Bill Withers - You

[MisterCrazyLegs]

One of the more underrated vocalists/musicians of the last century....Withers, is a genius, period.

[Mr1x43]

Bill is in my eyes not merely a soul artist but an artist that fuses the blues, folk and soul tradition and manages to stay soulful while writing some really profound music

[PurelyTruly]

Thumbs up if love brought you here

[BongLocz]

word

[runamuckchuck]

@dmanbadman, I think he is largely ignored by the media because, as this song demonstrates, he has a moral compass which tends to frighten the pop culture.

[ancientraver19881989]

Great lyrics, great tune from one of my very favourite singers.

[dshif2323]

Saw the movie Still Bill and gained a deeper appreciation for the artist and the man...always loved his music...still relevant and yes I agree very underrated...really hope he releases "Mi Amigo Cubano"...absolutely loved it!!! The song he sang with his daughter wonderful...that would be an awesome cut.

[nomadfiles]

Hotdog! Thanks, I knew someone would post this. My absolute favorite Withers song. (That I don't have a copy of :)

[mhmdulce]

"You think I'm narrow minded because 'm not loose and indiscrete..."

Ain't that the truth...

[MelMediaServices]

For those of you who have not heard this....do it right NOW!

[bolder2009]

This song and Marvin Gaye's 'Is That Enough' from the album 'Here, My Dear' have something in common.

[nickoslianos]

Bill the King !!!

[dcrandle]

Bill is one of a kind and yes one of the most talented song writers ever. A very unique talent and a gift to all who understand where he is coming from which is really a deep place

[Anointed7]

Wow! Love it!

[live2tell]

just imagined Marvin and bill collaborated for a album

[memfisman]

Hot damn! TRUTH!

[gotmypearls]

Just as an FYI Withers married Nichols in '73, but wrote Aint No Sunshine a few years prior when he was still working in a factory...

[memfisman]

Oh no you didn't! This was one of my most favorites by Bill. THANK YOU!

[36275889]

bill withers makes me feel hi i can't believe how powerfull his music is. i'm from argentina and i'm trying very hard to buy some of his cds but i can't find them...

oohhhhhhhhhhh i can't describe my feelings when i hear this song it's amazinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggg­gggggggggggggggg jizz in my pantssss

[Timoth1983]

Is there really a better drummer? 

[77mbdeforest]

Bill Withers is the f****ing man!

[PerignonPop]

Beautifully controlled aggression.

I wish I had been so eloquent and articulate after the meltdown of a few of my own relationships!

Sing it Bill, sing it...

[mhmdulce]

"you talkin' to me crazy, but you're trying make me feel insane...can't throw dirt on people without getting some dirt on you"

[NoMutts]

One of the first rap songs 1974

[urbanstroller]

I liked your intro into bill Withers "You". Spot on. His documentary is showing in Ireland next week. I'll definitely be going along & have now decided to buy more of this great mans back catalogue. Thanks for posting.

[dmanbadman]

Another amazing song by bill that like many I have only recently discovered , why is this man not recognised as one of the greatest artist who lived !

[Odawg96]

@dmanbadman Trust me. Those in the KNOW do know that he's one of the greatest ever. If you're a younger person who gets his musical knowledge from EmpTyVee, Black Exploitation Television, or the radio, you're a bit behind. Seriously though, Bill Withers profile was at its peak in the mid-70s. Part of the reason that he doesn't get his props today is because he basically walked away from the industry in the 80s and has kept a low profile until recently.

[iheller]

@Odawg96 I'm 27 and I've always considered myself pretty musically inclined, as a bass player and all. I think younger musicians that actualyl dig respectable artists, especially rhythmic bassists and drummers can dig Bill. I mean, this guy is seriously on point. Top 5 faves.

[MelMediaServices]

...

[SuperCleanheart]

This artist is very special. He is a great writer and performer. His music is about something. Life. Love him.

[dirttwodiamonds]

check out my upload 1773 ft. Bill Withers-Make a Smile. Hope you enjoy as much as I do. Peace Respect

[TheTjstrick77]

This is the most awesome ever! Loved it since I was 15 years old. Thanks for posting. Hello SuperB54321! Huge fan yours, Bill, Ray and James.

[2Jnelle]

This one is my all time favorite coming from Bill Withers. It is, in my opinion one of his best works!

[drgnflykisses]

"....you talking right to me, but you really ain't sayin a thing. you pouring muddy water on me trying to convince me its rain.... now you talking to me crazy but you trying to make me feel insane -only feel insane..."  fantastic lyrics!!!!

[MultiMemyselfni]

A doctor? My exwife did send me to a head specialist, her name was Tender Love,

No crap! She was a doctor, a P.H.D. in family counseling. Well it all ended okay for me, my wife went one way and i went another, the doctor and i are great friends. She lived -up to her name. Miss Love.!!!!!

1973 was one helluva rollercoaster ride for a brother.!!!!!!

[rob068]

This album finally comes out on CD next Tuesday. Great music!

[PeekaPeep]

Yup, didn't even know it was already out until I went to my local indie music store last week. Best news I've heard all year. This was a classic Withers LP that should've gotten its due at the time of its original release...

;-)

[DaveAMCornerKrayoGuy]

Oh, no, no..., ...no! This is the teenager belittled by his mother on The Coasters "Yakety Yak", all grown up!

Awesome, Bill..., Just Awesome!

[Sybenett]

ha, ha, ha, 1974 baby Bill Whiters, +justments, man that was a time.

Sy-

Good doctor friend he ought to talk to you.

Sy-

[kimtwan1]

I have been looking for this song for sooo long. I could not find it on any of the popular music sites. My mother has this song on I believe the Still Bill album. I love this song!!!!

[harveykl]

Bill Withers was married to the actress Denise Nicholas for a year -- This song is reference to their relationship -- She was on drugs hard and he was accused of abusing her -- some of his band members like Poppa E recalls seeing her beat up real badd.

[funktional01]

I have to be honest, I didn't read the preceeding comments but, to have found this song is a blessing to me. Thank you thank you! Do you have the original version of this track? Friends please look up the movie "Still Bill" it is our chance to Big Up our under-rated hero Mr. Bill! Don't sleep on this movie ;)

[Odawg96]

This ISN'T the original version of this song? It's the only I know of, but if there's another earlier version, I'd like to hear it myself. Will definitely look for the movie.

[Odawg96]

@SuperB54321 Thanks for the insight, Mr. Blackmon. It's always a pleasure to hear from the people who created the music we love. You should invite Mr. Gadson up in here. Thanks to the live footage of ya'll doing "Use Me", he's become EXTREMELY popular in these parts. As a fellow guitarist, I'm curious to know what your preferred axe is.

[SuperB54321]

@Odawg96 Right now i'm playing 67 Gibson 335 , it's a real kicker also 52 Telecaster .

[RXmusic4YOU]

@SuperB54321 ...I'M LOOKIN' FOR ...'DAWN' AND 'SHE'S LONELY'...DID YOU PLAY ON THAT ALBUM?....I NEED TO PULL THAT ALBUM OUT FROM MY COLLECTION...AND READ THE CREDITS...I'M FEELIN' BILL AND HIS MUSIC RIGHT NOW....REALIZING THAT THE SONG WRITING AND INSTRUMENTATION WAS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS GOING ON AT THAT TIME.....JUST CALL ME AN OLD HEAD AND PROUD OF IT!!!!!!!

[nomadfiles]

@SuperB54321 Really? Awesome work, man!

[cepierce100]

@Odawg96 yes it is right off lp im looking at

[Odawg96]

@cepierce100 What LP and what artist?

[Auntkekebaby]

Lyrics!!! God I love Mr. Withers. I am so jealous of his simplistic, yet direct lyrics.

[Atomank68]

@Autntkekbaby. Yeah, y'know, I have had pangs what would seem like envy for Bill's talent here and there. But rather I both envy and admire his quite strength, serene and universal spirituality, and that warming, infectious down-home generosity in giving of himself every time he's met by his fellow man.Of course most of us commune with him through the music. That's how we shares love and the more subtle experience of life with each other. So, really no envy, just a wish that we could contribute.

[Auntkekebaby]

@Atomank68

I could'nt have said it better myself. And I def noticed the honky tonk influence

[moedemama]

cant find liyris to this song anywhere.. anyone got them?

[MelMediaServices]

This was before Marvin Gaye dissed his ex on vinyl.....

[Atomank68]

@melMediaservices. ..And ol' Billy got away with it, too. As I've recounted elsewhere on this site, Denise Nicholas dissed Bill in that witchy way she has since become notorious for. This happened in the Fall of '73. While thinking she was safe insulting William Harrison in a phone tirade from 3,000 miles away, Withers had hopped a red-eye flight to L.A., appeared at their home at 4am. As soon as she opened the door, The "Willow Man" decked her one clean out, and left.That's the origns of "You"!

[SuperB54321]

@Atomank68 THAT'S A LIE ! I PLAYED GUITAR ON " YOU " Benorce Blackmon

[Atomank68]

@SuperB54321. Hey there! would you happen to be THE Benrorce Blackmon???

Well, if you indeed are then hello, sir! I don't know which particular comment of mine you have contention with. You should specify. What I know is that Bill did give Ole Ms. Nicholas a kind of personal redress, shall we say, for insults unbecoming a wife to her spouse. If this is what you're talking about, then purty please, let me know.

[SuperB54321]

@Atomank68 Yes , I'm Benorce Blackmon , " Grits and Groceries" was done in Chicago and what you see on u-tube that's what you get . Bill has a film that's out called " STILL BILL THE MOVIE " . Pick up the d.v.d , there's alot of music being played , some i forgot about . GOD BLESS , Benorce Blackmon

[Atomank68]

@SuperB54321. Otherwise, if you are Mr. Blackmon, then truly this is and honor! Glad to see that you're still here among us living. You, as well as the others in Bill's unheralded troupe are true legends appreciated by all!!!

By the way, would you happen to have a copy of the PBS. 1971 broadcast of you and Bill's studio concert, the one where he does the drum break-down to "Grits Ain't Groceries"?

[MrWestside1966]

Bill is the world's least known artist but he has some of the world's BIGGEST hits

[weerpool14]

Hell yeah! Women are evil

[Atomank68]

@weerpool14. ...Not all women. The only thing evil about the William sisters is their respective evil, country-club diva-killing tennis arms. And Mariah Carey, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Hudson, N'Bushe Wright, and the soon-to-be-married Alicia Keys? Brother, these gals worked hard all their lives just to get to the place which matters most to them: A good man and family!!!

Okay, yeah: The fame and glitter helps, but hey, again, they're women!!!

[siskojpc]

This song has some deep and heavy lyrics about a relationship gone bad. If you are going through a breakup, listen to this because whatever appears so bad now will pass with time. Brothers and sisters there is life after you and no one is as good or bad as they seem. Love yourself and move on. Still Bill Peace!

[PatsBooks]

Wow! I love this song. The lyrics are powerful.

[sayamanda36]

"I gotta take a ton of lies just to get an ounce of truth from you

It's like a man loving Jesus and say he don't like the Jews"... Class people, pure class!

[Atomank68]

Why not go all out and post those tracks of the "+Justments" album not shown?

"Green Grass", "Do It Good"(Bill formal intro.), and the Harry Nisson 'Midnight Cowboy' cover "Everybody's Talking at Me" (A personal mantra back then for the young Billy Withers). "Do it Good" was a very funky, honky-tonk expression. And " Everybody's Talking..." harkens further to William's country roots. As I said earlier, the guy was considered highly dangerous to rhe record industry: A true genre-buster!!!

[Auntkekebaby]

Yeah You I definitely hear the honky tonk infuence in some songs. I first noticed it in, "Same Love That Made Me Laugh..."

[Atomank68]

The reason most young people don't know about this album is that there was a lot of bad politics behind it. This was to be only Bill's fourth album and record moguls thought he would acheive a "Qua-fecta" with "+Justments". The album also came with a full music book (BuuYahh!). The album was never promoted though fans went crazy for it . Bill fought his label, but they deep-sixed the album in legal cragmire and then later shut down Sussex Records

Yes, Bill was just that powerful a talent!

[Atomank68]

The back story to this riff was that 'ole Still Bill was raggin' on his then wife Denise Nicholas of Room 222 and In the Heat of Night fame. After a harrowing confrontation, the result of Denise acting so "Hollywood" and embrassing him publicly for his staid, honest, down-home ways, while in the middle of divorce he wrote "You". The song plays like a latter-day "Alice's Restaurant".

Funny thing is, denise collaborated on the same album '+Justments" with her winsome song "Can We Pretend?"

[Odawg96]

Wow...I knew there had been some drama based on some of the stuff I found in Jet magazines from back in the day, but this is ALL very interesting. Yeah, I knew that she was the subject of this song and a few others, but it must've been some SEE-REE-IS drama.

[damienkellyuk]

Lyrical genius, always loved this.

[zebop]

Nasty! I know I have this record somewhere, if I don't, I'm going to get it.

[darganx]

Respect Bill!!

the lines are thick and fast, pulling no punches.

[Wisewoman77]

Been trying to find this song. Would you believe I couldn"t remember the title

[Odawg96]

Glad to be of service.

[AvlDao]

Regarding that great info u hipped us to on Bill's "You", all I have to say is....

...Preach, ODawg, Preach !

This got good airplay on black radio in ChiTown, but I didnt think it was 1974...wow.

[AcousticGod]

Nice song! I've been becoming a fan of his very gradually. First it was Lean On Me back when Club Nouveau redid it. I didn't even know who the original artist was. Then I stumbled on Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone maybe 6 years ago or something. Loved the song, but didn't get curious about the artist. Then Use Me's riff really sank into my soul. That's when I started paying attention. Wow! He's good. I love the sort of soul swagger to his sound.

[AvlDao]

YouTube doesnt give a solid sense of the repertoire of 70s artists, and Wiki can be riddled w/mistakes.

I suggest u check out

Who is He And What Is He To You, Lovely Day, Grandmas Hands, and I Want To Spend The Night, for more Classic 'Still Bill', as we called him back in the day.

Also, the jazz-like 1981 Masterpiece, Just The Two Of Us has Stll Bill doing great lead vocals.

[outdemonsout]

Hey Man,This will be my next project:

ROCK LEGENDS - BILL WITHERS

I have tape with 35 min. live show from 1973.

Hes amazing!

[Odawg96]

Lookin' FORWARD to it!!!