. Reminds me of the Mary Maxim sweaters my mother knit us every year (late 70s/early-mid 80s). I still have some of them. During the winter, when I’m at home, I always wear the giant cardigan she knit me when I was about 14 years old. Come in back door, take off coat, put on rust colored sweater with a giant gray poodle knitted on the back (hubby calls me Mr. Rogers). Can’t blame my mother for the color or pattern, though, I picked both out myself.
And I will never give up that sweater.
I think I have to go with Eva Cassidy–both Autumn Leaves and Fields of Gold.
What a wonderful post!
A lovely post in so many ways. Rosanne Cash has always been a favorite. Thank you both for this wonderful story.
For me songs are sad by association. I always cry when I hear Cattle Call by Eddie Armold. It was a favorite of my granddad who was a real working cowboy in the early 20th century.
Oh man, PS – I just went over to NPR and listened to a couple of the songs. Gotta have the CD in my car and the music everywhere. Now “When the Master” makes me cry.
Going with the obvious Roy Orbison’s “Crying” . Thanks for the great post and for the Tweets to the Lisa Adams story. How lucky you are to be in a circle with Rosanne.
When you love country music, it is hard to narrow down a favorite sad song, but will say He Stopped Loving Her Today is among the top ten.
Great post Kay. A favorite sad song is “Only Our Hearts” covered by Paul McCartney. Sweet and sad.
Great post, and thank you for the competition. One of my favourite sad songs is “Without You” by Nilsson (does that date me????).
Thanks for this – my husband, an immigrant who arrived in the US with two suitcases, makes fun of me for saving stuff. He’s partly right but only partly. Hell yes, I’m keeping my Grandma’s knitting! (at least some fraction of it).
And my favorite sad song is Red Dirt Girl by Emmylou Harris.
Hooray! for Rosanne Cash! Hooray for You teaching her knitting!
Sad song: Nobody knows you – when you’re down and out
in your pocket – not one penny
and your friends – you haven’t any
But – soon – as you’re back – on your feet again
Everybody – Everybody – is your long lost friend
O – it’s mighty strange – but without a doubt
Nobody knows you – when you’re down and out!
Hi. So many choices – certainly “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “When She Loved Me” from Toy Story. Two that haven’t been mentioned are “Did You Leave That Light Burning For Me” by something something Union and “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd.
I’m embarrassed to say it as it was from Glee, but the saddest song I know right now was Girls Just Want to Have Fun as performed by the recently deceased Corey Monteith. Slow, soulful, and haunting from the first time I heard it.
“The Water is Wide.” I especially the Indigo Girls’ version. Loved the post about Rosanne.
“Fire and Rain” is my sad song. I have so many faraway loves, “I always thought I’d see you again” just hits my heart. Thanks for the post and the giveaway and the inspiration and the laughs. <3
Wow – what an amazing and thoughtful post. Lots of depth in your words today, Kay. I’ve always admired Roseanne Cash and can only imagine what a pleasure it must be to know her. “Amazing Grace” always gets me, regardless of how it is performed.
I like that you and Rosanne had something to teach each other, one of the best ways to start a friendship. You asked for the title of a sad song. “Long Ride Home” by Patty Griffin immediately came to mind. I’ve nearly worn that CD out….
A few years ago, I was far away from everyone and everything I loved on a trip for work and heard “Are you sure this is where you want to be” by Willie Nelson. Instant Puddle. It still gets me.
And thank you for sharing–as a long-time blogreader, I’ve been wondering how you were doing–you don’t often say much about the grief. We’re all here for you.
My first post: Hi! Keepin’ it short ’cause there’s mazillions of comments. I want to play too! Non Je Ne Regrette Rien by Edith Piaf and A Single Woman by Nina Simone always rip me up inside.
Whiskey Lullaby by Allison Krauss and Brad Paisley.
Wow! Knitters AND Alabama Chanin sewers. Sure wish I lived closer to you guys–you’re MY kind of people…
My favorite sad song is about a musician, cuz they know their own lonliness so well. Joni Mitchell’s “Read good for free.”
I gotta say there were some GREAT sad songs on Soundcheck last night on WNYC. Check out the pick three segment: http://soundcheck.wnyc.org/story/pick-three-mark-wheat/
Hey. Wonderful post. Favorite sad song is “Sand and Water.” Never fails to make me cry.
What a terrific piece about a wonderful singer and writer. I’m also a longtime fan and wish I could teach her something crafty and enriching as well. Maybe she needs to learn how to keep a busybody cat occupied whilst in the middle of an engrossing phone call? That’s one of my essential talents. Just offering…
Depending on my mood, just about any song can move me to tears. Well, maybe not just any song, but a lot of them.
“Misguided Angel” by Cowboy Junkies. “Verdi Cries” by 10,000 Maniacs. “Abelard and Heloise” by Efenwealt Wystle (SCA). Always on the lookout for new music and great yarn.
Sad song: “No One Knows But You” from Beth Nielsen Chapman’s Sand and Water album…
Loved the NYT article on Roseanne’s new album; looking forward to a good, hard listen to go with some knitting!
Thanks for the intro to Rosanne Cash; I had not listened to her before. Listening now. And thanks for the beautiful post. Favorite sad song: Ain’t No Ash Will Burn. Because there’s nothing deader than dead love…
The comments section is a great playlist of the Sads!
Remember acid wash? Back in the 90s, my Momma lived in East Texas and we’d go to First Monday at Canton. She bought an acid wash denim duster (coat) and painted magnolia blossoms on it. Beautiful. And then the cancer came back and she died in 1995.
I have that duster in my closet wrapped in plastic. Some days, when I’m really struggling, I’ll go to the closet, open the covering and bury my nose in that duster. (It’s just about lost the smell of her perfume, so I have to really inhale deeply.) That few seconds is such a comfort, and I can go on to face the world again.
Sad songs:
You’re Missing, Bruce Springsteen
He Stopped Loving Her Today, George Jones
Nobody Answers When I Call Your Name, Vince Gill
Love’s Divine by Seal gets me every time. However, I think I need to expand my brain with some Roseanne Cash. Great post!
Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “Come On Come On”. Melancholy and Lovely.
A bittersweet song has to be Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Iz.
I saw Rosanne at a Strawberry Music Festival event … I know I was knitting socks… she was inspirational.
Sad song? Four Strong Winds.
My favorite song? “It Only Takes a Moment” to be loved your whole life long. It’s so incredibly true and it’s sustained me through many years.
Oh gee — it’s supposed to be my favorite sad song? Well then it’s “I’m Leaving on a Jet Plane” – especially the Mamas & Papas rendition. I can’t tell you the story behind it but it still makes me cry after 40 years.
Probably my favorite sad song is The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I know – but I find it incredibly sad. BTW- Garden and Gun had a lovely article about her. Made me wish I knew her. Anyway…I’d love to win!
All time sad song: Beth Orton’s I wish I never saw the sunshine.
I just have to say the saddest song ever is “Don’t Close Tour Eyes” by Keith Whitley. Listen to it at your peril.
I’m definitely a keeper of things, my great grandmother’s knitting, sewing and crochet things, including WIPs, my grandmother’s buttons, and now more recently my father’s and mother’s things. I’ve been thinking a lot the last few years about what you can keep, what you “must” get rid of, the balance…I love your description of what Roseanne has done with clothes, clothes can be hard, and also your own bag that is reminiscent of your grandma’s. I remember hearing an interview with Joan Didion, where she was explaining to Terry Gross that she had started to go through her husband’s closet after he died, but realized quickly that she couldn’t, Terry asked her how the closet was now some years later, and Joan said something to the effect of-the closet’s fine, because I haven’t been back in there since.
beautiful melancholy music there’s certainly no shortage! as many have mentioned, Leonard Cohen, Gillian Welch, Cesaria Evora, the artists on “Road of the Gypsies” and the soundtrack “Gypsy Caravan”, Bill Monroe,…”Flirted With You All My Life” by Vic Chesnutt, “Dark Turn of Mind” by Gillian Welch. It’s funny, I know at least for myself, when I’m feeling “really” the worst, I can’t actually listen to any music. Sad music is good maybe for when you are feeling bad, but not quite “that very bad”. I’ll have to give Black Cadillac a listen, and the new one, maybe while knitting a schmatta :o) I think my great grandmother would appreciate..
Irving Berlin: Say it Isn’t So. Sung by Michael Feinstein? I weep.
What a wonderful post. Music and knitting are such natural companions. My favourite sad song is Give Me Strength by Sally Taylor from her album Apt No. 65.
Hello My sad song is wind beneath my wings. I think of my best friend when I hear it.
There is such energy in your post that I was excited (even more than usual for an MDK post) when reading each word! I wanted to go out and buy the music, but will now wait to see if I will be a lucky winner this time.
The “favorite” sad song that immediately came to mind was “Oh My Pappa”. It made me sad my whole life, thinking of that time “when”. Well, that “when” time arrived 3 1/2 years ago, just after Father’s Day. The song still brings me to tears.
Thanks for asking.
LoveDiane
Looking forward to checking out her music!
🙂 xoa
Pretty much anything by Shawn Colvin makes my eyes well up. Her voice is so lovely and the music is great!
You have made an awesome place in heaven by teaching a singer/songwriter to knit. While there you will have music to knit by…that is if she can put her needles down!
I haven’t thought about or heard these in years, but I immediately remembered “Where’ve You Been” by Kathy Mattea and “For My Broken Heart” by Reba after reading your post. Also, “I’ll be Home for Christmas”.
My favorite sad song of all times is “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Rogers and Hammerstein – – and it is especially a tear jerker for me when Jerry Lewis sang it year after year at the close of the MDA telethon…I had a cousin who had MD, she passed a few years ago in her early 50’s was not expected to make 10…she showed them.
I so want the Roseann Cash album I will buy it if I don’t win, but winning would be a treat! – – I follow Mrs Lev on instagram and she inspires me to create.
Thanks for the post, Kay, I’ll be giving Rosanne a listen on NPR while I knit glove fingers and wait for SCUBA customers in a snowstorm today.
Favorite sad song is “Amazing Grace” either the bagpipe version by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards or the acapella version by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. They used to play the bagpipe version when the sails were hoisted on a Windjammer Barefoot ship and the memory of starlight, snapping canvas, and the endless Caribbean gets me every time.
Favourite sad song — Bad Timing by Blue Rodeo
Can’t not cry every time I hear it!
After seeing all these songs named. I can’t even begin to pick one. But I’m going right over to check out Roseann’s
You and Ann lead such interesting and inspiring lives. Thanks for sharing.
A sad song doesn’t come to mind but speaking of Roseanne Cash reminds me of her father’s great song “Tennessee Flat Top Box” of which Roseanne did an equally awesome version.
I have to go with “Still Crazy After All These Years” by Paul Simon…
When I’m in the right mood almost anything will make me cry…
Ashoken Farewell.. i first heard it a memorial service. it’s so forlorn…I love it
Well, my favorite sorrowful lady singer is PATTY GRIFFIN! “Forty years go by with someone laying in your bed/Forty years of things you say you wish you’d never said/How hard would it have been to say some kinder words instead” C’mon, it’s killer.
My favorite sad song is “Crossing Over” recorded by Lowen and Navarro . It was written by Dan Navarro when his mother was dying of cancer. Amazing, amazing song.
“Beeswing” by Richard Thompson. Regret/nostalgia/gorgeous lyrics and melody.
this one is amazingly sad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWRGZaHb8xE
Anything by Chet Baker. He could sing Happy Birthday and it’d be so melancholy it’d bring you to tears. Amazing Grace is a good choice too.
Right now I’ve got to say “In the Backseat” by Arcade Fire. It’s about losing your grandparents and parents and becoming an adult. I love it but… All. The. Tears.
Saddest song ever – He stopped loving her today – George Jones.
Love Roseann Cash and would love to win her new music!
“Trouble” by Lowell George/Little Feat “your eyes are tired and your feet are too and you wish the world was as tired as you. I’m gonna write a letter and send it away, put all the trouble in it that you had today”
Hi, love all things crafty and all things Cashy.
I don’t know that I can pick just one sad song. My father owned an album when I was growing up “Tragic Songs of Death & Sorrow”. There are some good ones on there. What a real gift to get to know someone with such a unique family history!
MDK is inspiring, enlightening and always a pleasure – thank you! Saddest song. Truly. Iris Dement “The Night I Learned How Not To Pray”. I can’t even listen to it.
Favorite sad song? Suzanne by Leonard Cohen, performed by Judy Collins. Timeless.
My favorite sad song is “Neil Gow’s Lament For the Death of His Second Wife”. No lyrics, but very sad, particularly when played by a cello. I’m a huge fan of Roseanne Cash and am thrilled to learn that she is a knitter (and a saver).
I don’t have a favorite sad song; depends on the situation, but one is “Flying Shoes” by Townes van Zandt.
What a nice give away! I have two saddest songs…Desparado, The Eagles and (this one gets me every time) Riding With Private Malone sung by David Ball.
That’s the easiest question I’ve ever been asked:
“I Still Miss Someone” by the late great Johnny Cash, natch.
Go Roseanne!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xPQ16Asyoo
Wreckage and Bone by Tired Pony.
favorite sad song, Angel by Sara Maclaughlin
What a great story about 2 great gals!
I cannot give ONE favorite sad song. I have a SIX-HOUR playlist on my iPhone called “Persephone” that’s nothing but sad songs.
I have to be careful with that one, lest I be overcome like Artax in the Swamps of Sadness, and if you don’t know what that is, maybe avoid the movie “The Neverending Story.” (It’s in the book too, but the scene in the movie will scoop your heart right out with a rusty spoon, dump it on the floor, and stamp on it a few times.)
One song that ends up on any sad playlist I make is “Lament” from the album “A Celtic Tale: Lament of Deirdre” by Jeff and Mychael Danna.
Since my long gone teenage years my favorite sad song is “for the good times” by Kris Kristofferson
I agree-Roseanne Cash is great! Knitting is important to the soul! Unfortunately I am holding my 10 week old granddaughter right now and sad songs are not on my mind! Thanks for the opportunity Kay.
Mary Chapin Carpenter’s State of the Heart has many songs I hear as sad.
In a more sacred vein, Craig Courtney’s Canticle of Heaven based on Revelation 7 :14-17 ; 21:3, 4 is both sad and uplifting. “There will be no more tears, no more crying.”
Will You Miss Me When I’m gone by June Carter Cash, on the album Wildwood Flower. There’s a group of people joining in on the chorus, and you can hear Johnny Cash singing along. the album came out after June had passed, and is just such a haunting farewell. It makes me think of my late mom.
I don’t have much to say about sad songs…but I have some of my grandmother’s suits hanging in my closet. I also have a cape/coat of hers. The details and the fabric are amazing. I need to wear it more often. I have some of her knitting and needlework, too, although she stopped working on it before I was born. My daughter never met her, and the connection she has is through my stories and these objects. Thank you for the reminder to treasure them and to use them more often.
I first heard Roseanne’s music on WFUV here in NYC – they are big fans and have been cheering her new release, it’s been on my list!
There’s angry-sad and melancholy-sad – I think Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” falls in the first category and Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is in the second.
what a great connection!
my favorite sad song is Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley. so gorgeous.
I have had a lot of loss in my life in the last few years. There’s a song by the group Fun. (I can’t say I’m a huge fan of their lyrics overall…..but….) the refrain of the song goes something like this: When you’re lost and alone, and you’re sinking like a stone, carry on. May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground, carry on. Carry on! Carry on! I have made that refrain my anthem in the past few years. I have shared with my children (who have also suffered these losses) that I am making this song my anthem. When it comes on the radio, we sing it at the top of our lungs – and I get a little teary. So – it makes me sad, to have a song like this as my anthem, but at the same time – like music can, it lifts me up.
After All by Dar Williams. Dear god help me.
How about reassurance, which ya need when something not good happens? Patty Griffin, It Don’t Come Easy. Some days you just want to know someone will drive out and find you.
My favorite sad song right now is Because of You by Kelly Clarkson, I love the rendition that is performed by Reba McIntyre and Kelly.
I heard Rosanne Cash’s interview on NPR the other morning and loved the bits of songs they played. My favorite sad (with perhaps a side of angry) song is Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley. I unfortunately didn’t know about him or the song until after he had passed, I think that makes it even more dark and haunting than it is.
I went through a Tracy Chapman phase and then a Natalie Merchant phase. Nowadays, it doesn’t feel like I really need a sad song. I hope that is a new state of being…
PS. I keep the hat a friend knit for my son in my sock drawer — been looking at it and smiling most mornings for the last 18 years.
A danceable sad song; “Dance Away,” by Roxy Music. For tears, I love Roy Orbison’s songs. Looking forward to seeing you wrapped up in your text quilt. xo
“River in Judea” always makes me cry, for some reason – but I’m not sure that it’s actually sad. I do love Roseanne Cash, especially “Seven Year Ache.” I also heard her sing “Ode to Billie Joe” in concert once, which was great. Thanks for the chance to win music and yarn!
I love Desperado. I was especially touched when the young girl sang it in the movie In America.
Hi.
Favorite sad song is Harry Nilsson’s Remember (Christmas):
Long ago / far away / life was clear / close your eyes
http://vimeo.com/70366007
First, I’m so glad that you kept your husband’s suits! I can’t wait to see what you create with them. Second, when I was going through a sad period of my life, the two things that always worked to make me cry (to get that part of the day over) were watching Oprah (and, sometimes, The Biggest Loser) and listening to Lucinda Williams’s Essence. But now when I need a good cry, I’ll know just where to look for tips!
So many sad things have happened since I last left a comment that I could become a songwriter. My favorite sad song, the one that currently resonates, is Mumford and Sons “Timshell” which is found on the Sigh No More album. Is it dating myself to call it an album? I have found knitting to be a great comfort during the tough times.
River, by Joni Mitchell. I love that song and it breaks my heart.
When the roll is called up yonder, don’t you want to be there? I do!
Love Rosanne Cash. Saw her in Bozeman MT in either late 80’s or super early 90’s.
I love Roseanne Cash! My favorite sad song is “I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry/Die” by Hank Williams (Senior, of course). Talk about getting mournful right, that man was a genius.
BTW, I thought your tweet about someone coming to town was about me, haha, as I’m coming to NY in February. Would love to meet up at Knitty City!
I cry EVERYTIME I hear Bonnie Raitt sing “Sweet Forgiveness”. Every bleeping time.
Still Crazy After all These Years, Paul Simon is my favorite.
two of my favorite sad songs are “Fly” by the Dixie Chicks and “Doesn’t Have to Be This Way” by Alison Krauss
Here’s the World / Paul Hyde and the Payolas – not a sad song on its own but associated with a sad time
Carole King “So Far Away.”
Doesn’t anybody stay in one place anymore?
xoc
My favorite sad song is “Tonight the Sky’s About to Cry” by Tracy Nelson and Mother Earth.
nick cave & the bad seeds: into my arms. it’s all i took away with me after an abrupt love affair.
Most things written by Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen and The Magnetic Fields
Wonderful post. I’m just dropping in to say hi because I can’t think of any sad songs at the moment–don’t know why. Love your description of a beautiful friendship, and everything else.
Favorite sad song right now: “Sunday Morning Comin’ Down” by Kris Kristofferson. Johnny Cash’s “I Still Miss Someone” is a close second. I noticed a lot of George Jones up there in the comments; another good choice. Those old C&W guys and gals know about heartbreak, no?
Very exciting to read about Roseanne Cash and then see her posting in the comments! Thanks for the stories, Kay. I’m glad you kept the suits. I have my mom’s crochet hook and often wish I had remembered to get her thimble too.
Great post. I’m not good with song names but country music is loaded with sad songs.
My favorite sad song is “Fiddle and Bow” written & sung by Bruce Guthro on the “No Boundaries” CD by Natalie McMaster. Can’t listen without tearing up.
The sad song that I’ve been listening to over and over again lately is Passenger’s “Let Her Go.” It’s message is basically you don’t know what you have ’til it’s gone.
Thanks for the opportunity! I adore Johnnie Cash and June and Roseann as well. My favorite sad song; “He Stopped Lovin’ Her Today.” MAKES. ME. CRY. EVERY. TIME.
Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through The Night.” The songs I’ve heard so far on Roseanne Cash’s new album are stirring and thoughtful! Thanks for sharing your story about her.
Favorite sad song is When I’m Gone by Randy Newman. Sad, sad, sad.
One of my favorite sad songs isn’t really a sad song, so much as it is sad in the context of the specific version I like. It is “Fix You” which is originally by Coldplay. BUT…the version that makes me cry every single time is the cover version from the documentary “Young@Heart” about a senior citizen chorus in New England.
One I haven’t seen listed above is Charlotte Martin–‘Every Time it Rains’ or ‘Haunted.” And so many of Bruce Springsteen’s lyrics (I’m thinking here of “Glory Days” or “Born in the USA” are sad and filled with regret despite a pounding beat in the music).
That was an excellent review ! She is so talented, in so many way… that love of song and thread, is the best!! My Dad was a musician for 30 years, during the 30’s 40’s early 50’s, music was everywhere, for me it still is….A sad song? This popped instantly in my head, sort of startled me…I’m sure long forgotten, “Honey” by Bobby Goldsboro, about 1961-62…. a good ole’ Alabama boy from not far from my hometown of Mobile. It will give you goose bumps…. Good luck to Roseanne, besides yarn and fabric ,knitters and sewers love music!
Kay, thank you so much for letting us in, a little, about the last few years. Every time I read over here, a thought flits through my head, wondering how you REALLY are.
Favorite Sad Song: Natalie Merchant, Beloved Wife (Tigerlily album)
I don’t have favourites, but here’s something sad from Europe that you may not have heard before: The Dutch singer/songwriter Anouk and “Pretending as always” from her album “Sad singalong songs”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfBBP5tIEpo
Enjoy!
Favorite sad song? Oh, it has to be Alyssa Lies.
My favourite sad song, which is a bit of an oxymoron isn’t it, is These Eyes by The Guess Who; I always feel sad when I hear it but don’t turn it off. Also, Traces by ????? I have no idea who did Traces but both these songs are from 1968, back in my teen-age years. Enough said!
Glad I didn’t miss the cutoff! My favorite sad song is “In the Pines,” sung by Kurt Cobain. Can’t wait to listen to Roseanne Cash’s new album.
I had to close my ears to the words of a friends favourite song recently, at the funeral of her mother. It was a tribute to her mom, but brought back so many sad feelings of my own loss. Didn’t want to turn into a puddle 🙂
The Walk by Sawyer Brown
Love Roseanne Cash and Black Cadillac is one of my favorite albums of hers. We’re also fans of Lyle Lovett – his sad song If You Were to Wake Up is good for a few sobs when you need them.
“Dogs and Thunder” by Weeping Tile.
Weak in the Knees by Serena Ryder
Even After All (sad but happy, like the good ones are) by Finley Quaye. Try not to fall in love with him a little: http://vimeo.com/29552896
i’ve always loved Rosanne Cash’s music and, from the sounds of it, I think I would like her alot in person, too.
There are so many excellent sad songs. And then … well. Am I the only one who can’t listen to Barber’s Adagio for Strings without getting tight in the throat?
The Cumberland Mine Disaster. Used to sing it in All School Sing on Fridays in 5th and 6th grade. Teared up every time.
In the vein of “sad songs given context”, I offer you “It Was a Very Good Year”. Maybe just me though!
Listened to the album yesterday via the npr stream; absolutely great.
Black Cadillac is a favorite, but one of my top five songs is her dad singing “Hurt” by Trent Razor of Nine Inch Nails.
“Softly and tenderly”
Harry Chapin singing Cat’s in the Cradle” gets me every time.
WOW!
The only Christmas present I got from my parents when I was a sophomore at Sweet Briar College (close to Monroe, Virginia), was a Johnny Cash album, which included The Wreck of the Old ’97)…loved him ever since!
Love Roseanne, music that’s so close to the bone, just love.
Dear Old Friend by Patty Griffin.
I tear up just typing the name.
“I’ll Be Seeing You” – an old WWII song that always makes me cry.
Cool pattern at the end! I enjoyed the peek of blanket at the beginning, too. I’ve got a Mitered Crosses in the queue!
Sad songs really stick with me. I heard “The Christmas Shoes” again this past holiday season and it made me cry in the car (thankfully I wasn’t driving).
One tin soldier
I am not the first to say it, but my favorite sad song is “Boulder to Birmingham”. I am afraid to ask my guitar teacher to help me learn to play it because I’m afraid I would cry at my lessons while practicing it.
My mother loves to get rid of things, but she keeps stray photos of friends or family in drawers, just one here and there, to enjoy if she happens to open the drawer. I have a few items of clothing belonging to my late “fella” in the closet; I find them comforting.
I’m not ready to try Alabama Chanin sewing, but I have gotten back to work on some a longstanding hand quilting project. I do a small machine sewing project from time-to-time
Yes Tora, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones, sniff
Not a song of Roseanne’s but my favorite line is from Graceland-Paul Simon, “losing love is like a window in you heart, everybody sees you’re blown apart”. I have a 2 dresses my mother knit in the 70’s in storage, they don’t fit me, she was tiny, after reading this they will be moved to my closet. Also lucky enough to have a piece of tatting my grandma (her mother) made. Never put together the needle -working family history before. Makes me smile.
My favorite sad song is Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain. No one knows, except Serbian Americans, that this song was originally a Serbian folk song, with the exact same melody, about a woman’s sad blue eyes.
Hi Kay,
Great post! Favorite wistful song (wistful can be sad) is This Old Porch which was written by Robert Earl Keen, but I like the way Lyle Lovett sings it.
I have my mothers knitting bag too.
June
Love this post – I’ve been listening to Rosanne for a very long time and am looking forward to her new CD! Sad song? Johnny & Willie have always done it for me – Johnny with “Man in Black” – such passion and strength in that song – “I wear the black for the poor & beaten down, living in the hopeless, hungry side of town”….gets me every time! From Willie – “Love is like a dyin’ ember, only memories remain. Through the ages I’ll remember, blue eyes cryin’ in the rain.” Aaaahhhh…the best!
I love a good sad song. One of my favorites is Against All Odds by Phil Collins.
Deeper Well, Emmylou Harris. Thanks for the heads-up on RC’s music!
Hi. 🙂 Saddest song? Am I Too Blue For You by Lucinda Williams, 🙁
He Stopped Loving Her Today is the saddest, truest song I’ve ever heard.
Alan Jacson has a wonderful song called Anywhere on Earth You Are . That is one of my favs
Red Dirt Girl by Emmylou Harris gets me choked up every time I hear it.
Landslide – Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac
“I’ve been afraid of changing ’cause I’ve built my life around you
Children grow older, I’m getting older, too”
chokes me up every time :-}
Couldn’t agree more – some material things hold great meaning.
One of my saddest songs is Adios sung by Linda Ronstadt.
Still favorite sad song: “Wildfire.” I know, I know, so cliche, so overwrought with emotion, blatantly overdone. But my fave.
And by the way, hello from Omaha!
Very cool to hear how knitting let you connect with someone who became a good friend. I love hearing stories like that.
Love this post, love Rosanne Cash’s music, just love in general.
The fifth movement of Brahms’ German Requiem: Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit. Or, if you want a slightly (koff) shorter song with fewer folks involved, My Man’s Gone Now, Porgy & Bess, G. Gershwin.
Tears my heart, both of them, but oddly comforted later.
Roseanne! I am amazed that you taught her to knit! Now I have to look up Alabama Chanin sewing.
No matter that I’m late for the drawing. I’ve loved reading everyone’s responses and will still add my own: “Old Love” by Eric Clapton. If you can listen to this without weeping your heart is stone.
I don’t often listen to music, but over the years I’ve loved listening to Roseanne Cash’s in interviews as she talks about her life and her music. So I was really happy to discover, through new NPR interviews, that she’s got a new album. And now to learn she’s a knitter, too. Icing on the cake.
What’s the temperature darlin’
Reminds me of my folks toward the end of their lives. They asked each other well rehearsed questions. Knew some of the answers but asked anyway.
This is a marvelous album. It’s too late for me, (I already bought it) but if I get this CD I know some worthy giftees. You are the reason I already bought it BTW.
I love to hear about new knitters (even though she’s not such a new knitter now). My favorite sad song is “For the Good Times” I remember my mom loving this song but also crying while she listened to it, so it may be my favorite because I know she loves it too. I would like to win the cd but I think I will buy it if I don’t win! BTW, I love the new blog look.
Beth F.
Hope I am not too late! Kentucky Rain by Elvis. Love it but it really makes me sad.
Oh, I do adore her. I’ve been a fan since I wore our my Rhythm and Romance album. Now I follow her on twitter where she is pretty damn funny. I love this story of yours–how you met, connected and things you’ve learned from one another (speaking of bringing a tear to one’s eye).
Big smooches for sharing this story.
What a wonderful post, and how marvelous that you found a friend that’s helped you thru these recent hard months. As for favorite sad songs, there’s Goreky’s Symphony of Sorrowful Songs with Dawn Upshaw, and 10,000 Miles (I like Mary-Chapin Carpenter’s version.). Would love to hear Rosanne’s latest. Thanks for sharing!
I grew up in Chicago in the 70’s so it has to The Dutchman by Steve Goodman.
Great post. My favorite sad song has to be the Johnny Cash version of Hurt. Truly.
Nilda
Kay, how GREAT!! Love Roseanne. My favorite sad song, before I listen to this new record anyway, is Lucinda Williams’ “Sweet Old World.”
Forgot to supply this earlier: http://www.onbeing.org/program/rosanne-cash-time-traveler/1048
Interview by Krista Tippet with Roseanne Cash. Listen to the unedited version. wonderful. I think I’ll go listen again.
My dad is a big Johnny Cash fan, and we took him one year for his birthday to see Johnny, June, and Roseanne – it was awesome. I thought we were doing it for my dad, but I think I liked it just as much.
Saddest song I know: Sweet Old World by Emmylou Harris. It makes me cry every time. I first heard the preview of her Wrecking Ball album on NPR, and it’s still one of my favorites. Now, I’m off to listen to Roseanne’s preview on NPR. Thanks, Kay.
Oh, that Jack White /Loretta Lynn album from a few years ago has a song that makes me cry every time I hear it -“God Makes No Mistakes.” I have a sister with a birth defect who just doesn’t believe that sentiment and I breaks my heart.
“I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” gets me every time we sing it at church, especially if my kids are with me…….
“Hang Down Your Head Tom Dewey” an oldie from way way back in grade school. It just seems so bad telling someone that he’s gonna die.
Will check out the new album. I read Linda Ronstadt’s memoir last week, and she’s a knitter too! I’ll go with “Blue Bayou” as my favorite sad song, for now.
Eva Cassidy singing “Fields of Gold” slays me every time I hear it. Thanks for this nice post, I love Roseanne Cash’s music and can’t wait to check out the interview on NPR! Thank you!
Just discovered your blog (&subscribed). Totally intrigued by the Roseanne Cash info, and will be checking out the NPR site. Thanks!
Many by Willie Nelson, but my favorite sad song of all time is “making pies” by Patty Griffin
“House of Gold” by twenty one pilots had me gasping for breath, it made me cry so hard the first time I heard it.
What a great post! Pachelbel’s Canon, all graduations, weddings and funerals at once.
It has to be “He Stopped Loving Her today”.