Don Mclean - Castles In The Air

[JayAdlerComment]

I remember Don on the Clearwater in the days when the shad jumped over the herring in the Hudson River way up, clean water. Of course his mentor was Pete Seeger. Those were the days of the folkies' Don McClean started as a journeyman and wound up with America's monster hit Bye Bye American Pie.

[Louszem]

Foda *-*

[2008Sameoldfitup]

great

[twj1996]

How can words express the feel of sunlight in the morning

[intraining01]

I want the WORLD TO SHARE.

[intraining01]

if you TELL it to her PLAIN.

[intraining01]

Perhaps she'l understand... IF you tell it TO HER SRAIGHT.

Hills of FOREST GREEN... where the mountains TOUCH the SKY.

A dream COME TRUE. I'll LIVE there till I die. I'm askin you . To say my LAST GOODBYE.

The LOVE we KNEW AIN"T worth another TRY.

[bassman1122]

His lyrics are so amazing. Very intelligent.

[brelfan]

Of the best lyracists in the English language, he had the most melodic voice. Jacques Brel's was as lovely, though.

[catmoondaddy]

Incredible! I saw Don in 1985 in concert. That night, my second daughter was conceived.

[airkooled05]

i am afraid i cannot say it any better than the previous post . where are these artists today ?

[SonoraDick]

Just saw Don in concert last night. Great show but so disappointed he didn't play this song.

[chalmacu]

when was this taped cause he may look old (i know it's because he's old) but he sounds better

[mcdavey105]

He sounds better than ever...I love this song.  Thanks for posting!

[omanambassador]

quite moving.



[royronrab]

But how can words express the feel of sunlight in the morning,

In the hills, away from city strife.

Hills of forest green where the mountains touch the sky,

A dream come true, I’ll live there till I die...............This is what i dreamed of. HuH!

[emofolkie]

This slower version is truly fine but I prefer the fast original where Don sounds so young and in a hurry to leave a girl and city behind. It's that 2nd video in the upper right here which starts with Don talking to kids.

[jusaverage]

for the love of god does anyone have a copy of this i can have simply amazing

[LakridsPastillen89]

@jusaverage Download "Vdownloader" and then you mark Youtubes url and plot it in the search bar in Vdownloader.. Download in mp3 file. :)

[2008Sameoldfitup]

rw

[thenickmathers]

That is, quite simply, a super song. Where do you find stuff of that quality and depth now?

[hanuman16]

I loved Dn McLean with a passion....but I wonder if his cynicism didn't do him in, in a sense...

[emofolkie]

@hanuman16 If his cynicism prevented him enjoying great stardom but helped him write and sing beautiful songs like this then it's a good thing.

[realdocphil]

Ditto with ReallyRolly, couldnt of said it better..They'll never be another time!

[akrampl1]

Mehr Luftschlösser braucht das Land

[RainbowBrite80]

I just heard this song about half an hour ago driving home from work and have completely fallen in-love. One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.

[1960sgirl1]

i don't like getting old

my "shell" is wearing out

[fakessmile]

Old or not, I'm glad you're still alive Don

[TheJc47]

People are really not capable of looking at what is beautiful. They barely caught John Denver and no one ever got Harry Chapin. Lucky that we did

[handymandan100]

this song gives me chills. So beautiful!

[ml17761976]

what an immortlly beautifull voice and clear expression of emotion and reflection...awesome!!!...time­less!!!

[1960sgirl1]

how did he get so OLD?

[MrUnidyne]

@1960sgirl1 How did he get so old? By not dying.

[bronxboy1952]

@1960sgirl1 Looking old and feeling old are two entirely different concepts. He looks old because he is 64 years young. He sounds like he is still 25. I have been following him since 1971. Haven't missed one of his concerts when they are wihtin 500 miles of where I live (whether it was back in NY or down here in Florida). He is, as other posters have indicated, an immortal being of talent.

[TheMotiveMedia]

R.I.P. . . Naw just kidding! hahaha keep it up Donny Boy!!!

[DeutschkursUP]

great

[bosszeroboss]

The voice sounds good, but Don looks terrible.

Too many burgers and not enough exercising.

*shrug*

[ElijahsSpirit]

Don , You've still got IT. ty so much for your wonderful music. I like you from generations that music really spoke from the heart. God Bless.

[aubie0071971]

absolutely lovely. where's all our song writers now?

[OneLaBonBon]

This is my favorite song of all time. Still beautiful. Great music stands the test of time.

[iworkforme]

id take a country girl any day.

[2008Sameoldfitup]

roy west

[reallyrolly]

beautiful performance by a great poet and artist. His songs are still classics after 40 years. I grew up with his music, and until today he inspires still. What a wonderfully gifted man. I loved him as a kid, and I still love him today. Bless you Don. You are truly a special talent

[shittxu]

tracy chapman and don mclean are what we called artist.. they create such masterpieces that captures the emotions in our hearts

[jaydeen45cal]

He was one of the greatest musicians to have walked the earth. Love you Don

[TheRealMichaelWayson]

I wish I could grow up with the music from this era. Don McLean is one of many artists who's music is so inspirational and touching. There is only one Don McLean and he is amazing :)

[davetay]

wow sounds like 3 guitars

[satterk1]

Masterly, absolute masterly.

[loveoffamily]

Wow, this song has such a beautiful meaning! I love the lyrics so much :) and the quitar is amazing, such a dynamic play...

[yesitsme9]

Awesome! How come they don't make great music like this anymore? A shame. 

[Roger7739]

He's up there with Dylan ... great songs about life and great voice and fingerpicking par excellence as Clapton once stated.

[52hogan]

Nuthing but class here............

[TheGMCforever]

How good is that.....!!!

[2008Sameoldfitup]

GREAT

[frenchpoulet]

Still singing. Good for us.

[lilbitcurious]

love this song, i will never get tired of hearing it. Don still has a great voice.

[annangalashy]

after listening to Don Mclean's music for 4 decades, I finally met him upclose when he performed in the Philippines last march 2. this will remain in my memory forever...another item scrapped from my bucket list

[yhpap2]

Hats off! i'm 45 years old now and been listening to his music since i was 6yrs old. I still like the man...whoah!!! Thanks for your music Don!

[centervilletn]

im sitting here with my 9 yr old son who asked to hear this song...it makes me happy that he will carry this song to his children someday...

[MsPennyDrop]

Don McLean has class and guts ... :)

[Pein0666]

"Do not worry if you have built your castles in the air. They are where they should be. Now put the foundations under them."

-Henry David Thoreau

[VIRIATO1942]

Unforgetable song. One of Don's most romantic songs. Such poetic lyrics. I love this song.

[mrblue2011]

17 dislikes....must be on drugs and need acid Rock

[celticcanoe]

He actually loks like Van Morrison!

[DAVEY500MUSIC]

anybody know the make of guitar don is playing tks dave

[WinifredCat]

It's awfully good to see the artist not so hot, real, more alive, not young, but as he was/is!!!

[valdawno]

I'll be at his concert in Adelaide in South Australia in 10 days time , can't wait . I hope  that that he still has it ..... I've been a lover of his music since (forever).

[STRUMMERBOY1975]

Alway`s great at any age...:)

[sthnwatch]

He never seems to start well but once he gets going he's just excellent. I gotta say I'm not impressed with this performance. He's way better than this and he's not doing himself justice here.

[Goldcoast4211]

Brilliant nothing more to say, just Brilliant

[artkent]

I think he looks and sounds great. I remember when he first appeared and I'm amazed he still has so much to give. Such an amazing talent.

[dylan3657]

happy new Era don from the anti war movement in ireland

[Jamie10014]

I love Don McLean, but it is painful to hear this compared to the original recording. He can't hit the notes. And at 65 (not sure when this was taped), few singers can. It's not kind to post videos of my hero in his latter years.

Thanks Don for American Pie, Vincent, and many classics.

[richard57watson]

@Jamie10014 That is what life is Jamie...old age... he can hold his own quite well.

[Jamie10014]

@richard57watson I disagree for the reasons I stated. He can't hit the notes and is almost talking through the song. Don't get me wrong - I am a huge fan of his early work and I regard it as classic. Surely he has enough money not to need to perform anymore. Why destroy his own legacy by getting taped doing this sub-par version of one of his best songs? I know all about old age (65 is not old age these days), and I don't try to kid myself I am 20 anymore. Peace.

[Jamie10014]

@richard57watson A singer/songwriter this original and talented should just protect his legacy rather than talking through songs he can no longer sing. Also, I don't think 65 is old age. I'm a big fan of McLean's. I hate to see videos like these. Go out on a good note is particularly good advice for singers.

[4everUnplugged]

Thanks Don for generations of good song writing!

[trowel1one]

A fabulous song from a huge talent. an all time great.

[defusious]

I was enchanted to meet you Don.

[prrolg]

The guitar is enchanting in and of itself but the vocals here are so fine. Awesome.

[crmaiden]

lives in sedgfield outside sunderland

[BenandJerryRig]

Hmmm......still singing great, but never thought I'd see a double chin on Don.

[cloudywoods]

rougeFS said it best - just achingly beautiful . . .

[carpinter33]

17 people should check their shrinks they are not well on their minds.

[Arizore]

Don, Thanks for making music that makes me pause and listen to the words and the melody. You are the King!

[elvisbycarlos]

You are great, Don!!!!!!

[jaysojay72]

Don died just after Princess Diana, didn't he?

[Gee40areretarded]

@jaysojay72 he is still alive...turned 65 in october.

[rafhenlow]

He actually recorded both this slower version & the 'hit' version in the same period. I think one was for the single, the other for the album. Both are equally brilliant.

[Gee40areretarded]

If I was to host a famous persons dinner, Don would be a definate guest...!!!

[fatpluswide]

don performed live in hong kong sometime in the 70s when i was a small child & didn't have money to buy myself a ticket. now i'm a working guy but he has never graced fans here with another concert again.

[217jmw]

Surely the world can produce another Artist to take over the mantle from this Genius!

[willylang]

This is the best "apres love" song I have ever heard.

[McCartanTransport]

Played this at my wedding in '07

[sheesta1]

Saw him in concert here in KC a few years ago, older like me, but still a great singer!

[chibinski]

i always remember when i first heard this by mclean---i was driving to montreal from lake placid (going to dorval)---middle of the night. great music.

[deboned]

he is really great!

[allourdogs]

Just as beautiful as the first version..gentle, understanding. doesn't matter if the snow is on the roof the genius is still there.

I just adore his music.

Thankyou Don.

[willcta1]

Absolutely brilliant, what an amazing singer Don really is, always a pleasure

[sghtes]

fantastic version! WOw just totally mellows one out listening to it. very peaceful and lovely song!

[thekingbeyondthegate]

Cool :)

[aklanpinoy1l]

used to play this cd over and over and over in my car full blast. just a beautiful song! and the bridge where the lyrics goes, "Save me from all the trouble and the pain. I know I'm weak, but I can't face that girl again......etc." that, did it for me! thank you, don mclean! and thank You for posting this gem of a song! classic!

[TheBlackWhirlwind]

Great musician, just discovered more of his discography. Very dreamy, sombre, and relaxing song.

[alfreddunn03]

This song really" touches my soul"

[SuperWillham]

Why this record only got to number 36 in 1983 is a mystery to me. As far as i am concerned it was either grossly underrated or it was not played enough ,as i myself only herd it once and that was enough for me to buy it. Still just just my opinion, THANKS

[CounterCultureLives]

@SuperWillham The fact that it made #38 back in 1983 is rather unusual, considering that it was a very big hit back in 1972.

[ssricar]

o tempo passou, mnas a voz e o talento ao violão continuam os mesmos. Lindooo!

[atw58]

Marvelous and tender at the same time. Don has a hauntingness in lyrics and voice.

One definition of "genius" is a person who is ultra sensitive that feels everything. This is Don.

[FuckTheCitizens]

The castle that i face is not infront of me, but it's within me. and so i face it alone.

[ShiunChan]

love you , Don

[relimes]

Why is his hair gray now?????

[MrDannicki]

Just fabulous. Don is a legend.

[sv0701]

I love your song. lesson and like to go to country

[PB111627]

Don Mclean is one America's iconic singers. He has true genius and I hope he lives to be a hundred because the world will always need Don Mclean's especially since America has lost its revolutionary zeal. The songs of Mclean represent what is best about American. Wall Street has sullied and killed the reputation of America. He also gets my vote for best male voice!

[Gatekpoin]

Great performer purely living legend,as always he composed a real song and his own kind of music and all shown in his feeling,Keep it up Daddy,you are Loved and Adored.by so many of us who loves all your songs and your music.I love you.

[kiwimac]

Looking for Don's 'Chain Lightening' is there a copy on here anywhere>

[faustus999]

quite simply a sublime piece of music by a fantasticaly under-rated singer song-writer. he still sounds so good.....

[MrEnrike888]

Great music he does!

[jnmklo9]

Don's voice is like an instrument, what a legend - great composer too,

[zyxquark]

Good lord, what a talent.

[jnmklo9]

Son looks well, sings well, plays well and by golly it does you good to listen to him.

[nztulip123]

Magic!

[Gee40areretarded]

Still sounds like Don....

The "timber in his voice" is so perfectly developed by time and experience its like the difference of walking up and old mahogony staircase that has been there for 100 years...to a brand new pine staircase.

Not saying you are 100 years old Don...LOL

[jfq722]

@Gee40areretarded Its true. I'm reminded of Ringo Starr's comment when the 3 recorded a song in 1995: 'It sounds like the bloody Beatles!'

[Gee40areretarded]

@jfq722 very true...great comment.!

[gotchabye]

I will never forget my great legend Don Mclean for the rest of my life. His song is with my family since my grade school days.

[VIRIATO1942]

Don you are Awsome !

So many years later this most beautiful and sad song still touches my heart !

It still makes me feel like leaving the city and heading for the country.

To where life is simpler, unsophisticated and hopefully happier !

[Jeniwren59]

This is one of the few performers I ever bothered to see live. Years later and I still see it as a highlight of my life. This is one of my favourites - thank you Don Mclean :)

[SugarCrisp11]

I've loved him since I was about 11. I was pretty sure I was going to marry him someday. ;)

Still love him, his voice, his music. I love you Don McLean!

[passionfruitsponge]

Proof that some things just get better over time!

[dropover]

Beautiful. Complete independence between voice and guitar with a beautiful conversational style. Voice lagging behind guitar sounds like it is riding freely inconstrained by the rhythm of the guitar. Just a masterpiece.

[tmac1945]

Great voice, great guitar, great song! Pure pleasure!

[brink1000]

One of the truly GREAT and nearly forgotten songwriters.

[TheBpoolbry]

god , love you don , the best , take care from the uk xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[rockshow21]

What a beautiful song.

Don Mclean wrote some songs of the caliber of the greats (Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan)

[NancyAVG]

Im going to hear Don in Perth tonight Cant wait he is fabulous

[The78s]

@NancyAVG Lucky you! I'm so jealous! Hope you have a great time! x

[lnapier100]

Should have said can no longer sing. No one deserved to be in the concert, no one deserves that amount on punishment.

[lnapier100]

Just been to see him concert, walked out after 15 minutes, the man can no longer sing, looks bored to tears as did the rest of his band, in the words of Johnny Rotten, "ever felt you've been cheated." These dinosaurs should stop stealing from the public,

[Claire1Rogers]

@lnapier100 lol...cant sing? haha i think u deserved not to be in concert anyway :)

[Bombeni]

@lnapier100 Why did he walk out? I saw him but it was about 15 years ago and lemme tell you, he wowed that audience like they had never been before. It was one of the most memorable concerts of my life and I've been to a lot of them.

[Bombeni]

@lnapier100 oops i think you meany you walked out not don

[EriktheNog]

Beautifull song - Don McLean you are a class act.

[xxnoangelxx]

Now this is song writer, an illustrator, an artist, TY Don Mclean.

[sheri59]

Lovely. Thank you for this. What a truly amazing song and artist.

[marg52too]

this song of his is my favorite song in all the world. just as centervillen said is so true.

[hiddenrocker11]

blueyes here not really facinated by the guy i don't know why to me it's to kareoke

[retroguitars]

Perfect and better with age...

[rougeFS]

Been playing this video over and over again. Achingly beautiful.

[reggiedid]

@rougeFS  I play ALL his music over and over and over.There's only ONE Don McLean!

[rougeFS]

@reggiedid Agreed

[trizzo5]

beautiful, what a musician

[MultiMaestro]

Don Maclean....thanks for this gift...

[Magrat67]

What a fabulous voice he has. Thanks for posting this.

[aleixoaguas]

The Simplicity is beautiful!

[funnyking95]

His great ( - =

[montypython11111]

thats don maclean you fuckhead

[stevenorway]

he is looking pretty fucked up but he totally had it in his day

[nerdflanders8710]

absolutely. he has an amazing voice.little wonder roberta lack sang that song about him. was it a burt bacharach tune.?

[Dreadmore]

some day youll be there

[finch6789]

@stevenorway it's that crappy and annoying thing called "aging". But his voice is still fantastic, yes?

[emeraldelvis]

I LOVE THIS AND I LOVE DON, please come back to Ireland Don, this version takes me in, its like he is singing about a lover he once knew who tried to control him maybe?? and now that he is older and wiser and secure he is just amusing himself with the song, i think its beautiful, like we are invisible witnesses as he sings on his own. forever Don

[Roger7739]

This is great and if you get the double live album 'Solo' there is a great version on there which runs straight into 'Three Flights' The fingerpicking is top class .. I think this one was from the first album 'Tapestry' the title song of which was the one that apparently launched GreenPeace movement and was about Man and the enviroment. A folk genius.

[jfq722]

yep. "on the first floor..." If you know solo then you know Don Mclean ;)

[ohmissladymam]

I like him OLDER & more mature & very much a man.

Woo Hoo from Kansas

[ifermon2]

Magnifique version . .. La lassitude physique de Don , la voix plus grave , l'enregistrement dans l'intimité rend la chanson encore plus intense. Merci...

[tmac1945]

Comment beau!

Both the song and your language.

[JessieSoul]

@ifermon2

Totalement d'accord! Tout cela rend la chanson encore plus belle...

[littletimmyeggfart]

wonderful.............

[landrykkb]

I seen Don McLean here at the Calgary Folk Festival 3 years ago.He put on a great show!This is a very poignant song!!

[jimmyratz]

This song has such beautiful melody and meaning. I love it!

[noaofir]

And I love you Dviv....

[daylightghost2009]

i really admire this man, one of the few of my role models that still are alive... thank you for living don.

[jbm2812]

sheer class from the man

[cheggerz666]

Cant wait to see him again in manchester =]

[Pan3405]

Be..au..tiful!!