I really want to see your eyes pop out when you listen to crazy horse. Something like down by the river, Hey Hey My My, Southern man, or Cinnamon Girl. Much harder and electric
During the recording of "We Are the World" the following discourse ensued between producer/musician David Foster and Neil Young: David Foster: Hey Neil! Can we do another take on that part of yours? You're a bit off key! Neil Young: No Dave.....it's my thing, that's my sound man! 🤣🤣🤣
Watch the movie made in heaven Neil Young does a cameo he plays a truck driver picking up a hitchhiker the Hitch-Hiker ask him where he's going. Neil Young responded if you don't know where you're going it doesn't matter what road you take. That's my favorite quote by him PS Tom Petty did a cameo and so did Ric Ocasek pretty good movie
Absolutely, Harvest was definitely his signature album Barr None ! I agree with you on "Needle and the Damage Done" being the BEST SONG among many on that Album !✌💯
That expresses exactly what I feel when I see him performing. You can see it in the contortions he does with his face. It's all emotion that drives it.
Neil Young was 27 when this track was released and he sang that he was growing old. He was an old soul in a young man's body even at that time. When David Crosby met Neil Young he said that he pulled up and Neil sang to him 3 or 4 of the best songs he had probably ever heard.
It was released 2 months after he turned 26. But your point was right on. He was an old soul. Listen to After the Gold Rush he was 23-24 when he recorded those songs. He was wise beyond his years.
Indeed. The genius of “Ambulance Blues.” Written when he was 24. 2 lines: “I never knew a man who could tell so many lies. He had a different story for every set of eyes. How can he remember who he’s talking to? But I know it isn’t me and I hope it isn’t you.” “You’re only pissing in the wind. You don’t know it, but you are. And there ain’t nothing like a friend who will tell you you’re just pissing in the wind.” Genius. Neil’s catalogue has been the centerpiece Soundtrack for this 65 year old’s life.
I was at a recording session with Stephen Stills and he talked about a time when CSNY met to demo new songs for an album. He said that the rest of the band had a new song. Neil had enough for the whole album. He’s just that prolific.
I've no idea why, but I cry every time. He's always searching and never finding the heart of gold. And even at that young age, he feels time is running out. And it's so beautiful.
"I don't know if I have charisma or not, but I know I can't sing. But it doesn't really matter. I'm around the note somewhere. I'm near it. I know it. It knows me. We've been together for a while. Not for long though. " Neil Young at his inauguration into the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame, 2017. A proud Canadian.
You don't have to be good to be great, man. Love that energy. I had a biology teacher that used to say "close enough is good enough" and that's become such an important phrase for me because I am a perfectionist to such a prohibitive degree.
Neil Young released one of the greatest folk/classic rock albums ever with Harvest. Neil has a very infectious voice and the lyrics on the album are great. No wonder Dylan was jealous of it.
When I grew up with Neil, he took me to places that we never thought was possible with songs like Down by the River or Cinnamon girl and his voice still haunts me to this day. I am 77 years old and love his music. He is special and followed his own interpretation of what is Neil Young, much like Eric Clapton followed his dream as a blues guitarist. It is so nice to see younger people enjoying and in awe of this kind of talent.
Neil Young is so underrated as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, even after decades I often stop in my tracks when I hear a classical chord progression or time shift. Absolutely adore his music, it has such a wide range of styles and collaborations over the years too (Buffalo Springfield, CSNY, Crazy Horse, Pearl Jam, etc...)
I'd like to think that what Neil is searching for via this song, isn,t an external heart of gold (someone else who has a heart of gold), rather he is searching within himself for a heart of gold.
Some rare artists transcend all genres and touch our collective souls at the core. This ethereal and eternal quality is this guy's life blood. And I doubt anyone would not agree...even Dylan.
Watching her reaction to "Old Man" and to "Heart of Gold" made me feel like I was listening to these songs again for the first time. I love her emotional reactions to both songs. Elizabeth, it would be interesting to see and hear your reaction to "Long May You Run", the best love song ever written...to a car.
I was just thinking that while this is a great version, I still prefer the studio because of the backup singers. I didn't know that was Linda Ronstadt, but that makes sense.
So Neil Young has been one of my favorite artists/ musicians/ songwriters since I was young ironically. I’m 71 now . I remember probably being 17 or 18 and listening to his album After the Gold Rush very often. This song Searching For A Heart of Gold is an all time classic. In our culture we’re taught to search for the pot of gold . This song obviously focuses on a deeper meaning of life . To me it’s the real message in life finding the higher meaning of why we are here . Finding the true purpose of life . Finding that feeling that connects us to our heart that innately feels good within us . We are after all mortal and immortal beings . This time of life we have is temporary. Those who seek and find that the answer is within and oh by the way it feels great to feel that spark of the divine that is inside of us . Then life makes sense amongst so much that doesn’t make sense . It’s a beautiful song that has an eternal message for the ages 🙏👌😊☮️
My interpretation of this song has changed jarringly over the years. Here's my story . . . I was 16 years old when the song came out and it was one of my very favorite songs of the '70s. I interpreted it as he was looking for a girlfriend that he could spend the rest of his life with who had a heart of gold. But now that I have grown and changed so has my interpretation . . . I'm now convinced that he intended it as a song about a person searching for his or her heart of gold inside. That's tipped off by the first verse in which he says I want to live, I want to give . . . It's these expressions I never give That keep me searching for a heart of gold. In other words, he's looking for something deep inside that right now he cannot express. . . But if he can reach his own heart of gold, then he will be able to be the type of person that he longs to be. In verse 2 he likens the great distances from Hollywood to Redwood and crossing the ocean -- to the distances he's traveling in his mind, internally, to find that Heart of Gold. Because that is where it can be found. And the optimism, to me, comes from his unwritten implication that everyone has that Heart of Gold inside -- if they just do the work that needs to be done to access and express it.
It’s not Hollywood or Redwood that’s important to Neil Young - it’s what is in his mind that matters. He’s hopeful, he’s searching for a heart of gold, that’s what matters to him. And look how how he carries the whole story. He’s so skilled.
I was 13 when I heard this the first time, and it still resonates with me every time I hear it! Old man is a classic as well, one of the greats as a single artist or in super groups!
I think lyrically this is one of those songs where we bring our own perspective or baggage into it when it comes to interpretation; For me it is a song of wistful longing, an unending search for something we feel we'll never find.
Agreed. The very best songwriters shape their lyrics to allow the listener to find their own life in another's words. We discover that we share these feelings with others and don't exist alone in the world.
Always loved this song. One of my favorite factoids is that, on the studio recording, the backup vocals are actually James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt, who happened to be in town for a TV spot. James was already known by then, but Linda hadn't had a single hit yet!
There's so many great songs by Neil!! Listen to, After the Gold Rush, The Needle * The damage done, Cowgirl in the Sand.. I was born in 1960. I've been listening to Neil since I was a kid. It's been a privilege.. Neil is such a Great Song Writer..
I personally think that Neil Young is one of the most important musicians of the twentieth century, but his real greatness will be found only decades from now. He has been ahead of his time in many ways, you cannot understand the whole punk and grunge without understanding his influence
I bought this as a fresh faced 15 year old hippy still at school. Harvest , the album Heart of Gold comes off , is still one of my all time favourite albums.❤️😁🤩😃
Elizabeth, I agree with your asesstment of Neils feelings. I feel this song reflects his desire to find the purity of the human soul, it's innocense, beauty, and love. His feelings are personal, but his message so true and the longing to find a heart of gold is something most humans can relate to. He is humble, not searching for fame, fortune, or notoriety, but his feelings are just so strong and real that he had to share his thoughts with the world. Thank God he did.
Neil Young is a great songwriter. He is a musical treasure. One of my all time favorites. I feel like his music resonates with a lot of people but not everybody likes him. I think Harvest saved my life. It helped me to break through a deep depression. I did find my heart of gold and we were together >45 years. I lost her in 2019.
It is a sweet, positive song, which is something that Neil is not always about. The studio recording has Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor on backing vocals., which are amazing.
First time hearing it in 2021? Man am I old. I still find wisdom in this song and it still rings true today. Neil is genius at making music you can directly relate to. Now Neil and I really are old.
It does seem surprising if one has been exposed to this genre, especially for us who grew up in a certain time and environment. But she has been operating in different genres and has heard - and sung - a hell of a lot of great music that I (or we) have never heard, for sure. One lifetime is not enough to hear it all.
I've always found a contrast between Neil's hopeful-sounding vocals and his plaintive harmonica solos in this piece. It's that tension that makes it for me.
Great analysis. Can I go off topic, and just say, Elizabeth is absolutely gorgeous. I love the way she looks, I love the way she speaks. The man in her life is one lucky guy. Keep up the good work.
Neil had already had his back injury at the time of this recording. He is actually wearing a back brace at the the time of this concert tour, he references this on the Massey Hall 1971 concert recording when he drops his pick "bending over is not much fun"... this is probably why he was always hunched over in an abnormal posture during this BBC performance.
This song is authentic and honest, yearning, a little melancholy due to the prospect of an endless search, yet hopeful because the songwriter refuses to give up in his search.
I came across Neil Young in 1976. Every time I hear a song from Harvest I jump back to that first time. At a classmate’s house with a bunch of classmates and their wives/girlfriends having a few beers when he puts a brand new copy of Harvest on his record player, turns up the volume on the tube amp and the giant speakers came alive with his voice and guitar. All these years later and I still see that moment clearly. Been a fan of NY ever since. As always, Thanks for the insight
Neil is searching for the heart of gold within himself. I was struck by Neil's look beyond the lights (3:42 Live 1971). I'm imagining he sees his older self. He's older now. He has lived. He has given us so much.
Neil Young is one of my favorite artists I've had the privilege of seeing him live in concert three times. He saw me too. I made my way right down to the stage two out of the three times was a member of the audience when they recorded Russ never sleeps. It was all new release music that no one in the auditorium had ever heard,
That was awesome I am a big fan of Neil young ever since I can remember when I was a little boy my brother is a fan too and me and him always live singing and listening to him
It still does, it's just not "mainstream". UA-cam is a cornucopia of fine artists if you seek them out or stumble across them. Pretty much all I like about UA-cam. It's not the musicians that are lacking it's the industry and media and who they chose to promote or ignore.
This song reminds me of my best friend who had a heart transplant at 14 and then past away at 22. He was the most amazing person and had a heart of gold.
I love that rather than critique and judge the technical prowess, you appreciate the soulful expression of the singer. My daughter turned me on to you, and I'm so happy she did. Thank you for your great content. I remember hanging clothes in my parents' back yard as a teenager and hearing Ohio after the Kent State shootings and virtually crumbling.
Wow is she from AZ, I'm from AZ crazy, love her reactions. Love Neil Young my younger sister got me hooked on his talent. I'm 50 and she discovered him in her 20's - in the 90's.
I saw them at Wembley with Joni Mitchell and The Band … fantastic concert on a beautiful day and a full stadium that was 1974 and I’m 69 now … one of my best memories.
It's amazing to see an analyzis by a professional musician on Neil Young, when she isn't familiar with his work. Neil has influenced an entire generation, if not two, through his gigantic life's work. I love him deeply.
Neil Young has long been one of my favourites. So much so that my fiancé and I will have our first dance to his 'Harvest Moon.' We're age 27 and 24, and we look forward to many more years of hearing his music. Hope to see him in person someday soon.
Between this song & Old Man, same concert, his banter is really endearing. When one speaks little you really treasure the ... nuggets of gold. Hah, short songs & few words make us want more - the opposite of what a private person wants.
Please react to more Neil Young! For me, the raw talent of his voice is very good...but what elevates it to amazing is his authenticity and "bare-your-soul" emotion. No pretentiousness. No ego. Just a man looking to share his art and pain.
Neil Young is incredibly prolific and has never stopped evolving as a musician. I was a big fan of his music when this song was released and I follow him to this day. In fact I was lucky enough to see him perform this song in Berkeley last year. He initially faced resistance to him singing the first few songs he wrote when he was with Buffalo Springfield until he eventually insisted on singing lead on his own songs. Although his vocal style was unique, especially for that era, he broke through and has become the quintessential singer-songwriter of our time.
Cinnamon Girl might be my favorite song of all time🤎When I saw Neil live solo he had the whole arena singing Sugar Mountain...one of my favorite concert memories.
The actual God father of the Grunge music movement. Neil Youngs a AMAZING musician and his career has been crazy from Motown to where he is now. Love Neil Young music.
Neil Young is known as "the father of grunge" for his very strong influence on the West Coast emo acoustic singer songwriters of the 1990s, and their rock/metal contemporaries. The poetic intelligence of lyrics in particular improved due to his influence, if it's not a good poem it's not often a good song.
@@ricowhoo1313 Eh, I'm sure they did listen to him some. Chris Cornell was inspired by Down By the River when he wrote Burden in My Hand. I believe Pearl Jam and Neil Young also got to know each other and even played together.
The harmonica, though it does not produce a pretty or beautiful sound, it is haunting and it has so much soul. To me it even has a touch of anguish and that is fitting because Neil so longs for someone to be a part of his life who is genuinely kind, honest and giving - a heart of gold - and though he's young he knows he's getting old.
Authenticity, sincerity, & a sense of sweetness. -- three attributes that describe both Neil's performance, & your interpretation of it ; kudos to you both.
The Neil Young song to react to…”The Needle and the Damage Done.” The title, alone, pulls you in like a life preserver…that’s thrown in too late. Such a moving song on so many levels.
I love how you dont nitpick how rock singers, past and present, deliver their material. In this day and age of American Idol, vocal and pitch perfection, and even perfect vowel delivery, there are a lot of musicians and performers out there who arent perfect and dont get the credit they deserve because they arent perfect. You meet these performers where they are with all their imperfections and see the positives in what they do. Neil Young is the perfect example of this. He's definitely not an American Idol singer, but he is still widely beloved for what he is. Same with Bob Dylan, and even Ian Anderson, and you dont poo poo theor performances. You accept them for who they are, and meet them where and when they are, and love them just as many of us do: great singers and songwriters.
I love this song. My band used to cover "Rocking in the Free World", but "Heart of Gold" just hits different. I enjoy everything Neil Young, from "Sample and Hold" to "Be The Rain".
I love when classically trained singers review the "stylized" singers... I can't express in the same musically educated terms how a lovely but specific voice can be so beautiful despite the lack of formal voice training. Thank you so much, your reflections broaden my interpretations and appreciation of songs I might have heard/played/sang 1000 times. Good work; cheers!
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Here's another one for you..mind blowing song lyrics...
ua-cam.com/video/0c4v7fp5GC8/v-deo.html
This would be another great one to do..
ua-cam.com/video/_MOavH-Eivw/v-deo.html
I really want to see your eyes pop out when you listen to crazy horse. Something like down by the river, Hey Hey My My, Southern man, or Cinnamon Girl. Much harder and electric
Gordon Lightfoot is phenomenal: Wreck of the Edmund's Fitzgerald or Sundown
OR........ Southern Cross by Crosby, Stills and Nash.......🙂
My favorite Neil Young quote: “It’s more important to have an honest singing voice than a “good” one.”
During the recording of "We Are the World" the following discourse ensued between producer/musician David Foster and Neil Young:
David Foster: Hey Neil! Can we do another take on that part of yours? You're a bit off key!
Neil Young: No Dave.....it's my thing, that's my sound man!
🤣🤣🤣
Watch the movie made in heaven Neil Young does a cameo he plays a truck driver picking up a hitchhiker the Hitch-Hiker ask him where he's going. Neil Young responded if you don't know where you're going it doesn't matter what road you take. That's my favorite quote by him PS Tom Petty did a cameo and so did Ric Ocasek pretty good movie
I'd rather have both.
@@ThelSuperlKing That's the truth
He had both what unique great voice
definitely worth checking out "the needle and the damage done", one of the most haunting songs he ever did. and staggeringly beautiful.
I agree. I think it is closely related to this song. (See my remarks above.)
Hardly any bad tracks on the Harvest album. Needle is hauntingly 'beautiful'.
I definitely have to agree with you
Absolutely, Harvest was definitely his signature album Barr None ! I agree with you on "Needle and the Damage Done" being the BEST SONG among many on that Album !✌💯
Seconded!! Elizabeth - please react to this song, too!
My favorite quote about Neil: "He doesn't sing his songs, he bleeds them".
That expresses exactly what I feel when I see him performing. You can see it in the contortions he does with his face. It's all emotion that drives it.
"Sang" is the word for "blood", in French... ;)
Neil Young was 27 when this track was released and he sang that he was growing old. He was an old soul in a young man's body even at that time. When David Crosby met Neil Young he said that he pulled up and Neil sang to him 3 or 4 of the best songs he had probably ever heard.
It was released 2 months after he turned 26. But your point was right on. He was an old soul. Listen to After the Gold Rush he was 23-24 when he recorded those songs. He was wise beyond his years.
Indeed. The genius of “Ambulance Blues.” Written when he was 24. 2 lines: “I never knew a man who could tell so many lies. He had a different story for every set of eyes. How can he remember who he’s talking to? But I know it isn’t me and I hope it isn’t you.” “You’re only pissing in the wind. You don’t know it, but you are. And there ain’t nothing like a friend who will tell you you’re just pissing in the wind.” Genius. Neil’s catalogue has been the centerpiece Soundtrack for this 65 year old’s life.
remember these were the days when we said don't trust anyone over 30. Hitting 30 was far worse than any decade I hit and I'm in my 7th decade now.
I was at a recording session with Stephen Stills and he talked about a time when CSNY met to demo new songs for an album. He said that the rest of the band had a new song. Neil had enough for the whole album. He’s just that prolific.
Remember -- 5 years earlier the byword was "don't trust anyone over 30."
I've no idea why, but I cry every time. He's always searching and never finding the heart of gold. And even at that young age, he feels time is running out. And it's so beautiful.
of course he has found love, lost it and found it again.
Spot on iris. Nobody will ever convince me that Heart of Gold is anything other than a 'lost love' song. You can feel the pain in his voice.
Each time I hear this song, tears fill my eyes. Right to the soul.
Imagine to live Your whole life with a disease that kills you in 24h if You dont take Your insulin.
@@beatemiller3951 Yeah, me too
"I don't know if I have charisma or not, but I know I can't sing. But it doesn't really matter. I'm around the note somewhere. I'm near it. I know it. It knows me. We've been together for a while. Not for long though. " Neil Young at his inauguration into the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame, 2017. A proud Canadian.
And a fantastic naturaly beautiful voice. A gift.
He's a singer-songwriter, singing his compositions. Not an amazing singer but he got it done.
You don't have to be good to be great, man. Love that energy. I had a biology teacher that used to say "close enough is good enough" and that's become such an important phrase for me because I am a perfectionist to such a prohibitive degree.
Great lines! We'll said Neil. 👏
There’s something very Canadian about that reticence.
Neil is bad ass and always has been. Listen to all of his stuff.
When Neil Young hits the ball, it goes out of the park. Such a talented dude.
Nice baseball analogy 🌍🍄
another great Canadian 🇨🇦
Neil Young released one of the greatest folk/classic rock albums ever with Harvest. Neil has a very infectious voice and the lyrics on the album are great. No wonder Dylan was jealous of it.
The pride of Canada. Neil is not only a wonderful singer, but also a prolific songwriter and musician. Thank you so much for doing this! ♥️🇨🇦🍁🎵
As good as he is, I think Rush hold that title.
A poet, I would say!
@@leofinley4144 oh believe me I love them too. I was thinking more as a solo artist. Rush are incredible. RIP Neil Peart ♥️
@@dirkkruisheer most definitely 🎶
Canada's got a lot of singers to be proud of. I am hoping for some Gordon Lightfoot, but, we'll see. :)
When I grew up with Neil, he took me to places that we never thought was possible with songs like Down by the River or Cinnamon girl and his voice still haunts me to this day. I am 77 years old and love his music. He is special and followed his own interpretation of what is Neil Young, much like Eric Clapton followed his dream as a blues guitarist. It is so nice to see younger people enjoying and in awe of this kind of talent.
Neil Young is so underrated as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, even after decades I often stop in my tracks when I hear a classical chord progression or time shift. Absolutely adore his music, it has such a wide range of styles and collaborations over the years too (Buffalo Springfield, CSNY, Crazy Horse, Pearl Jam, etc...)
I'd like to think that what Neil is searching for via this song, isn,t an external heart of gold (someone else who has a heart of gold), rather he is searching within himself for a heart of gold.
Neil Young is Bob Dylan to the 70's generation. Long may he run!
"I'm spoiled by metal" that was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard anyone say.
I loved when she said that, too! Metal does indeed spoil you :)
Some rare artists transcend all genres and touch our collective souls at the core. This ethereal and eternal quality is this guy's life blood. And I doubt anyone would not agree...even Dylan.
cracked me up, Elizabeth...but Truth :)
@@karenwindham507 spoiled by metal lol
Godfather of Metal i see that , i quit my band when i got to practice 1 night and they were doing Nirvana , i said hell no later
Watching her reaction to "Old Man" and to "Heart of Gold" made me feel like I was listening to these songs again for the first time. I love her emotional reactions to both songs. Elizabeth, it would be interesting to see and hear your reaction to "Long May You Run", the best love song ever written...to a car.
Linda Ronstadt singing backup on the studio version is still my favorite part.
Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor
I was just thinking that while this is a great version, I still prefer the studio because of the backup singers. I didn't know that was Linda Ronstadt, but that makes sense.
Oh my my, How did I not recognise her after all these years of knowing the song. Thanks for pointing it out.
I think his posture is indicative of his gentle nature and shyness.
So Neil Young has been one of my favorite artists/ musicians/ songwriters since I was young ironically. I’m 71 now . I remember probably being 17 or 18 and listening to his album After the Gold Rush very often.
This song Searching For A Heart of Gold is an all time classic.
In our culture we’re taught to search for the pot of gold . This song obviously focuses on a deeper meaning of life . To me it’s the real message in life finding the higher meaning of why we are here . Finding the true purpose of life . Finding that feeling that connects us to our heart that innately feels good within us . We are after all mortal and immortal beings . This time of life we have is temporary. Those who seek and find that the answer is within and oh by the way it feels great to feel that spark of the divine that is inside of us . Then life makes sense amongst so much that doesn’t make sense .
It’s a beautiful song that has an eternal message for the ages 🙏👌😊☮️
You have a bit (or more) of the poet in you. Nicely put.
My interpretation of this song has changed jarringly over the years. Here's my story . . .
I was 16 years old when the song came out and it was one of my very favorite songs of the '70s. I interpreted it as he was looking for a girlfriend that he could spend the rest of his life with who had a heart of gold. But now that I have grown and changed so has my interpretation . . .
I'm now convinced that he intended it as a song about a person searching for his or her heart of gold inside. That's tipped off by the first verse in which he says
I want to live, I want to give . . .
It's these expressions I never give
That keep me searching for a heart of gold.
In other words, he's looking for something deep inside that right now he cannot express. . . But if he can reach his own heart of gold, then he will be able to be the type of person that he longs to be.
In verse 2 he likens the great distances from Hollywood to Redwood and crossing the ocean -- to the distances he's traveling in his mind, internally, to find that Heart of Gold. Because that is where it can be found.
And the optimism, to me, comes from his unwritten implication that everyone has that Heart of Gold inside -- if they just do the work that needs to be done to access and express it.
He tricked me too. I found a woman of a heart of gold. It was my mom.
💗🏅💗
That was an excellent analysis.
How fascinating. I’d never thought of this song in the way you have now that we are older. I’m slightly younger than you. Love reading these comments!
Great interpretation. I'll think of that when I'm listening to Heart of Gold in the future.
It’s not Hollywood or Redwood that’s important to Neil Young - it’s what is in his mind that matters. He’s hopeful, he’s searching for a heart of gold, that’s what matters to him. And look how how he carries the whole story. He’s so skilled.
Needle And The Damage Done is one of the greatest "social commentary" songs ever.
I was 13 when I heard this the first time, and it still resonates with me every time I hear it! Old man is a classic as well, one of the greats as a single artist or in super groups!
Her expression says enough, she's melting by the beauty of this song.
I think lyrically this is one of those songs where we bring our own perspective or baggage into it when it comes to interpretation; For me it is a song of wistful longing, an unending search for something we feel we'll never find.
This is the best comment I've ever seen on any video. Ever. Thank you, pencil necked
Agreed. The very best songwriters shape their lyrics to allow the listener to find their own life in another's words. We discover that we share these feelings with others and don't exist alone in the world.
Neil Young has honestly had a very hard life. His music really reflects that.
Always loved this song. One of my favorite factoids is that, on the studio recording, the backup vocals are actually James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt, who happened to be in town for a TV spot. James was already known by then, but Linda hadn't had a single hit yet!
Linda did have hits but they were country not rock. Neil recorded this track in Nashville where Linda appeared on the Johnny Cash show
@@stormryder811 And she wasn't known yet as a solo artist but she was known for being the lead singer of The Stone Ponies.
There's so many great songs by Neil!! Listen to, After the Gold Rush, The Needle * The damage done, Cowgirl in the Sand..
I was born in 1960. I've been listening to Neil since I was a kid. It's been a privilege.. Neil is such a Great Song Writer..
I personally think that Neil Young is one of the most important musicians of the twentieth century, but his real greatness will be found only decades from now. He has been ahead of his time in many ways, you cannot understand the whole punk and grunge without understanding his influence
I agree. His music will live on, just like that of The Beatles, for millennia to come.
Neil is perfectly imperfect his voice and songs take me away from life's problems !
I bought this as a fresh faced 15 year old hippy still at school. Harvest , the album Heart of Gold comes off , is still one of my all time favourite albums.❤️😁🤩😃
i wore out my copy long ago too
Neil Young has the voice of an angel.
Elizabeth, I agree with your asesstment of Neils feelings. I feel this song reflects his desire to find the purity of the human soul, it's innocense, beauty, and love. His feelings are personal, but his message so true and the longing to find a heart of gold is something most humans can relate to. He is humble, not searching for fame, fortune, or notoriety, but his feelings are just so strong and real that he had to share his thoughts with the world. Thank God he did.
Neil Young is a great songwriter. He is a musical treasure. One of my all time favorites. I feel like his music resonates with a lot of people but not everybody likes him. I think Harvest saved my life. It helped me to break through a deep depression. I did find my heart of gold and we were together >45 years. I lost her in 2019.
Neil Young is the greatest singer/songwriter of all time, and a brilliant musician
Taking nothing from him, that's a bold statement.
He’s definitely more than the sum of his parts.
A Southern man don't need him around anyhow.
@@corbettmanley932 Review his life's work, the guy was a legend for three different generations.
it's ok if he's your fav. I would say he's ONE of the goats and I love his music dearly but I love a lot of music.
Now it's time for a Neil Young rocking tune. Keep on Rockin' in the Free World.
WITH with with... PEARL JAM! yayyyy
It is a sweet, positive song, which is something that Neil is not always about. The studio recording has Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor on backing vocals., which are amazing.
He is a story teller
Love Ms Zharoff with her passion and authenticity!
First time hearing it in 2021? Man am I old. I still find wisdom in this song and it still rings true today. Neil is genius at making music you can directly relate to. Now Neil and I really are old.
There are people your age that haven't heard all kinds of music. We all have different life experiences.
this is a really good song. not like my favourite super man song by the crash test dummies.
It does seem surprising if one has been exposed to this genre, especially for us who grew up in a certain time and environment. But she has been operating in different genres and has heard - and sung - a hell of a lot of great music that I (or we) have never heard, for sure. One lifetime is not enough to hear it all.
I've always found a contrast between Neil's hopeful-sounding vocals and his plaintive harmonica solos in this piece. It's that tension that makes it for me.
Great analysis. Can I go off topic, and just say, Elizabeth is absolutely gorgeous. I love the way she looks, I love the way she speaks. The man in her life is one lucky guy. Keep up the good work.
Neil Young is a lyrical master. I’ve been listening to him for 45 years and he still has the gift
I get the feeling that your a Neil Young fan now.. his library is extensive and more than worth while keep up the great work
Neil Young's voice sounds the same live as he does in a studio recording. I love him. 🌹
Neil had already had his back injury at the time of this recording. He is actually wearing a back brace at the the time of this concert tour, he references this on the Massey Hall 1971 concert recording when he drops his pick "bending over is not much fun"... this is probably why he was always hunched over in an abnormal posture during this BBC performance.
The wincing eyes and face, which most assume is emotional reaction to the lyrics, may well have been actual pain and discomfort from his injury.
This song is authentic and honest, yearning, a little melancholy due to the prospect of an endless search, yet hopeful because the songwriter refuses to give up in his search.
I came across Neil Young in 1976. Every time I hear a song from Harvest I jump back to that first time. At a classmate’s house with a bunch of classmates and their wives/girlfriends having a few beers when he puts a brand new copy of Harvest on his record player, turns up the volume on the tube amp and the giant speakers came alive with his voice and guitar. All these years later and I still see that moment clearly. Been a fan of NY ever since. As always, Thanks for the insight
Thank you for getting back to Neil Young!! "The Needle and the Damage Done" unplugged!! More solid gold!
One of the best Neil Young's songs in a great live performace. Anxious to watch here from Brazil!
Neil is searching for the heart of gold within himself.
I was struck by Neil's look beyond the lights (3:42 Live 1971). I'm imagining he sees his older self. He's older now. He has lived. He has given us so much.
It's funny how people can hit their 30's and think "I'm getting old." Nope. just wait 30 years plus.
Neil Young is one of my favorite artists I've had the privilege of seeing him live in concert three times. He saw me too. I made my way right down to the stage two out of the three times was a member of the audience when they recorded Russ never sleeps. It was all new release music that no one in the auditorium had ever heard,
That was awesome I am a big fan of Neil young ever since I can remember when I was a little boy my brother is a fan too and me and him always live singing and listening to him
WHen music actually meant something, and actually conveyed something and more importantly, resonated in the heart of the listener.
It still does, it's just not "mainstream". UA-cam is a cornucopia of fine artists if you seek them out or stumble across them. Pretty much all I like about UA-cam. It's not the musicians that are lacking it's the industry and media and who they chose to promote or ignore.
This song reminds me of my best friend who had a heart transplant at 14 and then past away at 22. He was the most amazing person and had a heart of gold.
Thank you Elizabeth for your professional interpretations, your positive responses and your heart felt postures. You, have "a heart of gold."
I love that rather than critique and judge the technical prowess, you appreciate the soulful expression of the singer. My daughter turned me on to you, and I'm so happy she did. Thank you for your great content. I remember hanging clothes in my parents' back yard as a teenager and hearing Ohio after the Kent State shootings and virtually crumbling.
Aa very thoughtful post thank you 🌍
Wow is she from AZ, I'm from AZ crazy, love her reactions. Love Neil Young my younger sister got me hooked on his talent. I'm 50 and she discovered him in her 20's - in the 90's.
I grew up with Neil Young and CSNY. It is such a powerful thing how emotional memories are entwined with the songs of those days.
I saw them at Wembley with Joni Mitchell and The Band … fantastic concert on a beautiful day and a full stadium that was 1974 and I’m 69 now … one of my best memories.
My gosh...how could you have never heard Heart of Gold before now, lol ...makes me feel old... amazing tune... amazing artist ...amazing reaction 🔥
It's amazing to see an analyzis by a professional musician on Neil Young, when she isn't familiar with his work. Neil has influenced an entire generation, if not two, through his gigantic life's work. I love him deeply.
Neil Young has long been one of my favourites. So much so that my fiancé and I will have our first dance to his 'Harvest Moon.' We're age 27 and 24, and we look forward to many more years of hearing his music. Hope to see him in person someday soon.
Mr Young was sharing his vision of his hope for someone that he could share hopes and dreams with. Someone with a "heart of gold" to share life with.
Between this song & Old Man, same concert, his banter is really endearing. When one speaks little you really treasure the ... nuggets of gold. Hah, short songs & few words make us want more - the opposite of what a private person wants.
A song without words, yet an amazing vocal. Great Gig in the Sky. Pink Floyd. Improvised use of voice as an instrument
During the solo in Wish You Were Here was his voice as well
Yes this! I said the same thing when she did Comfortably Numb.
I appreciate you choosing a version where he just accompanies himself. He can get magical that way.
Neil Young was the soundtrack of our youthful road trips, he was the great outdoors put into music. I will always love his honest sound.
Had a day off and started to watch your takes on these songs and performances. Now I'm completely hooked and have a slight crush. 🥰😄
Left hand third finger.
@@corssecurity He said a crush, it's not a wedding proposal lol
@@imCurveee thou shalt not covet another man's wife. Heard that somewhere
Of course a duel is perfectly acceptable. To the Winer the spoils.
@@corssecurity Nobody cares man
@@imCurveee then why did you reply if you don't care.
Or maybe you are a nobody.
Ok if you say so.
But I am somebody and your wasting my time.
It is a pleasure to hear you review these classic songs by iconic artists.
I’m a first timer and glad it’s with my 2nd fave artist ever and one of his finest songs
Please react to more Neil Young! For me, the raw talent of his voice is very good...but what elevates it to amazing is his authenticity and "bare-your-soul" emotion. No pretentiousness. No ego. Just a man looking to share his art and pain.
WOW I feel so old listening to your analysis. So many songs you are hearing for the first time are songs that were virtually the soundtrack of my life
Neil Young is incredibly prolific and has never stopped evolving as a musician. I was a big fan of his music when this song was released and I follow him to this day. In fact I was lucky enough to see him perform this song in Berkeley last year. He initially faced resistance to him singing the first few songs he wrote when he was with Buffalo Springfield until he eventually insisted on singing lead on his own songs. Although his vocal style was unique, especially for that era, he broke through and has become the quintessential singer-songwriter of our time.
Cinnamon Girl might be my favorite song of all time🤎When I saw Neil live solo he had the whole arena singing Sugar Mountain...one of my favorite concert memories.
The actual God father of the Grunge music movement. Neil Youngs a AMAZING musician and his career has been crazy from Motown to where he is now. Love Neil Young music.
Neil Young is known as "the father of grunge" for his very strong influence on the West Coast emo acoustic singer songwriters of the 1990s, and their rock/metal contemporaries.
The poetic intelligence of lyrics in particular improved due to his influence, if it's not a good poem it's not often a good song.
Thats the worst thing they ever did to him , i bet most of those seatle dudes never listend to Neil
@@ricowhoo1313 Eh, I'm sure they did listen to him some. Chris Cornell was inspired by Down By the River when he wrote Burden in My Hand. I believe Pearl Jam and Neil Young also got to know each other and even played together.
I think it's endearing how you treat the lyrics and music like kittens and puppies. Really really sweet and endearing.
The harmonica, though it does not produce a pretty or beautiful sound, it is haunting and it has so much soul. To me it even has a touch of anguish and that is fitting because Neil so longs for someone to be a part of his life who is genuinely kind, honest and giving - a heart of gold - and though he's young he knows he's getting old.
Authenticity, sincerity, & a sense of sweetness. -- three attributes that describe both Neil's performance, & your interpretation of it ; kudos to you both.
Ha ha, yes she's got me too!
Neil Young, "Old Man" is also authentic . Also,
"Only Love Can Break Your Heart" AND
" Comes a Time"
Nice reaction!
The studio version is really completed by perfect accompanying vocal by Linda Ronstadt in the last chorus. Amazing what she adds.
No doubt.
He is fantastic singer song writer and recognized for it im always taken by his instrumentation my favorite part
I never want this song to end either It's SO beautiful.
His music will still be listened to several hundred years from now. Timeless.
Neil Young is one of my favorite musicians and watching you for the first time was phenomenal. Keep doing what you do. I could watch you for hours!
The Neil Young song to react to…”The Needle and the Damage Done.” The title, alone, pulls you in like a life preserver…that’s thrown in too late. Such a moving song on so many levels.
Merveilleuse chanson, still bring me great emotion after so many decade, We Canadian love him !!!!
Learning the harmonica part made me a very happy kid! Bless you Elizabeth.❤
I love how you dont nitpick how rock singers, past and present, deliver their material. In this day and age of American Idol, vocal and pitch perfection, and even perfect vowel delivery, there are a lot of musicians and performers out there who arent perfect and dont get the credit they deserve because they arent perfect. You meet these performers where they are with all their imperfections and see the positives in what they do. Neil Young is the perfect example of this. He's definitely not an American Idol singer, but he is still widely beloved for what he is. Same with Bob Dylan, and even Ian Anderson, and you dont poo poo theor performances. You accept them for who they are, and meet them where and when they are, and love them just as many of us do: great singers and songwriters.
I would suggest adding “Like A Hurricane” to the Neil to do list as well. I am just a dreamer but you are just a dream….
Yes!
Guitar playing in studio recording of Hurricane is (for me) the best I've ever listened to.
You could have been anyone to me
A treasure of a songwriter. "Harvest" is amazing.
This evokes memories of a bygone era. I'm getting so nostalgic.
Happens with AGE, doesn't it ?
@@corbettmanley932 Yes, this is what makes one realize how old one is.
Can the nostalgia be a stepping stone to understanding?
It’s beautiful and sad, sweet and deep. He is say he is searching, and he is getting old. Still looking and hopeful, but not yet found
Just checking this from your older postings. Love this song, and really appreciate your review, same emotional response as me
I love this song. My band used to cover "Rocking in the Free World", but "Heart of Gold" just hits different. I enjoy everything Neil Young, from "Sample and Hold" to "Be The Rain".
I love when classically trained singers review the "stylized" singers... I can't express in the same musically educated terms how a lovely but specific voice can be so beautiful despite the lack of formal voice training. Thank you so much, your reflections broaden my interpretations and appreciation of songs I might have heard/played/sang 1000 times. Good work; cheers!
I can never decide if he’s talking about a heart of gold in others, or a heart of gold in himself…
I have always interpreted as he is looking for both, and only both will make one complete. It isn't necessarily one or the other, in my view.
@@greg967 for sure
You have to respect the fact that this is not a studio recording but live performance. Saw Neil 5 times in concert and he never disappointed.
I agree with you! Many long for continued self improvement. Few have his mastery of poetry and music.
Harvest was and still is an incredible album.