Fountain of Sorrow

When you immerse yourself in *Fountain of Sorrow*, you encounter a piece that invites deep reflection. The lyrics, written by Jackson Browne, seem to unravel the complexity of past relationships, exploring how the search for new connections intertwines with the scars of what has been lived. A recurring image is that of a photograph which, upon being found, unleashes a torrent of memories, opening the door to a clearer perspective on loves left behind. Some see in this song a reflection of a broader sentiment, a kind of zeitgeist for an audience navigating the times after the Vietnam War and the Nixon era. Joan Baez herself captured that resonance by including her version on her 1975 album, *Diamonds & Rust*, placing it right after its title track, which in turn was a recollection of her bond with Bob Dylan.

The recording of this piece has its own story. Originally, Jackson Browne released it in 1974 as part of his album *Late for the Sky*. With a duration of 6 minutes and 42 seconds, it was the longest song on the album and in his discography up to that point. For its release as a single, its duration was shortened, although it still did not manage to enter the main Billboard charts. The production of this track involved the collaboration of Al Schmitt. On the other hand, Joan Baez's version, recorded in 1975, was produced by David Kershenbaum and Joan Baez herself, with Ellis Sorkin as recording engineer and Rick Ruggieri on mixing.