@plutosunshine :type in no roses for michael greg anderson its on YT -downloaded by dougie john.It was a theme song from a telemovie portraying a young bloke who gets into drugs and goes too far!!
I are now 58 years old. But i still love his mucis. Ihave lived in Melbourne for 3 years
I was 18 years.
Iwas so must in love with him. But i have not met him himsels.
Iwas to a concerts in 1969. I was so great. I am Denmark. Bye the way there was a nothe song i love at this time. not with russel. But the name of the song was the are no roses for michael. sad song. If anybody knows please write it here.
Heard this on radio this am (2CH) Sydney, just love it!!! brings back something from my memory as a 14yo boy growing up during the Vietnam war and for some reason it brings tears to my eyes. He was a great peformer and a great voice. Wish I could go back to those days life was so much easier in those days
@rossj99 i was 13 at the time. I loved his songs. they were all over the radio. i was so against that bloody war. it was unfair that some went and others were lucky (and it was luck) and missed it completely. i was dreading my 18th birthday. i also thought it was unfair that young men in the prime of their life were conscripted but girls weren't...i was right into the idea of equal opportunity back then. this was a top song and brings back memories for sure.
I just cry when I hear this song, with Russell's voice. Its so gentle and powerful at the same time. I don't think this song would be as poignant if Russell hadn't sang it. Beautiful.
I remember this song so well. I was called up for Vietnam in 1970 in the 1st RTR. Ten years later, I had a night time security job at the Richmond (VIC) Housing Commission high rise flats when a former South Vietnamese Army officer went off his head smashing windows with a meat cleaver and cutting himself. The man was so unhappy, his wife and mother were screaming at him. I held a gun to his head to make him stop. He did, but that night, he hanged himself.
Grew up with this song - all Russell Morris music is magical and gives goose bumps to many people. He is one of the greatest Australian singers ever. I am glad I had the Aussie privilege of hearing his music throughout my life. From an indigenous Aussie music fanatic.
this song is so beautiful and russell has such a unique voice. How can you not listen to this and remember it for many years. It played some time around the vietnam war and it was significant to many young folk then. It is very nostalgic that is for sure.
I've heard this song a thousand times and love it, an Aussie classic.We all know what the song is about but I've just thought about it in a from a different angle......I'm just gonna throw this out there but maybe Rachel was killed whilst serving,and now shes coming home for burial (?)
I think the song was actually meaning the American Civil War, though obviously was aimed at the Vietnam War. An interesting aside I remember from then - everyone was waiting for the follow up single to 'Part 3 into Paper Walls'. There was a fire at wherever records were made then, all copies of the original 'Rachel' single were destroyed, it was pressed again, with a different 'B' side.
Remember all those disgusting body bags coming out of Vietnam on TV night after night. US Aus Kiwi soldiers. Well Russell socked it to them. Horrible dreadful war and New Zealand has never gone to another one.
Interesting that although it's about a nurse's experiences in the Vietnam War it's just as poignant today when we think about the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and now Libya.
This song stirs me. Too bad John Howard got us into an illegal war in Iraq. The Liberals will never learn - war mongering is in their blood - and the dogs of war have escaped retribution. It is about time the sycophant politicians sent their own kids into battle first before sacrificing our best to their idioticy. Grandstanding politicians should be banned at digger's funerals. Politicians should simply stay away and shut the fuck up.
He was really popular in New Zealand. When I moved to Oz in '79, I couldn't understand why he got so little airplay and I hardly ever saw him on Australian TV. In my mind he was/is Australia's best. Very underrated in his own country.
Another of Russell's Australian classics!! Seen him touring about 5 - 6 times over the past 10 years in South Australia with Jimmy Keayes, Brian Cadd, Darryl Cotton and Ronnie Burns as well as his own group. He is ageless - glad he lost his hat though
thats just a lil part of this great bloke whos voice is unique just like elvis was but this guy is aust owned and has the runs on the board as a bloke of the bush i do love ya rus you bloody legend keep on keeping on. peter from echuca
This takes me back to listening to the New Zealand top 20 in the halcyon days of my early teens. I thought at the time Russell Morris had 'something' and whatever that 'something' was lifted him above all others (The first single I bought was by Russell Morris.)
Now some forty years later (with a degree in music) listening to this, and other of Russell's songs, I am transported back to the sweet days of my youth - music and memory. oh how I long for those days of yore
ah, at having send a letter to Obama also shared in a blog on @ hamoncan on myspace.. the comment shared this song . .and like any kid, its a playing and playing and playing as soon as I realize its quiet again
This song always gives me goosebumps. It was so relevant for its time but even now. Especially now my daughter is a nurse too. I hope she never has to face a war. She is much like the girl in this song.Gentle and peaceful.
just how good was/is Russell Morris? I've rediscovered him in my 50's, almost 40 years after this song was produced and now i realise this guy is an Aussie icon. I listen to his music regularly; it moves me to the core
Saw him in Wellington NZ in 1971 when he opened for the Bee Gees - what a night! He has a beautiful voice. Haven''t seen him since so nice he's still going as good as ever!!
I saw him last night performing with Jim Keays from The Masters and Darryl Cotton formerly of The Zoot. Russell's voice was incredible - EXACTLY as it is here in 1970!
Beautiful, beautiful song which almost brings me to tears when I hear him sing it (luckily have seen Russell do this at least 6 times). To this day (2009) Russell sings the song just like in 1969; his voice is still superb and his singing skills are way beyond my ability to critique. Glorious
4 Rachels coming home, Rachels coming home, And I dont think shell go away again Rachels seen the light, The worlds too big to fight And I dont think shell go away again Rachels coming home, Rachels coming home, And I dont think shell go away again Rachels coming home, Rachels coming homefade
I got that wrong didn't I? Shouldn't drink so much aussie beer! Anyway I meant anti-war song from the Vietnam era and very powerful message for my gen
Chorus Rachels coming home, Rachels coming home, And I dont think shell go away again Rachels seen the light, The worlds too big to fight And I dont think shell go away again Laa.deedowmdee The world and people in it, Go the way they will, And theres not a man black or white Who can ever hope to stop them Chorus
Rachel Gather round on mas knee, to read this weeks letter. I wonder what will be, we hope the news is better. The men here die like flies ma, I bandaged their blinded eyes ma, And the kids with their aching feet Aint got nothing to eat ma. The hospital has no door dad, Soldiers lie on the floor dad, I did my best, that I cant take anymore
I had this song for a few years now and still play it now and again. But what I really want is the lyrics to this song. I tried to hear and write down the words but some of it is a bit mumbled to pick up. Anyone out there be kind enough to post them on here??? Thanks.
I have tears in my eyes when I see this, as I did when I first this song. I served as a medic in Vietnam at a first aid post. I can relate to this somng. I didn't continue with this career when I returned home. I saw enough in that Theatre. I still love Russell's song. It's close to the truth.
How does Australian music compare? Just magnificent! He's coming to Albury (my local town) later in the year. It will be great to see him in real life for the first time!
Russell Morris possesses one of Australia's most underrated singing voices. Arguably better than more famous contemporaries such as John Farnham, he's always a joy to listen to.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Was Australia involved in the Vietnam War? (I didn't think they were, except maybe for a few U.N. forces -- I thought Vietnam, from my recollection of history, was mainly the U.S. ). So, I'm not sure this song is just about the Vietnam War -- although I'm sure that Australia being close to that part of the world must have seen much of the suffering that War produced a lot closer than much of the rest of the world did.
Wikipedia is your friend: "In total 50,000 Australians—ground troops, air-force and naval personnel—served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1972. 521 died as a result of the war and almost 2,400 were wounded." - My father served there for 18 months.
Your profile says that you're a history major...obviouly not the history of South-East Asia. Vietnam was part of French Indo-China, and gained independence (being divided into two parts) through the Geneva Accords after the battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954. Although the USA did supply the majority of forces in the later Vietnam War, there were also very significant contributions from Australia, New Zealand and other members of SEATO.
I wish Australia hadn't been involved, I just finished a whole assignment on Australia's involvement in Vietnam. In year 10 at my school we do an entire term on the Vietnam conflict as part of a compulsory Australian History course. We had a whole of vets come to speak to us the other day who were all conscripted, in fact my father was nearly conscripted, but they abolished it before he could serve. I understand why many Americans might not know about our involvement.
@geeglebear yes, I remember Rachel by Russell Morris and it was a big hit over here in NZ at the time. Most of the teenagers of my time will have nostalgic memories associated with this song. We were all coming out of our kid years and into mini adults and we had zits and hormones that were distorting our heads but I can probably speak for all when I say we had a great time growing up through the 60s and 70s. I never thought I would ever say " I miss the good old days". But I do.
It's not an Australian tune! It was composed by British composer Raymond Froggatt. First recorded by Russell Morris in London in 1969.
It may have been written about Vietnam. But since the composer wasn't American, he probably wasn't obssessed by that particular conflict, so it could have been about any war, or war in general.
The reference to children having nothing to eat, and the world being too big to fight, suggests to me Biafra.
i was just a young high school kid when this song came out. Being a young male it was not cool to like RM. 40 years later I can say Yes RM I thing your music was/is as good as any. Thanks
I was 9 years old when this song came out and I loved it..but being so young I didn't realize that it was about a nurse coming home from Vietnam. I just thought how nice it was that Rachel was coming home! Great song.
Now THIS is a great song. I've seen Russell sing it in I think it was 2007, however the original way he did it still stands out for me. Have a Happy New Year!
I saw Russell live in early 2008 - he regularly plays with 2 old mates as part of an Ozzi trio- Cotton, Keys and Morris in small Meelbourne venues. They always play Rachel and Real Thing and are as good as ever. Stevoz
loved this song when it came out, love Russ' voice, I was sooo in love with him when i was young, he was very cute back then and his voice was so unique and it had a haunting quality to it. luv ya Russ! even get to see it here in the US,
Imagine, if we stopped fighting during the Second World War and we were then invaded from the north , before the Japanese became more civilised and went on to create a great electronics and automotive industry.
I remember saying to my grandmother at age 15 how I liked this song by Russell Morris, he had released the Real Thing about a year or so earlier and it was already a standard of Australian music. My grandmother on realising the lyrics were about the then war and around that time I lost a cousin to the war, she said we will always have wars and just stopping the fighting wouldn't necessarily make everything right.
this would have to be one of only a handful of songs that brings me to tears, lyrics can really hit close to the bone, thank you russell such a beautiful song
Thanks so much for posting! I saw this clip on ABC in 71 (what was the show? - Host was Geoff someone - glasses, wore a paisley cravat of all things!). I was 8 years old at the time and was blown away by the power and the sentiment of the song. I seem to remember the host saying the song's charactor Rachel, commits suicide - hence: Rachels coming home. Anyway, Russell is truly an Australian treasure. And am heartened by the fact that so many of you guys have such great taste loving Rachel too.
Hi Brettenden. Sorry for the slow reply but i just thought of this song last night. The show was "Hit Scene" and I think it was hosted by Dick Williams. I seem to recall it was shown at 12.30 on a Saturday afternoon, or some strange time time like that. Who would have guessed then that a song like this would still sound so brilliant 35 years plus later. Cheers
I can't watch this video enough. The way he starts of so somber and sad then builds into joy, then those backing vocals! there is a particular individual voice that absolutley soars at 3.55 and 4.07 quite incredible. No doubt this great man had alot to do with the production. I too have seen the 3 including Russell at Crown best concert I have ever seen.
Mddawson, Would love to see a movie made based on this song. I don't know if Russell wrote this song although I have loved it all my life. Amazing lyrics and such a different way of telling the story! The horror of war seen through a womans eyes.
everything that he was singing in 1970 applys today
soldiers are still dying for nothing,for false religions and ideas,we still have blinded eyes,every word of this song is the real thing that is why he did not make to the stardom,they were to scared,coz it was God's message
This bloke is fantastic. Check out Redgum, "only 19" amazing lyrics. Can only imaging that you would have to of gone through it to create such a descriptive song.
Russell Morris was another Aussie artist around late 60's and early 70's, Johnny Young wrote another great song for him "The girl that I love", these two in my opinion are his best two efforts.
Like this song. Had a record of it and boy it got played over and over.....still have it but it's worn and scratched.
Great voice,great singer and one of the good anti-war songs
waihaubay1944 2 weeks ago
hi greetings from aus....yeah i think some kind person uploaded it resently
plutosunshine 2 months ago
Hej plutoaunahine. Thans for the tip. I have head it many times now, I got on you tube
greg anderson- no roses for michael. It is so good. I alwtys love the this song russell morris are singing now. Do you live in australien.
,
janneholdgaard1 2 months ago
One of Australia's finest Anti-War songs.
Thanks Russell, Molly, the string section, and Gough Whitlam who brought Australia home from the false cultural superiorities of Britain.
lonsktube 2 months ago
5 people don't know what real music sounds like. Wonderful song!
sarahms3 2 months ago 2
great song,was 11yrs old when song came out,never seen video clip until now.
garyhammarstrom1 2 months ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Russell Morris
that was Greg Anderson....i cant find it on you tube either
plutosunshine 2 months ago
@plutosunshine :type in no roses for michael greg anderson its on YT -downloaded by dougie john.It was a theme song from a telemovie portraying a young bloke who gets into drugs and goes too far!!
SuperJohnnykay 2 months ago
I are now 58 years old. But i still love his mucis. Ihave lived in Melbourne for 3 years
I was 18 years.
Iwas so must in love with him. But i have not met him himsels.
Iwas to a concerts in 1969. I was so great. I am Denmark. Bye the way there was a nothe song i love at this time. not with russel. But the name of the song was the are no roses for michael. sad song. If anybody knows please write it here.
janneholdgaard1 2 months ago
Heard this on radio this am (2CH) Sydney, just love it!!! brings back something from my memory as a 14yo boy growing up during the Vietnam war and for some reason it brings tears to my eyes. He was a great peformer and a great voice. Wish I could go back to those days life was so much easier in those days
rossj99 3 months ago
@rossj99 i was 13 at the time. I loved his songs. they were all over the radio. i was so against that bloody war. it was unfair that some went and others were lucky (and it was luck) and missed it completely. i was dreading my 18th birthday. i also thought it was unfair that young men in the prime of their life were conscripted but girls weren't...i was right into the idea of equal opportunity back then. this was a top song and brings back memories for sure.
wonderboyjoy 2 months ago
one off the greats
6365blondes 3 months ago
Another old favourite song from those awesome days..long gone..
shayna464 4 months ago
I just cry when I hear this song, with Russell's voice. Its so gentle and powerful at the same time. I don't think this song would be as poignant if Russell hadn't sang it. Beautiful.
wouldntyoulike2know 4 months ago
A GREAT SONG I LOVE IT 40 YEARS ON,IF A WOMAN TELLS ME HER NAME IS RACHAEL I KNOW SHE IS 41,MEET LOTS 41 YR OLD RACHAEJS,JOHN SWANSTON
johndavid12852 5 months ago
I remember this song so well. I was called up for Vietnam in 1970 in the 1st RTR. Ten years later, I had a night time security job at the Richmond (VIC) Housing Commission high rise flats when a former South Vietnamese Army officer went off his head smashing windows with a meat cleaver and cutting himself. The man was so unhappy, his wife and mother were screaming at him. I held a gun to his head to make him stop. He did, but that night, he hanged himself.
brokenscimitar 5 months ago
vietnam where do you think in 1969?
willywilltoo 5 months ago
Grew up with this song - all Russell Morris music is magical and gives goose bumps to many people. He is one of the greatest Australian singers ever. I am glad I had the Aussie privilege of hearing his music throughout my life. From an indigenous Aussie music fanatic.
intotalawe 5 months ago 2
The 'Wall of Sound' was born with this song.. what a sound engineering masterpiece.. an Aussie first in 69 .. Spectre, eat your heart out.
uluru42 5 months ago
this song is so beautiful and russell has such a unique voice. How can you not listen to this and remember it for many years. It played some time around the vietnam war and it was significant to many young folk then. It is very nostalgic that is for sure.
Chuckles123thefish 6 months ago
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Chuckles123thefish 6 months ago
always great to listen to and morris at his absoloute best here with this rendition of the american civil war song ???
willyshagghr 6 months ago
It doesnt matter what war it is. This song is brilliant and Rachel could be from anywhere.
mrsgritoli1 7 months ago 2
love this song, makes me cry every time......Anna-Rose
52AnnaRose 8 months ago 2
I've heard this song a thousand times and love it, an Aussie classic.We all know what the song is about but I've just thought about it in a from a different angle......I'm just gonna throw this out there but maybe Rachel was killed whilst serving,and now shes coming home for burial (?)
MrTarryhoot 8 months ago
@sevenofnineau
I think the song was actually meaning the American Civil War, though obviously was aimed at the Vietnam War. An interesting aside I remember from then - everyone was waiting for the follow up single to 'Part 3 into Paper Walls'. There was a fire at wherever records were made then, all copies of the original 'Rachel' single were destroyed, it was pressed again, with a different 'B' side.
JIMJANUSH 8 months ago
this song got caught up in the radio ban at the time meaning that some songs couldnt be played thats why it wasnt a big hit which it should have been
andrew34430 8 months ago
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MsHillbilly01 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Rachel was coming home from the Crimean War 1853-1856 where she served as a nurse.
Bolt4949 8 months ago
@sevenofnineau
She was coming home from the Crimean War 1853 - 1856 where she was a nurse.
Bolt4949 8 months ago
@Bolt4949 I always thought it was about WW1.
either way,still a evocative song, easy to imagine what shes writing about.
MrTarryhoot 8 months ago
@sevenofnineau
She was coming home from the Crimean War 1853 - 1856
Bolt4949 8 months ago
Remember all those disgusting body bags coming out of Vietnam on TV night after night. US Aus Kiwi soldiers. Well Russell socked it to them. Horrible dreadful war and New Zealand has never gone to another one.
DeeDee1957 9 months ago
R I P Kerry Smith. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
lindylou381 9 months ago
Interesting that although it's about a nurse's experiences in the Vietnam War it's just as poignant today when we think about the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and now Libya.
milesthered 9 months ago
Beautiful ;o)
Narindude 9 months ago
A beautiful artist, thank you Russell
MsLucy2012 10 months ago
@sevenofnineau She's been a nurse in the war...
goodnews150 10 months ago
@sevenofnineau She's coming home from a nursing stint in the Vietnam war...
goodnews150 10 months ago
@sevenofnineau She's been a nurse in the war.
goodnews150 10 months ago
@sevenofnineau She's been a nurse in the war...and she's had enough.
goodnews150 10 months ago
I fucked Rachel.
brokenscimitar 1 year ago
My Mum named me after this song...it came on the radio in the hospital and she loved it!!
pepperwonni 1 year ago
Great song.....What a time for Aussie music & songwriters.
mrsgritoli1 1 year ago
Very apt today this song,why do our so called educated countries never learn from the past.
Vietnam it was communism,now its fucking rag heads,who we grovel around to trade with.
geofflovett 1 year ago
@sevenofnineau the way I understand it Rachel was a nurse in Vietman when in 1970 the war was going on and this song was on the charts.
bigbirdandsnuffyfan 1 year ago
And my daughter Rachel is coming home after 1 yr bumming round Europe..:) for a month then off to Canada to bum around there... Oh to be 22 again
pkristen100 1 year ago
I love this song, my parents used to play it to me when i was young... its just beautiful.
jessjasonlives 1 year ago
This song stirs me. Too bad John Howard got us into an illegal war in Iraq. The Liberals will never learn - war mongering is in their blood - and the dogs of war have escaped retribution. It is about time the sycophant politicians sent their own kids into battle first before sacrificing our best to their idioticy. Grandstanding politicians should be banned at digger's funerals. Politicians should simply stay away and shut the fuck up.
creativeengineer 1 year ago
@creativeengineer
Let me guess. You were drunk when you wrote this.
brokenscimitar 1 year ago
@creativeenginee MULL UP, CHILL THE FUCK OUT MAN......SHHEEEESH !
MrTarryhoot 8 months ago
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creativeengineer 1 year ago
this is such a beautiful song, why cant they make music this this anymore.
Russell is the best, sings today better than in the 70's. love him heaps!!
GinaAlwaysHappy 1 year ago
He was really popular in New Zealand. When I moved to Oz in '79, I couldn't understand why he got so little airplay and I hardly ever saw him on Australian TV. In my mind he was/is Australia's best. Very underrated in his own country.
RebtWill 1 year ago
Another of Russell's Australian classics!! Seen him touring about 5 - 6 times over the past 10 years in South Australia with Jimmy Keayes, Brian Cadd, Darryl Cotton and Ronnie Burns as well as his own group. He is ageless - glad he lost his hat though
VirgoDan1 1 year ago
war has always sucked....no different today....the wrong people pay the price
Bless those in places of conflict
TomGilfillan69 1 year ago
@TomGilfillan69 so true my friend
greydog55 1 year ago
thats just a lil part of this great bloke whos voice is unique just like elvis was but this guy is aust owned and has the runs on the board as a bloke of the bush i do love ya rus you bloody legend keep on keeping on. peter from echuca
bushiepete 1 year ago
Most definitely one of his best!
marish38 1 year ago
One of Russell's very best!
marish38 1 year ago
Wonderful record, thanks for posting this gem....
atlantic1952 1 year ago
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I see Russell Morris on Saturday 21/2010 ... I've loved this man for nearly 40 years and Saturday will be a dream come true... luv him
midnitekisss 1 year ago
I see Russell Morris on Saturday 21/2010 ... I've loved this man for nearly 40 years and Saturday will be a dream come true... luv him
midnitekisss 1 year ago
I see Russell Morris on Saturday 21/2010 ... I've love this man for nearly 40 years and Saturday will be a dream come true... luv him
midnitekisss 1 year ago
I love, love, love this song so much. Love his voice too.
edamse 1 year ago
One Of The Best Songs Out Of AUSTRALIA
philkellett1 1 year ago
To our friend ALISTER Hunter. His fave song. FLY FREE
lindylou381 1 year ago
fantastic voice and song, love Russell
bluerok1 1 year ago
A sad song but a great one too
wekakiwi 1 year ago
This takes me back to listening to the New Zealand top 20 in the halcyon days of my early teens. I thought at the time Russell Morris had 'something' and whatever that 'something' was lifted him above all others (The first single I bought was by Russell Morris.)
Now some forty years later (with a degree in music) listening to this, and other of Russell's songs, I am transported back to the sweet days of my youth - music and memory. oh how I long for those days of yore
My instincts were spot on.
Sloppyff 1 year ago
We had a daughter called racheal and unfortunately we lost her at 29 days old. That was 1981 but every time I hear this song it reminds me of her.
JemMackie 1 year ago
ah, at having send a letter to Obama also shared in a blog on @ hamoncan on myspace.. the comment shared this song . .and like any kid, its a playing and playing and playing as soon as I realize its quiet again
HamOnCan 1 year ago
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MyYellowDoor 1 year ago
a gtreat tribute to nurses in vietnam&other conflicts where they saw our servicemen and women go through hell
mrsgritoli1 1 year ago
This song always gives me goosebumps. It was so relevant for its time but even now. Especially now my daughter is a nurse too. I hope she never has to face a war. She is much like the girl in this song.Gentle and peaceful.
MrAussierocker 1 year ago
One of the true classics of all time. No wonder the boys in the Nam loved him at the time!!!
RodgerRodgerson1 1 year ago
There is no better artist to sing this beautiful ballad than Russell Morris,well done Russell,well done,you are a living legend.
MrAvalonman 1 year ago
just how good was/is Russell Morris? I've rediscovered him in my 50's, almost 40 years after this song was produced and now i realise this guy is an Aussie icon. I listen to his music regularly; it moves me to the core
nzmagpie1 1 year ago
I'm named after this song! Still gives me goose bumps!
carps08 1 year ago
War in general but the Vietnam War specifically.
mddawson1 1 year ago
Saw him in Wellington NZ in 1971 when he opened for the Bee Gees - what a night! He has a beautiful voice. Haven''t seen him since so nice he's still going as good as ever!!
kiwisheila 1 year ago
I saw him last night performing with Jim Keays from The Masters and Darryl Cotton formerly of The Zoot. Russell's voice was incredible - EXACTLY as it is here in 1970!
futurenow71 1 year ago
Saw him not long ago live at the Yaraville club Melbourne. Bloody Fantastic as ever
uggy1951 2 years ago
I'm a kiwi who absolutley loves Russell Morris, this song, The real thing and wings of an angel, have seen him live last year and he was fantastic!!
SuperQuentin44 2 years ago
what a great song in my top 100 Australian all time songs
SaintTony1968 2 years ago 2
yep no other words needed. It was yep back then and still is yep now.
dingodancer 2 years ago
Beautiful, beautiful song which almost brings me to tears when I hear him sing it (luckily have seen Russell do this at least 6 times). To this day (2009) Russell sings the song just like in 1969; his voice is still superb and his singing skills are way beyond my ability to critique. Glorious
MrGMmusic 2 years ago 12
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@MrGMmusic
I fucked Rachel.
brokenscimitar 1 year ago
Petero108 2 years ago 7
I got that wrong didn't I? Shouldn't drink so much aussie beer! Anyway I meant anti-war song from the Vietnam era and very powerful message for my gen
xmakara 2 years ago
Amazing voice and a favourite from the anti-vietnam war for me. The sentiment still holds true !
xmakara 2 years ago
how do you get the lyrics to these songs the video was fantastic
sunnisuzi1955 2 years ago
hi sunnisuzi1955. I have the lyrics. I'll post them here if you like.
Petero108 2 years ago
oh yes please petero108. do post the lyrics. i've been after the words for ages. thanks in advance.
allmicatz 2 years ago
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Petero108 2 years ago
Comment removed
Petero108 2 years ago
Petero108 2 years ago 3
thank you very much petero108. you're just too much!
allmicatz 2 years ago
Chorus
So Rachels coming home,
Rachels coming home,
And I dont think shell go away again
Rachels seen the light,
The worlds too big to fight
And I dont think shell go away again
Rachels coming home,
Rachels coming home,
And I dont think shell go away again
Petero108 2 years ago 3
Petero108 2 years ago 3
memories !
fjbutch 2 years ago
I had this song for a few years now and still play it now and again. But what I really want is the lyrics to this song. I tried to hear and write down the words but some of it is a bit mumbled to pick up. Anyone out there be kind enough to post them on here??? Thanks.
allmicatz 2 years ago
I've always loved this song since an old guy I used to work with would sing it to me each time he saw me. Bless him.
pabloatpethig 2 years ago
I have tears in my eyes when I see this, as I did when I first this song. I served as a medic in Vietnam at a first aid post. I can relate to this somng. I didn't continue with this career when I returned home. I saw enough in that Theatre. I still love Russell's song. It's close to the truth.
Petero108 2 years ago
Another classic that I just love but we seldom hear
samantha49025 2 years ago 2
Great song - Russell Morris very underatted. Big in New Zealand in 1970
nivlek010 2 years ago
How does Australian music compare? Just magnificent! He's coming to Albury (my local town) later in the year. It will be great to see him in real life for the first time!
cranmeyer 2 years ago
Great song, lots of meaning for us guys of the Vietnam era.
Love to know who wrote it
rickym49 2 years ago
Raymond Froggart wrote it.
mddawson1 2 years ago
Thanks for that
rickym49 2 years ago
Yes, what a sad song about the futility and tragedy of war. Some of the best music of the 70s.
nzmedic 2 years ago
what a perfect performance.
kandyrocker 2 years ago
Talk about goose bumps,,,,,,still, my daughter is called Rachel, and she's about to come home. still my favorite song, if you need a cry
1957Jen 2 years ago
Russell Morris possesses one of Australia's most underrated singing voices. Arguably better than more famous contemporaries such as John Farnham, he's always a joy to listen to.
salus1 2 years ago
This was probably written as a protest against the Vietnam war, but it is really timeless and relevant to the futility of all wars.
dynasue77 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Was Australia involved in the Vietnam War? (I didn't think they were, except maybe for a few U.N. forces -- I thought Vietnam, from my recollection of history, was mainly the U.S. ). So, I'm not sure this song is just about the Vietnam War -- although I'm sure that Australia being close to that part of the world must have seen much of the suffering that War produced a lot closer than much of the rest of the world did.
Wellveryinteresting 2 years ago
Wikipedia is your friend: "In total 50,000 Australians—ground troops, air-force and naval personnel—served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1972. 521 died as a result of the war and almost 2,400 were wounded." - My father served there for 18 months.
mddawson1 2 years ago 4
Your profile says that you're a history major...obviouly not the history of South-East Asia. Vietnam was part of French Indo-China, and gained independence (being divided into two parts) through the Geneva Accords after the battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954. Although the USA did supply the majority of forces in the later Vietnam War, there were also very significant contributions from Australia, New Zealand and other members of SEATO.
crikkitnz 2 years ago 2
How is life on Mars?????
mrgmcnulty 2 years ago
F- wit, I'm now almost 50 years old and I lost my uncle Ray in the Vietnam war. I'll aways remember a care free young bloke with a heart of gold
marnkate 2 years ago
@Wellveryinteresting
I wish Australia hadn't been involved, I just finished a whole assignment on Australia's involvement in Vietnam. In year 10 at my school we do an entire term on the Vietnam conflict as part of a compulsory Australian History course. We had a whole of vets come to speak to us the other day who were all conscripted, in fact my father was nearly conscripted, but they abolished it before he could serve. I understand why many Americans might not know about our involvement.
MyYellowDoor 1 year ago
@Wellveryinteresting Yeah Aussie and New Zealand were. Even though he was an Australian singer, this was a much bigger hit in NZ
geeglebear 1 year ago
@geeglebear yes, I remember Rachel by Russell Morris and it was a big hit over here in NZ at the time. Most of the teenagers of my time will have nostalgic memories associated with this song. We were all coming out of our kid years and into mini adults and we had zits and hormones that were distorting our heads but I can probably speak for all when I say we had a great time growing up through the 60s and 70s. I never thought I would ever say " I miss the good old days". But I do.
Chuckles123thefish 1 year ago
Excellent! Thanks.
SounzNice 2 years ago 2
Classic.
Never seen the vid to this B4.
TJNthevisitor 2 years ago
A beautiful song .
baicoomuz 2 years ago 3
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janneholdgaard 2 years ago
my favourite australian tune lindsay evans hamilton nz
ndhan72 2 years ago
It's not an Australian tune! It was composed by British composer Raymond Froggatt. First recorded by Russell Morris in London in 1969.
It may have been written about Vietnam. But since the composer wasn't American, he probably wasn't obssessed by that particular conflict, so it could have been about any war, or war in general.
The reference to children having nothing to eat, and the world being too big to fight, suggests to me Biafra.
royalcourtier 2 years ago
Comment removed
janneholdgaard 2 years ago
war suxs
hotkombi1956 2 years ago
what a gr8 song - did he write this one? thanks
ilsy74 2 years ago
It was written by Raymond Froggart.
mddawson1 2 years ago
A timeless classic - he has such a great voice
wekakiwi 2 years ago
Great song Russell I never get tired of hearing this one
howbetty22 2 years ago 2
me neither. It's definitely in my time top ten all time favs
1970groupie 2 years ago
i was just a young high school kid when this song came out. Being a young male it was not cool to like RM. 40 years later I can say Yes RM I thing your music was/is as good as any. Thanks
hblewitt 3 years ago 2
I was 9 years old when this song came out and I loved it..but being so young I didn't realize that it was about a nurse coming home from Vietnam. I just thought how nice it was that Rachel was coming home! Great song.
pudster456 3 years ago
Now THIS is a great song. I've seen Russell sing it in I think it was 2007, however the original way he did it still stands out for me. Have a Happy New Year!
Thomas5880 3 years ago
Thanks for adding this song, I just love it!!
madchelle 3 years ago
Brilliant....goose bumps stuff!
Gustodian 3 years ago
Check out John Schuman's version on his 2008 CD,,,Behind the Lines,,,
He's none a great job of it,,,and many other Aussie war songs
TARBABY71 3 years ago
this song was written by raymond froggat who had a hit in 1968 with the song called callow la vita
lake40 3 years ago
thats right,,,John Schumann covered it this year,,,did a gret job. Thats all I was saying
TARBABY71 3 years ago
SOOOOOOOO,,,who has listened to the John Schumann version,,,, Its been a month,,,????
TARBABY71 3 years ago
Cant discount the originals,,,but listening to Schuman again now,,,and its Great
TARBABY71 3 years ago
thanks for posting i love this aussie mucic thanks to garyco for sharing
SLUMBERS2 3 years ago
I like this song every bit as much now as when i was a kid! Go Russell!!
lilynick1 3 years ago
I saw Russell live in early 2008 - he regularly plays with 2 old mates as part of an Ozzi trio- Cotton, Keys and Morris in small Meelbourne venues. They always play Rachel and Real Thing and are as good as ever. Stevoz
linkyndzelda 3 years ago
loved this song when it came out, love Russ' voice, I was sooo in love with him when i was young, he was very cute back then and his voice was so unique and it had a haunting quality to it. luv ya Russ! even get to see it here in the US,
tuabya 3 years ago
a true classic. Great song
tommyau2006 3 years ago
Nice one, Russell.
The Mellotron rocks!!
RettroDood 3 years ago
thanks to sunsets 1970 for sharing
timnlol 3 years ago
Looking back 35 years, she probably had a point.
Imagine, if we stopped fighting during the Second World War and we were then invaded from the north , before the Japanese became more civilised and went on to create a great electronics and automotive industry.
Mike
Themikanic 3 years ago
The Vietnam war was such a divisive issue.
I remember saying to my grandmother at age 15 how I liked this song by Russell Morris, he had released the Real Thing about a year or so earlier and it was already a standard of Australian music. My grandmother on realising the lyrics were about the then war and around that time I lost a cousin to the war, she said we will always have wars and just stopping the fighting wouldn't necessarily make everything right.
Themikanic 3 years ago
Go see Russell live next chance to get, he'll probably do this song. His voice is better than it was some 30 + years ago. A genius!!
RustedNuts2 3 years ago
isn't "Rachael" the real name ?
tatamute 3 years ago
this would have to be one of only a handful of songs that brings me to tears, lyrics can really hit close to the bone, thank you russell such a beautiful song
novalee66 3 years ago
Thanks so much for posting! I saw this clip on ABC in 71 (what was the show? - Host was Geoff someone - glasses, wore a paisley cravat of all things!). I was 8 years old at the time and was blown away by the power and the sentiment of the song. I seem to remember the host saying the song's charactor Rachel, commits suicide - hence: Rachels coming home. Anyway, Russell is truly an Australian treasure. And am heartened by the fact that so many of you guys have such great taste loving Rachel too.
bretteden 3 years ago 2
Hi Brettenden. Sorry for the slow reply but i just thought of this song last night. The show was "Hit Scene" and I think it was hosted by Dick Williams. I seem to recall it was shown at 12.30 on a Saturday afternoon, or some strange time time like that. Who would have guessed then that a song like this would still sound so brilliant 35 years plus later. Cheers
shambolic 3 years ago
I can't watch this video enough. The way he starts of so somber and sad then builds into joy, then those backing vocals! there is a particular individual voice that absolutley soars at 3.55 and 4.07 quite incredible. No doubt this great man had alot to do with the production. I too have seen the 3 including Russell at Crown best concert I have ever seen.
alexshehol 3 years ago
If Russell Morris was a Yank, there would have been 10 million hits on this video!
alexshehol 3 years ago 2
Only if he was a talentless plastic bint with a larger bust size than IQ.
mddawson1 3 years ago
Mddawson, Would love to see a movie made based on this song. I don't know if Russell wrote this song although I have loved it all my life. Amazing lyrics and such a different way of telling the story! The horror of war seen through a womans eyes.
alexshehol 3 years ago
Great songs like this one make memories extra sweet
1970groupie 4 years ago
One of my big favs! Great production.
1970groupie 4 years ago
Love the video of it .....Didn't know there was one to that song
wenzxx 4 years ago
ONE HELL OF A SONG
wenzxx 4 years ago
Nice song but sad though
wenzxx 4 years ago
everything that he was singing in 1970 applys today
soldiers are still dying for nothing,for false religions and ideas,we still have blinded eyes,every word of this song is the real thing that is why he did not make to the stardom,they were to scared,coz it was God's message
artofsurvive 4 years ago
this guy is fantasticly awesome,I am stunned
i have been missing a lot in life
"soldiers laying on the floor --dead Rachel is coming home"
FREAKING awesome
artofsurvive 4 years ago
This bloke is fantastic. Check out Redgum, "only 19" amazing lyrics. Can only imaging that you would have to of gone through it to create such a descriptive song.
alexshehol 3 years ago
Another excellent Aussie anti-war song is 'The Band Played Waltzing Matilda' by Eric Bogle - you can find a few homemade clips on YouTube.
mddawson1 3 years ago
too flowery
matthew871 4 years ago
Can anyone tell me who wrote this song?
radic888 4 years ago
It was written by Raymond Froggart.
mddawson1 4 years ago
Greatest singer we have produced, by far.
hirdy6 4 years ago
Check out the channel 'peterdonelly' - he has some excellrnt recent live clips of Russell & other great Aussie bands.
mddawson1 4 years ago
Russell Morris was another Aussie artist around late 60's and early 70's, Johnny Young wrote another great song for him "The girl that I love", these two in my opinion are his best two efforts.
alenara33 4 years ago
One of the best ant-war songs ever. Can feel the devastation of a lovely young woman by the way Russell sings the song. Thanks Russell.......