Whenever I watch and listen to this song I am remembering seeing Neil at American Bandstand in 1963, I think. He was very shy, and who would have known, almost 50 years later he is still going strong, and has not dropped an octave. God, upon Neil Sedaka's conception, man, you created one major masterpiece. Joseph F Portland, OR USA
There is no question that there are few people who deserve to be in The Hall of Fame before Neil. Having grown up with such trailblazing rock songs as "Breaking Up is Hard to Do", "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" and "Calendar Girl", I have difficulty in understanding the neglect.
This man is not a flash in the pan but an extremely talented man who wrote so many hits for singers thoughout the ages and THEN began his own singing career. Neil you are a gifted man !
I had no idea just how talented Neil Sedaka was before seeing this concert the other night, and I was stunned at his mastery of the piano and the power of his voice, still sounds amazing after all these years. An awesome talent, and a sad reflection of todays music scene where people of this caliber dont seem to exist anymore.
I can tell that you were truly blessed in your marriage...With all respect, I stand with you in your grief. This is a wonderful song to pay tribute to your late wife. Take Care
Anybody who can write a song like this is a GENIUS. About 10 years ago I signed an online petition to get Neil Sedaka into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame where he belongs.
I totally agree...just watched tonight on BBC channel 4 a documentary about his life, his struggle, his success, his determination to carry on when the odds were stacked against him. If anyone hoping to make their way in the world had 10% of what NS has...they'd succeed! Great music lives on, Neil's will.
I think this is one of his best works. I thank God every day for giving me the ability to hear and appreciate the gift of music as delivered by such greats as Neil. "Those who sing, pray twice". Thanks for all the beauty.
I've heard this song done by him quite a few times, one from the 70's, one from the 80's, and now this one, and He hasn't lost his voice or talent! It's so clear, it just grips you.
I love how his voice is still so excellent at his age. I think his original and clay's version and the carpenters version are all fantastic musical creations!
Yes, I saw Neil Sedaka too in Liverpool and I must say the price of the ticket was well worth the money just too hear him play the piano. A true Professional and a great entertainer. Clearly knows how to entertain am sure the packed house left enthralled!!!
I can sum this performance up with one word------Outstanding!! When an artist writes a song, as Sedaka wrote this, I can visualize him in his living room working from his heart on it. I have listened to others, Elvis, The Carpenters, Clay Aiken but Sedaka here sounds like full orchestration when in reality it is only him and one grand piano------Outstanding!!
THG Driver Neil Sedaka studied classical piano at Juilliard School of Music at age 13 on a scholarship for gifted children in New York City, he lived in Brooklyn at that time.
One of the most talented song writers ever. A genius. Thank you for the beautiful music and the memories. I have always loved your music. What a talent!
I just now watched several other versions of this and this Upload is the best, to me. Best audio - and he sounds as good as on the original record - I usually can't stand seeing/hearing singers performing their old hits. He is one artist that hasn't 'lost' it.
You speak your opinion. Yet, as far as we both go you speak the TRUTH! However, Sedaka was, is, and always will be a musical FORCE!!! Tread gently on another artist's forum... I LIVE Elvis, but I do appreciate Sedaka also... Sedaka is a gem with all the wonderful hits he continues to play year after year!
I had the good fortune to see him in concert here in "OZ" during the late 70's &80's. What a talented artist he is. . . He just keeps getting better as the years roll on. Thanks for posting, it's brilliant !!!
My mom died today, same day as Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett . June 25, 2009. So that will be easy to remember. I've been listening to this song a lot lately as my mom went downhill - so SAD, so GREAT! A guy and his piano -- a classic for the ages.......
As you all have already said. Simply brilliant. Thanks could never be adequately expressed Neil. Incomprehensibly great. If he is not in the Hall of Fame -- Well he certainly is in everyone else`s Hall of Fame. Bravo!
I admit, I have no clue who this singer is, and I just randomly found this song, but wow. It is incredible! Bravo :) *stands and claps with tears running down face* Beautiful, just beautiful.
Just listening to this you'd swear there are more musicians playing with him but it's just Neil and the piano. The chord voicing are so superb they fully utilize the complete breadth of the piano sonic capabilities. He makes the piano sound like an orchestra. Such a beautiful song.
This amazing man, is behind a number of hits written for other people and wrote some lovely songs in the 70s too. I've never heard this version and for me, the first version I ever of this, by Andy Williams is my favourite, although I also Love Karen Carepenter's version, who wouldn't?
A perfect performance. An orchestration of heart and yearning like no other. Juilliard Concert Pianist plus a lifetime of music experience and song writing creates this moment in time for us to savour for all time. Welcome to Neil Sedaka's living room and his friends.
23tbob, SO SORRY to hear your mother passed away... prayers... Sadly, I also had lost my dad when I was 15, am now 44; and I lost my mother in 1996, I MISS them both horribly to this day... know that She is smiling down on you... ' this is a Truly beautiful song by Neil, also done by the Carpenters and amazing as well with Karen's "haunting" vocals... miss that voice, too...
My first hearing of this number was the version by Karen Carpenter...Neil this is one of your best, ....you have written many, many great numbers...but it's hard to beat this one, God Bless you!!:-)
Neil Sedaka is doing again THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL in London, on June 30th 2009... If you'd like to see this genius live, please order your tickets in time!
Wow! As a child I thought this was a lovely song when performed by The Carpenter's. When Clay Aiken performed this on AI and Neil said he had lost his song forever to Clay, I absolutely became a fan of this song. Watching live and on video Clay performing this song was awesome. Especially the 50th Anniversary NS Tribute. Watching Neil Sedaka perform it was the best. The only thing that can top this is Neil playing piano while Clay sings.
I can't believe this wonderful singer/songwriter said Clay Aiken sang this song better than he. Mr. Sedaka, every song you have written and recorded is yours. No one will eclipse you.
There was a man, a lonely man Who lost his love through his indifference A heart that cared, that went unshared Until it died in his silence And Solitaire's the only game in town And every road that takes him, takes him down And by himself, it's easy to pretend He'll never love again And keeping to himself he plays the game Without her love it always ends the same While life goes on around him everywhere He's playing Solitaire
I am sure Neil came to Australia in 1961 around the time Little Devil was released but I cannot find any reference to it. And this was the first time I had heard of him and although I was only nine years of age then, I immediately became a fan. Does any other Aussie remember him in Australia back then ? Oh and by the way, this performance of Solitaire, no words can give it justice. so I won't even try.
There was a man, a lonely man Who lost his love, thru his indifference A heart that cared that went unshared Until it died within his silence And solitaire is the only game in town And every road that takes him, takes him down And by himself it's easy to pretend He'll never love again And keeping to himself, he plays the game Without the love it always ends the same While life goes on around him everywhere He's playing solitaire A little hope goes up in smoke Just how it goes, goes without saying There was a man, a lonely man Who would command the hand he's playing And solitaire is the only game in town And every road that takes him, takes him down And by himself it's easy to pretend He'll never love again And keeping to himself, he plays the game Without a love it always ends the same While life goes on around him everywhere He's playing solitaire And solitaire is the only game in town And every road that takes him, takes him down While life goes on around him everywhere He's playing solitaire
The lyrics are just amazing. This man is highly underrated, and truly one of the greats.
He is not underrated, why did you say so? He is very much appreciated around the world. Respect him, please.
One of the loveliest songs ever written....and also one of the saddest.
He is a great composer and a wonderful vocalist!❤️❤️❤️
There’s NO ONE who can sing this song like Neil Sedaka....💕. God bless...🙏
Elvis
Karen Carpenter.... people we love ❤.
What a man! Playing beautiful piano and singing fantastic!
He still has a beautiful voice, but nothing compares to his exquisite piano playing.
What a genius.
Whenever I watch and listen to this song I am remembering seeing Neil at American Bandstand in 1963, I think. He was very shy, and who would have known, almost 50 years later he is still going strong, and has not dropped an octave.
God, upon Neil Sedaka's conception, man, you created one major masterpiece.
Joseph F
Portland, OR USA
There is no question that there are few people who deserve to be in The Hall of Fame before Neil. Having grown up with such trailblazing rock songs as "Breaking Up is Hard to Do", "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" and "Calendar Girl", I have difficulty in understanding the neglect.
No one does this song as good as Neil Sedaka, his voice and phrasing are impeccable.
Personally I prefer Karen Carpenter's
This is magic..his piano playing and his singing is fantastic
Perfect
This man is not a flash in the pan but an extremely talented man who wrote so many hits for singers thoughout the ages and THEN began his own singing career. Neil you are a gifted man !
Thanks for writing and singing one of the greatest songs ever wriiten.
best version EVER!!
In time, Neil Sedaka wil be one of the worlds greatest composers.
Best of all time!
JF
I had no idea just how talented Neil Sedaka was before seeing this concert the other night, and I was stunned at his mastery of the piano and the power of his voice, still sounds amazing after all these years. An awesome talent, and a sad reflection of todays music scene where people of this caliber dont seem to exist anymore.
The words of this song are so heartwrenching. One of the best songs ever written.
Yes
I can tell that you were truly blessed in your marriage...With all respect, I stand with you in your grief. This is a wonderful song to pay tribute to your late wife. Take Care
Anybody who can write a song like this is a GENIUS. About 10 years ago I signed an online petition to get Neil Sedaka into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame where he belongs.
I totally agree...just watched tonight on BBC channel 4 a documentary about his life, his struggle, his success, his determination to carry on when the odds were stacked against him. If anyone hoping to make their way in the world had 10% of what NS has...they'd succeed! Great music lives on, Neil's will.
Phil Cody was writing the lyrics to sad music composed by Neil Sedaka - result Soliaire.
One of the most beautiful songs of all time. A unique moment in the production of Neil Sedaka, with a wonderful letter.
What a piano talent... wonderful! I´ve never heard this song in its original version, only in orchestra!! Tears in my eyes...
I think it's much better than all the dozens of studio versions with lots of orchestra, background singers etc.
Is he in the hall of fame? If not..he should be!
I think this is one of his best works. I thank God every day for giving me the ability to hear and appreciate the gift of music as delivered by such greats as Neil. "Those who sing, pray twice". Thanks for all the beauty.
I've heard this song done by him quite a few times, one from the 70's, one from the 80's, and now this one, and He hasn't lost his voice or talent!
It's so clear, it just grips you.
I love how his voice is still so excellent at his age. I think his original and clay's version and the carpenters version are all fantastic musical creations!
Yes, I saw Neil Sedaka too in Liverpool and I must say the price of the ticket
was well worth the money just too hear him play the piano. A true Professional and a
great entertainer. Clearly knows how to entertain am sure the packed house left enthralled!!!
I can sum this performance up with one word------Outstanding!! When an artist writes a song, as Sedaka wrote this, I can visualize him in his living room working from his heart on it. I have listened to others, Elvis, The Carpenters, Clay Aiken but Sedaka here sounds like full orchestration when in reality it is only him and one grand piano------Outstanding!!
THG Driver Neil Sedaka studied classical piano at Juilliard School of Music at age 13 on a scholarship for gifted children in New York City, he lived in Brooklyn at that time.
And can you imagine what a thrill it must've been to him to hear all those artists you've mentioned performing his song - his baby!
Neil is a master musician, singer, and song writer! God bless him!
One of the most talented song writers ever. A genius. Thank you for the beautiful music and the memories. I have always loved your music. What a talent!
A timeless masterpiece by an immortal maestro.....
I just now watched several other versions of this and this Upload is the best, to me.
Best audio - and he sounds as good as on the original record - I usually can't stand seeing/hearing singers performing their old hits. He is one artist that hasn't 'lost' it.
You speak your opinion. Yet, as far as we both go you speak the TRUTH! However, Sedaka was, is, and always will be a musical FORCE!!! Tread gently on another artist's forum... I LIVE Elvis, but I do appreciate Sedaka also...
Sedaka is a gem with all the wonderful hits he continues to play year after year!
I had the good fortune to see him in concert here in "OZ" during the late 70's &80's. What a talented artist he is. . .
He just keeps getting better as the years roll on.
Thanks for posting, it's brilliant !!!
My mom died today, same day as Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett . June 25, 2009. So that will be easy to remember. I've been listening to this song a lot lately as my mom went downhill - so SAD, so GREAT! A guy and his piano -- a classic for the ages.......
A fantastic voice, great piano player and a sensational performer. Gifted musician.
I finally got the words this time.... Karen's vision gives me the melody. THANKS Mr. Sedaka!
God bless!
He wrote it so he knows how to interpret it. This is a different version again but rocks as much as the original - wonderful.
Totaly awesome. Amazing piano variations.
He should be Sir Neil Sedaka, for all his hard work on the music world.
As you all have already said.
Simply brilliant. Thanks could never be adequately expressed Neil.
Incomprehensibly great.
If he is not in the Hall of Fame -- Well he certainly is in everyone else`s Hall of Fame. Bravo!
Such a voice! Such a great person!
This is a great song! The best part is the piano work. Thanks for posting.
beautiful...and he's so humble to give clay aiken such praise in his rendition of this song...love neil sedaka, class act..
I admit, I have no clue who this singer is, and I just randomly found this song, but wow. It is incredible! Bravo :) *stands and claps with tears running down face* Beautiful, just beautiful.
This is Neil Sedaka, who composed the music to this beautiful song
It's a sad but very beautiful song. Thanks for posting.
brilliant performance wish I could have been there!
What a pianist, composer and arranger! This is beautiful!
Just listening to this you'd swear there are more musicians playing with him but it's just Neil and the piano. The chord voicing are so superb they fully utilize the complete breadth of the piano sonic capabilities. He makes the piano sound like an orchestra.
Such a beautiful song.
Nice
I never really appreciated him until this song. What a talented man.
Fantastic
They don't make music like this anymore.
No-one can sing this song like Neil.
A wonderfully talented man who belongs in the Rock and Roll hall of Fame.
Just a wonderful performance by Mr. Sedaka!
This is the music I will ask to listen when I shall be near to my last passing moment...
this is such a powerful and beautifully sad song
ETERNAMENTE BRAVO NEIL SEDAKA!
there just aren't enough people like him anymore. i wish all music was like this
My respect to this man! *Hats off*
Pure talent!
This amazing man, is behind a number of hits written for other people and wrote some lovely songs in the 70s too.
I've never heard this version and for me, the first version I ever of this, by Andy Williams is my favourite, although I also Love Karen Carepenter's version, who wouldn't?
Neil Sedaka is one helluva songwriter! ;)
I'm a sucker for acoustic versions of songs so I agree with schlagerhansi on this: the piano playing is simply beautiful
DE EXCELENCIA LA BUENA MÚSICA NUNCA MUERE UN TALENTOSO DE AYER , HOY Y SIEMPRE GRACIAS POR COMPARTIR UN SALUDO DESDE ARGENTINA !! .
A perfect performance. An orchestration of heart and yearning like no other. Juilliard Concert Pianist plus a lifetime of music experience and song writing creates this moment in time for us to savour for all time. Welcome to Neil Sedaka's living room and his friends.
23tbob, SO SORRY to hear your mother passed away... prayers... Sadly, I also had lost my dad when I was 15, am now 44; and I lost my mother in 1996, I MISS them both horribly to this day... know that She is smiling down on you... '
this is a Truly beautiful song by Neil, also done by the Carpenters and amazing as well with Karen's "haunting" vocals... miss that voice, too...
My first hearing of this number was the version by Karen Carpenter...Neil this is one of your best, ....you have written many, many great numbers...but it's hard to beat this one, God Bless you!!:-)
gives you shivers dwn your spine.
a very sad song about a lonely person.
Love is what takes the chains off your heart...
He is an authority in writing and performing
Wow...talent cubed...thanx NS.....
Probably one of the best songs ever from Sedaka.
Fabulous singer with such a unique sound and a lovely chap as well.
Neil Sedaka is doing again THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL in London, on June 30th 2009...
If you'd like to see this genius live, please order your tickets in time!
What a genius ,I salute this great masterpiece thank you
exquisite musicmanship. sublime in every biblical sense .peerless period
This song means a lot to me.
Just wonderful, the most that I had heard. Congratulations.
Wow! As a child I thought this was a lovely song when performed by The Carpenter's. When Clay Aiken performed this on AI and Neil said he had lost his song forever to Clay, I absolutely became a fan of this song. Watching live and on video Clay performing this song was awesome. Especially the 50th Anniversary NS Tribute. Watching Neil Sedaka perform it was the best. The only thing that can top this is Neil playing piano while Clay sings.
Thank you Peter, this is a very sad & touching song. Glad you didn't send me the one, "breaking up is hard to do" great!
I so love this song! Perfection!!!!!
I saw him perform last night, This man is talented and still sounds the same. and he can still doing a little dancing.
I had to listen to these lyrics in English.
Such a pretty song. One I hadn't heard in ages and ages
what a beautiful songwriter and piano player~
top contenderfor my funeral song atm...happy daze :)
I can't believe this wonderful singer/songwriter said Clay Aiken sang this song better than he. Mr. Sedaka, every song you have written and recorded is yours. No one will eclipse you.
It don't get no better than this.
wonderful....! forever neil sedaka... i love music....
What a genius. What a gentleman.
Great! I Knew him personally no 1964 in Riccione (Italy) He's not only a great talent but a great person too! Don't stop Neil!!!
@NamathTheLegend - I've signed that petition! This must be one of the greatest pop ballads ever.
Such a sad song. I can imagine a lot of men relate to this song. Trapped in their own prisons alone and lonely.
There was a man, a lonely man
Who lost his love through his indifference
A heart that cared, that went unshared
Until it died in his silence
And Solitaire's the only game in town
And every road that takes him, takes him down
And by himself, it's easy to pretend
He'll never love again
And keeping to himself he plays the game
Without her love it always ends the same
While life goes on around him everywhere
He's playing Solitaire
lovely song !! , my first 33 1/3 single was King of Clowns by Neil. I still have the record
I am sure Neil came to Australia in 1961 around the time Little Devil was released but I cannot find any reference to it. And this was the first time I had heard of him and although I was only nine years of age then, I immediately became a fan. Does any other Aussie remember him in Australia back then ? Oh and by the way, this performance of Solitaire, no words can give it justice. so I won't even try.
phantastigorical or out of this and other worlds ! !
A genius indeed.
well said!we are all human beings and he nails this song.
There was a man, a lonely man
Who lost his love, thru his indifference
A heart that cared that went unshared
Until it died within his silence
And solitaire is the only game in town
And every road that takes him, takes him down
And by himself it's easy to pretend
He'll never love again
And keeping to himself, he plays the game
Without the love it always ends the same
While life goes on around him everywhere
He's playing solitaire
A little hope goes up in smoke
Just how it goes, goes without saying
There was a man, a lonely man
Who would command the hand he's playing
And solitaire is the only game in town
And every road that takes him, takes him down
And by himself it's easy to pretend
He'll never love again
And keeping to himself, he plays the game
Without a love it always ends the same
While life goes on around him everywhere
He's playing solitaire
And solitaire is the only game in town
And every road that takes him, takes him down
While life goes on around him everywhere
He's playing solitaire
When I was young everyday I listen his music thanks neail
A hauntingly beautiful song...
and solitaire is the only game ... great lyrics and great melody... those were my high school days
sa pinas, banga
his voice just never quits...awesome
A SUPERB PERFORMANCE !!!!!!!!