Neil Young — Down By The River
Album: Everybody Knows This Is NowhereAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2509
Length: 9:09
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Be on my side, I'll be on your side, baby
There is no reason for you to hide
It's so hard for me, staying here all alone
When you could be taking me for a ride
Yeah
She could drag me over the rainbow
And send me away
Down by the river
I shot my baby
Down by the river
Dead, ooh, ooh
Shot her dead, ooh
You take my hand, I'll take your hand
Together, we may get away
This much madness is too much sorrow
It's impossible to make it today
Ooh, yeah
She could drag me over the rainbow
And send me away
Down by the river
I shot my baby
Down by the river
Dead, dead, ooh, ooh, shot her dead
Shot her dead
Be on my side, I'll be on your side
There is no reason for you to hide
It's so hard for me, staying here all alone
When you could be taking me for a ride
Ooh, yeah
She could drag me over the rainbow
And send me away, yeah
Down by the river
I shot my baby
Down by the river
Down by the river
I shot my baby
Down by the river
Down by the river
I shot my baby
Down by the river
There is no reason for you to hide
It's so hard for me, staying here all alone
When you could be taking me for a ride
Yeah
She could drag me over the rainbow
And send me away
Down by the river
I shot my baby
Down by the river
Dead, ooh, ooh
Shot her dead, ooh
You take my hand, I'll take your hand
Together, we may get away
This much madness is too much sorrow
It's impossible to make it today
Ooh, yeah
She could drag me over the rainbow
And send me away
Down by the river
I shot my baby
Down by the river
Dead, dead, ooh, ooh, shot her dead
Shot her dead
Be on my side, I'll be on your side
There is no reason for you to hide
It's so hard for me, staying here all alone
When you could be taking me for a ride
Ooh, yeah
She could drag me over the rainbow
And send me away, yeah
Down by the river
I shot my baby
Down by the river
Down by the river
I shot my baby
Down by the river
Down by the river
I shot my baby
Down by the river
Comments (277)add comment
Oh it was this song that elevated Neil Young from pop to deep musical artist in my book! One of my most fav songs. Just soooo good. Boy. He’s got a thing with women.... like song man needs a maid.
thewiseking wrote:
How I imagine it would sound if someone had a petit mal seizure while holding an electric guitar.
Perhaps the most iconic bad guitar solo of all time
How I imagine it would sound if someone had a petit mal seizure while holding an electric guitar.
thewiseking wrote:
Define bad, define iconic, define guitar solo. Define yourself.
Perhaps the most iconic bad guitar solo of all time
Define bad, define iconic, define guitar solo. Define yourself.
ScottishWillie wrote:
I have always rather liked the separate instruments in L & R channels. It used to happen in the early days of stereo before the rules were so rigid. I’m kinda sorry it doesn't seem to happen any more.
I agree.
I have always rather liked the separate instruments in L & R channels. It used to happen in the early days of stereo before the rules were so rigid. I’m kinda sorry it doesn't seem to happen any more.
I agree.
My Love Took Me Down to the River (Little Green CArs) to Down By the River (Neil Young)
Crime solved.
Crime solved.
Perhaps the most iconic bad guitar solo of all time
It’s a big 10 🎸😊
Anyone had a listen at the new (old) release? Homegrown? Classic Neil apparently. Looking forward to giving it a listen this weekend.
This whole album is amazing.
I think all the musicians playing should get a gold star for that one!
Today Bill talked about how much he dislikes the storyline of the song, but also how much he loves the song anyway. Which is just exactly how I feel every time I hear the song. Thanks for the validation, Bill!!
Matt_Maurer wrote:
I totally agree. I used to despair that today seemed bereft of poet-warriors like Dylan, Young, Springsteen, Johnny Cash, Cockburn , U2 (I apologize for my massive omissions on this list) appeared to be the last of our poet-leaders. But perhaps the Old Testament had it down already "there is nothing new under the sun". Are there new sentiments, expressions or observations that can't be found already noted in text or in voice? Today's poets can only fill the ever-smaller gaps instead of pioneering new territory?
Young's apparent 'vulnerable' vocals and depth of observation give him unique status as a core talent of those born in the 50's to the 70's. Creatively crafted and well versed.
I totally agree. I used to despair that today seemed bereft of poet-warriors like Dylan, Young, Springsteen, Johnny Cash, Cockburn , U2 (I apologize for my massive omissions on this list) appeared to be the last of our poet-leaders. But perhaps the Old Testament had it down already "there is nothing new under the sun". Are there new sentiments, expressions or observations that can't be found already noted in text or in voice? Today's poets can only fill the ever-smaller gaps instead of pioneering new territory?
nomnol wrote:
this and Southern Man
My favourite Neil Young song. It just is. 10
this and Southern Man
Young's apparent 'vulnerable' vocals and depth of observation give him unique status as a core talent of those born in the 50's to the 70's. Creatively crafted and well versed.
philbertr wrote:
Awareness? Yes, there's more awareness. Enough awareness to make domestic violence disappear? No. Every day news articles or situations when a dumb ass slaps or shoots his wife or the kids. How does NOT singing about it in 2020 somehow show progress over the era of a song in 1970?
And Neil, btw, is now an American citizen. Or, as he says, a Canarican.
https://tinyurl.com/v7qgtr6
Could you get away with those lyrics today...domestic violence awareness and all?
Awareness? Yes, there's more awareness. Enough awareness to make domestic violence disappear? No. Every day news articles or situations when a dumb ass slaps or shoots his wife or the kids. How does NOT singing about it in 2020 somehow show progress over the era of a song in 1970?
And Neil, btw, is now an American citizen. Or, as he says, a Canarican.
https://tinyurl.com/v7qgtr6
What a whiny, draggy voice!
Could you get away with those lyrics today...domestic violence awareness and all?
coloradojohn wrote:
WOW! Talk about a understanding of reality - you got it!!!
Probably the BEST song to jam to with HeadPhones on and turned to 11...somewhere in there, the barriers melt and the two hemispheres of the brain cross-fire in synch and when the spine-shiver signals from the body trigger proprioception in the cerebellum, that tingle of endorphin release comes and I know I have arrived to where Neil and Crazy wanted to put me to receive their peculiar brand of shaman-type insight, and man, it is ALL a matter of vibration and all a vibration of matter, and, true, there is this illusion that everything actually exists, but there is also this eternal and infinite plasma dance going on that is beyond mere perception and Neil knows it and shows it and has always taken it up and shared it out so well...
WOW! Talk about a understanding of reality - you got it!!!
coloradojohn wrote:
Probably the BEST song to jam to with HeadPhones on and turned to 11...somewhere in there, the barriers melt and the two hemispheres of the brain cross-fire in synch and when the spine-shiver signals from the body trigger proprioception in the cerebellum, that tingle of endorphin release comes and I know I have arrived to where Neil and Crazy wanted to put me to receive their peculiar brand of shaman-type insight, and man, it is ALL a matter of vibration and all a vibration of matter, and, true, there is this illusion that everything actually exists, but there is also this eternal and infinite plasma dance going on that is beyond mere perception and Neil knows it and shows it and has always taken it up and shared it out so well...
That's why Zuma was such a big hit for me and then when he toured it...... Another plane. and the dreams (
) were out there
That's why Zuma was such a big hit for me and then when he toured it...... Another plane. and the dreams (
) were out thereProbably hadn't heard this in decades - loved it then, love it even more now - transcendent.
bc wrote:
Not sure, but roads and parking lots "down by the river" always give me the willies.
Why do these things always happen down by the river?
Not sure, but roads and parking lots "down by the river" always give me the willies.
ziakut wrote:
Some contradiction here?
I'm a NY fan...but this guitar solo is grating on my nerves. Ugh.
Some contradiction here?
Why do these things always happen down by the river?
gah! make it stop... thank goodness we have skip track now. so.SICK.of NY.
unclehud wrote:
Not only does it play with the bass line, but it also interacts greatly with the variations that the rhythm guitars are throwing down. And yes, it famously starts out with that one note, but it quickly moves into greatness.
I agree with the other commenter that said this is best enjoyed on cranked headphones.
Oh how I love this song! And yet, it provides a prime example of Neil's "one-note guitar solos".
Maybe that's why I love it so? The simple hammering that is considered a Neil Young solo. Maybe. Maybe it's the quiet bass groove that changes ever so slightly, but is hypnotically clear and unwavering ...
.
.
.
..... and Everybody Knows This is Nowhere.
Maybe that's why I love it so? The simple hammering that is considered a Neil Young solo. Maybe. Maybe it's the quiet bass groove that changes ever so slightly, but is hypnotically clear and unwavering ...
.
.
.
..... and Everybody Knows This is Nowhere.
Not only does it play with the bass line, but it also interacts greatly with the variations that the rhythm guitars are throwing down. And yes, it famously starts out with that one note, but it quickly moves into greatness.
I agree with the other commenter that said this is best enjoyed on cranked headphones.
This is one of those songs that stops me in my tracks of whatever I'm doing and forces me to just listen.
BCarn wrote:Over rated whiner.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Don't be so hard on yourself.
You can't help it if your taste in music sucks.
LOL....my taste is AWESOME! But hey, if you like whiners, your option.
NY is a whiner.
but why did he shoot his baby?
Hey Neil, where you goin' with that gun in your hand?
huh? 
all I can say is this jams!
coloradojohn wrote:
all I can say is this jams!coloradojohn wrote:
Probably the BEST song to jam to with HeadPhones on and turned to 11...somewhere in there, the barriers melt and the two hemispheres of the brain cross-fire in synch and when the spine-shiver signals from the body trigger proprioception in the cerebellum, that tingle of endorphin release comes and I know I have arrived to where Neil and Crazy wanted to put me to receive their peculiar brand of shaman-type insight, and man, it is ALL a matter of vibration and all a vibration of matter, and, true, there is this illusion that everything actually exists, but there is also this eternal and infinite plasma dance going on that is beyond mere perception and Neil knows it and shows it and has always taken it up and shared it out so well...
coloradojohn wrote:
THAT's a great sentence that might never be approved in writing class .
Probably the BEST song to jam to with HeadPhones on and turned to 11...somewhere in there, the barriers melt and the two hemispheres of the brain cross-fire in synch and when the spine-shiver signals from the body trigger proprioception in the cerebellum, that tingle of endorphin release comes and I know I have arrived to where Neil and Crazy wanted to put me to receive their peculiar brand of shaman-type insight, and man, it is ALL a matter of vibration and all a vibration of matter, and, true, there is this illusion that everything actually exists, but there is also this eternal and infinite plasma dance going on that is beyond mere perception and Neil knows it and shows it and has always taken it up and shared it out so well...
THAT's a great sentence that might never be approved in writing class .
He made CSN a better foursome.
I'm a NY fan...but this guitar solo is grating on my nerves. Ugh.
zesty! hittin his stride in this era love itI like Neil's voice so much better these days.
Perhaps I've grown accustomed to it.
Perhaps I just appreciate it more.
Perhaps I've heard Bob Dylan sing too much.
Perhaps I've grown accustomed to it.
Perhaps I just appreciate it more.
Perhaps I've heard Bob Dylan sing too much.
narainmg wrote:
This is a debate that will have no end and has been going on since NY became a thing. The same can be said for his guitar playing. Love him too--at least this period of his career.
Guys, I know you love Neil Young so it breaks my heart to say this - he is a *horrible* singer.... but yeah I love him too.
This is a debate that will have no end and has been going on since NY became a thing. The same can be said for his guitar playing. Love him too--at least this period of his career.
Rockit9 wrote:
Why... have you never bin dragged over the rainbow?
😎
Why... have you never bin dragged over the rainbow?
😎
Prius wrote:
Why... have you never bin dragged over the rainbow?
Good music but the lyrics are dreadful.
Why... have you never bin dragged over the rainbow?
now this is neil young! 10 awesome follow up to self title album.
As a teenager this music fit the bill it suited me well. I marveled at the stereo separation coming from my system
drictor wrote:
Yes, that. This is one of those songs that stops me in my tracks every time. Seems so simple on the surface but it just sucks you in and holds you there. And it helps if you were kind of raised on it.
I couldn't say I was, but rest assured, it doesn't unhelp me. Loved this song right from the start when I first heard it, well into my thirties, if my memory doesn't fail me.
Yes, that. This is one of those songs that stops me in my tracks every time. Seems so simple on the surface but it just sucks you in and holds you there. And it helps if you were kind of raised on it.
I couldn't say I was, but rest assured, it doesn't unhelp me. Loved this song right from the start when I first heard it, well into my thirties, if my memory doesn't fail me.
Good music but the lyrics are dreadful.
McKendree Spring did a really cool version of this song.
To me 7 - Quite Likeable almost 8
This my idea of a 'feelgood' song.
I'm such a total fan even of the light and colors of that cover pic.
Kudos to my older brother for being the reason I heard music from those years at the age of ten.
First thing I think of when I see the words Down by the River
On_The_Beach wrote:
(Sorry, couldn't resist. Arguably Farley's best bit.)
On_The_Beach wrote:
(Sorry, couldn't resist. Arguably Farley's best bit.)
Poor choice, on the day.
Stephen_Phillips wrote:
Psalm 137 is one of the oldest songs about being "down by the river".
So many things happened "down by the river" that they inspired so many songs of that title.
Those rivers have a lot to answer for!
Those rivers have a lot to answer for!
Psalm 137 is one of the oldest songs about being "down by the river".
Obviously not a song about gun control.
Stephen_Phillips wrote:
Well the river reflects time: past, present and future, and all are one at the same time.
So many things happened "down by the river" that they inspired so many songs of that title.
Those rivers have a lot to answer for!
Those rivers have a lot to answer for!
Well the river reflects time: past, present and future, and all are one at the same time.
In a recent BBC Radio 4 interview, Noel Gallagher was asked "do you consider yourself a good singer" paraphrasing his reply, he said, yes, in the same way that Neil Young is the best singer of a Neil Young song, I am the best singer of my songs. Very insightful in my opinion.
So many things happened "down by the river" that they inspired so many songs of that title.
Those rivers have a lot to answer for!
Those rivers have a lot to answer for!
ico wrote:
No; it's similar (especially the tempo), but it's not the same bass line - this one has more notes and variations for one thing. Both songs have I - IV progressions in the verses, though this one is in a minor key; there are only so many bass notes to play between two chords. Learn to play an instrument or learn some scales before you recklessly accuse musicians of "stealing".
No; it's similar (especially the tempo), but it's not the same bass line - this one has more notes and variations for one thing. Both songs have I - IV progressions in the verses, though this one is in a minor key; there are only so many bass notes to play between two chords. Learn to play an instrument or learn some scales before you recklessly accuse musicians of "stealing".
This is so good to my ears. I love the simplicity and rawness of Crazy Horse in the background. I was fortunate to see Neil and Crazy Horse a few years back play one of their last concerts. Long live Rock and Roll.
bass line stolen from Donovan - Season of the Witch 1966 :)
I taught myself to study for high school exams by listening to Decade over and over and over again in my parent's living room. I'd load both LPs in their record player and just keep flipping them over and over for hours. Boy does this take me back.
narainmg wrote:
That's funny, since Neil has been nominated for the Juno Awards Male Vocalist of the Year 12 times between 1979-1997.
Let's stop peddling the silly memes.
Guys, I know you love Neil Young so it breaks my heart to say this - he is a *horrible* singer.... but yeah I love him too.
That's funny, since Neil has been nominated for the Juno Awards Male Vocalist of the Year 12 times between 1979-1997.
Let's stop peddling the silly memes.
narainmg wrote:
He won an award for singer of the year way back when, his comment about that was "only in Canada would this happen". True perhaps, but part of what makes him unique and so good is the voice, it just has a way of grabbing you with the emotion it brings.
Guys, I know you love Neil Young so it breaks my heart to say this - he is a *horrible* singer.... but yeah I love him too.
He won an award for singer of the year way back when, his comment about that was "only in Canada would this happen". True perhaps, but part of what makes him unique and so good is the voice, it just has a way of grabbing you with the emotion it brings.
BCarn wrote:
Over rated whiner.
I think "overrated" is such an odd term to apply to a subjective art form.Guys, I know you love Neil Young so it breaks my heart to say this - he is a *horrible* singer.... but yeah I love him too.
On_The_Beach wrote:Don't be so hard on yourself.
You can't help it if your taste in music sucks.
leafmold wrote:
Yes, that. This is one of those songs that stops me in my tracks every time. Seems so simple on the surface but it just sucks you in and holds you there. And it helps if you were kind of raised on it.
Sorry to all the haters. This song is still amazing after all these years. It gets in a groove and stays there. Rock on Neil.
Yes, that. This is one of those songs that stops me in my tracks every time. Seems so simple on the surface but it just sucks you in and holds you there. And it helps if you were kind of raised on it.
Oh how I love this song! And yet, it provides a prime example of Neil's "one-note guitar solos".
Maybe that's why I love it so? The simple hammering that is considered a Neil Young solo. Maybe. Maybe it's the quiet bass groove that changes ever so slightly, but is hypnotically clear and unwavering ...
.
.
.
..... and Everybody Knows This is Nowhere.
Maybe that's why I love it so? The simple hammering that is considered a Neil Young solo. Maybe. Maybe it's the quiet bass groove that changes ever so slightly, but is hypnotically clear and unwavering ...
.
.
.
..... and Everybody Knows This is Nowhere.
BCarn wrote:
Don't be so hard on yourself.
You can't help it if your taste in music sucks.
Over rated whiner.
Don't be so hard on yourself.
You can't help it if your taste in music sucks.
Over rated whiner.
First time ever pushing the PSD button. This is what I got. Lucky me.
nomnol wrote:
Mine too. After Cinnamon Girl and Cowgirl in the Sand and Like a Hurricane and Southern Man and Mr. Soul and Helpless and a few others. But I know exactly what you mean.
And backing band Crazy Horse.
My favourite Neil Young song. It just is. 10
Mine too. After Cinnamon Girl and Cowgirl in the Sand and Like a Hurricane and Southern Man and Mr. Soul and Helpless and a few others. But I know exactly what you mean.
And backing band Crazy Horse.
Let's give some credit to Crazy Horse too.
Great bass riff.
Great bass riff. hitjazz wrote:
Uhhhh...to my knowledge we never were a colony of Australia, mate.
Huh? Canada as a colony of Australia? Strange.....
FWIW, 'the colonies' always refers to the former colonies of the British Empire. There is no room for ambiguity.
Uhhhh...to my knowledge we never were a colony of Australia, mate.
Huh? Canada as a colony of Australia? Strange.....
FWIW, 'the colonies' always refers to the former colonies of the British Empire. There is no room for ambiguity.
leafmold wrote:
Amen and yes, Rock on Neil.
Sorry to all the haters. This song is still amazing after all these years. It gets in a groove and stays there. Rock on Neil.
Amen and yes, Rock on Neil.
OK. I think the guitar work is great.
It does reflect the period. It is a bit self-indulgent. But then self-indulgence is the probably single best word to describe the 60s/70s counter-culture. Not all the self-indulgence from the period was bad. Some of the experiments survive to this day.
It does reflect the period. It is a bit self-indulgent. But then self-indulgence is the probably single best word to describe the 60s/70s counter-culture. Not all the self-indulgence from the period was bad. Some of the experiments survive to this day.
churchd wrote:
Neil's been pretty successful playing the guitar. Tell us how you've done.
Neil Young playing a guitar solo like a fifth grader. 
Neil's been pretty successful playing the guitar. Tell us how you've done.
Sorry to all the haters. This song is still amazing after all these years. It gets in a groove and stays there. Rock on Neil.
My favourite Neil Young song. It just is. 10
westslope wrote:
Being from the 'colonies', I think we can excuse you.
Uhhhh...to my knowledge we never were a colony of Australia, mate.
Being from the 'colonies', I think we can excuse you.
Uhhhh...to my knowledge we never were a colony of Australia, mate.
lowelltr wrote:
Ordinarily I would respond with a snarky comment. I'll just say that it is sad that you don't have the capacity to appreciate brilliant music like this.
Good God this song is WAAAYYY too long....please make it stop!
Ordinarily I would respond with a snarky comment. I'll just say that it is sad that you don't have the capacity to appreciate brilliant music like this.
thewiseking wrote:
or sing...man, I really love Neil Young
I love Ole Neil. Always have. Nobody ever said he could play the guitar.
or sing...man, I really love Neil Young
thewiseking wrote:
I love Ole Neil. Always have. Nobody ever said he could play the guitar.
The Rolling Stone poll of other artists rates him #17 guitarist of all time. I love Ole Neil. Always have. Nobody ever said he could play the guitar.
lososs wrote:
The comments are all whiny and complaining but the silent majority has voted again. 8.2 rating
Does this end?... Ever?
The comments are all whiny and complaining but the silent majority has voted again. 8.2 rating
(Sorry, couldn't resist. Arguably Farley's best bit.)
Does this end?... Ever?
jab49 wrote:
Sorry, I didn't mean it literally. In Australia that means "he was very young and just starting out", so to speak. A bit like "when Moses was wearing shorts". :-) It's a brilliant album and I love it, and have bought it several times in one form or another. Cheers JT
Being from the 'colonies', I think we can excuse you.
Sorry, I didn't mean it literally. In Australia that means "he was very young and just starting out", so to speak. A bit like "when Moses was wearing shorts". :-) It's a brilliant album and I love it, and have bought it several times in one form or another. Cheers JT
Being from the 'colonies', I think we can excuse you.
Stephen_Phillips wrote:
Last time I was there, someone had taken me there and dropped me in it.
In many songs a lot of bad things seem to happen "Down by the river". I would stay from that place if I were you...
Last time I was there, someone had taken me there and dropped me in it.
kingart wrote:
Fifth grader? Then I surely think you may mean 1958. Or 1955. Young was born in 1945. From a Rolling Stone piece:
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (Number 34, 1969), which contains three of Young's most famous songs: "Cinnamon Girl," "Down by the River," and "Cowgirl in the Sand." The singer once told a journalist that they were all written in one day while he was stricken with a fever from the flu.
This doesn't specify *when* he had the flu, but if it was in 1968, he wasn't a fifth grader, he was 22+ and had already passed through Buffalo Springfield.
Sorry, I didn't mean it literally. In Australia that means "he was very young and just starting out", so to speak. A bit like "when Moses was wearing shorts". :-) It's a brilliant album and I love it, and have bought it several times in one form or another. Cheers JT
Fifth grader? Then I surely think you may mean 1958. Or 1955. Young was born in 1945. From a Rolling Stone piece:
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (Number 34, 1969), which contains three of Young's most famous songs: "Cinnamon Girl," "Down by the River," and "Cowgirl in the Sand." The singer once told a journalist that they were all written in one day while he was stricken with a fever from the flu.
This doesn't specify *when* he had the flu, but if it was in 1968, he wasn't a fifth grader, he was 22+ and had already passed through Buffalo Springfield.
Sorry, I didn't mean it literally. In Australia that means "he was very young and just starting out", so to speak. A bit like "when Moses was wearing shorts". :-) It's a brilliant album and I love it, and have bought it several times in one form or another. Cheers JT
So I hit PSD when "Mr Soul" was playing and it gave me this. I'll take it.
jab49 wrote:
He **was** a "fifth grader" when he wrote this in 1968 - we all have to start somewhere.
Fifth grader? Then I surely think you may mean 1958. Or 1955. Young was born in 1945. From a Rolling Stone piece:
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (Number 34, 1969), which contains three of Young's most famous songs: "Cinnamon Girl," "Down by the River," and "Cowgirl in the Sand." The singer once told a journalist that they were all written in one day while he was stricken with a fever from the flu.
This doesn't specify *when* he had the flu, but if it was in 1968, he wasn't a fifth grader, he was 22+ and had already passed through Buffalo Springfield.
He **was** a "fifth grader" when he wrote this in 1968 - we all have to start somewhere.
Fifth grader? Then I surely think you may mean 1958. Or 1955. Young was born in 1945. From a Rolling Stone piece:
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (Number 34, 1969), which contains three of Young's most famous songs: "Cinnamon Girl," "Down by the River," and "Cowgirl in the Sand." The singer once told a journalist that they were all written in one day while he was stricken with a fever from the flu.
This doesn't specify *when* he had the flu, but if it was in 1968, he wasn't a fifth grader, he was 22+ and had already passed through Buffalo Springfield.
kingart wrote:
I think he's playing the guitar exactly as he wants to play it. In accordance with the lyrics about a quite addled dude on the run with his baby (but I do hope he means his girl friend, not his baby baby) for some badness or crime only alluded to, and he shot her. No lovely melodies there.
He **was** a "fifth grader" when he wrote this in 1968 - we all have to start somewhere.
I think he's playing the guitar exactly as he wants to play it. In accordance with the lyrics about a quite addled dude on the run with his baby (but I do hope he means his girl friend, not his baby baby) for some badness or crime only alluded to, and he shot her. No lovely melodies there.
He **was** a "fifth grader" when he wrote this in 1968 - we all have to start somewhere.
churchd wrote:
I think he's playing the guitar exactly as he wants to play it. In accordance with the lyrics about a quite addled dude on the run with his baby (but I do hope he means his girl friend, not his baby baby) for some badness or crime only alluded to, and he shot her. No lovely melodies there.
Neil Young playing a guitar solo like a fifth grader.
I think he's playing the guitar exactly as he wants to play it. In accordance with the lyrics about a quite addled dude on the run with his baby (but I do hope he means his girl friend, not his baby baby) for some badness or crime only alluded to, and he shot her. No lovely melodies there.
Good God this song is WAAAYYY too long....please make it stop!
got bored of the bass line after the first hour or so... had to hit the PSD button, again.
NEATO, all these comments from guys waxing poetic about a song in which a guy "shot my baby, down by the river". Oooooh, lalalala.....YIKES
I like Neil, but this is whacked!
I like Neil, but this is whacked!
churchd wrote:
Huh?
Neil Young playing a guitar solo like a fifth grader.
Huh?
Neil Young playing a guitar solo like a fifth grader.
In many songs a lot of bad things seem to happen "Down by the river". I would stay from that place if I were you...
Chumbawamba-1984 wrote:
Recorded on a 4-track tape with no post-production? Eventhough dated back to 1969, it sounds like too much of a stereo effect sample all along. Excuse my ignorance.
I have always rather liked the separate instruments in L & R channels. It used to happen in the early days of stereo before the rules were so rigid. I’m kinda sorry it doesn't seem to happen any more.
Never disappoints does Neil
There is no reason for you to hide...
"Like Hell there isn't—you're trying to shoot me!"
"Like Hell there isn't—you're trying to shoot me!"
On_The_Beach wrote:
Love this comment.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Love this comment.What Causes Tinnitus?
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds is the most common cause of tinnitus. Up to 90% of people with tinnitus have some level of noise-induced hearing loss. The noise causes permanent damage to the sound-sensitive cells of the cochlea, a spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear. Carpenters, pilots, rock musicians, street-repair workers, and landscapers are among those whose jobs put them at risk, as are people who work with chain saws, guns, or other loud devices or who repeatedly listen to loud music. A single exposure to a sudden extremely loud noise can also cause tinnitus.
Awesome
God like! This song always stops me and makes my head 'bob'.
coloradojohn wrote:
Love this comment.
Probably the BEST song to jam to with HeadPhones on and turned to 11...somewhere in there, the barriers melt and the two hemispheres of the brain cross-fire in synch and when the spine-shiver signals from the body trigger proprioception in the cerebellum, that tingle of endorphin release comes and I know I have arrived to where Neil and Crazy wanted to put me to receive their peculiar brand of shaman-type insight, and man, it is ALL a matter of vibration and all a vibration of matter, and, true, there is this illusion that everything actually exists, but there is also this eternal and infinite plasma dance going on that is beyond mere perception and Neil knows it and shows it and has always taken it up and shared it out so well...
Love this comment.Really one of my top 5 favorite male voices, immediately identifiable, clean, sweet, emotional and man at the same time. Guess if I were not a guy, I'd fall in love with him. I treasure RP for playing so many different songs by NY, including the not-necessarily-most-known (at least around here).
The dark side of the dark side of the moon
Love this tune!
agreed!
LowPhreak wrote:
So it's a crime to separate instruments L and R, or should everything just be a blob in the center?
I think not.
LowPhreak wrote:
So it's a crime to separate instruments L and R, or should everything just be a blob in the center?
I think not.
I don't know ... just love me some Neil ...
Chumbawamba-1984 wrote:
So it's a crime to separate instruments L and R, or should everything just be a blob in the center?
I think not.
Recorded on a 4-track tape with no post-production? Eventhough dated back to 1969, it sounds like too much of a stereo effect sample all along. Excuse my ignorance.
So it's a crime to separate instruments L and R, or should everything just be a blob in the center?
I think not.
bitbanger wrote:
So waddid he say?
The battery chain in his Lincvolt malfunctioned. (Google up Lincvolt.) No biodiesel had been delivered. There was two gallons of gas but he didn't want to put more in the tank. The whole long-distance road trek project was about car fuels for the future. So the plan for a few hours of location documentary work in Times Square, downtown FiDi and on Long Island died 15 minutes after the @!%^&(} car left the hotel garage. I had no more than a cursory chat with Neil, he was anchored to the phone with his tech team trying to figure out wtf. Alackaday and fuck my luck, no talk about why she could drag him over the rainbow or rockin' in the free world, electric trains, Farm Aid, the Alberta tar sands...
So waddid he say?
The battery chain in his Lincvolt malfunctioned. (Google up Lincvolt.) No biodiesel had been delivered. There was two gallons of gas but he didn't want to put more in the tank. The whole long-distance road trek project was about car fuels for the future. So the plan for a few hours of location documentary work in Times Square, downtown FiDi and on Long Island died 15 minutes after the @!%^&(} car left the hotel garage. I had no more than a cursory chat with Neil, he was anchored to the phone with his tech team trying to figure out wtf. Alackaday and fuck my luck, no talk about why she could drag him over the rainbow or rockin' in the free world, electric trains, Farm Aid, the Alberta tar sands...
Recorded on a 4-track tape with no post-production? Eventhough dated back to 1969, it sounds like too much of a stereo effect sample all along. Excuse my ignorance.
kingart wrote:
So waddid he say?
Maybe I'll have a moment to ask Mr. Young this question when I meet him later this week.
Maybe he caught her messin' 'round with another man. Huh! And that ain't cool.
If she could take him over the rainbow, why did he shoot her? Never figured that out.
Maybe he caught her messin' 'round with another man. Huh! And that ain't cool.
So waddid he say?
Rick_V wrote:
That poor guitar... what did it do to deserve this torture?
Balls out guitar solo.
That poor guitar... what did it do to deserve this torture?
Time to let the taste linger and grow!
his best tune. all 80 minutes of it.........( beats sugar mountain by a bunch )Fortunately for Neil he does not really need a firearm... he just needs to open his mouth and start singing and he kills everything within a 5 mile radius...
Vintage Neil.
Sheets of electric guitar. Solid rhythm section. Balls out guitar solo.
unclehud wrote:
He also says she could "drag me" over the rainbow....hummm....
If she could take him over the rainbow, why did he shoot her? Never figured that out.
He also says she could "drag me" over the rainbow....hummm....
Neil in the news today talkin bout the mess being made in the north!
https://www.edmontonjournal.com/entertainment/Neil+Young+blasts+Harper+government+allowing+oilsands/9377863/story.html
https://www.edmontonjournal.com/entertainment/Neil+Young+blasts+Harper+government+allowing+oilsands/9377863/story.html
kingart wrote:
Maybe he caught her messin' 'round with another man. Huh! And that ain't cool.
Hunting accident. Yup. She shouldn't have worn that light brown suede jacket with a white angora hat. *sigh*
If she could take him over the rainbow, why did he shoot her? Never figured that out.
Maybe he caught her messin' 'round with another man. Huh! And that ain't cool.
Hunting accident. Yup. She shouldn't have worn that light brown suede jacket with a white angora hat. *sigh*