Neil Young - Powderfinger

[bjbhappy]

awesome Neil~

[jrock2264]

Screw up 3:20...heh heh....

[jrock2264]

Just listened to the "original version" (Rust) and I might actually like the vocals here better...softer and more refined....if you can say that about Neil.

[dereksloane]

i heard this song was insired by a story lynyrd skynyrd had told him??anyone else know??...............dont kill the messenger....

[SteveGaines]

@dereksloane Supposedly he had written this song and was going to give it to Ronnie Van Zant...Then the plane crash happened...So Neil kept it for himself...

[wrrntl]

@johnredpath, while not my favorite version or even Neil Young song, this rocks! I have always been down with Neil but at after 22 it clicked. So glad to see Neil just knock it out the park.  true performer whose fans understand that Neil is just Neil and he rocks! This song was out of his rotation for awhile glad to see him kill a song that Ronnie Van Zant should have performed, too sad.

[willard10s]

There many killer Neil live tunz out there and I love the guy, but he should hand Old Black to his tech and get one in tune! One of the guitars is out on this song and my guess is it is not Poncho's..........Great tune OK performance against many solid ones.

[vincentsollami]

NEIL FREAKIN YOUNG MUSIC THESE DAYS TOTALY SUCKS COMPARED TO THE PAST

[DasIstMeinKampyCouch]

@vincentsollami You've obviously never listened to Chrome Dreams II or Fork In The Road or Le Noise. Neil has returned to great songwriting the past few years.

[reliablebow]

the second solo is a journey.....thanks for takin' us with you

[BluesBoyMty]

is great!! fantastic!!

[MrDimebuck]

No dislikes? Now that's something!!!!! Hail Mr. Young!!!

[Joel3436]

Maybe Clapton

[mormoonimikko]

one of the best



[rocket625]

seriously this brings me back to the 70's

[MrGlenntipton]

just the tempo towards the middle is all it takes dfor crazy horse to rule

[bigiron63]

Would have loved to hear Ronnie sing it as well

[HammyHammTaylor]

@bigiron63 freebird forever

[bigiron63]

The powers to be left me to do the thinking. Sounds like he was the 4th most qualafied for this task. He had to be scared.

[RobRuthi]

Outstanding! My favorite song by Neil and I'm a huge fan of it all. I've never heard a better version of Powderfinger. Ever. Love the organ too. Awesome performance. Really awesome. Wish I knew here to get a copy of the DVD...

[Shakey719]

E......A.......E.....A...... "Perfect!". :)

[Shakey719]

@Shakey719 Sorry; that's A:D tuning...

[EclecticDiscus]

Donald Duck Dunn on bass : ) Great song

[JudahIsreal]

believe it or not and city of tiny lights, guitar mayhem

[moonpie66666]

Most beautiful version of this sing I have heard.

[mrrobbienh]

@seapro17 The guy's a legend and makes up 2 of my top 5 ever concerts but using Bruce Springsteen as a comparison to make your point, he's the other 3 !

[mrwibbles1]

Neil Young is such a master at pacing a song, and story telling. His guitar work makes you go nuts listening to how great he is.

Powderfinger is an amazing song, best told by Neil.

[LordElpus1000]

A NationaL Treasure for sure.

[sminer11]

@LordElpus1000

How about "International Treasure"? Neal Young has lived in America for many years, but is Canadian and proudly so. He was born there and has been awarded a number of Canada's highest honors.

[joeyther]

So the powers that be

left me here to do the thinkin'

[TheEasternoutdoors]

Play this song on my tele all the time

[Frobe1357]

fantastic guitar work

[bluestreakbuck]

timeless

[traslomita]

long live to all the american indians warrios

[13ajmickey]

This song of Neils is the only that ever has actually made me feel like I was there at this time and the emotions it evokes are so powerful-that is why Neil is so f'ing good

[teoslg]

I love Neil Young. His songs, each one is like a good movie.

[1970morgy]

Greatness!

[yoshibax]

My buddy, David Westermier,used to play this song on his guitar and amp, in his garage, in San Diego! It never sounded like this, but the memories are cool!

[DANLEO5]

Big John's been drinking since the river took Emmylou.... Love this song!

[1213grumpy]

Dylan, Springsteen and Young any better?

[campodog1]

Great tune, but the backing band is definitely NOT Crazy Horse.

[eddy67]

@campodog1 yeah who the hell are these losers?

[Miroshinen]

@eddy67 One of the best bands in the world.

[russomusika]

As compelling and sad as it gets....Glorious.

[scottymacIII]

I agree, best rendition of this song by far. many, many thanks. "daddy's rifle in my hand felt reassurin'. Beat Farmers have a decent version of this that they've made their own thru thr yrs.

[305bigdad]

Donald "Duck" Dunn on bass?

[johnredpath]

this song is a masterpiece.

[kinkers100]

A young boy/man being caught unawares by overwhelming odds. Beautifully rendered. Poignant.

[Yngeldorf]

HAHA, love that guy in the beginning: " OOOOOOOOLD MAAAAAAAAAN" Sounds like if he just lost a leg

[ctzipper]

Amazing - when was this recorded and where?

[MrBailey1964]

Remove all Israel lobbies and dual citizens in government.

Lets take back America.

DUMP ISRAEL!

[dadawg1961]

@MrBailey1964 you are a real dumb ass

[yumpladukfoo]

@dadawg1961 Mr. Bailey is spot on about dual citizens in government, and he couldn't be more accurate for the USA to stop funding Israeli terrorism. Learn your history, dumb ass.

[MaceMn]

Think free!... Don't let anyone wave the flag in your face, or buy into what the powers that be tell you. Our country was founded on revolution.

[johnredpath]

brilliant song probably my favourite Neil young song ever. rescue me from the powder and the finger.

[jamespetit1]

Well said guitarkev77. As your age, mood, attitude, life etc... change so does the song. That what makes it so interesting and everlasting. a moran can understand todays shit. If their stupid enough to waste their time...

[davidwhiten]

What an amazing artist. You are right Shadowmeld7, we are very fortunate!

[RnRanimal]

that's Booker T and Duck Dunn! Great clip I'd love to cop a better audio version if there is any chance one exists

[mikuls]

My Dad Loved this song. And for good reason. Starting to get Fucking sick of my spelling being corrected.

[MrPlayfulxxx]

Seen him in Perth, Australia over 20 yrs ago and still rate it as one of the best concerts i been to, this is such a good version :)

[darthschantzy]

Ahhh, you can see his breath because of the cold. Brilliant

[burtwiser85]

This song apprapo this week with the 150th anniversary of the U.S. civil war. It always touches me when I hear it, I can feel the emotion of the song........

[soulhoosier]

This is at Farm Aid in Champagne, Illinois in about 1985 right? I see Booker T.,Duck Dunne, Al Jackson and Pancho Sampredo there. What a show.

[seapro17]

I know that I am Neil biased, BUT, seriously, Is there any other singer songwriter, performer who has stood the test of time this guy has ? His catalog of music along with his live performances are untouched by all of them. Who else has been doing greatness for this long ? hell Springsteen was a sperm cell when Neil had so many great albums out and he is still putting out greatness today. Am I wrong ?

[pinkypussca]

@seapro17 I totally agree with everything you say!

[trvr3]

@seapro17 springsteen might have been sperm cell...but I think if you were to ask neil and bruce- tremendous respect for each other

[seapro17]

@trvr3 Without a doubt. I was referring to longevity and catalog,but Bruce is a tremendous songwriter as well and they have on ocassion shared a stage or two. no disrespect to Bruce.

[brupey]

@seapro17 I love Neil, but Bob's up there with him!

[stargazer2756]

@seapro17 I can only think of one guy and that being David Bowie. But ya, I agree about one thing, he seems to have the knack to come up with a catchy songs for every decade. His music has basically not changed regardless is what is hot and he still as popular as ever! He is a rock icon!

[TheOlkingcole]

@seapro17 You're wrong but your not....Alot of bands like CCR and bands of The Family Dog have went 30 years with non stop music

[pbesmer]

@seapro17 Your right... Neil is in a class by himself, no one is really close Only Dylan is in the conversation and he doesnt have the music skills neil does, thos his (Dylans) words are in a class by themselves

[GunFuMasterHS]

@pbesmer ...The Rolling Stones? I'm a Neil guy, too. This song got it all started for me back in the day.

[animenutjob13]

@pbesmer and Leonard Cohen, lyric-wise

[amateurVideoForYou]

@seapro17 you are indeed wrong, if by Springsteen you mean "The Boss". Neil was was born in 1945, Bruce in 1949...

I don't disagree with the rest of your thesis, but hyperbole doesn't buttress your case.

[fozmanOU869]

@seapro17 come on, I love NY too, he's one of the greatest, but Dylan has stood the test of time for an even longer chunk of temporal real estate...point is, Neil doesn't have the corner on the market for staying power and deep reserves of greatness.

[RatDog67]

@seapro17 I'm right there wit you bro but come on.... Just about all of his old bandies are still kickin. Then ya got the Dead who without Garcia are still going FURTHUR with non stop touring. Then we got the Allmans, Dickie on his own, Tom Petty, want me keep going... I get it bro, I LOVE neil but don't miss out. There are still old timers leaving their blood and souls on the stage for us as they bring life to the music.

[zemzami1]

@seapro17 Your absolutly right !

[DONNANDMARY]

Old Neil still gets his groove on. love it.

[johnnygrulez]

great piece art just beautiful,,,folk music will always amazme!!! way to go Mr, Neil young!!!!

[taemanok2006]

Astrid looks steamy!

[MyCuffaro]

N.Young  Guitar sound is great

[305bigdad]

Neil, your solo concert last year was amazing.  But please get Crazy Horse back together and get back on the road. We would all love that!

[dragon5937]

Saw uncle Neil live in Finsbury Park, London. Steam rising from the mud (of course it had been raining) and everyone having a great time. Seeing him Live is superb

[rogerredcat]

as the man says "perfect"..............dadadad­ddddddddddeeeeeeeeeeeer da dooooooooooooooooooooo

[stargazer2756]

I love so many of his songs but this always comes to mind when I think of my favorite. He is timeless and amazing artist! A true superstar!

[musicisart2]

Never enough Powder Finger! Keep postin 'em!

[49erkc]

We know that Neil was dissed in the Lynryd Skynyrd song "Sweet Home Alabama". Neil wrote the songs "Alabama" and "Southern Man" that indicated his displeasure with the way blacks were treated in the south during the 60s. He befriended Ronnie Van Zandt and wrote a song for Lynyrd Skynyrd. I think Neil went with the black disrespect theme, and wrote a song that didn't really come out and say it like his previous songs did, but it still indicated his very strong feelings on this subject.

[blueroad99]

@49erkc

Dude.,, do you Know that 4 out of 3 people aren;t good at Fraction>??

[11xzxzxz]

this song should never be played without Billy Talbot. that guy has energy and harmony and is the most underrated bassist meanest guy I know. He is not in the video or else just looks way way different.

[raymartin10]

i dont get this song at all...seems like a poor re-write of like a rolling stone. OHIO MUCH MUCH BETTER SONG !!!

[guitarkev77]

@raymartin10 "a poor re-write of like a rolling stone"? Are you listening to the same song as I am? This song tells a great story. You can't really compare it to "Ohio", as they are very different. This is an amazing song!

[11xzxzxz]

@guitarkev77 I love you man for telling it like it is. This is the best song ever .. when I die I want them to play this and a lot of people are hoping sooner than later .. ha. When the first shot hit the dock I saw it coming....... raised my rifle to my eye .. never stopped to wonder why.. i saw black and my face splash in the sky. Come on you and I know it gets no better than this and everyone else who thinks different is NOWHERE and they better know red means run son numbers (sales)

[11xzxzxz]

@11xzxzxz .. red means , i mean, sales and popularity add up to nothing anyone who heard Neil with buffalo Springfield would know he was this amazing talent. Mr Soul ./ expecting to fly / on my way home. Never was and never will be another Neil. Roll over Beethoven this is real genius. Rolling stones just wish they could roll with Neil. Well from '66 to '1980 anyway.. hedge my bets. take care

[11xzxzxz]

@11xzxzxz look Loser stop writing to yourself.. OK I promise.  Yeah sure you always say that. NO really this time.. Sounds like Neils been drinkin'. Shut up.

[11xzxzxz]

@guitarkev77 OK i see you downin' and drownin' my man everywhere on YT . Mr Soul a rip-off of Satisfaction? . Well sure. to a point but but have you ever heard rhymes from the rolling stones like that? Tje song is the best rap song of all time. because I always hear the Rolling Stones and think they stopped being good in 1969. I don't like songs like Tumblin' Dice and Happy because the Stones are ripping off . Jumping Jack Flash . ripping off their own riffs. 

[seapro17]

@guitarkev77 Really..what is raymartin10 talking about ? I've been a huge Neil fan for almost 35 years and i have always found that some of his songs seem to be clear in their message while others aren't. I dont think Powderfinger can be lumped into the same message as Alabama or Southern Man. I like it for it's pure Kick Ass classic garage band sound and I have no clue as to what he was thinking as to the lyrics.

[paulo10508]

Some People Are Stuck ON Stupid-Neil and CrazyHorse, Play amazin Music......

[11xzxzxz]

@raymartin10 man you are so so wrong. this is not a good version .. go and listen to the Live Rust version. It is nothing like a poor rewrite of anything but then this is a top ten record of all time for me .. please if I heard this version I would understand a little.. anyway if you haven't listen to this haunting all over the place lyrics but great melody and haunting guitar solos (actually the guitar solo hear is good ) go buy LIVE RUST you will be in heaven.. thanks.

[thisismyidgdi]

@raymartin10 Please stop listening to Neil Young. You don't get it and you never will. That's not a problem. Do yourself and all of us a favour and listen to something you like. Then we will all be happy.

[49erkc]

@thisismyidgdi I'm just sayin'

[tbonemorris]

red rocks 1982, enough said

[Rogerrumjet]

I love Booker T, but I could live without the organ on this tune.

[equallyeasilyfuqyou]

@Rogerrumjet i love it. :O

[packfam5]

Is that a Scream mask @ 4:12?

[equallyeasilyfuqyou]

@packfam5 seems that way

[cdnnetguy]

All you need is a beer and a chair on a dock by the lake under a starry sky to listen to this one.

[mepeteman1]

Hey ze, its just in there, cant explane it, just part of me

[erielackman]

Is that a mis-cue at 3:20?

[thisismyidgdi]

@erielackman No, that's what makes Live Music the best.

[Crewmannumber6]

That's duck Dunn on bass is that Booker T Jones on the organ?

[densthemenace]

live rust the best album ever.too old to rocknroll.........keep rockn.

[wsjjc777]

Heave it out of ya Neil...the wife loves ya!!

[StarMatt9th]

Ooooold man !

[thisismyidgdi]

Everytime I watch this, it blows me away. Neil Young is the greatest.

[Garciadann]

one of my favz, I can picture the scene in my head . no one has mentioned that Booker T is sitting in on Keys !! or it's a dead ringer.

[AdognamedOp]

To me, this song represents those folks still willing to stand up to the iron fist of state.

[thisismyidgdi]

This is great. Neil Young, outdoors, breath showing as he sings, playing, singing, and telling a story. Amazing. Wish I was there. Those that were saw magic. Or as Neil says at the beginning - Perfect!

[TheNatureboy64]

There are faster players, players that play from the top and bottom of the guitar neck, finger tappers,and even ambidextrous, but none play better than Neil to me. This is what it's all about; "Playing with feeling" Thank you so much Neil!!

[gutfee00]

Of all the clips of this song on this channel, this has the slowest tempo, which allows the story to be taken in properly, also the end verse riff isn't forced in any way.

Wonderful version ;)

[psike5000]

my religion

[viscount100]

This song kills me. I bawl like a baby. Forgive the boy and his killer. Neil Young is the greatest Canadian ever. Period. Better than Wanye or Shatner for sure. Sniff, sob, tears in my eyes.

[SoVerySappy]

@viscount100

Its not "the boy and his killer"....iits "the powder and the finger"

[zemzamiimad]

this is why he's a true god and a true living legend basta !

[boulterontarioman48]

it does not get any better than this, from the greatest guitar player in the world--bar none. the man from a little town called omeemee, ontario.

[mrpentium]

Many people ask, and have theories as to the meaning of this song. My theory: I always saw this song as an anti-war song, in which the youth of America are obliged to defend our shores (like their father before them), and die in the process. The "White boat" is ours, as well. The message being; we're unwittingly killing our own young. The Gun backfires, killing him...a figurative and literal comment on war.

[MrRano55]

So the powers that be left me here ta do the drinkin.

[leftoverblake]

@MrRano55 "thinking"

[thisismyidgdi]

At 0:26 when Neil Young says "Perfect", I hope everyone there thought something special was coming. I know I wish I was there. If you were, let me know what ot was like.

[thisismyidgdi]

Look at the smile on the guitarist in white at 6:13 playing with and watching NY play. Lucky SOB.

[sunny8275jcb1]

love Neil, love the song and the video is awesome!

[thisismyidgdi]

The last verse is just pure poetry.

Shelter me from the powder and the finger

Cover me with the thought that pulled the trigger

Think of me as one you'd never figured

Would fade away so young

With so much left undone

Remember me to my love,

I know I'll miss her.

[psike5000]

@thisismyidgdi so moving,

[thisismyidgdi]

Incredible song from an incredible talent. There are those who are without equal in what they write, play, sing, say, and share with us all. Neil Young is one of them. "Cover me with the thought that pulled the trigger". This song is amazing. The words are amazing and then he sings it. WOW!!

[meanlezbo]

yeah baby

[boulterontarioman48]

hats off to the greatest guitar player in the world and the man who touches on more of mans emotions and the struggles of life on this green planet thats losing a battle to man itself. would like to see neil write a song about the oil spill because we need to wake up all of the greedy people in this world-- { BP OIL } BEFORE ITS TOO LATE AND ANOTHER DISASTER OCCURS. boulterontarioman48 ..lost on rte 7 between lindsay and peterborough

[SammSquamch]

when the first shot hit the dock, i saw it comin'...

[23780ron]

i this song always had two musical interludes, but at minute 306, neil steps up to the mike, starts to sing the lyrics, stops, and goes back to finish the music he started, adds an additional musical part. most excellent.

[CFKMAN]

This song was actually the song Neil Young was going to give to Lynnerd Skynerd before the tragic plane crash many years ago..

[naturesony]

This guy may not be the greatest guitar player in the world..

but he must be one of the warmest people there is..

[MrOu8121998]

YES IT IS

[oznalice]

by far  best performance of this song to be found on video. ty 4 posting it

[boulterontarioman48]

This notes for you.... New Waterford Blue !! Mr. Weber

[boulterontarioman48]

This notes for you New Waterford Blue !!

[julyarchives]

all my friends who have known me for to many years who ain,t Young nutters like me say this is their favourite tune.Ilove it but i have my thoughts about its structure which young could have really enhanced .But you could say that about 100 of his great tunes

regards

jimmy

[HATEbeersnobs]

NOT the best guitar player YET he's the BEST guy to ever play guitar! CHORD GENIUS!!!!!

[Inspector711]

We need another tour with Crazy Horse

[ericmgislason]

love u neil

[Shadowmeld7]

Seen him so many times over the years I don't even know the number. In ST. Louis 2 years back or so "War" concert with CSN & Y ....goodness, I felt like I was back in the early 70's...they played almost 4 hours with a 25 min break in between...like fine wine...only gets better. Man, are we fortunate to have grown up during the last 30-40 years of GREAT music. Peace :)

[cruzin222]

jusy brilliant

[witpen007]

is it BookerT at the organ?

[emoedison]

...and the MGs too.

[SoVerySappy]

@witpen007

[11xzxzxz]

Love you Neil.. never stop to wonder why as I see black and my face splash in the sky and know you are beyond genius.

[muskratkippy]

Well, I watched and listened to five other versions of this song and I agree this video is the best. Love the song and performance. Thanks for the post!