Stranger in a Strange Land - Leon Russell

[airhambone]

leaders take us far away

[nicenonya3]

Don't know what there is to say about the world today

Don't know why people are treating each other so wrong

Not like sisters, not like brothers

No, No, No listen to what I say

Beatles take us far away

From our ecology, our theology, our technology

I said, what a sad, sad state were in

[judecreek2]

@nicenonya3 Beatle's??? It's leaders take us far away. Listening again, I could hear the same thing you did!

[nicenonya3]

@judecreek2 copied that off a website,didn't know if it was right

[nicenonya3]

@nicenonya3 could be more than one version

[schwazer210]

House brought me here

[maximumjohn1]

I saw Leon at Whitewater in New Braunfels in July 2011, in a very intimate setting, along with Bob Dylan. Two national treasures, side by side. Needless to say, a memorable, wonderful show.

[maximumjohn1]

I've been meaning to do it for a long time, but . . . a very belated thank you to spadecaller for this video. The song itself has long been a favorite, but it took the unique juxtaposition of the music with the printed lyrics here and the wonderful paintings in the video to make me really see the deeper meaning of this, Leon's masterpiece. Now this song affects me profoundly, this time of year or anytime, whenever I hear it, with or without the accompanying video. Again, thank you.

[meanmon]

Thanks to "Brother Leon" and to TheSpadeCaller for some great images!

[rickyjoe71tube]

another great bsong alot of people dont know,as matter of fact this album mel giubson compiled is THE BEST album made for/because of his film passion of the christ.not a bad song on it.you gotta check it out.way better than the one realesed by the studio for the film,although there are a couple of decent songs on that too.leon is a legend,ask elton john bout this man

[aquanina61]

was just here in OKC for the state fair... it rained all day but he still took the stage.

[thumlyly]

Thank you for the lyrics. The Christian references are interesting and surprising. Leon invented what was later called "rap" with this song. How he could repeat all that for a performance, is a mystery to me.

[propeleaton]

@thumlyly you do realize this was written after reading the Robert Heinlein novel of the same name that is an endless biblical reference?

[bookish01]

A national treasure.

[dsawyer77]

Saw him in a small hall before Elton but god bless Elton

[Lucyzhere]

Well done by all.

[oxhart3]

I have been a listener for years and came upon me in a strange land

we talked in So Fla some where btwn 1985-1990

and what a song Bird he is

[Mmewster]

ABSOLUTLY ALWAYS HAVE LOVED THIS SONG.. USED TO DRIVE BY LEONS STUDIO IN L.A. IN THE 60'S LOOKING FOR HIM..HA, BOY AM I OLD

[judecreek2]

@Mmewster So, did you ever see him? I'm jealous.

[chachalarue22]

one leon song sticks in your head longer than 12 years of catholicsm . all you long haired pretty children now have grandchildren who look and feel the same as when he wrote this song.. he must have known this would become a classic as he was writing it. kiss my confusion away in the night..you know how leon.

[corsair831]

SING IT TO ME CHILDREN ! oh won't you SING IT TO ME :)

[lennonfn2010]

2:40 on, one of the greatest moments in music history. Just, absolutely, amazing.

[judecreek2]

@lennonfn2010 And the words are as relevant today as they were 40 years ago, and as relevant as they will be 40 years from now.

[hillbillyvol]

Thanks for this post my friend and such a beautiful video to go with it! Leon Russell was introduced to me as the cactus began to take hold and I still enjoy it every time 35 yrs later.

[texadillo53]

@hillbillyvol Cactus.....on his white horse Mescalito?

[zimmy81]

Ive not heard this before but im knocked out, brilliant!

[poopypants135]

LOVE LEON!!!! AMAZING!

[seawind0721]

IF a movie worthy of the name is ever done based on Mr Heinlein's book, this song MUST play as the closing credits roll.

Anyone who has read the book can envision this scene: The statue of Vaneltine Michael Smith has been erected on the spot where he died. Jubal, Ben, Jill and the others are all standing around it. The music begins, as the camera slowly moves in on the statue, then slowly fades, and the end credits roll.

[seawind0721]

IF a movie worthy of the name is ever done based on Mr Heinlein's book, this song MUST play as the closing credits roll.

[charliesgran71]

A blind date in 1972 took me to see the Concert for Bangladesh, honey-o it was LOVE at first sight and has been a life long love affair with this man and his fabulous voice! My love and I went to see him in Chicago in 2008 and he sang so many favorites including Song for You. If you don't know, Sir Elton John has done a recording with him and wonderful collaboration. 

[Smilesjones]

When I listen to Leon I know one thing for sure and that is simply "I Love"

[Johncroce1]

Leon wrote songs performed by Joe Cocker, The Carpenters,and others but I consider this his masterpiece.

[davidlloyd51]

Moses was the original Stranger in a Strange Land. That is what he called himself when asked who he was.

[sofrag52]

1971 to now we are still in the same rut. Why can't we learn to live together? Excellent job on the video.

[opheliajade1986]

love this song alot

[onlooker510]

God Bless Leon and Richard Heinland! Yes please GROK this.

[MrBluesrules]

@onlooker510

You meant Robert Heinlein I think.

[lancethrustworthy]

NO, I DON'T 'LIKE' this tune. I LOVE THIS TUNE! :)

[cindyrellawaiting]

Beautiful video. The images captured the words perfectly. How could anyone deny the honesty...

[BearDwnChicagoBears]

29th street

[daven58100]

Don't listen to Leon alot, but man, he did make some GREAT music. Love the background vocals.

[Surfinstro]

How many days has it been

Since I was born

How many days until I die

Do I know any ways

That I can make you laugh

Or do I only know how to make you cry

GREAT LYRICS

[ThePrecious123447]

i know a back round singer to this song

[noveds07]

"Jumping Jack Flash/Youngblood Medley" Leon russell

[Surfinstro]

great track

[fuzzypige222]

dont let

youtibe or clearchannel or sony or rca or msnbc or cbs or abc or nbc tell you what to think...God help us if they do....they will sell out for money...they will seelll you for money...find these gems, clear your mind

[Maxharddrive64]

Ok is it me or were 'Kings of Leon' influenced by this man? Their singing styles are so similar....Listening to this it's still relevant today...

[52lje]

May you always drink deep, Leon.

[mizofan]

Leon's new album The Union, with Elton, is great!

[Brainsonthewall]

@mizofan Well, I'm confused. This is not the album with Elton because that was produced this year. I just became a fan of Leon this Russell this year. So what album is this song from? Elton is one of my favorite artists as well, so I will check that out as well.

[mizofan]

@Brainsonthewall I've not bought Leon Russell albums before The Union, but i understand this is on the 1971 album Leon Russell and the Shelter People- no doubt i'll be corrected by Leon fans if wrong.

[lancethrustworthy]

@mizofan I'm not sure which album 'Stranger in a Strange Land' is on, but yes, you owe it to yourself to give all his stuff a listen at least once. The Union stuff, is, to me, nice but weak stuff in comparison to his earlier work. He had polio as a kid. I think it hit him again, as it sometimes does, decades later. I understand too that Leon went through some brain surgery mid 'The Union' project.

[mizofan]

@lancethrustworthy I've been catching up with his stuff on youtube, may get Carney or Retrospective. The Union is Rolling Stone's #3 album of the year. Leon did extremely well considering his op.

[judecreek2]

@mizofan Run, do not walk, and buy either one of them. Personally, I suggest "Carney" because there are a lot of songs that are fantastic, but never made it onto any "best of" compilations. "If the Shoe Fits" is his jab at groupies, "Manhattan Island Serenade" is great and "Me and Baby Jane" is his tribute to his first girlfriend who died. It's a painfully beautiful song. I am kinda jealous of anyone who gets to hear them for the first time!

[judecreek2]

@Brainsonthewall If you are a new Leon listener, do yourself a favor and look up "Jumping Jack Flash/Youngblood Medley" from the Concert for Bangladesh. It's from 1971 and you will see Leon at his best.

[imaRoLLingStonzFan]

@judecreek2 i just did and it was a thumbs up :) he did a great version so i found myself looking for more of his videos and music.

Thanks!

[MrMrrr2]

@judecreek2 THANKS

[lancethrustworthy]

@Brainsonthewall If you liked Leon's stuff on 'The Union', you should become a full on fan after hearing his earlier albums. You're in for a treat.

[Tardisius]

Robert A Heinlein said it best in 1961 "I Grok" !

[noveds07]

Induct Leon into the RRHF yesterday.

[judecreek2]

@noveds07 I grok you.

[MsCrimsonwolf]

beautiful song and video

[pepperdogz1]

The Master of Space and Time has not been inducted into the RRHOF?? whats up with that? political BS ,,INDUCT LEON!!!!!

[russdall]

Our Beloved Oklahoma Son.......Always

[fuzzypige222]

if you remember.... this guy didnt pursue fame and appearances....he mostly hid away and played music.....wrote artful prose...thank god for him....who in the modern class of clowns can even come close......

[bodiefisher]

the best thank you leon

[guidoclem]

great job man outstanding job yeah man look at it 

[pepperdogz1]

SOMEONE TELL ME WHY HE IS NOT IN THE R AND R HALL OF FAME????THIS MAN DEFINED ROCK AND ROLL!!

[MrBeatles5]

Leon's best... really nothing more say!!the whole album is a master peice

[noveds07]

@MrBeatles5 I couldn't agree more. His work is classic.

[sport142]

Brilliant lyrics...amazing vocals....one of his best!

[dominospy]

Great video spadecaller, and of course what can you say about Leon except he's one of the all time greats.

[DONDIVA1969]

I saw him in 1972 at the Rochester War Memorial. Tickets were $3.00.

[Jindy2]

One of Leon's best! And nice work Spadecaller, the vid complements the song beautifully. Thanks for posting.

[mikemilne]

Amigo, the phrase and reference of "Stranger in a Strange Land" predates Robert Heinlein by a couple thousand years. Rock on, Leon!

[timsricochet]

I wonder if Leon enjoyed the book as much as I did back in the 60's or did it have anything to do with the subject (Robert Heinlein)? Anyhow, I've never heard a song of his I didn't like

[d1sailer]

speechless...

[davemurraylive]

I only just discovered this dude - how cool is he! Big thanks to Aussie hip hop group the Hilltop Hoods for their Leon sample in 'The Hard Road'.

[ekahiway]

awesome video, mahalo for sharing... "that's the thing, do you recognize the bell of truth when you hear it ring?"

[sdoughty1953]

My favorite Leon Russell song done so beautifully in video.

[ExoticGawdess]

Engrossing.

Citizens are always the Targets. Never forget that.

[wevatt]

Leon Russell, Kathi McDonald and Claudia Lenner. Never will forget them live on stage at The Filmore East in New York City. It was "high evening", trust me!.

[sherrylynn70]

I love this song..know all the words to this day...and, I love love your gifts to us ~spadecaller~ wish I had more time to embrace them..you are in a class of your own..fa'real....Big Applause!!!!!! What a song!!

[coalburned100]

Leon's best, in my opinion. What an extraordinary talent. 

[220denyse]

i am speechless. nothing can put into words the tunes of master of space and time

[randygwillickers]

Beautiful video

[warlordky]

I feel like I grew up with ya brother, your music has always been in my library, many prayers go out to ya, your still a master always, much love

[fuckoffndie1]

this is one great fucking tune thanx for the post n thank you leon..!!

[JCRT836]

unbelievable tune

[jchrislumley]

When Leon sings, god speaks. And I'm a card carrying atheist.

[inatizzy2]

@jchrislumley Glad u hear the word my dear! LOL At least think about it.

[fishdeschois]

I've always loved this song, these paintings bring it to life really well. :-)

[peelumba]

leon and his annual birthday bash April 24th in Tulsa..... what a tremendous talent!

[inatizzy2]

@peelumba Dang I missed it but I am sure I will get to see him some time here in OKC. HOPE SO!!!

[IAMJANFROMATLANTA]

Yes.

[craig1754]

saw him in portland or in 71 place was half full , he rocked i got behind the stage and was standing by myself , groovin , he was playing guitar standing on his piano and turned his back to the crowd , we shared a moment .. always loved leon and he still gets heavu play in my i tunes

[54taqiyya]

i saw leon in the early 90's in colorado, looked just like god, all white and awesome!

[mari1tx]

awesome

[muzweli13]

I saw him in "71" in support of this album....totally blown away!!!!!! The late Freddie King was his opening act!!!

[edj4500]

Apostle Paul - 1:04 (yes,no,maybe)

[powerfulnun]

I saw your art. Wonderful! Good stuff.  You are amazing!

[powerfulnun]

spadecaller do you have a site for your art? I would like to see that.

[gareof]

Only Leon could put that string of words together in the "refrain": - "Well I don't exactly know what's goin' on ....................won't ya come on & sing it children". I wonder if Don wrote that part or only the music - anyway - thanks for sharing -

[bedacket]

No one in the world is like Leon. He has been my favorite artist since 1969- !! 40 years plus. Any fan of his a friend of mine!Only Leon could have written that line you quoted--and what about:""Using beauty like a knife, she cuts and even more she changes right beforemy eyes into something ugly and sore" He is a poet and an amazing musician and his appearance on the Grammys, while finally was his due, was too little and MUCH too late,

Barbara

Wishing him all the best, and you too gareof

[2gambler]

bedacket- missed him on the grammys, so right on finally his due. Saw him in 1973 at Anaheim Convention Center and I was hooked,again in 1990 at the Roxy and 2005 at Electric Theatre in St. George Utah. Only about 25 people in St. George attended, what a disgrace I don't think anyone knew him. Still he put on a great show with such a poor turnout. He deserves Rock N Roll Hall of Fame

[bedacket]

Yes he deserves all the acclaim due him and more. Have you ever heard of Matthew Harris?

[2gambler]

@bedacket Can't say I've heard of Matthew Harris! Maybe, is he singer songwriter.?May know songs if you have any in mind. Give me a hint , solo artist or member of a band?

[monkey1984776]

Great album!! juz cant go out of tune while listening 2this album,,,,, its damn awesum,,, dowloaded the entire album for free at DownloadMusic/./im , remove the slashes..

[webkinsracoon]

who painted the painting at 2:20 ? of the woman with children? anyone know

???

[peacepg]

DoobieKing, Leon did a song called "Prince of Peace" on the first album he did for hiimself - the blue one I called it. I have the tune, but when I converted the vinyl I didn't separate songs, so..........

[anthonypi]

Cool.great song nice images sweet!

[kemanya]

I had a brain tumour and died a couple of times on the operating table but no bright come into the light, just a really good place to be where everyone was kind to each other and when I came round and realised I was back here I felt bereft. Call it endorphines flooding the brain, call it whatever you like, but that place was a zillion times better than this one and for the rest of my life this is how I feel. A stranger in a strange land.

[jakeaustin69]

@kemanya That'd be a hallucination.

[bagelj]

"Well, I don't exactly know

What's going on in the world today

Don't know what there is to say

About the way the people are treating

Each other, not like brothers

Leaders take us far away from ecology

With mythology and astrology (and -ology)

Has got some words to say

About the way we live today

Like this segment.

[bedacket]

YES YES AND YES AGAIN!

[rustyredhead]

great images, great song...you really hit this one on the mark!

[THEVIDEOARBITRATOR]

""kiss my confusion away in the night and lay by my side till the morning comes." beautiful.

[peacepg]

Looking for someone who has a song "Prince of Peace" - one of Leon's most excellent but oddly overlooked songs. Any help? I have a copy of the song that I got when I converted vinyl to CD from my original which is older than dirt. It's scratchy but better than nuttin. Maybe I'll have to upload it - then hope someone has a better copy. Unless you have it?

[DoobieKing420]

Isn't "Prince of Peace" a Crowbar tune? I know its the last song on the Bad Manor Album

[homeboyz500]

where is the drum machine? where is the sampling?-oh reeeeeeal music not pre-recorded bs-long live rock -the who and keep on rockin leaon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[edleew]

It's a beautiful Video . Respect .

[malloy100]

Saw Leon last month - a beautiful human being - share his music with others.

[anthonypi]

I saw hin in '73 and '74 not since.. I'm jealous ; )

[Tony63162]

great song

[alembic1981]

Ex 2:22 And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

[joewoo127]

Well Said , Leon you are a very smart man , and see a lot others don't want to admit to whats really goin' on . EXCELLENT SONG ! , great music, lyrics , back up , very well done , can't get any better . Tell it like it is .

[TheHellboy1234]

@joewoo127 like dat jooles all treu peace and love to to you and yours bro

[subliminalkid04]

first dance at my wedding. Seriously!

[harleyultra1550]

There is NOBODY better than Leon Russell. He makes the most beautiful music in the world.

[gypsydances]

Oh this is awesome; thank you so very much!

[norwayreport]

This is very well done, with a fine music track. Thanks much!

[peelumba]

still the endless master of time and space ! my brother!

[peelumba]

we will never see this kind of talent again..shame on you R and R H of F

[220denyse]

@peelumba master, i'm speechless

[airhambone]

a song with the truth , how can long can we ignore such a timeless message

[WTHAMPTON]

I love what this man sake to my soul about back in those days ! ( Still glad to know I can hear the "heart" ! :) Hamp" :)

[1tract4U]

Yep another big time favorite. How could I forget. It's just been soooooo long.

[Ahavah8Ahavah]

Wow..memories!!! My parents listened to this album over and over and over and OVER when I was a kid. Great song.

[donotkillme1]

i love this song x)

[spotbelly]

Robert Heinlein's novel Stranger in a Strange Land was an allegory of the sacrificial lamb, and Leon in turn wrote this allegorical spiritual - you are truly gifted, i grok your methods and i thank you for this video!*****

This song was also featured in an early Anthony Paglia gangster movie, can't recall the name.

[godzillagigan]

best song ever. uhh for the lyrics you have "Lay by side when the morning comes" you forgot the my

[KreatorOfEvile]

Thought it would be a Iron Maiden cover.

[gitanejazz]

I missed Leon Russell the first time, I didn't make my appearance until the mid 80's. I discovered this through 'House'. This grabbed me, I found out what it was in a episode guide and then looked for it on Youtube. Youtube hasn't let me down yet.

[Vide0mak3r]

ye tb or not tb :D I did just the same as you. Youtube is the best for music searching XD. FYI its episode 204

[LLLloserllamalordLLL]

lol wow tht episode iz bout the guy wit tb i forgot bout tht all i rememberd iz tht i found this from house lol tb or not tb

5/5 on vid btw great job

[36yandcounting]

I went to a L/R concert long ago....only 1500 souls in this 12000 seat venue...Russell came out in a tux, sat at this beautiful concert grand and belted out this tune...1500 people caught a glimpse of heaven.

[Areseesee]

Spadecaller, Beautiful video. Leon's up there with Dylan, Lennon, Harrison and others who were in touch with their spirituality. He truly is a master and I wish I could turn back time and hold on to the initial discovery of his wisdom. Check out " Ballad for a Soldier" and see how relevant it remains today. Where have the Leons gone? Replaced with ClearChannel selections chosen for the "mass audiences". I long for those days when the cream could rise to the top  Love, Life, Leon forever!

[jvalderfer]

@Areseesee

leon russell is not dead.

[jvalderfer]

@Areseesee Leon is not dead!

[madmikeastoria]

@Areseesee Very well put man.I feel the same as you.I dont want to let go of the past either.Thats when the world produced all of our icons that we so much still love today .This was the 1st song by Leon I ever heard while listening to my older brothers LPs.I want to be back in Central Park 7 ft from Robert Plant watching him sing "How many more times"Shit man that was 1969,It was $1.50 gen adm and B.B.King opened.Then he introduced those 4 guys from England and my life was changed forever.

[fatdaddycrash699]

one of the best ever . leon russell is a great man

[JermsBlues]

People who say that people dont know who someone is assume a great lie. I assure you that millions of souls see music this wonderful all the time. It is a shame that most dont know where it is located. Thats how we keep the bad seeds away though. If you are meant to be there you will show up. Hippies didnt die and neither did their love for music. They all just found a way around the idiots of the world.

[inatizzy2]

Read the book, "Stranger in a strange land-Robert E. Heinlan... tells the story of this song.

[fhowchief]

Great job, Mr. Spadecaller. Prop things to you.

Classic song. You can get hooked on Leon like a drug. I'm a once-a-weeker. I have to listen to his work at least one a week or I get awful cranky.

FAX

[twi333light]

I just saw him in concert two days ago and all of a sudden I can't seem to get away from Leon's music. Yes, you can get hooked; there is something absolutely intoxicating about Leon; his music uplifts -- sets you right somehow. I had no idea until recently of his generosity and genius. Leon's fans are certainly having their say on the internet; I just wish he was recognized with the public accolades he deserves. Thank you Spadecaller. Beautiful video.

[harleygit]

Without a doubt one of the most underated artists ever. This man has created some incredible music and hardly anyone knows who he is. It's a shame.

[kspurgeon]

This is hands down my favorite song of all time. More than any Beatles or Stones song. It's easily the song I could play 35 times in a row, and never get tired of it.

[crackenup55]

leon russell is one of the greatest song writers ever,a true original to this day.still comes out on stage with coveralls on and a bare feet.seen him last new years eve in west palm beach florida

[srfm10064]

I like this song the best of Leon Russell.

Blue-eyed soul singer.

[meanmon]

Thank You again for putting what I have in my head and heart onto a video format. I am a musician and music teacher but I can only teach what I know...and my knowledge is limited to my experiences. You have a gift...You Have Been "BLESSED". I await for more of your talents.

[Victoria92646]

I've always loved this tune, but it's been only recently that I have, in my own mind anyway, attached any religious signifigance to it, e.g., the baby sharing his bed of hay (Jesus) or (the infant Moses) in the palace of the king. For me, Spadecaller's use of religious art bears this out for me and has enhanced the enjoyment of this song enormously. Thank you, Spadecaller.

[TheBeersCold]

I totally agree. For some strange reason, I had never made the connection. Spadecaller has truly opened my eyes. I too, want to give thanks. I was clueless.

[Victoria92646]

Glad you agree! Sometimes folks on YouTube can be pretty sarcastic and rude at times, so I'm very relieved you we not! Take care.

[sherrylynn70]

get back on the human track...stop racing towards oblivion..oh, such a sad, sad state we're in...and that's the thang..do you recognize the bells of truth when you hear them ring..won't you let the children sing...come on children...love this ole classic and it rings true today...thanks for sharing you awesome film with an awesome killer song....loved it..peace my friend

[sherrylynn70]

guess what...Mr. Russell the original rapper.."well, I don't exactly know what's going on in the world today..don't know what there is to say about the way the people are treating each other..not like brothers and leaders take of far away from ecology with mythology and astrology has got some words to say about the way we live today...why can't we learn to love each other...time to learn a new faith to the whole world wide human race...stop the money chase...lay back..relax..

[vicandmaes]

Leon Russell, it's been a long time.. still sounds great. Lovely art too.

[prizetime]

surprised i found this song been loving it for a lot of years thanks for posting it..P.S i saw him in concert at the fox theatre in atlanta

[Zachin6]

Fabulous! Great music video Spadecaller.