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Wilco — What Light
Album: Sky Blue Sky
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 770









Released: 2007
Length: 3:26
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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If you feel like singin' a song
And you want other people to sing along
Just sing what you feel
Don't let anyone say it's wrong

And if you're trying to paint a picture
But you're not sure which colors belong
Just paint what you see
Don't let anyone say it's wrong

If you're strung out like a kite
Or stuck awake in the night
It's alright to be frightened

When there's a light
What light?
And there's a light
What light?
There's a light
White light
Inside of you

If you think you might need somebody
To pick you up when you drag
Don't lose sight of yourself
Don't let anyone change your bag

And if the whole world is singing your songs
And all of your paintings have been hung
Just remember what was yours
Is everyone's from now on

And that's not wrong or right
But you can struggle with it all you like
You don't have to get uptight

When there's a light
What light?
There's a light
What light?
There's a light
White light
There's a light
White light
There's a light
One light
There's a light
White light
There's a light
One light
There's a light
White light
There's a light
One light
There's a light
White light
There's a light
White light inside of you

There's a light
White light
There's a light
White light
There's a light
White light
There's a light
One light
Comments (115)add comment
 ShaunJ wrote:
Came in late on this one and thought the record was stuck {#Smile}




Yes. Some folks need to hear it more than a few times. Very helpful indeed.
Posted 4 months ago by charbo    [ Reply ]
ver y good!!
Posted 8 years ago by galexcas    [ Reply ]
This song is now in a commercial for Blue Cross Health coverage in Chicago. I just hear it in the background on TV all the time, and I ask myself...WHY?.
Posted 8 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
I like to guess who the singer/band is on RP and I recognise about 50% after the first few bars but I have to admit to being stumped by Wilco.  Every time I go over to check the playlist because I don't recognise who it is - yep you guessed it - it is Wilco. How am I going to beat Bill at this game?
Posted 9 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
Bill, please stop playing the great songs.  I have work to do!!!
Posted 9 years ago by GTT    [ Reply ]
 lemmoth wrote:
It may just be Beatlecentricity but I often hear in Wilco (who I love) Lennonesque vocals and Harrisonian guitars

 
And for me, more often than not, I hear Eagles...

In a good way, of course! They are incredibly reductive, and a blast to see live. Roots-rockers extraordinaire!!

I'm in a small big city (~1M people) in Canada, and have managed to see them 4 times!
Posted 9 years ago by subgyro    [ Reply ]
 jettondude wrote:

He repeats the line almost 30 times.  My gawd.

 Came in late on this one and thought the record was stuck {#Smile}


Posted 10 years ago by ShaunJ    [ Reply ]
 lemmoth wrote:
Nice segue from a Lennon song to an extremely talented Lennon/Beatle acolyte

 
Yah, good little Help/Rubber Soul connection w/ the opening riff: "here I stand, head in hand, turn my face to the wall..."
Posted 10 years ago by tonypf    [ Reply ]
 dggeek wrote:
There's a line... One line.
There's a line... One line.
There's a line... One line.
There's a line... One line!

I like Wilco, but they're better than this.


 
He repeats the line almost 30 times.  My gawd.
Posted 10 years ago by jettondude    [ Reply ]
 Pyro wrote:

Uhm, no.  Amigo.  That's BAD writing.


 
Wilco has been accused of a lot of things, but bad writing? I don't think so.
Posted 10 years ago by dig    [ Reply ]

iTS OBVIOUSLY heresy (correct spelling ) to dislike WILCO!

I cannot say I really dislike them - no, I do not!

But I would never dare to put them on, if "nutty rockin' dreadlocks coming to party"

You...?

Musically good - yes, but what is it that is missing?

The THRILL, I would say!

They are simply not exiting enough!

Imagine you have that blond girl over for the first time and you suspect she might like to stay!

Would you play WILCO to support her secret wishes...?

I would not!


Posted 10 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Waltz #2 --> What Light

Nice transition... 
Posted 10 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
Nice demonstration of the great difference between the Beatles and those who wish to be Beatles, but... 3.
Posted 10 years ago by whomhow    [ Reply ]
 t00lur wrote:
fork

 
Totally agree.
Posted 11 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
Nice segue from a Lennon song to an extremely talented Lennon/Beatle acolyte
Posted 11 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
 dggeek wrote:
There's a line... One line.
There's a line... One line.
There's a line... One line.
There's a line... One line!

I like Wilco, but they're better than this.

 
There's a light... Bud Light
There's a light... Bud Light
There's a light... Bud Light
There's a light... Bud Light
I can see the commercial possibilities...  


Posted 11 years ago by PFM    [ Reply ]
 t00lur wrote:
fork
 
i mean it {#Group-hug}
Posted 11 years ago by t00lur    [ Reply ]
fork
Posted 11 years ago by t00lur    [ Reply ]
 dggeek wrote:
There's a line... One line.
There's a line... One line.
There's a line... One line.
There's a line... One line!

I like Wilco, but they're better than this.

 

{#Beat}I just felt the urge to pelt someone over the head.  It's Saturday.  That's what I do on Saturday.   {#Lol}


Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
for those who look but can't see, a petaled rose - after you take the corporate hooks out, get a nice view of the city, libation of choice, lick your wounds and give this band a listen. you could be pleasantly surprised. and what a nice day that would be
Posted 12 years ago by midreaming    [ Reply ]
 LongGoneDaddy wrote:
favorite 30 Rock quote (Queen Latifah as Congresswoman Regina Bookman, to Jack Donaghy) : "Why is it that NBC looks about as diverse as a Wilco concert?" 
 
That's why 30 Rock rules.
Posted 12 years ago by lkovathana    [ Reply ]
How did Wilco get so popular?  Seems musically lazy and unappealing ... 
Posted 12 years ago by lkovathana    [ Reply ]
Do love Wilco - but boy the tedium of repetition on this one....?!
Posted 12 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
OK, nice song. Positive and thoughtful. There's a light. Inside. But I would prefer he not repeat the refrain 270 times. 
Wilco is too wishy washy for me. Do these guys know how to wash us in rock and roll?  
Posted 12 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
favorite 30 Rock quote (Queen Latifah as Congresswoman Regina Bookman, to Jack Donaghy) : "Why is it that NBC looks about as diverse as a Wilco concert?" 
Posted 12 years ago by LongGoneDaddy    [ Reply ]
Man.......... I love me some Wilco Cool
Posted 12 years ago by mrdak    [ Reply ]
It may just be Beatlecentricity but I often hear in Wilco (who I love) Lennonesque vocals and Harrisonian guitars

Posted 12 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Outstanding, love it!
Posted 13 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]

Damn true lyrics......


Posted 13 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
Lazy, banal and just too 'safe'. I like earlier Wilco far more than this.
Posted 13 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Hearing Wilco play this @ SOLID SOUND WAS AWESOME
Posted 13 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
Printing out these lyrics to post on office wall. Thanks for the smile.
Posted 13 years ago by amoreena    [ Reply ]
This song was stuck in my head just last week despite not having heard it in a while. Happy to hear it today. :)
Posted 13 years ago by newwavegurly    [ Reply ]
 Pyro wrote:
Kinda repetitious lyrics, dontcha think?
 
Yes, you've discovered something very very interesting.
Posted 13 years ago by petrfas    [ Reply ]
I think musically it's a simple song for them, but simple doesn't mean bad. This one is all about the lyrics.  And I think Tweedy's voice sounds sweet on this one.  It's especially good at his solo shows.
Posted 14 years ago by hulabell    [ Reply ]
 tulfan wrote:
Have yet been able to sit through an entire song by this band regardless of the source...
 


Oops...should be a "not" in there after have...

Will keep trying though...
Posted 14 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
Have yet been able to sit through an entire song by this band regardless of the source...
Posted 14 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
 dggeek wrote:
There's a line... One line.
There's a line... One line.
There's a line... One line.
There's a line... One line!

I like Wilco, but they're better than this.

 
Agreed. I like Wilco, and I like this album, but this song is truly a low point for the band and definitely not deserving of the 6.8 it's carrying here.

Posted 14 years ago by Jamunca    [ Reply ]
There's a line... One line.
There's a line... One line.
There's a line... One line.
There's a line... One line!

I like Wilco, but they're better than this.

Posted 14 years ago by dggeek    [ Reply ]
So drab.
Posted 14 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
I think, all the writers put their energy on the negative comment on madonna, and now.....?:::
This is a nice song, though...!

Posted 15 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Ashamed to say I don't have any Wilco in my collection, despite liking pretty well everything Bill plays by them. I'll be correcting that soon.
Posted 15 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
so let me get this straight
some people don't like this song but some people like this song
seems like
and white light is inside of us all
Posted 15 years ago by coy    [ Reply ]
these guys are capable of better......
Posted 15 years ago by tenacious_v    [ Reply ]
 lmic wrote:
{#Meditate}
Great
 
the whole album is good

Posted 15 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
{#Meditate}
Great
Posted 15 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Wilco and out <click>
Posted 15 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
white light white heat ... nope that's lou.
Posted 15 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
 lemmoth wrote:

I can't get no,  I can't get no, I can't get no. satisfaction.  satisfaction.  satisfaction.  no satisfaction.  can't get no

 
{#Roflol}

Posted 15 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
 Pyro wrote:

Uhm, no.  Amigo.  That's BAD writing.

 
I can't get no,  I can't get no, I can't get no. satisfaction.  satisfaction.  satisfaction.  no satisfaction.  can't get no

Posted 15 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
 lemmoth wrote:

that's rock and roll amigo

 
Uhm, no.  Amigo.  That's BAD writing.

Posted 15 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
Some I'm guessing there's some kind of...light? I wonder what color.

Posted 15 years ago by mattt    [ Reply ]
Really cool tune.  I see they're coming to New Orleans Jazz Festival this spring along with a bunch of other greats.  Should be a fine time.
Posted 15 years ago by DrCyKosis    [ Reply ]
 Pyro wrote:
Kinda repetitious lyrics, dontcha think?
 
that's rock and roll amigo

Posted 15 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Kinda repetitious lyrics, dontcha think?
Posted 15 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
It might be because it just followed In My Life but Jeff sounds like a cross between Lennon and Joe Strummer on this.
Posted 15 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
i like this song more each time i hear it! the best version is from live at the world cafe, vol 26 from xpn.
Posted 15 years ago by Dancing_banana    [ Reply ]
 EssexTex wrote:
I'm hearing the influence of Dylan here
 
Probably not an accident here on JT's part.  I like it.  This CD is one of my all-time favorites.  Too bad some here feel Wilco is overplayed on RP.

Posted 15 years ago by Tim_in_N_FL    [ Reply ]

wow, from the other room i thought this was the rock-n-roll jesus kid rock


Posted 15 years ago by enidualc    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

But enough about you - what about the song? Have you ever posted a positive comment, or do you just like a good old trolling whinge?

 

Let's try it again, folks. I'll type S-L-O-W-L-Y.

PLEASE STOP RE-POSTING EXCELSIOR'S COMMENTS. I don't know why this is hard to understand. He's been gone from the comments threads for a few weeks now, either because he got bored or got kicked off, and the only way he lives on is through people's reposts. If it weren't for those, we wouldn't have to see him at all. At this point, the people re-posting are way more annoying than the guy himself.

Please. Stop. Thanks.


Posted 16 years ago by holborne    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

But enough about you - what about the song? Have you ever posted a positive comment, or do you just like a good old trolling whinge?

 

Shoots and scores...nice zinger!
Posted 16 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:
 Wretchedly whiny, off-key, and repetitive.

 
But enough about you - what about the song? Have you ever posted a positive comment, or do you just like a good old trolling whinge?

Posted 16 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 venus_df wrote:


i really like the song... but it's just that one off-pitch note that feels like nails on a chalkboard to me.  was the producer taking a bio break when that note happened?  believe me, tweedy, i feel it... but not in a good way.  :(
 

Could people PLEASE STOP POSTING EXCELSIOR'S TROLLING. I don't know why this is hard to understand.
Posted 16 years ago by holborne    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:

This time, it is very bad.  This song is horrible, even for Wilco.

 

i really like the song... but it's just that one off-pitch note that feels like nails on a chalkboard to me.  was the producer taking a bio break when that note happened?  believe me, tweedy, i feel it... but not in a good way.  :(
Posted 16 years ago by venus_df    [ Reply ]
Can hardly wait til they come to Halifax for their show at the end of the month -  Wilco and Neil Young - Heaven!!!
Posted 16 years ago by ploba    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:
Methinks Excelsior is a Clear Channel operative.
 
{#Yes}

Posted 16 years ago by sutcliff    [ Reply ]
Methinks Excelsior is a Clear Channel operative.
Posted 16 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
The hurling emoticon seems a bit heavy-handed. It's maybe a not great song, but emetic?

 Excelsior wrote:
{#Puke}What a crappy song to start the day off.  Wretchedly whiny, off-key, and repetitive.

 


Posted 16 years ago by FrankMc    [ Reply ]
no comment  -   7.
Posted 16 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
{#Puke}What a crappy song to start the day off.  Wretchedly whiny, off-key, and repetitive.

Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
songbirdfemme wrote:

sometimes out of tune is bad, but sometimes it isnt, its all about the feeling. even this out of work musician knows that... maybe we are out of work perfectionists.


This time, it is very bad.  This song is horrible, even for Wilco.

Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
 venus_df wrote:

"just sing what you feel, don't let anyone say it's wrong..."  even when you sing so far off key?  must all the out-of-work musicians of the world sit on their hands and not say anything?  {#Cry}


 
sometimes out of tune is bad, but sometimes it isnt, its all about the feeling. even this out of work musician knows that... maybe we are out of work perfectionists.

Posted 16 years ago by songbirdfemme    [ Reply ]

"just sing what you feel, don't let anyone say it's wrong..."  even when you sing so far off key?  must all the out-of-work musicians of the world sit on their hands and not say anything?  {#Cry}


Posted 16 years ago by venus_df    [ Reply ]
 redeyespy wrote:

You have to build the cake before you spread the icing.  Lyrics, at best, are icing in music, no matter how thoughtful or profound they may sometimes be.  A strong musical foundation must be erected; that is the case here.

 

I appreciate your thoughtfulness on the matter but I don't necessarily agree.  The word 'music' may seem self-explanatory but I think it's open to subjective interpretation.  To me, the music and lyrics can be equally important depending on the artist and the song.  There are plenty of songs that I think are great primarily because of the lyrics.  On others, the music takes center stage.  And on some it's 50/50.
Posted 16 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
The song has an entirely different feel if you've actually had an experience with this white light he speaks of.. what light?  one light.  and it's white.  Great song I think.
Posted 16 years ago by i4niblind    [ Reply ]
When I saw them live, this song was one of the best.  Something about it really got into the crowd and there was just this ... energy.
Posted 16 years ago by vivakitty    [ Reply ]
 tobstar wrote:
" Because there's a light (what light)
There's a light (one light)
There's a light (white light)
There's a light (what light)
There's a light (one light)
There's a light (white light)
There's a light (what light)
There's a light (one light)
There's a light (white light)
There's a light (what light)
There's a light (one light)
There's a light (white light)
Inside of you "

- great songwriting? copy and paste I feel. I like wilco but this song is weak.

 
You have to build the cake before you spread the icing.  Lyrics, at best, are icing in music, no matter how thoughtful or profound they may sometimes be.  A strong musical foundation must be erected; that is the case here.

Posted 16 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
Excelsior wrote:
Repetitive AND off-key. What is good about this song, again? That's right, nothing.
Yes, because there really aren't that many rock songs repeat in the chorus.
Posted 16 years ago by mikewren    [ Reply ]
I just picked up this CD, yes, after hearing it on RP. I love it. I love the white light...one night...bright light...
Posted 16 years ago by cathenley    [ Reply ]
tobstar wrote:
" Because there's a light (what light) There's a light (one light) There's a light (white light) There's a light (what light) There's a light (one light) There's a light (white light) There's a light (what light) There's a light (one light) There's a light (white light) There's a light (what light) There's a light (one light) There's a light (white light) Inside of you " - great songwriting? copy and paste I feel. I like wilco but this song is weak.
Repetitive AND off-key. What is good about this song, again? That's right, nothing.
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
blkstd wrote:
'What Light' by Wilco - with no insult intended, he sounds amazingly like John Lennon.
Funny, my immediate thought was that he sounds like Bob Dylan, only a little more tuneful. Shame I can't bear either Lennon or Dylan :(
Posted 16 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
blkstd wrote:
'What Light' by Wilco - with no insult intended, he sounds amazingly like John Lennon.
Who were you trying to not insult - John or Wilco. I actually agree it has a Lennon feel - but much too simple and straight and repetitive lyrically to be up to John's standards. I like Wilco - Kicking Television is a terrific live album - get it if you don't have it.
Posted 16 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
blkstd wrote:
'What Light' by Wilco - with no insult intended, he sounds amazingly like John Lennon.
Yep. Maybe a drunken John Lennon. Also, sans Yoko, which is a good thing...
Posted 16 years ago by kinAy    [ Reply ]
Love it
Posted 16 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]
" Because there's a light (what light) There's a light (one light) There's a light (white light) There's a light (what light) There's a light (one light) There's a light (white light) There's a light (what light) There's a light (one light) There's a light (white light) There's a light (what light) There's a light (one light) There's a light (white light) Inside of you " - great songwriting? copy and paste I feel. I like wilco but this song is weak.
Posted 16 years ago by tobstar    [ Reply ]
This whole CD is great. It reminds me of something good from the late 60's.
Posted 17 years ago by frednic    [ Reply ]
this is my favorite song on the album, makes me want to figure out the chords
Posted 17 years ago by manzanitafire    [ Reply ]
mmmh
Posted 17 years ago by HombreDeMezcal    [ Reply ]
I'm hearing the influence of Dylan here
Posted 17 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
blkstd wrote:
'What Light' by Wilco - with no insult intended, he sounds amazingly like John Lennon.
Good call.
Posted 17 years ago by strick    [ Reply ]
Liked Foxtrot, disliked Ghost, LOVE Blue Sky. Tweedy returns to old form. Just straight up great songwriting on this album.
Posted 17 years ago by wandersahn    [ Reply ]
horstman wrote:
They are pretty close now. Already doing Volkswagon Commercials.
Yeah, I'm pretty bummed about that. Now everytime I hear "What Light", I think of Volkswagon. Aaarrggghhh!
Posted 17 years ago by music_man    [ Reply ]
mintmoose wrote:
how long you think until they break down and sell rights for a bud light commercial?
They are pretty close now. Already doing Volkswagon Commercials.
Posted 17 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
What a fantastic CD. I was turned off a bit by Foxtrot, but this one is wonderful from first cut to last.
Posted 17 years ago by Land_Shark    [ Reply ]
PBS is also using Wilco music for their "commercials". Good taste if you ask me!
Posted 17 years ago by kendrahem    [ Reply ]
suddenchad wrote:
Wow. Is that Tweedy singing? Sounds really different. Seems like Wilco is moving away from their recent, more experimental stage. Curious to hear the whole CD.
Supposedly he stopped smoking.
Posted 17 years ago by Bocephus    [ Reply ]
'What Light' by Wilco - with no insult intended, he sounds amazingly like John Lennon.
Posted 17 years ago by blkstd    [ Reply ]
all this talk of bud light is making me thirsty!
Posted 17 years ago by sukilau    [ Reply ]
madra wrote:
I don't remember what it was, but I've definitely seen it used in a commercial in the last month. Maybe a TV network's fall season? Better than Bud Light, I guess.
Volkswagen is using a few different Wilco songs in their commercials.
Posted 17 years ago by etwilson    [ Reply ]
I generally prefer the Son Volt side of the Uncle Tupelo divide. But this is nice - more straight forward.
Posted 17 years ago by rtkmusic    [ Reply ]
Love the cover. We have a pair of peregrine falcons in the neighborhood and the other day I saw a "dog fight" between them and a murder of crows. Amazing sight in a major city. The fight was a draw. And it is a great song, too.
Posted 17 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
mintmoose wrote:
how long you think until they break down and sell rights for a bud light commercial?
I don't remember what it was, but I've definitely seen it used in a commercial in the last month. Maybe a TV network's fall season? Better than Bud Light, I guess.
Posted 17 years ago by madra    [ Reply ]
how long you think until they break down and sell rights for a bud light commercial?
Posted 17 years ago by mintmoose    [ Reply ]
Kerly wrote:
Wow! On the cover it's the photo that won Nature Photography contest on 2005, an Italian took it, if I remember correctly.
Wow! Gettin that Wilco Frisbee up there just right, then snappin the pic - pretty durn good! Gotta hand it to them Eyetalians!
Posted 17 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
Wilco is one of the best bands out there right now, imo. This whole album is great. This song is awesome, and it may be one of the weaker ones on the album.
Posted 17 years ago by mekblom    [ Reply ]
ploba wrote:
.. the entire cd is just wonderful - well worth owning.
I concur. One of the year's best albums.
Posted 17 years ago by Gambrinus    [ Reply ]
ploba wrote:
i think he sounds like dylan on this track - the entire cd is just wonderful - well worth owning.
I thought it was Dylan for the first couple bars the first time I heard it.
Posted 17 years ago by siftedbit    [ Reply ]
great recovery from jeff even tho its a lil anthemical(if its a word) he's still got a bit of his old self
Posted 17 years ago by musicfreak607    [ Reply ]
White Light. . . White Heat. Haha.
Posted 17 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
suddenchad wrote:
Wow. Is that Tweedy singing? Sounds really different. Seems like Wilco is moving away from their recent, more experimental stage. Curious to hear the whole CD.
i think he sounds like dylan on this track - the entire cd is just wonderful - well worth owning.
Posted 17 years ago by ploba    [ Reply ]
Wow! On the cover it's the photo that won Nature Photography contest on 2005, an Italian took it, if I remember correctly.
Posted 17 years ago by Kerly    [ Reply ]
Wonderful wilco song...this would be hot live.
Posted 17 years ago by slowhand    [ Reply ]
Wow. Is that Tweedy singing? Sounds really different. Seems like Wilco is moving away from their recent, more experimental stage. Curious to hear the whole CD.
Posted 17 years ago by suddenchad    [ Reply ]
I like it. You can't dance to it but the voice is pure and out front of the music. wow, Rue De Lis picks up the batton and runs!
Posted 17 years ago by talibanismurder    [ Reply ]
I need to get some Wilco in my library!!!
Posted 17 years ago by parrothead    [ Reply ]