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Nina Simone — I Shall Be Released
Album: Sugar In My Bowl
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1509









Released: 1972
Length: 3:58
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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They say everything can be replaced
They say every distance is not near
So I remember every face
Of every man who put me here

I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now any day now
I shall be released

They say every man needs protection
They say every man must fall
So I swear I see my reflection
Somewhere inside these walls

I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east
Any day now any day now
I shall be released

Yonder stands a man in this lonely crowd
Man who swears he's not to blame
ALl day long I hear him hollering so loud
Just crying out that he's not to blame

I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now any day now
I shall be relased
Comments (126)add comment
Het voice makes time stand still. Thank you Bill ❤️
Posted 1 month ago by marcedeleon    [ Reply ]
Posted 1 month ago by marcedeleon    [ Reply ]
GODLIKE!!! ICONIC!!!  
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
Sting into Death Cab For Cutie into Nina Simone doing Bob Dylan.....THIS is why I listen AND GIVE to RP. Beautiful!
Posted 2 years ago by DanielHLloyd    [ Reply ]
 birdman42 wrote:

Lots of comments here about the last note of the song. I have to believe that with an artist of her skill and sensibility, that last note was intentional. It's flat, no doubt. It sounds exhausted, like she just doesn't have the energy to get all the way up to the true note. And considering the lyrics, exhaustion seems to be the order of the day.



Or...in the fine tradition of Brother Bob...she's throwing in a clunker to serve as dissonance to balance the rest of the song.  

You know...create a contrast.  Make the listener give a little effort to listening.  




Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Lots of comments here about the last note of the song. I have to believe that with an artist of her skill and sensibility, that last note was intentional. It's flat, no doubt. It sounds exhausted, like she just doesn't have the energy to get all the way up to the true note. And considering the lyrics, exhaustion seems to be the order of the day.
Posted 3 years ago by birdman42    [ Reply ]
Never cared for the falsetto in the original, so appreciate this version.
Posted 3 years ago by mdnlsn    [ Reply ]
Sensational Nina,what a unique voice!
Posted 3 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
I highly recommend the Simone documentary on Netflix. I don't think it'll be available much longer. 
Posted 3 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Ms Simone knocks this out of the ball park. 
Posted 3 years ago by mach-hog    [ Reply ]
Wow.
Posted 4 years ago by dkwalika    [ Reply ]
i think p-funk listened to this then had to remake one of their tracks in this style, at least that's what i hear...
b4 today i had not heard the original, so when i heard this i was reminded of the p-funk track i was familiar with (remake). upon youtube search i came up with the original, which was nothing like this:
original('70)
remake('77)
Posted 4 years ago by dischuckin    [ Reply ]
 saellig668552 wrote:
this stops everything - sheer brilliant magic (the song and the performance) - as good as music possibly gets
 
So true!..  Stopped me dead in my tracks.. leaned over to my computer and soaked it in.
Posted 4 years ago by tkosh    [ Reply ]
 RabbitEars wrote:
love this except for that horrible last note
 
...same here....except somehow that last note seems to fit the song perfectly, like at the end of explaining how a release is coming and well there it is....one big bad ugly note....dunno...still this is an 8.432 rated song, not quite to the 'round-up' to 9 range....Long Live RP!!
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
love this except for that horrible last note
Posted 5 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:
You can hate Bob Dylan's voice as much as you want but don't tell me you can deny the greatness of his lyrics. 
 It depends which of his voices you are referring to, as it has changed a lot over the years.
I preferred his voice singing his own lyrics in his early days, not so much later. Covers of his music from those days just don't do the lyrics justice.

Posted 5 years ago by Canadese    [ Reply ]
this stops everything - sheer brilliant magic (the song and the performance) - as good as music possibly gets
Posted 5 years ago by saellig668552    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:
You can hate Bob Dylan's voice as much as you want but don't tell me you can deny the greatness of his lyrics. 

 
You speak the truth, kcar!!  And I for one do appreciate BD's "singing" voice - seems to fit a lot of what he's singing about, if that makes sense.  And....Happy 77th BD to BD!!  Long Live RP!!
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
 Amen!

Wolford wrote:
Beautiful segue from Bowie and Prince, both of whom gave so much and who have now, like Ms. Simone herself, been released.

 


Posted 7 years ago by ppfundst    [ Reply ]
You can hate Bob Dylan's voice as much as you want but don't tell me you can deny the greatness of his lyrics. 
Posted 7 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 ick wrote:
That's gotta be the sourest note I can remember hearing at the end of a song ever.

 
Glad it wasn't just me. Wasn't ever really on key, then they just ran out of gas.
Posted 7 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
Beautiful segue from Bowie and Prince, both of whom gave so much and who have now, like Ms. Simone herself, been released.
Posted 7 years ago by Wolford    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
I really love Nina Simone's voice, but this song is just not doing it for me. One of her background vocalists is off-key - just enough dissonance that the whole track was out of whack, to my ears. (Romeotuma, can I borrow your ears to make this song good for me? What a pal you are! {#Mrgreen})

 
{#Yes}

something about this version doesn't capture me in any way, except that Nina Simone is a powerful artist always worth considering and really listening to 
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 ick wrote:
That's gotta be the sourest note I can remember hearing at the end of a song ever.

  Hehehe... I still gave it a 7.


Posted 8 years ago by Kaw    [ Reply ]
That's gotta be the sourest note I can remember hearing at the end of a song ever.
Posted 9 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
She truly covers a song by making it her own for a while.  This has been covered many, many times.  Nina does it very well.
I love her signature song —  Wild is the Wind
Posted 9 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
Not my cup of tea... Like the original better!
Posted 9 years ago by vanmas    [ Reply ]
Thank you thank you Mr DJ. {#Meditate}
Posted 10 years ago by Candela    [ Reply ]
 Very redstorm wrote:

 

I can hear this song, being played at my funeral, and all my  family and friends singing along, and smiling as they know I have moved to a better, happier place. I love the juxaposition, of this and S&G's Mrs. Robinson, both saying goodbye.....



 
Very good plan. And I would want to finish with "Layla".  Seems to me a song for ending things.   {#Motor}

6/27/18  Ah, discovery!! Now I think Roy Buchanan's version.  {#Sunny}
Posted 11 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
With my upcoming retirement, I'm turning these lyrics into something personal. Any day now, I shall be released.
Posted 11 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
No offense Bob, Rick, Levon, Garth, Richard and Robbie - you guys are unparalleled but this gal does a much better cover of this song than you guys!
Posted 11 years ago by mfcrowe    [ Reply ]
..thx RP..
Posted 11 years ago by cShaggy    [ Reply ]
I just love her voice and her approach to interpreting songs ... {#Clap}
Posted 11 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]
 Sloggydog wrote:
For me, in my head, I always hear this one by The Band
 



I feel exactly the same. Sorry Nina...
Posted 11 years ago by jjak    [ Reply ]
Love it!
Posted 12 years ago by Stranglersfan    [ Reply ]
more Nina Simone, please!
Posted 12 years ago by whomhow    [ Reply ]
I like Jerry's frailty the Jerry Garcia Band's renditionion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFiIJ4vW2IU

Course, the JGB double LP/Cassette/CD/Digital release version is kick-butt.


Posted 12 years ago by sieversfam    [ Reply ]
 templefrost wrote:

No

 
Agreed
 
Posted 12 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
Yep.  Any day now.  I'm holding my breath.
Posted 12 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
I really love Nina Simone's voice, but this song is just not doing it for me. One of her background vocalists is off-key - just enough dissonance that the whole track was out of whack, to my ears. (Romeotuma, can I borrow your ears to make this song good for me? What a pal you are! {#Mrgreen})
Posted 12 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Nina, you are incredible!
Posted 12 years ago by bseib    [ Reply ]
For me, in my head, I always hear this one by The Band
Posted 12 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
I see my light come shining
From the West down to the East
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released...

Yes, you will. You will indeed. 
Posted 13 years ago by newwavegurly    [ Reply ]
I prefer the Bob version!
Posted 13 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Love the backing vocals on this song...
Posted 13 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 coding_to_music wrote:
This guy sings great {#Beat}
 
:)
Posted 13 years ago by petrfas    [ Reply ]
Wonderful song, thanks Bob.  Brilliant version - thanks to the incredibly eclectic and enormously talented Nina.
Posted 13 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
She is just SOOOOOO KWEL
Posted 13 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
I admit to singing along...
Posted 13 years ago by ladron    [ Reply ]
This is just a great song, no matter who sings it!{#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
I find a little Nina goes a long way. The occasional song in the RP mix is just about right.
Posted 14 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]

 

I can hear this song, being played at my funeral, and all my  family and friends singing along, and smiling as they know I have moved to a better, happier place. I love the juxaposition, of this and S&G's Mrs. Robinson, both saying goodbye.....



Posted 14 years ago by redstorm    [ Reply ]
9 > 10
Posted 14 years ago by whtahtefcuk    [ Reply ]
I LOVE NINA!!!
Posted 14 years ago by whtahtefcuk    [ Reply ]
This guy sings great {#Beat}


Posted 15 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
Wonderful version of one of the best Bob tune's ever.
Posted 15 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]

No


Posted 15 years ago by templefrost    [ Reply ]
great cover, this adds something!
Posted 15 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
♥♥♥♥

Posted 15 years ago by Candela    [ Reply ]
Thank you for finally playing some of her other stuff!
Posted 15 years ago by two2fly    [ Reply ]
This gives the Band's excellent cover a run for its money.
Posted 15 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
Is it Jan 19th Already?

Posted 15 years ago by cavalaxis    [ Reply ]
chills bill, chills...{#Heartkiss}
Posted 15 years ago by songbirdfemme    [ Reply ]
Nina's cool. Bob, too.
Posted 15 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
YES!! Nice one again Mr DJ! Thank you! :)

Posted 15 years ago by Candela    [ Reply ]
Not really into blues, but this is smooth!
Posted 15 years ago by Patnet    [ Reply ]
bob dylan for the cocktail lounge.  not that that's a bad thing. 
Posted 15 years ago by ndad47    [ Reply ]
Okay, but I've heard others that do a better job covering this.

Posted 15 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
WOW!!
Posted 15 years ago by cjdevlin    [ Reply ]
I'm gettin Ostrich bumps with this
Posted 15 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
Much better than that crappie reggae version.
Posted 15 years ago by jlind    [ Reply ]
sarahbean26 wrote:
Posted 16 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by sarahbean26    [ Reply ]
blech
Posted 16 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
sugarbaby wrote:
chrissie's version is great. but bob played it best at the last waltz with the band..
they're all awesome in their own right :)
Posted 16 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
weak cover song. . . let's hear something original.
Posted 16 years ago by jjbix    [ Reply ]
chrissie's version is great. but bob played it best at the last waltz with the band..
Posted 16 years ago by sugarbaby    [ Reply ]
Oh, she's sooooo good.......... I love Nina. She was way ahead of her time.
Posted 16 years ago by shakitten    [ Reply ]
s_k wrote:
I'll just stick to the bob version ;). There's only one cover of this song that's actually worth listening to. Try the Slackers' Version
I think The Band's version is my favorite, but this gets VERY close... fantastic song!
Posted 16 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
I see me sitting in an moody bar, right beside the piano and Nina let's me melt away.... *sigh* perfect..., love her dark voice.
Posted 16 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
Love It!! Gotta listen to the Chrisse Hynde version from the Bob Dylan 30th anniversary concert.
Posted 16 years ago by Wimpy    [ Reply ]
Jacksonstat wrote:
Makes me feel like slow dancing...
absolutely.
Posted 16 years ago by flu    [ Reply ]
I'll just stick to the bob version ;). There's only one cover of this song that's actually worth listening to. Try the Slackers' Version
Posted 17 years ago by s_k    [ Reply ]
ThePoose wrote:
When Bob expires, there will be an outpouring of grief, longing, remembrance, light, darkness, joy and hope among those people--together and alone--who are hip to the subtext of our existence.
Meantime, I hope he revels in his newly acquired mansion in the highlands near Nethy Bridge, Strathspey. Bob Dylan has now replaced Donovan as the Scottish Bob Dylan.
Posted 17 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
The Band. No doubt. madaxeman wrote:
No arguments.
Posted 17 years ago by dawnejazz    [ Reply ]
physicsgenius wrote:
Hendrix did a disservice to eardrums.
Occasionally, dude, I do agree with you. Hendrix would be a minor footnote, had he lived. . . . Where's my Nomex?
Posted 17 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
Thistle wrote:
THE BAND'S version is still the best. No comparisons.
No arguments.
Posted 17 years ago by madaxeman    [ Reply ]
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Hendrix also did a disservice to Dylan?
Hendrix did a disservice to eardrums.
Posted 17 years ago by physicsgenius    [ Reply ]
Yeah, I guess it's not her fault that this song has been ruthlessly beaten into the ground so many times that it needs to be interred in Grant's Tomb.... MinMan wrote:
The fact that Ms. Simone was one of the first to record this song (1966) seems to have been lost...
Posted 17 years ago by rgrace    [ Reply ]
Wow! You are giving me chills here Nina!
Posted 17 years ago by Mary_Read    [ Reply ]
The fact that Ms. Simone was one of the first to record this song (1966) seems to have been lost...
Posted 17 years ago by MinMan    [ Reply ]
My first reaction was very negative, but this version grew on me quickly. That was due to the enormous talent of this singer. I give it a 7 to start with. Maybe higher on the next hearing.
Posted 17 years ago by AlienRelic    [ Reply ]
Love it!
Posted 17 years ago by BGGA    [ Reply ]
THE BAND'S version is still the best. No comparisons.
Posted 17 years ago by Thistle    [ Reply ]
ThePoose wrote:
When Bob expires, there will be an outpouring of grief, longing, remembrance, light, darkness, joy and hope among those people--together and alone--who are hip to the subtext of our existence.
Indeed.
Posted 17 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
Makes me feel like slow dancing...
Posted 18 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
When Bob expires, there will be an outpouring of grief, longing, remembrance, light, darkness, joy and hope among those people--together and alone--who are hip to the subtext of our existence.
Posted 18 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
Oh, wow. A nine for Nina.
Posted 18 years ago by zipper    [ Reply ]
dadofsammy wrote:
...I think that's doing a disservice to the song. Sorry Nina.
I have to go with ScottFromWY on this one. Now if someone would upload her take on Cohen's "Suzanne" from the RCA "Best of ..." disk I will be forever grateful. It is so incredibly different from any version of hers or anyone else's it'll blow your socks off.
Posted 18 years ago by Namgev    [ Reply ]
dadofsammy wrote:
I'll offer what seems to be a minority opinion here. While I don't argue in general with the idea of offering a fresh take on a song when covering it, this particular attempt alters the melodic structure of Dylan's original to the extent that it would be unrecognizable (were it not for those great lyrics, of course). And I think that's doing a disservice to the song. Sorry Nina.
Hendrix also did a disservice to Dylan?
Posted 18 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
Excellent version. First time I hear it.
Posted 18 years ago by afterxleep    [ Reply ]
Much better than Marley's version.
Posted 18 years ago by jlind    [ Reply ]
I'll offer what seems to be a minority opinion here. While I don't argue in general with the idea of offering a fresh take on a song when covering it, this particular attempt alters the melodic structure of Dylan's original to the extent that it would be unrecognizable (were it not for those great lyrics, of course). And I think that's doing a disservice to the song. Sorry Nina.
Posted 18 years ago by dadofsammy    [ Reply ]
Not her best.
Posted 18 years ago by timandjuliet    [ Reply ]
Unmistakable Voice. Beautiful.
Posted 18 years ago by TampaPurple    [ Reply ]
Wow,...never heard this version. All, I can say is,....mmmmmmmmm, very nice! (pimp)
Posted 18 years ago by MsfStl    [ Reply ]
What a superb piece of poetry. Still prefer Bob's raspy 'rough as a bear's arse' version though.
Posted 18 years ago by nuggler    [ Reply ]
Marvelous. Thanks for the morning smoothy, Bill.
Posted 18 years ago by maxgruv    [ Reply ]
Only gets a 9, as it's not as strong as Nina's earlier work... even though it is a brilliant song. But still... Nina?
Posted 18 years ago by bobringer    [ Reply ]
Aaagghhh. Another remake of this song! Make it stop!
Posted 18 years ago by rascal420    [ Reply ]
the lyrics in this song have to be up in the top 5 of best lyrics.
Posted 18 years ago by ortenzia    [ Reply ]
Nina is like buttah...listen to her cover of Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues sometime..one of the best rendetions ever, IMHO.
Posted 19 years ago by rush-2112    [ Reply ]
masterhead wrote:
Not my cup of tea, sorry. Now, you can stone me people.
Didn't have any rocks at hand. Sorry.
Posted 19 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]
Boy this chick really grows on ya.
Posted 19 years ago by black321    [ Reply ]
Awesome!
Posted 19 years ago by juliamak    [ Reply ]
This is the kind of song that you play really loud on an amazing stereo, just absorb the singer's voice and feel completely moved- it gives me chills! I love Nina Simone!
Posted 19 years ago by laladex    [ Reply ]
Not my cup of tea, sorry. Now, you can stone me people.
Posted 19 years ago by masterhead    [ Reply ]
Ahh! Nina! A voice of such authentic depth and emotion, she graces whatevr she places her attention upon.
Posted 19 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
One of the best stretches on RP in recent memory. Awesome.
Posted 19 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
MrKite wrote:
What a voice! What a song! What a combination!
righteous!
Posted 19 years ago by Alt-Ctrl-Tom    [ Reply ]