A Soul-Baring Meditation on the Passage of Time and the Beauty of Memory
When Alison Brown & Steve Martin released their collaborative album Safe, Sensible and Sane on October 17, 2025, it debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Chart, marking a remarkable achievement for the duo’s first full-length project together and reaffirming their deep influence on the contemporary roots music landscape. Among its standout tracks is “Dear Time (feat. Jackson Browne with Jeff Hanna)”, a poignant and lyrical centerpiece that finds two banjo masters joined by the evocative voice of Jackson Browne and warm harmonies from Jeff Hanna, weaving a reflection on life’s unfolding in an intimate musical tapestry.
Musically, “Dear Time” occupies a contemplative space within Safe, Sensible and Sane, its gentle tempo and melodic simplicity offering a counterpoint to the album’s more upbeat moments. The song’s texture is rooted in the rich acoustic interplay between Brown’s innovative banjo lines and Martin’s lyrical phrasing, creating a soundscape that feels both rooted in tradition and refreshingly personal. Browne’s lead vocal brings a seasoned emotional depth that matches the song’s thematic weight, while Hanna’s harmonies lend a golden warmth that recalls communal singing around an open fire. Set in A major with a relaxed tempo that invites introspection, the track feels like a conversation between friends across decades of experience and artistic journey.
Lyrically, “Dear Time” is an address and a farewell to the inexorable flow of moments that shape a life. The narrative voice treats time not as an abstract force but as a companion, acknowledging the gifts it brings as well as the inevitable losses it carries. There is a tender acknowledgment of memory’s treasures—small boxes of recollection tied with twine—and a wistful yearning for the simplicity of moments now past. The song does not resist the march of hours; instead it embraces time’s lessons with gratitude and a gentle longing that is palpable in every line. This is music that feels lived, as if sprung from nights of contemplation and shared stories across old wooden tables under lantern light.
The presence of Browne and Hanna adds layers of cultural resonance. Browne’s storied career in Southern California folk and rock circles and Hanna’s historic connection to early roots ensembles evoke a sense of lineage and enduring friendship. Their contributions make “Dear Time” more than a banjo track; they transform it into an intergenerational dialogue. For listeners who have followed any of these artists through years of creative evolution, the song offers a rich emotional reward—a reminder that music and memory are inseparable companions.
Within Safe, Sensible and Sane, “Dear Time” stands as a testament to what can happen when seasoned artists approach the subject of time’s passage with both honesty and grace. The song feels like a letter set to music, a humble offering that captures the bittersweet clarity of reflection. It is at once celebratory and mournful, playful and sincere, carrying the sense that though time moves ever onward, it leaves in its wake moments of beauty, connection, and meaning. In the context of this deeply collaborative album, the track exemplifies the spirit of shared musicianship and emotional generosity that defines this remarkable project.
For anyone attuned to the subtle interplay of nostalgia and presence, “Dear Time (feat. Jackson Browne with Jeff Hanna)” is not just a song; it is an invitation to sit with your own memories, to honor the hours that shape us, and to find in music a companion for the journey.