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Harry Nilsson — Jump Into The Fire
Album: Nilsson Schmilsson
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 544









Released: 1972
Length: 3:27
Plays (last 30 days): 0
You can climb a mountain
You can swim the sea
You can jump into the fire
But you'll never be free

You can shake me up
Or I can break you down
Whoa-o-o-o-, whoa-o-o-o-

We can make each other happy (4X)
(Repeat entire 3 times more)
You can jump into the fire (4X)
Comments (146)add comment
 kcatalina wrote:

I so love this song! Since it was released. So happy to hear it on RP!




I Agree! Same here!  Thanx RP!   
Who's Harry Nilsson and why is everyone talking about him?
Maybe not everyone's favourite, but gosh, a tip of the cap to Harry for the breadth of experimentation he was willing to undertake.  Dude was all over the map musically, and that friends, is a very cool thing indeed.
Wow. Not heard that before. Cool stuff. Cool dood.
USAF dorm room 1977, 4 JBL L166 speakers, this song and max volume. It may have been quad, but can't verify.

Yes, hearing loss is my reward for years of loud music. 
I hear some Lindsey Buckingham in his voice.
Such fluid, rocking bass in this! And what wild rhythms, like the way that adrenaline can get the blood pumping! I also LOVE how this was used to such great effect in the movie, "Goodfellas" when Ray Liotta's character suffers his debilitating coke-addiction paranoia! I still trip out on HN's resemblance in the album cover pic to Eric Stoltz' bath-robed dope-dealer character in the film, "Pulp Fiction," too! RP connects ALL!
great stuff from back when I was 18. There was a lot of shite music on radio at the arse end of New Zealand back then. This was really appreciated 
That bass!!!
I so love this song! Since it was released. So happy to hear it on RP!
Also by Harry: "The Point" and the theme song to "The Courtship of Eddy's Father" (TV version).
Climb a mountain...swim the sea...jump into the fire..   enjoy life and have a blast !!
Now there we go.......  back to the 60's! 
Funny....
I just went from "stop this, even if it's Nilsson" to "wow, this is actually incredible".

Something about the repeating patterns that somehow becomes gorgeous over time, to me at least.

I know, not much of an argumentation - but I now think it's great that he tried this, and that the result is much better than nothing.
 ajlept wrote:
Back in the day.......I would play the vinyl version of this with the grills off of the ol' Advents. The bass would make the woofers wobble. Perhaps that explains my tinnitus.
 
{#High-five}
Back in the day.......I would play the vinyl version of this with the grills off of the ol' Advents. The bass would make the woofers wobble. Perhaps that explains my tinnitus.
A beyond ghastly track from a talented artist on an otherwise good LP.  I presume he was mid binge booze bender when this was being recorded.

"All I think About Is You" please Bill/Becks
Crap. {#Headache}
 Ubaldo wrote:
MAKE IT STOP!
 
NOW! {#Headache}

MAKE IT STOP!
Hate this song in it's 38th year now!

I played the grooves off this album.
 fredriley wrote:

Damn right. The longer this goes on the more the pleasure when it finally comes to an end ;-)

 
I dig Nilsson, but this song bites.

Fun music.  Why haven't I heard this before? {#Bananajam}
and only 3 Nilsson songs on RP...tsk, tsk
 mtbskisail wrote:
Early Joe Jackson?
 

huh?

{#Bananasplit}He was GENIUS!! 


Early Joe Jackson?
Thanks, RIP.
 ruminatus wrote:
Cool.  I started using WinAmp to play music in Windows and this song was annoying so much that I first pulled up WinAmp to see what was causing me such agony and I happened to roll the mouse wheel by accident —  volume control on my mouse wheel!  Wow, I can pull WinAmp to the front, flick my finger, turn it up or down, and be back in my original program in a flash.  I will thank this noise for teaching me a new trick anyway.
  Thanks for that tip. Cool!


Good Lord!! Talk about a blast from the past! I have not heard this song in over 30 years!!!{#Eek}  Cool Beans!!{#Dancingbanana_2}


Reverb FTW!  {#Bananajam}{#Drummer}{#Bananajam}
Looks like people ether love him or hate him  Don't understand that. LOVE IT!
 
dangerboy wrote:
Make it stop! Boooooring. Ok song but about twelve minutes too long.
 


 suddenchad wrote:
Always makes me think of Goodfellas. Remember when this played during the helicopter scene? Briefly, but it was there. Had no idea it was a Nilsson song and didn't know for years.
 
Ha!  I was just going to post that and found yours first...
classic poo
Make it stop! Boooooring. Ok song but about twelve minutes too long.
Harry's looking for his stash so he can wake and bake.
love this always have this is godlike! been around forever!!!
Cool.  I started using WinAmp to play music in Windows and this song was annoying so much that I first pulled up WinAmp to see what was causing me such agony and I happened to roll the mouse wheel by accident —  volume control on my mouse wheel!  Wow, I can pull WinAmp to the front, flick my finger, turn it up or down, and be back in my original program in a flash.  I will thank this noise for teaching me a new trick anyway.
Abbey Road Ringo on drums on speed !
I believe tripping daisy covers this song and it's rather good. 

 
vandal wrote:

I always wanted a Chris Cornell cover of this. . . maybe even a Soundgarden cover. . .

 


fredriley wrote:

Like, duuhhh - 'scuse me while I drag my knuckles off the floor to give it a solid 1. The instrumentals aren't too bad, but his voice goes through my simian brain like cheesewire. Now, if y'all excuse me, I'm going back to my grooming... C'm here, Ethel, there's bugs in your pelt.


While I completely disagree with you on the song (which is rare), I have to say I'm going to have to steal "goes through my simian brain like cheesewire." {#Clap}

I always wanted a Chris Cornell cover of this. . . maybe even a Soundgarden cover. . .

I love this whole album
Whoa - time tripping flashbacks
 Tim_in_N_FL wrote:
Pretty good but definitely repetitive.  OMG the vocals sound like Tortelvis from Dread Zeppelin. {#Yes}

See below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CO7FPU7a2g
 
It's Supposed to be repetitive!! It's the trance inducing effect of music repetition that riffs on Eastern music and leads to awareness—that is what so much of the 60s music was about—guess you had to be there to appreciate that, and I understand that. Sorry you weren't there!
 teliko wrote:
Annoying song...until the ending, that really rocks!
 
Damn right. The longer this goes on the more the pleasure when it finally comes to an end ;-)

gotta love Nilsson  {#Drummer}
Annoying song...until the ending, that really rocks!
Way back...this totally rocked...still does
Pretty good but definitely repetitive.  OMG the vocals sound like Tortelvis from Dread Zeppelin. {#Yes}

See below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CO7FPU7a2g
Toe-tappin goodness.

Just what I needed.
great album name!
Gotta love those drums
that cover - looks like he just took a big hit and is holding it in all the way
what a terrific song
{#Cowboy}
{#Bananajam}{#Drummer}
 suddenchad wrote:
Always makes me think of Goodfellas. Remember when this played during the helicopter scene? Briefly, but it was there. Had no idea it was a Nilsson song and didn't know for years.
 
That's IT!

I knew I recognized it from somewhere, just couldn't put my ear to it.

Thanks!

One hell of a driving beat there, especially on the bass. Drummer's not too bad either.


Great song for a Friday morning at work. Guy down the hall asked me to turn my radio down :D
 edrickvb wrote:
Awesome bass - I love it when he goes way down low...this song rocks! 
 
It's either Beatle's pal Klaus Voorman or the great Herbie Flowers.  Both credited on AMG site for the album.

Always makes me think of Goodfellas. Remember when this played during the helicopter scene? Briefly, but it was there. Had no idea it was a Nilsson song and didn't know for years.
I first heard this song on the soundtrack for A Good Year. The track credit was for "Nilsson" which I wondered about. Strange his whole name wasn't used.

But I still like the song and loved the movie. Great soundtrack as well...
I find myself singing this on various mornings be fore going to work..."You can jump into the shower, but  you'll never be free, no no no no no"
A fun rocker from the '70s—Harry Nilsson had some good stuff back then & it's refreshing to hear one of my favorite driving songs. Keep surprising us, Bill!
 manchester1 wrote:
If you think this sounds repetitive,
if you think this goes on and on,
if you think this sounds awful,
I think you are a mo-ron!!

 
Like, duuhhh - 'scuse me while I drag my knuckles off the floor to give it a solid 1. The instrumentals aren't too bad, but his voice goes through my simian brain like cheesewire. Now, if y'all excuse me, I'm going back to my grooming... C'm here, Ethel, there's bugs in your pelt.

Wow, I had forgotton all about this classic, anthem of love, making this song about a man and a woman making each other happy. And such a happy love filled song it is. What the world needs now is love, sweet love.
I got blisters on my fingers!!!!!!!!!!! treepop wrote:
MY EARS ARE BLEEDING!

 


{#Drummer}Follow this song up with Iron Butterfly's In da godda da vida......   yeah baby.{#Drummer}

Harry Nilsson? Dang, I had no idea. I've been missing out.
 lawman wrote:


F***k me — sounds like a broken record was the least of your problems. (Wonder what your Dad's Dad was like!)

 

Thinking.......just like you!
 OldFrenchie wrote:
This guy puts as much effort in his music as he does in his appearance.

 
Exactly what I was thinking!

Awesome bass - I love it when he goes way down low...this song rocks! 


Goodfellas  - Ray Liotta - Coke-Fueled Chaotic driving .... Remember




can't help it, don't care.
LOVE harry.

and i needed this just now.

thanks, billg!!!!!!
This guy puts as much effort in his music as he does in his appearance.
If you think this sounds repetitive, if you think this goes on and on, if you think this sounds awful, I think you are a mo-ron!! The frenzy of anarchic bass, drums and guitar...... unbelievable!!
Mikey wrote:
.. I remember opening this LP up on Christmas morn. Putting it on the player. And watching horrified as my Dad broke it in half after the whole family heard "You're Breaking My Heart." The important lesson learned that day was never, ever again let your parents listen to your tunes.
F***k me -- sounds like a broken record was the least of your problems. (Wonder what your Dad's Dad was like!)
OK, that's enough, now stop, please
Dang! I always knew "The Erector Set" sounded like somebody else, but I couldn't think of who it was - thanks Bill! (anybody else hang around UC in the early 80s?)
nigelr wrote:
If anything, better now than ever! What was the line-up of the band for this cut?
from the Amazon link: The musicians on "Nilsson Schmilsson" are first rate with artists such as Jim Gordon (drummer for Derek & The Dominos), Klaus Voorman (played bass guitar on John Lennon's "Imagine" album), Chris Spedding (an accomplished guitarist) and Gary Wright (keyboardist for Spooky Tooth).
This is just painful - another track that you have to be on drugs to appreciate. Thankfully I am not and hence I don't!
this song is a great ride :)
copymonkey wrote:
Ohhhh Yeahh! I hope this is the longer freakout version--not the edited single version I have on Nilsson's Greatest Hits.
I think your hopes have been fulfilled.
Pyro wrote:
Damn I love that song....and "Joy"....
Both brilliant!!!!!!
Alexandra wrote:
Why have I never heard this song before??
Today is your lucky day. And/or maybe you're just young. Congrats on that too.
MY EARS ARE BLEEDING!
Walrus_Gumbo wrote:
Although this is a great album, I feel "Son of Schmilsson" is stronger! I love every cut off of that! Hey Bill, I dare you to play, "You're Breaking My Heart". HA!
I loved Harry as a kid. Still do as a geezer. I remember opening this LP up on Christmas morn. Putting it on the player. And watching horrified as my Dad broke it in half after the whole family heard "You're Breaking My Heart." The important lesson learned that day was never, ever again let your parents listen to your tunes.
This was so far ahead of it's time. No one could repeat this greatness.
Walrus_Gumbo wrote:
Although this is a great album, I feel "Son of Schmilsson" is stronger! I love every cut off of that! Hey Bill, I dare you to play, "You're Breaking My Heart". HA!
Damn I love that song....and "Joy"....
Why have I never heard this song before??
Otomi wrote:
Ditto
Pyro wrote:
My exact thoughts at hearing this!!! IMHO, this is one of the weakest songs off this album. Bill, PLEEEAAASSSE play "You're Breaking My Heart". I mean, you CAN say the F word here can't ya? Great song! "Joy" is also very funny and very well done. Damn, I gotta go buy some Nilsson from Amazon.
bump
You left us much too soon, Harry.
I remember requesting this song a few years ago. I thought Bill forgot. As much as I listen to this station, today is the first time I heard Nilsson. Sweet. -- Alear
yes! and, the song was used in such a great scene - Liotta's character was high as a kite from his cocaine addiction. A helicopter was hovering over his house, his car......"you can climb a moutain, you can swim the sea, you can jump into the fire, but you'll never be free" amazing blend of film and music oilydwarf wrote:
Can anyone remember the film that this music was used in? Mafia, drugs, Ray Liotta? Was it Goodfellas? Pearls like this are why I love RP!
Waiting for the bass line. Ahh...there we go.
love it!
nigelr wrote:
If anything, better now than ever! What was the line-up of the band for this cut?
Google?
If anything, better now than ever! What was the line-up of the band for this cut?
MoM$CooKin wrote:
On a continued trivia note: 2 rock legends died in Harry Nilsson's London flat! Ex-Mamas and Papas singer Cass Elliot was found dead of heart failure, on July 29, 1974. Four years later, on September 7, 1978, The Who's drummer Keith Moon returned to the same room in the flat after a night out, and died from an overdose of Clomethiazole, a prescribed anti-alcohol drug.
Nilsson, Lennon, and Moon often drank together. The story goes that they sometimes joked about who among them would die first. Though they were prescient to think they would all die young, I doubt that anyone counted on a bullet speeding things up.
yay it is!!!
I actually owned this album. Haven't heard this in a reallly long time!
Ohhhh Yeahh! I hope this is the longer freakout version--not the edited single version I have on Nilsson's Greatest Hits.
Haven't heard this song in ages. Thanks for the flashback.
Nice segue from Squirrel Nut Zippers' "Hell" - and a great song in its own right! We miss you Harry.
I love where this set is going (10 for this one)
Can anyone remember the film that this music was used in? Mafia, drugs, Ray Liotta? Was it Goodfellas? Pearls like this are why I love RP!
electronicshaman wrote:
I think he was drinking more than just lime and coconut that day...
Well you would too if everybody kept talkin' about you...
mrcookieface wrote:
...And tossed out of a club for heckling the Smothers Brothers.
AND throwing a bottle through a thirty foot hotel window! I think he was drinking more than just lime and coconut that day...
Been wondering who did this ever since I saw Goodfellas! We come to RP for the answers.
MoM$CooKin wrote:
During a break up with YoKo the story goes John was binge partying with Mr Nilsson and seen with a sanitary napkin wrapped around his head....
...And tossed out of a club for heckling the Smothers Brothers.
On a continued trivia note: 2 rock legends died in Harry Nilsson's London flat! Ex-Mamas and Papas singer Cass Elliot was found dead of heart failure, on July 29, 1974. Four years later, on September 7, 1978, The Who's drummer Keith Moon returned to the same room in the flat after a night out, and died from an overdose of Clomethiazole, a prescribed anti-alcohol drug.
During a break up with YoKo the story goes John was binge partying with Mr Nilsson and seen with a sanitary napkin wrapped around his head....
Excellent album title.
WOW! I don't think I've heard this for 30 years! EXCELLENT shit!!!
Walrus_Gumbo wrote:
Although this is a great album, I feel "Son of Schmilsson" is stronger! I love every cut off of that! Hey Bill, I dare you to play, "You're Breaking My Heart". HA!
My exact thoughts at hearing this!!! IMHO, this is one of the weakest songs off this album. Bill, PLEEEAAASSSE play "You're Breaking My Heart". I mean, you CAN say the F word here can't ya? Great song! "Joy" is also very funny and very well done. Damn, I gotta go buy some Nilsson from Amazon.
Good Fellas!
Whoa, another trippy song from college... spent a good deal of quality time listening to the lava lamp with this album!
Walrus_Gumbo wrote:
Yes, the song is "Me and my Arrow" from the animated movie, "The Point" which was later commercially bastardized for the Plymouth Arrow. If you can find the movie, it's a wonderful film. Very imaginative with a great moral!
One of the warmest memories from my childhood is watching The Point. :) I still have the vinyl for it, tucked away safely.
Although this is a great album, I feel "Son of Schmilsson" is stronger! I love every cut off of that! Hey Bill, I dare you to play, "You're Breaking My Heart". HA!