Sweet Adeline

Album: XO (1998)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Smith has said that the title of this song was inspired by memories of his grandmother singing at a club called The Sweet Adelines. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Shannon - Kathleen, GA

Comments: 7

  • Xbeatle from Nychmm, comparing ES to KC? This singer/songwriter/guitarist thinks that ES was a much more sophisticated artisan and had more range than KC as a singer, vocalist & musician..that being said, don't sell KC short as a lyricist or a crafter(such a word?) of really catchy commercial rock tunes(Beatles meet The Ramones?)

    And that's what flowed naturally from him..have played almost all his songs in various bands and projects..really love his work and that's what most were..crunchy, power chord driven rockers..my apologies to those who find insult in this statement.

    Bottom line, the only real similarity that I can see is they both were angry tortured souls who dealt with that through their music..........
  • Jon from Spartanburg, ScIt's not just you Stefanie, there are similarities. Listen to the chorus of "picture of me" on either/or. Definitely sounds similar to Cobain. They were from two relatively close cities around the same time so it isn't too surprising. I think they were probably very similar people. Bipolar, deep-rooted anger issues, drug addiction, history of poor relationships, etc.
    Btw, I would call being a strung out junkie, climbing through the woods to avoid your record company quite grunge
  • Colm from Northport, NyFirst of all, if your writing on this please do not compare Elliot Smith to some low life P.O.S. like Kurt Cobain. And yes Elliot Smith is just...not grunge.
  • Erin from Austin, TxElliot Smith is definitely NOT like Kurt Cobain. Not that this is a bad thing for either of them, but Kurt Cobain is grunge and Elliot Smith is just...not.
  • Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScIs it just me, or is his voice similar to that of Kurt Kobain's. I've only heard one song of his. My sister likes his music.
  • Craig from Madison, WiElliot Smith may not be that well known, but his name will always be known by those who have taste in music. Most popular music from his time will be forgotten, but he will remain. Not to glamorize early deaths or (possible) suicide, but he will be remembered in the elite school of lost boys like Nick Drake, Gramm Parsons and Jim Croce.
  • Sarah from Toronto, CanadaThis is a truly great song. When the chorus kicks in it gives you shivers. Not many people have heard of Elliot Smith but he was a talented musician.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.

Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues

Justin Hayward of The Moody BluesSongwriter Interviews

Justin wrote the classic "Nights In White Satin," but his fondest musical memories are from a different decade.

Steely Dan

Steely DanFact or Fiction

Did they really trade their guitarist to The Doobie Brothers? Are they named after something naughty? And what's up with the band name?

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.