Patty Griffin — Little God (original mix)
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Length: 5:22
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Good morning, little god
I see you've come for me again
With a noose between your teeth
You are not my friend
Pouring little cups of tea
Humming a little tune
You sit across from me
And fill my little room
Little god
Smoke is in the air
From your little cigarette
You tell me to throw the fight
You go and place your little bet
Shake, little god
Shake your little fists
All the strippers think you're odd
But you leave the biggest tips
Little god
Where, oh, where
Did I leave myself today?
On the bed, in the chair?
Did I send myself away?
On a sleepy afternoon
Will I be returning soon?
Laugh your little laugh
Stomp your little feet
They talk behind your back
All these people that you meet
They say time is running out
And you don't know what to do
And I hear them talk about
Another place to live but not with you
Little god
Little god
Little god
God
You've got to do better than that
You've got to do better than that
You've got to do better than that
Better than that
I see you've come for me again
With a noose between your teeth
You are not my friend
Pouring little cups of tea
Humming a little tune
You sit across from me
And fill my little room
Little god
Smoke is in the air
From your little cigarette
You tell me to throw the fight
You go and place your little bet
Shake, little god
Shake your little fists
All the strippers think you're odd
But you leave the biggest tips
Little god
Where, oh, where
Did I leave myself today?
On the bed, in the chair?
Did I send myself away?
On a sleepy afternoon
Will I be returning soon?
Laugh your little laugh
Stomp your little feet
They talk behind your back
All these people that you meet
They say time is running out
And you don't know what to do
And I hear them talk about
Another place to live but not with you
Little god
Little god
Little god
God
You've got to do better than that
You've got to do better than that
You've got to do better than that
Better than that
Comments (354)add comment
I wonder if this is who Madrugada's "Hands Up I Love You" is written for, with his little fists?
So much better than the version she re-recorded for the album that actually got released.
tiggers wrote:
You obviously don't participate in the P Griffin is a Goddess Fan Club. As I do.
Towards the end there I thought she was having some sort of seizure, dreadful track! Giving it a 2, it avoids a 1 for the sole reason that no matter how bad it is it isn't as bad as Bob Dylan!
You obviously don't participate in the P Griffin is a Goddess Fan Club. As I do.
A big song for Patty...Well produced.
can I vote that Bob keeps the fan-made cover art? The "real" cover isn't nearly as good.
oldman wrote:
Oct 8 release, finally
have to change the cover art
oldman wrote:
Oct 8 release, finallyhave to change the cover art
love this song gave it a 9, really liked the east indian type rhythms and feel of the song. I read in one of the postings shes Robert Plants significant other (maybe some of his influence). The searing bagpipes solo in the begining was beautifully done as well
Oct 8 release, finallyhave to change the cover art
I was so surprised to learn this song is about her bossy pet cat. Who happens to smoke cigarettes.
Towards the end there I thought she was having some sort of seizure, dreadful track! Giving it a 2, it avoids a 1 for the sole reason that no matter how bad it is it isn't as bad as Bob Dylan!
Good grief. I must be missing the point.
ShaunJ wrote:
Bob the shrub's (Robert Plant) significant other.
Lucky him. Very lucky him. Great song, great singer, 8 from the smitten Nottingham jury
Bob the shrub's (Robert Plant) significant other.
Lucky him. Very lucky him. Great song, great singer, 8 from the smitten Nottingham jury
jocelynsart wrote:
Bob the shrub's (Robert Plant) significant other.
don't generally care for her, but this is great
Bob the shrub's (Robert Plant) significant other.
wow
don't generally care for her, but this is great
Asian Dub Foundation to Patty Griffin. An AMAZING segue. Just amazing, Bill!
Everybody in my church loves this song...
Whoa. This song is amazing. Patty's voice; the hypnotic guitar; so deep and entrancing and powerful. It's a shame this album was never released.
Easyrider wrote:
No that wailing cat isn’t the vocal its the bagpipes. Easy mistake to make!
Over the top vocally,sounds like a wailing cat.
No that wailing cat isn’t the vocal its the bagpipes. Easy mistake to make!
philbertr wrote:
Does anybody know what this song is about?
And why isn't this CD listed on Amazon or AllMusic? (The song isn't on AllMusic either?)
And why isn't this CD listed on Amazon or AllMusic? (The song isn't on AllMusic either?)
I've written this before, but a concert a few years ago, Patty explained that this song was about a strange record producer who was mixed up with her early career and would come to visit her now and then. She thought the guy to be very odd.
She then launched into right into "Little God," much to the discomfort of the audience. Most of them had never heard this song before, and it's definitely not as accessible as some of her other work. I think it a pretty great, but the audience was a little taken aback. I have to say that the audience reaction was as amusing as Patty's story about the song. I loved Patty for not playing it safe and for not being afraid to sing her more edgy stuff.
Nasty,evil sounding song!
I love this song—-almost thought it might be Morcheeba.
Dyn0hub wrote:
Explore the darker side of music. That's where you'll find the best. Go there, you'll come out a better person. Face the abyss.
This music is not relaxing. It makes me want to die. I assume you've never been to Seattle in the fall? Give me a break. Give me some relief.
Explore the darker side of music. That's where you'll find the best. Go there, you'll come out a better person. Face the abyss.
This music is not relaxing. It makes me want to die. I assume you've never been to Seattle in the fall? Give me a break. Give me some relief.
Patty Griffin, little lady, huge artist.
Easyrider wrote:
For me, unlistenable.
Over the top vocally,sounds like a wailing cat.
For me, unlistenable.
philbertr wrote:
The album was never officially released (due to a dispute with her record company).
Does anybody know what this song is about?
And why isn't this CD listed on Amazon or AllMusic? (The song isn't on AllMusic either?)
And why isn't this CD listed on Amazon or AllMusic? (The song isn't on AllMusic either?)
The album was never officially released (due to a dispute with her record company).
Does anybody know what this song is about?
And why isn't this CD listed on Amazon or AllMusic? (The song isn't on AllMusic either?)
And why isn't this CD listed on Amazon or AllMusic? (The song isn't on AllMusic either?)
Over the top vocally,sounds like a wailing cat.
Great!
I. Love. This. Song.
iTuner wrote:
Yes, you are. Her voice sounds just perfect for this outstanding song.
Nice and moody and whinny, just like a little god can make one feel. If
you listen really close, the guitar is whinnying too. She does it just right!
Apparently I'm the only one who finds her wailing voice grating.
Yes, you are. Her voice sounds just perfect for this outstanding song.
Nice and moody and whinny, just like a little god can make one feel. If
you listen really close, the guitar is whinnying too. She does it just right!
It surprises me in a good way. Nice segue with Chorus of Tribes before and Sympathy after. Good work all day, Bill!
iTuner wrote:
For the most part, I love Patty's voice. But on this one, yes, she is a little grating. Downgrading from a 7 to a 5.
Apparently I'm the only one who finds her wailing voice grating.
For the most part, I love Patty's voice. But on this one, yes, she is a little grating. Downgrading from a 7 to a 5.
I love Patty's music, but I definitely don't think this is one of her best.
Patty has over some time now grown to be a absolute favorite
She sounds a bit emotionless on this one. Normally I love Patty, but she could've put more umhph in it. .......................... .................................................................................
Yeah, well, on this cut, she waits a bit. Patty! I still love you! I take it all back. Most of it anyway.
Apparently I'm the only one who finds her wailing voice grating.
mrmagoo wrote:
Not offended, but I don't hear it. Her voice is a lot thinner than Grace's.
For us "oldies" I can hear a slight resemblence to Grace Slick (back in the daze). Hope I don't offend anyone with the comparison.
Not offended, but I don't hear it. Her voice is a lot thinner than Grace's.
For us "oldies" I can hear a slight resemblence to Grace Slick (back in the daze). Hope I don't offend anyone with the comparison.
This could almost be a track on Mezzanine by Massive Attack. 
Bone wrote:
I get that too!
I always get a whisper of Jeff Buckley's 'Dream Brother' when this track starts up.
Of course, after that, Patty Griffin's distinct genius asserts itself.
Of course, after that, Patty Griffin's distinct genius asserts itself.
I get that too!
... not ... 
... worthy
... worthyI always get a whisper of Jeff Buckley's 'Dream Brother' when this track starts up.
Of course, after that, Patty Griffin's distinct genius asserts itself.
Of course, after that, Patty Griffin's distinct genius asserts itself.
I surrender!!!!! Love Patty and this song.
FrankMc wrote:
Well said. I agree entirely.
I think it may be one of those songs you have to surrender to rather than just listen at.
Well said. I agree entirely.
cc_rider wrote:
I admire that she tries different styles. This may not be for everyone but it works for me, quite likable.
In this case, the woman was abused (musically, commercially, financially) by a record producer. But the sentiment is the same, I agree.
But I'm biased: I could listen to Patty Griffin sing a phone book. And still rate it an 8.
But I'm biased: I could listen to Patty Griffin sing a phone book. And still rate it an 8.
I admire that she tries different styles. This may not be for everyone but it works for me, quite likable.
FrankMc wrote:
Nicely said - there are some songs that leave you floating serenely on the surface, others that you need to swim through the feel the benefit, and some (like this one) where its best to just let yourself be completely immersed.
I evidently hated this song the first time I heard it. I really loved just now. I had headphones on this trip. I think it may be one of those songs you have to surrender to rather than just listen at.
Nicely said - there are some songs that leave you floating serenely on the surface, others that you need to swim through the feel the benefit, and some (like this one) where its best to just let yourself be completely immersed.
Terrible song. I wish it was never played again.
I evidently hated this song the first time I heard it. I really loved just now. I had headphones on this trip. I think it may be one of those songs you have to surrender to rather than just listen at.
Xeric wrote:
I'm thinking the same thing.
This woman can be so good, until she gets carried away, and then she is so, so bad. As, say, here.
I'm thinking the same thing.
k_trout wrote:
But I'm biased: I could listen to Patty Griffin sing a phone book. And still rate it an 8.
Xeric wrote:This woman can be so good, until she gets carried away, and then she is so, so bad. As, say, here.
Xeric - Try to imagine this song through the eyes of an abused woman
In this case, the woman was abused (musically, commercially, financially) by a record producer. But the sentiment is the same, I agree.Xeric - Try to imagine this song through the eyes of an abused woman
But I'm biased: I could listen to Patty Griffin sing a phone book. And still rate it an 8.
cvandoren wrote:
Me too! Except my rating was a 9.
I was working on something else and this song penetrated my consciousness. I quickly clicked over to rate the song and saw I had already rated it a 2. Phew, no change needed.
Me too! Except my rating was a 9.
I've already maxed out my rating on this extraordinary song. Amazing to hear it in concert too.
And RP plays her, thank goodness ! ARTICULA wrote:
It took a Big God to give us Patty Griffin.
I was working on something else and this song penetrated my consciousness. I quickly clicked over to rate the song and saw I had already rated it a 2. Phew, no change needed.
Xeric wrote:This woman can be so good, until she gets carried away, and then she is so, so bad. As, say, here.
Xeric - Try to imagine this song through the eyes of an abused woman
Xeric - Try to imagine this song through the eyes of an abused woman
This song makes me think it's not a good idea to get on the bad side of this lady.
Just sayin'...
Just sayin'...
It took a Big God to give us Patty Griffin.
Xeric wrote:
Greatest song writer of my generation, this song proves it. Love It, we all know a little God.
This woman can be so good, until she gets carried away, and then she is so, so bad. As, say, here.
Greatest song writer of my generation, this song proves it. Love It, we all know a little God.
Not sure why, but I'm thinking about "Once upon time in Mexico" ...
Coaxial wrote:
If I had some of your meds, I'd bump it a notch to 10 too...
9 to a 10...Maybe it is the pain meds, maybe not...
If I had some of your meds, I'd bump it a notch to 10 too...
rogersullivan wrote:
Thanks for this story, rogersullivan - very informative. I agree - it's good that she takes chances. I love her voice. The first thing I ever heard by her was "Flaming Red," and I've been a fan ever since. 
Can't remember if I've told this story, but at a concert a few years ago, Patty explained that this song was about a strange record producer who was mixed up with her early career and would come to visit her now and then. She thought the guy to be very odd.
She then launched into right into "Little God," much to the discomfort of the audience. Most of them had never heard this song before, and it's definitely not as accessible as some of her other work. I think it a pretty great, but the audience was a little taken aback. I have to say that the audience reaction was as amusing as Patty's story about the song. I loved Patty for not playing it safe and for not being afraid to sing her more edgy stuff.
Coaxial wrote:
8 to a 9 here. Might be my Friday mood.
9 to a 10...Maybe it is the pain meds, maybe not...
8 to a 9 here. Might be my Friday mood.
9 to a 10...Maybe it is the pain meds, maybe not...
k_trout wrote:
Seconded
@DaveInVA - thanks!
Seconded
DaveInVA wrote:
It was unreleased by her record company but it still seems to be available in mp3 form a website called "Salty Salutes", google it.
Great tip.here's the link
https://saltysalutes.blogspot.com/2009/06/patty-griffins-unreleased-album-silver.html
It was unreleased by her record company but it still seems to be available in mp3 form a website called "Salty Salutes", google it.
Great tip.here's the link
https://saltysalutes.blogspot.com/2009/06/patty-griffins-unreleased-album-silver.html
@DaveInVA - thanks!
k_trout wrote:
It was unreleased by her record company but it still seems to be available in mp3 form a website called "Salty Salutes", google it.
Trippy - what a talent - can't find this album/song anywhere - any suggestions?
It was unreleased by her record company but it still seems to be available in mp3 form a website called "Salty Salutes", google it.
Trippy - what a talent - can't find this album/song anywhere - any suggestions?
This song is good but it gives me the willies.
Xeric wrote:
I agree! The moaning in the end is painful to the ears!
This woman can be so good, until she gets carried away, and then she is so, so bad. As, say, here.
I agree! The moaning in the end is painful to the ears!
the juxtaposition of those last two comments is hilarious!
This woman can be so good, until she gets carried away, and then she is so, so bad. As, say, here.
You know, I generally don't like Patty Griffin, almost as a rule, but this I really like ....a lot.
I really enjoyed this tune, like so many on RP. I knew I was in trouble when a 10 year old song was not found on Amazon. I hate to ask such a tired question, and I did go poking around in the thread a bit for the answer, but I would like to get this tune if that is possible. I have looked where I know to look, any help?
Can't remember if I've told this story, but at a concert a few years ago, Patty explained that this song was about a strange record producer who was mixed up with her early career and would come to visit her now and then. She thought the guy to be very odd.
She then launched into right into "Little God," much to the discomfort of the audience. Most of them had never heard this song before, and it's definitely not as accessible as some of her other work. I think it a pretty great, but the audience was a little taken aback. I have to say that the audience reaction was as amusing as Patty's story about the song. I loved Patty for not playing it safe and for not being afraid to sing her more edgy stuff.
Sounds almost Bjorky. I think it would improve with a bit more Bjorkness in fact.
MJMJ wrote:
The songwriter gets royalties as long as the work and artist is registered with BMI or ASCAP. Royalties are not paid on the basis of it being an official release, they are paid in accordance with airplay.
So (how) do royalties get paid for this song, and to whom, since it was never officially released?
The songwriter gets royalties as long as the work and artist is registered with BMI or ASCAP. Royalties are not paid on the basis of it being an official release, they are paid in accordance with airplay.
10
This is an great song, and the segue from "Into Morocco" was excellent.
I think that new Sade song would be good about now...
to_the_eleven wrote:
Hello, this is the future calling. Operation Patty Sinead is a go. Standby for temporal adjustment.
Sinead pulls off the hat trick.. is Patty next?
1:26 pm Asian Dub Foundation
1000 Mirrors (w/ Sinead O Connor) Enemy of the Enemy (2003) 6.4
11:47 am Sinéad O'Connor
Mandinka The Lion and the Cobra (1987) 7.2
9:04 am Patty Griffin
Change Flaming Red (1998) 7.7
5:20 am - Sinéad O'Connor - Downpressor Man
1:26 pm Asian Dub Foundation
1000 Mirrors (w/ Sinead O Connor) Enemy of the Enemy (2003) 6.4
11:47 am Sinéad O'Connor
Mandinka The Lion and the Cobra (1987) 7.2
9:04 am Patty Griffin
Change Flaming Red (1998) 7.7
5:20 am - Sinéad O'Connor - Downpressor Man
Hello, this is the future calling. Operation Patty Sinead is a go. Standby for temporal adjustment.
MJMJ wrote:
That's a good question. Bill?
So (how) do royalties get paid for this song, and to whom, since it was never officially released?
That's a good question. Bill?
way awesome..Patty has yet to disappoint mine ears
Sinead pulls off the hat trick.. is Patty next?
1:26 pm Asian Dub Foundation
1000 Mirrors (w/ Sinead O Connor) Enemy of the Enemy (2003) 6.4
11:47 am Sinéad O'Connor
Mandinka The Lion and the Cobra (1987) 7.2
9:04 am Patty Griffin
Change Flaming Red (1998) 7.7
5:20 am - Sinéad O'Connor - Downpressor Man
1:26 pm Asian Dub Foundation
1000 Mirrors (w/ Sinead O Connor) Enemy of the Enemy (2003) 6.4
11:47 am Sinéad O'Connor
Mandinka The Lion and the Cobra (1987) 7.2
9:04 am Patty Griffin
Change Flaming Red (1998) 7.7
5:20 am - Sinéad O'Connor - Downpressor Man
Awww, man, I really like this one from Patty. My favorite.
So (how) do royalties get paid for this song, and to whom, since it was never officially released?
Wikipedia says that silver bell was not released ? Is-it so ?
Can't get enough of this..
helgigermany wrote:
Someone who thinks that they are better than anyone else and in
a position of authority so they can remind you just how important
they are. Actually they are so insecure that they need to feel like
this to survive.
Who or what is little god?
Someone who thinks that they are better than anyone else and in
a position of authority so they can remind you just how important
they are. Actually they are so insecure that they need to feel like
this to survive.
Dave_Mack wrote:
I don't have any inside information, but I'd say it's an old boyfriend, after their relationship had turned toxic. Actually, I saw her sing this live, and she said "it's a song about someone I used to know", but no more than that.
My understanding it is about her old record producer! I wonder if he
has heard it. But we all know a little GOD!
I don't have any inside information, but I'd say it's an old boyfriend, after their relationship had turned toxic. Actually, I saw her sing this live, and she said "it's a song about someone I used to know", but no more than that.
My understanding it is about her old record producer! I wonder if he
has heard it. But we all know a little GOD!
If there was a 20 rating it would not be enough. I think that this
is brilliant! Thank you RP for introducing me to this wonderful artist!
is brilliant! Thank you RP for introducing me to this wonderful artist!
Like her but this song grates...
helgigermany wrote:
I don't have any inside information, but I'd say it's an old boyfriend, after their relationship had turned toxic. Actually, I saw her sing this live, and she said "it's a song about someone I used to know", but no more than that.
Who or what is little god?
I don't have any inside information, but I'd say it's an old boyfriend, after their relationship had turned toxic. Actually, I saw her sing this live, and she said "it's a song about someone I used to know", but no more than that.
FrankMc wrote:
Um, some of the best music EVER was created out of pain. Sounding like she is in pain was the whole point of the song.
Not saying you hafta like it, just saying she made it sound exactly the way she wanted.
She sounds like she is in pain. For such a talented girl she occasionally really goes in the ditch.
Um, some of the best music EVER was created out of pain. Sounding like she is in pain was the whole point of the song.
Not saying you hafta like it, just saying she made it sound exactly the way she wanted.
Who or what is little god?
This is only song of hers I can't seem to get tired of hearing. Still a 10.....
Couldn't resist raising my 9 to a 10. This is one of my favorite songs right now.
crockydile wrote:
I'd say that's a good guess.
What the hell is this song about? Addiction? 
hm.I'd say that's a good guess.
What the hell is this song about? Addiction?
Very different and VERY good. -= 9 =-
-= 9 =-Good morning little god
I see you've come for me again
With a noose between your teeth
You are not my friend
Pouring little cups of tea
Humming a little tune
You sit across from me
And fill my little room
Little god
Smoke is in the air
From your little cigarettte
You tell me to throw the fight
Go and place your little bet
Shake, little god-
Shake your little fists
All the strippers think you're odd
But you leave the biggest tips
Little god
Where oh where did I leave myself today
On the bed, on the chair
Did I send myself away
On a sleepy afternoon
Will I be returning soon
Laugh your little laugh
Stomp your little feet
They sulk behind your back,
All the people that you meet
They say time is running out
And you don't know what to do
And I hear them talk about
Another place without you
Little god
Little god
Little god
Little god
Little god
in www.lyricsdownload.com
** 8 / 9 **
I see you've come for me again
With a noose between your teeth
You are not my friend
Pouring little cups of tea
Humming a little tune
You sit across from me
And fill my little room
Little god
Smoke is in the air
From your little cigarettte
You tell me to throw the fight
Go and place your little bet
Shake, little god-
Shake your little fists
All the strippers think you're odd
But you leave the biggest tips
Little god
Where oh where did I leave myself today
On the bed, on the chair
Did I send myself away
On a sleepy afternoon
Will I be returning soon
Laugh your little laugh
Stomp your little feet
They sulk behind your back,
All the people that you meet
They say time is running out
And you don't know what to do
And I hear them talk about
Another place without you
Little god
Little god
Little god
Little god
Little god
in www.lyricsdownload.com
** 8 / 9 **
FrankMc wrote:
I disagree, pure genius. Thanks Bill for turning me on to her!
We agree.
holborne wrote:
holborne wrote:
Wow, I adore Patty Griffin, but I actually had to mute this one.
I disagree, pure genius. Thanks Bill for turning me on to her!
Like it was written just for me ;-)
'cept I don't smoke
I would love to play this for song for my boss's boss, though little god's don't often get
it. I suppose that's why they are little god's. To all the little god's out there,
it. I suppose that's why they are little god's. To all the little god's out there,
I like the gloominess of this song. I also like the fact that she is such a versatile writer and singer - that she doesn't just crank out predictable, cursory "product" to make everyone else happy.
We agree.
holborne wrote:
holborne wrote:
Wow, I adore Patty Griffin, but I actually had to mute this one.
I love this song and think its one of the best Patty has done. Its to bad its not "legally" available as the album its from, "Silver Bells" was never officially released. I hope that someday it will be properly released so it can be available as more than an less than CD quality "illegal" mp3 download.
Wow, I adore Patty Griffin, but I actually had to mute this one.
She sounds like she is in pain. For such a talented girl she occasionally really goes in the ditch.
sexxxy
Shimmer wrote:
That's what I thought too.
I would've sworn she's singing "Little Girl".
That's what I thought too.
Love Patty - but this song . . . . not so much.
This music is not relaxing. It makes me want to die. I assume you've never been to Seattle in the fall? Give me a break. Give me some relief.
Then again, I live in Seattle.