Sweet Adeline

Album: XO (1998)
Play Video
  • Cut this picture into you and me
    Burn it backwards, kill this history
    Make it over, make it stay away
    Or hate'll sing the ending that love started to say

    There's a kid a floor below me saying
    "Brother, can you spare sunshine for a brother, Old Man Winter's in the air"
    Walked me up a story, asking how you are
    Told me not to worry, you were just a shooting star

    Sweet Adeline
    Sweet Adeline
    My Clementine
    Sweet Adeline

    It's a picture-perfect evening and I'm staring down the sun
    Fully loaded, deaf and dumb and done
    Waiting for sedation to disconnect my head
    Or any situation where I'm better off than dead Writer/s: Steven Paul Smith
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

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

Yacht Rock Quiz

Yacht Rock QuizFact or Fiction

Christopher Cross with Deep Purple? Kenny Loggins in Caddyshack? A Fact or Fiction all about yacht rock and those who made it.

Butch Vig

Butch VigSongwriter Interviews

The Garbage drummer/songwriter produced the Nirvana album Nevermind, and Smashing Pumpkins' Gish and Siamese Dream.

80s Music Quiz 1

80s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

MTV, a popular TV theme song and Madonna all show up in this '80s music quiz.

Jon Oliva of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Jon Oliva of Trans-Siberian OrchestraSongwriter Interviews

Writing great prog metal isn't easy, especially when it's for 60 musicians.

The Fratellis

The FratellisSongwriter Interviews

Jon Fratelli talks about the band's third album, and the five-year break leading up to it.

Victoria Williams

Victoria WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

Despite appearances on Carson, Leno and a Pennebaker film, Williams remains a hidden treasure.