#6: You Left the Water Running
There’s no photo with today’s installment of One a Day, I just didn’t have time. I didn’t want to skip out on the song, though. It was recently passed to me by a friend on a mix, and I’ve been in love with it ever since. Released in ‘67 (I think) on the Checker label. Written by Dan Penn, Rick Hall and Oscar Franck, it first appeared on Pickett’s Wicked Pickett album in ‘66, and has been covered quite a bit since then.
Though best known as a Wilson Pickett tune, but this version by Maurice & Mac has me reeling. The opening beat all on its own is enough to hook me, but the unfolding layers complemented by Maurice McAlister and Green ‘Mac’ McLauren (formerly of the Radiants) make it something really special, more special as more of the song reveals itself. Horns, strings, organ, and I’m pretty sure a harp make this two and a half minute tune one of my favorite soul numbers ever. It’s songs like this that get me excited to go listen to more from this era – a time when the music business could really work for groups releasing one or two songs at a time on 45. When I get into discussions with people about mp3 culture ruining the album, I sometimes stop in my tracks wondering if the whole thing has gone full circle. Maybe everyone should just adapt and release singles again. Or at least start that way. I don’t know, I won’t go there now. Also, there’s a lot to be said for songs that do so much in such a short period of time. It’s undoubtedly hard work (and the testament to that is probably the laziness abound in the world of post-rock – fitting in all those elements into shorter songs might make that music more universally appealing. Anyway. Now I’m just rambling.
Lyrically, the gem in this song is the extended metaphor that travels all over the place in a really short period of time, coming back around to the beginning (water running = tears, etc) at the end with a final triumphant bow. Truly an excellent song.
Maurice & Mac “You Left the Water Running”
Previously: #5: “My Mathematical Mind”, #4: “Reason to Believe”, #3: “Pastoral”, #2: “Jardim de Infancia”, #1: “Blue Tulip”
I’m starting to think my parents were cooler than I thought they were, because I distinctly remember hearing this song as a child. Love it.
Can’t wait to hear your eventual musings on singles vs. albums. I think some people don’t have the horsepower for a full 12 song symphony, but that doesn’t preclude them having one great song/lick/lyric in them that can torch your soul.