"Now She's Gone" is the second track on the self-titled 1971 album by Felt, a progressive/psychedelic rock band formed in Huntsville, Alabama in 1970. The group—comprised of Myke Jackson (guitar, vocals), Stan Lee (guitar, vocals), Allan Dalrymple (keyboards), Tommy Gilstrap (bass), and Mike Neel (drums)—crafted a single, cult-classic album before disbanding. Their sound blends heavy psychedelic rock with blues, jazz, and progressive elements, marked by strong musicianship and sophisticated arrangements1.
Song Overview and Lyrics
"Now She's Gone" stands out for its narrative depth and emotional intensity. The lyrics tell the story of a young woman struggling with alienation and family dysfunction. Her father is preoccupied with money, her mother is emotionally distant, and she seeks escape in the "dope scene," ultimately wishing for death. After leaving home, she ends up on the streets, her friends growing weary and her isolation deepening:
"While her mother was out and her old man was counting his bread
And she tried to escape in the dope scene, found wishing that she was dead
Well her parents got so hard to live with, she finally moved out in the street
And friends have grown very weary, 'cause they're only friends on her feet."
The song’s second half traces her psychological and physical decline, with lines about searching for meaning, never finding love or understanding, and ultimately reaching a "point of no return." The refrain—"Now she's gone, now she's gone away"—is repeated with mounting intensity, underscoring her disappearance and the indifference of those around her.
The closing lines serve as a warning to the listener:
"Well, you think that somebody would notice when a lot of time is wasting away
Well, you better stop and think about it, 'cause you might be the next one."
Musical Style
Musically, "Now She's Gone" features swirling organ, expressive guitar leads, and a dynamic rhythm section—hallmarks of early '70s American psychedelia and progressive rock. The band’s live-in-the-studio approach gives the track an urgent, organic feel, while the shifting tempos and bluesy undertones add to its emotional impact1.
Legacy
Though Felt’s album was initially overlooked, it has since become a sought-after gem among collectors of psychedelic and progressive rock. "Now She's Gone" exemplifies the band’s narrative songwriting and their ability to fuse heavy themes with inventive musicianship1.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Felt (Huntsville, Alabama, 1971) |
| Album | Felt (1971) |
| Genre | Psychedelic rock, progressive rock, blues-rock |
| Lyrical Theme | Alienation, addiction, family dysfunction, loss |
| Notable Features | Swirling organ, bluesy guitar, dynamic shifts |
| Legacy | Cult classic, praised for musicianship and depth |
Summary
"Now She's Gone" by Felt is a haunting, blues-infused psychedelic rock track that narrates the downfall of a young woman lost to alienation and addiction. Its powerful lyrics, dynamic musicianship, and emotional resonance have helped secure its place as a cult favorite in early '70s American rock1.
