The Sandpipers - Softly As I Leave You

[suntamer14]

This is what real music has and will always be about .This what you would listen to on the car radio ( FM ) and than relax and enjoy the ride! Even a soso singer could pull it off if a little effort was applied and also don't forget the back ground music was also important for a good song to be great ! Sad to say, most of what we hear today is NOISE and a rush job ,combined with stunts and a misconception of setting a example as far as how one should live their lives when not on stage ! SAD !

[rcentinella]

One of my favourites ever. Thank you for posting!

[dwsingrs]

Check out the version by The Lettermen. Also their version on The Mike Douglas Show in October, 1966. (Type "Softly," then name of show.)

[lonely3740]

i will always ........

[quazi65]

andy who listen tomatt monroe

[williamblackfeather]

John Gary did a great version of the perfect song. I think he closed his show with it. This is one of those songs that other songs may be as good as this one, but certainly none better.

[1willwander]

Andy Williams did it the best

[amyclark68]

This rendition of the song is dismal in comparison to Frank Sinatra's version. His own cover of this song put all the others to shame. Nevertheless, this is still a beautiful song.

[KingOfErehwon]

This is the nice version that was so popular when I was a kid. Last year, I heard Matt Munro's version here on YouTube and also found out what the real story behind the song is. I just broke down in tears. I have to say that his version is absolutely heart-wrenching and is probably the definitive version. Thank you for posting this, though.

[ANephilimSacrifice]

@KingOfErehwon Out of interest, what story was that?

[KingOfErehwon]

@ANephilimSacrifice The song became known as the story of a man who is dying. His wife has been lying at his side keeping him company. She falls asleep next to him, but he is awake and realizes that this moment will be the last for him and he writes down these final words for her to read when she awakens and finds him dead. Well... that was the tear-jerking, heart-rendering story poplularized by Elvis, but it was actually written by Hal Shaper as just a story of love lost.

[ANephilimSacrifice]

@KingOfErehwon I have an admission, I asked unfairly :-) You see, I am Hal's son, and was just wondering what crack-pot story has been going around surrounding its inception :-) It really is so beautiful.

[KingOfErehwon]

@ANephilimSacrifice It is indeed a beautiful song -- a real credit to your dad. The poignancy of the made-up story, however, actually adds to the song. It reminds me of the made-up stories surrounding the song "Danny Boy" where so many interpret it as of an Irish lad going off to war. It was really just a song of parting, and it is not even an Irish song. But, when you think about it, being open-ended in this way, it means it can touch more people

[KnightVow]

This song rips your heart out.

[gto66solstice08]

A wonderful but forgotten tune ..... I wish my wife was still alive for me to dance with her to this old song.

[Pattifish]

Pretty very old 60's song, pretty but sad.

[altazboy]

i will sing this song to my wife when I am on my last minutes.. I know it will be long before she has her time because I am so much older than she is.. I can feel every bit of emotion in this song now, many years after I first heard it .. now I really understand...

[lakings13]

The Sandpipers were one the greatest groups ever! amazing harmonies and gorgeous melodies.

[3on3off]

nice but , hard to beat matt munro

[debowen1]

Sorry for all the fans who beleive Elvis's story. Check Wikipedia for the TRUTH. The song originated in Italy, then England.

[61747]

Some of the prettiest songs ever made.

[annabel140140]

awwwww what a lovely sad song, this group r so soft love them!! Only found out about them through the film the Valley of the Dolls lovely!!

[RobS81360]

If anyone is interested - this song is about a man dying while his wife is sleeping next to his bed and he doesn't want to wake her as he dies.

[gva0917]

I had not heard this perfectly beautiful song in so many years I cannot remember the number. I always thought it was a very lovely and poignant song. A beautiful and gentle song. I just adore this. Thank you for this post.

[TheKjkny2000]

yeah, this works..with the thousands of cover tunes, egos tend to get in the way of the simplicity of this song..a dying man quietly writing these words as he lies in bed his wife keeping him company..asleep in the chair by his side...beautiful to the very end..nicely done

[paulibeva]

This is nice, thanks for the post!

[robertholliston]

What a beautiful rendition of this song - not over-produced or over-the-top, just simple, heartfelt, sincere music making. (Another fine version is Lena Horne's ... )

[zbfng812]

Beautiful song and rendition. Other excellent versions of this song are from Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra. Another beautiful song is Today by the New Cristy Minstrel Singers - gorgeous harmony. Quality music is almost nonexistent these days.

[rene9548]

zeekwolfe, you really made me laugh with your comment. I thought you will blurt something that i won't even dare to read. I like your humor! Anyway, i agree with you about the differences of singers from today and yesterday. Back then , THAT IS WHAT WE CALL MUSIC...now? well....never mind. I don't want to hurt feelings of anybody.. Thanks for the comment, zeekwolfe.

[zeekwolfe]

What;s this song all about? No loud drums, ugly guitars, bearded, smelly musicians screaming at the top of their lungs. What is this world coming to? Oh, wait, I forgot.  This song was popular thirty years ago. No wonder it is beautiful and melodic.

[altazboy]

@zeekwolfe I hit the 'vote down' button by mistake when trying to reply to your comment - I vote up, unequivocably - only one correction: I wore this vinyl record out 43 years ago. Probably was still popular 30 years ago too.

[syeve6712]

@zeekwolfe

Roky Erickson was a loud, bearded, smelly screaming American in the 60s too but wasn't he awesome?

[chubbm]

@zeekwolfe There were songs thirty years ago with loud drums and screaming, bearded musicians that are great songs too. But, yes, thing song is also fantastic.

[Beautifulmusiclistnr]

@zeekwolfe Very well said! Two thumbs up for your great comment. Thanks for posting it!

[LohnesInPR]

@zeekwolfe More like 50 years ago. For me this was about the end of a leave and going back to Viet Nam for a second tour of duty. And now my son has done 3 tours of Iraq. Nothing changes.

[donaldnewmanmedone]

@LohnesInPR There's always enough money for war. It's peace that's expensive.

[rb62470]

@zeekwolfe Umm, the song's from over forty years ago not thirty. And anyway 30-40 years ago, the charts were filled with the kinds of characters you describe. But don't feel bad, twenty-seven jackasses were inspired by your "genius". Priceless... LMFAO!!!

[LXANACARO]

@zeekwolfe Please, zeekwolfe, give us an example about what you think is a great song. Just an example to understand you. A name, a band, something.

[anima1pals]

this makes me cry xxx.

[rextex2009]

beautiful song and well done

[johnnyboync1]

aural valium.

as i read the other posts i notice how hostile some of the posters are. that's hilarious considering the song they want to fight about or just fight in general. pitiful, hahaha, just pitiful.

[Ladyrants]

Wow. Thanks for posting. I'd completely forgotten about this one. Lovely.

[3031545565]

This is a beautiful version have you listened to Matt Monro singing it? its also beautiful

[2008msykes]

I remember having an old 8-track with this on it by Johnny Rivers; wish I could find that version. It was haunting.

[brazosjaime]

@2008msykes Johnny Rivers covered it in his album "Changes" in 65. I liked Johnny's version better, but this ones good too.

[nancyfloressantos]

I always love this song..........all versions are great......Thanks for posting this beautiful version........."I 'll leave you softly long before you miss me.......".

[memoriesremain]

sweet memories..thanks

[pscabrera]

i remembered mom...she used to sing this when she's in the right mood....how time flies...its been 4years when she left..i missed her songs....thanks for sharing..:)

[longrifle48]

I've heard this was a story of a man with terminal illness choosing, at the time of his death, not to wake his exhausted wife who had been keeping a vigil at this bedside.

Completely changes the meaning of the song from what I had thought it was - a guy sneaking off in the wee morning hours...

[animalpals]

I thoguht it was a guy sneeking off too.........well, i prefer to think of it like that x x x x

[Chrisk36]

Most versions I've listened to are good. Had never heard the Sandpipers. Remember though it's hard not to feel this song. The arrangements and backup musicians are certainly just as important as the singer(s).

[stopglobalswarming]

Cool song.

[animalpals]

gosh this makes me BAWL! Cos the guy i liek sang this last yr as a group, before he left, and then, yea...w efell out.and this makes me cry, its so beautful! xxxx

[puzzleluvzme]

This rendition by the "Sandpipers" is beautiful, too.

[tommyboy6494]

All you jerks arguing back and forth attempting dominance are nothing more than Bogarts. That's the way I see it and offer absolutely NO apologies for my opinion.

[4260laurel]

I'm shaking

[87redsilver]

What's a Bogart ? Sorry , I'm not American . And is that an offense ? Plus , we weren't discussing "dominance " , but

quality of performance , my dear "Bogart" ....

[tommyboy6494]

I'll attempt to define a Bogart... a jerk, arrogant SOB, Fudgepacker (Gay reference) Turd Burglar (another Gay reference, Carpet Mubcher (another Gay reference)... the list goes on, and on. Also, don't ever address me as your dear Bogart!!! Is that clear enough for you Bogart?

[shaithis45]

definition of tommyboy6494: harraser, intimidator, manipulator, and a person that threatens other users with false legal action and has been known to spread false BJ stories. Well tommyboy6494 at least I know where you get your choice words dear Bogart motherfucking scum bag. C'mon tommyboy6494 I'll take you on anywhere anytime ya sick psychotic motherfucker. Your lying attempts are no longer fooling anyone.

[shaithis45]

tommyboy6494, you are the jerk that is bothering others.

[87redsilver]

I am hardly the definitive voice . Yes , but the rest of the world has a voice , and , as it stands in world popularity : 1) Sinatra 2) Bennett/Darin ,with probably a slight advantage for Bennett because he had a come back and darin isn't alive-and farther down , Monro and a bunch of other guys . Sorry .That's the way it is . Thare has to be a good reason .

[hunchat]

Listen to Bobby Darin's arrangement of this song. You will be amazed!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[carmi5470]

Super

[freedumb2003]

Beautiful music -- but why does life suck so much for them?

[TheSolidGloryisJesus]

Since childhood I have loved the Sandpipers.

[renaissancechamber]

The most loving song I have ever heard so cool so sad 2 stories in my life Guess I knew Who can abide love so sumptuous so deep when it is love.

[Japanese1970]

Saying Goodbye Is Simply Not Easy.

Specially To A Love One ...

[4260laurel]

beautiful song.....but the folks below are right...we five were much better and Monroe- -the musical God....forget Sinatra- Monroe is the voice that should have had that career.....especially with Walk Away....chilling.

[87redsilver]

i beg to differ . Sinatra had a much better sound than Matt . Even Elvis version is better . The arrangement of Matt Monro's version is beautiful , but his sound and interpretation , although he did a good job , don't make it for me . This was an italian song entitled 'Piano" -1960

[4260laurel]

when Sinatra was asked who's voice he most admired- it was Matt Monro. Monro has soul and heart in his songs-

Sinatra sounds like Las Vegas in everything he did- all show and no soul. Dull

[87redsilver]

I always heard and read that Sinatra's favorite singer was Tony Bennett .

I have the opposite impression . Monro sounds dull to me . Everybody has different tastes . If Sinatra ever sounded"Las Vegas" (I disagree anyway) it was maybe in his Vegas and post Las Vegas period . Listen to the earlier recordings . The "no soul" comment is easy and tricky . I could apply it to Monro .

[4260laurel]

Please! That is a riot...this man is the definitive voice of the century

[87redsilver]

How come Monro's not even known as much as Bobby Darin or T. Bennett? It was the first time i ever heard of him . Something must have been missing . But a very nice voice , no doubt .

[4260laurel]

Darin and Bennett are lovely- but no one phrases or has the passion of Monroe....and sorry you haven't heard of him but you are hardly the definitive voice in popularity of these singers

[Lamkool]

Sinatra rated Munroe as his favourite Singer in Engalnd.

[tinnsell]

@87redsilver It was because he came from the wrong side of the Atlantic, sad but true. This has happened with a few great British singers who were not accepted in the US & did not get the recognition they deserved, one for example is Tony Christie who has spent most of his life performing in Europe, mainly Germany. Britain has certainly turned out some great voices !!!

[spudwas]

Personally, I think the "We Five" did the best version.

[SoloPilot6]

You and I may be the only people around here who have ever heard it . . .and I agree . . .

[monalisa1940]

Lovely!! I also remember an English artist making this in the early sixties. Could his name be Monroe?? Thanks

[Kareenfly]

Matt Monro was the man. Check him out here I'll go amazed.

[jsbach15]

You are SO RIGHT! Cool that people remember the yesteryears!

[cjserrot]

Just impeccable, love this song and The Sandpipers. The video is as the song softly, thanks so much.

[petclark1]

What a pretty song. I know everybody and his brother did a cover version in the 60's, but I've never heard this one before by The Sandpipers. Thanks so much for the great post...the visiuals are really great too.