Tori Amos — Silent All These Years (Live w/ Leonard Cohen)
Album: Rare On Air Vol 1Avg rating:
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Total ratings: 1049
Length: 4:40
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Excuse me but can I be you for a while?
My dog won't bite if you sit real still
I got the anti-Christ in the kitchen yelling at me again
Yeah, I can hear that
Been saved again by the garbage truck
I got something to say you know but nothing comes
Yes, I know what you think of me, you never shut up
Yeah, I can hear that
But what if I'm a mermaid
In these jeans of his with her name still on it
Hey, but I don't care 'cause sometimes
I said sometimes I hear my voice and it's been here
Silent all these years
So you found a girl who thinks really deep thoughts
What's so amazing about really deep thoughts?
Boy, you best pray that I bleed real soon
How's that thought for you?
My scream got lost in a paper cup
I think there's a heaven where some screams have gone
I got twenty five bucks and a cracker, do you think it's enough
To get us there?
'Cause what if I'm a mermaid
In these jeans of his with her name still on it
Hey, but I don't care 'cause sometimes
I said sometimes I hear my voice and it's been here
Silent all these years
Years go by, will I still be waiting for somebody else to understand?
Years go by, if I'm stripped of my beauty and the orange clouds raining in my hand
Years go by, will I choke on my tears till finally there is nothing left?
One more casualty, you know we're too easy, easy, easy
Well, I love the way we communicate
Your eyes focus on my funny lip shape
Let's hear what you think of me now but, baby, don't look up
The sky is falling
Your mother shows up in a nasty dress
And it's your turn now to stand where I stand
Everybody looking at you, here, take hold of my hand
Yeah, I can hear them
But what if I'm a mermaid
In these jeans of yours with her name still on it
Hey, but I don't care 'cause sometimes
I said sometimes I hear my voice
I hear my voice
I hear my voice and it's been here
Silent all these years
I've been here
Silent all these years
Silent all these
Silent all these years
My dog won't bite if you sit real still
I got the anti-Christ in the kitchen yelling at me again
Yeah, I can hear that
Been saved again by the garbage truck
I got something to say you know but nothing comes
Yes, I know what you think of me, you never shut up
Yeah, I can hear that
But what if I'm a mermaid
In these jeans of his with her name still on it
Hey, but I don't care 'cause sometimes
I said sometimes I hear my voice and it's been here
Silent all these years
So you found a girl who thinks really deep thoughts
What's so amazing about really deep thoughts?
Boy, you best pray that I bleed real soon
How's that thought for you?
My scream got lost in a paper cup
I think there's a heaven where some screams have gone
I got twenty five bucks and a cracker, do you think it's enough
To get us there?
'Cause what if I'm a mermaid
In these jeans of his with her name still on it
Hey, but I don't care 'cause sometimes
I said sometimes I hear my voice and it's been here
Silent all these years
Years go by, will I still be waiting for somebody else to understand?
Years go by, if I'm stripped of my beauty and the orange clouds raining in my hand
Years go by, will I choke on my tears till finally there is nothing left?
One more casualty, you know we're too easy, easy, easy
Well, I love the way we communicate
Your eyes focus on my funny lip shape
Let's hear what you think of me now but, baby, don't look up
The sky is falling
Your mother shows up in a nasty dress
And it's your turn now to stand where I stand
Everybody looking at you, here, take hold of my hand
Yeah, I can hear them
But what if I'm a mermaid
In these jeans of yours with her name still on it
Hey, but I don't care 'cause sometimes
I said sometimes I hear my voice
I hear my voice
I hear my voice and it's been here
Silent all these years
I've been here
Silent all these years
Silent all these
Silent all these years
Comments (114)add comment
Shesdifferent wrote:
Do you want grammar lessons before I get my rifle?
Someone please put this girl out of her misery....and while your at it shoot me now from the agony of listening to this awful song......
Do you want grammar lessons before I get my rifle?
Shesdifferent wrote:
Someone please put this girl out of her misery....and while your at it shoot me now from the agony of listening to this awful song.....
Lindo525 wrote:
That would be a permanent solution to a temporary problem.I recommend the PSD button instead :-)
Aaah, just let 'em do it. Probably not the only song (s)he doesn't like.
Someone please put this girl out of her misery....and while your at it shoot me now from the agony of listening to this awful song.....
Lindo525 wrote:
That would be a permanent solution to a temporary problem.I recommend the PSD button instead :-)
Aaah, just let 'em do it. Probably not the only song (s)he doesn't like.
This has always been a song that makes me stop and listen to it. It's especially relevant today.
Nope, can't do it. Unlistenable.
ckcotton wrote:
Wow... my two LEAST favorite RP staples together at last!
If only they could get Yoko to add some vocals.....
If only they could get Yoko to add some vocals.....
Rebecca & Bill, I love you guys. But, how am I supposed to get anything done when you keep doing this glorious playlist?!?! Tori and Leonard - together in one of her best-est songs? Only her duet w/ Maynard (from Tool) comes close to this diddy. Stop it, I mean, Thank you...
Thanks, but no thanks! Next song, please…Wow... my two LEAST favorite RP staples together at last!
If only they could get Yoko to add some vocals.....
If only they could get Yoko to add some vocals.....
Shesdifferent wrote:
That would be a permanent solution to a temporary problem.I recommend the PSD button instead :-)
Someone please put this girl out of her misery....and while your at it shoot me now from the agony of listening to this awful song......
That would be a permanent solution to a temporary problem.I recommend the PSD button instead :-)
Ugh, I tried but had to hit the mute button.
Someone please put this girl out of her misery....and while your at it shoot me now from the agony of listening to this awful song......
Oh, Leonard, how we miss you.
dave701 wrote:
or PLAY it.....
I hope you never lay this again.
or PLAY it.....
It might not actually be the case but at least this feels soooo overplayed....
I hope you never lay this again.
memories of a simple and gentle time!
Quite a string of moaning songs. For such a beautiful Saturday morning ughhhhh
Leonard Cohen walks close to the line between art and caricature - he stumbled on this one.
truly amazing
Wow. If only it were that easy....
g-rod wrote:
Whiney whiney whiney
sbegf wrote:
ME TOO!!!
When this song started I thought Bill's voice dramatically changed.
ME TOO!!!
I should hate this song for all the infidelities I committed my loved one while listening to Tori's album.
The sadness and guilt in it is fitting, I guess.
And it's not the music's fault either, only my faulty wretched will and my irresistible physical beauty.
Tori Amos is a great artist, and Silent All These Years a great song, in their own wicked ways.
The sadness and guilt in it is fitting, I guess.
And it's not the music's fault either, only my faulty wretched will and my irresistible physical beauty.
Tori Amos is a great artist, and Silent All These Years a great song, in their own wicked ways.
stalfnzo wrote:
SquiddlyDiddly wrote:
Over time, I have found the same, not only with Tori but with others played here. Thus. . . I am now far more tolerant when Bill keeps playing artists I don't initially like. . . I keep my ears open.
Yeah, it's taken me a while to appreciate Tori too, although some of songs still seriously annoy me ("Caught a Lite Sneeze"). She has a lovely voice—sometimes she reminds me a great deal of Kate Bush. I have same increased tolerance as you, SD. I doubt I'd have that now if I listened to music through Spotify or Pandora.
Man, I so dislike liking this song. I saw her long ago, bent over a piano in exagerated torture. It was nauseating.
But Bill is persistent, and I heard her more and more. Gradually, I have learned to appreciate it.
And so, I'm embarrassed to confess., I like Tori Amos.
But Bill is persistent, and I heard her more and more. Gradually, I have learned to appreciate it.
And so, I'm embarrassed to confess., I like Tori Amos.
SquiddlyDiddly wrote:
Over time, I have found the same, not only with Tori but with others played here. Thus. . . I am now far more tolerant when Bill keeps playing artists I don't initially like. . . I keep my ears open.
Yeah, it's taken me a while to appreciate Tori too, although some of songs still seriously annoy me ("Caught a Lite Sneeze"). She has a lovely voice—sometimes she reminds me a great deal of Kate Bush. I have same increased tolerance as you, SD. I doubt I'd have that now if I listened to music through Spotify or Pandora.
mkrueck wrote:
Bill, not just my life is richer for your efforts! Thank you very much!
Yes that's so true, not only mine,but the music life of my family. We enjoy, discover and appreciate a true ecclectic choice of music and in some way, a true artistic and meaningful vision that we can share with others.
Bill, not just my life is richer for your efforts! Thank you very much!
Yes that's so true, not only mine,but the music life of my family. We enjoy, discover and appreciate a true ecclectic choice of music and in some way, a true artistic and meaningful vision that we can share with others.
SquiddlyDiddly wrote:
Over time, I have found the same, not only with Tori but with others played here. Thus. . . I am now far more tolerant when Bill keeps playing artists I don't initially like. . . I keep my ears open.
Bill, not just my life is richer for your efforts! Thank you very much!
Over time, I have found the same, not only with Tori but with others played here. Thus. . . I am now far more tolerant when Bill keeps playing artists I don't initially like. . . I keep my ears open.
Bill, not just my life is richer for your efforts! Thank you very much!
Gorgeous voice
WTF?
When this song started I thought Bill's voice dramatically changed.
msymmes wrote:
Me too, but if I owned this mp3 I would edit out The Old Lecher immediately.
I like.
Me too, but if I owned this mp3 I would edit out The Old Lecher immediately.
stalfnzo wrote:
Over time, I have found the same, not only with Tori but with others played here. Thus. . . I am now far more tolerant when Bill keeps playing artists I don't initially like. . . I keep my ears open.
Man, I so dislike liking this song. I saw her long ago, bent over a piano in exagerated torture. It was nauseating.
But Bill is persistent, and I heard her more and more. Gradually, I have learned to appreciate it.
And so, I'm embarrassed to confess., I like Tori Amos.
But Bill is persistent, and I heard her more and more. Gradually, I have learned to appreciate it.
And so, I'm embarrassed to confess., I like Tori Amos.
Over time, I have found the same, not only with Tori but with others played here. Thus. . . I am now far more tolerant when Bill keeps playing artists I don't initially like. . . I keep my ears open.
He is: The most interesting man in the world....
netskink wrote:
Surreal and haunting.
What is this?
Surreal and haunting.
What is this?
Sometimes I can listen to Tori Amos, and sometimes I can't. It's nothing to do with how good of a singer she is (which is pretty good, IMO). I just sometimes can't hack the amount of angst.
Tori Amos: The angst is strong with this one.
Tori Amos: The angst is strong with this one.
Man, I so dislike liking this song. I saw her long ago, bent over a piano in exagerated torture. It was nauseating.
But Bill is persistent, and I heard her more and more. Gradually, I have learned to appreciate it.
And so, I'm embarrassed to confess., I like Tori Amos.
But Bill is persistent, and I heard her more and more. Gradually, I have learned to appreciate it.
And so, I'm embarrassed to confess., I like Tori Amos.
I like.
unclehud wrote:
Yeah; all that. Sounded like Mr. Cohen, so that's an easy assumption, but the words stopped me cold. Whoooooeeeeee, baby. Will be googling them for the next few minutes.
edit 4 minutes later: Thanks to stargazer1907 on YouTube ...
"I've heard of a man who says words so beautifully that if only he speaks their name, women give themselves to him. If I am dumb beside your body while silence blossoms like tumors on our lips, it is because I hear a man climb the stairs and clear his throat outside our door."
PS: I think it's referring to me.
I"m not 100% sure but I think it's a poem out of his book "Energy of Slaves". It's certainly out of one of his books and predates, I think, his music career.
Yeah; all that. Sounded like Mr. Cohen, so that's an easy assumption, but the words stopped me cold. Whoooooeeeeee, baby. Will be googling them for the next few minutes.
edit 4 minutes later: Thanks to stargazer1907 on YouTube ...
"I've heard of a man who says words so beautifully that if only he speaks their name, women give themselves to him. If I am dumb beside your body while silence blossoms like tumors on our lips, it is because I hear a man climb the stairs and clear his throat outside our door."
PS: I think it's referring to me.
I"m not 100% sure but I think it's a poem out of his book "Energy of Slaves". It's certainly out of one of his books and predates, I think, his music career.
I'm not getting the Broadway references....Best I can tell it's about a woman in a crappy abusive relationship. Not too many Broadway musicals cover that type of subject matter. I do agree this song does get played alot. She's got a lot of music worth listening to.
Another great track from one of those little-known gems in the KCRW Rare on Air series. Search them out - they have some really wonderful tracks on them. Volume 2 is the best, IMHO, but they all have some great stuff.
Lol. Leonard Cohen and then Tori Amos. This drive all those folks that think music is just supposed to be ear candy to PSD!
I have never had a beef with her voice or any of the many lovely female voices played here...Sometimes i just dont like the song they are singing...this one is pretty good...8
Bleeeaaaccchhhhh
the obligatory tori song of the day.
cant wait till this is over
the obligatory tori song of the day.
cant wait till this is over
Ahem!
Ballzak wrote:
Yeah; all that. Sounded like Mr. Cohen, so that's an easy assumption, but the words stopped me cold. Whoooooeeeeee, baby. Will be googling them for the next few minutes.
edit 4 minutes later: Thanks to stargazer1907 on YouTube ...
"I've heard of a man who says words so beautifully that if only he speaks their name, women give themselves to him. If I am dumb beside your body while silence blossoms like tumors on our lips, it is because I hear a man climb the stairs and clear his throat outside our door."
PS: I think it's referring to me.
What was that little slice of poetry before this track? It doesn't seem to be listed in the track list. Or was that a part of this song, by Leonard Cohen?
Yeah; all that. Sounded like Mr. Cohen, so that's an easy assumption, but the words stopped me cold. Whoooooeeeeee, baby. Will be googling them for the next few minutes.
edit 4 minutes later: Thanks to stargazer1907 on YouTube ...
"I've heard of a man who says words so beautifully that if only he speaks their name, women give themselves to him. If I am dumb beside your body while silence blossoms like tumors on our lips, it is because I hear a man climb the stairs and clear his throat outside our door."
PS: I think it's referring to me.
Ballzak wrote:
What was it? The only good part of this piece, that's what.
What was that little slice of poetry before this track? It doesn't seem to be listed in the track list. Or was that a part of this song, by Leonard Cohen?
What was it? The only good part of this piece, that's what.
I enjoy watching Tori grind on her bench, but the fun stops there.
kingart wrote:
I can see how a song about getting dumped by the guy that knocked you up would come across that way.
This sounds like some Broadway musical tune. Sarah Brightman singing Tim Rice. Phantom of the Pop Opera. Nice song, but it seems primarily a lovelorn whine.
I can see how a song about getting dumped by the guy that knocked you up would come across that way.
What was that little slice of poetry before this track? It doesn't seem to be listed in the track list. Or was that a part of this song, by Leonard Cohen?
marvelous... love this song...
kingart wrote:
This sounds like some Broadway musical tune. Sarah Brightman singing Tim Rice. Phantom of the Pop Opera. Nice song, but it seems primarily a lovelorn whine.
I think that's the point. I can't stand most of Tori Amos's stuff, so I sympathize with all you haters, but I have to say I actually like this song some.
This song makes me want to find out what happens if you just keep clicking the PSD button non-stop. Will I reach a point where the broadcast becomes live or you run out of songs?
kingart wrote:
Ummmm, I think it is SUPPOSED to be a lovelorn whine.
This sounds like some Broadway musical tune. Sarah Brightman singing Tim Rice. Phantom of the Pop Opera. Nice song, but it seems primarily a lovelorn whine.
Ummmm, I think it is SUPPOSED to be a lovelorn whine.
seiferth wrote:
that's the bit that bugs you? Not the guy clearing his throat right at the end, after Tori pauses?
Just got a headphone amplifer/DAC (Fiio) and have to say this song is now ruined. I didn't like it that much to begin with but now that I can hear her smacking her lips at each breath it is even more annoying.
that's the bit that bugs you? Not the guy clearing his throat right at the end, after Tori pauses?
This sounds like some Broadway musical tune. Sarah Brightman singing Tim Rice. Phantom of the Pop Opera. Nice song, but it seems primarily a lovelorn whine.
So weird to hear my favourite poet introduce one of my favourite songs in such a way
Love Tori!
The best part of this song was Leonard's into. After that, it went down hill until I had to find something to do that got me away from the computer for a few minutes.
This song and I have a bad history.
This song and I have a bad history.
Holy Crap... Tori Amos is just BAD... not the good bad the bad bad. ick
Despite the fact that Tori Amos is 1)strange and 2)sometimes irritating, I really like this song with the Leonard Cohen bit tacked onto it.
anyone know the story behind this performance? Was Len actually on stage with Tori? Is it his poem? And what made them perform them together?
perfect!
g-rod wrote:
trissi wrote:
I think we are soul mates.....
I'd rather listen to nails on a chalkboard AND chew foil at the same time than listen to this horrid woman sing. Blech!
I think we are soul mates.....
She is amazing and this song is amazing.
"Here take hold of my hand"
"Here take hold of my hand"
That's one spooky intro by Leonard Cohen. It got the hairs on my neck rising.
Ah yes...I actually bought Tori Amos cancelling headphones. I'm hoping they come out with a Grace Slick upgrade and then RP will be 100% perfect! Note: 99.999% is pretty good.seiferth wrote:
Just got a headphone amplifer/DAC (Fiio) and have to say this song is now ruined. I didn't like it that much to begin with but now that I can hear her smacking her lips at each breath it is even more annoying.
I'd rather listen to nails on a chalkboard AND chew foil at the same time than listen to this horrid woman sing. Blech!
Just got a headphone amplifer/DAC (Fiio) and have to say this song is now ruined. I didn't like it that much to begin with but now that I can hear her smacking her lips at each breath it is even more annoying.
rabbi_phil wrote:
Yeah.
"Got the anti-christ screaming at me from the kitchen" Man, that used to be me. ruined that part of her life. hate the me that was me then. Never really understood until I heard that lyric sung that way.
Yeah.
"Got the anti-christ screaming at me from the kitchen" Man, that used to be me. ruined that part of her life. hate the me that was me then. Never really understood until I heard that lyric sung that way.
Terrible!
midas1 wrote:
Leonard Cohen could record himself taking a dump while pontificating on the merits of recording himself taking a dump and many of us would love it.
What's your point?
I am starting to think Leonard Cohen could talk about taking a dump and most of you would love it. 
Leonard Cohen could record himself taking a dump while pontificating on the merits of recording himself taking a dump and many of us would love it.
What's your point?
midas1 wrote:
What album's that on? and can I buy it through Amazon?
I am starting to think Leonard Cohen could talk about taking a dump and most of you would love it.
What album's that on? and can I buy it through Amazon?
Why must Tori Amos be on RP... I can't stand it
I am starting to think Leonard Cohen could talk about taking a dump and most of you would love it.
ditto huebdoo wrote:
Kate Bush called, she wants her style back
Some like, some love, some not so much. Ahh, Tori.Kate Bush called, she wants her style back
Fingernails across a blackboard would sound better.
Just can't get much better than this ... for passion, commitment to craft, storytelling.
The guy who coughs, just as Tori is pausing...
I can't help but think of Peter Sellers when she sings the line about her dog doesn't bite.
Clouseau: Does your dog bite?
Hotel Clerk: No.
Clouseau: <bowing down to pet the dog> Nice doggie.
<Dog barks and bites Clouseau in the hand>
Clouseau: I thought you said your dog did not bite!
Hotel Clerk: That is not my dog.
Clouseau: Does your dog bite?
Hotel Clerk: No.
Clouseau: <bowing down to pet the dog> Nice doggie.
<Dog barks and bites Clouseau in the hand>
Clouseau: I thought you said your dog did not bite!
Hotel Clerk: That is not my dog.
I'm no Tori Amos fan, but this is pretty good; must be because of Leonard Cohen then
I've always loved Tori and I always will. I even found tracks on "Boys for Pele" to embrace! No, she is not for everyone nor would she ever want to be.
Hey: if I pledge never to use the barfing icon on a Counting Crows song (probably the only band that RP plays that I actually HATE) will someone out there promise to give poor ol' Tori a rest! Any takers on this deal? ;)
The album info listed here is wrong. It's not volume 4 of the KCRW series, but volume 1. It's been in my CD collection since the day is came out.
The CD's Amazon listing is at
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000004AVY
Looks like it's out of print (which is surprising since KCRW GM Ruth Seymor is always squeezing out every penny from every possible revenue stream) but there are links to used copies there.
:-k
Too much for me. Tori always manages to put a little beauty in the midst of pain. She should adjust her ratio.
Words are good. But her voice is really annoying - her phrasing grates horribly. Not too wild about the piano either. I love Joni, and Vienna Teng has been my #1 discovery on RP, but I just can't get Tori.
Wow, Leonard's voice just gives me the shivers. Glad you found this rarity.
hyperfish wrote: Mine, too - but in the same way that the statue pulls at Don Giovanni in the final scene.
This song pulls at my soul...
Daveinbawlmer wrote:
What have we done to deserve this ?
we've obviously been behaving extremely well.
One of her gems...
hmm, a TA song that I actually *like*.
What have we done to deserve this ?
<-(
I love this song. Tori Amos really captures a very solemn mood well.
This song pulls at my soul. I've never heard this live version, and I'm near tears...at work. Love you, Tori and RP.
Leonard Cohen gives me goosebumps everytime.
.... with Leonard Cohen in there? That's a pretty hefty reccomendation in and of itself, given the nearly 40 years he's been doing songs and poetry. Nine works for me.
got an 8
:)
Holding my rating until the end though I do love Tori...
rgio wrote:
I'm guessing this is the first time this version has been played. Before it even started, 4 votes, 7.8 average. That's three 10's and a 1. Interesting (and sad). I know...it's also sad that I noticed. I'm gonna throw in a 5 just to mess things up.
whatever.
I just heard this for the first time. She is an "artist" in every sense of that word. Powerful words, powerfully performed. (I gave it my "10" and then saw your post. Hmmm.)
Marvelous. There's a reason Tori became HUGE with this tune. 
Emotionally freefalling song. 
I'm guessing this is the first time this version has been played. Before it even started, 4 votes, 7.8 average. That's three 10's and a 1. Interesting (and sad). I know...it's also sad that I noticed. I'm gonna throw in a 5 just to mess things up.
If only they could get Yoko to add some vocals.....
Oh please... what about Thom "I'm a creep" Yorke? Yoko is like a Pavarotti to Yorke, that whinny little prick.