As I understand it, he wrote this coming out of a heart conditiion when he was young. Dying and coming back for the one you love. I think it's romantic, in a Romeo and Juliet sort of way. Love doesn't die after all.
The most hauntingly beautiful song of all time. A masterpiece. Doesn't mean self deletion though Maddy. Lol! Just means not being afraid of something that is as natural as birth and also of love transcending our physical existence (being able to fly) into spirit which is ethereal. Coming back to comfort the one you love when their time comes. "She had taken his hand (she had become like they are)." Great reaction!
Another of the really good bands who got lost in the greatness of the 1970's! Not a big singles band but when they did hit it was big but the vinyl, they produced was excellent!
Oh man, this takes me back. So my parents raised my sister and I in a very strictly religious way; no tv except Christian programs, no music except Christian music etc… But then, one day, I happened to be going through my dads old stuff in the garage and found 4 cassette tapes: Meatloaf- Bat Out Of Hell, David Bowie- The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers- Damn the Torpedos and, finally, Blue Öyster Cult- Agents of Fortune. In a little under a year I’d worn those tapes out, but they served as the bedrock my musical taste is built on.
I 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. 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"😎
hello again maddy lol this reaction is not even finished yet and i wanna thank for listening to this song. i was born in the early 60s but grew up in the 70s. this is one of my favourites from the 70s. for me what i get from this song is that when it's your time to go, don't be afraid (don't fear the reaper). if you do read this, i wonder if you could accomodate my request and give a listen to kansas - dust in the wind. i love that song so very much. i find it hauntingly honest and the lyrics quite deep. thank you maddy.
A song whose lyrics echo back to Socrates' view of death (as described in Plato's "The Apology"). Death is nothing one needs to fear, no matter what form it may take, a continued afterlife or an eternal slumber.
I saw these guys in 1977 with Alvin Lee, Dr Hook and a couple other bands. Saw them again in 1982.....great band to see live back then. I used to think the vocals in this song sounded very much like the Byrds.
From the writer of "Don't Fear the Reaper", Buck Dharma: ""I felt that I had just achieved some kind of resonance with the psychology of people when I came up with that, I was actually kind of appalled when I first realized that some people were seeing it as an advertisement for suicide or something that was not my intention at all. It is, like, not to be afraid of [death] (as opposed to actively bring it about). It's basically a love song where the love transcends the actual physical existence of the partners." - Buck Dharma Actually, as a songwriter myself, I know sometimes a song takes on a life of its own and almost writes itself. The end result may not be your original intent, but it's SO perfect otherwise, you keep it the way it is. I suspect that is what happened on this song.
Now this is a Classic! Great Reaction👍 btw you're right about the eerie feeling. I learned of this song because it was used in two iconic horror movies Halloween & Scream😂
wore the grooves off this one when it came out! one of the first songs i learned on the guitar when i started, was already playing this on the drums by then, along with Rush, Led Zep, and Queen (also on drums).
Such a great song that, unfortunately, people took it as condoning suicide. They need to know the back stories on songs before judging them. Thanks for doing it!! The live version, off Extraterrestrial Live, is killer if you’re interested. Great reaction!! 🤘🤘🎸🎸
Hey Maddy, Happy Thursday! It's good to see you enjoying such a great song. The double live album On Your Feet Or On Your Knees is one of the best live performances ever recorded. ✌️ ☮️ 🎸🎼🎤🎵❤️
Hey Maddy, your next reaction from B.O.C. should be THEN CAME THE LAST DAYS OF MAY from the live album ON YOUR FEET OR ON YOUR KNEES!! It is a true story that happened to a guy that Buck Dharma (B.O.C.'s lead guitarist) knew in school at Stoneybrook college in NY.
The song is not about death or suicide (though it has been interpreted this way). It is actually about living in the moment and not fearing death. Thanks for the reaction!
BOC used a lot of old sci fi and horror movie imagery in their songs and this seems along those lines. Great reaction. I played rock band before it was a game ;)
@@davidahart2113 yeah “I love the Night” seems to be another along this theme. I always imagined it to be like a Vampire love story where you are seduced into joining them. Something like that.
I can so visualize the wind blowing the curtains and them stepping out on to the ledge. I musta sean it in a movie or something... Oh, I know! It was Peter pan lol.
The greatest song ever written about suicide. "40 thousand men and women every day. Romeo and Juliet are together in eternity. We can be like they are."
The lyrics are indeed disturbing, but almost all of BOC’s lyrics are part of a much larger concept, episodes and characters in a sprawling, vague sci-fi narrative, from the mind of their lyricist, mentor and producer Sandy Pearlman. Malevolent alien powers manipulating humans and history on Earth. And some of us have played this song in real rock bands : )
I take this song to be a gothic love story. It may or may not be about suicide, but still, the girl dies. Very haunting, lyrically and musically - one of BOC's best.
This is an uplifting song about remaining brave and positive in the face of death, secure in the belief that you will rejoin your loved ones. It was not intended to promote suicide.
Just a suggestion - if anyone has suggested The Dead South singing "In Hell I'll Be In Good Company" I want to add my recommendation to it - not paying for another one yet because I know your list has gotten long and I still have one waiting from last October, I think...that's okay
The lyrics seem misunderstood. When the narrator says "it was clear that she couldn't go on.." it sounds like she is dying - not trying to die. The next lines talk about somebody/something taking her hand - and her looking back to say goodbye. The narrator seems to be trying to comfort her as she is dying.
Hi Maddy nice reaction to one of my favorite songs I especially love the guitar solo. Since this is sort of a death theme I have a suggestion for you. Not to react to but just to listen to. Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding by Elton John on the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album. It is about 11 minutes long but well worth it with an amazing build up. Like I said just a suggestion. Thank you for reacting to Pentatonix that is how I found you and I think you have a fan. Keep up the great work.
You can't go wrong with BOC, they have a large and varied catalog and made great rock still after their peak years in the 70s. Try a great, atmospheric classic from them in Nosferatu. It is as good as this one in a different way but classic BOC. A vampire tale that works for me on Halloween or anytime I'm in the mood. As far as the lyrics in songs from back then, lots of stuff got into songs that were not the best idea but, hey, its Rock and everyone was young and it was the times. We all learn, in time. Rock On & Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎸🎹🎶
We as humans need to keep things in perspective. It's just a song. I'm not going to go off myself just because of a song! I think the song is great though.
This song is not abut suicide according to the guy who wrote the song and he should know. It’s about a guy that dies and his partner joins him later from a natural death in the afterlife. Yes you are rambling.
As I understand it, he wrote this coming out of a heart conditiion when he was young. Dying and coming back for the one you love. I think it's romantic, in a Romeo and Juliet sort of way. Love doesn't die after all.
Ohhh wow!
The most hauntingly beautiful song of all time. A masterpiece. Doesn't mean self deletion though Maddy. Lol! Just means not being afraid of something that is as natural as birth and also of love transcending our physical existence (being able to fly) into spirit which is ethereal. Coming back to comfort the one you love when their time comes. "She had taken his hand (she had become like they are)." Great reaction!
I saw boc in concert in 1978, they are unreal live!!!
I first came across this song in the 1994 series ‘The Stand’ and I’ve loved it ever since.
Big song back then. On the radio all of the time. Don't fear the reaper; fear the Maddy.
Amazing band and song, beautifully crafted with emotional lyrics
Another of the really good bands who got lost in the greatness of the 1970's! Not a big singles band but when they did hit it was big but the vinyl, they produced was excellent!
Ahh yes, the eternal nature of Love. That third stanza. Great song.
I love BOC. One of the awesome bands from my teens.
#hangovergang forever 🤙🏽
Oh man, this takes me back. So my parents raised my sister and I in a very strictly religious way; no tv except Christian programs, no music except Christian music etc… But then, one day, I happened to be going through my dads old stuff in the garage and found 4 cassette tapes: Meatloaf- Bat Out Of Hell, David Bowie- The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers- Damn the Torpedos and, finally, Blue Öyster Cult- Agents of Fortune. In a little under a year I’d worn those tapes out, but they served as the bedrock my musical taste is built on.
I 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. 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"😎
Definitely a dark song, but strangely peaceful.
hello again maddy lol this reaction is not even finished yet and i wanna thank for listening to this song. i was born in the early 60s but grew up in the 70s. this is one of my favourites from the 70s. for me what i get from this song is that when it's your time to go, don't be afraid (don't fear the reaper). if you do read this, i wonder if you could accomodate my request and give a listen to kansas - dust in the wind. i love that song so very much. i find it hauntingly honest and the lyrics quite deep. thank you maddy.
Classic song. Thank you for reacting to it Maddy!🎉
I had forgotten this track. But it is such a meaningful track. The songwriters and musicians are geniuses.
This even feels dark and occultic in the other lyrics of the song. It’s in your face.
Greatest song ever written.
A song whose lyrics echo back to Socrates' view of death (as described in Plato's "The Apology"). Death is nothing one needs to fear, no matter what form it may take, a continued afterlife or an eternal slumber.
I saw these guys in 1977 with Alvin Lee, Dr Hook and a couple other bands. Saw them again in 1982.....great band to see live back then. I used to think the vocals in this song sounded very much like the Byrds.
From the writer of "Don't Fear the Reaper", Buck Dharma: ""I felt that I had just achieved some kind of resonance with the psychology of people when I came up with that, I was actually kind of appalled when I first realized that some people were seeing it as an advertisement for suicide or something that was not my intention at all. It is, like, not to be afraid of [death] (as opposed to actively bring it about). It's basically a love song where the love transcends the actual physical existence of the partners." - Buck Dharma
Actually, as a songwriter myself, I know sometimes a song takes on a life of its own and almost writes itself. The end result may not be your original intent, but it's SO perfect otherwise, you keep it the way it is. I suspect that is what happened on this song.
To me, the guitar solo was the emotional turmoil she was going thru during her "last night of sadness" until he appeared and took her into eternity..
I saw them in a free concert at the Univ of Florida back in the 70's. Great show.
Now it's time to watch the SNL sketch of this song with Christopher Walken.
One of the two funniest SNL sketches of all time. So hilarious even 25 years later it cracks me up every time.
"I've got a fever..."
Need more cowbell.
Love the drums 🥁 & guitar 🎸 on this classic track.
Now this is a Classic! Great Reaction👍 btw you're right about the eerie feeling. I learned of this song because it was used in two iconic horror movies Halloween & Scream😂
Oooooh 😢 which movies??
@@MaddyReactions Halloween and Scream lol
wore the grooves off this one when it came out! one of the first songs i learned on the guitar when i started, was already playing this on the drums by then, along with Rush, Led Zep, and Queen (also on drums).
Baby, don’t be afraid….
as a guitarist this was the first song I learned to play,. the main riff is easy.
Such a great song that, unfortunately, people took it as condoning suicide. They need to know the back stories on songs before judging them. Thanks for doing it!! The live version, off Extraterrestrial Live, is killer if you’re interested. Great reaction!! 🤘🤘🎸🎸
The game RETURNAL not only uses this song in its entirety in one scene, all of the in-game music is based on the chorus.
Best game ever.
Hey Maddy, Happy Thursday! It's good to see you enjoying such a great song. The double live album On Your Feet Or On Your Knees is one of the best live performances ever recorded. ✌️ ☮️ 🎸🎼🎤🎵❤️
I love it!
One of the best songs ever…
Great reaction, Maddy! I've always loved this song.
Alana Davis does a wonderful cover of this, with the title shortened to just "The Reaper." It's well worth watching.
More cowbell! 🤣
- a consciousness as in the realization from one mindfulness into another mind - towardness as to the same meanings but not the same names
Hey Maddy, your next reaction from B.O.C. should be THEN CAME THE LAST DAYS OF MAY from the live album ON YOUR FEET OR ON YOUR KNEES!! It is a true story that happened to a guy that Buck Dharma (B.O.C.'s lead guitarist) knew in school at Stoneybrook college in NY.
Just a fantastic song, and a lot of fun watching you rock out to it! ♥
Sucks that these guys are now playing the County Fair circuit these days, saw them and Grand Funk recently and it was amazing!
Well, last time I saw them it was in a casino; I think I'd rather see them at a county fair, tbh.
Yeah .. Maddy !! I absolutely love this song. A perfect song for " .... la ..... la la ... la ... la .. " 🌸🌸🌸🌸🎼🌸🌸🌸🎼🌸🌸🌸🎼🌸🌸🌸🎼🌸🌸🌸
The song is not about death or suicide (though it has been interpreted this way). It is actually about living in the moment and not fearing death. Thanks for the reaction!
Hi Maddy, good song but the Saturday Night skit with Christopher Walken asking Will "More Cowbell" is classic
BOC used a lot of old sci fi and horror movie imagery in their songs and this seems along those lines. Great reaction. I played rock band before it was a game ;)
Their song "Godzilla" is proof positive of your statement.
@@davidahart2113 yeah “I love the Night” seems to be another along this theme. I always imagined it to be like a Vampire love story where you are seduced into joining them. Something like that.
Some of their best SF imagery comes from the early albums, Tyranny and Mutation, and Secret Treaties.
@@randallpetersen9164 that’s true but they kept some of it.
Another great song from them is "Damaged". Awesome bass work in that one.
they use to ;play every year at U of F for free outside as part of Halloween.
This song was in Halloween and also a movie called The Frightners staring Michael J. Fox!
"I've got a fever and the remedy is more cowbell!"
One of my all time favorites !!!
I like this song and first heard the part in the original movie Stephen King's, The Stand.
- actually, in all seriousness; the song Don't Fear The Reaper is a song as in a Time of Future Past
I get SNL vibes every time I hear this song, but it's a classic 🎶
Now you need to check out the Blue Oyster Cult SNL skit!!!
Needs more cowbell!!
At least you admit you heard the song, I think some reaction videos from some people don't admit to hearing the song
Soft White Underbelly......to all my fellow BOC fans.
5 feet away, watching Buck wail.
upstate New Yawk.
@@randallpetersen9164 Port Chesta.
Snakes from all over are crawling out of their baskets, one kind of charming.
I can so visualize the wind blowing the curtains and them stepping out on to the ledge. I musta sean it in a movie or something... Oh, I know! It was Peter pan lol.
theme song for the S. KING story / TV show. ' the stand' which was real good.
The greatest song ever written about suicide. "40 thousand men and women every day. Romeo and Juliet are together in eternity. We can be like they are."
This is one of my favorites, great song!!
Actually, what i enjoyed most about this reaction is watching you rock out. Good job Maddy!
Glad you enjoyed!
The lyrics are indeed disturbing, but almost all of BOC’s lyrics are part of a much larger concept, episodes and characters in a sprawling, vague sci-fi narrative, from the mind of their lyricist, mentor and producer Sandy Pearlman. Malevolent alien powers manipulating humans and history on Earth. And some of us have played this song in real rock bands : )
Thanks Maddy! Nice reaction. I love this one too.
I take this song to be a gothic love story. It may or may not be about suicide, but still, the girl dies. Very haunting, lyrically and musically - one of BOC's best.
That song is in the original version of The Stand by Steven King in 1994 and A favorite of Steven King.
This is the exact song from SNL
This is an uplifting song about remaining brave and positive in the face of death, secure in the belief that you will rejoin your loved ones. It was not intended to promote suicide.
Oooohh! Love that interpretation
I got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell. 😂
Dammit every time I see one of these reactions with BOC I want to watch the stand
Just a suggestion - if anyone has suggested The Dead South singing "In Hell I'll Be In Good Company" I want to add my recommendation to it - not paying for another one yet because I know your list has gotten long and I still have one waiting from last October, I think...that's okay
Bruce Dickinson wants more cowbell.
- it is a cosmic love story towards an earthly descriptions as towards Blue Oyster Cult definitions : it is a song about consciousness Not suicide
the music of my youth. just need some black lite posters and a black lite.
As a drummer, I appreciate you taking notice of that part you found interesting 👍👍🙏
My pleasure!
Brilliant
Please check out
Cities on Flame
Burning for You
Godzilla
Awesome Band
I'm gonna need more cowbell.
I've got a fever. And the only prescription is more cowbell.
Needs more Cowbell!!!
The lyrics seem misunderstood. When the narrator says "it was clear that she couldn't go on.." it sounds like she is dying - not trying to die. The next lines talk about somebody/something taking her hand - and her looking back to say goodbye. The narrator seems to be trying to comfort her as she is dying.
The Mars Volta I never hear anyone talk about them, wish they were more known.
They never had a huge hit. BOC would also be largely unknown if not for this song.
Hi Maddy nice reaction to one of my favorite songs I especially love the guitar solo. Since this is sort of a death theme I have a suggestion for you. Not to react to but just to listen to. Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding by Elton John on the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album. It is about 11 minutes long but well worth it with an amazing build up. Like I said just a suggestion. Thank you for reacting to Pentatonix that is how I found you and I think you have a fan. Keep up the great work.
You should check out Unto Ashes version of this song- a radical departure, almost medieval
SIMPLY RED Holding back the years Live 1992
Would be a great reaction!!
Loved this reaction too !😁
“MORE COWBELL!”
I GOT THE FEVER FOR MORE COWBELLS!❤❤
Love your reaction to this song.
Maddy, I love your hair and glasses. Nice!
Thank you so much
You are welcome!@@MaddyReactions
GREAT BAND. Maddy may I please recommend Blue Oyster Cult VETERAN OF THE PSYCHIC WARS. Live 1981.
Hella good concert!
You can't go wrong with BOC, they have a large and varied catalog and made great rock still after their peak years in the 70s. Try a great, atmospheric classic from them in Nosferatu. It is as good as this one in a different way but classic BOC. A vampire tale that works for me on Halloween or anytime I'm in the mood.
As far as the lyrics in songs from back then, lots of stuff got into songs that were not the best idea but, hey, its Rock and everyone was young and it was the times. We all learn, in time.
Rock On & Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎸🎹🎶
Scooby went snack hunting. Check out "Godzilla" next or maybe "Joan Crawford".
MORE COWBELL!!!!!
That's a wood block, not a cow bell. Great song and nice vid. Thanks for posting.
We as humans need to keep things in perspective. It's just a song. I'm not going to go off myself just because of a song! I think the song is great though.
Suicidal lyrics weren't enough to get cancelled in the 70s....BOC usually has spooky topics in their best songs
This song is not abut suicide according to the guy who wrote the song and he should know. It’s about a guy that dies and his partner joins him later from a natural death in the afterlife. Yes you are rambling.
- had a friend at one time call this song Don't Fear The Reefer - and i(I) replied What?
Great song and reaction beautiful. 😍🤘
- guess we were all crazy back then and didn't even realize it
“Don’t fear the reaper…baby take my hand.” How is this NOT an invitation to suicide?
Everybody dies, professor.