Miss Misery

Album: Either/Or (1997)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was one of the first songs that Elliott Smith recorded at a recording studio that he built in collaboration with producer Larry Crane in 1997.
  • Composed for the Gus van Sant film Good Will Hunting. It was included in the soundtrack along with other songs from Smith's album Either/Or.
  • This was nominated for an Oscar in 1997 for its appearance in Good Will Hunting.
  • "Johnnie Walker Red," from the second line of the song, is a brand of Scotch. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Silas - Florence, OR

Comments: 9

  • Paula from Houston, TxWhat a beautiful song, what a talented songwriter.
    This song makes me think of my sister, who was a severe alcoholic.
    To me, this song is about that empty place inside of addicts that nothing can fill.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyWas nominated for Best Song at the 1997 Academy Awards {Lost to "My Heart Will Go On" from the movie "Titanic"}!!!
  • Bern from Baltimore, MdI bought Either/Or as a cd and it doesn't have this track.
    now I gotta buy it off itunes..im addicted
  • Goofydawg from Silcon Valley, CaDownloaded an early, acoustic-guitar-only version of this song from iTunes and the lyrics are much, much, much darker than what was released with "Good Will Hunting." The lyrics in that version revealed the depth of his depression. It was pretty scary.
  • Tony from Sunshine Coast, AustraliaThe video of him performing this song live at the Oscars is available on YouTube. He looks really nervous and frightened while performing it, which I think only adds to the beauty and fragility of the song (and Elliott as an artist), but also adds to the ridiculousness of Celine Dion's win in this category for the Titanic song.
  • Dennis from Chicagoland Burrows, IlNader, I thought you were crazy for a second, then I stopped and thought there is a little similarity between this tune and "Bluejay Way" from the MMT.
  • Ben from Nottingham, EnglandThis is a beautiful song. Makes me happy and sad both at the same time.
  • Natasha from Chico, CaElliott Smith was such a talent, both musically and lyrically. May he rest in peace.
  • Nader from Durham, NcSounds eerily similar to Magical Mystery Tour-era Beatles to me. Which is a good thing: this song is wonderful.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.