Ellen McIlwaine — Can't Find My Way Home
Album: Honky Tonk AngelAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1528
Length: 3:37
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Come down off your throne
And leave your body alone
Somebody's got to change
You are the reason
I have been waiting for so long
Somebody holds the key
And it ain't me
Well, I'm near the end
And I just ain't got the time
What's more I'm wasted
And can't find my way home
Come down on your own
And leave your money at home
Somebody's got to change
You are the reason
I have been waiting all these years
Somebody holds the key
Well, I'm near the end
And I just ain't got the time
What's more I'm wasted
And I can't find my way home
Come down off your throne
And leave your body alone
Somebody's got to change
You are the reason I have been
waiting for so long
Somebody holds the key
And it ain't me
Well, I'm near the end
And I just ain't got the time
What's more I'm wasted
And can't find my way home
What's more I'm wasted
And can't find my way home
What's more I'm wasted
And can't find my way home
And leave your body alone
Somebody's got to change
You are the reason
I have been waiting for so long
Somebody holds the key
And it ain't me
Well, I'm near the end
And I just ain't got the time
What's more I'm wasted
And can't find my way home
Come down on your own
And leave your money at home
Somebody's got to change
You are the reason
I have been waiting all these years
Somebody holds the key
Well, I'm near the end
And I just ain't got the time
What's more I'm wasted
And I can't find my way home
Come down off your throne
And leave your body alone
Somebody's got to change
You are the reason I have been
waiting for so long
Somebody holds the key
And it ain't me
Well, I'm near the end
And I just ain't got the time
What's more I'm wasted
And can't find my way home
What's more I'm wasted
And can't find my way home
What's more I'm wasted
And can't find my way home
Comments (315)add comment
Just No.
This gives the word unnecessary new meaning!
McIlwaine hung out in NYC w Hendrix around the time of this album…maybe a bit earlier. He was a big help/influence (Up from the Skies)
Can't top the original.
thought it was phoebe snow
Now I've gotta go dig up DOM.
dewhead wrote:
I don't hear JM, but definitely Joan Armatrading. Which is just fine with me.
c.
Sounds like a Joni Mitchell wannabe.... I can't imagine why anybody would want that.. definitely suck-o barf-o in my book.
c.
I'm generally not a fan of covers, but this one is phenomenal. As good as, if not better, than the original.
She actually sings it in a lower key than Steve Winwood!
I used to see her perform regularly in "Alberts Hall" upstairs at the Brunny (Brunswick House Tavern) in Toronto. She would play a few nights and stay in one the suites upstairs where she would hold court after performances. She was a mean guitarist and had a fantastic raunchy voice. This song was her signature piece and it was well loved by my late sister and nephew!
Good try Ellen, but Mr. Winwood and his band created a timeless masterpiece that could only be weakly approached.
Sounds like a Joni Mitchell wannabe.... I can't imagine why anybody would want that.. definitely suck-o barf-o in my book.
Just an observation... this record is from 1972 and Ellen is now 72 years young this year!
dwhayslett wrote:
I think Proclivities was making a metric system joke.
I think you're making an assumption about my assumption about Proclivites' assumption about what crispynz1 said.
I think Proclivities was making a metric system joke.
I think you're making an assumption about my assumption about Proclivites' assumption about what crispynz1 said.
Jelani wrote:
Nailed it.
bleh. too much vocal noodling for me. Kills the mood of the original.
Nailed it.
Yes; this is the problem. I was trying to figure out why I don't like it. Sounds like she's trying too hard.
Jelani wrote:
Jelani wrote:
bleh. too much vocal noodling for me. Kills the mood of the original.
ShelleyFarrow wrote:
I agree. Let the pros do what they do. Hire a plumber, a locksmith, a handyman and listen to RP.
So, this is the song that convinces me to join in as a RP commenter, hmmm, interesting... Love her breathy voice. Speaks to me. I've been listening for years, probably 7 years and I can't think of anything I enjoy listening to more. Friends over last weekend, my hubby and our friend took many turns introducing us to new and old music. On the last day of the visit our friend turned to me and asked what do I want to listen to? I deferred saying go ahead "you can be the dj." Afterward I realized my choice would have been, Radio Paradise. My go to. Thank you for allowing me to go about my business in enjoyment while you go about yours. It is on my bucket list to visit your studio some day.
I agree. Let the pros do what they do. Hire a plumber, a locksmith, a handyman and listen to RP.
ziggytrix wrote:
The wording was vague, but I think they're saying they prefer the Blind Faith recording?
I like this, but I like her Stevie Wonder cover better. What is it about her covering songs written by Steve W's?
I think Proclivities was making a metric system joke.
The wording was vague, but I think they're saying they prefer the Blind Faith recording?
I like this, but I like her Stevie Wonder cover better. What is it about her covering songs written by Steve W's?
I think Proclivities was making a metric system joke.
Proclivities wrote:
"Miles"? This song was written by Steve Winwood.
The wording was vague, but I think they're saying they prefer the Blind Faith recording?
I like this, but I like her Stevie Wonder cover better. What is it about her covering songs written by Steve W's?
"Miles"? This song was written by Steve Winwood.
The wording was vague, but I think they're saying they prefer the Blind Faith recording?
I like this, but I like her Stevie Wonder cover better. What is it about her covering songs written by Steve W's?
crispynz1 wrote:
Yup. The original is far better. By kilometres, though.
Edit: The album picture looks weird on my tablet. It's so small it looks like she's blowing cigarette smoke through her left nostril.
The original by miles! 
Yup. The original is far better. By kilometres, though.
Edit: The album picture looks weird on my tablet. It's so small it looks like she's blowing cigarette smoke through her left nostril.
crispynz1 wrote:
"Miles"? This song was written by Steve Winwood.
The original by miles!
"Miles"? This song was written by Steve Winwood.
So, this is the song that convinces me to join in as a RP commenter, hmmm, interesting... Love her breathy voice. Speaks to me. I've been listening for years, probably 7 years and I can't think of anything I enjoy listening to more. Friends over last weekend, my hubby and our friend took many turns introducing us to new and old music. On the last day of the visit our friend turned to me and asked what do I want to listen to? I deferred saying go ahead "you can be the dj." Afterward I realized my choice would have been, Radio Paradise. My go to. Thank you for allowing me to go about my business in enjoyment while you go about yours. It is on my bucket list to visit your studio some day.
The original by miles!
Not my favorite version, prefer the original one!
Nice version, but just now quit as good as Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood Live from Madison Square Garden.
Saw her a few years ago in a small venue; great songs interspersed with some great stories of the early years hanging out with Hendrix, Taj Mahal, and others.
I love her strong fine voice in this fabulous song : )
Jelani wrote:
That might explain in part why I am having trouble warming up to this cover. I usually like covers.
bleh. too much vocal noodling for me. Kills the mood of the original.
That might explain in part why I am having trouble warming up to this cover. I usually like covers.
how lovely to hear this version, by the far-too-little-known ellen macilwain.
Ulises wrote:
Cats are for eating.
hahaha! I love cats and would never eat one(I don't think), but this is a funny comment.
Cats are for eating.
hahaha! I love cats and would never eat one(I don't think), but this is a funny comment.
bleh. too much vocal noodling for me. Kills the mood of the original.
Outstanding cover of this timeless song!
This is not bad. I miss Ginger Baker's drums.
Why don't people cover bad songs more often—and not the great ones?
Why don't people cover bad songs more often—and not the great ones?
hayduke2 wrote:
Cats are for eating.
Strong version imo (looks my my sweet old gray cat Abby nuzzling' her on the album photo : )
Cats are for eating.
Meh.
Strong version imo (looks like my sweet old gray cat Abby nuzzling' her on the album photo : )
My college crush on Bonnie Raitt fizzled when a friend turned me on to Ellen. This, however, is not her best. How about some of her live stuff, like "Toehold"?
AndyJ wrote:
yes, sounds about right.
1972 music often sounds dated... This has held up and seems familiar as well new
I s that a "Classic" discription-?
I s that a "Classic" discription-?
yes, sounds about right.
I see I rated this as a 3. Listening again, I can't figure out why. Bumping to a 6. It's good.
Yuck. Don't like.
Yes, absolutely. Her vocal style on this track is so delicious.
Finest 12-string Electric slide-guitarist I've ever heard. Ellen is still making music and performing. Hasn't lost a step.
Surprized to hear this on RP. Lovely and pleasant rendition.
Surprized to hear this on RP. Lovely and pleasant rendition.
What a time for PSD to stop functioning 
just need clapton thats all; all else is wasted
1972 music often sounds dated... This has held up and seems familiar as well new
I s that a "Classic" discription-?
I s that a "Classic" discription-?
It is difficult to bring smth new to the party. Her rendition is pleasant enough, but as a cover, is not particularly inspired, imo.
Nice to hear a thoughtful version of this tune. (I'm a bit tired of the original) I like the guitar arrangements along with the soulful vocals. Win/Win.
I actually like this cover... intriguing.
An acquired taste, one that I have.
Swing and a miss
No. Just NO. 
djengs wrote:
Yeah, she kind of butchered that one. Like she was desperate to make it different with no intention of making it heartfelt. I'll pass.
For me, there is a "quasi-reverence" to the original that makes this version (albeit not a bad attempt) sound rather flippant.
Yeah, she kind of butchered that one. Like she was desperate to make it different with no intention of making it heartfelt. I'll pass.
For me, there is a "quasi-reverence" to the original that makes this version (albeit not a bad attempt) sound rather flippant.
Somebody likes Hue and Cry's vocals.
I don't usually care for covers...but, cha' know..this ain't half bad.
A female persprective on a predominately male bent .. possibly?
A female persprective on a predominately male bent .. possibly?
Blind Faith's better,but seductive voice did the job.
I agree with below's quote - this song is so good it's hard Not to like it no matter who sings it
Typesbad wrote:
Yeah, she kind of butchered that one. Like she was desperate to make it different with no intention of making it heartfelt. I'll pass.
I like this song enough to be happy to hear it from other sources. I prefer the Blind Faith version as well but their excellence shouldn't banish anyone else from taking a stab at it.
Yeah, she kind of butchered that one. Like she was desperate to make it different with no intention of making it heartfelt. I'll pass.
Could've done withot this version,
HazzeSwede wrote:
...down the road,second dirt road on the right,down to the river
..keep going !
Her voice is interesting but the way she phrases the lyrics and occasionally comes off as indifferent turn me off. Her version just doesn't match the words. Odd cover, as if she were doing a sound check and singing whatever came to mind.
...down the road,second dirt road on the right,down to the river
..keep going !
Her voice is interesting but the way she phrases the lyrics and occasionally comes off as indifferent turn me off. Her version just doesn't match the words. Odd cover, as if she were doing a sound check and singing whatever came to mind.
Use to see Ellen performing this live in small clubs in Old Montreal. Got there early to get a front row seat. The memories..........
tasty version. Winwood should be pleased.
Hannio wrote:
Why would anyone take it as a fact? To have to say "in my opinion" is needless. Everyone knows that any judgment regarding music or any art is an opinion.
Exactly. There is no need for the "IMHO" and similar disclaimers. It's a given that we are stating our opinions, humble or not. The confusion lies when people make statements that could very well be considered to be facts. For example, "James Joyce was a great writer" or "Beethoven was a great composer" are indeed factual statements about an artist's reputation. It would be hard to deny this as fact, even though you might think neither deserves the reputation. Similarly, if I say "I hate Earnest Hemmingway's writing", I am indeed stating a fact (I really do hate it). Of course, I realize that many other think his writing is great. If I just say "Earnest Hemmingway's writing is horrible" - that's merely an opinion.
Why would anyone take it as a fact? To have to say "in my opinion" is needless. Everyone knows that any judgment regarding music or any art is an opinion.
Exactly. There is no need for the "IMHO" and similar disclaimers. It's a given that we are stating our opinions, humble or not. The confusion lies when people make statements that could very well be considered to be facts. For example, "James Joyce was a great writer" or "Beethoven was a great composer" are indeed factual statements about an artist's reputation. It would be hard to deny this as fact, even though you might think neither deserves the reputation. Similarly, if I say "I hate Earnest Hemmingway's writing", I am indeed stating a fact (I really do hate it). Of course, I realize that many other think his writing is great. If I just say "Earnest Hemmingway's writing is horrible" - that's merely an opinion.
I saw here in a club in old Montreal in the early 70's and she's hot stuff on a slide guitar, her singing not so much.
Am I allowed to have no opinion?
BTW It ain't for me anyway.
BTW It ain't for me anyway.
paulmack wrote:
Of course they are - and it should be stated as such, not as fact. I know it was an opinion but to say something has 'no soul' sounds pretty final. All it takes is a simple, 'in my opinion....'.
Why would anyone take it as a fact? To have to say "in my opinion" is needless. Everyone knows that any judgment regarding music or any art is an opinion.
Of course they are - and it should be stated as such, not as fact. I know it was an opinion but to say something has 'no soul' sounds pretty final. All it takes is a simple, 'in my opinion....'.
Why would anyone take it as a fact? To have to say "in my opinion" is needless. Everyone knows that any judgment regarding music or any art is an opinion.
oldsaxon wrote:
They are allowed an opinion
Of course they are - and it should be stated as such, not as fact. I know it was an opinion but to say something has 'no soul' sounds pretty final. All it takes is a simple, 'in my opinion....'.
They are allowed an opinion
Of course they are - and it should be stated as such, not as fact. I know it was an opinion but to say something has 'no soul' sounds pretty final. All it takes is a simple, 'in my opinion....'.
paulmack wrote:
Do you actually fail to understand that other people may not feel the same way you do - and that that would be ok? Because that's what your post seems to suggest. I suppose a lot of people (including those who gave Ellen money in support of this recording) could just have gotten it wrong - I guess that's possible - but I don't think it's likely. Your statement doesn't make me suddenly think, "I was so wrong!" But thank God we have an arbiter of true soul out there. Whatever would we do if that were not the case?!
They are allowed an opinion
Do you actually fail to understand that other people may not feel the same way you do - and that that would be ok? Because that's what your post seems to suggest. I suppose a lot of people (including those who gave Ellen money in support of this recording) could just have gotten it wrong - I guess that's possible - but I don't think it's likely. Your statement doesn't make me suddenly think, "I was so wrong!" But thank God we have an arbiter of true soul out there. Whatever would we do if that were not the case?!
They are allowed an opinion
bachbeet wrote:
Do you actually fail to understand that other people may not feel the same way you do - and that that would be ok? Because that's what your post seems to suggest. I suppose a lot of people (including those who gave Ellen money in support of this recording) could just have gotten it wrong - I guess that's possible - but I don't think it's likely. Your statement doesn't make me suddenly think, "I was so wrong!" But thank God we have an arbiter of true soul out there. Whatever would we do if that were not the case?!
Not liking this version. Too much added and unnecessary variations and twisting of phrases and drawing out of words. She just falls way short of adding any "soul" to this song. Stevie's version is so far superior to hers and she just fails badly.
Do you actually fail to understand that other people may not feel the same way you do - and that that would be ok? Because that's what your post seems to suggest. I suppose a lot of people (including those who gave Ellen money in support of this recording) could just have gotten it wrong - I guess that's possible - but I don't think it's likely. Your statement doesn't make me suddenly think, "I was so wrong!" But thank God we have an arbiter of true soul out there. Whatever would we do if that were not the case?!
bachbeet wrote:
I really like it. Folks are different, eh?
Not liking this version. Too much added and unnecessary variations and twisting of phrases and drawing out of words. She just falls way short of adding any "soul" to this song. Stevie's version is so far superior to hers and she just fails badly.
I really like it. Folks are different, eh?
Mar-tay wrote:
well said.
A good cover should not sound like the original artist. A good cover is when they make the song their "own". She has done a good job of that.
well said.Not liking this version. Too much added and unnecessary variations and twisting of phrases and drawing out of words. She just falls way short of adding any "soul" to this song. Stevie's version is so far superior to hers and she just fails badly.
Stop our carping .... She's an old buddy of mine and she interprets songs the way she interprets them. That's called creative musicianship. If you don't like her singing, put your fingers in your ears and go "la-la-la-la".
And that's all I'm saying about that.
And that's all I'm saying about that.
Awful - if she liked the song so much, why did she murder it. Jenn
HazzeSwede wrote:
...down the road,second dirt road on the right,down to the river
..keep going !
Gotta agree.
...down the road,second dirt road on the right,down to the river
..keep going !
Gotta agree.
Liked it when it first came out, still like it.
A lot of her strumming patterns made me almost think this a late-model Joni Mitchell cover. I likey!
Me likey
...down the road,second dirt road on the right,down to the river
..keep going !
A good cover should not sound like the original artist. A good cover is when they make the song their "own". She has done a good job of that.
tapatia1072 wrote:
overstate by tapatia. this is a 'good' cover of a great track.
This cover is just, just ... appalling. Does not even hold a dim candle to the Blind Faith original.
overstate by tapatia. this is a 'good' cover of a great track.
I like this song enough to be happy to hear it from other sources. I prefer the Blind Faith version as well but their excellence shouldn't banish anyone else from taking a stab at it.
from 8 straight to 10
btt wrote:
To me , this sounds like she`s trying too hard .
That's what I was feeling, too - she's filling spaces that are better left unfilled. Good vocals, but I think she needs to practice the art of omission - as in, her voice. We don't need to hear it on every bar - subtlety and "less is more" would be nice... Not rating this because I love the song, I hate her version, and it sort of cancels out. *shrugs* tapatia1072 wrote:
Listen to Bonnie Raitt's version. It's worth a listen. Or are you too blinded by Faith to stretch a little?
This cover is just, just ... appalling. Does not even hold a dim candle to the Blind Faith original.
Listen to Bonnie Raitt's version. It's worth a listen. Or are you too blinded by Faith to stretch a little?
Well, y'all, if you are dissing this woman's version of the sacred Can't Find My Way Home, you boys sure as hell ain't gonna like Bonnie Raitt's version either. Now are you? I do. Pity you can't stretch from that he-man stance you have. Oh, whoops, I forgot. Nothing like the Stevie version.
Naw, I'm not buyin' it, unlike Stevie I believe she can find her way home.
Another "cutout" album cover from the good old days.
Not bad, but I'm already such a hardcore fan of the original that it's hard to not wish I was just listening to Stevie.
btt wrote:
Agreed.
To me , this sounds like she`s trying too hard .
Agreed.
To me , this sounds like she`s trying too hard .
Wish I still had my vinyl of this, though it was probably worn out when I lost track of it.
Excellent cover. She is in Steve's vocal register and takes some nice turns.
sings it like she wrote it
I know, I know. Some songs, artists, should NOT be touched. She does this well — it's a great song...she does it justice. Listen to some of her other stuff. She also rock jazzes Born Under a Bad Sign. Whoops. Da Cream be vulnerable...my bad.
Very well done...and I like her voice, but did this tune NEED to be covered? I personally like when a cover is really mangled differently or the original was so bad that it brings out the song's potential. Such is the case for any Stones tune or Dylan.
I've always like this particular post-hippy, folksy rendition myself. I just think she needs some conditioner in her hair.
She is NOT wasted - I like this song except for the intonation on that phrase - makes me flinch every single time
nicolewe wrote:
Agreed. I give this a '2'.
not a good version...
Agreed. I give this a '2'.
Can't believe I gave this an 8 and didn't comment ! A great piece, and a fine cover!not a good version...
Ellen is one of the most underrated performers around. Have a listen to her doing Born Under a Bad Sign. Her slide guitar playing is amazing!
Nice version. 6
Very nice version. 7....... 8
Very nice version. 7....... 8
This cover is just, just ... appalling. Does not even hold a dim candle to the Blind Faith original.
Is that an old 'cut out' vinyl cover I see pictured there?
first listen 7. second listen 5.
Bill, back to back , less than stellar covers! WTF? Or, is this a theme?
Oh my.....say it isn't so! 
This is pretty awful.
less than hohum cover of a brilliant song.
At least when The Swans covered it, they added some drama: https://popup.lala.com/popup/3891673041131536446
At least when The Swans covered it, they added some drama: https://popup.lala.com/popup/3891673041131536446
colt4x5 wrote:
I was in the Phoebe Snow camp.
i thought it was stevie winwood
oh dear
I was in the Phoebe Snow camp.
i thought it was stevie winwood
oh dear
Really like this cover.
I'll have to file this under wedding singer/lounge singer/Muzak-flavored covers. Nothing added, much removed.
Will have to explore her work, seems there are fans about.
Will have to explore her work, seems there are fans about.
lily34 wrote:
wow. i really like this cover. didn't expect to.
Yes, I hear you. I'm not quite there yet. First listen. But there's something about this ... she stays true to the original for the most part. trekhead wrote:
I was in the Phoebe Snow camp.
Always thought this was Phoebe Snow/ Janice Ian (interchangeable).
I was in the Phoebe Snow camp.
Absolutely GORGEOUS! So good to hear Ellen on Paradise Radio! I know that she learned a lot about guitar directly from Jimi Hendrix and has a huge dedicated fan base! Seeing her live is a real treat! One of the best blues players/singers around!
not feeling it
Always thought this was Phoebe Snow/ Janice Ian (interchangeable).
this just isn't right.
This gives the word unnecessary new meaning!
Was about to say the same, but I guess it was unnecessary.