I worked with Neil on some shows in 2013/2014. They played an evening slot at Falls Festival. I vividly recall the Lorne show. The ENTIRE crowd sang along to this song. There were plenty in the crowd that weren’t even born when this song was released but still belted it out. There are rare moments in life that you recall and make the hairs on the back of neck instantly stand on end, and this is one of them. Neil is a one of a kind talent who strikes a chord with every generation.
There are just some lyrics that grab you by the nose and kick you right in the a$$…that’s one of them. As one who has tried to write songs and lyrics, you see and hear a lyric like that and immediately ask, “How am I supposed to do that?” And then, “Why can’t I think of something just a smidgeon close to that brilliant to write and sing?”
Saw them on the Woodface tour in Cincinnati. To this day, that was the most enjoyable concert I've ever been to. It's rare that the artist themselves seem to be having a great time. They definitely were that night.
mark bridle I think this is Neil's very best song...and considering this is the man who wrote "Don't Dream It's Over", "Better Be Home Soon", "Weather With You", "Distant Sun" and so many other stunning songs, that is really saying something. And your description is picture perfect.
@Shawn McLaughlin My favorite artists are those who wrote powerful poetry and then put it to music. As such, Neil Finn is my favorite poet. I’m so grateful that I found his music. There were only two really successful songs of Crowded House in the US, the first being Don’t Dream It’s Over. That’s all it took for me to find them and consequently, Neil Finn. I was so glad to find videos of them on YT because I had never seen them perform.
Deborah Merkerson I already had each Split Enz album from True Colours on but did not know right away that CH was Neil’s new band. I am from the U.S. also and it seemed like the first 2 albums did very well. Woodface is their finest, IMO, but leading off with a single that sends up some of the worst parts of American culture probably wasn’t a great career move. They stopped selling in America at that point. But they are extremely popular in Europe, Australia and NZ, of course. I miss the days when the best art was also the thing that sold the most.
This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. One of my favorite songs ever. Brings a tear to my eye all the time. Emotions rush through. I have an affinity to sad love songs for some reason.
I miss songs like this; songs with real emotion that make you truly feel something. Beautiful. Possibly my favorite song ever but EVERY Crowded House song is a masterpiece. 💜
To me Neil Finn is by far one of the most TALENTED Musicians in every aspect of the Craft. Hope Paul H. Was looking down with a smile as this Concert was performed. Those folks there were exposed to greatness and when they left they most likely said that's the greatest concert I've ever seen!
I wonder what it feels like to have thousands of voices singing your lyrics to you?! As someone who loves poetry but cannot write a poem and someone who loves music and cannot sing a lick, I’ve always been in awe of the people who can. And no one does it better than Neil Finn and Crowded House!!! Thanks so much for posting this video.
As someone who has had hundreds - (not thousands! ) do all most exactly this...take on your song and sing it back at you with passion and fervour - it is the strangest feeling. You would think it would be very ego boosting, but it is strangely, very very humbling. Although you write the song, when you hear it sung by others, and taken on by others, the effect is to make the song feel bigger than you, make the meaning of it to others feel bigger than its meaning to you when you wrote it, and to see yourself as a sort of very small thing that was allowed to play a part in a thing that's bigger than you. It's hard to explain. Afterward I felt sort of exhausted and drained and just needed to go and sit and be quiet for a while on my own and process it.
To see the diverse ages in the crowd all filled with smiles demonstrates the connection between this great, historic and underrated band and its audience.
I love the Finn's (I adore them) .. I really do.... However, Lennon & McCartney are THE best ever... there is no comparison. We are on the same side.. be nice x
@@markwarnes2077 you're right. Lennon and McCartney occupy a different space time continuum to any other song writer. But Neil is one of the greatest to live in our reality. Paul Simon would be up there with him, maybe a handful of others
The finger of blame has turned upon itself and I more than willing to offer myself. Have you ever heard a more beautiful song lyric than that? The look on the young woman's face at the 5:00 minute mark is priceless.
This moves me so much it makes me cry, it's so beautiful full of such bittersweet love. Neil you have only gotten better with age.wish I could have been there.
Incredible artist, incredible songwriter. Neil Finn is hugely under-appreciated. he wrote "Fall at Your Feet" and " Don't Dream it's Over", which qualify him as a genius. Name one artist today who is writing songs like these? No one. Add all his other stuff plus the great split Enz stuff, who is better? Pop music fame is fleeting. Flavor of the week, then quickly forgotten. Neil's songs will be remembered forever.
Colin, all I can say is right on!!!! Today's "pop" music is simplistic, tuneless, lacks harmony, and soul - in fact so much of it is just plain harsh. And don't get me going on rap..... As a musician myself, I can appreciate the fact that the beautiful melodies and harmonies Neil writes are no accident. He understands all the scales, every key, how they all relate to each other, and the complexities of music theory. Just like Bach, Beethoven, the Beatles, and so many folks from the 60's and 70's. It takes hard work and pure drudgery to learn that stuff. But when you do go through all that work, you have the foundation from which you can create magic and beauty that really touches folks. I worry about young folks today, mesmerized by their phones, thinking that that phone is the all they need to acquire the knowledge they need to get by. Sadly, wisdom and a true sense of what is beautiful seems to have been left in a dust heap somewhere.
Amen brother! I FIRMLY believe Neil is the best songwriter of the past 40 years. Hell, even before The Mullanes and Crowded House, how many guys can say they have an "I Got You" or a "What's the Matter With You", amongst 5-7 other mini-masterpieces, in their catalogue?
I only knew this band for their hit "Don't Dream It's Over", and after watching a few live versions of them doing that song, I checked out a few more (live) performances - and I realize I have been missing out on their good music. They might be a one hit wonder in the USA, but it seems clear they're very popular in Australia - and for good reason.
Watching and listening how this kind beautiful crowd is singing together is SIMPLY BEAUTFUL. I am into live performances for over 35 years now. Live rich sound, crowd singing, what else could be better?... :-)
just the "who know's where that might lead" is enough , such good lyrics, to put that on the end of "do you want my presence or need my help" is truly romantic
I was an eighties kid, I loved the Scorpions, Journey, Triumph, etc.. but when I hear crowded house it takes me back everytime. I'm just now realizing what a gem they are.
Neil has always engaged the audience to sing along...and usually allows them to sing the last line. Ahhh, yes. You are singing this Neil...up to the mic!!
I have seen Crowded House Live in Christchurch Hagley Park many years ago. And also the Farewell concert at the Opera house. Hope to see you in the near future in Holland where I now live.
So so utterly a welcomed and attended concert in Bristol, England. Neil, you encouraged all that could'tn see up on stage with you. A night to be remembered. My heart with NZ and all peace xxx
