I think that one line, "I think I caught his spirit later that same year. I'm sure I heard his echo in my babys newborn tears" is one of the most beautiful lines of lyric ever written. Gets me every time.
Agree. My nephew was born a few months after my grandfather passed away and every so often he does or says something that reminds me of him, so it hits me every time as well.
The first 8 years of my marriage, whenever I’d visit with my parents, my dad would always ask when I was going to give him a grandchild. My wife had problems conceiving so I’d always just tell him we were trying and he’d be the first to know. I kept true to my word and he was the first person told when she got pregnant. The joy on his face was beyond measure. He couldn’t have been more excited. He passed away in January of 2002. His grandson was born in April of that same year. That line of the song destroys me every single time I hear it because he never got to hold the grandchild he wanted so much.
''I wish I could have told him in the living years'' these lyrics get to me every time after that. I lost my father when I was 10, in 1990. I'm 44, and I miss him as much
That was God's way of telling your father is still with you just at a greater distance, l was in your situation l was blessed to be with both my parents as they too their last breath on this earth. This song is beyond powerful, truer feelings can't be put into words their just felt, and Mike and his band could not of sang it any better, truly a masterpiece. Beyond forever mom and dad love you.
I'm 73 and the verse, "I wasn't there that morning, when my Father passed away. Didn't get to tell him, all the things I had to say." still brings tears to my eyes. In 1963 (a month before my 13th Birthday) my Father was out of town and died from a heart attack. Sure wish I would have told him more often how much I loved, respected, and admired him. Damn! Tears in my eyes as I'm typing this.
My heart goes out to you! I am sure your father remembered that you loved him; death has a way of God letting the right words be said or brought to someone's memory, I believe before he or she dies. You might not have been given the chance that exact moment he died, but i think God blessed him in his passing, that he knew you loved him.
Lord, I am crying. Remembering my Dad in a nursing home with Alzheimer’s. A man who had to quit high school due to the depression, fought in WWII and work as a brick layer to support his family. If I could go back in time and say thank you for your service, your work effort, thank you for your life. I love you Dad!
I WAS there that morning,when my father passed away. I was in a recliner by his hospital bed,holding his hand. Then,for just a moment,I dozed off and yes,that’s when my Dad slipped away. He had been a quiet man and I know he regretted the hurt done by his alcoholism when I was a child. And I believe,even though he was unconscious,that he heard all that I had whispered in his ear throughout that night…about love,forgiveness and my own apology for not being the kind of daughter I felt he deserved. Right after he took his final breath,as I was looking at him one last time…a single tear ran down his face. I believe that tear was just for me,a goodbye for his little girl;an “I love you” from the man who rarely said it. I have had the great fortune in my now 70 years,to have known the end was near for most of the people I loved. So, I did get to say many of those things we often don’t say because we think there’s more time. What an absolute blessing that was! And even now,when a memory I had tucked away pops up or an old hurt is resurrected by a new one, I STILL talk to them. I miss them all so much,but I know I’ll be along soon.❤️❤️
I sat with my dad through those long hours of chemotherapy and while we both would have given anything not to be sitting in that hospital, now he's gone I look back and I'm so thankful for those last hours we had together because we said it all and I will be forever grateful for that.
I’m 80 years old and have enjoyed so many wonderful songs in those years. But this is my favorite. And the underlying message “you can listen as well as you hear” is a message we can/should live by.
Many people miss the fact that the song’s first chorus is sung by young children, then the second by sung by older people, while the last is a combination of both.
I don’t know if you will read my comment, but my story about my dad is this, my dad was a coal miner, he was killed down the mine age 37.I was 5 years old at that time. I stood at the garden gate and waved him of to work that morning. That was the last time I saw my dad. And yes, I didn’t get to tell him all the things I had to say. I am an old age pensioner now in my 70 s , and I still miss my dad. Thankyou so much for your personal and emotional response to this song .🙏❤️sending lots of love care and attention, to everyone who misses their dad.❤️🙏
I read your comment. I am so sorry for your loss. Life is different for those of us who lost parents in childhood. In some ways, our childhoods died with them... ❤❤❤
@@pdatnc Thankyou for your reply, Yes I totally agree. 4th, March 1959. That was the day I became an adult. If I could travel back in time, it would be to the. 3rd March 1959, and tell my dad, Please don’t go to work tomorrow, dad let’s go into the outhouse , and look after your budgies, and drink your fresh home made ginger beer. 🦜🍻🦜🍻🦜🍻❤️🙏. (. IF. ONLY 🤔❤️🙏🦜🍻. )
I'm so sorry to hear that. This song is absolutely heartbreakingly beautiful. So moving. Grief is such a difficult subject. This particular song illustrates the frustration of never saying Al the things we should had said...But we are human and sadly we take life at time for granted. In your case you never got those years to have with your dear late father.
@@andreasknebel7453 Thanks for letting me know. I'll blame it on a senior moment. The first time I saw them live was on November (14th , I think) 1973. It was a capacity crowd, I'm sure....565 people (no typo!) at Cohen Auditorium, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts. I drove 100 miles from UMASS Amherst with my three college roommates. Arrived 2 hours early....NO ONE in the auditorium but us just killing time. At one point I jump up from the aisle seat I was in and took one step up the aisle when about 15 feet in front of me, walking down the aisle, was Peter Gabriel. I had no time to think about what to say and all I could muster was "Hello, Peter" in my best English accent. He just walked by and went backstage. I'm 73 yo and it's still the favorite concert in my lifetime. They were so tight musically and Peter's costume changes and theatrics were very unexpected. We sat about 10 rows from the stage. I still have a few photos of Peter in different costumes. I took them right at the edge of the stage. I saw them three more times....two in Boston and the final time was in NYC for the Lamb Lies Down On Broadway tour. Thanks for your correction. I hope you enjoyed my story!
My father passed away in July 1987. My first child, a son, was born in October 1987. This song was released in the U.S. in December 1988. The first time I heard it, and every time since, I cried. I wasn’t there the morning my father passed and I didn’t get to tell him all the things I had to say. I miss my dad ❤️
My Mother had just passed away in the hospital, I was there. My Father couldn’t deal with arranging the funeral home, so I went. On the way there, this song played. I lost it.
" I wasn't there that morning , when my father passed away" the frustration of the author is in the way he plays the guitar, genius. This song is timeless and in it's honesty.
This Song hit's even harder if you lost your father already, and the relationship was complicated. One of the most emotional Songs ever in my opinion, cannot listen without crying
This song is an analogy of generational precipitation of life and death. Young folks think they will live forever as their parents should, while older folks realize time is shorter everyday and closure isn’t always available before the end. Truly an exceptional song, have always loved it!
Dad passed away from cancer on Good Friday, April 10th 2020 from Cancer. I was lucky enough to be with Mum in the hospital when he passed, as it was Covid and they were not really letting people visit. Im so glad I was able to tell him I couldnt have asked for a better Dad. He wasnt my biological father, he met my Mum when I was 14, and while we didnt get along until I was in my 20's, he always introduced me as his daughter, he always wished the best for me, and I couldnt have been happier that my Mum met someone who loved her beyond anything else
If you don't get emotional when hearing this song, then you don't have a heart in your chest. We all get tears. And yes, Paul Carrack did an amazing job singing this song. Kudos to Mike Rutherford & B.A. Robertson for writing a classic that will be enjoyed for years and years to come.
One of the greatest songs ever written, penned by Mike Rutherford, sung in perfection by Paul Carrack, one of the most talented vocalist/song writers in our lifetime and still is to this day, I lost my dad in June 1984 and my son was born two months later and this song has a powerful meaning and realisation to me
I wasn’t there that morning, when my father passed away. My father died 4 years ago from Covid and sadly was alone. I have peace knowing nothing was left unsaid between us. Our last words were to say I love you to each other ❤️
I had a complicated relationship with my father. He was Silent Gen. I'm Gen X. We never really had any meaningful conversations. Everything was superficial. Movies, TV and sports. He wanted me to be a lawyer, I wanted anything but. He developed dementia in his last few years. The guy I knew was gone and I never really had any closure with him before he passed. The last time I saw him, I grabbed his hand and told him that I loved him. He was barely speaking and in hospice. He nodded his head gently. If that was our goodbye, it was more than enough, given the circumstances. Say what you have to say while your loved ones are here or you'll live with that regret. That's the song and it's beautiful. Hits so hard every time I hear it.
This song came out in ‘88 because I played it for my parents at my wedding in 1988 (Canada). I played it again in 2012 when my father passed away at his service. The night before he died I read him the eulogy I wrote for him and I saw a glimmer in his eye from his hospital bed. I took that as approval. We took him off life support the next morning. BTW - you mention it sounds like Phil Collins. Mike Rutherford (Mike of the Mechanics) was a founding member of Genesis…for whom Phil Collins was the drummer.
Actually the song was written not by the drummer but by Scottish singer/songwriter B A Robertson with Mike Rutherford, an artist who had a few hits in the late 70s. Please get it right before you comment, sorry to be pedantic but he deserves the credit and Paul Carrack on vocals perfect song, sentiment and voice.
My ex husband would literally crumble at this song. He and his dad had a difficult relationship, his dad never once said he was proud of him to his face or that he loved him... it was all he wanted. This song just said everything to him.
I'm a 58 year old guy and I cry like a baby every time I hear this song! My Dad wasn't perfect, but he loved me and I was so blessed to have him as a my earthly Father.
Mate, I've been listening to this song since it came out more than 30 years ago and it hits harder and harder as the years go by. It always reminds me to give my dad a call while I still can. Another moving song from Mike + The Mechanics is "Another Cup Of Coffee".
It's a beautiful public service announcement as well as a fantastic song. Make things right while you have the chance and save yourself a world of regret! And the brilliant Paul Carrack vocal is, as always, out of this world. A special song.
I was quite amazed when this came out how therapeutic it was not only for me but as well for the millions of people who heard it on the radio. It was well crafted to be a common thread through everybody
I haven’t heard this in a long time, but still know every word. I wasn’t there the day my father passed away. I was only 27. He was 62. He wasn’t around for my wedding or the birth of his only grandchild. It’s been hard. My mom is still here today though. At 88. ❤
The 80s was a turning point in musical expressions of feelings we normal kept inside. I'm 71 and lived through these awaking times. I love this song because the theme carries through the years. Enjoyed your remarks.
My Dad had Alzheimers, and he didn't know me anymore. He was taken into hospital a week before Christmas 2022, where he would lie in bed with his eyes closed unresponsive. My Mum and I went in to see him on Christmas day, where we sat his bedside for a few hours. When we left, I said "Bye Dad" to which he startled me when he said "Bye Son" I was so happy knowing he knew it was me and that I was there. Sadly he passed not long after. I'm just glad that he's with God now, where he will be forever young.
I was there with my father when he died. I told him that each one of us, by name, loved him and if he wanted to go be with Jesus, he could go. He died literally within 3 or 4 seconds after I told him that we loved him. I have never seen my father's eyes more blue as he looked up (I think to Heaven) and died. Tell your parents that you love them because you never know when God will take them. We knew my father was close due to the cancer in his brain taking him, but he understood what I said, I know he did because he seemed to be hanging on to life for that reminding of our love for him.
Sorry for your loss, but happy you were with him and had a chance to say goodbye. Unlike my Father (see earlier comment), I was with my Mother when she passed. She lived to be 98 and never remarried (or even dated) but sacrificed a lot to take care of us kids. I was holding her hand and she was in a semi-conscious state. I thanked her for all she did for us and then said, "I love you Mom, but it's time to go. Dad's waiting for you." I know she heard me because she gave my hand an ever so weak squeeze, took one breath and that was it. Please people tell your loved ones how much you care because one never knows when they will be gone. You won't regret it.
@@AFmedic I am so sorry that you weren't by your dad's side! So glad you were by your mom's side though; that had to bless your heart. I don't know what your God-given talent is, but God gave me the ability to be by family and friends' parents or grandparents when they died from long illnesses. The family or friend's parent would be taken off all the heart monitors and blood pressure machines; some were at home but most were at the hospital in the hospice area. When the hospice nurses or doctors would come by they would usually mess up the time of expected death. But having been by the bedside of so many friends' parents and my own loved ones, I usually can tell how long the person has to live. I remember one hospice nurse told my family that my dad would make it to Monday and that would be when she would be back. At the same time my uncle who had been a paramedic and helicopter pilot in Vietnam and I both told the hospice nurse that my father wouldn't see sunrise of the next day! She didn't care to he hear it. My father died at approximately 6:28am that next morning, Sunday. The sun rose at 6:35am that day! My uncle had been up for 3 days with my dad before I got there and I had been up for 40 hours straight with him when he died. So, my uncle slept and the rest of our family that was there were sleeping also, when God took him Home. I really believe when God calls us Home He lets whomever needs us there or no human to be there when we are dying. But I know the angels are with that person, because they are entering into Heaven. Your dad was at the Literal, "Pearly Gates" waiting for your momma! God bless you and know you will see both parents again.
My best friend died 5/3/24. She wasn’t well for about a year, but she slipped away so quickly we feel like a bulldozer ran over us. I just pray she knew how much she was loved, and I’m so glad she didn’t suffer. TLC 1950-2024
Oh my gosh. I started my adulthood in the 80's. I heard this song so many times. I recall sobbing the first time I heard it. Now I'm entering old age. Both my parents are gone and this is the first time hearing it in my current life chapter. It just hits so much harder than it did when I thought they would be hear forever. Sobbing again.
This song is timeless. The line about being hostage to all his hopes and fears! 😢 how many of us live a life based on what our parents believed or stood for and for fear of causing hurt to loved ones did exactly that, and we are all a little guilty of doing so with our own children ❤❤
Its been 47 years since my father passed in his sleep, I remember everything that day. Mum would take my brother and I to Sunday school then to the 11am service. That day dad turned up and went to church with us, after church, we went for a long sunday drive and had a picnic in a park. Then when we got home we had Roast lamb for dinner. Then only being 12 went to bed, that being the last time with Dad. As I am hitting my 60th in a few mouths, and listerning to, The Living Years it could have been alot different if dad had lived a longer life. Maybe we could have had unspoken words that should have been sheared, I still Love my dad after all these years. But the greatest gift was looking after mum for 8 years and being with her when she passed back in 2011, and with all the words that needed to be spoken came to an end, with. I Love you mum - I Love you to Alex.
I had not thought of this song, in a while. I am 55 years now. Both of my Parents have died. My brother, and his family are 300 miles away. Local friends -distant family, or friends help. My Parents were Doctor and Nurse, and when they each died, they knew the physical consequences. My Mom did in 2015 of Osteoporosis related organ failure. I was the last in the family to visit her -and I told her I loved her, and would be back the next day, with Dad. She died, under hospital care at 4am. I am glad to have said and been answered with "love" before. My Dad, lived near me, developed Dementia. I was driving him, cooking for him, taking him on errands, appointments, and we had paid care, and Hospice. Dad lived with me and my two Cats for a year. My brother and family came to visit, as did close-family (his own brother) and friends from church. Dementia robs all from the person,...I told my Dad that I loved him, every day, and he returned, when he could. Hospice alerted us that he was terminal, and my brother traveled in, just in time, that we were both at Dad's bed, when....yet, he couldn't talk or eat that last week; only medication. Friends and family do help,...yet, without both parents, and all the pain they had, gives me in-turn more anxiety, grief, less sleep, and therapy. Yet, I told both of my Parents that I loved them, and I did my share of care. Say it loud -say it clear -the living years! When this song came out in 1989, when the first Gulf War started in '91-'92, this song came back into the public conscious, with all the Allied soldiers deployed.
This song came out when I was in HS. My old man was a racist piece of human excrement that beat the Hell out of me, never once said he was proud of me, didn't come to my football games or track meets, and traded the car I wanted to buy from him when I got home from basic to get back at me for choosing to serve my country instead of selling used cars at his crappy used car lot. I forgave him until 12 years ago when he said he'd do it all over again. We never spoke again. He died last month. I'm a retired Army veteran now and 100% more of a man than he ever was. Forgive only the repentant. If he's in Heaven, (I seriously doubt it) he knows how much he hurt me and my family. I hope he felt the pain he inflicted. Forgiveness is now between him and God. If you had a horrible father, don't be like him. Learn how to be the best damn dad you can from your old man's mistakes. Cheers from America.
Amongst the things that make this song great is the going from the kids to the adults choir-wise. Showing these things mean just as much no matter your age
I’ve always loved this song. Thank you for your touching reaction. I was just listening to some tape recordings, which I recently digitized, of my father who passed away in 2021. It means the world to be able to hear his voice and his stories now that he’s gone.
I lost both my parents from 2020 - 2022. I get tears everytime I hear this song because it perfectly captures my relationship with my dad who was a strict military man. I never saw eye to eye with my dad and I never got to say goodbye to him when he passed away, and it makes me sad thinking about how it could have been different.
I remember my dad tuning to alcoholism in his older years, but he finally gave it up for good after I told him if he couldn't say he loved me while sober, then don't say it. The night he died, I was at the hospital and told him I loved him, then left. Early that morning I got the call that he had passed. Now, 20 years later, I still miss him.
Funny u compare them to Phil Collins as Mike Rutherford (Guitarist/Guy in the video) is one of the founders and guitarists of Genesis! Paul Carrack (Lead vocalist) has been in many bands, but also has an amazing solo career as well!
I am a reaction video addict because I vicariously re-live my first time hearing songs through surrogates (I am now 53 years old) and your reaction is nearest to my own.👊🏼
I wasn't there when my father passed, but I did spend a few hours interviewing him about his life. He had an amazing life filled with experiences that most people could only dream of. I video taped it, so I can play it whenever I need to hear his voice.
This brings tears down the side of my face as I lie and listen to this song at half past midnight - hits precisely at feeling of loosing my dad 32 years ago and I failed to say things that should have been said and a month later my daughter was born and I could catch his spirit around in the echoes of my new baby’s tears !
Back in 1981 my sister gave birth to a little baby boy. Later the same day, our father died suddenly. He just sat down in his arm chair and passed away from a massive heart attack. This song always reminds me of that day.
That line in the last verse "I wasn't there that morning when my father passed away"....? rips my heart out. My father died from lung cancer on a Saturday morning mid-day on the 29th November 2003. I was 2 minutes from his home but I wasn't allowed to see him. This has haunted me since. I never got to say goodbye to hold his hand or kiss him on the fore-head. I can't listen to this song ever....I think about him often and wonder if he thought I didn't want to see him before he past. I was so close but my step-mum said "NO".....
similar happened to me, but i did get to kiss him a week before he died, it was spur of the moment, i had never kissed him on the lips before,when he passed i was too late to say goodbye and when i asked te see him my siblings said no, i was 50 yrs old at the time and my elder brothers and sisters still tried to protect me.
This song always makes me tear up when I hear it. My father and I were not estranged or anything and in fact I was still living at home. But I was on vacation in Hawaii when he passed away back in 1990 and I didn't get to say goodbye. The last thing I said to him was that I would see him when I came home.
My father passed away in1997 in his sleep so I never got to say I loved him and that I was sorry for all the times I was angry at him for the littlest thing [dad I love you and I'm sorry ]
My Dad passed away while on holiday with my Mum in Malta and I found out when someone who was arranging to bring him home phoned and told me. It was the most awful shock and I wasn't there for him. I am 79 now and whenever I here this song I cry. Can't help it. I was and always will be my Daddies little girl❤❤❤Love to everyone who has lost not just Dads but Mums as well. Parents are precious😊😊😊😊😊
This song has encouraged a lot of people to make peace with loved ones. It is a very emotional song but has a message. I was holding my fathers hand when he passed but we had had a difficult relationship for many years. I'm so happy we made amends before he passed.
My dad died in my arms 2 days ago on Xmas day (25-12-2024) after nearly a 14 year battle with Multiple Myeloma, He was ion that much pain relief and on a syringe driver so he was out of it, I took a bluetooth speaker and played all his favourite music, this was the 2nd to last song before he took his last breathe. He wasn't just my dad he was my best friend we did everything together, my heart is broken and life is never going to be the same.
I first heard this song in December of 1988, a week or so after my father passed away, he died in Florida and I was living in New York. The words rang true for me then and to this day
Im surprised you mentioned Phil Collins! Mike Rutherford was a member of Genesis and formed Mike & the Mechanics while on hiatus. I’ve loved this song from the moment I heard it. By the time this song was played my father had been dead for 25 yrs. I had just turned 14 yrs old. I cry every time I hear this song.
My mom taught 6 children to love music passionately. My siblings and our kids and grandkids have been given the same gift passed down. We share our songs with ea other but no one has (at all) same traste. BUT... This song, thru 4 generations, since it came out and I played it for my mom, it made her cry, me cry, my kids cry, to this day, every time I hear it. My mom is gone now but it's a masterpiece. THANK YOU NICK AND RANDALL❤ Have a beautiful Sunday!
My father and I had a very tremulous relationship. Hardly spoke in his latter years. He died aged 54 while I was away serving in the Falkland's. I'm 71 now and this song still makes me blub! "I wish I could have told him in the living years"
My youngest son cannot to listen to this song. He was away when his father passed and he feels the regret that he did not get to say goodbye to a father he revered and loved deeply.
I was so lucky to tell my father everything I wanted him to know after that 2 weeks after that he passed away but he knew he wasn't only my best friend he was my hero I was a daddy's girl I loved him so much he loved his country he was in service for 32 years and most of all he loved his family he passed away in his sleep I got to tell him how much I loved him I was so lucky to get to have this conversation with my dad
I was 14 when my Dad Died, I was trying to get him up out of his chair and into bed but he collapsed on me, he passed right there in my arms, He was a 6ft tall man and while he'd lost weight, for me at 14 he was still heavy. He was my world I miss him so much. Everyday..My own Son looks like him & as he gets older he looks even MORE like him. My son said While looking at Old family photos "Gee Mum, Me & Pop are the same" for me, It's So special. 💜 I always come back to reactions of this song to see How you all React to one of the most beautiful song ever written. To all those who have lost someone My condolences. ❤
My heart goes out to you and your whole family. A father is a hard person to lose in life. I was the only girl, so I was spoiled rotten. My brother died when he was only 7 from the same kind of brain cancer that killed my dad many years later. I told my dad my brother was in Heaven waiting for him, and that my mother two other brothers and I loved him and if he wanted to go be with Jesus to go ahead; he died with a couple seconds and the look in his eyes was so spectacularly blue when he died. I'm sorry you had to see and be holding your dad when he passed; but I hope you remember this; you, his son, was the last face he saw before he saw Heaven. I know that might not help, but I hope it does. Because God let him die with you by his side. My father died with me when the rest of the family were in different rooms or asleep, it was God that let me talk to him before he died and it was God that let you carry your dad. I see it as a blessing; I hope and pray for your sake one day you can or have already seen it as a blessing. I am glad you have a son that can remind you of your dad.
@@rebelwithacause7334 I guess all these things make that little bit stronger. The same thing with Dad his Eye's were blue but at that time of The spirit leaving they seem more Crystal clear & his blue Eye's brightened somehow. I always remember that he also seemed lighter to hold in that moment. We will see our loved ones again I'm sure of it. Yes, My son is a gift of Dad's presence. He is a good kid too never gave me any trouble.
My father knew I loved him when he died because I told him so before he left for the summer at the beach. We hugged and told each other that we loved each other. 3 months later he was gone.
Its a reminder to us all to tell our fathers and our sons how much we love them. Life is short, I lost my dad when I was 27, 2 weeks after my son was born. Dad saw him, ill remember it all my life. Hug your sons and sons hug your fathers.
At the end they are on the White Cliffs of Dover. I have written to both my parents, who I am blessed to still have. They live minutes away but I wrote anyway, both individually and joint letters. They were overwhelmed but also overjoyed and both have a package of letters/photos being put in with them when they are gone. I absolutely adore mine and told my dad he could spend all my inheritance on mum. Diamonds on the soles of her shoes? Fine with me. For various reasons they are my heroes.
I was a daddy’s girl from a toddler, even mum says that she knew that he was the centre of my world from then. When she made him leave after he had had one too many affairs, I was attached to his leg sobbing begging him not to leave me. He was a good father, we saw him every weekend and he was always very financially responsible for us. I was so close to him for years. When I left my first husband I didn’t go to my mum, I went to my dad. I thought he might be disappointed in me, but he told me he wanted me to be happy and that he would support me in my choice. We stayed so close until he married a narcissist when I was 28 who did not want him to have a close relationship with his daughter, and he gave in to her. It hurt me so badly, I was so angry at him. I went out and bought him this song and I don’t even know if he listened to it. He died in December 2022 aged 87 in another state from us in Australia and we didn’t even know where his body was. I was waking in the night sobbing for him, I was 63 and felt like that 5yr old who’s dad had left her again. He wanted no funeral, he was cremated and she would give us nothing of him. It was like he had never existed. This has made me cry for him. I miss you so much dad. ❤️
That is utterly cruel what she did! And for WHAT? Why? What was gained. People like that will find their own judgement at some point, either by the actions of those here, or once they pass. Choices have consequences. Bless you… I am (or was) also a daddy’s girl. I miss him so very much. The last photo of us together from Christmas of 2020 is the wallpaper of my phone. He is the first thing I see when I touch my phone. Only thing that gives me an ounce of peace is that he *knew I loved him, as we told each other before ever hanging up the phone, or when I left his house. Say the words while you can so you never doubt whether they KNEW. That is my advice to everyone.
There's no mystery to this song. It's laid right out there for us to hear. His voice is strong and clear in presenting this most human relationship of children and father. If you don't cry you are not listening.
Paul the lead singer was in his 1st band called "ACE" in 1975. He sang " How Long Has This Been going On" Then his second band was " Squeeze" 1981. He sang a bunch of songs a couple of hits. Then he hooked up with " Mike and the Mechanics" and he sang the song we just listened to. Paul had one of the best vocal's around.
This song takes me back to my days spinning vinyl at my college radio station in 1988! ❤ Cried then and cried harder now that both my parents have passed.
Tears and goosebumps. A very touching song. This song taught me to speak to my parents before it was too late. I was 30 when i wrote them and told them they had done a great job raising 4 children. That they should be proud of what they had wrought with us. I am so glad now I did. I don't think I would ever of thought to without this.
I wasn’t there but I knew the end was near the last time I was with him. My sister and I were in his hospital room telling him how proud we were of him and how much we loved him. He had dementia and couldn’t really comprehend but he did manage to smile as we were talking to him. That smile was on his face when I left the room.
I was barely an adult when my father died. He was diabetic, neglective of his diet, and a massive stroke took him in his early fifties. We were not close, in fact we were barely acquainted. His work took him away from home, sometimes weeks at a time, and when he was home he really wasn't. He could usually be found in his easy chair with his Herbert Tareytons, A bottle of Schlitz and bowl of redskin peanuts nearby and focused on a True Detective paperback. He was buried on a bitterly cold February morning and at his funeral I cried like I never had before, or since. It wasn't for my loss, it was for his. There was so much he missed in his short life and so much more he could have had but I didn't have the words to tell him, nor the time. I could only cry.
I can relate to this song in a very emotional way. My mother died when I was 6 weeks old and a few years later my father remarried. My stepmother was wonderful and loved my brother and me very much. We did have a relationship very much like this song, but our relationship became so much closer when his first granddaughter, my daughter, arrived. He was a wonderful father and grandfather and I hope I can be the same to my two children and four grandchildren.
This song has powerful lyrics. It’s ok to express ourselves and have differences. Learning to accept those differences in a loving way will give you hope and no regrets “In the living years” ❤
I used to watch my aunt crying while listening to this song , I didn't get it then but now at this older me , I get it and now it's me crying while listening to the song.
I think that one line, "I think I caught his spirit later that same year. I'm sure I heard his echo in my babys newborn tears" is one of the most beautiful lines of lyric ever written. Gets me every time.
Agree. My nephew was born a few months after my grandfather passed away and every so often he does or says something that reminds me of him, so it hits me every time as well.
The first 8 years of my marriage, whenever I’d visit with my parents, my dad would always ask when I was going to give him a grandchild. My wife had problems conceiving so I’d always just tell him we were trying and he’d be the first to know. I kept true to my word and he was the first person told when she got pregnant. The joy on his face was beyond measure. He couldn’t have been more excited. He passed away in January of 2002. His grandson was born in April of that same year. That line of the song destroys me every single time I hear it because he never got to hold the grandchild he wanted so much.
Its my favourite line too. Everytlime i cry when this line comes
''I wish I could have told him in the living years'' these lyrics get to me every time after that.
I lost my father when I was 10, in 1990. I'm 44, and I miss him as much
That was God's way of telling your father is still with you just at a greater distance, l was in your situation l was blessed to be with both my parents as they too their last breath on this earth. This song is beyond powerful, truer feelings can't be put into words their just felt, and Mike and his band could not of sang it any better, truly a masterpiece. Beyond forever mom and dad love you.
I'm 73 and the verse, "I wasn't there that morning, when my Father passed away. Didn't get to tell him, all the things I had to say." still brings tears to my eyes. In 1963 (a month before my 13th Birthday) my Father was out of town and died from a heart attack. Sure wish I would have told him more often how much I loved, respected, and admired him. Damn! Tears in my eyes as I'm typing this.
My heart goes out to you! I am sure your father remembered that you loved him; death has a way of God letting the right words be said or brought to someone's memory, I believe before he or she dies. You might not have been given the chance that exact moment he died, but i think God blessed him in his passing, that he knew you loved him.
Lord, I am crying. Remembering my Dad in a nursing home with Alzheimer’s. A man who had to quit high school due to the depression, fought in WWII and work as a brick layer to support his family. If I could go back in time and say thank you for your service, your work effort, thank you for your life. I love you Dad!
I WAS there that morning,when my father passed away. I was in a recliner by his hospital bed,holding his hand. Then,for just a moment,I dozed off and yes,that’s when my Dad slipped away. He had been a quiet man and I know he regretted the hurt done by his alcoholism when I was a child. And I believe,even though he was unconscious,that he heard all that I had whispered in his ear throughout that night…about love,forgiveness and my own apology for not being the kind of daughter I felt he deserved. Right after he took his final breath,as I was looking at him one last time…a single tear ran down his face. I believe that tear was just for me,a goodbye for his little girl;an “I love you” from the man who rarely said it. I have had the great fortune in my now 70 years,to have known the end was near for most of the people I loved. So, I did get to say many of those things we often don’t say because we think there’s more time. What an absolute blessing that was! And even now,when a memory I had tucked away pops up or an old hurt is resurrected by a new one, I STILL talk to them. I miss them all so much,but I know I’ll be along soon.❤️❤️
Really precious...Thank you for sharing...💗
@@maryannturton9830 ❤️
I sat with my dad through those long hours of chemotherapy and while we both would have given anything not to be sitting in that hospital, now he's gone I look back and I'm so thankful for those last hours we had together because we said it all and I will be forever grateful for that.
@@talex1625 ❤️
I sincerely hope by sharing your feelings gives you solace in some way ,keep your chin up lass
I’m 80 years old and have enjoyed so many wonderful songs in those years. But this is my favorite. And the underlying message “you can listen as well as you hear” is a message we can/should live by.
Many people miss the fact that the song’s first chorus is sung by young children, then the second by sung by older people, while the last is a combination of both.
I have always loved that touch in this video.❤
It's a song meant to bridge the generation gap with necessary life-affirming and love-affirming communication between the two.
I love that!
I was one of those people who missed that! Thanks for the information.
I don’t know if you will read my comment, but my story about my dad is this, my dad was a coal miner, he was killed down the mine age 37.I was 5 years old at that time. I stood at the garden gate and waved him of to work that morning. That was the last time I saw my dad. And yes, I didn’t get to tell him all the things I had to say. I am an old age pensioner now in my 70 s , and I still miss my dad. Thankyou so much for your personal and emotional response to this song .🙏❤️sending lots of love care and attention, to everyone who misses their dad.❤️🙏
I read your comment. I am so sorry for your loss. Life is different for those of us who lost parents in childhood. In some ways, our childhoods died with them... ❤❤❤
@@pdatnc Thankyou for your reply, Yes I totally agree. 4th, March 1959. That was the day I became an adult. If I could travel back in time, it would be to the. 3rd March 1959, and tell my dad, Please don’t go to work tomorrow, dad let’s go into the outhouse , and look after your budgies, and drink your fresh home made ginger beer. 🦜🍻🦜🍻🦜🍻❤️🙏. (. IF. ONLY 🤔❤️🙏🦜🍻. )
I read you comment and I can't imagine losing a Dad at 5. I am so sorry for your loss.
@@timradde4328 Thankyou for your kind comment and concern.🙏
I'm so sorry to hear that. This song is absolutely heartbreakingly beautiful. So moving. Grief is such a difficult subject. This particular song illustrates the frustration of never saying Al the things we should had said...But we are human and sadly we take life at time for granted. In your case you never got those years to have with your dear late father.
I just watch your eyes as the song progresses, it tells me everything. Thank you.
Isn’t that the truth! ❤️
I could see where this was going within a minute of the song starting. Thank you for the tribute to one of my favorite all time songs!
Hey Nick, you hit the nail on the head. Mike Rutherford, the Mike in Mike & the Mechanics is part of the group Genesis with Phil Collins!
Genesis with Peter Gabriel....my favorite band of the '80's. Saw them live 4 times. Correction....the '70s!
@@jamescanole3940 ?????
Peter Gabriel was long gone away from Genesis in the 80's! He left Genesis in the Mid-70's...
@@andreasknebel7453 Thanks for letting me know. I'll blame it on a senior moment. The first time I saw them live was on November (14th , I think) 1973. It was a capacity crowd, I'm sure....565 people (no typo!) at Cohen Auditorium, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts. I drove 100 miles from UMASS Amherst with my three college roommates. Arrived 2 hours early....NO ONE in the auditorium but us just killing time. At one point I jump up from the aisle seat I was in and took one step up the aisle when about 15 feet in front of me, walking down the aisle, was Peter Gabriel. I had no time to think about what to say and all I could muster was "Hello, Peter" in my best English accent. He just walked by and went backstage. I'm 73 yo and it's still the favorite concert in my lifetime. They were so tight musically and Peter's costume changes and theatrics were very unexpected. We sat about 10 rows from the stage. I still have a few photos of Peter in different costumes. I took them right at the edge of the stage. I saw them three more times....two in Boston and the final time was in NYC for the Lamb Lies Down On Broadway tour. Thanks for your correction. I hope you enjoyed my story!
My father passed away in July 1987. My first child, a son, was born in October 1987. This song was released in the U.S. in December 1988. The first time I heard it, and every time since, I cried.
I wasn’t there the morning my father passed and I didn’t get to tell him all the things I had to say. I miss my dad ❤️
My Mother had just passed away in the hospital, I was there. My Father couldn’t deal with arranging the funeral home, so I went. On the way there, this song played. I lost it.
So sorry for your loss prayers for your healing 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😢😢😢😢😢 so 😢😢😢
" I wasn't there that morning , when my father passed away" the frustration of the author is in the way he plays the guitar, genius. This song is timeless and in it's honesty.
A beautiful, emotional song perfectly performed by the voice of Paul Carrack.
This Song hit's even harder if you lost your father already, and the relationship was complicated. One of the most emotional Songs ever in my opinion, cannot listen without crying
I hear ya man.
To be honest, I had a great relationship with my dad and this still hits like a tonne of bricks.
agree the one and only song which ever made me cry. I could relate so much.
Me either, sob like a baby!
This song is an analogy of generational precipitation of life and death. Young folks think they will live forever as their parents should, while older folks realize time is shorter everyday and closure isn’t always available before the end. Truly an exceptional song, have always loved it!
Well put ()
This song never loses its impact!
Dad passed away from cancer on Good Friday, April 10th 2020 from Cancer. I was lucky enough to be with Mum in the hospital when he passed, as it was Covid and they were not really letting people visit. Im so glad I was able to tell him I couldnt have asked for a better Dad. He wasnt my biological father, he met my Mum when I was 14, and while we didnt get along until I was in my 20's, he always introduced me as his daughter, he always wished the best for me, and I couldnt have been happier that my Mum met someone who loved her beyond anything else
If you don't get emotional when hearing this song, then you don't have a heart in your chest. We all get tears. And yes, Paul Carrack did an amazing job singing this song. Kudos to Mike Rutherford & B.A. Robertson for writing a classic that will be enjoyed for years and years to come.
You can listen as well as you hear... Brilliant line
I love that line and no-one ever seems to mention it. I think it’s so important. Thanks for pointing it out
One of the greatest songs ever written, penned by Mike Rutherford, sung in perfection by Paul Carrack, one of the most talented vocalist/song writers in our lifetime and still is to this day, I lost my dad in June 1984 and my son was born two months later and this song has a powerful meaning and realisation to me
I wasn’t there that morning, when my father passed away. My father died 4 years ago from Covid and sadly was alone. I have peace knowing nothing was left unsaid between us. Our last words were to say I love you to each other ❤️
I see your emotion, and I am 68 years old, I know what you feel.
Same 😢😢😢😢😢😢
I had a complicated relationship with my father. He was Silent Gen. I'm Gen X. We never really had any meaningful conversations. Everything was superficial. Movies, TV and sports. He wanted me to be a lawyer, I wanted anything but. He developed dementia in his last few years. The guy I knew was gone and I never really had any closure with him before he passed. The last time I saw him, I grabbed his hand and told him that I loved him. He was barely speaking and in hospice. He nodded his head gently. If that was our goodbye, it was more than enough, given the circumstances. Say what you have to say while your loved ones are here or you'll live with that regret. That's the song and it's beautiful. Hits so hard every time I hear it.
This song came out in ‘88 because I played it for my parents at my wedding in 1988 (Canada). I played it again in 2012 when my father passed away at his service. The night before he died I read him the eulogy I wrote for him and I saw a glimmer in his eye from his hospital bed. I took that as approval. We took him off life support the next morning.
BTW - you mention it sounds like Phil Collins. Mike Rutherford (Mike of the Mechanics) was a founding member of Genesis…for whom Phil Collins was the drummer.
This song was written by the drummer of the band after his father died and they hadn't spoken to each other for years.
Written by Mike Rutherford, the bassist with Genesis. He couldn't sing it because it was too emotional for him.
Actually the song was written not by the drummer but by Scottish singer/songwriter B A Robertson with Mike Rutherford, an artist who had a few hits in the late 70s. Please get it right before you comment, sorry to be pedantic but he deserves the credit and Paul Carrack on vocals perfect song, sentiment and voice.
My ex husband would literally crumble at this song. He and his dad had a difficult relationship, his dad never once said he was proud of him to his face or that he loved him... it was all he wanted. This song just said everything to him.
Same here, this song destroys me, always has for pretty much the same reasons as your husband, I really resonate with your words! 😢🥰
I'm a 58 year old guy and I cry like a baby every time I hear this song! My Dad wasn't perfect, but he loved me and I was so blessed to have him as a my earthly Father.
I'm 58 and agree with you 100%
Brings a tear, EVERY time. Such a beautiful song.
Mate, I've been listening to this song since it came out more than 30 years ago and it hits harder and harder as the years go by. It always reminds me to give my dad a call while I still can. Another moving song from Mike + The Mechanics is "Another Cup Of Coffee".
One of the most powerful songs ever written and sung. When it came on the radio, I had to change the station because I’d get too emotional.
Very emotional song. Paul Carrak was the lead vocalist. He's fronted other groups in the past. Emotional rollercoaster
It kills you every time you hear it. It still does decades after I first heard it.
Good on you, Randall. The best music is the stuff that makes you FEEL something.
Yes, 💯
@@nickforell1please react to Letters From War by Mark Schultz.
It's a beautiful public service announcement as well as a fantastic song. Make things right while you have the chance and save yourself a world of regret! And the brilliant Paul Carrack vocal is, as always, out of this world. A special song.
I was quite amazed when this came out how therapeutic it was not only for me but as well for the millions of people who heard it on the radio. It was well crafted to be a common thread through everybody
I haven’t heard this in a long time, but still know every word. I wasn’t there the day my father passed away. I was only 27. He was 62. He wasn’t around for my wedding or the birth of his only grandchild. It’s been hard. My mom is still here today though. At 88. ❤
The 80s was a turning point in musical expressions of feelings we normal kept inside. I'm 71 and lived through these awaking times. I love this song because the theme carries through the years. Enjoyed your remarks.
So well said.
I’ve heard this so many times but seeing you cry had me weeping too.. glad you enjoyed this
My Dad had Alzheimers, and he didn't know me anymore. He was taken into hospital a week before Christmas 2022, where he would lie in bed with his eyes closed unresponsive. My Mum and I went in to see him on Christmas day, where we sat his bedside for a few hours. When we left, I said "Bye Dad" to which he startled me when he said "Bye Son" I was so happy knowing he knew it was me and that I was there. Sadly he passed not long after. I'm just glad that he's with God now, where he will be forever young.
So happy for you having that one last, very meaningful in the circumstances, interaction
@deadlyredly1 Thank you 🙏 Much love to you and yours ❤️
Showing your emotion is a strength of character, and exactly what this song intimates is different in previous generations. well done you .
I was there with my father when he died. I told him that each one of us, by name, loved him and if he wanted to go be with Jesus, he could go. He died literally within 3 or 4 seconds after I told him that we loved him. I have never seen my father's eyes more blue as he looked up (I think to Heaven) and died. Tell your parents that you love them because you never know when God will take them. We knew my father was close due to the cancer in his brain taking him, but he understood what I said, I know he did because he seemed to be hanging on to life for that reminding of our love for him.
Sorry for your loss, but happy you were with him and had a chance to say goodbye. Unlike my Father (see earlier comment), I was with my Mother when she passed. She lived to be 98 and never remarried (or even dated) but sacrificed a lot to take care of us kids. I was holding her hand and she was in a semi-conscious state. I thanked her for all she did for us and then said, "I love you Mom, but it's time to go. Dad's waiting for you." I know she heard me because she gave my hand an ever so weak squeeze, took one breath and that was it. Please people tell your loved ones how much you care because one never knows when they will be gone. You won't regret it.
@@AFmedic I am so sorry that you weren't by your dad's side! So glad you were by your mom's side though; that had to bless your heart. I don't know what your God-given talent is, but God gave me the ability to be by family and friends' parents or grandparents when they died from long illnesses. The family or friend's parent would be taken off all the heart monitors and blood pressure machines; some were at home but most were at the hospital in the hospice area. When the hospice nurses or doctors would come by they would usually mess up the time of expected death. But having been by the bedside of so many friends' parents and my own loved ones, I usually can tell how long the person has to live. I remember one hospice nurse told my family that my dad would make it to Monday and that would be when she would be back. At the same time my uncle who had been a paramedic and helicopter pilot in Vietnam and I both told the hospice nurse that my father wouldn't see sunrise of the next day! She didn't care to he hear it. My father died at approximately 6:28am that next morning, Sunday. The sun rose at 6:35am that day! My uncle had been up for 3 days with my dad before I got there and I had been up for 40 hours straight with him when he died. So, my uncle slept and the rest of our family that was there were sleeping also, when God took him Home. I really believe when God calls us Home He lets whomever needs us there or no human to be there when we are dying. But I know the angels are with that person, because they are entering into Heaven. Your dad was at the Literal, "Pearly Gates" waiting for your momma! God bless you and know you will see both parents again.
You just made me tear up..,
God bless…
The lyrics are profound and grab at one’s heart.
My best friend died 5/3/24. She wasn’t well for about a year, but she slipped away so quickly we feel like a bulldozer ran over us. I just pray she knew how much she was loved, and I’m so glad she didn’t suffer. TLC 1950-2024
Oh my gosh. I started my adulthood in the 80's. I heard this song so many times. I recall sobbing the first time I heard it. Now I'm entering old age. Both my parents are gone and this is the first time hearing it in my current life chapter. It just hits so much harder than it did when I thought they would be hear forever. Sobbing again.
This song is timeless. The line about being hostage to all his hopes and fears! 😢 how many of us live a life based on what our parents believed or stood for and for fear of causing hurt to loved ones did exactly that, and we are all a little guilty of doing so with our own children ❤❤
The words are so true for all of us. And his voice is stunning. I love this song. Thank you. ❤❤❤❤
This is one very moving emotional song. Makes me cry. The lyrics say it all. Beautiful.
I've listened to this song dozens of times and it gets me every time!!😢😢🇬🇧
It's so heartbreaking.xx
Its been 47 years since my father passed in his sleep, I remember everything that day. Mum would take my brother and I to Sunday school then to the 11am service. That day dad turned up and went to church with us, after church, we went for a long sunday drive and had a picnic in a park. Then when we got home we had Roast lamb for dinner. Then only being 12 went to bed, that being the last time with Dad. As I am hitting my 60th in a few mouths, and listerning to, The Living Years it could have been alot different if dad had lived a longer life. Maybe we could have had unspoken words that should have been sheared, I still Love my dad after all these years. But the greatest gift was looking after mum for 8 years and being with her when she passed back in 2011, and with all the words that needed to be spoken came to an end, with. I Love you mum - I Love you to Alex.
I had not thought of this song, in a while. I am 55 years now. Both of my Parents have died. My brother, and his family are 300 miles away. Local friends -distant family, or friends help.
My Parents were Doctor and Nurse, and when they each died, they knew the physical consequences.
My Mom did in 2015 of Osteoporosis related organ failure. I was the last in the family to visit her -and I told her I loved her, and would be back the next day, with Dad. She died, under hospital care at 4am. I am glad to have said and been answered with "love" before.
My Dad, lived near me, developed Dementia. I was driving him, cooking for him, taking him on errands, appointments, and we had paid care, and Hospice. Dad lived with me and my two Cats for a year. My brother and family came to visit, as did close-family (his own brother) and friends from church. Dementia robs all from the person,...I told my Dad that I loved him, every day, and he returned, when he could. Hospice alerted us that he was terminal, and my brother traveled in, just in time, that we were both at Dad's bed, when....yet, he couldn't talk or eat that last week; only medication. Friends and family do help,...yet, without both parents, and all the pain they had, gives me in-turn more anxiety, grief, less sleep, and therapy. Yet, I told both of my Parents that I loved them, and I did my share of care. Say it loud -say it clear -the living years!
When this song came out in 1989, when the first Gulf War started in '91-'92, this song came back into the public conscious, with all the Allied soldiers deployed.
🩵
This song came out when I was in HS. My old man was a racist piece of human excrement that beat the Hell out of me, never once said he was proud of me, didn't come to my football games or track meets, and traded the car I wanted to buy from him when I got home from basic to get back at me for choosing to serve my country instead of selling used cars at his crappy used car lot. I forgave him until 12 years ago when he said he'd do it all over again. We never spoke again. He died last month. I'm a retired Army veteran now and 100% more of a man than he ever was. Forgive only the repentant. If he's in Heaven, (I seriously doubt it) he knows how much he hurt me and my family. I hope he felt the pain he inflicted. Forgiveness is now between him and God.
If you had a horrible father, don't be like him. Learn how to be the best damn dad you can from your old man's mistakes. Cheers from America.
Thank you for putting that in writing, it has helped me
I love their song All I Need is a Miracle.
Amongst the things that make this song great is the going from the kids to the adults choir-wise. Showing these things mean just as much no matter your age
I’ve always loved this song. Thank you for your touching reaction. I was just listening to some tape recordings, which I recently digitized, of my father who passed away in 2021. It means the world to be able to hear his voice and his stories now that he’s gone.
I lost both my parents from 2020 - 2022. I get tears everytime I hear this song because it perfectly captures my relationship with my dad who was a strict military man. I never saw eye to eye with my dad and I never got to say goodbye to him when he passed away, and it makes me sad thinking about how it could have been different.
I remember my dad tuning to alcoholism in his older years, but he finally gave it up for good after I told him if he couldn't say he loved me while sober, then don't say it. The night he died, I was at the hospital and told him I loved him, then left. Early that morning I got the call that he had passed. Now, 20 years later, I still miss him.
Funny u compare them to Phil Collins as Mike Rutherford (Guitarist/Guy in the video) is one of the founders and guitarists of Genesis! Paul Carrack (Lead vocalist) has been in many bands, but also has an amazing solo career as well!
This song makes me cry every time. I miss my father.
Me too. Every single time.
I am a reaction video addict because I vicariously re-live my first time hearing songs through surrogates (I am now 53 years old) and your reaction is nearest to my own.👊🏼
This was such an unexpected hit song. A heartfelt 'message' song like this would seem on the face to be un-commercial, but not this one.
I wasn't there when my father passed, but I did spend a few hours interviewing him about his life. He had an amazing life filled with experiences that most people could only dream of. I video taped it, so I can play it whenever I need to hear his voice.
What is more moving is to realize that the members of children's choir are in their 50s and the adult choir members are most likely dead.
This brings tears down the side of my face as I lie and listen to this song at half past midnight - hits precisely at feeling of loosing my dad 32 years ago and I failed to say things that should have been said and a month later my daughter was born and I could catch his spirit around in the echoes of my new baby’s tears !
If you had a difficult relationship with your father, this is a song of understanding and forgiveness.
Perfect vocal from Paul Carrack.
Great reaction Nick. The lyrics to this song are so powerful
Back in 1981 my sister gave birth to a little baby boy. Later the same day, our father died suddenly. He just sat down in his arm chair and passed away from a massive heart attack.
This song always reminds me of that day.
That line in the last verse "I wasn't there that morning when my father passed away"....? rips my heart out. My father died from lung cancer on a Saturday morning mid-day on the 29th November 2003. I was 2 minutes from his home but I wasn't allowed to see him. This has haunted me since. I never got to say goodbye to hold his hand or kiss him on the fore-head. I can't listen to this song ever....I think about him often and wonder if he thought I didn't want to see him before he past. I was so close but my step-mum said "NO".....
similar happened to me, but i did get to kiss him a week before he died, it was spur of the moment, i had never kissed him on the lips before,when he passed i was too late to say goodbye and when i asked te see him my siblings said no, i was 50 yrs old at the time and my elder brothers and sisters still tried to protect me.
This song always makes me tear up when I hear it. My father and I were not estranged or anything and in fact I was still living at home. But I was on vacation in Hawaii when he passed away back in 1990 and I didn't get to say goodbye. The last thing I said to him was that I would see him when I came home.
My father passed away in1997 in his sleep so I never got to say I loved him and that I was sorry for all the times I was angry at him for the littlest thing [dad I love you and I'm sorry ]
My Dad passed away while on holiday with my Mum in Malta and I found out when someone who was arranging to bring him home phoned and told me. It was the most awful shock and I wasn't there for him. I am 79 now and whenever I here this song I cry. Can't help it. I was and always will be my Daddies little girl❤❤❤Love to everyone who has lost not just Dads but Mums as well. Parents are precious😊😊😊😊😊
What a horrible way to get such devastating news! I’m so,so sorry!❤️
@@Ctkare4k9 Thank you for your kindness!
@@normalovell-w8v ❤️
This song has encouraged a lot of people to make peace with loved ones. It is a very emotional song but has a message. I was holding my fathers hand when he passed but we had had a difficult relationship for many years. I'm so happy we made amends before he passed.
Handsome Carrack with great voice and emotional song!
My dad died in my arms 2 days ago on Xmas day (25-12-2024) after nearly a 14 year battle with Multiple Myeloma, He was ion that much pain relief and on a syringe driver so he was out of it, I took a bluetooth speaker and played all his favourite music, this was the 2nd to last song before he took his last breathe. He wasn't just my dad he was my best friend we did everything together, my heart is broken and life is never going to be the same.
I first heard this song in December of 1988, a week or so after my father passed away, he died in Florida and I was living in New York. The words rang true for me then and to this day
Im surprised you mentioned Phil Collins! Mike Rutherford was a member of Genesis and formed Mike & the Mechanics while on hiatus. I’ve loved this song from the moment I heard it. By the time this song was played my father had been dead for 25 yrs. I had just turned 14 yrs old. I cry every time I hear this song.
My mom taught 6 children to love music passionately. My siblings and our kids and grandkids have been given the same gift passed down. We share our songs with ea other but no one has (at all) same traste. BUT... This song, thru 4 generations, since it came out and I played it for my mom, it made her cry, me cry, my kids cry, to this day, every time I hear it. My mom is gone now but it's a masterpiece. THANK YOU NICK AND RANDALL❤ Have a beautiful Sunday!
❤ (Randall)
I was 6years old when my dad died this song was released in 1986and my girl was born in 1989this song brings back memories and tears ❤❤
My father and I had a very tremulous relationship. Hardly spoke in his latter years. He died aged 54 while I was away serving in the Falkland's. I'm 71 now and this song still makes me blub! "I wish I could have told him in the living years"
My youngest son cannot to listen to this song. He was away when his father passed and he feels the regret that he did not get to say goodbye to a father he revered and loved deeply.
Thank you again Nick for reacting to my request. Great emotional reaction. (Randall)
Going to see this fantastic band again in the 🇬🇧 for the 5th time, April 2025. One of the BEST BRITISH bands ever ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I was so lucky to tell my father everything I wanted him to know after that 2 weeks after that he passed away but he knew he wasn't only my best friend he was my hero I was a daddy's girl I loved him so much he loved his country he was in service for 32 years and most of all he loved his family he passed away in his sleep I got to tell him how much I loved him I was so lucky to get to have this conversation with my dad
I was 14 when my Dad Died, I was trying to get him up out of his chair and into bed but he collapsed on me, he passed right there in my arms, He was a 6ft tall man and while he'd lost weight, for me at 14 he was still heavy. He was my world I miss him so much. Everyday..My own Son looks like him & as he gets older he looks even MORE like him. My son said While looking at Old family photos "Gee Mum, Me & Pop are the same" for me, It's So special. 💜
I always come back to reactions of this song to see How you all React to one of the most beautiful song ever written.
To all those who have lost someone My condolences. ❤
My heart goes out to you and your whole family. A father is a hard person to lose in life. I was the only girl, so I was spoiled rotten. My brother died when he was only 7 from the same kind of brain cancer that killed my dad many years later. I told my dad my brother was in Heaven waiting for him, and that my mother two other brothers and I loved him and if he wanted to go be with Jesus to go ahead; he died with a couple seconds and the look in his eyes was so spectacularly blue when he died. I'm sorry you had to see and be holding your dad when he passed; but I hope you remember this; you, his son, was the last face he saw before he saw Heaven. I know that might not help, but I hope it does. Because God let him die with you by his side. My father died with me when the rest of the family were in different rooms or asleep, it was God that let me talk to him before he died and it was God that let you carry your dad. I see it as a blessing; I hope and pray for your sake one day you can or have already seen it as a blessing. I am glad you have a son that can remind you of your dad.
@@rebelwithacause7334 I guess all these things make that little bit stronger. The same thing with Dad his Eye's were blue but at that time of The spirit leaving they seem more Crystal clear & his blue Eye's
brightened somehow. I always remember that he also seemed lighter to hold in that moment.
We will see our loved ones again I'm sure of it.
Yes, My son is a gift of Dad's presence. He is a good kid too never gave me any trouble.
My father knew I loved him when he died because I told him so before he left for the summer at the beach. We hugged and told each other that we loved each other. 3 months later he was gone.
Its a reminder to us all to tell our fathers and our sons how much we love them. Life is short, I lost my dad when I was 27, 2 weeks after my son was born. Dad saw him, ill remember it all my life. Hug your sons and sons hug your fathers.
At the end they are on the White Cliffs of Dover.
I have written to both my parents, who I am blessed to still have. They live minutes away but I wrote anyway, both individually and joint letters. They were overwhelmed but also overjoyed and both have a package of letters/photos being put in with them when they are gone. I absolutely adore mine and told my dad he could spend all my inheritance on mum. Diamonds on the soles of her shoes? Fine with me. For various reasons they are my heroes.
I was a daddy’s girl from a toddler, even mum says that she knew that he was the centre of my world from then. When she made him leave after he had had one too many affairs, I was attached to his leg sobbing begging him not to leave me. He was a good father, we saw him every weekend and he was always very financially responsible for us. I was so close to him for years. When I left my first husband I didn’t go to my mum, I went to my dad. I thought he might be disappointed in me, but he told me he wanted me to be happy and that he would support me in my choice. We stayed so close until he married a narcissist when I was 28 who did not want him to have a close relationship with his daughter, and he gave in to her. It hurt me so badly, I was so angry at him. I went out and bought him this song and I don’t even know if he listened to it. He died in December 2022 aged 87 in another state from us in Australia and we didn’t even know where his body was. I was waking in the night sobbing for him, I was 63 and felt like that 5yr old who’s dad had left her again. He wanted no funeral, he was cremated and she would give us nothing of him. It was like he had never existed. This has made me cry for him. I miss you so much dad. ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. Your story is so sad and tragic. I hope you find peace.
This song makes me cry every time.
So sorry. Heartbreaking.
I am really sorry. I don’t even have words. That is so awful of your father’s wife. Big hugs to you
Sorry for yoou not seeing your Dad again.Some step parents are so cruel.Please take care.
That is utterly cruel what she did! And for WHAT?
Why? What was gained.
People like that will find their own judgement at some point, either by the actions of those here, or once they pass.
Choices have consequences.
Bless you…
I am (or was) also a daddy’s girl. I miss him so very much.
The last photo of us together from Christmas of 2020 is the wallpaper of my phone. He is the first thing I see when I touch my phone. Only thing that gives me an ounce of peace is that he *knew I loved him, as we told each other before ever hanging up the phone, or when I left his house.
Say the words while you can so you never doubt whether they KNEW. That is my advice to everyone.
There's no mystery to this song. It's laid right out there for us to hear. His voice is strong and clear in presenting this most human relationship of children and father. If you don't cry you are not listening.
Paul the lead singer was in his 1st band called "ACE" in 1975. He sang " How Long Has This Been going On" Then his second band was " Squeeze" 1981. He sang a bunch of songs a couple of hits. Then he hooked up with " Mike and the Mechanics" and he sang the song we just listened to. Paul had one of the best vocal's around.
This song takes me back to my days spinning vinyl at my college radio station in 1988! ❤ Cried then and cried harder now that both my parents have passed.
Tears and goosebumps. A very touching song.
This song taught me to speak to my parents before it was too late. I was 30 when i wrote them and told them they had done a great job raising 4 children. That they should be proud of what they had wrought with us. I am so glad now I did. I don't think I would ever of thought to without this.
Thanks this song has a lot of meaning to me it always brings tears to my eyes.
Brilliant song and Always makes me tear up
Just Beautiful
I wasn’t there but I knew the end was near the last time I was with him. My sister and I were in his hospital room telling him how proud we were of him and how much we loved him. He had dementia and couldn’t really comprehend but he did manage to smile as we were talking to him. That smile was on his face when I left the room.
I was barely an adult when my father died. He was diabetic, neglective of his diet, and a massive stroke took him in his early fifties. We were not close, in fact we were barely acquainted. His work took him away from home, sometimes weeks at a time, and when he was home he really wasn't. He could usually be found in his easy chair with his Herbert Tareytons, A bottle of Schlitz and bowl of redskin peanuts nearby and focused on a True Detective paperback. He was buried on a bitterly cold February morning and at his funeral I cried like I never had before, or since. It wasn't for my loss, it was for his. There was so much he missed in his short life and so much more he could have had but I didn't have the words to tell him, nor the time. I could only cry.
.. For your eyes 🧻.. It's not just the lyric, it's also the way Poul Carrack's voice tells the story..
Beautiful reaction! This always hits me hard as well. New subscriber after watching your reaction. Keep it real man.
This is how music sounded like in those lost good times when a good song was equally made of superb sounds and lyrics.
I can relate to this song in a very emotional way. My mother died when I was 6 weeks old and a few years later my father remarried. My stepmother was wonderful and loved my brother and me very much. We did have a relationship very much like this song, but our relationship became so much closer when his first granddaughter, my daughter, arrived. He was a wonderful father and grandfather and I hope I can be the same to my two children and four grandchildren.
This song has powerful lyrics. It’s ok to express ourselves and have differences. Learning to accept those differences in a loving way will give you hope and no regrets “In the living years” ❤
I used to watch my aunt crying while listening to this song , I didn't get it then but now at this older me , I get it and now it's me crying while listening to the song.