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Patty Griffin — Let Him Fly
Album: Living With Ghosts
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1816









Released: 1996
Length: 3:06
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Ain't no talking to this man
Ain't no pretty other side
Ain't no way to understand
The stupid words of pride
It would take an acrobat
And I already tried all that
So I'm going to let him fly
Going to let him fly

Things can move at such a pace
The second hand just waved goodbye
You know the light has left his face
But you can't recall just where or why
So there was really nothing to it
I just went and cut right through it
I said I'm going to let him fly

There's no mercy in a live wire
No rest at all in freedom
Of the choices we are given
It's no choice at all
The proof is in the fire
You touch before it moves away
But you must always know how long to stay
And when to go

And there ain't no talking to this man
He's been trying to tell me so
It took a while to understand
The beauty of just letting go
'Cause it would take an acrobat
And I already tried all that
I'm going to let him fly
I'm going to let him fly, fly
I'm going to let him fly, fly
I'm going to let him fly
Comments (116)add comment
Go Patty.. 
 Ok_Sobriquet wrote:
This song, Sunny Came Home by Shawn Colvin and Home by Sheryl Crow. All came out about the same time. That and other things make me say, 1995 was an inflection point in popular music.
 
Interestingly Bonnie Raitt was doing the same sort of music in the early 1990s and had some success, "Nick Of Time", and "I Can't Make You Love Me".  I think some easy rock stations were wanting to return to the 1970s singer-songwriter style after all that 1980s electronica, hair metal, and R&B.  They didn't have a whole lot to work with aside from Mariah Carey, Gloria Estevan, etc, and those were a bit too overproduced.
 d-don wrote:

Patty Griffin's voice is evidence that God lives in us. Thanks for playing this.



agreed. this verson of this song (obviously covered by others) is my fav. moves me. much like most of her songs...
 Cynaera wrote:

I do NOT understand why this woman's music isn't plastered all over the internet and played in every damned radio station in the world. I first learned about Patty Griffin when she did "Flaming Red," and I just ran with it from there. She can rock. She can sing the blues. She can croon, whisper, and kick the ship out from under the baddest pirate.  Patty Griffin is astonishing. (Slob-disclaimer: IMO.)



AND she's from Old Town, Maine, home of the best damn canoes made in the US! 
Her song "the long ride home"  blew me away.
No need for fancy harmonies in this one.
Giusto! Dai!
 Cynaera wrote:

I do NOT understand why this woman's music isn't plastered all over the internet and played in every damned radio station in the world. I first learned about Patty Griffin when she did "Flaming Red," and I just ran with it from there. She can rock. She can sing the blues. She can croon, whisper, and kick the ship out from under the baddest pirate.  Patty Griffin is astonishing. (Slob-disclaimer: IMO.)



Same, found her when Flaming Red came out and loved her ever since! I couldn't agree more!
 Far wrote:

Lyrics by a woman for women, that men understand.



Nicely put.
 Cynaera wrote:

I do NOT understand why this woman's music isn't plastered all over the internet and played in every damned radio station in the world. I first learned about Patty Griffin when she did "Flaming Red," and I just ran with it from there. She can rock. She can sing the blues. She can croon, whisper, and kick the ship out from under the baddest pirate.  Patty Griffin is astonishing. (Slob-disclaimer: IMO.)



Well spoke oh wise one.  Patty is indeed rather stunning.  She made her bones with Flaming Red but there is so much more.  Love to see her and Ray LaMontagne on the same bill.  
 Greyerwrit wrote:

To my ears, a voice much like Bonnie Raitt's, especially in her quieter moments.  Have they worked together?

Good question. I hear a lot of BR in this too.
c.

To my ears, a voice much like Bonnie Raitt's, especially in her quieter moments.  Have they worked together?
I almost confused her with Eva Cassidy, such a beautiful voice too...
Hah! "Mother" (Pink Floyd) followed by "Let Him Fly" (Patty Griffin).

Perfect.
 d-don wrote:
Patty Griffin's voice is evidence that God lives in us. Thanks for playing this.
 
I don't know if it's God, but it's universal
This song, Sunny Came Home by Shawn Colvin and Home by Sheryl Crow. All came out about the same time. That and other things make me say, 1995 was an inflection point in popular music.
Bumped 8 -> 9.
Gloriously Glorious Why, thank ya Mam! πŸͺ•πŸŽ»πŸ₯‡πŸΎπŸ‘πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί
Yes sir I DO love Patty G
I just love Patty Griffin.  9
Great work having at least two Hornet photos in the slideshow (and counting....)
Is Useless Desires out there in RP-land? If not, it NEEDS to be.....makes me cry every time...
Wonderful!
20 years of exceptional singing/songwriting.
 skindy wrote:
Oh, my absolutely favorite song from this album. LOVE. {#Hearteyes}

 
^ THIS. Today. {#Hearteyes}
Lyrics by a woman for women, that men understand.
Wow! Early P.G. Nice! {#Cheers}
Oh, my absolutely favorite song from this album. LOVE. {#Hearteyes}
 The_Walrus wrote:
I was shamefully unaware of PG's music until RP. My loss, this is fantastic.

 
Agree.  Found Patty here at Radio Paradise and have enjoyed her music since.  BTW I just payed my dues to support RP.  Pay up everyone!
I was shamefully unaware of PG's music until RP. My loss, this is fantastic.
 d-don wrote:
Patty Griffin's voice is evidence that God lives in us. Thanks for playing this.

 
Nonsense.  Great voice all the same.
 d-don wrote:
Patty Griffin's voice is evidence that God lives in us. Thanks for playing this.

 
Cheers d-don!   I love reading down the comments while inspiring music is playing, Patty Griffin is a Siren, angel or something positively otherworldly 
Peace
This song was my introduction to Patty's music and needless to say I have all her music now and listen often.  What a song
 Cynaera wrote:
I do NOT understand why this woman's music isn't plastered all over the internet and played in every damned radio station in the world. I first learned about Patty Griffin when she did "Flaming Red," and I just ran with it from there. She can rock. She can sing the blues. She can croon, whisper, and kick the ship out from under the baddest pirate.  Patty Griffin is astonishing. (Slob-disclaimer: IMO.)
 
She plays the guitar very well, too...  but this is just not my kind of tune, so I am leaving it unrated...

we miss you so much, Cynaera... 
so much better than the covers....what a poet, what a voice
one of my favourites.
Patty is playing at the free concert Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in SF this Saturday at 3:50 PM!
I am glad that Bill likes Patty as much as I do.  I look forward to my daily dose of Patty Griffin on RP.  And he mixes it up nicely.  {#Sunny}
 Cynaera wrote:
I do NOT understand why this woman's music isn't plastered all over the internet and played in every damned radio station in the world. I first learned about Patty Griffin when she did "Flaming Red," and I just ran with it from there. She can rock. She can sing the blues. She can croon, whisper, and kick the ship out from under the baddest pirate.  Patty Griffin is astonishing. (Slob-disclaimer: IMO.)
 
Patty is awesome.  Thanks RP.
                                            {#Daisy}
Gershwinesque.
i love love love love love this.
but i so didn't need to hear it today
One of my all time favorite songs.  A desert Island song.   I keep looking for her locally to see if I can attend one of her concerts, but have not been able to as of yet.  One of these days I pray.
 Cynaera wrote:
Okay - went to her website, and wow. There's a cruise.

Cayamo 2011 Cruise
3/26/2010

Patty is sailing on Cayamo 2011 and would like to extend a special invitation for you to join her. Cayamo is a floating musical festival, back for a full week of music and adventure. The past three years have been filled with amazing moments, jaw-dropping performances, and spontaneous collaborations. We're expecting many more memories and incredible moments in 2011! Journey with us to the gorgeous ports of San Juan, Tortola and St. Maarten during our 7-day cruise through the Eastern Caribbean on the fabulous Norwegian Pearl. We'll be sailing from Miami, Florida on February 13th - 20th, 2011.

The line-up for Cayamo 2011 begins with a few familiar Cayamo friends. Alongside the Patty are Steve Earle, Indigo Girls and Buddy Miller. And joining for the first time is the legendary John Prine. More artists will be announced as they are confirmed in the coming months. In addition to all of the wonderful musical performances, you'll be treated to unique onboard activities and workshops in the spirit of the event. The Norwegian Pearl's sparkling pools, tasty dining and luxurious spas will be sure to keep you entertained, relaxed and having the time of your life.

So, if you're ready to join us on this amazing adventure please visit www.cayamo.com/presale where you can sign up for an exclusive pre-sale token. You will need this token number to access the pre-sale booking site and reserve your cabin before the general public. Be sure to sign up no later than March 28th at 11:59 PM EST. You will receive your token and booking time by the end of the day on March 30th. Prices for this 7 day Journey Through Song start at $1099 per person (plus $225 per person for taxes and fees).

Come spend this one-of-a-kind experience with Patty and create memories that will last a lifetime!

 

I would give a lung to be on that cruise. I don't make that much in a year, but oh, to think of it, oh, to dream of it...



 
Cayamo 2012 did not include Patty Griffin, but was completely awesome nevertheless. I did not give a lung, but I did save up. I can only hope heaven is one-tenth of the fun that cruise was. :)
What A Songbird!{#Dancingbanana_2}
Patty Griffin is one of our great unrecognized talents.
Beauteous! 
Nice song and artist!

 stromdal wrote:
I first thought it was Eva Cassidy.

Brilliant, I seem to have underestimated Patty.
 
You're not the first, probably not the last. Ms. Griffin is an incredible talent, and a force to be reckoned with.

 

Patty Griffin - Let Him Fly, Live

"...really no one can do better. a few of her songs people have improved, but not this one. sometimes wonderful songwriters just don't have the voice or the emotion to do their own song the justice it deserves. they may feel the emotion when writing but too shy to get it out. or they may not have a great voice, or it may sound better with a certain instrumentation or sound they didn't think of but somebody else does. but this...this is perfect. this is what heaven sounds like. "       applemoon237

 

Patty Griffin IS amazing.  Truly a world-class singer.

let it go...........beautiful


 FeydBaron wrote:
What an amazing song...
 
Whew, you aren't kidding...gives me chills every time!

What an amazing song...
 blackdogsailing wrote:
I always thought you might follow this up with a song called 'Fly' by Moxy Fruvous
 

Interesting choice, had to rack my brain to recall it but it probably would work well.

 


Patty Griffin's voice is evidence that God lives in us. Thanks for playing this.
I always thought you might follow this up with a song called 'Fly' by Moxy Fruvous
she is awesome. Must see her live before I die.
 Cynaera wrote:
I do NOT understand why this woman's music isn't plastered all over the internet and played in every damned radio station in the world. I first learned about Patty Griffin when she did "Flaming Red," and I just ran with it from there. She can rock. She can sing the blues. She can croon, whisper, and kick the ship out from under the baddest pirate.  Patty Griffin is astonishing. (Slob-disclaimer: IMO.)
 
LOL

tru dat 
 lion wrote:

Yeah, Reminds me of Bonnie Raitt a bit. That's not necessarily a bad thing.


 
Look as some of the recent pics posted of her and she even looks like she is getting the shock of white hair Bonnie has.  Both are similar in some ways different in others both at the top of my favorite singers list.

I just heard this song for the first time.  Read many comments below and then checked out the youtube video of her performance.  Just started crying.  Great song and lyrics.  Love it.
Okay - went to her website, and wow. There's a cruise.

Cayamo 2011 Cruise
3/26/2010

Patty is sailing on Cayamo 2011 and would like to extend a special invitation for you to join her. Cayamo is a floating musical festival, back for a full week of music and adventure. The past three years have been filled with amazing moments, jaw-dropping performances, and spontaneous collaborations. We're expecting many more memories and incredible moments in 2011! Journey with us to the gorgeous ports of San Juan, Tortola and St. Maarten during our 7-day cruise through the Eastern Caribbean on the fabulous Norwegian Pearl. We'll be sailing from Miami, Florida on February 13th - 20th, 2011.

The line-up for Cayamo 2011 begins with a few familiar Cayamo friends. Alongside the Patty are Steve Earle, Indigo Girls and Buddy Miller. And joining for the first time is the legendary John Prine. More artists will be announced as they are confirmed in the coming months. In addition to all of the wonderful musical performances, you'll be treated to unique onboard activities and workshops in the spirit of the event. The Norwegian Pearl's sparkling pools, tasty dining and luxurious spas will be sure to keep you entertained, relaxed and having the time of your life.

So, if you're ready to join us on this amazing adventure please visit www.cayamo.com/presale where you can sign up for an exclusive pre-sale token. You will need this token number to access the pre-sale booking site and reserve your cabin before the general public. Be sure to sign up no later than March 28th at 11:59 PM EST. You will receive your token and booking time by the end of the day on March 30th. Prices for this 7 day Journey Through Song start at $1099 per person (plus $225 per person for taxes and fees).

Come spend this one-of-a-kind experience with Patty and create memories that will last a lifetime!

 

I would give a lung to be on that cruise. I don't make that much in a year, but oh, to think of it, oh, to dream of it...



And I should have scrolled down a bit, because this just reiterates what I already said. Calypsus_1 - as always, you came through beautifully. Thank you. *hugs you*

 
calypsus_1 wrote:

Patty Griffin by Chelsey Engel Photography
https://www.flickr.com/photos/chelseyengelphotography/

Patty Griffin closed the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Arts Festival on Jun 13, 2010. 

© All rights reserved.

 


I do NOT understand why this woman's music isn't plastered all over the internet and played in every damned radio station in the world. I first learned about Patty Griffin when she did "Flaming Red," and I just ran with it from there. She can rock. She can sing the blues. She can croon, whisper, and kick the ship out from under the baddest pirate.  Patty Griffin is astonishing. (Slob-disclaimer: IMO.)

Yeah, Reminds me of Bonnie Raitt a bit. That's not necessarily a bad thing.


Just saw her in Mobile as a member of Robert Plant's Band of Joy. Most joyful! {#Sunny}
aint' no pretty other side.....what a poet
Geeeez o man!  I just sop up everything she dishes out, with relish. (not literal relish, you know..)  
The album "Living with Ghosts" is a must have for all the great songs in it. All acoustic, mind blowing talent is what you'll hear.

Patty Griffin by Chelsey Engel Photography
https://www.flickr.com/photos/chelseyengelphotography/

Patty Griffin closed the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Arts Festival on Jun 13, 2010. 

© All rights reserved.



 lmic wrote:
Huh! Thought it was Bonnie Raitt.
 
guh. as did I. and this CD is in my car stereo right now.

 lmic wrote:
Huh! Thought it was Bonnie Raitt.
 
Same here, both are great.

o. m. g.
She is touring with Buddy Miller this spring/summer: check it  out.

{#Sunny}
I like this better than the "Dixie Chicks" version...
 lmic wrote:
Huh! Thought it was Bonnie Raitt.
 

I first thought it was Eva Cassidy.

Brilliant, I seem to have underestimated Patty.
ok, i'll buy it. sweet.
Huh! Thought it was Bonnie Raitt.
took a while to understand
the beauty of just letting go
'cause it would take an acrobat
and I've already tried all that
I'm gonna let him fly...

Ahhhh....the original....so much nicer than the cover(s)..........{#Clap}


Each and every time...shot right through the heart. I just love this woman's music.
Please make it stop!{#Stop}
{#Notworthy}
Nothing this woman does gets less than a 9 from me. Wow.
If you haven't already got this in your personal collection, click on it and buy it. Every track is phenomenal, wise, sorrowful and beautiful. It's an old album, but it will never actually get old. It is beyond time.
This song brings me to tears, I needed this.

Thank you, Patty, for such stellar beauty pouring from your lips.

 WayUpNorth wrote:
She's from Old Town, ME, where some great canoes & kayaks are also born! {#Sunny}
 

And she lives in Austin

This is so much better than the cover.........(he's been tryin' to tell me so)


She's from Old Town, ME, where some great canoes & kayaks are also born! {#Sunny}
 Beanie wrote:
Dang.   I don't have this. 
 
Just checked my list too.  I don't have it either.  Check back in 10 minutes though.  I'm downloading it asap.  Can't get enough Patty.


love it.
One tenth of a great album.
Wow 

10



This one takes flight and soars!
when Patty comes on, the rest of my world grinds to a reverent halt
(might be reverant...those 'ents and ants' get me every time) 
10
Dang.   I don't have this. 
She's kinda magnificent.
 lovemydog wrote:
Wow. I have only heard this song by the Dixie Chicks-this one is good too...
 

This one is actually the original. The Dixie Chicks have actually covered quite a few of Patty's songs (this one, "Truth #2", and "Top of the World" come to mind).
Wow. Thanks.
Love her version so much more than sarah's cover....
Wow. I have only heard this song by the Dixie Chicks-this one is good too...
 sfListener wrote:
All new Patty fans must seek out this album.
 

I agree. I love all of her stuff, but I'd recommend new fans listen to her stuff in the order it came out. This was my first CD of hers; I worked in a music store at the time that sold used CD's, and someone brought this one in to sell, along with a lot of other CDs. I loved all of the other artists the person brought in, but I had never heard of Patty, so I decided to give it a listen. Man, I was blown away! From that first listen, Patty has been one of my favorite musicians.
So this is Patty Griffin....I get it!
god, i love this so.

and whomever said it - i agree. so many different sounds she has. i love them all.
sirrus wrote:

It amazes me how many different sounds Patty has. Wow.


Spot on.

Was listening to "Change" the other day.....a fantastic tune.  And then this........................

{#Clap}

Anytime I hear Patty Griffin, I am reminded kelli.

and I feel sad.

Beautiful song. and the song is very appropo, too.
wow
All new Patty fans must seek out this album.
paragon of songwriting...
Damn I missed it...just the kind of day I'm having. My timing is all off today.
She is simply amazing.
It amazes me how many different sounds Patty has. Wow.
Pure, simple, stark, heartfelt. Patty stands out head and shoulders above so many other female vocalists! RP has totally turned me on to this artist -- in fact, Living With Ghosts and Flaming Red are on their way to me right now!
WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!! MORE PATTY ANY TIME!!!!!!!!!!!