Oh Dearie

Album: Serpentine Prison (2021)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Oh dearie
    Don't get near me
    Paralysis has me


    Berninger explained to Uncut magazine he wrote this track about the poor mental health of some dear friends, and to a lesser extent, himself. "That song is about genuine depression," he explained. "And I have some. I'd say I have average Midwestern white man's depression, no more or less. I've never been on antidepressants, but I know a lot of people who are."
  • Berninger recorded this song for his debut solo album Serpentine Prison. He called in some friends to help him on the record, including on this track:

    Acoustic guitar: Harrison Whitford and Sean O'Brien, who also co-wrote the song with Berninger.
    Bass: Harrison Whitford
    Drums, percussion: Matt Barrick of The Walkmen and Fleet Foxes
    Hammond B3 and piano: Serpentine Prison producer Booker T. Jones
    Bass harmonica: Session harmonica player Mickey Raphael, who has also played with Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney and Chris Stapleton.
    Violin: Folk singer Andrew Bird
    Backing vocals: Gail Ann Dorsey, who is David Bowie's long-time bassist, and trumpeter Kyle Resnick, who is part of The National's live setup

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

When Rock Belonged To Michelob

When Rock Belonged To MichelobSong Writing

Michelob commercials generated hits for Eric Clapton, Genesis and Steve Winwood in the '80s, even as some of these rockers were fighting alcoholism.

Ian Gillan of Deep Purple

Ian Gillan of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan explains the "few red lights" in "Smoke On The Water" and talks about songs from their 2020 album Whoosh!

Amanda Palmer

Amanda PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Call us crazy, but we like it when an artist comes around who doesn't mesh with the status quo.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.