When this came out I listened to it on repeat for a couple of days to and from work (as I am wont to do with certain songs) and cried a few times myself. As a formerly shambolic adolescent-turned-grateful middle-aged husband and father, it really spoke to me. Just for my own edification I'm considering rewriting the "from ... to ..." lines with scenes from my own life and then performing it as a form of self-talk (probably just at home, not publicly). I really like the word play/contrasts you built in to those lines -- e.g. shadow/sun, black/white, salt/honey -- and it should be a fun challenge to try to preserve that structure in my own appropriation/rewrite. Also like duality of "bottom of a bottle" / "palazzo" as reference to a literal performance venue (The Empty Bottle vs. The Palazzo in Vegas) or a metaphoric state of being (low state of drunkenness vs. a palatial building). So much to love here, as usual.
As someone who has battled ideation since my cancer diagnosis three years ago, I want you to know how stunningly cathartic this song has been for me as I claw my way back. Thank you.
Really good song, and yes, I relate to that broken part. It has been said, that is why we have something to say. I am a songwriter as well, and when I play something back and it brings tears, I know there is something relatable. I've subscribed to your YouTube channel and look forward to exploring the Old 97s. Always grateful for a new music find!
It’s truly the story of how The Instigator became The Believer.. How the Time Bomb became the King of All of the World.. Thank you for the journey from that Hitchhiking to Rhome until here.
Very touching and beautiful. It connects with life. I too am glad to have made it through many harsh/scary moments to a point where I can appreciate the beauty
Glad to find out the Substack algorithms directed me to you. I’m a subscriber now. Looking forward to seeing you live and with the band and also live stream, James Grant McGuire, a.k.a. Dizzy Dean.
This brings back memories. I remember seeing Rhett Miller in Dallas, somewhere in Deep Ellum. Maybe the Video Bar, or there was a place a few doors down. You were opening for someone, most likely Darden Smith, Sarah Hickman, or? I can't think of who else. Good luck with your substack.
Rhett, when I first heard this song recently on Pandora’s R.E.M. Radio Station, I thought it was a RM single. :-) It’s really well done by you and the entire Old 97s band. I saw you guys live in Dallas when launching the “Most Messed Up” LP.
Not sure there is a more sincere, authentic, vulnerable, and grateful singer-songwriter of my generation. Thank you.
Thanks, Rhett. I heard this pop up on my Pandora R.E.M. Radio Station recently, and I thought it was one of your single LPs. :-) Did not realize it was the new Old 97s release. I saw you and the band live in Dallas on the “Mist Messed Up” tour. Congrats on the new release.
Rhett, you are one of the most gifted, sincere, and vulnerable songwriters of my generation. What you write has feeling and sparks emotion, without question. Thanks.
Oh how music has proved to be a good friend, a place, a being, another beside you in life’s journey. Good or bad, up or down, mundane, or melancholy, it’s there to accompany you through.
When this came out I listened to it on repeat for a couple of days to and from work (as I am wont to do with certain songs) and cried a few times myself. As a formerly shambolic adolescent-turned-grateful middle-aged husband and father, it really spoke to me. Just for my own edification I'm considering rewriting the "from ... to ..." lines with scenes from my own life and then performing it as a form of self-talk (probably just at home, not publicly). I really like the word play/contrasts you built in to those lines -- e.g. shadow/sun, black/white, salt/honey -- and it should be a fun challenge to try to preserve that structure in my own appropriation/rewrite. Also like duality of "bottom of a bottle" / "palazzo" as reference to a literal performance venue (The Empty Bottle vs. The Palazzo in Vegas) or a metaphoric state of being (low state of drunkenness vs. a palatial building). So much to love here, as usual.
Hi, Rhett. Thanks so much for writing that, and sharing it.
As someone who has battled ideation since my cancer diagnosis three years ago, I want you to know how stunningly cathartic this song has been for me as I claw my way back. Thank you.
Really good song, and yes, I relate to that broken part. It has been said, that is why we have something to say. I am a songwriter as well, and when I play something back and it brings tears, I know there is something relatable. I've subscribed to your YouTube channel and look forward to exploring the Old 97s. Always grateful for a new music find!
Yeah I cried too. Sobbed actually. Thanks Rhett. I’m no writer but I think broken works better than bullshit so good for you listening to your sister
I needed to hear this song, thank you
It’s truly the story of how The Instigator became The Believer.. How the Time Bomb became the King of All of the World.. Thank you for the journey from that Hitchhiking to Rhome until here.
Great song…AND we are certainly happy you have stuck around as I’m sure your family is as well.
Very touching and beautiful. It connects with life. I too am glad to have made it through many harsh/scary moments to a point where I can appreciate the beauty
Glad to find out the Substack algorithms directed me to you. I’m a subscriber now. Looking forward to seeing you live and with the band and also live stream, James Grant McGuire, a.k.a. Dizzy Dean.
Love all of this and just dowloaded that song for my Yoga Playlist. Thank you. Old 97’s - Where The Road Goes
This brings back memories. I remember seeing Rhett Miller in Dallas, somewhere in Deep Ellum. Maybe the Video Bar, or there was a place a few doors down. You were opening for someone, most likely Darden Smith, Sarah Hickman, or? I can't think of who else. Good luck with your substack.
Thank you so much.
Rhett, when I first heard this song recently on Pandora’s R.E.M. Radio Station, I thought it was a RM single. :-) It’s really well done by you and the entire Old 97s band. I saw you guys live in Dallas when launching the “Most Messed Up” LP.
Not sure there is a more sincere, authentic, vulnerable, and grateful singer-songwriter of my generation. Thank you.
Thanks, Rhett. I heard this pop up on my Pandora R.E.M. Radio Station recently, and I thought it was one of your single LPs. :-) Did not realize it was the new Old 97s release. I saw you and the band live in Dallas on the “Mist Messed Up” tour. Congrats on the new release.
Rhett, you are one of the most gifted, sincere, and vulnerable songwriters of my generation. What you write has feeling and sparks emotion, without question. Thanks.
Oh how music has proved to be a good friend, a place, a being, another beside you in life’s journey. Good or bad, up or down, mundane, or melancholy, it’s there to accompany you through.