About the song
Bonnie Raitt’s sixth studio album, “Sweet Forgiveness,” released in 1977, stands as a pivotal work in her career, showcasing both her musical prowess and evolving style. Produced by Paul A. Rothchild, known for his work with The Doors and Janis Joplin, the album features a blend of Raitt’s soulful vocals and her adept guitar skills, backed by a talented ensemble of musicians.
The album opens with “About to Make Me Leave Home,” a poignant track that sets the tone with its heartfelt lyrics and Raitt’s emotive delivery. One of the standout singles, “Runaway,” originally by Del Shannon, highlights Raitt’s ability to reinterpret classics with her own bluesy edge, reaching No. 57 on the U.S. singles chart. Another notable single, “Two Lives,” penned by Mark T. Jordan, further demonstrates Raitt’s knack for weaving personal storytelling into her music.
Critically, “Sweet Forgiveness” received a range of reviews. While Entertainment Weekly lauded the album with an ‘A’ rating for its depth and Raitt’s compelling performances, Rolling Stone took a more critical stance, noting a departure from her previous natural style. Despite varied reception, the album managed to resonate with audiences, peaking at No. 25 on the Billboard 200 chart and achieving gold certification from the RIAA, a testament to its commercial success and enduring appeal.
The track listing of “Sweet Forgiveness” is a blend of originals and covers, each contributing to the album’s rich tapestry. Songs like the title track, “Sweet Forgiveness,” written by Daniel Moore, and the reflective “My Opening Farewell” by Jackson Browne, showcase Raitt’s versatility as both a vocalist and a musician.
The album’s production credits include notable figures like John Haeny and Roger Mayer, contributing to its polished sound. The artwork, overseen by John Van Hamersveld, adds a visual dimension that complements the album’s emotional depth.
“Sweet Forgiveness” not only solidified Bonnie Raitt’s place in the music industry but also marked a significant chapter in her artistic journey. With its blend of blues, rock, and folk influences, the album remains a standout in her discography, continuing to captivate listeners with its sincerity and musicality decades after its release.
Video
Lyrics
As I walk along I wonder what went wrong
With our love, a love that was so strong
And as still walk on I think of the things we’ve done
Together while our hearts were young
I’m a walking in the rain, tears are falling and I feel a pain
Wishing you were here by me to end this misery
And I wonder, I wo wo wo wo wonder
Why, why why why why why she (you) ran away
And I wonder where she (you) will stay
My little runaway, a run run run run runaway