Ray LaMontagne — How Come
Album: TroubleAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1509
Length: 4:22
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People on the street now
Faces long and grim
Souls are feeling heavy
And faith is growing thin
Fears are getting stronger
You can feel them on the rise
Hopelessness got some by the throat you can see it in their eyes
I said how come
How come
Everybody on a shoestring
Everybody in a hole
Everybody on an old jet plane crossing their fingers and toes
Government man spin his politics till they got you pinned
Everybody trying to reach out to each other
But they don't know where to begin
I said how come
I can't tell
The free world
From living hell
I said how come
How come
All I see
Is a child of god
In misery
I said how come
The pistol now as prophet
The bullet some kind of lord and king
But pain is the only promise that this so called savior is gonna bring
Love can be a liar
And justice can be a thief
And freedom can be an empty cup from which everybody want to drink
I said how come
I can't tell
The free world
From living hell
I said how come
How come
All i see
Is a child of god
In misery
I said how come
It's just man killing man
Killing man
Killing man
Killing man
Killing man
I don't understand it
It's just man killing man
Faces long and grim
Souls are feeling heavy
And faith is growing thin
Fears are getting stronger
You can feel them on the rise
Hopelessness got some by the throat you can see it in their eyes
I said how come
How come
Everybody on a shoestring
Everybody in a hole
Everybody on an old jet plane crossing their fingers and toes
Government man spin his politics till they got you pinned
Everybody trying to reach out to each other
But they don't know where to begin
I said how come
I can't tell
The free world
From living hell
I said how come
How come
All I see
Is a child of god
In misery
I said how come
The pistol now as prophet
The bullet some kind of lord and king
But pain is the only promise that this so called savior is gonna bring
Love can be a liar
And justice can be a thief
And freedom can be an empty cup from which everybody want to drink
I said how come
I can't tell
The free world
From living hell
I said how come
How come
All i see
Is a child of god
In misery
I said how come
It's just man killing man
Killing man
Killing man
Killing man
Killing man
I don't understand it
It's just man killing man
Comments (68)add comment
the more I hear from Ray, the more I like him. Excellent! 
Read the lyrics and bumped from 8->9
easmann wrote:
Your misspelling gives the quote an entirely new meaning. Frankly, I think yours is a more accurate assessment.
*****
From the info-column: " ... he was inspired to create music after hearing an album by Stephen Stills." Well, well, well; I can certainly hear that influence!
“I said how come the pistol now as profit
The bullet some kind of lord and king
But pain is the only promise that this so called savior is going to bring”
— Ray LaMontagne, How Come
Your misspelling gives the quote an entirely new meaning. Frankly, I think yours is a more accurate assessment.
*****
From the info-column: " ... he was inspired to create music after hearing an album by Stephen Stills." Well, well, well; I can certainly hear that influence!
haretic wrote:
Unpleasant as this particular truth is, I have to applaud RLM for trying to get it heard.
6 corporations, or 15 individual billionaires; own virtually all of the media (TV, Radio, Newspapers, Magazines, Mainstream Internet sites, even video game makers) in the USA. These folks are also heavily invested in the global arms trade. Not too many years ago, such a nearly monopolistic situation was illegal in the US, because it seriously compromises and undermines a free press, and so also democracy. The superficial appearance of a "left/right" divide is carefully maintained and curated, while important facts are not reported. Journalists who try to do real investigative reporting are ridiculed and/or unemployed.
End of rant.
I offer apologies to MJMJ for leaning way too hard into your innocuous comment! I guess I've been holding that in awhile.
I suggest you surf foreign news sources. A quick survey of these websites will reveal the facts withheld by American media. Listen to Elvis Costello "Radio, Radio" for a rock and roll assault on the Media.
Unpleasant as this particular truth is, I have to applaud RLM for trying to get it heard.
6 corporations, or 15 individual billionaires; own virtually all of the media (TV, Radio, Newspapers, Magazines, Mainstream Internet sites, even video game makers) in the USA. These folks are also heavily invested in the global arms trade. Not too many years ago, such a nearly monopolistic situation was illegal in the US, because it seriously compromises and undermines a free press, and so also democracy. The superficial appearance of a "left/right" divide is carefully maintained and curated, while important facts are not reported. Journalists who try to do real investigative reporting are ridiculed and/or unemployed.
End of rant.
I offer apologies to MJMJ for leaning way too hard into your innocuous comment! I guess I've been holding that in awhile.
I suggest you surf foreign news sources. A quick survey of these websites will reveal the facts withheld by American media. Listen to Elvis Costello "Radio, Radio" for a rock and roll assault on the Media.
This doesn't improve on repeated listenings.
+1 to 8 for the message alone, Long Live RP and short live hopelessness!!
MJMJ wrote:
I don't understand it!
I like RLM but when he gets to "man killin' man killin' man killin' man killin' man killin' man killin' man killin' man" I have to turn it way down.
I don't understand it!
stevesaw wrote:
Kinda wish he would.
Same here...lol
Kinda wish he would.
Same here...lol
Cool cover art! Diablo polo.
Nice tune. Feeling alright indeed, for as long as the blindfold remains in place.
Nice tune. Feeling alright indeed, for as long as the blindfold remains in place.
Probably a song which is much better delivered live. Not sure the studio format shows it at it's best?
BCarn wrote:
And clearly your biased news sources have taught you this. I can't wait for your next post. Conspiracy Theories are so entertaining.
The difference between conspiracy theories and fact is the evidence presented, not whether one agrees or not
And clearly your biased news sources have taught you this. I can't wait for your next post. Conspiracy Theories are so entertaining.
The difference between conspiracy theories and fact is the evidence presented, not whether one agrees or not
haretic wrote:
Unpleasant as this particular truth is, I have to applaud RLM for trying to get it heard.
6 corporations, or 15 individual billionaires; own virtually all of the media (TV, Radio, Newspapers, Magazines, Mainstream Internet sites, even video game makers) in the USA. These folks are also heavily invested in the global arms trade. Not too many years ago, such a nearly monopolistic situation was illegal in the US, because it seriously compromises and undermines a free press, and so also democracy. The superficial appearance of a "left/right" divide is carefully maintained and curated, while important facts are not reported. Journalists who try to do real investigative reporting are ridiculed and/or unemployed.
End of rant.
I offer apologies to MJMJ for leaning way too hard into your innocuous comment! I guess I've been holding that in awhile.
You speak a truth that way too few people understand. It is one of the greatest factors in the gradual destruction of American democracy over the last 50 years (or what passed as democracy before that).
But RLM still makes me want to break things. I wish it weren't so, but I absolutely writhe in discomfort when he comes on.
Unpleasant as this particular truth is, I have to applaud RLM for trying to get it heard.
6 corporations, or 15 individual billionaires; own virtually all of the media (TV, Radio, Newspapers, Magazines, Mainstream Internet sites, even video game makers) in the USA. These folks are also heavily invested in the global arms trade. Not too many years ago, such a nearly monopolistic situation was illegal in the US, because it seriously compromises and undermines a free press, and so also democracy. The superficial appearance of a "left/right" divide is carefully maintained and curated, while important facts are not reported. Journalists who try to do real investigative reporting are ridiculed and/or unemployed.
End of rant.
I offer apologies to MJMJ for leaning way too hard into your innocuous comment! I guess I've been holding that in awhile.
You speak a truth that way too few people understand. It is one of the greatest factors in the gradual destruction of American democracy over the last 50 years (or what passed as democracy before that).
But RLM still makes me want to break things. I wish it weren't so, but I absolutely writhe in discomfort when he comes on.
I prefer the mellow LaMontagne.
I thought the record was skipping there..."could someone put a quarter on that needle?"!
MJMJ wrote:
Go ahead... pat yourself on the back, you deserve it.
I beat you to it by like 10 seconds
Jamunca wrote:
Jamunca wrote:
"Ya' feelin' allright? I'm not feelin' too good myself"
Go ahead... pat yourself on the back, you deserve it.
BCarn wrote:
And clearly your biased news sources have taught you this. I can't wait for your next post. Conspiracy Theories are so entertaining.
Change the subject much?
And clearly your biased news sources have taught you this. I can't wait for your next post. Conspiracy Theories are so entertaining.
Change the subject much?
haretic wrote:
Unpleasant as this particular truth is, I have to applaud RLM for trying to get it heard.
6 corporations, or 15 individual billionaires; own virtually all of the media (TV, Radio, Newspapers, Magazines, Mainstream Internet sites, even video game makers) in the USA. These folks are also heavily invested in the global arms trade. Not too many years ago, such a nearly monopolistic situation was illegal in the US, because it seriously compromises and undermines a free press, and so also democracy. The superficial appearance of a "left/right" divide is carefully maintained and curated, while important facts are not reported. Journalists who try to do real investigative reporting are ridiculed and/or unemployed.
End of rant.
I offer apologies to MJMJ for leaning way too hard into your innocuous comment! I guess I've been holding that in awhile.
And clearly your biased news sources have taught you this. I can't wait for your next post. Conspiracy Theories are so entertaining.
Unpleasant as this particular truth is, I have to applaud RLM for trying to get it heard.
6 corporations, or 15 individual billionaires; own virtually all of the media (TV, Radio, Newspapers, Magazines, Mainstream Internet sites, even video game makers) in the USA. These folks are also heavily invested in the global arms trade. Not too many years ago, such a nearly monopolistic situation was illegal in the US, because it seriously compromises and undermines a free press, and so also democracy. The superficial appearance of a "left/right" divide is carefully maintained and curated, while important facts are not reported. Journalists who try to do real investigative reporting are ridiculed and/or unemployed.
End of rant.
I offer apologies to MJMJ for leaning way too hard into your innocuous comment! I guess I've been holding that in awhile.
And clearly your biased news sources have taught you this. I can't wait for your next post. Conspiracy Theories are so entertaining.
MJMJ wrote:
Unpleasant as this particular truth is, I have to applaud RLM for trying to get it heard.
6 corporations, or 15 individual billionaires; own virtually all of the media (TV, Radio, Newspapers, Magazines, Mainstream Internet sites, even video game makers) in the USA. These folks are also heavily invested in the global arms trade. Not too many years ago, such a nearly monopolistic situation was illegal in the US, because it seriously compromises and undermines a free press, and so also democracy. The superficial appearance of a "left/right" divide is carefully maintained and curated, while important facts are not reported. Journalists who try to do real investigative reporting are ridiculed and/or unemployed.
End of rant.
I offer apologies to MJMJ for leaning way too hard into your innocuous comment! I guess I've been holding that in awhile.
I like RLM but when he gets to "man killin' man killin' man killin' man killin' man killin' man killin' man killin' man" I have to turn it way down.
Unpleasant as this particular truth is, I have to applaud RLM for trying to get it heard.
6 corporations, or 15 individual billionaires; own virtually all of the media (TV, Radio, Newspapers, Magazines, Mainstream Internet sites, even video game makers) in the USA. These folks are also heavily invested in the global arms trade. Not too many years ago, such a nearly monopolistic situation was illegal in the US, because it seriously compromises and undermines a free press, and so also democracy. The superficial appearance of a "left/right" divide is carefully maintained and curated, while important facts are not reported. Journalists who try to do real investigative reporting are ridiculed and/or unemployed.
End of rant.
I offer apologies to MJMJ for leaning way too hard into your innocuous comment! I guess I've been holding that in awhile.
The artwork looks to me to be a role reversal of Rumors, with a twist.
“I said how come the pistol now as profit
The bullet some kind of lord and king
But pain is the only promise that this so called savior is going to bring”
— Ray LaMontagne, How Come
The bullet some kind of lord and king
But pain is the only promise that this so called savior is going to bring”
— Ray LaMontagne, How Come
la la la la lola
What’s not to like?!
Slickamoe wrote:
That’s nice nobody cares about you
I really do not care for anything by RL
That’s nice nobody cares about you
I'm a big RL fan, so of course I like this one too. Thank you!
Rip off traffic —-
I really do not care for anything by RL
thewiseking wrote:
Wow, it's almost like, when I first heard this, you were nowhere even close to me.
formulaic crap
upon first hearing you say "wait, I've heard this before" and.....you're correct
upon first hearing you say "wait, I've heard this before" and.....you're correct
Wow, it's almost like, when I first heard this, you were nowhere even close to me.
beeber1 wrote:
Three chords - A - D - G. A standard chord progression (V – I – IV), used in thousands of songs long before and since "Feelin' Alright". Still, it's likely he was influenced by that song.
Yup,"Feelin' Alright" written by Dave Mason from Traffic. An awesome two chord song.
Three chords - A - D - G. A standard chord progression (V – I – IV), used in thousands of songs long before and since "Feelin' Alright". Still, it's likely he was influenced by that song.
Formulaic or not. I like it! 👍
formulaic crap
upon first hearing you say "wait, I've heard this before" and.....you're correct
upon first hearing you say "wait, I've heard this before" and.....you're correct
boppin' away to Ray's wicked cool rasp, Outstanding number here
This is my favorite song from the album. The rest seem more sentimental and subdued.
junebaby65 wrote:
This is probably as hard as Ray can rock out. heh He's no Pete Townshend or Lemmy.
This is Ray really rocking out. Well, sort of...kind of.
This is probably as hard as Ray can rock out. heh He's no Pete Townshend or Lemmy.
https://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2014/07/concert_review_ray_lamontagne.html
DaveInVA wrote:
Kinda wish he would.
I keep expecting him to break into "Feeling Alright"
Kinda wish he would.
"How come I can't tell
"the free world from a living hell?"
I love that line. It sums up the dark side of 21st century neoliberal Western civilization.
My ears hear a lot more Stephen Stills influence than Joe Cockair...just sayin'.
h8rhater wrote:
Plagio?
Nobody owns guitar chords and all music is derivative. Variations on quality existing themes are to be encouraged not cried about. One can't argue with recycling Traffic.
Well, h8rhater, I agree that recycling is softer than stealing, but, in the end, the excuse you take is equal to the excuse you make. (just recycling some words that you may know...)
Plagio?
Nobody owns guitar chords and all music is derivative. Variations on quality existing themes are to be encouraged not cried about. One can't argue with recycling Traffic.
Well, h8rhater, I agree that recycling is softer than stealing, but, in the end, the excuse you take is equal to the excuse you make. (just recycling some words that you may know...)
What a great variation on a theme!!? ;) I love it...a tip of the hat...very classy Mr Ray! 
This is Ray really rocking out. Well, sort of...kind of.
Orodrigues wrote:
Plagio?
Nobody owns guitar chords and all music is derivative. Variations on quality existing themes are to be encouraged not cried about. One can't argue with recycling Traffic.
Traffic, Joe Cocker and now... Mr. LaMontagne! Feeling alright, I'm not feeling good myself hearing this so obvious plagio. How come?
Plagio?
Nobody owns guitar chords and all music is derivative. Variations on quality existing themes are to be encouraged not cried about. One can't argue with recycling Traffic.
Can't stand the vocals.
Sounded like the CD had somehow got stuck a couple of times.
Sounded like the CD had somehow got stuck a couple of times.
6.6? Arte the Beast fans putting their fingers on the scale again? This one should be at least 7.0!
I keep expecting him to break into "Feeling Alright"
Wow... this song has heart... love it...
I think he does the 'man killin' man' thing excessively to make a point. The next thing he says is "I don't understand it." Taken in context, he makes it a very strong statement. Man has been killin' man for more than ten thousand years for one reason or another. Plus it's a good groove, I like it.
I like RLM but when he gets to "man killin' man killin' man killin' man killin' man killin' man killin' man killin' man" I have to turn it way down.
I saw this guy in '68. He called himself Joe Cocker then. Still good.
ray bonomassa
Yup,"Feelin' Alright" written by Dave Mason from Traffic. An awesome two chord song.
Traffic, Joe Cocker and now... Mr. LaMontagne! Feeling alright, I'm not feeling good myself hearing this so obvious plagio. How come?
OH YEAH !! Love this first time I have heard it!
Am I the only one here that hears "Girly man, girly man, girly man, I don't understand"? Or is that what he's actually singing? I haven't really paid attention to this song, except when that refrain comes on.
fabduchi wrote:
Same here and not in a good way.
Remembers me to Tracy Chapman
Same here and not in a good way.
You're no lone whiner.. This is repetitious and irritating. His voice now sounds so put on.
FlatCat wrote:
FlatCat wrote:
A lone whiner, here. I like RLM often, but this one sounds phoned in.
fabduchi wrote:
me too
Remembers me to Tracy Chapman
me too
Remembers me to Tracy Chapman
MJMJ wrote:
I too owe you a Coke.
I beat you to it by like 10 seconds
Jamunca wrote:
Jamunca wrote:
"Ya' feelin' allright? I'm not feelin' too good myself"
I too owe you a Coke.
A lone whiner, here. I like RLM often, but this one sounds phoned in.
MJMJ wrote:
I owe ya a coke.
Feelin' alright, (uh oh)
Not feelin' too good myself, (uh oh)
Feelin' alright, (uh oh)
Not feelin' that good myself, (uh oh)
(not that there's anything wrong with that)
Not feelin' too good myself, (uh oh)
Feelin' alright, (uh oh)
Not feelin' that good myself, (uh oh)
(not that there's anything wrong with that)
I owe ya a coke.
I beat you to it by like 10 seconds
Jamunca wrote:
Jamunca wrote:
"Ya' feelin' allright? I'm not feelin' too good myself"
"Feeling alright, not feeling too good myself..."
"Ya' feelin' allright? I'm not feelin' too good myself"
Feelin' alright, (uh oh)
Not feelin' too good myself, (uh oh)
Feelin' alright, (uh oh)
Not feelin' that good myself, (uh oh)
(not that there's anything wrong with that)
Not feelin' too good myself, (uh oh)
Feelin' alright, (uh oh)
Not feelin' that good myself, (uh oh)
(not that there's anything wrong with that)
Lovely. Love this guy.
'workin' on the night moves.....'
One of my favorite Ray songs :)
I got this cd over the weekend and haven't stopped listening to it since - I feel about Ray the way I felt when I "discovered" David Gray. Can't get enough of him...just an absolutely awesome cd from start to finish!
Kinda wish he would.
Kinda wish he could.