To me this is the most real song Bill Withers sung. I love many of his songs, but the raw emotion, the general feeling you get of trying to be selfless toward someone who you love. Even though they broke your heart, really shines here. The brilliance of this song is painted in love and loss...
This man is so amazing! His realness just hits you so beautifully. I always want more of this real music, but I don't know if I would be able 2 handle it. For now, thank you Bill. I'm glad you didn't compromise your music for fame. Here it is 2011 and you still touch people!!
This was the first time I heard Bill's version of "Hope She'll Be Happier" and even though I straight luv Sweetback's version, the rawness of Bill's voice moved me to tears!! I am 53 y.o. and in the few minutes of that cut I was taken back to old loves, lost loves and past heartbreaks. Damn, I need a cigarette and I don't even smoke! Thanks Bill.
This man is the most under appreciated artist ever. My grandfather is a musician and I played a song for him yesterday and he didn't have a clue who it was! I was stunned! The power in this mans voice and writing ability should be known to everyone!! <3
such pain and beauty in one song. It's amazing how hurt and humble he is on this track. To be in such pain, yet wish the person who caused it happiness is a testament to humility, and at it's essence, that's what love should be about. Damn Bill, you're truly a gift to the world.
Killer stuff by Bill! I will love this man always...another muscian on the soundtrack of my life as baby-boomer. I remember playing the grooves off this album in 1973...still love the CD. He kills it on "Use Me!" ..."one more time!!" some of the audience cry out, and he and the band give it up ONE MORE TIME!!! Whew! Thank you for posting this. I wish someone had some footage from that concert.
Yep -- that's how human beings treat each other sometimes. And that hurt will never disappear completely. It lives deep inside you until you die I guess.
I am going thru my divorce and I recently heard this song while watching the great movie 'Soul Power' . I have been a Bill Withers fan since "Lovely Day" , but when I heard this song it is so magnetic in my present situation. Song hurts like seeing your sun run away from your open arms - I remain strong and pray for peace by my actions with my ex and LOVE is powerful so keep that in my Spirit.
Thanks for positing this song and THANK YOU BILL WITHERS!
@cfvasconcellos When I was a kid I remember my dad playing this song over and over again while sitting in a chair drinking gin and grapefruit juice. I had no idea what the song meant since I was maybe 8. Now at the ripe old age of 44 I get it. That's some powerful love when you only want the happiness of the other person even if they move onto someone else. It truly makes you a better person. I wish you the best of luck with your future and I hope time heals your pain.
This is exquisite - it takes artistry of the highest order to tell a story so well in a few minutes that the listener not only hears but truly feels your situation as his own. What a symphony. Bill Withers voices this live track with beautifully accurate vocals. such class is simply timeless.
We just got Soul Power from Netflix and Bill Withers performs this song and I immediately came to internet looking for this song. In the commentary, the director/producer describes the performance as "arresting" and it is. It is beautiful and poignant. Don't get me wrong, I love some Bill Withers and I even have a Best Of cd, but this performance made it clear I didn't know enough.
You'd also benefit from the 85 'Watching you watching me' album & listen to the tracks 'You just can't smile it away', 'Whatever happens' and 'You try to find a love" - they're killers! And yes, I'm a dedicated BW fan
It is wonderful when tracks such as this are dusted off and brought to the fore, they should never ever be forgotten. If you are loving this for the first time, listen to 'Hello like before' also. This track is more raw, I cannot wait for Soul Power to be released on dvd, if only to see this performance many more times. You feel it, many have lived it, it's possible to feel a little shock from it almost in its intensity. But after all, there is only one Bill Withers.....
that shit hurts man. this is a hardcore love song. painful. good. great. SOUL POWER was a good movie, catch bill withers in it along with james brown. this song hurts.
Rabid dear, in 1972 I was 22 and I thought my heart was going to break entirely in two. Although I am a woman, this song : his voice, the orchestration, the mournful sound, spoke to me and I would just cry and cry. But you know what Honey? I lived, my heart did not break and I finally woke up and realized that He was losing a good thing...ME!:0
Bless you, bless you indeed, some did not see, and I was one of them! But i know now, too late, far too late, maybe one day i will find her again, she still loves me, i still love her, but for now i only find her in song as beautiful as this!!
better to have loved than never loved at all.
Bill Withers awakes is heart and soul.
Hope your happier now!!
from someone who knows now the value of love! may life be good for you ; )
@oldbiddie that's funny cause im 22 now and this one of my favorites off all time alost 40 years later and the music has the same effect on the people
That, and , I suspect that you may be a bit more mature than some of your peers.The relationships between men and women have changed drastically since this song was conceived. The fact that you "get" this song, that it speaks to you, says a great deal about the person you are, and are becoming.
he did this at the sole power concert which is also a new doco about the concert before the Rumble in the Jungle fight between Alli and George Forman in Africain 1974. I highly recomend it
somebody please turn the lights back im hurtn so much thanks bill id never thought she'll be gone
mozi317 1 month ago
do you guys know if i can find the complete performance on dvd somewhere?
mtagluk 2 months ago
This song is incredible on so many levels. The depth of heartache in which he sings is so transparent.
shockey1217 2 months ago
Bill Withers. what a king pin
akeal69 5 months ago
To me this is the most real song Bill Withers sung. I love many of his songs, but the raw emotion, the general feeling you get of trying to be selfless toward someone who you love. Even though they broke your heart, really shines here. The brilliance of this song is painted in love and loss...
dtheman17 5 months ago
Just coming out of a breakup, can't fight tears to this track. Speaking as a man that truly loved a woman.
antiembishop07 6 months ago 2
i never thought id find the felling. i smile inside knowing that i can take that toxic hurt and turn it into something that beautiful.
dudirty 7 months ago 2
THIS WRAPS AROUND YOUR SOUL, AND PULLS HARD!!!!!!!!!!
amerdryserv1 7 months ago 2
But she's gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooonnnne. <3
smcdaid075 7 months ago
I could barely find the "Like Button" through my tears.
FitzDaily 7 months ago 8
wow!!!!!!!!!!
kounterclockwise 8 months ago
Now THAT'S a love song and THAT'S sanging! He def put his heart in it. As great as I remember!
daMeemo 8 months ago
Just INCREDIBLE!
MyFavouriteShop 8 months ago
Absolutely zero dislikes. The epitome of a perfect song.
8696jesus 11 months ago
This man is so amazing! His realness just hits you so beautifully. I always want more of this real music, but I don't know if I would be able 2 handle it. For now, thank you Bill. I'm glad you didn't compromise your music for fame. Here it is 2011 and you still touch people!!
shonni15 11 months ago
This was the first time I heard Bill's version of "Hope She'll Be Happier" and even though I straight luv Sweetback's version, the rawness of Bill's voice moved me to tears!! I am 53 y.o. and in the few minutes of that cut I was taken back to old loves, lost loves and past heartbreaks. Damn, I need a cigarette and I don't even smoke! Thanks Bill.
goodgord01 1 year ago 3
@goodgord01 watch his still bill movie...GREAT dude!
original1sun 11 months ago
A musical GENIUS who is just as relevant today!
703Mesha 1 year ago
Probably the finest live album i have ever heard
DanielBowden1975 1 year ago
This man is the most under appreciated artist ever. My grandfather is a musician and I played a song for him yesterday and he didn't have a clue who it was! I was stunned! The power in this mans voice and writing ability should be known to everyone!! <3
mistydw7 1 year ago
HEART AND SOUL!!! The only words that can describe Mr. Bill Withers and this song!!!
broblack 1 year ago
this is what all the fuss is about i dont see it.? haha sweetbacks version is much much better, my opinion.
veeseee128 1 year ago
He is one of the best of all time... no one does it like this anymore it seems... as if the soul is gone.
MONEERAYKAZ 1 year ago
WOW! This is some deep, adult passion. Grown folks only.
73dodge 1 year ago 3
I loved the song until the part about American Public University... it didn't seem to fit with the rest of the tune to me.
773SleepyHollow 1 year ago
such pain and beauty in one song. It's amazing how hurt and humble he is on this track. To be in such pain, yet wish the person who caused it happiness is a testament to humility, and at it's essence, that's what love should be about. Damn Bill, you're truly a gift to the world.
VisionPoet 1 year ago
The Lateness of the Hour makes me weak too!!!!!!
BigJ10000 1 year ago
Maybe people have tried to remake this song, but NOTHING tops the original...
justindavidvazquez 1 year ago
Bless you, Bill.
bronxboy47 1 year ago
Wow this shit is crazy
calantray 1 year ago
FUCK YOUTUBE FOR BLOCKING THE LIVE VERSION, HONESTLY MOST SOULFUL PERFORMACE OF ALL TIME 1974 ZAIRE!
lsv8dubs 1 year ago 3
@lsv8dubs I'm with you there. BEST EVER
a57moon 1 year ago
@lsv8dubs I'm with you there. Best ever it is
a57moon 1 year ago
Killer stuff by Bill! I will love this man always...another muscian on the soundtrack of my life as baby-boomer. I remember playing the grooves off this album in 1973...still love the CD. He kills it on "Use Me!" ..."one more time!!" some of the audience cry out, and he and the band give it up ONE MORE TIME!!! Whew! Thank you for posting this. I wish someone had some footage from that concert.
Sendmommy0524 1 year ago
Such a beautiful, heartfelt song. Superb.
LiquidGold2 1 year ago
Even though this song so Heart/soul-wreckingly painful and beautiful, it also brings some weird sense of comfort.
Like there is at least one person who felt like you before, and who not only understands deep pain like that, but makes it into such an intense song.
Thnx Bill.
MrXyZeR 1 year ago 2
this song jus makes u wanna give somebody a hug lmao
bigrick816 1 year ago 2
His voice just goes through you
jayb4321 1 year ago 4
Yep -- that's how human beings treat each other sometimes. And that hurt will never disappear completely. It lives deep inside you until you die I guess.
DandJRuffin 1 year ago
I am going thru my divorce and I recently heard this song while watching the great movie 'Soul Power' . I have been a Bill Withers fan since "Lovely Day" , but when I heard this song it is so magnetic in my present situation. Song hurts like seeing your sun run away from your open arms - I remain strong and pray for peace by my actions with my ex and LOVE is powerful so keep that in my Spirit.
Thanks for positing this song and THANK YOU BILL WITHERS!
cfvasconcellos 1 year ago
@cfvasconcellos When I was a kid I remember my dad playing this song over and over again while sitting in a chair drinking gin and grapefruit juice. I had no idea what the song meant since I was maybe 8. Now at the ripe old age of 44 I get it. That's some powerful love when you only want the happiness of the other person even if they move onto someone else. It truly makes you a better person. I wish you the best of luck with your future and I hope time heals your pain.
Brucerdable 1 year ago 3
this song is so very awesome.gets you right at the heart
TheCandy777 1 year ago
This is exquisite - it takes artistry of the highest order to tell a story so well in a few minutes that the listener not only hears but truly feels your situation as his own. What a symphony. Bill Withers voices this live track with beautifully accurate vocals. such class is simply timeless.
mmcp607 1 year ago 4
fml
clearlynotstefan 1 year ago
this is a great song nimo21 im sorry to hear that man but hey the best is yet to come
poetguy300 2 years ago
Oh God :(
kyosheba 2 years ago 2
my girlfriend just left me a few weeks ago, and this describes exactly how I feel.
nimo21 2 years ago
Her LOSS! those words will not remove the pain, but they will free you!
BunnyBee11 2 years ago 3
VERY WISE ; )
birdmanbenjibeat 1 year ago
@nimo21 me too man, hang in there
clearlynotstefan 1 year ago
@nimo21 awww hope she comes back to you, if not then hope u found someone who you really like
tiana1017 1 year ago
this is a beautiful song, simple and touching. Not sure why I have never heard it til today...maybe it is just in time.
MelMediaServices 2 years ago 3
SweetBack " Hope She'll Be Happier " 1996 listen to this one it's a remake
BunnyBee11 2 years ago
@BunnyBee11 lol i was listening to this just now and it reminded me who the original singer was
tiana1017 1 year ago
I can't find this song anywhere, its great too!
Hodgmeisterpro0209 2 years ago
We just got Soul Power from Netflix and Bill Withers performs this song and I immediately came to internet looking for this song. In the commentary, the director/producer describes the performance as "arresting" and it is. It is beautiful and poignant. Don't get me wrong, I love some Bill Withers and I even have a Best Of cd, but this performance made it clear I didn't know enough.
blakdeekon 2 years ago 5
Mercy
oldbiddie 2 years ago
Amazing... This song is almost without melody, yet it`s one of the most powerful songs I know. Incredible!
trolsted 2 years ago
OMG - gave me goose bumps!
WoodwindGirl79 2 years ago 7
I've been looking for song forever! Thanks so much for posting!
aboriginiblues 2 years ago 7
man this is too intense man i just can't take it man i'm going crazy man!!!!! bill you rock dag
1zz01 2 years ago 23
You'd also benefit from the 85 'Watching you watching me' album & listen to the tracks 'You just can't smile it away', 'Whatever happens' and 'You try to find a love" - they're killers! And yes, I'm a dedicated BW fan
rebirth61 2 years ago 4
It is wonderful when tracks such as this are dusted off and brought to the fore, they should never ever be forgotten. If you are loving this for the first time, listen to 'Hello like before' also. This track is more raw, I cannot wait for Soul Power to be released on dvd, if only to see this performance many more times. You feel it, many have lived it, it's possible to feel a little shock from it almost in its intensity. But after all, there is only one Bill Withers.....
rebirth61 2 years ago 3
Bill Withers is amazing.
KingYiddish 2 years ago 5
that shit hurts man. this is a hardcore love song. painful. good. great. SOUL POWER was a good movie, catch bill withers in it along with james brown. this song hurts.
youllgrowonme 2 years ago 34
celia cruz was amazing in that movie too, her and bill stole it.
KingYiddish 2 years ago
I saw this movie the other day, and yes, this song he performed was raw pure emotion. Sweat or tears, or even both, made me almost drop a tear
montej 2 years ago
Still Bill.
Sy-
Sybenett 2 years ago
an unparallel voice
Stickyglasgowbud 2 years ago
yep!
kathleencarson 2 years ago
Comment removed
Jenjenilou 2 years ago
This song makes me cry...going through this right now in my own life...Bill Withers is just amazing!
rabidbird123 2 years ago
tells you that he"s been where you are now, as we all have. makes it ok somehow eh!
kathleencarson 2 years ago
Rabid dear, in 1972 I was 22 and I thought my heart was going to break entirely in two. Although I am a woman, this song : his voice, the orchestration, the mournful sound, spoke to me and I would just cry and cry. But you know what Honey? I lived, my heart did not break and I finally woke up and realized that He was losing a good thing...ME!:0
oldbiddie 2 years ago 2
Bless you, bless you indeed, some did not see, and I was one of them! But i know now, too late, far too late, maybe one day i will find her again, she still loves me, i still love her, but for now i only find her in song as beautiful as this!!
better to have loved than never loved at all.
Bill Withers awakes is heart and soul.
Hope your happier now!!
from someone who knows now the value of love! may life be good for you ; )
birdmanbenjibeat 2 years ago
Bird, you make me cry, Anyone as sensitive as you have become over the years deserves a second chance..
oldbiddie 2 years ago
@oldbiddie that's funny cause im 22 now and this one of my favorites off all time alost 40 years later and the music has the same effect on the people
cjcarlton128 2 years ago
That, and , I suspect that you may be a bit more mature than some of your peers.The relationships between men and women have changed drastically since this song was conceived. The fact that you "get" this song, that it speaks to you, says a great deal about the person you are, and are becoming.
oldbiddie 2 years ago
Hard to believe that our beloved Bill was constrained to make only one live concert album. Sad and outrageous!
Atomank68 2 years ago 2
Amazing song by an amazing artist
highflyer1000 3 years ago 4
does anyone have footage of this song.... what concert is this from?
ohrvurm 3 years ago
Live at Carnegie Hall many moons ago. Oct 6, 1972. TIMELESS...
memfisman 2 years ago
he did this at the sole power concert which is also a new doco about the concert before the Rumble in the Jungle fight between Alli and George Forman in Africain 1974. I highly recomend it
kathleencarson 2 years ago 3
His performance of this song in "Soul Power" documentary is AMAZING!!! A MUST!!!
gpacificar 2 years ago 3
Simply beautiful!
deana717 3 years ago
this is super great
sweetback is kool too BUT THIS one here IS IT IMHO
alalkool 3 years ago 2