Elliott Smith - Waltz #2 (XO)

I'm so glad that my memory's remote

Cause I'm doing doing just fine hour to hour, note to note

Steven Paul Elliott Smith was found dead at the age of 34 in Los Angeles on October 21, 2003 from two stab wounds to the chest. The coroner was never able to determine whether the wounds were self-inflicted or not. It's been theorized that they were due to Smith's alcoholism, drug addiction, depression and that time he literally ran off a cliff. But that's besides the point. Elliott Smith left behind a legacy that includes a plethora of great songs that not many can accomplish in their entire lifetime.

"Waltz #2 (XO)" is off his 4th LP, XO, and was the first to be released by a major label. As the song title suggests, the music does in fact have a waltz-like feel to it, but with his personal folk/acoustic touch. According to Wikipedia, the song was inspired by a memory of Smith watching his mother and stepfather at a karaoke bar in Texas as a child. The original draft for the lyrics contained "I love you, mom." I have no clue if this information is true, but it's interesting nonetheless!

Favourite Part: When Smith sings, "I'm never gonna know you now//But I'm gonna love you anyhow."

Waltz #2 (XO) - Elliott Smith