5. The Maker (Daniel Lanois)

This song, from the first time I heard it, haunted me with its beautiful, deep lyrics. For an embarrassingly long time, I thought that this song was a Dave original, only come to find out it was originally written and performed by Daniel Lanois. The lyrics remind me so much of something Dave would write, I never questioned it's origin until I was listening to Live Trax Vol. 11 and he introduced the song as a cover. As you'll see soon enough, Dave has covered Daniel Lanois before, perhaps for the stirring lyrics and beautiful sweeping verses with biblical references galore.

Title: The Maker

Original Artist: Daniel Lanois

Why I Love It: The fact that this song sounds like an original by Dave and the natural, beautiful way he sings the lyrics make me fall in love with this song anew each time I hear it. Dave's vocals are so delicate, his guitar's constant strumming, Carter's snare heavy beats and LeRoi's gorgeous saxophone playing create an entrancing melody I find myself getting lost in.

Memories: The first time I really paid attention to this song was when I heard Dave and Tim's rendition on the Live At Radio City album. As a matter of fact, I remember I was sitting in By George at the University of Washington between classes and this song began to play. Since then it's been on my radar as a beautiful song that I'm always interested in hearing on quiet days or when I need a break from the loudness of the world.

Favorite Lyric: I have seen the flaming swords/ There over East of Eden/ burning in the eyes of the Maker