Fairport Convention - Who Knows Where The Time Goes (with Sandy Denny) 

I am having to read your words through teary eyes. A stunning presentation of a beautiful song John, thank you.

at 73 and having lost too many people in 2023 I admired and loved this favourite song is poignant for me.

One beautiful summer night in 1991, I had a job doing some investigative engineering on the San Diego Bay Bridge. We were working on a barge. Judy Collins was performing about a quarter mile north of us, in Embarcadaro Park. I can remember this song floating out across the warm water of the bay. It washed over me like the breath of God, and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard.

One of the greatest vocal recordings ever made ... there should be at least a billion clicks on this thing. People just don't know what they are missing ...

One of the greatest songs ever written and sung.

Never heard this song until tonight. I'm 64 years young. What beautiful times the 60's and 70's were. Thank you 🙏

A contender for the most beautiful vocal and folk song of all.

I have Stage 4 colon cancer. Now is not the time for a sad song. Now is the time to live. But this is so great. Like everyone else, I can remember the first time I heard this song, in the Summer of 1969, I was 12 and can never forget it. Now I just look at the cover of the album and it breaks me...Who knows where the time goes? 54 years ago really doesn't seem like so long ... She found a pathway to every human's heart

I've been listening to Sandy Denny sing this song since I was in my early 20ties and now in my middle 70ties and it has even more meaning beauty and power. Sandy was delivering messages that she was receiving .. so grateful that we can still hear her voice and send her our gratitude and love.

The older I get, the deeper it cuts. Wonderful.

This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written.

Count me as one of the old timers who marked poignant times in my life with certain songs and artists. My musical journey began in 1962 with songs of Surfing USA, then the Beatles and on to folk and psychodelia. But songs like this one just filled my soul back then as it still does to this day. RIP Sandy Denny. You are missed.🙏

Sandy Denny died at age 31. So much done in a few years. So much more she could have done. Who knew where her time would go.

if only the young generation had a clue - sublime -

After nearly 50 years of loving this song, it still sends shivers down my spine and tears to my eyes.

Played at Mums funeral....discovered this masterpiece waking in the night on the radio....

When I was much younger I was driving and heard Tamlin on the radio. I was a rocker, you know, Free, Bad Company, Frankie Miller and so on but Sandy's voice and the delivery of the band hooked me to such an extent that amongst my funeral songs will be Farewell, Farewell. God Bless Sandy and I look forward to hearing you in heaven.

WHO KNOWS WHERE THE TIME GOES I got goosebumps listening to Sandy Denny and Fairport Convention. And then the tears started rolling. As I realised that a whole generation of mine had gone Never to return . Except in my grieving head. Day before yesterday, my mother’s last bhua died. We cremated her exactly in the same spot where we’d cremated my mum last October. Mum and she were like sisters ... ( Mum being the eldest of her father’s children, and her Bhua being the youngest of her father’s sisters, they had just about six seven years age difference between them ) Back then , the families were large and different generations quite intermingled in their age groups. I remember my dad ( who was the youngest born in his family)... he’d tell me his mother was pregnant and carrying him when his eldest sister was being wed. And there were so few of us left standing out there at the cremation. There was me, my this mum’s bhua’s only surviving son( his other brother had died ten odd years back in an accident), there was my other mum’s bhua’s surviving daughter( her brother, the one who was the closest to me had died also about ten years back)... A Neice of my mum’s bhua ( from my bhua’s husbands side ) was there... My mum’s sister, my massi ( who was also very close to this bhua of my mum) , she couldn’t make it because she was not well... she and I that night would talk for hours on the phone remembering this last bhua of my mum and hers... we were all that was left of that glorious generation of my grandparents and their huge joint families ( brothers sisters children grandchildren, cousins aunts , nephews nieces ... laughter, anger, fights, and above all so much love for each other ) and as I write this, my dad sleeps next to me on the bed, he’s 96... and he doesn’t remember much ... and I’m 59 years, and I look back at this glorious family of mine ... and I remember just yesterday we were all together...this great family of love and laughter and stories of their past and more stories of their present, their hopes and their dreams and their achievements and their values and their hurts ... all now just memories in my head ... And now here I am , with my dad, just the two of us left... I wonder how long all these memories shall remain in my head where then as I age they too shall fade away ... And then I will not even be able to say Who knows where the time goes... Because by then I would have forgotten everything...and it will be then that all these people who still live in my head , would have finally gone away with the passing time PS: incidentally even Sandy Denny, she too died too young, just 31, back in the 1970s, in 1978. Around the same time when my sister too had died, in 1976. Photos: Too many to write about. Those who know them will know them. And shall laugh and cry with them . ( incidentally, the first photo is mum with her bhua who just died. And the Second photo is mum with her and her other older bhua, who died probably six years back...and the third photo is my this mum’s bhua with her husband and her two sons, the elder one was the one who lit her pyre And yes, as Sandy Denny sang, while my mums bhua pyre burned and turned to ashes and dust the birds were singing and the canopy of trees were green and swaying in the breeze and the hot day turned to cool as the monsoon clouds rolled in and made everything so gentle and so at peace.. Do listen to that song I’ve linked in my comments and you’ll feel what I felt

She was simply beautiful, inside and out. And she left a ghost of that beauty behind for us in her music.

As a student Fairport convention were playing in Liverpool university . I asked Sandy to play it , it was probably I n the set but she gave a beautiful smile when she said yes

Sandy had the voice of an angel & with Richard Thompson & those great players during her time with Fairport were pure magic. She is missed . A very fine presentation here to one of earths best singers & musicians.

I wish I knew folks….but I’m glad I’m old enough now to have been young enough back then…A musical deliverance never to be repeated. God bless Sandy.

Im indian and I was born in 1977 a year before denny's death. I listened this song only three years back , since then I'm listening it regularly. Such a soulful song. It is the gift she has given to this world. Love your song Denny.

Sandy Denny was a gift to us all.

After all these years it's still a stunning recording that seems as fresh as the day they recorded it. Magnificent.

It is 2023 and this is the very first time I have listened to this song. I must say it captures the heart and commands one to listen much more than just hear. A sad masterpiece of notes and the human voice. Wonderful.

What a beautiful Voice! And the lyrics mean more to me now than 50 years ago.

What a voice...so pure and with such feeling...will always love you and your music Sandy.

Tripped across this today thank God I grew up in the 60/70 I will never forget hearing this for the first time it blew my mind Greetings from Dublin Ireland brothers and sisters

One of the best songs ever written, it never fails to bring tears to my eyes. And this is certainly the ultimate and definitive performance by Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson and the other members of Fairport.

Old geezer. Family know this is my funeral tune. They are on board.

For decades I only knew Judy Collins's lovely version; songwriter Sandy Denny's version is now my favorite. It's the best!

After all these years I still miss her. The beauty of this song can't be duplicated, the beauty of her voice can't be replaced.

Timeless tune, Sandy is (IMHO)the best singer this country has ever produced!

I love this song - as much for Richard Thompson's guitar work as Sandy's vocals - it is a true classic.

What I love about this song: First, it's a song about time. That in itself is appealing to me. Second, the singer (Sandy Denny) repeats that she has no thought about time, that she isn't leaving, that she doesn't fear time. At the same time, the song itself is so slow and lumbering...as though the song ITSELF doesn't care about time. I absolutely love it.

Brings the adventure and happiness of the 1960's back. Sandy Denny and Fairport Convention brought London to life then and made us all believe we were part of an awakening of the human family to the power and timelessness of love. Soooooo philosophical . I feel young again every time I hear it. Thanks

This was my sister's favourite band and this track was chosen by her to be played at her own funeral when she succombed to cancer - it will always have a very personal resonance to me.

Thanks for giving a brief history behind this amazing musician. Like so many others, IMHO she & Fairport Convention never got the recognition they deserved. Just the same, her star rose very high indeed, even if it was obscured and out of view for the mainstream. She was truly in a league of her own with a moving, compelling, outstanding voice. Sandy Denny singing at the peak of her powers stirs & moves the listener in a way few, if any, other vocalist ever could. She sang with Led Zeppelin on Battle of Evermore, on their 4th album. That acoustic song is & remains a masterpiece, that couldn't have been without Sandy Denny. She left this world all too soon. RIP Sandy, you'll not be forgotten.

Sandy Denny and Richard Thompson made the ultimate version of this song. Emotions and feelings all through.

to everyone listening to this beautiful song..peace and love . ..❤

this is a hidden jewel fro my youth that didn't get the attention it deserved.

Incredible guitar playing by Richard Thompson.

I was 17 and 18 when first saw her with FC at Hull City Hall and then with the Strawbs. Couldn't believe a single voice could generate so much wholesomeness. I always felt good after hearing her gigs.

I saw her live as a student in 1968 and instantly fell in love. Such a shame she was taken away at such a young age. She had the lovliest voice ever.

A timeless classic. Best listened to on a cold winter's evening beside a log fire with the sun setting and a bottle of red wine close at hand.

One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard in my life.

Not just Sandy, but the guitar accompaniment by Richard Thompson is also beautiful

Richard Thompson's guitar work on this recording is brilliant!

Sandy went too early, too soon and too young. But her legacy will stay here. I always sing this song in winter on the deserted beach, watching the birds.....timeless. Thank you John

Always will be one of my top 10 all-time favourite songs and recordings.

If your not moved by this song your soul is dead.

John wherever Sandy thought the time goes. I think we all feel that this her most beautiful ballad will forever remain timeless!

I am ashamed to say that I only recently became aware of this song. I have been listening to music since I was about six years old, and I can honestly say that in 55 years, I have heard nothing to compare with the magnificence of this. She really must have been blessed by God to write such a work of art. The understated guitar just adds to its beauty.

Achingly beautiful. Thank you Sandy Denny.

Perhaps my all time favourite song, sung by one of my all time favourite artists. Just beautiful. Thank you Sandy Denny.

I want this played at my funeral. Beautiful lyrics, wonderful melody, flawless guitar from Saint Richard Thompson. Just perfection.

This is my favourite song of all time....I'm 65, and in all these years, I've yet to find any song more poignant, magical and evocative than this. Timeless, faultless and definitely her best ever. Thank you Sandy for your amazing musical legacy.❤

I have had this C/D in my truck for almost a year. I always put it on this song. Actually listen to This Group often. One of the greatest from the Era. Musicians play so tasteful and melodic.

So beautiful. Sandy will always bring us so much pleasure. She was a very special singer and will always be loved.

Still gives me goose bumps. Haunting melancholy.

After 50 years it still goes directly to my soul.

The combination of sheer genius ,talent and deep emtional issues makes for a beautiful tragedy . My life is better having heard this. Thnks Sandy

Okay now that you’ve made me cry I’m going to re-listen to this beautiful song. I always loved Fairport Convention when I was young but kinda forgot about them. Thank you for sharing this. ☮️💜

If I had to choose only one artist to listen to for the rest of my life it would be Sandy Denny. No one else comes close.

Magnificent....this song should have been a massive hit....Sandy's voice is ace as is Thommo's restrained guitar....

I don't believe Sandy Denny knew just how amazing she was! This is such a beautiful heart and soul song, with such meaningful lyrics.

It truly was so very moving, from the singer/songwriter herself. God, it is even more moving to me now...thank you Sandy Denny! It seems incredible that you would be taken from us so young. Eva Cassidy with the wonderful voice comes to mind. You were both taken so young with such amazing talent.

Sandy's voice is some pure, so natural and without artifice. All she needed was a stage and alone or with Fairport Convention, and there was magic. I've listened to this song when I've had to let go of someone I love. Be they human or one of the many incredible dogs who have so far shared my life over the decades. Though they've crossed from this mortal world, they are forever within my heart. This song reminds me that none of us might know where the time goes, but if we're lucky, we can each learn to savor every day, every hour, we have with those we love. Namaste

sublime - thank you. used to listen to this song forever, 1977-78. and again now. i could not tire of it. Peace, love, soul, growing..HEALING SINGER POET LOVER. thank you.

Just gorgeous. Life affirming stuff...nice one Sandy girl. Gone too soon. Thank you. XXX

Absolut einzigartig! Du bleibst für immer unvergessen Sandy!

This is by far my favourite version of this timeless piece of wonder. I never fail to cry every time I hear it after first hearing it soon after my father died.

Sandy Denny was one of the alltime bests. I still listen to her every week. She died way too early. I miss you, Sandy.

A great song that I have listened to many, many times over the years. It raises a warm feeling, yet reminds me that everything in life has a sell-by date dc

Sandy's voice was that of an angel. I remember, back in the day, my mate saying to me "Can you imagine waking up to that beautiful voice each morning." RIP Rick :)

Thank you for the informative biography. I had never heard of the group nor Sandy. I was led here from hearing Eva Cassidy's version. ❤

Beautiful song sung by blessed Sandy. RIP.

This is so beautiful, perfect singing by Sandy, but also wonderful guitar by Richard, bass by Ashley and drumming by Martin. They were such a group.

A lovely portrayal of this lovely spirit. Yaa .... thanks

some say the most beautiful song ever. I can't disagree.

Always brings me to tears...such a heavenly voice..haven't heard this in many years...

Still deadly after all the years Sandy Denny was my introduction to real music... Greetings from Dublin Ireland brothers and sisters. ..

One of the greatest songs and performances of all time, that's all I can say. Well, and to add, Sandy is rightfully celebrated for this, but Richard Thompson's guitar is beyond amazing, in a really subtle way, as well.

Hauntingly beautiful every time I hear Sandy sing this song! It is great to see her and the band on this terrific video. I get moved in reading a number of the comments left as well.

What a Fantastic voice, this song is Amazing and so true. Time goes so quickly🫤💚

I must add that this version hits you right in the tear ducts...

This song has that feeling that makes you want to remember all the good times that are so far back in the distant past that only a song like this can bring them back

I saw Fairport Convention as they opened for Jethro Tull , Stand Up tour at the Santa Monica Civic . What a great show . Sandy Denny was wonderful and Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull blew the roof off the place .

I`ve known the Sandy Denny solo version of this song and liked it, but on recently discovering this `Fairport` version on You Tube I really sat up----It`s brilliant (as old as it is) !! The answer about time is obvious----it goes into the past , unless you can (in theory) travel at the speed of light, where it goes neither forward or backward. The rate at time goes really gets faster as we get older as we`ll all find out. I hope the family play this at my funeral, where some might appreciate it`s greatness. RIP Sandy

So achingly beautiful, like The Lady herself. Happy Birthday, Sandy. Miss you, love.

Sandy was a sister to anyone with a good ear and a heart. Showing all the other versions was a kind gift.

Across the evening sky, all the birds are leaving But how can they know it's time for them to go? Before the winter fire, I will still be dreaming I have no thought of time For who knows where the time goes? Who knows where the time goes? Sad, deserted shore, your fickle friends are leaving Ah, but then you know it's time for them to go But I will still be here, I have no thought of leaving I do not count the time For who knows where the time goes? Who knows where the time goes? And I am not alone while my love is near me I know it will be so until it's time to go So come the storms of winter and then The birds in spring again I have no fear of time For who knows how my love grows? And who knows where the time goes?

A song and performance that will remain with me forever. Thank you Mr O'Connell.

I have loved this song for many decades, but did not know the full history behind it. Thanks for telling the story.

So poignant. Almost too much to bear. RIP. Thank you so much for sharing this.

When Sandy sings the word "winter" I well up every time.😢 Absolutely majestic.

It's impossible for me to listen to this without being deeply moved by the beautiful lyrics and angelic dinging and music. Thank you Sandy Denny RIP

As soon as I heard this song I was infected by a nostalgic bug wanting to research this amazing, incredible and angelic voice. I then found out about the tragedy that took it away, and then thought that this song really fits into her life and everyones life. I rate this as equally the best song I have ever heard and cannot believe my parents didnt play this to me when I was a child, I am 46, but wished I lived through all these outstanding historical moments of music...since it is daad now and talent is not looked at I may as well be 75 like my father..

I'm kind of a hard bitten guy, not easily given to emotion.... but will some kind soul please play this at my funeral. It is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.