Johnny Cash had The List of 100 Essential Country Songs he gave to his daughter Roseanne. Herewith a list (53 songs at the moment, give or take, in no particular order, yet) of songs of all sorts that have some ongoing resonance with me. These are the ones that keep rattling in my head or still give me goosebumps, and a little bit about why. Apologies if sometimes the observations are pedestrian, but they’re my quick thoughts.
Why these songs? Sometimes it’s a performance, a turn of phrase, a life lesson, or a specific memory. When I started this post, I didn’t think these songs fit into a playlist — there’s not necessarily any continuity, and I’ve heard some of them way too many times. But they stuck out over time to me, and eventually I decided to tuck them into an iTunes playlist, best played on shuffle. Within the text of this post, I decided to link to YouTube performances where I could find them, and maybe eventually I will put together a YouTube playlist. I hope the links stay active for an extended period of time.
As a later, different project started around 2021 with a different inspiration, I put together a “Songs of Life” playlist which is best meant to play in order. These are songs that I feel carry wisdom and resonance through different stages of life — mine especially but hopefully anyone’s. There’s an overlap with many of the Songs That Matter (to me) but there are a number of additions that seem to fit. Probably all of these songs matter to me as well, and maybe eventually I will incorporate them and add comments.
Leave the Light On, Chris Smither. A sweet song, poignant sentiment, performed with restraint and grace. Wonderful guitar. One of my great regrets is passing up the chance to see Chris at the Sykesville restaurant Baldwin’s Station a few years ago. It was even on an evening when I was free, but I didn’t go. Sigh. I subsequently caught him in May 2018 for a delightful evening and again in 2024.
Origin of Species, Chris Smither. A smart song in the mold of “Political Science”. Not sure that very many people heard it, but wish they did. “The human race survives ’cause those brothers all found wives, but where they came from ain’t nobody knows.”
Down in Thibodaux, Chris Smither. A fun song loosely about Chris’s roots in Louisiana. I mostly like the goofy rhymes. Nothing wrong with that, I garrontee it.
It’s Money That Matters, Randy Newman. I’m ashamed to say how much this song resonates with me. For some reason, especially “Great big pool in my backyard. Another great big pool beside it. Sonny, it’s money that matters!”
Political Science, Randy Newman. Still relevant after nearly 50 years, sadly. “Boom goes London, and Boom Paris…”
Rednecks, Randy Newman. The N-word is toxic and makes the song nearly unlistenable, but while the skewer seems pointed toward the singer from the south, it’s really for all us white folks. And still relevant, too, unfortunately. Besides, I still love the couplet “College men from LSU / Went in dumb, come out dumb, too”.
Sail Away, Randy Newman. The piano couplet and strings get me every time. The irony of the lyrics are precise and heartbreaking. I’m not sure who exactly did the arrangement, probably Randy, but strings were conducted by Randy’s uncle Emil.
The Great Debate, Randy Newman. Ambitious and overwrought, a quiz show for your soul that ends up a draw. I love equating faith in god with faith in something we can’t see or measure. Plus the pun of the album title and subject of this song, Dark Matter, which covers pretty much all of Randy’s work, and the world today, for that matter.
Rider in the Rain, Randy Newman. This is included for a particular performance with Randy, Linda Ronstadt, and Ry Cooder. The part that gets me is when Linda kicks in from background to sing her verses, then melts into the background. It’s probably a simple dynamic for musicians, but the qualities of her voice and skill still astonishes me. And Randy’s recognition that he really doesn’t sing very well, but they’re all still having a good time.
Atlantic City, The Band. Exquisite reworking of Springsteen’s original from Nebraska. Love the mandolin and Levon’s voice. Sometimes the arrangement can completely remake a song. This is from a later version of the Band, featuring Levon Helm, Rick Danko and Garth Hudson. Here’s a fine live version from Letterman show, and a similar version after an uncomfortable interview with Matt Williams on Today show.
Ophelia, The Band. Live version from The Last Waltz, which has so much more energy and better horns than the original. Could’ve picked half a dozen other songs from The Band and this concert/film, but this one sticks in my head.
Thunder Road, Bruce Springsteen. Chills every time I hear “the graduation gown lies in rags at your feet” from the first time I saw Bruce perform it in McDonough Gymnasium my freshman year at Georgetown in 1976 (set list).
Merry Christmas from the Family, Robert Earl Keen. A sloppy, cynical love song to Christmas and to families. Like a big wet kiss from friendly dog. “Don’t know how I’m kin to them”
Valerie, Richard Thompson. I first stumbled into RT performing solo at Wolf Trap (opening for Bonnie Raitt in June 1989?). I’d heard his name but hadn’t really loved what little I’d heard on radio. But seeing him perform solo, playing two or three parts simultaneously on guitar and being funny and engaging was a knockout. And this song was the highlight for me. I love both the solo version and the band version with Celtic reel at the end (though I can’t find the original band version on iTunes). Since then I’ve seen RT at least a half dozen times in various configurations (highlight was RT and Loudon Wainwright III in small theater at Goucher) and bought many, many albums.
Beeswing, Richard Thompson. A heartbreaking song, sweetly played.
1952 Vincent Black Lightning, Richard Thompson. RT’s “hit” with terrific guitar work and a compelling story.
God Only Knows, Beach Boys. I came to this song late, but it’s a beauty. For me, the arrangement is great but it sometimes gets in the way. It was done touchingly in the Brian Wilson movie.
Good Vibrations, Beach Boys. The famous “pocket symphony” arrangement is a hands down pinnacle of pop music.
Eight Days A Week, Beatles. “Our song” with Barb. I learned it on guitar and made an earnest effort to sing it to her in high school.
You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away, Beatles. I don’t care if it’s John Lennon imitating Bob Dylan, I love this song.
She’s Leaving Home, Beatles. Another song that brings a tear to my eye almost every time. Easy sentimentality from Paul McCartney, but somehow I always associate it with how my folks felt about my sisters. And maybe me too.
In My Life, Jake Shimabukuro version. Beautiful version of John Lennon / Beatles song. Not 1000% sure this is actually Jake playing in the video, but it’s certainly in his style and it’s gorgeous.
If Not For You, George Harrison. Beautiful, sweet song that for a long time I didn’t realize was a Dylan cover. Came across Dylan’s original (from being on the road with Laurie and her compilation disc) and appreciated George’s version all the more.
Photograph, Ringo Starr. The version done at George Harrison tribute at Albert Hall. Gives a whole new resonance and dignity to what was a piece of schmaltz.
You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go, Shawn Colvin. Another Dylan cover, far superior to the original. Her fingerpicking blows me away along with her delivery of “You’re gonna leave me now, I know.”
Walk Away Renee, Four Tops. The original (?) version by The Left Banke is not bad, but Levi Stubbs and the Four Tops bring more depth and soul. Used to good effect in movie “Three Billboards in Ebbing, Missouri”. Linda Ronstadt’s version with Ann Savoy is also very special.
Fat Man in a Bathtub, Little Feat. The “Waiting for Columbus” live version with Cerphe’s introduction. High energy recorded at Lisner Auditorium in DC. I could’ve been there if I were more on the ball. I came to appreciate Little Feat just after Lowell George’s death (at the Key Bridge Marriott).
Half a Boy and Half a Man, Nick Lowe. Raucous, over the top performance. Love the drums and the Farfisa organ.
All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down, Mavericks. Seems like a companion piece to Half a Boy and Half a Man by a band I’ve lately come to appreciate. “Bring me down, Flacco!”
I Wanna Be a Lifeguard, Blotto. A stupid, guilty pleasure. Reminds me of hearing it on WHFS back in the day.
4th of July, Dave Alvin (or X?).
I Think It’s Going to Work Out Fine, Ry Cooder
What’s So Funny (About Peace, Love and Understanding), Elvis Costello
Rock Me on the Water, Jackson Browne
Jambalaya, Hank Williams
Yours is no Disgrace, Yes. The Yessongs live version. I learned to play it on bass in my room in Hong Kong. Must have drove the downstairs neighbors insane. Probably why they never spoke to us.
You Can Call Me Al, Paul Simon. “Our song” with Allie — glad that she latched onto it. Also the goofy video with Chevy Chase where Paul ducks under Chevy playing horn.
Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes. The SNL version with the dance featuring Ladysmith Black Mombazo.
Homeward Bound. The SNL version with George Harrison. A gem of a moment.
The Babysitter’s Here, Dar Williams.
The Christians and the Pagans, Dar Williams.
Spain, Return to Forever.
Soul Sacrifice, Santana
One Note Samba, Astrud Gilberto
Big Rio Grande River, Austin Lounge Lizards
Cuban Slide, The Pretenders
Cynical Girl, Marshall Crenshaw
I Want You Back, Graham Parker live version
Lawyers, Guns and Money, Warren Zevon from Live at the Roxy
Poor Poor Pitiful Me, Warren Zevon from Live at the Roxy
Look at Miss Ohio, Gillian Welch
I’ll Fly Away, Gillian Welch and Allison Krauss
Hashtag, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
I Want to Sing That Rock and Roll, Gillian Welch