The strength and charm of this group lies in the incredible pull the music still exerts on us. They sang as if their lives depended on it. Fifty years later, the challenge, the beauty and the healing are still there.❤
Peter Paul and Mary could teach the performing industry a lot. These three worked extremely hard to present their heart in the form of music and make it poetry. And they were brilliant at it.
Delilah was a woman, she was fine and fair She had lovely looks, God knows, and cold black hair Delilah she climbed up on samson's knee And said tell me where your strength lies, if you please She talked so fine, she talked so fair, Samson said delilah, cut off my hair, Shave my head just as clean as your hand And my strength will be like a natural man. If I had my way, If I had my way in this wicked world, If I had my way I would tear this building down.
I named my cat after these wonderful people and this song. I had the honor of meeting Paul Stookey years ago in a tiny bookstore in Alexandria Virginia. God Bless them and God be with Mary RIP. I love them.
who making music today has the message? the courage? the commitment? and the soul to deliver anything close to this? The times the era forged this passion and love for all of gods creation and all brothers and sisters in god. Today we have turned our back on our creator and its no wonder that we are so empty.
Lucky enough to see them perform this to a packed Hollywood Bowl in the early 70's, and the audience went wild. I've never forgotten it. For all you folkie purists out there, just enjoy the incredible energy and talent these three brought to the song, OK?
Jeff l believe l may have been at that same show! Paul (Noel) made a comment about the “Bollywood Hole” and there was a live action televised screen behind them so we could see their faces in close-up!
This song is a good part of the reason I named a beloved cat of mine "Samson" that I had for 17 years. This song still makes me want to get up and dance ! ~~~ Chuck I will always love you my dear kitty Samson ! Miss you !
I was fortunate enough to see PPM in concert twice..in the early 70's and early 80's. Both concerts were magical. There is a good reason that their music has endured....pure talent. No gimmicks....just pure talent. I agree, Marc, they "own" this song.
Peter Paul & Mary have been and will continue to be the greatest folk group in history - may you R.I.P. dear Mary, I hope you are in heaven singing with sweet Odetta and all the other wonderful folkies that have welcomed you....your forever friend.....Saskia
I dare anybody to find the same quality and joie de vivre in today's performers! We should find a way to make these artists stay young and healthy forever!
That is the epitome of folk harmony and dynamism! The definition of the art, heart and soul of a live performance. Their energy was contagious and synergy was unequalled. My eternal gratitude for this posting and You tube. Amen.
Only P,P,&M could create that kind of syncopation and energy. I remember seeing this broadcast live on the Smothers Brothers show back in 1969. Phenomenal performance.
They never failed to entertain as well as teach and extend your musical experience. I wonder how many hundreds of hours I spent transformed listening to their records.
Not to crawl up on some old person's soapbox :) and paint all new music with a broad brush... but few songs are performed like this anymore. There is so much raw heart being poured out on every note by the three of them. Mad respect to PPM; you hold a permanent place in Music Greatness.
What a terrific performance Peter, Paul, and Mary gave to this amazing song. There are no folk trios that can sing that kind of harmony anymore. Those two guitars with the vocals created magic. There will never be anyone like them again.
They are sooo in the pocket with their harmonies. I love how they just ride on each other's notes and non verbal cues. One tapping foot, a guitar , 2 soulful cats and force called mary, can make sound so big it can shake the rafters. current artists take note. pure talent no filler. Thank you Peter, Paul and Mary for the artistry. AMAZING! sing on children, Mediamama chick
a song will rise began a much greater appreciation for music to this day harmonies really make it. they were a super group. they are a super group. their musicis timeless.
I always was in love with Mary. I looked the whole world over for a real Mary but in the end I realized there was only one for me. See you on the other side,Mary...
Absolutely astonishing! It makes me smile, and shiver, every time I play it--and I play it often. They may be folkies, but there are no rockers who rock like they do here.
One of their most amazing performances on video ever. Mary, we love you and will miss you -- what will the world be like without Mary Travers? Fortunately, we can relive you on UA-cam again and again. RIP.
Fantastic performance of this song. Probably my favorite PP&M song. I believe this was from The Smothers Brothers show. (I recognize the Tiffany lamp pattern on the floor).
I saw this on TV the other day and had simply forgotton what great musicians these guys are. With just their instruments and well blended voices they really rocked. Such a feel for music and counterpoint.... just superb. Rock on guys, from a happy hippy..
Young people listen to a lot of things. I'm 24, and not only do I listen to Peter Paul & Mary, but I love them! I would love to see a rapper take on Hangman, or any of their greats! RIP Mary!
This wasn't one of their super big hits but I always loved it. If I'm correct, Tom Jones ( the same Tom Jones ?) had a hand in writing this song. I love folk music bc it addressed the human condition of the past, present and future.
They kept changing the arrangement of this song over the years. Sometimes that's good, but sometimes the purity and intensity of the original is lost somewhere along the way, but not this one. Check out a related song on their first album, "Early In the Morning". Rounding out my trilogy of favorites of their spirituals was "Very Last Day," on their third album, "PP&M In the Wind," which was one incredible album with their covers of Dylan's "Blowing in the Wind" and "Don't Think Twice" on it.
Great to see this song done this way as I was always used to The "grateful Dead's" Samson and Delilah. 1977 Terrapin Station. PPM were and still are one of my favorite talents. They can bring the soul right out of you, make you cry and send you back to a time when quality was a vision rather than a word.
#1, this is one of my favorite songs, and this vid is an incredible performance...#2, when someone starts complaining about how poor things are these days I have to break in and say that the protest songs of today are all around you, you just aren't hearing them..."the movement" is there, it's just not on television, radio, newspaper, or internet...seek out independent media, independent folk, classical, and rock music (much richer and bigger now than it was 40 years ago) and you will find it!
Funny, my dad used to have a cat called Samson as well :))) And he says he's so glad that he can now, after the years, see PPM on youtube when it was forbidden, some years ago, and no way how to get it to our country. That's why we know the songs but with Czech texts and not in original...
Awesome! Got even more 'hits' than 'Too Much of Nothing" from whence I came to this PP&M classic. They were having the kind of fun doing this song that only those with real talent can ever know. God they were good and I'm a Republican.
Peter Paul and Mary are absolutely awesome - I hope that Mary will be well enough to tour this year with Peter and Noel especially to Australia, but her health comes first. Saskia
For those here who are saying that this song ISN'T a folk song you could not be more WRONG. This song, originally known as "Samson and Delilah" is a traditional folk song that's based on the Biblical tale of Samson and his betrayal by Delilah. Although the song's author is often credited as the folk/blues singer/songwriter "Reverend" Gary Davis, several earlier versions were recorded under various titles by various artists such as Blind Willie Johnson's version "If I Had My Way, I Would Tear This Building Down" in 1927. The song has since been performed by a wide variety of artists ranging from Bob Dylan, Charlie Parr, Dave Van Ronk to Peter, Paul and Mary, Bruce Springsteen and the Seeger Sessions Band (in Verona, Italy 2006). Rev. Gary Davis's recording can be heard on the compilation album 'The Music Never Stopped: Roots of the Grateful Dead.' To Thomas Maguire: I suggest you redefine your definition of "folk" music. To davidb10se3: no, they are not "stoned" here. I know Peter Yarrow and he has assured me that Peter, Paul and Mary NEVER performed stoned. Paul Stookey recently told my associate the same thing when he was asked that same question last month in an interview.
babaradio Thanks for talking about our day. Our university trio never measured up to this one, but we had some success with other PPM songs. And yes, 40 years later I haven't come across anything like those days.
Too bad we can't award 6 stars! This awesome performance reminds us PPM weren't just recording stars -- they were the real deal, better in person where you see all the music coming from just 3 voices, 2 guitars (just 1 here) & a bass! This was about the time I saw my 1st PPM concert=hooked for life. Probably did this 100s of times, yet still love doing it. JohnGee: 1968-69, judging from other songs on this Smothers Bros. appearance: Too Much of Nothing (Late Again, 1968) & Day is Done (1969)
Very well put, sirtop.. I have been preaching the same thing. There is a plethora (maybe 2 plethoras) of great music today, but in smaller clubs and concert halls. Lots of great singer/songwriter/musicians writing and performing.
@ marctrainor , No my friend. There are many who love them as much as we do. This was a time of love, or thoughtfulness and love towards people. I pray people will relearn Peter Paul and Mary's love for mankind.
I appreciate your thoughts. I find that unexpected that PPM would be forbidden some years back. Much o f their music is of love, goodness, charity and spiritually uplifting. Yes! My poor old cat Samson who I had for 17 years died of cancer 3 months ago and when ever I would play this song or the movie Samson and Delilah, I would make jokes to him about being Samson ! LOL.
I went to a few of their concerts in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Great on record but fantastic in concert. Mary was one of the great singers of all time--in any genre.
@marctrainor Marc, you brought out the divergence this trio stood for for nearly 50 years. The fact is, everybody is right. The fact is they marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. when even whites were being killed for walking the streets of Selma picketing for the rights of all. That is the song Peter Paul and May own. It has many titles, it features each of them, and it is love.
The strength and charm of this group lies in the incredible pull the music still exerts on us. They sang as if their lives depended on it. Fifty years later, the challenge, the beauty and the healing are still there.❤
Peter Paul and Mary could teach the performing industry a lot. These three worked extremely hard to present their heart in the form of music and make it poetry. And they were brilliant at it.
Outstanding!!!
They had some serious talent.
Delilah was a woman, she was fine and fair
She had lovely looks, God knows, and cold black hair
Delilah she climbed up on samson's knee
And said tell me where your strength lies, if you please
She talked so fine, she talked so fair,
Samson said delilah, cut off my hair,
Shave my head just as clean as your hand
And my strength will be like a natural man.
If I had my way,
If I had my way in this wicked world,
If I had my way I would tear this building down.
I named my cat after these wonderful people and this song. I had the honor of meeting Paul Stookey years ago in a tiny bookstore in Alexandria Virginia. God Bless them and God be with Mary RIP. I love them.
who making music today has the message? the courage? the commitment? and the soul to deliver anything close to this? The times the era forged this passion and love for all of gods creation and all brothers and sisters in god. Today we have turned our back on our creator and its no wonder that we are so empty.
Lucky enough to see them perform this to a packed Hollywood Bowl in the early 70's, and the audience went wild. I've never forgotten it. For all you folkie purists out there, just enjoy the incredible energy and talent these three brought to the song, OK?
Jeff l believe l may have been at that same show! Paul (Noel) made a comment about the “Bollywood Hole” and there was a live action televised screen behind them so we could see their faces in close-up!
This song is a good part of the reason I named a beloved cat of mine "Samson" that I had for 17 years. This song still makes me want to get up and dance ! ~~~ Chuck I will always love you my dear kitty Samson ! Miss you !
The world could use a lesson from Mary and the boys about how to treat our fellow man and woman. Peace and Love to All.
Mary will live forever.
I actually got to sing back up for Peter Paul and Mary in 1997 at Kent State University. It was a very special moment for me.
I was fortunate enough to see PPM in concert twice..in the early 70's and early 80's.
Both concerts were magical. There is a good reason that their music has endured....pure talent. No gimmicks....just pure talent.
I agree, Marc, they "own" this song.
❤❤🎉😊
P,P & M may not have been first to introduce harmony to folk music in the wonderful 60s but they certainly perfected it!!!!
Peter Paul & Mary have been and will continue to be the greatest folk group in history - may you R.I.P. dear Mary, I hope you are in heaven singing with sweet Odetta and all the other wonderful folkies that have welcomed you....your forever friend.....Saskia
I dare anybody to find the same quality and joie de vivre in today's performers! We should find a way to make these artists stay young and healthy forever!
That is the epitome of folk harmony and dynamism! The definition of the art, heart and soul of a live performance. Their energy was contagious and synergy was unequalled. My eternal gratitude for this posting and You tube. Amen.
Only P,P,&M could create that kind of syncopation and energy. I remember seeing this broadcast live on the Smothers Brothers show back in 1969. Phenomenal performance.
They never failed to entertain as well as teach and extend your musical experience. I wonder how many hundreds of hours I spent transformed listening to their records.
this group was/is one of most talented of their time and still more relevant than what is heard today
Not to crawl up on some old person's soapbox :) and paint all new music with a broad brush... but few songs are performed like this anymore. There is so much raw heart being poured out on every note by the three of them. Mad respect to PPM; you hold a permanent place in Music Greatness.
RIP Mary..thanks for sharing your God given gifts all these years..you've left behind such beauty for all of us.
Wow. The soul...
What a terrific performance Peter, Paul, and Mary gave to this amazing song. There are no folk trios that can sing that kind of harmony anymore. Those two guitars with the vocals created magic. There will never be anyone like them again.
They are sooo in the pocket with their harmonies. I love how they just ride on each other's notes and non verbal cues.
One tapping foot, a guitar , 2 soulful cats and force called mary, can make sound so big it can shake the rafters. current artists take note. pure talent no filler.
Thank you Peter, Paul and Mary for the artistry. AMAZING!
sing on children,
Mediamama chick
a song will rise began a much greater appreciation for music to this day harmonies really make it. they were a super group. they are a super group. their musicis timeless.
I always was in love with Mary. I looked the whole world over for a real Mary but in the end I realized there was only one for me. See you on the other side,Mary...
forgot how great this song was . had the album in the 60's. Lot's of sound from just one guitar
Absolutely astonishing! It makes me smile, and shiver, every time I play it--and I play it often. They may be folkies, but there are no rockers who rock like they do here.
One of their most amazing performances on video ever. Mary, we love you and will miss you -- what will the world be like without Mary Travers? Fortunately, we can relive you on UA-cam again and again. RIP.
They were absolutely fabulous! WOW!
The greatest PP&M performance I have ever seen -- and I saw them live, and watched many of their performances on video over the years ...
Fantastic performance of this song. Probably my favorite PP&M song. I believe this was from The Smothers Brothers show. (I recognize the Tiffany lamp pattern on the floor).
Wow! She knocks my socks off! Fantastic!!!
I have watched a lot of ppm videos. Mary really gets into the songs. She was great!
There has never been any trio as perfect as these three (speaking as a "young" 31yr old). I also love how much fun they clearly are having
I saw this on TV the other day and had simply forgotton what great musicians these guys are. With just their instruments and well blended voices they really rocked. Such a feel for music and counterpoint.... just superb. Rock on guys, from a happy hippy..
wow I absolutely got hooked up to the entire song! it's a great tune!
Young people listen to a lot of things.
I'm 24, and not only do I listen to Peter Paul & Mary,
but I love them! I would love to see a rapper take on
Hangman, or any of their greats! RIP Mary!
This is as intense and passionate as any performace I have ever seen...too cool!
Contemporary to them was another successful group..Kingston Trio..As I remember they did this at the time...Both groups did many of the same songs..
This wasn't one of their super big hits but I always loved it. If I'm correct, Tom Jones ( the same Tom Jones ?) had a hand in writing this song. I love folk music bc it addressed the human condition of the past, present and future.
God Bless you Mary, you have gone on your way to your reward in heaven and great it will be.
ho lee cow. that was FANTASTIC
Major goosebumps at 49 sec. They had a way(no pun intended) of putting power into harmony.
The bass in this performance is so damn groovy--I love it!
They kept changing the arrangement of this song over the years. Sometimes that's good, but sometimes the purity and intensity of the original is lost somewhere along the way, but not this one. Check out a related song on their first album, "Early In the Morning". Rounding out my trilogy of favorites of their spirituals was "Very Last Day," on their third album, "PP&M In the Wind," which was one incredible album with their covers of Dylan's "Blowing in the Wind" and "Don't Think Twice" on it.
I named my cat Samson after being inspired by this song !
Had the little guy for 17 years!
Great to see this song done this way as I was always used to The "grateful Dead's"
Samson and Delilah.
1977 Terrapin Station.
PPM were and still are one of my favorite talents. They can bring the soul right out of you, make you cry and send you back to a time when quality was a vision rather than a word.
they are so powerful, i really love them. its curious how my music preferences change as i grow and become maturer .. this is real music
that mary was one awesome DIVA.
i love her and i miss her.
R.I.P. Mary, thanks for the sweet melodies.
super energy! this is why i loved them live. yes, the music is great, but their love for it makes it shine
#1, this is one of my favorite songs, and this vid is an incredible performance...#2, when someone starts complaining about how poor things are these days I have to break in and say that the protest songs of today are all around you, you just aren't hearing them..."the movement" is there, it's just not on television, radio, newspaper, or internet...seek out independent media, independent folk, classical, and rock music (much richer and bigger now than it was 40 years ago) and you will find it!
O dear God, that really rocks! Je to fakt síla...mazec...
Funny, my dad used to have a cat called Samson as well :))) And he says he's so glad that he can now, after the years, see PPM on youtube when it was forbidden, some years ago, and no way how to get it to our country. That's why we know the songs but with Czech texts and not in original...
Awesome! Got even more 'hits' than 'Too Much of Nothing" from whence I came to this PP&M classic. They were having the kind of fun doing this song that only those with real talent can ever know. God they were good and I'm a Republican.
Couldn't agree more! Thanks for your reply.
hello I saw them in the sixties all through to 2004 and they only got better -----------truly great natural talent and sounded best
live ---------
POWERFUL performance!!!!! Goosebumps galore.
Thanks so much for posting this. This song has been a favourite of mine for well over 40 years. Love the passion, and love the energy. PP&M Forever!!!
Best live performance ever!
The shear magnetism between to the three of them spine tingling, my youth right there!
Shine on Mary, shine on.
This clip really wants me to be there when it happened. Great in every aspect.
Great Song! Ty for posting
Becomes a revival meeting house song by the end.
so great!!!!
I am so happy!!
Peter Paul and Mary are absolutely awesome - I hope that Mary will be well enough to tour this year with Peter and Noel especially to Australia, but her health comes first.
Saskia
For those here who are saying that this song ISN'T a folk song you could not be more WRONG. This song, originally known as "Samson and Delilah" is a traditional folk song that's based on the Biblical tale of Samson and his betrayal by Delilah.
Although the song's author is often credited as the folk/blues singer/songwriter "Reverend" Gary Davis, several earlier versions were recorded under various titles by various artists such as Blind Willie Johnson's version "If I Had My Way, I Would Tear This Building Down" in 1927. The song has since been performed by a wide variety of artists ranging from Bob Dylan, Charlie Parr, Dave Van Ronk to Peter, Paul and Mary, Bruce Springsteen and the Seeger Sessions Band (in Verona, Italy 2006).
Rev. Gary Davis's recording can be heard on the compilation album 'The Music Never Stopped: Roots of the Grateful Dead.'
To Thomas Maguire: I suggest you redefine your definition of "folk" music.
To davidb10se3: no, they are not "stoned" here. I know Peter Yarrow and
he has assured me that Peter, Paul and Mary NEVER performed stoned.
Paul Stookey recently told my associate the same thing when he was asked
that same question last month in an interview.
thank you for the authoritative post. SO refreshing on youtube....
John Michael
My pleasure, Sir! :)
Author was Blind Willie Johnson - wrote in 1928. That counts as folk/blues/gospel in my opinion.
babaradio
Thanks for talking about our day. Our university trio never measured up to this one, but we had some success with other PPM songs. And yes, 40 years later I haven't come across anything like those days.
definetely special
If I had my way so many people wouldn't like it lol don't ask you won't like My answer lol .............. Good video that was music back then and tv
Too bad we can't award 6 stars!
This awesome performance reminds us PPM weren't just recording stars -- they were the real deal, better in person where you see all the music coming from just 3 voices, 2 guitars (just 1 here) & a bass! This was about the time I saw my 1st PPM concert=hooked for life. Probably did this 100s of times, yet still love doing it.
JohnGee: 1968-69, judging from other songs on this Smothers Bros. appearance: Too Much of Nothing (Late Again, 1968) & Day is Done (1969)
fantastic!
thanks so much for creating such amazing music
They belong in the R&R Hall Of Fame
As does Connie Francis!
Blind Willie Johnson did this song back in the Depression era New Orleans...was busted by the cops for performing it near the French Quarter.
watched Phish and Bob Wier cover this song in Nashville two days ago. Legendary.
This an awesome PP&M clip!!! Thanks for sharing it!
My way is Gods plan,i am but a human
timeless!
Very well put, sirtop.. I have been preaching the same thing. There is a plethora (maybe 2 plethoras) of great music today, but in smaller clubs and concert halls. Lots of great singer/songwriter/musicians writing and performing.
Checked out Rev Gary Davis version of this. Pretty good but I still favor this one. But, thanks for introducing me to the Rev. Good stuff.
This song was written by Rev Gary Davis. Look up some of his music.
Great!
Pure magical voices Best In a Live Venue
One of their best numbers along with "Old Coat" from their moving album.
@ marctrainor ,
No my friend.
There are many who love them as much as we do.
This was a time of love,
or thoughtfulness and love towards people.
I pray people will relearn Peter Paul and Mary's love for mankind.
Timeless!
I appreciate your thoughts.
I find that unexpected that PPM would be forbidden some years back. Much o f their music is of love, goodness, charity and spiritually uplifting.
Yes!
My poor old cat Samson who I had for 17 years died of cancer 3 months ago and when ever I would play this song or the movie Samson and Delilah, I would make jokes to him about being Samson ! LOL.
mediamamachick... you nailed it.
Oh boy, did they "have it". Never really appreciated them until recently.
I went to a few of their concerts in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Great on record but fantastic in concert. Mary was one of the great singers of all time--in any genre.
I couldn't agree with you more!
This is the definition of "in the pocket."
If I have my way, or you present a better way, I want to be there right away.
Mary!
MY GOD - that was awesome !
@marctrainor Marc, you brought out the divergence this trio stood for for nearly 50 years. The fact is, everybody is right. The fact is they marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. when even whites were being killed for walking the streets of Selma picketing for the rights of all. That is the song Peter Paul and May own. It has many titles, it features each of them, and it is love.
Just "f"-in' smokin'!!!!!!
CHILLS!!!