My best guy friend, David Tracy of Corpus Christi, went camping alone and was found at the bottom of a cliff in 1980. This song always makes me think of him. Gosh he was one cool dude. I named my son after him. R.I.P. David, til we meet again.
This song is my favourite Jackson Browne song---perhaps one of the saddest and one of the more folky ones. I really love this song although it is not one of his most well known songs.. The lyrics are so profound, just a well written song in every respect. I love the violin---adds to the saddness of the song. Jackson's vocals are outstanding!
I too have been listening to JB since I was 14..and his lyrics and music have been in my everyday life since 1974. I still catch his concerts even if I drive five hours to see him. It has been worthwhile everytime. Enjoy the music as I do. He toured with Karla Bonoff in1978 on his "Running On Empty" tour; and I just saw her a few hours away from my home this last spring, in Iowa. Her songs were perfected to the years she has been playing them. I love finding her band on youtube video. TJMc
No question about Jackson's amazingness. He himself is a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen, who took this romantic expressiveness and perfected it, becoming the de facto poet laureate of my generation. My best friend is good friends with Bruce so I am fortunate enough to go backstage at his concerts, where I have seen Jackson many a time. Anyone who loves Jackson should definitely check out Dan Fogelberg too, particularly his albums Nether Lands or Souvenirs. He died 3 years ago, miss him every day
I've been a Jackson Browne fan for years but I somehow missed this song until a few weeks ago. JB is my favorite singer songwriter hands down . He just knows how to put the words together. There are some great songs these days, but I do feel that songwriting was more from the heart in the 70's.
Where could you find a song like this today? This is songwriting at it's best. Music like this is why I am still in love with music so many years later. Edgar Squires.
My friend Gary introduced me to Jackson Browne. We listened for hours in 74. Saw him in concert with an opening act I had not heard of name Bonnie Raitt. What a great concert. Just found out Gary died Jan 12, 2013 . RIP Gary.So many fun times.Wish you could Stay just a little bit longer.
Have loved his music since I first heard him in the mid 70's . . . and have listened to him through the years and still do . . . saw him at an outdoor concert in Reno, Nevada, quite a long time ago, we arrived before sundown, as it began at dusk, and as his set began the colors of the sky changed before us, a beautiful desert sky from sundown to stars, with the most outrageous harmonic melodies . . . won't ever forget it!
First heard of him in about 74...loved his music ever since. I've seen him four times and never been disappointed The very best was an undersubcribed additional date in Reading. He brought us all to the front seats and ran a request evening..ask for a song and you got it...unbelievable!
I've been listening to Mr. Browne since I was 14 - for the last 40 years. To be in the presence of genius is very humbling. Thank you, sir, for being the soundtrack to my life. If I could only once look in your eyes and say, "Thank you."
"Saturate Before Using" is a true classic. It was one of the first albums I ever owned and I wore..it..out. Amazing how well it holds up. One strong song after another. Jackson Browne forever!
JB just has a knack of touching us with his music: In 1972 a College pal, big on folk music, gave me a copy of that 1st album "Saturate B4 Using" - and I was hooked. In 2 years b4 my friend graduated and went back to his home country, I must have listened to that tape 200 times. Then one day, soon after grad in 1974, or 75, I heard that my friend was electrocuted, fixing a TV antenna on his rooftop. I can never hear this song without recalling that sequence. R.I.P Conrad Wong Shue.
I heard this album while visiting my cousin in springfield il back in the very early 70's around the time it came out. It inspired me to really play the guitar. I felt this music and spirit. definitely changed my life.
I know Jackson. And I also know how much he values the sacrifices that are made and the courage that quietly occurs every day in far reaches of this earth. The pride you feel can only be matched by the sorrow of your loss that remains.
i remember this song 1977 ann my friend and i were hitchiking to north dorkota and we did laugh with are backs agaisnt the wall. it was a great time since my father had just died ann and i went on the road toghter i'll never forget it thanks ann and jackson for getting me though so many hard times and to trudy and katie we were jackson browne bownies well smoke to much and your think of anything. we sang jackson the whole poor truck drivers knew every word to every song
Just saw Jackson last night here in Albuquerque ,NM I have been a fan of his since this album came out. First song I ever heard was this one. I have seen Jackson in concert more times thanI can count and I honestly feel he like a bottle of wine,gets better with age. I often feel I am am his biggest fan. His music has moved and shaped my life in so very many ways. His lyrics are so heart warming! Let JACKSON'S music keep ouur spirits high .Lorie in Albuquerque ,New Mexico
Such a beautiful song,one of my favourites of Jackson's. Love the very acoustic folk arrrangement on this song. Would be great if JB would do an all acoustic folk LP of songs like this one. No band behind him,just JB & maybe a violin/harmonica & just folky acoustic like this song. Saw him in Santa Monica some years back,but I was too shy to approach him. He was walking down Santa Monica Blvd near 3rd St.with some guy & I wanted to say "Hello" but just stood at the bus stop & watched him walk by.
My guitar teacher gave me this song but didn't have time to play it. Just the lyrics and chords. I was stunned by the lyrics and somehow just knew how it would sound. It did and Jackson has been my favorite since.
This was my 1st album of Jackson Browne. There ain't many song poets/lyricists like him. His songs just touch all your deep and finest emotions. 4 decades later, his songs still have the same effect on me! This is one of my many favorites. Missed one of his concerts in LA when he sang in a friend's memorial concert due to time zone commitments. BIG PITY! Don't know when he will be coming to Europe!?
Just saw him last Monday in San Luis Obispo, and a couple of weeks ago in Portland. The thing is, this is a tour, he is working -- you would think he would have a set list. However, the concert in San Luis Obispo was completely different from Portland, and even better! He just allowed the audience to call out songs, and did whatever was requested. I think I've seen him over 20 times, and he is amazing and admirable, shows humility and gives charity / promotes good causes EVERY TIME!!!
as you travet thur this life you expeirence everything it offers, good and bad. and J.B. BUITFULLY puts it to music. thankyou Jackson,it's as if I know you as a friend.
Jackson seems to have found his mojo lately. His tour was just profoundly moving and awesome. The opening acoustic set in St.Louis was just unbelievably emotional with Brothers and Our Lady of The Well. Was just awestruck throughout the entire show. I still like Looking East with more tempo, but its growing on me. His band and backup are just hittin' it! .Lindley......Oh David Lindley is like a nice glass of Merlot with a fine meal. His strings are those of a master at the the top of his craft.
Indeed he is, and at his musical peak during 1980 1983 , quite a while back. I just heard this song on the satelite radio, and I didn't recognise who it was.
Just one thing....the album is not called "Saturate Before Using". It is merely called Jackson Browne. He is amazing and I know where I was during each album. My ex worked for JB and we traveled all across the US. Poignant memories....time just keeps moving. My first JB concert was in Fullerton, California...a million years ago and we were romantic, beautiful, wild and young. Thank you Jackson for the soundtrack to a life well lived....
My original version on vinyl plainly showed the words "Saturate Before Using." Yes it was the imprint of a true leather bota bag used for carrying water in the desert, and you were supposed to soak the leather before using it.
His music will never get old. Furthermore us ol' timers who know this music from the 70s OWE IT to the world to revive it. If we can introduce it to the next generations there may be some hope. Maybe we already lost the generations between 70s and today. So, here's to yesterday's music: just right for TOMORROW!
This song really affects me. I know an "Adam" who lived in SC. Every time I think of him it just hits me hard. "it seems he stopped his singing in the middle of his song"
Although the album does say Saturate before using on the cover I believe it is actually titled Jackson Browne. Either way the album has been one of my favorites for almost 40 years.
Seems there is some confusion regarding the "Saturate Before Using" title on Jackson Browne's first album. No mystery, that is a photo of an old canvas-covered water jug that would be hung on the front of a car when traveling across the American deserts, or hung on a back porch. They had "Saturate Before Using" painted at the top to remind the user to soak them in water so that they would cool from evaporation as the car traveled. The record company just printed the cover photo on a photo of the bag, maybe even Jackson's water bag. They were very common in L.A. in the '50s & '60s. Seems there is quite a bit of symbolism of the rigors of desert travel in Browne's songs. (i.e.. Running on Empty)
If you want to read an interesting piece on the story of Adam Saylor, check this out. www.presstelegram.com/technology/20110317/tim-grobaty-song-for-adam-a-bittersweet-memory I didn't know Adam Saylor, but a close friend of mine, was a close friend of Adam Salyor's when they were teenage kids growing up in Long Beach. My friend's name was Rick Davidson. He is probably partying with Adam on another plane right now.
India can be very depressing. Even today since we've shipped the American dream over, there are some terrible filthy and poor areas. It's no surprise that someone stole the checks and tossed the letters. I just wish they could find the one who did that and dish out some local justice. Thanks for the story.
@ChrisBrownRox24 Adam went to Morroco and did not return alive. What led to it is not known, but he was killed by a fall. JB's concern for his friends is often sentimental, but it is also action. He literally spends time and money helping those close to him. His heart is as full of care and love as his songs. Care is verb to him, meaning real care, not just thinking about it.
I know the printed lyrics say the line " I feel just like a candle in the way" But it sounds like Jackson is singing "I feel just like a candle in a way" Does anyone know for sure? It changes the meaning so much...
@zepster Rumors and tabloid stories but no facts or courts. Who could truly know except the two involved? Relationships. Two volatile adult persons. It could have been nothing or a big something. Both of theses adults are not lightweights in joy or trouble. The very real positive contributions, musically and socially, of JB are readily apparent.
I Look like Jackson Browne My name is Jackson Im named after Jackson Browne Play guitar like him I sing like him the only probleam is i cant write like him
No matter how young nomatter how old no matter what lay G-D willing to come,Jackson has always been classA lyricist, singer and my all time 5 greats in my world of all MUSIC!Here come those tearschacka69
My best guy friend, David Tracy of Corpus Christi, went camping alone and was found at the bottom of a cliff in 1980. This song always makes me think of him. Gosh he was one cool dude. I named my son after him. R.I.P. David, til we meet again.
GOLD! Stars will shine, Karita.
This song is my favourite Jackson Browne song---perhaps one of the saddest and one of the more folky ones. I really love this song although it is not one of his most well known songs.. The lyrics are so profound, just a well written song in every respect. I love the violin---adds to the saddness of the song. Jackson's vocals are outstanding!
I too have been listening to JB since I was 14..and his lyrics and music have been in my everyday life since 1974. I still catch his concerts even if I drive five hours to see him. It has been worthwhile everytime. Enjoy the music as I do.
He toured with Karla Bonoff in1978 on his "Running On Empty" tour; and I just saw her a few hours away from my home this last spring, in Iowa. Her songs were perfected to the years she has been playing them. I love finding her band on youtube video.
TJMc
I'm 28 and have been getting into Jackson Browne lately. I've been reading his lyrics and he is an amazing poet and singer. Amazing...
No question about Jackson's amazingness. He himself is a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen, who took this romantic expressiveness and perfected it, becoming the de facto poet laureate of my generation. My best friend is good friends with Bruce so I am fortunate enough to go backstage at his concerts, where I have seen Jackson many a time. Anyone who loves Jackson should definitely check out Dan Fogelberg too, particularly his albums Nether Lands or Souvenirs. He died 3 years ago, miss him every day
I've been a Jackson Browne fan for years but I somehow missed this song until a few weeks ago. JB is my favorite singer songwriter hands down . He just knows how to put the words together. There are some great songs these days, but I do feel that songwriting was more from the heart in the 70's.
Where could you find a song like this today? This is songwriting at it's best. Music like this is why I am still in love with music so many years later. Edgar Squires.
My friend Gary introduced me to Jackson Browne. We listened for hours in 74. Saw him in concert with an opening act I had not heard of name Bonnie Raitt. What a great concert. Just found out Gary died Jan 12, 2013 . RIP Gary.So many fun times.Wish you could Stay just a little bit longer.
Have loved his music since I first heard him in the mid 70's . . . and have listened to him through the years and still do . . . saw him at an outdoor concert in Reno, Nevada, quite a long time ago, we arrived before sundown, as it began at dusk, and as his set began the colors of the sky changed before us, a beautiful desert sky from sundown to stars, with the most outrageous harmonic melodies . . . won't ever forget it!
First heard of him in about 74...loved his music ever since. I've seen him four times and never been disappointed The very best was an undersubcribed additional date in Reading. He brought us all to the front seats and ran a request evening..ask for a song and you got it...unbelievable!
I've been listening to Mr. Browne since I was 14 - for the last 40 years. To be in the presence of genius is very humbling. Thank you, sir, for being the soundtrack to my life. If I could only once look in your eyes and say, "Thank you."
"Saturate Before Using" is a true classic. It was one of the first albums I ever owned and I wore..it..out. Amazing how well it holds up. One strong song after another. Jackson Browne forever!
The pain expressed in this song speaks so well to so any. Haven't we all experienced this at some point?
JB just has a knack of touching us with his music: In 1972 a College pal, big on folk music, gave me a copy of that 1st album "Saturate B4 Using" - and I was hooked.
In 2 years b4 my friend graduated and went back to his home country, I must have listened to that tape 200 times.
Then one day, soon after grad in 1974, or 75, I heard that my friend was electrocuted, fixing a TV antenna on his rooftop.
I can never hear this song without recalling that sequence. R.I.P Conrad Wong Shue.
I heard this album while visiting my cousin in springfield il back in the very early 70's around the time it came out. It inspired me to really play the guitar. I felt this music and spirit. definitely changed my life.
I know Jackson. And I also know how much he values the sacrifices that are made and the courage that quietly occurs every day in far reaches of this earth. The pride you feel can only be matched by the sorrow of your loss that remains.
i remember this song 1977 ann my friend and i were hitchiking to north dorkota and we did laugh with are backs agaisnt the wall. it was a great time since my father had just died ann and i went on the road toghter i'll never forget it thanks ann and jackson for getting me though so many hard times and to trudy and katie we were jackson browne bownies well smoke to much and your think of anything. we sang jackson the whole poor truck drivers knew every word to every song
what a great song...thanks jackson you truly are one of the best ut there!!
My heart thanks you, Jackson Browne!
Just saw Jackson last night here in Albuquerque ,NM I have been a fan of his since this album came out. First song I ever heard was this one. I have seen Jackson in concert more times thanI can count and I honestly feel he like a bottle of wine,gets better with age. I often feel I am am his biggest fan. His music has moved and shaped my life in so very many ways. His lyrics are so heart warming! Let JACKSON'S music keep ouur spirits high .Lorie in Albuquerque ,New Mexico
Such a beautiful song,one of my favourites of Jackson's. Love the very acoustic folk arrrangement on this song. Would be great if JB would do an all acoustic folk LP of songs like this one. No band behind him,just JB & maybe a violin/harmonica & just folky acoustic like this song. Saw him in Santa Monica some years back,but I was too shy to approach him. He was walking down Santa Monica Blvd near 3rd St.with some guy & I wanted to say "Hello" but just stood at the bus stop & watched him walk by.
thanks so much for posting this beautiful song from one of the very best Jackson albums..
@rizzotowski Im only 17 and I love how his music seems to peer into your soul and play through your heart no matter what your going through.
Saturate Before Using and Late for the Sky are my favorite JB albums. Thank you for posting this beautiful song. Sensational.
My guitar teacher gave me this song but didn't have time to play it. Just the lyrics and chords. I was stunned by the lyrics and somehow just knew how it would sound. It did and Jackson has been my favorite since.
Feel just like a candle - .burning bright against the darkness. A song that's growing fainter the harder that I play. Amazing lyrics!
This was my 1st album of Jackson Browne. There ain't many song poets/lyricists like him. His songs just touch all your deep and finest emotions. 4 decades later, his songs still have the same effect on me! This is one of my many favorites. Missed one of his concerts in LA when he sang in a friend's memorial concert due to time zone commitments. BIG PITY! Don't know when he will be coming to Europe!?
Just saw him last Monday in San Luis Obispo, and a couple of weeks ago in Portland. The thing is, this is a tour, he is working -- you would think he would have a set list. However, the concert in San Luis Obispo was completely different from Portland, and even better! He just allowed the audience to call out songs, and did whatever was requested. I think I've seen him over 20 times, and he is amazing and admirable, shows humility and gives charity / promotes good causes EVERY TIME!!!
as you travet thur this life you expeirence everything it offers, good and bad. and J.B. BUITFULLY puts it to music. thankyou Jackson,it's as if I know you as a friend.
A very under rated album and this song always conjures up so many emotions.
Jackson seems to have found his mojo lately. His tour was just profoundly moving and awesome. The opening acoustic set in St.Louis was just unbelievably emotional with Brothers and Our Lady of The Well. Was just awestruck throughout the entire show. I still like Looking East with more tempo, but its growing on me. His band and backup are just hittin' it! .Lindley......Oh David Lindley is like a nice glass of Merlot with a fine meal. His strings are those of a master at the the top of his craft.
A tribute to lost friends. We all face that, as we should.
When your at war, your friends expect to hear the news that a friend of theirs was dead... This song rings true for all who have served...
Genius in it's melancholy, Bonnie Raitt said this is the saddest song she's ever heard, and she's a BLUES singer :]
saw Browne in Vegas 2016. Still great!
Indeed he is, and at his musical peak during 1980 1983 , quite a while back. I just heard this song on the satelite radio, and I didn't recognise who it was.
Just one thing....the album is not called "Saturate Before Using". It is merely called Jackson Browne. He is amazing and I know where I was during each album. My ex worked for JB and we traveled all across the US. Poignant memories....time just keeps moving. My first JB concert was in Fullerton, California...a million years ago and we were romantic, beautiful, wild and young. Thank you Jackson for the soundtrack to a life well lived....
Yeah, I do not know how it came to have that album title, though. The only thing printed on album cover beside his name is 'Los Angeles, California.'
My original version on vinyl plainly showed the words "Saturate Before Using." Yes it was the imprint of a true leather bota bag used for carrying water in the desert, and you were supposed to soak the leather before using it.
My favorite album! ❤️❤️
His music will never get old. Furthermore us ol' timers who know this music from the 70s OWE IT to the world to revive it. If we can introduce it to the next generations there may be some hope. Maybe we already lost the generations between 70s and today. So, here's to yesterday's music: just right for TOMORROW!
This song really affects me. I know an "Adam" who lived in SC. Every time I think of him it just hits me hard. "it seems he stopped his singing in the middle of his song"
@rizzotowski Yeah, and he's got a stellar voice.
Although the album does say Saturate before using on the cover I believe it is actually titled Jackson Browne. Either way the album has been one of my favorites for almost 40 years.
Seems there is some confusion regarding the "Saturate Before Using" title on Jackson Browne's first album. No mystery, that is a photo of an old canvas-covered water jug that would be hung on the front of a car when traveling across the American deserts, or hung on a back porch. They had "Saturate Before Using" painted at the top to remind the user to soak them in water so that they would cool from evaporation as the car traveled. The record company just printed the cover photo on a photo of the bag, maybe even Jackson's water bag. They were very common in L.A. in the '50s & '60s. Seems there is quite a bit of symbolism of the rigors of desert travel in Browne's songs. (i.e.. Running on Empty)
and references to sorrow. I always though it might be referring to a deluge of tears.
If you want to read an interesting piece on the story of Adam Saylor, check this out.
www.presstelegram.com/technology/20110317/tim-grobaty-song-for-adam-a-bittersweet-memory
I didn't know Adam Saylor, but a close friend of mine, was a close friend of Adam Salyor's when they were teenage kids growing up in Long Beach. My friend's name was Rick Davidson. He is probably partying with Adam on another plane right now.
India can be very depressing. Even today since we've shipped the American dream over, there are some terrible filthy and poor areas. It's no surprise that someone stole the checks and tossed the letters. I just wish they could find the one who did that and dish out some local justice. Thanks for the story.
+Andrew Stephens Thank you
+Andrew Stephens WOW
@juliekstroup "...feel just like a candle..." .... Keep shining. Peace..
@ChrisBrownRox24
Adam went to Morroco and did not return alive.
What led to it is not known,
but he was killed by a fall.
JB's concern for his friends is often sentimental, but it is also action. He literally spends time and money helping
those close to him.
His heart is as full of care and love as his songs. Care is verb to him, meaning real care, not just thinking about it.
Classic!!!
Actually, Jackson wrote a number of songs that were recorded by many others before he ever was recorded doing his own stuff.
The first album my boyfriend, become husband, at 16 ever played for me.
@Maggidew
I've never heard a cover version of this song, though, and don't really want to.
I know the printed lyrics say the line " I feel just like a candle in the way" But it sounds like Jackson is singing "I feel just like a candle in a way" Does anyone know for sure? It changes the meaning so much...
John Donaldson he always sings “in a way”
i always thought it was 'in a way'.....have been singing those words since the 70's!
@wavepainter I'm sure that's true but what about that Darryl Hannah thing? Didn't he go whup upside her head once?
@zepster Rumors and tabloid stories but no facts or courts. Who could truly know except the two involved? Relationships. Two volatile adult persons. It could have been nothing or a big something. Both of theses adults are not lightweights in joy or trouble.
The very real positive contributions, musically and socially, of JB are readily apparent.
ditto 2...
In fact, I was just looking for this to send to you, goofus ;-D
It's no Candle in the Wind.
Brendan Hall I hate that song!
I Look like Jackson Browne
My name is Jackson
Im named after Jackson Browne
Play guitar like him
I sing like him
the only probleam is i cant write like him
So sorry!
My
you're,,, damn auto fill...
No matter how young nomatter how old no matter what lay G-D willing to come,Jackson has always been classA lyricist, singer and my all time 5 greats in my world of all MUSIC!Here come those tearschacka69