Yes, its a real story. His father was diagnosed with terminal kidney disease and this was written as a goodbye. In an positive irony, the song was so popular, it got the attention of a distant relative who turned out to be a match for a kidney donation and his dad is now doing great.
Remarkably, this is not even James's saddest song. A few months ago, he came out with The Girl That Never Was, about miscarriage/stillbirth - also expressing his feelings about his experiences through his music.
James and his father were both military men. James was actually a tank commander in the first gulf war. When he was being deployed, his father would say: "You're not my son, I'm not your father, we're just two grown men saying goodbye ...". This song breaks me every time I hear it. The video was shot in one take, because James wanted the emotion to be raw and genuine.
I have listened to this many times, and it affects me each time. I love what you said about phases of life. I'm in that 4th stage. As a great grandmother, I can tell you that although my life was hard, I tried to be a better parent than my parents were, and my daughter is a better parent than I was. That was all I hoped for. That each generation of children become better parents and they are. I'm seeing that result with my own eyes. Thank you for your transparency and emotional reaction to a beautiful song. When this was written, his father was a stage 4 chronic kidney disease patient in need of a transplant. The new kidney came in 2020, and his father did well, but here he thought it may be the end, and he reassured his dad that he would be there for him. Poignant moment and excellent songwriting. Your reaction was beautiful. Just one reason why I keep coming back. I'm in stage 3, and this really hits home for me and my daughter who cares for me. ❤
Man, these reactions keep popping up after listening to the song when my father passed last month and I’m loving all of the reactions. When you stopped playing to just listen I respected the crap out of that. Such an amazing song and always gets me. Thanks for the video.
I loose it each time I watch his video. You can feel the immense love he has for his father. The tables often turn when our parents age. Thank you for playing this on your channel.
They were both previously officers in the British army. James served from 1996-2002 in the Life Guards which is part of the Household Cavalry Regiment and rose to the rank of Captain. In 1999 he volunteered to join a Blues and Royals squadron deploying with NATO to Kosovo. Charles Blount (the actual family name), was a cavalry officer in the 13th/18th Royal Hussars and then a helicopter pilot, becoming Colonel of the Army Air Corps. The lines: "I'm not your son, you're not my father We're just two grown men saying goodbye" was a display of their British stiff upper lip emotions when either had to be deployed overseas.
I lost my dad 3 months ago and this was our song. He was dying from colon cancer for a while. We decided to ignore it and hope he'll still be here, we were never close. He's gone now.. and this song means so much to me now.
Me too. Lost my Dad 1.5 years ago. I miss him every day. But I wouldn't be half the man I am today without the things he taught me. He told me to be on time, to mean what I say, to love my kids, and to be a man who can be trusted. I cry every time I hear this song.
My dad passed in March. He was only 58. I got a phone call out the blue at 6am telling me he was in hospital, at 11am he had passed. This was a tough watch/listen. But I have my own little boy, 2 years old. So my dad’s legacy lives on ❤
Same here my father has been gone 9 years now. Cancer took both of my parents at 65. Im a grandparent now and father of 5. There mother and my children are all I have now. God bless you all especially us older orphans. Ty for your channel it has helped me through a lot.
This is an incredibly powerful song mixed with his unique vocals really makes the song stay clear in my mind even when I haven't listened to it in a while.
This is one of the greatest songs that found its way to me through the youtube algorithm. I instantly started to cry, just imagine if I would say goodbye to my father.
Bloody 'ell that hit me hard. I lost my Dad a few months ago...a Brit, a vet...this was close to home. Damn you, James you glorious bastard :P Another great video, Mike
I stumble across your reactions every now and then and am always so impressed...enough so that I may just check out this masterclass! I've VERY casually played guitar for like 15 years but have never gone beyond just learning some chords and songs that I can knock out. Would love to get deeper in to the theory and really understand the intricacies of the instrument better. Also, amazing song that is all real as you guessed. Glad you recognized quickly it wasn't one to try to close your eyes and play along to but rather watch and absorb the emotion.
The catharsis was cleansing, wasn't it? Sometimes we need vapid music, and sometimes we need music that helps us touch our feelings, and this is such a helpful example of the latter.
This very emotional song just reminded me my sis...who just pass away last Aug.28 ,2023.of a colon cancer..the thing that i've told her was iam happy that i have the chance to take care of her..
I didn’t catch much of your comments about transcribing this song on guitar (have never played guitar, and am new to learning to play piano) but I loved your thoughtful and humane comments about the song. Please play it again but don’t stop it before it runs out - James’ father reaches over and pats him on the arm. That gesture just finishes me. Even while James tells his father he will care for him, his father can’t help but reassure his son, as he always has. This is the first time James’ father heard this song. It was filmed in one take; the instruments and choral were added later.
Music and life lessons now. Great episode, great song choice. As you said of the song, pretty simplistic, but it's the power of the story and the melody that make it another great song. The power of music is incredible, as it can change a life or emotion in an instant, but it can also have an effect with playing a song like this, it could drive someone to want to play more and get better. Thank you as always Michael!
Honestly, I would give wanting to be able to play an instrument and the way you teach, I actually feel like I could do it. This song is so beautiful, it means things to each person that listens to it. We are all talented, and I wish you all the best. Make that beautiful magic!
I always, at least in my head, think guitar parts in my head when hearing songs for the first time. I had the exact same reaction on this one, I got about 15 seconds in and couldn't imagine adding anything to this arrangement. The most musical thing I could contribute as a guitarist was silence. (I did hear a distant sustain part using an E-Bow or a Sustainiac pickup on the second verse). The chords on that chorus are of course the same progression as Jewel's "You Were Meant For Me," or Eric Johnson's chorus on "Cliffs of Dover," or about a thousand other songs. And this one owns the chords so completely and perfectly. It's reassuring to hear we still haven't exhausted what they can do.
Such a beautiful ending to the song - even more beautiful because it is clearly not scripted. Just is Dad actually comforting again - like he did earlier in the song
I lost my father in 2013 two months after my 40th birthday. It took some years to be at peace with him gone because he was the oy real person in my corner but we got to get on with life and are feelings.big lesson learned his last one he taught me.i will not be around for ever.
Mate, The story has it…that terrific hook actually came from his father, a colonel in the Army, when James, a captain was being deployed to the Middle East….To keep everything stiff upper lip, all prim and British military proper his father, as a superior officer would tell James, when we meet in public during deployment operations….Remember, I’m not your father, you’re not my son, we’re just to grown men saying good-bye… James flipped the phase used it making it a more private part of this great tribute to his father… Good Luck Jjh
I told myself ...if I do this song. it will be be between 2 reactors. You ultimately won my opinion vote; but it's your breakdown and focus on the whole song and artist i love ❤..thank you for being awesome!
Michael!!!! You definitely neeed to look up Stephen Wilson jr!!! This guy is different. Drop tunning , great writer, great at delivering a story through song. Sooo much passion!!!
All accurate, James covered 90% of it in an interview after this song blew up when Iam Tongi did it with James Blunt on American Idol. (That's an emotional one). That is his dad and written at the precipice of facing the reality of him dying if he didn't get a kidney. He did and of recent reporting, is doing well! Short clip on James talking about it here: ua-cam.com/users/shortsjvKgA3TP8S8?feature=share Michael, always keeping it real! Thanks and appreciated!
Recorded in one take , james Blunt wanted it that way so that the emotion remained raw. " I'm not your son, you're not your father, we're just 2 men saying goodbye" James blunt and his father were both in the armed forces. One a colonel and one a captain. James said that whenever they were deployed , his father would use this phrase as a way of seperating the personal , emotional connection from the professionalism needed to fill their roles. 😢
Have you already listened to Eva Cassidy - singer with an angelic voice who also accompanies herself on acoustic guitar. Consider listening to her version of Over the Rainbow. You will ever forget it
James is a massively underrated songwriter. I think partially because of the overplaying of the ‘Your Beautiful’ song, and maybe partially because James talks himself down a lot in typical British self depreciating humour. He has written some absolutely beautiful songs over the years though.
It is a real story and this video was filmed in one take because James knew if they didn’t go with the single take, he’d never be able to get those words out again with the amount of the situation showing on his face. As it happens, his dad didn’t die, a transplant was found in the nick of time. That is his dad in the video and he knew he had to appear on the video as therapy for James if nothing else. You should also listen to James’s song “the girl that never was”, it will rip your heart straight out of your chest 😢
It's a shame that you are so intent on doing your guitars bit on your first reaction as you miss the full intensity. You will never get the first hearing back which you interrupted by concentrating on doing the guitar. May becdo seperate videos. One for the reaction and one for learning to play the song.
Same thought. Under 30 and all about them. They have no awareness of the present situation they are in...virtual media contact or trying to make the moment all about them. It is so easy to say to them "You may go now".
The person that requested specifically asked him to improvise guitar additions, and his channel specializes in teaching people guitar. I think he did great for what his subscribers are here for
Really? Playing guitar over that beautiful, powerful song? Please don't ever go to the Louvre in Paris to see the Mona Lisa. I'll bet you'd whip out your paintbrush to "improve" it. 😂
Yes, its a real story. His father was diagnosed with terminal kidney disease and this was written as a goodbye. In an positive irony, the song was so popular, it got the attention of a distant relative who turned out to be a match for a kidney donation and his dad is now doing great.
And to add to that, the distant cousin who donated the kidney is named Charles Blount...the same as James' dad.
Wow!
This made my day. I thought he had passed. Thank you stranger.
@cureton04 is that actually for real?
@@anthonygirvan3085yes it is true...
Remarkably, this is not even James's saddest song. A few months ago, he came out with The Girl That Never Was, about miscarriage/stillbirth - also expressing his feelings about his experiences through his music.
James and his father were both military men. James was actually a tank commander in the first gulf war. When he was being deployed, his father would say: "You're not my son, I'm not your father, we're just two grown men saying goodbye ...". This song breaks me every time I hear it. The video was shot in one take, because James wanted the emotion to be raw and genuine.
Thanks for the extra info.
My soul left my body listening to this beautiful song
I have listened to this many times, and it affects me each time. I love what you said about phases of life. I'm in that 4th stage. As a great grandmother, I can tell you that although my life was hard, I tried to be a better parent than my parents were, and my daughter is a better parent than I was. That was all I hoped for. That each generation of children become better parents and they are. I'm seeing that result with my own eyes. Thank you for your transparency and emotional reaction to a beautiful song. When this was written, his father was a stage 4 chronic kidney disease patient in need of a transplant. The new kidney came in 2020, and his father did well, but here he thought it may be the end, and he reassured his dad that he would be there for him. Poignant moment and excellent songwriting. Your reaction was beautiful. Just one reason why I keep coming back. I'm in stage 3, and this really hits home for me and my daughter who cares for me. ❤
❤
They did this in one take one time no editing so what you see is as raw an real as you will ever see a song cut.
Man, these reactions keep popping up after listening to the song when my father passed last month and I’m loving all of the reactions. When you stopped playing to just listen I respected the crap out of that. Such an amazing song and always gets me. Thanks for the video.
I loose it each time I watch his video. You can feel the immense love he has for his father. The tables often turn when our parents age. Thank you for playing this on your channel.
They were both previously officers in the British army. James served from 1996-2002 in the Life Guards which is part of the Household Cavalry Regiment and rose to the rank of Captain. In 1999 he volunteered to join a Blues and Royals squadron deploying with NATO to Kosovo.
Charles Blount (the actual family name), was a cavalry officer in the 13th/18th Royal Hussars and then a helicopter pilot, becoming Colonel of the Army Air Corps.
The lines:
"I'm not your son, you're not my father
We're just two grown men saying goodbye"
was a display of their British stiff upper lip emotions when either had to be deployed overseas.
@@seanscanlon9067, James also stood guard at the Queen Mother’s coffin during her lying in state in 2002.
@@helenleeyogini2679 Oh OK Helen, I did not know that.
I lost my dad 3 months ago and this was our song. He was dying from colon cancer for a while. We decided to ignore it and hope he'll still be here, we were never close. He's gone now.. and this song means so much to me now.
Lost my father 9 years ago, when I heard this song I bawled. So much emotion, so raw and pure. Love the song, great reaction
Me too. Lost my Dad 1.5 years ago. I miss him every day. But I wouldn't be half the man I am today without the things he taught me. He told me to be on time, to mean what I say, to love my kids, and to be a man who can be trusted. I cry every time I hear this song.
My dad passed in March. He was only 58. I got a phone call out the blue at 6am telling me he was in hospital, at 11am he had passed. This was a tough watch/listen. But I have my own little boy, 2 years old. So my dad’s legacy lives on ❤
Same here my father has been gone 9 years now. Cancer took both of my parents at 65. Im a grandparent now and father of 5. There mother and my children are all I have now. God bless you all especially us older orphans. Ty for your channel it has helped me through a lot.
I can still remember the first time I heard that song. So damn powerful. Thanks for spreading it to more people. It’s a masterpiece in my opinion.
This is an incredibly powerful song mixed with his unique vocals really makes the song stay clear in my mind even when I haven't listened to it in a while.
This is one of the greatest songs that found its way to me through the youtube algorithm. I instantly started to cry, just imagine if I would say goodbye to my father.
Thank you for giving this song the respect it deserves.
Bloody 'ell that hit me hard. I lost my Dad a few months ago...a Brit, a vet...this was close to home.
Damn you, James you glorious bastard :P
Another great video, Mike
I stumble across your reactions every now and then and am always so impressed...enough so that I may just check out this masterclass! I've VERY casually played guitar for like 15 years but have never gone beyond just learning some chords and songs that I can knock out. Would love to get deeper in to the theory and really understand the intricacies of the instrument better.
Also, amazing song that is all real as you guessed. Glad you recognized quickly it wasn't one to try to close your eyes and play along to but rather watch and absorb the emotion.
@T.elegram_MichaelPalmisanoTV Is this an actual response? Thrown off by the weird screen name.
Wow. Lost my Dad to cancer in October and this just sent me over the edge. Thank you, as always, for great emotional insight and analysis.
The catharsis was cleansing, wasn't it? Sometimes we need vapid music, and sometimes we need music that helps us touch our feelings, and this is such a helpful example of the latter.
I love this song. Lost my Dad, a soldier (just like James’ was) and I feel like it perfectly hits a pain that I don’t want to forget.
I've seen a lot of reactions to this song. I love seeing them at the start of the song and me thinking they have no idea what they in for
What a devastating song! The lyrics are profound and made me think of how I miss my parents and wish I had been a better son!
Iv been waiting for you to do this song!! Thank you!!!
This very emotional song just reminded me my sis...who just pass away last Aug.28 ,2023.of a colon cancer..the thing that i've told her was iam happy that i have the chance to take care of her..
I didn’t catch much of your comments about transcribing this song on guitar (have never played guitar, and am new to learning to play piano) but I loved your thoughtful and humane comments about the song. Please play it again but don’t stop it before it runs out - James’ father reaches over and pats him on the arm. That gesture just finishes me. Even while James tells his father he will care for him, his father can’t help but reassure his son, as he always has.
This is the first time James’ father heard this song. It was filmed in one take; the instruments and choral were added later.
Man this song has kicked me in the gut. Love your breakdown Michael you hit everything spot on. Thanks for what you do
Music and life lessons now. Great episode, great song choice. As you said of the song, pretty simplistic, but it's the power of the story and the melody that make it another great song.
The power of music is incredible, as it can change a life or emotion in an instant, but it can also have an effect with playing a song like this, it could drive someone to want to play more and get better.
Thank you as always Michael!
Honestly, I would give wanting to be able to play an instrument and the way you teach, I actually feel like I could do it. This song is so beautiful, it means things to each person that listens to it. We are all talented, and I wish you all the best. Make that beautiful magic!
Loved the fact that the reaction really started as soon as you make eye contact with james!
I never heard the song but I heard it now thanks to you and my eyes don't stop watering
I was obsessed with this song when I first heard it. The lyric is pure poetry.
James’ sister actually wrote the lyrics, as a poem that then became this song
I always, at least in my head, think guitar parts in my head when hearing songs for the first time. I had the exact same reaction on this one, I got about 15 seconds in and couldn't imagine adding anything to this arrangement. The most musical thing I could contribute as a guitarist was silence. (I did hear a distant sustain part using an E-Bow or a Sustainiac pickup on the second verse).
The chords on that chorus are of course the same progression as Jewel's "You Were Meant For Me," or Eric Johnson's chorus on "Cliffs of Dover," or about a thousand other songs. And this one owns the chords so completely and perfectly. It's reassuring to hear we still haven't exhausted what they can do.
I love how you just put a pause on picking out the musical parts to absorb the lyrics.. Yes!! Just YES!!!
Jesus, im a 48 year old man sitting here balling my eyes out.
Same.
34 right with you
Me too 48, single father of 3, as well.....
If you play the video until the very end after the sound has faded, his father pats his arm. Such a tender moment.
Such a beautiful ending to the song - even more beautiful because it is clearly not scripted. Just is Dad actually comforting again - like he did earlier in the song
So many people miss that
I lost my father in 2013 two months after my 40th birthday. It took some years to be at peace with him gone because he was the oy real person in my corner but we got to get on with life and are feelings.big lesson learned his last one he taught me.i will not be around for ever.
Mate, The story has it…that terrific hook actually came from his father, a colonel in the Army, when James, a captain was being deployed to the Middle East….To keep everything stiff upper lip, all prim and British military proper his father, as a superior officer would tell James, when we meet in public during deployment operations….Remember, I’m not your father, you’re not my son, we’re just to grown men saying good-bye… James flipped the phase used it making it a more private part of this great tribute to his father… Good Luck Jjh
I'm so glad you finally reviewed this song.
Real songs about life, love, and family win always, and it resonates every time as it should.
Amazing Song
Haven’t watched it yet but I already know this Gonna be fucking hard. It’s an amazing piece of music
זה שיר פשוט מהמם מאוד מרגש❤אהבתי את התגובה שלך🫶🫶🫶
I feel like crying right now.😢❤
I told myself ...if I do this song. it will be be between 2 reactors. You ultimately won my opinion vote; but it's your breakdown and focus on the whole song and artist i love ❤..thank you for being awesome!
Yup im crying my eyes out.. ❤😢😢
Michael!!!! You definitely neeed to look up Stephen Wilson jr!!! This guy is different. Drop tunning , great writer, great at delivering a story through song. Sooo much passion!!!
is anyone not feeling that song, so powerful wow
All accurate, James covered 90% of it in an interview after this song blew up when Iam Tongi did it with James Blunt on American Idol. (That's an emotional one).
That is his dad and written at the precipice of facing the reality of him dying if he didn't get a kidney. He did and of recent reporting, is doing well!
Short clip on James talking about it here: ua-cam.com/users/shortsjvKgA3TP8S8?feature=share
Michael, always keeping it real! Thanks and appreciated!
I lost my mom in November and I sat by her bedside in the same situation. I told her it's ok to go. Hardest night of my life.
Ahh well im crying ❤
Recorded in one take , james Blunt wanted it that way so that the emotion remained raw. " I'm not your son, you're not your father, we're just 2 men saying goodbye" James blunt and his father were both in the armed forces. One a colonel and one a captain. James said that whenever they were deployed , his father would use this phrase as a way of seperating the personal , emotional connection from the professionalism needed to fill their roles. 😢
I'm not crying, you're crying
Hard as a man that loves your dady not to have tears in the ole eyes.
Well said
Have you already listened to Eva Cassidy - singer with an angelic voice who also accompanies herself on acoustic guitar. Consider listening to her version of Over the Rainbow. You will ever forget it
James is a massively underrated songwriter. I think partially because of the overplaying of the ‘Your Beautiful’ song, and maybe partially because James talks himself down a lot in typical British self depreciating humour. He has written some absolutely beautiful songs over the years though.
Michael, you look like a younger John McEnroe. Love James Blunt.
Stephen Wilson Jr. Fathers son, Year to be young 1994, Cuckoo. Check them out!
Daaamn this song is a straight feels brutality
WHAT TIMING ! MY MOTHER JUST STARTED HER HOSPICE CARE LAST FRIDAY....BE WELL MY FRIENDS !
James blunts musics is real..of the most devastating kind
Very Michael Stipe.. Id love to see REM do this.
Great song, great reaction, time now for DIRE STRAITS - SULTANS OF SWING (ALCHEMY LIVE)
It is a real story and this video was filmed in one take because James knew if they didn’t go with the single take, he’d never be able to get those words out again with the amount of the situation showing on his face. As it happens, his dad didn’t die, a transplant was found in the nick of time. That is his dad in the video and he knew he had to appear on the video as therapy for James if nothing else.
You should also listen to James’s song “the girl that never was”, it will rip your heart straight out of your chest 😢
Try putri ariani golden buzzer on agt 2023
Iam Tongi… his version of the song and..the story..
This is a rough one. Not shed a tear hearing this is nigh impossible for me.
Pls react to "2023 em uma musica" from Inutilismo Channel, u will love it !!!
You are a guitar teacher.. Then you must check out "Alip bata", the best finger style guitarist on you tube.. Waiting for your reaction.. 🙏
Best reaction
This song was meant to feel, not analyze…
Try to sing that while blowing bubbles! 😉 Just adding a little levity to the comments. 🙂
It's a shame that you are so intent on doing your guitars bit on your first reaction as you miss the full intensity. You will never get the first hearing back which you interrupted by concentrating on doing the guitar. May becdo seperate videos. One for the reaction and one for learning to play the song.
It would be so respectful if you pay attention to the video instead of playing with your toy
Same thought. Under 30 and all about them. They have no awareness of the present situation they are in...virtual media contact or trying to make the moment all about them. It is so easy to say to them "You may go now".
Agreed
Finish watching his videos before you judge. He did react.
The person that requested specifically asked him to improvise guitar additions, and his channel specializes in teaching people guitar. I think he did great for what his subscribers are here for
10 million great guitar players in every state. We don't want to hear you. Do song reaction videos or play the guitar.
Get that away and just listen FFS. . no guitar in this
Really? Playing guitar over that beautiful, powerful song? Please don't ever go to the Louvre in Paris to see the Mona Lisa. I'll bet you'd whip out your paintbrush to "improve" it. 😂
James Blunt can write some amazing songs but he should leave the singing to others
I would suggest considering that adds to the messages authenticity and integrity, perhaps? just a thought?
I don’t think James gives a fuck what you think, and nor do I.
this song is cringe
nice reaction
Abc 234 upper 67792 equals nil
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsters_(James_Blunt_song)