My Sunday Song #47 is “Life By The Drop” performed by Stevie Ray Vaughn from his album ‘The Sky is Falling’. The album came out in 1991, a year after Stevie’s death. It was his final studio album.
I had always thought the song was about drinking, but I was wrong. The song is about two old friends reunited after years apart. One of the friends has gone on to make something of themselves while the other has not. The song is basically saying to live life to the fullest and go after your dreams. You don’t want to end up old and having tons of regrets. When I discovered this was the meaning of the song years later, it made sense and I connected on another level with the song.
The song was written by an old friend of Stevie’s name Doyle Bramhall with the help of Barbara Logan. Doyle wrote the song about Stevie and how his friend went off and succeeded in life, but he didn’t reach the same level of greatness. He was proud of Stevie, but apparently had a lot of regret on his own success or lack thereof. From what I have read about Doyle, he did finally release his own album in 1994 which was 3 years after his friend had passed away. Doyle later died in 2011.
With just a 12-string guitar and Stevie’s voice, the song is able to convey so much emotion and heart. It is my favorite Stevie Ray Vaughn song and one of my all time favorite songs. Enjoy and Happy Sunday!!
“Life By The Drop”
Not so long ago it was til the end
We played outside in the pouring rain
On our way up the road we started over againYou’re living our dream oh you on top
my mind is aching,’ Lord it won’t stop
That’s how it happens living life by the drop
Up and down the road in our worn down shoes
Talking about good things and singing the blues
you went your way and I stayed behind
We both knew it was just a matter of time
You’re living our dream oh you on top
my mind is aching,’ Lord it won’t stop
That’s how it happens living life by the drop
No wasted time, we’re alive today
Churning up the past, there’s no easier way
Time’s been between us, a means to an end
God it’s good to be here walking together my friend
We’re living our dreams
my mind’s stopped aching,’
That’s how it happened living life by the drop
That’s how it happened living life by the drop
That’s how it happened living life by the drop
2 Loud 2 Old Music 
Great choice. I only got into SRV a few years ago, but I love pretty much everything. An incredible talent and, watching performances available on YouTube, he was on another level when he was playing live. I really like this album more than his final studio album (In Step, as this one is a selection of tracks recorded between 84 and 89). This is a great track and perfect album closer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. This was the album that made me sit up and listen. I was working in a record store when we got this to play and I couldn’t believe how awesome it was. I had heard his stuff before, but this one was really special. And yes, his live stuff is where he really shines.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have you ever seen the second of his Austin City Limits sets? I’ve obsessed over that for a while. It’s really quite something.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I might have long ago. I will revisit it now that you bring it up.
LikeLike
Definitely worth another watch!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is my all time favorite SRV song, his voice, the lyrics and the timing were all very profound to me. Great choice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I never tiring of listening to this one.
LikeLike