The Quiet Ache of Time’s Passage in Jackson Browne’s “These Days”
“These Days” is a poignant ballad that encapsulates the bittersweet reflection on lost opportunities and the wistful acceptance of time’s relentless flow. Though Jackson Browne himself didn’t release his definitive version of this enduring song until October 1973 on his second album, “For Everyman,” its story began nearly a decade earlier when a remarkably young Browne, barely sixteen, penned its melancholic verses. While Browne’s own rendition did not significantly impact the charts upon its release, the song had already established a profound resonance through earlier interpretations, most notably by Nico on her 1967 album, “Chelsea Girl,” and later by Gregg Allman on his solo debut, “Laid Back,” also released in October 1973.
The genesis of “These Days” is a testament to the precocious talent of the young Jackson Browne. Inspired by literary works like Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road” and Irving Stone’s biography of Vincent van Gogh, “Lust for Life,” Browne crafted lyrics that belied his tender age, exploring themes of regret, lost love, and the inexorable march of time with a depth and sensitivity that resonated with listeners across generations. He began writing the song around 1964 or 1965 at his family’s kitchen table in Fullerton, California, initially under the title “I’ve Been Out Walking.” A 1967 demo showcased a more upbeat arrangement, but it was Nico’s haunting and world-weary interpretation that truly defined the song’s enduring character.
Nico’s version, with its detached vocal delivery and somber arrangement, imbued “These Days” with an atmosphere of fragile resignation. Her recording became the template that many subsequent artists would follow, emphasizing the song’s inherent sadness and introspective nature. When Gregg Allman recorded his version, steeped in the soulful sounds of Southern rock and featuring a weeping pedal steel guitar, he brought a different emotional weight to the song, perhaps colored by the recent losses of his brother Duane and bandmate Berry Oakley. It was this version that reportedly influenced Browne’s own later recording, which adopted a more stately and piano-driven arrangement.
The beauty of “These Days” lies in its universal relatability. The lyrics speak to the common human experience of looking back on life with a mixture of nostalgia and regret. The lines, “These days I seem to think a lot / About the things that I forgot to do / And all the times I had the chance to,” echo the sentiments of many who have lived long enough to recognize missed opportunities and the paths not taken. The fear of risking further emotional pain, expressed in the verse, “I had a lover / I don’t think I’ll risk another / These days, these days / And if I seem to be afraid / To live the life that I have made in song 1 / Well, it’s just that I’ve been losing 2 so long,” resonates with the weariness that can accompany life’s inevitable heartbreaks.
Even the seemingly hopeful lines, “Things are bound to be improving / These days,” are tempered by the subsequent admission, “Don’t confront me with my failures / I had not forgotten them,” revealing a deep-seated awareness of past mistakes that continue to linger. This juxtaposition of hope and resignation is what gives “These Days” its profound emotional depth. It’s not a song of bitter lament but rather a gentle acknowledgment of the passage of time and the imperfections of the human journey.
Interestingly, despite being written so early in his career, “These Days” has remained a significant touchstone in Jackson Browne’s extensive catalog. While he achieved greater commercial success with later hits like “Doctor My Eyes” and “Running on Empty,” “These Days” has proven to be a remarkably durable composition, covered by a diverse range of artists across various genres, including Cher, St. Vincent, Glen Campbell, Miley Cyrus, Paul Westerberg, and even Drake. Its timeless themes of reflection and the fleeting nature of youth continue to find new audiences, solidifying its place as a truly iconic song. The song even inspired a poignant scene in Wes Anderson’s film “The Royal Tenenbaums,” further cementing its cultural significance as a meditation on lost time and the enduring power of memory. “These Days” is more than just a song; it’s a quiet sigh, a nostalgic glance backward, and a gentle reminder of the precious and ephemeral nature of our lives.