Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Gram Parsons’ Most Iconic Song “Return of the Grievous Angel”

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Gram Parsons has been one of the pioneers in a type of genre of music known as Cosmic American music. His unique skills in combining country, rock, folk, and blues into one made him a strong name in the music industry. Without his talent, we wouldn’t have known this kind of music. Therefore, to thank this amazing artist, we are to celebrate what should have been his 73rd birthday by listening to his iconic hit, “Return of the Grievous Angel.”

Image result for gram parsons return of the grievous angel
Today should have been Gram Parsons’ 73rd birthday. Photo by Jim McCrary/ Redferns.

Parsons may have experimented a lot in his career, and he has been from one band to another until he finally worked as a solo artist. There were some great songs he created while he worked in a band, and when he also went solo. However, what stood out to be his best song was during his solo career, and sadly, it was only released after his unexpected death.

“Return of the Grievous Angel:” Gram Parsons Masterpiece

His song “Return of the Grievous Angel” was released as part of his last studio album Grievous Angel in 1972. It was a posthumous album released four months after his death. Parsons album became his best album in his career, but sadly, he wasn’t there to enjoy it.

“Return to the Grievous Angel” was released 9 years after his death, and despite it taking longer to be a single it was still praised by critics and fans to be one of his best songs.

If you don’t believe them then take a listen to Parsons’ song here!

Written by Someone, Edited by Parsons

The song was first written as a poem by a young and shy poet known as Thomas Stanley Brown. He handed the lyrics to Parsons, hoping for it to be turned into music. Parsons indeed used his magic into making these words from a poet into a song, but of course, the lyrics written by Brown were not entirely the same when he handed it to Parsons. Parsons made some changes to the lyrics to fit the melody and everything.

Oh and I remember something you once told me
And I’ll be damned if it did not come true
Twenty thousand roads I went down, down, down
And they all lead me straight back home to you

Thanks to Brown for giving Parsons the idea. We wouldn’t have the chance to listen to such a great masterpiece by Parsons if it wasn’t for Brown.

Latest Stories

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton's "Does He Love You" Is the Collaboration We've Been Waiting For

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton’s “Does He Love You” Is the Collaboration We’ve Been Waiting For

When Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton team up, it feels like the stars have aligned over Nashville. These two queens of country music, with careers that have shaped the genre ...

Ben Haggard's "As Haggard as They Come" Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

Ben Haggard’s “As Haggard as They Come” Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

In 2019, Ben Haggard delivered a performance at the Grand Ole Opry that felt like a love letter to his roots and a bold step toward his future. His song, ...

Mo Pitney's "Borrowed Angel" Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

Mo Pitney’s “Borrowed Angel” Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

In a time when country-pop dominates the charts, Mo Pitney stands out as a refreshing reminder of what makes traditional country music timeless. In an episode of Country Road TV ...

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful "Coal Miner's Daughter" Performance

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Performance

In a world where country music continually evolves, some voices remind us of its timeless roots. In 2019, then-18-year-old Texas singer Hannah Kay did just that with her moving rendition ...

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top didn’t just stumble into country music fame; he built his way there from the ground up, starting on a modest farm in Sunnyside, Washington. Far removed from Nashville’s ...

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s new single, “Love Somebody,” has arrived, and it’s not just another love song—it’s an honest look at the complicated, often bumpy road to finding real connection. After years ...

Morgan Wallen Sets New Records Outshining Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift

Morgan Wallen Sets New Records Outshining Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift

Morgan Wallen’s career continues to reach impressive heights with his latest achievement. This historic milestone solidifies his place among country music’s most celebrated figures. His new single, “Love Somebody,” has ...

Jelly Roll Gets Emotional Sharing a First Look at His Expansive 500-Acre Dream Property

Jelly Roll Gets Emotional Sharing a First Look at His Expansive 500-Acre Dream Property

Country music star Jelly Roll recently shared an emotional video on social media, revealing his purchase of a sprawling 500-acre plot of land. The video, filled with raw emotion and ...

Morgan Wallen Donates $500,000 Worth of Musical Instruments to Students Across the Nation

Morgan Wallen Donates $500,000 Worth of Musical Instruments to Students Across the Nation

Country music superstar Morgan Wallen isn’t just wowing crowds on his One Night at a Time tour; he’s also rocking the world of music education. Through his Morgan Wallen Foundation, ...

Luke Combs and Eric Church's Concert Raises $24M for Hurricane Helene Victims

Luke Combs and Eric Church’s Concert Raises $24M for Hurricane Helene Victims

Country music superstars Luke Combs and Eric Church united for a powerful cause, headlining the “Concert for Carolina” to benefit victims of Hurricane Helene. The star-studded event, held at Bank ...