Here Come Those Tears Again

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Here Come Those Tears Again" by Jackson Browne, a standout track from his 1976 album The Pretender, and there’s some heartfelt trivia behind this one for all you Zoo Freaks out there. This song, a quintessential piece of the 1970s sensitive singer-songwriter vibe, was co-written with Nancy Farnsworth, the mother of Browne’s first wife, Phyllis Major. Tragically, Major died by suicide in March 1976, during the album’s recording, and the song’s raw emotion reflects Browne’s personal grief. It’s a poignant heartbreak anthem, with lyrics like “Here come those tears again / Just when I was getting over you,” capturing the struggle of moving on. The track climbed to #23 on the Billboard Hot 100, a solid hit that helped The Pretender sell over 3 million copies, marking Browne’s commercial breakthrough. Interestingly, not everyone was a fan of Browne’s introspective style—Elvis Costello once took a jab at the “Jackson Browne school of seduction” in a Musician magazine interview, poking fun at the song’s earnest sensitivity.

Another layer to the song’s story comes from its creation process. Browne, known for letting his songs “marinate,” didn’t rush this one. The track features a stellar lineup of L.A.’s finest musicians, including Leland Sklar on bass, Russ Kunkel on drums, and David Lindley on slide guitar, with backing vocals from heavyweights like David Crosby, Graham Nash, and Bonnie Raitt. Classic Rock History critic Brian Kachejian called it one of Browne’s most poignant heartbreak songs, ranking it among his top three. The song’s release as a single came exactly one year after Major’s death, adding a haunting resonance. Browne himself has spoken about the album’s somber tone, telling Rolling Stone in 2014 that it grappled with heavy themes of loss and disillusionment, making “Here Come Those Tears Again” a deeply personal piece that still connects with listeners.

Now, let’s rewind to how Jackson Browne got his start, because this guy’s journey is as real as it gets. Born Clyde Jackson Browne on October 9, 1948, in Heidelberg, Germany, to an American serviceman father, Browne grew up in Los Angeles, soaking up the Southern California music scene. By his teens, he was already writing songs and performing folk music locally. In 1966, at just 18, he joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band for a brief stint, sharpening his chops before heading to New York City. There, he played backup for Nico of the Velvet Underground and Tim Buckley, while his songwriting caught the attention of artists like Tom Rush and the Byrds. His big break came when he co-wrote “Take It Easy” with Glenn Frey, which became a massive hit for the Eagles. This led to his self-titled debut album in 1972, featuring the Top 10 single “Doctor, My Eyes.” Browne’s early work with The Section, a crack session band, helped define the laid-back, introspective California sound that made him a cornerstone of the 1970s singer-songwriter movement.

For you Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into Browne’s world, here’s where to find him online. His official website is jacksonbrowne.com, packed with tour dates, news, and lyrics. You can catch up with him on Facebook, where he shares updates and benefit concert announcements, like his recent involvement with Music Will. On Instagram, he posts behind-the-scenes shots and throwbacks, giving fans a glimpse into his life on the road. Over on X, Browne’s posts often highlight his music and activism, like a 2021 nod to The Pretender’s release anniversary. For fan communities, check out the Jackson Browne Fan Group on Facebook, where fans swap stories and setlists. There’s also jacksonbrowne.net, a fan-run site with detailed discographies and tour archives, perfect for diehards looking to geek out.