Sweet Adeline

Album: XO (1998)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Smith has said that the title of this song was inspired by memories of his grandmother singing at a club called The Sweet Adelines. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Shannon - Kathleen, GA

Comments: 7

  • Xbeatle from Nychmm, comparing ES to KC? This singer/songwriter/guitarist thinks that ES was a much more sophisticated artisan and had more range than KC as a singer, vocalist & musician..that being said, don't sell KC short as a lyricist or a crafter(such a word?) of really catchy commercial rock tunes(Beatles meet The Ramones?)

    And that's what flowed naturally from him..have played almost all his songs in various bands and projects..really love his work and that's what most were..crunchy, power chord driven rockers..my apologies to those who find insult in this statement.

    Bottom line, the only real similarity that I can see is they both were angry tortured souls who dealt with that through their music..........
  • Jon from Spartanburg, ScIt's not just you Stefanie, there are similarities. Listen to the chorus of "picture of me" on either/or. Definitely sounds similar to Cobain. They were from two relatively close cities around the same time so it isn't too surprising. I think they were probably very similar people. Bipolar, deep-rooted anger issues, drug addiction, history of poor relationships, etc.
    Btw, I would call being a strung out junkie, climbing through the woods to avoid your record company quite grunge
  • Colm from Northport, NyFirst of all, if your writing on this please do not compare Elliot Smith to some low life P.O.S. like Kurt Cobain. And yes Elliot Smith is just...not grunge.
  • Erin from Austin, TxElliot Smith is definitely NOT like Kurt Cobain. Not that this is a bad thing for either of them, but Kurt Cobain is grunge and Elliot Smith is just...not.
  • Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScIs it just me, or is his voice similar to that of Kurt Kobain's. I've only heard one song of his. My sister likes his music.
  • Craig from Madison, WiElliot Smith may not be that well known, but his name will always be known by those who have taste in music. Most popular music from his time will be forgotten, but he will remain. Not to glamorize early deaths or (possible) suicide, but he will be remembered in the elite school of lost boys like Nick Drake, Gramm Parsons and Jim Croce.
  • Sarah from Toronto, CanadaThis is a truly great song. When the chorus kicks in it gives you shivers. Not many people have heard of Elliot Smith but he was a talented musician.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

70s Music Quiz 1

70s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.