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Josh Ritter — Kathleen
Album: Hello Starling
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 741









Released: 2003
Length: 4:03
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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All the other girls here are stars - you are the northern lights
They try to shine in through your curtains - you're too close and too bright
They try and they try but everything that they do
Is the ghost of a trace of a pale imitation of you
I'll be the one to drive you back home Kathleen

This party was made with the night air and the chance that a smile
Will wind its way from your face to one of the boys in your line
You act like you're hip to their tricks and you're strong
But a virgin Wurlitzer heart never once had a song
I'll be the one to drive you back home Kathleen

And I'll have you back by break of day
I'm going your way anyway
And if you'd like to come along
I'll be yours for a song

I know you are waiting and I know that it is not for me
But I'm here and I'm ready and I've saved you the passenger seat
I won't be your last dance just your last goodnight
Every heart is a package tangled up in knots someone else tied
I'll be the one to drive you back home Kathleen

So crawl up your trellis and quietly back into your room
And I'll coast down the length of your drive by the light of the moon
And the next time I see you - a new kind of hello
Both our hearts have a secret only both of us know
'Bout the night that I drove you back home Kathleen
Comments (87)add comment
Every heart is a package tangled up in knots someone else tied 🥲💔
Posted 3 months ago by SheRidesABeemer    [ Reply ]
 smoneck wrote:
What an awful blob of schmaltz ... ! :U
 
I think this song isn't that bad, but that's a great description - good band name.

Posted 6 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
What an awful blob of schmaltz ... ! :U
Posted 6 years ago by smoneck    [ Reply ]
 {#Smile}  Ha, funny

Grammarcop wrote:
Angela —> Kathleen. 

Bill, I think Rebecca's starting to get suspicious! 

 

Posted 6 years ago by SurfDoc    [ Reply ]
Angela —> Kathleen. 

Bill, I think Rebecca's starting to get suspicious! 
Posted 7 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
Josh is an under-rated song/wordsmith who is IMHO in the likes of Elvis Costello and Tom Waits. Also can't help but like songs about girls having the same name as my girlfriends. {#Ask}
Posted 8 years ago by impediguy    [ Reply ]
I love this song's quiet intensity. 
Posted 9 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

Nick Drake's work never sounded very much like Dylan's to my ears.

 

Neither mine. Nick's lyrics are too confessional and vulnerable and his music is too beautifully arranged to be Bob's. 
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Kingart,
Great find adding those lyrics - thanks. 
Posted 9 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
  WayUpNorth wrote:
Ok, so I've commented before ... I know, I know ... but I truly think this song is brilliant.

Sasha2001 wrote:

I wouldn't exactly say he's breaking new ground here. Dont know how this qualifies as brilliant.
 
You dont (sic) know? It must be that bloomberg education machine that is failing you.
Posted 9 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
I'm gonna guess Rami Jaffe on keyboards!
Posted 9 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
 jamelch wrote:
I don't understand all the hate.  I find his music refreshing and his lyrics inspired. 

 
agreed. What's old is new again. 
Posted 10 years ago by Garyohh    [ Reply ]
I don't understand all the hate.  I find his music refreshing and his lyrics inspired. 
Posted 10 years ago by jamelch    [ Reply ]
Well, I never really had a strong liking for this guy's music and I'm afraid that applies to this song as well, but the lyrics struck me dumb this morning. Wow.

Now, if Willie Nelson or somebody with a gravelly voice covered this ... zowie!
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 WayUpNorth wrote:
Ok, so I've commented before ... I know, I know ... but I truly think this song is brilliant.

 
I wouldn't exactly say he's breaking new ground here. Dont know how this qualifies as brilliant.
Posted 11 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
the ultimate friend-zone theme song.
Posted 11 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
 More_Cowbell wrote:

Which all sound like Dylan

 
Nick Drake's work never sounded very much like Dylan's to my ears.
Posted 11 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 grogg wrote:
I know nothing about Ritter, but this song makes me want to hear more of his stuff.
 
Try these: To The Dogs or Whoever.  Right Moves (my two personal Ritter favorites, extraordinary lyrics that tell or allude to great stories and are a lot of fun). The Girl in the War. Wolves. Change of Time. 

"To The Dogs Or Whoever" 

Deep in the belly of a whale I found her

Down with the deep blue jail around her

Running her hands through the ribs of the dark

Florence and Calamity and Joan of Arc

 

I love the way she looks in her underwear

I lose my page then the book then the plot then I swear

She makes the most of her time by loving me plenty

She knows there'll come a day when we won't be getting any

 

The stain of the sepia the butcher Crimea

Through the wreck of a brass band I though I could see her

In a cakewalk she came through the dead and the lame

Just another bird floating on a hurricane

 

I was flat on my back with my feet in the thorns

I was in between the apples and the chloroform

She came to me often, I was sure I was dying

It was always hard to tell if she was laughing or crying

 

I thought I heard somebody calling

In the dark I thought I heard somebody call

 

Joan never cared about the in-betweens

Combed her hair with a blade did the Maid of Orleans

Said Christ walked on water we can wade through the war

You don't need to tell me who the fire is for

 

Oh bring me the love that can sweeten a sword

A boat that can love the rocks or the shore

The love of the iceberg reaching out for a wreck

Can you love me like the crosses love the nape of the neck?

 

Was it Casey Jones or Casey at the Bat

Who died out of pride and got famous for that

Killed by a swerve laid low by the curve

Do you ever think they ever thought they got what they deserved

 

Don't pity the bullet, but pity the man

Who both find their place in the same sad plan

Who both are like the barrel going over the falls

Crying all the way down I never asked to be involved

 

I thought I heard somebody calling

In the dark I thought I heard somebody call

 

General George began the day by taking pink little pills

Sent his men to the top of some hell of a hill

Through the whisper of trees came artillery breeze

He said I love the way the wind comes a'tickling my knees

 

Jane shot the apple right between the eyes

I was thinking of her when you came outside

Lemonade on your breath sun in your hair

Did I mention how I love you in your underwear?

 

Deep in the belly of a whale I found her

Down with the deep blue jail around her

Running her hands through the ribs of the dark

Florence and Calamity and Joan of Arc

 

I thought I heard somebody calling

In the dark I thought I heard somebody call

 

 
Posted 11 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
I know nothing about Ritter, but this song makes me want to hear more of his stuff.
Posted 12 years ago by grogg    [ Reply ]
Ok, so I've commented before ... I know, I know ... but I truly think this song is brilliant.
Posted 13 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
Love this song
Posted 13 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
Oh Josh - such a long road to Dyland!

TERRIBLE MUSIC YOU TRY TO PLAY!
Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
I just turned to my co-worker and said sarcastically, "What did this guy do? Take singing lessons from Dylan?" She politely retorted that Dylan has made a lot of money. OK, that stopped me.
 
Posted 13 years ago by BerkeleyAlice    [ Reply ]
He puts on a great show. See him live if you can.
Posted 13 years ago by shomp    [ Reply ]
This is a modern classic
Posted 13 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
 danuneken wrote:
Nice series of Nick Drake soundalike songs!
 
Which all sound like Dylan

Posted 13 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
Nice series of Nick Drake soundalike songs!
Posted 13 years ago by danuneken    [ Reply ]
this is the first year I have heard of josh ritter. me likee!!!!
Posted 13 years ago by mem_313    [ Reply ]
What a great "last song of the night" tune. Thanks Josh. Thanks RP.

{#Clap}
Posted 13 years ago by raenvald    [ Reply ]
I won't be your last dance just your last goodnight
every heart is a package tangled up in knots someone else tied
Posted 14 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
Remids me of some of the Dylan authored lyrics.  In a good way!
Posted 14 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
Lovely lyrics, a woman's man.  love it.

Posted 14 years ago by pjcle    [ Reply ]

Nice metaphor; stars and northern lights, the other girls, the girl he's talking to...


Posted 14 years ago by ceviche    [ Reply ]
 sfListener wrote:
Saw him open for John Prine a while ago.  Great solo act.
 
Saw him open for Gomez this summer. Incredible performer and a really nice guy too. Lots of great interaction with the crowd.

Posted 15 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
Love, love, LOVE Josh Ritter! His lyrics and sound is so captivating! It seems as if every album is better than the last. He my favorite musician to see in concert and such a sweetheart!
Posted 15 years ago by avidlistener    [ Reply ]
Incredible lyrics ... got me started on Josh Ritter and I haven't stopped yet! {#Sunny}
Posted 15 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
Prine's guitarist, wow!

 fatcatjb wrote:
We caught that tour in Sacramento...Josh was outstanding (and so was John Prine)

 sfListener wrote:
Saw him open for John Prine a while ago.  Great solo act.
 
 


Posted 15 years ago by sfListener    [ Reply ]
We caught that tour in Sacramento...Josh was outstanding (and so was John Prine)

 sfListener wrote:
Saw him open for John Prine a while ago.  Great solo act.
 


Posted 15 years ago by fatcatjb    [ Reply ]
Saw him open for John Prine a while ago.  Great solo act.
Posted 15 years ago by sfListener    [ Reply ]
Caught my ear, I had to see who it was. I like what I hear.
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 Papernapkin wrote:
I liked him when he was in Three's Company.
 
Got a chuckle!  Nice.

Posted 15 years ago by AvoidingWork    [ Reply ]
I have always liked this one.
Posted 16 years ago by stevo_b    [ Reply ]
Smoove_D wrote:
I'm gonna go ahead and bump this from an 8 to a 9. Love this song.
And I'm going all the way from unrated to 4. Props, Josh!
Posted 16 years ago by lathyris    [ Reply ]
Smoove_D wrote:
I'm gonna go ahead and bump this from an 8 to a 9. Love this song.
His latest CD, which came out last year, is excellent. Haven't heard much off of this one...
Posted 16 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
This entire album was recorded using Curtis Mayfield's old equipment. R.I.P. Brother Curtis.
Posted 16 years ago by garthwb    [ Reply ]
I'm gonna go ahead and bump this from an 8 to a 9. Love this song.
Posted 16 years ago by Smoove_D    [ Reply ]
I liked him when he was in Three's Company.
Posted 16 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
rtkmusic wrote:
Might be a good deal if that 10 bucks includes parking, dinner, an open bar and a headliner.
Oh SNAP
Posted 16 years ago by Zweiblumen    [ Reply ]
Smooth. I like all of it, except how he says kathleen, but thats okay, not his fault. all in all, a lovely, romantic song.
Posted 16 years ago by TheFriendlyCat    [ Reply ]
jstevep00 wrote:
Nov, 2006, someone posts about Josh Ritter followed by Nina Simone Dec, 2007, another post about Ritter followed by Simone right now, I'm listening to Nina Simone following Josh Ritter What's going on here, Bill? You really love these two paired together or are you recycling playlists?
Okay, I am tired of this repeated thread. Of course once he designs a fine little cluster of songs he uses it more than once and in a given calendar period you may hear it several times. Frankly, if you notice this you are likely listening to RP enough to buy a sweatshirt or some discs through amazon via Bill. Or hell, just give him some money for work well done.
Posted 16 years ago by Dragonfly_Launch    [ Reply ]
jstevep00 wrote:
Nov, 2006, someone posts about Josh Ritter followed by Nina Simone Dec, 2007, another post about Ritter followed by Simone right now, I'm listening to Nina Simone following Josh Ritter What's going on here, Bill? You really love these two paired together or are you recycling playlists?
Bill's not there 24/7. Yes, he recycles playlists.
Posted 16 years ago by Smoove_D    [ Reply ]
Nov, 2006, someone posts about Josh Ritter followed by Nina Simone Dec, 2007, another post about Ritter followed by Simone right now, I'm listening to Nina Simone following Josh Ritter What's going on here, Bill? You really love these two paired together or are you recycling playlists?
Posted 16 years ago by jstevep00    [ Reply ]
Zigi wrote:
It's probably you... Oh look here comes Nina Simone. If that doesn't change your opinion then it's DEFINITELY you.
Gee... Josh Ritter ... followed by Nina Simone. Again. Hmm.
Posted 16 years ago by joeychick    [ Reply ]
A firm 5.
Posted 16 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
Jacksonstat wrote:
Going to see Josh Ritter next month! Don't know his music very well, but the tickets were only $10... can't pass that up.
Might be a good deal if that 10 bucks includes parking, dinner, an open bar and a headliner.
Posted 17 years ago by rtkmusic    [ Reply ]
Very romantic. A new kind of hello. nice.
Posted 17 years ago by pannaramma    [ Reply ]
saw Josh open for Sara Harmer a couple of year ago...he sang this song and blew us all away.
Posted 17 years ago by ploba    [ Reply ]
Just saw Josh Ritter last Friday night and he was great! Came home after the show and bought all of his CDs.
Posted 17 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
been hearing some good songs, but this just made my day!!! josh ritter is fantastic! this album is unbelievably good! muchas muchas gracias señor Bill
Posted 17 years ago by gernick    [ Reply ]
gorgeous b3
Posted 17 years ago by pret-a-porter    [ Reply ]
eskles wrote:
This guy belongs on commercial radio, because this is just as boring and generic as every other song played these days.
not everyone can be (nor should they be) the talking heads
Posted 17 years ago by araujokrl    [ Reply ]
Going to see Josh Ritter next month! Don't know his music very well, but the tickets were only $10... can't pass that up.
Posted 17 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
This guy belongs on commercial radio, because this is just as boring and generic as every other song played these days.
Posted 17 years ago by eskles    [ Reply ]
mrrmt wrote:
i like it alot. does anyone else notice a really strong tom petty sound ?
for me, it sounded at times like John Prine, with 4x his usual range.
Posted 17 years ago by stinkycheese    [ Reply ]
weena wrote:
This reminds me of the Nick Drake tune "Northern Sky". It'd be interesting to hear them back-to-back...I know; I'm not the d.j.~
Except without the talent & great voice of Nick Drake...
Posted 18 years ago by strick    [ Reply ]
fredriley wrote:
Is it me, or has this been one of the worst stretch of numbers ever on RP? Of the last 10 numbers, only one rated 5 in my books, the rest being 2s and 1s. This one just about manages a 2, sheer tedium that it is.
It's probably you... Oh look here comes Nina Simone. If that doesn't change your opinion then it's DEFINITELY you.
Posted 18 years ago by Zigi    [ Reply ]
Is it me, or has this been one of the worst stretch of numbers ever on RP? Of the last 10 numbers, only one rated 5 in my books, the rest being 2s and 1s. This one just about manages a 2, sheer tedium that it is.
Posted 18 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
I know you are waiting and I know that it is not for me
Man, does that evoke . . . most of a decade. Hell, most of a couple of decades, decades apart. Man.
Posted 18 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
MemphisBelle wrote:
Josh Ritter is brilliant - and a nice guy to boot. I've seen him live in Austin and Dubln, Ire., and his live sets are amazing. Please play some more!
Yeah! He was great in Three's Company too!
Posted 18 years ago by LLMikeJ    [ Reply ]
Kathleen all the other girls here are stars—you are the Northern Lights they try to shine in through your curtains—you're too close and too bright they try and they try but everything that they do is the ghost of a trace of a pale imitation of you I'll be the one to drive you back home Kathleen this party is made with the night air and the chance that a smile will wind its way from your face to one of the boys in your line you act like you're hip to their tricks and you're strong but a virgin Wurlitzer heart never once had a song I'll be the one to drive you back home Kathleen and I'll have you back by break of day I'm going your way anyway and if you'd like to come along I'll be yours for a song I know you are waiting and I know that it is not for me but I'm here and I'm ready and I've saved you the passenger seat I won't be your last dance just your last goodnight every heart is a package tangled up in knots someone else tied I'll be the one to drive you back home Kathleen so crawl up your trellis and quietly back into your room and I'll coast down the length of your drive by the light of the moon and the next time I see you—a new kind of hello both our hearts have a secret only both of us know ‘bout the night that I drove you back home Kathleen
Posted 19 years ago by ColoBacon    [ Reply ]
i like it alot. does anyone else notice a really strong tom petty sound ?
Posted 19 years ago by mrrmt    [ Reply ]
I like what AMG has to say about this tune:
Like Rufus Wainwright, Ritter takes the approach of being in each setting he writes about. His power of observance, not only for scenery and characters but subtle emotional states, is remarkable. He may be the guy in the story or a tree on the sidewalk, but he's there. And while his topics would not indicate being any big deal, they are quite simply profound. "Kathleen" is the story of a young man who waits on the sidelines at a party to get the opportunity to drive a young woman home. His protagonist is full of the shy, geek-love need of a bystander who has long desired a woman who doesn't even know he's alive. But rather than merely ache with the unrequited love he believes he is entitled to, he summons his bravado -- buoyed by a Hammond B3, ringing electric guitars, and a poetry that is as shot through with Kenneth Patchen's last romantic ideals as it is with Mike Scott's Celtic pop melodic sensibility -- and makes his stand under the moonlight. It's an anthem for the shy.
One of the better album purchases I made in recent years. Excellent tune.
Posted 19 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
This reminds me of the Nick Drake tune "Northern Sky". It'd be interesting to hear them back-to-back...I know; I'm not the d.j.~
Posted 19 years ago by weena    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this one since my cd collection was stolen. Excellent and so is this disk! Warning! This is one of the more upbeat songs on the disk though.
Posted 19 years ago by NiceGuy2005    [ Reply ]
THIS SONG ROCKS!!! PLAY MORE JOSH RITTER!!! BUY HIS CD!!! IT"S SWEEEEEEEEET!!!!
Posted 19 years ago by WHFagley    [ Reply ]
I saw Josh live about a month ago in San Diego. He was incredible. He was such a great performer and was so in tune with the audience. . . . and he is REALLY funny to boot.
Posted 19 years ago by Annabelle919    [ Reply ]
Actually some of the lyrics and singing stle reminds me of Leonard Cohen.
Posted 19 years ago by johnnyBbad    [ Reply ]
Bob Dylan used to sound like this. . . no . . . wait. . . . he was never quite that good.
Posted 20 years ago by billery    [ Reply ]
samiyam wrote:
Sorta reminds me of that Star Trek episode. "I'll take you home again, Kathleen... One More Time!!"
Do you have Klingons near Uranus?
Posted 20 years ago by JokesandJokesandJokes    [ Reply ]
hm, nice melancholic song...never heard before....
Posted 20 years ago by henrico    [ Reply ]
Josh Ritter is brilliant - and a nice guy to boot. I've seen him live in Austin and Dubln, Ire., and his live sets are amazing. Please play some more!
Posted 20 years ago by MemphisBelle    [ Reply ]
notyoko wrote:
I love this song. It almost seems so simple that I shouldn't, but it's really gotten inside me somehow.
Sorta reminds me of that Star Trek episode. "I'll take you home again, Kathleen... One More Time!!"
Posted 20 years ago by samiyam    [ Reply ]
I love this song. It almost seems so simple that I shouldn't, but it's really gotten inside me somehow.
Posted 20 years ago by notyoko    [ Reply ]
everything about this music is perfect. more ritter!
Posted 20 years ago by Platypus    [ Reply ]
Nice. Love the arrangements. The organ fits very well with the guitar and vocals. His name sounds like someone I wouldn't like.
Posted 21 years ago by mindless    [ Reply ]
Not bad at all. Very well written lyrics. This song sort of reminds me of an early Bob Dylan offering or a Weakerthans track with the pauses and breaks as they are. I like it.
Posted 21 years ago by tungsten    [ Reply ]