Daniel Lanois — The Maker
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Length: 4:08
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Oh, oh deep water
Black and cold like the night
I stand with arms wide open
I've run a twisted line
I'm a stranger
In the eyes of the maker
I could not see for the fog in my eyes
I could not feel for the fear in my life
And from across the great divide
In the distance I saw a light
Jean Baptiste
Walking to me with the maker
My body is bent and broken
By a long and dangerous sleep
I can't work the Fields of Abraham
And turn my head away
I'm not a stranger
In the hands of the maker
Brother John
Have you seen the homeless daughters
Standing there with broken wings
I have seen the flaming swords
There over east of Eden
Burning in the eyes of the maker
Burning in the eyes of the maker
Burning in the eyes of the maker
Burning in the eyes of the maker
Oh river rise from your sleep
Black and cold like the night
I stand with arms wide open
I've run a twisted line
I'm a stranger
In the eyes of the maker
I could not see for the fog in my eyes
I could not feel for the fear in my life
And from across the great divide
In the distance I saw a light
Jean Baptiste
Walking to me with the maker
My body is bent and broken
By a long and dangerous sleep
I can't work the Fields of Abraham
And turn my head away
I'm not a stranger
In the hands of the maker
Brother John
Have you seen the homeless daughters
Standing there with broken wings
I have seen the flaming swords
There over east of Eden
Burning in the eyes of the maker
Burning in the eyes of the maker
Burning in the eyes of the maker
Burning in the eyes of the maker
Oh river rise from your sleep
Comments (80)add comment
Do hear Aaron Neville in singing backup?
old_shep wrote:
Nope. It's some good reflection.
Meh.
Nope. It's some good reflection.
Meh.
pk53 wrote:
He really put his sonic stamp on Wrecking Ball. It is almost as much his album as Emmy Lou's.
He also produced a hellava great album for Emmy Lou Harris...The Wrecking Ball. Talent! 
He really put his sonic stamp on Wrecking Ball. It is almost as much his album as Emmy Lou's.
He produces lovely melodies. Smooth, hypnotic, gospel-y, organic. And he gets his music into movie soundtracks of note.
Watch the arc of the albums he produced for other artists, Dylan, U2, Emmy Lou Harris, etc. The peaks are often the DL productions.
great song by lanois, listen to the willie version >>> my respect to lanois
i enjoy willie's voice just slightly more
i enjoy willie's voice just slightly more
Fantastic album, front to back. Daniel Lanois has a long list of artists he has worked with and contributed to their commercial success, but he is truly an artist in his own right as well. This album and Shine (which followed) are favourites of mine.
Shesdifferent wrote:
He produced Robbie's first solo album a year or so before this one, and if I recall some of the same musicians/vocalists guest on this album and on Robbie's. So there is a lot shared between this album and Robbie's self-titled release.
I've heard this guys name an awful lot, but have never heard his music. For a minute there I thought this was Robbie Robertson.
He produced Robbie's first solo album a year or so before this one, and if I recall some of the same musicians/vocalists guest on this album and on Robbie's. So there is a lot shared between this album and Robbie's self-titled release.
He also produced a hellava great album for Emmy Lou Harris...The Wrecking Ball. Talent!
Shesdifferent wrote:
Well, they are both Canadians. In fact, I am working in an officer tower right now next to a window that looks out over Daniel's boyhood house in Gatineau—the erstwhile Hull—in the province of Quebec.
Daniel is one of the world's most talented music producers, having produced LPs for Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Neil Young, and so on.
H is also a talented singer, songwriter and musician in his own right.
I've heard this guys name an awful lot, but have never heard his music. For a minute there I thought this was Robbie Robertson.
Well, they are both Canadians. In fact, I am working in an officer tower right now next to a window that looks out over Daniel's boyhood house in Gatineau—the erstwhile Hull—in the province of Quebec.
Daniel is one of the world's most talented music producers, having produced LPs for Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Neil Young, and so on.
H is also a talented singer, songwriter and musician in his own right.
romeotuma wrote:
This song is soooo good for the external auditory meatus...
...whihc can lead to activity that is sooooo good for the urinary meatus.
This song is soooo good for the external auditory meatus...
...whihc can lead to activity that is sooooo good for the urinary meatus.
This is horrible! Blehh! No more please! 
8 -> 9 (but prolly worthy of a 10)
Yeah, the bass makes it for me.
Yeah, the bass makes it for me.
Love that fretless base, but the line palls after the 37th repetition.
meka leka hi, meka hinie ho!
This is a beauty from Daniel. In fact the entire album is great. Been a while since I last played it, but hearing this song I'm sure I put the CD in the player...and play it of course.
Love the Jerry Garcia Band's version of this song.
For some obscure reason, Nik Kershaw comes to mind...?....no offence
how about some black dub? can't believe it's not on the playlist yet!
I've heard this guys name an awful lot, but have never heard his music. For a minute there I thought this was Robbie Robertson.
copymonkey wrote:
I think Mr. Lanois also produced a Robbie Robertson album or two. And if I'm not mistaken, I think that's Robbie singing in the background. Or did you already know that?
I thought so!
I think Mr. Lanois also produced a Robbie Robertson album or two. And if I'm not mistaken, I think that's Robbie singing in the background. Or did you already know that?
I thought so!
Love me some Daniel. 
i LOVED this CD from beginning to end. It was my favorite one for a long time, and Lanois' style will never cease to amaze me. He sings of a time and place that made me long to go there. But...what the hell....It was only Canada.
A 10, 10, 10, again and again.
A 10, 10, 10, again and again.
I think you missed the point. pousso extended the term or religion to mean whatever you commit your life to, so it includes, say, science or art. And faith was extended to mean whatever assumptions you have about the world.
Now while I agree to the definition he gave to faith, since we don't know everything about the world so some things are just assumptions, and we just believe them to be true, for lack of other options, I don't agree to his version of religion. Religion is, to me, about turning faith into an organized system, an external structure that you choose/have to be part of. And also it has a strong component of proselytism that makes it too agressive for my taste.
Still, some would probably tell me I'm a hypocrite, so... to each his own :)
Chumbawamba-1984 wrote:
Now while I agree to the definition he gave to faith, since we don't know everything about the world so some things are just assumptions, and we just believe them to be true, for lack of other options, I don't agree to his version of religion. Religion is, to me, about turning faith into an organized system, an external structure that you choose/have to be part of. And also it has a strong component of proselytism that makes it too agressive for my taste.
Still, some would probably tell me I'm a hypocrite, so... to each his own :)
Chumbawamba-1984 wrote:
IMHO, this is where you get it wrong: Not everyone has a religion (thankfully). One can really live well and experience spirituality without believing in any of the current or past religious idiocies that too often oppose people in a bloody ending way. I am not stupid enough to believe in someone or something which point cannot be demonstrated. Faith is a comfortable numb substitute to knowledge.
pousso wrote:
Everyone has a religion - something/someone that they devote and commit their lives to........ And, everyone has a faith - a set of assumptions that they have about their existence and how they view this world. Personally, I see nothing wrong with singing about them.
pousso wrote:
Everyone has a religion - something/someone that they devote and commit their lives to........ And, everyone has a faith - a set of assumptions that they have about their existence and how they view this world. Personally, I see nothing wrong with singing about them.
IMHO, this is where you get it wrong: Not everyone has a religion (thankfully). One can really live well and experience spirituality without believing in any of the current or past religious idiocies that too often oppose people in a bloody ending way. I am not stupid enough to believe in someone or something which point cannot be demonstrated. Faith is a comfortable numb substitute to knowledge.
pousso wrote:
Everyone has a religion - something/someone that they devote and commit their lives to........ And, everyone has a faith - a set of assumptions that they have about their existence and how they view this world. Personally, I see nothing wrong with singing about them.
pousso wrote:
Everyone has a religion - something/someone that they devote and commit their lives to........ And, everyone has a faith - a set of assumptions that they have about their existence and how they view this world. Personally, I see nothing wrong with singing about them.
Oh my, does not compare to Dave Matthews on Live at Radio City
pdemeester wrote:
I'm with you guys! Also, (as others have said) if you get a chance to see Lanois in a live venue don't pass it up, he's great on stage!
I personally don't follow an organized "religion" but can still relate to The Maker. Interpret it the way you would like and it's a beautiful song. For example, although I personally don't agree with the Catholic church when I replace their use of "God" with "Love" it amazingly seems to work for me. If you don't like the thought of "God" as The Maker try "Love" and the song will make you feel better. It's all in the interpretation. But that's just my view and that's alright for me.
Oh, and thanks to the comments about Robbie Robertson. I didn't initially recognize him in there but I think you're right. Two great Canadian boys doing what they do best.
pousso wrote:
Everyone has a religion - something/someone that they devote and commit their lives to........ And, everyone has a faith - a set of assumptions that they have about their existence and how they view this world. Personally, I see nothing wrong with singing about them.
Oh, and thanks to the comments about Robbie Robertson. I didn't initially recognize him in there but I think you're right. Two great Canadian boys doing what they do best.
pousso wrote:
Everyone has a religion - something/someone that they devote and commit their lives to........ And, everyone has a faith - a set of assumptions that they have about their existence and how they view this world. Personally, I see nothing wrong with singing about them.
I'm with you guys! Also, (as others have said) if you get a chance to see Lanois in a live venue don't pass it up, he's great on stage!
ripemedia wrote:
And I think you should know that I agree. A 100%!!
I really do not like these religious songs that creep into the playlist every so often. Personally very off putting. Just my opinion — thought you should know.
And I think you should know that I agree. A 100%!!
RELIGEOUS SUPER-KITSCH!
I personally don't follow an organized "religion" but can still relate to The Maker. Interpret it the way you would like and it's a beautiful song. For example, although I personally don't agree with the Catholic church when I replace their use of "God" with "Love" it amazingly seems to work for me. If you don't like the thought of "God" as The Maker try "Love" and the song will make you feel better. It's all in the interpretation. But that's just my view and that's alright for me.
Oh, and thanks to the comments about Robbie Robertson. I didn't initially recognize him in there but I think you're right. Two great Canadian boys doing what they do best.
pousso wrote:
Everyone has a religion - something/someone that they devote and commit their lives to........ And, everyone has a faith - a set of assumptions that they have about their existence and how they view this world. Personally, I see nothing wrong with singing about them.
Oh, and thanks to the comments about Robbie Robertson. I didn't initially recognize him in there but I think you're right. Two great Canadian boys doing what they do best.
pousso wrote:
Everyone has a religion - something/someone that they devote and commit their lives to........ And, everyone has a faith - a set of assumptions that they have about their existence and how they view this world. Personally, I see nothing wrong with singing about them.
copymonkey wrote:
I think Mr. Lanois also produced a Robbie Robertson album or two. And if I'm not mistaken, I think that's Robbie singing in the background. Or did you already know that?
I did not know that then, but it seems obvious now after hearing it for only the second time! Great that RP plays the Robbie album as well.
I think Mr. Lanois also produced a Robbie Robertson album or two. And if I'm not mistaken, I think that's Robbie singing in the background. Or did you already know that?
I did not know that then, but it seems obvious now after hearing it for only the second time! Great that RP plays the Robbie album as well.
cohifi wrote:
I think Mr. Lanois also produced a Robbie Robertson album or two. And if I'm not mistaken, I think that's Robbie singing in the background. Or did you already know that?
....Hearing this reminds me of the Robbie Robertson album....
I think Mr. Lanois also produced a Robbie Robertson album or two. And if I'm not mistaken, I think that's Robbie singing in the background. Or did you already know that?
Pyro wrote:
I love her version, as well as Willie's. On Youtube, there's a duet with Emmylou and Willie singing this, as well as Daniel's version. He went on to produce Emmylou's "Wrecking Ball" which won a Grammy.
Again, I like the covers, but there's just something about hearing the composer do his own tune that makes it special.
I had the pleasure of observing a Lanois recording session last month. What a treat!
Nice! I jump at any chance to see Daniel Lanois live! He's amazing!
I love her version, as well as Willie's. On Youtube, there's a duet with Emmylou and Willie singing this, as well as Daniel's version. He went on to produce Emmylou's "Wrecking Ball" which won a Grammy.
Again, I like the covers, but there's just something about hearing the composer do his own tune that makes it special.
I had the pleasure of observing a Lanois recording session last month. What a treat!
Nice! I jump at any chance to see Daniel Lanois live! He's amazing!
Pyro wrote:
I love her version, as well as Willie's. On Youtube, there's a duet with Emmylou and Willie singing this, as well as Daniel's version. He went on to produce Emmylou's "Wrecking Ball" which won a Grammy.
Again, I like the covers, but there's just something about hearing the composer do his own tune that makes it special.
I had the pleasure of observing a Lanois recording session last month. What a treat!
Lucky you!
I love her version, as well as Willie's. On Youtube, there's a duet with Emmylou and Willie singing this, as well as Daniel's version. He went on to produce Emmylou's "Wrecking Ball" which won a Grammy.
Again, I like the covers, but there's just something about hearing the composer do his own tune that makes it special.
I had the pleasure of observing a Lanois recording session last month. What a treat!
Lucky you!
ripemedia wrote:
Everyone has a religion - something/someone that they devote and commit their lives to........ And, everyone has a faith - a set of assumptions that they have about their existence and how they view this world. Personally, I see nothing wrong with singing about them.
I really do not like these religious songs that creep into the playlist every so often. Personally very off putting. Just my opinion — thought you should know.
Everyone has a religion - something/someone that they devote and commit their lives to........ And, everyone has a faith - a set of assumptions that they have about their existence and how they view this world. Personally, I see nothing wrong with singing about them.
ripemedia wrote:
Not sure why people feel so threatened by the lyrics. I'm not a religious person but I don't have a problem with artists incorporating religion into their lyrics. Bruce Cockburn for instance. Countless rock songs are extremely sacrilegious and if anything are celebrated for it, but throw in any remotely positive reference to God and people start screaming "Don't preach at me!". Probably the same ones who are successfully eliminating the word "Christmas" from the English language.
. . . having read further down the thread, there really aren't many complaining about the religious content, so this is more of a general comment . . . stepping down from my soapbox now . . .
I really do not like these religious songs that creep into the playlist every so often. Personally very off putting. Just my opinion — thought you should know.
Not sure why people feel so threatened by the lyrics. I'm not a religious person but I don't have a problem with artists incorporating religion into their lyrics. Bruce Cockburn for instance. Countless rock songs are extremely sacrilegious and if anything are celebrated for it, but throw in any remotely positive reference to God and people start screaming "Don't preach at me!". Probably the same ones who are successfully eliminating the word "Christmas" from the English language.
. . . having read further down the thread, there really aren't many complaining about the religious content, so this is more of a general comment . . . stepping down from my soapbox now . . .
Cool tune Bill. I knew he produced U2 albums but never heard any of his own stuff. Hearing this reminds me of the Robbie Robertson album. Only hear that here I guess. PRAISE THE LORD!
I really do not like these religious songs that creep into the playlist every so often. Personally very off putting. Just my opinion — thought you should know.
SinisterJazz wrote:
I love her version, as well as Willie's. On Youtube, there's a duet with Emmylou and Willie singing this, as well as Daniel's version. He went on to produce Emmylou's "Wrecking Ball" which won a Grammy.
Again, I like the covers, but there's just something about hearing the composer do his own tune that makes it special.
I had the pleasure of observing a Lanois recording session last month. What a treat!
Emmylou Harris also does a great version of this on her live album "Spyboy". Worth checking out.
I love her version, as well as Willie's. On Youtube, there's a duet with Emmylou and Willie singing this, as well as Daniel's version. He went on to produce Emmylou's "Wrecking Ball" which won a Grammy.
Again, I like the covers, but there's just something about hearing the composer do his own tune that makes it special.
I had the pleasure of observing a Lanois recording session last month. What a treat!
Love this song...The whole album is pure joy!
Sounds like Bono. Not a good thing.
You know, I don't necessarily believe in "the Maker", but I really like this tune.
"The Maker" has inspired much good art.
"The Maker" has inspired much good art.
Emmylou Harris also does a great version of this on her live album "Spyboy". Worth checking out.
I was about to say something about how all this new Brian Eno sounding generic crap is starting to piss me off, then I saw this album is from 1989. All I can say is wow! Like two decades ahead of its time, if that doesn't earn a 9 I dunno what does.
mc wrote:
I agree....
he makes me weak in the knees....
...and I dig when arron neville comes in with the "I can see... flaming swords..." Gives me a nice shiver. this is a wonderful CD by the way; there's an acoustic track in french that has melted every lady I know. And the follow-up, "for the beauty of winona" is really a masterpiece if ya ask me. His latest, "shine", I found pretty weak.
I agree....
he makes me weak in the knees....
ChicoCyclist wrote:
Has it really been nearly 5 (FIVE!) years since I wrote that? Where does the time go?
Please, please, please give me Willie's version over this!
Has it really been nearly 5 (FIVE!) years since I wrote that? Where does the time go?
The whole album is excellent. His first and best.
Saw Daniel and his band recently where I live: Ottawa, capital of Canada, and close to where Daniel used to live: Lanois was born a few miles away in Hull (now Gatineau) Quebec. The front seats were filled with his French-Canadian relatives. Reviewer said it was the best concert of the year. S'truth!
He's a brilliant songster and producer (2 LPs for The Bob, Peter Gabriel, and yes, Neville brothers).
He's a brilliant songster and producer (2 LPs for The Bob, Peter Gabriel, and yes, Neville brothers).
That is some killer bass! Two separate tracks in harmony with each other. I can't say that I've heard that before. Awesome! i've only known the Willie version of this until today, which is sublime.
Should've known it was Lanois. I thought the vocal arrangement sounded a little like U2...
phillips wrote:
Aha...me too. I was wondering if it might be something from U2's new CD (released today, I believe).
So, is this Daniel Lanois singing with Bono doing backing vocals or vice-versa?
i knew it was him! sounds so much like U2, who i love dearly.
Aha...me too. I was wondering if it might be something from U2's new CD (released today, I believe).
So, is this Daniel Lanois singing with Bono doing backing vocals or vice-versa?
i knew it was him! sounds so much like U2, who i love dearly.
Nice - this is the song during the credits in the movie Slingblade.
gypsy222 wrote:
Dave Matthews Band does an awesome cover as well - it's on their Live from Chicago release.
Would love to hear it, perhaps this version will grow on me
Dave Matthews Band does an awesome cover as well - it's on their Live from Chicago release.
Would love to hear it, perhaps this version will grow on me
Wow, how much does this sound like any song done by Robbie Robertson?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Robertson
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Robertson
Johray63 wrote:
'Struggling' is a nice way to put it. I remember playing this with a band a few years ago, and trying to play both parts on a 4 string (all my fretless basses are 4's) resulted in a bit of a difficult reach. I have to see if I still remember it...
My earlier comment on the bass part in this song, made me wonder if I wasn't mistaken. I searched Google and luckily found out my impression was right (though they don't mention conga's) and also that I wasn't the only bassplayer "struggling" with it.
'Struggling' is a nice way to put it. I remember playing this with a band a few years ago, and trying to play both parts on a 4 string (all my fretless basses are 4's) resulted in a bit of a difficult reach. I have to see if I still remember it...
gypsy222 wrote:
Dave Matthews Band does an awesome cover as well - it's on their Live from Chicago release.
Everytime I see Dave and the lads do this live I get chills. But this is the first time I've actually heard the original by Lanois. "For the Beauty of Wynona" is also an album well worth checking out.
Dave Matthews Band does an awesome cover as well - it's on their Live from Chicago release.
Everytime I see Dave and the lads do this live I get chills. But this is the first time I've actually heard the original by Lanois. "For the Beauty of Wynona" is also an album well worth checking out.
Yuck...just..... yuck
Yes — I noticed that this hadn't been played on RP since 2004 — I requested it & Bill played it within an hour!
Yes, here's another vote to get this one back into rotation!
last played Nov. 2004? yo, what up gawg?
My earlier comment on the bass part in this song, made me wonder if I wasn't mistaken. I searched Google and luckily found out my impression was right (though they don't mention conga's) and also that I wasn't the only bassplayer "struggling" with it.
From Kevin Paez
Subject The Maker Bass Parts, Guitar setups
Date Fri, 8 May 1998 125654 -0500
Greetings, Lanoisciples.
In the 116th edition of the mailing list, Andy Harbut asked, "...does anyone have any idea as how to perform "the maker" on the fretless bass or electric guitar? Any info would be appreciated..Thanks..."
I had this question for YEARS and I almost cried when I figured it out...I was so happy!
The secret is to flip your balance knob on your home stereo and listen to only one channel at a time. This is a great, classic, Lanois Trick. There are two bass lines harmonizing each other!
It sounds like one, but indeed the part was played to tape in two passes and panned wide in the mix. If you learn each part individually, they are pretty simple. Playing the chords on a fretless is more difficult, but it can be done...I only play by ear (despite a degree in music...go figure) so I cannot write it out for you.
Good luck.
Yea, after listening to it a couple of times I've come to appreciate the original. I think I like Willie's for the same reason you like Lanois': I heard his first. You're correct, Lanois produced the entire Teatro album...a classic in my book.
Gregorama wrote:
I enjoy WIllie's version as well, but since Lanois wrote it, he deserves a little credit. I like Lanois' version slightly better, probably becuase I heard his first years ago.
This song was out many years before Willie covered it. Lanois may have produced Willie's version, not sure. Sounds like Aaron Neville on the background vocals. I think most would consider that to be fairly prestigeous company...
ChicoCyclist wrote:
Please, please, please give me Willie's version over this!
I enjoy WIllie's version as well, but since Lanois wrote it, he deserves a little credit. I like Lanois' version slightly better, probably becuase I heard his first years ago.
This song was out many years before Willie covered it. Lanois may have produced Willie's version, not sure. Sounds like Aaron Neville on the background vocals. I think most would consider that to be fairly prestigeous company...
Wow Bill, this is the kind of mix I do on my own, the Cajun connection, the humility before something greater, the unusual vocal sonority... Very nice. My thanks.
Daniel Lanois is great. Jerry Garcia did a pretty good cover of this live, but Daniel's is better. Great bass line in intro.Love it 
AI-in-Japan wrote:
I dig the intro to thiis song, three simple notes (E, A, E). I am not sure if its the notes going into the bass line or just the way he plays them but it gets me every time.
I once covered this song with a band, playing bass and I remember that while I studied the basspart, with headphones on, it appeared there were two basses playing and I believe conga's added as well. At least that's what it sounds like. It gives a nice enchanting effect. I had a 5-string bass at the time, but I couldn't really copy that sound the way I would like to.
...and I dig when arron neville comes in with the "I can see... flaming swords..." Gives me a nice shiver.
this is a wonderful CD by the way; there's an acoustic track in french that has melted every lady I know. And the follow-up, "for the beauty of winona" is really a masterpiece if ya ask me. His latest, "shine", I found pretty weak.
I dig the intro to thiis song, three simple notes (E, A, E). I am not sure if its the notes going into the bass line or just the way he plays them but it gets me every time.
Please, please, please give me Willie's version over this!
jtorkue wrote:
another RP first for me! great
A new one for me, amg does n't have an entry for Daniel
another RP first for me! great
gypsy222 wrote:
Amazing song. Very uplifting for me. Good choice!
That is an amazing song. How did you get it uplifted? For me it's kind of offloading.
999_99_999 wrote:
I always loved the version of this by Willie Nelson. Never heard the original, but I love it.
Dave Matthews Band does an awesome cover as well - it's on their Live from Chicago release.
gypsy222 wrote:
Amazing song. Very uplifting for me. Good choice!
I always loved the version of this by Willie Nelson. Never heard the original, but I love it.
Amazing song. Very uplifting for me. Good choice!