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Nick Drake — Fly
Album: Bryter Layter
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2081









Released: 1970
Length: 2:51
Plays (last 30 days): 3
Please give me a second grace,
Please give me a second face,
I've fallen far down, the first time around,
Now I just sit on the ground in your way

Now, if it's time for recompense for what's done,
Come, come sit down on the fence in the sun,
And the clouds will roll by and we'll never deny,
It's really too hard for the fly

Please tell me your second name,
Please play me your second game,
I've fallen so far, of the people you are,
I just need your star for a day

So come, come ride in my street-car by the bay,
For now, I must know how fine you are in your way,
And the sea she will sigh but she'll never deny,
For it's really too hard for the fly
Comments (173)add comment
Life's great rewards, one of them, and one of immense and lasting richness and pleasure, is finding Nick Drake via RP. 
Beautiful tune.
Wow I haven't rated this before: solid 9
 DaidyBoy wrote:
I loved his sister when I was a young 'un and now I love him too, but for entirely different reasons.  I would never have discovered him without the wonder that is Radio Paradise.  Thanks from the bottom of my heart.
 

You should check out the documentary "A Skin too Few: The Days of Nick Drake. It's a gorgeous documentary itself, fueled by his music.
I loved his sister when I was a young 'un and now I love him too, but for entirely different reasons.  I would never have discovered him without the wonder that is Radio Paradise.  Thanks from the bottom of my heart.
A nice little tune, though an example of an artist who labors in obscurity, dies and is only discovered some time thereafter.  The gods must have a sense of humor don't they, albeit a bit of a twisted one?  

His acoustical style was unfortunate for evolving full in the face of a period when the guitar, and music, was going for LOUD and DRIVING.  Nobody then was listening.  But more of 'em are listening now. 

I suppose if it's possible for a soul to take comfort from a after-life perspective perhaps he's smilin' at finally getting some recognition....?

So it goes.

Highlow
American Net'Zen
Hey Nick Drake here's a 10
Thanks RP for leading me to discover Nick Drake and so many other great artists!!
 RedGuitar wrote:
Was Nick's music played on radio back in the 70s?  Just curious, as I've only heard it in the last few years.
 

Not really. Starting in 1972, I was working for exactly the kind of radio stations that would have played him but we never did. I didn't hear him until 1979, when I was working at WCAS in Cambridge, MA. One of the other DJs played "Cello Song" for me and I was absolutely stunned by how good it was, and that I'd never heard it before.

The first mainstream attention he got was when "Pink Moon" was used in a VW commercial in 1999. I suspect he would have found that circumstance to be kind of bizarre. 

Lakeview wrote:
Sorry Bill. I think I may be done. Too many times I've turned on RP lately just to have to turn it off. Not sure what is changing or has changed but I'm only enjoying this 50% or less of the time which is not a good reason to stick around.
averybadcat wrote:

when one door opens another one  hits you in the ass, or something. of course you can split anytime but my advice is to go hang out in the forum rooms instead, take the focus off the musical criticism for a little and just shoot the bull instead. but dont get all alienated, dont go and eat worms, dont shoot yourself in  the foot, you get it..  you could just be going through a hard to please phase.. who knows why everybody is here. i  just found this place recently myself.  for all i  know youre probably back by now anyway.
. hello
 
@averyGOODcat....that was one of the nicest things I've seen written to a "stranger" in these forums...and all I can say is:  {#High-five}
psd gave me Hendrix - Voodoo Chile   Glorious!!!
 Ostar wrote:
The arrangement is actually quite Astral Weeks-like
 
I feel a similarity between early songs of Van Morrison and Nick Drake too. Freedom, love and pain of youthfulness in full glory. {#Good-vibes}
 oilydwarf wrote:
I've heard several other versions of this song, can someone enlighten me and tell me who penned the original?

 
You're listening to it.
I've heard several other versions of this song, can someone enlighten me and tell me who penned the original?
The arrangement is actually quite Astral Weeks-like
 Lakeview wrote:
Sorry Bill. I think I may be done. Too many times I've turned on RP lately just to have to turn it off. Not sure what is changing or has changed but I'm only enjoying this 50% or less of the time which is not a good reason to stick around.

 
when one door opens another one  hits you in the ass, or something. of course you can split anytime but my advice is to go hang out in the forum rooms instead, take the focus off the musical criticism for a little and just shoot the bull instead. but dont get all alienated, dont go and eat worms, dont shoot yourself in  the foot, you get it..  you could just be going through a hard to please phase.. who knows why everybody is here. i  just found this place recently myself.  for all i  know youre probably back by now anyway.
. hello

that's some dark and mellow sound wafting thru this cold starscape.. {#Music}
 ronniegirl wrote:
I read today that John Martyn's widow is about to auction off some old never-released tapes of Nick.  Can't wait!


Singer-songwriter Nick Drake made a huge mark on folk music with only three albums to his name, so the revelation that a reel of six previously unheard recordings exists could be a massive contribution to his catalog. According to the New York Times, the recordings will go up for auction on July 31st at London's Ted Owen & Company. A company representative described the recordings as "pristine master tapes" and is expecting them to fetch at least £250,000 ($428,000).  

Q&A: Nick Drake Producer Joe Boyd on Singer's Legacy

Recorded in 1968, the year before the release of his debut album Five Leaves Left, the reel has been owned by Beverley Martyn, a folk singer who mentored Drake alongside her late husband John Martyn. In an interview with the Independent, she called the sound "full of fun," and said Drake's early guitar playing on the tape is "absolutely excellent." "The strings were great , but this is just him, and it makes it more personal," she said. She went on to describe Drake as a "younger brother."

Read more: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/rare-unheard-nick-drake-tapes-going-up-for-auction-20140703#ixzz38Dn8EKBg 

I read today that John Martyn's widow is about to auction off some old never-released tapes of Nick.  Can't wait!
{#Heartkiss}{#Heartkiss}{#Heartkiss}  8 >>>> 9
Another beautiful Nick Drake tune. He was one of a kind.
This is so beautiful.    I cannot get over it
That's the problem with RP. Bill doesn't play enough 16th century English madrigals. 
Donovan revised - same, smooth seductive vibe.
 Lakeview wrote:
Sorry Bill. I think I may be done. Too many times I've turned on RP lately just to have to turn it off. Not sure what is changing or has changed but I'm only enjoying this 50% or less of the time which is not a good reason to stick around.

  Perhaps a word with 'Doctor John' would not go amiss, he may be able to help you as it does sound serious.. Good luck friend.


Like so many of the great artists, Nick's life ended before it started. He left us with a few albums of beautiful but sorrowful music. I am sure artists like Jose Gonzalez and many other folk artists have been inspired by his gift of song writing and singing. Thanks for introducing me to him Bill, never heard of him before RP!
sublime...
 Lakeview wrote:
Sorry Bill. I think I may be done. Too many times I've turned on RP lately just to have to turn it off. Not sure what is changing or has changed but I'm only enjoying this 50% or less of the time which is not a good reason to stick around.
 
take a break, come back when you are recovered!
 Lakeview wrote:
Sorry Bill. I think I may be done. Too many times I've turned on RP lately just to have to turn it off. Not sure what is changing or has changed but I'm only enjoying this 50% or less of the time which is not a good reason to stick around.

 
Concussion?
 Lakeview wrote:
Sorry Bill. I think I may be done. Too many times I've turned on RP lately just to have to turn it off. Not sure what is changing or has changed but I'm only enjoying this 50% or less of the time which is not a good reason to stick around.
 
Your musical taste has taken a turn for the worse. Hold on, it may come back!
 RedGuitar wrote:
Was Nick's music played on radio back in the 70s?  Just curious, as I've only heard it in the last few years.
 
I remember hearing him first on KPFT - Pacifica Radio in Houston, Texas.  I was a wee lass and can barely recall...but as the years have gone by, whenever I hear his voice, I always go right back to that place, late at night, laying in the dark listening to what we all called "underground radio" station.  Their radio tower was blown up twice in the early 70's by the rednecks....hard to believe today.
Sorry Bill. I think I may be done. Too many times I've turned on RP lately just to have to turn it off. Not sure what is changing or has changed but I'm only enjoying this 50% or less of the time which is not a good reason to stick around.
 Cynaera wrote:
*sigh*  Taking a deep breath and relaxing after a rather energetic day spent with my best friend. Once we both finally got past talking over each other, being silly, and spending too much money, we had a lovely, deep discussion about needs vs. wants and what, exactly, is a vice. It was quite enjoyable, but after a couple of hours with her, I always need equal time to chill, slow my brain and pulse, and breathe.

This song put me in the gentle zone.  Thank you, RP. And thank you, Nick Drake. I wish you could have known how much your music would be appreciated and loved before you ended your life...{#Meditate}
 

Sigh, missing Cy.
Great post.  I hope you and Nick can read this whereever you are.  
..truly a troubadour of the 70s..
Donovan-esque. Both terrific, but in this song at least, Drake is not all that indistinguishable in sound style content. 
 RedGuitar wrote:
Was Nick's music played on radio back in the 70s?  Just curious, as I've only heard it in the last few years.
 
Nick Drake was in regular rotation on KDKB in Phoenix back in the day.
This brings back the most vivid memories of the year after the LP was released. Have not heard it in ages. Thanks RP!
I wonder why this guy is so popular. His wimpy and strained style is tragic, but not for the accepted reason IMO. 

perfect
Great shoes, Nick!
Typical Drake song. Depressiv and special!

PS
When Chris Blackwell sold ISLAND RECORDS to POLYGram one of the conditions were that Nick's albums had to be always available!


Tragically beautiful.
 element1 wrote:

Not much. He was 'discovered' mostly posthumously.

 

whoa.  had no idea he was dead.  geeze.  never heard of him back then either.  but what a nice song.  {#Rolleyes}
Nice stuff.  Gave it an 8.  If I were a little younger, I'd rate it a 9 or 10.
He's got the "it" factor.
 

Nick Drake never fails to impress. With his steady rise in popularity over the decades since he topped himself, he's probably looking down and feeling EVEN more miserable ..."DOH what was I thinking?"
First Nick Drake song that I remember hearing.

Still like it.

I know I never heard it.... even on college stations-......(assuming you were within 15 miles of their tower)

I first heard of him in an interview with John Cale in Musician magazine, (I think), circa '76 or so. I checked it out and was hooked
 RedGuitar wrote:
Was Nick's music played on radio back in the 70s?  Just curious, as I've only heard it in the last few years.
 


This cover-art freaks me out!

Even more than the shoes!
 RedGuitar wrote:
Was Nick's music played on radio back in the 70s?  Just curious, as I've only heard it in the last few years.
 
Not much. He was 'discovered' mostly posthumously.

 RedGuitar wrote:
Was Nick's music played on radio back in the 70s?  Just curious, as I've only heard it in the last few years.
 
No radio station I know of.  He's sort of a Van Gough - it took a while for the world to catch up.

Love Nick and this album is very good but the strings are sounding a bit dated (except Cello song where they pretty much make sense).

Was Nick's music played on radio back in the 70s?  Just curious, as I've only heard it in the last few years.
 fredriley wrote:
That'll teach me to mute. I hit mute for Springsteen, miss 3 great tracks, then come back to this aural Mogadon {#Sleep}
 
Fred....c'mon...aural Mogadon?
Had to look that one up(British sedative)...
Nick is certainly mellow...but isn't that OK if done right....and you are in the mood.
I believe he's one of your finest exports!

 wenatchee wrote:


Not one Seattle radio station has played Nick, or for that matter, many of the artists we hear on RP.
 
Yes, meaning - Greatness in what we hear from Nick . . .

*sigh*  Taking a deep breath and relaxing after a rather energetic day spent with my best friend. Once we both finally got past talking over each other, being silly, and spending too much money, we had a lovely, deep discussion about needs vs. wants and what, exactly, is a vice. It was quite enjoyable, but after a couple of hours with her, I always need equal time to chill, slow my brain and pulse, and breathe.

This song put me in the gentle zone.  Thank you, RP. And thank you, Nick Drake. I wish you could have known how much your music would be appreciated and loved before you ended your life...{#Meditate}
Yes, it is amazing what he created during his very short life.  Sure puts me to shame.  As well, Kafka's "Absent Minded Window Gazing" comes to mind for me.  

 
rdo wrote:


It is a wonder what he did create.  I can think of no equal.  Kafka comes to mind.
 



 
fredriley wrote:
That'll teach me to mute. I hit mute for Springsteen, miss 3 great tracks, then come back to this aural Mogadon {#Sleep}
 
mute all the way baby!

That'll teach me to mute. I hit mute for Springsteen, miss 3 great tracks, then come back to this aural Mogadon {#Sleep}

The clouds that gather round the setting sun  
Do take a sober colouring from an eye  
That hath kept watch o'er man's mortality;  
Another race hath been, and other palms are won.  
Thanks to the human heart by which we live, 
Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears,  
To me the meanest flower that blows can give  
Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.

-Wordsworth


 STEVIE1 wrote:
As per my previous comment, this station can really do no wrong as long as they keep playing Nick Drake's fantastic music. I've often wondered what he would have gone on to create if his life had not ended so abruptly.
 

It is a wonder what he did create.  I can think of no equal.  Kafka comes to mind.
Thanks to the great gift of the internet -in combination with the recent acquired Squeezebox Duet- I've discovered this fabulous radiostation (in the Netherlands). Playing Nick Drake is one of many "wow's" I've had listening to RP; sometimes I thought I was the only one left liking him ;-) No radiostation I know plays him.
In answer to Stevie1; I agree. Funny thing is, the more I listen to Nick (especially after seeing the documentary about him) the more I love his work.

 
STEVIE1 wrote:
As per my previous comment, this station can really do no wrong as long as they keep playing Nick Drake's fantastic music. I've often wondered what he would have gone on to create if his life had not ended so abruptly.
 


 STEVIE1 wrote:
Any radio station that plays so much Nick Drake is just demonstrating its greatness, keep up the good work.
 

Not one Seattle radio station has played Nick, or for that matter, many of the artists we hear on RP.
Since beginning to listen to RP, I have become a Nick Drake fan.  Really sublime stuff that I've never had the opportunity to enjoy until recently.  Thanks Bill & Rebecca! {#Yes}
 bdblinux wrote:
Great tune. ... Royal Tenenbaums
 
{#Yes} great movie

I've never cared much for Nick Drake; I have a feeling however that RP will soon change that! {#Music}
As per my previous comment, this station can really do no wrong as long as they keep playing Nick Drake's fantastic music. I've often wondered what he would have gone on to create if his life had not ended so abruptly.
Any radio station that plays so much Nick Drake is just demonstrating its greatness, keep up the good work.
Timeless.  When you need to get your mope on there's no better companion than Nick Drake.
a_genuine_find wrote:
I can't stop staring at those shoes
Oh, jeez, I thought LOLcats were over but that really made me laugh.
My mom fell in love with this song as one of her all time favorites, and I think the lyrics rang well within her soul during her fight with cancer, ultimately lost . . . she had this on the way out . . . and I will always believe she wanted a second go-round - "Please give me a second grace. Please give me a second face. I've fallen far down, the first time around, now I just sit on the ground in your way."
Shesdifferent wrote:
After talking to my mother on the phone, I need a bit of peace and quiet! Thanks Bill!
sometimes my mother has that effect on me, too.
Emo done right.
After talking to my mother on the phone, I need a bit of peace and quiet! Thanks Bill!
1wolfy wrote:
Nice..It has a Donovan peacefulness
Nicely stated.
Nice..It has a Donovan peacefulness
Beautiful song.
Makes me long for Adrian Belew's "Fly".
mmm Very funny shoes...The name Drake went to the head I guess...they have BIG FLAT FEET, don't they?
I can't stop staring at those shoes
Great tune. ... Royal Tenenbaums
wow.
He sounds like a retarded Donovan.
Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
I don't get it. This song is miserable. I don't see what everyone like about it. Ah, its over now.
I agree. This is very weak indeed. Not everything that Drake did was great.
I don't get it. This song is miserable. I don't see what everyone like about it. Ah, its over now.
This is a great song but I prefer the unadorned version from "Time Of No Reply".
musikalia wrote:
that's like the paleolithic carnivor of emoticons.
This is one of the few Nick Drake songs I like. Most of the rest I find extraordinary...
queenjill wrote:
That's the year they stopped packaging antidepressants in cereal boxes.
such a magnificent song.
There is something deliberately old fashioned in it. But it's still Nick Drake.
Sort of Donovan-ish.
ndfan75 wrote:
not sure it's possible to OD on ad's, but then I'm no expert..I'm guessin downers/muscle relaxers/pain killers/etc..hell ketamine anyone?
We're talking a different generation of anti-depressants, and yes, you could overdose back then. It took a few overdoses for them to realize it, though. As for depression, from what I've read, he was actually in a good period in his life, with a girlfriend, and had started writing again. Which is why the people closest to him are so adamant that it wasn't intentional. Also, those A-D's helped him sleep, and he suffered a lot from insomnia. Over 30 years ago, there was a LOT less known about anti-depressants.
ndfan75 wrote:
not sure it's possible to OD on ad's, but then I'm no expert..I'm guessin downers/muscle relaxers/pain killers/etc..hell ketamine anyone?
Yeah and too much water can kill you too. I got 2 of Drake's CDs this week. SWEET!
Mary_Read wrote:
The biography that I saw here in Canada on TVO said that he got up in the night to get some cornflakes and took more anti-depressants by mistake.
That's the year they stopped packaging antidepressants in cereal boxes.
He might have had his problems, but those shoes are killer, man. This music is timeless, as he will remain.
Mary_Read wrote:
He died November 25 1974. Most reports suggest that he accidentally overdosed on his prescription meds. Some folks suggest that it was suicide. The biography that I saw here in Canada on TVO said that he got up in the night to get some cornflakes and took more anti-depressants by mistake. Brilliant musician, such beatiful music..
I heard an radio program (BBC Radio4) which had lots of interviews with his Mother. She thought he didnt really mean to kill himself - maybe a cry for help. He was very depressed about his lack of recognition. Ironic now.
Mary_Read wrote:
He died November 25 1974. Most reports suggest that he accidentally overdosed on his prescription meds. Some folks suggest that it was suicide. The biography that I saw here in Canada on TVO said that he got up in the night to get some cornflakes and took more anti-depressants by mistake. Brilliant musician, such beatiful music..
not sure it's possible to OD on ad's, but then I'm no expert..I'm guessin downers/muscle relaxers/pain killers/etc..hell ketamine anyone?
Essbee wrote:
NO NICK DRAKE! Okay, he died, and that made him GREAT somehow. I get it. Now enough!
I dedicate this one to you Essbee!
Doesn't suck, but it doesn't do anything for me either.
a bit dylanish, a bit donovan. of the time. never heard hom before.
babygirl614 wrote:
Who needs meditation (medication?) when you can hear: Even in the Quietest Moments Blackbird Fly
Or Three Hours River Man
He died November 25 1974. Most reports suggest that he accidentally overdosed on his prescription meds. Some folks suggest that it was suicide. The biography that I saw here in Canada on TVO said that he got up in the night to get some cornflakes and took more anti-depressants by mistake. Brilliant musician, such beatiful music..
anyone: How/when did he die??
Essbee wrote:
NO NICK DRAKE! Okay, he died, and that made him GREAT somehow. I get it. Now enough!
But I liked him before I knew he was dead. Sometimes people are actually great on their own merits.
babygirl614 wrote:
Who needs meditation (medication?) when you can hear: Even in the Quietest Moments Blackbird Fly time for my nap now...but in a good way.
Have I gone back in time? Same set just played today...where am I?...Auntie Em?
pjterp wrote:
Royal Tenenbaums good-ness.
Yes, perfect soundtrack choice for the almost perfect movie. Eccentric. Family.
Who needs meditation (medication?) when you can hear: Even in the Quietest Moments Blackbird Fly time for my nap now...but in a good way.
NO NICK DRAKE! Okay, he died, and that made him GREAT somehow. I get it. Now enough!
Didn't Nick Drake play less than two hours ago?
ohh nick drake! why is he one for the second time in like 3 hours? love the guy but c'mon
Um, did I stumble into another forum by mistake? Aah, there you are, Nick. Thanks.
nuggler wrote:
Bullsh!t & you know it.... "Unto thine own self be true...", otherwise the 'trust' issue comes into effect when anyone with 'eyes to see' sees right through what you put forth.... Its 'Malmsteen' by the way & anyone who actually believes that his music 'sucks', whether you dig him or not will not earn the respect of those with truly eclectic tastes....
Wow, this is an easy one, 'cause this time you're barely making sense, except to yourself. And regardless of how the fella's name is spelled (without my hurried typo or not), I don't understand how the discounting of one very narrowly-styled guitar player's music would prevent me from earning "the respect of those with truly exlectic tastes." I suppose that means that only Malmsteen lovers have eclectic tastes? Dude, you simply need to explain yourself sometimes--strike that, all the time. And I don't mean your cryptic "look inside yourself" garbage that you tend to dish. You really need to explain. Maybe you think I'm stupid for not "catching your drift" right away, but unless I see a wave of other users explaining what you mean with any clarity, I'm gonna stick to my guns and say that you're not making much rational sense.
ploafmaster wrote:
Not true...to say "Picasso sucks" can potentially mean simply that the speaker dislikes Picasso's work. I know about the skill of guitar playing, tonality, composition, music history etc. to a reasonable degree, but I still think that Yngwie Malamstien sucks. That's not ignorance, it's taste.
Bullsh!t & you know it.... "Unto thine own self be true...", otherwise the 'trust' issue comes into effect when anyone with 'eyes to see' sees right through what you put forth.... Its 'Malmsteen' by the way & anyone who actually believes that his music 'sucks', whether you dig him or not will not earn the respect of those with truly eclectic tastes....
pdhski wrote:
well too bad he recorded this instead - recycled Donovan
Perhaps you meant "precycled"? Bryter Layter - 1970 HMS Donovan - 1971 Even Wear Your Love Like Heaven was only 1967, and that doesn't come close to comparing to Bryter Layter. dolfan wrote:
God, Thank you for giving us Nick Drake, but I've issues with him leaving us so soon. What was THAT all about?
No kidding. Great statement, dolfan. The list goes on and on, with Mr. Drake near the top. Outstanding tune.
When I "discovered" Nick Drake's music I was in awe. Now whenever I hear him I just want to cry. His talents were wasted.
Royal Tenenbaums good-ness.
messydiner wrote:
Acutally his argument was not that you should *like* Dylan, but that you should *respect* what he did, and how he's influenced music. Penny Arcade had a post way back that I liked, something to the effect: when someone says something like "Picasso sucks" it's much more a reflection of their own ignorance then the quality of the artist.
Not true...to say "Picasso sucks" can potentially mean simply that the speaker dislikes Picasso's work. I know about the skill of guitar playing, tonality, composition, music history etc. to a reasonable degree, but I still think that Yngwie Malamstien sucks. That's not ignorance, it's taste.
jstevep00 wrote:
Pretty good, but pretty much sounds like every other Nick Drake song IMO. That's not necessarily a bad thing, I just wonder if I'd dig any of his albums (don't have any currently) or if I'd get sick of them. His songs make excellent movie soundtrack songs if nothing else.
I agree. This is my fourth negative comment in the row, so I will shut up after this, but the more I listen to Nick Drake, the less I like it. I have to give this one just a 5.
I like a lot of Nick Drake's music. This one just doesn't do anything for me.
What about 'Northern Sky' from this album ? Sorry if it's already in rotation.
jstevep00 wrote:
Pretty good, but pretty much sounds like every other Nick Drake song IMO. That's not necessarily a bad thing, I just wonder if I'd dig any of his albums (don't have any currently) or if I'd get sick of them.
You mean to say you don't have them yet?? Well then, rush, no run to the record store and buy all three immediately! jstevep00 wrote:
His songs make excellent movie soundtrack songs if nothing else.
What??!
Pretty good, but pretty much sounds like every other Nick Drake song IMO. That's not necessarily a bad thing, I just wonder if I'd dig any of his albums (don't have any currently) or if I'd get sick of them. His songs make excellent movie soundtrack songs if nothing else.