Nanci Griffith, If These Walls Could Speak

[graciegorrell]

So talented- just absolutely magical- straight from her soul and straight to my soul. Love to you, Nancy Griffith- you have brought me a lot of soul food, inspiration, and beautiful music in my life. Many thanks to you.

[EdArmstrong1]

The feeling that Nanci exhibits surpasses words. This song comes from her soul and you can see the regret and hurt that she endured at sometime in her life. I just want to somehow reach out and hold her and tell her that it is going to be all right in the end. There are many types of beauty and you see many of them in this woman. You keep on going girl, many people need you and your musical expressions of life. God Bless you Nanci.

[Hdtexan]

sublime



[jacobk23]

There's another studio recording of this song that's not the one on Ruby's Torch. It used to be on here set to a video montage of Dawson's Creek but for some reason I can't find it anymore. It's so much better than the version on Ruby's Torch but I can't find it ANYWHERE.

[davidhibling]

God this is so good - have sold a house because after 12 years my partner does not love me anymore - this says all I feel

[Meema523]

Re: Topsails7 comment. Which, by the way, seems to be the only negative comment. I would guess this is a male. It seems you are the one out of step. Nanci has a lovely voice.

Helen

[Ribcracker]

This is one of those rare instances where I like the cover even more than the original. Such warm melancholy. I'll bet even Jimmy would swoon.

Powerful stuff!

[ManOfDeeds]

Just heard this today. It reminded me how much I love her. Yes, a beautiful American voice, but she is her art... It seems her very being is a gift.

[trakkaton]

Now THAT's a colossal shortcoming!

[topsails7]

Sorry, Amy Grant is a distant second place on this one. Seems all your taste is in your mouth.

[withoutadong9]

she put it on rubys torch

[xxSouthsider522xx]

Amy Grant did an AMAZING job at this song too

[vita9n]

jackchevallier yes! She is a gorgeous woman and one of the great spirits of our age. . . .

[crinkleintime]

Inspiring and heartbreaking all at the same time.

"If these old walls could speak

They would tell you that I owe you

More than I can ever pay

Here's someone who really loves you

Don't ever go away

Is what these walls would say"

[lmd0426]

Nanci is a Cancer Survivor -- does that tell you anything about what she is wearing on her head -

[rich6139]

Amy Grant does a much better version. 

[wednesday55]

She's created an oasis of loveliness here. Something to provide nourishment and warmth to our souls.

This is such a beautiful gift. Thank you.



[MrKenton9]

i prefer to hear Glen Campbell sing this song

[TheMrSimplexity]

let walls talk

[TheMrSimplexity]

calm

[tslick75]

this is one of the greatest songs i have ever heard.

[hirundine608]

A lovely version ........... Shawn Colvin has a version on an album called, "Cover Girl"... 1994. The songwriter was J.Webb and was on an earlier Glenn Campbell album. Shawn's album has some super nice covers in it. Including "There's a rugged road" and "Killing the blues". Thanks for Nanci's version .......... "love it".

[Massivo07]

Absolutely wonderful! I had this song in an mp3 file that someone has sent me. Nanci sings this song so wonderfully that I thought that she was the one who wrote it. In the same CD we have the privilege to listen to Ruby´s Arms, the best version of Tom Waits´ song. That song´s a gem that can turn our eyes into a flood.

[mcrbshoe]

The perfect song. The perfect voice.

[steveg2223]

I first heard her do this on the radio in about 1993. I would assume it was off an album.

I'm a die hard jazz lover, but I went out and bought an album of hers after hearing this many years ago. I still tell friends that she is a special talent. They look at me skeptically, but just listen to this performance. She's a special performer.

[themonaghans]

@steveg2223 Actually, she only put it on an album recently. It's on Ruby's Torch, an album on which she covers other songs of similar style and quality, by Tom Waits and other great song writers. It's a beautiful, touching album. If you like this, you'll love Ruby's Torch. Highly recommended.

[jdloewen1]

Where has this woman been all my life?

[dramusic]

Nanci Griffith is possibly my greatest unrequited love. I have never met her, and probably never will.  She most likely would not feel the same about me, but I know she would be a kind hearted, friendly person to anyone; including me. I am sure you will never read this Nanci, but I want to say that ALL the people in your life are blessed to know you.

[colinfirth4bfast]

Feel humbled by the lyrics of Jimmy Webb and the voice of Nanci Griffith. What a combination. x

[chastd]

Absolutely Beautiful! I've had a hard time appreciating Ruby's Torch, too slick and produced for my taste. But, this! This is everything I've always loved about Nanci.

[publicshorts]

Wow. Never knew Nanci had been through chemotherapy. I've been a fan for over 20 years and this is one of my favourite tracks. Highly emotional and beautifully produced/composed.

[themonaghans]

@publicshorts She had breast cancer and then thyroid cancer in the 1990s. I agree, this is a beautiful song and she sings it so perfectly.

[matineccy]

Nanci is living proof that beauty trancends clothes, cosmetics and surrgery. God Bless Texas Trailer Trash

Kev in the UK

[KNDole]

For the first time ever Nanci is coming to Aus in March 2010 and I hope to goodness she sings this song.

[matineccy]

this was recorded at an aids benifit in 1998 and this song was Nancy's only contribution on the night. Does anybody know if she recorded this as a track on an album

Kev in the UK

[nutbrook]

It's on a 2006 Album: Ruby's Torch

[matineccy]

thank you nutbrook that is lovely of you. Been a fan of nanci's since 78 album "There's a light beyond theses woods" Seen her loads over here. Luv her to bits. she keeps me warm at night and sane when I'm lonely

[jlehner1]

@matineccy This was from a compilation called Red, Hot and Country from the early '90's that raised funs to combat the AIDS epidemic. I have the CD and it is terrific. Nanci's turn on this tune is a stand out, however. Thanks to Nanci and Jimmy Webb for writing this great tune.

[concarolinags]

@matineccy It's also on Red Hot and country.

[marksguitars]

@concarolinags I bought Red Hot and Country at a flea market a few years ago and this song and Nanci blew me away. perfect... just perfect.

[matineccy]

This was recorded at an aids fund raiser in 1998 and featured a whole bunch of artists. This was Nancy's only contribution. Does anybody know if she put this down as a track on an album.

kevin in the UK

[lmd0426]

Hey does anyone know if this video was recorded during her chemotherapy?

[falloniap]

Does anyone know where this was?

[commventam]

I love her. this is a great song, as are many of Jimmy Webb's.

Shawn Colvin's version is very good, too.

[landscaper1022]

one of my fav singers ever

[summo55]

A beautiful song; Nanci sings my favorite version of it. The eyes are the windows to the soul ... thank you Nanci for glimpses into yours.

Thanks for posting this. It's only marred by a MAJOR peeve of mine w/ audiences as demonstrated at the 4:28 mark to the end --- ruining the mood and song by interupting with premature applause & yells .... COME ON people, Yes, we all like it too, but respect all the musicians and let them finish the song so we can all enjoy ALL of it, Ok? Ya dumb-butts!!

[CuddlyBadger]

It's a concert though. Probably her encore. Sometimes it's nice to hear how much people appreciate you after you've done something beautiful. Sometimes.

[collmari]

This just gets better and better with each viewing..

[Hdtexan]

This left me breathless by its beauty. She looks so vulnerable....almost lost.. What a stunning performance.

[LLChetkovich]

Her face always shows this kind of intense expression--check out the video of "Love at the Five and Dime" posted here.

[Scudder2008]

its such a well written song..and comes to life under this artist talents..I never realized how much she resembles a young Lillian Gish..in any event thanks for the post..

[1944jzo]

Listen to Shawn Colvin's version.  Jimmy Webb has written some of the best songs ever.

[TadRapidly]

Post it!!

[beak2heidi]

Yeas, she is an excellent singer with heart showing throughj her music. I wonder how she would have sounded singing duet with Luke Kelly??

Paul

[jackchevallier]

she just gets even more beautiful as she gets older. perfect. i'll ignore the stupid comments about what she's wearing. 1)she looks great 2)she cold wear a bin bag and still look like an angel

[Huntinbear]

@jackchevallier I Love her style.

[jpwinder]

She is lovely and such a fine singer. This song too is a gem.

[rainbowtiger10]

some of yall need to watch your mouth thats my aunt.

[jackmacc22]

Fantastic have loved Nanci for years - wish she was my aunt love her x

[pvandck]

Shawn Colvin recorded a very nice version of this song which I like. But this one by Nanci Griffith is quite the sweetest, the most heartfelt and moving.

[mcrbshoe]

i can't watch it without crying. i love nanci griffith. she is perfect.

[TadRapidly]

Pass the Kleenex.

[mcrbshoe]

I've seen her perform twice, and have most all her CDs. She can write and pick a song and throw herself into it like no one else i've ever seen. Her vocals are flawless, honey. And I feel priviledged to know of her.

[TadRapidly]

this song, and the way she performs it is possibly the most beautiful thing I've ever heard.

[mcrbshoe]

two great minds think alike.  i feel the same way.

[dannyr58]

A truly beautiful version of a great song. Nanci Griffith is a wonderful singer.

[verdi37]

i love watching Nanci performing she puts something across to the listener every time, who cares what she's wearing.check her out in Transatlantic Sessions from Scotland.

[haworthhoarder]

@verdi37 the Transatlantic Sessions are brilliant - Nanci at her best

[garageman47]

Why would you even consider what she is wearing after watching a performance like that.

[AvenueH]

This video segment was Nanci's contribution to a project to fight AIDS that was spearheaded by Kathy Mattea in the early nineties. The CD and the VHS video was titled Red Hot+Country. I believe this was filmed at the old Ryman Auditorium.

[cds730]

Good song and a better version on "Ruby's Arms" CD. But who dressed her in this video? Goodwill have a big sale??? Terrible outfit. Good thing she has a great voice.

[rlegear19]

Ha ha.............I was gonna make a comment about those jeans but the song was so good that i let it pass. I thought the hat was sorta cute though.

[kataboy]

Ass hole. Who cares who dressed her. You should stick to Americas got talent.

[kensho3]

yeah, shirt, pants and a hat. what an outrage.

[rlegear19]

I love that she got lost in this song. Jimmy Webb has to be pleased with that treatment. Outstanding keyboards to compliment awesome vocal.

[westpoint64]

She looks really moved by it. I know it's the mark of a professional not to get too lost in a song but her performance is really riveting. She's not afraid to be a little vulnerable here and let the song lead her on. She really finds the heart in this song. She gets a lot of praise as a songwriter but this is proof of her prowess as a singer and a masterful interpreter of others' songs as well.

[jackwhiskey]

I'd sure like to hear her & James Taylor do this song. Geeeze, that'd be beautiful.

[carlyandrea]

One of Nanci's best songs-in my opinion-!

Like the true artist she is, she lets the song speak to you!

Hope you can come to Victoria soon, Nanci.

[danboy2000]

its not her song...its Jimmy webb's

[Gulftastic]

So wonderful.

Thanks for posting.

[WeMustBeStopped]

Did Amy Grant cover this? Or vice versa?

[w3tua]

Yes, she did. Late 80's or early 90's I think. EXCELLENT rendition might I say.

[lutalice]

@WeMustBeStopped Jimmy Webb wrote this song for Amy, which she recorded for her 1988 Lead Me On album :-)

I grew up listening to that version. Beautiful song :-)

[wthight123]

This is what happens when the singer and song and setting all connect. Magic. She just goes straight to the heart in that last verse.

[nova3153]

Nanci's and Shawn's are the BEST versions of this song! I'm crying!

[raybarber]

Thanks for posting this. I recorded the concert but lost it. It was an AIDS awareness charity thing IIRC.

[themonaghans]

This is one of my favorite songs off of Ruby's Torch.  She sings it so beautifully.

[curlygirl07]

I guess Nanci's had this song in the back of her mind for a while...I didn't know that she performed it before Ruby's Torch.