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Fairport Convention — Who Knows Where the Time Goes
Album: Unhalfbricking
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1904









Released: 1969
Length: 5:05
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Across the evening sky, all the birds are leaving
But how can they know it's time for them to go?
Before the winter fire, I will still be dreaming
I have no thought of time
For who knows where the time goes?
Who knows where the time goes?
Sad, deserted shore, your fickle friends are leaving
Ah, but then you know it's time for them to go
But I will still be here, I have no thought of leaving
I do not count the time
For who knows where the time goes?
Who knows where the time goes?
And I am not alone while my love is near me
I know it will be so until it's time to go
So come the storms of winter and then the birds in spring again
I have no fear of time
For who knows how my love grows?
And who knows where the time goes?
Comments (214)add comment
https://genius.com/Sam-shepard...There is nothing more to say, as Travis did.
This track is used in a new British Indy film called Typist Artist Pirate King do try to catch it very interesting story about an artist Audrey Amiss
ethereal
 Skydog wrote:

"Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" is a song written by the English folk-rock singer and songwriter Sandy Denny. Denny originally recorded the song as a demo in 1967, singing and playing guitar on the track. Later that year, she briefly joined the folk bandThe Strawbs, and re-recorded the song, again with only her voice and guitar, for what became the album All Our Own Work, which would not be released until 1973.

American folk singer Judy Collins heard a tape of the original demo recording in 1968, and decided to cover the song. She released her recording first as the B-side of her cover of "Both Sides, Now", and then as the title track of her album Who Knows Where the Time Goes, both released in 1968. Hers was the first widely available recording of the song.

In 1968 Denny joined the folk-rock band Fairport Convention. She recorded the song on her second album with the band, the 1969 album Unhalfbricking. This version had more of a rock influence.

"Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" became a signature song for both Denny and Fairport Convention, and has been covered by many artists.

In 2007, the Unhalfbricking version was voted "Favourite Folk Track Of All Time" by listeners of BBC Radio 2.



Much thanks for that history lesson about this song. I've just gone +1 to 9 and now I'm interested in hearing the Sandy Solo (vocals and guitar) demo version; I have a feeling it will knock me off my feet!
Long Live RP and getting blown away by amazing singing!!
Sandy Denny.. Of blessed memory.
Goosebumps
 dublanica wrote:

heh?  I never understand why some have to slam greats to make a point.  Sandy Denny...certainly very good; but, "overshadow" Joni and Joan?  c'mon!

How sensitive do you have to be to think that's a slam?  "Overshadow" does nothing to imply that the other two aren't good in their own right...just that Sandy may be better, in one's opinion.  The writer DOESN'T say they suck, blah, blah, blah, ears bleeding, terrible, garbage or anything of that nature.  Go back to your safe space and think about this for a moment.  This notion that every single word needs to be parsed for offense is getting ridiculous.  And saying anything different is stupid.  And that right there...that's a slam ya tender little lamb...
Never knew this track before I'd heard it on a new film about an unknown English Artist, Audrey Amiss - a really lovely British film called Typist Artist Pirate King - do look out for it
 brianlj wrote:

My wife chose this as the Entrance Music at her funeral last year.



Reading this while listening to the song left a lump in my throat for hours.
Listen to this back to back with Kilkelly, Ireland (Robbie O’Connell), and Old Friends (Mary McCaslin), and you end up in a heap on the floor.
Just want to raise a glass to another member of the wonderful folk singers and musicians of the world.. One Norma Waterson who died a couple of days ago.
A great voice and presence for many years.
Wife of Martin Carthy and mother of Eliza Carthy, both of whom are folk greats in their own right.
Shine on up there Norma.. For all of us.
 AhhtheMusic wrote:


Beautiful song.    I'm sure everyone teared up.  :(  


So sorry for your loss.


Please accept my sorrow for your loss too.
 sfyi2001 wrote:




Ah the wondrous, sadly missed Sandy Denny.  A rare and beautiful voice.
 brianlj wrote:

My wife chose this as the Entrance Music at her funeral last year.



Beautiful song.    I'm sure everyone teared up.  :(  


So sorry for your loss.
Chills. Solid 9.
Imagine what Ms. Denny could have done. Damn.
c.
Thank you for this! Sandy Denny. Fairport Convention woven in at a cellular level. 
 Petrige wrote:

Joan Beaz ? :-)




Petula Clark? No. Sandy.
Joan Beaz ? :-)
I saw FC in 1968 or 1969, I think at a gig at a teacher training college near Coventry (It's a bit like the sixties in general - if you can remember it clearly, you weren't there). It was as magic as you could imagine magic to be. Sandy Denny's voice had to be heard to be believed. 'Pure' doesn't even begin to describe it.
Totally yummy!
One of those groups I've sort of heard of, but never could remember their music. 
 doktorkev wrote:

What an amazing song. I can't help but think this may have provided inspiration for Allman Brothers Melissa

Beautiful 




that just might be .... both wonderful
Getting a bit Joni Mitchell vibes... Like it!
What an amazing song. I can't help but think this may have provided inspiration for Allman Brothers Melissa

Beautiful 
Vibing to this.
So iconic.   

To be cut so short by demon alcohol.  Tragic.
Gave it an 8, got a third of the way through, boosted it to a 9, by the time it ended I'd rated it a 10.  Goddess-like. 
Why of why did I only give an 8... was such a long time ago...   bumped to a very solid  9+..
 brianlj wrote:
My wife chose this as the Entrance Music at her funeral last year.
 
Yah.....     Me thinking that the two of you shared quite the journey.  
Beautiful, always beautiful.  Perfect for this sunny autumn day too. 

Sandy Denny's voice is sublime.    
  
  
I loved them in 1969 and ever since. Like others, I can't listen to this song now without getting wet eyes..must be an age thing. The couple on the album cover are the parents of Sandy Denny standing outside their garden in Wimbledon. Timeless. 
 jmjohall wrote:
that gives me chills but wow i might request the same

 

 brianlj wrote:
My wife chose this as the Entrance Music at her funeral last year.
 

This song brings tears to my eyes every time.
Love the words,so poignant and beautiful ❤️
 Sam_Hill wrote:
Honestly this song makes me want to cry every time I hear it.
 
You aren't the only one!
Sandy Denny had such a hauntingly beautiful voice. So perfect for this song.
 brianlj wrote:
My wife chose this as the Entrance Music at her funeral last year.
 
After reading the lyrics I find it very fitting and beautiful.
Just. F-ing. Brilliant. 
My word for such talented musicians is. As always. Glorious!!!!!!!!!!!
 brianlj wrote:
My wife chose this as the Entrance Music at her funeral last year.
 
so sorry about your wife. Excellent choice of music. <3
 brianlj wrote:
My wife chose this as the Entrance Music at her funeral last year.
 
Truly sorry to hear that Brian. Beautiful music... being followed by Melissa...Allman Bros... Love RP!
 HectorPascal wrote:
 
 
Would that be the English (Bristol, I think?) band Strange Affair. I once had an album of theirs which was wonderful but they kind of vanished!
Kiwi John
My wife chose this as the Entrance Music at her funeral last year.
Not enough stars or numbers in the universe to rate this tune. 
She was 19 when she wrote this. Amazing.
Thats pretty  
 Jim_Messenger wrote:
Realised after 50 years that Sandy Denny has a voice that overshadows Joni Mitchell and Baez by a country mile.   Yet I doubt most younger listeners could even name her.
Need proof - listen to Unhalfbricking  or specifically A Sailors Life from that album.
 
heh?  I never understand why some have to slam greats to make a point.  Sandy Denny...certainly very good; but, "overshadow" Joni and Joan?  c'mon!
dang this is a sad song 
absolutely beautiful song
Honestly this song makes me want to cry every time I hear it.
 daniel_rusk wrote:
Glad you said something about the distortion in the recording of her voice.  Listening on FLAC just now, I was a little worried that it was coming from my sound system.  Having it up loud, it became very grating to the ears at the loudest, high points, for sure.
 

The older I get the more meaningful this song is to me.  And the time, it just goes away, filled with good memories, good friends, and family growing, all of us living and dying.  Very poignant song for me today as I contemplate "it all".
Sound is very distorted on voice. Weak verses.
 Highspirits wrote:
Anything Sandy Denny sang would transport me far awaaaaay. 
 
...still DOES transport ME far awaaaaay.
my goodness, what a flood of bittersweet memories and emotions washing over me with this sublime song.   Anything Sandy Denny sang would transport me far awaaaaay. 
Funny the Wikepedia page on here doesn't even mention Richard Thompson as a member or past member. Nor an associated act
 Philo wrote:
One of the greatest songs ever written. Sandy Denny vocals, Richard Thompson guitar, what can be better?
 
June Tabor with Martin Simpson on guitar:  A Strange Affair.  You did ask.
Ah, this one is new to my ears... love it! Probably only the third Fairport Convention song I've ever heard. I couldn't identify the voice, and was thinking "Baez? Mitchell?" Sandy Denny's voice equals both of theirs (and I'm not going to say any of the three are better than the others; all are sublime.) Really love the gorgeous sound of this. Thanks, Bill!
Realised after 50 years that Sandy Denny has a voice that overshadows Joni Mitchell and Baez by a country mile.   Yet I doubt most younger listeners could even name her.
Need proof - listen to Unhalfbricking  or specifically A Sailors Life from that album.
 idiot_wind wrote:
Richard Thompson looked like a young crazy man when he recorded this.

Now he looks more like the old man on the album cover.

Where does the time go?    
 
That's Sandy's parents at their house.
The first time I heard this I played it for hours - couldn't believe there was music so beautiful.

There's a lot of good music in that period and style of English music.
I love it.   Miss Sandy Denny's voice.   And of course the guitar is perfection.   I love it.
 sfyi2001 wrote:


                                                        And the subtle, brilliant guitar work of Richard Thompson.
                                                                                                ~

                            
                                                                                                         1970


 

Brilliant. And that sweet strumming behind like hearing Steve Cropper behind Aretha, et al. Brilliant song, brilliant singing, brilliant segueing. As rabid RP fans, how we always hear something a/new...................
 Tomboy63 wrote:
The Original US Version of this came with a curious "psychedelic" cover with elephants and all.
 

I too love the song and only heard of Fairport Convention from the past.  I love the folk era.  Collins had such great taste and voice, so do they.
I only knew 'of' Fairport Convention before RP, I don't think I'd ever heard them. After hearing several songs here, i had to get the CDs. Lovely.
Another song to check if the PSD Button is still working...
I only know this as a Judy Collins recording but thought is was different... and I was right.  I don't know Sandy Denny but the beauty of this song really takes me back to memories.
it's hitting home today






             And the brilliant, subtle  electric guitar 
                    of  Richard Thompson.
                                                                                                


                                                                                     1970







 Bert7 wrote:
Is that the old guy in the 1970's corn flakes commercial...{#Ask}

 
Did Corn Flakes® have an official spokesperson in the 1970s?  You may be thinking of Euell Gibbons, who did a series of TV spots for Grape Nuts®.  Anyway, there's no way anyone should be mistaking Sandy Denny's voice for that of a man. 
Play some Strawbs!!!!
Gorgeous. Timeless. Breathtakingly beautiful. Almost seems effortless.
Is that the old guy in the 1970's corn flakes commercial...{#Ask}
One of the greatest songs ever written. Sandy Denny vocals, Richard Thompson guitar, what can be better?

"Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" is a song written by the English folk-rock singer and songwriter Sandy Denny. Denny originally recorded the song as a demo in 1967, singing and playing guitar on the track. Later that year, she briefly joined the folk bandThe Strawbs, and re-recorded the song, again with only her voice and guitar, for what became the album All Our Own Work, which would not be released until 1973.

American folk singer Judy Collins heard a tape of the original demo recording in 1968, and decided to cover the song. She released her recording first as the B-side of her cover of "Both Sides, Now", and then as the title track of her album Who Knows Where the Time Goes, both released in 1968. Hers was the first widely available recording of the song.

In 1968 Denny joined the folk-rock band Fairport Convention. She recorded the song on her second album with the band, the 1969 album Unhalfbricking. This version had more of a rock influence.

"Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" became a signature song for both Denny and Fairport Convention, and has been covered by many artists.

In 2007, the Unhalfbricking version was voted "Favourite Folk Track Of All Time" by listeners of BBC Radio 2.


Exquisite. FC were my first live concert experience, sadly much later than this era. Still,my appreciation continues to grow.
Equalled (and, I think, bettered) by "A Sailor's Life"
Awesome!
gorgeous bit of music, thank you
Admirable for the purity of the sustained notes. And the poetry too, of course.
 Adwyth wrote:
Absolutely dreadful and one of the few RP pieces to make use the PSD button

 
I feel sorry for you, but as
ppopp wrote:

It would be a dull world if we all agreed on everything.

 
"oh no it wouldn't"
{#Laughing}
A nice version, w/ good guitar work by Richard Thompson.  But Judy Collins version is just better:  more plaintive, more depth of that "What is lost?" poignancy.
 idiot_wind wrote:
Richard Thompson looked like a young crazy man when he recorded this.

Now he looks more like the old man on the album cover.

Where does the time go?    

  He still plays like a crazy man though. In San Francisco recently he looked out on the crown and claimed to be pleased to see old people standing for folk music. He then veered wildly away from anything traditionally thought as folky. Too bad younger fans are so little aware of his brilliance. Some of the musicians who emerged from the ferment of the who-knows-what-fueled 60s are still doing things previously unimagined and probably never to be seen again. 


Richard Thompson looked like a young crazy man when he recorded this.

Now he looks more like the old man on the album cover.

Where does the time go?    
Beautiful and soulful. 
Wonderful! With great guitar work by Richard Thompson.

Where else can you hear classics like this but on RP?

Maybe "The Perfumed Garden" but so long ago! Who knows where the time goes?
I was only 53 when I first posted about this song and I'm 57 in 2 weeks. Who knows where the time goes?!?
Absolutely dreadful and one of the few RP pieces to make use the PSD button
 thewiseking wrote:
. Not as well known as Judy's version. Not quite as sorrowful but just as achingly beautiful. Perhaps a bit better adjusted to what life is.

 
I prefer this version, though I like Judy's too.  There's more in this to me, especially since Sandy Denny wrote it.
sandy denny
Sure bliss on the ears. Sometime back, I sold my vinyl copy of this LP..... fool!!!!
Immense
(nice garden on the album cover; Cambridge?)  
 
 DaidyBoy wrote:
Emotional little number for us 50+ types, eh?

 
Indeed.
{#Cheers}    {#Cheers}    {#Cheers}    {#Cheers}    {#Cheers}     {#Cheers}
GODLIKE
GODLIKE 
I saw this band in the sixties fantastic musicians really a good live band god bless Sandy Denny
 
Reduces me to tears every time I hear it.

In a good way.
Amazing for waking up. Just wonderful.
A beautiful soulful song.
Emotional little number for us 50+ types, eh?
Great song. I like the version done by Eva Cassidy better, though.
This is my most favorite autumn song. {#Good-vibes}
. Not as well known as Judy's version. Not quite as sorrowful but just as achingly beautiful. Perhaps a bit better adjusted to what life is.
If you are over 50 and did not rate this a 10, well then.....
 Freebish wrote:
 My sediments exactly! I'm old enough I should've been a fan of this group when they were current but wasn't exposed to them. That's what I love about RP. Great job bill and Rebecca. Keep the hits coming!

 
Hope you don't mind if I borrow that malapropism.

But yeah, I had the volume down low, but a couple notes from that voice, I had to turn it up. Just wonderful. 
 ScottishWillie wrote:

I liked the haunting melody but didn’t really ‘get it’ as young man in the 70’s. As a 53 year old I certainly get it now. What I don’t understand is some of the hate comments for this song. The reason I listen to Radio Paradise is because its an eclectic station for grown ups. Much as I enjoy the “She loves me yeah, yeah, yeah” type songs I can also cope with the odd darker song particularly when it’s as hauntingly beautiful and poignant as this one.



  My sediments exactly! I'm old enough I should've been a fan of this group when they were current but wasn't exposed to them. That's what I love about RP. Great job bill and Rebecca. Keep the hits coming!

I'm going to put on my turtle neck / cardigan combo and brew up some chamomile tea especially for this song. LOVE IT!
 JGM wrote:
So who wrote this first, the Fairports (as this song) or the Allmans (as "Melissa")?   I've heard it both ways.

 
Unhalfbricking (Fairport) 1969
Eat a Peach (Allmans) 1972 
Ick. This is not her best performance, am sure of it. Her voice is not up to it in this performance.
So who wrote this first, the Fairports (as this song) or the Allmans (as "Melissa")?   I've heard it both ways.
 ScottishWillie wrote:

I liked the haunting melody but didn’t really ‘get it’ as young man in the 70’s. As a 53 year old I certainly get it now. What I don’t understand is some of the hate comments for this song. The reason I listen to Radio Paradise is because its an eclectic station for grown ups. Much as I enjoy the “She loves me yeah, yeah, yeah” type songs I can also cope with the odd darker song particularly when it’s as hauntingly beautiful and poignant as this one.



 
You're a Knowledgeable fella Mr. ScottishWillie, Happy B'day!!!
i am listenin' to Sandy Denny-No More Sad Refrains and yea, you guessed it... 'who knows where the time goes' is playin', i mean, talk about 'odds'..? serendipity..? whatever, love Sandy, love Fairport, love RP! {#Music}
What a beautiful song!

For a man who has his 55th birthday next week this is poignant with a capital P.


This has a 10 from me - but that means "A Sailors Life" would be 11, if Bill would play it (please!)
One of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.
 hbs47 wrote:
Sandy Denny's voice  and Richard Thompson's guitar work, ably assisted by the rest it doesn't get much better . This is a solid 10, more if it were possible.

Spot on.  I always have to just stop what I'm doing and take in the moment.  (Pardon the split-infinitive.)
Follow with one of Grace Slick et al's more mellow bits for continuity... Maybe "Come Up the Years"...
 lily34 wrote:
lord this is horrible!
 
Clueless!
Sandy Denny's voice  and Richard Thompson's guitar work, ably assisted by the rest it doesn't get much better . This is a solid 10, more if it were possible.