Today’s Random Weekend track is from Tift Merritt’s sophomore album, 2004’s Tambourine. This song is a cover of a rare cut by James Carr, a 60s soul singer best known for his recording of ‘The Dark End of the Street.’
This album was my first exposure to Merritt, who went on to become one of my favorite artists. I got Tambourine a few weeks before seeing her open for Elvis Costello, and the combination of this great album and her live show made me a fan for life.
It’s been three years since Merritt’s last release, Stitch of the World. She spent the early part of quarantine posting lovely live recordings from her home, but I’d say it’s time for a new album.
I loved the way our love was growing
Thought I’d found love and affection
When you turned your love in the other direction
Your love made a U-turn
Away from me
Your love made a U-turn
Left me standing in the street
Thought I’d wait all night long
Trying to see the way I’d go wrong
I can’t see through tears in my eyes
Somebody please tell me why
His love made a U-turn
Away from me
His love made a U-turn
Left me standing in the street
Love, sweet love
Look what you done to me
Went away and left me standing in the street
You lift me high, then you let me down
You won’t even try to turn your love around
Why did you make a U-turn?
Away from me
Why did you make a U-turn?
Leave me standing in the street
Every day I tell myself
Why should I blame someone else?
I’m still standing in a trance
Hoping there just might be a chance
You’ll make another U-turn
Right back to me
Come on, make a U-turn
Right back to me
Well come on, make a U-turn
Right back to me
Yeah come on, make a U-turn
Well come on make a U-turn
Right back to me
Well come on, make a U-turn
Right back to me
Meet Me In Montauk 
I thought you first bought her album the night we saw her open for Costello. Regardless, she has turned out to be quite a find for you and eleven other stalwart fans (sorry, couldn’t resist 😜)
I bought her first album at the concert (and had her sign it). This was her second album, which I already owned.