I remember being shocked and heartbroken the first time I heard this song after I realized it wasn't a break up letter, but rather a suicide note. Absolutely spectacular song. I was a bit late on the boat, though. A pen-pal I had in London turned me on to Saint Etienne in 2001 and I've loved them since.
@@mickdunne981 - According to wikipaedia & discogs, they have been making records & performing since 1991 and up to nowadays with no mention of a split/break. :-)
My life was like a Motorway, dull gray and long till they came along. I love their englishness and Camp innocence, Bob Pete and Sarah you are super bright and I spent all my pocket money on your import singles when I was at school❤
Saw them live last night in London. The live version of this song was incredible. It transported me back to 1994 and it was perfection. Thanks guys for 25 years of brilliance 😃
Sigh...that hot, wonderful, unforgettable summer of '94: "She said her life was like a motorway; dull gray and long, 'til he came a long." Brilllllliant! And he's gone. Thanks for posting the vid, never saw it before!
my new favorite song by my new favorite group. Melody is Fair and Tender Ladies, a very great old folk song. The words in this performance, though entirely original by St. Etienne, capture the essence of the old song's brilliantly
OK, about 14 years after first hearing (and liking) this song, I just learned today that it's based on a folk ballad from ca. 1907 called "Silver Dagger" (also known as "Katie Dear" and "Don't Sing Love Songs"). Old news for the world at large I guess, but new to me...
Sorry, just read this comment. I met St Ettienne at a Radio One roadshow in Chelmsford about the time of this single, I made a few comments about Autobahn and Bob said it wasn't intended till he'd heard a playback!
It's actually based on another old folk ballad called Silver Dagger which loads of country artists have covered. It's connected to Katie Dear and then Katie Cruel too (Clark didn't write Fair & Tender Ladies, it's another old folk tune)
Absolutely sublime. It reminds me of Ode to Billy Joe in its storytelling and The English Motorway System by Black Box Recorder in its romanticisation of British trunk roads.
@Zadunestar Thanks for the club 8 tip . U weren't kidding bout their music being similar to Saint Etienne . Will be diving deeper into this group music and see how it goes. Thanks.n my favorite on Sound of Water is Don't BAck Down . HEart failed next than how we used to live .Like the video for How we... its very relaxing for some reason.
So the guy she's singing about didn't leave her as in breaking up - he killed himself? At least that's what I get from the lyrics. That aside, love the music.
He's gone, he's gone She wears sad jeans torn at the waistband Her pretty face is stained with tears And in her right hand she clasps a letter I know this means that he has gone And in this town of misguided tourists She never thought she'd fall in love It was a few days after her birthday The thrill hostess gave her first kiss He said her skin smelled just like petals Said stupid things he knew she'd like She said her life was like a motorway Dull, grey, and long 'til he came along He's gone, he's gone I said "How could he ever leave you? You two were good, you were so right" She said "I wish that he just left me He'd be alive, alive tonight" He's gone, he's gone He's gone, he's gone He's gone, he's gone
me too A huge Fan of Sarah and Saint Etienne. I can't believe i never heard of them really and they been out like FOreeever. Now i can't find any of their damn albums on Amazon without it being a import and costing a ton. O well That's what i get for getting on the bandwagon late
@Zadunestar i listen to hug my soul for a long time like when it first came out but had no ideka it was them.they didnt get enough play here in the states for whatever reason. I guess she wasn't naked enough after all that comes before talent.
So I guess nobody's gonna say anything abt how the melody is the old traditional "Silver Dagger," huh? Oh, wait, no -- there is one (1) comment about it. From three yrs ago... ten yrs after the vid was posted. Better late than never, I guess.
@DaSkonk - I'd like to hear it, because I've only heard this version. And I think the little flourishes are a nice touch. Just my taste but I'm willing to give the original a listen.
@Zadunestar that will b cool . By all means if u dont mind send me the vids . i love this group and been buyin up their albums and lovin it. I see they r remastering a lot of their music. Sound of Water the album i feel in love with them and her in particular and its my favorite. She has such a relaxing voice and the music put together fits her voice perfect.
Brilliant and so criminally underrated, like most of Saint Etienne’s work. One of the finest bands of the 1990s - decade of my youth - hands down! 💕
So Tough is still one of my favourite albums. Very quirky. It really captured the early 90’s 60’s throwback.
Wow what a gorgeous song. This is incredible ❤ gotta dig into this band now! 🛣️
I remember being shocked and heartbroken the first time I heard this song after I realized it wasn't a break up letter, but rather a suicide note. Absolutely spectacular song.
I was a bit late on the boat, though. A pen-pal I had in London turned me on to Saint Etienne in 2001 and I've loved them since.
member Pen Pals?
It's truly beautiful. Such an ingeniously crafted work of romantically bittersweet pop melancholy.
I thought she killed him for sleeping around and that's why she was crying.
What happened to the band afterwards.Did they get back as a band.I knew they had split up
@@mickdunne981 - According to wikipaedia & discogs, they have been making records & performing since 1991 and up to nowadays with no mention of a split/break.
:-)
I recently discovered their work. I am in love.
Obsessed with a couple other songs.
This one broke my heart.
Avenue is my favourite
@@gilesdunn5728 Mine too!
They re-released their entire discography in deluxe versions. It's worth checking them out.
Check out People Get Real- my fave
My life was like a Motorway, dull gray and long till they came along. I love their englishness and Camp innocence, Bob Pete and Sarah you are super bright and I spent all my pocket money on your import singles when I was at school❤
this is... a masterpiece
The greatest 90s Pop Band...... Love them
A beautiful, heartbreaking song.
There is nothing else quite like it.
Such a sad song hiding under the pulsing music - I love that contrast
Superbe musique, je viens de la redécouvrir après tant d'années, la chanteuse est superbe, quelle voix......
Saw them live last night in London. The live version of this song was incredible. It transported me back to 1994 and it was perfection. Thanks guys for 25 years of brilliance 😃
Lucky you.
Sublime. Dark lyrics. Killer tune. And the tight zoom in the video. Perfect!!
Sigh...that hot, wonderful, unforgettable summer of '94: "She said her life was like a motorway; dull gray and long, 'til he came a long." Brilllllliant! And he's gone. Thanks for posting the vid, never saw it before!
Hypnotic. Just so beautiful.
SARAH PURE NATURAL BEAUTY, GORGEOUS VOICE,
Omg. Those eyes. She's so beautiful.
If you think she looks good here, check her out in their ‘94 Glastonbury performance of this song: ruclips.net/video/gBRPArpg8Qc/видео.html
yea camera going close up right to her face is heavenly 3:45
@@ibelieveicansoar iiiGod!!! She's drop dead gorgeous
@@fredblair8230 She's gorgeous right?
She is still strikingly beautiful 😊
Beautiful 🖤🌟
my new favorite song by my new favorite group. Melody is Fair and Tender Ladies, a very great old folk song. The words in this performance, though entirely original by St. Etienne, capture the essence of the old song's brilliantly
Sarah is a disco goddess. I can’t even IMAGINE her with a mere, mortal, man. I think she lives in a palace in the clouds. ***SIGH***
Happy 25th Anniversary to this bit of pure genius! God, I adore them! ❤️❤️
i love all of Tiger Bay, it never gets old.
Simply brilliant band!!!Beloved!!
Sensual tune.
Gosh what an amazing beautiful song~ I love Saint Etienne so much ☆
Sarah makes the song come alive every time I hear this play
Very different remix, new bassline, almost an overall rock approach. Interesting take 😀👍🏼
me gustó mucho como canta esta niña, excelente
During the late 90's, I really thought we were heading toward a kind of utopia....things were falling together beautifully
This video actually emphasises how good the song is
Holy crap! Never heard this till today (2013) and fell in love with it.
Loved St Etienne since way back when....I need them back in my life after a long absence.
OK, about 14 years after first hearing (and liking) this song, I just learned today that it's based on a folk ballad from ca. 1907 called "Silver Dagger" (also known as "Katie Dear" and "Don't Sing Love Songs"). Old news for the world at large I guess, but new to me...
plushsnail I didn't know that. Thank you for sharing this with us.
plushsnail I didn't know that. Thank you for sharing this with us.
plushsnail
Sorry, just read this comment. I met St Ettienne at a Radio One roadshow in Chelmsford about the time of this single, I made a few comments about Autobahn and Bob said it wasn't intended till he'd heard a playback!
also another similar but totally different song: ruclips.net/video/ixvfBI6BSPY/видео.html
absolutely PERFECT
Love her voice! So soothing....
simply brilliant!
no one makes me feel the emotions SE does.. i don't know why..
Superb such a amazing voice and so beautiful lady love sarah cracknell
My life was dull, grey and long, until Sarah came along
Pure class and she is so pretty in that classic way
Been in love with this band since FBA!
She's got the beautiful mom look. Like a child looking up at that face. She also reminds me of Christina Applegate.
Simply Brilliant
This song is fucking MAGIC!
So magically and so elegant Sarah cracknel
Such a great song!
So GOOD !!!
One of my favorite St Etienne tunes. It's like an electronic version of Gene Clark's Fair and Tender Ladies.
It's actually based on another old folk ballad called Silver Dagger which loads of country artists have covered. It's connected to Katie Dear and then Katie Cruel too (Clark didn't write Fair & Tender Ladies, it's another old folk tune)
went to see them, a few years ago at the manchester ritz stunning beautiful sarah...
Absolutely sublime. It reminds me of Ode to Billy Joe in its storytelling and The English Motorway System by Black Box Recorder in its romanticisation of British trunk roads.
I LOVE SAINT ETIENNE!
Awesome....😁😁😁😁😁😁👍👍👏👏👏
BRILLIANT!!!!
I don't remember this one I just listened to the lyrics for the first time. Hit me like a hammer.
love her voice.. so Cool!!!
AMAZING!
Surely one of their finest.
loved St Etienne for years....too bad no one where Im from knows this exists..
Great, great and great.
Britney SpawnNotes Wow! You are so beautiful.
I saw them do it live in September 2018. I got her feather scarf at the end! Yup! Really. Similar to the one in this video.
I wonder how many feather boas she's got through over the years...
LOVE LOVE THIS VIDEO!!!!!!!!
Amazing song, I now Love Saint Etienne.
Sarah is incredible , just Saint Etienne
Like most,in love with Sarah Cracknell!!!
Saw these coolest of cats 28yrs ago tonite with some Oasis or other supporting. Beers on, tunes on. May they tour again soon!!
British electro band after pet shop boys and new order s. Saint ettiene still amazing
So cool...
The ageless Saint Etienne...
@Zadunestar Thanks for the club 8 tip . U weren't kidding bout their music being similar to Saint Etienne . Will be diving deeper into this group music and see how it goes. Thanks.n my favorite on Sound of Water is Don't BAck Down . HEart failed next than how we used to live .Like the video for How we... its very relaxing for some reason.
VERY NICE !
So the guy she's singing about didn't leave her as in breaking up - he killed himself? At least that's what I get from the lyrics.
That aside, love the music.
Cola Boy brought me to St. Etienne. ♥
i only wish that future pop/dance music were influenced by these long-time faves...
Отлично
I agree. I bought "Tiger Bay" back in the 90's and this was the song that stood out for me. The original is superior...
great!
went to see them in manchester, at the ritz very good band
Powerful.....!
A great song...
And a great nose too.
He's gone, he's gone
She wears sad jeans torn at the waistband
Her pretty face is stained with tears
And in her right hand she clasps a letter
I know this means that he has gone
And in this town of misguided tourists
She never thought she'd fall in love
It was a few days after her birthday
The thrill hostess gave her first kiss
He said her skin smelled just like petals
Said stupid things he knew she'd like
She said her life was like a motorway
Dull, grey, and long 'til he came along
He's gone, he's gone
I said "How could he ever leave you?
You two were good, you were so right"
She said "I wish that he just left me
He'd be alive, alive tonight"
He's gone, he's gone
He's gone, he's gone
He's gone, he's gone
magic
so cool．でもこれはアルバムと別のバージョン？Sarah is mysterious.
I have always understood it to be implied that he died in a car crash on the motorway.
who remembers the album (tiger bay)......
Tantalizing!
Sarah Cracknall & friends they do the good Electro. Music in the 90's
This is their best ever track!!!
oh yes. a masterpiece. Influenced a part of me.
it is. St. Etienne were very knowledgeable, and adept.
@@englishorchard-haze4708 The whole album is 'covers' of English folk music. Brilliant.
me too A huge Fan of Sarah and Saint Etienne. I can't believe i never heard of them really and they been out like FOreeever. Now i can't find any of their damn albums on Amazon without it being a import and costing a ton. O well That's what i get for getting on the bandwagon late
I loved them and later on Goldfrapp.
I think I now am too! 😜😁😌🎈 Cheers.
@Zadunestar i listen to hug my soul for a long time like when it first came out but had no ideka it was them.they didnt get enough play here in the states for whatever reason. I guess she wasn't naked enough after all that comes before talent.
superb ... best Saints track, from the Kraftwerk nod to the dark subject matter
When I first heard this, I was like why is this familiar? Until I realized it’s the same tune as the song “Silver Dagger” as sung by Joan Baez.
Decades later, and I had no idea, thanks for that
Sarah is a disco goddess. I can’t even IMAGINE her with a mere mortal man. I think she lives in a palace in the clouds.
So I guess nobody's gonna say anything abt how the melody is the old traditional "Silver Dagger," huh?
Oh, wait, no -- there is one (1) comment about it.
From three yrs ago...
ten yrs after the vid was posted. Better late than never, I guess.
@DaSkonk - I'd like to hear it, because I've only heard this version. And I think the little flourishes are a nice touch. Just my taste but I'm willing to give the original a listen.
@estveritas11 Thanks mate! Too bad its not on RUclips but I'll keep my eye out for it.
That song could go on for another 10 minutes. At least.
I'd never even heard this video version...
Do you love the 90's? This song is on my Playlist: 1990 to 1994. More than 300 videos! ruclips.net/p/PLDJwQFktIEIBcB_0l_kHc1RRmo2L6PIjY
@Zadunestar that will b cool . By all means if u dont mind send me the vids . i love this group and been buyin up their albums and lovin it. I see they r remastering a lot of their music. Sound of Water the album i feel in love with them and her in particular and its my favorite. She has such a relaxing voice and the music put together fits her voice perfect.