Miss Misery

Album: Either/Or (1997)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was one of the first songs that Elliott Smith recorded at a recording studio that he built in collaboration with producer Larry Crane in 1997.
  • Composed for the Gus van Sant film Good Will Hunting. It was included in the soundtrack along with other songs from Smith's album Either/Or.
  • This was nominated for an Oscar in 1997 for its appearance in Good Will Hunting.
  • "Johnnie Walker Red," from the second line of the song, is a brand of Scotch. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Silas - Florence, OR

Comments: 9

  • Paula from Houston, TxWhat a beautiful song, what a talented songwriter.
    This song makes me think of my sister, who was a severe alcoholic.
    To me, this song is about that empty place inside of addicts that nothing can fill.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyWas nominated for Best Song at the 1997 Academy Awards {Lost to "My Heart Will Go On" from the movie "Titanic"}!!!
  • Bern from Baltimore, MdI bought Either/Or as a cd and it doesn't have this track.
    now I gotta buy it off itunes..im addicted
  • Goofydawg from Silcon Valley, CaDownloaded an early, acoustic-guitar-only version of this song from iTunes and the lyrics are much, much, much darker than what was released with "Good Will Hunting." The lyrics in that version revealed the depth of his depression. It was pretty scary.
  • Tony from Sunshine Coast, AustraliaThe video of him performing this song live at the Oscars is available on YouTube. He looks really nervous and frightened while performing it, which I think only adds to the beauty and fragility of the song (and Elliott as an artist), but also adds to the ridiculousness of Celine Dion's win in this category for the Titanic song.
  • Dennis from Chicagoland Burrows, IlNader, I thought you were crazy for a second, then I stopped and thought there is a little similarity between this tune and "Bluejay Way" from the MMT.
  • Ben from Nottingham, EnglandThis is a beautiful song. Makes me happy and sad both at the same time.
  • Natasha from Chico, CaElliott Smith was such a talent, both musically and lyrically. May he rest in peace.
  • Nader from Durham, NcSounds eerily similar to Magical Mystery Tour-era Beatles to me. Which is a good thing: this song is wonderful.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Billy Gould of Faith No More

Billy Gould of Faith No MoreSongwriter Interviews

Faith No More's bassist, Billy Gould, chats to us about his two new experimental projects, The Talking Book and House of Hayduk, and also shares some stories from the FNM days.

Jon Anderson

Jon AndersonSongwriter Interviews

Jon Anderson breaks down the Yes classic "Seen All Good People" and talks about his 1000 Hands album, which features Chick Corea, Rick Derringer, Ian Anderson, and many other luminaries.

Benny Mardones

Benny MardonesSongwriter Interviews

His song "Into The Night" is one of the most-played of all time. For Benny, it took him to hell and back.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Bryan Adams

Bryan AdamsSongwriter Interviews

What's the deal with "Summer of '69"? Bryan explains what the song is really about, and shares more of his songwriting insights.