Make sure to see Dusty Springfield for the ridiculous TV studio video and orchestral overproduction, Katie Melua for misinterpreting the lyric (emphasizes 'today' instead of 'rain'), Nina Simone for weird piano arrangement. Bette Midler, Neil Diamond do excellent jobs, but Irma Thomas rules!
Irma Thomas' w/ Randy on piano, is the best, most melodic interpretation, in my opinion. (Beside Randy's.) Unlike some, Irma understands the bitter irony of the lyric. See Matthew Morris, Peter Gabriel (mannered), Anne Soldaat, Dennis Rowland and Francoise Hardy (best orchestral arrangement, by I guess Michele Colombier) for interesting interpretations. And Rick Nelson, Eric Burdon (best rock arrangement.)
It looked like rain all day. So took the long way home, up 16th and cross Q. Knew the cop , dropped 10 for homeless guy (Travis), waved at the bartender. Love DC!
I feel sorry for anyone who isn't moved by this song, with it's beautifully vulnerable performance and the simply stunning orchestral arrangement. Randy Newman is one of the greatest composers of all time.
This song has been one of the most influential songs of my lifetime. My grandfather died at a crutial time in my life, and as i listen to this song and weep i think of the wonderful things he did. the beauty he would give someone was remarkable. My grandfather, Joe, was the kindest, and friendliest person i knew. Theres nothing else that reminds me more of him than this song.
My grandfather loved this song. He died during a very tough time in my life, and no matter what when i hear this song i remember the kind words of my grandfather. THe wonderful feeling this song gives me when i hear it is remarkable. My grandfather, Joe, was always kind, and was no matter what always the friendliest person. As i cry sitting here listening to this song i remember the beautiful things he did, and this song depicts him in every way possible
I love this version so much. thank you for posting....You could hear a pin drop when he finished. That is a sure sign the audience was spellbound.....me too.
Growing up in the eighties in Thatcher's Britain the version of this I first encountered was Birmingham's UB40's. As I've aged I've delved deeper and heard a great many renditions, but this... this nails it for me. It paints a picture. Pictures. One evocative version.
in the original studio recording of this song, voice, piano and string arrangement combine to make a great work of art. I have to believe old Rand knew he'd nailed something very special after that session. One of the great, great songs! gerry cott.
This performance reminds us all what true Art does best. Finds a way to express so clearly, so 'eloquently' experiences and emotions that we usually cannot with words alone. Thanks so much.
This performance reminds us all what true Art does best. Finds a way to express so clearly, so 'eloquently' experiences and emotions that we usually cannot with words alone.
So sad...we must be awfully bad to not be able to make more money..something wrong with us...bullshit! The playing field is tilted and has been for a long time...It will rid the USA of the middle class...
Nothing we can do about it. Except to help each other every chance we get...we must be the beacon of human kindness.
I see the schoolyard and the street where I was when I first heard Randy sing this song. I was 14 and it woke me to my soul, to poetry and music. I'll be 56 tomorrow and my life is so rich, I think I'll kick a can down the street.
I've heard this song interpreted by so many singers, but only Peter Gabriel with his new version touches me like Randy Newman himself does. Both drive me to tears with this ingeniously simple melody and this unbelievable sadness in the lyrics. Incredible. Thank you, Randy, for this.
@leocorno50 I guess you have'nt heard Neil Diamond's rendition of this song, his rich voice add to the mood of the song and creates a sense of lonliness and solitude and loss, a great version check it out
@morningsideish You're right, Neil Diamond's version is incredible as well. I'm a huge fan of his, he was my idol since I was 14... But I have to admit, his voice is almost too beautiful for that song, if you know what I mean. Randy Newman isn't a great singer voicewise, and this is the bit that adds a kind of helplessness to the song that touches me even more than Neils heartbreaking rendition.
@leocorno50 Hi and thank you for your response and I do understand what you mean about Randy's voice adding helplessness to the song, maybe I was being too unkind or not giving enough to randy Newman for composing a beautiful song, may I ask you to listen to my renditions of 3 Neil Diamond songs and give me a comment as i would appreciate appraisal from a fellow Neil Fan, you can access them via my user name or Dave Radstock thank you
@morningsideish If I hadn't been warned I might have thought these songs were live recordings by Neil himself, maybe on a day when he's got a slight hoarseness in his voice - amazing. Are you accompanying yourself only on keyboard or is it actually guitars, too? Keep up this good work!
@leocorno50 Hello my friend hello, thank you for your comments, they are most welcome particularly that you have given an honest critique, its a strange thing really as my voice is exactly like Neil's both singing and speaking and it helps when I am performing my tribute show, what a lot of Neil tributes do is over exaggerate the voice and not portray it as the smooth bass baritone that it is and that is what I hope I have achieved, the music is on acoustic guitar with keyboard as you picked out
@irishprice A good question. I suppose I see him as the quintessential American songwriter, given many of his themes, such as his Good Old Boys/Sail Away/Trouble In Paradise LPs etc., and with his music/orchestration proceeding from American forms. Since part of his genius is how universally touching and effective his writing is, and with the nature of this lyric,there was no need to define the song in that way, other than maybe comparing it to other songs by contemporary American songwriters.
When I was 4 years old, in 1974, my dad returned from a business trip to America with a pile of LP:s. Among them was the collection "World Star Festival", issued for the benefit of UNICEF. That LP was to be one of my "English teachers". A wonderful collection of tunes of the time by Diana Ross & The Supremes, Simon & Garfunkel, Ray Charles, Sonny & Cher, Dionne Warwick ... and my favorite, Dusty Springfield's outstanding version of this tune.
Thus, for me it's Dusty who is the TRUE perfomer of it ... but Judy Collins and Randy N. himself are great as well! Like all classic songs it leaves you with a lot of questions, and I think my questions are very much the same as those of Catlovertea4.
This is the first time I've heard this song. Does anyone know what influenced him to write this? It sounds like something that could've been written after Martin Luther King died. Sorry if that sounds a little too morbid, but the song is fitting, to me, for such - heartfelt and moving.
I used to just listen to this song because the strings and piano were so soothing. But the lyrics have a very dark irony to them that's really unsettling. I think Bette Midler and Judy Collins miss that when they sing the song, even though their versions are very pretty.
@AnthonyBSmith A lot of covers mistake the irony in his lyrics, Sail Away, Leave your hat on.Tom Jones does a good job at turning a sleazy song into a, as you say pretty song! Randy for President.
i love that he wrote the song and that it has been performed by Judy Collins & Bette Midler. A feminine aspect to the song gives it more movement and soothing higher tones, though in my honest opinion!~ <333
Randy Newman is the best songwriter in America, bar none. This song was written over 40 years ago and still stands apart and far above 99% of the crap out there today. His soundtracks, the songs he writes for other, he is a gift. This song comforts me somehow every time I hear it. Love you Randy!
@Snoozank i think your right, it's allways something special when Randy makes a song. The only guy i think is as good is ben folds. different type of music sometimes but just as good! ''Brick'' is his best, what you think?
@Snoozank Randy Newman is a very accomplished songwriter but the best bar none, without disrespecting your view which I think is based on being a fan I think the best songwriter has to be Neil Diamond, he is prolific, his songs have stood as timeless classics and his early lesser known songs are now regarded as genius, Stones, Morningside, Canta Libre and many many more, I know its all about opinions but I believe Neil has surpassed Lennon and McCartney as a songwriter, I'm ready for the flak.
@Snoozank Right on! The best and most original songwriter who could capture the heartbeat of America. I also agree he is a gift. They need to give him an award in the Kennedy Center.
this is an absolutely chillingly beautiful song, and this is the first time I've heard Randy Newman sing it. I am used to Judy Collins version, but Randy's version has a lot of soul..Very moving. Still lovely. One of his best...if not thee best...
Yes and no. Jazz is typically considered to be characterized by improvisation by contemporary American audiences, but some jazz composers have been strict taskmasters about hewing to their notes (Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus come to mind).
I think it might be better to say it's jazz-influenced and orchestral, but the fact that everything's so carefully coordinated doesn't preclude it from being jazz proper.
Well, the Deputy Dawg who compsed this beautiful piece of music sings it straight from the heart from whence the music was born. What have you contributed to thw musically world? It's the music dummy, not the performer.
It's the performer too! Who else but Randy Newman, with his "aw shucks maam" voice could sing this beautiful melancholy piece the way he does. It's his own. It's the definitive version, not to demean some other great versions of this song. (Dusty Springfield comes to mind).
@weightfeather1 - If you're still around! :) I looked for Dusty Springfield to hear this song from her voice, but alas - nowhere to be found, unless you have another direction for me to go? Thank you.
The only place I've seen Dusty Springfield perform this song was on a documentary about her life. It ran about 10 years ago and it was hosted by Petula Clark. Dusty performs the song on stage. It's very beautiful and worth listening to, so keep looking. The documentary is out there somewhere!
This really is a gorgeous version of this. Hard to believe this is the song he was once most known for. Loved Nina Simone's version too, but this is about perfect.
randy newman really knows how to dig into the soul, and grab what will make you warm and just... idk. something about him. i cried when i heard this and i think i might do it again real soon:) and it snowed today.
wonderfull stuff,i used to sing this song with Frank Quinlan RIP,its simply perfect,,check out Jack L new album, complete dedication to Randy Newman,,more great stuff,,
Wonderful. Newman wrote a beautiful song and he sings it perfectly. But I really like Katie Melua's version too, though it is different. But she really has courage to sing it her own way and it suites her soft voice.
Great thanks ! Always very interesting to have the composer's version. Discovered the great Randy Newman thanks to the great Judy Collins.Very Beautiful !
Music and lyrics that evoke fond memories of precious days.
kend16 1 week ago
If his uncles who won Academy Awards for their musical scores were alive,they would so proud.
rahzel101 1 week ago
I like your username. It reminds me of Minecraft.
Pinkjot 1 month ago
maybe my heaviest song ever for mom
Mrjewishpoet 1 month ago
damn that twice now
unknown157th 2 months ago
I just cried damn
unknown157th 2 months ago
If someone could post the version from his album that would be kool i heard this at the end of an episode of the Wonder Years
Wehategod 3 months ago
Irma thomas
MoriahLazzaroni 4 months ago
His arrangements are outstanding. Thanks Randy
Pstroz2010 4 months ago
I agree completely with Snoozank!
MsHedgewitch 4 months ago
I'm in North Carolina on August 25th , 2011 - and I think - it's going to rain today.
communitymart 5 months ago in playlist Randy Newman
SPANK THAT KEYBOARD, RANDY!
cobz12 6 months ago
Make sure to see Dusty Springfield for the ridiculous TV studio video and orchestral overproduction, Katie Melua for misinterpreting the lyric (emphasizes 'today' instead of 'rain'), Nina Simone for weird piano arrangement. Bette Midler, Neil Diamond do excellent jobs, but Irma Thomas rules!
wielski 6 months ago
Irma Thomas' w/ Randy on piano, is the best, most melodic interpretation, in my opinion. (Beside Randy's.) Unlike some, Irma understands the bitter irony of the lyric. See Matthew Morris, Peter Gabriel (mannered), Anne Soldaat, Dennis Rowland and Francoise Hardy (best orchestral arrangement, by I guess Michele Colombier) for interesting interpretations. And Rick Nelson, Eric Burdon (best rock arrangement.)
wielski 6 months ago
It looked like rain all day. So took the long way home, up 16th and cross Q. Knew the cop , dropped 10 for homeless guy (Travis), waved at the bartender. Love DC!
johnmillerdc 7 months ago
He's not a singer he's a musician - i love it.
poopkinel 7 months ago
Comment removed
gartner10112 7 months ago
Beautiful .. !
Zerionify 8 months ago
This song goes under my skin. An inspiration. Awesome.
HollyDeluxe 8 months ago
I feel sorry for anyone who isn't moved by this song, with it's beautifully vulnerable performance and the simply stunning orchestral arrangement. Randy Newman is one of the greatest composers of all time.
surfingformusic 9 months ago
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Lunch, Oh Lunch
Let's all eat a bunch of lunch
Are you hungry, cuz I'm hungry
Hungry for a big ol juicy lunch
TheTylerRDavis 9 months ago
shitty...the guys on youtube make this song better
DeAngeloJonathan08 9 months ago
shitty...the guys on youtube make this song better
DeAngeloJonathan08 9 months ago
There it is! Raw and honest. I 'member when we used to chase dem dat we didn't like from the streets that were ours. Never made no bones about it.
Love your comment, pduknow!
TheBigDelicious 9 months ago
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This song is and alway will be the most influential song of all time ;-/
themicle1 9 months ago
Ever song he made hits my emotions like a brick. Ahhhhh
weygizzle94 10 months ago
This song has been one of the most influential songs of my lifetime. My grandfather died at a crutial time in my life, and as i listen to this song and weep i think of the wonderful things he did. the beauty he would give someone was remarkable. My grandfather, Joe, was the kindest, and friendliest person i knew. Theres nothing else that reminds me more of him than this song.
pduknow 10 months ago
My grandfather loved this song. He died during a very tough time in my life, and no matter what when i hear this song i remember the kind words of my grandfather. THe wonderful feeling this song gives me when i hear it is remarkable. My grandfather, Joe, was always kind, and was no matter what always the friendliest person. As i cry sitting here listening to this song i remember the beautiful things he did, and this song depicts him in every way possible
pduknow 10 months ago
Yes, this should have millions of views. Tremendous song.
mikeblonder 10 months ago
This should have millions of views.
NigelRush 10 months ago
this reminds me of that episode on the Wonder Years when they graduate middle school. I miss those days.
peakster02 10 months ago
Both this and Nina Simone's version stand apart from the rest.They play my heartstrings like a banjo.
MikkelToTheMax 11 months ago
Another musical Poet of our time -Thank You
DYLANTHOMASthePOET 11 months ago
This guy is simply amazing, a true genius. From this era came a few geniuses. Harry Nillson was another.
ianguard 11 months ago
I love this version so much. thank you for posting....You could hear a pin drop when he finished. That is a sure sign the audience was spellbound.....me too.
merndemrow 11 months ago
What a writer.You can't listen to this without feeling pure,honest human emotion.
oleole52 1 year ago 4
No one can write music like this but Randy Newman..beautiful...
kajunmoon 1 year ago 10
simply beautiful! :)
babystrohm1 1 year ago 3
Growing up in the eighties in Thatcher's Britain the version of this I first encountered was Birmingham's UB40's. As I've aged I've delved deeper and heard a great many renditions, but this... this nails it for me. It paints a picture. Pictures. One evocative version.
PerignonPop 1 year ago 3
brilliant song. beautiful performance. thank you.
FunnyHaHaFunnyHaHa 1 year ago
in the original studio recording of this song, voice, piano and string arrangement combine to make a great work of art. I have to believe old Rand knew he'd nailed something very special after that session. One of the great, great songs! gerry cott.
GerryCott 1 year ago
Thanks for posting and thank you Randy for the gift of your art.
kinddude 1 year ago
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This performance reminds us all what true Art does best. Finds a way to express so clearly, so 'eloquently' experiences and emotions that we usually cannot with words alone. Thanks so much.
kinddude 1 year ago
This performance reminds us all what true Art does best. Finds a way to express so clearly, so 'eloquently' experiences and emotions that we usually cannot with words alone.
kinddude 1 year ago
Beautiful song
themicle1 1 year ago
So sad...we must be awfully bad to not be able to make more money..something wrong with us...bullshit! The playing field is tilted and has been for a long time...It will rid the USA of the middle class...
Nothing we can do about it. Except to help each other every chance we get...we must be the beacon of human kindness.
Peace and Love
Scrooge is alive and well on Wall Street
joegolfer 1 year ago
Who are the 7 idiots who dislike this?
pizzanpipes 1 year ago
7 people are... deaf?
poltronafrau 1 year ago
I see the schoolyard and the street where I was when I first heard Randy sing this song. I was 14 and it woke me to my soul, to poetry and music. I'll be 56 tomorrow and my life is so rich, I think I'll kick a can down the street.
TheHlokey 1 year ago 2
@TheHlokey What a gorgeous thing to say. Enjoy the can kicking :)
dirdyweeker 1 year ago 2
@dirdyweeker thank you. big smile.
TheHlokey 1 year ago
My anthem for life.
Possibly the finest song ever written.
taildragger53 1 year ago 2
I think the version of Dusty Springfield is the best (after The Master Himself, that is)!
Moozje 1 year ago
Love this song. Love the lyrics. I love that It has been remade so many times. Besides the original....I particularly love Nina Simone's version.
eb8532 1 year ago
i use to think toy story was all he ever did for real? but wow his music is so relaxing and soothing i love it!
MEANCRACKEN2 1 year ago 3
tin can at my feet
think i'll kick it down the street
that's the way to treat a friend
Amazing lyrics right there
UMSMASTA 1 year ago
I'm 58 and I never heard this fantastic song until Katie Melua recorded it... must be that I’m English or something… sheer poetry!
skypoetone 1 year ago
Thanks for comforting me when my emotions get the best of me Randy. No one elses music touches me like yours.
AnthonysMusic77 1 year ago 3
love this totally true
MrPointyarrow 1 year ago
I like this live version, more than the original, but either is flawless
Terga2010 1 year ago
wow this song manages to make me depressed but happy T_T =D
Spikedgoblinz 1 year ago 3
@Spikedgoblinz Perhaps the song is speaking to your immortal soul.
001Bigred 1 year ago
he's a chain smoker i hear
JoeChesHarv 1 year ago
@JoeChesHarv I lost my soprano voice to smoking.
001Bigred 1 year ago
What a moving version, this song is timeless.
Sunflower0122Z 1 year ago 3
Heard of pan and crop??
DaBirdSmasha 1 year ago
I've heard this song interpreted by so many singers, but only Peter Gabriel with his new version touches me like Randy Newman himself does. Both drive me to tears with this ingeniously simple melody and this unbelievable sadness in the lyrics. Incredible. Thank you, Randy, for this.
leocorno50 1 year ago
@leocorno50 I guess you have'nt heard Neil Diamond's rendition of this song, his rich voice add to the mood of the song and creates a sense of lonliness and solitude and loss, a great version check it out
morningsideish 1 year ago
@morningsideish You're right, Neil Diamond's version is incredible as well. I'm a huge fan of his, he was my idol since I was 14... But I have to admit, his voice is almost too beautiful for that song, if you know what I mean. Randy Newman isn't a great singer voicewise, and this is the bit that adds a kind of helplessness to the song that touches me even more than Neils heartbreaking rendition.
Good to meet a true Neil Diamond fan here!!!
leocorno50 1 year ago
@leocorno50 Hi and thank you for your response and I do understand what you mean about Randy's voice adding helplessness to the song, maybe I was being too unkind or not giving enough to randy Newman for composing a beautiful song, may I ask you to listen to my renditions of 3 Neil Diamond songs and give me a comment as i would appreciate appraisal from a fellow Neil Fan, you can access them via my user name or Dave Radstock thank you
morningsideish 1 year ago
@morningsideish If I hadn't been warned I might have thought these songs were live recordings by Neil himself, maybe on a day when he's got a slight hoarseness in his voice - amazing. Are you accompanying yourself only on keyboard or is it actually guitars, too? Keep up this good work!
Thanks for sharing these!
leocorno50 1 year ago
@leocorno50 Hello my friend hello, thank you for your comments, they are most welcome particularly that you have given an honest critique, its a strange thing really as my voice is exactly like Neil's both singing and speaking and it helps when I am performing my tribute show, what a lot of Neil tributes do is over exaggerate the voice and not portray it as the smooth bass baritone that it is and that is what I hope I have achieved, the music is on acoustic guitar with keyboard as you picked out
morningsideish 1 year ago
Chilling every time I hear it, especially when Randy plays it live. Might be the greatest American song of our time, I can't name a better one.
tenn4fab4 1 year ago
@tenn4fab4 why did u feel the urge to add american? just a social experiment..
irishprice 1 year ago
@irishprice A good question. I suppose I see him as the quintessential American songwriter, given many of his themes, such as his Good Old Boys/Sail Away/Trouble In Paradise LPs etc., and with his music/orchestration proceeding from American forms. Since part of his genius is how universally touching and effective his writing is, and with the nature of this lyric,there was no need to define the song in that way, other than maybe comparing it to other songs by contemporary American songwriters.
tenn4fab4 1 year ago
Okay-I was a kid then. Still what is is.
lear33 1 year ago
beautiful
Richterscale 1 year ago
you can google the dusty version
MrGreyvm 1 year ago
dusty version
MrGreyvm 1 year ago
scarecrows dressed in latest style with frozen smiles luv it
moonknight1985 1 year ago
overflowing
jackhillty 1 year ago
in music randy newman, in film norman jewison, in writing john hughes.
droid740 1 year ago
I think Bette Midler did a good job with the song....but Randy's the best.
ldudgeon 1 year ago
im 16 and randy has made great songs i just love the way he plays the piano its great ;D
mercytune93 1 year ago 2
When I was 4 years old, in 1974, my dad returned from a business trip to America with a pile of LP:s. Among them was the collection "World Star Festival", issued for the benefit of UNICEF. That LP was to be one of my "English teachers". A wonderful collection of tunes of the time by Diana Ross & The Supremes, Simon & Garfunkel, Ray Charles, Sonny & Cher, Dionne Warwick ... and my favorite, Dusty Springfield's outstanding version of this tune.
Oerdoeg 1 year ago
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Thus, for me it's Dusty who is the TRUE perfomer of it ... but Judy Collins and Randy N. himself are great as well! Like all classic songs it leaves you with a lot of questions, and I think my questions are very much the same as those of Catlovertea4.
Oerdoeg 1 year ago
Nope it is Randy's song so HE IS THE TRUE PREFORMER
Hoboscouts 1 year ago 3
Written decades ago, still decades ahead of its time.
TheAbominableGinger 1 year ago 6
This is the first time I've heard this song. Does anyone know what influenced him to write this? It sounds like something that could've been written after Martin Luther King died. Sorry if that sounds a little too morbid, but the song is fitting, to me, for such - heartfelt and moving.
Catlovertea4 2 years ago
I used to just listen to this song because the strings and piano were so soothing. But the lyrics have a very dark irony to them that's really unsettling. I think Bette Midler and Judy Collins miss that when they sing the song, even though their versions are very pretty.
AnthonyBSmith 2 years ago 18
Have you heard Nora Jones do it? Great!
lustre5 2 years ago
@AnthonyBSmith I think your comments are exactly on.
mjedelman 1 year ago
@AnthonyBSmith A lot of covers mistake the irony in his lyrics, Sail Away, Leave your hat on.Tom Jones does a good job at turning a sleazy song into a, as you say pretty song! Randy for President.
nutloaf 7 months ago
SPANK THAT KEYBOARD RANDY!
cobz12 2 years ago
You all have good taste,try H. Nielsson too!
bscondict 2 years ago 2
the lyrics are fab say it all ....all the artists that have covered it owe him loads
tillarocks 2 years ago 2
i love that he wrote the song and that it has been performed by Judy Collins & Bette Midler. A feminine aspect to the song gives it more movement and soothing higher tones, though in my honest opinion!~ <333
the song is just absolutely amazing!!
equcoe 2 years ago 3
this music relaxes me i love this song
coentje1234 2 years ago 5
Randy Newman is the best songwriter in America, bar none. This song was written over 40 years ago and still stands apart and far above 99% of the crap out there today. His soundtracks, the songs he writes for other, he is a gift. This song comforts me somehow every time I hear it. Love you Randy!
Snoozank 2 years ago 81
@Snoozank i think your right, it's allways something special when Randy makes a song. The only guy i think is as good is ben folds. different type of music sometimes but just as good! ''Brick'' is his best, what you think?
jimlad87 1 year ago
@Snoozank Randy Newman is a very accomplished songwriter but the best bar none, without disrespecting your view which I think is based on being a fan I think the best songwriter has to be Neil Diamond, he is prolific, his songs have stood as timeless classics and his early lesser known songs are now regarded as genius, Stones, Morningside, Canta Libre and many many more, I know its all about opinions but I believe Neil has surpassed Lennon and McCartney as a songwriter, I'm ready for the flak.
morningsideish 1 year ago
@Snoozank Right on! The best and most original songwriter who could capture the heartbeat of America. I also agree he is a gift. They need to give him an award in the Kennedy Center.
davcnslt 1 year ago 2
THE MASTER. His song, and yeah, by far - therefore - the best version!
shanna1950 2 years ago 5
Randy is one of the darkest song writers I have ever listened to.
barrusDemonPlucker 2 years ago 5
It is his rich bass range and southern sing accent.
barrusDemonPlucker 2 years ago 4
I like the Anne Soldaat version :)
Anorak1968 2 years ago
fantastic song
pontonish 2 years ago 3
...I like Neil Diamond's version
davo6 2 years ago
Newman wrote this and many other wonderful songs. His voice is definately something to either like or hate.."Drop the big one" is funny..
joegolfer 2 years ago
this is an absolutely chillingly beautiful song, and this is the first time I've heard Randy Newman sing it. I am used to Judy Collins version, but Randy's version has a lot of soul..Very moving. Still lovely. One of his best...if not thee best...
pennylane4479 2 years ago 6
i like his more faster up beat songs
lukassnakeman 2 years ago
Give me a C, a bouncy C!
problem49 2 years ago
Judy Collins does this song too
Both very different and both very good
I like Judy's voice and Randy's piano playing
nhoverhaulinfan2 2 years ago
yeah i always thought this guy was black. luv him still
Troy387 2 years ago
yea seriously!
Cybrggame 2 years ago
A class act.
animal90sFreak5 2 years ago 4
Thanks pmfzero, you are right. I realized my mistake after I posted. Still, I LOVE the song and love Randy Newman.
doctorj2u 2 years ago
i like this song but i do prefer to listen 2 the david gray version
JamiieSlideAway 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
you're talking shit why don't you just slipaway?
MsBraun04 2 years ago
wt all i asked was is it jazz cause i am doin a jazz fest
JamiieSlideAway 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
i don't get this guy..never have, never will.
cernfc 2 years ago
That' s your loss, big time. So sad.
pmfzero 2 years ago 5
Maybe you just haven't heard the right songs..... He's definitely not a "heard one, you've heard them all" guy.
Some people call him an aquired taste, but I do believe that many people would never aquire a taste for his art.
Now.... having said that, I totally don't get Tom Waits! And I never will.
marvy1118 2 years ago 4
He's white? Not saying it's a bad thing, I'm just surprise
strusii 2 years ago 2
That's funny. Yes, there are a few of us white cats that can actually sing. And dance, too....heh...
enchentez 2 years ago 3
I think he has been white since he did "Short People" LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!8)
Froggy19510 2 years ago
Great!
NelsonMola 2 years ago 2
perfect!!!
Schnamba 2 years ago 3
I have always loved this song since I first heard it. Was it on "Good Old Boys"? Thanks for posting it.
doctorj2u 2 years ago 2
It was on the first album, "Randy Newman." Judy Collins introduced the song with a killer version on "In My Life" a year or so earlier.
pmfzero 2 years ago
is this jazz
JamiieSlideAway 2 years ago
Yes and no. Jazz is typically considered to be characterized by improvisation by contemporary American audiences, but some jazz composers have been strict taskmasters about hewing to their notes (Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus come to mind).
I think it might be better to say it's jazz-influenced and orchestral, but the fact that everything's so carefully coordinated doesn't preclude it from being jazz proper.
Taughtology 2 years ago 2
love love love this song... I've done a remake of it too on piano it's just so beautifully written.
wendyjensenca 2 years ago 2
Not sure, by what everyone is saying, but Randy Newman wrote this song. Ya shoulda seen him "in the day".
BDyckns 2 years ago 4
It's great; but I love Katie Melua's version also.
Dimlondiell 2 years ago
Bravissimo!
ncmathsadist 2 years ago 5
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For someone who basically has no singing ability whatsoever, this man has done remarkably well in carving out a successful career.
NewTracks001 2 years ago
All I can think of when hearing this song is the Wonder Years! What a beautiful song! Thanks Mr.Newman!
buzzsawjr 2 years ago 5
Randy Newman is an American treasure.
He seems to tie up all of the loose ends of American music's roots and cultures.
He would've been a greater success in the Teens and '20's probably.
Nacho66 2 years ago 55
He's a universal treasure.
SumnerMurrayRedstone 2 years ago 8
I think he stands out much better within the more current milieu than he would have in the teens and '20s.
marvy1118 2 years ago
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Don't forget about UB40 version
watch?v=1wZdSYPi9qI
very specific one
dupppie 2 years ago
I'd love to hear a version of Tom Waits of this song.. Think it'd be awesome
Harmonicafan 2 years ago 6
Love this song!!! And Bette Midler has an excellent version of it as well.
Lukin4SumthnReal 2 years ago 5
Who is Toscar Meeny?
JacquesBrel11 2 years ago 2
Toscanini the great conductor.
zinnington 2 years ago 7
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soundz alot like Deputy Dawg singing-- Nina Simone has got my vote. i guess this version is ok for hillbillies- iunno
diggyleader 2 years ago
Come on dude, Nina Simone is good but this is a classic. By the way Randy Newman can outsing Nina Simone any day of the week.
hmontes89 2 years ago 4
Well, the Deputy Dawg who compsed this beautiful piece of music sings it straight from the heart from whence the music was born. What have you contributed to thw musically world? It's the music dummy, not the performer.
vinnywa 2 years ago 4
It's the performer too! Who else but Randy Newman, with his "aw shucks maam" voice could sing this beautiful melancholy piece the way he does. It's his own. It's the definitive version, not to demean some other great versions of this song. (Dusty Springfield comes to mind).
weightfeather1 2 years ago 11
@weightfeather1 - If you're still around! :) I looked for Dusty Springfield to hear this song from her voice, but alas - nowhere to be found, unless you have another direction for me to go? Thank you.
Catlovertea4 1 year ago
The only place I've seen Dusty Springfield perform this song was on a documentary about her life. It ran about 10 years ago and it was hosted by Petula Clark. Dusty performs the song on stage. It's very beautiful and worth listening to, so keep looking. The documentary is out there somewhere!
weightfeather1 1 year ago
Nobody sees through my smile, though it is just a thin veneer.
phatphred 3 years ago
I was wondered does Randy have a Southern Accent.
hmontes89 3 years ago 2
This really is a gorgeous version of this. Hard to believe this is the song he was once most known for. Loved Nina Simone's version too, but this is about perfect.
tintosangre 3 years ago
His original rendition from his first solo LP remains the definitive version, but this is pretty close.
problem49 3 years ago
very soulful
mesastorm 3 years ago
randy newman really knows how to dig into the soul, and grab what will make you warm and just... idk. something about him. i cried when i heard this and i think i might do it again real soon:) and it snowed today.
enova20 3 years ago 3
Absolutely the best version of this song I've herd. The violins are just perfect; So sweet and so pure. Love you like a brother: Kucolun
kucolun 3 years ago 3
You should check out Jack L's version its brilliant.
garygareth 3 years ago
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i love this song nina did it better sorry randy i love you
smile678 3 years ago
amazing, his voice sounds the exactly the same as it did 40 yrs. GReat, GReat song
tommie66tx 3 years ago 2
thats what i like about randy newman so much. His voice never aged :D lol
iaminsanity 3 years ago 2
wonderfull stuff,i used to sing this song with Frank Quinlan RIP,its simply perfect,,check out Jack L new album, complete dedication to Randy Newman,,more great stuff,,
jamartgallery 3 years ago
One of the best human journey songs written in my lifetime. And from 'the man' himself.
Thank you lapislazuli42
Mamie
mamie0697 3 years ago 6
that was billiant
donkeykennydonkey 3 years ago 2
Randy Newman is the man!
jpcohen1978 3 years ago 3
Jazz giant Kenny Burrell also does a beautiful version if you can still find it in print.
Lifeislikeabeanstalk 3 years ago
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david gray´s version is the best
Maverick101983 3 years ago
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fag
Hoboscouts 3 years ago
Also check out Judy Collins' version of this tune, from her 1966 album, In My Life, and th video clip here, from the Smothers Brothers show.
DG19075 3 years ago
Timeless, moving.
ScooterNerd 3 years ago 5
Wonderful. Newman wrote a beautiful song and he sings it perfectly. But I really like Katie Melua's version too, though it is different. But she really has courage to sing it her own way and it suites her soft voice.
lovejazzH 3 years ago 3
Genius.
TheBlackPage1 3 years ago 4
Great thanks ! Always very interesting to have the composer's version. Discovered the great Randy Newman thanks to the great Judy Collins.Very Beautiful !
C6H12B26 3 years ago
no one can ever sing this masterpeice like randy newman does.. :)
ZeromusIV 3 years ago 6
I heard Bette's first, so I think I am a bit partial to hers.
zakyam 3 years ago