’cause we ended as lovers

tl;dr; ’cause we ended as lovers

There are three great guitar instrumentals that I dearly love: Santana’s Europa, The Allman Brothers’ In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, and Jeff Beck’s ‘Cause We Ended As Lovers. Each if these songs deserves their own Song of the Day. Today it is ‘Cause We Ended As Lovers.

I’m not sure where I first heard this song, but I’ve loved it for a long time. I’ve been thinking really hard about this and I feel it must be Al. Al introduced me to a lot of rock and roll that I might have otherwise missed. Al is the person who introduced me to one of my favorite songs of all time: Sweet Jane. I remember watching him riff on it while other folks were setting up for a rehearsal. I’ve loved that song ever since. My favorite version is the one from the Rock ‘n Roll Animal album. I’ve talked about it over here.

But I’m not so sure about the source of ‘Cause We Ended As Lovers. I’ve always found the song to be mournful, and contentious, and raw. Beck’s guitar crying inconsolably to its lost love. Unashamed to call to the object of its affection. To scold, to whine, to complain, to demand respect. and love, and all that entails.

This particular version is even more sublime with Tal Wilkenfeld‘s bass playing. This young Australian, bass/guitar player adds a depth and nuance to the song that would otherwise be missing, and I think it’s all the richer for it.

This song is fraught with emotion.

And I find it exhilarating.

And I hope you do too!