Joan Osborne — Cathedrals
Album: Little Wild OneAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 692
Length: 4:07
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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In the shadows of tall buildings
Of fallen angels on the ceilings
Oily feathers in bronze and concrete
Faded colors, pieces left incomplete
The line moves slowly past the electric fence
Across the borders between continents
In the cathedrals of New York and Rome
There is a feeling that you should just go home
And spend a lifetime finding out just where that is
In the shadows of tall buildings
The architecture is slowly peeling
Marble statues and glass dividers
Someone is watching all of the outsiders
The line moves slowly through the numbered gate
Past the mosaic of the head of state
In the cathedrals of New York and Rome
There is a feeling that you should just go home
And spend a lifetime finding out just where that is
In the shadows of tall buildings
Of open arches endlessly kneeling
Sonic landscapes echoing vistas
Someone is listening from a safe distance
The line moves slowly into a fading light
A final moment in the dead of night
In the cathedrals of New York and Rome
There is a feeling that you should just go home
And spend a lifetime finding out just where that is
Oohh...
In the cathedrals of New York and Rome
There is a feeling that you should just go home
And spend a lifetime finding out just where that is
Of fallen angels on the ceilings
Oily feathers in bronze and concrete
Faded colors, pieces left incomplete
The line moves slowly past the electric fence
Across the borders between continents
In the cathedrals of New York and Rome
There is a feeling that you should just go home
And spend a lifetime finding out just where that is
In the shadows of tall buildings
The architecture is slowly peeling
Marble statues and glass dividers
Someone is watching all of the outsiders
The line moves slowly through the numbered gate
Past the mosaic of the head of state
In the cathedrals of New York and Rome
There is a feeling that you should just go home
And spend a lifetime finding out just where that is
In the shadows of tall buildings
Of open arches endlessly kneeling
Sonic landscapes echoing vistas
Someone is listening from a safe distance
The line moves slowly into a fading light
A final moment in the dead of night
In the cathedrals of New York and Rome
There is a feeling that you should just go home
And spend a lifetime finding out just where that is
Oohh...
In the cathedrals of New York and Rome
There is a feeling that you should just go home
And spend a lifetime finding out just where that is
Comments (120)add comment
Northern_Lights wrote:
Goddesses are entirely overrated...
A "6" average rating? Are you people kidding me? Just listen to talk radio if you don't like Joan. She is a goddess.
Goddesses are entirely overrated...
nancynancy wrote:
because it's pretty melancholic, surely
WHY does this song always make me cry?!?
because it's pretty melancholic, surely
WHY does this song always make me cry?!?
What a beautiful song! 9
Nextf wrote:
Like this, didn't know it was a cover.
(Checks Spotify.)
Sticking with JO's version, thanks. Love her voice.
I like both this and the original , an 8 .
Like this, didn't know it was a cover.
(Checks Spotify.)
Sticking with JO's version, thanks. Love her voice.
It's an ok song, the original would get a 5 from this jury.
This version is not as good, and adds very little. It's also ok, but a 4 from me...
This version is not as good, and adds very little. It's also ok, but a 4 from me...
Pyro wrote:
I cannot believe 15 people gave this a ONE. C'mon folks, it's not HORRIBLE! (I'm prejudiced...I like it, although I prefer JLC's original version.)
RP is a REAL TOUGH audience!!
It's a shitty song t begin with , no matter who sings it. And this is the worst version...IMO...RP is a REAL TOUGH audience!!
what a great song. check out the original by Jump Little Children
Northern_Lights wrote:
Gave it a seven love ballads like this
A "6" average rating? Are you people kidding me? Just listen to talk radio if you don't like Joan. She is a goddess.
Gave it a seven love ballads like this
A "6" average rating? Are you people kidding me? Just listen to talk radio if you don't like Joan. She is a goddess.
I like both this and the original , an 8 .
And Paris
.....and it sure is long
wrap it up already
wrap it up already
I really like Joan, so I didn't want to have to say this but...this song sucks. The washy melodrama makes me seasick, in this version and the original.
I don't even like the original, so no this one did not have much of a chance with me.
Not a good cover
NOT Good
Instant +2 bump for "architecture" mentioned in a song.
The lyrics make no sense to me, but I like the way it sounds; it has a ghostly yearning to it.
I'm a big fan of the JLC version of this song, but I like this too. Joan puts herself out there more on what would normally be a pretty calmly sung song.
I can't really find anything wrong with it really.
I can't really find anything wrong with it really.
this sounds like the death-warble of Dusty Springfield..or perhaps someone hitting Loretta Lynn in the back of the head with a 2x4 repeatedly and telling her to "SING!"... 
Naaaahhhh...
Jack_Jefferson wrote:
Only a few hundred times.
Anybody ever heard that novelty song from the 1960's called Winchester Cathedral?
Only a few hundred times.
Man, what a voice!
Randomax wrote:
It was. This is the cover.
I like Jump Little Children's version? Was that the original? I know, I'm ignorant of this song.
It was. This is the cover.
Every time I hear this, I drop its rating down a little more. Just pales in comparison to Jump's original version.
Anybody ever heard that novelty song from the 1960's called Winchester Cathedral?
I like Jump Little Children's version? Was that the original? I know, I'm ignorant of this song.
A few years ago when she was touring with Cracker, during the show she would sometimes hang out in the audience rather than backstage. I hung out with her in front of the stage. When it was time for her to sing, she hopped up on stage, sung, and then came back to the audience. Very cool.
PeteyGreens wrote:
YES! I have that cd! The whole thing is great!
Wanna hear some great covers? Jennifer Warnes singing Leonard Cohen on Famous Blue Raincoat.
YES! I have that cd! The whole thing is great!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5jtAf8PClY
"not sure why others find her lacking in emotion or interest. Personally I think that Joan performs this song with her requisite intensity and skill. She is one amazing singer, interpreter and performer. The album Little Wild One one of her best. Go Joan!"
"This is an interesting cover- Joan Osborne is capable of great emotion and subtlety but she completely skips all that and opts for an almost sterile rendition. The music video emphasizes that with cheezy editing and cinematography alongside the actors in the pew who seem to be bored out of their minds.
I think she's making a commentary on the church and how the ceremony and tradition has rendered the arts completely flat. "
I recall a comment from BillG once about some other musician along the lines of: I don't quite understand the dislike of this music; I find it likeable, musical, compelling, whatever. I guess that captures my own view of this song. Y'all are pretty harsh to what is a pretty faithful cover. I actually like this version better than the JLC original because of, among other things, the reverb. Ever sing in a cathedral dral dral dral? It sounds more like Joan's version than JLC's. Plus, if you're a musician, this is actually fun to belt out — it has an anthemic quality that far exceeds the import or wisdom of its lyrics.
Wanna hear some great covers? Jennifer Warnes singing Leonard Cohen on Famous Blue Raincoat.
NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:
I think it's the way the vocal just follows the chord changes. Unsatisfying.
(That and she's just phoning it in, as they say.)
I rated this three.. which is probably worse than a 1.. I mean it's not even bad, just extremely ho hum..
Trying to work out what I don't like about it ... it's got a tortured dirge-like quality which are just two concepts that don't sit well together. I like dirges and sometimes tortured music has a certain appeal but a tortured dirge? Maybe she's just pushing the limits of my preconceptions.
Trying to work out what I don't like about it ... it's got a tortured dirge-like quality which are just two concepts that don't sit well together. I like dirges and sometimes tortured music has a certain appeal but a tortured dirge? Maybe she's just pushing the limits of my preconceptions.
I think it's the way the vocal just follows the chord changes. Unsatisfying.
(That and she's just phoning it in, as they say.)
Meh.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gA0GcXV2njY
"Joan Osborne performs this classic motown hit originally by Jimmy Ruffin. From the movie "Standing In The Shadows Of Motown"...a story about The Motown House Band known as "The Funk Brothers". "
"This video wouldn't be nearly as good if not for the beautiful, soaring vocals of those backup singers! Every person on that stage performed flawlessly. I'm glad they recorded this performance. It will never be duplicated. This is one piece of musical history that needs to be passed on to every new generation." az3wheeler
Few people know this, but Joan Osborne and Rufus Wainwright are the same person working under different names.
Nice JLC cover, I like it.
Executive- "Quick, make it more meaningful!"
Engineer- "I'll add more reverb at the end!"
Engineer- "I'll add more reverb at the end!"
calypsus_1 wrote:
That performance is awful.
That performance is awful.
This would make a good commercial for a personal hygiene product. Sucko Barfo if there ever was one>
Ohhhh. I heard the piano and thought, "Yay! Pyramid Song by Radiohead!!" Boo. 
Weird segway from King Crimson
blech.
Some things were not meant to be remade.
Two other ones I'd like to gripe about
Goo Goo Dolls "Take a Little Bit" (Supertramp)
Gwen Stefani "It's my Life" (Talk Talk)
Leave well enough alone.
Some things were not meant to be remade.
Two other ones I'd like to gripe about
Goo Goo Dolls "Take a Little Bit" (Supertramp)
Gwen Stefani "It's my Life" (Talk Talk)
Leave well enough alone.
Pyro wrote:
she phoned it in
Agreed!
she phoned it in
Agreed!
Never heard it before & found it quite haunting and beautiful. I always liked Joan's voice, and I think it works well to convey what the lyrics are on about.
o no.
this has got to go.
do i like it?
i think no.
this has got to go.
do i like it?
i think no.
While I like Joan Osborne, this one just doesn't do it for me. :/
The more I hear her, the more I like her.
Pyro wrote:
I agree, though the idea of the song—the sentiment of the lyrics—still evokes a melancholy from me that I can't quite figure out.
I like both versions, but there is something more haunting on the original performance. Hers is just a little too "strong", IMHO. I like JO, and this is an okay cover.
I agree, though the idea of the song—the sentiment of the lyrics—still evokes a melancholy from me that I can't quite figure out.
I like it. I think she rests her voice on something winged and lets it sail through the buttresses and arches of a tall church. 'works great for me. Thanks Bill
tomis wrote:
she phoned it in
I prefer the original by Jump Little Children. This cover falls flat for me.
she phoned it in
Oh god this song makes me grind my teeth. Time for iTunes, goodbye RP!
I rated this three.. which is probably worse than a 1.. I mean it's not even bad, just extremely ho hum..
Trying to work out what I don't like about it ... it's got a tortured dirge-like quality which are just two concepts that don't sit well together. I like dirges and sometimes tortured music has a certain appeal but a tortured dirge? Maybe she's just pushing the limits of my preconceptions.
Trying to work out what I don't like about it ... it's got a tortured dirge-like quality which are just two concepts that don't sit well together. I like dirges and sometimes tortured music has a certain appeal but a tortured dirge? Maybe she's just pushing the limits of my preconceptions.
STOP HER !!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
tomis wrote:
So do I
I prefer the original by Jump Little Children. This cover falls flat for me.
So do I
I prefer the original by Jump Little Children. This cover falls flat for me.
that shimmery tremolo on the guitar tries hard to make this worthwhile, but after about 2 minutes I find myself aching for her to just SHUT UP. Dull dull dull. Still, she's on the up - last time I rated a Joan Osborne song, she scraped a 1, so the 4 she gets for this is good going.
Forgive me, Joan, I actually had to shut this off. A first for me. And there are so many better J.O. songs...
This actually made my ears hurt. The lyrics are good though.
gcrumb wrote:
nice evocative writing gcrumb
Last time this came on, I was prompted the write this recollection.
Personally, I think the straight-ahead, un-sentimental delivery actually does it credit.
Personally, I think the straight-ahead, un-sentimental delivery actually does it credit.
nice evocative writing gcrumb
In the cathedrals of New York and Rome
There is a feeling that you should just go home
and spend a lifetime finding just where that is
So-so music, but spot on lyrics. As the son of an emigrant I couldn't agree more with the sentiments. Unless I've completely misinterpreted the song, which wouldn't be a first for me...
There is a feeling that you should just go home
and spend a lifetime finding just where that is
So-so music, but spot on lyrics. As the son of an emigrant I couldn't agree more with the sentiments. Unless I've completely misinterpreted the song, which wouldn't be a first for me...
philbertr wrote:
Funny, maybe, but also correct.
I am not fond of this particular repitition. How bout that?
Funny, maybe, but also correct.
I am not fond of this particular repitition. How bout that?
love the lyrics on this one, especially little lines like: "Fallen angels on the ceilings" ...
the essence of very cool daddy squidness!
the essence of very cool daddy squidness!
Mandible wrote:
Funny, maybe, but also correct.
Oscar_the_Grouch wrote:
If you have issues with repetition, perhaps music is not for you...
HA, you're funny
If you have issues with repetition, perhaps music is not for you...
HA, you're funnyFunny, maybe, but also correct.
Oscar_the_Grouch wrote:
If you have issues with repetition, perhaps music is not for you...
HA, you're funny
If you have issues with repetition, perhaps music is not for you...
HA, you're funny Mandible wrote:
If you have issues with repetition, perhaps music is not for you...
Anyone else find this too repetitive?
If you have issues with repetition, perhaps music is not for you...
This version is growing on me, >7
Anyone else find this too repetitive?
I cannot believe 15 people gave this a ONE. C'mon folks, it's not HORRIBLE! (I'm prejudiced...I like it, although I prefer JLC's original version.)
RP is a REAL TOUGH audience!!
RP is a REAL TOUGH audience!!
Growing on me - an 8
Last time this came on, I was prompted the write this recollection.
Personally, I think the straight-ahead, un-sentimental delivery actually does it credit.
Personally, I think the straight-ahead, un-sentimental delivery actually does it credit.
I'm a huge Joan fan. I even saw her perform this live when it first came out. But I didn't like it then, and I still don't like it now. A terrible song.
well i like it
this is awful.
Most excellent.
I agree with Mooseknuckle (and cameltoe, too). it's garbage.
Mooseknuckle wrote:
Mooseknuckle wrote:
Common! It's is Friday afternoon, what's up with this garbage?
What a bore.
Common! It's is Friday afternoon, what's up with this garbage?
Ms. Joan Elizabeth Osborne! a extraordinary singer....in any register of voice!
** 8 / 9 **
madaxeman wrote:
Over the last few day's I've heard both the Jump Little Children original and this - my vote's with Joan.
I don't know the original version. I love Joan, and she's predictably good on this.
Over the last few day's I've heard both the Jump Little Children original and this - my vote's with Joan.
I like both versions, but there is something more haunting on the original performance. Hers is just a little too "strong", IMHO. I like JO, and this is an okay cover.
LOVE Jump Little Children's original. Haunting and powerful.
HATE Joan Osborne. Not her fault the god song got waaay overplayed, but still. Ugh.
HATE Joan Osborne. Not her fault the god song got waaay overplayed, but still. Ugh.
aweful!!!!!!!
Just listened to Jump, Little Children version of this song and know what? Joan's version sounds much more balanced as for me. IMHO cover is better that original: not so much violins, better vocals and still emotional.
easy 9
PS: first Joan's song which impressed me.
easy 9
PS: first Joan's song which impressed me.
Made me look to see who/what it was ... doesn't happen that often.
I'm gonna reserve judgment for a few more listens.
I'm gonna reserve judgment for a few more listens.
I don't know the original version. I love Joan, and she's predictably good on this.
No Joan...just, No!
Mark1970 wrote:
Agreed! She also seems completely distant from the soul of the song, as if she is following the words from the sheet music.
The additional instrumentation takes away from the beauty and simplicity of this song. Hard to improve on JLC's version.......
Agreed! She also seems completely distant from the soul of the song, as if she is following the words from the sheet music.
How dare she profane this beautiful song with her mediocrity.
The additional instrumentation takes away from the beauty and simplicity of this song. Hard to improve on JLC's version.......
Still leaving me w/ that hollow unsatisfied diet coke feeling... give me the SUGAR and play the JLC version any time!
It's such a good tune, it sounds good coming out of anybody. She just does a better than average job with it.
8.
8.
In what way is this better than the original?
What a poor, poor cover........
Probably the worst cover ever..
Buy the original.
What a poor, poor cover........
Probably the worst cover ever..
Buy the original.
Nice to hear Jump getting some attention, in hopes that it will open more people up to their great music, but I don't care for this cover all that much. Fans of this should hear the original...it will blow you away.
By the way, Jay Clifford (who wrote this & sang it originally) has a solo CD out now. You can purchase it through his MySpace page, along with other online music stores (including Amazon).
By the way, Jay Clifford (who wrote this & sang it originally) has a solo CD out now. You can purchase it through his MySpace page, along with other online music stores (including Amazon).
burdell wrote:
I'm a huge fan of JO, but when I am doing it, singing isn't usually part of the package.
I'm not normally a fan of JO, but this song is terrific.
I'm a huge fan of JO, but when I am doing it, singing isn't usually part of the package.
hippiechick wrote:
Let's not refer to her as ''JO.'' That initialism is taken.
Love this song and Joan's version of it. (Jump LIttle Children the original artist)
If you like JO, you will like this album.
If you like JO, you will like this album.
Let's not refer to her as ''JO.'' That initialism is taken.
I'm not normally a fan of JO, but this song is terrific.
sporkster wrote:
finish the story :)
(its much better than this song, that's for sure)
This song makes me think of the Raymond Carver short story:
"You'll have to forgive me," I said. "But I can't tell you what a cathedral looks like. It just isn't in me to do it. I can't do any more than I've done."
The blind man sat very still, his head down, as he listened to me.
I said, "The truth is, cathedrals don't mean anything special to me. Nothing. Cathedrals. They're something to look at on late-night TV. That's all they are."
It was then that the blind man cleared his throat. He brought something up. He took a handkerchief from his back pocket. Then he said, "I get it, bub. It's okay. It happens. Don't worry about it," he said. "Hey, listen to me. Will you do me a favor? I got an idea. Why don't you find us some heavy paper? And a pen. We'll do something. We'll draw one together. Get us a pen and some heavy paper. Go on, bub, get the stuff," he said.
"You'll have to forgive me," I said. "But I can't tell you what a cathedral looks like. It just isn't in me to do it. I can't do any more than I've done."
The blind man sat very still, his head down, as he listened to me.
I said, "The truth is, cathedrals don't mean anything special to me. Nothing. Cathedrals. They're something to look at on late-night TV. That's all they are."
It was then that the blind man cleared his throat. He brought something up. He took a handkerchief from his back pocket. Then he said, "I get it, bub. It's okay. It happens. Don't worry about it," he said. "Hey, listen to me. Will you do me a favor? I got an idea. Why don't you find us some heavy paper? And a pen. We'll do something. We'll draw one together. Get us a pen and some heavy paper. Go on, bub, get the stuff," he said.
finish the story :)
(its much better than this song, that's for sure)
Verses just as good as the original, but whatever she's doing to the chorus isn't working...
Surprisingly bad; this is like Amy Grant, but worse. A solid 2.
About as annoying vocals and lyrics as I could imagine. In general, not interested in Joan's existential struggle expressed through her Catholicism, but this one is especially preachy and screechy.
JLC's version is pure and intimate, sung by a great voice. this version also has a great voice, but the instrumentation is way too much, making this song pretty ordinary. leaving out the drums and the echo could save it a bit.
I surprise myself, but I am okay with this.
Normally I would lame super hard on a song such as this. But it's quite captivating (at least at the moment). And she has a great rack.
Surprisingly good cover! 7
Great choice for her to cover! 7 out of the gate.
Interesting hearing a cover a a JLC song, I'm not sure it really adds anything though.
yes, a cover. The original is a fantastic song...Jay Clifford is the songwriter, I believe. Jump Little Children was his band (they are now disbanded).
I have to admit, as much as I love the song, Joan does not do it justice...hard to listen to.
check out the original on youtube...good stuff.
sutcliff wrote:
I think it is too. But, I can't remember the original?
I have to admit, as much as I love the song, Joan does not do it justice...hard to listen to.
check out the original on youtube...good stuff.
sutcliff wrote:
I think it is too. But, I can't remember the original?
hippiechick wrote:
Love this song and Joan's version of it. (Jump LIttle Children the original artist)
If you like JO, you will like this album.
this is what made me buy JLC. this song. not her version. but i like it.If you like JO, you will like this album.
This song makes me think of the Raymond Carver short story:
"You'll have to forgive me," I said. "But I can't tell you what a cathedral looks like. It just isn't in me to do it. I can't do any more than I've done."
The blind man sat very still, his head down, as he listened to me.
I said, "The truth is, cathedrals don't mean anything special to me. Nothing. Cathedrals. They're something to look at on late-night TV. That's all they are."
It was then that the blind man cleared his throat. He brought something up. He took a handkerchief from his back pocket. Then he said, "I get it, bub. It's okay. It happens. Don't worry about it," he said. "Hey, listen to me. Will you do me a favor? I got an idea. Why don't you find us some heavy paper? And a pen. We'll do something. We'll draw one together. Get us a pen and some heavy paper. Go on, bub, get the stuff," he said.
"You'll have to forgive me," I said. "But I can't tell you what a cathedral looks like. It just isn't in me to do it. I can't do any more than I've done."
The blind man sat very still, his head down, as he listened to me.
I said, "The truth is, cathedrals don't mean anything special to me. Nothing. Cathedrals. They're something to look at on late-night TV. That's all they are."
It was then that the blind man cleared his throat. He brought something up. He took a handkerchief from his back pocket. Then he said, "I get it, bub. It's okay. It happens. Don't worry about it," he said. "Hey, listen to me. Will you do me a favor? I got an idea. Why don't you find us some heavy paper? And a pen. We'll do something. We'll draw one together. Get us a pen and some heavy paper. Go on, bub, get the stuff," he said.
hippiechick wrote:
I like both versions....
Love this song and Joan's version of it. (Jump LIttle Children the original artist)
If you like JO, you will like this album.
Thanks, HC. I knew I had heard it here.If you like JO, you will like this album.
I like both versions....
Horrible. That little volume knob is my friend.
MojoJojo wrote:
I think it is too. But, I can't remember the original?
This is cover, right? 
I think it is too. But, I can't remember the original?
so she's still just covering everything, huh. well i hated this song when those other dudes did it, but this aint so bad somehow.
Love this song and Joan's version of it. (Jump LIttle Children the original artist)
If you like JO, you will like this album.
If you like JO, you will like this album.
This is cover, right?
I see Fake Plastic Trees is on now. 2 plays in the last 30. Not complaining.