Talk:Sometimes A Lonely Way

Low rating?

Why is this song rated so low? It's a gorgeous tune, beautiful melody, sad and contemplative lyrics, a perfectly dreary ballad. But maybe it's just not TMBG-ish enough for most people. Then again, neither is the equally melancholy No Answer, and that song is currently ranked #18. I wonder where Lonely Way would be in the ranking if Linnell had written and sung it... --Freakiosis 04:55, 12 March 2013 (EDT)

It gets 8/10 from me. Flansburgh's ballads aren't always winners but this one is definitely enjoyable in its melancholy way. It doesn't quite approach the genius of No Answer but it isn't trying to. Also, ratings are, uh, overrated. All it takes is one bean-head mischeivously selecting "1" and it tugs the whole thing down to the Mariana Trench. If you enjoy the song then go right ahead and do so. I am in the minority of folks who love You'll Miss Me and Wicked Little Critta; it matters not to me that they are in the lower echelons of TMBW ratings. --MisterMe 08:26, 12 March 2013 (EDT)

It's rated so low because it's a terrible, terrible song. Pretty simple really. The one thing that messes up the otherwise overwhelming wonderfulness of Nanobots. --Self Called Nowhere 16:44, 18 March 2013 (EDT)

I like it because it uses the accordion again! --85.217.132.130 15:05, 4 October 2013 (EDT)

I gave it a 9/10, I'd say it's a very strong ballad and it's great to hear a bit of accordion in a newer TMBG song. I think this might be a bit Ben Folds inspired, the bridge in particular is very reminiscent of 'Time'. PurpleToupee37 19:31, 11 January 2015

It works for me. Sounds like he borrowed the vibe & some percussion from his cover of Caroline No, but whatever. I'm drawn into it by the opening melody & Flans' sweet soaring performance of it, like the start of The Bright Side. Also love the way it slow-burns to its climax, and how the NYC video pairs that part to crossing over the tip of the iconic Chrysler Building. The song has playful verbal imagery & a few bits that are hard to figure out... gives it a longer shelf life.

One thing I just noticed today is the way he pronounces "wondering" like "wandering", though the provided lyrics have the first, and of course "wandering why" wouldn't parse. It makes me think he's very conscious of the glancing reference he's making to the famous Tolkien phrase. --Nehushtan (talk) 21:32, 28 June 2020 (EDT)

This is one of their most beautiful songs in my opinion. The melody and lyrics are very introspective. --ColorOfInfinity (talk) 19:11, 29 June 2020 (EDT)