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Joe Henry — Trampoline
Album: Trampoline
Avg rating:
6.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1616









Released: 1996
Length: 4:32
Plays (last 30 days): 0
The floor will have its way, it seems
It fights me like a trampoline
It won't let me on the ground
So this time I'm not coming down
This time I'm not coming down

I've been talking in my sleep
You once kissed me not to hear me speak
You loved me just so you could leave
Every bit of life wrung out of me

And this time I'm not coming down
This time I'm not coming down
Trampoline
Trampoline

The whole platoon is overfed
And we're in this thing over our heads
My mind it's never been so clear
But I stutter like an auctioneer

As the night has come alive with dreams
That hoot and holler, spit and scream
Every one of them is sick with lust
But every one of them will outlive us

And this time I'm not coming down
This time I'm not coming down
Trampoline
Trampoline

And if I really thought I could
I'd give up your ghost for good
But I'm not sure it isn't you
That keeps my ghost from leaving too

But I don't miss you half as much
As who you made me think I was
When I could see myself the way you do
I could almost see myself in you

This time I'm not coming down
This time I'm not coming down
Trampoline
Trampoline
Comments (158)add comment
8>9: this gets better with time.
So. Effing. Sick. Of. This. Song. Wish I could give it a 0.
up it goes 7>8 haters suck
Wow this is a bad song
great beat
 Sofa_King wrote:


Another yo mama joke. My kids are constantly telling them and they are in very poor taste. As their mother, I shouldn't encourage them.
Then: You never jumped on your bed like it was a trampoline? You know you did.
That mystery's solved. 
Now: album cover generates reaction and comment.
Mission accomplished.
 Segue wrote:

if u download it, you don't get the full package.



Another reference to the creepy album cover. 
Helps to be non American to parse out the truth of that comment as futile as the comment may seem. America is vast in talent, as listed, and also vast in other things uniquely... American. 
andrewpickford81 wrote: Andrew, what do you mean? Terribly American? Is that a useful adjective? American like... The Allman Brothers, or the Neville Brothers? Robert Johnson, or Jack Johnson? Bob Dylan, or The Bobs? The B-52's, or Blink 182? Jimi Hendrix, or John Hiatt? The Indigo Girls, or The Blind Boys of Alabama? CSNY, or REM? Talking Heads, or Smashing Pumpkins? Smokey Robinson, or Robbie Robertson? Hot Tuna, or Phish? Buffalo Springfield, or Rick Springfield? Live, or The Grateful Dead? The Jackson Five, or Jackson Browne? Foo Fighters, or Five For Fighting? Don Ho, or Don Henley? The Roots, or Rusted Root? Steely Dan, or Dan Fogelberg? Tom Jones, or Norah Jones? Brian Wilson, or Cassandra Wilson? Black Flag, Black Crowes, Counting Crows, Sheryl Crow? American indeed!


She means we're bouncing into Graceland.
I think the bed is a substitute for a trampoline, as it was for most of us with access to one (temporary or otherwise- sorry, Grandma) in our youth. It being featured in the album/song, IMO, suggest the transient nature of the heights achieved jumping on the bed are like the transient nature of relationships consummated in the same. It takes a lot of effort to re-achieve those heights, and if you add too much it just breaks the platform. Enjoy the ride.
 linkingabo wrote:

What a nice album cover...

i have never understood 'why?'...

 linkingabo wrote:

What a nice album cover...



yeah, blech! No one wants to see that.....LOL
What a nice album cover...
Its another one of those songs that has some odd appeal to it
 ndanger666 wrote:
He gets an "A" in "Tom Petty 101"
 
I was thinking David Gray.
Way to average for my taste!
 DBCinCA wrote:
andrewpickford81 wrote:
The beat on this song is overbearing, its monotonous and terribly american
Andrew, what do you mean? Terribly American? Is that a useful adjective? American like... The Allman Brothers, or the Neville Brothers? Robert Johnson, or Jack Johnson? Bob Dylan, or The Bobs? The B-52's, or Blink 182? Jimi Hendrix, or John Hiatt? The Indigo Girls, or The Blind Boys of Alabama? CSNY, or REM? Talking Heads, or Smashing Pumpkins? Smokey Robinson, or Robbie Robertson? Hot Tuna, or Phish? Buffalo Springfield, or Rick Springfield? Live, or The Grateful Dead? The Jackson Five, or Jackson Browne? Foo Fighters, or Five For Fighting? Don Ho, or Don Henley? The Roots, or Rusted Root? Steely Dan, or Dan Fogelberg? Tom Jones, or Norah Jones? Brian Wilson, or Cassandra Wilson? Black Flag, Black Crowes, Counting Crows, Sheryl Crow? American indeed!
 
I don't care, I'm stealin' this!

 ScottN wrote:

Roadkill makes me think, too. The combination of the cover with the music inside is utterly incongruous, imo.  Worse, it detracts, diverts from the music, which is inside the package.
Poor marketing decision to boot.

Song is ok.
 
What? Who the hell hasn't used their bed as a trampoline when they were a kid?

Sorry, you must have grown up sleeping on a futon.
Uh...that cover photo...go to the next song.   
Joe Henry is a true American folklorist. 
I simply love, love, love this song
somehow gets worse every time I hear it 4-> 2
Nice drumming 
Get your JUNK off my CD shelf lol
{#Ask} Taking requests? Can we hear Trampoline next to Opaline?
 Kilroy wrote:
Sounds a lot like Tom Petty, which is a good thing....
 
Agreed!
Sounds a lot like Tom Petty, which is a good thing....
 SquiddlyDiddly wrote:
I think it is an excellent cover image. It's art. It makes you stop and think. . . even if you think 'what on earth are they trying to say?'
 
Roadkill makes me think, too. The combination of the cover with the music inside is utterly incongruous, imo.  Worse, it detracts, diverts from the music, which is inside the package.
Poor marketing decision to boot.

Song is ok.
I think it is an excellent cover image. It's art. It makes you stop and think. . . even if you think 'what on earth are they trying to say?'
All I can say is some of the comments about the cover are as good as that cover is bad?  {#Eek}

Highlow
American Net'Zen
 helgigermany wrote:
What a terrible cover! Who buys an album with that cover, when you are not sure that the music is good!? {#Frustrated}

 
And even a worse thought is what does the back cover of the album look like? 
 rc1414 wrote:
Candidate for worst album cover ever? 
 
There are worse ones, but that is pretty bad.
Sounds similar: Maps & Atlisus
 Segue wrote:
if u download it, you don't get the full package.
 
{#Stop}
if u download it, you don't get the full package.
What a terrible cover! Who buys an album with that cover, when you are not sure that the music is good!? {#Frustrated}
Great drum sound here.
 ShaunJ wrote:

Especially the piss yellow shade in the underwear {#Cheesygrin}

 
Question is, are those underwear?  Guess that Depends.
 FrankDebbieCote wrote:

How many times will he have to answer "Joe, what were you thinking?"

What a goof.  

 
Especially the piss yellow shade in the underwear {#Cheesygrin}
Yessssss!
i want  see this on RPHD I bet there's some cool shots
 rc1414 wrote:
Candidate for worst album cover ever? 
 
How many times will he have to answer "Joe, what were you thinking?"

What a goof.  
Brilliant sets here Bill, 8/24 1 pm-ish. You are killin it! Subtly. RP RULES.
Not very good, and it drags out for far too long.
 Djoy wrote:

yuck…most definitely…might be the worst album cover.  anyone want to address redeeming qualities?  But I liked Joe quite a bit.  He's new to me.
 

 ScottN wrote:

It roll over any competition for that possibilty.

 


 rc1414 wrote:
Candidate for worst album cover ever? 
 
It roll over any competition for that possibilty.
Candidate for worst album cover ever? 
 easmann wrote:
A world-weary wisdom and calm acquiescence that soothes my soul.

 
A low budget (album) cover? {#Cheesygrin} 
 Ptijoc wrote:
To great to hear Joe. I'm a great fan from him but this recort can't be found...Again!

 
Found plenty here: https://www.amazon.com/Joe-Henry-Trampoline/dp/B000004ATA?tag=radioparadise-20
To great to hear Joe. I'm a great fan from him but this recort can't be found...Again!
Ok...I little too much Joe Henry latley. There are millions of musician/bands. Why not play something different? MMMM?
Thought it was Tom Petty. Never heard of Joe Henry. I'm I in the minority here? 

I like this. 

This song puts a spring in my step this winter evening...
 
 MirageRF wrote:
Strains of Bob Dylan!  With a dash of Tom Petty.  Most excellent. {#Cowboy}
 
Good Call!  This is my first time hearing this tune, and/or artist for that matter, and I a immediately thought the same thing; Dylan and Petty had a love child.   {#Eek}   {#Angel}
Strains of Bob Dylan!  With a dash of Tom Petty.  Most excellent. {#Cowboy}
 hippiechick wrote:
I just hate this album cover.
So many have commented on the tasteless, and simply puzzling cover.  What were some people (not) thinking?


I just hate this album cover.
Damn, but this song has held up well.
Tramp-o-lean.
`Course, it helps if you`ve just heard it this morning whilst carving.
This really reminds me of Paul Kelly. 
 d-don wrote:

No doubt. What up with the package? {#Dancingbanana}
 
I know! Is that a diaper or tightie whities?
 84MacGuy wrote:
Last year I saw a performance by the BodyVox dance group in Portland that used this song as the theme for the entire show.  Made me really appreciate the quality of this song after that performance.
 
Wow.  I just moved to Oregon - how I wish I could have been there at the performance!  I have loved Joe's music for years..

Last year I saw a performance by the BodyVox dance group in Portland that used this song as the theme for the entire show.  Made me really appreciate the quality of this song after that performance.
Reminds me of Guyute by Phish.
 pauleywalnuts wrote:
{#Stop} Worst album cover ever!  {#Stop}
 
This guy is very talented, but every time I see his name, I think of this creepy cover.

 pauleywalnuts wrote:
{#Stop} Worst album cover ever!  {#Stop}
 
He has no feet! {#Surprised}
Like the tune...have seen much better art for the cover...but I've also seen worse. One thing for sure...it has caused discussion which allows the listener or owner of the CD to remember it at a later date for whatever the reason...even if just say how bad it was.
 pauleywalnuts wrote:
{#Stop} Worst album cover ever!  {#Stop}
 
No doubt. What up with the package? {#Dancingbanana}


{#Stop} Worst album cover ever!  {#Stop}
I have always loved this song, I don't mind if I am the only one.{#Snooty}
Sounds like Bob Dylan, wants to be Steve Wynn...good luck & good effort.
 DavidS_UK wrote:
Seriously worried now!

I seem to be getting way off the pulse of the RP listening audience today (but is it a long term trend).  I hear nothing innovative or exciting in this song, it doesn't stretch or challenge me, and neither does it entertain. so pretty humdrum really.  Must be me!  5 at best, more likely a 4 if I can summon enough energy to actually vote it.
 
Well, the Nottingham jury nailed this on for a Ho-Hum after the first four bars, and it's not improved since then. Anyone got any drying paint we can watch? {#Sleep}

I'm getting a bit worried too. Of late I've been muting every 4th or 5th track, which is not good. There's still some terrific stuff being played on RP and it's been a musical renaissance for me, so I'm happy to cough up my monthly donation, but I do feel that my tastes are diverging from those of the mass of RP listeners.

First came across this song a few months ago when a dance troupe in Portland used this entire Joe Henry album as music for a modern dance performance.  It was very cool.
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Ironic or not, that's one lame album cover!

 
Be kind. The poor person has no feet.  {#Tongue}
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Ironic or not, that's one lame album cover!

 
Yep.  Can't give it a 5 so you know what that means.  4


Great album cover.
Hmmm, I thought this was Eeyore.
Seriously worried now!

I seem to be getting way off the pulse of the RP listening audience today (but is it a long term trend).  I hear nothing innovative or exciting in this song, it doesn't stretch or challenge me, and neither does it entertain. so pretty humdrum really.  Must be me!  5 at best, more likely a 4 if I can summon enough energy to actually vote it.
Extremely underrated album - he changed direction artistically after this, which was too bad in some ways.  On the other hand, some of his more recent albums have been brilliant.  
 radiojunkie wrote:
I really like the song. And I assume the cover was meant to be ironic.
But for some reason, irony appears to be wasted on a lot of folks around here.{#Ask}
 
Ironic or not, that's one lame album cover!

again - thought this was Darden Smith

sounds like Darden Smith
I like the song, but must admit the album cover caught me a little off guard ... and not in a "turn on" sort of way
 MickMan wrote:
He looks kind of like Kramer in that episode of Sienfeld when he did some modeling.
 LOL!

"His buttocks are sublime!"
 radiojunkie wrote:
I really like the song. And I assume the cover was meant to be ironic.
But for some reason, irony appears to be wasted on a lot of folks around here.{#Ask}
 

Not in Here


I really like the song. And I assume the cover was meant to be ironic.
But for some reason, irony appears to be wasted on a lot of folks around here.{#Ask}
Joe Henry when he was at his best. His work is more "ambitious" now, but IMHO, it suffers for it. I give this a solid 9
Jack_Jefferson wrote:
There's not a noticeable skid mark on the back of his britches, is there?
Skids or not, that is one nasty old pair of kegs. DO you think that's joe and old henry himself or has he used a keg double?
At least you can't see his "Old Man"!...it reeks of photoshop..
enidualc wrote:
you've got to see the back of the CD ~ HOT!!
There's not a noticeable skid mark on the back of his britches, is there?
Nice song. This album is, however, on exibit at The Muesum of Bad Album Covers. Follow the link if you are as big a fan of bad album art as i am (click here)
If you have headphones on, you get "trampoline" whispering in one ear - at least the way my speakers are set, anyway. It sounds so good. It actually gave me a fright, because I haven't heard the song before so wasn't expecting it. Great.
bwdulken wrote:
Hey, I've got an idea! Shut up about the artwork on the cover and let's bring it back to the music...that being said, GREAT SONG BILL! THANK YOU!
Sorry, but it's there and it's in your face. And commenting on cover art has always been part of RP, as far as I can tell.
i\'ve got an idea... how about i only comment on the songs i think are most excellent... wait?... i just did that... so shut me up...
Hey, I've got an idea! Shut up about the artwork on the cover and let's bring it back to the music...that being said, GREAT SONG BILL! THANK YOU!
horstman wrote:
I saw the back of the CD. It is not hot. It is boring. Good song, nice to see he has an association with the Jayhawks. But I have to agree that the album cover is pretty awkward. Unless he's appealing to the female crowd. Lord knows enough skimpy dressed women have been paraded on album covers to sell music.
Female, and not digging it. Hard to use a trampoline without feet. After seeing the front, no desire to see the back.
DBCinCA wrote:
Andrew, what do you mean? Terribly American? Is that a useful adjective? American like... The Allman Brothers, or the Neville Brothers? Robert Johnson, or Jack Johnson? Bob Dylan, or The Bobs? The B-52's, or Blink 182? Jimi Hendrix, or John Hiatt? The Indigo Girls, or The Blind Boys of Alabama? CSNY, or REM? Talking Heads, or Smashing Pumpkins? Smokey Robinson, or Robbie Robertson? Hot Tuna, or Phish? Buffalo Springfield, or Rick Springfield? Live, or The Grateful Dead? The Jackson Five, or Jackson Browne? Foo Fighters, or Five For Fighting? Don Ho, or Don Henley? The Roots, or Rusted Root? Steely Dan, or Dan Fogelberg? Tom Jones, or Norah Jones? Brian Wilson, or Cassandra Wilson? Black Flag, Black Crowes, Counting Crows, Sheryl Crow? American indeed!
Did you seriously put Blink 182 in that list? Nicely put, though. Liked the train of thought in the names.
enidualc wrote:
you've got to see the back of the CD ~ HOT!!
I saw the back of the CD. It is not hot. It is boring. Good song, nice to see he has an association with the Jayhawks. But I have to agree that the album cover is pretty awkward. Unless he's appealing to the female crowd. Lord knows enough skimpy dressed women have been paraded on album covers to sell music.
A Tom Pettyish groove. Interesting and likeable. Cool.
kazuma wrote:
That may be the least appealing album cover I've ever seen.
I suppose it could be worse. He could be jumping on the trampoline...
On_The_Beach wrote:
How to make sure your CD won't sell: #1: use this cover art
you've got to see the back of the CD ~ HOT!!
How to make sure your CD won't sell: #1: use this cover art
I saw London, I saw France, I saw someone's underpants.
I used to get a monthly CD from CMJ and this was a song that stuck in my mind for some reason. I mean, if it comes to it, I'll just defy gravity...
hippiechick wrote:
Oh, it's the underwear guy again. Couldn't they at least have found someone who looks good in his jockies?
He looks kind of like Kramer in that episode of Sienfeld when he did some modeling.
hippiechick wrote:
Oh, it's the underwear guy again. Couldn't they at least have found someone who looks good in his jockies?
So true. Have mercy on us, Bill - get rid of it!
Oh, it's the underwear guy again. Couldn't they at least have found someone who looks good in his jockies?
AphidA wrote:
This dude sounded a little like Marty Willson-Piper in the verses at first. Not that anyone really knows who he is...
Of course we know who Marty Wilson Piper (The Church) is, and YES I thought it wsa MWP when I first heard this song. The resembelence is remarkable.
This dude sounded a little like Marty Willson-Piper in the verses at first. Not that anyone really knows who he is...
kazuma wrote:
That may be the least appealing album cover I've ever seen.
I heartily second that! And the whispering is creeping me out.
This song always makes me think of a line from the movie "Elf". "I like to whisper too." Unfortunately, something about whispering the word trampoline creeps me out.
When I first heard this song, I thought he was saying "Drabilene," a nickname for the burg I live in. I did a double take.
kazuma wrote:
That may be the least appealing album cover I've ever seen.
Grapes are in, I guess.
shutter wrote:
Interesting that Daniel Lanois and T-Bone Burnett were involved in the mixing of this album.
Daniel! is it any wonder I love this guy! I first heard him while in a record store and just had to find out who he was...love this.
Interesting that Daniel Lanois and T-Bone Burnett were involved in the mixing of this album.
Bizzarefall wrote:
eww whats with the tighty not so whities on the cover?
That may be the least appealing album cover I've ever seen.
Bizzarefall wrote:
eww whats with the tighty not so whities on the cover?
Yes, I completely miss the point of this cover-art. Song...unremarkable, imo. 5.