About the song
“These Days,” a haunting ballad penned by Jackson Browne at the tender age of 16, has evolved into a timeless classic that delves deep into themes of introspection, loss, and regret. Initially recorded by Nico for her 1967 album ‘Chelsea Girl,’ the song’s poignant lyrics and melancholic melody struck a chord with listeners, despite Nico’s initial dissatisfaction with the elaborate production that included overdubbed strings and flutes.
Over the years, “These Days” has been reinterpreted by various artists, each bringing their own interpretation to Browne’s introspective composition. Tom Rush, in 1970, added a string arrangement to his rendition, while Gregg Allman offered a soulful take on his 1973 album ‘Laid Back,’ influencing Browne’s subsequent version on his own album ‘For Everyman’ later that year. Browne’s adaptation reflected a more subdued, singer-songwriter style, marked by David Lindley’s slide guitar and a contemplative vocal delivery that resonated deeply with audiences.
Critically acclaimed for its emotional depth and musical sophistication, “These Days” has endured as one of Browne’s most cherished compositions. Randall Roberts of the Los Angeles Times described it as quietly achieving classic status over the decades, while Pitchfork Media ranked Nico’s rendition among the greatest songs of the 1960s. The song’s ability to evoke a sense of yearning and reflection has made it a staple in the repertoires of both Browne and Allman, underscoring its enduring appeal and emotional resonance.
Despite never being released as a single, both Browne’s and Allman’s interpretations garnered significant airplay on progressive rock radio stations, solidifying their status as definitive versions of the song. Included on various compilation albums, “These Days” continues to captivate listeners with its raw honesty and universal themes of grappling with past mistakes and missed opportunities.
While Browne’s repertoire expanded and evolved over the years, “These Days” remained a poignant reminder of his early songwriting prowess and ability to capture the complexities of human emotion. Whether performed on piano or guitar, solo or with accompaniment, the song’s profound impact on listeners underscores its enduring legacy in the pantheon of singer-songwriter classics.
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Lyrics
Well, I’ve been out walking
I don’t do that much talking these days
These days
These days I seem to think a lot
About the things that I forgot to do for you
And all the times I had the chance to
And I had a lover
But it’s so hard to risk another, these days
These days
Now, if I seem to be afraid
To live the life that I have made in song
Well, it’s just that I’ve been losin’ for so long
Well, I’ll keep on movin’, movin’ on
Things are bound to be improving these days
One of these days
These days I’ll sit on corner stones
And count the time in quarter tones to ten, my friend
Don’t confront me with my failures
I had not forgotten them