John Doe No. 24

[Hlejames]

OK....I love this song. But isn't it ironic that she wrote a song for a man who even in life could never hear it?

[kenjames64]

@Hlejames I don't know that she wrote it for him, so much as to simply give him a voice, to tell his story.

[MrBlackEyedDog]

I can't listen to this without crying.

[harrylegthigh]

Anyone know the name of that guitarist? Is he still with her?

[kenjames64]

@harrylegthigh That's Duke Levine. He was her regular lead guitarist through the last half of the 90s, and I know he has toured and recorded with her several times since. I'm not sure if they're currently playing together.

[gollapr]

One of the best songs by Mary. Love it.

[macpherf]

I can't listen to this without weeping. No real reason. That's art, folks. It's the real thing.

[liamwilson69]

Check out the soprano sax on studio version....the legendary Branford Marsalis!!!!

[randyslovacek]

This is art. Pay attention folks. This is the real thing.

[cjarradr]

I'm from Jacksonville, IL and just heard about this song and man this year. What CD is this on? I can't find it on iTunes.

[kenjames64]

@cjarradr the song is on Chapin's great '94 CD "Stones in the Road"

[garythebarman]

@cjarradr As you now know this song is from the album Stones in the Road.The whole album is perfect and every track is a gem.

[pjcunniff1]

@cjarradr Hi this is from the Stones In The Road CD. You should get it. This song has a great sax part on the CD that is not in the Video

[jasonwoods1978]

@cjarradr The song is on"Stones in the road" ... A fantastic C.D

[lollypalooly1]

How lovely that MCC's music brings out the gentle spirit in her listeners. Such a beautiful voice and storyteller. She takes you on such a beautiful journey.

[Jim1399008]

When poetic lyrics and music come together like this, life doesn't get any more beautiful.

[dibble2005]

This album inspired me since its release, This song just takes you on a journey like an out of body exerience. Beautiful. Thanks Mary. X

[peoriaillinoisan]

Thank You Mary Chapin for writing this song. I'm touched every time I listen to it. The extended story that most people don't know, which makes this even more touching is that she quietly paid for John Doe's gravemarker at what was previously an unmarked grave in Peoria, Il. Engraved on the stone a lyric from the song - "Life is a mystery, but so too is the human heart"

[padraigpurseal]

Thanks for the post great memories with this song 

[giselaverzola2006]

fabulous music!!

thanks..

5 thumbs up!

[ant67hony]

simply beautiful in every way,thanx 4 da post

[lori33anne]

when i hear this song, and one by another artist i like a lot, i am always stuck by the thought that some people, like john doe in this tune, have been dealt a hand so much less than the one i have been dealt. their lives come and go and they have so little of what i am fortunate to have. and it makes me appreciate my lot in life. i keep coming back to this song, and the other, when i feel i need reminding of this fact.

[kenjames64]

@lori33anne what is the other song, may I ask?

[lori33anne]

@kenjames64 it is a song by john gorka from his cd called land of the bottom line, its called "the sentinel. " its about a guy born with some mental issues, who spends his life telling people in his neighborhood where they can park their cars and so on. i took it that those who lived there tolerated him, strangers just did what he said because they thought he was entitled to do that. one of those people who exists and goes through life alone because of something he had no control over.

[iggy5858]

doesn't get any better!

[runrig63]

simply beautiful and tragic. This song never fails to make me cry for a life that I never touched but that will forever touch me thanks to this song.

[crydun2004]

this is classic Mary. A song that tells a story. We need more of that...

[40ny]

Amazing song, and not a dry eye in the house I would guess.

[buxton4472]

Surely no-one can fail to be moved by this exquisite, poignant tribute to this unfortunate soul. Thank God I've been able to hear this wonderful song and others by this great performer!

[1danrobbins]

What a haunting, beautiful, song sung so beautifully.

[charliedehaven]

I've got every album and this is still the one track that gets me every time. Incredible performance too from Mary and friend altho the sax on the album is really spooky

[pinchof56]

I have to agree about the sax,,,really poignant. I just love this song. when I come home after a night out I put this one on .....always amazing!

[r3v3r3nd2008]

awesome that i found this..

im from Jacksonville, and ive never even heard about this guy.

[troubleme67]

beautiful song. Only A Dream is another favorite of mine.