A folksy, tender ode to a lifetime of love and simple joys.
Stepping back into the late 1990s, when collaborations between enduring rock and folk icons often produced quiet magic, we find the wonderful pairing of Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt on the gentle, reflective track, “Kisses Sweeter Than Wine.” This particular version, a standout cut from the 1998 compilation album, Appleseed’s 21st Anniversary: Roots and Branches, didn’t appear as a mainstream single and, as such, didn’t register on the major commercial chart listings of the time, such as the Billboard Hot 100 or the UK Singles Chart. However, it did earn a notable distinction, being nominated for “Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals” at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards in 1999, a testament to its critical appeal and the industry’s respect for the artists involved.
The song itself has a deep, rich history in American folk music. While Browne and Raitt breathe new life into it, the tune’s genesis traces back to an old Irish folk song, “Drimmin Down.” It was later adapted and popularized in the American folk scene, most notably by the legendary Pete Seeger and The Weavers in 1951, which reached No. 19 on the charts. Later, Jimmie Rodgers had a major hit with it in 1957, soaring to No. 3. The version by Browne and Raitt, however, strips away some of the previous commercial sheen, returning the song to its roots of a simple, heartfelt narrative. It’s the ultimate story of enduring love—a musical chronicle of a man’s life, tracing his journey from an inexperienced youth (“when I was a young man and never been kissed“) through marriage, raising a family, overcoming hardships, and eventually looking back on a life well-spent with his beloved.
What makes the Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt rendition so resonant is the warm, lived-in quality of their voices. They aren’t just singing the lyrics; they embody the long-married couple reflecting on their decades together. Browne‘s characteristic earnest tenor blends beautifully with Raitt‘s soulful, blues-tinged alto, a perfect vocal marriage that suggests a deep, shared understanding not only of the music but of life itself. The accompanying reggae-inflected acoustic rhythm adds a gentle, swaying pace, giving the reflective lyrics a light, almost celebratory feel. The meaning is clear and universal: despite the inevitable “hard times” and “trouble and strife” that come with any life, the ultimate satisfaction comes from choosing the same path and the same partner over and over again. It’s a nostalgic nod to those of us who appreciate the subtle, quiet victories of commitment, reminding us that the simple sweetness of a shared life—those moments that are indeed “Kisses Sweeter Than Wine“—are what truly matter. For older listeners, it’s a mirror reflecting cherished memories of their own long-ago youth and the long road traveled with the one they love.