Joan Osborne — What You Are
Album: Pretty Little StrangerAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2663
Length: 5:42
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All the ladies on the lake they start to dance
It's been a long time don't you wish you had the chance
What do you wish you were?
Do you wish you were the silence of the moon?
Nobody knows but maybe you will be soon
I used to think that the sidewalk was the way
Always waiting for my lucky day
Over and over, every patch of gray
One day inside me I was lucky anyway
What do you wish you were?
Do you wish you were the light of every star?
Nobody knows but maybe that's just what you are
All night, count all the singing stars
All right is where you want to know you are
What do you wish you were?
Do you wish you were the light of every star?
Nobody knows but maybe that's just what you are
Nobody knows but maybe that's just what you are
It's been a long time don't you wish you had the chance
What do you wish you were?
Do you wish you were the silence of the moon?
Nobody knows but maybe you will be soon
I used to think that the sidewalk was the way
Always waiting for my lucky day
Over and over, every patch of gray
One day inside me I was lucky anyway
What do you wish you were?
Do you wish you were the light of every star?
Nobody knows but maybe that's just what you are
All night, count all the singing stars
All right is where you want to know you are
What do you wish you were?
Do you wish you were the light of every star?
Nobody knows but maybe that's just what you are
Nobody knows but maybe that's just what you are
Comments (265)add comment
raenvald wrote:
Isn't it ironic?
Can we all finally agree that Joan's 5 Grammy nominations are worth more than Alannis' 4 awards in 1996?!
Isn't it ironic?
Segue wrote:
Look, I'm doing what I can, but I can't rate it an 11...yet.
Because even on RP women have to work twice as hard and take twice the flak.
Look, I'm doing what I can, but I can't rate it an 11...yet.
Good tune but a tad too long.
My wife and I drop whatever we are doing and dance with this whenever it comes on. It brings tears to my eyes. Do you wish you were the silence of the moon? the light of every star? Maybe that is indeed just what you are
smartn1 wrote:
i'd love to hear a duet by them. two of my fav female vocalists (and i don't like many).
Nice, but makes me want to hear the original now.
i'd love to hear a duet by them. two of my fav female vocalists (and i don't like many).
philbertr wrote:
Hchvfhcxbf cc ghh?fucjhdggrf yze
gjeeg wrote:
Well said! 8 -> 9 for me!
Hchvfhcxbf cc ghh?fucjhdggrf yze
love this Voice and her Music to Dream and Dance
Lovely track and beautiful lyrics. 9
This is as close as humans can come to perfection. Absolutely magnificent.
Nice, but makes me want to hear the original now.
the arrangement, the production, the air between the notes... a thing of beauty.
Absolutely gorgeous song!
Lovely song with an even better performance!
Written by Patty Griffin
What Heratic said
zanref wrote:
So true! Anyone who gives women singers rating below 8 is a misogynist! We need equality!
You get equality here by being a good musician.
Just being a woman, the same as just being a man, is not enough.
So true! Anyone who gives women singers rating below 8 is a misogynist! We need equality!
Just being a woman, the same as just being a man, is not enough.
paulprior61 wrote:
Bollocks. Oh, never mind.
YES
Bollocks. Oh, never mind.
YES
This was a slow burn for me. Started at 5 then 7 now a solid 8.
che bellezza!
A song like this one settles deeper and deeper into my soul with every play, making a beautiful home for itself in my memory and somehow sanctifying my heart.
Or something like that.
Or something like that.
Such a beautiful song!!
Chilled lunchtime listening (UK time) and it stopped me in my keyboard tracks to listen and enjoy.
Posting this after it finished
Chilled lunchtime listening (UK time) and it stopped me in my keyboard tracks to listen and enjoy.
Posting this after it finished
Love that backing organ, so rare for 2006.
One of those artists I was aware of (One of Us), but did not fully appreciate until RP. It is interesting how I will be listening absentmindedly when something clicks in my head saying "This is nice, who is this?" and after a quick check, I find myself thinking, "Hunh, never knew they did that..."
She has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen---and that voice!
easmann wrote:
In my experience Segue's comment is calm and accurate, devoid of name-calling or finger-pointing, none of which I can say about yours.
Anyhow, your comment only serves to underscore rather than undermine his point. Segue’s comment does not “tag the listenership of RP” as anything at all, it merely reflects the reality of comments, primarily, found on the pages of women artists all across RP.
Bollocks. Oh, never mind.
In my experience Segue's comment is calm and accurate, devoid of name-calling or finger-pointing, none of which I can say about yours.
Anyhow, your comment only serves to underscore rather than undermine his point. Segue’s comment does not “tag the listenership of RP” as anything at all, it merely reflects the reality of comments, primarily, found on the pages of women artists all across RP.
Bollocks. Oh, never mind.
Sofa_King wrote:
Gotta love a great smirk!
Gotta love a great smirk!
Love the guitar on this. Reminds me of json isbell's tone
rhlrstn wrote:
I agree that women are generally hated on with much more frequency and vitriol than male artists, but a rating less than 8 doesn't make one a misogynist. Now if they're rating it sucko-barfo when the majority of the ratings are in the 7-8 range, then yes, I'd say it's largely misogyny at work.
Dang, I really like the Patty Griffin version, but I don't really care for this version. So please tell me how to cure my "largely misogyny" habits.
I agree that women are generally hated on with much more frequency and vitriol than male artists, but a rating less than 8 doesn't make one a misogynist. Now if they're rating it sucko-barfo when the majority of the ratings are in the 7-8 range, then yes, I'd say it's largely misogyny at work.
Dang, I really like the Patty Griffin version, but I don't really care for this version. So please tell me how to cure my "largely misogyny" habits.
This is a 10.
easmann wrote:
Agreed. Joan does this beautiful song by Patty Griffin justice. It’s Patty’s version that carries the full payload of sublime magic though.
Love, love love Patty. But Joan aces this song.
Agreed. Joan does this beautiful song by Patty Griffin justice. It’s Patty’s version that carries the full payload of sublime magic though.
Love, love love Patty. But Joan aces this song.
sharkey wrote:
Confirmed - absolutely...
One of those "Stop what your doing & listen" moments
Confirmed - absolutely...
sharkey wrote:
yeah, I'm starting to become a fan!
One of those "Stop what your doing & listen" moments
yeah, I'm starting to become a fan!
zanref wrote:
So true! Anyone who gives women singers rating below 8 is a misogynist! We need equality!
I agree that women are generally hated on with much more frequency and vitriol than male artists, but a rating less than 8 doesn't make one a misogynist. Now if they're rating it sucko-barfo when the majority of the ratings are in the 7-8 range, then yes, I'd say it's largely misogyny at work.
So true! Anyone who gives women singers rating below 8 is a misogynist! We need equality!
I agree that women are generally hated on with much more frequency and vitriol than male artists, but a rating less than 8 doesn't make one a misogynist. Now if they're rating it sucko-barfo when the majority of the ratings are in the 7-8 range, then yes, I'd say it's largely misogyny at work.
Anthem for any woman fighting for her place in the world. Or just trying to make it thru the night during a crappy divorce. Thanks Joan. I made it.
bentonian wrote:
In my experience Segue's comment is calm and accurate, devoid of name-calling or finger-pointing, none of which I can say about yours.
Anyhow, your comment only serves to underscore rather than undermine his point. Segue’s comment does not “tag the listenership of RP” as anything at all, it merely reflects the reality of comments, primarily, found on the pages of women artists all across RP.
What a sexist and lazy comment.
RP is about the music. Don't believe it? Just look at the average ratings for male and female artists. Aretha Franklin and Patsy Cline have average ratings of 8.38 and 8.36, respectively. Those ratings blow away even alleged rock gods like Neil Young (average of 7.58).
Joan Osborne's average rating is 6.66. Not the greatest, but right in line with Alanis Morrisette (5.98), Chrissie Hynde (6.94), and Joan Baez (6.81).
Why not simply consider the possibility that Joan Osborne's music is good, but not that great? You happen to like her more than most people. That's fine, that's what styles and taste is all about.
But to tag the listenership of RP as a bunch of sexist trogs simply because we don't agree with your preference is just knee-jerk, culture war finger-pointing. I've rated a lot of music on RP, and I rate the music (not the person) in as thoughtful a manner as I can.
Next time think before you click "Post".
Segue wrote:
RP is about the music. Don't believe it? Just look at the average ratings for male and female artists. Aretha Franklin and Patsy Cline have average ratings of 8.38 and 8.36, respectively. Those ratings blow away even alleged rock gods like Neil Young (average of 7.58).
Joan Osborne's average rating is 6.66. Not the greatest, but right in line with Alanis Morrisette (5.98), Chrissie Hynde (6.94), and Joan Baez (6.81).
Why not simply consider the possibility that Joan Osborne's music is good, but not that great? You happen to like her more than most people. That's fine, that's what styles and taste is all about.
But to tag the listenership of RP as a bunch of sexist trogs simply because we don't agree with your preference is just knee-jerk, culture war finger-pointing. I've rated a lot of music on RP, and I rate the music (not the person) in as thoughtful a manner as I can.
Next time think before you click "Post".
Segue wrote:
Because even on RP women have to work twice as hard and take twice the flak.
In my experience Segue's comment is calm and accurate, devoid of name-calling or finger-pointing, none of which I can say about yours.
Anyhow, your comment only serves to underscore rather than undermine his point. Segue’s comment does not “tag the listenership of RP” as anything at all, it merely reflects the reality of comments, primarily, found on the pages of women artists all across RP.
Joan is up there in my book! Watched her at A Willie Nelson 4th of July 3 day show. The 1st time The Dead toured w/o Jerry. She rocked it! Actually have the CD from the show. Beautiful!
Love Joan's beautiful voice but, her music could take on a whole new meaning, if some of Ozzie's was mixed in!! Lol
One of those "Stop what your doing & listen" moments
Gosh I live thus song.
What a sexist and lazy comment.
RP is about the music. Don't believe it? Just look at the average ratings for male and female artists. Aretha Franklin and Patsy Cline have average ratings of 8.38 and 8.36, respectively. Those ratings blow away even alleged rock gods like Neil Young (average of 7.58).
Joan Osborne's average rating is 6.66. Not the greatest, but right in line with Alanis Morrisette (5.98), Chrissie Hynde (6.94), and Joan Baez (6.81).
Why not simply consider the possibility that Joan Osborne's music is good, but not that great? You happen to like her more than most people. That's fine, that's what styles and taste is all about.
But to tag the listenership of RP as a bunch of sexist trogs simply because we don't agree with your preference is just knee-jerk, culture war finger-pointing. I've rated a lot of music on RP, and I rate the music (not the person) in as thoughtful a manner as I can.
Next time think before you click "Post".
Segue wrote:
Because even on RP women have to work twice as hard and take twice the flak.
RP is about the music. Don't believe it? Just look at the average ratings for male and female artists. Aretha Franklin and Patsy Cline have average ratings of 8.38 and 8.36, respectively. Those ratings blow away even alleged rock gods like Neil Young (average of 7.58).
Joan Osborne's average rating is 6.66. Not the greatest, but right in line with Alanis Morrisette (5.98), Chrissie Hynde (6.94), and Joan Baez (6.81).
Why not simply consider the possibility that Joan Osborne's music is good, but not that great? You happen to like her more than most people. That's fine, that's what styles and taste is all about.
But to tag the listenership of RP as a bunch of sexist trogs simply because we don't agree with your preference is just knee-jerk, culture war finger-pointing. I've rated a lot of music on RP, and I rate the music (not the person) in as thoughtful a manner as I can.
Next time think before you click "Post".
Segue wrote:
Because even on RP women have to work twice as hard and take twice the flak.
Patty is always #1 in my book, but Joan Osborne has a special place in my heart. Both versions are incredible. LOVE.
Lyndont wrote:
Agreed. Joan does this beautiful song by Patty Griffin justice. It’s Patty’s version that carries the full payload of sublime magic though.
great song, but I prefer Patty Griffins version
Agreed. Joan does this beautiful song by Patty Griffin justice. It’s Patty’s version that carries the full payload of sublime magic though.
eveliko wrote:
Perhaps the only objection I would have is the sleeve cover...
Looks like Stephen Hawking in drag.
Segue wrote:
Because even on RP women have to work twice as hard and take twice the flak.
So true! Anyone who gives women singers rating below 8 is a misogynist! We need equality!
Because even on RP women have to work twice as hard and take twice the flak.
So true! Anyone who gives women singers rating below 8 is a misogynist! We need equality!
Lovely voice,smooth and so perfectly satisfying.
DaidyBoy wrote:
Why such low ratings for such a beautiful piece of work?
Because even on RP women have to work twice as hard and take twice the flak.
Beautiful.
great song, but I prefer Patty Griffins version
God I love this song. It reminds me so of my niece...whom I love dearly. Good song.
A good done by joan besides one of us
There are probably lots of covers of "What You Are". I like the one by the Greencards. This one is pretty good, too. But Patty Griffin's original is the best.
Perhaps the only objection I would have is the sleeve cover...
I am hearing "What if God smoked cannabis" for some reason
What a segue rough gravel to diamonds.
George_Tirebiter wrote:
Agreed
This is one of those songs that are a joy to hear, even if it's by someone other than the original artist. Lovely
Agreed
This is one of those songs that are a joy to hear, even if it's by someone other than the original artist. Lovely
kojiroh wrote:
Thanks for the head's up. I'm listening to Patty Griffin's interpretation and it's soft, soothing, achingly tender. Tender female power.
Yeah, not bad, but the original one blows this away for me. Sorry, Joan.
Thanks for the head's up. I'm listening to Patty Griffin's interpretation and it's soft, soothing, achingly tender. Tender female power.
Who did the original?
Angel-like (Patty Griffin original : )
I don't really know Joan Osborne. When this song first started I thought it was Emmylou Harris. And that's a high compliment from me.
DaidyBoy wrote:
Because the original is godlike
Why such low ratings for such a beautiful piece of work?
Because the original is godlike
Wonderful song. Osborne has a clear, strong voice, proper enunciation, appropropriate strength of emotion - an 8..
In January she's a 10.
Why such low ratings for such a beautiful piece of work?
Stunning Voice. Thanks RP, how would I have known about Joan if not for you?
Have to say that this is one hell of a well-done song, from start to finish and in every way. Her voice, the timing, the movement - WOW!
xtalman wrote:
You and Kingart have the same college flame?
You and Kingart have the same college flame?
Yeah, not bad, but the original one blows this away for me. Sorry, Joan.
Joan Osborne is very talented...and underated. Thanks RP for giving her exposure.
Really like this song. Surprised by the 6.5 average rating. Thanks, RP, for exposing me to this artist.
Such a good song, like it was written for Joan to sing
Hogtownmike wrote:
I thought the same thing!
You and Kingart have the same college flame?
I thought the same thing!
You and Kingart have the same college flame?
Hogtownmike wrote:
I thought the same thing!
We in the valleys thought so too...well in this valley...well in this cottage in this valley.
I thought the same thing!
Good Stuff during lunch
Anyone listen to her in Trigger Hippy?
This song got me through some really dark days. Now, I appreciate the silence of the moon, every patch of grey and the light of every star. Thanks Joan.
very sweet and soothing on my brain..
kingart wrote:
I thought the same thing!
Thought this was Emmy Lou. Nice song — evocative lyrics, music is a bit cliched, but her voice makes it happen and worth listening to. And Joan has an uncanny facial resemblance to a college flame.
I thought the same thing!
for all you concert-goers, don't miss her if the chance arises. Joan is absolutely electric and uber-impressive live.
her new album is amazing...mature and bluesy. unfortunately, cant hang w any of the others
Not quite my kind of music, but I can't help but say that Ms. Joan is highly talented. Great voice, phrasing, lyrics and arrangements. A life affirming tune even if it's wistful.
bokey wrote:
One year later, still at 6.5. Tough crowd. I love this.
Average rating 6.5?WTF?
One year later, still at 6.5. Tough crowd. I love this.
Thank you Joan for making me smile and glad to be listening to RP right about now!
R7-12 wrote:
You should see her live. Goose bump city.
I agree with the comments that the arrangement needs a few dynamic changes. However, a sparse arrangement may have chosen to showcase Joan's voice - and what a voice it is! Well, not just a great voice but she's a talented singer with beautiful vibrato! In the same league with Bonnie Raitt, Jane Siberry and kd lang.
You should see her live. Goose bump city.
ziakut wrote:
I saw her first.
Joan? Oh Joan? I know you don't care or are listening...but I am now in love with you. Beautiful song.
I saw her first.
Joan? Oh Joan? I know you don't care or are listening...but I am now in love with you. Beautiful song.
lily34 wrote:
absolutely. And as an earlier commenter noted, how the hell is this only 6.5?!?
patty's version tops this one. but i still love joan and joan's voice. it's a nice change.
absolutely. And as an earlier commenter noted, how the hell is this only 6.5?!?
Joan, Joan, Joan. I like listening to you much more when you're rockin' the blues.
patty's version tops this one. but i still love joan and joan's voice. it's a nice change.
Top song
Average rating 6. 5?WTF?
Just brillant
jnhashmi wrote:
I second that. I love Patty's version too - it's on Silver Bell.....
Glad to see Patty's "lost" songs seeing the light of day.
I second that. I love Patty's version too - it's on Silver Bell.....
Thought this was Emmy Lou. Nice song — evocative lyrics, music is a bit cliched, but her voice makes it happen and worth listening to. And Joan has an uncanny facial resemblance to a college flame.
Osborne has a beautiful voice -she's a great singer. I thought she sounded a bit like Linda Ronstadt when the song began.
Achingly boring. . .
To see a real indication of Joan's ability and talent check this out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gA0GcXV2njY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gA0GcXV2njY
shakitten wrote:
Yes, I just assumed it was EH. Like it no matter who it is.
Anyone else hearing an Emmylou influence?
Yes, I just assumed it was EH. Like it no matter who it is.
Anyone else hearing an Emmylou influence?
I agree with the comments that the arrangement needs a few dynamic changes. However, a sparse arrangement may have chosen to showcase Joan's voice - and what a voice it is! Well, not just a great voice but she's a talented singer with beautiful vibrato! In the same league with Bonnie Raitt, Jane Siberry and kd lang.
citizenkeith wrote:
While I'm all for a band allowing the singer's voice to take center stage (even more so when it's someone with a voice like Joan's), I completely agree with this. They need some dynamics, something to make this song a little more interesting. Maybe a little slide guitar to go with the organ, or at least something different with the drumming. If I was stuck playing that simple beat over and over again, I'd fall asleep.
It's just screaming for a better arrangement with a little more push and pull between verse and chorus.
While I'm all for a band allowing the singer's voice to take center stage (even more so when it's someone with a voice like Joan's), I completely agree with this. They need some dynamics, something to make this song a little more interesting. Maybe a little slide guitar to go with the organ, or at least something different with the drumming. If I was stuck playing that simple beat over and over again, I'd fall asleep.
I think what bothers me about this song is the performance. While perfectly competent, the band isn't playing with any dynamics. It's the same medium feel throughout the entire song. Joan is a great singer, and I think it's a good song. It's just screaming for a better arrangement with a little more push and pull between verse and chorus.
OMG her voice is beautiful and powerful. 
raenvald wrote:
only if nomination == win. and you believe the Grammys actually signify anything.
Can we all finally agree that Joan's 5 Grammy nominations are worth more than Alannis' 4 awards in 1996?!
only if nomination == win. and you believe the Grammys actually signify anything.
Achingly beautiful....
Very nice!
listen_n_sf wrote:
Ditto!
Sadly such a low rating for a beautiful sound. Can't understand why the Junkies weak whispering is so popular.
Ditto!
Sadly such a low rating for a beautiful sound. Can't understand why the Junkies weak whispering is so popular.
Immediately recognizable voice...just love Joan's work. My friends and I faithfully attended her shows in small venues back in the mid-1990s in upstate NY. Those were some great evenings...
Glad to see Patty's "lost" songs seeing the light of day.
raenvald wrote:
Thanks for putting her to bed?
Can we all finally agree that Joan's 5 Grammy nominations are worth more than Alannis' 4 awards in 1996?!
Thanks for putting her to bed?
Amazing!
I like Joan, but this song is doing nothing for me this morning. It's putting me back to sleep!
Can we all finally agree that Joan's 5 Grammy nominations are worth more than Alannis' 4 awards in 1996?!
calypsus_1 wrote:
Joan Osborne at the Clearwater Festival by Pilgrim on this road - Bill Revill
https://www.flickr.com/photos/billrevill/
I usually don't go for microphone in the face shots, but it seemed to work for this one. What a voice...
© All rights reserved.
Look what's behind the microphone - woof!Nice!
Because even on RP women have to work twice as hard and take twice the flak.
As Charlotte Whitton, First female mayor of Ottawa, Canada's capital put it:
"Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult."