Between the Bars

Elliott Smith

About Between the Bars

"Between the Bars" is the fourth track of Elliott Smith's 1997 album Either/Or. It is written as a short ballad in the key of G Minor. The song is one of three tracks from Either/Or that was used in the soundtrack of Good Will Hunting. It is also featured in the 2012 indie film, Stuck in Love, and in the seventh episode of season two of "Rick and Morty". As of March 2019, the song is his most streamed track on the popular music streaming services Spotify and Apple Music. A cover version of the song performed by Chris Garneau was used in Pedro Almodovar's film "La piel que habito" (The skin I live in) in 2012.  


Year:
1997
2:21
432 
#4

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Drink up, baby, stay up all night
With the things you could do, you won't but you might
The potential you'll be that you'll never see
The promises you'll only make

Drink up with me now and forget all about
The pressure of days, do what I say
And I'll make you okay and drive them away
The images stuck in your head

People you've been before that you
Don't want around anymore
That push and shove and won't bend to your will
I'll keep them still

Drink up, baby, look at the stars
I'll kiss you again, between the bars
Where I'm seeing you there, with your hands in the air
Waiting to finally be caught

Drink up one more time and I'll make you mine
Keep you apart, deep in my heart
Separate from the rest, where I like you the best
And keep the things you forgot

People you've been before that you
Don't want around anymore
That push and shove and won't bend to your will
I'll keep them still

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Elliott Smith

Steven Paul "Elliott" Smith (August 6, 1969 – October 21, 2003) was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Smith was born in Omaha, Nebraska, raised primarily in Texas, and resided for a significant portion of his life in Portland, Oregon, the area in which he first gained popularity. Smith's primary instrument was the guitar, but he was also proficient with piano, clarinet, bass guitar, drums, and harmonica. Smith had a distinctive vocal style, characterized by his "whispery, spiderweb-thin delivery," and used multi-tracking to create vocal layers, textures, and harmonies. more »

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Written by: Steven Paul Smith

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origin
"Between the Bars" is originally a song by Elliott Smith. It is from his third studio album, "Either/Or," released in 1997.
Chris Garneau's Cover
Chris Garneau, an American singer-songwriter, released his cover of "Between the Bars" in 2007 on his debut album "Music for Tourists."
Genre
Both versions remain primarily under the genre of indie folk and acoustic rock.
Lyrics
The lyrics are often interpreted as a conversation between Smith and alcohol, portraying his struggle with substance abuse.
Acclaim
"Between the Bars" is often regarded as one of Elliott Smith's best songs. Despite its dark themes, it is appreciated for its raw and emotional lyrics.
Usage in Media
Garneau's version of "Between the Bars" was featured in an episode of the popular TV series, "Grey's Anatomy," in 2007.
Live Performances
Chris Garneau frequently includes "Between the Bars" in his live sets, paying tribute to Elliott Smith.
Influence
The song has been influential to many artists, and there are numerous covers of it in addition to Garneau's, by artists such as Madonna, Metric's Emily Haines, and The Civil Wars.
Smith's Death
Tragically, Elliott Smith passed away in 2003. His music, including "Between the Bars," continues to impact and inspire musicians and fans alike.
Personal Connection
In an interview, Garneau revealed that Elliott Smith's music was of significant importance to him. He decided to cover "Between the Bars" as an homage to the influential musician.

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