ROD MCKUEN ~ If You Go Away ~

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  • Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
  • Rod McKuen ~ IF YOU GO AWAY ~ song by Jacques Brel. English lyrics by Rod McKuen. McKuen and Jacques Brel collaborated on many songs that became hits. For this reason the two formed a close friendship. McKuen says: "When news of jacques death came I stayed locked in my bedroom and drank for a week."

КОМЕНТАРІ • 310

  • @mandrake3919
    @mandrake3919 Рік тому +24

    😢My beloved wife of 54 years is lying beside me suffering in pain from inoperable pancreatic and liver cancer. Even with her scheduled chemotherepy, she will be gone before long and so will the sunshine in my life. Rod's lyrics in english are so meaningful to me and express just how I feel at this time. Thank you Rod in heaven, if you can hear me. God bless you for this beautiful song presentation. I hope others who my loose the light of their life find healing in this song.

    • @nataliyazubanova3631
      @nataliyazubanova3631 Рік тому +4

      Be strong! May God give you the strength to endure!

    • @fob1xxl
      @fob1xxl 10 місяців тому +2

      I am so sorry. I know what you are going through. We were so very lucky. Most people will never know the love we had and how it sustained us. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories you created over the years. We hope to meet them again in Heaven. They just got there before us.......

    • @KEscano88
      @KEscano88 8 місяців тому +1

      Memory Eternal to your beautiful wife.

    • @CharlesDavis-f8k
      @CharlesDavis-f8k 5 місяців тому

      Never! Wake up and dust yourself off. New day.... work it honey. Claim it! A new land of consciousness for us all. !!!

  • @mayasilliman1465
    @mayasilliman1465 8 місяців тому +5

    I saw Rod in concert for his 50th birthday when I was in my early 20's. I still have the yellow jacket with his signature sneakers on the front and a blue and red front zipper. I keep it as I really loved this guy. I'm 75 now and can't tell you how valuable thar jacket is to ME. Would never sell or give it away. Some people just never understood Rod's poems and that's to their lack of understanding of that era.

  • @mattdragoneed6476
    @mattdragoneed6476 3 місяці тому +3

    JOKER Folie A' Deux brought me here. I loved this song in that particular scene and I just can't stop listening to it. I have even sung these lyrics to one girl whom I want to spend my life with
    "We'll ride on the rain
    We'll sail on your touch
    I'll ralk to your eyes
    That I love so much"

    • @NotRealValty
      @NotRealValty Місяць тому

      ngl Terry Jacks is lowkey better.

  • @elizabethceilidh6991
    @elizabethceilidh6991 10 років тому +99

    Dear Rod McKuen - I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for your beautiful words and songs. Thank you for your humor and love. Thank you for sharing your cats and Old English Sheepdogs with us. And especially, thank you for giving me the chance, one snow-stormy day in Michigan, to make one of my mom's dreams come true when I took her to OCC to one of your readings. Rest in peace, Mr. McKuen. You will be missed, sir, but your heartfelt words will live forever.
    "But if you go, I'll understand, leave me just enough love to fill up my hand. If you go away, if you go away, if you go away..."

    • @ClariceAust
      @ClariceAust 10 років тому +12

      Beautifully said..

    • @hippiedylan2704
      @hippiedylan2704 10 років тому +8

      only just found out he had passed away,i agree with everything you said,he holds a special place in my heart,i even called my late spaniel mr Kelly.

    • @russellbanks8540
      @russellbanks8540 10 років тому +15

      so well put I cried , glad there are others who love his genius, some dont understand him , he, s upper level,

  • @marionduber9756
    @marionduber9756 8 років тому +73

    I have loved this man since I first heard him at 17 I am 66 now have shared him with my daughter who loves him as much. the honest truth in his words. hit home.

    • @laszlobilki9785
      @laszlobilki9785 2 роки тому +1

      It brings tears in my eyes.

    • @peace-c2r
      @peace-c2r Рік тому

      Wow, if your memory hit the mark, cuz i thought it's been longer than that since i've heard this. Wow, eh.

  • @susanbouchier2217
    @susanbouchier2217 4 роки тому +10

    I just reread "Listen to the Warm" that a boyfriend gave me for my 20th birthday. I am 70. I still love the poetry.

  • @mylearningcompass
    @mylearningcompass 10 років тому +76

    In 1967, my girlfriend shared with me Rod McKuen's book "Listen to the Warm". Here was poetry that didn't rhyme and the words matched my experience. I was inspired to write my free verse poetry and still do. I saw Rod in concert at the Hollywood Bowl in 1969. Great concert and a warm memory. He touched me as I am sure did many others. Adios Rod.

    • @nancyp8695
      @nancyp8695 2 роки тому +1

      You had a great memory with that concert and him.
      🥰🥰🥰

    • @rainforme1850
      @rainforme1850 2 роки тому

      Oh I listen to that one over and over and then I read the book listen to the worm many many times. When I was 17 that book resonated with my heart and soul

    • @maryjanejones4627
      @maryjanejones4627 Рік тому +1

      I have loved my book Listen The Warm for 50 years. I was lucky enough to hear Rod read his poems one time in Atlanta.
      He should have been named Poet Laureate.

    • @CastielLovesIt
      @CastielLovesIt 10 місяців тому

      I’m envious you got to see him!

  • @lindarini4933
    @lindarini4933 10 років тому +22

    I saw Rod McKuen in Central Park in the mid 70's. It was a beautiful summer night. I also have several of his books. Over the years, I take them out periodically, as they remind me of my youth...He was one of a kind.

  • @angelialvares
    @angelialvares 14 років тому +19

    This is a fantastic version of "Ne me quitte pas", sung by the poet himself. So happy to have found it on Utube. Just brilliant and so beautifully expressed by Rod Mckuen. A true poetic genius!

  • @katherinestiletto
    @katherinestiletto 4 роки тому +38

    I’ve been in love with this song since 1983 and it’s 2020 and I’m still listening to Rod McKuen cover this classic :)

    • @onebonnylass
      @onebonnylass 3 роки тому +1

      I believe he wrote this song.

    • @katherinestiletto
      @katherinestiletto 3 роки тому +6

      @@onebonnylass Jacques Brel wrote it in 1959 as Ne Me Quitte Pas :) it’s originally French! Rod provided the English translation :)

    • @WickedFelina
      @WickedFelina 2 роки тому +4

      @@onebonnylass Jacques Brel wrote this song. Rod, like other performers, did their best to translate Brel's work.

    • @deemariewright3981
      @deemariewright3981 2 роки тому +1

      I fell in love with Rod McKuen poems & songs when I was fifteen years old. I probably still have a library book of him, I couldn’t bear to take it back. Yes, I feel bad about it.

  • @sharonwilkie2770
    @sharonwilkie2770 9 років тому +20

    Rod McKuen's a poet and songwriter extraordinaire. His albums "The Sea", "The Soft Sea", etc. are brilliant and this adaption of the 1959 French song is incredibly beautiful. Bravo!!

    • @willcullen894
      @willcullen894 9 років тому +7

      +Sharon Wilkie Indeed, he may not have a beautiful sounding voice, but he has a beautiful voice nonetheless :-)

  • @rosemaryaloisio7125
    @rosemaryaloisio7125 7 років тому +5

    RIP Rod McKuen, Thank you, for leaving us your beautiful Legacy.

  • @Gstein11
    @Gstein11 12 років тому +15

    I wish everyone could feel what I feel when I listen to Rod singing this.

  • @godsun798
    @godsun798 7 місяців тому +2

    THIS MAN IS LEGENDARY LEGEND THANK U SO MUCH
    FOR ALL U GAVE US🙏🏆🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

  • @paulineboundy3950
    @paulineboundy3950 9 років тому +17

    Saw him perform this at The Woodville Halls in the 70's - he was the best of his generation

  • @omaJeanette
    @omaJeanette 10 років тому +15

    Rest in peace, Mr. McKuen thank you for giving your beautiful words with your music to the world xxxx

  • @robinc8903
    @robinc8903 10 років тому +16

    ~ What a sad and heartfelt song~ Beautifully sung~ RIP Mr McKuen

  • @go2beach51
    @go2beach51 13 років тому +3

    How did I find myself here on a Friday night, crying over my lost youth, listening to Rod Mckuen and remembering a time in my life when I still believed that there was such a thing as a sensitive man? I can almost smell the "Windsong" perfume and Noxema. I listened to this album until I wore it out.

  • @meliah49
    @meliah49 10 років тому +18

    O my goodess. This brought back so many tender memories,

  • @joybreeden366
    @joybreeden366 Рік тому +2

    Yes, he had the ability to read and touch the inter most human feelings
    His words and songs are magnificent

  • @sharonwilling3226
    @sharonwilling3226 5 років тому +5

    I loved working at RCA Victor Records when Rod was recording there. He and I had many special and unforgettable moments in my office. I remember him standing at a window with his whole body illuminated by the sun behind him, smiling at me. I miss you still, Rod.

  • @michaelwilson2419
    @michaelwilson2419 3 роки тому +1

    I had the honor of attending a poetry reading by Rod McKuen at University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland around 1972. I never forgot it.

  • @maureengrogan5874
    @maureengrogan5874 Рік тому +1

    We have Rod McKuen to thank for the beautiful evocative song, but Frank is a fabulous interpreter of his songs. Especially this one. ❤❤

  • @tmr3513
    @tmr3513 10 років тому +74

    What most people don't get is Rod was the last of the "beat" musicians. Folk singers from the late 50's to early 60's who performed in coffee shops and bars, cafes in Greenwich Village. BEATNIK's. Acoustic guitars open mic just raw expression of thought through words. He inspired young people like Robert Zimmerman. You know Bob Dylan another singer who can't sing a lick......

  • @Wolfsky9
    @Wolfsky9 10 років тому +15

    One of the great qualities of artistic expression is that it is seen, heard, & felt by each of us in our own way. I cannot think of another name for whom those words ring true as they were for Rod McKuen. Some loved his work, others couldn't bear it. And no matter what else, he invoked passionate responses & feelings from all who listened. -- I 1st encountered Rod's work --" Stanyan Street & Other Sorrows", in late '68, through a girl I briefly dated. His poetry made me very uncomfortable & his singing voice even more so. However, by 1980, having moved to The City, I found Rod affected me very differently. I bought " The Sea" : I still own that album, having listened 1000 times at least. And, Rod's poetry suddenly spoke to me --very deeply. So, allow me to say, RIP ; you're already greatly missed . You made my life richer & for that, I send heartfelt thanks--forever. Wolfsky9, 68 y/o

  • @rnhealer6044
    @rnhealer6044 3 роки тому +4

    I listened to this beautiful love poem set to music by Rod McKuen with my eyes closed, savoring his voice, the words, It was wonderful. Thank you so much for uploading this video.

  • @beaularue4302
    @beaularue4302 9 років тому +12

    One of my favorite songs and one of my favorite poets!

  • @glennacagle
    @glennacagle 10 років тому +13

    R.I.P. ROD THANK YOU FOR THE BIG BRASS BED N LISTENING TO THE WARM you healed the pain of being alone in a new world where i was not known...thank you for sharing your heart with me ...peace love n happiness you r the way to harmony through the unknown....

  • @dublin1948
    @dublin1948 13 років тому +5

    Rod McKuen's poetry books are beautiful!

  • @bobpat79
    @bobpat79 11 років тому +5

    In college in the late 1960's, his music was listened to, his poetry was read - on campuses across the US. Girls sat for hours, sipping coffees or colas and listening to him.

  • @cesime
    @cesime 11 років тому +5

    brilliant poet and brilliant interpretation of jacques brel ne me quitte pas

  • @sharonlevin6534
    @sharonlevin6534 7 років тому +1

    The most unbelievable lyrics penned with Jacqueline Brel. Rest my dearest singer brilliant songwriter. Tears.

  • @mimpact99
    @mimpact99 10 років тому +10

    Rod, I'm 78 and will join you soon. Can't wait to hear your new songs

    • @jamestv5173
      @jamestv5173 7 років тому +1

      Michael Warner this comment made me cry omg ❤

    • @GeoffErvin
      @GeoffErvin 6 років тому +1

      Hang in there mike you may live to be 100

    • @nazozden5392
      @nazozden5392 5 років тому +2

      how are you michael? i have been listening this song all day long and i saw your comment. hope you are ok still listening this beautiful song with us.

  • @mikeprell2747
    @mikeprell2747 10 років тому +6

    This Man's music was so much a part of my life in the late 60's. His THE ART OF CATCHING TRAINS completely blew me away with it's power. It saddened me so very much when I learned of his recent death. But did he really die? How could he? How does spirit like his ever go way/

  • @lisamia05
    @lisamia05 9 років тому +13

    singer, poet, one of a kind

  • @nancycampbell2443
    @nancycampbell2443 10 років тому +1

    Thank you for your beautiful poetry and songs. You helped me ease my youthful journey through the late 1960's of college, the Viet Nam War era and my loneliness and self doubt.

  • @Zudick1960
    @Zudick1960 12 років тому +7

    Please remember Rod and Jacques wrote, thought, and believed together...such beauty...please do not destroy this perfect union.

  • @maloney1953
    @maloney1953 8 років тому +16

    used to enjoy it when he was on smothers brothers show back in the 60s.... he wrote a lot of good poetry that he would read on the show...

  • @jms4177
    @jms4177 6 років тому +1

    I had the privilege of talking to Rod backstage at the Fisher Theater in Detroit when he appeared the in the sixties. He was an enviable man.

  • @bro8974
    @bro8974 4 роки тому +1

    I miss so much of my younger years, especially late sixties and early seventies. This song brings me back on this sad day as we endure the Corona Virus crisis.

  • @MaryannMiller
    @MaryannMiller 6 років тому +1

    Having such a good time going back to earlier years when I first started listening to the music of Rod McKuen.

  • @samshepard6235
    @samshepard6235 5 років тому +2

    I first heard his songs in 1966 still in high school in SF and they still move me.

  • @slee1480
    @slee1480 10 років тому +45

    I wish you didn't have to go away...RIP Rod

  • @jolynngood2746
    @jolynngood2746 6 років тому +2

    I went to Mr. McKuen's concerts in Denver. Went to 4 or 5 of them. My favorite was the one at Red Rocks. He got several standing ovations. I was so sorry to hear he died.

  • @iahelcathartesaura3887
    @iahelcathartesaura3887 5 років тому +4

    Thank you, Rod McKuen for translating & making this great song for so many artists. ❤️

  • @humbleradioTokyoAdventures
    @humbleradioTokyoAdventures 10 років тому +36

    He did what made him happy. And those things just happened to make many others happy too. Isn't that enough?

  • @jamesmock5448
    @jamesmock5448 7 років тому +4

    To those of us who love you and your music, ...you will never go away. Thank God you will always be with us. What a great void now that you are not physically with us! A colossal talent and loving spirit.

  • @rainforme1850
    @rainforme1850 2 роки тому

    I was such a big fan I’m in the 70s of rod McKuen. My mom and dad bought me concert tickets in Seattle and I brought my best friend. I had a couple books at one time too

  • @net1go369
    @net1go369 4 роки тому +3

    So natural & down to earth rendition. Rod in tune w/everyone!

  • @myraburch8091
    @myraburch8091 8 років тому +22

    this man had great love poems
    i loved him

  • @michaelrosum2611
    @michaelrosum2611 9 років тому +12

    I miss him. He reminds me of college days.

  • @lilien231
    @lilien231 9 років тому +1

    If you go away , Please , don't Go Away ...

  • @richahill3552
    @richahill3552 9 років тому +4

    Have always loved this song, never knew about Rod's involvement, possibly one of the best versions.

  • @mariaottavia
    @mariaottavia 10 років тому +6

    Breathtaking!!!

  • @saywhat4224
    @saywhat4224 9 років тому +7

    It is so that we hear this song for it's purity of meaning when heard through Rod's heart and voice. Thank you Rod for leaving us so much of you. xxoo

    • @WickedFelina
      @WickedFelina 2 роки тому

      This song is the BEST translation he could do to be faithful to the original ~ 'Ne Me Quitte Pas' by the one composer and poet Jaques Brel. It is his "pure heart' you hear. Find it with English subtitles here on UA-cam. Then, avail your soul to the rest of Brel's original work. Trust me, you will NEVER be the same again.

  • @lokuzzz
    @lokuzzz 15 років тому +2

    we played this song on the funeral of my stepfather. it was very very touching and moving.
    great song, great interpretation

  • @julirensch
    @julirensch 10 років тому +17

    Farewell Rod...your energy remains with us...
    Observer Jules

  • @nancyp8695
    @nancyp8695 2 роки тому +2

    I love the way he sang, as if he was talking to himself in an empty room 😥😥😥

  • @abelofchrist
    @abelofchrist 10 років тому +8

    Raw & beautiful.......

  • @browndog461
    @browndog461 11 років тому +9

    Remembering my young years and Rod seemed have our pulse for living with his words.

  • @gerardop9633
    @gerardop9633 2 роки тому +1

    Excelente+Excelente+ Excelente

  • @fransvinks6828
    @fransvinks6828 4 роки тому +2

    So beautiful!!!!!!

  • @annevogle
    @annevogle 3 роки тому +1

    No words..such beauty..such pain.almost unbearable

  • @dorisstouder3607
    @dorisstouder3607 6 років тому +2

    I love this, used to listen to him a lot and had his records. Glad to see and hear him sing again. Sad song but love it.

  • @BrianJMonahan
    @BrianJMonahan 9 років тому +4

    Being good is worth it!

  • @Wallula
    @Wallula 7 років тому +1

    I was fortunate to see him in concert in mid-sixties at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh PA. Mesmerizing

  • @beverlymurphy9887
    @beverlymurphy9887 10 років тому +8

    I must find my dog eared, tear stained book of your poems and Stanyan Street and Other Sorrows, because I was there THEN, when you wrote them. You never knew what good friends we were and how many hours we shared. We can "touch" your words and they us. Thank you and rest well.

  • @carolgiltrow7298
    @carolgiltrow7298 11 років тому +1

    I saw Rod perform this at The Royal Albert Hall early 1970s. Magic.

  • @nancyashba1550
    @nancyashba1550 8 років тому +3

    Gosh, I love this song!

  • @junfsinatra
    @junfsinatra 14 років тому

    素晴らしい。SINATRA盤とRod McKUEN盤共に素晴らしいです。ありがとう。

  • @shalimarsgirl
    @shalimarsgirl 10 років тому +22

    And now, we must face the news of Rod McKuen's death. "Here's to you, Rod McKuen. Rest In Peace. You live in our hearts."

  • @iamhere3442
    @iamhere3442 2 роки тому +1

    “ Leave me just enough love to fill up my hand.” ❤️

  • @mthobelinathanheshu8423
    @mthobelinathanheshu8423 3 роки тому

    Wow! One of the songs that linger in my mind. I Googled it today & this magic came up 👏

  • @mmbmbmbmb
    @mmbmbmbmb 9 років тому +2

    such tremendous discovery ... what remarkable rendition!

    • @TheMilady27
      @TheMilady27 9 років тому

      ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ потрясно

    • @mmbmbmbmb
      @mmbmbmbmb 9 років тому +1

      TheMilady27
      Awesome indeed, Maria!
      Nice to hear from you ;o)
      Hugs, Karin

    • @TheMilady27
      @TheMilady27 9 років тому

      mmbmbmbmb his singing gave me goose bumps
      simply amazing
      big hug and best wishes, dear Karin

    • @mmbmbmbmb
      @mmbmbmbmb 9 років тому +1

      TheMilady27 same here Maria! My best to you ... with hugs!

    • @TheMilady27
      @TheMilady27 9 років тому +1

      mmbmbmbmb ♥♫♯

  • @Uschi4370
    @Uschi4370 9 років тому +7

    "Thank God Your Voice Is Still There" ........... R.I..P ..........

  • @janis041964
    @janis041964 2 роки тому

    Outstanding!!!!!!!!

  • @RonaldoSilvaOliveira-m1k
    @RonaldoSilvaOliveira-m1k Місяць тому +1

    10 Anos Sem Rod McKuen

  • @Rozrr
    @Rozrr 12 років тому +1

    Saw him in the Albert hall many years ago. Loved him then and still do...

  • @7howie71
    @7howie71 13 років тому

    I used to go to his shows when ever he was in London.
    Still can see him at the albert hall.
    Got his books signed still think he is great.

  • @rachelnicoleeeee
    @rachelnicoleeeee 9 років тому +1

    wow this is beyond so beautiful. how have i not heard this till now?

    • @maloney1953
      @maloney1953 8 років тому +1

      +Rachel Guest he used to be on the smothers brothers show... he wrote and read some really great stuff back then

  • @bulki1992
    @bulki1992 13 років тому +4

    Honestly, I don't know why other people here hate this so much. I LOVE this-the second-best version after Brel's, in my opinion. (And that's a lot coming from me, since I don't normally consider myself a very artistic person, but this rendition is just beautiful. I could almost feel his pain-but of course, Brels' is incomparable and absolutely spectacular.

  • @mickeyrich1chance
    @mickeyrich1chance 8 років тому +4

    Love this song!

  • @MarkHolman
    @MarkHolman 10 років тому +4

    GOD BLESS YOU!

  • @philipwood5284
    @philipwood5284 10 років тому +27

    Sad news of his Death. Loved him for 40 years. His Classical music was wonderful, too.

    • @lenspaulding
      @lenspaulding 10 років тому +1

      Phil did you remember him by getting "high"? Which would be appropriate and you and I both know it Sir!

  • @wendyclarke4163
    @wendyclarke4163 12 років тому +1

    What a great song by a great singer>

  • @MarkSM
    @MarkSM 10 років тому +5

    Just heard.
    RIP Rod.
    I think I remember others singing your songs.

  • @virginiabower4232
    @virginiabower4232 9 років тому +2

    Great stuff. Legend.

  • @nancybates80
    @nancybates80 8 років тому +2

    I REALLY LOVED HIM!!!

  • @giornosmusic5556
    @giornosmusic5556 2 роки тому +1

    Bravo!❤🎼

  • @helveretsja645
    @helveretsja645 4 роки тому +1

    Very nice go deeply heart!

  • @natjack6515
    @natjack6515 7 років тому +1

    No one has sung this song as sweetly and as tenderly as Rod McKuen.
    Neil Diamond came close, Mr Sinatra should not have bothered.

  • @ElfeMusik
    @ElfeMusik 8 років тому +1

    filled with Beauty !!!

  • @amandaleopold1687
    @amandaleopold1687 9 років тому +1

    So beautiful...I wish I could find "I always knew that you would find me"

  • @lillianblessing
    @lillianblessing 3 роки тому

    A blessing to us...

  • @solidsnake19902342
    @solidsnake19902342 9 років тому +2

    Very touching words

  • @marianhoogland5777
    @marianhoogland5777 10 років тому +6

    Rest in peace, Rod. I still love you!!! M.

  • @terryclary
    @terryclary 14 років тому

    Very nice unusual voice.......thank you Judie........ Terry

  • @penelopealderson
    @penelopealderson 12 років тому +1

    This is pure poetry. After all Rod wrote this and he knows how it should be said. Others have diluted the essence.

  • @marilynoneil8781
    @marilynoneil8781 10 років тому +2

    I love to hear Neil Diamond's version. And I think it's simplicity hits the listener to the core, because it states the feeling just as it's felt. The news of his passing made me sad.

  • @ARockhill1
    @ARockhill1 11 років тому +2

    I love Rod's work very much. The only album I had was "For Lovers Only" with Anita Kerr. I just lost the cover to flood this week...it broke my heart. Thanks for posting this.