Quite possibly the best songwriter of her generation, Karla’s most famous for the Linda Ronstadt covers, but her own versions have more emotion and both resonate and sting, depending upon the track.<\/p>\n
Of course I saw the credits for the cuts on “Hasten Down The Wind,” but the real revelation was when Karla’s first LP was released. Her versions were less produced, her voice was less bombastic and…those lyrics play in my head all the time!<\/p>\n
“Someone To Lay Down Beside Me”:<\/p>\n
Still you know that may be what I need<\/em> We all need touch, comfort, sex, understanding, and when you don’t get it you yearn for it.<\/p>\n And “If He’s Ever Near”:<\/p>\n They say just once in life<\/em> And love’s so hard to find<\/em> We’re looking, do we trust our judgment, will we know..?<\/p>\n “Rose In The Garden”:<\/p>\n There’s a rose in the garden<\/em> I’m not telling any lies now<\/em> Whoa! This is not the typical love song, even though Karla sings “We’ve been here for so long now, I see your soul in me”. That’s closeness. And unless you married your high school sweetheart, you’ve been here, you’re so close, but it can’t work. It’s so painful.<\/p>\n “Isn’t It Always Love”<\/p>\n Isn’t it always love that makes you hang your head<\/em> The track is upbeat, but the message is important. Life has its ups and downs, it’s your job to ride the pony. Too many people give up, find someone new, when the truth is they need to stick with what they’ve got, develop it, change.<\/p>\n When you find someone that’s true to you<\/em> Those cuts are all on the Columbia debut.<\/p>\n But in 1988, Karla dropped the album “New World,” which is marred a bit by the dated production, but contains just as much wisdom.<\/p>\n “Goodbye My Friend”:<\/p>\n Oh we never know where life will take us<\/em> This is the song I played on 9\/11. And now with so many of my friends sick and dying…<\/p>\n “All My Life”:<\/p>\n Am I really here in your arms<\/em> And hey<\/em> It’s the flip side of “Rose In The Garden,” she’s decided he’s here and she recognizes it.<\/p>\n And “Still Be Getting Over You.” All you need to know is the title. We’re human, we have emotions, we just can’t jump from one situation to another…the thoughts, the feelings, live on.<\/p>\n Now Karla’s got a new album, “Carry Me Home,” where she rerecords some of her best songs, and includes a take of Jackson Browne’s “Something Fine,” to boot.<\/p>\n Listen here: Carry Me Home<\/a><\/p>\n But be sure to also listen to the self-titled debut: Karla Bonoff<\/a><\/p>\n And hell, if you like that, listen to “New World”<\/a><\/p>\n Most songs are of a time, they’re dated, they’re a return to what once was.<\/p>\n But Karla Bonoff nails life, her songs are as relevant now as they ever were.<\/p>\n Furthermore, she’s regularly on tour. You should see her. Sit in the audience as you ponder your life and tingle.<\/p>\n
\nIs someone to lay down beside me<\/em>
\nAnd even though it’s not real<\/em>
\nJust someone to lay down beside me<\/em>
\nYou’re the story of my life<\/em><\/p>\n
\nYou find someone that’s right<\/em>
\nBut the world looks so confused<\/em>
\nI can’t tell false from true<\/em><\/p>\n
\nIn this state of mind<\/em>
\nOh, I hope I’ll know him<\/em>
\nI hope I’ll know him<\/em>
\nIf he’s ever near<\/em><\/p>\n
\nIt will bloom if you’re sure<\/em>
\nThat you pay close attention<\/em>
\nBut leave it room<\/em><\/p>\n
\nI need you<\/em>
\nYou know how<\/em>
\nI think I can see how to let you grow<\/em>
\nI’ve got to let you go<\/em><\/p>\n
\nIsn’t it always love that makes you cry<\/em>
\nAnd isn’t it always love that takes the tears away<\/em>
\nAnd I wouldn’t have it any other way<\/em><\/p>\n
\nSome days are up and oh some days are blue<\/em>
\nJust don’t go and throw it all away<\/em>
\nWait a minute, you gotta hear what I say<\/em><\/p>\n
\nWe know it’s just a ride on the wheel<\/em>
\nAnd we never know when death will shake us<\/em>
\nAnd we wonder how it will feel<\/em><\/p>\n
\nThis is just like I dreamed it would be<\/em>
\nI feel like we’re frozen in time<\/em>
\nAnd you’re the only one I can see<\/em><\/p>\n
\nI’ve looked all my life for you<\/em>
\nNow you’re here<\/em>
\nAnd hey<\/em>
\nI’ll spend all my life with you<\/em>
\nAll my life<\/em><\/p>\n