Hubbry Logo
Round HereRound HereMain
Open search
Round Here
Community hub
Round Here
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Round Here
Round Here
from Wikipedia

"Round Here"
Single by Counting Crows
from the album August and Everything After
ReleasedMay 23, 1994 (1994-05-23)
Length5:32
LabelGeffen
Songwriters
ProducerT-Bone Burnett
Counting Crows singles chronology
"Mr. Jones"
(1993)
"Round Here"
(1994)
"Einstein on the Beach (For an Eggman)"
(1994)
Music video
"Round Here" on YouTube

"Round Here" is a song by American rock band Counting Crows, released as the second single from their debut album, August and Everything After (1993), on May 23, 1994, by Geffen Records. The song's origin predates the formation of Counting Crows, when the band's future frontman Adam Duritz wrote the song with the Himalayans members Dan Jewett, Chris Roldan and Dave Janusko.[1]

Despite not charting on the US Billboard Hot 100 due to rules in place at the time, "Round Here" peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart and number seven on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. The song also reached the top 20 in Canada and Iceland, peaking at number six in the former country and number 12 in the latter. The accompanying music video was directed by Mark Neale. In April 2022, American Songwriter ranked the song at number five on their list of "The Top 10 Counting Crows Songs".[2]

Song meaning

[edit]

Duritz explained on VH1 Storytellers the meaning to the song:

The first way Counting Crows ever sounded, it was me and Dave in bars and coffee houses playing open mics, doing this song this way. The song begins with a guy walking out the front door of his house, and leaving behind this woman. But the more he begins to leave people behind in his life, the more he feels like he's leaving himself behind as well. The less and less substantial he feels like he's becoming to himself. And that's sorta what the song's about because he feels that even as he disappears from the lives of people, he's disappearing more and more from his own life. The chorus is, he sorta keeps screaming out these idioms these lessons that your mother might say to you when you were a kid, sorta child lessons ya know, "round here we always stand up straight", "carving out our names". Things that you are told when you are a kid that you do these things that.. that when you're grown up it'll add up to something, you'll have a job, you'll have a life. I think for me and the character of the song they don't add up to anything, it's just a bunch of crap kinda. Your life comes to you or doesn't come to you, but those things don't really mean anything. By the end of the song he's so dismayed by this that he's kinda screaming out that he can stay up as long as he wants and that no one makes him wait...the sort of things that are important if you are a kid. You know that you don't have to go to bed, you don't have to do anything. The sort of things that don't make any difference at all when you're an adult, they're nothing. And uh and uh this is a song about, about me.

In a concert in Amsterdam for "This Desert Life", on October 17, 1999,[3] Duritz adds,

We wrote this song in 1989 ... We were all in bands and we had shitty jobs. We would wash dishes, work in record stores and wash windows and ... by day, so that we can be in a rock and roll band at night. You know? And it was after college and our friends are getting on with their lives. And they had good jobs, well... boring jobs... but they made more money than we did, and they had futures and we didn't. And there comes a point in the life of everyone in a rock and roll band that you have to sort of decide, am I going to do this with my life, or am I going to go get one of those other jobs? Because I can't deal with washing dishes anymore and I can't dig any more holes, and I can't wash another window. And there is those that go, and there is those that stay. And you walk out on the edge of the world and you balance yourself there for a while and you try to figure out just which one you're gonna be. And a lot of our friends are doing other things right now. And we're standing right up here on this stage.

Composition

[edit]

The Counting Crows version (the more well-known recording) is a slow and mellow folk rock song. The original by the Himalayans is done in a more "pure" rock style—somewhat harder and faster, with prominent electric guitar and bass parts. In a tradition that has manifested in several Counting Crows songs, the two versions of this song feature somewhat different lyrics. Various live recordings of the song also feature significantly altered lyrics.

Critical reception

[edit]

Upon the release of the single, Alan Jones from Music Week gave it a score of three out of five, writing, "A finely crafted rock ballad delivered in strong, melancholic style. While it is not really the stuff that daytime radio will embrace, the Crows' growing fanbase will embrace it, not least for the previously unreleased live track, 'The Ghost in You'."[4]

Music video

[edit]

The music video for "Round Here", directed by British documentarian and film director Mark Neale and executive-produced by Debbie Samuelson,[5] starts with some buildings collapsing and falling down, and it features Adam Duritz singing and walking alone over a railroad tracks. At the same time a man stands in the Dry Lake desert with clocks and watches, a woman walks by the street carrying a sign saying "Nobody Move and Nobody Gets Hurt", and another woman (the Maria of the lyrics) walks with a suitcase by different locations of Los Angeles.

Track listings

[edit]
  1. "Round Here" (LP version) – 5:28
  2. "Ghost Train" (LP version) – 4:01
  3. "The Ghost in You" (live) – 3:30
  • European and Australian CD single[8][9]
  1. "Round Here" (LP version) – 5:28
  2. "Rain King" (live) – 5:12
  3. "The Ghost in You" (live) – 3:30

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
New Zealand (RMNZ)[21] Gold 15,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Australia May 23, 1994
  • CD
  • cassette
Geffen [22]
United Kingdom June 20, 1994
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
[23]
[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Round Here" is a song by the American band , serving as the opening track and second single from their debut studio album, , released on September 14, 1993, by . The track was issued as a commercial single on May 23, 1994, and is credited to eight writers, including frontman , guitarist David Bryson, and several contributors from the band's early songwriting sessions. Lyrically, "Round Here" delves into themes of alienation, despair, and the struggle for , with Duritz describing it as a reflection on leaving loved ones behind while grappling with a loss of self and unfulfilled dreams from youth. The song's narrative unfolds through vignettes of emotional isolation, such as a woman named Maria contemplating amid relational breakdown, set against a backdrop of foggy, ghostly that evokes a sense of disconnection. Musically, it features a brooding, folk-influenced with , , and Duritz's raw, emotive vocals, building to an intense crescendo that mirrors the lyrical tension. Upon release, "Round Here" garnered significant radio play despite not being eligible for the Billboard Hot 100 at the time due to charting rules for non-commercial singles; it peaked at number 31 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart, number 7 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, and number 11 on the Mainstream Rock chart in the United States, while reaching number 70 on the UK Singles Chart. The song contributed to the album's commercial breakthrough, which has sold over seven million copies in the United States and is certified seven-times platinum by the RIAA, with worldwide sales exceeding 10 million copies, establishing Counting Crows as a prominent voice in 1990s alternative rock. Its enduring popularity is evident in live performances, where extended versions often exceed ten minutes, incorporating improvisational elements, and it remains a staple in the band's catalog, covered by artists and featured in media.

Background

Origins and writing

"Round Here" originated in 1990 as a collaboration among members of the band The Himalayans, with lyrics written by frontman and music composed by Dan Jewett, Dave Janusko, and drummer Chris Roldan. The song emerged during an experimental phase for the group, which Duritz had joined while studying at the . An early demo version was recorded that year in a South of Market (SOMA) practice studio in , capturing the track's raw, jammy essence that would later define its evolution. Following The Himalayans' breakup in 1991, Duritz repurposed the song for his new project, , which he formed with guitarist David Bryson. He refined the lyrics significantly from the original demo, incorporating more introspective elements drawn from his life, while the music received additional contributions from Bryson and other band members. This adaptation transformed "Round Here" into a cornerstone of ' debut album, (1993), with final credits listing Duritz, Jewett, Janusko, Roldan, Bryson, drummer , keyboardist , and bassist Matt Malley. Duritz's lyrical contributions were inspired by his personal experiences of disillusionment in the Bay Area, particularly growing up in Berkeley, where he observed artistically gifted friends abandoning their dreams for mundane jobs and conventional lives. This sense of hometown alienation and broken promises from youth permeates the song, reflecting broader themes of and unfulfilled potential rooted in his early adulthood.

Recording and production

"Round Here" was recorded in 1993 as part of the sessions for ' debut album , primarily in the living room of a rented house on a hill in , with overdubs handled at Kiva West Recording Studios, , Village Recorders, and Sunset Sound, all in , . The mixing took place at Studios in Hollywood. These sessions, spanning February to June 1993, marked the band's first major studio effort following the song's origins in Adam Duritz's previous group, The Himalayans. The track was produced by T-Bone Burnett, whose approach drew from his background in folk-roots rock to emphasize an acoustic, organic sound that highlighted the band's chemistry. Burnett encouraged the group to perform live in the studio environment of the house to preserve a raw, intimate feel, aligning with Duritz's preference for minimal overdubs that retained the energy of their live rehearsals. The core recording lineup consisted of on vocals, David Bryson on guitar, on keyboards, on drums, and Matt Malley on bass. The final version extends to 5:32, expanding from an earlier jam-like structure through improvised vocal and instrumental builds that Duritz developed during the sessions, creating a dynamic progression from quiet to intense crescendo. Compared to the early demo recorded with The Himalayans, the album rendition features a slower , greater length, and enhanced atmospheric elements such as subtle reverb, transforming the original's more straightforward rock arrangement into a brooding, expansive piece.

Composition and lyrics

Musical structure

"Round Here" is composed in the key of and maintains a of approximately 94 beats per minute (BPM), contributing to its deliberate, introspective pace. The song employs a verse-chorus form, beginning with a sparse introduction that gradually builds intensity through layered instrumentation toward a climactic rock section in the chorus and outro. This structure includes a bridge around the 2:42 mark, featuring accents and subtle elements that heighten the emotional tension before resolving into the extended outro. The primary instrumentation centers on acoustic and electric guitars played by David Bryson, providing the foundational rhythm and melodic lines, complemented by Charlie Gillingham's for atmospheric depth. Bass duties are handled by Matt Malley, with on drums establishing a steady, understated groove, with subtle orchestral swells, particularly in the bridge and outro, enhancing the song's . The arrangement emphasizes acoustic elements, a hallmark of producer T Bone Burnett's approach to capturing the band's raw, organic sound. Stylistically, "Round Here" blends alternative rock with folk and roots influences, evoking the moody, ballad-like hybrids of 1990s acts such as R.E.M., through its introspective tone and narrative-driven progression. The verse progression, notably IV-V-vi-I (C-D-Em-G in G major), underscores its emotional resonance and accessibility within the genre. In live performances, the song often features variations from the album version, including extended jams and 's ad-libbed vocal improvisations in the outro, which can stretch the track to over ten minutes, as heard in recordings like the 2013 Echoes of the Outlaw Roadshow.

Themes and interpretation

"Round Here" explores themes of disillusionment, , and the oppressive weight of familiarity in one's hometown, drawing heavily from the Area's foggy, introspective atmosphere where frontman spent formative years feeling directionless. The song portrays a grappling with and unfulfilled expectations, where everyday routines in a familiar yet stifling environment amplify inner turmoil, evoking the Bay Area's blend of urban promise and personal isolation, such as references to fog-shrouded streets and aimless wandering near Berkeley. Central to the song's lyrical depth is its progression from quiet numbness to raw outburst, symbolizing a breakdown of suppressed emotions. The opening line, "Step out the front door like a into the fog," represents emotional numbness and a fading sense of self, as the moves through a that renders him invisible and insubstantial. This builds to an explosive frustration in the outro, where repeated cries of "I want to get out of here" erupt amid an acoustic swell, capturing the crescendo of pent-up despair and the urge to escape one's stagnant reality. Duritz has provided personal insights into the song's meaning, particularly during the 1997 VH1 Storytellers performance, where he described it as stemming from individual struggles with self-worth and broken promises from childhood—assurances that hard work and normalcy would lead to fulfillment, only to result in emptiness and disconnection. In a broader context, as shared in live settings like the 1999 concert, Duritz framed the as a commentary on the failure of the , where societal ideals of success dissolve into personal alienation and unachieved potential. The lyrics evolved significantly from their origins as a demo recorded with Duritz's pre-Counting Crows band, The Himalayans, where the song emerged spontaneously during rehearsal as a shorter, more fragmented piece. For the final version on , additional verses were incorporated, emphasizing themes of isolation, such as the protagonist's encounters with a weary woman seeking escape and his own futile attempts at connection, heightening the sense of entrapment in routine. Underlying these elements are psychological undertones influenced by Duritz's experiences with , which he has discussed as creating a pervasive sense of unreality and difficulty connecting with the world—mirroring the song's ghostly detachment without being overtly autobiographical. Duritz has noted that songwriting serves as a mechanism for such "craziness" in his life, infusing "Round Here" with an authentic portrayal of fragmented identity and emotional dissociation.

Release

Single formats

"Round Here" was released on May 23, 1994, by as the second single from the band's debut album, . The single was issued in several formats, including CD, 7-inch vinyl, and cassette, with variations in track listings across regions. The UK CD single featured the album version of "Round Here," "" (LP version), and "" (live). The European CD single included "Round Here" (LP version), "" (live), and "" (live). In , the CD edition included "Round Here" (LP version), "" (live), and "" (live). In the , the single was released only as a promotional featuring the (5:17) and LP version (5:28). The 7-inch vinyl and cassette formats were more limited, typically containing the LP version of "Round Here" on the A-side and "" (LP version) on the B-side. A promotional of the title track was prepared, shortened to 5:17 for , though it was not included on commercial releases. Packaging for the single consistently tied into the album's aesthetic, with cover art showcasing a black-and-white photograph of the band members, often in a candid group pose, and minimalistic design elements referencing the August and Everything After artwork. No major remixes of "Round Here" were issued as part of the single releases.
FormatRegionTrack Listing
CD SingleUK1. "Round Here" (LP Version) – 5:28
2. "Ghost Train" (LP Version) – 4:01
3. "The Ghost In You" (Live) – 3:30
CD SingleEurope1. "Round Here" (LP Version) – 5:28
2. "Rain King" (Live) – 5:12
3. "The Ghost In You" (Live) – 3:30
CD SingleAustralia1. "Round Here" (LP Version) – 5:28
2. "Rain King" (Live) – 5:12
3. "The Ghost In You" (Live) – 3:30
CD Single (Promo)US1. "Round Here" (Edit) – 5:17
2. "Round Here" (LP Version) – 5:28
7-inch VinylUKA. "Round Here" (LP Version)
B. "Ghost Train" (LP Version)
Cassette SingleUK/EuropeSide A: "Round Here" (LP Version)
Side B: "Ghost Train" (LP Version)

Promotion and music video

The promotion of "Round Here" as the second single from Counting Crows' debut album August and Everything After focused on building momentum through radio airplay and high-profile live television appearances in early 1994. The track received significant push on US alternative and rock radio stations, appearing on the Rock Airplay chart and contributing to the album's rising visibility after its initial September 1993 release. The band performed the song on Saturday Night Live on January 15, 1994, marking their network television debut and accelerating the single's buzz among alternative rock audiences. This was followed by a rendition on the Late Show with David Letterman on March 31, 1994, further amplifying exposure during the band's ongoing US tour in support of the album. An additional MTV performance on Most Wanted in 1994 tied into the network's alternative programming, helping to bridge radio success with visual media. The official for "Round Here," directed by Mark Neale and produced by Debbie Samuelson, was released in 1994 and captured the band's raw, indie aesthetic. Filmed with a focus on atmospheric visuals, it intercuts scenes of frontman wandering along abandoned railroad tracks and desolate landscapes with surreal elements like crumbling buildings, a solitary man in the desert, and a woman navigating an urban environment. The band appears performing in an industrial warehouse setting, emphasizing the song's introspective mood. The video's imagery symbolically echoes the lyrical themes of isolation and emotional unraveling explored in the track. Aired heavily on , the video earned a spot in the network's Top 100 Videos of , boosting the single's and contributing to ' breakthrough in the alternative rock scene. Later promotional efforts included a live performance on VH1's Storytellers series on August 12, 1997, where the band delivered an extended rendition highlighting the song's improvisational live energy. The track also featured on the 1998 live compilation Across a Wire: Live in New York, compiling 1993–1994 tour recordings and extending its promotional lifecycle.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

"Round Here" achieved moderate commercial success on various international charts following its release in 1994. In the United States, the song peaked at number 31 on the , where it spent 18 weeks. It performed stronger on rock-oriented formats, reaching number 7 on the and remaining on the tally for 20 weeks. In Canada, "Round Here" peaked at number 6 on the RPM Top Singles chart. Internationally, the single entered the UK Singles Chart at number 70, charting for 2 weeks. In Australia, it reached number 58 on the ARIA Singles Chart. The song did not achieve notable positions on the New Zealand Singles Chart. It also peaked at number 12 on the Iceland Íslenski Listinn Topp 40. In the US, it reached number 10 on the Pop Airplay chart and number 11 on the Mainstream Rock chart.
Chart (1994)Peak PositionWeeks on Chart
US Billboard Hot 100 Airplay3118
US Billboard 720
US Billboard Pop Airplay10-
US Billboard Mainstream Rock11-
Canada RPM Top Singles6-
Singles (OCC)702
Australia (ARIA)58-
Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)12-
Live performances, such as the band's rendition during their June 22, 2025, show at The Event Center at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, have further highlighted the song's enduring appeal.

Certifications and sales

"Round Here" did not receive a certification from the RIAA for single sales in the United States. However, its parent album, August and Everything After, has been certified seven times Platinum by the RIAA, representing shipments of over seven million units in the US. In New Zealand, the album achieved Platinum status from Recorded Music NZ in 1994, equivalent to 15,000 units sold. The single contributed significantly to the album's commercial success, with August and Everything After selling over seven million copies worldwide. As of 2025, "Round Here" has amassed over 106 million streams on , reflecting its enduring digital popularity. The 2023 release of August and Everything After - Live at Town Hall, a of the 2011 live recording, provided a boost to digital sales and streams of the original tracks. In 1994, the band received Grammy nominations for "Round Here" in the category of Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, as well as Best New Artist overall. The album's performance helped drive and DGC to generate $500 million in revenue that year, with no major commercial updates for "Round Here" reported after 2023.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Upon its release in 1994 as the second single from ' debut album , "Round Here" garnered praise for its emotional depth and intensity. highlighted the track as a "sprawling, devastating song of disillusionment" that effectively opens the album, capturing the band's raw energy during their early live performances. The song's recognition extended to the , where it earned a nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. However, not all contemporary responses were entirely favorable; awarded the album a D grade, describing it as "sluggish and meandering, with tastefully correct organs and guitars" that occasionally overwhelmed the material. Critics have occasionally pointed to Adam Duritz's vocal style as overwrought, with some early reviews noting its distinctive, emotive delivery bordered on excess, potentially detracting from the song's subtlety. Despite such critiques, has emphasized "Round Here" as the 's standout, a "five-minute mini-epic" that builds to a powerful crescendo, underscoring its pivotal role in the canon. In retrospective assessments, the song has been widely acclaimed for its enduring artistry. ranked "Round Here" at number five on its 2022 list of the top 10 songs, praising its narrative complexity and emotional resonance. For the album's 30th anniversary in 2023, Albumism celebrated the track as a reflective that captures the precipice of personal decision-making, affirming its status as a cornerstone of the band's catalog. In 2023, for the album's 30th anniversary, a deluxe edition was released including live versions of "Round Here," further solidifying its place in the band's history.

Cultural impact and covers

"Round Here" has endured as a cultural touchstone for , encapsulating the era's themes of emotional isolation and youthful disillusionment, often cited as a defining track that broadened the genre's appeal to mainstream audiences. The song's introspective lyrics and dynamic structure have influenced subsequent songwriters, including , who collaborated with and incorporated similar narrative-driven styles in his work, as evidenced by joint performances during a 2002 tour where Duritz blended Adams' "Come Pick Me Up" into "Round Here." Its legacy was highlighted during ' 2023 tour commemorating the 30th anniversary of their debut album , where "Round Here" frequently served as the set opener, reinforcing its status as the band's signature anthem. In , "Round Here" has appeared in media evoking personal struggle and nostalgia. It featured prominently in the 2004 television series , soundtracking key scenes of adolescent introspection and contributing to the show's reputation for eclectic and rock selections. The track has also been covered in productions, such as Punchline's 2004 rendition on the tribute album Dead and Dreaming: An Indie Tribute to , emphasizing pop-punk energy. More recently, the song has seen renewed visibility through , with videos in 2024 utilizing clips for emotional monologues and nostalgia-driven content, often pairing lyrics with user stories of and self-discovery. Cover versions have kept "Round Here" relevant across genres. of delivered an acoustic interpretation in 2007, stripping the song to its folk roots for a more intimate feel on his solo release Please Come Home. performed a live cover in March 2024, capturing the song's raw vulnerability during a at the Wild Buffalo in . Other notable renditions include The Black Feathers' stripped-down lockdown version in 2020, shared online to connect with fans during the , and Chad Bramlet's impromptu Live performance in early 2025, which garnered attention for its heartfelt delivery. The song continues to anchor ' live performances into 2025, including a June show at , where it opened the set amid enthusiastic crowd sing-alongs. The song appears on their live album August and Everything After: Live at (2011, reissued 2023), documenting anniversary tour highlights and underscoring its ongoing role in the band's catalog. Fan-driven tributes, such as episodes in the 2024 series exploring , have dissected "Round Here" for its lyrical depth, further cementing its influence on alternative music discourse.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.