Life of Sorrow cover

Life of Sorrow

David Grisman · 2003

60 min · 15 tracks · traditional folk music

A soulful blend of bluegrass and folk, steeped in nostalgia and heartfelt storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

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    A Life of Sorrow — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of heartache and loss with poignant melodies, setting a reflective tone that resonates throughout the collection.
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    Man of Constant Sorrow — Grisman's rendition revitalizes this classic with intricate mandolin work and emotive vocals, highlighting his skill at blending tradition with personal interpretation.
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    Tennessee Waltz — This track stands out for its gentle rhythm and nostalgic lyrics, showcasing Grisman's ability to evoke deep emotions through simplicity and elegance.
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    When You and I Were Young Maggie — Grisman's interpretation brings new life to this traditional ballad, with a focus on storytelling that illustrates the passage of time and memory.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with emotional peaks
  • heartfelt reflections on love lost
  • for reflective afternoon listening
  • stories of sorrow and longing

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of upbeat tempos
  • prefer dynamic, high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Represents emotional depth and classic American folk themes, praised in music circles.
Career context
By 2003, David Grisman was a well-established figure in the bluegrass and acoustic music scenes, known for his unique mandolin work and the creation of the genre 'dawg music'. 'Life of Sorrow' marked a continuation of his exploration into traditional American music, following his acclaimed albums from the 1990s that solidified his reputation as an innovator. This album came after his collaborative projects with other artists, further emphasizing his versatility and commitment to roots music.
Stylistic neighbors
Tony Rice· Jerry Douglas· Nickel Creek

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 A Life of Sorrow 3:20
  • 2 Doin' My Time 4:54
  • 3 We Can't Be Darlings Anymore 3:03
  • 4 When You and I Were Young Maggie 5:14
  • 5 All the Good Times Are Past and Gone 3:26
  • 6 Tragic Romance 3:35
  • 7 Seven Year Blues 3:53
  • 8 You're the Girl of My Dreams 2:23
  • 9 Unwanted Love 2:56
  • 10 Man of Constant Sorrow 3:57
  • 11 Tennessee Waltz 3:07
  • 12 Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow 4:21
  • 13 Pretty Saro 3:06
  • 14 Cabin of Love 2:47
  • 15 Farther Along 10:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata