Added: 3 years ago
From: Thespadecaller
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  • Janis Siegal (of The Manhattan Transfer) does a sweet version of this song.

  • Add to my previous post: Love's Sweet Honesty and Bonny Bell's Lip Smaker Kissing Potion and you DO SEE what a 17 yr old male was up against don't you??? Ha ha ..........honest and true..check the time of the post!

  • 1978, a sleeping bag, my first love, a 1968 chevelle station wagon given to me by my father, a Pioneer supertuner 8 track player, a set of jensen 6 X9 triaxial speakers AND this song and I was launched into trying to figure out male/female relationships.

    Lost my virginity to this song but it always brings back wonderful memories..........and to Leon Russell I will always be greatfull.

  • @mitchfromva everybody has a story 'bout this song. . . sigh Long live Leon. Makes me want to cry.

  • Ahhhhhhhhhhh the island's I love them more then anything on earth and watch the sun go down, goodbye woman................

  • lol dogmo,I like the way he gets all baritone when the spring on the Edison starts winding down

  • I grew up in the 50's, 60's,70's and 80's. This is one of those songs that defines a generation.

    Fabulous! Thanks for posting.......

  • Those who might marginally be aware of Leon Russell might know "A Song For You" and "This Masquerade" becuase of the Carpenters or George Benson. And "Superstar" was the best known Russell song due to the Carpenters and Luther Vandross. But for me the best thing Leon Russell ever did was write and record this song.

  • Love this jam

  • Darn there's something in my eye again...

  • Very nice H.D. sound, and nice video too. Thank you, spadecaller.

  • To my beautiful wife and mother of my children..., I will love you always.. May you rest in peace. I will always remember the "The Back to the Island" trip...

    Ken (navybuff)

  • @navybuff I am sorry for your loss, In times we start to lose out loved ones,I find joy in the understanding of strangers.

  • @navybuff You have my deepest sympathy.

  • i really like it.

  • In loving memorie of Rebecca Whisman....this was her fav. song....love you

  • I remember driving to key west & listening to this on a cassette. Gosh I feel old.

  • I've loved this album since 1977.

  • Buddy. Have too move on But will always miss miss you!

  • i live in key west ..this song sums it up completely im a semi retired teacher and ill never go to the mainland  agin

  • @tominflorida80 I'm jealous, I live in Detroit and I'd love to even visit Key West. Enjoy your retirement, Tom!

  • my bukkit list: go to key west. go to the green parrot.

  • I am here right now

    But you are gone

    I dont miss you

    Right now

    But please sing along

    you was never really here

    never really gone

  • i'm back on my island moved to it in 09 CEBU love it and have loved this song since the first time i ever heard it thanks

  • @ dolittle 1949, same year here, would love to be friends, thanks

  • Great video work for the greatest artist of space and time. LOVE this song:)

  • Nicely done montage to one of Leon's Best. Thanks! We enjoyed it.

  • leon rocks

  • Played this incredible tune at both my pop's and sis's funeral...fitting for the occasions. I hope their souls carry on as beautifully as this song does...Love ya Wendell, Staci, and Leon for this tune!

  • Just saw him again last night in Nashville! haha...great!

  • Yea the first time was great. My young self and an angel with soft smooth jeans. He still makes a great sound and will always be a part of my life... thanks friend

  • This song is so special to me...I wish I could explain it all! I've loved Leon since around 1972 and still love him and his music and aura today!!

  • Love this tune and your treatment of it. Very nicely done and here's to Leon for giving us his wonderful songs. Thanks again.

  • Says it all.......I just had to go back .... going to my dock after I finish listening... cast a line and soak it up. I just had to go back. "It was all a game we played, I hope you understand I just had to go back to the island"...........Leon sings to my soul.

  • WE HAVE TO GO BACK KATE!

  • I first heard this song in 1976 as a wee child.......From the willo the wisp album owned by a friends older brother.I cant articulate the change that occured as a result.I became a guitar player and a life long fan of Leon Russell...Once again Mr Bridges ...its pure and perfect.

  • I photographed Leon 41 years ago in 1970 in San Diego. He was the headliner of the concert. Pink Floyd OPENED for him! Have a look by Googling "cacheagency" Once you link to the site, click on Photographers and Collections. Then click on Jeff Allen. Hope you enjoy exploring the over 350 rock photographs from 1968-72 I shot , I'd love your feedback! If you're in the L.A. area, stop by the Steinway Piano Gallery in W. Hollywood and see one of my prints from that concert inside the entrance.

  • @r1bikecam lucky guy..And great pics......I enjoyed them

  • @Mlczdk1 Thanks! I was 20 years old and was just learning how to use a camera. I was lucky enough to be friends with the promoter and he let me go on stage and shoot. Glad I did...

  • Great audio! Great video! Fantastic song!!! Thank you!

  • One of my favorite Leon songs....always takes me away!

  • When I first heard this and found out out who did it, I was blown away. I will always remember so long age. Now he resides in my head, just like so many others. Nilsson, Abba, Fats, Ray Charles, Even Al Jolson, who is responsible for putting more into his music then anyone. Maybe James brown, but that was later.

  • @DIANNEELEE I fell in love with Lepn Russell many years ago..He is the master of space and time...I also am a fan of AL Jolson,,wasn't even born with he came to be a famous singer and set many trends..I started watching The Jolson story with my grandmother..My Son who is 29 just watched the jolson story with me on Mothers day he loves it since he was a child..His wife fell asleep kept waking her up telling hay wake up I also have Jolson sings again...Ordering it also from TCM..

  • @dolittle1949 Hi Dolittle I agree. . I just bought a 3 cd of 60 songs of Al Jolson. I also just watched his movie, and the sequal. His voice get inside your head. And speaking of space and time, David Bowie and Space Oddity, [it's here also], gets into my head and stays for a long time. There are two version. Awesome.

  • anybody wanna do a new painting?  Paul? Gauguin?

  • Well done!!

  • Love the song, the artist, and the video. Thanks for sharing.

  • Beautiful, great, fantastic, thanks for this marvelous images and music

    hugs

    Patriczia

  • Lovely video.. lovely song and paintings. Beautiful work, thank-you :)

  • Been on my Island for about 10 years now,its great.Do what I want when I want.

  • @cockshutt570 Do you have room for one more on your island? It sounds like a bit of paradise........

  • @judecreek2 I think I have to run away and join the circus that travels...So maybe Leon will be closer so I can see him..I hope I don't get arrested cause I sstill have impure thoughts..Hell he would love us we could tie up his wife and kidnap him..Do you think I'm losing it???I think I am...If he comes close to where ur are and the circus I am joining is near I will come pick u up so we can go see him and go to Jail together..In my toy car .You can fit in the trunk..Leon will sit up front,,,

  • @dolittle1949 That would be so cool. I might have a problem with the seating arrangements........We can work it out.

  • @judecreek2 I know your gonna hate me..GUESS WHAT???? Going to see your MAN..UH NOT.. My Man July 28th in Hot Lanta..If I kidnap him I will let you know..Or I will be on the NEWS..I just want him to sing to me...Jumpin Jack Flash/Young Bllod/Somewhere Over the Rainbow the one he did live years back..TightRope,Big Boss Man,A song for you,Sweet Emily,plus a 100 more..Will be thinking of you and how it might of been..(Masquerde lyrics their for U...Bob Dylan of course he is opening for DAMMITT..

  • @dolittle1949

    take me too? :):)

  • @daffodils077 I just sent you a friend request..I have a wide variety of music..From Leon to Joe Cocker at woodstock with Leon..Janis Joplin to the oldies...You might want to send a friend request to Judecreek she has alot of leon also..Judecreek 2 knows her leon..If you are on facebook you can type in roses for elton john and leon russell..Some very informative information on what leon is doing appearances etc..It's a great site..

  • @dolittle1949 haven't received the friend request yet - looking forward to checking all the music out - thanks dolittle!

  • love,love ,love .....

  • The Best.......

  • I love you Leon (.Y.)

    ES

  • Leon is now in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! 'bout time!

  • @obidus98 This is the perfect Christmas gift to all the "might have been women" in my life. You gotta be an island guy to understand.

  • The hippie love in meڿڰۣ

    bows to the hippie love in you•

    ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♥ڿڰۣ

    ⓅⒺⒶⓒⒺ

  • lived and played in Hawaii for 5 years in the 70's.... Leon...... Maui, North Shore, the Big Island...........he brings it all back. Love the Union cd.

  • been a favorite since the first time I dropped this onto my turntable..thats right, I said turntable

  • @itsdandamage Hell, I've got this song on an Edison cylinder record player.....

  • he almost sounds like willie nelson to me.

  • Thank you ! nice job putting the visuals together with this beautiful song. Leon's "Will O' the Wisp" is one of my favorite albums- looking forward to getting The Union

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  • @TheHeliumkid

    yes, you magically ruin a great Leon Russell tune

  • Someone shared this the few days ago with me and I just loved it!

  • One of my Most favourite songs-Just finished watching Concert for Bangladesh-Youngblood is anther good one.

  • Amazing feeling!

  • Jamaica, Puerto Rico, jus wana go bak fi wach de sun go don

  • Leon Russell,I have to listen to get my fix of Leon everyday..he has got me on his tightrope..leon russell and friends..1971 jam session is fantastic once he hooks you are owned by his music...

  • @schwibert You said it perfectly! Like you, Leon has "owned" me for years and I don't mind at all.

  • @schwibert

    me too schwibert :) Hook, line and sinker.

  • Big talent is there, congratulations, i see you've success in youtube and think you'll have more in the future !!!! WOW WOW WOW.... A star is born

  • Hi, Leon Russe is a wonderful musician: I saw some videos of him jamming with J.J. Cale, amazing !

  • Can't listen to "The Union" without going back to the old stuff. So glad about the Hall of Fame. Can't wait to see that show.

  • Can't listen to "The Union" without going back to the old stuff. So glad about the Hall of Fame. Can't wait to see that show.

  • I fell in love with this song in college in the 1970's...still love it

  • Finally, Leon is getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It's about damn time!

  • I have to say when this song was popular was a time in my life that was unforgettable. I thought I had the world at my feet. I was indestructable. Now as I write this my freakin back is killin me. I'm eat up with arthuritus...but boy what a time I had & wouldn't take back one of the mistakes I made.

  • @lconeill1949 come on by the date you're only 61 years young..as I am I would be able to run miles to see Leon and probably could easily wear him out if ya know what AI mean..Still hot and sexy ..and so are u...Merry Christmas///

  • @schwibert I would probably try to push you out of the way as I ran by, and I'm working on a busted knee! I know, I know, I would cry as you left me in your dust....but I'd get there eventually. I know you'd have him warmed up! Merry Christmas to you and yours.

  • @judecreek2 I would love too try to keep him warmed up..I would share with you..The hell with sloppy seconds in Leons case we could make a exception...Have a Merry Christmas!!!

  • My mom loves this song!! I remember as a child my parents listening to ALL his music. I had the got to see him last year at Smokey Mountain Harley i Maryville,TN.

  • Acoontey - I thought they played in Daytona Beach on Nov. 20th, not Lakeland. I live in Ocala and could kick my butt for missing that concert!

  • always loved the guy. cant believe he is touring with Elton John.

  • My first concert Leon Russell and Little Feat 1971

  • My first concert. Leon Russell and the Shelter People and Little Feat  1973

  • I love this song.When its cold & snowy out I stick this cd in the player & I'm driving down Rt.1 on my way to key west,top down on my 66 chevy malibu,crusing speed,crank up the volume, total euphoria. Oh take me back memories.

  • Oh... I've started to crying... like Elton,when he has heard it..

  • I watched Leon Russel live in Lakeland, Florida November 20th playing with Elton John. His facial hair is badarse, but that microphone did not do him justice.

  • Makes me think of My uncle Jer (the duck man) R.I.P. this song was played at his funeral. Beautiful song for a beautiful person.

  • Growing up in Detroit, there were no islands, no surf, no sand. Still live in the Detroit area, and now as well as back then, when I listen to this song, I can almost smell the sea. That's how powerful Leon is. Like him, his music transcends space and time.

  • The paintings look like Van Gough and from the Highwaymen school of artists, very  famous in Fla

  • the artists and the song goes together BEAUTIFULLY!! Thankyou!!

  • leon and elton john just performed. elton said this man needed to be recognized for his contributions. KNOWN THAT FOR YEARS. THANKS ELTON/LEON

  • Next time I am back on the "Island" I will look and appreciate them so differently. I need to get back to my islands, soon......

  • The Island for me is when I retreat into my familar comfortable enviroment away from the clamoring outside World,my Island is my garden,my dogs,sitting by my woodstove reading after a cold hard days work.

  • Every time I hear this song I imagine myself a Maori warrior rowing in a my big boat with my mates ready to spread hate and discontent over at the next island. Pure fantasy!

  • Amazing the comments this piece brings forth. Things people wouldn't confess to their priest (if they had one) or their best friend. Guess everybody's got their island. I heard Leon do this in Honolulu on THE Islands and it stuck a part of me to that time and place forever. Almost hurts to listen to it sometimes, but damned if I can stop.

  • Elton ana Leon were on Good Morning America htis past week. Elton said that Leon was and is one of his heroes and just wanted him to be recognized, Godd point, nice thing to do but I would recognize Leon anywhere if I hear d him.

    Mad Dogs Englishment. Ck it out if ya don't know.

    AHHH, the good old days.

    Damn I'm gettin' old.

  • @DRMSFOOTBALLER mad dogs and englishmen is one of the best records ever produced. with some of the most talented artists of their time. and i too can pick out a leon song in three notes! touche to the good old days. we grew up on the best music ever.

  • I just received the union cd. Its absolutly great.You wont regret it if you buy it.

  • @lconeill1949 Quite right, it's a brilliant album and everything Leon does on it is great. Critics' reviews have been excellent and often gushing with praise.

  • My ex-wife and my song. How after five years after my drinking killed 30 years of being married to a wonderful woman with two beautiful daughters can you let someone know how much you love and miss them. Been clean five years and God has been with me.

  • @coachdtb Congratulations on your 5 years! If it's what you want, then I hope you and your family find your way back to each other. Sincere good wishes and best of luck to you.

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  • This is perhaps my favorite Leon Russell song. 

  • @BobDaniel56 this was the song that let me release my dad when he died. he went back to the island and is now free from all the human ailments. godspeed dad.

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  • Thank you so much for this!

  • Leon sang this in Gruene, Texas last week....he still rocks and gives a great performance......truly a master...a legend. Even Buffett can't sing it like Leon!

  • farewell summer lovers and pray for love this fall.....

  • I was living on Maui in the 70's and heard this song for the first time. I was stoned and it was raining on the lanai. I'll never forget the mood it set...

  • This is an all time favorite. Unequaled in spirit, feeling, and orchestration, as it transports the heavy-hearted, and the light-hearted.

    Leon had a string of 3 with this delta lady, song for you, and this one that were about Rita Coolidge was the story I heard.

  • perfect video for bittersweet emotion of fading summer days

  • I saw him sing this...and felt the same way when I was in Negril...cause there is no island like that one. 

  • smooth and so full of feeling....genius. Can't wait to see him in Gruene!!

  • Artistic smoothness!<3(love-Kenn's Momma Rebecca Cady)

  • Matisse was a blind man and Leon was a Genius...

    -from Key West this means alot to me !

  • read and notice the comments on this song......then go to a song of todays music and read and compare.....music like this makes and brings the better of people out.

    thumbs up

  • Hard to believe this old Tulsa boy wrote so many songs that were redone by others. How many of you baby boomers (like me) shed a tear or 2 listening to this song after losing your "first love":)

  • @paulvicki A tear or 2? Try a bucketfull! I was 17 and it felt like only Leon "got it".

  • in 94 i went back to the island and brougt her back we had three baby boys life is great :)

  • I was 17 sitting on a beach in Negril Jamaica with my cassett player and this album, great memory.

  • I have always loved this song....

  • ".....SUCH A Restful, CON TEMPLA TIVE Work, Incredible Artwork....Accompanying The piece !! "

  • desirable , sentimental & strong . mucho  GUSTO .

  • wonderfull collection my friend...thankyou

  • Leon..your music is the greatest..I totally enjoy it back in the late 60's and have continued to enjoy thru the decades...the greatest of all time

  • Beam me there Scottie! 

  • this is a visual paradise

  • beautiful!

  • GREAT! THANKS!

    L, ANGEL

  • This is the only other song that touches me the way that "You're only lonely" does ... this is more or less my personal theme song ... I often return to my "Island".

  • What a perfect, start to finish, recording.

  • Good set for late-night/"wee hours" solo work.

  • Great,My Bride and I love this song.Take us back.Was 69 or 70s

  • anybody want to do another painting? Paul? Gauguin?

  • This my best friend Danny Smith. This was his favorite song. I think it reminded him of his military time in Hawaii. To the best friend I ever had ! Rest in peace buddy.

    Tim

  • Jimmy Buffett does a rendition of this song! Simply amazing!!!

  • I can't listen to this song without thinking of Lost lol

  • Nice one!

    Very nice....thank you and to StuartStreet for sharing!

  • Simply the BEST!!!!!. Reminds me of my brother Ben.RIP A vietnam vet that taught me to love and appreciate Leons music. I love you man!!!!!

  • Thank you for posting

  • wonderful images! thanks for putting this together.

  • Hey Moody Blues, do it. Whats a dollar or a dollar there. I've got cancer and I tell you there is nothing more to clear your life of deadwood and see the truth and purpose. If you will be happier, do it. good luck a great song too

  • Spadecaller ... you are the most wonderful person ~ Your work shows it. Haven't checked in for awhile .. Lookiing for a vid. to post on my Tiki Resort comment on FB, and this came to be . via the angels. You are tops. Hope all is well with you.

    Lovely, lovely job here!!! Absoulutely the BEST, so you are! ;)

  • beautiful

  • thsi song is so relaxing

  • This is one of the most moving songs, along with it "Lady Blue", Leon sings my exact emotions, and with that unique Leon Russel style.

  • How many people have their fingers crossed that Lost closes with this song.... it would be EPIC!

  • My wife and I have seen Leon live many times. Unlike a lot of performers, he's as good or better live as he is recorded. Great artist!

  • my favorite by leon by far

  • Nicely done!

  • Know who's drumming on this song? GARY BUSEY. Do a little research if you don't believe me.

  • He sounds like Willie Nelson.

  • @imstormie dont ever say that again

  • beautifully realized video

  • My dad just suggested out of the blue that I pull up this song for us to listen to. I'm really glad he did. This is magical.

  • @Zebra5775 your father has great taste in music. leon has been in my top 20 since 1970. listen to rollin my sweet baby's arms. all the way to the end.

  • @Zebra5775 This is something else , were the hell has Russell been ALL my damn life , terrifficly classless.

  • saw Leon play in houston texas

    around 1975

    what a show and what a time

    sat 5 rowes back

    thanks for the post

  • hey i remember '75

    intense

  • Great song, beautiful art. Excellent production.

  • Leon is one of the best!

  • My Mom use to rock me to sleep to this song in the 70's. I still love this song.

  • nice join leon lifers

  • I saw Leon, too, and at one point he stood up on the piano and threw his white leather boots into the audience! He was amazing! (Ouch, my head still hurts...)

  • Certainly one of the "most well done" music/videos here! Wish I had you 2 do mine

  • michael-- thanks for your kind remarks. i realy appreciate that very much. i wish you the best also. :-) ron

  • I saw Leon live 3 times and every time was awesome. He is one artist that I truly love and respect. I saw him at old Atlanta Stadium in 1972, at San Diego State Amphitheater in about 78 and back in Atlanta at the Moonshadow in the early 80s. Every time, he was off the chart. I can never understand why Leon is not hailed as an all time great by one and all. To me, he definitely is as good as it gets.