LAY DOWN (Candles In The Rain) FULL RECORDING Melanie & The Edwin Hawkins Singers ('70)
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- In tribute to Peter Schekeryk (the Record Man), creator of this 8-minute record. Peter made the call to Edwin Hawkins, leader of the gospel group. They had just come off their hit "Oh Happy Day." Peter was in high gear talking Edwin Hawkins’s ear off. Then out of nowhere he said, “Here....Melanie wants to talk to you.” I looked at him in horror as I put the phone to my ear.
Earlier I had said, “Peter, wouldn't it be great if the Edwin Hawkins Singers sang on Candles In The Rain?" He was off and running. He orchestrated the whole thing. We flew out to Oakland, California where they were rehearsing in a high school gym. They only do nonsecular music, I thought…couldn’t believe he got me into this!
When we walked in they were in the middle of a song. They trailed off and all looked at me. A white girl with a guitar and a wildly gesticulating man standing next to her.
Peter ran up to Edwin Hawkins who was playing the piano.
What I'm certain of is that he wasn't apologizing for barging in on their rehearsal. I thought Peter had prearranged this meeting. Apparently it was a surprise visit!
So in this spirit of ("I wish I could crawl under a seat and hide") I sang my heart out on a solo version of “Lay Down.” When I got to the second chorus, the Edwin Hawkins Singers joined in.
The rest is, as they say, history.
/ melaniesafka
I'm still chilling out to this gem in 2020 🤘 Who's with me? 🖖
Weekly !!! For 3 years now. However I LOVED this SPIRITUAL song SINCE my age 3 .. IN (1966) 🎶🎶💖🤘🙏
Meeeee! March 24,2020
We all had caught the same disease we all sing the songs of peace... So raise your candles high cause it you don't we could stay black against the night!!!
oh yeah!!!!! This song is absolutely beautiful! its got Woodstock in it, peace , love, the whole hippie stew is mixed in ; it's great
Its going to pay her some beauty
RIP Melanie Loved the music in the 70's and still do in 2024.
I'm a teacher. A couple of times each month, I enlighten my high school students with youtube videos of music from my younger days. When I showed this song, they were blown away by your talent and soul! Great music NEVER goes out of style! Thank you, Melanie!
@Frederick Minshall
When I found this version still existed I spent some time searching for it a couple of years ago.
I sat and listened to it a dozen times and just let my tears flow.
One of the few times I've cried in my life.
Guys start out in life being expected not to, even after seeing such horrible things as some of us have been forced to see. We're the ones who have to be tough and never show weakness, or how much it hurts to see others in pain and be unable to help in any way that could really be said to matter.
Hearing it again was like feeling all that poison wash away. I don't think I've ever cried harder or longer before or since.
I come back from time to time when I need to remember some of the most important moments of my life and reaffirm my faith in the beauty of the human spirit.
There is freedom in this song.
Not a freedom from chains or bars but a freedom from the darkness of spirit that is the only real prison.
She's amazing but my heart goes out to JJ
Did you show the the 1970 Dutch TV performance. That's the one I play for my kids. :) "No track. No autotune. A different time guys"
English teacher here ! i did the same with my younger students. They really enjoy this amazing song and the performance of Melanie. Simply Amazing. Regards from Mexico.
@@timtucci YES! The black/white live version!
This song was one of the anthems from my time. I am 63 years old now. So good to hear the entire piece again. Thank you for sharing.
I'm 63. I had the 45.
Glad to see both sides here. I loved deeply then and still do now.
This song is amazing still jamming
Yes, we were lucky with the music we had when growing up. Unlike us, it never gets old.
Our generation had the greatest artists ever!!! Born in 1958. TURN UP THE MUSIC AND JAM ON!!!!❤❤❤
I'm 54 n remember this song when it came out. It was like thousands of Volt's surging through my body. I still get now hearing it
I lifted the needle on the album and returned it to the groove to play this song over and over when I was a young, bullied, queer kid in the suburbs in the early 70's. I didn't understand why this song moved me so much, but I was enchanted. And it was medicine. You never know who you are going to touch and heal when you create art from a loving source. Thank you Melanie for your voice and creativity. Rest in power and peace.
Really relate with what you said. I was a queer teenager in the 1970’s (in the UK )and when ever I got scared or ‘down' I would play this track and really did help. Loved your comment.
I so relate, even as as a queer kid bound for seminary, with very few, mostly straight relationships in the 70-ties
You live your life for your family and friends and to hell with the rest, being alive and happy is the best revenge .
Music certainly is the best therapy.
I'd love to see Taylor Swift include this as an encore song and tribute to Melanie. A real statement against bigotry and hate in a time when it's so sorely needed. Taylor could have the remaining members of the Edwin Hawkins Singers (or similar) chorus behind her along with a huge screen showing original photos and footage from Woodstock 69. Let the world know that the youth movement that started in the late 60's is not dead. We're old but we're still out here and we are armed with the votes to send racism and hate running once again. Please Taylor, hear our cries.
Rest peacefully, Melanie. Thank you for all of your beautiful music. We we be listening for ages to come.
Beautiful people. I ❤️ Melanie! RIP Melanie
If there is a Hereafter, Angels will always be singing this song, accompanying Melanie, a great and lovely spirit of my generation. May the candle of her soul burn into eternity.
@@robinmccay2211 Amen!
RIP❤
when i heard her death i was in my job and it was shock really.... Very sad news......
As I’m 65 and haven’t heard or thought of Melanie in many decades….until today. I heard her music for the first time when I was 11. I scrapped together some allowance money, got on my bike, and then headed to Woolworths and bought this song in 45 rpm. Still have it. Thanks Melanie for touching my young soul with your music.
IM 65 ALSO-- I USE TO SING THIS SONG ALL THE TIME WHEN I WAS 13 ONWARD.. LOVED IT THEN, LOVE IT NOW
when we were kids. Sadly I lost her 7 years ago. I always listened to Melanie and thought of Annie. Rest in peace Melanie. Thank you for all your beautiful gifts.
I get chills listening to this song. When Melanie's voice comes up above the chorus singers, it's like being struck by lightning!
Yes. Her voice does give chills/ goosebumps. Wonderful memories from my childhood.
She's, 73 now ..
Love her voice
The song is so powerful and Melanie's voice hauntingly comforting.
It always feels is that all I am loving me letting my heart be torn out for someone I love that needs that. I don't know if this makes sense but I am always compelled to emotion and tears with the song... And I absolutely love it! My late husband at this on vinyl... understand that he was not a materialistic man at all, however... He loved quality sound so I spent top dollar to afford him that luxury.
With the brand new components and integrated system of speakers throughout the house, the first song he played... You got it this song!
Watching his Joy a demotion, I thought to myself that I hope to one day meet Melanie because I would give her an enormous hug and thank her. So for that moment, that very instant I saw his face and felt his energy I will always grateful to her. I hadn't thought of that moment for 20 years. He died almost 25 years ago.
So for resurrecting that wonderful memory, thank you!
I woke up this morning with this song in my head. So appropriate for these Times ❤️🙏🏻🌎. A timeless classic!
How very true Bro ........ oh wot a feeling ........
She wrote this after her performance at the 1969 Woodstock festival. The inclusion of the Edwin Hawkins Singers bring out the true spirit of the song.
Rest In Power, Melanie.
I've just heard on the radio Melanie is no longer with us...... I'm heartbroken .....she meant a lot to me and my wife.......she will live forever for us.......
Anyone who is at least 60..I'm 63...doesn't remember this song from the 70s..what a anthem...didn't know Melanie had passed away..."You know you're getting older when God slowly starts calling people home that you remembered"
Rest in Peace Melanie
I am 68 & need a daily dose of this song in this crazy world
I'm Black, 56 and I remember this song. My mother loved the Edwin Hawkins Singers and my older sisters loved Melanie and many Woodstock artists. I was only 3 when this song came out. It was played regularly at home. Later in elementary school. Music with Edwin Hawkins,, Staple Singers, religious themes would allowed in my Catholic classroom. "Godspell," "Jesus Christ Superstar," and musicals too. 🎼 I liked Carol King, Laura Nyro (very underrated), Carpenters, and Roberta Flack who were also allowed.
Yes, unfortunately we are losing many music Titans.
I'm 60 & I remember this song like it came out yesterday, loved it then & still do, I have the album👍✌️
I am 67 and named my daughter after Melanie. I remember buying "Candles in the Rain". RIP Melanie.
Oh boy, tears are falling. RIP Melanie, you were and still are an inspiration. I will dance to Candles in the Rain for as long as I can!
RIP Melanie! I will continue to keep your music alive!
Absolutely! We must fight for the ideals she represented. We need them now more than ever. May this beautiful woman rest in power!
used to play this a lot on Radio caroline. Great song.
I'm still dancing now, even if I'm just chair dancing lol. Melanie was the true hippie chick for me. Amazing songwriter, amazing singer, and so beautiful. Rest in peace Melanie. You will be missed but always loved 🕊💐🕊
Funny thing--though I was impressed by Melanie's brave performance at Woodstock (yes, I was there) I never became a fan, and this record didn't do much for me at the time, but now it knocks me out. Can't listen to it without tearing up, and what a powerhouse vocal performance!
And now this amazing voice is silenced forever...Sleep in Peace Melanie
Dear Melanie,
I listened to you in the 70s.. I have not listened to you in a long while. I was recently diagnosed with cancer and was in a black hole for a day or 2 after chemo. . I remembered Oh Happy Day by the Edwin Hawkins singers. I listened to it and Lay Down popped up on the listening list. It is such an uplifting song. I have added it to my "lift your spirits list"! Music touches my soul. I am very positive about my situation, but being human, I have my moments. Thank you for your gift of music!
Good luck ma’am!👍🏻
😢 oooh love! 😭 You must feel so afraid! But hang in their Sister! We root for you, we hold you from afar, we whisper songs of love in the darkness... hear us, be gentle on yourself, forgive yourself, be sure that your life is a candle in the night❣️
Yes, Melanie, Thank you for your music, your love, your peace, your fight, your light, your story! I honor you, dear sister.
🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️
Praying for you. I also love this and Oh happy day
Hope your better
1 hr ago I saw the news and yelled OHH Nooo .. Just can't believe it. Candles in the Rain is my all time favorite I still get chills listening to this.. Beautiful People..The Nickle song.. Ruby Tuesday, Peace will come.. I Could go on and on.. Thank You for all You gave us
Heard the news this morning. Still crying of and on and it's after 2:00.
This song may be my favorite, but the covers of " Lover's Cross", "Wild Horses", and "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" follow close behind.
Melanie's songs accompanied me as a 17-year-old runaway and hitchhiker on a trip through Europe in 1969. a few years later I founded a candle factory, which is now run by my son.
I wasn't born when this song was released- I heard it in early March 2020. About two weeks later we went into lockdown, and for the rest of the year my life was absolutely turned upside down. This song was a candle in the dark that year. I'm grateful for those in my life that kept the dark away that year.
RIP Melanie - you will be missed.
Very amazing comment!! Life is amazing. There are MANY GOOD PEOPLE❤️
Crying my eyes out as the wonderful memories flood in of hearing her in the day. Always resonated like being hit by a truck. Thank you lovely lady, definitely rest in all the peace there is. 💔💔
When Melanie's voice soars above The Edwin Hawkins Singers, you know you are experiencing one of the best classics of the '60's.
@donnab.42 : Classic, absolutely. But it was released in 1970, not the '60s.
@@danielpujol8266 Thanks Daniel. I stand corrected.
Yes, that's true, but inspired from Melanie's "Set" at Woodstock in 1969. (just sayin')@@danielpujol8266
I do agree. How lucky we are to have lived those wonderful years.......!!!!!
Melanie, Where are you? Where have you been? Come back to us please!!!! ..........A Viet Nam Vet.
I'm here. I've always been here.
@@MelaniesafkaTheRealMelanie Summer. 1978. Great summer. My folks had an old maroon van. I'm sitting in the back row listening to the radio as we head out to visit my aunt who lived in a cottage by the lake. As a song by Lou Reed finished, a choir breaks in with , "Lay down, lay down...." followed by a girl's wonderful voice and I felt a surge of light and it has stuck with me ever since. I am 50 years old now. I owned a copy of this first on lp...then 8-track (ugh! LOL)...then cassette...then cd. I blare it to this very day. I still feel that light just as I did then. Thank you, for igniting that flame in my soul.
In Nashville Tennessee
@@MelaniesafkaTheRealMelanie hope-fully for eternity as well...respect!~
in these Dark days ---you bring hope...(no pressure)...lol Peace
Melanie - Official Page of Melanie Safka tbh, I hated this song as a kid, didn’t understand it.
The only version I heard was about 3 minutes long onAM radio.
Now THIS, THIS is a masterpiece!
Thank you Melanie!😘
Classic! Loved it in 1970, and I'm still loving it in 2021. Of all of the female singer/songwriters of that decade, Melanie never got the acclaim and respect that she so richly deserved then, and still does now.
Some of us are still here... and we remember the teachings of Mehar Baba, and this timeless ode to what is best in all of us, flawed creatures that we are.
she did from me
Could not agree more. Melanie got chops... period
I remember her having quite a few hits. I guess I ported into the wrong universe. Gotta get this gadget fixed...
That's a fact!!!!
This is what's so great about that era of music. Nobody sounded like Melanie, and she didn't try to imitate anyone else. She was her own person, and people from that era still know who she is by her first name. How many entertainers can say that?
Um, let's see: Ella, Rihanna, Prince, Madonna, Shakira, Elvis, Liberace, Beck, Moby, Slash, Tiesto, Diplo, Biggie, Ye, Diddy, Jaco, Snoop, Djavan, Usher, Drake, Odetta, Ciara, Zendaya (also sings), Flea, Rakim, Phyfe, RuPaul...
@@alkh3myst and Cher; you left her out.
@@HeavenLeeMadeOnEtsy And a whole room full of legendary jazz musicians.
Ringo too 😀
Thank you, dearest Melanie...for one of THE songs of our age...and ages to come.
Will miss you so much Melanie. Your music has been in my life since I was 11 years old. First heard this track/album when I was 12 or 13 years old along with the Iive Leftover Wine album and they made such an inpact on me even though I was too young to fully understand the songs then but I knew they were special/magical. I grew up with your music really. Saw your live twice. The world feels a bit darker now you have gone but still got your music to play. What an amazng recording of an amazing song and performance .I play this song when ever I feel down and negative which is easy to feel these days. This song still sounds so fresh, vibrant and new and can lift my spirits after all these years. To me it’s song in the defiance of darkness of the awful things human beings do to each other ‘let your white birds smile up at the ones that frown’. Anyway thank you so much Melanie, lots of love.
Great loss. Legendary singer/songwriter. Thank You Melanie for your beautiful and unique music.
For those of you who don't understand, this is the most beautiful dedication to those of us who struggled through the Viet Nam war. Any disrespect for those who gave it all is unthinkable....
docdurdin #SOV #SOT #HonorTheFallen - Always! Amen!
docdurdin like a line from Steve Earle 's songJohnny Come lately says,. " I'm standing on a runway in San Diego, got a couple purple hearts so I n move a little slow, there's nobody here and maybe nobody knows bout VEITNAM!!!!!! DAMN FUCKIN SKIPPY ELSINORE KID
docdurdin , We served we died we were shunned by our country, and still are today.
Semper Fi - Amen.
How well I understood that when I first heard this moving song......May God bless you abundantly, I am very happy you at least made it back home 💜
I went to an edm festival with my grandson. A dj played this song and I was the only one in the audience who knew it. Gained respect of a lot of young people that night.
When I hear this song, I close my eyes and I don't see "humans" singing this song.... I see human shapes of light. There's no skin color, there's no different colors or textures of hair, no colors of the eyes, just a light that doesn't blind me but I feel it's warmth. I'm not held to ground by gravity as the music and the beautifully sung lyrics keep me aloft, floating in harmony. I'm not alone here. Melanie and the Edwin Hawkins singers are with me.... but we are only individuals that are part of a greater whole. A Greater Whole that encompasses us all. Not only are we enjoying the music, the love, the honor and respect; we are the love. We are the honor and we are the respect. We are the music.
Wow! Beautifully said . . .
Bless you, Melanie Safka. This song is timeless truth
👍✌️💖👍
This song will stand the test of time, thank you for all the memories attached to this song, your voice is like an angel. Our deepest condolences to her family and friends. RIP.
Thank you Melanie. Your message is still needed. You did your part. Your mission will continue. ❤
Rip Melanie❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ if the world was full of people like you it would be a better place
A sad song that tells the truth about reality. May all the candles stay lit for the hope of peace.
Perhaps more poignant today than ever. 🇺🇦
I can hear this over and over again, it is absolutely timeless and just never. gets old.
I sometimes think of her as being a bit like the female equivalent of Donovan, the 60s folksinger. She had that incredibly beautiful raspy voice which could sound like a child & a moment later soar with incredible ferocity. She really was one of a kind, a beauty inside & out. Not like the annoying pre-packaged Taylor Swifts & Katy Perrys of today who need an entire arsenal of tricks to make it work on stage & constant PR off. She only needed her guitar to keep an audience enraptured. How times have changed!
It's possible to pay tribute to the amazing Melanie Safka, without insulting today's young singers.
Absolutely! Idealism made beautiful music, and she, like Donovan, Baez, Dylan, led a peace tidlewave... and now we must do it all over again, this time once and forever: against war, against hate, against materiualism and greed. We need the music of my youth to bring the Angels out of hiding and help the Children RISE Up in light! No religions, no political affiliations, just
One Earth, One People, One Love, Onbe Future! ✌️ PEACE!
You put into words what I was thinking as far as music then compared to music today. This is a beautiful song that stands the test of time. Check this version out:
ua-cam.com/video/IZ52lk9wjZI/v-deo.html
She had a very conservative audience (for the time) clapping and enjoying this "hippie " music.
@@patricias5122 I don't see it so much as an insult as the truth.
L
I remember my mom playing this record for me when I was a little girl. This was 46yrs ago. I grew up listening to this beautiful music, and I still love listening to it. Just takes me back. ❤ My mom named me after Melanie ☮️🫶💖
What a song! What a voice! Melanie's voice alone is just as strong as the whole choir! Takes me right back to 1970 when I was twelve!
A pro making you dance!!! HAHAHAHA!! BOOGIE!!!
Melanie, RIP! Your music was a vision. Thanks for your gift and your sacrifice in sharing your music with the world.
Rest in peace, beautiful girl. Thanks so much for sharing your gift. 🕯
This song truly captures the spirit of the times. The 60s were unique in the changes that transformed an entire generation. Melanie was a big piece of this puzzle. RIP beautiful lady.
I was born in 64, and I love that you tore down barriers of color. This is the epitome of the time. There was us good humans and the haters. What true beauty it was to watch you all make something so wonderful together!!! I love your spirit Melanie!!! Thank you, to all the wonderful singers on this song!!! I love you all, thank you for the gift of that moment in time, that has lived with me through all of time. You all broke down barriers, to create something beautiful to this day!!!!
You cant replace people as talented as Melanie. Thanks for all the beautiful songs you gave the world and now your work is done you canrest in people. I and many people will never forget you. Raise your Candles in the rain everyone
.
I met this teen age runaway in LA mid 60s . Several years later to my surprise ran into her again in the east village .I loved her music and have followed her for over 50 years . Always a lady ( remember when she walked out on the tonight show) still love ya little sis
What an anthem. I was born in 1960 & this song blew me away. I'm concerned for our country, world & environment. Feel free to talk to me, people. Love & Peace to all.
Can't you let it be. She was as beautiful as the music
I feel the same way Martin 🦋🕊💐🌺☮️
Ease your mind and let your ❤run free🤗
I was born in 1962 . I have the same concerns about humanity and the lack of goodness I see in society today. Too many people don't know right from wrong. There's such a lack of integrity etc etc. I feel bad for the kids growing up now. It's good to be optimistic and hope for the best but you need to be honest and see the reality as well. I love how Melanie puts her heart into this song, she kicks ass and she is such a pretty lady.
I'd never heard this version till now... Goosebumps, tears, and hair standing on end...
I found this version here & 'thought' i loved the song till i heard this complete version. How they have systematically suppressed the opening i don't know. It's my favorite part :D
Same here...tears running down my cheeks....
Yes. Goosebumps, years, hair standing on end. That's me too!! That means you understand and love the song
MELANIE IS THE VERSION! THE ONE AND ONLY! SHE IS MELANIE, FOR HEAVENS SAKE! NO ONE, NO ONE, CAN EVER EQUA L HER OR BE MELANIE, JUST MELANIE. IM HER BIGGEST FAN EVER! I DONT CARE WHAT ANYONE SAYS. I HAVE ALWAYS PLAYED HER MUSIC AND SANG HER SONGS, WITH HER ON VINYL, RADIO, VIDEO, ETC. ITS JUST MELANIE AND ME! ❤️❤️❤️
@@lstrusowski4170 I will always love this song. One of the best songs every made
STILL LISTENING 2024
Melanie is one of the most underrated singers ever! Always have loved her voice!
Only the gifted can hear melanie
never ever under rated get a goddam book out and look up underrated this word is only used wrong 5000 + times on you tube vids : adjective. rated or evaluated too low; underestimated or undervalued:It's an accomplished album from an underrated band, and will hopefully get them the recognition they deserve. verb. the simple past tense and past participle of underrate. you can't be a top ten or even a top 50 singer songwriter or band and be underrated
the stupid "underrated" remark
Loved this song in 1970 and still do. Thanks Melanie and rest in peace.
Rip : Edwin Hawkins (August 19 1943 - January 15 2018)
Ever hear the Edwin Hawkins Singers do “Oh Holy Night?”! Oh my ... goose bumps!!
Rip
Nooooo...
@@MrU2ooboob OH HAPPY DAY 💜
wow, is that all that's left? Another 10 years...
Amazing song, I was young and for me these songs taught me to stand up to disrespect and to dress for myself. It was a breakthrough and small as it seemed, made me who I am.
I'm still chilling to this jam in 2020. Timeless...
01:45 GMT 5 June 2020
And Moses told unto Pharaoh.." ..there will 10 Plagues upon the Land of Egypt(the World)...and it will start in 2020....Lay your Candles Lit in the Rain, People...LoL....9 more to go....haHahahahaha,,
There are days when my whole body and soul yearn - ache, hurt - to return to those days. Much, much love from England, Melanie xxx
Did you ever visit Australia in 2000.??
Me too bud, I hear ya ! ✌
Woodstock, Melanie - forever memories . And if people choose - rightly or wrongly - to associate things with Vietnam, we still need every opportunity to remember all our vets who have paid such a high personal price fighting for their country . We hope one day Peace Will Come . Anna Emannuel
One of the many songs that played through the soul of the child. I haven't thought about it in fifty years, but all of a sudden, it shows up on your computer screen, and I am stunned. So powerful.
The star machine was working, Buttercup!!
I was in second form high school way back in 1969, i was 15yrs old when this gem of a song came out, brings back some fond memories.!!
My favorite album cover of all time. Melanie looked her best on this cover,absolutely beautiful .
I was soo in love with her then.
3636lk I, too. Then, and now, and ever.
I was, too. I still am.
Sadly I saw our local VFW, and the American legion, shun the boys who came home from Vietnam. They were told they weren't welcome because they lost the war. I never felt that way. The men in Vietnam were as brave, and courages, as in any war our country ever had, and belong up there with the best of the rest.
Our Government didn't want to win , or didn't know what we were there for, later we learn LBJ found out Nixon's people had secret deal to keep war going until they got in, Why LBJ let them get away with it is unreal, our men and women are hero's
2394locke what an ignorant statement. It was the Nazis that were annihilating people. Read a book! Last time I looked, Germans and Germany still existed.
@@Koch-Locke I'm not tryin to be a smart ass, but I'm genuinely confused by ur comment, I can't tell if ur being sarcastic or what. Maybe u feel like clarifying?
We left our youth in Viet Nam, forever changed. We came home....to a different land.
her voice called to my soul. that's what brung me back.
Thank you for your dedication and courage. I’ve lost dear friends there. My ex was there in 67-68. God rest his soul
We left ours in Afghanistan, my brother in arms. Thank you for what you did and the foundations you laid.
@@jariech87 my ex was there at that time. His flight home was the last plane out during Tet offensive. Lost him last year to effects of agent orange
Linda Phillips I’m so sorry for your loss. God rest his courageous soul. Too many gone. Also, I don’t believe the effects of agent orange on our soldiers were diagnosed in ample time. Some had children without knowing. Take care
Peace Melanie, so long sweet soul & thanks for the beautiful music & those smiles.
powerful and beautiful. its the last song i listend to with my nan before she died. she told me she always wished she was a hippie in the 60s & 70s because she loved the music but was never brave enough :) timeless and perfect Melanie, thankyou :)
i was a hiopie in the 60s, left home before turning 15, and lived free... brought myself up on the road, some good, some bad, but we believed in peace, non-violence, walking gently on the Earth, and many learned to be the humble, the small, the lovers, the kind... Bless your nan, wherever she is, her spirit lives on and we will all carry our departed with us.. and no, I am not religious, I am an ateheist, yet I know in my mirror I sometimes see my mothr's features, and sometimes my dad's, in my voice I hear the timbre of her voice, and in my laughter I hear his... never gone, you carry her safely in your very DNA❣️
😔
What a song! It never grows old.
And the hair still stands up on the back of my neck every time I hear the choir kick in.
her voice and lyrics STILL give me goosebumps to this day! We need now, more than ever another WOODSTOCK! to promote peace, laying down guns, anti-violence, to promote love & saving our planet.....no more guns, no more violence!
Melanie is a beautiful person with a beautiful voice that is timeless. Wishing her nothing but the best, peace, quiet and solace.
Thank you so much...
Whatever people's opinion on the war was, remember one thing since there was a forced draft. Hate the war, not the soldier, all he did was do what his country asked of him, and 58,000 never came home.
Absolutely!!!
Correct. I never blame soldiers of that war. It was a forced draft, and the rules for conscientious objectors was changed. Also, it came after WWII, which was against a true and egregious enemy. I blame the people who sent them.
So true. My cousin went there, used to sleep walk. He was put on night guard, and when slept, had rope tied between him and another's cot just in case. He'd seen so much he didn't talk of, and didn't sleep walk anymore. Him, wife and 8 year old son passed when a van hit crashed unto them in 1979.
My dad came home, he was never the same and was killed in a car accident 2 yrs after his return. Not even 30 yrs old. My beautiful momma taught us the joys of all kinds of music. Which i passed on to my children. We often introduced each other to new artists. New to us anyway.
Absolutely! I have lived with a Vietnam veteran for over 20 years, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about what he and so many others were forced to endure. He'72 now....at least he came back alive and in one piece; SO, so many never did. God bless our veterans!
Fifty years on, your music stills reaches into the depths of heart.
3 chords AND the "STAR MACHINE!" make Melanie a star. Jazz makes 4!!!! We are merely fanatics who dance to this....
I know God channeled this to you because I feel His presence whenever I hear it. God bless you, Melanie.
Over two years ago I wrote you this message and you hearted it. Now you are with the Lord and my sadness of your passing is replaced with the glory of knowing you are in His kingdom. Thank you for taking God's gifts and using them to make this world a better place. We'll miss you.
Timeless masterpiece... her voice gives me shivers in every positive way!
Ms. Melanie...this is one of the songs that helped me through my teen years. Just want to thank you and the Edwin Hawkins Singers.
Sends chills down my spine, how powerful and beautiful this tune is. Melanie and the Edwin Hawkins singers really overwhelm the senses on this tune.
The long player with this song was my first record I got from my mother in March 1971. Since this time this song is for me music for my life! Once in a concert I had the honor to stay with Melanie at the same microphone on stage and sing this song. My tears are running, when I remenber this special moment. Thank you Melanie for these minutes with you on stage.
mjmpeace p0
One of the most epic songs ever written and performed in the history of the world. Melanie's vocal rip through my heart and sears my mind
Thou the years pass, I am so much older now. Melanie, this song still stirs the emotions in my heart and soul. The memories rush like a waterfall. ❤❤❤❤
I was only 7 years old when i first heard this song..my Sister was a big Melanie Fan..and she played it for me..it was like hearing Heaven!
RIP Melanie. Thank you for your soulful music. Every once in a while I have to come back to this song and play it very loudly. With all that musical talent backing her on this, Melanie’s energy and gifts brings her to the forefront. And that bassist is a beast too. 😁
Isn't it wonderful that NOBODY dislikes this.
this song brings tears to my eyes....very powerful song indeed!!!
@ Nothing guy. ....Affirmative. ...
me too...
Me too.!!
not the only one
So sad to hear of her passing today; if ever there was a true Ambassador who emcompassed all of the Love of Woodstock and the Joy of World Peace, it was Melanie. I have been listening to this song for over 40 years, and it always brings tears of joy. What a beautiful legacy from a remarkable soul...
I still think that this is the greatest female vocal ever. I said this years ago and still believe it today. These weren't just words on a page Melanie sang. it came straight from the heart and soul.
First woman that bowled us over Janis wasn't healthy enough unless you loved the blues!
Other than Linda Ronstadt, Melanie was finally 1 of the best female singers.of their time❤️✌️
@@labourdan I concur....
@@markcook3570 🙋😊
The most magnificent song ever,by the most magnifIcent Melanie.
yea was their in 71/72 was lucky made it home, Melanie I love you girl you and your music , beautiful thank you, peace and love now more than ever.
Rest in Peace Melanie and thanks for all the great music.
When Life comes crashing down around me (and especially when the cause of that is due to the hate and meanness of People).....I play my PEACE & LOVE songs from the sixties and seventies. Sometimes I have to play them ((( REALLY LOUD ))) through my big-ass seventies speakers that make the windows pulse......and sing along.......or maybe even sing them alone.
Soon I have become calm again.......and I have avoided letting my head and heart go in the direction of hate.
PEACE & LOVE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A GOOD IDEA........ IT STILL IS.
Some days you just have to WORK at it a little harder.
Peace & Love
~~RED ☮♡♫
.
blondwiththewind "Let your white bird smile up.' There are still some Peace n Love lovers around. Thank You for being one, too. L n P to You and yours, too.
blondwiththewind I love your description of how it affects you; I’m exactly the same, and my neighbors just don’t get it!😢
Playing it loud right now and feeling better! Peace to all!
Give it up!
It's over baby
This song still elicits tears of joy, more than 50 years after the inspiration for it.
R.I.P Melanie. 🥀
3rd February, 1947 - 23rd January, 2024.
Anything she ever sang was BEAUTIFUL!
Melanie, Thank you for your music, your love, your peace, your fight, your light, your story! I honor you, dear sister.
🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️
When the Edwin Hawkins singers join in it is chillingly good. If voices could pierce the sky, here they all are.
I'm chilling in out to this gem on the 7/9/2023 amazing version amazing woman amazing voice . Who's with me on that. Hell yeah .love you Melanie ❤❤😂😂 Sydney Australia 🌏🦘 boo yah balls woooo 😊😊
RIP Melanie we'll continue to raise our candles high
Still gives me chills boy does the world need this now
One of hundreds of songs begging for a peaceful world and for the U.S. to get out of Vietnam. We did it! WE changed the world. Thank you Melanie for your contribution to the cause.
And yet, "The beat goes on". With the drums of war still beating, we must remain aware/awake and vigalant. With this (Military Industrial Complex serving) group, we need to reawake the vigilance and the awareness of the 70's. The romance of war is prevalent in MSM, fed by the economic hurting in society today. They seem to want to sacrifice our young as lambs to slaughter. So, let us "Raise our candles high".
RIP Melanie. I just saw the post from your children about your passing yesterday, 1-23-24. Thank you for all the years of music enjoyment that you brought to so many of us. With love and deep respect.
We bled inside each others wounds...love that lyric! 🥰
Spirit of the '70's, my God I miss it!
Me too! But it's coming back, and we must be its midwives! Support Greta and her genreration of anagels, theirs is the fight for Life itself!
Meeee Toooooo.🎭♨
absolutely beautiful................. the time Songs were honest and had a meaning...........
Music for the SOUL Then and NOW!
8
Thank you for uploading this full version of the track.
I still get chills hearing it after 54 years
When word mattered.If you are not moved you have no soul
All the years later, this song rings true for me- a combat medic two tours in Afghanistan. I can only imagine what this meant to the Vietnam era vets, as it has meant so much to me. Thank you for this, sincerely.
Wait a minute, seriously, are you really Melanie Safka? This probably sounds absurd, but worth it. I grew up in a very difficult childhood, poor and hungry, but close to my mother. She took such comfort in your music and through the years I have as well, especially after being deployed. The nostalgia and peace you've brought me is beyond measure, and I sincerely cannot thank you enough. I'm a grown, successful adult and I still find peace in the spirit of your songs and voice...far more than my insufficient words can represent. Thank you so much for your art and what you've contributed. You are and have always been absolutely amazing.
I love the story behind the recording of this song, and I love the rawness of this recording, the spontaneous quality of it all.
What's the story?
From her experience at Woodstock 69 looking out over the crowd and seeing thousands of candles in the darkness and rain
Anyone want to go back to Max Yasgur's farm with me? Sometimes I just want to leave all the troubles of today and go back.... Back to where there was 3 days of peace and happiness.