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Does anyone know any background information for "On Susan's Floor?" Seems I know a "Susan." She loves the lyrics.

It was written by Shel Silverstein, it is one of the few Covers that Lightfoot has done. You may be able to find out something from the composers website.

www.shelsilverstein.com

Well, for one thing it wasn't written by Lightfoot. It was written by Shel Silverstein and Vince Matthews, and is one of the handful of songs by other artists that Lightfoot recorded over the years (that fact speaks volumes).

I'm afraid I don't remember the details but I believe Susan was a woman known to the singer/songwriters of the era, and opened her home to many of them when they were traveling or between gigs. Kind of a musicians' sanctuary. I think Jim Croce may be another that she hosted. Perhaps Lightfoot. I don't remember the details; perhaps somebody else does.

The lyrics make a lot more sense in that context! And, even if Lightfoot did not know this Susan, I'm sure he could say the same of someone else and that's why he chose to record this song.

Don't shoot me but the ol' memory is not what it was. Some years ago now I remember reading a write-up on the real Susan who had died, maybe in Nashville? IIRC she used to take in musicians and others down on their luck while they tried to break into the business. Earth mother sort, I guess. Sorry that's so vague but, search as I have, I have never been able to find another reference to her. I don't think there's anything on the real woman at Shel's website but who knows?

Thanks. I am aware of the composers, but unfortunately both are dead. I thought I remembered reading that the song was written by them specifically for GL, and therefore GL fans might be aware of the story behind it. Perhaps I'm mistaken. Won't be the first time.

Who hoo! Found it in our own archives. See below:

posted April 24, 2002 22:27
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"On Susan's Floor" is about a lady named Susan Brewer who indeed took in struggling young artists in Nashville. There was a documentary on tv about her several years ago. I remember Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson (who wrote "Hello Walls" while staying there and got a lot of ribbing from the other writers because they never thought it would be a hit) contributed their memories of sleeping on Susan's floor. If I remember correctly, Kris Kristofferson was there at one time, too. They had the same sentiment: If it hadn't been for Susan Brewer opening her home to starving unknowns till they got their big break, the face of American music would be extremely different.

Perfect! many thanks.

People in Nashville are pretty nice. Ya'll need to come on down sometime!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Auburn Annie (Post 129957)

I fully agree with you on that point. I used to listen to a lot of Waylon, Willy, and Kris as a kid, and years later, after listening to so many other arttists, finding out what a big influence those men have been on these current artists. So, in the long run,Miss Brewer had some influence on many generations of musicians.