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Counting Crows — Round Here
Album: August and Everything After
Avg rating:
6.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2168









Released: 1993
Length: 5:10
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Step out the front door like a ghost into the fog,
Where no one notices the contrast of white on white,
And in between the moon and you, angels get a better view,
Of the crumbling difference between wrong and right.
Well I walk in the air between the rain,
Through myself and back again, where? I don't know,
Maria says she's dying, through the door I hear her crying,
Why? I don't know.

Round here, we always stand up straight,
Round here, something radiates.

Maria came from Nashville with a suitcase in her hand,
She said she'd like to meet a boy who looks like Elvis,
And she walked along the edge of where the ocean meets the land,
Just like she's walking on a wire in the circus,
She parks her car outside of my house and takes her clothes off,
Says she's close to understanding Jesus,
And she knows she's more than just a little misunderstood,
She has trouble acting normal when she's nervous.

Round here, we're carving out our names,
Round here, we all look the same,
Round here, we talk just like lions,
But we sacrifice like lambs,
Round here, she's slipping though my hands.

Oh, sleeping children better run like the wind,
Out of the lightning dream,
Mama's little baby better get herself in,
Out of the lightning.

She says, it's only in my head,
She says, shhh, I know, it's only in my head,
But the girl on the car in the parking lot,
Says, man, you should try to take a shot,
Can't you see my walls are crumbling?
Then she looks up at the building,
Says she's thinking of jumping,
She says she's tired of life,
She must be tired of something.

Round here, she's always on my mind,
Round here, hey man, I got lots of time,
Round here, we're never sent to bed early,
And nobody makes us wait,
Round here, we stay up very, very, very, very late.

I... I can't see nothing, nothing, round here,
Oh, you catch me if I'm falling,
You catch me if I'm falling,
You catch me 'cause I'm falling down on you,
I said I'm under the gun, round here,
Oh man, I said I'm under the gun, round here,
And I can't see nothing, nothing, round here.
Comments (248)add comment
I don't get the hate for Counting Crows. 
 ace-marc wrote:

Gets worse every time I hear this song, if that is possible.
Come on Bill, you obviously have good taste.
Drop this band ASAP from your awesome station - they are not worthy!


If BillG were to drop every artist from Radio Paradise that someone says "drop this band ASAP from your awesome station" then we'd be left with Radio Silence.  

Long Live Radio Paradise! 
Counting Crows:  the whines are just unbearable.  Gave it a fiver.
Funny how some bands take you back to place and time. Nothing against Counting Crows at all, but it wasn't a band I was particularly into in the early 90s while going to college in Montreal. I remember however how my friend Pat would drive around in his dad's Toyota and blare CC songs ad nauseam. Now hearing this, it reminds me that we drifted apart after college when friends can often go their different and separate ways and that I should reach out to him after probably 20+ years.

Also funny how after listening to an incredibly diverse selection of music on RP that I find myself turning up Counting Crows because I appreciate them more today than back then. Another RP time warp I got sucked into that caused 5 completely unproductive minutes!
An amazing band and an incredible album. So many classics. Thank you RP!
 ace-marc wrote:
radio paradise is awesome -  but counting crows is clearly not a worthy band of such a fine station.  and neither is john cougar.
Bill, simply replace all songs from these artists with anything from the clash.
super easy.
 
I hesitate to say this because to each their own, and Bill + Rebecca run a fine station without much input from me, but I agree 100%. 
 ace-marc wrote:
Bill, Did you lose a bet?
I guess eclectic means playing garbage too. 
 
Stay with me here, because I know this is crazy, but maybe ... just maybe ... your opinion is only your opinion, and not an objective, unquestionable fact.
Bill, Did you lose a bet?
I guess eclectic means playing garbage too. 
 jmjohall wrote:
Dont know why but hate this song...
 
Probably because it's horrible?
I may have said it here or on a different Counting Crows song, but these guys make me feel sentimental about memories and experiences that I'm pretty sure aren't even mine.
Dont know why but hate this song...
We like this tune round here
Low quality Top 40 radio fodder.
Arrrgh a voice I want to cut short
great song. Awful singer.
Wow - flashback to early '90s!  Really liked this tune when it came out.
 ppopp wrote:
It's good therapy for me to word my dismay at having to hear this yeti-goose-creature pretend to sing and somehow appeal to whoever does not find this sound to be as intolerable as having your toes set upon by angry giant Asian wasps.
 
Why would giant Asian wasps be interested in your toes? It was a funny comment!
 ppopp wrote:
It's good therapy for me to word my dismay at having to hear this yeti-goose-creature pretend to sing and somehow appeal to whoever does not find this sound to be as intolerable as having your toes set upon by angry giant Asian wasps.
 
You ok hun?
It's good therapy for me to word my dismay at having to hear this yeti-goose-creature pretend to sing and somehow appeal to whoever does not find this sound to be as intolerable as having your toes set upon by angry giant Asian wasps.
 Chimpmeister wrote:
sooooo whiny, just awful
 
"I can't see nothing round here"...
But just open your eyes !
sooooo whiny, just awful
I like these guys. They're good. Real good.
good timeless piece of music
There are only a few songs that build this well from beginning to end. I'd volunteer that this song does it better than Stairway  to heaven.
 zenhead wrote:
Too whiney for me.
 

It's effective for a song or two, but becomes affective if you sing this way ALL the time
It would drive me crazy to tour and whine all these songs--I mean sing all these songs whiney over and over again for years...
Mr Jones - 1
Round Here - 10

Dislike it or be amused... that's the way it is
 electronicshaman wrote:
I've always kinda felt like these guys were a little bit pompous...
 

...and?
Too whiney for me.
 NorthernLad wrote:
I don't care it it is worn out—-so am I.   It brings me back to a time when I was not

---not worn out---

Saw them live in 1997; they saw us dancing and we were upped to the front row.  A memory of a trip I will never forget. 


 FrankMc wrote:
This album was recommended to me by my nephew a few years ago. I asked him what he thought was the best thing going at that time and he suggested Counting Crows. I think it's a great album and agree that the sort of fractured vocals are part of what give some of the songs their pathos. And Rain King is one of the great singalong songs of all time.
 
One of the best debut albums ever, certainly one of the top 5 best albums of the 90's.  Those were the days.  
Gets worse every time I hear this song, if that is possible.
Come on Bill, you obviously have good taste.
Drop this band ASAP from your awesome station - they are not worthy!
kinda wishing this song didn't play so often 'round here.
 ace-marc wrote:
radio paradise is awesome -  but counting crows is clearly not a worthy band of such a fine station.  and neither is john cougar.
Bill, simply replace all songs from these artists with anything from the clash.
super easy.
 
You seem to be missing the larger point, which is that Bill is responsible for making the decision of what is (and is not) "RP wothy".  You are not.  I, for one, am glad that this is the case.
I f*****g love that band and that song
 NorthernLad wrote:
I don't care it it is worn out—-so am I.   It brings me back to a time when I was not
 
Y'know, there's an awful lot of silliness and weird angst in these comments at times - and then you run across a profound, touching nugget like this; thanks, NorthernLad, for reminding us of the very root of our humanity that music - any music -touches and nurtures and refreshes...
 Cynaera wrote:
I love to listen to Counting Crows (this song in particular) on a rainy day when I don't have to be anyplace or come up with any really complicated thinky-thoughts.  There's just something about this band that makes me relax, or cry if I need to cry and can't seem to work up a good angst. 

I can almost read Stingray firing off a snide comment here - "WHINER!"  (My response would be, "Well, yeah, but so what?") {#Lol} ETA:  Okay, not Stingray, but a_genuine_find.  Maybe Stingray's in the bathroom and missed this song.

 
She lives on here and still puts a smile on my face.
This song definitely spawned my dislike of whiny vocals
 ace-marc wrote:
radio paradise is awesome -  but counting crows is clearly not a worthy band of such a fine station.  and neither is john cougar.
Bill, simply replace all songs from these artists with anything from the clash.
super easy.
 
I'd rather not hear the Clash, but I agree that Crows & Cougar are not worthy of RP status. 
radio paradise is awesome -  but counting crows is clearly not a worthy band of such a fine station.  and neither is john cougar.
Bill, simply replace all songs from these artists with anything from the clash.
super easy.
 JeriF wrote:
I'm puzzled by all the haters for this tune.  I'm not a big Counting Crows fan either but, find this song beautiful and genuine. 
 

It's too genuine for some people. They prefer a post-modern ironic pose, instead of emotion. But we have Spoon for that.
 h8rhater wrote:

Wish I could ignore them.
 

Are there haters?

The beginning of the song is a little rough—like it is looking for a way out—but then it evolves into a unique groove and is very listenable.
 cavemanleong wrote:
I'm ignoring the haters and just enjoying a wonderful song. {#Guitarist}
 
Wish I could ignore them.
 themusicroob wrote:

It's a sad day when the merit of music is judged by the artist's ability not to look out of place on a talk show.
 
I guess the commenter doesn't like awkwardness so he overcompensates with silly GIFs. The music remains stellar to those who aren't offended by human foibles..
The PSD button is one of the world's greatest inventions ever.
I just can't get beyond his whiney voice.  The rest is just ordinary pop, nothing distinctive. But that's like just my opinion, man.
I just can't stand his voice. Whining and emo.
 ruthyc wrote:
Still rips my heart, after 11 years

  1993

Round Here is sublime like few rock/pop songs ever are. It's also sung well, played at just the right tempo, with just enough instrumental accompaniment to maintain its sublime effect. Counting Crows are what the Cowboy Junkies could be if they had talent.   
 Donny_Ballgame wrote:

Love this GIF. It perfectly captures the feeling of this song against my head. Saw Adam on Real Time with Bill Maher a few years ago. He was a bit of a dunce and was entirely outclassed in that room. He tried very hard to seem smart and relevant. Er, fail.

 
It's a sad day when the merit of music is judged by the artist's ability not to look out of place on a talk show.
what's to hate??
 
Excellent track from an amazing album. Can’t understand the negativity, but then I like the Dave Matthews band too. At least their older stuff.
I'm ignoring the haters and just enjoying a wonderful song. {#Guitarist}
I'm puzzled by all the haters for this tune.  I'm not a big Counting Crows fan either but, find this song beautiful and genuine. 
seems like a love it or hate it song.  Personally, I hate it.
 Segue wrote:
No WHINGING!!!
 
But then what would you post?
No WHINGING!!!
 NorthernLad wrote:
I don't care it it is worn out—-so am I.   It brings me back to a time when I was not

 
Haha - yeah, something like that :) 
Still rips my heart, after 11 years
Wow. Thoroughly enjoying 'Water Song' on the headphones, and then...this. As we would say at the time Hot Tuna made 'Water Song', bummer, man.
 Proclivities wrote:
herman

 
Love this GIF. It perfectly captures the feeling of this song against my head. Saw Adam on Real Time with Bill Maher a few years ago. He was a bit of a dunce and was entirely outclassed in that room. He tried very hard to seem smart and relevant. Er, fail.
herman
Yuck.
 AhhtheMusic wrote:
Sorry I can't abide this horrible thing after hearing the bliss of Jorma's Water Song.  Argh, the pain.  Thankfully there is PSD. 

 
Funny, I wrote this a year ago.  Same scenario, same reaction.  Seriously these two songs "Water Song" and "Round Here" have nothing in common and go together like peanut butter on chicken (or some such nonsense).
I've been rediscovering the album recently and this is the stand out track for me...nice to hear it on RP
More pointless, anodyne MOR faux-rock. 
Having a broken ear must be so confusing for you.

{#Shifty}

Broken_Ear wrote:
I'm really beginning to think this band just formed themselves to punish music lovers.

 


I'm really beginning to think this band just formed themselves to punish music lovers.
I still like it (and Water Song).
 NorthernLad wrote:
I don't care it it is worn out—-so am I.   It brings me back to a time when I was not

 
{#Cheers}
had to rais this from 9 to 10!
This album and Hootie's Cracked Rear view are tied forever in my brain and heart to a time that was wonderful and awful.  
How I wish that day in September 94 never happened and how I miss my friend...
Sorry I can't abide this horrible thing after hearing the bliss of Jorma's Water Song.  Argh, the pain.  Thankfully there is PSD. 
For a about 3 months now since I was told about Radio Paradise, I've played it a couple hours a night while I'm working online at home and hadn't read any comments until yesterday after the friend that had initially sent me the link to RP, mentioned them (the comments).
Last night and a couple times tonight I glanced at them on a couple of songs and I've decided I won't be doing that anymore!
 
I know this is now 23 years old since this album was released but I am starting to like the Counting Crows sound and this album in particular. Sorry to those who say it is overplayed on RP - I must have missed those plays. Better late than never for CC I say.
Well stated. 

NorthernLad wrote:
I don't care it it is worn out—-so am I.   It brings me back to a time when I was not

 


 joempie wrote:
So fed up with that voice. CC is another overplayed band at RP. PSD.

 
if i could pick one to kick from RP,
Pink Floyd or Counting Crows,
bye bye birdie 
Great song, great band, beautiful singer !!
I don't care it it is worn out—-so am I.   It brings me back to a time when I was not
So fed up with that voice. CC is another overplayed band at RP. PSD.
Even after all these years, this song is still filed under "burned out" for me.

I guess the magic was lost on me the day Adam admitted his dreads were fake.  My teenage years were a complete lie!?!
Great song from a great album. Too bad it's so trendy to hate this band 'cause the music is really quite wonderful.
the rate of this particular song depends on rate of vocal work completely...
Their one perfect moment. They had a few other great ones but this one they just nailed!
 
Suggest you read the thoughtful appraisal by jonno_norton.
Completely revolting noise coming from the singer.
Although I get a sense of "aren't I wonderful" from these guys, this is a moving, intelligent song.
Looking forward to hearing something from their 2014 album on RP.
Surprised at the hating on this track/band.  I had no idea so many disliked it.

To me - though this song was way overplayed when it was new - the whole album is enjoyable and ages well. 
 oldnickname wrote:
Counting Crows has a lot a potential, too bad it's wasted by this awful, awful singer.

 
Agreed. I never could stand this band.  {#Razz}
Counting Crows has a lot a potential, too bad it's wasted by this awful, awful singer.
 annieb63 wrote:
Will never get old for me.
 

 
👍❀
Clearly there's a lot of hatred for this song, but I always enjoy listening to it--and the entire album, actually. Musically it's interesting and I've always been intrigued by the lyrics. Is he talking about street people/children? Always wondered....Anyway--like his phrasing and his voice. I suppose it was overplayed, but I hardly ever hear it anymore, and it still seems fresh to me.
Following Hot Tuna with this is, well, inexplicable. What de frog? Superlative followed by emo/angst/mediocrity... Is my opinion of this band obvious? These guys were emo in advance of the term, but there is no credit due.
Unique Style of musical emanations....
Uhhh...well...ok...not exciting to me anymore...but uh well ok not bad...yep. Um...not much else.
Steve Forbertish
Will never get old for me.
 
 Thin_Air wrote:
Counting the seconds round here 'til it's over.

 
I second that.
Counting the seconds round here 'til it's over.
Lots of comments going on here, nice to see the enthusiasm about Counting Crows, even from the haters, but it's a lot more simple than "this is drivel" or "most overhyped song of the 90s" I think we can all agree this album is far from drivel or anything close to the most anything of the 90s aside from most under-appreciated, freshman-release album of the 90s; this came to full fruition later in the early 2000s as the indie scene that this and so many other unsung albums of the 90s (camper van beethoven, neutral milk hotel, etc) had begun to inspire before their time. I wouldn't compare Counting Crows to either of those bands in any other circumstance, but the fact is they weren't Garbage or Nirvana in the 90s and they sang lyrically complex songs. 

Now, what I really came here to talk about is the follow-up albums. If you loved this album, and had ill feelings towards the albums that came after it, I have this to say to you: Go spend the time with Recovering the Satellites. Just do it. Don't listen to a track here and skip and then hit another track and skip and find two or three you like. Sit down and listen to the entire thing from front to back. This is the only way to experience any record anyway, and Counting Crows is a band that you can really get into by doing this. The songs at the end of the album are so good like the feeling you got on August and Everything After, but you really need the lead-in of the earlier tracks in the album to set the mood correctly for them. There are a lot of mirrored sentiments and feelings in Recovering the Satellites, they just changed their sound slightly. I think Recovering the Satellites sounds a lot like an early precursor to what Guster ended up doing with a few of their hit tracks. The feeling I get is very similar.

In conclusion: I don't think Counting Crows is an indie band, haters go find something better to do because this isn't the band you are looking for, and fans don't keep sleeping on the follow-up albums.

I do admit thought they completely went pop and sold out their audience with that song from Shrek with the animated bunny in the music video. I obviously stopped paying attention around that time and don't have my facts straight, but their first 2 albums are good and deserve respect. 

 Yes, when he tries to vamp or improvise it is cringe-making. You can tell that the discipline of a good producer (T-Bone Burnett?) kept them in bounds on August...d-don wrote:
I never liked the CC's songs with all the extra verbiage in each line - like packing five pounds of crap in a one pound can - and the over-emoting.. That being said, this song's not that bad
 


As I have told my wife enough times to make here crazy, "This is a good first record, but they used up all their ideas and have not come close since."
 rp1125 wrote:
I've always thought he should just stick his head in an oven and get it over with...and spare the rest of us
  d-don wrote:

This is what I was trying to say.
 
Maybe if you both stuck your heads in an oven you wouldn't have to go through the unbearable burden of hearing this classic track on RP. 
 rp1125 wrote:
I've always thought he should just stick his head in an oven and get it over with...and spare the rest of us
 
This is what I was trying to say.
 zenhead wrote:
i agree - boring. i don't like the whiney voice especially. i don't hear any new ideas here.
 
Probably no "new ideas" in a 20 year old song. 
At first thought this was something from Dave Matthews and that is not a good thing
Drivel 
I never liked the CC's songs with all the extra verbiage in each line - like packing five pounds of crap in a one pound can - and the over-emoting.. That being said, this song's not that bad
I had almost forgotten how much I loathe this song - one of those few PSD moments that is so much fun  {#Arrow}
Outstanding.  I forgot how fine this song is!
 
I've always loved this song
I've always thought he should just stick his head in an oven and get it over with...and spare the rest of us
i agree - boring. i don't like the whiney voice especially. i don't hear any new ideas here.
Another Neil Young vocal by this guy.  He should pay royalties.  Waaay overrated.
 seanyeomans wrote:
The most boring over-hyped band/song of the 90's.
 
I like how you picked this nice orange font that goes well with the album cover. Must have won you over subconsciously.
That summer's soundtrack.
ha! as i tuned in i'm already listenin' to Countin' Crows - This Desert Life, i like that Serendipity! {#Cheers} round here!
 FamilyMan wrote:


The customer dines at a familiar restaurant.  The meal does not meet his expectations.  The diner is self-indulgent?
 
Uh-oh - noun confusion!  Do you mean the "diner" being the establishment serving the food or being the person consuming the food?  Either way, I find this tune to be rather fowl, but I can understand why others may like it.  To each his own.
{#Propeller}
Is this an audience or an oil painting?  Don't forget to try the veal.
Breaks no new ground, but solid just the same..
Great album!