Lyrics and Popular Songs

I love music. Here are some songs I was thinking about that simply must be heard as performed by the songwriter to be appreciated. Maybe you have heard another artist's recording of the song, but sometimes the song takes on new meaning and beauty when the songwriter performs it. Here are a few I recommend you try if you've never heard them performed by the writer. "Galveston" and "The Worst That Could Happen" Jimmy Webb "On Your Way Down" Allen Toussaint "Bird On a Wire" and "Hallelujah" Leonard Cohen "Alison" Elvis Costello "Desperadoes Waiting For a Train" Guy Clark "How Long" J.D. Souther "After Midnight" J.J. Cale "Have a Little Faith In Me" John Hiatt "Bad Boy" and "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" Larry Williams "A Song For You" Leon Russell "A Change Is Gonna Come" Sam Cooke "All Along the Watchtower" and "Blowin' In the Wind" Bob Dylan "City Of New Orleans" Steve Goodman "The Harlem Shuffle" Bob (Relf and Earl (Lee) "Into the Mystic" and "Have I Told You Lately (Love You) Van Morrison "Mystery Train" Junior Parker (and Sam Phillips) "Till I Gain Control" Rodney Crowell "Pink Cadillac" and "Blinded By the Light" Bruce Springsteen "I Shot the Sheriff" Bob Marley "Wide River To Cross" Buddy Miller "True Love Ways" Buddy Holly "People Get Ready" Curtis Mayfield (and The Impressions) "Stoned Soul Picnic"" Laura Nyro "Ol' 55" Tom Waits "Please Send Me Somebody To Love" Percy Mayfield "Mama Told Me Not To Come" Randy Newman "Anna" and "You Better Move On" Arthur Alexander "Roll Over Beethoven" and "Rock and Roll Music" Chuck Berry Please comment and add to the list. This just scratches the surface of some great songs.