Because of the Wind

Album: Streets of Sin (1978)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Joe Ely told us that this was one of his favorite songs that he's ever written. Speaking further on the meaning, he explained that it "asks why the trees bend in that desolate part of the country, and it always comes back to saying that bend because of the wind."

    The song is a ballad about accepting that some things are natural and inevitable.
  • Honky Tonk Masquerade was Ely's second album, and has recieved considerable critical acclaim since its release. Rolling Stone placed at number 40 on their 50 Essential Albums of the 70's list, and was included in the 2005 book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.