Josh is a one of the new wonders of the world!!(had me wonering where he came from) He won me over with wwiii....Loved him on his Ovation special.Thank you for the miracle you are, please don't waiste it.................
This song breaks my heart every time I hear it. I can't think of a better song that has been written in decades; nay, centuries that can hold a candle to the sheer beauty that is expressed in this song.
The first time I really LISTENED to this song I literally wept. I proceeded to listen to it for the next 5 hours, crying the entire time. I am not sure why, but it seemed to touch some chord in my heart. It remains my favorite among all of his wonderful music.
This may not be Josh's best song, but it's one of the finest songs ever written. He's having fun here. He's got so much control, lyrically. Truly a Master craftsman.
i am currently living in the city where josh ritter grew up and went to school. i saw him live at a benefit concert for one of the teachers at the high school (he was diagnosed with brain cancer) it was amazing. somehow i feel like a have a connection to his music (considering that many f his songs where written about this city) anyway, greetings from Moscow Idaho. peace love and happiness
I was just turned onto him last week by a friend...i am hooked...i just bought Hello Starling...i cannot get Kathleen and You Don't Make it Easy, Babe out of my head...he is INCREDIBLE.
possibly the best josh ritter song ever? SUCH an amazing song, why doesn't he get more fame? actually that might not be so great as he wouldn't be so special to all his secret fans
i love him so much. the first time i heard him i loved him. i was at a blue rodeo concert and he was opening for them, and from then on i was hooked. for a while i wasn't sure why i had fell in love with his music so easily so easily. but then again, i am a bob dylan fan. :)
I have an absolute adulation for Josh Ritter. The man is a genius lyricist, a beautiful writer, with an amazing voice to accompany. I really hope I am able to witness such an amazing artist live. I truly appreciate his style of writing, I did read Bright's Passage and I loved it.. The man truly has a talent, and a passion, and just the way he speaks truly reminds me of myself.. As if he cannot express himself as thoroughly if not through writing. Really hope I am able to meet and speak to him..
Thankyou for playing at daytrotter. I downloaded this after listening to a preview not thinking too much of it. Today at work, it made my day much better.
Oh I am so glad someone posted this.. I heard this song a couple of years ago, and it popped into my head tonight.. Couldn't remember the name but I knew it was sweet, and eerie, and kinda sad.. It's lovely too :)
I live in Ireland.. But I hit it off with this English guy two years ago.. once he said he was into josh ritter I couldnt believe it as none of his freinds knew of Josh Ritter. once I told him I had been to two of his concerts and showed a photo of the two of us he nearly had a fit. Josh Ritter is so appreciated but not very well known.. I still love that English man 2 years on... and he's the only guy I've been with that knew of Josh Ritter... maybe its a mystical Ohio connection! woooow! hah
you are a silly goose if you ever pass up a chance to see Josh live, you will never see a more entertaining, interactive show! I saw him on 5-13 in Atlanta and had the chance to meet him and chat with him for about 10 mins. they come no better than Josh (and Josh hugs are the best hugs on earth)....Dawn Landes, his wife, was with him and she is also a fantastic artist in her own right.
500,000 of those views are mine. Glad 4,000+ people joined in. Amazing stuff...impending apocalypse, and he'd blow it all up to be with the one he loves.
@SeoulSon51 me too! i owe her more since i actually got to meet him in Atlanta on 5/13/2010 AND talk to him for about 10 mins AND i got about 3 josh hugs...best on earth!
What is the message that people get from this song? For me the message is that one finds love in odd places, however the love that has been found is so intense that the whole world outside can disappear without being missed.
Timothy Clarke I understand the song a bit more literally as well, although I agree with your interpretation too. It definitely mirrors the story of Adam in the bible (Adam and Eve) and has a lot of religious symbolism to it. "The big red button" being the thing that, if pressed, would end the world, is like the forbidden fruit in the bible story that ended Adam and Eve's perfect world. Adam in the song is tempted to press the button because the war raging on above is the only thing that allows them to stay underground together. He actually is quite a malevolent and selfish character, really, as he is willing to destroy the world on the outside just so he can stay with his love underground (he is afraid that if the war stopped and they returned to their lives above ground, that she would no longer love him). Also, one line that I absolutely love and that always stands out to me is "fusion is the broken heart that's lonely's only thought." At first, I had no clue what this meant, but after giving it a lot of thought I have come to the conclusion that "fusion" (the act that takes place when a bomb goes off) is constantly on lonely's mind ("lonely here is, of course, Adam) because without it he would not be with his love, so he cannot stop the temptation that the bomb brings him. I could go on, but then this would turn into an entire article! Josh Ritter is truly an amazing person and one of the most talented songwriters to ever have lived.
@Lynch90 still that's really cool. He sounds so awesome. I wish he would come to the states (specifically my area). I would definitely try to meet him even though it may be a bit tougher this time around. Thanks for remembering my message anyway! I forget about half the messages I put on here anymore. :)
He has another rendition of this that was on Paste's UA-cam channel, but they got stingy and took it down but have since recently uploaded it on their website. Just as personal and intimate, but a little more delicate and less Dylanesque. www.paste.com/video/josh-ritter/1014185
@LTcrew From a spiritual perspective, adam is considered the first/last man. So yeah, of course it's supposed to be ATOM, but there's a huge play on words here, like "half-life", etc. "Fusion was the broken heart that's lonely's only thought" !!! What an AMAZING writer!!! I'm so exceited about his book that's coming out!!!
haha... awh its nice all the same that he's so down to earth. The first time he was here he got food poisoned, (wise words of Mr. Ritter himself : dont eat Chineese made by an Irish man!) well, he got through a few songs then suddenly stopped, and was just bent over for a good while.then went off stage bless him. But he came back a few months later, for free. The songs he did get through were excellent. and then he came back and played alone. Was so brilliant.. he's a bit of a comedian too!
@clarissaNaz This is based off of a Twilight Zone episode? I've gotta see it! Old school Twilight Zone episodes are awesome. Surprisingly well written, they are.
omg i would LOVE to meet him. how did you do it? or is he just one of those artists that just do that for their fans? i think i've definitely gotta go to another one of his shows. i was entranced!
well... he was playing in a theatre that holds 400 but it wasnt full. My town isnt exactly large... well for an irish town its pretty nifty ...so he could come out and meet his audience I s'pose... he seems to like to. his eyes and smile say so anyway.. haha sounds romantic. but yeah.. he always appears like he's enjoying himself... i find you cant help but enjoy yourself then!
![Josh Ritter - Getting Ready to Get Down [Official Lyric Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HnQ89jZvZD0/mqdefault.jpg)
When he smiles at the end... it makes my heart happy
Josh is a one of the new wonders of the world!!(had me wonering where he came from) He won me over with wwiii....Loved him on his Ovation special.Thank you for the miracle you are, please don't waiste it.................
This song breaks my heart every time I hear it. I can't think of a better song that has been written in decades; nay, centuries that can hold a candle to the sheer beauty that is expressed in this song.
It's nice to think that someone had the heart and the mind to put lyrics like this to paper, and then the skill to sing it so beautifully.
The first time I really LISTENED to this song I literally wept. I proceeded to listen to it for the next 5 hours, crying the entire time. I am not sure why, but it seemed to touch some chord in my heart. It remains my favorite among all of his wonderful music.
my god...i cant get enough of josh ritter.. w-w-i-i-i so amazing
OMG I FREAKING LOVE HIM....I basically live my life through his songs.
This may not be Josh's best song, but it's one of the finest songs ever written. He's having fun here. He's got so much control, lyrically. Truly a Master craftsman.
i am currently living in the city where josh ritter grew up and went to school. i saw him live at a benefit concert for one of the teachers at the high school (he was diagnosed with brain cancer) it was amazing. somehow i feel like a have a connection to his music (considering that many f his songs where written about this city) anyway, greetings from Moscow Idaho. peace love and happiness
love Josh Ritter so much...that's real music.
Brilliant song - so thoughtful and moving, yet a touch of humor there too - love the music this man makes!
The lyrics are absolutely perfect. This is one of those rare songs that works perfectly, effortlessly, and resonates independent of the artist.
Saw Josh in Portsmouth- South of England- was playing with Ray Lamontage!! He was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was just turned onto him last week by a friend...i am hooked...i just bought Hello Starling...i cannot get Kathleen and You Don't Make it Easy, Babe out of my head...he is INCREDIBLE.
I heard Josh sing this live in Amsterdam and I was totally absorbed....those lyrics.....his presence. Holy shit.
possibly the best josh ritter song ever?
SUCH an amazing song, why doesn't he get more fame? actually that might not be so great as he wouldn't be so special to all his secret fans
i love him so much. the first time i heard him i loved him. i was at a blue rodeo concert and he was opening for them, and from then on i was hooked. for a while i wasn't sure why i had fell in love with his music so easily so easily. but then again, i am a bob dylan fan. :)
Amazing song...he paints such a beautiful story
This has to be the greatest love song of all time. I'm so glad that someone else actually listens to the lyrics.
Heartbreakingly sad story in an unusual setting, fantastically told in song. Other song writers wish they could be this original!
I met him!! got my concert ticket signed! he leaves lovely comments! he truely is as lovely as you think he's going to be from his music.
I think I just fell in love
I have an absolute adulation for Josh Ritter. The man is a genius lyricist, a beautiful writer, with an amazing voice to accompany. I really hope I am able to witness such an amazing artist live. I truly appreciate his style of writing, I did read Bright's Passage and I loved it.. The man truly has a talent, and a passion, and just the way he speaks truly reminds me of myself.. As if he cannot express himself as thoroughly if not through writing. Really hope I am able to meet and speak to him..
The lyrics is what makes this song truly great.
Thankyou for playing at daytrotter. I downloaded this after listening to a preview not thinking too much of it. Today at work, it made my day much better.
Absolutely Beautiful
this song is so beautiful that it gives me chills
This is the cutest song about the darkest subject
I love this song! All of his music is good chill music.
one of my favourite songs ever
This song is an allegorical masterpiece.
He is the best american songwriter in decades
i think the fact he's not super famous is a great thing....you're right....he is that sort of special secret to all those who love him
Golden, a triumph of creativity.
I was at the concert in Nijmegen.. Best concert i have ever seen. He is such a nice guy!
sweet as ever! gonna see him in grand canal theatre tuesday. happy days
Life changing stuff.
this is truly amazing.
What`s a beutiful Song!
Oh I am so glad someone posted this.. I heard this song a couple of years ago, and it popped into my head tonight.. Couldn't remember the name but I knew it was sweet, and eerie, and kinda sad.. It's lovely too :)
Such a beautiful song.
This is such a classic. The temptation of Adam is to destroy the world so he and Marie could stay together.
love, love, love!
I live in Ireland.. But I hit it off with this English guy two years ago..
once he said he was into josh ritter I couldnt believe it as none of his freinds knew of Josh Ritter. once I told him I had been to two of his concerts and showed a photo of the two of us he nearly had a fit. Josh Ritter is so appreciated but not very well known.. I still love that English man 2 years on... and he's the only guy I've been with that knew of Josh Ritter... maybe its a mystical Ohio connection! woooow! hah
I love this man.
Wow. He's foreshadowing the end of the relationship before it has even begun.
great song. he paints movies in my head
thats an epic concert right there
This is such a heartbreaking song.
you are a silly goose if you ever pass up a chance to see Josh live, you will never see a more entertaining, interactive show! I saw him on 5-13 in Atlanta and had the chance to meet him and chat with him for about 10 mins. they come no better than Josh (and Josh hugs are the best hugs on earth)....Dawn Landes, his wife, was with him and she is also a fantastic artist in her own right.
500,000 of those views are mine. Glad 4,000+ people joined in.
Amazing stuff...impending apocalypse, and he'd blow it all up to be with the one he loves.
So according to very quick math, you've spent 3 years straight replaying this song. I could see myself doing that with this song too.
lol yes!
Josh Ritter = the man
That series looks awesome *-*. Thanks for the Song and for showing me the series :)
Just saw Josh live in Kentucky! Glad I stumbled upon him. He didn't play this song, sadly, but the show was awesome, nonetheless.
I can relate to this song perfectly at this point in my life, and I really don't know how I feel about that.
I never thought of that!
brilliant .. saw you in Sacramento w/John Prine and this song was the best of the evening! kat
i can't believe 6 people disliked this! they must be deaf.... this is amazing music!
@SeoulSon51 me too! i owe her more since i actually got to meet him in Atlanta on 5/13/2010 AND talk to him for about 10 mins AND i got about 3 josh hugs...best on earth!
abosolutely beautiful ...mmhhmm..
Is it acceptable to count this as revision for my cold war test tomorrow? This is pure genius.
I always was reminded of lost with this song haha. I love it
Perfection
this video does not have enough views for how great it is
Speechless at how dumbfounded I am right now. How did I not think about that?
i am so in love
going to see him tonight!
beautiful
he needs to come to central Florida
My only problem with this song is that it ends...I wish I could listen to it forever
love this song fucn great writer.. musical godson of guthrie and dylan
How on God's green Earth can you even muster the balls to press dislike?? Seriously?? Were you raised under a freaking ROCK?!
amazing...
What is the message that people get from this song? For me the message is that one finds love in odd places, however the love that has been found is so intense that the whole world outside can disappear without being missed.
Timothy Clarke , Although I could not have stated it nearly as succinctly, that is exactly what I get.
Timothy Clarke For me it is a story rather than a message.
Timothy Clarke The message I get is: Ritter is SO damned talented. That fingerpicking! Those clever lyrics. Interesting mind he has!! I am enthralled.
Timothy Clarke I understand the song a bit more literally as well, although I agree with your interpretation too. It definitely mirrors the story of Adam in the bible (Adam and Eve) and has a lot of religious symbolism to it. "The big red button" being the thing that, if pressed, would end the world, is like the forbidden fruit in the bible story that ended Adam and Eve's perfect world. Adam in the song is tempted to press the button because the war raging on above is the only thing that allows them to stay underground together. He actually is quite a malevolent and selfish character, really, as he is willing to destroy the world on the outside just so he can stay with his love underground (he is afraid that if the war stopped and they returned to their lives above ground, that she would no longer love him). Also, one line that I absolutely love and that always stands out to me is "fusion is the broken heart that's lonely's only thought." At first, I had no clue what this meant, but after giving it a lot of thought I have come to the conclusion that "fusion" (the act that takes place when a bomb goes off) is constantly on lonely's mind ("lonely here is, of course, Adam) because without it he would not be with his love, so he cannot stop the temptation that the bomb brings him.
I could go on, but then this would turn into an entire article!
Josh Ritter is truly an amazing person and one of the most talented songwriters to ever have lived.
Michael Young Nice one Michael.
Excelente!!!
Moscow, Idaho represent! :D
This would have to be my Faforite Josh Ritter song. I like all of his songs live better than the studio versions.
I'll be postin' my cover of this song soon. It's my favorite Josh song!
@Lynch90 still that's really cool. He sounds so awesome. I wish he would come to the states (specifically my area). I would definitely try to meet him even though it may be a bit tougher this time around. Thanks for remembering my message anyway! I forget about half the messages I put on here anymore. :)
If this was the Cold War
What five letters spell "apocalypse" she asked me
I won her over singing "W.W.I.I.I."
Just heard the album version for the first time, I much prefer this.
He has another rendition of this that was on Paste's UA-cam channel, but they got stingy and took it down but have since recently uploaded it on their website. Just as personal and intimate, but a little more delicate and less Dylanesque. www.paste.com/video/josh-ritter/1014185
@LTcrew From a spiritual perspective, adam is considered the first/last man. So yeah, of course it's supposed to be ATOM, but there's a huge play on words here, like "half-life", etc.
"Fusion was the broken heart that's lonely's only thought" !!! What an AMAZING writer!!! I'm so exceited about his book that's coming out!!!
@samink88
I pretty much had that exact same experience. Its simple yet so powerful and the text is so meaningful.
wow.
Wow
excelent
cool sound
I owe my friend money for introducing to Josh's music.
@fatcobra33 Wow, you are good. I liked the mistery of not getting the text, but I love this interpretation... :)
i like this. what's a good album to start out with?
search youtube for josh ritter live at the apartment and hear an incredible version of this song...
this is a fellow who, upon watching, makes you leave the computer to pick up your guitar.
why can't i hold all these feels?
Josh, you are amazing. If you guys enjoy this check out Joel Christofer out of Los Angeles as well!
haha... awh its nice all the same that he's so down to earth.
The first time he was here he got food poisoned, (wise words of Mr. Ritter himself : dont eat Chineese made by an Irish man!) well, he got through a few songs then suddenly stopped, and was just bent over for a good while.then went off stage bless him. But he came back a few months later, for free. The songs he did get through were excellent. and then he came back and played alone. Was so brilliant.. he's a bit of a comedian too!
@clarissaNaz This is based off of a Twilight Zone episode? I've gotta see it! Old school Twilight Zone episodes are awesome. Surprisingly well written, they are.
@IfRainFallsIDance I was a great misake... He's really good, I'm into singer-songwriter stuff and he's right up my street.
I hope your listening BETHESDA SOFTWORKS!
omg i would LOVE to meet him. how did you do it? or is he just one of those artists that just do that for their fans? i think i've definitely gotta go to another one of his shows. i was entranced!
well... he was playing in a theatre that holds 400 but it wasnt full. My town isnt exactly large... well for an irish town its pretty nifty ...so he could come out and meet his audience I s'pose... he seems to like to. his eyes and smile say so anyway.. haha sounds romantic. but yeah.. he always appears like he's enjoying himself... i find you cant help but enjoy yourself then!