As an absolute master of the English language, Jake was an absolute orator. I hope that most of his lyrics resonate and that he speaks for a huge number of us..
A unique talent, he was best man at my Cousin's Wedding and launched the Arts Department at Intake School which gained a widespread reputation for providing us with Actors and Actresses and Musicians, he himself was a pupils at St Michael's College and was taught by Jesuits
Such a brilliant, original song and weirdly touching. A shout-out should also go to the accompanying guitarist. Those subtle melodic flourishes really enhance this version.
Jake really was different class, nothing cheap and shallow, just well crafted words and music with so many layers and so much depth. So rich in meaning and expression. He uses words in a way that only a true poet can. And what images he evokes! He found the extraordinary within the ordinary and gave us characters and events we could all relate to. I've got a tetchy uncle who always gets my back up. I suspect we all have. Jake was able to strike a universal chord with particular images. Genius.
What a nice guy too.He stayed with us when he performed at Ripon Training College and after he had gone I found a note addressed to his recording manager recommending me as a songwriter. No mention before he left but what a nice thing to do.
Only heard this song twice before. Once when it was originally broadcast and then when a fellow student performed it at a folk club event. It made such an impression then that the phrase, “No more La di bloody dah” became a regular family catch phrase. Delighted to see it again.
I don't know why but as far as I am aware there is no modern equivalent or inheritor. Same with Brassens in France whose Brother Gorilla song was so cleverly translated by thackray. The culture has changed. Some like it so they say. Some do not.
They didn't get much better than Kirkstall's answer to Noel Coward - an absolute genius writer, astonishingly funny performer and a 100% brilliant guitarist - and he makes it look SO simple - just try playing some of the tabs!! This particular song was running though my head on the morning of my wedding to my beautiful wife, Julie. It still brings a lump to my throat... "Now we're agreed that we're in love"....nobody thinks like that, it's a real glimpse into a real world - I had the joy of seeing him perform most of the great songs at a little pub in Islington and we went and had a few pints after - lovely man; I just wish he'd met one of my dogs - "I throw you a stick and you bring back a lampshade" sums her up a treat!! Cheers' Jake....
I arrived here because I didn't know he'd died! He didn't keep off the pale ale after all - which is ineffably sad. There's a 'Jake Thackray Experience' xurrently playing at various gigs - which I mistook for the man himself. I can't agree with the Noel Coward comparison - Thackray had a gravitas of understanding Coward's work doesn't have. You tell a good story yourself - brings a lump to my throat because you found the one whose love made the 'La-di-dah' bearable - even maybe enjoyable. Lots of us don't - because we meet someone who would be good without the 'baggage' of their family but eventually unsustainable with them. Thanks for sharing your story.
You're right about him been a lovely man. My friend and I promoted a few gigs in Leeds in the 80s. We booked Jake and played support for him. He gave a blinding performance. Afterwards he helped us load our gear into our scabby old van and, because he'd arrived by train, we gave him a lift to his mum's flat in Kirkstall (I think) before heading home. A truly memorable night. Just wish the other acts we booked (naming no names!) were more like him and less up their own backsides!
Two lines I remembered from this song heard back in the 1970s when I was a teen helped me find it when I couldn't even remember the name of the singer: 'crabby old bat' and I love you very much.
I am of the age where I remember him first time round, back then he most certainly was not a forgotten or minor musician. He was pretty big back then and it was rare indeed to have a week go by without him on the radio or TV. Sadly now I doubt in this me to woke society many of his lyrics will be appreciated or celebrated as they were honest factual and true, something that seems not to matter anymore for the sake instead of extreme political correctness!
@@ianmedium I remember him too from way back. I always imagined him to be French. It's his style I suppose. Why I thought a French Chansonnier would have such a strong Yorkshire accent is anyone's guess. He just looked French to me with his dark hair and eyes and the way he sang and played. But I gather he spent time in France at the very beginning. So he was probably influenced quite strongly. I loved his music and his humour.
@@PY4004SWL He was a huge Brassens fan. i remember a documentary from a few years ago in which he met and sang with Brassens. Brother Gorilla was performed as a tribute.
Speaking as a French guy, he really captured the French musicians from the 60's and 70's vibe. I also just realised that if I played this to any French person they'd go think it was a romantic love song not understanding the more subtle lyrics. How ironic.
@@Hereford1642 Jake Thackray was a great Brassens fan - he taught English in France in the early 60s and so was fluent in French, hence his translation of Brother Gorilla. My Dad (a French teacher) bumped into him in the men's loos at a pub in Wales and they had a great conversation about their mutual love for Brassens. Both of them were great talents and it's a crying shame that Thackray never got the recognition that was accorded to Brassens. They were two of a kind.
Thankyou Sally. This brings back lovely memories of seeing him sing his wonderfully clever and witty songs on That's Life in the 70'S. He seemed such a genuinely nice man. A sad loss and so talented.
Last saw him on one of Esther Rantzen's shows - many years back. I can see that, with the shallow understanding of youth, the pathos of this song went way over my head. Maybe it's a minor key but there's an underlying sadness to this I couldn't then catch. It's a song of final resignation - the step from irresponsible youth into commitment, the price he has to pay for gaining her hand - when he (in this society more so than she) surrenders himself unto dealing with another's particular familial madness (in contrast to his own family's particular madness!) at all those social functions to be encountered at various intervals until the final parting of the ways. Now I've experienced all that - I can feel the message about the nature of relationship inherent in this. I can't agree with the Noel Coward nonsense - he was an effete dilettante compared to Thackray. All very witty and clever but a pale imitation of the depths Thackray is portraying here.
Saw Jake a few times with my mum when I was little,mum was a huge fan as I am now too,still listening to his songs all the time...Love all his songs...my fave being "The Hole" x
Philip Thomas Indeed. It has the same effect on me, but also makes us laugh and all the while we're admiring his musicianship, lyric-writing and marvellous diction. A rare talent and, I fear, always was, and still is, woefully under appreciated.
Micky1964 Yes, you are right, he was and still is not appreciated, however, we aficionados can be smug in the knowledge that we loved and still love him. Best wishes.
There's a new biography just out called Beware of the Bull: The Enigmatic Genius of Jake Thackray by Paul Thompson and John Watterson published by Scratching Shed Publishing. Jake died in 2002, 20 years ago, after descending in to alcoholism, illness and poverty.
One could imagine Jake serenading before a modern day Tudor regime . Style , lyrics , ambiance and much more would assimilate with original Tudor music .👌👌
This song touches my heart so much I can feel the tears well up to the surface. Why? It reminds me of what my fiancé goes through every time he visits me! Do women find that they can also be found echoing these lyrics with their boyfriend/husband's relatives, too? I did. My now ex-boyfriend's mother was a cross between Hyacinth Bucket but she more like resembled Mrs Doyle from Fr Ted!
Only Jake could use the words acquiesce, scabby cat and rupture in a song and make it beautiful.
Here because of meet the Richardsons
Ditto :)
Same
Ha ha! Me too!
Me too
Me too!
As an absolute master of the English language, Jake was an absolute orator. I hope that most of his lyrics resonate and that he speaks for a huge number of us..
A unique talent, he was best man at my Cousin's Wedding and launched the Arts Department at Intake School which gained a widespread reputation for providing us with Actors and Actresses and Musicians, he himself was a pupils at St Michael's College and was taught by Jesuits
Oh Jake, how wonderful you were!!💜
Agreed. Especially in that red polo neck pullover.
Such a brilliant, original song and weirdly touching. A shout-out should also go to the accompanying guitarist. Those subtle melodic flourishes really enhance this version.
Very touching!!💜
Jake really was different class, nothing cheap and shallow, just well crafted words and music with so many layers and so much depth. So rich in meaning and expression. He uses words in a way that only a true poet can. And what images he evokes! He found the extraordinary within the ordinary and gave us characters and events we could all relate to. I've got a tetchy uncle who always gets my back up. I suspect we all have. Jake was able to strike a universal chord with particular images. Genius.
Perfectly said!!💜
A beautiful love song as only Jake could write. On hearing, there are 4 people playing. Pity bbc didn't show all.
What a nice guy too.He stayed with us when he performed at Ripon Training College and after he had gone I found a note addressed to his recording manager recommending me as a songwriter. No mention before he left but what a nice thing to do.
No wonder John Richardson holds him in such high esteem
Here cos of john Richardson..thanks john. Genius
The most honest and articulate love song you will ever hear.
That guy... God rest his soul... was a genius. The way he sings I love you very much is so poignant.
Alex Turner sent me here because apparantly, Jake was an inspiration for Cornerstone from the Humbug album.
Indeed it was. You can see it in the video as well.
Wouldn't have made that connection but now you've mentioned it I can hear it.
Gee same dude need a couple of weeks to come to terms with it now :o
The melody is sublime.
Woah hey there
it's James!
I agree wholeheartedly.
Saw John Richardson try to play this in Meet the Richardson's.. had to hear the original.
Thanks for sharing this; he lives on...I'm blessed to have seen him 3 times
I adored this man. Such a talent and that lugubrious wit that so few ‘got’ initially. RIP Jake.
This is possibly the most honest love song I've ever heard. Brilliant.
It’s utterly beautiful
I had this played at my Wedding and it's lasted much longer than the marriage.
These things happen. I hope you find happiness and /or someone else to share your life with
Only heard this song twice before. Once when it was originally broadcast and then when a fellow student performed it at a folk club event. It made such an impression then that the phrase, “No more La di bloody dah” became a regular family catch phrase. Delighted to see it again.
Most probably one of the best song writers ever.
I don't know why but as far as I am aware there is no modern equivalent or inheritor. Same with Brassens in France whose Brother Gorilla song was so cleverly translated by thackray.
The culture has changed. Some like it so they say. Some do not.
'I'll keep off the Pale Ale...' is such great line! GENIUS!!
What a remarkable & gifted man. Stunning guitar work, beautifully crafted lyrics... and a well of sadness
So horribly underrated & missed
They didn't get much better than Kirkstall's answer to Noel Coward - an absolute genius writer, astonishingly funny performer and a 100% brilliant guitarist - and he makes it look SO simple - just try playing some of the tabs!! This particular song was running though my head on the morning of my wedding to my beautiful wife, Julie. It still brings a lump to my throat... "Now we're agreed that we're in love"....nobody thinks like that, it's a real glimpse into a real world - I had the joy of seeing him perform most of the great songs at a little pub in Islington and we went and had a few pints after - lovely man; I just wish he'd met one of my dogs - "I throw you a stick and you bring back a lampshade" sums her up a treat!! Cheers' Jake....
I arrived here because I didn't know he'd died! He didn't keep off the pale ale after all - which is ineffably sad. There's a 'Jake Thackray Experience' xurrently playing at various gigs - which I mistook for the man himself.
I can't agree with the Noel Coward comparison - Thackray had a gravitas of understanding Coward's work doesn't have.
You tell a good story yourself - brings a lump to my throat because you found the one whose love made the 'La-di-dah' bearable - even maybe enjoyable. Lots of us don't - because we meet someone who would be good without the 'baggage' of their family but eventually unsustainable with them. Thanks for sharing your story.
Beautifuly articulated
I do love that first line, "Now we're agreed that we're in love." It is beautiful, poetic and original, just like Jake.
Wow man you Rockttar :-) !!! What a TOP Buzz that must have been :-) !! Top story cheers mate from Sunny England :-) ***
You're right about him been a lovely man. My friend and I promoted a few gigs in Leeds in the 80s. We booked Jake and played support for him. He gave a blinding performance. Afterwards he helped us load our gear into our scabby old van and, because he'd arrived by train, we gave him a lift to his mum's flat in Kirkstall (I think) before heading home.
A truly memorable night. Just wish the other acts we booked (naming no names!) were more like him and less up their own backsides!
Two lines I remembered from this song heard back in the 1970s when I was a teen helped me find it when I couldn't even remember the name of the singer: 'crabby old bat' and I love you very much.
I think it is one of the most underrated love songs of all times. So lovely, funny and sad at the same time. And he is so good looking!
Would you like it less if he was ugly?
Check out Curragh of Kildare by Bert Jansch
how did this man fly under the radar I love this blokes' songs hope you enjoy this as much as I do.
Wonderful! I really miss Jake - thank you for posting these lovely performances!
There's so much so deep in this simple ditty.......
My Favourite Jake song - I love this man so much - he was such a nice guy, and I had the honour of working with him in the early nineteen nineties
I have only just discovered him and I didn’t like it at first but love it now. This song in particular is so very well done it’s really lovely.
What a wonderful memory to have, I would love to have seen him live.
Dermot O'Leary played this on Radio 2 this afternoon. He was such a different performer and this was such a lovely song. Briliiant.
My friends used this as their wedding song, I wept like a baby hearing it, you couldn't have picked a better wedding song.
I loved listening to this guy, I am glad to have remembered and found this on you tube.
Good to finally see Jon's personal hero in action!
An unbridled genius
He makes me think of Jarvis Cocker.
It's the accent and the clever, searing lyrics.
It is a tragedy that his genius was so overlooked.
The music industry has been replaced with an mainstream idealogy.
@@saltygamesmith jarvis played jake's music on his sunday service.
I am of the age where I remember him first time round, back then he most certainly was not a forgotten or minor musician. He was pretty big back then and it was rare indeed to have a week go by without him on the radio or TV. Sadly now I doubt in this me to woke society many of his lyrics will be appreciated or celebrated as they were honest factual and true, something that seems not to matter anymore for the sake instead of extreme political correctness!
@@ianmedium I remember him too from way back. I always imagined him to be French. It's his style I suppose. Why I thought a French Chansonnier would have such a strong Yorkshire accent is anyone's guess. He just looked French to me with his dark hair and eyes and the way he sang and played. But I gather he spent time in France at the very beginning. So he was probably influenced quite strongly. I loved his music and his humour.
@@elainerauhoeft8762 He was massively influenced by Chansonnier, in style and content. i think he was fluent in French too.
This is my favourite Thackray song; I love the album version with the orchestra adding that lovely final touch.
A true original.
Real tenderness hiding in his comedy.
On again, this time, following Spanish Flea! Wonderful stuff Jake.
Jon Richardson this is your fault! Why do I like Jake's music son much! Excellent
Ooh Margret, save it for bingo!
An acidic , kitchen-sink Jacques Brel - beautiful and sadly missed. And such a handsome geezer eh?
Well observed, interesting. Georges Brassens too, I guess (Les Copains d´abord)
@@PY4004SWL He was a huge Brassens fan. i remember a documentary from a few years ago in which he met and sang with Brassens. Brother Gorilla was performed as a tribute.
@@thewomble1509 It´s good to know! I had assumed by ear. It makes total sense. Thanks!
I love him so much, those that could not, i pray for them, if only incincerly. xx
🥰A true one off, saw him play at the Brentwood Hermit Folk Club. Superb❤
He should be given far more recognition than he got. A musical Pam Ayres.
Jake Thackray..........absolute legend!
Jake looks so cool and handsome here. I adore this fellow and his wonderful back catalogue
Thank you Lucy Beaumont.
He popped in my head randomly but I couldn't remember his name. I could just remember his wonderful voice. Thank you Google.
Arguably one of the.most beautiful love songs of all time. I can never thank the gentleman who introduced this to me.enough.
why does this bring a lump to my throat i wonder ,, amazing ,, thanks for posting
So sensitive, so witty, and so much missed. RIP Jake....
Jake was one of my uncle's favourites. R.I.P John and Jake
Takes me back to my youth. He makes me smile and a much forgotten talent.
Just a wonderful musician, I could listen to his songs all day.
pilchards and trifle - brilliant.
Speaking as a French guy, he really captured the French musicians from the 60's and 70's vibe. I also just realised that if I played this to any French person they'd go think it was a romantic love song not understanding the more subtle lyrics. How ironic.
Do you know that Thackray covered Brassens Brother Gorilla in translation. As an English speaking Frenchman you can enjoy them both.
@@Hereford1642 Jake Thackray was a great Brassens fan - he taught English in France in the early 60s and so was fluent in French, hence his translation of Brother Gorilla. My Dad (a French teacher) bumped into him in the men's loos at a pub in Wales and they had a great conversation about their mutual love for Brassens. Both of them were great talents and it's a crying shame that Thackray never got the recognition that was accorded to Brassens. They were two of a kind.
I think he must have had an influence on Victoria Wood!
Thankyou Sally. This brings back lovely memories of seeing him sing his wonderfully clever and witty songs on That's Life in the 70'S. He seemed such a genuinely nice man. A sad loss and so talented.
I loved watching him as a kid, he was so unique. This song in particular is wonderful.
A brilliant & beautiful guy, I grew up with his songs & anecdotes & great guitar playing ... RIP Jake.....❤
Again here due to Jon. Thanks Jon-hopefully catch a pint with u at The Dog and bastard sometime!
'La Di Dah', by the late, great Jake Thackray. The funniest song heard on the radio yesterday - and for a while. MON23SEP13/0655
Last saw him on one of Esther Rantzen's shows - many years back. I can see that, with the shallow understanding of youth, the pathos of this song went way over my head. Maybe it's a minor key but there's an underlying sadness to this I couldn't then catch.
It's a song of final resignation - the step from irresponsible youth into commitment, the price he has to pay for gaining her hand - when he (in this society more so than she) surrenders himself unto dealing with another's particular familial madness (in contrast to his own family's particular madness!) at all those social functions to be encountered at various intervals until the final parting of the ways.
Now I've experienced all that - I can feel the message about the nature of relationship inherent in this. I can't agree with the Noel Coward nonsense - he was an effete dilettante compared to Thackray. All very witty and clever but a pale imitation of the depths Thackray is portraying here.
Bravo, well written.
One of my favourite acoustic performances ever
That guy was pure genius.RIP.
Just a gorgeous voice...I just melt!
Saw Jake a few times with my mum when I was little,mum was a huge fan as I am now too,still listening to his songs all the time...Love all his songs...my fave being "The Hole" x
My Favourite, what a man he was Brilliantly Percular, Thanks Jake.
Jon Richardson brought me here. And I thank him for it.
Yes! I saw him on the telly a while back, then , as happens his name escaped me.... So ...overjoyed!
Jake was so talented i love listening to his wonderful songs.thankyou for this.rip jake.
Peter Tinniswood with tunes.
Lovely.
What a beautiful comparison, I loved Peter Tinniswood's writing
Great clip of Jake.What a funny talented charismatic chap .
i honestly think this is the most perfect love song ever made
Happy memories of a very talented man with a unique and totally individual style. Always makes me smile.
My God ! This takes me back .
That is simply beautiful
A true legend there will never be another
He was a real treasure and now so sadly missed.
When I first heard this I thought it was a Vivian Stanshall track, but I'm glad I was wrong. It's a lovely account of familial niceties.
Beautiful, witty lyrics and the guitar playing is brilliant.
Beautiful ... Life warming
The best love song ever written!
A deeply beautiful song - full of love for his betrothed - happy days...
Philip Thomas Indeed. It has the same effect on me, but also makes us laugh and all the while we're admiring his musicianship, lyric-writing and marvellous diction. A rare talent and, I fear, always was, and still is, woefully under appreciated.
Micky1964 Yes, you are right, he was and still is not appreciated, however, we aficionados can be smug in the knowledge that we loved and still love him. Best wishes.
This might be the best love song ever
Listening to him play the guitar is beautiful, but watching How he plays it is sublime.
Such a talented man.
A few of us appreciated at the time whilst Glam rock held center stage.
This makes me really sad for some reason... In a bittersweet way 😢
Sadly missed. Such a loss.
There's a new biography just out called Beware of the Bull: The Enigmatic Genius of Jake Thackray by Paul Thompson and John Watterson published by Scratching Shed Publishing. Jake died in 2002, 20 years ago, after descending in to alcoholism, illness and poverty.
I'm still smiling wonderful RIP JT
In my top 8 all-time fave tunes.
Oh, my word! Thanks, Jake.
One could imagine Jake serenading before a modern day Tudor regime .
Style , lyrics , ambiance and much more would assimilate with original Tudor music .👌👌
Brilliantly understated.
Most romantic song ever.
Brilliantly beautiful
I hope jake is still with us, if not .. he'll be in a better place.
wow, this song is amazing.
This song touches my heart so much I can feel the tears well up to the surface. Why? It reminds me of what my fiancé goes through every time he visits me!
Do women find that they can also be found echoing these lyrics with their boyfriend/husband's relatives, too? I did. My now ex-boyfriend's mother was a cross between Hyacinth Bucket but she more like resembled Mrs Doyle from Fr Ted!