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The Derek Trucks Band — This Sky
Album: Songlines
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 5974









Released: 2006
Length: 6:24
Plays (last 30 days): 4
Sad, sad lover
Being true
Falling out a window
For the view
All of us laugh
How many of us sing?
This sky where we live
Is no place to lose your wings
So love, love, love

Lose your body
And your mind
And the bitter
Taste of time
All of us cry
While we should be dancing
This sky where we live
Is no place to lose your wings
So love, love, love

Fly, fly away
Do you remember?
All of us sleeping
How many of us dream?
This sky where we live
Is no place to lose your wings
So love, love, love
Comments (693)add comment

“The Sky” by the Derek Trucks Band is an instrumental track from their album Already Free (2009). The song showcases the band’s signature blend of blues, rock, jazz, and world music influences. Without lyrics, the piece allows listeners to interpret its emotional depth through the interplay of instruments, especially Trucks’ soulful slide guitar.



The track can evoke feelings of openness, freedom, and introspection, much like gazing at the sky itself. It demonstrates the band’s skill at creating a narrative purely through music, making it a favorite among fans for its serene yet powerful atmosphere.



outstanding 
Robbie Robertson would approve
The slide and the falsetto in this song make me think of Aaron Neville singing with Daniel Lanois on "The Maker". Love both songs and the groove they create. Would love to hear more from both Derek Trucks Band and Daniel Lanois on RP.
 hellsgardener wrote:

I misread this as favorite satirist.. I know Ravi Shankar is brilliant - but I didn't know he was funny too     DOH!


Ha! I thought the same thing upon reading that comment.
 ImaOldman wrote:



My favorite sitarist is Ravi Shankar...

I misread this as favorite satirist.. I know Ravi Shankar is brilliant - but I didn't know he was funny too     DOH!
 Akazungu wrote:

If I had to name my favorite sitarists, Derek would make the top five.

David Gilmore
Mark Knopfler
Gary Rossington
Duane Allman
Derek Trucks




My favorite sitarist is Ravi Shankar...
 jc2061 wrote:

It's too nice I don't like it. Giving it a shot though. It just feels a bit nothingy, for people that dave matthews band is a bit too upbeat




Agree. I really like Derek Trucks, but this one doesn't do it for me. Just feels... domesticated compared to the band's other stuff. Even the guitar solo misses its mark, which is so rare with him.
Strong Jacksonville lineage here. 
It's too nice I don't like it. Giving it a shot though. It just feels a bit nothingy, for people that dave matthews band is a bit too upbeat
Shocked to see I had only rated this an 8. Upped to a 9. Will probably end up being shocked later that I didn’t rate it a 10. A present for future me to feel better than present me! 
 MoonDweazel wrote:

The vocals and the guitar complement each other so well in this song. Fabulous.




I Agree!
The vocals and the guitar complement each other so well in this song. Fabulous.
Very talented band.
Mugro wrote:
Sadly, Duane is not making any new music. I see this comment like I would someone saying "If I wanted to listen to real blues, I'll listen to Robert Johnson." So, no one else can possibly make anything new/interesting/better? Kind of a depressing thought.

thewiseking wrote:
Actually, the dude said "THIS TYPE of slide" The problem with Derek's playing is that indeed it does come across as a Duane Tribute but, of course, without the feel. Duane innovated a very particular sound which sadly, these days, has been copied to the point of cliché.

unclehud wrote:
Just a reminder that Derek Trucks is the nephew of Butch Trucks, a drummer and founder of the original Allman Brothers Band.  Derek has played extensively with ABB members and in recent years as a formal member of the ABB.

There's a reason that he plays slide like Duane -- he works hard to emulate that sound.  Derek finger-plucks with his right hand rather than using a pick, and my ears can hear the difference.  I suspect he's just pushing the envelope a bit farther than Saint Duane did. 
This is the wake-up alarm on my phone, great way to start the day!
dreamy
beautiful
So uplifting! 
 Brad_Eleven wrote:

Maybe it takes a certain state of mind to appreciate this song. It is healing something in me, something that I didn't realize needed healing.


What a great comment! 
 Easyrider wrote:

Absolutely superb and Godlike 10




I  Agree!  
S'perb.
 Mugro wrote:

Sadly, Duane is not making any new music. I see this comment like I would someone saying "If I wanted to listen to real blues, I'll listen to Robert Johnson." So, no one else can possibly make anything new/interesting/better? Kind of a depressing thought. 

Actually,  the dude said "THIS TYPE of slide" The problem with Derek's playing is that indeed it does come across as a Duane Tribute but, of course, without the feel.  Duane innovated a very particular sound which sadly, these days, has been copied to the point of cliche.
Absolutely superb and Godlike 10
 marysclark wrote:

A good friend of mine in Florida had the Allman Bros band show up one weekend at the university where he was working at a marine lab. They liked my buddy enough to have him look after a young Derek and show him around the lab while they went out to party for a little while. Among some of their hijinks that afternoon, he let Derek - at his request - photocopy his butt on the office copier before he was safely returned to his clan. I am sure this song was influenced by this event.




Cool story. Thank You for sharing it.
R.I.P. Kofi we miss you.
tone and style.  amazing.  the whole band just grooves.
Not many understand nor appreciate the unbelievable talent Derek has grown into. &, his slide playing is absolutely remarkable. I saw him perform on an Eric Clapton tour & when he played, he blew all the other guitarists out of the water, including Eric!
 chrisnotlob wrote:


And Mr Hendrix



And Peter Green
So freakin good✌️
 Imkirok wrote:



Mr. Clapton would like a word with you.


And Mr Hendrix
A tall cool mint julip on a humid afternoon in Savanna. I just tipped the waiter. Isn't the service and hospitality of Radio Paradise worth it?
Ohhh, bliss,
 reallylost wrote:

Derek is God.


Mark Knopfler says hi.

 eileenomurphy wrote:

The more I hear this tune, the more I like it!!  Thank You RP!



Agreed! This is an easy 9.
 chefjackbutler wrote:

Not bad, but not completely my groove either. Something I will listen to, and enjoy, if it just happens to be playing somewhere, but if I'm looking for something to listen to, this would not be something I sought out.



Uhhhhh............what?

Derek plays his own thing not ever to be compared with Duane. I hear some sitar references in this piece that make me enjoy my own guitar journey I am on now. Nice job, Derek
 reallylost wrote:

Derek is God.




Mr. Clapton would like a word with you.
Not enough 'O's in 'smooooth'...
c.
Love, love, love Derek trucks, fortunately for me, his life partner/ co lead of Tedeschi Trucks is from the Boston area and they do a residency at the Orpheum (grand old theater downtown) at least once a year for a week Let’s just say not a lot of work gets done that week😏
 tunedog wrote:

I'm  just not crazy about the guitar sound, I know he's talented, but something's off to me....



Might be time to get your ears checked.
A good friend of mine in Florida had the Allman Bros band show up one weekend at the university where he was working at a marine lab. They liked my buddy enough to have him look after a young Derek and show him around the lab while they went out to party for a little while. Among some of their hijinks that afternoon, he let Derek - at his request - photocopy his butt on the office copier before he was safely returned to his clan. I am sure this song was influenced by this event.
oh I needed this today ❤️
Such joy. Some artists are able, not to tell you about a feeling or idea, but to take you inside and make you a part of that idea or feeling. Derek transports you into joy in this song.
Lovely Robbie Robertson-like tones in this one.
 reallylost wrote:

Derek is God.




Stop comparing Derek Trucks to god, he's great and all , but he's no Derek Trucks!
The starting notes of this track make me think of High Falls from the Allmans "Win, Lose or Draw". Maybe one day Bill will play that. 
Derek is God.
{#Devil_pimp}zesty
Great!
 MassivRuss wrote:
Up-rate to 10.
 

I just uprated this too. Probably after the thousandth listen (played the CD at home a lot when it first came out). Today it just resonated. I miss Kofi Burbridge, he added such a nice touch. Enjoy hearing Derek doing his sitar-like thing. Overall a really good vibe.
Not bad, but not completely my groove either. Something I will listen to, and enjoy, if it just happens to be playing somewhere, but if I'm looking for something to listen to, this would not be something I sought out.
Up-rate to 10.
Duuuuuuuuval!!!!!

I'm  just not crazy about the guitar sound, I know he's talented, but something's off to me....
As well crafted 10/10 with a message too!
played at the last concert i'd seen before the great pandemic of 2020. cant wait for the next time.  kickass show go see Tedeschi Trucks  live
Nice intro production & percussion technique!
a great groove
Love this song. I stop what I'm doing and just listen.
Well, unless I'm driving... then I pretend I'm driving down a cool coastal road.
this song takes me somewhere
 LoudshirtsBand wrote:
'Like'!!!
 

Ditto
'Like'!!!
Despite those who feel this band sounds similar throughout their catalogue this song stands on its own and is quite beautiful in its sound and structure. Many mediocre bands can have a miracle work of art stand on its own, when things just came together. This band however has the chops to creates these songs more than once. Great song, simple as that.
 unclehud wrote:
So many of us cry
When we should be dancing
This sky where we live
Is no place to lose your wings,
so Love, Love, Love!


Tell it brother!  Tell it with that super-funky slide guitar!
 
Pretty much exactly what I'd say to ppopp...LLRP!
Over-use of a mediocre hook - have him up against the wall, and subject him to 4 continuous days of music by Michael Buble.
 AlienNLight wrote:
Following The Band - The Weight, this guy sounds so much like Robbie Robertson.
 
I've noticed that before about him. Sometimes he's right in the Robbie groove. 
Following The Band - The Weight, this guy sounds so much like Robbie Robertson.
So many of us cry
When we should be dancing
This sky where we live
Is no place to lose your wings,
so Love, Love, Love!


Tell it brother!  Tell it with that super-funky slide guitar!
 gwolfie1959 wrote:
Almost all of his works sound Way Too Similar...He constantly pounds that Cat in Heat Sound. I t certainly is his signature sound...However, how long can you pound into the ground?????
 
So true, that's why I think Derek Trucks sucks...
Should follow with Dreaming Dead.
Almost all of his works sound Way Too Similar...He constantly pounds that Cat in Heat Sound. I t certainly is his signature sound...However, how long can you pound into the ground?????????
NEVER get tired of this tune!  there is something quite magical and "drift away" that many great songs have.  Derek Trucks have it on this tune!
VERY nice sound.  I attended the last Filmore East concert headlining The Allman Brothers many Lifetimes ago!
Ditto! very sweet sound Nice change of pace for DT
Really nice sound.  Have heard of the band but never their music.  Very pleasant.
That is some lush, Almanesque guitar playin'!
I love this. A sound 9!
This guy sticks with it, he could really go places...
c.
Just decided that my 8 rate was too low....all's fine it's a 9...Long Live RP!!
It's all about the feel on this one, sometimes the slide just sounds right for the lyrics, and that's the case for me with this one.  
The most amazing song on this album is Sahib Teri bands-Maki Madni. 9:53 long...it's like sex in a song.
Saw Tedeschi Trucks Band and they played this.  So hauntingly beautiful.
{#Bananapiano}Die Derek Trucks Band ist eine Supergruppe
Pretty decent indeed, Bill.  Thank you!
One of the best tracks from a KILLER album!
caught this track driving along some country lanes on way to office this moring with the roof down -{#Cool} - hey Bill can you repeat tomorrow around the same time 
This song really lifted me today. Thanks, RP.
My favorite DTB song. This is REALLY good live...
I was going to say an excellent cover of a Robbie Robertson song.  Anyway, outstanding.
haha Bill "another decent guitar player"  {#Smile}
 mrselfdestruct wrote:
Really love the vibe of this one.

 
It's the real deal. 
New to me. Thanks! Will have to seek out more.
 kingart wrote: 
All of us cry
While we should be dancing

Amen, brother. 

Tell that to this fucker of a 2017 comfortably numbnuts president.

Sorry, political vent.

Thanks, Derek.

Hey, Butch Trucks is a relative of Derek Trucks.
Butch Trucks played in the Allman Bros. 
Duane Allman was a brother, and a co-pilot in Derek and the Dominoes. 

Derek rhymed with Eric. And so on. 

I haven't read up, I think there may not be a connection, but is there?
 

 
Derek is Butch's nephew and played in the ABB until the end. He's 2nd gen Allman's...
This tune defies a number classification. It stands on it's own. EPIC
Really love the vibe of this one.
 nickshortie wrote:

I'm always out of here via PSD when that band plays....

 
really?!?
All of us cry
While we should be dancing

Amen, brother. 

Tell that to this fucker of a 2017 comfortably numbnuts president.

Sorry, political vent.

Thanks, Derek.

Hey, Butch Trucks is a relative of Derek Trucks.
Butch Trucks played in the Allman Bros. 
Duane Allman was a brother, and a co-pilot in Derek and the Dominoes. 

Derek rhymed with Eric. And so on. 

I haven't read up, I think there may not be a connection, but is there?
 
 Skydog wrote:
got here via PSD, nice

 
I'm always out of here via PSD when that band plays....
R.I.P., Butch Trucks. 
More of the old guard joins the great band in...this sky. 

 
got here via PSD, nice
Maybe it takes a certain state of mind to appreciate this song. It is healing something in me, something that I didn't realize needed healing.
If I had to name my favorite sitarists, Derek would make the top five.

David Gilmore
Mark Knopfler
Gary Rossington
Duane Allman
Derek Trucks
Wings and strings.
You try to play a guitar like that!
I happen to like it. 
dragon1952 wrote:
This does absolutely nothing for me......and I have about as wide a range of interest as you can get,

   
kurbowicz wrote:

same here.

It's this style of white guy electric blues that kind of irritates me.  

To each their own. 

 

Me too.  Don't know why, because I usually like slow, dreamy pieces like this.  This is just boring.
suck suck, barf barf...
 NeuroGeek wrote:
My brain thinks this is being played constantly on RP, and it is now weary of the track. 

 
That is exactly what I was just thinking...hmmm... how did you do that?..
I do like the slide but the Ray Lamontagne vocals makes me want a throat lozenge.
My brain thinks this is being played constantly on RP, and it is now weary of the track. 
 dragon1952 wrote:
This does absolutely nothing for me......and I have about as wide a range of interest as you can get,

 
same here.

It's this style of white guy electric blues that kind of irritates me.  

To each their own. 
I don't know why but the guitar fiddling gets so annoying towards the end...

Down to 4 for me...
 Mugro wrote:

Sadly, Duane is not making any new music. I see this comment like I would someone saying "If I wanted to listen to real blues, I'll listen to Robert Johnson." So, no one else can possibly make anything new/interesting/better? Kind of a depressing thought. 

 
Not really. 
Simply a great, cool and dreamy  song ... All is in the title ...
 dragon1952 wrote:
This does absolutely nothing for me......and I have about as wide a range of interest as you can get,

 
clearly your range is not as wide as you think
"All of us sleeping, how many of us dream?" - DTB, this song
 Dosequis wrote:
If I want to listen to this type of bluesy slide I'll listen to the Master.........Duane Allman.

 
Sadly, Duane is not making any new music. I see this comment like I would someone saying "If I wanted to listen to real blues, I'll listen to Robert Johnson." So, no one else can possibly make anything new/interesting/better? Kind of a depressing thought. 
 helenofjoy wrote:

I'm not sure it's a contest. {#Wink}

 
Yes I agree it would be no contest.{#Tongue-out}
 Dosequis wrote:
If I want to listen to this type of bluesy slide I'll listen to the Master.........Duane Allman.

 
I'm not sure it's a contest. {#Wink}
If I want to listen to this type of bluesy slide I'll listen to the Master.........Duane Allman.