Speed of the Sound of Loneliness

Nanci Griffith

About Speed of the Sound of Loneliness

"Speed of the Sound of Loneliness" is a song written by John Prine. It was released as a track on Prine's 1986 album German Afternoons. The song gained further fame with a duet recording by Prine and American singer Nanci Griffith in the latter's 1993 album Other Voices, Other Rooms and the release of the track as a single. The song has been covered by many, notably Kim Carnes who released it as a single from her 1988 album View from the House and by the English band Alabama 3 on their 1997 album Exile on Coldharbour Lane and American singer/songwriter Jeffrey Foucault in 2009 in his Prine tribute album Shoot the Moon Right Between the Eyes. Scottish singer Roddy Woomble recorded a live version in 2014 in his album Live at Kings Place. 


Year:
1994
28 

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You come home late
And you come home early
You come on big
When you're feelin' small
You come home straight
And you come home curly
Sometimes you don't come home at all

[Chorus:]
So what in the world's come over you?
What in heavens name have you done?
You've broken the speed of the sound of loneliness
You're out there runnin'
Just to be on the run

Well, I got a heart that burns with a fever
And I got a worried and a jealous mind
Well how can a love
That will last forever
Get left so far behind

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Nanci Griffith

Nanci Caroline Griffith (born July 6, 1953, in Seguin, Texas) is an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter, reared in Austin, Texas, who currently lives in Nashville. more »

3 fans

Written by: John E. Prine

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Speed of the Sound of Loneliness" is a song written by American folk and country singer-songwriter John Prine.
John Prine's Version
Prine first recorded the song for his 1986 album "German Afternoons". His version was featured on several Prine best-of compilations, including "Great Days: The John Prine Anthology".
Nanci Griffith's Version
It was also covered by Nanci Griffith on her 1993 album "Other Voices, Other Rooms". Griffith is known for her mixture of country, folk, and pop music styles, and her version of the song highlights her distinctive vocal style.
Kim Carnes' Version
American singer-songwriter Kim Carnes also covered "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness," bringing her unique raspy voice and pop flavoring to the composition. Carnes's version was included in her 21st studio album "Chasin' Wild Trains".
Alabama 3’s Version
A British band popular for their eclectic mix of musical styles, Alabama 3, covered the song as well. This version transformed it into a more electronic, dance-oriented song featured on their album "Exile on Coldharbour Lane". It’s even used as the opening theme song for the British reality TV show "Gavin & Stacey".
Song Theme
The song largely deals with themes of loneliness and confusion. It addresses the question of how one could get so lonely so fast - fast as the "speed of the sound of loneliness".
Legacy
As a testiment to its emotional resonance and quality, "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness" has been covered by multiple artists across different genres, its enduring appeal continues to introduce new audiences to Prine's work.
Posthumous Influence
John Prine passed away in April 2020 due to complications from Covid-19. Since his death, his music has undergone a resurgence of popularity, shining a spotlight again on iconic songs like "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness".
Critical Acclaim
The song is widely seen as an important part of Prine's repertoire, and his ability to capture complex emotional realities in simple, moving lyrics has been widely praised. Many critics regard it as one of his finest works.
Title Significance
The title, "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness," is a poignant metaphor that Prine uses to talk about the rapidity with which feelings of loneliness and abandonment can creep up, suggesting it moves at the speed of sound.

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