Lay Down Burden - Brian Wilson

[lostsoleful]

It should've been a sad ending but it wasn't. Brian came back and he's well and happy!

[NEWGUY562]

i wish sumone uploaded the actual song :) not the "live version".

[CGAWLEY]

This is my favorite song from the "Imagination" album! I like this version better than the unplugged version.

[gailmckennag]

imagination is brilliant - it has 'happy days are here again' ,'cry' and many more.the tw

[crietman29]

AWWW!  :* (

[duaneivan]

One of my favorite Wilson songs! The Beach Boys use to do a 4th of July concert in the early 80's before Dennis passed away and it would air on HBO, the video at the end looked like it came from one of those!

[Emannuelle2000]

WTF i'm just sitting here watching this and crying

[regionguy149]

While Pet Sounds was beautiful and Sgt. Pepper destroyed Brian, this song alone proves that he could always hold his own with Paul and John! Brian is a genious and sometimes tragedy and hard times create that.

[InsanEssence]

OMG I love Brian on this video... Brian is crying? hmm, this song sounds so sad, but is a GREAT composition, and I think that is the best song on Imagination album.

[Javier23gol]

Sounds like the theme song from TITANIC in a part of the song

[Javier23gol]

great song

[Fooblestheclown]

Trader is my favorite Carl Wilson tune.

[Okiemom50]

Would anyone happen to know what the clip at the end came from? I would like to see more of this if it's available.

[IainB1511]

It is unnerving to think that this is now Brian 15 years ago. This song was total proof that Brian Wilson still has the ability to write music. I think the production would have been better had he handled it alone, but such a moving tribute to many who feel the burderns of lie getting to them.

Love and Mrecy Brian, you have enriched so many of our lives with your beautiful artistry.

[MIKELIN8]

What a beautiful tribute to his two brothers.

[CaptainHaddock1000]

Very very beautiful song. Brian is a very emotional and heart felt singer - he knew how to put his feelings in the words and in his voice. A very Godly and loving man

[bookenz101]

Power to you Brian and power to Carl & Dennis you guys are an inspiration to all brothers in music.

[simbadidge]

oh my god brien this is such a beautifull song god bless you never give up mate i need you in this world your such a wonderfull person never forget that how does such nice music come from such tiny fingers

[ActionRadar886]

Where is the beginning clip from???!! I must know!!!

[liberal185]

I'm in college and I kinda had an "Orange County" moment, I found out I fcked up on a test and felt like just falling into a pool. Good song definitely.

[perrythelaconicone]

Beautiful song; chokes me up every time. Thanks for posting it.

[SuperAlmostfan]

ORANGE COUNTY!!!

[Areseesee]

Wow! Another beautiful song from Brian - not that I'm surpirsed. Brian is such a gentle soul and it is so apparent through his music. The video tribute of his brothers moved me to tears on an early Sunday morning. Thanks for the lump in my throat - now I can't eat my sticky bun...

[denniswilsonfan]

I knew it was for Carl the minute i heard it, I think its somewhat for Dennis too. one of the most beautiful songs ever written by Brian.

[warning2006]

Genious.

[repentorburnbaby]

when I first listened to Imagination album I was blown away by Brian's diverse writing, so many great songs, and his voice, totally awesome, great album.

[kookytootfloot]

imagination is a great album and makes me realize what a talent vocally Brian was, just by himself, he could record all the vocals just himself and make a great album.

[blue29eyes]

Such a beautiful, emotional song that moves me to tears every time I hear it...thank you Brian for your gift of music and knowing what really matters in life, may God bless you forever.

[professorjl]

@blue29eyes Been following Brian and his music for more years than I care to tell you ... he has evolved as my life has taken its journey ... some good some not so good ... but the constant or certainly one of them has been Brian's musical genius. Your words are well written ... thanks for sharing ...

JL

[wendel88]

sometimes i just cant deal with the pain i know my biggest music idol has been trough..loosing both his brothers in his lifetime.both before their time, I cant put into words how much that hurts me.brian is sucha pure soul that should have had a perfect happy life..sadly that it far from what he has got so far.:( im a 21 year old guy. when the day comes when I will have to say goodbye to brian.It will be the saddest day of my life .that im sure of then I will come back to this song again and cry

[64bbfan]

Start listening to their music and can't pull away, it's hypnotic just goes right to my soul.

[blue29eyes]

@64bbfan Amazing, isn't it? Great post.

[8moody1]

Brian still has that great voice.Excellent post.

[MrBurlingtonbill]

The Imagination album seemed like a high point in Brian's newer material (aside from Pet Sounds tour and 2004's new Smile album.) So what happened to Joe Thomas? He seems to have gotten more out of Bri than anyone in recent memory. I can't think of anything he's done in the past 10 years anywhere as great as this song (Lay Down Burden) or Imagination or South American. Certainly nothing on "Lucky Old Son" album...

[dmikester427]

That a boy, Brian !!

[RehobRob]

Lay Down Burden - Brian Wilson from his album, "Imagination.". "The weight of the world seems to be on your shoulders at times and you just want it off..... It's like a culmination of just a whole lifetime of feelings that were kinda put to rest in one song..." "Its about letting go of something you can't have, something you have lost" re: Brother, Brian Wilson

[clarkyfaemacduff]

genuis never dies.

[sander15]

The production is the terrible. The song is great. He should redo it.

[JessieArmy]

This song made me cry...so beautiful yet so sad...

[Gwenlj]

Brian is a legend after all he has been threw. God's Grace we still have him :0)

We heart you Brian!!

[OnTheRunSinceBirth]

Man RIP Dennis and Carl. That's all I gotta say.

[concretesurfer124]

jeez i just got goosebumps

[dumbangel03]

Oh thank you. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SONG.

[longr8nge]

brian's body of work lacks peers.

[Dodo251]

Such a beautiful song!

[ThruHiker52]

I bought the CD "Imagination" by Brian in 1998 and someone actually stole it from me...anyway, can someone tell me where I can find the damn CD now? I loved every song on it, still do. Where is a CD or tape? Can anyone help me? Thanks.

[MrJeeples]

I got my CD just a couple of months ago from either Amazon or ebay.

[ThruHiker52]

MrJeeples,

Thank you, your info is much appreciated.

[TheSeeray]

I would try Brian directly through the web. that is where I got mine. If that does not work... post again. I will burn a copy and send the royalties to him. He/ they deserve it.

[ThruHiker52]

TheSeeray, I appreciate your help, thanks very much.

[plotiusvegetus]

@ThruHiker52 you can buy it at amazon... i think

[ThruHiker52]

plotiusvegetus,

thank you for the info, I finally have the cd. Everyone has been great in helping me find it. Again, thank you .

[ThruHiker52]

I want to thank everyone on here that was kind enough to help me find this CD. To MrJeeples...TheSeeray...plotiu­svegetus, thanks very much in helping me find one of my favorite CD's of all time. Happy Holidays to all of you.

[GozerGozarian]

@ThruHiker52 - it's called amazon. Welcome to planet earth.

[ThruHiker52]

Hey Gozer, the other people that have posted here have been very helpful to me. Tell me you little worm, why do you find it necessary to make a juvenile comment like you did. You are obviously one of those gutless little bastards that hide behind the shield of the internet. Tell me Gozer, would you have the balls to mouth off to anyone if you were standing next to them? You little pussy.

[IOWABOY1000]

Can someone upload this on myspace?

[ftsjr]

A song that can best be described as "painfully beautiful."

[youknowyourrite1]

reminds me of my dog =/

[branfransisco9]

brian rules thank you for posting

rip carl

[MrJeeples]

Thank you for posting this; it is simply beautiful. It is so lovely to see Brian seemingly at peace with himself and I could definitely discern flashes of the 20 year old he once was. RIP to the beautiful souls of Carl and Dennis.

[colindominy]

A truly beautiful, touching ballad. I think the accompanying monologue by Brian, before & after the live performance of the song in this clip, amply demonstrates that this is one of Brian's prettiest & also 'deepest', "personal-statement" type songs that he's composed for a long time. A wonderful tribute to Brother Carl. Thanks for the privilege of providing this clip for us all to view, traderfiles. All class, and Much Appreciated .....

[LoveStonedJosh]

its not uploaded to myspace. lame. chill song though.

[taylorcohea]

I heard this song on the movie Orange County.

[ethnicgurl]

@taylorcohea Yea that's where found out about and fell in love with it

[pienandoro]

@taylorcohea me too

[Kjurasin]

@taylorcohea yea me too and thought i liked it...then i realized it sucks

[akovia]

@taylorcohea

Me to, classic! :)

[Gwenlj]

His dad messed him up bad you dont hit a child in the ear and cause deafness, brian covers his dads sin and said he was born like that but it is not true maury hit him so hard. His dad hated his talent sold his songs behind his back. Brian is a musical genius is a legend!

[cass1957]

A beautiful song and a fitting tribute to Carl.

I lost a brother to cancer 10 years ago and for me, Brian has put it perfectly into music what it is to lose someone so close to you.

[eoras77]

i´m a big Brian Wilson Fan!!! wich year was this??? please i need an answer!!!! good vibes

[BENSMOVIEWORLD]

1998

[weezadam]

carl was diagnosed with cancer in 1997 but brian recorded this song in 1998 immediately after carl's death

[TheTimesOfBen]

to bad this didnt become a hit

[elbabalao]

has he had a stroke? one side of his mouth seems to droop. i wish all of them were still alive and still singing

[runeguldberg]

No stroke. Locks the same at the early pictures. Check pic. where he wear glasses.

[spartans39]

Just wanted to tell you why Brian seems to talk out the side of his mouth. Back in the day when Brian first had his mental problems he was on some very powerful psych meds. I believe it was lithium that gave him a condition called Tardive Dyskenesia. If you look Brian up on yahoo, and click on the wikipedia it tells you all about his medical history. Brian actually went misdiagnosed for many years> He was finally diagnosed with skitzo/affective disorder. hes better but the tardive effects stay

[liberal185]

when i hear this song i always just want to get a pillow, cover my face, and scream at the top of my lungs and then just peacefully relax to this song....such a smooth, soothing song

[Sheepbone]

Imagine the three Wilson brothers harmonising on this...

[CDH41057]

I agree wholeheartedly with you, Wolfsky.

Carl was definitely the glue that  held that band together. WIthout him, it can never be the same. His voice was the soul of the Beach Boys.

[runeguldberg]

Just dont forget Brians brain who made it all. Brians talent of singing is rated on the top 100 singers of all time also.

[iferraro]

Brian was a brilliant singer. I true virtuoso with perfect pitch. How he is 52 on that list is beyond me. Also, Axl Rose is on the list and Frank Sinatra is not. It is a highly crappy list if you ask me.

[IOWABOY1000]

Axl Rose is a hack and can't sing for shit.This man is a Genius

[Wolfsky9]

To spartans39 : I know many have speculated about the remaining members getting together, but truly--and it breaks my heart to say this: without Carl and his pitch-perfect vocals, impeccable stager presence, and his middle voice in the harmony, it's just not--not--The Beach Boys. And, really, without Dennis in the harmony and on those Drums---forget it. No one else ever came close to his magnetism and soulful voice. Sadly, The Beach Boys ended on 2/6/98. Wolfsky9

[kevinkmny]

You are absolutely correct

[janvanderwaal]

Wonderful song, breathtaking. But in my opinion not 100% live

[spartans39]

psychzo affective/ bipolar disorder. He seems to be doing much better now. I'm so thankfull that Carl finally legally intervened with Landy and saved Brian. There is one thing that I trully wish. I like Mike and Bruce, but to me it's not the same. When Carl died I think the Beach Boys died, because they all split into different groups. I trully wish they would all put their differences aside and get back together for one last tour, before its to late ( age wise) Take care NCLUV

[CDH41057]

The music to this song is truly beautiful and moving. Brian's still got it. Carl was so loved by everyone who knew him and missed by so many. God Bless You, Always Carl.

[bk5612]

is this peformance lip-synched?

[liberal185]

the beginning voice of the song just tears me apart.

[chelseafc089]

this is so beautiful, very moving, i love you brian

[ncarolinaluv]

longtimin -- that is My Carl -- read my site -- I finally got it. It took a bit of time. Luv the bros and Al, too.

[riv4life618]

was this on a dvd?

[janvanderwaal]

Jan van der Waal

Breathtaking, wonderful song

[spartans39]

Even though Brian doesnt have the great falsetto from the early days, but the magic is still there as far as his creativity in his song writing. If only Brian wouldnt have been taken advantage of by Gene Landy, the possibilities would be endless. LONG LIVE THE BEACH BOYS

[samradseresht]

i doubt that Landy's involvement in Brian's life was the main reason for his inability to express the magic as you call it. I feel that it was all the drugs that Brian used in the 60's and 70's burned out his brain cells. His recent work has a child-ish level and that is becuase he wasnt the man he used to be. in fact i think his latest album is crap.

but he WAS a genius, drugs destroyed him

[stumptacular]

people who say drugs destroyed brian wilson fail to consider: BOTH of his brothers were druggies as well as countless other musicians who use more drugs and NONE of them wrote as many hits as brian or as quality of compositions. people just cant or wont understand mental problems of others. when overwhelmed with too many stressers and pressures the human brain will shut down. also he had misdiagnosed shizo-affective and bi-polar disorders and needed proper meds. drug use is a SYMPTOM not cause

[samradseresht]

then how do you explain his lack of hits in the 70's up untill now. i mean, i can only think of a few good songs that he has done in the past twenty years, but nothing like god only knows

[stumptacular]

lack of "hits"? i really dont think you have been listening to his music. starting to sound like Mike Love over there. his music definitely changed since his breakdowns. but "I explain" this easily: After a breakdown the mind has to relearn to do things again.... they arent called nervous breakdowns because everything is peachy in a week... they are called that because they are DAMAGING to the normal operation and function of the brain.Plus his Dr Landy was abusing him.he has had plenty of hits.

[stumptacular]

furthermore: critics know and agree that most SERIOUS artists decline after age 25... the beatles, dylan, and many more wrote their best works before age 25... where are Paul McCartneys "Hits" of the last 20 years??? Hrm MUST BE THE DRUGS! lol... its just not that simple... people dont live forever, their perfect falsetto voices dont last forever and they cant write hit songs for 67 years straight... there are peaks and valleys...

[stumptacular]

"your imagination" is a GREAT SONG, this one "lay down burden" is a great song... SMiLE went double platinum... "That Lucky old sun" has some fantastic songs on it... "HITS" ? who cares about the sales numbers? Brian Wilson did more by 1970 than most musicians have in a lifetime... even with all the "DRUGS" he has given us more good music than anyone i can think of... its just "Your Imagination runnin wild" show me another man famous for his music by 1962 that is still writing great songs. :)

[caats19]

just for me, i think brian was still lost musically till 2004 when he finished SMiLE. his solo albums seem to be missing something vital. but Lucky Old Sun, there's just a lot of life and great songs in it. particularly "midnight's another day", def his best song since the 60's. i put his rejuvenation on finishing smile and losing the demons.

[smile4mejmarie]

BRAVO, well said,articulate,and true,its ignorance & tragic that  most people,society,cant take a step back and remember civility,pick up a dictionary, inform yourself before you stomp on someone's pain,burden,and general welfare,.The Wilson boys, were abused horribly by their father,,,The drugs in the 60's did'nt help, then the antideppresant of the 90's which cause tardive dyskynysia did'nt do Brian's appearance much good either.the way I see it,"would'nt it be nice" just to applaud?

[stumptacular]

I couldnt agree more... INFORM YOURSELF before you judge other people and especially when health problems are involved...

Brian Wilson is just the best! what an amazing person, problems and all... we love him just the way he is...

Thanks for all the GREAT MUSIC!

[mobilephone15]

it's a beautyful song for carl.

great music.

[grainmar]

THANK YOU!  MONTEREY,CA.

[colindominy]

What a poignant, truly emotional experience it is, just to sit and simply, calmy LISTEN TO (not just 'hear') this masterpiece, both melodically & lyrically. And your magnificent film clip + still-photo montage creation, traderfiles, it a work of art in itself - it only serves to make all of that most pleasing experience even more enjoyable - especially that last finishing still-photo !! Thank god BW is still going strong, to our eternal joy. It was just meant to be, I guess. Strong karma.

[rtupin1956]

Could someone please tell me what year this was. It is so beautiful.

[Rickenbacker350V63]

Brian Wilson's IMAGINATION CD was released in 1998. Truly, a very beautiful masterpiece from the Genius. Love & Mercy.

[doublebassheeltoe]

I really love this song.

[mysterytrax]

I ran out of characters on the last comment, but I just wanted to finish by saying that I think that this is a beautiful tribute to Brian's brother, Carl; who in my opinion, had

the "real" lead voice of the BEACH BOYS. Brian knew it too and that's why Carl stepped up on the big ballads; GOD ONLY KNOWS, GOOD VIBRATIONS and so many more. Brian, Mike and Al were crucial to hit records too and we loved what THEY did, but NO ONE COULD SING A SONG LIKE CARL WILSON. FLAWLESS & PURE was HE!

[mysterytrax]

ncarolinaluv sent this to me and I am grateful to her. Thank YOU Candy.

Thanks to traderfiles for another outstanding post. I was familiar with the song from "IMAGINATION", but to see it here; with that string section "live" and all of the great photos and film clips...AWESOME!

I don't think Brian was saying that Carl's illness caused HIM burden, except for maybe the fact that it was hard to stand by and watch somebody that you love so much, slip slowly away and there's nothing you can do.

[ncarolinaluv]

yes my beautiful husband died of the exact same thing Carl did -- one moment there and then gone.

[ncarolinaluv]

why didn't anyone applaud at Carl's Picture --if this song was about him.

[ingaldo7]

Because the photos are shown on al the three screens so both 3 photos was shown at the same time!

[IainB1511]

When Carl's picture was shown at the concert in Ann Arbor most of us were numb with emotion. I later saw Brian and the band again at the Hard Rock Hotel in Vegas and when Carl's picture came up the roof almost came down.

[ncarolinaluv]

that is beautiful lainB

[spartans39]

Hey how are you? This is your Navy buddy from South Carolina. Been a long time since we have talked. Hope you are doing well. Great song by Brian here. You can really feel Brians pain over Carls loss, and the things he wished he could have changed. I found out some interesting things about Brian. You know how he started talking out the side of his mouth later in life. He developed a cond. called tardive dyskinesia du to the early psych meds he was taking. He was also diagnosed with

[ncarolinaluv]

luv the last photo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ncarolinaluv]

How was Carl's illness a burden to Brian?????????

[longtimin]

you gotta be kidding.....must be very young or very cold...

[ncarolinaluv]

read my reply

[sinbadthekat]

What a strong powerful emotional performance. This song is just one that compliments ... IMAGINATION.. One of the best Albums (CDs) ever made.  Thanks for sharing.

[sinjin6603]

No matter how times I hear this song it gives me goosebumps and watery eyes. Very emotional!

[Dave75Esq]

absolutely gorgeous - thank you for posting this

[MARKGPL]

Brian Wilson is one of the greatest songwriters of this - or any other generation. Yhis is such a poignant and tender song - impossible to listen to it and not feel some kind of profound "sadness" about loved ones who are no longer with us.

[jmm1000]

Did Carl ever get to hear this song to him?

[EricGodClapton]

this is brilliant..

[bleach1958]

As a life long Beach boy fan, I have to say this this song ranks among Brian's best.

[DaddyBog]

Erik, somehow this got by me ..... thanks for posting.

[aur94jv]

The live song is on the album "Live At The Roxy". Double CD released in 2000. Fantastic.

[deleofan]

i wish i had this live version on cd id do anything to get this mp3 its so beautiful i love this more than the studio version its just so touching

[JZFProductions]

brian wilson is mygreat  cousin ha ha i already have that lucky old sun lol

[deleofan]

thanks so much for posting, this video was on youtube than got removed and i thought id never see it again so thanks for bringing it back...keep making records we love u Brian

[riv4life618]

Great song, touching vid. Definitely the 3 most talented brothers ever in music=)

[beachboyjer79]

Inceridible

[suparni]

i also enjoyed the new stuff.

great show... thank you brian!

[jmm1000]

Whats this clip from?

Just saw brian tonite - in Torrington CT !@#$%^

...that was a trip seeing him there!

and the new stuff sounds REAL great! Those Wilson kids were some real good musicians & singers.

[IainB1511]

I believe the stage portions of this were from the concert in Ann Arbor, it looks like Joe Thomas on stage with Brian and that did not last too long.