Killing the Blues

My first exposure to this beautiful bluegrass influenced song performed by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss was in a J. C. Penney American Living ad that played before the movie trailers. The ad featured typical scenes of red state America--bucolic, mid-west, small town, hometown kitsch, but deeply affecting and effective when set to this hauntingly, aching melody. Written by Rowland Salley and featured on the album Raising Sand, it's languorous harmony feels like a sultry summer day. It's my new favorite song.

Enjoy.



Killing the Blues

Leaves were falling just like embers
In colors red and gold they set us on fire
Burning just like a moonbeam in our eyes
Somebody said they saw me
Swinging the world by the tail
Bouncing over a white cloud
Killing the blues

Now I am guilty of something
I hope you never do
Because there is nothing
Sadder than losing yourself in love
Somebody said they saw me
Swinging the world by the tail
Bouncing over a white cloud
Killing the blues

Now, you ask me just to leave you
To go out on my own and get what I need to
You want me to find what I’ve already had
Somebody said they saw me
Swinging the world by the tail
Bouncing over a white cloud
Killing the blues