This came up over in @scalzi.com's comments, and it occurred to me that it's (a) a really deep cut these days and (b) a gorgeous song and a gorgeous character study and a gorgeous use of language and some people who haven't heard it might enjoy it. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb85... - ThreadSky

matociquala.bsky.social • 13 hours ago

This came up over in @scalzi.com's comments, and it occurred to me that it's (a) a really deep cut these days and (b) a gorgeous song and a gorgeous character study and a gorgeous use of language and some people who haven't heard it might enjoy it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb85NvjbBm8

Comments

chomiji.bsky.social•12 hours ago

We love Croce. His funny story songs are clever and surprisingly deep. "I Have to Say I Love You in a Song" is just a big hug.

thejefty.bsky.social•5 hours ago

A surprising mix of funny, almost novelty songs and serious emotional ones.

jaynetunes.bsky.social•12 hours ago

Jim Croce was an amazing songwriter. Economical with his words, cut to the bone.

shadowmanor.bsky.social•13 hours ago

Yeah, I tried explaining this song to my kids the other day and it was like revealing ancient lore. Especially the "You can keep the dime," line.

matociquala.bsky.social•13 hours ago

Phew, yeah

jdnicoll.bsky.social•13 hours ago

Have you introduced your kids to Dr. Hook's Sylvia's Mother? Which they may know as Melissa Etheridge's Sylvia's Mother.

"And the operator says 'forty cents more/For the next three minutes.'"

Has history overlooked the vital role of telephone operators in the pain of doomed relationships?

skulleigh.com•13 hours ago

I always wonder what songs we’ve missed because Jim died so young.

matociquala.bsky.social•13 hours ago

God, I know, right? He left us so many treasures.

chadgayle.bsky.social•12 hours ago

I love how the operator is almost his therapist by the end of the song.

This one and "Time in a Bottle" get me teared me up every time.

thejefty.bsky.social•6 hours ago

Telephone operators giving you the time to talk yourself out of making that call to your ex is a service we need in today's world.

matociquala.bsky.social•12 hours ago

His economy of language and image and honest emotion get me every time.

vealllc.bsky.social•12 hours ago

I always felt like this and Dr. Hook's "Sylvia's Mother" (written by Shel Silverstein) were two sides of a coin, in subject matter & tone

robertflippo.com•13 hours ago

An all time great. I have this (and a few other Jim Croce songs) on my playlist for the bookstore

wreybies.bsky.social•13 hours ago

Wait, wait... Are you the Elizabeth Bear who co-wrote "A Companion to Wolves"? 🥹

How I loved the Iskryne books. ❤️

matociquala.bsky.social•13 hours ago

I am! Thank you! Sarah is on here too -- @pennyvixen.bsky.social

wreybies.bsky.social•12 hours ago

Superior! Apparently I already follow her too via a starter pack. :)

Thank you both muchly for the hard work.

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