The Decemberists — Till the Water Is All Long Gone
Album: What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful WorldAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2229
Length: 4:55
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They came down from the mountains
They strained too long from the fountain
And all the while
All the while they longed for us
But I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't
No, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't
Till the water's all long gone
And you, my sweet flower
And how you proved more sweet by the hour
And loath those eyes, loath those eyes
To lose you
My tender rose, my slender rose, my darling
My tender rose, my slender rose, my? Darling
But my darlin's long long long...
They came down from the mountains
They strained too long from the fountain
Oh my girl, oh my love, I've lost you
But I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't
No, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't
Till the water's all long gone
They strained too long from the fountain
And all the while
All the while they longed for us
But I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't
No, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't
Till the water's all long gone
And you, my sweet flower
And how you proved more sweet by the hour
And loath those eyes, loath those eyes
To lose you
My tender rose, my slender rose, my darling
My tender rose, my slender rose, my? Darling
But my darlin's long long long...
They came down from the mountains
They strained too long from the fountain
Oh my girl, oh my love, I've lost you
But I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't
No, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't
Till the water's all long gone
Comments (81)add comment
I love RP's skip button I am sure it was made for songs like this "gem"?
Hey @BillG can you input more correct lyrics? I found these and they match better.
They came down from the mountain
They strayed too long from the fountain
And all the while,
All the while they longed for usBut I won't betray, no I
Won't betray, no I
Won't betray our waterNo I won't betray, no I
Won't betray, no I
Won't betray our water
Till the water's all long goneAnd you, my sweet flower
And how you grew more sweet by the hour
And loathed was I,
Loathed was I to lose you
My tender rose
My limber rose
My slender lulling daughter
My tender rose
My slender rose
My limber loving daughterBut the daughters long, long goneThey came down from the mountain
They strayed too long from the fountainOh my girl, oh my love I've lost you
But I won't betray, no I
Won't betray, no I
Won't betray our water
No I won't betray, no I
Won't betray, no I
Won't betray our water
Till the water's all long gone
They came down from the mountain
They strayed too long from the fountain
And all the while,
All the while they longed for usBut I won't betray, no I
Won't betray, no I
Won't betray our waterNo I won't betray, no I
Won't betray, no I
Won't betray our water
Till the water's all long goneAnd you, my sweet flower
And how you grew more sweet by the hour
And loathed was I,
Loathed was I to lose you
My tender rose
My limber rose
My slender lulling daughter
My tender rose
My slender rose
My limber loving daughterBut the daughters long, long goneThey came down from the mountain
They strayed too long from the fountainOh my girl, oh my love I've lost you
But I won't betray, no I
Won't betray, no I
Won't betray our water
No I won't betray, no I
Won't betray, no I
Won't betray our water
Till the water's all long gone
kingart wrote:
yes, agreed. i just don't get it and immediately psd. i appreciate that others appreciate them. i have tried, but i cannot.
Sorry, RP. The Decembrists are on my short list of auto psd's. Their artistic intent is fine, the execution is wanting. Gimme a blast of PT.
yes, agreed. i just don't get it and immediately psd. i appreciate that others appreciate them. i have tried, but i cannot.
lathyris wrote:
Yes they do...beautiful songs. If it's not your thing, well ok then, but I love them...
Time to break up the foul stream of negative comments with a little spark of optimism: these guys write some really, truly beautiful songs, and I'm so happy RP introduced me to them.
Yes they do...beautiful songs. If it's not your thing, well ok then, but I love them...
Randomax wrote:
Agreed!
WOW, I haven't read the comments on the Decemberists before. I had no idea there were so many that hated his voice.
Just shows to go ya --- I stopped what I was doing the 1st time I heard his voice years ago and he is the very reason I love this band. That and the lyrics.
LOVE HIS VOICE..........two sides to every coin
Agreed!
The lyrics presented don't very well match what is being sung nor with any of the internet's various lyric sites. Was Bill Typing Under the Influence?
Corrections to the lyrics:
They strayed too long
But I won't betray
No I won't betray
No I won't betray our water
No I won't betray
No I won't betray
No I won't betray our water
Till the water's all long gone
And loath was I, loath was I to lose you
My tender rose, my limber rose
My slender loping daughter
My tender rose, my slender rose
My limber loping daughter
But my daughter's long long gone
[repeat corrections from first verse]
They strayed too long
But I won't betray
No I won't betray
No I won't betray our water
No I won't betray
No I won't betray
No I won't betray our water
Till the water's all long gone
And loath was I, loath was I to lose you
My tender rose, my limber rose
My slender loping daughter
My tender rose, my slender rose
My limber loping daughter
But my daughter's long long gone
[repeat corrections from first verse]
joejennings wrote:
I Agree!
Nice!
I Agree!
Nice!
Stingray wrote:
Your point being?
This is not rock music!
This is..., I do not know what this is!
Your point being?
lathyris wrote:
Good for you, mate!
The first time I heard the lead male vocalist, I thought it was James Taylor singing a tune I had never heard before. Thanks for introducing me to the Decemberists.
Time to break up the foul stream of negative comments with a little spark of optimism: these guys write some really, truly beautiful songs, and I'm so happy RP introduced me to them.
The first time I heard the lead male vocalist, I thought it was James Taylor singing a tune I had never heard before. Thanks for introducing me to the Decemberists.
christopherwoods wrote:
His pronunciation's always reminded me of Irish folk singers. Perhaps a deliberate affectation to evoke that?
I've wondered myself whether Colin is doing this deliberately or unconsciously. But I like it.
His pronunciation's always reminded me of Irish folk singers. Perhaps a deliberate affectation to evoke that?
I've wondered myself whether Colin is doing this deliberately or unconsciously. But I like it.
Robert Plant to Pink Floyd to Radiohead to The Decemberists.......#whyirp 
freemusic wrote:
His pronunciation's always reminded me of Irish folk singers. Perhaps a deliberate affectation to evoke that?
I yearn for "January" whenever I hear his annoying voice, and always use the PSD button. His tone is OK even if not pleasant, and he's always on tune. But, I hate his "Pro-Nay-Owe-Aye-Ants-Eee-Aye-Shy-Ion" of his words! No one speaks like this, or if they did, I'd leave. Drives me crazy and crave using the PSD button.
(PSD -- Ever wonder how it works? Took me a while to figure it out. Bill first caches about 10-15 minutes of the live tracks. Then, just like when someone was on talk radio when broadcasts were delayed for 10-15 seconds. This short cache was used to prevent the FCC from sanctioning profanity and still appear as if it was a "live broadcast". Only instead of occasionally allowing the host to cut/edit the profanity out, we get to cut parts of the RP stream we don't like. Very cool technology!)
(PSD -- Ever wonder how it works? Took me a while to figure it out. Bill first caches about 10-15 minutes of the live tracks. Then, just like when someone was on talk radio when broadcasts were delayed for 10-15 seconds. This short cache was used to prevent the FCC from sanctioning profanity and still appear as if it was a "live broadcast". Only instead of occasionally allowing the host to cut/edit the profanity out, we get to cut parts of the RP stream we don't like. Very cool technology!)
His pronunciation's always reminded me of Irish folk singers. Perhaps a deliberate affectation to evoke that?
I yearn for "January" whenever I hear his annoying voice, and always use the PSD button. His tone is OK even if not pleasant, and he's always on tune. But, I hate his "Pro-Nay-Owe-Aye-Ants-Eee-Aye-Shy-Ion" of his words! No one speaks like this, or if they did, I'd leave. Drives me crazy and crave using the PSD button.
(PSD -- Ever wonder how it works? Took me a while to figure it out. Bill first caches about 10-15 minutes of the live tracks. Then, just like when someone was on talk radio when broadcasts were delayed for 10-15 seconds. This short cache was used to prevent the FCC from sanctioning profanity and still appear as if it was a "live broadcast". Only instead of occasionally allowing the host to cut/edit the profanity out, we get to cut parts of the RP stream we don't like. Very cool technology!)
Randomax wrote:
(PSD -- Ever wonder how it works? Took me a while to figure it out. Bill first caches about 10-15 minutes of the live tracks. Then, just like when someone was on talk radio when broadcasts were delayed for 10-15 seconds. This short cache was used to prevent the FCC from sanctioning profanity and still appear as if it was a "live broadcast". Only instead of occasionally allowing the host to cut/edit the profanity out, we get to cut parts of the RP stream we don't like. Very cool technology!)
Randomax wrote:
WOW, I haven't read the comments on the Decemberists before. I had no idea there were so many that hated his voice. LOVE HIS VOICE..........two sides to every coin
I’m thinking some folks can’t slow down enough to really appreciate this 10/10 talent.
Hang in there you mob! Eventually you’ll discover the class of this track.
Thanks R&B
Damn, others have already said it. But here goes anyway.
Love his voice.
Love his voice.
This song makes me feel "some more to construct, mostly family" Hi Rebecca And Bill,
kingart wrote:
Same comment 2 years apart. At least you're consistent in your complainin'.
Sorry, RP. The Decembrists are on my short list of auto psd's. Their artistic intent is fine, the execution is wanting. Gimme a blast of PT.
Same comment 2 years apart. At least you're consistent in your complainin'.
fredriley wrote:
Way to go Fred!
Curses upon RP for repeatedly playing The Decembrists. I happily slagged them off bigtime as flash in the pan nu-nu-folk along the lines of Poshboy & Sons, but the more I've been exposed to them the more they've wormed their insidious way into my brain such that I'm going to get some of their CDs. Don't you just hate it when your initial prejudices get taken away from you? 8 from the assimilated Nottingham jury.
Way to go Fred!
ExploitingChaos wrote:
Don't lose that spring in your step, in RP's comments section you will find people hating the sunshine and the rain
Indeed you will.
Don't lose that spring in your step, in RP's comments section you will find people hating the sunshine and the rain
Indeed you will.
Randomax wrote:
This is nothing but a positive post and yet some one down voted it. H8 is as h8 does.
WOW, I haven't read the comments on the Decemberists before. I had no idea there were so many that hated his voice.
Just shows to go ya --- I stopped what I was doing the 1st time I heard his voice years ago and he is the very reason I love this band. That and the lyrics.
LOVE HIS VOICE..........two sides to every coin
Just shows to go ya --- I stopped what I was doing the 1st time I heard his voice years ago and he is the very reason I love this band. That and the lyrics.
LOVE HIS VOICE..........two sides to every coin
This is nothing but a positive post and yet some one down voted it. H8 is as h8 does.
Randomax wrote:
Well, you love "him" so much you can't even name the lead singer. Other than that, this song makes me think "How many syllables CAN a singer turn a one syllable word into?
WOW, I haven't read the comments on the Decemberists before. I had no idea there were so many that hated his voice.
Just shows to go ya --- I stopped what I was doing the 1st time I heard his voice years ago and he is the very reason I love this band. That and the lyrics.
LOVE HIS VOICE..........two sides to every coin
Just shows to go ya --- I stopped what I was doing the 1st time I heard his voice years ago and he is the very reason I love this band. That and the lyrics.
LOVE HIS VOICE..........two sides to every coin
Well, you love "him" so much you can't even name the lead singer. Other than that, this song makes me think "How many syllables CAN a singer turn a one syllable word into?
ExploitingChaos wrote:
Don't lose that spring in your step, in RP's comments section you will find people hating the sunshine and the rain
Kinda like the album title "What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World"
Long Live RP!!
Don't lose that spring in your step, in RP's comments section you will find people hating the sunshine and the rain
Kinda like the album title "What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World"
Long Live RP!!
greenbuilding wrote:
I find the whole album gut-wrenching in the truest rock n roll fashion
This is not a song to listen to shortly after a breakup. It is without doubt one of the most wonderful and haunting love songs recorded this decade.
I've got to run and get my box of tissues.
I've got to run and get my box of tissues.
I find the whole album gut-wrenching in the truest rock n roll fashion
Randomax wrote:
Don't lose that spring in your step, in RP's comments section you will find people hating the sunshine and the rain
WOW, I haven't read the comments on the Decemberists before. I had no idea there were so many that hated his voice.
...
LOVE HIS VOICE..........two sides to every coin
...
LOVE HIS VOICE..........two sides to every coin
Don't lose that spring in your step, in RP's comments section you will find people hating the sunshine and the rain
This is not a song to listen to shortly after a breakup. It is without doubt one of the most wonderful and haunting love songs recorded this decade.
I've got to run and get my box of tissues.
I've got to run and get my box of tissues.
Not a big fan of this band, but no one can say he doesn't know his way around a guitar. But, having said that, I do like this tune.
love this!!
WOW, I haven't read the comments on the Decemberists before. I had no idea there were so many that hated his voice.
Just shows to go ya --- I stopped what I was doing the 1st time I heard his voice years ago and he is the very reason I love this band. That and the lyrics.
LOVE HIS VOICE..........two sides to every coin
Just shows to go ya --- I stopped what I was doing the 1st time I heard his voice years ago and he is the very reason I love this band. That and the lyrics.
LOVE HIS VOICE..........two sides to every coin
hayduke2 wrote:
You nailed the voice, hayduke2!
But I have to say that I'm slowly getting over my irritation with the vocals, for the sake of fine lyrics and music on several tracks by this band. This one gets an 8 from me, despite "that voice."
milleronic wrote:
Something Wan Chipmunk-esque about this one.
Something Van Morrison-esque about this one.
Something Wan Chipmunk-esque about this one.
You nailed the voice, hayduke2!
But I have to say that I'm slowly getting over my irritation with the vocals, for the sake of fine lyrics and music on several tracks by this band. This one gets an 8 from me, despite "that voice."
Something Leonard Cohen-esque about this one.
He has a great voice - he sounds like no other singer I can think of - top band
I see a lot of hate for these guys and I get it. Meloy's voice can be irritating. I really love their music however and that makes it more bearable tolerating Meloy and I've begun liking his distinctive sound(albeit still annoying a bit).
milleronic wrote:
Something Wan Chipmunk-esque about this one.
Something Van Morrison-esque about this one.
Something Wan Chipmunk-esque about this one.
milleronic wrote:
It may be the mellow, waltz time and the instrumentation that make it sound reminiscent of some of Morrison's work.
Something Van Morrison-esque about this one.
It may be the mellow, waltz time and the instrumentation that make it sound reminiscent of some of Morrison's work.
Beautiful. It's not rock. Not supposed to be 
Stingray wrote:
Alas, there is much you do not know Stink Ray
This is not rock music!
This is..., I do not know what this is!
This is..., I do not know what this is!
Alas, there is much you do not know Stink Ray
And now time to go back to the negative comments,,, this guys voi..........oh never mind....just use a PSD
Time to break up the foul stream of negative comments with a little spark of optimism: these guys write some really, truly beautiful songs, and I'm so happy RP introduced me to them.
Yuck, PSD time...
"It's baaaaad - a bad bad baaaaaaaaad, oh so baaad" p-u this guy's voice is like hearing a cranky baby
This is just a brilliant song.
Sorry, RP. The Decembrists are on my short list of auto psd's. Their artistic intent is fine, the execution is wanting. Gimme a blast of PT.
ugh. these guys are the worst.
Beautiful love song ... 
Going to see them at Ottawa Bluesfest this Summer!
lovely 💜
fredriley wrote:
I've just got this album and I think it's great. His vocals used to grate on me hugely but the beauty of some of their work overrides it.
Curses upon RP for repeatedly playing The Decembrists. I happily slagged them off bigtime as flash in the pan nu-nu-folk along the lines of Poshboy & Sons, but the more I've been exposed to them the more they've wormed their insidious way into my brain such that I'm going to get some of their CDs. Don't you just hate it when your initial prejudices get taken away from you? 8 from the assimilated Nottingham jury.
I've just got this album and I think it's great. His vocals used to grate on me hugely but the beauty of some of their work overrides it.
Touch of David Kitt about this track
Love it - what a sweet voice and sound... 
The more I listen to this group the more I enjoy it.
Not hearing straining of any kind on this track — this whole piece is, I think, right in his wheelhouse.
drucev wrote:
drucev wrote:
I feel the same way, he sounds like he strains way too hard and not in a good way.
Kind of like Robert Plant was a great screamer on first couple of Led Zep albums and it worked to great effect on e.g. Whole Lotta Love but sounded way overwrought on some slower stuff.
Kind of like Robert Plant was a great screamer on first couple of Led Zep albums and it worked to great effect on e.g. Whole Lotta Love but sounded way overwrought on some slower stuff.
I feel the same way, he sounds like he strains way too hard and not in a good way.
Kind of like Robert Plant was a great screamer on first couple of Led Zep albums and it worked to great effect on e.g. Whole Lotta Love but sounded way overwrought on some slower stuff.
jagdriver wrote:
Kind of like Robert Plant was a great screamer on first couple of Led Zep albums and it worked to great effect on e.g. Whole Lotta Love but sounded way overwrought on some slower stuff.
jagdriver wrote:
I liked these guys eight years ago, but now I'm just thoroughly annoyed by Colin's voice. If someone else took on the lead vocal slot and he shut up, I'd probably really like their music.
These guys put on a terrific show. Great LIVE!
Love this band, love this album.
LOVE MY 10TH ROW CENTER TICKETS TO SEE THEM IN BOSTON THIS SEPTEMBER!
LOVE MY 10TH ROW CENTER TICKETS TO SEE THEM IN BOSTON THIS SEPTEMBER!
I liked these guys eight years ago, but now I'm just thoroughly annoyed by Colin's voice. If someone else took on the lead vocal slot and he shut up, I'd probably really like their music.
stegokitty wrote:
Perhaps wauder is to water as foundain is to fountain?
Moundain? Foundain?
I know it's not an overdone Dolby nor that he's incapable of pronouncing the letter "t" because he says "betray" and "water" just fine.
Other than that, I like the tune well enough. It's "acceptable" , a 4 for now.
I know it's not an overdone Dolby nor that he's incapable of pronouncing the letter "t" because he says "betray" and "water" just fine.
Other than that, I like the tune well enough. It's "acceptable" , a 4 for now.
Perhaps wauder is to water as foundain is to fountain?
Incredible good music! Thank you Radio Paradise!!
Moundain? Foundain?
I know it's not an overdone Dolby nor that he's incapable of pronouncing the letter "t" because he says "betray" and "water" just fine.
Other than that, I like the tune well enough. It's "acceptable" , a 4 for now.
I know it's not an overdone Dolby nor that he's incapable of pronouncing the letter "t" because he says "betray" and "water" just fine.
Other than that, I like the tune well enough. It's "acceptable" , a 4 for now.
wow, what a beautiful song and haunting beautiful voice
fredriley wrote:
Heh...yeah
Curses upon RP for repeatedly playing The Decembrists. I happily slagged them off bigtime as flash in the pan nu-nu-folk along the lines of Poshboy & Sons, but the more I've been exposed to them the more they've wormed their insidious way into my brain such that I'm going to get some of their CDs. Don't you just hate it when your initial prejudices get taken away from you? 8 from the assimilated Nottingham jury.
Heh...yeah
I gradually got sold on The Decemberists, particularly thanks to RP. I can understand why some might find the vocal style (and his tendency to use 10-dollar words) annoying but I think the last two albums are pretty darned great.
This new one has some great melodies and while this isn't my fave, this minor key waltz does have a wonderful melancholy, folksy vibe. It's like of those Band songs that sounds like it comes from a different age...
This new one has some great melodies and while this isn't my fave, this minor key waltz does have a wonderful melancholy, folksy vibe. It's like of those Band songs that sounds like it comes from a different age...
These dudes join Arcade Fire in my auto PSD functionality. Rock and roll or something non-formulaic and high energy seems lost on these people.
maggierob wrote:
totally feel the same way. Time to move on to something more cheerful
So far, a 6. I always start out thinking the Decembrists are cool, and then I end up hating every song I hear. In this case, the guy has toned down some of his more execrable enunciations, and the lyrics are not *quite* as precious and cloying. Maybe I'll bump it up on another listen . . . maybe not.
totally feel the same way. Time to move on to something more cheerful
Perhaps it's not so much assimilation as it is simple appreciation. It's been said that when given a fair chance and enough time, most things in life that are truly worthy will grow on you more like flowers than like mold. Of course, when the flowers turn to mold, it's time for a new bouquet...
fredriley wrote:
fredriley wrote:
Curses upon RP for repeatedly playing The Decembrists. I happily slagged them off bigtime as flash in the pan nu-nu-folk along the lines of Poshboy & Sons, but the more I've been exposed to them the more they've wormed their insidious way into my brain such that I'm going to get some of their CDs. Don't you just hate it when your initial prejudices get taken away from you? 8 from the assimilated Nottingham jury.
Curses upon RP for repeatedly playing The Decembrists. I happily slagged them off bigtime as flash in the pan nu-nu-folk along the lines of Poshboy & Sons, but the more I've been exposed to them the more they've wormed their insidious way into my brain such that I'm going to get some of their CDs. Don't you just hate it when your initial prejudices get taken away from you? 8 from the assimilated Nottingham jury.
milleronic wrote:
Something Wan Chipmunk-esque about this one.
Something Van Morrison-esque about this one.
Something Wan Chipmunk-esque about this one.
So far, a 6. I always start out thinking the Decembrists are cool, and then I end up hating every song I hear. In this case, the guy has toned down some of his more execrable enunciations, and the lyrics are not *quite* as precious and cloying. Maybe I'll bump it up on another listen . . . maybe not.
DaidyBoy wrote:
Mine also. Maybe it's because of what milleronic says below.
Like this one a lot. My favourite from them this far.
Mine also. Maybe it's because of what milleronic says below.
First time I've heard this and I think it's beautiful.
hayduke2 wrote:
chuckle, chuckle
my god this band stinks, have you read those "lyrics", they are a lame joke from A Mighty Wind
chuckle, chuckle
my god this band stinks, have you read those "lyrics", they are a lame joke from A Mighty Wind
Stingray wrote:
does it matter? seems to me the only thing that matters is if one likes it or not—and if not then hit PSD and move on.
This is not rock music!
This is..., I do not know what this is!
This is..., I do not know what this is!
does it matter? seems to me the only thing that matters is if one likes it or not—and if not then hit PSD and move on.
Released: 2015
Last play: Dec 21, 2014
Nice!
I like the song too.
Last play: Dec 21, 2014
Nice!
I like the song too.
Stingray wrote:
Not sure what you'd want to call it, or why, or if it matters. But at this particular time, Bill has thoughtfully played this immediately after Crowded House's "Four Seasons in One Day" which you seemed to find quite enjoyable, if your posts are to be taken literally... Some would say that the CH song isn't rock music either. Some might also find certain similarities between the two songs. Like, a lot of similarities. It's never been said that RP is a rock-only venue anyway.
Come on, stretch a little Stinger! You have a heart in there somewhere, we just know you do!
This is not rock music!
This is..., I do not know what this is!
This is..., I do not know what this is!
Not sure what you'd want to call it, or why, or if it matters. But at this particular time, Bill has thoughtfully played this immediately after Crowded House's "Four Seasons in One Day" which you seemed to find quite enjoyable, if your posts are to be taken literally... Some would say that the CH song isn't rock music either. Some might also find certain similarities between the two songs. Like, a lot of similarities. It's never been said that RP is a rock-only venue anyway.
Come on, stretch a little Stinger! You have a heart in there somewhere, we just know you do!
o yes, and Lake Song is very reminiscent of astral weeks as well
milleronic wrote:
milleronic wrote:
Something Van Morrison-esque about this one.
This is not rock music!
This is..., I do not know what this is!
This is..., I do not know what this is!
Like this one a lot. My favourite from them this far.
Something Van Morrison-esque about this one.