Katie Cruel
Karen Dalton Lyrics
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They called me the roving jewel
Now they've changed their tune
Call me Katie Cruel
Through the woods I'm going
And through the boggy mire
Straight way down the road
If I was where I would be
Then I'd be where I am not
Here I am where I must be
Where I would be, I cannot
When I first came to town
They bought me drinks a-plenty
Now they've changed their tune
And hand me the bottles empty
If I was where I would be
Then I'd be where I am not
Here I am where I must be
Where I would be, I cannot
The song "Katie Cruel" by Karen Dalton is a haunting ballad with a mysterious tone that leaves listeners feeling both melancholic and reflective. The lyrics tell of a woman who was once admired and called the "roving jewel," but is now known as "Katie Cruel". She is depicted as wandering through the woods and boggy mire, searching for her heart's desire. Despite her travels, she cannot seem to find the place where she truly belongs.
The lyrics suggest that the singer is struggling to find her true self and purpose, as she seeks to reconcile her current situation with the person she once was. The repetition of the lines "If I was where I would be, then I'd be where I am not. Here I am where I must be, where I would be, I cannot" only serves to deepen the sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction. It's almost as if she is trapped in a cyclical pattern of searching but never finding what she seeks.
Line by Line Meaning
When I first came to town
Upon my arrival to this location
They called me the roving jewel
I was initially referred to as a treasured wanderer
Now they've changed their tune
However, their stance has now altered
Call me Katie Cruel
And I am now identified as cruel by name
Through the woods I'm going
I am proceeding through the forest
And through the boggy mire
And across the marshy mud
Straight way down the road
Making my way directly forward on the path
'Til I come to my heart's desire
Until I reach the object of my intense longing
If I was where I would be
If I were located in the place I desire
Then I'd be where I am not
Then I would not actually be in my current position
Here I am where I must be
Yet, at this moment I am where I am required to be
Where I would be, I can not
Though, I am unable to be where I truly long to reside
When I first came to town
Upon my arrival to this location
They bought me drinks plenty
I received many beverages from them
Now they've changed their tune
However, their stance has now altered
And hand me the bottles empty
And now offer me empty bottles
If I was where I would be
If only I were located in the place I desire
Then I'd be where I am not
Then I would not actually be in my current position
Here I am where I must be
Yet, at this moment I am where I am required to be
Where I would be, I can not
Though, I am unable to be where I truly long to reside
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BERT JANSCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ronkopald
The most haunting voice I have ever heard.
It sits deep down in the bedrock of my soul.
@hannesbaba27
hello this is karen dalton i need 30000 dollars to get rid of serbia thanks
@mrmanatee
heard this for the first time and the hard-panned violin gave me shivers. perfect mix.
@chubberton
I love karens original rustic voice always a pleasure listening to her.
@Mzvolatiledaddymantis
How perfect is it that such a classic, transcendent tune ends at exactly 2:22? It's Magical.
@ashnikes
What a beautifully unique voice,
@bobforbes3614
i played 3 songs live with karen dalton on my upright bass on woodstock tv, she was the best, peace bob forbes
@michelcollet
You’re a legend Mr Bob!
@mollycollins4670
She sure is!
@kengaroo67
I love this. Totally different vibe than the Lisa LeBlanc version, which I also love.