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@@allenporter6586 Excellent suggestion, but personally, I would go with "Fire of Unknown Origin", or "Veteran of the Psychic Wars", with a strong preference to the former. But all their songs are awesome, so there's no right answer there, lol...
Great reaction!! BOC is criminally underrated - they are fantastic song writers and performers. Strongly suggest you react to "Death Valley Nights", "I Love the Night" or "Nosferatu" (3rd, 9th & 10th cuts off of 'Spectres') next as a follow-on to this song. Also, highly recommend the live version of "Then Came the Last Days of May" off of their 'On Your Feet or On Your Knees' live album. All four are exceptional. (Actually, pretty much the entire Spectres album is exceptional!)
Don't be sad. Donald Roeser said it was one of the most misunderstood songs he ever wrote. Many thought he was referring to suicide. Actually, he wrote it while reflecting on his own mortality and coming to realize that we shouldn't fear the inevitable. The song is about eternal love rather than suicide.
Agreed. Even as a Atheist, I can see a beauty in death. It doesn't need to be sad at all. It's just a resolution. I'd recommend she listen to Ted Nugent's "Fred Bear", it really captures the same sentiment, but obviously in a more personal way, as it was a memorial to his mentor.
Of course he had to say it “wasn’t” about suicide.The same way Paul had to say Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds “wasn’t” about LSD. But those Romeo and Juliet references were included for a reason.
As a widower of 4 years, and having lost my mom a month ago, this song is a reminder that we are not alone on either side of death. We leave some behind, we join others who went before. Death is a part of life that doesn't have to be only sadness. Just use every moment here as best we can.
And I'm not in any way making light of your loss. At my age I've lost 90% of my family, including my eldest daughter. So I know what grief is about. All I'm saying is that this is not a simple song about that. It's far darker than that and the bands name and album title and art should be enough to tell you the truth, and obviously I like the song. It wouldn't be effective if ppl didn't like it would it.
This song is pure brilliance. It's a testament of a true master musician and lyricist. Buck Dharma perfectly combined his intellectual talent and words to create one of best rock songs ever written.
He said in an interview that he wrote this song after learning he had a heart condition and was trying to come to grips (as a young man) with the understanding of his own mortality.
Definitely a haunting song. The lyrics imply someone trying to comfort a lover who is dying. "It was clear that she couldn't go on", he's telling her to not be afraid, and the it gets supernatural, and "he" appears and she takes his hand, and turns backwards and says goodbye. She had become like they are.
That makes sense for sure, but have to say that I always took it as "she couldn't go on" emotionally. Always thought growing up over the years it was suicide-ish, but my young mind back in the 80s tried to frame it more as a "transitioning", was reading a lot of Scifi & Fantasy and Moorcock at the time 😉Glad I looked into the meaning and found what his intent behind the some was. Makes it that much more amazing and beautiful song!
It's her time go, not suicide. People are afraid of death yet everyone will experience it. The reaper appears and let's her know that it's okay, don't be afraid. Let's her know she's not alone, he will help and guide her on her new journey. No more sickness, loneliness, sadness. She is now free of that. She is now truly free.
It's about suicide. Not only that but encouraged to embrace it by another foolish soul (Romeo & Juliet). Because of his influence she became suicidally depressed & embraced his ideas & ended her life.
Bruce I gave my little brother a I M crew shirt years ago and he wore it until you could see through it it’s now framed in his living room I worked for MSI/Brit row
As a man in the winter of my years,, I really can appreciate the message even more than I always have,, With a life well lived & valued,, There should be no fear of our passing.
BOC has said this song isn't about suicide, but rather about eternal love. Give "She's As Beautiful As A Foot" from their debut album a listen. It's a hauntingly beautiful song.
The worldwide number of deaths daily at that time was about 140,000, his guess was a little off, that kind of info is a lot easier now to find. 140,000 men and women everyday, another 140,000....just doesnt flow as well
"Like entering different rooms of a song" - I love that analogy... songs like that take real talent in the composition to make it work.... great reaction!
1976 gave us something special. This year was when we got BOC's Agents of Fortune, Judas Priest's Sad Wings of Destiny and Rush's 2112. These three albums changed my life. I was 12.
What a great observation about the bridge being played with a middle eastern scale progression. I never picked up on it until you pointed it out. This is one of those masterpiece songs that NEVER gets the radio station changed on. It is a gorgeous piece of music.
Phrygian mode of major scale. Start on the 3rd note of the major- i.e. play a C major scale, but start and end on E. You get a natural minor scale, but the 2nd note is flatted.
As others have said, it isn't a sad song at all. It's actually a very powerful song about love transcending death. Buck Dharma Roesser, BOC's guitarist who wrote the song, was dealing with a serious heart condition (he's fine now) and wrote it for his wife. He's spoken about it many times in interviews.
" (Don't Fear) The Reaper" was written and sung by Blue Öyster Cult's lead guitarist, Donald Roeser, also known as Buck Dharma. It was rumored to be about suicide, but it actually deals with the inevitability of death and the belief that we should not fear it.
Embracing the inevitable, no matter how it appears, is what the song is truly about. We all pass beyond and leave this world behind. It is nothing to fear. Embrace life fully, live with a few regrets as possible, and don't fear the reaper...we all will meet him, sooner or later. "I got a fever, and the only cure...is MOAR COWBELL!!!" - Christopher Walken, SNL "More Cowbell" skit.
I always took the message that you have to be brave enough to open yourself to love. To take the leap of faith, to not fear the reaper who will find you no matter what. Dare to live, to sing opera on stage to a packed house. To take your lover's hand. To fly. I don't get sad from this song.
When I first heard this back in the 70's I knew I was hooked for life. You need to hear "I love the night" from the album right after this one. I might want to sponsor that.
B.O.C. have whole albums where every song is a journey. Their classic "Astronomy" from the Secret Treaties album is a key to a story told across many years and albums.
Hands down one of the most beautifully written love songs. Love prevails, even through death. "The curtains blew and then he appeared." He died and came back to get her sl they could remain together. Gives me chills.
Blue Oyster Cult is criminally unnoticed in modern music history. They were often known as the band for intelligent hard rockers. Much of their music catalogue deals with concepts of fantasy & science fiction, sometimes with a dark theme and sometimes misunderstood as one. If you want to hear a beautiful haunting BOC song dealing with a man's slow transformation into a vampiric minion I HIGHLY RECOMMEND "I Love The Night". Another masterpiece!
@@stoicsceptic8420 Is a terminal cancer patient who dies "able to go on?" This song says, "Yes, she can join those who love her in Heaven." It is all contingent upon the premise stated earlier, "Romeo and Juliette are together for Eternity." You can choose to reject that premise, but that won't change the meaning of the song,
@@bobsavage3317 To be fair, part of the reason for the confusion is that Romeo and Juliet did in fact commit suicide. But I agree, that's not the meaning of the song. It's about being there with your lover when it's their time to go, and helping the inevitable go a little easier.
The 40,000 men and women after day was talking about the Vietnam Nam War. My dad was fighting in it. As a child I saw body upon body being taken off the Navel Base where we lived.
I love the guitar solo in this song Middle Eastern in nature, the guitar solo played over the alternating F minor and G7 tonaiities is more rhythmic than melodic. The scale used over F minor is like melodic minor but with a sharp 4. Over the G7 chord a scale based on C harmonic minor starting on the 5th scale step is used. I'd love to hear this as an Opera!!!
I've had the pleasure of seeing them live twice. My favorite BOC song and always will be. The beginning of Stephen King's "The Stand" (1994 and best version) features this at the beginning. Some folks back when this was on the radio every day thought it was encouraging suicide but deep down it's a love song. "The love of two is one". Another band with this kind of vibe and depth you need to check out if you haven't already is Kansas. Fun fact: Before they were Blue Oyster Cult, they were The Great White Underbelly.
"Oh, there's some cowbell!" 🤣🤣🤣 Check out the SNL sketch More Cowbell for a joke about this song. I also really enjoy Godzilla and Veteran Of The Psychic Wars by BOC 👍
I remember hearing Donald Roeser saying it was more about the acceptance of death, and enduring love. People just misinterpret that the song is about self-deletion.
*"Daddys Little Girl"* - Dr Hook *"Look At Me"* - Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush *"See Forever Eyes"* - Prism *"Spanish Train"* - Chris de Burgh *"If The Wind Could Blow My Trouble's Away"* - Murray Mclauchlin *"Followed Her Around"* - Jimmy Rankin *"My Name"* George Canyon ( *"Drinkin' Thinkin'"* is another good one especially with it's official video) *"Let Go The Line"* - Max Webster *"Things I Do For Money"* - Northern Pikes ( *"She Ain't Pretty"* ...with video😊) *"The Superman Song"* - Crash Test Dummies (*"Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm"* ... yes, that's its title😊)
Maggie, if you are interested in music as a story, consider listening to the Blue Oyster Cult album, Imaginos, from 1988. It's a bizarre story underneath, but the music is good.
As haunting as it is (the inevitability of death being the subject matter), when you REALLY understand it's a love song, it's one of the most beautiful songs ever written. He precedes her in death, but comes back to comfort her in her final moments. It's about love transcending death. Great reaction!
Don’t be sad. This story is deeper than you think. He dies first and she has to live on without him. The solo expresses the pain and struggle and turmoil that is life. And then, finally, as the pain and suffering comes to an end, he’s there, waiting for her. She takes his hand and he leads her into eternity. There’s nothing to fear. TRUE LOVE NEVER DIES. ❤ I very rarely recommend a live version of anything, but Blue Oyster Cult has a live version of Don’t Fear The Reaper that is worthy of the rare exception. It’s on the album Some Enchanted Evening. It’s kinda rocked up and has an amazing guitar solo finale that is absolute fire 🔥. I know you would enjoy it.
I think the interlude represents the arrival of the Reaper, strange, compelling and frightening. When the refrain eventually kicks back in, its like a triumph over fear and return of a more powerful, transcendent emotion.
The original movie opening on a building, looks like a hospital. This song plays over the credits We see everybody is dead! Dropped where they were standing/sitting. Lights fkicker. We pan to a cafeteria when we see this is coming from the jukebox that dies with the power. Turns out we are in a top secret bio-lab. One man at the gate fled. Took the virus from California when he fled with his family. The virus became known as Captain Tripp. Devasted the planet . Thus is the stage set for the movie .
The Middle Eastern sound you referred to is an Arabic scale, which goes by several names and has several permutations. Guitarist Richie Blackmore, of Rainbow fame, was very fond of this scale and you can hear it in several songs.
I was introduced to this song when it was the opening theme for the miniseries rendition of Stephan King's The Stand; it comes in after the accident at the bioweapons lab happens, and plays as the camera pans along underground hallways, labs, offices, rec rooms, and a cafeteria, all filled with dead people. You can find it on UA-cam, I think.
Maggie, the story of how Eric Bloom ended up as the lead singer for BOC is pretty interesting, and it goes through our shared college, Hobart, in upstate NY. A random picture of his band in college led to a chance meeting and the rest is just plain fun.
One of the best live bands ever. I've seen then numerous times and they take over the stage and they play at the highest level. Check out "The Last Days of May". Great song.
😂Blue Oyster Cult has so many good tunes! This is a great one! ✌🇨🇦🔥 Oh and thanks so much for listening to the song instead of singing it. It's so much better. 👍💯♥️
You should look up Bill Nelson, in my opinion the world's greatest living poet. I respectfully suggest his song with Be Bop Deluxe "Sleep That Burns" for just a tiny taste of what the man has composed. His body of work stretches back from the 1960s 'till now. I'm willing to bet no one has ever told you about him before. You need to discover him soon as his health is no longer the best. When we lose Bill, the world will become less brilliant, less magical, and a whole lot more gray-just like every time we lose a musical legend. --Dan
Really great band, so many great songs: Astronomy, Veteran of the Psychic Wars, Career of Evil, White Flag, Black Blade, The Great Sun Jester, Take me Away, Dancin' in the Ruins, Fire of Unknown Origin, Flaming Telepaths, I am the Storm, Imaginos, In the Presence of Another World, In Thee, Joan Crawford, Perfect Water, The Revenge of Vera Gemini, The Vigil, Unknown Tongue, Vengeance (The Pact), and so much more great music, definitely in my top 5 bands of all time!
Maggie, I realize you are very young! Way back in the day I saw these guys perform in Morgantown, WV. I do not recall if they did this classic tune. But I do remember their closing move, two of the guitars held their guitars up and put them neck to neck AND racked them across each other. What a sound?!!!!! It was a damn good concert........... Back in those days there were several good bands touring. Lots of great shows!!!!!! We had the best cars and the very BEST music!! Juillliard is a great school, but they don't teach this!!! Later pretty lady! Thanks......
Hey Maggie!!🖐🏾 Most of the Rock songs of the 1960-78 take you on a journey, certain groups, back then were wired that way!! And some solo artist also!!
Check out Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade Of Pale. This song was inspired by the music of BACH. For more info behind this song search : Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade Of Pale | The story behind the song | Top 2000 a gogo on youtube. Thank you for your reaction to this song.
I remember this when it came out in '76, you immediately turned it up on speakers and Headphones. The Bass, drums, rhythm, Lead are just plain OUTTA SIGHT! Not to mention that, Harmony!
Speaking for myself as a suicide survivor, at no point leading up to that, no matter how dismal, did this song feel like it was encouraging me. What it felt like was simple understanding of where I was, without judgement. If anything, it helped me keep on keepin' on, and others have ably pointed out the actual aim of the song. Call this a preemptive answer to anyone who cares to start in with the "but what if a suicidal person hears this?!" type comments. Or more brusquely, you can understand where each of us is coming from, and I only know me, meaning you aren't qualified to judge what's good or bad for me, thanks. Some might notice that I'm a survivor of the moral, social, and religious panics of the '80s, and ever if you have to reread when you're done here and come up seeing it, you win. Man, do I long for the days when expression was so free.
Ot was used to good effect in the original version of “Halloween”. It’s playing on the radio as Jamie Lee Curtis and her friend are driving around town.
Who should I react to next: www.maggierenee.com/book-me/sponsor-a-reaction-live What should I sing next: www.maggierenee.com/book-me/sponsor-a-song-liveAnd just for you: ‘Sing Better Instantly" my FREE Singing Course: skl.sh/3aHdSuy and for EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS AND PERKS: www.patreon.com/MaggieRenee
If one wants to do more BOC...Astronomy live. And you're right a beautiful song about a tragic subject.
@@allenporter6586 Excellent suggestion, but personally, I would go with "Fire of Unknown Origin", or "Veteran of the Psychic Wars", with a strong preference to the former. But all their songs are awesome, so there's no right answer there, lol...
This is not about suicide, it was for a friend of Buck Dharma who had cancer and was afraid of dying.
You should listen to Black Blade off the Cultasauras erectus. It's also different sounding.
Great reaction!! BOC is criminally underrated - they are fantastic song writers and performers. Strongly suggest you react to "Death Valley Nights", "I Love the Night" or "Nosferatu" (3rd, 9th & 10th cuts off of 'Spectres') next as a follow-on to this song. Also, highly recommend the live version of "Then Came the Last Days of May" off of their 'On Your Feet or On Your Knees' live album. All four are exceptional. (Actually, pretty much the entire Spectres album is exceptional!)
No need to be sad. It's a love song. About love so strong it transcends life and death. It's about the victory of love over death.
Don't be sad. Donald Roeser said it was one of the most misunderstood songs he ever wrote. Many thought he was referring to suicide. Actually, he wrote it while reflecting on his own mortality and coming to realize that we shouldn't fear the inevitable. The song is about eternal love rather than suicide.
Agreed. Even as a Atheist, I can see a beauty in death. It doesn't need to be sad at all. It's just a resolution.
I'd recommend she listen to Ted Nugent's "Fred Bear", it really captures the same sentiment, but obviously in a more personal way, as it was a memorial to his mentor.
Exactly!
When Star Trek: First Contact had been released, I wished they had played this song during the warp ship launch instead of the song they did use.
Of course he had to say it “wasn’t” about suicide.The same way Paul had to say Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds “wasn’t” about LSD.
But those Romeo and Juliet references were included for a reason.
It's a "carpe diem" song. It's about not letting anything get in the way of being with the one(s) you love because life is too short.
As a widower of 4 years, and having lost my mom a month ago, this song is a reminder that we are not alone on either side of death. We leave some behind, we join others who went before. Death is a part of life that doesn't have to be only sadness. Just use every moment here as best we can.
I lost my wife in 2020. Open your arms to those that need them; love those that need loving; embrace that that needs embracing.
And I'm not in any way making light of your loss. At my age I've lost 90% of my family, including my eldest daughter. So I know what grief is about. All I'm saying is that this is not a simple song about that. It's far darker than that and the bands name and album title and art should be enough to tell you the truth, and obviously I like the song. It wouldn't be effective if ppl didn't like it would it.
This song is pure brilliance. It's a testament of a true master musician and lyricist. Buck Dharma perfectly combined his intellectual talent and words to create one of best rock songs ever written.
He said in an interview that he wrote this song after learning he had a heart condition and was trying to come to grips (as a young man) with the understanding of his own mortality.
What a load of 💩.
It's about suicide. Musicians said a lot of shit to get around criticism & censorship.
Definitely a haunting song. The lyrics imply someone trying to comfort a lover who is dying. "It was clear that she couldn't go on", he's telling her to not be afraid, and the it gets supernatural, and "he" appears and she takes his hand, and turns backwards and says goodbye. She had become like they are.
That makes sense for sure, but have to say that I always took it as "she couldn't go on" emotionally. Always thought growing up over the years it was suicide-ish, but my young mind back in the 80s tried to frame it more as a "transitioning", was reading a lot of Scifi & Fantasy and Moorcock at the time 😉Glad I looked into the meaning and found what his intent behind the some was. Makes it that much more amazing and beautiful song!
he appeared...her lover / husband whatever who went on before she did...he's telling her to don't fear the reaper because they'll be united again....
It's her time go, not suicide. People are afraid of death yet everyone will experience it. The reaper appears and let's her know that it's okay, don't be afraid. Let's her know she's not alone, he will help and guide her on her new journey. No more sickness, loneliness, sadness. She is now free of that. She is now truly free.
My cousin just passed away. RIP cuz
"came the last night of sadness, and it was clear she couldn't go on"
@@winstonmarlowe5254i see it as she died of heartbreak after her lover died
true
It's about suicide.
Not only that but encouraged to embrace it by another foolish soul (Romeo & Juliet).
Because of his influence she became suicidally depressed & embraced his ideas & ended her life.
I’ve got a fever, and the only prescription is MORE COWBELL!
Btw my name is Bruce Dickinson, yes, THE Bruce Dickinson.
Bruce I gave my little brother a I M crew shirt years ago and he wore it until you could see through it it’s now framed in his living room
I worked for MSI/Brit row
Man, you’re Walken the comedy line.
Except when I put my pants on I make hit records.
Hey Bruce, Paul Di'Anno blew you outta the water man!!!!
Best skit ever
As a man in the winter of my years,, I really can appreciate the message even more than I always have,, With a life well lived & valued,, There should be no fear of our passing.
Beautifully haunting. It’s been haunting my eardrums for almost 50 years.
One of the great songs in rock history. Perfect performance, vocals and lyrics.
It truly is one of the greatest songs ever in Rock...
Every time I hear it, it's stands the test of time against any song.
I've always loved how the bass and rhythm guitar are really strong in the third verse, gives me chills still to this day.
BOC has said this song isn't about suicide, but rather about eternal love. Give "She's As Beautiful As A Foot" from their debut album a listen. It's a hauntingly beautiful song.
The worldwide number of deaths daily at that time was about 140,000, his guess was a little off, that kind of info is a lot easier now to find. 140,000 men and women everyday, another 140,000....just doesnt flow as well
Bull. Romeo and Juliet committed suicide. Period.
@@leonmattigosh2525 Does not matter.
Was thinking of that one for her too! And after that, Then Came The Last Days of May.
What about the song, I Love The Night. Or Going Through Motions. From their 1977 album Specters
"Like entering different rooms of a song" - I love that analogy... songs like that take real talent in the composition to make it work.... great reaction!
1976 gave us something special. This year was when we got BOC's Agents of Fortune, Judas Priest's Sad Wings of Destiny and Rush's 2112. These three albums changed my life. I was 12.
I was fourteen 8th grade yes had all those on vinyl
I was 13 same thing!
And it was the Bi Centennial .
You forgot ACDC Highway to Hell 🤙
@@edwardmunoz7853 I also forgot LED Zeppelin "Presence".
What a great observation about the bridge being played with a middle eastern scale progression. I never picked up on it until you pointed it out. This is one of those masterpiece songs that NEVER gets the radio station changed on. It is a gorgeous piece of music.
Phrygian mode of major scale. Start on the 3rd note of the major- i.e. play a C major scale, but start and end on E. You get a natural minor scale, but the 2nd note is flatted.
So good ... this is a classic rock song that is utterly amazing and the solo is divinely inspired. Incredible!
This is the song from the "More Cowbell" SNL Skit.
As others have said, it isn't a sad song at all. It's actually a very powerful song about love transcending death. Buck Dharma Roesser, BOC's guitarist who wrote the song, was dealing with a serious heart condition (he's fine now) and wrote it for his wife. He's spoken about it many times in interviews.
🐮🔔 Such a classic song. Love that Mike brought this group to you.
" (Don't Fear) The Reaper" was written and sung by Blue Öyster Cult's lead guitarist, Donald Roeser, also known as Buck Dharma. It was rumored to be about suicide, but it actually deals with the inevitability of death and the belief that we should not fear it.
Embracing the inevitable, no matter how it appears, is what the song is truly about. We all pass beyond and leave this world behind. It is nothing to fear. Embrace life fully, live with a few regrets as possible, and don't fear the reaper...we all will meet him, sooner or later.
"I got a fever, and the only cure...is MOAR COWBELL!!!" - Christopher Walken, SNL "More Cowbell" skit.
"I've got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell."
I always took the message that you have to be brave enough to open yourself to love. To take the leap of faith, to not fear the reaper who will find you no matter what. Dare to live, to sing opera on stage to a packed house. To take your lover's hand. To fly. I don't get sad from this song.
Me neither! Never had been saddened by this song and I have loved this song since it’s release in 1976
Christopher Walken says, "More cowbell!"
Buck such an underrated guitarist need more cowbells
When I first heard this back in the 70's I knew I was hooked for life. You need to hear "I love the night" from the album right after this one. I might want to sponsor that.
I can never listen to this song without SNL's cowbell skit playing in my head. "Needs more cowbell."
B.O.C. have whole albums where every song is a journey. Their classic "Astronomy" from the Secret Treaties album is a key to a story told across many years and albums.
Hands down one of the most beautifully written love songs. Love prevails, even through death.
"The curtains blew and then he appeared."
He died and came back to get her sl they could remain together. Gives me chills.
I saw these guys in concert! When they did Godzilla, they had a giant screen with Godzilla breaking through the power lines, it was AWESOME!
Been there, done that…. Life was huge when we were young…
This is such a SPECIAL song! In the BEST sense😮
You should hear BOC’s song Astronomy (the version off of Imaginos)
This song isn’t about suicide ,it’s about not fearing death,living your life to its fullest
“It was clear she couldn’t go on” that’s suicide
Great, sad song. Best opening for the original tv version of The Stand.
BOC's songs "Debbie Denise" and "Shooting Shark" are really good too.
Blue Oyster Cult is criminally unnoticed in modern music history. They were often known as the band for intelligent hard rockers. Much of their music catalogue deals with concepts of fantasy & science fiction, sometimes with a dark theme and sometimes misunderstood as one.
If you want to hear a beautiful haunting BOC song dealing with a man's slow transformation into a vampiric minion I HIGHLY RECOMMEND "I Love The Night". Another masterpiece!
Yes, the lyrics are about living life but the underlying melancholy of the melody is undeniable.
This song never disappoints, never gets old, always superb.
Song does bring tears to my eyes every time. Sad and So beautiful at the same time.
Songs that shaped my life.
NOT about suicide. About not fearing death when it’s your time.
“ It was clear she couldn’t go on “ .. not suicide huh ?
@@stoicsceptic8420 Is a terminal cancer patient who dies "able to go on?" This song says, "Yes, she can join those who love her in Heaven." It is all contingent upon the premise stated earlier, "Romeo and Juliette are together for Eternity." You can choose to reject that premise, but that won't change the meaning of the song,
@@bobsavage3317 To be fair, part of the reason for the confusion is that Romeo and Juliet did in fact commit suicide. But I agree, that's not the meaning of the song. It's about being there with your lover when it's their time to go, and helping the inevitable go a little easier.
@@bobsavage3317 lol, you’re fabricating things to try to prove your point , you are wasted here, try climate alarmism ?
C’mon baby, Don’t be afraid
The 40,000 men and women after day was talking about the Vietnam Nam War. My dad was fighting in it. As a child I saw body upon body being taken off the Navel Base where we lived.
The Vigil off the album Mirrors remains my favorite BOC song.
The brilliance of BOC is the variety of their songs.
I love the guitar solo in this song Middle Eastern in nature, the guitar solo played over the alternating F minor and G7 tonaiities is more rhythmic than melodic. The scale used over F minor is like melodic minor but with a sharp 4. Over the G7 chord a scale based on C harmonic minor starting on the 5th scale step is used. I'd love to hear this as an Opera!!!
Loved it when it was released, still do.
I've had the pleasure of seeing them live twice.
My favorite BOC song and always will be.
The beginning of Stephen King's "The Stand" (1994 and best version) features this at the beginning.
Some folks back when this was on the radio every day thought it was encouraging suicide but deep down it's a love song.
"The love of two is one".
Another band with this kind of vibe and depth you need to check out if you haven't already is Kansas.
Fun fact: Before they were Blue Oyster Cult, they were The Great White Underbelly.
One of my favorite songs ! Great reaction!
Back in the 70's it was said, "Blue Oyster Cult: On your feet or on your knees!"
One of the best relax and vibe songs of all time. Chill and transcendental all at once.
"Oh, there's some cowbell!"
🤣🤣🤣
Check out the SNL sketch More Cowbell for a joke about this song.
I also really enjoy Godzilla and Veteran Of The Psychic Wars by BOC 👍
I remember hearing Donald Roeser saying it was more about the acceptance of death, and enduring love. People just misinterpret that the song is about self-deletion.
Talent and art are eternal👊🏽⚡️
MAGGIE, YOUR REACTION WAS AMAZING. THIS WAS YOUR VERY BEST. AN OPERA SINGER DIGGING BLUE OYSTER CULT. GLAD YOU ENJOYED THE BABY BOOMER MUSIC!!!!!
The song isn't really about suicide, but about not fearing death and enjoying life.
It's an appropriate song to play at a funeral
We had this at my husband's two weeks ago.
And at my husband's in March.
On don't fear the reaper that's Donald "buck darma" Roser on lead vocals guitar
*"Daddys Little Girl"* - Dr Hook
*"Look At Me"* - Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush
*"See Forever Eyes"* - Prism
*"Spanish Train"* - Chris de Burgh
*"If The Wind Could Blow My Trouble's Away"* - Murray Mclauchlin
*"Followed Her Around"* - Jimmy Rankin
*"My Name"* George Canyon ( *"Drinkin' Thinkin'"* is another good one especially with it's official video)
*"Let Go The Line"* - Max Webster
*"Things I Do For Money"* - Northern Pikes ( *"She Ain't Pretty"* ...with video😊)
*"The Superman Song"* - Crash Test Dummies (*"Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm"* ... yes, that's its title😊)
Its not about suicide, its about someone already dying and to not fear death.
Maggie, if you are interested in music as a story, consider listening to the Blue Oyster Cult album, Imaginos, from 1988. It's a bizarre story underneath, but the music is good.
The Siege and Investiture of castle Frankenstein!
Carpe diem!
As haunting as it is (the inevitability of death being the subject matter), when you REALLY understand it's a love song, it's one of the most beautiful songs ever written. He precedes her in death, but comes back to comfort her in her final moments. It's about love transcending death. Great reaction!
Check out the Saturday Night Live skit with Christopher Walken. It's timeless.
This one of just a handful of songs that I distinctly remember hearing for the first time.
Don’t be sad. This story is deeper than you think. He dies first and she has to live on without him. The solo expresses the pain and struggle and turmoil that is life. And then, finally, as the pain and suffering comes to an end, he’s there, waiting for her. She takes his hand and he leads her into eternity. There’s nothing to fear. TRUE LOVE NEVER DIES. ❤
I very rarely recommend a live version of anything, but Blue Oyster Cult has a live version of Don’t Fear The Reaper that is worthy of the rare exception. It’s on the album Some Enchanted Evening. It’s kinda rocked up and has an amazing guitar solo finale that is absolute fire 🔥. I know you would enjoy it.
Your reaction makes me so happy ❤️ B.O.C. Is my favorite band !
you have a "rock-n-roll" soul !! ... nice
Gotta love 70s music! A variety of styles like rock,R&B,and disco.
I think the interlude represents the arrival of the Reaper, strange, compelling and frightening. When the refrain eventually kicks back in, its like a triumph over fear and return of a more powerful, transcendent emotion.
Steven King basically wrote The Stand around this song. Mesmerizing tune.
Great book and movie.
The original movie opening on a building, looks like a hospital. This song plays over the credits We see everybody is dead! Dropped where they were standing/sitting. Lights fkicker. We pan to a cafeteria when we see this is coming from the jukebox that dies with the power. Turns out we are in a top secret bio-lab. One man at the gate fled. Took the virus from California when he fled with his family. The virus became known as Captain Tripp. Devasted the planet .
Thus is the stage set for the movie .
The Middle Eastern sound you referred to is an Arabic scale, which goes by several names and has several permutations. Guitarist Richie Blackmore, of Rainbow fame, was very fond of this scale and you can hear it in several songs.
I was introduced to this song when it was the opening theme for the miniseries rendition of Stephan King's The Stand; it comes in after the accident at the bioweapons lab happens, and plays as the camera pans along underground hallways, labs, offices, rec rooms, and a cafeteria, all filled with dead people. You can find it on UA-cam, I think.
Maggie, the story of how Eric Bloom ended up as the lead singer for BOC is pretty interesting, and it goes through our shared college, Hobart, in upstate NY. A random picture of his band in college led to a chance meeting and the rest is just plain fun.
Blue Oyster Cult "I Love The Night" 🌙 ❤
...Nuff Said.
Ooh, I did not know that song!!! thank you!!!
@@marctowersap8018 You are more than welcome.
@@marctowersap8018 You are more than welcome & would you please give it a like,, So That she will possibly react to it..Thanks.
One of the best live bands ever. I've seen then numerous times and they take over the stage and they play at the highest level. Check out "The Last Days of May". Great song.
😂Blue Oyster Cult has so many good tunes! This is a great one! ✌🇨🇦🔥 Oh and thanks so much for listening to the song instead of singing it. It's so much better. 👍💯♥️
You should look up Bill Nelson, in my opinion the world's greatest living poet. I respectfully suggest his song with Be Bop Deluxe "Sleep That Burns" for just a tiny taste of what the man has composed. His body of work stretches back from the 1960s 'till now. I'm willing to bet no one has ever told you about him before. You need to discover him soon as his health is no longer the best. When we lose Bill, the world will become less brilliant, less magical, and a whole lot more gray-just like every time we lose a musical legend. --Dan
The whole first side of "Sunburst Finish" is remarkable. FWIW, "Futurama" is one of my all-time favorite albums.
My vote is the live version of Veteran of the Psychic Wars for your next BOC listen
Really great band, so many great songs: Astronomy, Veteran of the Psychic Wars, Career of Evil, White Flag, Black Blade, The Great Sun Jester, Take me Away, Dancin' in the Ruins, Fire of Unknown Origin, Flaming Telepaths, I am the Storm, Imaginos, In the Presence of Another World, In Thee, Joan Crawford, Perfect Water, The Revenge of Vera Gemini, The Vigil, Unknown Tongue, Vengeance (The Pact), and so much more great music, definitely in my top 5 bands of all time!
This is one of the most Life affirming songs of all time.We come from nothing and we become nothing.The only thing to fear is how we go.
Maggie,
I realize you are very young! Way back in the day I saw these guys perform in Morgantown, WV. I do not recall if they did this classic tune. But I do remember their closing move, two of the guitars held their guitars up and put them neck to neck AND racked them across each other. What a sound?!!!!! It was a damn good concert........... Back in those days there were several good bands touring. Lots of great shows!!!!!! We had the best cars and the very BEST music!!
Juillliard is a great school, but they don't teach this!!! Later pretty lady! Thanks......
My dad got to see Blue Oyster Cult perform one of (if not) the first laser light shows during a concert they performed at.
Next BOC suggestion:
'Veteran of the Psychic Wars'
Totally underrated gem.
Buck Dharma is the absolute best. So much material to enjoy.
Hey Maggie!!🖐🏾 Most of the Rock songs of the 1960-78 take you on a journey, certain groups, back then were wired that way!! And some solo artist also!!
Check out Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade Of Pale.
This song was inspired by the music of BACH.
For more info behind this song search :
Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade Of Pale | The story behind the song | Top 2000 a gogo
on youtube.
Thank you for your reaction to this song.
But the live version with the Danish(?) orchestra.
Yeah...Lyrics can Change a Song....Glad you looked them up.
I remember this when it came out in '76, you immediately turned it up on speakers and Headphones. The Bass, drums, rhythm, Lead are just plain OUTTA SIGHT! Not to mention that, Harmony!
My favorite BOC song is "Burning For You". I think you'll dig it too.
Now I think you are ready for more…
“Veteran of a Thousand Psychic Wars” (live)
“Joan Crawford”
Speaking for myself as a suicide survivor, at no point leading up to that, no matter how dismal, did this song feel like it was encouraging me. What it felt like was simple understanding of where I was, without judgement. If anything, it helped me keep on keepin' on, and others have ably pointed out the actual aim of the song. Call this a preemptive answer to anyone who cares to start in with the "but what if a suicidal person hears this?!" type comments.
Or more brusquely, you can understand where each of us is coming from, and I only know me, meaning you aren't qualified to judge what's good or bad for me, thanks. Some might notice that I'm a survivor of the moral, social, and religious panics of the '80s, and ever if you have to reread when you're done here and come up seeing it, you win. Man, do I long for the days when expression was so free.
One of the best rock-metal band🤘
It's about the inevitability of your death and the survival of love despite it.
Group was formed as an American counterpart to British doom metal; e.g., Black Sabbath. They had lighter material as well.
BOC is great.. one of the best bands ever... Tons of great songs
Ot was used to good effect in the original version of “Halloween”. It’s playing on the radio as Jamie Lee Curtis and her friend are driving around town.
I love seeing the younger generation listening to songs were knew were always good. Thanks Maggie 🤙
Old School Rock From 1976! Thanks Maggie Renee! Happy Easter From Kevin Simpson From Wallsend Northeast England!