Jackson Browne is one of most poetic singer/songwriters to grace the international scene in this or any century, and to say which of the song has the best Jackson Browne lyrics is a very hard task. An erroneous report stated that Phoebe Snow sang her famous song "The Poetry Man" about Jackson Browne. Though Phoebe denied this report and stated that it was a rumor, it certainly would have been appropriate, as Jackson Browne's lyrics are poetry in motion. His lyrics have captivated many listeners over the years and will continue to do so for years to come.
Hard put to say which of Jackson Browne's songs had the best lyrics, I settled upon which 3 songs had the best lyrics. Here are my conclusions (and not necessarily in the order written):
Lyrics
1. "I Thought I was a Child" is probably one of his lesser-known songs, but it stands out as a rare jewel laying out what it's like for a boy being struck unexpectedly by love for the first time. The melody catches you immediately and the lyrics paint a picture that any man can relate to looking back at his first love. From the start of song when he mentions the clever innocence of the girl and the sorcery that she practices upon him, he sets the stage for what follows. This line from the song says a lot about the song, "I thought I was a child until you turned and smiled."
2. "Sleep's Dark and Silent Gate" is also probably not that well-known, but it has stuck in my mind ever since the first time I heard the song. It's a song that most of us can see in our own lives as it states some very universal truths. Even the point that people are moving fast with the intent to justify their existence is a crystal clear statement about our modern society. But the line that really hit me I have no words for. All I can do is repeat the line, and you be the judge: "...when the only thing that makes me cry Is the kindness in my baby's eye." See what I mean?
3. "Your Bright Baby Blues" is a better known song from The Pretender album, but the lyrics are so poignant and descriptive that they paint an excellent picture of the situation so that almost no melody is needed. But the melody he uses really expands upon the impact of the song. It is indeed a work of art. But the last lines of the song are the absolute epitome: "There's just one thing I'll ask you to do. Take my hand and lead me to the hole in your garden wall and pull me through"
The Best Jackson Browne Lyrics Lyrics
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