Wilco — Muzzle of Bees
Album: A Ghost is BornAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2323
Length: 4:47
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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There's a random painted highway
And a muzzle of bees
My sleeves have come unstitched
From climbing your tree
And dogs laugh, some say they're barking
I don't think they're mean
Some people get so frightened
Of the fences in between
And the sun gets passed from tree to tree
Silently, and back to me
With the breeze blown through
Pushed up against the sea
Finally back to me
I'm assuming you got my message
On your machine
I'm assuming you love me
And you know what that means
Sun gets passed, sea to sea
Silently, and back to me
With the breeze blown through
Pushed up above the leaves
With the breeze blown through
My head upon your knee
Half of it's you, half is me
Half of it's you, half is me
And a muzzle of bees
My sleeves have come unstitched
From climbing your tree
And dogs laugh, some say they're barking
I don't think they're mean
Some people get so frightened
Of the fences in between
And the sun gets passed from tree to tree
Silently, and back to me
With the breeze blown through
Pushed up against the sea
Finally back to me
I'm assuming you got my message
On your machine
I'm assuming you love me
And you know what that means
Sun gets passed, sea to sea
Silently, and back to me
With the breeze blown through
Pushed up above the leaves
With the breeze blown through
My head upon your knee
Half of it's you, half is me
Half of it's you, half is me
Comments (231)add comment
not my favorite Wilco album but this song stands out
grant wrote:
yes. love it.
a ghost is born is my favorite wilco cd of all of them. love every single song on it.
for whatever reason, i was really really into it in 2010...listened to it all the time. so anytime i hear this it takes me back to that time and place and those feelings i had then. crazy how music does this.
Brilliant Wilco tune.
yes. love it.
a ghost is born is my favorite wilco cd of all of them. love every single song on it.
for whatever reason, i was really really into it in 2010...listened to it all the time. so anytime i hear this it takes me back to that time and place and those feelings i had then. crazy how music does this.
ExploitingChaos wrote:
Those flannels...
3 for 1 at KMart!
Those flannels...
3 for 1 at KMart!
Wild_Bill wrote:
Well that was ... tasteless.
Jeff Tweedy can't even go out of the house without taking a Paxil!
Well that was ... tasteless.
sfyi2001 wrote:
Thank you for the synopsis.
'UNCLE TUPELO' was an alternative Country group from Bellville, Illinois active between 1987 and 1994.
Jay Farrar, Jeff Tweedy, and Mike Heidorn (left-right), formed the band after the lead singer of their previous band 'The Primitives', left to attend college.
Shortly after the release of their major label debut album, 'Anodyne' Farrar announced his decision to leave the band due to a soured relationship with his co-songwriter Tweedy.
Uncle Tupelo split up on May 1, 1994, after completing a farewell tour.
Following the breakup, Farrar and Heidron formed 'Son Volt', while Tweedy continued as 'Wilco'.
Thank you for the synopsis.
Stingray wrote:
ridiculous. I am none of those things and I love Wilco and this song. if you marginalize and compartmentalize there's no need for any thought
You have to be a 53 year old pot-smoking college-boy to understand them!
ridiculous. I am none of those things and I love Wilco and this song. if you marginalize and compartmentalize there's no need for any thought
sfyi2001 wrote:
Those flannels...
Thanks for the brief history lesson!
I love how you can learn of even more bands and songs through the comments
'UNCLE TUPELO' was an alternative Country group from Bellville, Illinois active between 1987 and 1994.
Jay Farrar, Jeff Tweedy, and Mike Heidorn (left-right), formed the band after the lead singer of their previous band 'The Primitives', left to attend college.
Shortly after the release of their major label debut album, 'Anodyne' Farrar announced his decision to leave the band due to a soured relationship with his co-songwriter Tweedy.
Uncle Tupelo split up on May 1, 1994, after completing a farewell tour.
Following the breakup, Farrar and Heidron formed 'Son Volt', while Tweedy continued as 'Wilco'.
Those flannels...
Thanks for the brief history lesson!
I love how you can learn of even more bands and songs through the comments
The live version on Kicking Television is unbelievable and guitarist Nils Cline is transcendent
Pretty neat.
The last 2 minutes strongly remind me of some other song but I just can't figure out which one. It's killing me. Any help is appreciated.
At first I thought it was the Beta Band - Dry the Rain, but not quite.
The last 2 minutes strongly remind me of some other song but I just can't figure out which one. It's killing me. Any help is appreciated.
At first I thought it was the Beta Band - Dry the Rain, but not quite.
khardog145 wrote:
Keep piling up that shit!
I love how they put on layer after layer of sound as the song progresses.
Keep piling up that shit!
Baby_M wrote:
maybe a muzzle made of bees. there's a lot of loose structure in the feel of these lyrics... dreamy.
Wouldn't the muzzle of a bee be the back end, since that's where the stinger is?
maybe a muzzle made of bees. there's a lot of loose structure in the feel of these lyrics... dreamy.
my favorite wilco song I love how they put on layer after layer of sound as the song progresses.
Wouldn't the muzzle of a bee be the back end, since that's where the stinger is?
'UNCLE TUPELO' was an alternative Country group from Bellville, Illinois active between 1987 and 1994.
Jay Farrar, Jeff Tweedy, and Mike Heidorn (left-right), formed the band after the lead singer of their previous band 'The Primitives', left to attend college.
Shortly after the release of their major label debut album, 'Anodyne' Farrar announced his decision to leave the band due to a soured relationship with his co-songwriter Tweedy.
Uncle Tupelo split up on May 1, 1994, after completing a farewell tour.
Following the breakup, Farrar and Heidron formed 'Son Volt', while Tweedy continued as 'Wilco'.
If you like this original version, you might also like this acoustic solo version from Jeff Tweedy's recent album, Together At Last:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpqRAApPv4U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpqRAApPv4U
lee_sf wrote:
You may find it "tedious", which is obviously a matter of opinion, but this is not really a "simplistic" song at all, though I guess it can sound that way to some - especially if they are not musicians.
I found this tune simplistic and tedious. Then reading through the first two pages of comments... lots of raves. I'm clearly missing something.
You may find it "tedious", which is obviously a matter of opinion, but this is not really a "simplistic" song at all, though I guess it can sound that way to some - especially if they are not musicians.
oldsaxon wrote:
I think it's fine. Just fine not special. I suppose it's different strokes, huh? It's like that for me and that dreaded Kathleen Edwards dirge everyone raves about.
Try looking up the meaning of dirge. There are reasons for not liking KE's music, but its "funereal quality" would not be one of them.
I think it's fine. Just fine not special. I suppose it's different strokes, huh? It's like that for me and that dreaded Kathleen Edwards dirge everyone raves about.
Try looking up the meaning of dirge. There are reasons for not liking KE's music, but its "funereal quality" would not be one of them.
oldsaxon wrote:
I think it's fine. Just fine not special. I suppose it's different strokes, huh? It's like that for me and that dreaded Kathleen Edwards dirge everyone raves about.
Ahh, but have you ever tried her coffee?
I think it's fine. Just fine not special. I suppose it's different strokes, huh? It's like that for me and that dreaded Kathleen Edwards dirge everyone raves about.
Ahh, but have you ever tried her coffee?
sweet strong song (that album art is a primary drawing lesson: hard boiled egg on a large sheet of white paper, single light source on one side, shadows are there for you to capture with delicate light marks or even with extreme cuts with bold declaration : )
Please play something from their first album: AM. This is a mighty fine album. One of the best from the 1990s.
At one time, these guys were true RnRs.
At one time, these guys were true RnRs.
I think Nick C. said it all:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1GadTfGFvU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1GadTfGFvU
Live version on kicking television even better if that's possible
twoplain2sea wrote:
The higher, the fewer.
I really know some dogs so frightened
Of the fences in between.
Specially when we're a walking.
Of the fences in between.
Specially when we're a walking.
The higher, the fewer.
I really know some dogs so frightened
Of the fences in between.
Specially when we're a walking.
Of the fences in between.
Specially when we're a walking.
my very favorite wilco song :-)
hallogallo wrote:
For some reason, reminds me a little of Cat Stevens 'Into White.'
This reminds me of Paul Westerberg ..."One the day your were born"...
For some reason, reminds me a little of Cat Stevens 'Into White.'
This reminds me of Paul Westerberg ..."One the day your were born"...
Yes!
egbertveneman wrote:
more Wilco, Please 
For some reason, reminds me a little of Cat Stevens 'Into White.'
I love this song - so evocative. It made my pile of paperwork seem more doable! Thanks.
Thanks Bill, haven't heard this in a while. Excellent choice:)
JHZ wrote:
My thoughts exactly.
Wasn't going to rate the Coldplay song on before this Wilco gem, but than Muzzle of Bees just made that Coldplay track seem so average.
My thoughts exactly.
more Wilco, Please
..... nice one Bill, can't get enough Wilco JHZ wrote:
Effing A, man!
Wasn't going to rate the Coldplay song on before this Wilco gem, but than Muzzle of Bees just made that Coldplay track seem so average.
Effing A, man!
Sounded like Neil Finn at first.
Wasn't going to rate the Coldplay song on before this Wilco gem, but than Muzzle of Bees just made that Coldplay track seem so average.
lee_sf wrote:
Whatever it is you're missing, I'm missing it too. And I generally like Wilco. Just not this song.
I found this tune simplistic and tedious. Then reading through the first two pages of comments... lots of raves. I'm clearly missing something.
Whatever it is you're missing, I'm missing it too. And I generally like Wilco. Just not this song.
balconybar wrote:
Seeing them live might change your mind.
I love that everyone loves Wilco like a cult but I just can't hear anything in their music.
I keep trying, like listening to The National or something, haven't got it yet.
But I'll keep an open mind, maybe one day it'll click.
Love RP, thanks guys!
I keep trying, like listening to The National or something, haven't got it yet.
But I'll keep an open mind, maybe one day it'll click.
Love RP, thanks guys!
Seeing them live might change your mind.
I love that everyone loves Wilco like a cult but I just can't hear anything in their music.
I keep trying, like listening to The National or something, haven't got it yet.
But I'll keep an open mind, maybe one day it'll click.
Love RP, thanks guys!
I keep trying, like listening to The National or something, haven't got it yet.
But I'll keep an open mind, maybe one day it'll click.
Love RP, thanks guys!
I love it when Wilco get the guitars screaming and reverbing and feed backing.
Only through death is a ghost born?
One of those very rare acts that delivers live just what it recordings promise....and they set a high bar.
Brilliant Wilco tune.
I knew a Wilco was coming, just not which one. Wouldn't have guessed this delicate conspiracy. Love it.
lee_sf wrote:
I think it's fine. Just fine not special. I suppose it's different strokes, huh? It's like that for me and that dreaded Kathleen Edwards dirge everyone raves about.
I found this tune simplistic and tedious. Then reading through the first two pages of comments... lots of raves. I'm clearly missing something.
I think it's fine. Just fine not special. I suppose it's different strokes, huh? It's like that for me and that dreaded Kathleen Edwards dirge everyone raves about.
Don't know, a wee bit advertisement like!
Agreed. Brilliant album.
rdo wrote:
rdo wrote:
I think this is their masterpiece.
I think this is their masterpiece.
I found this tune simplistic and tedious. Then reading through the first two pages of comments... lots of raves. I'm clearly missing something.
Giselle62 wrote:
me too :) RP could use a little more Smog, and Wilco is always good...
i love Smog—just sayin'.
me too :) RP could use a little more Smog, and Wilco is always good...
this tune really gets to me.
i love Smog—just sayin'.
Beautiful, beautiful song. Wilco I will always return to you. You and Smog.
Love you RP...have a blessed weekend.
Stingray wrote:
Damn, caught in the middle...
You have to be a 53 year old pot-smoking college-boy to understand them!
Damn, caught in the middle...
Dotman wrote:
"I stopped listening to wilco after he cut his main band member" - I guess I understand that by referring to Wilco as a "he" you mean Jeff Tweedy. My assumption then is you then acknowledge that THE "main band member" is Jeff Tweedy, who is the # 1 creative force behind the band.
My understanding is that all of the band departure's were relatively amicable.
i stopped listening to wilco after he cut his main band member. he was the guy who made his sound. not this jackass smoking fool who pretends he was responsible for the only good thing they ever did. i miss the real arranger of his songs. who he abandoned. and is dead now. wilco in nothing now.how dare he take credit.
dot.
"I stopped listening to wilco after he cut his main band member" - I guess I understand that by referring to Wilco as a "he" you mean Jeff Tweedy. My assumption then is you then acknowledge that THE "main band member" is Jeff Tweedy, who is the # 1 creative force behind the band.
My understanding is that all of the band departure's were relatively amicable.
Ok...what's going on?
First, it was Son Volt (Farrar at his sad country best)
Now, Wilco (Tweedy at his trippy best).
Next has to be Tupelo (trippy and sad country and punk).
Let's do it!
And remember, it all came from Belleville, IL. Home tot Stag Beer.
First, it was Son Volt (Farrar at his sad country best)
Now, Wilco (Tweedy at his trippy best).
Next has to be Tupelo (trippy and sad country and punk).
Let's do it!
And remember, it all came from Belleville, IL. Home tot Stag Beer.
Not the best Wilco. But pleasant enough I suppose.
great groove!
oh well. i like this song a lot.
i stopped listening to wilco after he cut his main band member. he was the guy who made his sound. not this jackass smoking fool who pretends he was responsible for the only good thing they ever did. i miss the real arranger of his songs. who he abandoned. and is dead now. wilco in nothing now.how dare he take credit.
dot.
"I'm assuming you got my message on the machine" - if it was from you, guy, it would have been deleted out of hand. Sometimes the adjective 'tedious' just doesn't do justice to Wilco numbers. 'Sedating' might be closer. Wilco and out 
Nice song.
No, outstanding song.
No, outstanding song.
Tomorrow playing in Tilburg. Looking forward.
nice transition from Blackbird !
Muzzzzzzzzzzzzle of Bees
zzzzzzzle of BeesI'm not usually a fan of Wilco, but I like this one — 6—->7
Wilco are pretty much THE cutting edge IMHO...........
Sasha2001 wrote:
Like Byronape says about Sasha2001 very good comment here about those ones who seemed forced always to find a negative thing to say.....
I will not start to make a lot of comments here about the songs that we hear on radio-paradise but LET ME SAY THAT SOME HAVE VERY MUCH TIME TO SPEND MAKING NEGATIVE COMMENTS AND IT SEEMS VERY VERY IMPORTANT TO LET THEIR COMMENTS ON THE PLAYLIST FORUMS
GUYS, YEP YOU THE ALWAYS CRYING GUYS, LET'S GO AND MAKE YOUR OWN MUSIC AND LISTEN IT UNTIL YOUR DEATH HEHEHE
I hope I will never be invited to taste their meals hehehehehehehe
Finally, I would say that the relativity of judgments or criticism is not given to ALLl!!!
It's taken me 10 years to "get" Wilco. I think they were always a very good band, I just had to grow up a bit before I could appreciate them.
Having said that, I wouldn't expect everyone (anyone) else who doesn't "get" them to have the same reaction to their music - how pretentious would that be? Why would we expect anything less of music, it is after all a popular art-form like novels and movies - all of which transmit different signals to the receiver at different times in their lives.
Having said that, I wouldn't expect everyone (anyone) else who doesn't "get" them to have the same reaction to their music - how pretentious would that be? Why would we expect anything less of music, it is after all a popular art-form like novels and movies - all of which transmit different signals to the receiver at different times in their lives.
Like Byronape says about Sasha2001 very good comment here about those ones who seemed forced always to find a negative thing to say.....
I will not start to make a lot of comments here about the songs that we hear on radio-paradise but LET ME SAY THAT SOME HAVE VERY MUCH TIME TO SPEND MAKING NEGATIVE COMMENTS AND IT SEEMS VERY VERY IMPORTANT TO LET THEIR COMMENTS ON THE PLAYLIST FORUMS
GUYS, YEP YOU THE ALWAYS CRYING GUYS, LET'S GO AND MAKE YOUR OWN MUSIC AND LISTEN IT UNTIL YOUR DEATH HEHEHE
I hope I will never be invited to taste their meals hehehehehehehe
Finally, I would say that the relativity of judgments or criticism is not given to ALLl!!!
SinisterDexter wrote:
Have an itch......................ewwwwwwwwwwwww
Have an itch......................ewwwwwwwwwwwww
Stingray wrote:
really...........if you live long enough you may become one of these 3 things you seem to despise, but perhaps only one of them........
You have to be a 53 year old pot-smoking college-boy to understand them!
really...........if you live long enough you may become one of these 3 things you seem to despise, but perhaps only one of them........
Sasha2001 wrote:
This is one of the best comments I've seen on RP for a long time. Thank you Sasha!
I wouldn't expect everyone (anyone) else who doesn't "get" them to have the same reaction to their music - how pretentious would that be? Why would we expect anything less of music, it is after all a popular art-form like novels and movies - all of which transmit different signals to the receiver at different times in their lives.
This is one of the best comments I've seen on RP for a long time. Thank you Sasha!
It's taken me 10 years to "get" Wilco. I think they were always a very good band, I just had to grow up a bit before I could appreciate them.
Having said that, I wouldn't expect everyone (anyone) else who doesn't "get" them to have the same reaction to their music - how pretentious would that be? Why would we expect anything less of music, it is after all a popular art-form like novels and movies - all of which transmit different signals to the receiver at different times in their lives.
Having said that, I wouldn't expect everyone (anyone) else who doesn't "get" them to have the same reaction to their music - how pretentious would that be? Why would we expect anything less of music, it is after all a popular art-form like novels and movies - all of which transmit different signals to the receiver at different times in their lives.
This is probably one of my favourite tunes from the last 10 years.
I love this. To Stingray - GO AWAY. Your negativity far outweighs your positive comments. I tried to like you and defend you, but you made it impossible for me to justify your words. I'm washing my hands of you and whatever "friendship" we had. Go away.
These guys are certainly making some nice music these days.
ETA: well, I guess it isn't THESE days, but this IS lovely.
ETA: well, I guess it isn't THESE days, but this IS lovely.
Very nice!
Bumped this up to 10; saw them in Tokyo last year and this song was over-the-top; the emotion and guitar, brilliance in spades!
Can't go wrong with Wilco!
8-9
horstman wrote:
Stuck in the absurd rush to get out of bed of my last years, I have neglected the pleasure of waking up to music ...thanks for the vivid reminder
I bought one of those ipod radio/alarm clocks this past fall for my wife and I. I love waking up to this song. You don't really wake up as much as slowly regain consciousness.
It's is beautiful and timeless.
Oh well, time to take a shower.
It's is beautiful and timeless.
Oh well, time to take a shower.
Stuck in the absurd rush to get out of bed of my last years, I have neglected the pleasure of waking up to music ...thanks for the vivid reminder
Bosami wrote:
Live version of this is wonderful
I really like the guitar on this record. Bursts of sonic lushness. Saw them on this tour - Nels Cline is the band's secret weapon. He is blistering, live.
Live version of this is wonderful
Stingray wrote:
Incorrect. I like this song anyway. 7
You have to be a 53 year old pot-smoking college-boy to understand them!
Incorrect. I like this song anyway. 7
rdo wrote:
I suspect Sting is behind it all.
Bloodbuzz Ohio by the National has a swarm of bees carrying someone away, and now the muzzle of bees by Wilco (buzz/muzz, get it?). I think there is a conspiracy going on here with the bees. 
I suspect Sting is behind it all.
I really like the guitar on this record. Bursts of sonic lushness. Saw them on this tour - Nels Cline is the band's secret weapon. He is blistering, live.
This song is at least SEMI-interesting, and not as irritating as I usually find Wilco songs to be.....
I'll give it a 5. EDIT: ——>6 it's growing on me
I'll give it a 5. EDIT: ——>6 it's growing on me
Stingray wrote:
No offense, but you might want to try smoking some weed yourself, pal. Looks to me like you could use a chill or two. Try and relax, okay?
BOOOOOOOOOORING!
....yaaaaaaaaawn!!!!!!!!!!
Is Jeff gay? Or a "womanunderstander"...?
HORRIBLE! Music for the elderly-home!
....yaaaaaaaaawn!!!!!!!!!!
Is Jeff gay? Or a "womanunderstander"...?
HORRIBLE! Music for the elderly-home!
No offense, but you might want to try smoking some weed yourself, pal. Looks to me like you could use a chill or two. Try and relax, okay?
rdo wrote:
Indeed - and the WANNA-BEE'S as well!
Like WILCO!
Bloodbuzz Ohio by the National has a swarm of bees carrying someone away, and now the muzzle of bees by Wilco (buzz/muzz, get it?). I think there is a conspiracy going on here with the bees.
Indeed - and the WANNA-BEE'S as well!
Like WILCO!
Stingray wrote:
Well, duh...
You have to be a 53 year old pot-smoking college-boy to understand them!
Well, duh...
Bloodbuzz Ohio by the National has a swarm of bees carrying someone away, and now the muzzle of bees by Wilco (buzz/muzz, get it?). I think there is a conspiracy going on here with the bees.
BOOOOOOOOOORING!
....yaaaaaaaaawn!!!!!!!!!!
Is Jeff gay? Or a "womanunderstander"...?
HORRIBLE! Music for the elderly-home!
....yaaaaaaaaawn!!!!!!!!!!
Is Jeff gay? Or a "womanunderstander"...?
HORRIBLE! Music for the elderly-home!
You have to be a 53 year old pot-smoking college-boy to understand them!
I don't think I get Wilco.
Prolly my favorite Wilco tune. 
peter_james_bond wrote:
Very well said!
This is a beautiful number; quiet but insistent, subtle but powerful, sweet but sublime. 8 => 9
Very well said!
Indiepop-jammies.
Great set, Bill.
- Wilco - Muzzle of Bees
- Sarah McLachlan - Blackbird
- RJD2 - Ghostwriter
- Wilco - Muzzle of Bees
- Sarah McLachlan - Blackbird
- RJD2 - Ghostwriter
This is a beautiful number; quiet but insistent, subtle but powerful, sweet but sublime. 8 => 9
crockydile wrote:
Have you considered psychiatric care?
The annoying ending made me drop if from a 3 to a 2!
Have you considered psychiatric care?
The annoying ending made me drop if from a 3 to a 2!
Psychiatric care ??????? For who???????? Think about it.
This album , for me, have no rating.
themotion wrote:
6 -> 3. Wilco and out.
9 > 10 ... This one will be in my music catalog for a long time.
6 -> 3. Wilco and out.
You are a very, very criticle one! Whats your favorite? crockydile wrote:
Have you considered psychiatric care? The annoying ending made me drop if from a 3 to a 2!
Have you considered psychiatric care?
The annoying ending made me drop if from a 3 to a 2! themotion wrote:
Have you considered psychiatric care? The annoying ending made me drop if from a 3 to a 2!
9 > 10 ... This one will be in my music catalog for a long time.
Have you considered psychiatric care?
The annoying ending made me drop if from a 3 to a 2!One of my Wilco favs!
Wilco is a fantastic band. They've really surprised me, with the way their sound has changed since Jeff formed the band after Uncle Tupelo. Bravo!
9 > 10 ... This one will be in my music catalog for a long time.
Like this tune and this CD. Was the first Wilco CD I bought. Soaring guitars and get song composition.
bindi wrote: . . . feeling the need to buy my first Wilco CD.
Sky Blue Sky is another AMAZING recording of theirs. Heartfelt with great lyrics and melodies. One edition of it has an accompanying dvd, it was worth my while, for sure.
. . . feeling the need to buy my first Wilco CD.Sky Blue Sky is another AMAZING recording of theirs. Heartfelt with great lyrics and melodies. One edition of it has an accompanying dvd, it was worth my while, for sure.
Yay, i got the 666th rating! 
felt the need to celebrate 
. Good song!
felt the need to celebrate . Good song! . . . feeling the need to buy my first Wilco CD.Very pretty song.
I bought one of those ipod radio/alarm clocks this past fall for my wife and I. I love waking up to this song. You don't really wake up as much as slowly regain consciousness.
It's is beautiful and timeless.
Oh well, time to take a shower.
It's is beautiful and timeless.
Oh well, time to take a shower.
Love Wilco.
AphidA wrote:
Saw them open for Neil Young in December in T.O. Never been a big fan
but they were very good. I would pay to see them headline anytime.
Do yourself a favor and see Wilco live anytime you have the chance.
Saw them open for Neil Young in December in T.O. Never been a big fan
but they were very good. I would pay to see them headline anytime.
Ahhh an excelsiorless November...and Wilco too!
I love finding a message I wrote 17 years ago on this song. Still among my all-time faves.