John Hiatt — Alone in the Dark
Album: Bring The FamilyAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1490
Length: 4:36
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It's a lonely picture
Of an empty glass
It's a still life study
Of a drunken ass
And he howls at the moon
Hoping the sun don't come up too fast
I'm all alone in the dark now baby
I'm all alone in the dark now baby
I'm all alone on my knees at last
Alone in the dark
It's extreme self pity
And frozen fear
'cause I want you with me
And you're not here
So I rub my nose in it babe
'til the roses smell just like death
I'm all alone in the dark now baby
I'm all alone in the dark now baby
I'm all alone and drawing whisky breath
Alone in the dark
My head is spinning baby what went wrong
I swear to God I tried
Just turned around one day and you were gone
Now these tears I have to cry
Alone in the dark baby, I'm all alone,
I'm all alone, I'm all alone
Since the night you left
I just couldn't stand myself anyway
I'm all alone in the dark now baby
I'm all alone in the dark now baby
I'm all alone on my knees at last
Alone in the dark
I'm all alone in the dark now baby
I'm all alone in the dark now baby
I'm all alone on my knees at last
Alone in the dark
Of an empty glass
It's a still life study
Of a drunken ass
And he howls at the moon
Hoping the sun don't come up too fast
I'm all alone in the dark now baby
I'm all alone in the dark now baby
I'm all alone on my knees at last
Alone in the dark
It's extreme self pity
And frozen fear
'cause I want you with me
And you're not here
So I rub my nose in it babe
'til the roses smell just like death
I'm all alone in the dark now baby
I'm all alone in the dark now baby
I'm all alone and drawing whisky breath
Alone in the dark
My head is spinning baby what went wrong
I swear to God I tried
Just turned around one day and you were gone
Now these tears I have to cry
Alone in the dark baby, I'm all alone,
I'm all alone, I'm all alone
Since the night you left
I just couldn't stand myself anyway
I'm all alone in the dark now baby
I'm all alone in the dark now baby
I'm all alone on my knees at last
Alone in the dark
I'm all alone in the dark now baby
I'm all alone in the dark now baby
I'm all alone on my knees at last
Alone in the dark
Comments (90)add comment
Hiatt promoted Bring The Family and Slow Turning with a European Tour that included a show at The Dominion Tottenham Court Road. I'd guess the date was late '88 or late '89. My wive had marked my card with regards to the date and venue late on the morning of the day the show was due to take place. I took myself to the theatre from my studio in EC2 and was rewarded with a pair of tickets.
It was an extraordinary and astonishing evening that had me walking round, with a daft smile on my face for at least a fortnight.
I've read commentary on these forums that there's something missing in Hiatt, that he could have been a star and the like. The only thing he lacks is an inclination to self promotion. And of course this is not a lack if commerce is a secondary consideration. This is a solid nine only because giving it ten would not allow enough differentiation for the tracks that really really resonate..
It was an extraordinary and astonishing evening that had me walking round, with a daft smile on my face for at least a fortnight.
I've read commentary on these forums that there's something missing in Hiatt, that he could have been a star and the like. The only thing he lacks is an inclination to self promotion. And of course this is not a lack if commerce is a secondary consideration. This is a solid nine only because giving it ten would not allow enough differentiation for the tracks that really really resonate..
John Hiatt bottoms out at a 7 for me. Mostly because he's awesome, but also partly because he was featured a few times on Homicide: Life On The Street, and I LOVED that show.
memoryboxer wrote:
Hopefully the show gets rescheduled. Was supposed to see the Foo Fighters this month and it's now October.
Was supposed to see John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett at the end of the month. Pretty sure that's not happening now. Mind you, today would have been my first day in Casablanca - beginning of 3 weeks in Morocco.
Missing a concert (even that stellar a combo) pales compared to missing this trip.
And yet (so far) my sweetie and I are still alive, while this Covid-19 madness sweeps the globe and people everywhere are suffering and dying. What's a lost trip or concert in that light?
May this pass quickly with as little further horror as possible. Health and safety to all.
Missing a concert (even that stellar a combo) pales compared to missing this trip.
And yet (so far) my sweetie and I are still alive, while this Covid-19 madness sweeps the globe and people everywhere are suffering and dying. What's a lost trip or concert in that light?
May this pass quickly with as little further horror as possible. Health and safety to all.
Hopefully the show gets rescheduled. Was supposed to see the Foo Fighters this month and it's now October.
Was supposed to see John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett at the end of the month. Pretty sure that's not happening now. Mind you, today would have been my first day in Casablanca - beginning of 3 weeks in Morocco.
Missing a concert (even that stellar a combo) pales compared to missing this trip.
And yet (so far) my sweetie and I are still alive, while this Covid-19 madness sweeps the globe and people everywhere are suffering and dying. What's a lost trip or concert in that light?
May this pass quickly with as little further horror as possible. Health and safety to all.
Missing a concert (even that stellar a combo) pales compared to missing this trip.
And yet (so far) my sweetie and I are still alive, while this Covid-19 madness sweeps the globe and people everywhere are suffering and dying. What's a lost trip or concert in that light?
May this pass quickly with as little further horror as possible. Health and safety to all.
more from this album. it's great!
Proclivities wrote:
Michael Jackson
David Lee Roth
Crystal Gayle
Wendell Wilke
Shannon Hoon
Michael Jackson
David Lee Roth
Crystal Gayle
Wendell Wilke
Shannon Hoon
Steely_D wrote:
I got to see them live. I imagine it was tough for those fantastic musicians to be thought of as Hiatt's band on that tour. He handled most of the vocals IIRC, which wasn't fair to Ry or Nick.
Except that he wrote and sang all the songs AND that they joined him willingly. There's really no cause for umbrage on this point.
I got to see them live. I imagine it was tough for those fantastic musicians to be thought of as Hiatt's band on that tour. He handled most of the vocals IIRC, which wasn't fair to Ry or Nick.
Except that he wrote and sang all the songs AND that they joined him willingly. There's really no cause for umbrage on this point.
jukes1 wrote:
Michael Jackson
David Lee Roth
Crystal Gayle
Wendell Wilke
snitramc wrote:
Axl Rose
John Mellancamp
Mike Pence
As a proud resident of Gary, IN, I'll take "Who is a Hoosier?" for $100 Alex.
Axl Rose
John Mellancamp
Mike Pence
Michael Jackson
David Lee Roth
Crystal Gayle
Wendell Wilke
snitramc wrote:
Axl Rose
John Mellancamp
Mike Pence
As a proud resident of Gary, IN, I'll take "Who is a Hoosier?" for $100 Alex.
Axl Rose
John Mellancamp
Mike Pence
As a proud resident of Gary, IN, I'll take "Who is a Hoosier?" for $100 Alex.
Buster Sidebury (Keltner) is the most unsung drum hero in Rock.
First thought it was Sonny Landreth on slide
Love Keltner on this
Love the opening . . . and then she falls a bit flat . . .
" you can call it Little Village if you want to muthafucker!"
copymonkey wrote:
Ry Cooder on guitar, Nick Lowe on bass, and Jim Keltner on drums. Later released a really good record as a band called 'Little Village".
I got to see them live. I imagine it was tough for those fantastic musicians to be thought of as Hiatt's band on that tour. He handled most of the vocals IIRC, which wasn't fair to Ry or Nick.
Ry Cooder on guitar, Nick Lowe on bass, and Jim Keltner on drums. Later released a really good record as a band called 'Little Village".
I got to see them live. I imagine it was tough for those fantastic musicians to be thought of as Hiatt's band on that tour. He handled most of the vocals IIRC, which wasn't fair to Ry or Nick.
kcar wrote:
I was just gonna post that this would be great striptease music. Apparently Hollywood beat me to the punch.
Except it's about his wife who killed herself, leaving him alone in the dark. Kinda ruins it for me.
I was just gonna post that this would be great striptease music. Apparently Hollywood beat me to the punch.
Except it's about his wife who killed herself, leaving him alone in the dark. Kinda ruins it for me.
Wonder lass is there.
Dog_Ear wrote:
That is the Little Village lineup as well
In 1987, John Hiatt, clean and sober and looking for an American record deal, was asked by an A&R man at a British label to name his dream band. After a little thought, Hiatt replied that if he had his druthers, he'd cut a record with Ry Cooder on guitar, Nick Lowe on bass, and Jim Keltner on drums. To Hiatt's surprise, he discovered all three were willing to work on his next album; Hiatt and his dream band went into an L.A. studio and knocked off Bring the Family in a mere four days, and the result was the best album of Hiatt's career. The musicians certainly make a difference here, generating a lean, smoky groove that's soulful and satisfying … » Read more
That is the Little Village lineup as well
Stingray wrote:
Awards, many hits written, many hits sung, many hits covered, 20+ studio albums, the respect of his peers, and tribute albums (including the likes of: Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, BB King, Roseanne Cash, Emmilou Harris, Patty Griffin, and Buddy Guy) in his name.
Too bad he never-never really made it. He could've been a star.
John Hiatt is the one man who always comes close,
but NEVER-NEVER really makes it!
With the final edge, the final 15% he's missing,
he could be a star!
Avarage song a thousand people could have sung, played and composed!
but NEVER-NEVER really makes it!
With the final edge, the final 15% he's missing,
he could be a star!
Avarage song a thousand people could have sung, played and composed!
Awards, many hits written, many hits sung, many hits covered, 20+ studio albums, the respect of his peers, and tribute albums (including the likes of: Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, BB King, Roseanne Cash, Emmilou Harris, Patty Griffin, and Buddy Guy) in his name.
Too bad he never-never really made it. He could've been a star.
Bonnie Raitt does a better John Hiatt.
drivingunit103 wrote:
I was just gonna post that this would be great striptease music. Apparently Hollywood beat me to the punch.
Jamie Lee Curtis does this some justice in "True Lies". Who'da thought...
I was just gonna post that this would be great striptease music. Apparently Hollywood beat me to the punch.
Very nice guitar riffs so 8 is appropriate
Everything from John Hiatt just clicks with me. Lovin those blues.
I think it is Ry Cooder on slide guitar. Can't beat that.
Yeah!
Me likey like, very much!
Me likey like, very much!
BazH wrote:
Hiatt is worth your attention. Silly at times, dead serious and moving at others. He's a real mature songwriter.
"Bring the Family" is great, and so is "Riding with the King."
This song, I think, is about his previous wife who'd committed suicide.
Not really into John Hiatt but this is excellent. 9. Will check the album out.
RP are playing some great music today.
RP are playing some great music today.
Hiatt is worth your attention. Silly at times, dead serious and moving at others. He's a real mature songwriter.
"Bring the Family" is great, and so is "Riding with the King."
This song, I think, is about his previous wife who'd committed suicide.
Great song. We just saw John Hiatt in concert and he just keeps getting better. We love this man and we love RP!
drivingunit103 wrote:
Jamie Lee Curtis does this some justice in "True Lies". Who'da thought...
niiiiiiiiice.
Love that whiplash guitar!
Not really into John Hiatt but this is excellent. 9. Will check the album out.
RP are playing some great music today.
RP are playing some great music today.
Not bad!
It doesn't really get much better thanthis does it? Every tune on the album is strong. It's Hiatt's Abbey Road.
Dog_Ear wrote:
I bought the CD as a direct result of this comment and was very glad I did.
Another little commission for RP. Another reason why this place is so great in expanding your musical knowledge.
Huzzah!
In 1987, John Hiatt, clean and sober and looking for an American record deal, was asked by an A&R man at a British label to name his dream band. After a little thought, Hiatt replied that if he had his druthers, he'd cut a record with Ry Cooder on guitar, Nick Lowe on bass, and Jim Keltner on drums. To Hiatt's surprise, he discovered all three were willing to work on his next album; Hiatt and his dream band went into an L.A. studio and knocked off Bring the Family in a mere four days, and the result was the best album of Hiatt's career. The musicians certainly make a difference here, generating a lean, smoky groove that's soulful and satisfying … » Read more
I bought the CD as a direct result of this comment and was very glad I did.
Another little commission for RP. Another reason why this place is so great in expanding your musical knowledge.
Huzzah!
This is John Hiatt's best album, in my opinion. I've saw him live at the Paradise in Boston not too long after this album came out. Just a great show! Seen him several times since and never disapoints. Slow Turning, Stolen Moments, and Riding with the King are all great albums too, this is the one that transcends.
Jamie Lee Curtis does this some justice in "True Lies". Who'da thought...
Stingray wrote:
He should have been a star already indeed
John Hiatt is the one man who always comes close,
but NEVER-NEVER really makes it!
With the final edge, the final 15% he's missing,
he could be a star!
Avarage song a thousand people could have sung, played and composed!
but NEVER-NEVER really makes it!
With the final edge, the final 15% he's missing,
he could be a star!
Avarage song a thousand people could have sung, played and composed!
He should have been a star already indeed
This is Hiatts best Album in my opinion. I watched him live around the time it was released. He was the support act for Robert Cray. He stole the show !
Nimitz-68 wrote:
Now she's shilling for yogurt that helps you gurnky. Show business can be cruel.
One of the few DVD's that I bought on the day it came out. (True Lies) Just because of this song ..... and Jamie's little dance! 
Now she's shilling for yogurt that helps you gurnky. Show business can be cruel.
Stingray wrote:
15% huh
John Hiatt is the one man who always comes close,
but NEVER-NEVER really makes it!
With the final edge, the final 15% he's missing,
he could be a star!
Avarage song a thousand people could have sung, played and composed!
but NEVER-NEVER really makes it!
With the final edge, the final 15% he's missing,
he could be a star!
Avarage song a thousand people could have sung, played and composed!
15% huh
Bat wrote:
I don't think it's Sonny Landreth. Ry Cooder played on this CD. I don't think Landreth hooked up with Hiatt until the "Slow Turning" CD.
You're right. I was one album too soon. What I find interesting listening today is how much Landreth's slide style is similar to Cooder's on this album. Of course they're both giants, but I would have guessed, indeed did guess, that this was Landreth based on the slide style alone.
I don't think it's Sonny Landreth. Ry Cooder played on this CD. I don't think Landreth hooked up with Hiatt until the "Slow Turning" CD.
You're right. I was one album too soon. What I find interesting listening today is how much Landreth's slide style is similar to Cooder's on this album. Of course they're both giants, but I would have guessed, indeed did guess, that this was Landreth based on the slide style alone.
John Hiatt is the one man who always comes close,
but NEVER-NEVER really makes it!
With the final edge, the final 15% he's missing,
he could be a star!
Avarage song a thousand people could have sung, played and composed!
but NEVER-NEVER really makes it!
With the final edge, the final 15% he's missing,
he could be a star!
Avarage song a thousand people could have sung, played and composed!
Dog_Ear wrote:
that IS a pretty fierce lineup...
In 1987, John Hiatt, clean and sober and looking for an American record deal, was asked by an A&R man at a British label to name his dream band. After a little thought, Hiatt replied that if he had his druthers, he'd cut a record with Ry Cooder on guitar, Nick Lowe on bass, and Jim Keltner on drums. To Hiatt's surprise, he discovered all three were willing to work on his next album; Hiatt and his dream band went into an L.A. studio and knocked off Bring the Family in a mere four days, and the result was the best album of Hiatt's career. The musicians certainly make a difference here, generating a lean, smoky groove that's soulful and satisfying … » Read more
that IS a pretty fierce lineup...
In 1987, John Hiatt, clean and sober and looking for an American record deal, was asked by an A&R man at a British label to name his dream band. After a little thought, Hiatt replied that if he had his druthers, he'd cut a record with Ry Cooder on guitar, Nick Lowe on bass, and Jim Keltner on drums. To Hiatt's surprise, he discovered all three were willing to work on his next album; Hiatt and his dream band went into an L.A. studio and knocked off Bring the Family in a mere four days, and the result was the best album of Hiatt's career. The musicians certainly make a difference here, generating a lean, smoky groove that's soulful and satisfying … » Read more
Yeah it's a shame that Little Village only managed to do one album. It does have a bit of the "old pros having fun" nature... but I like it well enough to hope for another.
Bat wrote:
I don't think it's Sonny Landreth. Ry Cooder played on this CD. I don't think Landreth hooked up with Hiatt until the "Slow Turning" CD.
Ry Cooder on guitar, Nick Lowe on bass, and Jim Keltner on drums. Later released a really good record as a band called 'Little Village".
I don't think it's Sonny Landreth. Ry Cooder played on this CD. I don't think Landreth hooked up with Hiatt until the "Slow Turning" CD.
Ry Cooder on guitar, Nick Lowe on bass, and Jim Keltner on drums. Later released a really good record as a band called 'Little Village".
Vinyl by ~evahughes
eva hughes ©2009-2010 ~evahughes
this is my favourite record of my vinyl-collection
it's my favourite because John Hiatt awesome (duh
) and because the idea for the cover is very original.
WonderLizard wrote:
I don't think it's Sonny Landreth. Ry Cooder played on this CD. I don't think Landreth hooked up with Hiatt until the "Slow Turning" CD.
That's Sonny Landreth and his band behind Hiatt.
I don't think it's Sonny Landreth. Ry Cooder played on this CD. I don't think Landreth hooked up with Hiatt until the "Slow Turning" CD.
Damn thats good! 9
mrdak wrote:
The superduperest slide player there ever was ............
No wonder I like this song so much! Thanks for the info. I did not know dat!
The superduperest slide player there ever was ............
No wonder I like this song so much! Thanks for the info. I did not know dat!
WonderLizard wrote:
The most superduperest slide player alive ............
That's Sonny Landreth and his band behind Hiatt.
The most superduperest slide player alive ............
That's Sonny Landreth and his band behind Hiatt.
Terrific down 'n dirty, back to basics, blues rock. Sexy too. 8 from the Nottingham jury.
Damn fine white boys' right HERE!
Yeah, that Jamie Lee, ain't she just somethin'?
Yeah, that Jamie Lee, ain't she just somethin'?
Honey, you got it, just go with it.
Was just watching True Lies on the television.. and the scene came up.. I remembered this.. had to be the sexiest scene I have ever seen in a movie and I am a heterosexual female!! Man, what I would give to be able to dance like that to that music for my honey but I guess I am a dork right? hehehe.. It is in my heart but ain't in my body!!! hahaha.
I love John Hiatt has a great howling wolf voice.. he is one of the greats!!!
Awww...hell yeah!
soulful stuff!
i prefer Buffalo River Home.
Catalytic wrote: 
Rowr! 
....and Harry drops the Walkman(tm)....
Rowr! ....and Harry drops the Walkman
tawanda wrote: You're right!
A good song on its own, but forever linked in my mind with Jamie Lee Curtis. Watch "TRUE LIES" and you will never think of this song the same way again .....
You're right!
Sounds like (the brother of) Eric Clapton...!
I have this album, too. I got it for have "a little faith in me", but so much else is good.
I will be seeing Hiatt, Lovett, Ely and one other in a songwriters show on January 26 in North Charleston. Should be fantastic!!
Catalytic wrote:
Rowr!
Genetically XY MALE. Testicular feminization or androgen insensitivity syndrome. Ain't mother nature something?
Rowr! A perfect segue from this song would be Lucinda Williams' Hot Blood. Both have really similar beginnings.
One of the few DVD's that I bought on the day it came out. (True Lies) Just because of this song ..... and Jamie's little dance!
Rowr!
A little visual reminder for those that don't remember. Of course, if you've seen the movie, how could you possibly forget?
lester wrote:
Good one.
Yes, indeed. A little OT but does anyone else think that the tune "Crossing Muddy Waters" is also about his wife's suicide?
Good one.
tawanda wrote:
A good song on its own, but forever linked in my mind with Jamie Lee Curtis. Watch "TRUE LIES" and you will never think of this song the same way again .....
holy jeez you got that right!
"now... dance for me"
Hey! Bill played another song from this album this morning! Nice! Maybe he'll get on a Hiatt kick! 
Great rock song!!
tawanda wrote: No wonder all I can imagine when I hear this is a pole on a stage...
Excellent tune.
A good song on its own, but forever linked in my mind with Jamie Lee Curtis. Watch "TRUE LIES" and you will never think of this song the same way again .....
THIS is that tune?? No wonder all I can imagine when I hear this is a pole on a stage...
Excellent tune.
tawanda wrote:
A good song on its own, but forever linked in my mind with Jamie Lee Curtis. Watch "TRUE LIES" and you will never think of this song the same way again .....
I didn't believe this was the same song until I saw this post. And yeah, that's . . . quite a scene.
A most brilliant album of some of the most honest & touching love songs one is likely to hear...without the sop factor....
tawanda wrote:
A good song on its own, but forever linked in my mind with Jamie Lee Curtis. Watch "TRUE LIES" and you will never think of this song the same way again .....
hahaha, ditto that.
Reminds me a little of Lucinda Williams\' Hot Blood--at least the rhythm. Very interesting (and sad) to learn why Hiatt wrote this.
Originally Posted by keelo:
You are assuming that artists have control over the sale of their work. In fact in most circumstances, the copyright resides with the record company - not the artist. I would not accuse Mr. Hiatt of selling this song to movie producers, as it is very likely that he had no control over the event.
kdj
The copywrite of this song resides with the publisher. The actual recording belongs to the record company (well, normally does) so don't blame the 'greedy' record company (hey! I am the last one to ever stick up for those spineless guys)
I personally don't mind that this song was used in a movie. More power to him. JH is a God as a songwriter. I have no problem with him putting bread on the table.You are assuming that artists have control over the sale of their work. In fact in most circumstances, the copyright resides with the record company - not the artist. I would not accuse Mr. Hiatt of selling this song to movie producers, as it is very likely that he had no control over the event.
kdj
Originally Posted by (8?ยป:
I guess it wasn't as sacred to him as landing a movie soundtrack??
A good song on its own, but forever linked in my mind with Jamie Lee Curtis. Watch "TRUE LIES" and you will never think of this song the same way again .....
Apart from the lyrics it sounds a bit like a remake of Riding With The King. I way prefer \'Riding\'. Recognizable Hiatt song anyway.
JOhn Hiatt Rocks! - Saw him with the Goners in NYC a couple of weeks ago and he was amazing as usual. How about playing
\"a friend of mine\" from Walk On?
Decent (ok, memorable) song off a changed-my-life album. How about \"Learning How to Love You\", \"Have a Little Faith in Me\" or, my favorite, \"Lipstick Sunset\"?
Exactly!