Opened Once
Jeff Buckley · Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk [1997]
i loved this sweet guy.
just like a fiction rushing in your riverbed.
arise like applause in my head.
and in the half-light where we both stand.
this is the half-light, see me as i am.
just like the ocean, always in love with the moon,
it's overflowing now, inside you.
we fly right over the minds of so many in pain.
we are the smile of light that brings them rain.
in the half light where we both stand
in the half light you saw me as i am i am a railroad track
abandoned with the sunset forgetting i ever happened,
that i ever happened.
Opened Once
Jeff Buckley's "Opened Once" stands as a haunting centerpiece on the 1997 album *Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk*. Recorded during the final year of the artist's life, the track exemplifies his signature blend of folk, blues, and jazz influences, characterized by a raw, emotive vocal delivery and a hauntingly simple arrangement. The song explores themes of vulnerability and fleeting moments, reflecting the introspective nature of Buckley's later work. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture a specific emotional state, resonating with listeners through its unadorned yet profound musicality. As part of his discography, this recording remains a testament to his unique ability to reinterpret classic material with a deeply personal touch.