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Richie Havens — Here Comes The Sun
Album: Alarm Clock
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1344









Released: 1971
Length: 3:45
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it's alright

Little darling, it's been a long, cold, lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it's alright

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it's alright

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it's alright
It's alright
Comments (164)add comment
Heck Yeah!
Man did he nail that one or what!

Boston common and U of Md
Free shows.

AWESOME
It's giving me goosebumps...
 Cynaera wrote:
I'd be perfecly okay with hearing ALL versions of this song (except maybe William Shatner's...)  I love what Havens did with this - his fervent passion, his total commitment to the words and music.... It's just wonderful and magical, what it does to me when I hear this song.

I think I'ma go out and plant a tree, or maybe climb one. Rescue a dragonfly. Cuddle a kitten.  Smell a rose. Richie Havens gentles me. {#Sunny}
 

Bill needs to add Shatner's version to the playlist!!!
Ritchie was so great live in the late 60's.
The mono 45 sounds so much better without the echo and more upfront vocal. It’s great to hear this, though!
Good to see I've already rated this at 10.  I have such good taste ...
 gwolfie1959 wrote:

This cover is So Good...it's like a different song altogether.

Like my college algebra instructor use to say..."it's the same, only different" when we would move deeper into algebra theory. Which really meant, it's all the same really, just a little more difficult. But I mean it as a twist on what he used to say (thing being the same...but different).

I never really took Richie Havens too seriously until I saw him at the The Turning Point in Piermont, NY...he was worth every nickel of the admission ticket.

RIP...RH !!!
 

I was a kid in the 60's. In later years, THIS made me want to hear more RH!!!
The guitar! The voice!! 
 rtrudeau wrote:
zaknafein wrote:
I can't see any reason why you would play this over the original.
Why choose? I say play both this excellent cover and the excellent original.
 
This cover is So Good...it's like a different song altogether.

Like my college algebra instructor use to say..."it's the same, only different" when we would move deeper into algebra theory. Which really meant, it's all the same really, just a little more difficult. But I mean it as a twist on what he used to say (thing being the same...but different).

I never really took Richie Havens too seriously until I saw him at the The Turning Point in Piermont, NY...he was worth every nickel of the admission ticket.

RIP...RH !!!
something in the recording/mastering hurts my ears.... high pitches made me hit PSD
I have a revolutionary message: Love
I love Richie. Saw him live once and it was awesome. Didn't need any drugs and I was higher than a kite. LOL Thank you for playing this RP.
What a good start to the day! I'm instantly transported back to my teenage years when I saw him perform this in 1977 at Earls Court in London. He was the one-man support act for Genesis' "Seconds Out" tour, yet he captivated the entire audience by simply sitting on his stool with his guitar and imense voice. I regret to this day that my desire for a 'delicious' hot-dog made me listen to half of his set echo around the stairwells, but that experience left a huge mark on my young ears.
 
Thanks for playing this, Bill.
{#Sunny}
Yeah, I agree! This amazing version, as well as his knockout-rocking Woodstock stuff, really hits some nice chords in my soul... 

————
hayduke2 wrote:
way past wake-up time for some, Richie Havens was and remains one Super Artist imo, love hearing his music

Peace 

way past wake-up time for some, Richie Havens was and remains one Super Artist imo, love hearing his music

Peace 

Are you athyrius?

Play The Beatles' version (we attempt proper grammar here on RP) AND the Richie Havens's version AND forget this Bozo. 


Athyrius wrote:
Play the beatles version and forget this hobo.

Glorious Spirit. : )
I'm getting "Here Comes the Sun" as funnelled through a "Two Of Us" (Let It Be, track 1) filter...

...and it's working! (Assuming you can "funnel" through a "filter", that is.)

 Athyrius wrote:
Play the beatles version and forget this hobo.

 


Hobo? Someone called Richie Havens a hobo? I shouldn't say anything in response to that. It would only acknowledge one's complete lack of taste. Maybe too bad for you would be adequate?
Historic.
Good cover of a good Beatles song.
{#Beat}
Awful. 
Have to say, I only really know Richie from the songs he did with Groove Armada, and I'm surprised by how different he sounds here.
Nice change to hear a 'new' and different version, decidedly different feel, less bright but more hopeful.
 JanzieNL wrote:

If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.  

PS  - you suck  

 
Ditto
Haven's cover is every bit as good as the Beatles' original with both completely refreshing an otherwise dull view on life.  Both get a 9 pushing for 10 in my book.
R.I.P. Mr. Havens 
We love & miss you.  
 Athyrius wrote:
Play the beatles version and forget this hobo.

 
If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.  

PS  - you suck  
This is what a cover is all about. Richie made it his song. Thanks Beatles
 
 MojoJojo wrote:
I have no idea what you mean, but I like it.  

TerryS wrote:
Here comes ole pink gums.

 

 
Watch 'Woodstock' and all will be revealed.
K, so maybe offset alittle bit o' Merle with alittle bit o' Gil Scott-Heron, ying-yang the musical spirit (RP's doin a damn fine job, imo : )
 ch83575 wrote:

Both sound like good ideas to me, but wouldn't mandatory Merle be more like 'regressive country'?  I wish I had such a station... Bill seems to be slightly afraid of letting too much twang into the playlist, although he obviously has a predisposition for folky/country.

 
hate most country myself but we could use a bit more Merle here.
{#Daisy}
 Athyrius wrote:
Play the beatles version and forget this hobo.

 
I'll bet that when he died, this "hobo" had more money, respect, and love than you ever will.
Play the beatles version and forget this hobo.
WAY more soul than the original, IMHO...
 Chumbawamba-1984 wrote:
Soulless cover IMHO. 

 
It might be... but it's better for the ears :) Or maybe I just appreciate the change... in any case, it's pleasant and receives a 5  from me
Soulless cover IMHO. 
 ccjemmett wrote:
Thank Havens for Richie
 
Amen.
Saw him perform in the 1980s in Hartford Conn -- he was captivating. For his final encore, he sang an a cappella version of "On the Turning Away" that brought people to their feet.
Everybody in my homeless camps loves this cover...
{#Daisy} {#Clap}
I have no idea what you mean, but I like it.  

TerryS wrote:
Here comes ole pink gums.

 


Here comes ole pink gums.
 cc_rider wrote:
Heard Richie yesterday too. Nice.

Here in town we have a 'progressive country' (?) radio station that has 'Mandatory Merle' every afternoon. I wouldn't mind if Mr. Havens received a similar treatment here.

 
Both sound like good ideas to me, but wouldn't mandatory Merle be more like 'regressive country'?  I wish I had such a station... Bill seems to be slightly afraid of letting too much twang into the playlist, although he obviously has a predisposition for folky/country.
Thank Havens for Richie
Heard Richie yesterday too. Nice.

Here in town we have a 'progressive country' (?) radio station that has 'Mandatory Merle' every afternoon. I wouldn't mind if Mr. Havens received a similar treatment here.
Its sounds perfect to my ears.  Love this tune.
And while we're on the subject, missing George too!

I am expecting (hoping) Bill will spin a Beatles record next!
Missing Richie Havens. His sincere style and engaging stage demeanor was always special.
LOVE RH's rendition!!!
rest in peace, beautiful spirit  {#Cowboy}
Thank you!

!!!!!!  (i'm weeping) 

Everybody in my church loves this cover...
 

Richie Havens at Clearwater Festival, 2009 by Pilgrim on this road - Bill Revill  
https://www.flickr.com/photos/billrevill/

R.I.P.great folk singer, guitarist and musician. Woodstock´s spirit.

Copyright All rights reserved







RIP Mr. Havens.
 Cynaera wrote:

I'd be perfecly okay with hearing ALL versions of this song (except maybe William Shatner's...)  I love what Havens did with this - his fervent passion, his total commitment to the words and music.... It's just wonderful and magical, what it does to me when I hear this song.

I think I'ma go out and plant a tree, or maybe climb one. Rescue a dragonfly. Cuddle a kitten.  Smell a rose. Richie Havens gentles me. {#Sunny}

 

Miss you so much, Cynaera...

I already have rated this incredible cover a 10, with no previous comment since I said it was good for the ears...
 
RIP Richie.
 WonderLizard wrote:

Dude, George is dead. "Didn't" would be more appropriate. Which is not the point. Richie's version dates back to Woodstock (yes, that Woodstock) and is something I think George not only heard but appreciated. Which is the point.

 
Unfortunately, Richie is now dead also, as of today. RIP Richie, thank you for bringing us wonderful music. 
 Scientist79 wrote:
Horrible cover....stop it...i hope George doesn't here this version

 
Dude, George is dead. "Didn't" would be more appropriate. Which is not the point. Richie's version dates back to Woodstock (yes, that Woodstock) and is something I think George not only heard but appreciated. Which is the point.
Richie doing Here Comes The Sun is why I get Ravi Shanker & Richie Havens mixed up.
Yes, yes, yessssssssssss, little darlin'.
Even the CD? player doesn't like it.
From ''Woodstock'' to RP.. now thats what I call progress..
Love It!!!
 Scientist79 wrote:
Horrible cover....stop it...i hope George doesn't here this version
 
He meant "Hear", give him a break, he's a scientist who is likely 79 years old, or born in 1979, maybe, can't be sure. I'll do some experimenting. 
 Scientist79 wrote:
Horrible cover....stop it...i hope George doesn't here this version
 


flashback alert
 Jelani wrote:
way to kill an awesome tune.
 
I agree - Havens kills it! Awesome, joyful cover that I'm sure George appreciated {#Daisy}
Horrible cover....stop it...i hope George doesn't here this version
Freakin giant freaky genius.  Love his guitar.  If I'm not mistaken you see him in videos bar the entire fret-board with his giant freaky thumb. 
way to kill an awesome tune.
 Govi wrote:
Always and always, this is just, was just, such a refreshing new version of this song.  Does anyone know what Lennon-McCartney thought of Havens' version?
 

Rather what George Harrison thought it's his song...love his style and particularly his weird chord fingering technique..I just love a good acoustic rythym guitarist
Always and always, this is just, was just, such a refreshing new version of this song.  Does anyone know what George Harrison thought of Havens' version?
more richie please!
Almost a touch of Proud Mary in those rhythm guitars
I find many covers to be completely unnecessary karaoke efforts, but I really like this. Richie Havens has always been one of my faves, though.
 Cynaera wrote:
I'd be perfecly okay with hearing ALL versions of this song (except maybe William Shatner's...)  I love what Havens did with this - his fervent passion, his total commitment to the words and music.... It's just wonderful and magical, what it does to me when I hear this song.

I think I'ma go out and plant a tree, or maybe climb one. Rescue a dragonfly. Cuddle a kitten.  Smell a rose. Richie Havens gentles me. {#Sunny}
  Blasphemy. Bill rocks.


 Jelani wrote:
Richie Havens twice in one day? Why? He's just not good. most vapid and annoying guitar playing.
 
 
I guess that's why I like him - his "technique" is not technique at all, but just instinct and passion.  To me, "vapid" guitar playing is Steve Miller. But I like him, too. I personally love this version of Harrison's song - because it's original and vital and it makes me smile. Sorry if it makes you cringe, but then, I'm betting at least one song you love makes me cringe.  To each his/her own - love me some RP!

Ok cover. But let's have The Beatles.
 Ouachita wrote:

I hear you!  When it first came out, I lived in beautiful Bavaria but was going through a horrendous breakup.  Yep, this song helped me along too.
 
This song has such a positive vibe to it, and Ritchie Havens cover blows the original away

Richie Havens twice in one day? Why? He's just not good. most vapid and annoying guitar playing.
 
 ziggytrix wrote:

Strike that!  Reverse it.
 
Exactly.
 mandolin wrote:
...funny, this is the only version of this song that i actually enjoy hearing...
 
I couldn't agree more that this is good!  How many are out there?  Who Cares

 kdavistcb wrote:
great cover of a mediocre original...
 
Strike that!  Reverse it.

great cover of a mediocre original...
...funny, this is the only version of this song that i actually enjoy hearing...
 AdyMiles wrote:
poor cover of a classic song
 
My thoughts exactly.
 Cynaera wrote:
Okay - I'm dealing with some serious personal stuff now - maybe reconnecting with a family I thought was gone... I'm emotional anyway, but this song just injected some hope into a situation that is, at best, dysfunctional.

I don't believe in crossed fingers. I believe in positivity. And this song brings it on in tons. I'll sit here and weep, and love the song, and then move on to what needs to be done to make things right.

Thank you, Richie Havens and RadioParadise.  And, of course, before I can wipe my tears, I get TMGB's "Why Does The Sun Shine?"   Life is just weirder than shit, innit? {#Lol}
 
I hear you!  When it first came out, I lived in beautiful Bavaria but was going through a horrendous breakup.  Yep, this song helped me along too.
Okay - I'm dealing with some serious personal stuff now - maybe reconnecting with a family I thought was gone... I'm emotional anyway, but this song just injected some hope into a situation that is, at best, dysfunctional.

I don't believe in crossed fingers. I believe in positivity. And this song brings it on in tons. I'll sit here and weep, and love the song, and then move on to what needs to be done to make things right.

Thank you, Richie Havens and RadioParadise.  And, of course, before I can wipe my tears, I get TMGB's "Why Does The Sun Shine?"   Life is just weirder than shit, innit? {#Lol}
Oh, I've never heard this track before.  I love it. I wish I had his fingers.
I'd be perfecly okay with hearing ALL versions of this song (except maybe William Shatner's...)  I love what Havens did with this - his fervent passion, his total commitment to the words and music.... It's just wonderful and magical, what it does to me when I hear this song.

I think I'ma go out and plant a tree, or maybe climb one. Rescue a dragonfly. Cuddle a kitten.  Smell a rose. Richie Havens gentles me. {#Sunny}
I'd much rather hear the Beatles' version.

Love both versions. This is one of my favorite covers of all time. Almost a completely different song from the original.
yummy!
 romeotuma wrote:


This cover is soooo good for the ears...

 
 

Soooo good!
I've always loved that his guitar's pickguards and soundhole are so scratched out and carved up from such intense strumming!  {#Bananajam}


Richie Havens - "Here Comes the Sun" Live-Acoustic

"This weekend (August 14, 2009) marks 40 years since the Woodstock music and arts festival was held in Upstate New York. It was August 15, 1969 when Richie Havens played the first notes of what would become a three-day celebration. Havens performs for VOA one of his classic hits from the festival - "Here Comes the Sun"  "

"Art Is Resistance"


 fireboydan wrote:
This song hits every nerve in my body and makes them dance. I will always love this song. As a matter of fact, I have listened to this song so many times, I have a difficult time listening to the original.
 
I agree with everything you've said, except the part about having a difficult time listening to the original.  Well, okay, I DO have a tough time with the original, but only because it makes me miss George Harrison all the more...

This song hits every nerve in my body and makes them dance. I will always love this song. As a matter of fact, I have listened to this song so many times, I have a difficult time listening to the original.
Pretty decent cover of The Fabs—-screw the "More Cowbell" movement (no offense to RP's commentor More_Cowbell). I'm diggin' Mr. Havens @ Woodstock, and let me go on record..."More Bongos"!!

If ever a chance is given to see him, DO SO!
Nostril cam? 
 
 

 
More_Cowbell wrote:


 


I left the room but I must say that down or 'back' beat brought me back in?
 snorlax75 wrote:
hippie
 

I'll take a hippie over a yuppie any day.
hippie
Nice cover!


 Tana wrote:
I think of this as a classic cover of a classic song.

 
                                    ditto

So much sader than the original, but I really like it.
 AdyMiles wrote:
poor cover of a classic song
  I think of this as a classic cover of a classic song.

 crockydile wrote:
okay, that's enough of Mr. Havens...2x today. Here comes the moon. {#Moon}

 

That's really funny! You made me laugh out loud. Can I get back to work now? (I like the song, by the way,)
 LastChance wrote:
I'm sorry, it is a cover of a classic Beatles song, and no-one can even come close to the original.
 
Granted there are may great covers even of Beatles tunes.  I am not sure this ranks up there but it is not bad.

poor cover of a classic song
okay, that's enough of Mr. Havens...2x today. Here comes the moon. {#Moon}

 rtrudeau wrote:
Why choose? I say play both this excellent cover and the excellent original.
 
At least SOMEONE gets it!  They're BOTH great.

 big_gare wrote:
At Woodstock, the original opening guy was too freaked out to go on first in front of 400,000 +, so the promoters begged Richie Havens to go on FIRST.  He said no way, but eventually caved.  He said, ok, but just for a couple of songs.  He played for 90 minutes with 2 encores....  Great performer
 
Sounds FUN!  (Thanks!)

I'm sorry, it is a cover of a classic Beatles song, and no-one can even come close to the original.
What... the hell...? {#Puke}