Fountain of Sorrow
Jackson Browne
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Looking through some photographs I found inside a drawer I was taken by a photograph of you There were one or two I know that you would have liked a little more But they didn't show your spirit quite as true You were turning 'round to see who was behind you And I took your childish laughter by surprise And at the moment that my camera happened to find you There was just a trace of sorrow in your eyes Now the things that I remember seem so distant and so small Though it hasn't really been that long a time What I was seeing wasn't what was happening at all Although for a while, our path did seem to climb When you see through love's illusions, there lies the danger And your perfect lover just looks like a perfect fool So you go running off in search of a perfect stranger While the loneliness seems to spring from your life Like a fountain from a pool Fountain of sorrow, fountain of light You've known that hollow sound of your own steps in flight You've had to hide sometimes, but now you're all right And it's good to see your smiling face tonight Now for you and me it may not be that hard to reach our dreams But that magic feeling never seems to last And while the future's there for anyone to change, still you know it seems It would be easier sometimes to change the past I'm just one or two years and a couple of changes behind you In my lessons at love's pain and heartache school Where if you feel too free and you need something to remind you There's this loneliness springing up from your life Like a fountain from a pool Fountain of sorrow, fountain of light You've known that hollow sound of your own steps in flight You've had to hide sometimes but now you're all right And it's good to see your smiling face tonight Fountain of sorrow, fountain of light You've known that hollow sound of your own steps in flight You've had to struggle, you've had to fight To keep understanding and compassion in sight You could be laughing at me, you've got the right But you go on smiling so clear and so bright
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Written by: JACKSON BROWNE
Lyrics © Jackson Browne/Swallow Turn Music/Night Kitchen Music/Open Window Music
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Background Information"Fountain of Sorrow" is a reflective song written and performed by influential American singer-songwriter, Jackson Browne.
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Chart PerformanceThe song was released in 1974 as a part of his second album, "Late for the Sky". It did not have significant chart performance, but it became one of Browne's most popular songs in his catalog over time due to its profound and relatable lyrics.
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InspirationIt is widely reported that the song was inspired by Browne's relationship with his former girlfriend, singer and artist Joni Mitchell.
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ThemeThe song is about understanding and accepting the pain and suffering that's an integral part of life and relationships. It encourages listeners to learn from their past experiences and use them as stepping stones to grow and evolve.
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Impact"Fountain of Sorrow" is considered one of Browne's most introspective and insightful compositions. It has been highly regarded for its raw, honest lyrics and soulful melody, making it a touchstone for many fans.
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Live PerformancesDuring live performances, Browne often shares the story behind the song, further increasing its resonance with listeners.
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Cover VersionIn 2011, a cover of "Fountain of Sorrow" was included in the tribute album "Looking Into You: A Tribute to Jackson Browne".
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Songwriting ProcessBrowne is known to draw from personal experiences in his songwriting. In an interview, he revealed that he often revisits his songs, changing parts of them or adding to them as his perceptions and understandings evolve over time.
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RelevanceEven though it was written and released in the 1970s, "Fountain of Sorrow" continues to resonate with listeners today due to its timeless and universal theme of heartbreak and healing.
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Music CompositionThe song is driven by acoustic guitar and piano, which are complemented by subtle touches of slide guitar and backing vocals that reinforce its reflective and melancholic mood.
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Citation
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"Fountain of Sorrow Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31275989/Jackson+Browne/Fountain+of+Sorrow>.
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