I haven't heard this song in years. woke up today with this song playing loudly in my head. had to come over to youtube to actually hear it. weird how songs stay in your subconscious like that.
Elliott Smith was one of a kind, he had mad folky chops, a one-man, lol, one-instrument band, and that has always been impressive to me. I remember when he died it was a shock, especially how it all unfolded. When this album came out in 2007 though, I was not in a good place at all, living on the streets and strung out in Denver, coming from a bad break-up in Portland. I do not miss listening to all his music dope sick, that is for fucking sure. I remember this song in particular haunted me while in and out of consciousness when I was withdrawing (not by choice at the time), it was like a nightmare, and these lyrics pounded into my head "You said some things you can't take back", just reminding me of how much I had fucked up my life, and the trauma with the break-up. 17 years later, I have been clean for almost 10 years, and I am raising my 13-year-old son by myself and homeschooling him, in retrospect Elliott Smith saved me, his bad ending was a constant reminder about how love, and drugs, can kill you, and how interpersonal boundaries are a very good thing to have in life lol. I miss the way Portland used to be though, all I have is memories now, and some pictures.
He waved hello silent like a mime We met, there's no changing my mind I won't walk the stairs with you tonight Going nowhere The clock moved a quarter of a turn The time it took a cigarette to burn She said you got a lot of things to learn Going nowhere Saw you move a certain way Missed you a lot Return to this abandoned place Should a been forgot Echoes drown the conversation out Echoes that only seem to bring about A silent expression Things you may allow Going nowhere The steps made a pattern I'd never seen I felt like a kid of six or seventeen I was off in some empty day dream Going nowhere It's dead and gone matter of fact Maybe for the best Said some things you can't take back Honestly i guess The old records Sitting on the floor The ones i can't Put on anymore He walked over to her like before Going nowhere Going nowhere Going nowhere
Always appreciate when someone puts up the lyrics. I'm always looking for them, and they don't just magically >appear,< so thank you for the favor. _...having said that..._ Elliott was a college graduate, ya know? So, when you write: "Return to this abandoned place; Should a been forgot..." You know it isnt "Should a..." 🙄 C'mon. "Should --a-- *_have_* been forgot" is the answer we were look for. "Should have." Mmkay? Mmkay. There are standards to be upheld, after all. 🙃😁
@husker1747 exactly!! That sound is so prominent for me. Almost as if it completes the song. And yet with everyone’s different interpretations, Elliott still manages to have the same effect on everyone who falls down the rabbit hole that is his music. What a genius.
It's weird. I wouldn't use the word "calms," when describing *_my_* reactions to his music. "Catharsis" comes to mind... I dunno. Or like getting a tattoo; hurts almost the whole time, but it captures something ephemeral, lets it endure. Electric signals to the tape record sounds - but is so much more. Electric signals to the gun makes a picture, but it means so much more. Yeah, that's the right kind of hurt. And (almost,) anyone who's inked up will tell you; you just want to go back and do it again, despite the temporary pain.
I remember being 16/17 and would listen on repeat. All of his songs are too good, could never choose a top 10..thank you Elliott for being a friend when I had none
You're young and have so much time. There will be plenty of friends and heartaches along the way. Take it all in and enjoy it even if it hurts. Good Luck out there..
@@MiloMay brother, when i was seventeen, i was struggling with depression for over 10 years. Some years later now, and I am genuinely happy, almost all of the time. Things wont necessarily get better, but you will and that is all it takes. I still feel alien to this day, but i can laugh about that and i have learned to be happy with myself. I hope one day you will too.
This song is so beautiful it makes me wonder how and why Elliott didn't put it on an album while he was still alive. It has the perfect vibe and sound to be on his self titled, maybe Either/Or but not quite.
Judging by the production quality, mixing and his style of singing, I'd say this is an Either/Or outtake. (edit: Found out it actually is an Either/Or outtake.)
@@MatthewMcRowan THIS! OK, so sounds like you're familiar with the (largely accurate) trope that many artists across various milieux suffer; namely developing a decided distaste for their own finished work. For whatever reason, the standard they hold themselves to is miles above any criticism from consumers of that art. Take that trait, and couple it to a product such as Elliott's deeply personal music. Now you have a cultivated following who have all connected emotionally to his art. These fans throw out suggestions at the smaller shows for "their jam" and Elliott has to go inside himself, find that song, and maybe he hates it by now, or just doesn't feel it's a particularly strong song when all is said and done. But the fan expects this to be almost a point of bonding between Elliott and themselves; for they have felt the true heart of that song. But Elliott is playing a gig, to strangers, who are now displaying obsession with songs he considers sub quality, and now does he question the fans, and what connection if any he has to them? Does he refuse and burst the fan's carefully crafted bubble of fantasy? Or is it another gig, and you gotta give the people what they want. There's always beer after the show to drown out the bad taste... I just wonder if he ever spiraled on these kinds of tangents of thought. For all his genius he sounds like he had a Fat streak of _wild_ insecurity... 🤔
It's important to remember these songs: to remember that this is a double album of outtakes that didn't even make it onto the two albums pressed during their composition. It's important because so many of them are understated masterpieces, like Smith's work as a whole. If you have in yourself a creative spark, whatever your medium, remember this: It's not important to remember these songs so as to become discouraged; but rather, it's important to remember these things songs to take them in as fuel with which the singular spark in you and only you might shine, for its time, in this place. For any who needs to see or hear or know what you have to say.
@@heathrezabek Beautifully put and wise words. I'm an artist- drawing, painting. I get asked drawing advice all the time and just say make the dumbest thing you can and keep going. One guy said he passed it on to his kids and told me they sat in the floor for hours just drawing their hearts out. I was overjoyed that my advice had encouraged a couple kids to get creative. I might never be satisfied with what I do, never reach the skill level I desire or get out whats in my head precisely as I see it but if I can just keep willing myself to put something down on paper and canvas then at the very least l leave behind...something. Something that didn't exist until I made it so and maybe it'll encourage someone else to do the same. Who knows what can result from that?
The guy was amazing, way out of the box with his music. I play guitar and write a little and I’ve been studying his chord progressions a bit. Quite unorthodox compared to the average. For example, this song is in G minor, he doesn’t start on G minor instead he starts on B flat ends the verse lines on G minor. Bridge sections start on F major which is the sixth scale degree. Uses some parallel major/minor voicings. The song doesn’t really ever truly resolve, musically, and just like the story. Elliott, whether he knew it or not, had a certain genius as a player, writer, singer and composer that can’t be reproduced. I would have loved to hear where he would have gone next considering his evolution with each album. That’s another thing, he was able to add production on every album and it never took away from the impact, still quintessentially Elliott. Always amazing.
Died long before i knew he existed. I wish I could have met him in person. Though his songs have many melancholic themes, he seemed like a funny guy who just wanted to make art. Its a shame he is often put into a box.
Amazing song one of the best breakup songs ver perfectly captures tht feeling of having someone who used to bring you happiness ocme back briefly and how it just can bring it all back and leave you in a shambles
I've always loved this song. It seems he is largely forgotten. I saw him live at Irving Plaza in NY, his arm was in a splint-I think Carpel Tunnel, which was something that he was depressed about. I think he was gone pretty soon after that concert.
@@jennacalifornia8889 the only song I can think of that I never cared for is Drive All Over Town but other than that the man has a near excellent set of songs imo
Reminds me of my greatest love We loved hard but just couldn't exist together It sad I use to climb the stairs behind her and grab her waist as we walked up.
Reminds me of my ex-partner we loved each other deeply but struggled to exist together, but struggled to live without one another, sadly he died last year and there are a pile of old records sat on the floor that i cannot put on anymore.
I am sorry for the loss...this is my new UA-cam account cause I got kicked out the old one..I check this from time to time..I am so sorry again...if you need a friend I am here
Funny how I ended up here, after several weeks listening Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots... It's like I let all my anger and frustration go out and now all that remains is saddness and loneliness...
He waved hello silent like a mime There's no changing my mind I won't walk the stairs with you tonight Going nowhere The clock moved a quarter of a turn The time it took a cigarette to burn She said you got a lot of things to learn Going nowhere Saw you move a certain way Missed you a lot Return to this abandoned place Should a been forgot Echoes drown the conversation out Echoes that only seem to bring about A silent expression Things you may allow Going nowhere The steps made a pattern I'd never seen I felt like a kid of six or seventeen I was off in some empty day dream Going nowhere It's dead and gone matter of fact Maybe for the best Said some things you can't take back Honestly I guess The old records Sitting on the floor The ones I can't Put on anymore He walked over to her like before Going nowhere Going nowhere Going nowhere
possibly the greatest song writer of all time
Nick Drake.
Neil Young
this song is so dark nothing else can capture the same mood as this.
Mymayapapaya (I'm sure I butchered her name) on here has a video for this with scenes from Love Liza in it. That*. It's amazing.
one of his greatest songs
that's right
half right
id like to say all his songs are the same quality and tht all his songs are perfectly executed i play all his albums over and over
There's a --right-- perfect song for any mood that's dredged to the surface.
Fantastic song
This is possibly the best song Elliott made. It definitely evokes an emotional response.
It's been 14 years and I'm still heartbroken.
Me too...
I've only been alive for 14 years
@@_Talise enjoy it while it lasts
Fake-love yourself until you do.
It's been 11 years and she's my friend now but I've never stopped loving her
I haven't heard this song in years. woke up today with this song playing loudly in my head. had to come over to youtube to actually hear it. weird how songs stay in your subconscious like that.
It means you heard it in your dream
It means don't fight the robot hand..as ROBOT HAND IS THE FUTURE.
Sometimes the music in my dreams will be so loud it wakes me up
Elliott Smith was one of a kind, he had mad folky chops, a one-man, lol, one-instrument band, and that has always been impressive to me. I remember when he died it was a shock, especially how it all unfolded. When this album came out in 2007 though, I was not in a good place at all, living on the streets and strung out in Denver, coming from a bad break-up in Portland. I do not miss listening to all his music dope sick, that is for fucking sure. I remember this song in particular haunted me while in and out of consciousness when I was withdrawing (not by choice at the time), it was like a nightmare, and these lyrics pounded into my head "You said some things you can't take back", just reminding me of how much I had fucked up my life, and the trauma with the break-up. 17 years later, I have been clean for almost 10 years, and I am raising my 13-year-old son by myself and homeschooling him, in retrospect Elliott Smith saved me, his bad ending was a constant reminder about how love, and drugs, can kill you, and how interpersonal boundaries are a very good thing to have in life lol. I miss the way Portland used to be though, all I have is memories now, and some pictures.
Elliott saved me as well. I just wish I could thank him. Good luck to you. From one addict to another.
He waved hello silent like a mime
We met, there's no changing my mind
I won't walk the stairs with you tonight
Going nowhere
The clock moved a quarter of a turn
The time it took a cigarette to burn
She said you got a lot of things to learn
Going nowhere
Saw you move a certain way
Missed you a lot
Return to this abandoned place
Should a been forgot
Echoes drown the conversation out
Echoes that only seem to bring about
A silent expression
Things you may allow
Going nowhere
The steps made a pattern
I'd never seen
I felt like a kid of six or seventeen
I was off in some empty day dream
Going nowhere
It's dead and gone matter of fact
Maybe for the best
Said some things you can't take back
Honestly i guess
The old records
Sitting on the floor
The ones i can't
Put on anymore
He walked over to her like before
Going nowhere
Going nowhere
Going nowhere
Always appreciate when someone puts up the lyrics. I'm always looking for them, and they don't just magically >appear,< so thank you for the favor.
_...having said that..._ Elliott was a college graduate, ya know? So, when you write:
"Return to this abandoned place;
Should a been forgot..."
You know it isnt "Should a..." 🙄 C'mon.
"Should --a-- *_have_* been forgot" is the answer we were look for. "Should have." Mmkay? Mmkay. There are standards to be upheld, after all. 🙃😁
I've listened to this a million times over the last 10 years and have never heard that eerie tone humming in the background of the track?
You just made my notice it too.
Dude I was having an argument with my ex and this song was playing. It took us a few months to find it because it wasn't anything notable before
me either until now.
@husker1747 me too...I noticed it the first time as I read this.
@husker1747 exactly!! That sound is so prominent for me. Almost as if it completes the song. And yet with everyone’s different interpretations, Elliott still manages to have the same effect on everyone who falls down the rabbit hole that is his music. What a genius.
Elliott's music calms my soul in a way no other musician can.
It's weird. I wouldn't use the word "calms," when describing *_my_* reactions to his music. "Catharsis" comes to mind... I dunno.
Or like getting a tattoo; hurts almost the whole time, but it captures something ephemeral, lets it endure. Electric signals to the tape record sounds - but is so much more. Electric signals to the gun makes a picture, but it means so much more.
Yeah, that's the right kind of hurt. And (almost,) anyone who's inked up will tell you; you just want to go back and do it again, despite the temporary pain.
Makes me wanna fight someone lol
how can you dislike this?.... masterpiece. miss elliott.
* -Missy Elliott
Mister**
I remember being 16/17 and would listen on repeat. All of his songs are too good, could never choose a top 10..thank you Elliott for being a friend when I had none
I'm 17 and everything you said is very relatable.
I think your stunningly mesmerizing absolutely beautiful you should have dozens of friends
You're young and have so much time.
There will be plenty of friends and heartaches along the way. Take it all in and enjoy it even if it hurts. Good Luck out there..
@@MiloMay brother, when i was seventeen, i was struggling with depression for over 10 years. Some years later now, and I am genuinely happy, almost all of the time. Things wont necessarily get better, but you will and that is all it takes. I still feel alien to this day, but i can laugh about that and i have learned to be happy with myself. I hope one day you will too.
@@whamenrespecter7075 thanks man, maybe things will get better if I can get into University.
This song is so beautiful it makes me wonder how and why Elliott didn't put it on an album while he was still alive. It has the perfect vibe and sound to be on his self titled, maybe Either/Or but not quite.
Judging by the production quality, mixing and his style of singing, I'd say this is an Either/Or outtake.
(edit: Found out it actually is an Either/Or outtake.)
Well, I get it. I've only come to appreciate this song long after. It's certainly one specific mood and isn't necessarily a catchy hit
Yeh he’s to prolific
i bet he just didn't like the song after he recorded it and that's it
@@MatthewMcRowan THIS! OK, so sounds like you're familiar with the (largely accurate) trope that many artists across various milieux suffer; namely developing a decided distaste for their own finished work. For whatever reason, the standard they hold themselves to is miles above any criticism from consumers of that art.
Take that trait, and couple it to a product such as Elliott's deeply personal music. Now you have a cultivated following who have all connected emotionally to his art. These fans throw out suggestions at the smaller shows for "their jam" and Elliott has to go inside himself, find that song, and maybe he hates it by now, or just doesn't feel it's a particularly strong song when all is said and done. But the fan expects this to be almost a point of bonding between Elliott and themselves; for they have felt the true heart of that song. But Elliott is playing a gig, to strangers, who are now displaying obsession with songs he considers sub quality, and now does he question the fans, and what connection if any he has to them?
Does he refuse and burst the fan's carefully crafted bubble of fantasy? Or is it another gig, and you gotta give the people what they want. There's always beer after the show to drown out the bad taste...
I just wonder if he ever spiraled on these kinds of tangents of thought. For all his genius he sounds like he had a Fat streak of _wild_ insecurity... 🤔
It's important to remember these songs: to remember that this is a double album of outtakes that didn't even make it onto the two albums pressed during their composition. It's important because so many of them are understated masterpieces, like Smith's work as a whole.
If you have in yourself a creative spark, whatever your medium, remember this: It's not important to remember these songs so as to become discouraged; but rather, it's important to remember these things songs to take them in as fuel with which the singular spark in you and only you might shine, for its time, in this place. For any who needs to see or hear or know what you have to say.
Have you posted this on every new moon video?
No. Just a few; perhaps half. I felt it was an important thought to run into, but only by chance. We grow weary of thoughts we see all the time. ;)
@@heathrezabek Beautifully put and wise words. I'm an artist- drawing, painting. I get asked drawing advice all the time and just say make the dumbest thing you can and keep going. One guy said he passed it on to his kids and told me they sat in the floor for hours just drawing their hearts out. I was overjoyed that my advice had encouraged a couple kids to get creative.
I might never be satisfied with what I do, never reach the skill level I desire or get out whats in my head precisely as I see it but if I can just keep willing myself to put something down on paper and canvas then at the very least l leave behind...something. Something that didn't exist until I made it so and maybe it'll encourage someone else to do the same. Who knows what can result from that?
@@braxtonagee412 That is amazing advice. Thank you.
This song is one of my favorites. Very well written. Great songwriting dynamics... “I saw you move a certain way...” that part is off the chart...
It gives me the chills every time
Elliot transitions were the fucking best
The guy was amazing, way out of the box with his music. I play guitar and write a little and I’ve been studying his chord progressions a bit. Quite unorthodox compared to the average. For example, this song is in G minor, he doesn’t start on G minor instead he starts on B flat ends the verse lines on G minor. Bridge sections start on F major which is the sixth scale degree. Uses some parallel major/minor voicings. The song doesn’t really ever truly resolve, musically, and just like the story. Elliott, whether he knew it or not, had a certain genius as a player, writer, singer and composer that can’t be reproduced. I would have loved to hear where he would have gone next considering his evolution with each album. That’s another thing, he was able to add production on every album and it never took away from the impact, still quintessentially Elliott. Always amazing.
Priceless
One of the best songs I have ever heard.
this song always makes me feel like i’m about to bawl my eyes out
Endless love for him!
“You said some things you can’t take back, honestly, I guess.”
It's dead and gone, and matter of fact, it may be for the best...
Amazing songwriter. And a good human being. I hope your at peace now Elliott.
Elliott's sketches were profound and amazing.
I’m just enamored with the flow of these lyrics.
Died long before i knew he existed. I wish I could have met him in person. Though his songs have many melancholic themes, he seemed like a funny guy who just wanted to make art. Its a shame he is often put into a box.
I still come back to his song every month
Wish he would have lived dude, i love his music.
i dont no how to keep going... elliott helps me stay here
Amazing song one of the best breakup songs ver perfectly captures tht feeling of having someone who used to bring you happiness ocme back briefly and how it just can bring it all back and leave you in a shambles
Best song
I've always loved this song. It seems he is largely forgotten. I saw him live at Irving Plaza in NY, his arm was in a splint-I think Carpel Tunnel, which was something that he was depressed about. I think he was gone pretty soon after that concert.
Thank you always and forever. We miss you 💔
i like to listen to this track first thing in the morning, love your voice elliott
This is so haunting...peace...ES...
Absolutely gorgeous
One of my favorites among favorites
Indeed...
I'm glad for all the people that still have the light don't let anyone steal it from you.
learning this on guitar! (:
📂Documents
└📁Music
└📁 Elliott Smith
└📁 Bad Songs
└⚠️ This folder is empty
Very original
yep
maybe amity, but even then after the first couple of seconds the song picks up
While I technically disagree this is a cool comment. It lit up my face :)
@@jennacalifornia8889 the only song I can think of that I never cared for is Drive All Over Town but other than that the man has a near excellent set of songs imo
Perfect Song ♡
melhor musica ♥
XO💋 Elliott. I love you dearly
Always good.
too beautiful
Addiction is to real. This is addiction.
This song sounds like the ocean to me….
Ain't it the truth?
More than any other
"I was off in some empty day dream
Going nowhere"
Reminds me of my greatest love
We loved hard but just couldn't exist together
It sad
I use to climb the stairs behind her and grab her waist as we walked up.
Reminds me of my ex-partner we loved each other deeply but struggled to exist together, but struggled to live without one another, sadly he died last year and there are a pile of old records sat on the floor that i cannot put on anymore.
I am sorry for the loss...this is my new UA-cam account cause I got kicked out the old one..I check this from time to time..I am so sorry again...if you need a friend I am here
Oh Elliott
people think this song is about breaking up but i suspect it's about his mom abandoning him to be with another guy #rip
Silent like a mime
this song.
Did he ever play this song live?
0:24
Another artist I wish I would've met before he passed.
like a solid gold brick sitting on my chest
❤️🎶❤️🎶❤️🎶❤️
the steps made a pattern i had never seen
Going nowhere
🙏
Funny how I ended up here, after several weeks listening Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots... It's like I let all my anger and frustration go out and now all that remains is saddness and loneliness...
Agreed
The time it took a cigarette to burn.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🇺🇸💪
Gyvu
RECKFUL
This song is what I'd imagine heroine is like.
Tik tok brought me here 🥺🥺
Losing all hope
don't
It’s the only way
He waved hello silent like a mime
There's no changing my mind
I won't walk the stairs with you tonight
Going nowhere
The clock moved a quarter of a turn
The time it took a cigarette to burn
She said you got a lot of things to learn
Going nowhere
Saw you move a certain way
Missed you a lot
Return to this abandoned place
Should a been forgot
Echoes drown the conversation out
Echoes that only seem to bring about
A silent expression
Things you may allow
Going nowhere
The steps made a pattern
I'd never seen
I felt like a kid of six or seventeen
I was off in some empty day dream
Going nowhere
It's dead and gone matter of fact
Maybe for the best
Said some things you can't take back
Honestly I guess
The old records
Sitting on the floor
The ones I can't
Put on anymore
He walked over to her like before
Going nowhere
Going nowhere
Going nowhere