Chris Smithers song "Love you like a man" from Smithers first album has been famously covered by Bonnie Raitt who has made it a signature song of hers under the title "Love me like a man" (published on her second Album "Give it up")- she has openly expressed admiration for Chris Smithers songwriting and guitarplaying. Later Raitt's version of the song has been covered by The Dixie Chicks and Diana Krall.
The protagonist of Linda Barnes's series of "Carlotta Carlyle" mysteries is a fan of Smither's music and several of her books mention it.
Killing the Blues
Chris Smither Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They're just like embers
In colors red and gold they set us on fire
Burning just like moonbeams in our eyes
They said I was swinging the world by the tail
Bouncing over the white clouds
That I was killing the blues
Just killing the blues
Well, I am guilty of something
That I hope you never do
'Cause nothing is sadder
Than losing yourself in love
Someone said they saw me
They said I was swinging the world by the tail
Bouncing over the white clouds
Just killing the blues
Just killing the blues
Oh, when you asked me
Just to leave you
And set out on my own to find what I needed
You asked me to find what I already had
Someone said they saw me
They said I was swinging the world by the tail
Bouncing over the white clouds
I was killing the blues
Just killing the blues
Someone said they saw me
They said I swinging the world by the tail
Bouncing over the white clouds
I was killing the blues
Been killing the blues
Just killing the blues
The lyrics to Chris Smither's song "Killing the Blues" are poetic and metaphorical. The opening lines describe the falling of leaves, which is compared to burning embers in the colors of red and gold. The imagery of the leaves on fire is then extended to the burning moonbeams in the eyes. The lyrics move on to describe someone witnessing the singer "swinging the world by the tail" and "bouncing over the white clouds," indicating success and freedom. However, the singer expresses guilt for losing oneself in love and the sadness that accompanies it. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, reiterating the act of "killing the blues" and seeking a way out of sadness.
The song portrays a sense of nostalgic longing for simpler times, and the lyrics are rich with metaphors and symbols. The falling of the leaves signifies the end of a season, both literally and metaphorically. Losing oneself in love is portrayed as a negative experience, with the singer expressing regret and sadness for this loss. The image of "swinging the world by the tail" is used to reflect the success and freedom that the singer desires.
Overall, "Killing the Blues" is a song that explores the depths of longing and nostalgia, while also searching for a way to escape the sadness that can arise from losing oneself in love. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors, making it a deeply introspective and thought-provoking song.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, leaves were falling
The season is changing and the leaves are falling from the trees.
They're just like embers
The leaves look like glowing embers as they fall to the ground.
In colors red and gold they set us on fire
The vibrant red and gold colors of the leaves are beautiful and exciting, like flames setting us on fire.
Burning just like moonbeams in our eyes
The brightness of the leaves is like the brightness of moonbeams in our eyes.
Someone said they saw me
Someone told others that they saw me doing something interesting or unusual.
They said I was swinging the world by the tail
Someone said that I was in control and powerful, like I was swinging the entire world by the tail.
Bouncing over the white clouds
I am happily and carelessly bouncing over the clouds like a child playing.
That I was killing the blues
The person who saw me thought that I was conquering my worries and sadness (the blues).
Well, I am guilty of something
The artist is admitting that they have done something wrong.
That I hope you never do
The artist hopes that the person they are speaking to does not make the same mistake as they did.
'Cause nothing is sadder
There is nothing more sorrowful or sad than...
Than losing yourself in love
... the feeling of losing oneself in love and being defined only by that relationship.
Oh, when you asked me
The singer is recalling a conversation with someone who asked them something.
Just to leave you
The person asked the singer to leave them and go on a journey of self-discovery.
And set out on my own to find what I needed
The person asked the singer to go on a journey to find what they felt they needed in life.
You asked me to find what I already had
The artist realizes that what they were seeking was already in their possession—likely a reference to happiness or contentment.
Been killing the blues
The artist affirms that they have been successfully overcoming their sadness and worries.
Just killing the blues
The singer emphasizes that they are currently and consistently defeating their emotional struggles.
Contributed by Oliver A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
childofthe60s100
Magnificent!!!
This is one of the finest songs, ever written.
(Did you know that Rolly Salley was the bass in Chris Isaacs band?)
Chris Smither performs the definitive version of this song.
He is one of the greatest players and singers you will ever see- so DO go and see him!
His concerts leave you with a warm feeling and you know that you have just seen a master at work!
nissi
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
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
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
Somebody said they saw me
Swinging the world by the tail
Bouncing over a white cloud
Killing the Blues
written by Roly Salley
Paul G
Indeed. His voice fits this song perfectly, and his guitar playing is virtuosic without being unnecessarily showy. Absolutely pure and beautiful.
Do It Now! video's yeah!
Malcolm Holcolms version is my favorite. The real original is on this comp album Roly Salley played on. Mr Salley re recorded it for a solo album. First version ain't that great. I have the semi rare vinyl . Music from Woodstock mountain
Tony Watts
There is no justice in this world. Otherwise Chris Smither would be known by everyone as an outstanding performer. He is "at one with his guitar" and indeed one of the best performers I've seen.
bungalowbill16
@Donna Casey just saw him last night for the third time, still great, he didn't play this last night though.
Donna Casey
I've seen CS play a 100x - from Berkeley to Chicago over the past 40 yrs. Hell of a songwriter, too (even though he didn't write this). Nobody more entertaining. Got tickets for March 2022, too.
Timothy Graff
@Alan Pat just this evening heard him for the first time. My favorite cover of this has always been John Prines'. I'm now reconsidering.
Alan Pat
I so totally agree with you! I stumbled across Chris a bout a year or so ago. Rushed out to buy this cd. I am his age, love music, never heard of him. What have we all missed over the years.
Toby Ovod-Everett
I remember Chris introducing the song once by telling the story of performing it live and having someone come up to him afterwards and say something along the lines of, "I don't think I have ever heard that song performed more to my liking." Chris mentioned that he didn't write it and that it was written by Roly Salley, to which the commenter responded, "I know, that's me."
Robert Aller
What a fantastic story! Thank you for sharing it.
Justin Major
@Alec Anson definitely, I've been watching on Instaflixxer for years myself :)