Joan Osborne — Man in The Long Black Coat
Album: RelishAvg rating:
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Length: 4:49
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Crickets are chirpin' the water is high
There's a soft cotton dress on the line hangin' dry
Window's wide open african trees
Bent over backwards in a hurricane breeze
Not a word, a goodbye, not even a note
She's gone with the man in the long black coat
Somebody seem him hangin' around
At the old dance hall on the outskirts of town
He looked into her eyes when she stopped him to ask
If he wanted to dance he had a face like a mask
Somebody said, from the Bible he quote
There was dust on the man in the long black coat
Preacher was talkin' there's a sermon he gave
He said every man's conscience is vile and depraved
You cannot depend on it to be your guide
When it's you who must keep it satisfied
It ain't easy to swallow, it sticks in the throat
She give her heart to the man in the long black coat
One, two...
There are no mistakes in life some people say
It's true sometimes you can see it that way
People don't live or die, people just float
She give her heart to the man in the long black coat
There's smoke on the water, it's been there since june
Tree trunks uprooted in the high crescent moon
Hear the pulse and vibrations and the rumblin' force
Somebody's out there beating on a dead horse
She never said nothin', there was nothin' she wrote
She's gone with the man in the long black coat
There's a soft cotton dress on the line hangin' dry
Window's wide open african trees
Bent over backwards in a hurricane breeze
Not a word, a goodbye, not even a note
She's gone with the man in the long black coat
Somebody seem him hangin' around
At the old dance hall on the outskirts of town
He looked into her eyes when she stopped him to ask
If he wanted to dance he had a face like a mask
Somebody said, from the Bible he quote
There was dust on the man in the long black coat
Preacher was talkin' there's a sermon he gave
He said every man's conscience is vile and depraved
You cannot depend on it to be your guide
When it's you who must keep it satisfied
It ain't easy to swallow, it sticks in the throat
She give her heart to the man in the long black coat
One, two...
There are no mistakes in life some people say
It's true sometimes you can see it that way
People don't live or die, people just float
She give her heart to the man in the long black coat
There's smoke on the water, it's been there since june
Tree trunks uprooted in the high crescent moon
Hear the pulse and vibrations and the rumblin' force
Somebody's out there beating on a dead horse
She never said nothin', there was nothin' she wrote
She's gone with the man in the long black coat
Comments (144)add comment
anyone on who's playing guit on this?
Saw her live a week ago.
Did Dylan tunes (Tonight I'll Be Staying Here, Buckets of Rain, Tangled Up In Blue, Gotta Serve Somebody), some of her stuff, and some covers. WORTH IT
Did Dylan tunes (Tonight I'll Be Staying Here, Buckets of Rain, Tangled Up In Blue, Gotta Serve Somebody), some of her stuff, and some covers. WORTH IT
Good cover, but really enters her own element performing
"What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" with the original Funk Brothers!
From the documentary "Standing in the shadows of Motown"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-U-WK0lKq8
"What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" with the original Funk Brothers!
From the documentary "Standing in the shadows of Motown"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-U-WK0lKq8
Interesting. But far below the original...
She sounds so young.
Love Joan Osborne but not this. Steve Hackett's version is brilliant
she gave her heart to a
man in a long black coat
very romantic!
man in a long black coat
very romantic!
jamelch wrote:
Agreed. She does a great live show also.
This album is so good. She never really got the recognition she deserves for being a fantastic vocalist.
Agreed. She does a great live show also.
So what is your relative relationship to The Bob, Mr. Zimmerman?
brianzimbz wrote:
brianzimbz wrote:
Luvin' Joanie baby from my relative Bob Zimmerman somewhere over NC enroute NYC thanks GoGo & 10 yr RP listener!
This album is so good. She never really got the recognition she deserves for being a fantastic vocalist.
somebody please put the cat out of its misery...
WELL DONE ! 
ubastard wrote:
My thoughts exactly...
Brilliant interpretation of an old favorite . . .
My thoughts exactly...
hippiechick wrote:
Yes, and this song is a nice cover... love it...
I still love this album and Joan.
Yes, and this song is a nice cover... love it...
Only bad thing about this song, that irritating 'bouncy ball' kickdrum - really ruins the atmosphere. Yeah, I figure it's supposed to be a heartbeat, but it's completely overused - seriously dude, sparingly, sparingly!!
Godlike (and bodaciously gorgeous, imho)
Brilliant interpretation of an old favorite . . .
not so good for me.
I think this is one of her masterpieces---she sings the shit out of it!
Carl nailed it! :)
Luvin' Joanie baby from my relative Bob Zimmerman somewhere over NC enroute NYC thanks GoGo & 10 yr RP listener!
Carl wrote:
Agreed. I think she does a good job on this. But truly, Bob's original is AWESOME and also the crickets!!!
I like this song and this version OK but Bob's original is one of his songs that I really like.
Agreed. I think she does a good job on this. But truly, Bob's original is AWESOME and also the crickets!!!
LOL
ThePoose wrote:
I reckon we will hear the Bobster next. Bill always follows a Dylan cover by playing the man himself.
ThePoose wrote:
Wait for ...wait for it...AHHHHHHHHH! there it is...Bill has to serve somebody. Don't we all?
Hey, at least he's consistent. Did it again tonight.
chris_the_man wrote:Just hear her singing,white woman with lots of soul in that voice,sooo good!
Just hear her singing,white woman with lots of soul in that voice,sooo good!
Loathed that "One of Us" song, but I've liked just about everything else I've heard from Joan Osborne.
plaice3 wrote:
Joan Osborne is the best of the bunch in the genre, imo. The depth of feeling in that voice moves me every time. Let's hear Right Hand Man to stir things up!
i love that song...my fav of hers. ThePoose wrote:
ThePoose wrote:
Wait for ...wait for it...AHHHHHHHHH! there it is...Bill has to serve somebody. Don't we all?
Hey, at least he's consistent. Did it again tonight.
I reckon we will hear the Bobster next. Bill always follows a Dylan cover by playing the man himself.
ThePoose wrote:
Wait for ...wait for it...AHHHHHHHHH! there it is...Bill has to serve somebody. Don't we all?
Hey, at least he's consistent. Did it again tonight.
Osborne's lovely voice was so overlooked in the 90s. I think this album is quite timeless.
ThePoose wrote:
Wait for ...wait for it...AHHHHHHHHH! there it is...Bill has to serve somebody. Don't we all?
lol!
Wait for ...wait for it...AHHHHHHHHH! there it is...Bill has to serve somebody. Don't we all?
lol!
I like this song and this version OK but Bob's original is one of his songs that I really like.
The long Black Song methinks....
ThePoose wrote:
Wait for ...wait for it...AHHHHHHHHH! there it is...Bill has to serve somebody. Don't we all?
I reckon we will hear the Bobster next. Bill always follows a Dylan cover by playing the man himself.
Wait for ...wait for it...AHHHHHHHHH! there it is...Bill has to serve somebody. Don't we all?
I still love this album and Joan.
Like it
Photo-John wrote:
It sure does! People in the video were wearing vests and jackets so it must have been cool there but that song heated things up.
Wow - thanks for that. That video kicks ass.
It sure does! People in the video were wearing vests and jackets so it must have been cool there but that song heated things up. It ain't easy to swallow, but i like everything I hear from her. 8.
and thanks calypsus_1 for all the photos.
and thanks calypsus_1 for all the photos.
handsomened wrote:
Only if he has the malady from "The Chrysalids". Otherwise it would be Madam Palm and her 4 lovely sisters. L.O.L.!!
Why, is it impolite to slap someone without sticking your thumb daintily out to the side?
Only if he has the malady from "The Chrysalids". Otherwise it would be Madam Palm and her 4 lovely sisters. L.O.L.!!
Why, is it impolite to slap someone without sticking your thumb daintily out to the side?
Joan Osborne @ Edmonds Center For The Arts, Edmonds WA 4-24-10 by Kirk Stauffer
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kirkstauffer/
© 2010 Kirk Stauffer Photography
All rights reserved.
calypsus_1 wrote:
Joan Osborne, Bob Weir - Brick House , Live (2003):
Wow - thanks for that. That video kicks ass.
Joan Osborne, Bob Weir - Brick House , Live (2003):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXqYdSL6WbM
from Sausalito, CA 2003 - Brick House (Commodores, Lionel Richie) - special guest Bob Weir (Grateful Dead, Ratdog, Phil Lesh, Jerry Garcia) - Joan Osborne (One Of Us, St Teresa, Right Hand Man, How Sweet It Is, Breakfast In Bed, Relish, Righteous Love...); musicians: Billy Ward, Jack Petruzelli, Tracy Wormworth, Andrew Carillo
Wow - thanks for that. That video kicks ass.
from Sausalito, CA 2003 - Brick House (Commodores, Lionel Richie) - special guest Bob Weir (Grateful Dead, Ratdog, Phil Lesh, Jerry Garcia) - Joan Osborne (One Of Us, St Teresa, Right Hand Man, How Sweet It Is, Breakfast In Bed, Relish, Righteous Love...); musicians: Billy Ward, Jack Petruzelli, Tracy Wormworth, Andrew Carillo
This is a great album!
fredriley wrote:
You'll be lucky. No woman would go within bargepole length of a braindead tosser like you. The only satisfaction you'll get with that attitude is courtesy of Madam Palm and her 5 lovely sisters. And quit SHOUTING!
I just google searched, "Madam Palm and her 5 lovely sisters" and this post was the second item — funny, funny.
You'll be lucky. No woman would go within bargepole length of a braindead tosser like you. The only satisfaction you'll get with that attitude is courtesy of Madam Palm and her 5 lovely sisters. And quit SHOUTING!
I just google searched, "Madam Palm and her 5 lovely sisters" and this post was the second item — funny, funny.
Is she singing about Dylans "Strong Black Goat"?
"Sing she can"
(Yota)
fredriley wrote:
You'll be lucky. No woman would go within bargepole length of a braindead tosser like you. The only satisfaction you'll get with that attitude is courtesy of Madam Palm and her 5 lovely sisters. And quit SHOUTING!
Only if he has the malady from "The Chrysalids". Otherwise it would be Madam Palm and her 4 lovely sisters. L.O.L.!!
You'll be lucky. No woman would go within bargepole length of a braindead tosser like you. The only satisfaction you'll get with that attitude is courtesy of Madam Palm and her 5 lovely sisters. And quit SHOUTING!
Only if he has the malady from "The Chrysalids". Otherwise it would be Madam Palm and her 4 lovely sisters. L.O.L.!!
Bosami wrote:
Bingo - Gotta Serve Somebody. How about "Shot of Love" from that era?
Bingo - Gotta Serve Somebody. How about "Shot of Love" from that era?
Wisecrowe wrote:
Good stuff.
isayhoomhom wrote:
"Knobdrip." I'm going to have to use that one. Brilliant.
Actually, I prefer fredriley's response further down, but this is the best I could do.
"Knobdrip." I'm going to have to use that one. Brilliant.
Actually, I prefer fredriley's response further down, but this is the best I could do.
ThePoose wrote:
Zing! You nailed it. Again today.
Bob Dylan - Day Of The Locusts
I reckon we will hear the Bobster next. Bill always follows a Dylan cover by playing the man himself.
Zing! You nailed it. Again today.
Bob Dylan - Day Of The Locusts
dkeifer wrote:
It's been over a year, and you haven't come back to correct your misspelling of her last name. Tsk tsk.
FUCK. JOAN. OSBOURNE.
It's been over a year, and you haven't come back to correct your misspelling of her last name. Tsk tsk.
TimeWaster wrote:
I agree.
This is nice.
I agree.
This is nice.
I do love Joan Osborne, but she sounds far too much like Susie Ungerleider (Oh Suzanna) here. I also love Oh Suzanna, but hate listening to someone rip off another's vocal style. Much prefer Joan when she sings from her heart.
alanthecowboy wrote:
Watch your language, knobdrip. My daughter reads this stuff sometimes.
"Knobdrip." I'm going to have to use that one. Brilliant.
Watch your language, knobdrip. My daughter reads this stuff sometimes.
"Knobdrip." I'm going to have to use that one. Brilliant.
dkeifer wrote:
Watch your language, knobdrip. My daughter reads this stuff sometimes.
F&%K. JOAN. OSBOURNE.
Watch your language, knobdrip. My daughter reads this stuff sometimes.
I reckon we will hear the Bobster next. Bill always follows a Dylan cover by playing the man himself.
Its definitely outstanding. Is it godlike? Yeah hell why not. I've never heard it before and its like an old pair of boots- familiar, comfortable and i don't want to take it off.
Good stuff.
I like her version better; it's really nice to hear the melody so clearly. That whole album of hers was good.
Dylan's is good - this is better!
M M
O O
O O
S S
E
O O
O O
S S
E
Much prefer this to the Dylan version.
Joan Osborne is the best of the bunch in the genre, imo. The depth of feeling in that voice moves me every time. Let's hear Right Hand Man to stir things up!
Joan sings this with phenomenal feeling and a deep sense of knowing - "But people don't live or die, people just float ..."
dkeifer wrote:
You wish!
FUCK. JOAN. OSBOURNE.
You wish!
SweTex wrote:
Dylan's MUST be better, because it's Dylan! Nothing like keeping an open mind...
Not bad at all.Dylan's version is superior, of course.
Dylan's MUST be better, because it's Dylan! Nothing like keeping an open mind...
dkeifer wrote:
It took me a while to figure out that this was a dis not a desire. Geez, I think she's one of the sexiest women alive, so the sentiment—perhaps with different punctuation—isn't altogether inappropriate...
FUCK. JOAN. OSBOURNE.
It took me a while to figure out that this was a dis not a desire. Geez, I think she's one of the sexiest women alive, so the sentiment—perhaps with different punctuation—isn't altogether inappropriate...
dkeifer wrote:
Somebody's out there beating on a dead horse, we see.
FUCK. JOAN. OSBOURNE.
Somebody's out there beating on a dead horse, we see.
Not bad at all.Dylan's version is superior, of course.
dkeifer wrote:
You'll be lucky. No woman would go within bargepole length of a braindead tosser like you. The only satisfaction you'll get with that attitude is courtesy of Madam Palm and her 5 lovely sisters. And quit SHOUTING!
FUCK. JOAN. OSBOURNE.
You'll be lucky. No woman would go within bargepole length of a braindead tosser like you. The only satisfaction you'll get with that attitude is courtesy of Madam Palm and her 5 lovely sisters. And quit SHOUTING!
FUCK. JOAN. OSBOURNE.
Joan Osbourne is best appreciated LIVE, in my humble opinion. I used to frequent her upstate NY gigs back in the mid-1990s...mostly in Saratoga Springs. She was approachable and genuinely possessed by something musical (& spiritual) when performing on stage. Kudos Joan! Too bad most folks remember her only for her mild commercial success with "One of Us." Buy her first few CDs and you'll likely agree...
Droidac wrote:
I've done that as I never knew it was a Dylan song, and it's a solid 8 from me. I can't bear Dylan's voice, at least from his early career, so would likely loathe the original, but I'm a big fan of his wordsmithery and usually enjoy covers of his work by artists who can sing ;-)
I wonder how much peoples opinions would change (either for or against) if they judged this song and her performance on it's own, just forgetting for a minute that is originally a Dylan song.
I've done that as I never knew it was a Dylan song, and it's a solid 8 from me. I can't bear Dylan's voice, at least from his early career, so would likely loathe the original, but I'm a big fan of his wordsmithery and usually enjoy covers of his work by artists who can sing ;-)
Time flies when you're having fun.
It drags on when you're trying to survive through a Joan Osborne song.
It drags on when you're trying to survive through a Joan Osborne song.
Nice.. Very Nice...
:-)
:-)
As good (better?) as Dylan´s version!
Regardless of who's singing you prefer, I much prefer Lanois's production on Dylan's version. His version is more eerie...and I prefer it that way.
Yeah!
Thanks RP
Can we play this everyday??
stet wrote:
the poem's by Dylan, and if you listen to her version and his, I think she does at least as well. His sounds rushed and strained, hers cuts enough slack to let the music out.
Agreed. Absolutely, and further - her voice lends a first person reality to this that's impossible for it's creator. This has the cachet of a confession.
I rate this higher than the original for that reason.
Droidac wrote:
I wonder how much peoples opinions would change (either for or against) if they judged this song and her performance on it's own, just forgetting for a minute that is originally a Dylan song.
I had no idea it was a Dylan song. this version with this woman singing is my favorite song ever!
I wonder how much peoples opinions would change (either for or against) if they judged this song and her performance on it's own, just forgetting for a minute that is originally a Dylan song.
Attended Joan's performance last night in Annapolis. Outstanding. Superb voice.
stet wrote:
the poem's by Dylan, and if you listen to her version and his, I think she does at least as well. His sounds rushed and strained, hers cuts enough slack to let the music out.
I love Dylan's music as long as someone else is doing it. This is an excellent cover.
oldviolin wrote:
I have to agree. In fact, the more Dylan is covered, the more we all are...
Bumpeth
I never watched her when she was on The Osbornes but did she ever sing or do duets with her dad, Ozzy?
Oh, no I was ok with this song until I realized this is the same chick that did that God song. Dreck.
redtex wrote:
i like this a lot. love her voice.
like the whole cd except for that well overplayed what if god...tune. wouldn't care if i never heard that one again.
Yep...and yours is stinky. I like Joan...and this tune.
i like this a lot. love her voice.
like the whole cd except for that well overplayed what if god...tune. wouldn't care if i never heard that one again.
MagicalTrevor wrote:
You *must* be joking.
Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower
Guns 'n' Roses - Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Peter, Paul & Mary - Blowin' in the Wind
These are all great covers of his songs, and the list can go on.
Neko Case - Buckets of Rain...
stet wrote:
Willie Nelson covers this song in the new multi-Dylan film, and his cover is as close to a total disaster as Willie has ever come.
This version would be better covered by a thick sound-proof blanket!
Willie Nelson covers this song in the new multi-Dylan film, and his cover is as close to a total disaster as Willie has ever come.
dharmanavy wrote:
...and you know what they say about opinions
Yep...and yours is stinky. I like Joan...and this tune.
This has echoes of Long Black Veil
Very beautiful.
Talking about beautiful Dylan covers, I love 'Just like Tom Thumb's blues' by Nina Simone. Do you know it?
MagicalTrevor wrote:
You *must* be joking.
Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower
Guns 'n' Roses - Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Peter, Paul & Mary - Blowin' in the Wind
These are all great covers of his songs, and the list can go on.
I have to agree. In fact, the more Dylan is covered, the more we all are...
dharmanavy wrote:
Save Dylan for Dylan...
You *must* be joking.
Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower
Guns 'n' Roses - Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Peter, Paul & Mary - Blowin' in the Wind
These are all great covers of his songs, and the list can go on.
I got turned on to Joan by RP and I love her version of this song... 
I have no problem with people covering Dylan, especially Dave Alvin's version of Highway 61. Simply outstanding!! But J.O. should NOT be allowed. She brings nothing to the song and waters down what is quality writing making it VERY mundane. But then again thats my opinion and you know what they say about opinions
keller1 wrote:
keller1 wrote:
Bunch of worthy renditions of this one out there. Heard Steve Hackett(!)'s version on LRC and it's become my favorite.
And Dave Alvin's version of Highway 61 is for the ages.
Then there's the Byrds ...
A lot of Dylan's stuff lends itself to reinterpretation.
dharmanavy wrote:
Save Dylan for Dylan...
Bunch of worthy renditions of this one out there. Heard Steve Hackett(!)'s version on LRC and it's become my favorite.
And Dave Alvin's version of Highway 61 is for the ages.
Then there's the Byrds ...
A lot of Dylan's stuff lends itself to reinterpretation.
bob's is spookier. song always reminded me of johnny cash..
dharmanavy wrote:
Save Dylan for Dylan...
Where would we be if everybody did that?
Save Dylan for Dylan...
Not bad. I like Joan Osborne's gritty delivery.
I love this song - but I think Dylan does it better.
Still gets a 7.
pjcle wrote:
a wordy poem (not a great poem) with a little music in the background, it makes me think why doesn't she just say it since she doesn't let the music in.
Because she's got a damn good voice?
This song/poem reminded me of the classic Robert Mitchum film "Night of the Hunter"...
pjcle wrote:
a wordy poem (not a great poem) with a little music in the background, it makes me think why doesn't she just say it since she doesn't let the music in.
the poem's by Dylan, and if you listen to her version and his, I think she does at least as well. His sounds rushed and strained, hers cuts enough slack to let the music out.
a wordy poem (not a great poem) with a little music in the background, it makes me think why doesn't she just say it since she doesn't let the music in.
physicsgenius wrote:
Once again, 5 words do not a set of lyrics make.
these are more than five words, and they have a world in them:
Preacher was a talkin' there's a sermon he gave,
He said every man's conscience is vile and depraved,
You cannot depend on it to be your guide
When it's you who must keep it satisfied.
It ain't easy to swallow, it sticks in the throat,
She gave her heart to the man
In the long black coat.
There are no mistakes in life some people say
It is true sometimes you can see it that way.
But people don't live or die, people just float.
She went with the man
In the long black coat.
Once again, 5 words do not a set of lyrics make.
turnergirl1of2 wrote:
It might have been all right if it hadn't followed that mountainsouth tune. I almost couldn't tell the difference at the beginning, that there had been a switch. And not liking the mountainsouth song, I wonder if my perception has been a bit colored.
It just followed Eastmountainsouth again, if that's what you meant by "that mountainsouth tune."
And I couldn't tell the difference at the beginning either.
joan, layoff the crimper!
Can we hear Long Black Veil next?
Joan does it OK, but the original is definitely better. Did someone say torture? Not Dylan! He's still got it!
jehahn wrote:
I wish people would stop torturing Dylan tunes. If you can't do it justice, please don't do it.
I'm with you -- though I don't know if this quite qualifies as a "torturing" of the song. You may be referring to a bastardized interpretation, or rather, the lack of any reinterpretation.
Mere use of an opposite-gender or contrasting voice does not qualify as a new interpretation of a song. And Bob Dylan's "interpretation" (of his own work) cannot really be argued.
algrif wrote:Dylan manages to torture his own songs without any help.
So comments suggesting his voice is torturous are just the same-old, same-old.
jehahn wrote:
....
I wish people would stop torturing Dylan tunes. If you can't do it justice, please don't do it.
Dylan manages to torture his own songs without any help.
Thanks Joan for making this song listenable.
P_k wrote:
I really love this version too.
Love this version too. She has got a powerful voice and even so she sings very feelingly.
Mari wrote:
I really love this version by Joan Osborne.
I really love this version too.
"What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" with the original Funk Brothers!
From the documentary "Standing in the shadows of Motown"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-U-WK0lKq8
Just checked out that version. 'Entering her element' is an understatement. Now that's a cover worthy, if not better than the original. She just nails it.