This is one of my favorite songs from Rod! I have always been a romantic and when I was young I always thought that all his songs were very romantic and it takes me back to my young days when I thought my prince had come. Now as I near the age of 60 I am still a romantic and this music brings back wonderful memories and as tears run down my cheek, since my prince did come but he lost his battle to cancer in 1997. Thank you Rod
@Kittymagac16 That is very sad to hear,sad that he is gone but as you say you some lovely memories to look back on.There is just so little romance in the music today.
that is so true about very little romance in today's music....
This past saturday I lost another special man in my life. My oldest brother succumbed to the complications of diabetes. Now I am glad that I have Rod Mckuen's music to keep me at Peace. Thanks for responding so positive to my posting!
How did I find myself here on a Friday night, crying over my lost youth, listening to Rod Mckuen and remembering a time in my life when I still believed that there was such a thing as a sensitive man? I can almost smell the "Windsong" perfume and Noxema. I listened to this album until I wore it out.
@go2beach51 Yep, been there...I have one of those "hers" too. She cannot run from my head...I could have been and should have been a better man..."man"? Hell, I was a stupid kid. Grown up now...still stupid.
@go2beach51 That is a nice comment,sometimes it is not the quality of a voice that we like but the memories it evokes.I remember him too,he has something very special,im not sure what it is.
I have Contacted Hal Leonard Publishing about releasing a book of the complete Lyrics Of Rod Mckuen maybe if more of Rod's fans could please contact them we could get this book published?
This is my favorite version of this song. Since he wrote it, who better to sing it? I've been a Rod McKuen fan since the 60's...and I love his voice. He writes like no other.
Honestly, I don't know why other people here hate this so much. I LOVE this-the second-best version after Brel's, in my opinion. (And that's a lot coming from me, since I don't normally consider myself a very artistic person, but this rendition is just beautiful. I could almost feel his pain-but of course, Brels' is incomparable and absolutely spectacular.
If your judging Rod on his voice thats your first mistake.. hes written so so many songs and poems and made so so much more than that well person toucheturtle300 will ever make in his lifetime..... just listen and learn and i wish you well... youll need it.
I knew Rod in high school, Oakland Trech, to be specific. I'll be nice and say he cpuldn't sing but he had a drive to be in show business like you can't imagine.
I sang much better but did not have that drive.
He had a thing for poetry or just nice prose. I'm glad he got to perform.
I love both Jacques Brel and Rod McKuen - both have a perfect sound for this song. A lot of others have tried but no one els can bring it with this special sound
McKuen and Jacques Brel collaborated on these songs, neither ever claimed to be singers...simply lovers of words and the way they might make people feel..did you feel??? Did you care? If so then the objective has been met.
McKuen and Jacques Brel collaborated on these songs, neither ever claimed to be singers...simply lovers of words and the way they might make people feel
Complete and utter garbage. McKuen's translation of one of Jacqes Brel's best songs is absolutely painful to hear, especially when "the poet" attempts to sing. Painful and hideous. Check out Brel's rendition as originally written. After hearing Brel's version, then you wil realize the brilliance of this song and its composer. At the same time, you will come to realize that McKuen cannot sing, he cannot even recite poetry, nor could he write poetry. To call him a poet is laughable.
@twowaystreet101 Rod McKuen is probably one of the best modern day poets we have. This song doesn't require "singing" because what he does is bring out the heart of the song just by doing what he does.
Oh, this brings back bittersweet memories. This is pure poetry. No computer-generated noise. Just heart and soul and sadness. It makes me think of the young man that I married and ended up divorcing last year. 38 years after this song came out. THAT is what a good song should do--make one FEEL, remember. And, yes, weep a bit. We did think deep thoughts back the, and we were going to change the world. Maybe we did, a bit.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Rod said that Shirley Bassey did the very best bersion of this song. He is not a singer and this is awful. Like Burt Bacharach singing. Ick!! Oh dear it is a turgid disaster worse than an old fat woman on Miami Beach rubbing oil into her grooves and welts. Sounds dreadful? Not as bad as Rod singing.
@Scout4Me1 I don't mind craggy but I hate flat. Lee Marvin got away with Wandrin Star but Rod is not doing too well here. I do hope, Scout4Me1, that you are not getting too excited over there. I think he may be dead...or a dead loss...or dead broke. Take your pick....or shovel. I still prefer Shirley. Perhaps you could convert and like her too? Not that I am suggesting anything too yuckky you understand.
@toucheturtle300 I`m a fan of Rod McKuen, and have many of his albums. I have never heard him sing a flat note. You can take your Shirley and I`ll take my Rod.
@roumlig1944 "I talk to the trees, that's why they took me away" That was not nice either. I was just watching Paul Anka 'sing' Let me try again, and he should. I wonder who is the worst? There is hope for me yet. Still, they gave us great music but did not know when to simply stick with the writing and leave the singing to experts.
@toucheturtle300 shirley is great but this particular song no one recorded so well as brel and sinatra...those are the best versions: original by brel and english by sinatra
@toucheturtle300 Personally I like his singing. Much more feeling than a 'technically good' singer. It's subjective. If you don't like one persons interpretation of a song then listen to someone else.
@Scout4Me1 McKuen and Anita Kerr did some stuff a bazillion years ago. I still have the original vinyl albums and a working turntable to listen to them. Where has the quiet poetry of music gone?
@friaraidan If you download real player you first download the video but then you can split the music from it I am no computer wizzkid and I have figured it out so it cant be that difficult. Dont pay for realplayer there is a free version that will do all you want. Hope this helps.
This is a fantastic version of "Ne me quitte pas", sung by the poet himself. So happy to have found it on Utube. Just brilliant and so beautifully expressed by Rod Mckuen. A true poetic genius!
I use to collect everything of his when I was younger. Albums,Calenders, books, pictures, when he was at the height of his career. He is such a gentle soul. I still like him a lot!
Yes, I have about 5 albums of his. He`s always been underrated as a songwriter, although I know this is a Jacques Brel song. Yes, he`s almost forgotten nowadays, but he is very much alive! Take care!
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
MrMaldoror666 1 week ago
This is one of my favorite songs from Rod! I have always been a romantic and when I was young I always thought that all his songs were very romantic and it takes me back to my young days when I thought my prince had come. Now as I near the age of 60 I am still a romantic and this music brings back wonderful memories and as tears run down my cheek, since my prince did come but he lost his battle to cancer in 1997. Thank you Rod
Kittymagac16 1 month ago
@Kittymagac16 That is very sad to hear,sad that he is gone but as you say you some lovely memories to look back on.There is just so little romance in the music today.
TZEITEL10 1 week ago
@TZEITEL10
that is so true about very little romance in today's music....
This past saturday I lost another special man in my life. My oldest brother succumbed to the complications of diabetes. Now I am glad that I have Rod Mckuen's music to keep me at Peace. Thanks for responding so positive to my posting!
Kittymagac16 1 week ago
How did I find myself here on a Friday night, crying over my lost youth, listening to Rod Mckuen and remembering a time in my life when I still believed that there was such a thing as a sensitive man? I can almost smell the "Windsong" perfume and Noxema. I listened to this album until I wore it out.
go2beach51 2 months ago 2
@go2beach51 Yep, been there...I have one of those "hers" too. She cannot run from my head...I could have been and should have been a better man..."man"? Hell, I was a stupid kid. Grown up now...still stupid.
spahjrp 2 weeks ago
@go2beach51 That is a nice comment,sometimes it is not the quality of a voice that we like but the memories it evokes.I remember him too,he has something very special,im not sure what it is.
TZEITEL10 1 week ago
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i have read most of his poems and they always move me to tears
sammipink1 2 months ago
I have Contacted Hal Leonard Publishing about releasing a book of the complete Lyrics Of Rod Mckuen maybe if more of Rod's fans could please contact them we could get this book published?
Daffyd23 3 months ago
I used to go to his shows when ever he was in London.
Still can see him at the albert hall.
Got his books signed still think he is great.
7howie71 3 months ago
This is my favorite version of this song. Since he wrote it, who better to sing it? I've been a Rod McKuen fan since the 60's...and I love his voice. He writes like no other.
lstrojny 3 months ago
Honestly, I don't know why other people here hate this so much. I LOVE this-the second-best version after Brel's, in my opinion. (And that's a lot coming from me, since I don't normally consider myself a very artistic person, but this rendition is just beautiful. I could almost feel his pain-but of course, Brels' is incomparable and absolutely spectacular.
bulki1992 4 months ago
Rod McKuen's poetry books are beautiful!
dublin1948 5 months ago
If your judging Rod on his voice thats your first mistake.. hes written so so many songs and poems and made so so much more than that well person toucheturtle300 will ever make in his lifetime..... just listen and learn and i wish you well... youll need it.
rufngo 5 months ago
I knew Rod in high school, Oakland Trech, to be specific. I'll be nice and say he cpuldn't sing but he had a drive to be in show business like you can't imagine.
I sang much better but did not have that drive.
He had a thing for poetry or just nice prose. I'm glad he got to perform.
iluminatiytu 5 months ago
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@twowaystreet101 Surely you can't just leave it there - can't you complain about his beard or his dog or something? What a sour review.
chrisglynn77 6 months ago
I love both Jacques Brel and Rod McKuen - both have a perfect sound for this song. A lot of others have tried but no one els can bring it with this special sound
thanks @ 1000 x
msamovie 6 months ago
Reminds me of Tom Waites. Although I think Rod has a sound that just fits. For a certain ear. On a certain day.
redeyeduck 7 months ago
Neil Diamond has a beautiful rendition of this beautiful song, also. Thank you, Rod Mckuen for the beautiful lyrics.
phyllis262 7 months ago
McKuen and Jacques Brel collaborated on these songs, neither ever claimed to be singers...simply lovers of words and the way they might make people feel..did you feel??? Did you care? If so then the objective has been met.
Zudick1960 8 months ago
McKuen and Jacques Brel collaborated on these songs, neither ever claimed to be singers...simply lovers of words and the way they might make people feel
Zudick1960 8 months ago 2
He is just the best....even if he does bat for the other side.
petal1952 9 months ago in playlist rod
@petal1952 Like who do you mean - Surrey?
theloudhalo 8 months ago
아,,, 좋구나,,,
jejugaza 9 months ago
Complete and utter garbage. McKuen's translation of one of Jacqes Brel's best songs is absolutely painful to hear, especially when "the poet" attempts to sing. Painful and hideous. Check out Brel's rendition as originally written. After hearing Brel's version, then you wil realize the brilliance of this song and its composer. At the same time, you will come to realize that McKuen cannot sing, he cannot even recite poetry, nor could he write poetry. To call him a poet is laughable.
twowaystreet101 9 months ago
@twowaystreet101 Rod McKuen is probably one of the best modern day poets we have. This song doesn't require "singing" because what he does is bring out the heart of the song just by doing what he does.
jazzydoll10 9 months ago 2
Comment removed
chrisglynn77 6 months ago
Perfect, sensitive voice; excellent rendition.
marcelkonings60 10 months ago
Oh, this brings back bittersweet memories. This is pure poetry. No computer-generated noise. Just heart and soul and sadness. It makes me think of the young man that I married and ended up divorcing last year. 38 years after this song came out. THAT is what a good song should do--make one FEEL, remember. And, yes, weep a bit. We did think deep thoughts back the, and we were going to change the world. Maybe we did, a bit.
Not pseudo art. Just not your cup o tea.
keatsgal1 10 months ago 4
Discovered Rod 's amazing sound as a teenager, just love the emotion in his songs.
He was an amazing poet.
backstageize 10 months ago
This is one of the most heartbreaking renditions I've heard of this
ez2izzy 10 months ago
Sorry craggy is craggy, this is rough
roumlig1944 11 months ago
Sorry craggy is craggy this isd rough.
roumlig1944 11 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Rod said that Shirley Bassey did the very best bersion of this song. He is not a singer and this is awful. Like Burt Bacharach singing. Ick!! Oh dear it is a turgid disaster worse than an old fat woman on Miami Beach rubbing oil into her grooves and welts. Sounds dreadful? Not as bad as Rod singing.
toucheturtle300 1 year ago
@toucheturtle300 I don`t know, I kind of like his craggy voice. It makes it sound honest. I`m a lady and I like it!
Scout4Me1 1 year ago 11
@Scout4Me1 I don't mind craggy but I hate flat. Lee Marvin got away with Wandrin Star but Rod is not doing too well here. I do hope, Scout4Me1, that you are not getting too excited over there. I think he may be dead...or a dead loss...or dead broke. Take your pick....or shovel. I still prefer Shirley. Perhaps you could convert and like her too? Not that I am suggesting anything too yuckky you understand.
toucheturtle300 1 year ago
@toucheturtle300 I`m a fan of Rod McKuen, and have many of his albums. I have never heard him sing a flat note. You can take your Shirley and I`ll take my Rod.
Scout4Me1 1 year ago 14
@toucheturtle300 Never mind wandrin star: I talk to the trees Aaaaahhhhhhh!!!
roumlig1944 11 months ago
@roumlig1944 "I talk to the trees, that's why they took me away" That was not nice either. I was just watching Paul Anka 'sing' Let me try again, and he should. I wonder who is the worst? There is hope for me yet. Still, they gave us great music but did not know when to simply stick with the writing and leave the singing to experts.
toucheturtle300 11 months ago
@toucheturtle300 shirley is great but this particular song no one recorded so well as brel and sinatra...those are the best versions: original by brel and english by sinatra
sexypoetry 2 months ago
@Scout4Me1 exactly. the sound of his voice is part of the experience.
mariaperiwinkle 9 months ago
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@Scout4Me1
do you like me too
mullaa1 5 months ago
@toucheturtle300 Personally I like his singing. Much more feeling than a 'technically good' singer. It's subjective. If you don't like one persons interpretation of a song then listen to someone else.
wakokid2 9 months ago
@toucheturtle300
Have A life
vredewold 3 months ago
@toucheturtle300 Stop tying to charm us with your wit . it's not working!
pjgumby 3 months ago
@toucheturtle300 I agree, this is scary, mama , sounds like he's looking in my window, mama
35777 2 months ago
@toucheturtle300
Just listen the original in french then.
GuimAudio 1 month ago
Wtf?
TeeBeeBad63 1 year ago
This guy's "voice"...it sounds important even if it's not...but we used to think quiet thoughts about stuff...and wanted to make things better.
spahjrp 1 year ago 4
@spahjrp A very good observation. It is a good way of putting it. Thank you.
Scout4Me1 1 year ago
@Scout4Me1 McKuen and Anita Kerr did some stuff a bazillion years ago. I still have the original vinyl albums and a working turntable to listen to them. Where has the quiet poetry of music gone?
spahjrp 1 year ago
I have loved this man for many many years. Thanks for the video.
chantingmom 1 year ago 2
Pseudo art.
stafek22 1 year ago
Very nice unusual voice.......thank you Judie........ Terry
terryclary 1 year ago
somebody please post the album by Rod Mckuen called the Sea, how I miss those profound words still after all these years
hammeron39 1 year ago
a poor priest in need
I have been a fan of Mr. McKuen since the 70's. I do need some assistance:
from anyone-I have a mac, and wish to upload some music from iTunes (no video).
I cannot understand how to upload only music to Youtube.
All help will be answered with prayers :)
friaraidan 1 year ago
@friaraidan If you download real player you first download the video but then you can split the music from it I am no computer wizzkid and I have figured it out so it cant be that difficult. Dont pay for realplayer there is a free version that will do all you want. Hope this helps.
raywint1 1 year ago
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Is rhis a joke? This guy can't sing at all.
twangblaster 1 year ago
thx for the up!
wonderfull
nightstylo 1 year ago
素晴らしい。ＳＩＮＡＴＲＡ盤とＲｏｄ ＭｃＫＵＥＮ盤共に素晴らしいです。ありがとう。
junfsinatra 1 year ago
Geweldige zanger, een prachtige rauwe warme stem, A wonderful singer, a marvelous raw but warm voice.
BerendBrutsel 1 year ago
This is HORRIFIC!!!!
sarbinson 1 year ago
This is a fantastic version of "Ne me quitte pas", sung by the poet himself. So happy to have found it on Utube. Just brilliant and so beautifully expressed by Rod Mckuen. A true poetic genius!
angelialvares 1 year ago
I suddenly remembered this in the middle of the night. Some memories are too good not to share.
leoeney 1 year ago
one of my favorites.......
rongenman 1 year ago
this song made me cry.....
laqin007 1 year ago
Oh Rod McKuen.. (sigh) Where have you been , baby?
SweetSilverBird 1 year ago
Scout4Me1--- and all the other fans of Rod Mc Kuenthank you very much...
heliosmazmiguel 1 year ago
1937mickey
so do i, absolutely brilliant
cesime 1 year ago
brings back memories..
AbbbasGirl 1 year ago
we played this song on the funeral of my stepfather. it was very very touching and moving.
great song, great interpretation
lokuzzz 1 year ago
Love ya, Rod!
DrummerLD 1 year ago
We could do with a few more people like Rod . PEACE TO ALL
stuartsmith1000 1 year ago
so glad to have been able to find this video, used to have a album of his a long time ago. just love him!!!!!!!
1937mickey 2 years ago
I use to collect everything of his when I was younger. Albums,Calenders, books, pictures, when he was at the height of his career. He is such a gentle soul. I still like him a lot!
Scout4Me1 2 years ago
Maravilloso. Música PURA
Gattacatube 2 years ago
I had this on an album when I was a teenager - loved it. I may try it out at my singing group next year!
IanErc 2 years ago
Great!
Scout4Me1 2 years ago 2
Beautifulllllllllllllllllllllll!
vetteagain 2 years ago 2
Take care!
Scout4Me1 2 years ago
Thanks so much for this- I used to have an album of his but seems to have gone astray...
wygela 2 years ago
Yes, I have about 5 albums of his. He`s always been underrated as a songwriter, although I know this is a Jacques Brel song. Yes, he`s almost forgotten nowadays, but he is very much alive! Take care!
Scout4Me1 2 years ago