Lol. Most know it as "the heart brings u back." Seriously Google it. But that's the genius of this song. And same kinda. I grew up listening to this song. Blues Traveler was constantly played in my household growing up❤
@@MattH-wg7ou I was going to say that's amazing since the song hasn't been out 30 years... Then I had an old man moment ... when I remember 2020 part 4 is 30 years after the song came out. I suppose I should give the obligatory get off my lawn.
@@ArcDevErik Never heard him brought up in conversation ever bud. And I’m a vocalist. He’s got decent range but his vibrato and stylistic riffs are what define him. And yes he can belt.
Yea that’s what I thought too. I never hear him brought up in any conversations, even though he’s more than deserving. One of my favorites of all time and definitely one of the best
Exactly, I remember the first time I actually read the lyrics instead of just singing along and my mind was blown. Made this one of my favorite songs, it's genius
They got me too. I went down a rabbit hole of young folks reacting to music I grew up with and saw the lyrics and started laughing. I had no idea how epic the troll of the lyrics was.
3-8-20 2:am 28.. 29? I don't really know. Not 30 though. Sleeping well. Confused while awake. Maybe the hook brings me back because I am the hook. Will report findings after I suck it in suck it in suck it in.
Damn, he's right. The hook does in fact bring me back. I love that this is a self aware song that makes me feel smart for getting it, even though he's literally spelling it out. It's just really smart. Smarter than it appears to be on surface level. There's a lot of music theory in here. Some interpolations from classical music. Really fun song.
These lyrics are genius level. The irony as he says he's saying nothing of importance is that he gets across how much of what we say is frivolous, and how much of what is said to us is even more frivolous. It also hits on the dangers of nostalgia and being taken in by the hooks of the way things have always been done. Blues Traveller always had good tunes, but these lyrics need a lot more thought pieces than they ever got.
Because he's simply right. Music isn't that hard if all you're going for is getting the audience hooked. The formulas are well known (and this song uses them a lot). Meaning that if the music you hear doesn't pull you in, the author is either exploring in a direction incompatible with you (which is ok but might not support a career)... or is trying to pull you in, but is just not doing the job right. And if you follow the formula, you get the emotion you intended. You just have to sing. Go very "poetic" and fast, don't give them time to analyze the lyrics, then the audience will assume it's deep, not gibberish. Sing anything, follow the formula and current trends, you get a good result; with a bit of talent and a lot of professionalism (mostly of the producer) - a hit. It actually works. Or you can try to truly say something. With both words and music. But you have to be much better at both to pull that off! This song simply laughs at the idea that we often assume that catchy songs are great... some are, sure, but writing a catchy one is just a matter of professionalism. Writing a good one is harder. Writing a good one that gets you hooked... that's real talent (and what most real artists, including this band, are usually striving for).
I'm not sure its saying any of that. It's saying that he/they can write a song that is absolute gibberish, but if the song has a good hook, you will listen to it over and over. The lyrics say over and over the song is just him saying random stuff, but he knows that it is the song's hook that matters, not the lyrics. I will go on all day Hear what I say I have a prayer to pray That's really all this was And when I'm feeling stuck and need a buck I don't rely on luck Because the hook brings you back I ain't tellin' you no lie The hook On that you can rely
@indiegamelab3441 I'd agree that the lyrics are written to refer only to themselves and the relationship between singer and listener, which on its own is a commentary on pop music and its comsumption. But here we have the additional context of the video. A man is watching TV late at night. He watches portions of a beauty pageant. Pageants are notable for the emphasis of style and physical conformity over the substance of anything that's said. The emphasis of style over substance leads him to the politician who is using vocal rhythm and empty promises to pull the viewer in even though he's said nothing. Then we get to the bridge which sounds more percussive and is difficult to follow after making two classic references. The video itself moves into chaotic channel flipping- through nostalgic stock footage. Like I say, the bridge sounds chaotic initially, but the lyrics are making clear and non-contradictory statements that the singer feels trapped by the formats of MTV (I take the price of MTV which is not for free to be conformity of musical product), and he won't write pure pop songs until he's dead (artistically rather than literally, I presume). In the end, both the song and video seem to suggest that we should resist letting the hook bring us back and take a more critical view of the world around us. At the end of the video, the viewer turns off the TV and picks up a book on the civil war, underscoring that we should take greater appreciation of how the world has come to be.
@@indiegamelab3441 The song starts off as you say but then goes down different avenues such as how politicians talk , social propaganda "MTV is not for free" its so PC, and I believe also referring to the media overall. They all use the HOOK to bring you in much like a song does. And most all of it is gibberish at best, lies at worst. They all try to hook your feelings and emotions.
The Cannon chord progression gets used a lot in modern music. Maroon 5 Memories. Oasis Dont look back in anger.. etc etc. If they gave Grammys in posterity, Pachelbel would have a nice collection.
'No matter how much Peter loved her, what made the pan refuse to grow was that the hook brings you back.' Great line! How did I not catch this after all of these years?
It's awesome. I never cared for them in the 90's and would hear the happy little ditty of a tune around and about never paying attention. Now I realize this was one of the greatest trolls of all time.
John Popper has said, "A lot of people have said I'm the best harmonica player in the world. I'm not the best harmonica player in the world......but I'm pretty damn good"
+Christopher Johnson It just about had to be... I mean, here's a song that was really popular, and it was about how no one listens to the meanings in songs...
@@KaveeshDubey It did, he covered nostalgia as a whole. The problem is that objectively, we can say for certain that the 80's and 90's were high points of Western civilization.
Most meta lyrics ever. Saw them live in Texas after Lenny Kravitz left the stage due to "heat exhaustion" and yet John Popper still belted out the harmonica for 2 hours. Love them.
He was AMAZING and when I seen him live in concert, 1- at the Granda theater in Dallas 1998 and then 2- The Taste of Addison in Addison TX 2003-04. His skill at switching from his bag of mulitple Harmonicas and his voice and lyrics. MESMERIZING, Truly. May you rest in peace ❤
This was my Grandpa’s favorite song. He sang it to me as a kid. The day after he died I woke thinking I would be seeing him, hoping it was a bad dream, it wasn’t. I went to my grandmas house and found a CD labeled “Sean” (my name), My first and favorite grandson. It had this song in it and I started crying. Rip Robert F. Seiler October 17th, 1956-January 16th, 2019 Gone, but not forgotten
Vinny Joey He was a good man, there are many people like murderers, rapists etc. who deserve to go much more than he did, never did anything wrong in his life. At least his 63 years of life were full of happy memories with his wife, two children and five grandchildren. Thank you for commenting, it makes me feel good in this dark abyss I’m currently going through.
Sean, I’m sorry for your loss. It’s a beautiful thing that your Grandpa shared with you. Keep that memory alive by sharing the great things about the man. As dark as it is right now, that really does help. All respect and condolences.
Another commentator Sean I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m blessed to share the same bday as your grandpa (10/17/64) if God allows me to celebrate it this year I’ll be playing Hook for sure RIP 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Indeed. I never bothered listening to the lyrics until a UA-cam video explained to me that the songs reason for being is partly to make fun of you for listening to it.
I was taking a trip down memory lane. I remember when this came out, to the day. Of all the people who were in the room that day, I'm the only one still alive.
+Vic 2.0 SUCH A GREAT FUCKING HOOK...can't write this shit on purpose, lol...considering they never tried to write too many catchy hooks who knows how fucking good this group could have been tbh. Sometimes you wish they sold out a little more, haha.
I remember this coming on in the morning on MTV with John Sencio as I was getting ready for school. Now I'm a retired Marine Vet that's married with 2 kids in high school. Time has flown by..
That's so beautiful. The line "no matter how much Peter loved her, what made the Pan refuse to grow was that the Hook brings you back" is absolutely brilliant. I want to slam on the rewind button and go back to these days.
That's my favorite part. They managed to make a completely random reference, which makes it relevant in context, while the metaphor still actually works, _and_ it's a fantastic pun.
@@MeghanaAnjali it has nothing to do with the song yet it fits on when he says the hook brings you back. It's suppose to confuse you that's exactly what the lyrics say "to confuse the issue I'll refer"
Go back a little further.. it's even better than that. To confuse the issue I refer To familiar heroes from long ago No matter how much Peter loved her What made the Pan refuse to grow Was that hook brings you back
@bryank971 go back a bit further There is something amiss I am being insincere In fact I don't mean any of this Still my confession draws you near To confuse the issue I refer To familiar heroes from long ago He's warning you he's trolling with the Peter Pan line
John paup is a beast on harmonica his lyrics genius and vocals are impeccable. The band legendary and musicians exceptional love their whole catalog. If your starting a band and needed a harmonica player this is the centerpiece of your group! Blues traveler should be in the hall of fame for their contributions in music his harmonica should be on display there
Music taste has changed so dramatically over the years, imagine this song not ever breaking into the top 20 billboards back in the day, it’s the definition of a song that went over people’s heads, it wasn’t until way down the road it started to be appreciated… Amazing it’s been nearly 30 years since this track was recorded.
I'm not going to bother to explain my response to this comment. I'm simply going to offer you 2 words; err one word & a letter, and either you get it or you don't, & hope that you will actually understand, and also realize that it's futile to actually make the case [because those who know, know & those who don't get to blissfully benefit from our efforts] Generation X
I credit the peculiar human nature of nostalgia for part of it. When I was young and this song was fresh, I remember I just didn't care much for the tune. In the last few years I find myself pining for old tunes I used to hear on the radio, even songs I actively disliked. What that says about me, or human nature I don't know, but I thought I'd share that observation. And of course the hook really IS good (now), and the lyrics are fantastic now that I've actually listened to them.
@@HeHeeHeeheHe you say boomer like its a bad thing. My parents who have passed were boomers and taught me an awful lout. You were probably not alive during 9/11 so shut your mouth before u speak in stuff that matters deeply to everyone old enough to remember that day. By the way I'm a millenial. Have some respect for the people who died that day
This was my dads favorite song. He used to listen to it on repeat in his lazy boy as he lost his ability to eat. He took so much joy in this song. RIP Dad ❤
FUN FACT! Did you know that John Popper wrote this song while sitting on the toilet! LOL. His brother always argued that he put TOO many lyrics in his music. He let his brother right the opening intro; then John told him "I am going to cram as many words in there that I possibly can." With the slight drip of the water from the sink, and the echo of acoustics in the bathroom, John Popper wrote "Hook" and made history. While simultaneously giving a middle finger to the music industry. GENIUS.
We had some great music in the 90's. High school days. Blues Travelers helped me tremendously with my first love break up. Especially hook. Barenaked Ladies also. Cravin Melon which you can hardly find anymore, Hootie who went to the University of South Carolina for a while. As u can see by my pic. Major Gamecock fan and many many more that I could name but i'd be here all night.
What is so brilliant about this song that many listeners may not realize is that he uses the same chord progression as Pachelbel's Cannon in D Major, which some historians say was the greatest hit of the 17th century. And like the cannon, he sings the latter part of the song twice as fast, mimicking the fast counter melody within the cannon, which isn't played until later in the piece.
This is the song that made me realize hearing any musical iteration of Pachabels 's Cannon will be an emotional place holder for the rest of your life. Incredibly brilliant songwriting decision. There's never been a chord progression with more of a hook , for hundreds of years.
Look at him go! Moonwalking whipe standing in place! What a paradoxical genius the nineties hid from the chart top, while how rare it is to find the trine of musicianship, instrumentation and the finest poetry in motion all in one package. Love it. Share this song with someone!
*ever - made a mistake y'all, and either typed "every" or it was autocorrected to ever. Just wanted to go ahead and take blame for screwing up so badly. Y'all knew what I meant. :)
Yeah. A pure satire song that comes out of the gates with the first refrain saying "it doesn't matter what I say...as long as I sing with inflection" and most of us were clueless after listening to it 50+ times that it was mocking us.
@@nomanejane5766 - that's a fair point, although the internet was going in 1995 when this was a hit single - could've found the lyrics online even way back then
I woke up with this song in my head and felt like I really needed to hear this soulful song again about hope bringing you back.. 30 years later and just now I get the lyrics. I'm like, "WTF???" I guess I got "hooked".
This is the first time I'm ever listening to this song, after my dad passed away yesterday. I can tell why it was his favorite. It sounds just like him, who he was as a person.
I think that...hands down, this song has the most brilliantly intelligent and ingenious lyrics that I have ever heard. I first heard it when I started college back in the 90's but it wasn't until recently that I actually LISTENED to the lyrics and realised that he was trolling the typical pop fans (which perfectly exemplified me when I first heard this song). In the lyrics, he basically says it makes no difference what he's saying in the song, as long as it's sung pretty and it has a catchy hook to keep you coming back and listening again....and to prove the point even further...he uses the chord progression for Pachebel's Canon (as if to prove that he doesn't even have to be creative enough to create a new song...he can just recycle other's songs down our throats and we won't be none the wiser).... I don't know about you... but that is PURE GENIUS....just sorry it took me this long to come to this realisation!
+lexfacitregem Expressed Perfectly, it took me a few times, it's the inflection. As intellectually stimulating as it is musically stimulating. I agree no one's conveyed this observation better than John. Brilliant.
I would even go a step further and say that no modern singer has really conveyed such insightful analysis of the typical pop-song audience, full stop. And believe me, as of late, I've been trying really hard to stop and listen to and analyse the lyrics of most pop songs as of late. Sad to say, that most are naught but a prosaic regurgitation of love, loss, or angst. Well, with one exception... The Village People's YMCA. That song totally revealed the mystery of life for me!!! :-)
+lexfacitregem I'd suggest the lyrics to (It's bigger than) Hip Hop by Dead Prez. It's a indictment of airhead hip POP artists happily selling out with stereotype lyrics
+lexfacitregem Not in any argument, but I do agree that we do not find insightful music. Have you listened to Twenty One Pilots? I tend to find their lyrics extremely insightful. No argument here- just recommending another band I believe you might like.
My husband died this year of cancer 41 He is older than me I was envious that he experienced the 90s in a way I couldn’t as a mere kid lol I loved this song though as a kid lol
@@pursuingpeas8236 My heart goes out to you I'm sorry to hear of your loved ones passing. In the end we're left with beautiful memories nothing I say will mend your heart we never get over a loss we just learn to live with it.
Man, John Popper has a legendary voice. This music, the 90s music, it's so fucking good. Even songs I wasn't thrilled about back then are exponentially better than the garbage today. I miss those days.
I used to hate this song because it was on the radio when I was in middle school, and I hated the bus ride to middle school (quite a long way) during which this song would regularly come over the airwaves. Now, I love this song for its lyricism, its harmonica solo, and its grown-up sensibility. I can barely stomach popular radio now, and frequently find myself gravitating to oldies - although the "oldies" stations now feature songs that date back to the mid-nineties.
@hung well I agree with her, as do quite a few people here I imagine. Many of them are probably like me and remember this song because they grew up in the 90's and it holds special significance for us.
I miss It too !! It seems like yesterday I would hear this stuff on the radio and here I am now almost 30. Time goes by so fast it's really depressing to me 😔 but at least we still can listen to all the awesome music on UA-cam and go back to the 90s
Definitely Takes you back. Most underrated band and easily top five singers of the whole generation. And the meaning of the song especially touches a nerve today. So many cookie cutter commercial swill merchants in music right now.
Ls Vtec Ek civic wait till you're 56. Everyone eventually passes now. A lot of people now and I it's odd when younger people are clueless! David Bowie. Tom Petty. Time flies so enjoy it!
Hearing this song brings me back to an episode of Roseanne when the lead singer of blues travelers John Popper was an ol band buddy of Dan and sang this song at the end of the episode such a classic and will always be a band in my playlist such incredible harmonica skills and voice is out of this world
Honestly, if I had to decide to give only one single song to space aliens to convince them not to destroy us... I would go all in on Blues Traveler Hook. From the master craft of the verses, hook, bridge, vocal breakdown, double entendre of Peter Pan, and the undisputed most epic harmonica solo of all time.... I can listen to this song on repeat and never get bored. Any aspiring song writer should study the composition of this oopart of a composition to level up. God Blessed John Popper... He burned very bright for a short time. This song has a permanent place in my Top 5. Do you agree? Or am I being too dramatic?😅
I've been to some amazing shows...my dad and uncle (both dedicated musicians)took me to see bands like Queen, Zeppelin, Sabbath, Eagles, etc when I was young. In the later 80s, it was bands as varied as the Beach Boys to Poison to Springsteen. Later, as a teen, I saw Chains, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Motger Love Bone, and many others in the 90s. Moving on, Godsmack, Linkin Park, Disturbed, Danzig, and peppering in a little Metallica and COC, Pantera, Down, too many to name. But my wife randomly got me tickets to Blues Traveller a couple years ago...I wasn't expecting much. A good show of 90s hits maybe, but nothing more. How wrong I was. This was by far one of the top three BEST shows I have ever been to!! The musicianship and interaction with the audiencs was stellar and second to none!! Can't wait to see em again!!
I did not realise until a recent play of this song, that it was built on one of the hookiest chord progressions in all of classical music and dare say all music. Most would probably know it by its other name, Pachebel's Canon or Canon in D. Great song still to this day, from a great singer- songwriter.
The Blues Traveler was my dad's favorite band and I didn't know why, I just pushed it along and thought nothing of it. Always turned it off. I started to realize how great this band was when I heard run-around and but anyway. This song takes the cake, not only for its great music and lyrics - but for how the song unites people. So many people get united through this song, it even let some people to be at peace with themselves. It is crazy how much just a song unites people.
I can't believe even at this year, the same feeling I felt when I was young while listening to this is still being felt whenever I come back to this song. Classic. Timeless.
I love that this song's satire aspect goes beyond the lyrics, most lines have some pretty unique dynamic and everything that has to do with John Popper's performance is just amazing
PixlFish TV play it with pride your dad sounded like he was in tuned with existence remember the good times every time it's played I'll play it one more time right now in honor of your pops
It’s a gorgeous song.. favorite part.. harmonica, tight guitar solos.. but the duet.. they are rapping!! The lyrics are so tight.. Never get tired of this song!! Xx j
It’s pachabel. The entire song is mocking you and straight telling you it’s garbage, derived, and lazy. It’s a giant middle finger. I don’t know how people keep missing that…
Thank you Mr David Letterman Gor introducing me to this band some 30 years ago or more. Because of your actions I have had many enjoyable hours of listing.
oh man you hit the nail on the head man. Statism has been a plague on humanity for 1000s of years and it has proven time and time again that a "need" for authority is the most dangerous supertition.
Love this song. Wonder how many people actually listen to the lyrics and realize that he is clowning on people and saying that he can say anything as long as he sings with a catchy hook they will love it and he was right. This won a Grammy. So many think this is a love song or some crap.
I was just telling my mum this. It's not whether the songs today are good or bad...they just sound all the same. Every decade from the 60s-90s had a different style of pop music but bands and solo artist all had their unique style as well.
This Hook has brought me back for literally 30 years now.
Lol. Most know it as "the heart brings u back." Seriously Google it. But that's the genius of this song. And same kinda. I grew up listening to this song. Blues Traveler was constantly played in my household growing up❤
Same here!
@@underthefallenstars2788 Ive never heard that personally. Interesting. I mean...it is called "Hook".
@@MattH-wg7ou I was going to say that's amazing since the song hasn't been out 30 years... Then I had an old man moment ... when I remember 2020 part 4 is 30 years after the song came out. I suppose I should give the obligatory get off my lawn.
Here I am in 2024 having listened to this on cassette tape back in 1994 and just realizing the true meaning of this song
Still one of the most underrated vocalists of our time. Dude can belt
Nope, really popular.
@@ArcDevErik ok well good then that legit makes me happy. I just never hear anyone talk about him
@@ArcDevErik Never heard him brought up in conversation ever bud. And I’m a vocalist. He’s got decent range but his vibrato and stylistic riffs are what define him. And yes he can belt.
Yeah no one is talking about John Popper dude... definitely underappreciated.
Yea that’s what I thought too. I never hear him brought up in any conversations, even though he’s more than deserving. One of my favorites of all time and definitely one of the best
The best part of this song is that for years I’ve just been enjoying how good it sounds. Once you pay attention to the lyrics it reaches a new level.
They got ya
Exactly, I remember the first time I actually read the lyrics instead of just singing along and my mind was blown. Made this one of my favorite songs, it's genius
I just looked up the lyrics- and you are so right!
Howard Stern made me realize this several years ago. I sang it for 20 years w/o knowing what it was about.
They got me too. I went down a rabbit hole of young folks reacting to music I grew up with and saw the lyrics and started laughing. I had no idea how epic the troll of the lyrics was.
still one of the greatest songs ever written, performed, and recorded.
i think you're stretching there a little.
No actually it's run-of-the mill crap
@TheSixthBeatle-p9k lmfao OK, champ. Am I supposed to care that you have bad taste in music? 🤣
@@zombywoof864 You are brainwashed by the ordinary...you are a boring turd
@@zombywoof864 dirtbag music for the already stale
The hook brought me back. 25 years later. He was right.
Listen to this song so many times. Had No clue that is what he says. Thought he said "the lord brings you pain". Which he sure does lol
Damn right it did
now I feel old :(
Prophetic even.
He wasn't tellin' you no lie....
That harmonica solo is what brings me back no matter how bad a day that solo just melts it away
Right? I love a great harmonica and Popper is SO one of the absolute best.
Man he can blow! Harmonica and vocals. It will melt away what ails ya.
No, the hook brings you back.
I'm back again lol
Anyone know what key harmonica he used?
2-23-2020
1:am
55 years old. Can’t sleep
The Hook keeps bringing me back for 30 years…
A cool song for the ages
28 - 2 - 2020 11:18 .. am
3/4/2020 21:35 23 years old because I am 'hook'ed on Blues Traveller music.
3-8-20
2:am
28.. 29? I don't really know. Not 30 though.
Sleeping well. Confused while awake.
Maybe the hook brings me back because I am the hook.
Will report findings after I suck it in suck it in suck it in.
3-10-2020
3/20/20 47 and still singing it.
Damn, he's right. The hook does in fact bring me back. I love that this is a self aware song that makes me feel smart for getting it, even though he's literally spelling it out. It's just really smart. Smarter than it appears to be on surface level. There's a lot of music theory in here. Some interpolations from classical music. Really fun song.
As a young teen I didn't appreciate Blues Traveler enough during their 90's peak. Now 41 they're one of my faves, this song summarizes it all for me 😌
Dude me too exactly!
You guys had shit taste in music. I knew instantly they were good!!!
I liked it back in the day, but it got lost in time. I've come back to it thanks to You Tube.
Our parents would be proud we stole this cd
Same
These lyrics are genius level. The irony as he says he's saying nothing of importance is that he gets across how much of what we say is frivolous, and how much of what is said to us is even more frivolous. It also hits on the dangers of nostalgia and being taken in by the hooks of the way things have always been done. Blues Traveller always had good tunes, but these lyrics need a lot more thought pieces than they ever got.
Because he's simply right. Music isn't that hard if all you're going for is getting the audience hooked. The formulas are well known (and this song uses them a lot). Meaning that if the music you hear doesn't pull you in, the author is either exploring in a direction incompatible with you (which is ok but might not support a career)... or is trying to pull you in, but is just not doing the job right.
And if you follow the formula, you get the emotion you intended. You just have to sing. Go very "poetic" and fast, don't give them time to analyze the lyrics, then the audience will assume it's deep, not gibberish. Sing anything, follow the formula and current trends, you get a good result; with a bit of talent and a lot of professionalism (mostly of the producer) - a hit. It actually works.
Or you can try to truly say something. With both words and music. But you have to be much better at both to pull that off! This song simply laughs at the idea that we often assume that catchy songs are great... some are, sure, but writing a catchy one is just a matter of professionalism. Writing a good one is harder. Writing a good one that gets you hooked... that's real talent (and what most real artists, including this band, are usually striving for).
I'm not sure its saying any of that. It's saying that he/they can write a song that is absolute gibberish, but if the song has a good hook, you will listen to it over and over. The lyrics say over and over the song is just him saying random stuff, but he knows that it is the song's hook that matters, not the lyrics.
I will go on all day
Hear what I say
I have a prayer to pray
That's really all this was
And when I'm feeling stuck and need a buck
I don't rely on luck
Because the hook brings you back
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The hook
On that you can rely
@indiegamelab3441 I'd agree that the lyrics are written to refer only to themselves and the relationship between singer and listener, which on its own is a commentary on pop music and its comsumption. But here we have the additional context of the video. A man is watching TV late at night. He watches portions of a beauty pageant. Pageants are notable for the emphasis of style and physical conformity over the substance of anything that's said. The emphasis of style over substance leads him to the politician who is using vocal rhythm and empty promises to pull the viewer in even though he's said nothing.
Then we get to the bridge which sounds more percussive and is difficult to follow after making two classic references. The video itself moves into chaotic channel flipping- through nostalgic stock footage. Like I say, the bridge sounds chaotic initially, but the lyrics are making clear and non-contradictory statements that the singer feels trapped by the formats of MTV (I take the price of MTV which is not for free to be conformity of musical product), and he won't write pure pop songs until he's dead (artistically rather than literally, I presume).
In the end, both the song and video seem to suggest that we should resist letting the hook bring us back and take a more critical view of the world around us. At the end of the video, the viewer turns off the TV and picks up a book on the civil war, underscoring that we should take greater appreciation of how the world has come to be.
@@indiegamelab3441 The song starts off as you say but then goes down different avenues such as how politicians talk , social propaganda "MTV is not for free" its so PC, and I believe also referring to the media overall. They all use the HOOK to bring you in much like a song does. And most all of it is gibberish at best, lies at worst. They all try to hook your feelings and emotions.
So what you are saying is, the hook brings you back.
Its not often you get to say that was a sick harmonica solo
kawasabi1 😂😂😂😂😂
Right!? Lol unbelievable how this guy can shred on a harmonica.
kawasabi1
Dude is jus sick on the harmonica period
Google/UA-cam Sonny Boy Williamson, Paul Butterfield, Jason Ricci. Harmonica virtuosi are out there 😉
Listen to Charly Musslewhite
I know everybody says this and it's a cliche at this point but man it was a really good time being alive in the 90's.
Best decade ever
Dang! I’m so into this!!!
Haha 😂 same
I'm so into this as well and have been since it's release...I'm also now VERY much into the idea of Puddles covering it!!! 🤣
Wait, itll bring you back.
(Well we are all here because it brought us back)
Also worlds best harmonica!!!
Good song. Don't care for the style of any of their music videos though.
The fact that the melody is essentially Pachelbel's Cannon represents just one level of the subtle genius of this song: A masterpiece!
The Cannon chord progression gets used a lot in modern music. Maroon 5 Memories. Oasis Dont look back in anger.. etc etc. If they gave Grammys in posterity, Pachelbel would have a nice collection.
The 'suck it in, suck it in' part especially is a specific piece of the canon melody. They were probably intentionally referencing it at that point.
Yep!! Had Cannon in D played at my wedding too.
@@themapplesperiodof course. That’s the whole point of the song and lyrics!
the song itself is the example of what they meant in the lyrics
Still a bad ass song in 2023. Been listening to this song for for almost 30 years!!! You know why??? Because the hook brings you back!
On that you can rely 😊
i ain't telling you no lie 😊
There is something amiss.
@@BeetsByHometownBrew well i'm being insincere.
In fact I don't mean any of this.
'No matter how much Peter loved her, what made the pan refuse to grow was that the hook brings you back.' Great line! How did I not catch this after all of these years?
Cuz no one cares about the words just the beat!
It's awesome. I never cared for them in the 90's and would hear the happy little ditty of a tune around and about never paying attention. Now I realize this was one of the greatest trolls of all time.
ua-cam.com/video/JjfClL6nogo/v-deo.htmlsi=AW7ALMhhZtUTkdxn
Cause it doesn’t matter what he says, as long as he sings with inflection.
Dude I just came down to comment that is one of the slickest lines in any song
This song is a masterpiece on so many levels...absolutely genius what Popper did here...
It's the story of Peter Pan chosing to stay a child despite loving Wendy, because Hook brought him back....and making fun of pop music too.
that's because the chord progression is based on pachelbel's canon in D--a very recognizable, much-ripped-off piece of classical music.
@@yomuthabyotch BINGO.
@@Me_AVright? popper is not the genius; pachelbel is.
@@yomuthabyotch according to your logic, Darwin wasn't a genius because he didn't create the species. Genius is also about connecting dots.
The level of harmonica skill this guy had was unparalleled
"Has"
John Popper has said,
"A lot of people have said I'm the best harmonica player in the world. I'm not the best harmonica player in the world......but I'm pretty damn good"
@@BX138 that was his opinion and I offered my opinion
@@rja9784 , you said he was dead......or at the very least cant play any longer
AMAZING HARMONICA!
I miss the 90s. They seem like such simpler times through the lens of today...
+Christopher Johnson It just about had to be... I mean, here's a song that was really popular, and it was about how no one listens to the meanings in songs...
+Christopher Johnson Have you seen the movie midnight in paris? It has a pretty neat way of looking at the thought you had.
80'S through the mid 90's. Glad I was there. Great music. Great movies. I was blissfully unaware any of it would ever end.
@@KaveeshDubey It did, he covered nostalgia as a whole.
The problem is that objectively, we can say for certain that the 80's and 90's were high points of Western civilization.
@stevem2323 indeed they were, kids on bikes playing outside and adults planning get together without a bunch of phones!
Still leaps better then a majority of the garbage that's being churned out in 24. Thanks for the memories Blues Travelers!
Like Beyonce's rendition of, "Jolene"? I heard that once and it made me want to puke.
29 years later and the hook keeps bringing me back.
this song was playing in our lobby one night and I said" oh man I love this song" and proceeded to sing along every word
Yup
30 years? Try 300. This Pachelbel Canon in D major. That's what he's singing about. Listen to the original. You'll never unhear it.
On that you can rely
Kinda crazy that it has been that long!!!
Most meta lyrics ever. Saw them live in Texas after Lenny Kravitz left the stage due to "heat exhaustion" and yet John Popper still belted out the harmonica for 2 hours. Love them.
Damn, I'd *_LOVE_* to see them live! I'm about to move to Texas! Love this comment . John Popper's a BADA$$!!!
Rockfest
@@okcommut3r It was actually the Horde Tour in 1996. Rusted Root, Lenny Kravitz, Dave Matthews, and Blues Traveler.
@@bwelaj Now I remember. Rockfest was a year later and it was Adam Duritz of counting crows who got a little too hot.
He was AMAZING and when I seen him live in concert, 1- at the Granda theater in Dallas 1998 and then 2- The Taste of Addison in Addison TX 2003-04. His skill at switching from his bag of mulitple Harmonicas and his voice and lyrics. MESMERIZING, Truly. May you rest in peace ❤
The most self aware song ever...it straight tells you it's gonna hook you.
It's called hiding in plain sight.
authenticity resonates
@@AnnaLVajda more accurately, it could be called not hiding and telling everyone where you are, but yeah same diff
I came here to make this exact comment. Good work soldier. Its a song about itself that most people dont even understand but still love.
Let me reiterate...John popper was calling you a sucker to your face and we all just eat it up.
The hook, does in-fact, bring me back. (2024)
FACTS!
Yup came here to find it and share it with a young one....Great Stuff!
Many, many times
John popper with no penguins
count down 2024 # 47 Orange man
This was my Grandpa’s favorite song. He sang it to me as a kid. The day after he died I woke thinking I would be seeing him, hoping it was a bad dream, it wasn’t. I went to my grandmas house and found a CD labeled “Sean” (my name), My first and favorite grandson.
It had this song in it and I started crying.
Rip Robert F. Seiler
October 17th, 1956-January 16th, 2019
Gone, but not forgotten
made me tear up just reading this and hearing the song at the same time
Vinny Joey He was a good man, there are many people like murderers, rapists etc. who deserve to go much more than he did, never did anything wrong in his life. At least his 63 years of life were full of happy memories with his wife, two children and five grandchildren. Thank you for commenting, it makes me feel good in this dark abyss I’m currently going through.
Sean, I’m sorry for your loss. It’s a beautiful thing that your Grandpa shared with you. Keep that memory alive by sharing the great things about the man. As dark as it is right now, that really does help. All respect and condolences.
C Phillips thank you man, really means a lot
Another commentator Sean I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m blessed to share the same bday as your grandpa (10/17/64) if God allows me to celebrate it this year I’ll be playing Hook for sure
RIP 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I will never ever get tired of listening to this! If only I could visit the 90's like old people visit Florida.
Sarah Garcia Cell phone 21st and the 27th 2nd to to you you are not sex is a great time 200 to be
Sarah Garcia 10th and I song is 10th to re7 and the first 2nd to to you to you you are not are not sex
Cell phone is phone number bxbdir th 2
@@travis5177 and song is song of ice ice cream cheese on top of the 291 and song is 10th 90 song is 15th 2nd the 27th to
Dear Todd Gak:
Grammar 💯
This song is simply, utterly, and obviously pure unadulterated linguistic genius.
Yes
Are you saying John Popper is a cunning linguist?
On that you can rely.
Instrumental genius, too. Note the use of Pachelbel's infamous "Canon in D" chord progression.
@@Harv72b oh god, it was everywhere in the 90's
Arguably one of the greatest musical jokes of all time 10/10
Indeed. I never bothered listening to the lyrics until a UA-cam video explained to me that the songs reason for being is partly to make fun of you for listening to it.
No arguement. I call it the greatest Troll song of all time.
He really do be singin with inflection.
He really do-be-do-be-do singing with inflection!
He really is*
@@JackOfShades You really do be comin in here to flex that grammar, eh? And nothing else? Well, you do you.
@@SanctuaryReintegrate word
"do be singing" is that even english? What the heck that means? "Do be". Knob
who else is here just because this is a good song and absolutely no other reason.
Me!
Me
🤜
Fa real
I was taking a trip down memory lane. I remember when this came out, to the day. Of all the people who were in the room that day, I'm the only one still alive.
Ironically, this is probably the greatest song ever made.
+Vic 2.0 SUCH A GREAT FUCKING HOOK...can't write this shit on purpose, lol...considering they never tried to write too many catchy hooks who knows how fucking good this group could have been tbh. Sometimes you wish they sold out a little more, haha.
if nothing else, it is forever relevant and true
Legit thiking same thing
@@GabrielFury-mg8du ye🏵
I can’t even imagine the extent of the ignorance of the history of music that you must suffer from to even come up with that opinion 😂
I remember this coming on in the morning on MTV with John Sencio as I was getting ready for school. Now I'm a retired Marine Vet that's married with 2 kids in high school. Time has flown by..
That's so beautiful. The line "no matter how much Peter loved her, what made the Pan refuse to grow was that the Hook brings you back" is absolutely brilliant. I want to slam on the rewind button and go back to these days.
That's my favorite part. They managed to make a completely random reference, which makes it relevant in context, while the metaphor still actually works, _and_ it's a fantastic pun.
Am I missing something? I get the Peter Pan and captain hook joke but is there something else?
@@MeghanaAnjali it has nothing to do with the song yet it fits on when he says the hook brings you back. It's suppose to confuse you that's exactly what the lyrics say "to confuse the issue I'll refer"
@@MeghanaAnjali you should watch the lyric video a few times.
Me too....I think I was 12 when it came out. Great memories 💯💯
2:01 “What made the Pan refuse to grow was that the Hook brings you back.” - superb line
Daummm
Go back a little further.. it's even better than that.
To confuse the issue I refer
To familiar heroes from long ago
No matter how much Peter loved her
What made the Pan refuse to grow
Was that hook brings you back
@bryank971 go back a bit further
There is something amiss
I am being insincere
In fact I don't mean any of this
Still my confession draws you near
To confuse the issue I refer
To familiar heroes from long ago
He's warning you he's trolling with the Peter Pan line
@@jcnz84go back a lot further
It doesn't matter what I say-
@@jcnz84 go back longer n Jon poppers parents first said hello to each other
This song is like a magician telling you how he does his trick...and then still fooling you
Spot on bro 😎
Well said
Nice one
It's like a song with the perfect...prestige.
Yess
John paup is a beast on harmonica his lyrics genius and vocals are impeccable. The band legendary and musicians exceptional love their whole catalog. If your starting a band and needed a harmonica player this is the centerpiece of your group! Blues traveler should be in the hall of fame for their contributions in music his harmonica should be on display there
I don’t always listen to this, but when I do, it’s ten times in a row.
...a little louder each time, too....
Every time I turn on the Pandora station 90s this song comes on First and I'm not even mad about it
It’s on my UA-cam house cleaning playlist
@@amandakelley1665 and on "day trip" playlist
It does kinda hook you in! Keeps bringing me back.
Music taste has changed so dramatically over the years, imagine this song not ever breaking into the top 20 billboards back in the day, it’s the definition of a song that went over people’s heads, it wasn’t until way down the road it started to be appreciated… Amazing it’s been nearly 30 years since this track was recorded.
I'm not going to bother to explain my response to this comment. I'm simply going to offer you 2 words; err one word & a letter, and either you get it or you don't, & hope that you will actually understand, and also realize that it's futile to actually make the case [because those who know, know & those who don't get to blissfully benefit from our efforts]
Generation X
What's the one word and a letter that you were going to offer up??
Like a fine wine
I credit the peculiar human nature of nostalgia for part of it. When I was young and this song was fresh, I remember I just didn't care much for the tune. In the last few years I find myself pining for old tunes I used to hear on the radio, even songs I actively disliked. What that says about me, or human nature I don't know, but I thought I'd share that observation.
And of course the hook really IS good (now), and the lyrics are fantastic now that I've actually listened to them.
I miss the joy and optimism of the ‘90’s. Such a fun time to be alive and young. We didn’t know how good we had it.
Read the lyrics and you'll gain a new appreciation for this song 😉
Everything was so special, innocent, and fun until that day fateful day in 2001
Ok boomer
@@HeHeeHeeheHe you say boomer like its a bad thing. My parents who have passed were boomers and taught me an awful lout. You were probably not alive during 9/11 so shut your mouth before u speak in stuff that matters deeply to everyone old enough to remember that day. By the way I'm a millenial. Have some respect for the people who died that day
@@EgoExit r/woooosh
A true underrated song of the 90s. Exceptional!
This was my dads favorite song. He used to listen to it on repeat in his lazy boy as he lost his ability to eat. He took so much joy in this song. RIP Dad ❤
I'm so sorry about yer dad!!!!!!! Hope you are ok.
@@suzycreamcheeze000 thanks! Comments like yours are what get me through this hard time in my lyfe. #stayhealthy #staybleswed
You have my condolences amigo.
👼❤❤❤
Me, too. My dad introduced me to this song...by cassette tape! RIP Dad
FUN FACT! Did you know that John Popper wrote this song while sitting on the toilet! LOL. His brother always argued that he put TOO many lyrics in his music. He let his brother right the opening intro; then John told him "I am going to cram as many words in there that I possibly can." With the slight drip of the water from the sink, and the echo of acoustics in the bathroom, John Popper wrote "Hook" and made history. While simultaneously giving a middle finger to the music industry. GENIUS.
Fun fact! I read this comment on the toilet!
Fun fact I read this comment from the toilet.
he went after more than the music industry with the video he went after politics as well and how they're all completely full of shite
fun fact: after John wrote this song on the toilet, everyone started calling him John 'Pooper'
Impossible unless he spent 4 days on the toilet
Living in the 90's and listening to good music brought me here.
Mike B same here pal have good 1 keep rockin
Yep
I miss the 90's
Mike B living in the 2000’s and listening to good music brought me here
We had some great music in the 90's. High school days. Blues Travelers helped me tremendously with my first love break up. Especially hook. Barenaked Ladies also. Cravin Melon which you can hardly find anymore, Hootie who went to the University of South Carolina for a while. As u can see by my pic. Major Gamecock fan and many many more that I could name but i'd be here all night.
What is so brilliant about this song that many listeners may not realize is that he uses the same chord progression as Pachelbel's Cannon in D Major, which some historians say was the greatest hit of the 17th century. And like the cannon, he sings the latter part of the song twice as fast, mimicking the fast counter melody within the cannon, which isn't played until later in the piece.
This is the song that made me realize hearing any musical iteration of Pachabels 's Cannon will be an emotional place holder for the rest of your life. Incredibly brilliant songwriting decision. There's never been a chord progression with more of a hook , for hundreds of years.
Me and my dad used to sing along to this in the car
r.i.p dad, music keeps you alive with me
@F low Im happy you have that memory. You arent alone.
❤️❤️❤️
So sorry for your loss! Music is an amazing way to stay connected with someone. God bless!
I lost my dad 2 years ago now and I felt this statement powerfully, the music does indeed keep him with me
🥺
RIP Ken Ober! such a great song as well! love it! John is legendary!
U the man
Look at him go! Moonwalking whipe standing in place! What a paradoxical genius the nineties hid from the chart top, while how rare it is to find the trine of musicianship, instrumentation and the finest poetry in motion all in one package. Love it. Share this song with someone!
Honestly, I think the only thing that dates this song is the fact that Paul Shaffer has hair. Timeless.
And Ken Ober
Look up Chris elliot playing Paul Schaffer. Lol
@@BX138 is the day you get y
One of the most brilliant songs every written.
ever written
@@jamesdavison8709 yeah that too. Damn auto correct making shit up.
I second that Bro. I am a solid ass metal head but this is legendary. I can not deny
@@jamesdavison8709 yeah that too. But I decided to leave it so I wouldn't have an "edited" marker on my comment.
*ever - made a mistake y'all, and either typed "every" or it was autocorrected to ever. Just wanted to go ahead and take blame for screwing up so badly. Y'all knew what I meant. :)
I feel like an idiot because I've heard this song so many times but never realized how profound the lyrics are until now
Yeah. A pure satire song that comes out of the gates with the first refrain saying "it doesn't matter what I say...as long as I sing with inflection" and most of us were clueless after listening to it 50+ times that it was mocking us.
Same! Super appropriate for all the crap going on right now.
@@unidentifiedguy8253 to be fair, back in those days you couldn't just look up the lyrics to a song.
@@nomanejane5766 - that's a fair point, although the internet was going in 1995 when this was a hit single - could've found the lyrics online even way back then
That, my man, is the point.
I woke up with this song in my head and felt like I really needed to hear this soulful song again about hope bringing you back.. 30 years later and just now I get the lyrics. I'm like, "WTF???" I guess I got "hooked".
"It doesn't matter what I say as long as I sing with inflection"...the premise of the entire song..genius!
And sung the same way he plays the harmonica. The dude /is/ a harmonica.
yes yes
song also made the pan refuse to grow
Saying u need only a few chords and a hook
This is the first time I'm ever listening to this song, after my dad passed away yesterday. I can tell why it was his favorite. It sounds just like him, who he was as a person.
Beautiful song! The harmonica, drums, his beautiful voice. Kept singing this song all day. Had to come listen before bed tonight.
Teaching my 12 year old daughter; she’s the generation of Blues fans! ❤
That Is awesome
Yeah, force your nostalgia onto your kids! They will love you for it!
30 years later, the hook is still bringing me back.
alimetando os egos deles
@@alvarofraga6421 More like proving the point in there lyrics.
Same
Quit making me feel old, trying to vibe here…
I think that...hands down, this song has the most brilliantly intelligent and ingenious lyrics that I have ever heard. I first heard it when I started college back in the 90's but it wasn't until recently that I actually LISTENED to the lyrics and realised that he was trolling the typical pop fans (which perfectly exemplified me when I first heard this song). In the lyrics, he basically says it makes no difference what he's saying in the song, as long as it's sung pretty and it has a catchy hook to keep you coming back and listening again....and to prove the point even further...he uses the chord progression for Pachebel's Canon (as if to prove that he doesn't even have to be creative enough to create a new song...he can just recycle other's songs down our throats and we won't be none the wiser).... I don't know about you... but that is PURE GENIUS....just sorry it took me this long to come to this realisation!
+lexfacitregem Expressed Perfectly, it took me a few times, it's the inflection. As intellectually stimulating as it is musically stimulating. I agree no one's conveyed this observation better than John. Brilliant.
I would even go a step further and say that no modern singer has really conveyed such insightful analysis of the typical pop-song audience, full stop. And believe me, as of late, I've been trying really hard to stop and listen to and analyse the lyrics of most pop songs as of late. Sad to say, that most are naught but a prosaic regurgitation of love, loss, or angst. Well, with one exception... The Village People's YMCA. That song totally revealed the mystery of life for me!!!
:-)
+lexfacitregem you seem to be right I always related it to my addiction
+lexfacitregem I'd suggest the lyrics to (It's bigger than) Hip Hop by Dead Prez. It's a indictment of airhead hip POP artists happily selling out with stereotype lyrics
+lexfacitregem Not in any argument, but I do agree that we do not find insightful music. Have you listened to Twenty One Pilots? I tend to find their lyrics extremely insightful. No argument here- just recommending another band I believe you might like.
I have honestly loved this song since my first time listening to it and my word his iconic mouth organ solo just brought me to tears
Tears of joy
Man I turn 41 this year and this gives me the feels I'm so lucky to have experienced the 90s
Luis Hernandez 100%!
Yasss!!
My husband died this year of cancer
41
He is older than me
I was envious that he experienced the 90s in a way I couldn’t as a mere kid lol
I loved this song though as a kid lol
@@pursuingpeas8236 My heart goes out to you I'm sorry to hear of your loved ones passing. In the end we're left with beautiful memories nothing I say will mend your heart we never get over a loss we just learn to live with it.
Totally agree
Awesome comment
Man, John Popper has a legendary voice. This music, the 90s music, it's so fucking good. Even songs I wasn't thrilled about back then are exponentially better than the garbage today. I miss those days.
HonduDan You’re goddamn right. That’s all, good sir.
I used to hate this song because it was on the radio when I was in middle school, and I hated the bus ride to middle school (quite a long way) during which this song would regularly come over the airwaves. Now, I love this song for its lyricism, its harmonica solo, and its grown-up sensibility. I can barely stomach popular radio now, and frequently find myself gravitating to oldies - although the "oldies" stations now feature songs that date back to the mid-nineties.
90s were some of the best years for music
@hung well I agree with her, as do quite a few people here I imagine. Many of them are probably like me and remember this song because they grew up in the 90's and it holds special significance for us.
@hung well Like any decade, hits and misses. Chumba Wumba? God no, Live...hell yes.
This song is genius!
Yep.
Absolutely agree, amazing.
Incredible song with incredible insight to US. He is trying to wake people up, beautiful.
Yes, it is and will stay that way for a long, long time to come.
Tenía muchos años sin escuchar esta canción es espectacular... Me gusta mucho la música anglo
This is such a BRILLIANT song. So under appreciated. Loved it since 1997 ❤
This guy has one of the best voices in music.
God I miss this music... so proud to enjoy the 90's as a kid.
I miss It too !! It seems like yesterday I would hear this stuff on the radio and here I am now almost 30. Time goes by so fast it's really depressing to me 😔 but at least we still can listen to all the awesome music on UA-cam and go back to the 90s
I mean, it still exists. Don't understand why you miss it.
Definitely
Takes you back. Most underrated band and easily top five singers of the whole generation. And the meaning of the song especially touches a nerve today. So many cookie cutter commercial swill merchants in music right now.
Ls Vtec Ek civic wait till you're 56.
Everyone eventually passes now. A lot of people now and I it's odd when younger people are clueless!
David Bowie. Tom Petty.
Time flies so enjoy it!
Laureena Lynn I couldn't agree more. I sure miss the 90s. Best times.
Desde Puert Rico🇵🇷 no dejo de escuchar sus canciones , unas de las mejores y haciendo trasladar la mente a cuando salieron .Emotivos Recuerdos
Anyone here in 2024 listening to this?!
Yeah
I mean He ain't lyin. I'm here too.
Hell's yes
Yeah buddy!!
Yup🎉
This song cant get loud enough!!! That guy can rip on that harmonica!! Love it
Hearing this song brings me back to an episode of Roseanne when the lead singer of blues travelers John Popper was an ol band buddy of Dan and sang this song at the end of the episode such a classic and will always be a band in my playlist such incredible harmonica skills and voice is out of this world
Honestly, if I had to decide to give only one single song to space aliens to convince them not to destroy us... I would go all in on Blues Traveler Hook.
From the master craft of the verses, hook, bridge, vocal breakdown, double entendre of Peter Pan, and the undisputed most epic harmonica solo of all time.... I can listen to this song on repeat and never get bored. Any aspiring song writer should study the composition of this oopart of a composition to level up.
God Blessed John Popper... He burned very bright for a short time. This song has a permanent place in my Top 5.
Do you agree? Or am I being too dramatic?😅
I agree!!! It's really a wonderful song. I think space aliens will love it. 😂❤
I just saw Blues Traveler last night in St Louis. This song brought me to tears. Mission accomplished. Well done, boys.
My brother was a huge fan. He died in 1997. It was a bucket list item to see you guys. He would have loved it.
I miss my old friend the 90's. If there were a time machine I would go back.
And then you would stop all the tragedies from happening right? I mean you'd be morally obligated.
Time machine - movie Idiocracy
I've been to some amazing shows...my dad and uncle (both dedicated musicians)took me to see bands like Queen, Zeppelin, Sabbath, Eagles, etc when I was young. In the later 80s, it was bands as varied as the Beach Boys to Poison to Springsteen. Later, as a teen, I saw Chains, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Motger Love Bone, and many others in the 90s. Moving on, Godsmack, Linkin Park, Disturbed, Danzig, and peppering in a little Metallica and COC, Pantera, Down, too many to name. But my wife randomly got me tickets to Blues Traveller a couple years ago...I wasn't expecting much. A good show of 90s hits maybe, but nothing more. How wrong I was. This was by far one of the top three BEST shows I have ever been to!! The musicianship and interaction with the audiencs was stellar and second to none!! Can't wait to see em again!!
Some of the most punk lyrics from a non-punk band; cleverly written and razor sharp.
I did not realise until a recent play of this song, that it was built on one of the hookiest chord progressions in all of classical music and dare say all music. Most would probably know it by its other name, Pachebel's Canon or Canon in D. Great song still to this day, from a great singer- songwriter.
Omg i can't believe Ive never made that connection! Had to play Canon in D and come back just to continue my disbelief 😂 Thanks for the share!
Damn you, Pacelbel! That guy is everywhere.
And also Wild West Hero by Electric Light Orchestra (source Wiki)
Oh no wonder I love this song Canon in D is great
I love Pachebel's Canon and I never caught that! No wonder I love this song!
A true masterpiece.
The harmonica solo brings me back
best comment of all of them, epic beyone epic, forever the most killer powerful little solo i've ever heard. He is EPIC.
John Evans John Popper is a beast
One of the best in the world hands down . Made me start playing it when I was 6 and I’m 29 now
That is awesome!
The Blues Traveler was my dad's favorite band and I didn't know why, I just pushed it along and thought nothing of it. Always turned it off. I started to realize how great this band was when I heard run-around and but anyway. This song takes the cake, not only for its great music and lyrics - but for how the song unites people. So many people get united through this song, it even let some people to be at peace with themselves. It is crazy how much just a song unites people.
By far one of the best songs of the 90s. Top 10 easy, if not 5.
I can't believe even at this year, the same feeling I felt when I was young while listening to this is still being felt whenever I come back to this song. Classic. Timeless.
Agree 110%
I love that this song's satire aspect goes beyond the lyrics, most lines have some pretty unique dynamic and everything that has to do with John Popper's performance is just amazing
Lost my dad a little over a year ago, this song was one of his very favorites, and has always brought me to tears ever since
PixlFish TV play it with pride your dad sounded like he was in tuned with existence remember the good times every time it's played I'll play it one more time right now in honor of your pops
get off I65.
Lost my dad about the same time ,this song has so much soul, grace a peace to you .
My really sorry for you lose
dude you made me cry...
42 now, was 16 when this was released and still the hook brings me back
One hell of a vocal performance.
+Phil Savage Check out Carolina Blues by them if you haven't yet. Ridiculously great falsetto.
He's literally the only talented guy in the band.
One of greatest 90s bands of all time. I wish we could still get real bands these days.
Damn good song. The vocals, music, and lyrics are perfect.
guitar riffs got me.
It’s a gorgeous song.. favorite part.. harmonica, tight guitar solos.. but the duet.. they are rapping!! The lyrics are so tight.. Never get tired of this song!! Xx j
It’s pachabel. The entire song is mocking you and straight telling you it’s garbage, derived, and lazy. It’s a giant middle finger. I don’t know how people keep missing that…
I remember when this first came out i was blown away. Such genius lyrics that mean absolutely anything in particular
Crazy to think this came out over 20 years ago...
Did not expect to see you here
+whatever People with 3 million subscribers make comments that go completely unnoticed too?
+Ginger Fitzgerald 2 likes only? Lmao
and the message still hits home
+Hawkeye gamerguy and what would that be
Thank you Mr David Letterman Gor introducing me to this band some 30 years ago or more. Because of your actions I have had many enjoyable hours of listing.
Absolutely one of the most underrated bands from the 90's... And I'm only just now realizing this!
BLUES TRAVELER BROUGHT ME HERE!
I'm thinking 90's music was deeper than we thought
Some
We don’t hear what we are listening to, if we did most would wake up. We been warned just did not listen, well at lest me .
Im starting to feel the same
It depends on how stoned you were then, or how stoned you are now. Philosophy can be a bitch that way.
oh man you hit the nail on the head man. Statism has been a plague on humanity for 1000s of years and it has proven time and time again that a "need" for authority is the most dangerous supertition.
Loved them since i was a kid in the 90s and still love to put them on. Popper made harmonica solos cool
They ain’t lying that hook really do always be bringing me back
IKR?
Join the club.😂😂😂
Been bringing me back since it was first released...nothing like a 90s memoir
Love this song. Wonder how many people actually listen to the lyrics and realize that he is clowning on people and saying that he can say anything as long as he sings with a catchy hook they will love it and he was right. This won a Grammy. So many think this is a love song or some crap.
Yeah, I know. I thought the same thing for a long time.
This exact thing won Hitler the support of a nation. Think about that…
reaparecer ótimo e restaurado
The glorious 90's and Blues Traveler.❤️👍
I hope this band knows how amazing they are !
They don’t make music like this anymore…sad..and not to many vocalist could even come close to this ..so talented..#90s
I was just telling my mum this. It's not whether the songs today are good or bad...they just sound all the same. Every decade from the 60s-90s had a different style of pop music but bands and solo artist all had their unique style as well.
yall oughta look a bit harder
2-26-24
Convalescing from knee surgery….
Snagged by the Hook once again….
59 years old now. Been listening to the Blues Travelers since the early 90s
55.
Same.