My 17 year old daughter introduced me to Sufjan's music a year or more ago. She just sent me this, at first I thought just because I'm 70 years old. But I realize she (also) sent it to me because it is real, beautiful, authentic, and beyond any boundaries of age. Many thanks.
@@FrankWatkinson not only i burst into tears, but your performance moved me the way like i was never felt on youtube. Thanks a lot sir, thank you a lot.
Lyrics: The evil it spread like a fever ahead It was night when you died, my firefly What could I have said to raise you from the dead? Oh could I be the sky on the Fourth of July? Well you do enough talk My little hawk, why do you cry? Tell me what did you learn from the Tillamook burn? Or the Fourth of July? We're all gonna die Sitting at the bed with the halo at your head Was it all a disguise, like Junior High Where everything was fiction, future, and prediction Now, where am I? My fading supply Did you get enough love, my little dove Why do you cry? And I'm sorry I left, but it was for the best Though it never felt right My little Versailles The hospital asked should the body be cast Before I say goodbye, my star in the sky Such a funny thought to wrap you up in cloth Do you find it all right, my dragonfly? Shall we look at the moon, my little loon Why do you cry? Make the most of your life, while it is rife While it is light Well you do enough talk My little hawk, why do you cry? Tell me what did you learn from the Tillamook burn? Or the Fourth of July? We're all gonna die We're all gonna die We're all gonna die We're all gonna die We're all gonna die We're all gonna die We're all gonna die We're all gonna die >>This broke me. The original version is sad, and this one is 100x sadder. So much feelings flow through me right now. Sending you love ❤️
I love how you chage the songs enough to make them yours without stripping them of their essence. It always gives me peace to listen to you play. Stay great
in tears honestly, i know you may never seen this comment but this song took me through some really rough times and your voice just made it so perfect, hearing someone sing from the heart like this brings me hope in a world where we dont get enough. thank you, so much for giving me that hope and making me feel like its worth trying, you bring so much joy to the world.
@@FrankWatkinson if you ever want to id love to hear your take on first love/late spring by mitski, of course you dont have to. Ive stuggled with mental hardship a long time and that song got me through the grayest of days, i really think youd do it justice. That song gave me a ray of sunshine in times i didnt think id live to see tomorrow, my emotions are always so strong, and to have found your videos and seeing that you replied made my week. December is always rough for me but im grateful that i can enjoy your music to relax. Ever since my brother got his cancer diagnosis i havent felt peace of mind, but your videos help a lot.
This is absolutely gorgeous. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did because I'm a huge fan of the original but you've given it such a beautiful Ralph McTell feel to it that it's just wonderful.
I love how you capture the solemn and isolated feeling of the song. The guitar arrangement is simple yet elegant and really leaves the space for your vocals to fill it in. The way you reconstructed this is truly wonderful. Thank you
one of my favorite live music memories was getting to hear the entirety of Pitchfork Festival in Chicago sing "we're all going to die" over and over again during Sufjan's set the year after Carrie & Lowell came out. this has that same pure, meditative, connected energy.
I've recently become mildly obsessed with this song...and by far. yours is the best cover I have found. Thank you for this. I was amazingly surprised.. God Bless~
I come back to these covers. These covers just to feel like someone out there *understands*. Call it toxic. But your cover at 4AM helped. Just. Feel human. Feel relatable.
In the way you sing these words, in your expression, in your voice and in you eyes I can see you are truly strong human being. There are tough times in our lives we all have to get through and people like Sufjan... people like You make these moments just a little bit easier. Thank you.
I maybe years late discovering this video but I want to say that this is so beautiful. Even for emotionally numb people like me, who seeks the slightest hint of emotion, teared up listening to this. Wishing you good health and fortune and please keep creating soulful music like this.
Dude, this had me literally crying like a baby for 4 minutes straight. I know I'm late and probably you'll never see this since this videos is 4 years old already, but from the bottom of my heart: great job:)
Frank, I am so happy that your video popped up in my recommended. I personally adore the artist and this heart wrenching song, and you did such a beautiful rendition of the song. Your voice is so complimentary and I can hear the passion in your voice. So lovely! ✨💕
What a beautiful version! I just fell in love with this song listening to Sufjan yesterday. I didn’t expect to find it that beautiful only with a guitar and vocals. Inspiring indeed! Greetings from Brazil.
Dear God man!! That stopped me in my tracks, Absolutely love that song and you ! .......i mean....just wow, Can't believe how beautiful and real that was, So happy I stumbled upon your video. That didn't feel like just a cover song, that felt personal. Thank you are sharing that!
Honestly this is so beautiful and really amazing. It is all ready an emotional song, but they way you delivered it? Just made it jsut so more powerful! My heart was hurting with how emotional this was.
And here I was thinking that this song couldn’t make me feel more devastated. Beautiful work. Couldn’t finish listening because I’m at work and don’t want to embarrass myself by sobbing hysterically.
10000000000/10 i was going to ask you to do a cover of this song because it is one of my faves but i found that you already did!!! And oh my god- i am speechless yet again. The way you play your guitar and make each cover you do so personal to you and your singing style, you have the best voice I’ve ever heard and every time i hear you sing i actually get a smile on my face! Please keep doing what you are doing, you spread so much joy even while singing sadder songs.
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever commented on a video on UA-cam, but I just had to tell you how beautiful this is. Thank you for sharing and moving me (and so many others!) with your incredible talent, Frank! 🤍
This was such a beautiful and moving cover. This album always make me think of my Grandparents who’ve passed on and the other family who died before I was born and never met. I can picture them comforting me in my mind’s eye while listening to this track alone in the dark. Sufjan’s music has always had a therapeutic effect on me and you’ve brought me to tears with your interpretation. Cheers.
Even though this isn't like the original, it is still beautiful. Actually, it makes your interpretation of it even prettier. Thank you for creating such good videos, I and many others really appreciate it. You putted a certain intonation of sentiments in your voice and it almost made me tear up. Thank you, again. Love from France !!
Love Zillions Love ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love everything you do ! I’m catching up on all of your videos on this cold winter Monday. Thank you kind 🎶🎶👂🏼👂🏼🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶👂🏼👂🏼💝🎶💝🎶 I’m sharing your videos to all of the ppl I love 💜
Just stumbled across this and it feels like it’s being sung straight from the heart. Very moving and I’m now off to watch the rest of your covers. Keep it up! Loved it.
I'm binge watching at this point, it's amazing, everything, your guitar playing is impecable, your voice is soothing... You are amazing, let's keep it up, you got this, amazing videos
Sir this had me in tears, it is such a beautiful song and your rendition made it even better (I really like when covers are not exactly like the original, it gives them more personality). Thank you for this gem.
your performance brought me to tears, and i love how you put your own touch on it, it was very moving a very beautiful cover indeed, thanks for sharing with us, even if it me shed a few :')💚💚
Thanks so much for your beautiful music. On its similarity, I think you treat that melody more speechlike which I believe fits excellently. From a big new fan
Wow you have a magnificent voice and somehow managed to make this song sound even better. Looking forward for more songs like this. Keep up the good work!
My 17 year old daughter introduced me to Sufjan's music a year or more ago. She just sent me this, at first I thought just because I'm 70 years old. But I realize she (also) sent it to me because it is real, beautiful, authentic, and beyond any boundaries of age. Many thanks.
She is a rare type of person.
I want you to know that this performance moved me almost to tears. This is breathtakingly beautiful. ❤️
Thank you , i wasn't sure if anybody would like it when i posted it ,seems i was wrong.
Very wrong@@FrankWatkinson. This is an absolutely stunning piece of perfection.
@@FrankWatkinson not only i burst into tears, but your performance moved me the way like i was never felt on youtube. Thanks a lot sir, thank you a lot.
"Why do the fireflies have to die so soon?"
You will have to ask Sufjan .
ahah love the reference
someone hasn’t truly understood/felt the lyrics until watching this
this is beautiful
This cover makes me feel all the things at the same time, and the first feeling is nostalgic.
Lyrics:
The evil it spread like a fever ahead
It was night when you died, my firefly
What could I have said to raise you from the dead?
Oh could I be the sky on the Fourth of July?
Well you do enough talk
My little hawk, why do you cry?
Tell me what did you learn from the Tillamook burn?
Or the Fourth of July?
We're all gonna die
Sitting at the bed with the halo at your head
Was it all a disguise, like Junior High
Where everything was fiction, future, and prediction
Now, where am I?
My fading supply
Did you get enough love, my little dove
Why do you cry?
And I'm sorry I left, but it was for the best
Though it never felt right
My little Versailles
The hospital asked should the body be cast
Before I say goodbye, my star in the sky
Such a funny thought to wrap you up in cloth
Do you find it all right, my dragonfly?
Shall we look at the moon, my little loon
Why do you cry?
Make the most of your life, while it is rife
While it is light
Well you do enough talk
My little hawk, why do you cry?
Tell me what did you learn from the Tillamook burn?
Or the Fourth of July?
We're all gonna die
We're all gonna die
We're all gonna die
We're all gonna die
We're all gonna die
We're all gonna die
We're all gonna die
We're all gonna die
>>This broke me. The original version is sad, and this one is 100x sadder. So much feelings flow through me right now. Sending you love ❤️
I love how you chage the songs enough to make them yours without stripping them of their essence. It always gives me peace to listen to you play. Stay great
in tears honestly, i know you may never seen this comment but this song took me through some really rough times and your voice just made it so perfect, hearing someone sing from the heart like this brings me hope in a world where we dont get enough.
thank you, so much for giving me that hope and making me feel like its worth trying, you bring so much joy to the world.
I see all comments, if i can.
@@FrankWatkinson if you ever want to id love to hear your take on first love/late spring by mitski, of course you dont have to.
Ive stuggled with mental hardship a long time and that song got me through the grayest of days, i really think youd do it justice. That song gave me a ray of sunshine in times i didnt think id live to see tomorrow, my emotions are always so strong, and to have found your videos and seeing that you replied made my week. December is always rough for me but im grateful that i can enjoy your music to relax. Ever since my brother got his cancer diagnosis i havent felt peace of mind, but your videos help a lot.
Please sing more Sufjan Steven songs
Ps. This one was epic
I will have to listen to some first. thanks.
@@FrankWatkinson 'Casmir Pulaski Day' needs you
@@baphomick Wow i have just listened to it for the first time and almost cried ,i will have a go at it but minus the high pitched bit at the end.
@@FrankWatkinson I can't wait! And yes it's a doozie
This is absolutely gorgeous. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did because I'm a huge fan of the original but you've given it such a beautiful Ralph McTell feel to it that it's just wonderful.
Thank you, Ralph Mctell is so good.
amazing!!! hopefully in a few years i can cover this as good as you. thank you
I love how you capture the solemn and isolated feeling of the song. The guitar arrangement is simple yet elegant and really leaves the space for your vocals to fill it in. The way you reconstructed this is truly wonderful. Thank you
Thank you for sharing this. This is beyond beautiful.
one of my favorite live music memories was getting to hear the entirety of Pitchfork Festival in Chicago sing "we're all going to die" over and over again during Sufjan's set the year after Carrie & Lowell came out. this has that same pure, meditative, connected energy.
carrie & lowell album is all amazing. Through your playing, this song is more beautiful than before for me. 👍🏼👏👏👏👏
Thank you ,i need to listen to it.
I watched this in tears. It was very emotional. 😥❤
I've recently become mildly obsessed with this song...and by far. yours is the best cover I have found. Thank you for this. I was amazingly surprised.. God Bless~
I come back to these covers. These covers just to feel like someone out there *understands*. Call it toxic. But your cover at 4AM helped. Just. Feel human. Feel relatable.
This beautiful, Mr. Watkinson. Truly, beautiful. Please keep making these forever
In the way you sing these words, in your expression, in your voice and in you eyes I can see you are truly strong human being. There are tough times in our lives we all have to get through and people like Sufjan... people like You make these moments just a little bit easier. Thank you.
Thank you.
Wow, it reminds me my grandfather, this cover drive me to tears, amazing voice before a shadow of a doubt
The Can Stevens fan in me is EXPLODING!!! THIS IS GREAT!!!
Thanks.
I maybe years late discovering this video but I want to say that this is so beautiful. Even for emotionally numb people like me, who seeks the slightest hint of emotion, teared up listening to this. Wishing you good health and fortune and please keep creating soulful music like this.
Pleaseeeeee release some of your covers and original songs on Spotify! Literally wanna listen to it all the time
My originals are on there , and some covers.
This was the most beautiful cover I've ever heard, you can hear the emotion in his voice.
Dude, this had me literally crying like a baby for 4 minutes straight. I know I'm late and probably you'll never see this since this videos is 4 years old already, but from the bottom of my heart: great job:)
I saw it thanks.
Thank you so much for this! The emotions you put into the song are so beautiful, and we can see how real these feelings are. So beautiful!!!❤️
Frank, good music knows no bounds of age. I've subscribed. I love your renditions of Sufjans tracks. So wonderful. Thank you.
Thank you .
I have just discovered this cover. It is so beautiful, I am in tears. Thank you so much. Greetings from Spain.
This was beautiful😭, now excuse me while I binge watch all of your videos💕
Frank, I am so happy that your video popped up in my recommended. I personally adore the artist and this heart wrenching song, and you did such a beautiful rendition of the song. Your voice is so complimentary and I can hear the passion in your voice. So lovely! ✨💕
To hear the choruses sing by someone your age hits me really hard. Amazing cover mate. Bless you.
Long love the king.
We still here listening.. beautiful
thank you for sharing. this song means so much to me, and your version brought me to tears. so beautiful
Thank you.
What a beautiful version! I just fell in love with this song listening to Sufjan yesterday. I didn’t expect to find it that beautiful only with a guitar and vocals. Inspiring indeed!
Greetings from Brazil.
This was so incredibly moving. I just found your page tonight and I think I’ve watched half of your videos already. I am grateful for you!
Dear God man!! That stopped me in my tracks, Absolutely love that song and you ! .......i mean....just wow, Can't believe how beautiful and real that was, So happy I stumbled upon your video. That didn't feel like just a cover song, that felt personal. Thank you are sharing that!
This cover is so so so good, you’re so talented and full of emotion I love this
Thank you.
Honestly this is so beautiful and really amazing. It is all ready an emotional song, but they way you delivered it? Just made it jsut so more powerful! My heart was hurting with how emotional this was.
Thank you.
And here I was thinking that this song couldn’t make me feel more devastated. Beautiful work. Couldn’t finish listening because I’m at work and don’t want to embarrass myself by sobbing hysterically.
This was exactly what i thought😭
you moved me sir. God bless! hope you do more covers. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
your version is even deeper than the original. just beautiful.
omg Frank, you always make me cry. it is awesome what you do. thanks
This song never fails to move me to tears. Your cover is no exception, thank you for your music Frank 🖤
This is so breathtaking, I can't listen to it without crying. I love all of your music. Been listening all day.
Thanks wish that one was mine.
Thank you for this beautiful cover. Your guitar playing is so clean and your voice sounds fantastic.
Thank you
I'm binge listening to you. You're a great singer, more people should aware of this channel. Thank you for those angelic voice
Thanks for listening
So beautiful - love your guitar so much on this one, Frank. thank you
Crying like a baby right now. Thank you frank, so glad I found you ♡
I absolutely love this cover. you need to add this to your spotify
10000000000/10 i was going to ask you to do a cover of this song because it is one of my faves but i found that you already did!!! And oh my god- i am speechless yet again. The way you play your guitar and make each cover you do so personal to you and your singing style, you have the best voice I’ve ever heard and every time i hear you sing i actually get a smile on my face! Please keep doing what you are doing, you spread so much joy even while singing sadder songs.
Thank you so much!!
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever commented on a video on UA-cam, but I just had to tell you how beautiful this is. Thank you for sharing and moving me (and so many others!) with your incredible talent, Frank! 🤍
so beautiful. the talent and emotion u put into this. so so incredible, thank u for sharing. im in tears ❤
This was such a beautiful and moving cover. This album always make me think of my Grandparents who’ve passed on and the other family who died before I was born and never met. I can picture them comforting me in my mind’s eye while listening to this track alone in the dark. Sufjan’s music has always had a therapeutic effect on me and you’ve brought me to tears with your interpretation. Cheers.
You are so incredible! This is the best cover of the song! Please continue sharing your talent!
Omg, this man sings so beautifully!
I can’t explain how this made my heart feel. You captured it so well. It was beautiful Frank
As if I couldn’t adore this song any more than I already do. Thank you for this stunning piece. Always so raw and special with you 🌹
Even though this isn't like the original, it is still beautiful. Actually, it makes your interpretation of it even prettier. Thank you for creating such good videos, I and many others really appreciate it. You putted a certain intonation of sentiments in your voice and it almost made me tear up.
Thank you, again. Love from France !!
i am sitting here in absolute tears, this cover is ethereal. wonderful job.
The original one is great but ur voice makes it so real. Almost like we transported back into his memory.
Love Zillions Love !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love everything you do ! I’m catching up on all of your videos on this cold winter Monday.
Thank you kind 🎶🎶👂🏼👂🏼🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶👂🏼👂🏼💝🎶💝🎶
I’m sharing your videos to all of the ppl I love 💜
So moving. Thanks for this Frank. Can feel every word you utter.
Thank you.
Really moved me with this one. So touching
Just stumbled across this and it feels like it’s being sung straight from the heart. Very moving and I’m now off to watch the rest of your covers. Keep it up! Loved it.
Your interpretations remind me so much of the Americana projects by J. Cash, please keep bringing more beauty in 2021! Happy NY
Oh this is so beautiful. When your voice breaks with emotion my heart misses a beat ❤ Much love and respect lovely man 🥰 👏👏
this song means so much to me. you really brought the meaning out❤️
Every year I place this song on this precious day, July 4🥀
You are magical sir. This is mesmerizing. I just found you and your music today and I am very grateful. Take good care, with love from San Diego.
U made me cry thank u for this beautiful performance Frank!
Glad you enjoyed it!
words can't describe how i felt watching this,amazing.
This moved me beyond words and I'm still processing it, I just wanted to leave a comment to let you know that
I'm not crying. You're crying...
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ we love you Mr Frank thank you for your lovely music
I'm binge watching at this point, it's amazing, everything, your guitar playing is impecable, your voice is soothing... You are amazing, let's keep it up, you got this, amazing videos
Thank you for watching.
This brought me to tears🥺 absolutely beautiful voice.
what a hero. no words. really just great and what a talent and emotion. deserves 2k/ 4 likes ratio. much love.
Heartbreakingly beautiful. Thank you
this made me cry. u are incredible thank u so much.
This is excellent in its own right. Pure bliss
Thank you.
This is the most beautiful cover ever. A masterpeace ♥️♥️
Break my heart Frank!!!
This is an absolutely stunning cover!
this is one of my favorite songs ever I cried you are my favorite youtuber
Thank you i'm honoured.
I love this so much. Very calming. ❤️
Sir this had me in tears, it is such a beautiful song and your rendition made it even better (I really like when covers are not exactly like the original, it gives them more personality). Thank you for this gem.
your performance brought me to tears, and i love how you put your own touch on it, it was very moving
a very beautiful cover indeed, thanks for sharing with us, even if it me shed a few :')💚💚
Beautiful!!! You're the man, Frank!
beautiful cover ❤❤ thank you for this mr watkinson, please keep making more!!
I love this heartbreaking song. Great cover Frank.
I am blown away by the emotion you create!
Thank you.
Wowe , I'm in awe it was so beautiful thank you ✨
This is so beautiful, im sobbing.
Your covers are beautiful! To Be Alone with You is Sufjan song I think you'd play beautifully (as well as every other, I'm sure),
I will have a listen. thanks
dude that was absolutely incredible. amazing job
Thanks so much for your beautiful music. On its similarity, I think you treat that melody more speechlike which I believe fits excellently. From a big new fan
Wow you have a magnificent voice and somehow managed to make this song sound even better. Looking forward for more songs like this. Keep up the good work!
Thank you.
I love you and how you make this song you‘r own♥️🙏🏼
thank you i love this so much 🥰🥰 much love and stay safe 💗