Bill Morrissey gets praised for his songwriting, very rightly. But he doesn't get nearly enough credit for his astonishing artistry in singing. Listen to how he varies the melody and rhythm in every verse here, to fit the story, and how he shows the characters through their voices. He makes it all sound effortless. It blows my mind.
What a very fine writer. Talking about the tradeoffs we make in love, yes, but also talking about the differences in male and female thinking. Because Warren and his wife are really talking about two different things in that initial conversation. The writer grasps the distinction and conveys it with such subtlety and poignancy. Very sad to think that there will never be any more songs by Bill Morrissey. I will miss him.
My brother introduced me to Bills music,many yrs ago.l took to him in a big way.We saw him live in Claremont Nh.Once and l never forgot it.RIP BILL.We love your music!
I heard this song 21 years ago as I was driving in my car on the way to the hospital where my mother was dying of cancer- It struck such a cord about how fast life goes by and how you sometimes need to sit back and enjoy the 'flame' -make memories and enjoy your time on this earth. I never heard it again until today when I decided to try to find it-and it made me cry all over again.
One of the best songs ever recorded. I rarely meet another guitar player or musician who has ever heard of Bill and that makes me sad. He was an underrated legend.
I just heard about Bill's Passing..I will always remember that grand voice..coming out of that small body of his~ Vienna Kauffe Haus.. saw him many many times there.. he filled our minds and spirits with his music~ Rest in Peace Bill..!
Thanks for posting this from Night Train. My fav Morrisey cd. He is shy and humble in person and had the honor to meet and hear him once at the Folk Festival in Wolfboro, NH.
A great song by an amazing songwriter. I'm so glad I got to see him just a couple of months ago. He had a quality that made me miss him even before he checked out.
Bill was the quintessential New England songwriter and had the most wonderful dry sense of humor. I interviewed once and asked him how long it took him to write this song. He said "15 years or 20 minutes. I thought about it for 15 years and then it all came out in 20 minutes one day."
A lyrical Rembrandt.. a Picasso, tho I think he preferred Renoir ...you just need to sit and listen a bit...a complete novel in less than four minutes that you won't forget.
wow i heard this song only i couple of days ago ist time ever in 60 years its truly amazing bittersweet lyrics and such amazing telented songsmith who words are lyrical paintings to our lives this folk artist is completely new to me alas sadly bill is no longer with us but his songs will live forever as i will remember this song forever its edged on my heart all marvel at this musical genius
I first heard this song from Vin Scelsa of Idot's Delight. I remember him saying something along the lines of , "if he could write a song like this he could die happy". And, after playing it, he played it again. I pulled over to the side of the road on the way home from a radio show I was doing at the time and listened to it both times. I've listened to it hundreds of times since then. Vince was right.... it's a masterpiece.
Saw Bill in Philly in ‘91 with a first date. She said he sounded like Kermit the Frog and left. Glad she did. I guess Bill was a litmus test for me in choosing who to be with. Loved his music for a long while now.
@HeyCro It's pretty sad that you think this song is about tradeoffs made between two people in a romantic relationship. You're missing the point of the song entirely.
Bill Morrissey gets praised for his songwriting, very rightly. But he doesn't get nearly enough credit for his astonishing artistry in singing. Listen to how he varies the melody and rhythm in every verse here, to fit the story, and how he shows the characters through their voices. He makes it all sound effortless. It blows my mind.
One of my all-time favorite songs. It tugs at my heartstrings every time I hear it. Thank you, Bill Morrissey… ❤
What a very fine writer. Talking about the tradeoffs we make in love, yes, but also talking about the differences in male and female thinking. Because Warren and his wife are really talking about two different things in that initial conversation. The writer grasps the distinction and conveys it with such subtlety and poignancy. Very sad to think that there will never be any more songs by Bill Morrissey. I will miss him.
My brother introduced me to Bills music,many yrs ago.l took to him in a big way.We saw him live in Claremont Nh.Once and l never forgot it.RIP BILL.We love your music!
I heard this song 21 years ago as I was driving in my car on the way to the hospital where my mother was dying of cancer- It struck such a cord about how fast life goes by and how you sometimes need to sit back and enjoy the 'flame' -make memories and enjoy your time on this earth. I never heard it again until today when I decided to try to find it-and it made me cry all over again.
Marilyn Cremona His music, as they say, blew me away when I discovered it about five years ago. I quickly bought up all his CDs.
I can see/heat why. I have been listening to his songs and they are the stories of our lives.
My younger brother sent me a few songs 15 or so yrs ago.l was hooked.We went to see him live in Claremont,Nh.He didnot disappoint.!
Rest in peace, Bill -- thanks for many years of laughs, tears, stories and songs.
The fire has burned out, but the flame and the light and the music continue. Thank you!
Brings me to tears every time. A metaphor for life.
One of the best songs ever recorded. I rarely meet another guitar player or musician who has ever heard of Bill and that makes me sad. He was an underrated legend.
Not many songs bring me to tears, this one does each time I hear it.
Excellent metaphor ... it really hit home with me. What a shame he's gone.
I just heard about Bill's Passing..I will always remember that grand voice..coming out of that small body of his~ Vienna Kauffe Haus.. saw him many many times there.. he filled our minds and spirits with his music~ Rest in Peace Bill..!
Heart wrenching honesty. He touched us all .
This is Bill Morrissey's best song IMO
My all time most favorite folk singer....
Best concert I've ever seen in person. I still remember how he just threw his soul into the music right from the first note.
Most precious song I love!
This has always been my fave tune by Bill...one of my all time faves also. He will be missed. Safe journey, Bill.
The power of his writing spins off what isn't said. He seems to trust that his listener will get it; he gives only what is needed.
My favorite Bill song, fantastic lyrics and a lovely tune
Thanks for posting this from Night Train. My fav Morrisey cd. He is shy and humble in person and had the honor to meet and hear him once at the Folk Festival in Wolfboro, NH.
rip brother you are the best ever
one of the best songs ever penned. RIP Bill miss seeing you at the Stone Church
Happy Birthday Bill. Never forgotten. Legend RIP
A great song by an amazing songwriter. I'm so glad I got to see him just a couple of months ago. He had a quality that made me miss him even before he checked out.
Beautiful, Bill.
Beautiful song. Thank you Bill.
Heard of Bill right after his death. A college station played his music. This guy was an amazing lyricist and story teller.
Rest In Peace Bill, :-( Thanks for all you did for music
Thanks for putting this up. This is a beautiful moving true song. RIP Bill.
Bill was the quintessential New England songwriter and had the most wonderful dry sense of humor. I interviewed once and asked him how long it took him to write this song. He said "15 years or 20 minutes. I thought about it for 15 years and then it all came out in 20 minutes one day."
A lyrical Rembrandt.. a Picasso, tho I think he preferred Renoir ...you just need to sit and listen a bit...a complete novel in less than four minutes that you won't forget.
Sad song in a way, but so beautifully told.
wow i heard this song only i couple of days ago ist time ever in 60 years its truly amazing bittersweet lyrics and such amazing telented songsmith who words are lyrical paintings to our lives this folk artist is completely new to me alas sadly bill is no longer with us but his songs will live forever as i will remember this song forever its edged on my heart all marvel at this musical genius
aww, so wonderful! RIP
I first heard this song from Vin Scelsa of Idot's Delight. I remember him saying something along the lines of , "if he could write a song like this he could die happy". And, after playing it, he played it again. I pulled over to the side of the road on the way home from a radio show I was doing at the time and listened to it both times. I've listened to it hundreds of times since then. Vince was right.... it's a masterpiece.
A story of a comfortable married life in autumn, seeking the fire of spring.
Thanks for this.. My Night Train cd is all scratched.
Can never go past a song about love - there's always trade - thanks Bill - enjoy Heaven x
Thank you, this is my favorite song yet it isn't on either of his albums that I own.
It's on "North," a great album with other songs just as good.
there wont be too many Bills but the great always seem to get their fame after death ..
Saw Bill in Philly in ‘91 with a first date. She said he sounded like Kermit the Frog and left. Glad she did. I guess Bill was a litmus test for me in choosing who to be with. Loved his music for a long while now.
such a poignant song.
Reminds me of a childhood I'd grasp at now.....
After about the fourth time I could listen to this without bawling. I hate country music.- This is one of the exceptions.
It is folk music not country..sorry
sean mann Let's lock all the purists in a room together and then write a song about it. :D
lol..yes that is folk music,,and sing along if you know the words..lol
These lyrics....
I found a transcription of the music for this song if anyone is interested.
@HeyCro It's pretty sad that you think this song is about tradeoffs made between two people in a romantic relationship. You're missing the point of the song entirely.
What is the point, in your view?
The fire has burned out, but the flame and the light and the music continue. Thank you!