Sweet Afton

Album: Nickel Creek (2000)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The lyrics to this song were written by the Scotish poet Robert Burns in the 1700s. It is contrasting the death of the character Mary with the flow of the river Afton, which is a metaphor for the passage of time. Chris Thile of Nickel Creek was laughing about this at a live performance because when he wrote the melody (which is in a major key), he wasn't sure whether she was dead or not. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Spencer - Hull, GA

Comments: 1

  • Julia from Richland, WaI really like this song!! It is so very beautiful!! I just love it.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In Songs

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In SongsSong Writing

Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song Titles

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song TitlesMusic Quiz

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have some rather unusual song titles - see if you can spot the real ones.