Souther was greatly influenced by Texan Roy Orbison. Following his move to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, he met a young guitarist from Detroit named Glenn Frey. They bonded over their Detroit roots and a common love of country and R&B music. In short order, they began working together while sharing a small apartment in Los Angeles' Echo Park area (their downstairs neighbor was Jackson Browne with whom both Souther and Frey would collaborate on numerous projects).
Shortly after meeting, Souther and Frey formed a folk duo called Longbranch Pennywhistle. Their lone album, released in 1970 on Jimmy Bowen's Amos Records, featured significant contributions from guitarists James Burton and Ry Cooder, fiddler Doug Kershaw, drummer Jim Gordon, pianist Larry Knechtel and bassist Joe Osborn.
After recording an eponymous solo album in 1972, persuaded by David Geffen, Souther formed the Souther Hillman Furay Band with Chris Hillman and Richie Furay. The group released two albums, but creative tensions and lack of record sales, not to mention Furay's discomfort at playing secular music after a conversion to Christianity, led to the band's demise.
Souther is probably best known for his well crafted songwriting abilities, especially in the field of country rock. He co-wrote some of the biggest hits for The Eagles, including "Best of My Love", "Victim of Love", "Heartache Tonight", and "New Kid in Town". In 2008 "The Eagles" charted with "How Long" which was on his "John David Souther" album in 1972 (but written by Jack Tempchin, who also wrote "Peaceful Easy Feeling"). Souther avoided the spotlight deciding to not be one of "The Eagles" when they first formed! Nevertheless, he joined The Eagles on numerous occasions live on stage. As such and because of his significant songwriting contributions, he became known as "the secret Eagle".
He also wrote songs for several of Linda Ronstadt's multi-platinum albums, including "Faithless Love" from "Heart Like a Wheel" album and "White Rythm and Blues" included in her "Living in the USA" album. Linda once said JD was the best songwriter in the world. He also recorded several notable duets with Ronstadt including "Sometimes You Can't Win" and "Prisoner in Disguise". He also wrote for Bonnie Raitt including "Home" on her album "Sweet Forgiveness."
His biggest hit as a solo artist was the 1979 Orbison-influenced song "You're Only Lonely" from the album of the same name which reached the top 10 of the Billboard Charts. A collaboration with James Taylor called "Her Town Too" from Taylor's "Dad Loves His Work" reached number 11 on the Billboard Pop Singles Chart.
He was a Contributor on the Roy Orbison and Friends, A Black and White Night 1987 concert and video, and sang The Platters' "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" in the 1989 movie Always!
Silver Blue
J.D. Souther Lyrics
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Said goodbye to no one
She thought it through
And left me standing in the road
If you were ever lonely
You never let it show
But someday baby you'll be here
And blood on both my hands
'Cause I took you through
And now we're both too weak to stand
You think you're gonna live forever
And somehow find me there
But you'll be wearing golden wings
And fall right through the air
Silver Blue
Wanting you
I've been a fool for trying
'Cause I get so blue
That I don't know if I'm crying
If you are ever lonely
And you let me know
I'll come running right on time
And rock you gently home
Silver Blue
Silver Blue
The song "Silver Blue" by J.D. Souther tells a story of a woman who has left the singer, and he is left behind to deal with the aftermath. The opening lines "Said goodbye to no one, she thought it through and left me standing in the road" suggests that the woman has made a calculated decision to leave and did not say goodbye to anyone. This could possibly be a sign of a troubled relationship, where the woman has distanced herself from the people in her life, and the singer is not surprised by her sudden departure.
The singer goes on to express his feelings of loneliness and heartbreak, while also acknowledging the woman's strength and resilience. He sings "If you were ever lonely, you never let it show. But someday baby you'll be here, and I'll be going home without you." This line suggests that the woman may have been emotionally detached from the relationship and didn't show her true feelings, which could have contributed to the breakdown of the relationship. Moreover, the line "And blood on both my hands 'cause I took you through, and now we're both too weak to stand" implies that both the singer and the woman played a role in the downfall of their relationship, and both have suffered from the consequences.
In the end, the singer acknowledges that they may never be together again, and the woman may go on with her life without him. "You think you're gonna live forever and somehow find me there, But you'll be wearing golden wings and fall right through the air" suggests that the woman has unrealistic expectations of their relationship, and the singer understands that they may never reconcile. The song ends with the repetition of the phrase "Silver Blue," which could be a metaphor for the bittersweet memories of the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Silver Blue
The repetition of the song's title implies its importance and highlights its melancholy tone.
Said goodbye to no one
She left without a word and didn't say goodbye to anyone, leaving the singer feeling abandoned and without closure.
She thought it through
Her decision to leave was not impulsive or hasty; she carefully considered it and came to a conclusion.
And left me standing in the road
The artist is emotionally stranded and lost, feeling helpless as he watches her leave.
If you were ever lonely
The artist recalls the times when she might have been lonely, but she never expressed it or allowed anyone to see it.
You never let it show
She was always composed and never let her emotional struggles show on the surface.
But someday baby you'll be here
The singer anticipates her return, believing that it's only a matter of time before she comes back around.
And I'll be going home without you
He acknowledges that if she does return, it will be short-lived, and he will eventually have to face life without her once again.
And blood on both my hands
The blood on his hands is symbolic of guilt and blame. He takes responsibility for their relationship's downfall and the pain they both feel.
'Cause I took you through
He recognizes that he put her through difficult times and caused her to leave in the first place.
And now we're both too weak to stand
The singer and his former lover are both emotionally drained and unable to support each other anymore, leading to the end of their relationship.
You think you're gonna live forever
The artist hints that she has an optimistic and naive outlook on life, believing that she will live forever and be reunited with him one day.
And somehow find me there
Despite leaving him, she still hopes to be with him one day, implying that he may be the only constant in her life.
But you'll be wearing golden wings
The golden wings may symbolize her passing on and ascending to the afterlife, or merely her experiencing a different stage of life than him, and therefore being separated from him.
And fall right through the air
The fall through the air implies that her belief in their reunion is fanciful and unrealistic, leading to disappointment.
Wanting you
The artist desires her and desperately wishes to reconnect with her once again.
I've been a fool for trying
Despite his efforts to reunite with her, he calls himself a 'fool for trying' because he knows that it may be a futile effort and may end in more heartache.
'Cause I get so blue
He becomes sad and overwhelmed with a sense of despair when he thinks about her; the emotions are almost too much to handle.
That I don't know if I'm crying
He's so emotional that he's unsure if he's physically crying but acknowledges that he certainly feels emotional pain.
If you are ever lonely
He repeats the sentiment from earlier, acknowledging that if he ever receives a sign that she is lonely, he will come running to her aid.
And you let me know
She would have to communicate with him to let him know she is struggling, as she's never been forthright with her emotions before.
I'll come running right on time
He's committed to being there for her if and when she needs him, no matter how much time has passed.
And rock you gently home
He wants to provide her with comfort and a sense of security, ensuring that she feels safe and loved.
Silver Blue
Repeating the song's title once again serves as a poignant way to end the song and reinforce its melancholy yet beautiful nature.
Contributed by Aaliyah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.