Listening to this music on the 30th of December 2011...remembering the past days and years, thanking God for all the blessings for the coming year not as difficult anymore than the years of 70's...
No-one sings Paul Williams' songs like PW himself. The man is a genius! Every line is so heartfelt with an amazing warmth. Brilliant! Thanks for this. Love the arrangement of this one - so melancholic. Hauntingly beautiful.
To compare Karen Carpenter's voice to "thousands of others" is about the funniest thing I've heard in years. Like comparing The Beatles to "thousands of others" lol
Paul Williams is a very genuine person. Thats the quality that comes through in his voice and singing. My 4 year-old is very drawn to Paul Williams. Kids have an instinct for avoiding posers and fakers. There is an innocence to his work that connects with the most discriminating of critics - kids.
I have this album the 'Paul Williams Song Book' and cannot it on CD. Great to find it here. Whenever I sing this song on 'Rainy Days' I sing Paul's version. Brilliant!!
Paul wrote this song. He is entitled to sing his own song. If you prefer the Carpenter's version, then listen to that, and please shut your stupid mouth.
The Carpenter's version is generic sadly, though Karen had a nice voice....so do 1000's of other women, it could be redone many times over and sound similar.
...but no one sounds like this man, whether you like his voice or not.
This long time Paul Williams fan was enjoying a quietly beautiful Japanese movie "Itsuka dokushao suruhi" (Montreal Film Festival Grand Jury Prize winner 2005). In one scene the chronically ill wife turns on the radio after her husband goes off to work and she is on her own (again). The cello beginning to "Rainy Days & Mondays" started (obviously not the anaemic Carpenters' version). The song plays without a word of dialog but the effect was magical. I got goosebumps!
I personally know Paul Williams and he is a kind and gracious spirit! His songs, both those written for others and those sung by himself, are timeless classics....I personally like his voice presentation and tone...it is pleasant and noticeable....what an American icon! This man is a class act and is one of our most precious resources...God Bless you Paul!
BZaxx, if you know Paul personally please pass on our regards from England. I don't know what I would have done without Paul's songs all those years ago. He wrote the soundtrack to the Seventies and helped me through many turbulent emotional times. Such a beautiful use of language. A TRUE genius.
Thank you Paul, life would not have been the same without you !!
I am missing something here? At what point did this composer say he was the best ANYTHING? His accent in his songs actually changes along with his pronouncing of wording, it's called presentation, every singer does it, doesn't always work. This guy created music and lyrics with melody that inflicts a mood and reflects that moment. That is true talent and skill, he's brilliant and deserves the accolades he has.
Drunk or sober, Pau Williansl is a poet that we should NEVER forget! His melodies arer equal to his great lyrics. This guy wrote some very beautiful songs - love how he sings his own material - he sells the song like nobody else could! Thank you! Thank you for putting this up..
paul williams is an excellent singer sondwriter / by the way any one remember him in Smokey and the bandit? he is also Sissy spaceks father/ she has a beautiful voice.
ouch!!! that really hurt... i guess my debate team trophies, position as Debate team captain and position on the Arizona state champions team say nothing... again that really hurt.... but good use of the word repertoire... Looks likes somebody used a dictionary today
Waking up alone charted at 60 on the Billboard top 100, which is better than many artists will ever see.
...just because you don't like his voice doesn't mean that his voice doesn't bring joy to many others, you really should consider that your opinion matters little to anyone but you.
Opinions are like assholes remember...the man is in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame & has won an Academy Award for his lyrical ability, your lack of irreverence will not change any of that. LOL ^_^.
@Asuigeneris1 Waking Up Alone was the first song I ever heard by Paul Williams on the radio back in the 70's and I fell in love with that song. I loved his voice in that song. I don't know why I never bought the 45.
I think most who find a true peace in listening to music, would love his voice....there is something about it that makes the world seem alright no matter what. ^_^.
Paul should be grateful that Carpenters recorded his songs, otherwise, they'd never would be hits if he sang them himself. Paul should just stick to writing and leave the singing to real singers.
Utter rubbish. He is an immeasurable talent and there's nothing wrong with his voice even if it might not have had Karen's touch.
Paul had hits with pretty much the who's who of pop music throughout his career. Then there's all the musicals and other work he's done. The man is a fucking LEGEND, simple as.
This isn't the original version anyway. The original was a big 60's funky orchestra version.
Is that intentional irony, or did you overlook the fact that you posted on here saying that the singer should be grateful others used his work?
It's a bit like saying that Ferrari should be grateful for all the great F1 drivers that have had successful seasons with their vehicles. Well, sure they should but its besides the point. Paul has the best of all worlds: singer, songwriter, composer and producer. He is a great singer in and of himself, despite his voice not being to everyone's tastes.
No irony at all. Paul is an excellent song writer, but he's not a good singer. (He's more like a lounge singer who should never record.) That's why Paul should be grateful that The Carpenters made this song and WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN big hits, which otherwise wouldn't be hits at all if he had sung these songs himself. If he's a GREAT singer to you, you obviously have very low standards.
Saw Paul Williams live in concert, sold out btw, had the crowd on their feet. Quite the charismatic entertainer. His unique voice and ability to touch people with his heartfelt songs made him an international entertainer. And yes he had hit songs and an incredibly large fan base. Need to check your facts. Carpenters didn't have a chart hit til they recorded We've Only Just Begun. I'm sure they were grateful they had that opportunity.
Mea Culpa, Their first number one song was They Long To Be Close to You by Burt Bacharach. Countless of people have not only used We've Only Just Begun as a wedding song but also for graduation ceremonies. We've Only Just Begun for years has been known as The Carpenters signature song and is in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Thank you Paul Williams!!
You missed the whole point. The point is that Williams is not a good singer, and should stick with writing. The Carpenters, in the 70's, could have taken anybody's songs and made them hits, which they have done many many times. Paul Williams, on the other hand, has not one single hit, despite all the non-sense claims here how he 'had many hits." Notice no one here has been able to name ONE single hit Paul Williams performed in?
I was not addressing you. Read the other comments here in proper order; you'll see that there are those who think Paul Williams is a GREAT singer, despite being contrary to the facts.
He performed this song better on the original album, but still Paul Williams sang in tune and had a trained voice, dickhead. That you might not like his style is by the fucking by.
I get the impression you haven't got a proper understanding of singing technique, else you'd know that there are many different sounds a voice can have and good technique shows no matter what the limitation.
Seth Riggs has a rough voice, but he's STILL a great singer.
If you can't name one hit that Paul WIlliams sang, just slink away like the rest. You don't know what good singing is. PW lacks vocal range, he has no vibrato, and he sounds ugly. Here's an analogy even YOU may understand. Just because you suck dick doesn't mean you give good head! Think about it, cuntface.
so i guess now you're resorting to childish insults, because you have *still* have the minor point that Paul didn't sing on any records that made it big.
The problem with that point is it is INSIGNIFICANT. There are countless folkies with good voices that haven't gotten anywhere. It doesn't make them bad singers. Your say-so is simply not enough.
Paul is still hugely successful. You appear to be sore about this considering the amount of carpenters vids on yr page. It's time to grow up, kid.
Kid?! AHHAHAH Haven't had anyone call me KID in over 40 years. What do you call DICKHEAD, Cunt Face?. Insignificant? Only because you couldn't find a Paul Williams hit! HAHAHHA Just admit it, Paul Williams is not a good singer. Quit sucking that midget gnome's dick already!
Paul Williams was inducted into the songwriters hall of fame. His acheivments speak for themselves. You on the other hand appear to have an obsession with labelling him as a midget gnome, as though that could ever be a valid insult. I don't know why you have such a problem with disabled or deformed people when you yourself appear to have handicaps of your own.
My original reply to this post seems to have been removed.
Which honor did he win in singing, which was the original argument? How convenient for you to shift the topic! HAHHAHHAHAH BTW, I am still waiting for you to name one hit he sang! Tick tick tick. If you can't come up with one, then I will assume that you simply like having his dick in your mouth all the time.
So what if he can't sing well?! He WROTE hits for other singers, which is not less important than to sing! Just imagine, how would it be with no songwriters but only vocalists? Who would need their great voice without great tune?
Well..at least you have the honesty and/or ears to hear that he can't sing well! Others here keep saying that he is a GREAT singer and that he had many many hits singing them! I am still waiting for them to come up with just one. Tick tick tick....
But the songwriter doesn't need to be also great singer! Just imagine, what would our dear Karen Carpenter do without all those great tunes that PW, her brother and other composers wrote? Who would have cared for her brilliant voice without good music? No one!
That's not the point. The issue at hand is whether Paul Williams is a good singer or not. I'd say NO, but there are many here who keep insisting that he is GREAT!.. I have already posted that he's a good song writer, but not a good singer., and that he should stick with writing. Case in point...Karen was a great singer...so she shouldn't be writing songs if she doesn't have the talent to do so...and she didn't. Richard was not a good singer, and he seldom sang lead.
But you said that PW should be grateful to Carpenters for making his songs hits! And I insist, that both sides should be grateful to each other, 'coz good singer needs good songwriter just as much as songwriter need someone to popularize his music!
Yep...that's exactly what I said. It was Karen's voice and Richard's arrangement that made this song a hit. The lyrics certainly isn't anything special...and the melody is nothing remarkable. But Carpenters made the song a big hit...something PW could not do. Take "We've Only Just Begun", Carpenters made it a beautiful song, while PW 's version was a bank commercial jingle. Same composer...same song...different singers...Carpenters' a big hit, PW's a laughable lounge act.
"The lyrics certainly isn't anything special...and the melody is nothing remarkable."
Bullshit. Both lyrics and melody are brilliant. Richard saw huge potential in those "lounge acts", that's why he jumped on them once he heard them. He and Karen brought them to perfection, but PW wrote them.
So even if the lyrics and melody are "brilliant", yet PW couldn't make a hit out of it nor anyone else for that matter, until The Carpenters came along and made it a bit hit....well well. Thanks for proving my point! PW should be grateful that Carpenters made the song a hit! Otherwise, this song would be the monstrosity that you hear here sung by PW!
And WHO said that the songwriter must necessarily make his songs a hit by himself?! Especially, if the songwriter doesn't pose himself as a singer at all?! That's what a singers and arrangers are for, right? There is always someone who comes up with idea, a plan, and other brings it to a realization! Not only in music, but in each and every realm.
Both Carpenters and PW should be grateful to each other!
where you touched by a short hippie as a child or something, i can't see any reason for you to hold such a grudge against a man you probably have never met. such grudges are infantile and pointless and show the shallowness of your intellect and the integrity by which you represent yourself
One, Paul Williams is a composer and wrote many songs "specifically" for Karen Carpenter.
However, like Carly Simon, Carole King and others who "specifically" wrote music for others...they too have something beautiful to offer when they sing their songs.
Personally I would rather listen to Paul sing over Karen Carpenter, his voice to me is soothing and brings sweet calm to my mind...so your opinion is just that.
@Asuigeneris1 Name ONE song that PW wrote SPECIFICALLY for KC, fool! Don't try to debate if you don't have the facts. Also, your preference for PW's voice over KC's voice proves that you are a deaf moron.
Paul Williams wrote a lot of stuff. My friend used to bartend in LA when Paul would come in and sing/talk about his then current projects. Those were the days!
Not to be to nosey, but was that bar called "The Boardners" bar? I heard he used come in there. In fact one day I went into Boardners and saw his picture on the wall. The Bar was just off of Hollywood Blvd as I recall.
In interviews, like on the old Johnny carson show...even though he was joking on the outside....I always saw a sadness in him. You can't write stuff like this unless you are hurting
I recorded (on casette) every tonight show appearance I saw Paul Williams on and enjoy them to this day. He is the most funny off the cuff guest Johnny ever had.
to infinera06: actually you are probably right about that......his small size must have been really rough growing up, high school etc.....being a midget has to totally suck.....
i usually dont watch the videos here; i just listen to the songs. you did a great job on the video. it captured the angst of the song. thank you for your work.
he performed in manila in 2007. what a treat to see and hear him perform his songs after all these years! he was such a crowd-pleaser. sang most of my faves. except 'nice to be around'.
Interestingly enough, you may like Karen Carpenter's version, and yet Paul Williams wrote this song when he worked for Karen. She claimed it as hers, and herse alone. Paul Williams quit after Karen claimed most of his written work.
Sorry, but it doesn't make sense to me. If Karen (or Richard, for the matter) would have claimed his songs as theirs - he would probably pursued copyright infringement against them, but as much as I know, it never happened. I do not believe they ever did something illegal.
You are correct. Karen and Richard would never have claimed Paul's songs as theirs. This is crazy talk. Think about it, they both recorded for A&M Records. Plus A&M controled the song publishing for both called Almo publishing (this is a fact). Also Richard too was a great songwriter (Your Wonderful Parade, Mr. Guder etc) and did not need to steal. He owned a music publishing company called "3 eagles music".
The song appears to be very well done by both. This is my first ever listen to this and I didnt know Paul wrote this. Where was I? Anyway, does Paul have an accent?
You weren't anywhere,Karen Carpenter never gave Paul Williams credit for his songs,that way the public just assumed her brother or her and her brother wrote them.
yes it is,but in public she or her brother never acknowledged that he(Paul)wrote the song they had just sang but they always said the songs that richard wrote,it was just a different time, when people sang a really big tune they would often say who wrote it.
karen's voice is incomparable but there is something in paul's interpretation that makes it more poignant. of course, he is the writer. the same is true with 'we've only just begun' and even 'with one more look..'
I think their version is great, not better, but different. Carpenter's singing and Paul William's singing is like apples and oranges. I like them both. I like Paul William's version as well.
I have always loved the carpenters and this song always had a special place in my heart as it always reminded me of my childhood with my grandparents as they always listened to it. but this song is such a beautiful tribute and really hits a nerve. but paul williams fails to open his mouth when he sings. but still loving this!
love Paul williams' voice - perhaps more on some of his other songs (travellin' boy for instance) than this one. Incredible depth of wistfulness and nostalgia in singing and song. Karen Carpenter one of the best singers who ever lived - different ball game. Carpenters' version has lovely suspension chord on 'frown'- masterstroke.
Simply put : when you listen to the music accompanying the word frown on Paul Williams own version there is one chord; in the Carpenters' version you hear a change within the chord - a so called 'suspended' note is held and then descends. And it works particularly beautifully I think.
Every song on the album "Here Comes Inspiration" is brilliant.
farmhousemedia3000 1 week ago
top of top paul
KarelStuiv 1 week ago
Listening to this music on the 30th of December 2011...remembering the past days and years, thanking God for all the blessings for the coming year not as difficult anymore than the years of 70's...
marca1119 2 months ago
he is amazing!!! actor, singer, composer!!!! a genius!!!! Love u Paul!
ginired666 5 months ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Paul Williams
We need new stuff from Little Enos!!!
gunnerk19 5 months ago
Where are you, Paul Williams?? We need your music and your wonderful voice. What a song writer.
Rory1127
Rory1127 6 months ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Paul Williams
Paul is a magical song-writer!
PriestSat78 6 months ago
love this song. touches me deep inside every time i hear it.
tedv0204 6 months ago
Love this man
kjs142 6 months ago
you've selected the best photographs for this beautiful song
congratulations!!
lawissilawissi 7 months ago
No-one sings Paul Williams' songs like PW himself. The man is a genius! Every line is so heartfelt with an amazing warmth. Brilliant! Thanks for this. Love the arrangement of this one - so melancholic. Hauntingly beautiful.
shallow59 8 months ago
A great talent .
rickw1100 8 months ago
To compare Karen Carpenter's voice to "thousands of others" is about the funniest thing I've heard in years. Like comparing The Beatles to "thousands of others" lol
oceantracks 8 months ago
Paul Williams is a very genuine person. Thats the quality that comes through in his voice and singing. My 4 year-old is very drawn to Paul Williams. Kids have an instinct for avoiding posers and fakers. There is an innocence to his work that connects with the most discriminating of critics - kids.
XWingRepair4cheap 8 months ago in playlist Other Songs I Like 2 2
He is such a wonderful writer and singer - why on earth we don't see more of him I really don't know. Wonderful!
Philpotts24 8 months ago
I had the great fortune of seeing him perform this live several years ago. He really is a brilliant writer and singer.
jaxonmd72 9 months ago
Little ennis smokey and the bandit.
SIGNALSTAT 9 months ago
Nice. This man I hear if alive and doing well. A very sweet and funny man who could make people laugh and tear up a little with nice songs like this.
11xzxzxz 10 months ago
He's 5 feet tall, chubby and sings funny, but I think he's wonderful.
redspice55 11 months ago
@redspice55
I have found in my lifetime that some of the funniest looking little men, have the voices that will make a woman swoon. LOL
...take Mick Hucknall from Simply Red as well, odd looking little man.
Sensuous voice.
Asuigeneris1 11 months ago
I have this album the 'Paul Williams Song Book' and cannot it on CD. Great to find it here. Whenever I sing this song on 'Rainy Days' I sing Paul's version. Brilliant!!
theiukman 11 months ago
Brilliant voice, just rediscovered it after many years. Great stuff. Lew
dntyuwshyrgfwsrwlkme 11 months ago
There are very few songs that affect your life. This is at the top of the list.
trotterdog17 11 months ago 2
Paul wrote this song. He is entitled to sing his own song. If you prefer the Carpenter's version, then listen to that, and please shut your stupid mouth.
zelmanzelman 11 months ago 2
it's bad...the version 's Carpenters is best
gatti1974 11 months ago
@gatti1974
The Carpenter's version is generic sadly, though Karen had a nice voice....so do 1000's of other women, it could be redone many times over and sound similar.
...but no one sounds like this man, whether you like his voice or not.
He's very much one of a kind.
Asuigeneris1 11 months ago 3
@gatti1974 That's okay, he wrote the Carpenter's version too.
Gnillob802 10 months ago
rainy days and working retail always get me down
inkey2 1 year ago
Ive alays loved this guy I have all of his albums from the early 70's. Great singer / songwriter.
tenorismo 1 year ago
my english teacher sings this song when there's a rainy monday lol!
hivicar 1 year ago
Niceee!!!!! Perla.
perla51 1 year ago
This long time Paul Williams fan was enjoying a quietly beautiful Japanese movie "Itsuka dokushao suruhi" (Montreal Film Festival Grand Jury Prize winner 2005). In one scene the chronically ill wife turns on the radio after her husband goes off to work and she is on her own (again). The cello beginning to "Rainy Days & Mondays" started (obviously not the anaemic Carpenters' version). The song plays without a word of dialog but the effect was magical. I got goosebumps!
7814679 1 year ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
@7814679 anaemic huh
MrSteveUtah 1 year ago
His voice is just perfect. It's like Elton John mixed with Willie Nelson.
I sincerely wish he would go back to making his own music. Everything (that I can find) from him is just amazing.
fondlist 1 year ago 2
@fondlist ..... and Cher
MoonOfNeptune 1 year ago
nice......
golokatly 1 year ago
love it. ^_^
wendygurl013 1 year ago
His recording of tthis song is beautiful. So simple but so moving.
chrissiface 1 year ago 2
VERY NICE SONG TO ALWAYS THINK THERE IS SOMEONE WHO LOVES US NO MATTER WHAT.
DJLuvaction 1 year ago
What an amazing voice . . . what an amazing work of art Paul has created . . .
TwoFourFixate 1 year ago 2
What a true artist—lyrics, voice, feeling, smiles, bumps of goose.
Thank you, Paul.
TwoFourFixate 1 year ago 3
it makes me laughing and we can probably sympathize with the lyrics ;D
GALWAYRAMPAL 1 year ago
es una de las mejores voces de los 70,aunque llene el corazon de nostalgias de un tiempo q ya paso,gracias paul.
ryckhunter02 1 year ago
awesome ! super like ! :))
yshee1115 1 year ago
Comment removed
MDzVQPln 1 year ago
Excelent song!
It is wonderful and pleasant...
guiye1112 1 year ago 2
Personally, I think his voice has a wonderful, unique quality that no other singer has ever matched.
unknownmoviefan 2 years ago 39
This has been flagged as spam show
VERY NICE SONG TO ALWAYS THINK THERE IS SOMEONE WHO LOVES US NO MATTER WHAT.
DJLuvaction 1 year ago
This song will transcend the ages!!! Beautiful , just beautiful!!
08silvercs 2 years ago 20
I personally know Paul Williams and he is a kind and gracious spirit! His songs, both those written for others and those sung by himself, are timeless classics....I personally like his voice presentation and tone...it is pleasant and noticeable....what an American icon! This man is a class act and is one of our most precious resources...God Bless you Paul!
BZaxx 2 years ago 4
BZaxx, if you know Paul personally please pass on our regards from England. I don't know what I would have done without Paul's songs all those years ago. He wrote the soundtrack to the Seventies and helped me through many turbulent emotional times. Such a beautiful use of language. A TRUE genius.
Thank you Paul, life would not have been the same without you !!
mrrayjd 2 years ago
A beautifully written and sung song!
Photographer35 2 years ago 2
most would be satisfied to write such a classic
8aetroya8 2 years ago 2
Comment removed
lsabw 2 years ago
0:51
The Dog??
ahhhhh..
T_T
MultiKonohamaru 2 years ago
I am missing something here? At what point did this composer say he was the best ANYTHING? His accent in his songs actually changes along with his pronouncing of wording, it's called presentation, every singer does it, doesn't always work. This guy created music and lyrics with melody that inflicts a mood and reflects that moment. That is true talent and skill, he's brilliant and deserves the accolades he has.
aussiness74 2 years ago 3
this ones' for me... always be...........
oyetlapuz59 2 years ago
I have always loved Paul and his voice! Thanks for posting this.
nonchee1 2 years ago 3
Ah,beautiful !
lakeladymel 2 years ago 2
Drunk or sober, Pau Williansl is a poet that we should NEVER forget! His melodies arer equal to his great lyrics. This guy wrote some very beautiful songs - love how he sings his own material - he sells the song like nobody else could! Thank you! Thank you for putting this up..
ManagerGuy1 2 years ago
paul williams is an excellent singer sondwriter / by the way any one remember him in Smokey and the bandit? he is also Sissy spaceks father/ she has a beautiful voice.
mikewho724 2 years ago
If he's such an excellent singer, how come he's never even had one single hit? Just name one...tick tick tick....
infinera06 2 years ago
Just an old fashioned love song
tractorhermit 2 years ago
That was performed by Three Dog Night, not Paul Williams. Try again. Tick tick tick.....
infinera06 2 years ago
But it was written by him, and preformed by him on occasionand not all great singers are famous rick astley had a 'hit" but most agree he is terrible
tractorhermit 2 years ago
I see debating is not a skill in your repertoire.
infinera06 2 years ago
ouch!!! that really hurt... i guess my debate team trophies, position as Debate team captain and position on the Arizona state champions team say nothing... again that really hurt.... but good use of the word repertoire... Looks likes somebody used a dictionary today
tractorhermit 2 years ago
@infinera06
Waking up alone charted at 60 on the Billboard top 100, which is better than many artists will ever see.
...just because you don't like his voice doesn't mean that his voice doesn't bring joy to many others, you really should consider that your opinion matters little to anyone but you.
Opinions are like assholes remember...the man is in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame & has won an Academy Award for his lyrical ability, your lack of irreverence will not change any of that. LOL ^_^.
Asuigeneris1 1 year ago 3
@Asuigeneris1 Waking Up Alone was the first song I ever heard by Paul Williams on the radio back in the 70's and I fell in love with that song. I loved his voice in that song. I don't know why I never bought the 45.
redspice55 11 months ago
@redspice55
I think most who find a true peace in listening to music, would love his voice....there is something about it that makes the world seem alright no matter what. ^_^.
Asuigeneris1 11 months ago
Infin, you're like a dog with a bone lol.
blueorleans 2 years ago
So natural and simple , but it works. Who better to sing the song but the guy who wrote it,he captures the feeling.
lakeladymel 2 years ago
not sure about that , perhaps its the Carpenters who should have been happy , no ?
busyhive 2 years ago
Paul should be grateful that Carpenters recorded his songs, otherwise, they'd never would be hits if he sang them himself. Paul should just stick to writing and leave the singing to real singers.
infinera06 2 years ago
Utter rubbish. He is an immeasurable talent and there's nothing wrong with his voice even if it might not have had Karen's touch.
Paul had hits with pretty much the who's who of pop music throughout his career. Then there's all the musicals and other work he's done. The man is a fucking LEGEND, simple as.
This isn't the original version anyway. The original was a big 60's funky orchestra version.
crosboid 2 years ago
So how many hit singles did Paul Williams have with him singing? Answer: NONE BTW, is everyone from the UK so vile?
infinera06 2 years ago
Is that intentional irony, or did you overlook the fact that you posted on here saying that the singer should be grateful others used his work?
It's a bit like saying that Ferrari should be grateful for all the great F1 drivers that have had successful seasons with their vehicles. Well, sure they should but its besides the point. Paul has the best of all worlds: singer, songwriter, composer and producer. He is a great singer in and of himself, despite his voice not being to everyone's tastes.
crosboid 2 years ago
No irony at all. Paul is an excellent song writer, but he's not a good singer. (He's more like a lounge singer who should never record.) That's why Paul should be grateful that The Carpenters made this song and WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN big hits, which otherwise wouldn't be hits at all if he had sung these songs himself. If he's a GREAT singer to you, you obviously have very low standards.
infinera06 2 years ago
Saw Paul Williams live in concert, sold out btw, had the crowd on their feet. Quite the charismatic entertainer. His unique voice and ability to touch people with his heartfelt songs made him an international entertainer. And yes he had hit songs and an incredibly large fan base. Need to check your facts. Carpenters didn't have a chart hit til they recorded We've Only Just Begun. I'm sure they were grateful they had that opportunity.
blueorleans 2 years ago
Mea Culpa, Their first number one song was They Long To Be Close to You by Burt Bacharach. Countless of people have not only used We've Only Just Begun as a wedding song but also for graduation ceremonies. We've Only Just Begun for years has been known as The Carpenters signature song and is in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Thank you Paul Williams!!
blueorleans 2 years ago
Name the hit songs that he actually sang. I'm waiting.....tick tick tick tick.
infinera06 2 years ago
What you're saying is a nonsense. BOTH Carpenters and Paul Williams should be grateful to each other, because each of them made other a big favour.
Nixe1007 2 years ago
You missed the whole point. The point is that Williams is not a good singer, and should stick with writing. The Carpenters, in the 70's, could have taken anybody's songs and made them hits, which they have done many many times. Paul Williams, on the other hand, has not one single hit, despite all the non-sense claims here how he 'had many hits." Notice no one here has been able to name ONE single hit Paul Williams performed in?
infinera06 2 years ago
Did I say he is an excellent singer? And did he ever pose himself as a great singer?
Nixe1007 2 years ago
I was not addressing you. Read the other comments here in proper order; you'll see that there are those who think Paul Williams is a GREAT singer, despite being contrary to the facts.
infinera06 2 years ago
Facts which are...what? Any evidence?
He performed this song better on the original album, but still Paul Williams sang in tune and had a trained voice, dickhead. That you might not like his style is by the fucking by.
I get the impression you haven't got a proper understanding of singing technique, else you'd know that there are many different sounds a voice can have and good technique shows no matter what the limitation.
Seth Riggs has a rough voice, but he's STILL a great singer.
crosboid 2 years ago
If you can't name one hit that Paul WIlliams sang, just slink away like the rest. You don't know what good singing is. PW lacks vocal range, he has no vibrato, and he sounds ugly. Here's an analogy even YOU may understand. Just because you suck dick doesn't mean you give good head! Think about it, cuntface.
infinera06 2 years ago
I've thought about it, and my conclusion is you're a retard. You're being small minded.
Seth Riggs never sang a hit in his life, but he's taught some of the world's greats: Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson amongst many others.
Paul Williams starred in musicals as well as writing them, and they were successful enough for him to continue with them for a long time.
The fact is Paul Williams is held in high regard by the music industry and many consider him to be a legend. Now GET OVER IT.
crosboid 2 years ago
So I guess you weren't able to find his "many hits"! HAHAHHAH Until you do, quit flapping your cunt lips this way!
infinera06 2 years ago
so i guess now you're resorting to childish insults, because you have *still* have the minor point that Paul didn't sing on any records that made it big.
The problem with that point is it is INSIGNIFICANT. There are countless folkies with good voices that haven't gotten anywhere. It doesn't make them bad singers. Your say-so is simply not enough.
Paul is still hugely successful. You appear to be sore about this considering the amount of carpenters vids on yr page. It's time to grow up, kid.
crosboid 2 years ago
Kid?! AHHAHAH Haven't had anyone call me KID in over 40 years. What do you call DICKHEAD, Cunt Face?. Insignificant? Only because you couldn't find a Paul Williams hit! HAHAHHA Just admit it, Paul Williams is not a good singer. Quit sucking that midget gnome's dick already!
infinera06 2 years ago
Which only shows you need to grow up more.
Paul Williams was inducted into the songwriters hall of fame. His acheivments speak for themselves. You on the other hand appear to have an obsession with labelling him as a midget gnome, as though that could ever be a valid insult. I don't know why you have such a problem with disabled or deformed people when you yourself appear to have handicaps of your own.
My original reply to this post seems to have been removed.
crosboid 2 years ago
Which honor did he win in singing, which was the original argument? How convenient for you to shift the topic! HAHHAHHAHAH BTW, I am still waiting for you to name one hit he sang! Tick tick tick. If you can't come up with one, then I will assume that you simply like having his dick in your mouth all the time.
infinera06 2 years ago
So what if he can't sing well?! He WROTE hits for other singers, which is not less important than to sing! Just imagine, how would it be with no songwriters but only vocalists? Who would need their great voice without great tune?
Nixe1007 2 years ago
Well..at least you have the honesty and/or ears to hear that he can't sing well! Others here keep saying that he is a GREAT singer and that he had many many hits singing them! I am still waiting for them to come up with just one. Tick tick tick....
infinera06 2 years ago
But the songwriter doesn't need to be also great singer! Just imagine, what would our dear Karen Carpenter do without all those great tunes that PW, her brother and other composers wrote? Who would have cared for her brilliant voice without good music? No one!
Nixe1007 2 years ago
That's not the point. The issue at hand is whether Paul Williams is a good singer or not. I'd say NO, but there are many here who keep insisting that he is GREAT!.. I have already posted that he's a good song writer, but not a good singer., and that he should stick with writing. Case in point...Karen was a great singer...so she shouldn't be writing songs if she doesn't have the talent to do so...and she didn't. Richard was not a good singer, and he seldom sang lead.
infinera06 2 years ago
But you said that PW should be grateful to Carpenters for making his songs hits! And I insist, that both sides should be grateful to each other, 'coz good singer needs good songwriter just as much as songwriter need someone to popularize his music!
Nixe1007 2 years ago 2
Yep...that's exactly what I said. It was Karen's voice and Richard's arrangement that made this song a hit. The lyrics certainly isn't anything special...and the melody is nothing remarkable. But Carpenters made the song a big hit...something PW could not do. Take "We've Only Just Begun", Carpenters made it a beautiful song, while PW 's version was a bank commercial jingle. Same composer...same song...different singers...Carpenters' a big hit, PW's a laughable lounge act.
infinera06 2 years ago
"The lyrics certainly isn't anything special...and the melody is nothing remarkable."
Bullshit. Both lyrics and melody are brilliant. Richard saw huge potential in those "lounge acts", that's why he jumped on them once he heard them. He and Karen brought them to perfection, but PW wrote them.
Nixe1007 2 years ago 2
So even if the lyrics and melody are "brilliant", yet PW couldn't make a hit out of it nor anyone else for that matter, until The Carpenters came along and made it a bit hit....well well. Thanks for proving my point! PW should be grateful that Carpenters made the song a hit! Otherwise, this song would be the monstrosity that you hear here sung by PW!
infinera06 2 years ago
And WHO said that the songwriter must necessarily make his songs a hit by himself?! Especially, if the songwriter doesn't pose himself as a singer at all?! That's what a singers and arrangers are for, right? There is always someone who comes up with idea, a plan, and other brings it to a realization! Not only in music, but in each and every realm.
Both Carpenters and PW should be grateful to each other!
Nixe1007 2 years ago
It all comes to personal preference in what *you* enjoy in the song and voice.
Java2400 2 years ago
where you touched by a short hippie as a child or something, i can't see any reason for you to hold such a grudge against a man you probably have never met. such grudges are infantile and pointless and show the shallowness of your intellect and the integrity by which you represent yourself
tractorhermit 2 years ago
@infinera06
One, Paul Williams is a composer and wrote many songs "specifically" for Karen Carpenter.
However, like Carly Simon, Carole King and others who "specifically" wrote music for others...they too have something beautiful to offer when they sing their songs.
Personally I would rather listen to Paul sing over Karen Carpenter, his voice to me is soothing and brings sweet calm to my mind...so your opinion is just that.
...only your own.
Asuigeneris1 1 year ago 3
@Asuigeneris1 Name ONE song that PW wrote SPECIFICALLY for KC, fool! Don't try to debate if you don't have the facts. Also, your preference for PW's voice over KC's voice proves that you are a deaf moron.
infinera06 1 year ago
Thanks for this - great pics!
Racheltaylordiva 2 years ago
wonderful ..
13chunchelo 2 years ago
this song is realy maches in rainy days isn't it
KOZA24
yag4z355 2 years ago
Paul Williams wrote a lot of stuff. My friend used to bartend in LA when Paul would come in and sing/talk about his then current projects. Those were the days!
SandyDog102 2 years ago
Not to be to nosey, but was that bar called "The Boardners" bar? I heard he used come in there. In fact one day I went into Boardners and saw his picture on the wall. The Bar was just off of Hollywood Blvd as I recall.
Monday767 2 years ago
Hi, It was (Don Randi's) Baked Potato from what I understand.
SandyDog102 2 years ago
In interviews, like on the old Johnny carson show...even though he was joking on the outside....I always saw a sadness in him. You can't write stuff like this unless you are hurting
inkey2 2 years ago 2
I recorded (on casette) every tonight show appearance I saw Paul Williams on and enjoy them to this day. He is the most funny off the cuff guest Johnny ever had.
Monday767 2 years ago
Paul Williams is a midget gnome; you'd be sad too if you were him!
infinera06 2 years ago
to infinera06: actually you are probably right about that......his small size must have been really rough growing up, high school etc.....being a midget has to totally suck.....
inkey2 2 years ago
tnx mr.nlimonge for posting this song coul you please upload the song TIME & TIDE? THANK U...
bacheck 2 years ago
ney,
i usually dont watch the videos here; i just listen to the songs. you did a great job on the video. it captured the angst of the song. thank you for your work.
heiwa2007 2 years ago
What ever happen to Paul. Love U Paul
bimale06010 2 years ago
he performed in manila in 2007. what a treat to see and hear him perform his songs after all these years! he was such a crowd-pleaser. sang most of my faves. except 'nice to be around'.
heiwa2007 2 years ago
Interestingly enough, you may like Karen Carpenter's version, and yet Paul Williams wrote this song when he worked for Karen. She claimed it as hers, and herse alone. Paul Williams quit after Karen claimed most of his written work.
nburgis 2 years ago
Is it true? Had Karen really claimed something that was not belong to her? It's a big surprise for me....
Lamenta88 2 years ago
Sorry, but it doesn't make sense to me. If Karen (or Richard, for the matter) would have claimed his songs as theirs - he would probably pursued copyright infringement against them, but as much as I know, it never happened. I do not believe they ever did something illegal.
kshaligin 2 years ago
You are correct. Karen and Richard would never have claimed Paul's songs as theirs. This is crazy talk. Think about it, they both recorded for A&M Records. Plus A&M controled the song publishing for both called Almo publishing (this is a fact). Also Richard too was a great songwriter (Your Wonderful Parade, Mr. Guder etc) and did not need to steal. He owned a music publishing company called "3 eagles music".
Monday767 2 years ago
I think Paul is awesome. Listening to the heart behind the genius is such a gift.
pinkcloud09 3 years ago 3
The Carpenters version is better!!!!
bigpoopie69 3 years ago
No, it isn't.
Samalamalamdam 3 years ago 4
The song appears to be very well done by both. This is my first ever listen to this and I didnt know Paul wrote this. Where was I? Anyway, does Paul have an accent?
Landrew120880 3 years ago
You weren't anywhere,Karen Carpenter never gave Paul Williams credit for his songs,that way the public just assumed her brother or her and her brother wrote them.
misred1 2 years ago
misred1: well i assume his name (Paul Williams) was credited on the sheet music and below the title of the song on the record...right?
inkey2 2 years ago
yes it is,but in public she or her brother never acknowledged that he(Paul)wrote the song they had just sang but they always said the songs that richard wrote,it was just a different time, when people sang a really big tune they would often say who wrote it.
misred1 2 years ago
I have alot of sheet music of the Carpenters and on every song they sang by Paul he is given credit.
Monday767 2 years ago
karen's voice is incomparable but there is something in paul's interpretation that makes it more poignant. of course, he is the writer. the same is true with 'we've only just begun' and even 'with one more look..'
heiwa2007 2 years ago 2
I think their version is great, not better, but different. Carpenter's singing and Paul William's singing is like apples and oranges. I like them both. I like Paul William's version as well.
blueorleans 2 years ago
very nice choice of photos. well done!
RDMCharity 3 years ago 2
I have always loved the carpenters and this song always had a special place in my heart as it always reminded me of my childhood with my grandparents as they always listened to it. but this song is such a beautiful tribute and really hits a nerve. but paul williams fails to open his mouth when he sings. but still loving this!
sarahmay9989 3 years ago
love Paul williams' voice - perhaps more on some of his other songs (travellin' boy for instance) than this one. Incredible depth of wistfulness and nostalgia in singing and song. Karen Carpenter one of the best singers who ever lived - different ball game. Carpenters' version has lovely suspension chord on 'frown'- masterstroke.
awol2602 3 years ago
You´re right on the spot. I couldn´t have said it better myself.
MrChemix 3 years ago
could you please explain what did you mean by that: "Carpenters' version has lovely suspension chord on 'frown'- masterstroke?"
Lamenta88 2 years ago
Simply put : when you listen to the music accompanying the word frown on Paul Williams own version there is one chord; in the Carpenters' version you hear a change within the chord - a so called 'suspended' note is held and then descends. And it works particularly beautifully I think.
awol2602 2 years ago
Maybe)) These are details that I'm not making out)) The only thing I know for sure, is that arrangements in two versions are different.
Lamenta88 2 years ago
Listen again to both. Take your time. I think at some point you'd notice the shift in the Carpenters that doesn't happen in the P Williams.
awol2602 2 years ago
preciosa versión!
onepebles 3 years ago
No one sings this better?? Um, ever hear of Karen Carpenter?
Paul Williams wrote this song, and for that (and for his many other songwriting hits), he deserves applause... but he's really not a singer.
gktom58 3 years ago
I don't understand really why there arent more of him and his songs on here. any ideas?
Gone for ever is just heart breaking My love and i...dedicated to the listeners..this guy is genius
aussiness74 3 years ago 4
No one--I repeat, no one--belts this out better than Mr. Paul Williams.
end of rant . . .
TwoFourFixate 3 years ago 4
GOD ! ! !
DIOS ! ! !
tork2529 3 years ago
Absolutely beautiful....
celestina06 3 years ago
Pagasa said there will be
16 typhoons until the end of the year.
Anyway this song was a classic
hilarioph 3 years ago
mIL Gracias. Hace màs de 25 años que no la escucho y la busque un monton. Yo conoci esta cancion en esta version. Alucinante!!
(tengo 41)
fuchsmoni 3 years ago
Genius.
willminkorea 3 years ago 2
Nice, thanks for posting!
Dallouez 3 years ago 2
thanks for posting, great song and songwriter.
jonbert123 3 years ago 6
What a great songwriter.
barbcinque 3 years ago 7