Nico - "The Fairest Of The Seasons"

As far as I'm concerned, this is the saddest song ever. I've never sat down and read the lyrics but Nico's vocal is quite clear, and Jackson's Browne's words have a bittersweet reflection to them that is so clearly resigned, that you don't need to really find a narrative. The performance of this particular song that opens up Nico's debut solo album, Chelsea Girl, is what makes it so memorable in its mournfulness. The tone of the guitar, the drip of the strings, and of course, that voice. It's possible I'm being blind sighted by its use in Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums, where it's used as the backdrop for a montage that shows all the characters moving on with their lives. Even though they all had improved since the beginning of the film, it felt so morose to me because ultimately, the adventure was over. Everyone had to move on for better or for worse. What has been most bothersome though is that "The Fairest Of The Seasons" closes out the soundtrack which is a very arresting way to go close a set of songs -  enough to make you not want to leave the house, or maybe even get out of bed. The movie itself at least had the upbeat "Everyone" by Van Morrison as its exit music. The best method for listening to this song though is in the context of the original record, as it's immediately followed by its mirror image, "These Days", which switches from minor to major with a briskness that seems hopefully in its maturity ("These Days" is also featured in Tenenbaums when Margo exits the bus with Richie waiting for her).