Added: 4 years ago
From: scoutchuck
Views: 43,200
Sort by time | Sort by thread (beta)

Link to this comment:

Share to:

All Comments (133)

Sign In or Sign Up now to post a comment!
  • I just wanted to thank you for sharing your ride & this song with the world; i haven't heard it since I was 19 or so...I turned 51 two months ago. It was a formative part of my existential stance & path in this world, & to have it again means the world to me. Thank you, Brother!

  • Sounds like a perfect revenge song.

  • I remember the good ole days of FM radio. You could never get this song on FM radio today. It is a masterpiece and the best Doobies tune written, in my opinion.

  • incredible...song & video:)

  • Am I glad to find this! Along with Dark Eyed Cajun Woman this is one of the most beautiful (and largely unknown) tracks from the Doobies. Loved it then and still do.

  • I see that at one part of the ride, you were at 10,000ft. Did your ATVs operate at OK at that altitude? Can you remember if you noticed any drop off in engine power?

  • @smartcooky99 My ATV was rented locally in Richfield, so there shouldn't (and wasn't) an issue. If one brings an ATV to the area the carb jets will need changed; fuel injection is a nonissue.

  • This sounds like "America". In fact, they would have loved to have written it first. Bunnell's voice would have been even better on this tune. Having said that, it is a very good song, albeit, anti-typical for the Doobies.

  • @dan7dees America was a cheap wanna be Neil Young wanna be!

  • @MrTenitis I challenge you to listen to "all" the songs on America's first and second albums. Your viewpoint is typically one presented by persons whom have never heard very little of them except "Horse With No Name". Check out "Three Roses", "Rainy Day", "CornWall Blank", "Saturn Nights", etc. I think you will find similarities within any acoustic band singing harmony with "Folk" influences. Listen more closely, they do have their own sound. Bunnell's voice is much better. Not cheap! Pure Gold

  • Comment removed

  • @dan7dees I somewhat agree that America would have covered this song well; however, the Doobies song "Toulouse Street" is a tune somewhat similar, without the instrumental "bridge". The guys were having a "good time" in N'leans during that album!

  • Putting this song into the rotation of my internet radio station in December 2011. Hope you come listen!

  • Comment removed

  • Comment removed

  • I just noticed something kinda cool, the instrumental ending starts at 4:20. LOL

  • The cool thing about Pat Simmons is one never knows what will come out of him song wise. Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, you kind of know what to expect from Tom and Michael. I like all three.

  • These guys tear on my soul....been an incredibly valued part of my world for 35 years. Met most of the group during a christmas week back in the day @ the old Kenwood store in Sonoma/Kenwood CA.... actually kicked it a bit and threw the football around in the parking lot...

  • @wallybobby66 excellent band,, love this song

  • Excellent sound and video. It's a shame that radio stations don't play this song,

  • music is what feelings sound like.........

  • Another great old song that got by me. Beautiful song and inspired by one of my favorite authors Ambrose Bierce makes this a true gem.

  • One of the greatest songs and bands ever.

  • Gives me goosebumps.

  • A great, great, underrated song.

  • I guess it's good there are no people unless you break down and need help

  • This is one of the best from the good old days before they sold themselves out with all the Taking it to the Streets shit.

  • Reminds me of a musician (in this case myself) returning from a long road trip - many years ago.

  • 16 times we have seen them and they get better and better. I wish there was a live video of this.

  • Where's the rest of the song?  There is a great guitar serenade at the end that is poignant.

  • If any of you have been stuck in the Eastern half of The U.S. your whole life...if you ever get the chance, travel out west. It will be a treat. One of the few things I miss about trucking is the trips to California and Washington state...and all the awesome scenery coming and going.

  • I saw the doobies in 2000, Salem OR state fair. All original singers and it was like being at a giant class reunion. Absolutely had a blast. This is one of my fave doobie compositions even though never a billboard hit, I think it's great. Some wonderful guitar playing and just a wonderfully spooky song that builds..5 stars

  • @jstkel This song did chart at #60 on the Billboard Top 100, this is a great song that gets very little to no airplay on the classic rock stations

  • @Doobie1975 You are very lucky that you have classic rock stations at all. My little country (along with yours) has an astounding track record in modern music production of many many genres, both in quality and quantity over the last 65 years yet all the stations here have ever pumped out is top 100 shit. Occasionally youll get a `specialist` hour here or there, but only contemporary stuff. That is why I have 5,500 songs on my ipod. I cannot stand music radio here in the UK.

  • @Doobie1975

    I totally agree with you. This is a hidden gem that the music world has completely overlooked. I don't think I've ever heard it played on any radio station since it's release, which remains a complete mystery. A masterpiece in my opinion.

  • @badgesett .....i totally agree, 1st time i'd ever heard it i couldn't believe it was never a doobie brothers classic

  • One of my true alltime favourite songs. Theyll play me out of the church with this before they put me in the ground. Magic.

  • @chanctonbury63 That is a great idea

  • This inspired me to write a fiction piece of the same name, about a prisoner who is pardoned on Christmas eve and comes home to a small town. Unfortunately, it was on my computer when it went phlooey so I lost everything

  • great song great place.....thank you for posting!

  • I would love to go NEXT time

  • Saw them in 77. This song was a AWESOME live! Love the Brothers of the Doob!!! One of the best concerts I ever saw at the Spectrum in Philly.

  • I remember this song from High School. Great album. George Rogers Class of 74 UUUURAHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • This & "Toulouse Street" can easily be mistaken for an America song. Sounds like something America would do back in the day.

  • Great song, definitely something you'll never hear on the radio, I'm surprised this song even charted on the Billboard charts (at a respectable #60)

  • @Doobie1975 Actually the first time i heard this song was on an unknown station when i was in San Clemente, and i'm damn glad that i did!

  • @Doobie1975 There are classic rock stations that DO play "I Cheat The Hangman." You might be listening to the wrong stations. Music Choice plays it on its classic rock channel. So does Sirius XM.

  • @bucky468 I've actually discovered this song on the Classic Rock station on Music Choice and it sounded a lot different to their other work but I still liked it, I also heard this song on SIRIUS XM, too bad AM/FM couldn't follow suit

  • @Doobie1975 There's a show on a syndicated classic rock network run by ABC Radio that calls itself The Classic Rock Experience. On Saturday nights (going into Sunday mornings) at 12 mt EST listen to a show called "Frank's Magic Bus" & you'll be guaranteed to hear lost classics like "Hangman" as well as album cuts, B-sides, bootleg tracks, demos & other rock rarities. I think you can stream online to the CRE. Google it &you should get some results. It's pretty cool.

  • the glow of love will shine-epic verse

  • Looks like a nice place - best of all - NO PEOPLE there!

  • @glynnth: Of the 80 miles we rode that day, we only passed/saw three people; except in Fillmore, of course.

  • @scoutchuck Dats the way I like it, when I hit the wilderness. Don't wanna see no signs of the human race, except maybe a wild Injun here and there!

  • Thank you scoutchuck! Love the Doobies, and this is one of many favorites, only you almost never hear this on air.

  • I woke up one morning, with a new girlfriend and her great musical taste.

    This song rang through the house like a cathedral bell!

    I'd never been more in love with a woman or a song.

    I haven't had a better morning ever since.

    Such a well done tune.

  • @wdchefdave  That's what it's all about brother.

  • Lionsong, you're absolutely right on.

  • scoutchuck, thanks; beautiful images complement a magnificent song.

  • Oh man, I have been looking for this song since I was a kid! Excellent!!!!

  • My gosh, I have not heard this in Years..thank you so much ~truck2112yes~ for thinking of me on this. thank you ~scoutchuck~ for keeping such a treasure alive and with us..♥

  • @truck2112yes thanks for sharing this truck - cheat the hangman, don't pay the ferryman! scoutchuck - great images of such a beautiful area brought back some wonderful memories, many thanks ;.)

  • @0marigolds I love the West and miss it so much. Whenever I got loads to California, I was happy :)

  • A pure and KOOOOOOLL SONG!! Unreal harmonys!! Reminds me of high school and riding around in my G.T.O. Lessoning to this on 8-Track tape. I miss those days O Man.

  • Absolutely Awesome Song! The McDoobie Brothers suck in comparison to the Real

    Doobie Brothers.

  • This song is hauntingly familiar..

  • One of the greatest songs of all time that never got the credit it deserved. A true masterpiece!

  • There best song. Period!!

  • Such a haunting yet beautiful song...absolutely stunning.

  • This is one of the greatest song ever recorded. Thanks for posting it.

  • As A Returning Vet....It Fits

  • Is it just me, or does Patrick Simmons kind of sound like Graham Nash? (Actually they almost sound like CSN here..........................­........)

  • i grew up in fillmore. this is a fun ride.

  • Right on, Doobie1975! I feel the same way. There's something about this album, the West and railroads that all go together. I love the reprise on the end of "Rainy Day Cross Road Blues" especially.

  • If you have not seen them live, do so. We're getting old and to miss this band live would be more than a shame.

  • Freakin' awesome song...I have no idea what made me think of it, but I am so glad you posted it. The video is very cool as well!

  • This is based on a great story by the literary master Ambrose Bierce. I would suggest it to anyone.

  • Guitarist Patrick Simmons wrote and sang lead on this. Pat says: "I think the piece may have been inspired by An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge (by author Ambrose Bierce). It has the feel of an old west ghost town. In fact, its about a ghost who doesn't realize he's dead returning to his home after the Civil War.

  • Google (...or whatever) "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and the short story can be found online

  • Indeed. One of the best stories by Bierce and one of my favourite shot stories. People should also check out the poignant 'Chickamauga', also by Bierce. It is one of the finest examples of anti-war literature.

  • @scoutchuck Long live Peyton Farquhar! :o)

  • @scoutchuck - Thank you, I never knew the history behind this treasure of a song. I will read it.

  • I've always loved this song alot, for some reason this song and the majority of the songs from the Stampede album reminds me of the Santa Fe Railroad lines in the Southwest, around the time I've gotten this album I was getting heavily interested in the Santa Fe Railroad

  • Friggen Brilliant!!

  • bon jovi ripped this [cowboy] intro off

  • Clear quill greatness...

  • May 09, Greek Theatre, only song I wanted to hear, but alas no

    still plenty of steam

  • Love the trumpet at around the 5:00 minute mark. This was my second album I ever bought at age 14 in 1974 - still holds up !!

  • What killed the Doobies was the introduction of *gasp, shudder* Michael McDonald.

  • MIchael McDonald....the guy with the marbles in his mouth??

  • You must not be a true fan, Mike just added another style thats all , they have come full circle and are still the best band ever...He's not even in this song ...so stop judging em..and listen to the music.....

  • i couldnt agee more!!

  • I disagree. McDonald wrote some of the finest Doobie Brothers songs. Each Doobies record is beautty and very special. With or without McDonald, strings, trompets or Johnston. That is what makes them so unique. The mix of styles and musicians.

  • musical perfection and excellent poetry,all in one doobie brothers recording.need i say more.

  • This song moved me to write a short story by the same name about a prisoner who is released on Christmas Eve- unfortunately I lost it in a house fire.

  • My advice to you is to dose & listen to this song over & over

  • One of the Doobies best songs, mostly overlooked......loved it for years!!

  • Only lighted windows stare, at the lonely stranger there returning home.

    Great poetry, and great scenery. Awesome places, thanks for posting these photos.

  • pure artistic talent111

  • Arrrgg

  • I usually hear this song on Sunday morning or afternooon on Q107 radio - just gives me shivers

  • they have the power to transport your soul.

  • This song actually did chart - reached #60 on the charts, which is actually quite amazing given the length.

  • Great Doobie Brothers classic, I've first discovered this song on the Music Choice Classic Rock station back in either late 2001 or early 2002 and it instantly became one of my all time favorite songs, it's a shame you don't hear this song as often on the radio at all.

  • They used to perform at the Oakland Coliseum every Dec 30th, and this tune was always one of the highlights of the show.

    Those were the days...

    Thanks for the post.

  • Ironically enough it's at the 4:20 mark where the song turns almost psychotic and strange.

  • Great song! And not to be dramatic, but it reminds me of why I bought a Harley and toured the country solo when I returned from the Gulf War in the early 90s...

    "But I cheat the hangman, cheated him many times before"

    "Only lighted windows stare at the lonely stranger there returning home"

  • One of their great album sides that no one plays any more. Once, another lifetime ago, someone did a video of this...a Civil War story about two brothers coming back from the war...Jesse James-ish. All I remember is the visuals tied to the snare drum military rattles. It was EERIE and amazing and a story that someone needs to find. Absolutely...anyone out there in touch with Johnston should ask him about it.

  • Hey, Biff.....thanks for the lead. Would have never clocked this for Doobie Bros.

  • Have they ever done this live? That would be great to see.

  • OMG I jus came on myself! this shit is fukn sick...I threw up inspiration all in my fukn lap!!!!!!!!!!PLEASE WHATEVER YOU DO IF YOU'RE NOT GONNA LISTEN TO THIS LET THE RED BAR GO ALL THE WAY UP THEN LISTEN FROM 4:20! JESUSSATONATHRONE! LMMFAO! KOOL FUKN SONG MAN-DARNESS1234

  • Yeah this shit go fed fosho I can get my producer on this asap! Thanks alot buddy for givin' er body the same idea you gave me!!! You cheated the hangman!

  • this shit is sic you better hurry up im bout to do sum vids and oyt this shit on my answering macine!!!!!!lmao!

  • this shit is a fuckn intro some victory type shit!!!

  • If I was making a video of this song I would use scenes of me driving through a forest with the sunlight flickering through the trees.A good sunset scene is good.Or flying over snow coveed mountains.

  • Oh my God, the memories. I wore this album out. It puts all the music on the radio today to shame.

  • This is one of my husband's favorites.He listens to it to relax him.

  • Of all the Doobie Brothers efforts, this is still my favorite. This music really shows their artistic abilities.

  • i agree greatest Doobie Brothers song ever too long for commercial radio. i'm glad that they didn't butcher it and cut it up to make it fit!! been hunting for this forever

  • It could have been appropriately cut at 4:20 for airplay ;-)

  • uranium willy-the last two minutes bring the song to a climatic end! it would be worse than the five minute version of "Closer to Home" by Grand Funk. no, this song shall not be butchered {official decree!!}

  • Eagle - I agree with you. I was light-heartedly making reference to the Doobie/4:20 thing. Coincidence that the song could have perfectly been cut at that point for commercial airplay?

  • Graet Doobies song thank you.....Wish I could see a live version of this from the early days......

  • My all time favorite of the Doobies, Patrick Simmons I think wrote this and also Black Water at least he was lead singer in both.

  • It was indeed Patrick Simmons who wrote and sang this classic, I thought Patrick Simmons' has a really good voice.

  • nice im from fillmore its a great ride!!!! keep up the good work.

  • Whooha...my friend played this song a week ago. I was like having "hit with the hammer", totally far-out some time. One of the best songs I have ever heard...I thought I knew every major "prog" song from 70ies, this is incredible gift for everyone who listens.

  • awesome song, magnanimous, just sent it to my fiancee, thank you - i met the Doobies twice, back stage, and was friends with the late Cornelius Bumpus, now in Doobies Heaven, amen.

  • Beautiful underrated song by Doobie Brothers.

  • the guitar in this song is the best-loved them then still doo...

Loading...
Alert icon
0 / 00Unsaved Playlist Return to active list
    1. Your queue is empty. Add videos to your queue using this button:
      or sign in to load a different list.
    Loading...Loading...Saving...
    • Clear all videos from this list
    • Learn more