The song captures the feel of the last few moments of life when you come to a place of peace. All the worldly things are no longer important, and you realize that all is well.
Donald Roeser wrote the lyrics. He has stated that he was contemplating his own mortality, his love for his wife, and had faith that it would continue after death. He was comforted by this thought. Roeser said he was aware the theme was dark but never intended the song to be "an excuse for someone to commit suicide." You are one of the few people that actually gets this song. I'm proud of you.
One of rock's most perfectly written, executed, and sound recorded masterpieces ever. They just got it all together with this tune. I feel the same about their song "Then Came The Last Days of May" another masterpiece and based on a true story.
We saw Blue Oyster Cult in Houston, in 1975, opening for Rod Stewart. Man, they blew Stewart away. My husband and I went the next day and got their album. Loved them ever since.
I was at the Madison Sq Garden version of that show and the crowd went wild.Even Rod said "Won't you cheer for me like you did for your Blue Oyster Cult" LOL I've seen them over 150 times and this was to this day the most exciting set I've ever seen.
Buck Dharma, the songwriter, said the song isn't about suicide, but understands how people would think that due to the Romeo and Juliet reference. Though he believes his songs should be open to interpretation by whoever listens to them, this is what he said about its inspiration: "It was sort of inspired by a personal health scare - I thought I was going to maybe not live that long. I had been diagnosed with a heart condition, and your mind starts running away with you - especially when you're young-ish. So, that's why I wrote the story. It's imagining you can survive death in terms of your spirit. Your spirit will prevail."
@@neillenet291 Remember the stink that went up in this time period about Satanic and suicide songs in rock and roll. Some writers were even brought into court over the lyrics to their songs. Reason enough to lie.
Blue Oyster Cult rocks!! Godzilla, Fire of Unknown Origin, Dominance and Submission, Nosferatu, In Thee, Death Valley Nights, Redeemed... All absolute bangers! 👍
BOO!!!!! 1950's style I mean. Anyone got a bat? Ya don't whistle Stairway OK? I actually don't Know where to begin. OK I've probably done worse, but not on purpose. Or wait was it? OMG Soever did I invest in? Stewie Family Guy? No idea.
at 5:22 ish do the lyrics say 'She had become like they are'.. Reminds me of what de gaulle said when his daughter , who had Downs Syndrome , died young; " And now, she is like the rest. " Kind of moving. Death is the great equaliser of course, life on earth is wretched in that the tragedy of difference between one human destiny and another, is too wide.
I had the pleasure of seeing them live twice. My favorite BOC song and always will be. It's NOT about encouraging suicide like some think. It's a love song. I will continue to love you even then. The beginning of Stephen King's "The Stand" (1994 and best version) features this at the beginning. Another band with this kind of vibe and depth you need to check out if you haven't already is Kansas.
Beyond the great lyrics in this song, they are very smooth in their musical dynamics...just flowing like a river from being very soft to full-on power. It all works to draw out emotions.
Worked local crew for them mid-'90s. Great guys! Get in the bus with the family and go on tour. So fun! Also watched them blow the mains in a thousand seater. Twice. In the same show. They ran out of fuses.
Great choice! One of my all time favorite bands. Their music can transport you to different places and times. Black Blade, I Love the Night, Take Me Away and of course Godzilla!
When they were prepping for a major tour they tuned up in small clubs as "Soft White Underbelly". I saw them in Sacramento, CA at a club called "The Oasis", maybe 250 people absolutely jam packed and they lifted the roof right off the place. In the top ten shows I ever saw.
I love BOC! They are a great live band and always have been. This song is a big favorite. Has so much going on. Try next "Then Came the Last Days of May". Thanks for reacting to this Reaper!
The contrast between the relative intimacy of the vocal/harmony and the subject of the song is interesting; as is the contrast between the powerful guitar solo and the repeating, jangling, Byrds-like main melody. There is a Romanticism in the lyrics that reminds me of John Keats's poem Ode to a Nightingale. "I have been half in love with easeful Death" is the quotation I'm thinking of.
"Don't fear the Reaper".......even though he might be right behind me.....I won't......I won't fear life either. No one should.....either is a waste of time.
Please play haunting hard Rock song called THE TWILIGHT ZONE by the group GOLDEN EARING, it came out in 1984. I keep asking everyone to play it they were so underrated. Please give it a listen.
In the cover art for this, in the Magicians hand, he is holding Tarot cards. The order is as follows: Death: Signifying an End of things, and new beginnings after. The Empress: Signifying creation of life, romance, art, or new business. The Emperor: Suggestive of stability and security in life and that you are in charge of your life now setting up your own rules and boundaries. The Sun: Portends good fortune, happiness, joy and harmony. It represents the universe coming together and agreeing with your path and aiding forward movement into something greater/Ascension.
another great tune I grew up listening to as a teenager - Got to say my teenage years late 70s & 80s did have great music - thanks for the tunes and glad you are reacting to them
In an interview the lead singer said it was the Reaper trying to calm a dyeing woman by singing a love song to and explaining he was there to help her.
BOC got their start in the late 60's on Long Island, NY as a Psychedelic Rock band but later moved more towards a Progressive Rock sound.. There's over 40 years of amazing g BOC music to dive into. Enjoy..
i was them in marietta, ohio at the peopes bank they can rock still, its only a 46 year old song, they rocked, oh no theres tokyo, gogo godzilla, that a classic too- im glad they came here for me to see
THE band I have seen more than any other, primarily due to longevity and their frenetic touring schedule. Oh, and because I dig them LIVE. They wail. The two front men are still with the band, the others have either been replaced or passed on. :( They put out a new album last year, and are already on the road post-COVID. ON TOUR FOREVER is their motto, and they continue to live by it. If you have the opportunity to see the guys, I HIGHLY recommend it.
First concert I ever saw was BOC and Black Sabbath, Buck Dharma is one of the greatest guitar players of all time. This song is an emotional rollercoaster all in itself, simply amazing.
As a serious Blue Öyster Cult fan for over 35 years I can tell you, if you like this song (which is a rock classic) you will love a lot of BOC’s music, check out more of them you won’t be disappointed. Stay cool and… \m/ Stay Metal \m/
Someone finally getting BOC. I know a lot of people like this song and it's nice. But if you want real BOC try Then Came the Last Days of May, Cities on Flame, ETI, Dominance and Submission, Bucks Boogie and more (Really anything off On Your Feet or On Your Knees). One of the most hideously underrated and underappreciated bands. They were one of the first bands to have laser shows. They had a great one with Then Came the Last Days of May - a semi story about the band (They say the west is nice this time of year.. LOL). They struggled with the technology and reeled from some reports from OSHA that the lasers cause temporary blindness. Thy decided it was not worth the trouble but it also cost them. Excellent band! Saw them live several times. Awesome shows.
I remember calling my 93 year old Aunt, to tell her that my Mother had passed. She said "Oh, I'm so happy for her, I can't wait until I get to go too!" After I hung up the phone I told my wife, "I guess when you're 93, death isn't something to fear anymore." Of course, they both had a strong belief in Jesus and were certain of their Salvation.
"Need more cowbell" one of the best songs ever!!! Which is why it became one of the best skits in SNL. You should check that out, Will Ferrel, Jimmy Fallon, and the one and only Christopher Walken!!!
I was at that concert! Almost got my butt kicked by some huge guy when I swatted away a malt that was flying toward my date's head. It hit his girlfriend. I motioned to show why I did it and fortunately he understood.
It's tough to hear one song from album artists, but this is the fate of reactions. I just hope reactors will give themselves full-albums to listen to, instead of being fed like animals in the zoo - one nibble at a time.
The song captures the feel of the last few moments of life when you come to a place of peace. All the worldly things are no longer important, and you realize that all is well.
Absolutely.
One of my most FAVOURITE songs of all time - gorgeous and haunting all rolled into one - Beautiful
Well described: "gorgeous and haunting". One of my favorites too.
The ultimate love song
Yeah, a timeless classic song, gorgeous and haunting...
Donald Roeser wrote the lyrics. He has stated that he was contemplating his own mortality, his love for his wife, and had faith that it would continue after death. He was comforted by this thought. Roeser said he was aware the theme was dark but never intended the song to be "an excuse for someone to commit suicide." You are one of the few people that actually gets this song. I'm proud of you.
It's one of the most beautiful songs EVER written. Hauntingly beautiful.
Beautiful love song
But the lyrics are clearly a story of a man persuading the woman who loves him to join him in a double suicide.
One of rock's most perfectly written, executed, and sound recorded masterpieces ever. They just got it all together with this tune. I feel the same about their song "Then Came The Last Days of May" another masterpiece and based on a true story.
I would add in Astronomy as well
Then Came The Last Days of May is one of the greatest narcocorrido songs ever written. Really good tune
We saw Blue Oyster Cult in Houston, in 1975, opening for Rod Stewart. Man, they blew Stewart away. My husband and I went the next day and got their album. Loved them ever since.
Rod was asking for trouble
@@petergray2588 He shouldn't have ditched The Faces. He might have stood a better chance.
I was at the Madison Sq Garden version of that show and the crowd went wild.Even Rod said "Won't you cheer for me like you did for your Blue Oyster Cult" LOL I've seen them over 150 times and this was to this day the most exciting set I've ever seen.
More Cowbell!!!!!
B.O.C - Cities are flamed with rock n roll and veteran of psychic wars ..
Buck Dharma, the songwriter, said the song isn't about suicide, but understands how people would think that due to the Romeo and Juliet reference. Though he believes his songs should be open to interpretation by whoever listens to them, this is what he said about its inspiration: "It was sort of inspired by a personal health scare - I thought I was going to maybe not live that long. I had been diagnosed with a heart condition, and your mind starts running away with you - especially when you're young-ish. So, that's why I wrote the story. It's imagining you can survive death in terms of your spirit. Your spirit will prevail."
Bullshit! Suicide plain and simple.
Something I just read said it was written by Donald Roeser, the guitarist...
But it did say he didn't intend it to be about suicide...
Cliff, you're really stinking up the place... 🤣
@@neillenet291 And he would not lie,,would he..Lmao.
@@neillenet291 Remember the stink that went up in this time period about Satanic and suicide songs in rock and roll. Some writers were even brought into court over the lyrics to their songs. Reason enough to lie.
I need more cowbell!
@Ricky Jeffrey I got a fever! #MORECowbell
I thought the same thing!!
beat me to it! :D
High quality cowbell for sure.
I wish I had never seen that SNL skit! Now I can't hear this classic rock masterpiece without thinking of it!
Such an underrated rock band…..
agreed
Tell me about it. One of the tightest bands ever!
Maybe now Not than!!!
Google the Black and Blue concert Lebanon Valley speadway august 8th 1980! What a show!!! I was there!!! ☺️
The new album The Symbol Remains is great.
@@grahamtaylor8912 New album? Really?
Classic rock song 👍👍👍👍
Blue Oyster Cult rocks!! Godzilla, Fire of Unknown Origin, Dominance and Submission, Nosferatu, In Thee, Death Valley Nights, Redeemed... All absolute bangers! 👍
Showing my age here: I bought this record for 3 dollars, back when all the stores were getting rid of vinyl. Still have it!
Yup
My dear you have opened the door. You have listened to Blue oyster cult. Now you must listen to their song Godzilla it is mandatory.♥️
Yes indeed! I like the vid re-done with actual clips from the original 1970s movie🦖😎🎸🎹🥁🤙
one of the great classic opening riffs of all time.
First 2 notes, you know the song.
.
...""CRAAAAAZY as a FIDDLE-STICK !!"
.
( I steal this !!)
.
It needs more cowbell
we used to sing “don’t smoke the reefer” 🌳
👍👍yup!
We did though! ☺️
BLASPHEMY!!! ;)
Lol😆 yep
BOO!!!!! 1950's style I mean. Anyone got a bat? Ya don't whistle Stairway OK? I actually don't Know where to begin. OK I've probably done worse, but not on purpose. Or wait was it? OMG Soever did I invest in? Stewie Family Guy? No idea.
Charlie mac I challenge you to a duel. Wait, I forgot what we were talking about. I'll listen again.
More cowbell. Lol
at 5:22 ish do the lyrics say 'She had become like they are'.. Reminds me of what de gaulle said when his daughter , who had Downs Syndrome , died young; " And now, she is like the rest. " Kind of moving. Death is the great equaliser of course, life on earth is wretched in that the tragedy of difference between one human destiny and another, is too wide.
I had the pleasure of seeing them live twice.
My favorite BOC song and always will be.
It's NOT about encouraging suicide like some think. It's a love song. I will continue to love you even then.
The beginning of Stephen King's "The Stand" (1994 and best version) features this at the beginning.
Another band with this kind of vibe and depth you need to check out if you haven't already is Kansas.
Nobody can agree if this song is about enjoying life, a suicide pact, or vampires.
My wife of 45 years just died, hard to listen to this song.
So sorry for your loss😞
@@HappyValleyDreamin No words can describe it. I can't get past thinking she will walk in at any moment.
I’m so sorry for your loss. May your memories and future days be blessed.🙏
My prayers are heading your way may God bless you and your wife's soul. 🙏
So sorry for your loss 😭
I got a fever and the only prescription is MORE COWBELL
Beyond the great lyrics in this song, they are very smooth in their musical dynamics...just flowing like a river from being very soft to full-on power. It all works to draw out emotions.
I gotta have more cowbell. One of snl’s greatest skits.
Hey hey.... can't wait to hear your thoughts on this timeless and AMAZING classic!!
My absolute favourite, first heard it in Halloween 78, great choice so deep x
band has been around since the 70's from long island, NY & still playing.
Worked local crew for them mid-'90s. Great guys! Get in the bus with the family and go on tour. So fun! Also watched them blow the mains in a thousand seater. Twice. In the same show. They ran out of fuses.
UNREAL !!! Goosebumps city, baby!!! Damn, I didn't have my cow bell at the ready Mama !?! Exceptional piece of music 😮😊❤
Saw them 3 times when I was a kid in the 70s. Saw them again 2 year's ago at age 57. Still awesome and the new album is excellent.
MORE COWBELL!!!
@@shawnbond6676 😂
a classic... she needs to watch that video
Guys, you’re gonna want the cowbell on the track…
Bruce Dickinson puts his pants on one leg at a time. And once his pants is on he makes gold records, baby!
🤣🤣
Great choice! One of my all time favorite bands. Their music can transport you to different places and times. Black Blade, I Love the Night, Take Me Away and of course Godzilla!
It's definitely something about this song....... giving ya chills 👍❤️😂
YES!! Cowbell Rulz
When they were prepping for a major tour they tuned up in small clubs as "Soft White Underbelly". I saw them in Sacramento, CA at a club called "The Oasis", maybe 250 people absolutely jam packed and they lifted the roof right off the place. In the top ten shows I ever saw.
The breakdown/solo is my favorite of all time. Almost like the reaper grabs your hand himself, and you begin to fly.
I listen to this song everyday. It's so amazing, and it's relatable in so many ways it's become saddening.
I saw BOC in Denver Colorado USA....... free show and they were Phenominal..... Rock n Roll at its very Best 🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼
My first concert!!
Mine too. I've seen them at least 20 times.
The reaper is your guardian angel taking you home as far as I'm concerned. My OPINION!!!!! Great song, great reaction.
Wow thank you for listening to this with us 🥰
Possibly my favorite song of all time
I love BOC! They are a great live band and always have been. This song is a big favorite. Has so much going on. Try next "Then Came the Last Days of May". Thanks for reacting to this Reaper!
Yes!!! Godzilla next please 🔥🎵
Great reaction!! 💜
Awesome reaction, Jayy!
Your interpetation is pretty much spot on.
The contrast between the relative intimacy of the vocal/harmony and the subject of the song is interesting; as is the contrast between the powerful guitar solo and the repeating, jangling, Byrds-like main melody. There is a Romanticism in the lyrics that reminds me of John Keats's poem Ode to a Nightingale. "I have been half in love with easeful Death" is the quotation I'm thinking of.
Now you are OBLIGATED to watch SNL “More Cowbell”!!!
No. You are not.
It's about a woman at the end of her life accepting death.
"Don't fear the Reaper".......even though he might be right behind me.....I won't......I won't fear life either. No one should.....either is a waste of time.
Love this ...
If your hearing this. Your not fearing the Reaper. And you are enjoying life !!!!!. BOC !!!
ROCK ON !.
Please play haunting hard Rock song called THE TWILIGHT ZONE by the group GOLDEN EARING, it came out in 1984. I keep asking everyone to play it they were so underrated. Please give it a listen.
Death, the gift that keeps on giving! You've nailed the meaning, good job!
Loved your reaction to this one, Jayy! Thanks for all you do!
I grew up with this music and I'm thrilled you're discovering it now.
Really explore the studio space. I mean, really.. explore the space. 🐮 🔔
Yes, the story is told by the Reaper, trying to get everyone to just mellow and come with him.
Excellent song and the focus of a famous SNL skit.
In the cover art for this, in the Magicians hand, he is holding Tarot cards. The order is as follows:
Death: Signifying an End of things, and new beginnings after.
The Empress: Signifying creation of life, romance, art, or new business.
The Emperor: Suggestive of stability and security in life and that you are in charge of your life now setting up your own rules and boundaries.
The Sun: Portends good fortune, happiness, joy and harmony. It represents the universe coming together and agreeing with your path and aiding forward movement into something greater/Ascension.
Awesome reaction! You should listen to I Love the Night, I'm burning for you and Godzilla, by them. I think you might like those songs.
You might try Veterans of the Psychic wars. This song is on the Heavy Metal sound track.
Then you’re going down the whole Moorcock rabbit hole with Black Blade etc and onto Hawkwind for more of the same,can’t beat Needlegun
I'm glad you liked it. The change-ups are AMAZING!
Love this song, it plays at the beginning of Stephen Kings The Stand miniseries. Didn't even realise there was a cowbell until I watch SNL 🤣🤣🤣
another great tune I grew up listening to as a teenager - Got to say my teenage years late 70s & 80s did have great music - thanks for the tunes and glad you are reacting to them
In an interview the lead singer said it was the Reaper trying to calm a dyeing woman by singing a love song to and explaining he was there to help her.
BOC got their start in the late 60's on Long Island, NY as a Psychedelic Rock band but later moved more towards a Progressive Rock sound..
There's over 40 years of amazing g BOC music to dive into. Enjoy..
He was talking about suicide. Like Romeo and Juliet. He is telling his girl to die with him.
Hi pretty Jayy! Great song here. This was my cousins fav song. RIP Jamie! Thx for sharing with us Jayy.
i was them in marietta, ohio at the peopes bank they can rock still, its only a 46 year old song, they rocked, oh no theres tokyo, gogo godzilla, that a classic too- im glad they came here for me to see
THE band I have seen more than any other, primarily due to longevity and their frenetic touring schedule. Oh, and because I dig them LIVE. They wail.
The two front men are still with the band, the others have either been replaced or passed on. :( They put out a new album last year, and are already on the road post-COVID. ON TOUR FOREVER is their motto, and they continue to live by it. If you have the opportunity to see the guys, I HIGHLY recommend it.
This is DEFINITELY a chill worthy song.
The lead singer was diagnosed with a heart problem before this song was wrote and he wrote this song thank God he's still among us still going strong
That spot after the lead break with the sustain - ONE OF THE FINEST MOMENTS IN ROCK HISTORY
No,not just you.grew up on this and it's one of my favorite songs!
Check out Go GO Godzilla by Blue Oyster Cult
7 Screaming Diz-Busters is another great tune ..again from on your feet or on your knees album
First concert I ever saw was BOC and Black Sabbath, Buck Dharma is one of the greatest guitar players of all time. This song is an emotional rollercoaster all in itself, simply amazing.
I can't hear this song without remembering this SNL skit 😂
"More Cowbell - SNL"
ua-cam.com/video/cVsQLlk-T0s/v-deo.html
Highly, highly recommended viewing!!
Babies.. before we’re done here.. y’all be wearing gold-plated diapers.
Never question Bruce Dickinson
SNL DOES A SKIT OFTHIS SONG ITS HILARIOUS "more cow bell!)😅 great song though
As a serious Blue Öyster Cult fan for over 35 years I can tell you, if you like this song (which is a rock classic) you will love a lot of BOC’s music, check out more of them you won’t be disappointed.
Stay cool and…
\m/ Stay Metal \m/
It's a Goth dance tune. Vampires and Witches and costume role playing. Don't fear the Reaper, we'll be able to fly.....
Please don't ever forget they are REALLY PLAYING THIS. BTW - I've been doing boc since the early 70s. Not afraid of death.
Love this group! More cowbell!!!!!
Fantastic song, album, and one of the best live bands ever!
Someone finally getting BOC. I know a lot of people like this song and it's nice. But if you want real BOC try Then Came the Last Days of May, Cities on Flame, ETI, Dominance and Submission, Bucks Boogie and more (Really anything off On Your Feet or On Your Knees). One of the most hideously underrated and underappreciated bands.
They were one of the first bands to have laser shows. They had a great one with Then Came the Last Days of May - a semi story about the band (They say the west is nice this time of year.. LOL). They struggled with the technology and reeled from some reports from OSHA that the lasers cause temporary blindness. Thy decided it was not worth the trouble but it also cost them.
Excellent band! Saw them live several times. Awesome shows.
I’ve got a fever And the only prescription is more cowbell 🤘
Explore the room
Saw them in college back in the '70s. Great concert with a lot of pyrotechnics. Still love this song among others. Thanks
Thats right native americans our people are not afraid of DEATH
There are a fair amount of gems with this band
Godzilla.
Burning For You
Take Me Away
They have hardly done a bad song...
I liked this song when it first came out on the radio. This is one of the songs that I don't get tired of
Yes Jayy, he does have a chilling voice. Especially when he says "come on baby, don't fear the reaper" lol
When I hear this song I think of Laurie Strode and Annie Bracken driving in thr car on their way to babysit in Halloween. (1978). Playing on the radio
My father was a rock fanatic, he died 7 years ago how much he died right after this song went off.
I remember calling my 93 year old Aunt, to tell her that my Mother had passed. She said "Oh, I'm so happy for her, I can't wait until I get to go too!" After I hung up the phone I told my wife, "I guess when you're 93, death isn't something to fear anymore." Of course, they both had a strong belief in Jesus and were certain of their Salvation.
He appeared in the window, she took his hand, and they started to fly.
Now that's either two vampires, or a couple fulfilling a suicide pact.
"Need more cowbell" one of the best songs ever!!! Which is why it became one of the best skits in SNL. You should check that out, Will Ferrel, Jimmy Fallon, and the one and only Christopher Walken!!!
ua-cam.com/video/cVsQLlk-T0s/v-deo.html
Here ya go.
More cowbell!!!! I used to listen to this over and over until my mother listened to the words closely and thought I was going to jump out the window.
Beautiful song but depending on one’s mood a hard one sometimes!
LOVE THE REACTION ON THE MIDDLE EXPLOSION GIRL! :)
Well Fiddlesticks! Now you MUST do GODZILLA - Saw them with Journey and Triumph and Aldo Nova at the Rose Bowl - biggest food fight ever witnessed!
Cities on Flame
Death Valley Nights.
I was at that concert! Almost got my butt kicked by some huge guy when I swatted away a malt that was flying toward my date's head. It hit his girlfriend. I motioned to show why I did it and fortunately he understood.
Great choice!!
You should really do a deep dive into BOC!!!
It's tough to hear one song from album artists, but this is the fate of reactions. I just hope reactors will give themselves full-albums to listen to, instead of being fed like animals in the zoo - one nibble at a time.
Yes. You really should!