The Moon's a Harsh Mistress - Jimmy Webb

[rexcambridge]

Thank You Jimmy, this song made some difference in MY life, thank you so much, for this beauty

[zero4zooz]

Amazing songwriter and musician.

More people should know of Webb.

Been an inspiration to me for years.

The lyrics almost smack of addiction, another whack form of love, methinks . . .

Rock on Mr. Webb, rock on.

~m

[COOPEVETS]

One can feel his pain in this rendition...Jim Webb is a genius all the way around.

[rickyschultzusa]

Something not spoken of here, I can assume that this song was written as an inspiration from the science fiction novel of the same name by Robert Heinlein in 1966.

[BigJohnMusician3]

Long a fan of Jimmy Webb; discovered this one about six months ago. Gorgeous lyrics and music/orchestration ... his greatest creation ever, period. Genious ....

[CEllisOz]

I'm sure this is the version from "Ten Easy Pieces". Just awesome, awesome, as is every track on the album.

[mybuck4]

One of my all-time favorite songs for many years. I bought the sheet music for piano several years ago and am so proud of myself for being able to play it fairly well.

[mybuck4]

One of my all-time favorite songs for many years.

[BloozeDaddy76]

Does anyone know if Webb has recorded a CD of his many classic songs that others have made famous, including this song and the Glen Cmapbell stuff? I am really liking his versions of the songs he wrote and would like to get a CD of him doing these great songs.

[fhwhome]

@BloozeDaddy76 Check out "10 Easy Pieces".

[peterzang]

@BloozeDaddy76 Yes...it's called 10 Easy Pieces. Get it. It's great!

[SukieTawdry1000]

A lot of great singers have performed Webb's music, but nobody does it like Jimmy.

[jonasjar]

that's a good song no doubt :-)

[politicalanimallll]

Heartbreakingly beautiful.......just heard Methey ans Haden's version before

[politicalanimallll]

Heartbreakingly beautiful.......

[stalkingwolf1954]

Cockers cover of this masterpeice is one of the best!!!

[Hendtrane]

I first heard this by Radaka Toneff & Steve Dobrogosz on the "The Odin Sampler" CD, which was a promo, never meant for sale. Marvelous.

[dudeyouaresoemo]

I feel Joe Cocker's version is worth a mention because it is really good.

[nelopaw]

This version is good, but I still prefer Radka Toneff's.

[jimdivax]

Guess it's gotta be the version you hear first that sticks with you. I prefer the icy precision of Judy Collins' version. Her voice seems to imply that SHE's the mistress she's singing about...gives the song an extra dimension. As if she's implying pain made her the 'Harsh Mistress'.

[AngelicGunrunner]

@jimdivax Could well be true that the first version you hear of this will become your private "master take". It's a very beautifully cratfed song, most great singers with the right kind of voice and understanding could succeed with it. I love Radka Toneff's version, also Metheny/Haden's gently devastating instrumental take. Would want to hear Cassandra Wilson do it. And an Edith Piaf version would have been very nice (though it's not that old is it?)

[seshot]

i'm assuming that this is the original version?

[goneforacuppa]

probably the finest song ever written - so haunting and beautiful

[blueearthgirl]

This is amazing, there are no words to express this kind of songwriting. Love you Jimmy Webb xoxo

[jasonbaxterpiano]

beautiful



[kaarekjohnsen]

I think Radka Toneff's version from her 1982 album "Fairytales" is the best one. It's here on YouTube.

[jan1980ish]

Love Jimmy singing this or any of his songs.

Scott Walkers version, also on you tube is well

worth a listen.

[rodmeister74]

This is the best version out of about 10 I've heard on Youtube. The phrasing is perfect, fitting the lyrics. Other versions are technically better but misses the emotions hidden in the verses. Jimmy Webb's version of his songs always turns out to be the most satisfying with the congruence of his singing with the meaning of the words...you can feel it sweep through your body. Yes, I've heard him in concert: he is the greatest songwriter of the his generation.

[stellartunes]

This IS the version.

[tedkashiwaya]

@granako Thanks for your perfect note. I'm so impressed not only by this perfect video but also by the note you wrote about Mr. Webb's songwriting and career. You sure deserve a credit for your writing. I truly appreciate it.

[Maybelle22]

My God... this is exquisite.

[vita9n]

Granako your comments about Mr. Webb are both wise and tender.

[archie977]

the best one you can only get on limewire

[larrygentry]

The first version I heard was Linda Ronstadt's. This version is beautiful for its own reasons. I think he has a good voice. There's a duet he did with Carly Simon on her Film Noir album called "Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year' and their harmonies are amazing.

[enilegnave21]

I've never had the fortune to hear Jimmy live. But I've loved his songs since 1st listen; and (even MacArthur Park, which took ages for me to "get") all his songs speak deeply to me, This is not the first time I've heard this song, but it is the first time I've ever loved it.

Jimmy has a gift of uncomparable beauty, a sensitivity that lives and springs from a heart that intimately knows love and loss; he comes as close as I've ever heard to capturing both love's fleeting & abiding essence.

[thepassion10]

You have to live a life to portray a Life in your work. Is that an Ansel Adams Photo of the Tree in snow?

[thepassion10]

You have to live a life to portray a Life in your work

[BrenFtl]

Beautiful song and version. Maureen McGovern's version is excellent to !

[Seaclam67]

@redbuzzy : not even close. This is the problem with her rendition and that of the Celtic Women. They have very fragile sounding voices, very thin and there's no heartache in their delivery. They sing it like it's some pretty, delicate piece and it completely ruins the song. Ronstadt's version, if I'm not mistaken, is even the one Webb himself has said is his favorite. The song requires a certain level of angst and bittersweetness.

[georgiarebelinne]

Unless you've actually seen Mr.Webb live----you cannot possibly understand where his tunes come from. There are charismatic/ supernatural/Divine forces at work---which simply can't be captured on Tape/video/paper/canvas----wha­tever medium. To see--to FEEL Mr. Webb perform live is a thing of beauty and ,only them, can you fully comprehend his God given talent and the 110% of passion that he puts in every song--reaching far beyond his physical limits......yes , those who know----know! :)

[philburdett]

@redbuzzy Think you'll find Jimmy owns it...:)

[PDShimel]

Why is it so important to have your favorite ("the best")? I like all the versions. There is something to be found in each version.

[gyfromla]

linda ronstadt does a great rendition of this song

[BloozeDaddy76]

Let's hear today's hot new songwriters like John Mayer try to write anything half as great as this. Songs of this calibre don't exist anymore, and even if they did the music executives and radio programmers will refuse to let the public know about it.

[kappazei]

It's Joe Cocker who REALLY owns this song.

[ZJProz]

For Ms. Dervish........

[ruthkathleen]

But Jimmy wrote it ,right

[MrMusicgerry]

jimmy is touched by GOD, terrific

[PATTYANNTUCKER]

SOOO SORRY but Lisa Kelly from Celtic Woman has this song nailed!!!!

[mattycakes117]

@PATTYANNTUCKER

Agreed. She owns this. No other can come close.

[billye22]

Toneff's version certainly is elegant, supple & haunting. Jimmy Webb WROTE the song. He created the images, nuanced feel and gorgeous chord sequences (with the unanticipated bridges) that make this song perhaps the most beautiful of many exquisite songs he has written in his magnificent & diverse songwriting career. So I grant you that Radka Toneff has a lovely, expressive version. Just remember from whence it came!

[billye22]

@redbuzzy , Toneff's version certainly is elegant, supple & haunting. And Jimmy Webb also WROTE the song.He created the images, nuanced feel and gorgeous chord sequences (with the unanticipated bridges) that make this song perhaps the most beautiful of many exquisite songs he has written in his magnificent & diverse songwriting career. So I grant you that Radka Toneff has a lovely, expressive version. Just remember from whence it came!

[billye22]

@redbuzzy , Toneff's version certainly is elegant, supple & simple. And Jimmy Webb wrote the song. He created the images, the nuanced feel and integrated chord sequences, and the unanticipated bridges that make this song perhaps the most beautiful of the many powerfully beautiful songs he has written in his magnificent & diverse songwriting career. So I grant you that Radka Toneff has a radically and remarkably beautiful version of this poetic song. Just remember from whence it came...

[billye22]

@redbuzzy , Toneff's version certainly is elegantly, subtly, simply simple. And Jimmy Webb wrote the song. He created the images, the nuanced feel and integrated chord sequences, and the unanticipated bridges that make this song perhaps the most beautiful of the many powerfully beautiful songs he has written in his magnificent & diverse songwriting career. So I grant you that Radka Toneff has a radically and remarkably understated, and beautiful, version of the song. Just remember JW wrote it!

[Trutzblatt]

Joe Cocker sang a version....but it's no where to be found on youtube......bummer, cause it's much better than this!!!!

[lapislazuli7]

@Trutzblatt I also like Joe Cocker`s version but I cannot tell if it`s better... (I hate those endless competitions here on youtube ... who`s better, who`s best... Who cares!)

[seamus36]

One achingly beautiful song-thanks Jimmy

[Branner]

I don't think that Jimmy would ever claim his own version of anything is the best. Most of that is in the ear of the listener. He was lucky to have some incredible singers perform his songs over the years--but Ronstadt gets to the very heart of his music. Her voice is elastic enough, dramatic enough and lyrical enough to convey every nuance. Still, he's the most talented writer of contemporary music. (especially lyrically).

[saltwaterballads]

That's just beautiful.

[Trutzblatt]

Joe Cocker has a version, can't find it on YT......it rocks!!!

[Iluvcelticwoman12]

Oh my gosh i love this song!!!!!!! especially done by Lisa kelly of Celtic Woman

[Bandaids4ever]

Jimmy Webb is a fantastic writer, but not much of a singer. Don't get me wrong. I respect the man. Singing just isn't his forte. This is good, but Most of his songs have been preformed a thousand times better by other musicians. The more I speak, the more it seems I am trying to insult him. Sorry. I will shut up now......

SERIOUSLY, THOUGH! He has written some of the best songs of all time! He just can't sing, dammit! I'm done.

[Deloris968]

I own kink better than others G0T0 See the details at my channel!!

[ronstadtfanaz]

I miss the video of Jimmy and Linda Ronstadt singing this song. When Linda sings "the sky is made of stone" it just rips your heart out the way she phrases it. Great songwriter who has given the world lots of memories. Thanks.

[crassanova]

he does his songs better than anyone. Saw him in person and know this is true.

[xavtron]

Jimmy Webb is a brilliant songwriter and the album this is off Ten Easy Pieces shows that he is the only one that truly understands his songs, every one of his versions of the songs he wrote for others becomes the only one and he brings so much more candid emotion to his performances of them.

[peterzang]

Has anybody else noticed that Jimmy's biggest fan, Warren Zevon, sang EXACTLY like Webb? Same sound, intonation, etc.Anybody?Anybody?

[gentlemancallers]

@peterzang from pierre0 - so little wonder I'm the one to get it - but of course Warren Z & he are soulmates!

[STHGWTW]

I love the version of Radka Toneff too.Together with this version. Radka 's is sooo beautiful and too good to be true and this one is adorable and sad too.

[gto66solstice08]

I'll admit my ignorance re: this song. Robt. Heinlien's story "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress", a great sci-fi work, came to my mind when I saw this vid on my You Tube home.

Good for you , Jim!

[ivocoser]

Listen the Joe Cocker´s version of this song in Lp/CD I can stand a little rain.

[ivanhorvath]

this is an example of great musical taste. listen to his piano. amazing. jimmy is a treasure.

[ivanhorvath]

jimmy, you're a giant!

[brink1000]

Jimmy Webb will go down as one of the greatest songwriters ever born. This song is so beautiful that anyone could sing it and elicit an emotional response in the listener. As far as I'm concerned this version is top of the mountain.

[rosesredvioletsblue]

Beautiful song. very nice images and

excellent sound. thank you

[musicmann1967]

It may seem odd, but I prefer this version by Webb himself. I think he got the meloncholy just right, despite not having a particularly great voice. I think this is the most engaging version, even compared to Ronstadt's vocally superior version.

[DeutschWish]

@musicmann1967 I favor the piano in this song. Have you heard Lisa Kelly's version?

[musicmann1967]

@DeutschWish Sorry for the very very late reply!!! haha No I haven't heard Lisasa version, but I'll give a listen. Love this song!

[daniac5]

Love this song. Judy Collins has a great version.

[KevinThomasCavanaugh]

Everyone needs to stop the argument : LINDA RONSTADT's version IS the DEFINITIVE - PLEASE no Celtic Woman version - Ronstadt sings with guts, balls and heart : RONSTADT is OUR American classic and Jimmy Webb's song deserves to be cherished. now watch it WILL be featured somewhere on AMerican Idol next year .........) Thank you Jimmy!

[NOHeHasNot]

YES to Celtic Woman version...Lisa Kelly sings this with guts and extreme amounts of emotion! I'm sure Linda Ronstadt does as well, but don't diss Celtic Woman.

[prplhze2000]

Can you imagine Greg Lake in his prime singing this/

[TheSingingSweater]

This is so beautiful! I can't wait to hear what Lisa (of Celtic Woman) sounds like singing it! Wow!!!

[Seaclam67]

Yes, Ronstadt's version is very, very good. In fact if I remember correctly, Webb even mentioned he liked her version the best. So many have tried their hand at this incredibly crafted masterpiece.

[lancitos]

Linda Ronstadt did a great version of this song,

Cocker's version is great,too.Webb's is exquisite.

if you want to hear a really good CD,get Webb's

"Suspending Disbelief"

[lescot2000]

great song .. Celtic women version would be good ... I like the Joe Cocker version .. .. love the song .. keep it going ... thanks for post ing . amities celtiques !

[Lloyd1958]

Joe Cocker's version is brilliant. Every time I'd see him do it in concert by the end of the song everyone would be weeping.

[cbart51]

I've learned that Celtic Woman will do this one on their next CD ! Wow !

That should be remarkable !

That's how I found this link, actually.. hehe.

[kemplerbrave]

I always loved Jimmy Webbs songs. This is a great one indeed.

[pontello3]

jimmy webb is a genius

[ivanhorvath]

jimmy, you're a giant. miss seeing you at Old Town nyc.

keep writing these amazing songs. god bless.

[Lisarata]

This is the first time I've heard this song and I'll never like hearing it from someone with a gimmicky voice after this. I'll only want to hear it from someone whose heart is aching so much they can't concentrate on sounding better than the song.

[RenoRaider]

Joe Cocker knocks this one out of the park. its incredible.

[coltrain210]

You know, everyone talks about how bad people are and how there is no good. The fact that people make these videos for the pleasure of others, out of the goodness of their owns hearts is proof that we are still good. Thanks for the nice video.

[guildmkvl]

This is one of the great songs by in my humble opinion the greatest POP songwriters of all time. I loved your video!

Thanks

[leangchang]

this is a gorgeous version and so is glen campbell's...... I have been looking for Joe Cocker's version because that is truly awesome......

[taddyd1]

joan baez took ownership.

[oneeightywest]

Yeah. Heh heh heh. Just like Madonna took 'ownership' of American Pie by Don McLean.

Oh wait. No. Madonna did a terrible version of that song just like Joan Baez did a terrible version of The Moon's A Harsh Mistress.

A person's hearing would have to be absolutely out of whack to think that Jimmy Webb's interpretation of his song was similar to Joan Baez's banshee wailed version. Jimmy's version rises from soft to loud while

Baez's version goes from loud to extremely loud with a gorilla on piano

[DAToDATonian]

The most perfect marriage of music and poetry I've ever heard. I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it.

[wilsonwebbward]

A classic ..but believe it or not..Joe cockers version is even better..i wish one of these video folks would do a version.

[taddyd1]

Baez owns this.

[oneeightywest]

Most people within the sound of Joan Baez's voice own ear plugs.

[ailienhippy]

this is a really nice song, its so sweet its one to add to my forever great playlist

[granako]

I think it is "forever great" too:) Thanks for commenting

[underhilldesigns]

This is a song you have to "own"... Jimmy owns it. He has lived it.... So have I.

[rabmmt]

Ok, so l checked out all the other versions.....and l still like Jimmy's version best....Pat Methany's comes in second! Thanks :D

[granako]

I agree... this version is the best... so there... I know you watched 5 videos at least in one day:) (just teasing)

[rabmmt]

Beautifully done with the video..I've never heard this song before......love Jimmy Webb.... sings with lots of emotion. Like your video of MacArthur Park too. Thanks.

[granako]

thanks for your comment:) I love the song... there are 4 or 5 other versions on this channel...

[caraphyllis]

Few songwriters have the ability to write both music and lyrics of such a high quality, and then perform them with this kind of intensity. Webb doesn't have the best voice in the business, but his performance of his own songs is very, very moving. This is one of the best pop songs written in the 20th century.

[kemplerbrave]

Great song and great writer. The Linda Ronstadt cover of this is really great too.

:)

[MISTRESSD0LLY]

Great video! Mistress Dolly

[1Th1617]

Thank you for this BEAUTIFUL video!!! (Along with the beautiful song...)

[Sheliah19]

So beautifully jarring!

[Maybelle22]

Another beautiful classic by Jimmy Webb. No one does it better...

[jonasjar]

holy moses! you must own the inofficial world record in the discipline "longest youtube descripion of the year"!

[jonasjar]

so this is webb in person? Very nice! it's amazing how many ways a song can be done in! good pics, the ending sequence is cool. Seems like just about everybody has to cover this tune, in that respect it reminds me somehow about Send in the clowns.

[Vdv05]

Wonderful photography and great song. I love how the images dissolve...

[AnotherSpecialEdMom]

I always throught that Judy Collins did the definitive version -- I was wrong. This is IT!

[johnlv12]

Joan Baez, Linda Ronstadt and Judy Collins all have beautiful covers of the song. But, for me, to get the true emotion of the song, it has to be sung by a man because it is about a man's relationship with a woman. So, I like Jimmy's best, followed by Glen Campbell and Joe Cocker. I enjoy listening to all of them- I've never heard a version I didn't like.

[BrenFtl]

magnificent song by one the the greatest composers of our time. Thanks for your songs Jimmy

[DaVooz]

Nice video, nice song. Jimmy Webb is a great talent. Really nice that you put so much information in the edit section there granako!

Bye, DaVooz

[magicdog200]

great imagery to match the lyrics and the soothing music.

[goldenhair07]

awesome!...perfect video! :)

[bemyselffloater]

very beautiful video...nice moon:)