Here am I listening to this beautiful song and somehow it just effortlessly fits with current world affairs. I think all of us today are walking with sadness, I really don't know how we can't.
I started out listening to his 2013 version. Cried of course. Later Norah Jones. More tears. Now this. I knew what I was doing. Loved this for what 50 years? Not sure. But I'm 75 now.
I first heard the song sung by Bobby Darin from his “Inside Out” album. Fantastic version in my view because of his restraint, not as great as when Randy sings it - but then again, nobody sings it as good as Randy Newman.
Nothing will ever surpass his version, songs are not for sharing out any more than money to see who spends it best. Art will always belong to who creates it
Not sure Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and hundreds of others who presented gracefully the great American songbook ( whose composers also played their songs) would agree. Not sure either Mr Newman and certainly not I agree. This performance is unmatched as it a often the case with his music. To make a global statement imo is an overreaching declaration
I agree that songs belong to those who create them, but i disagree with everything else you said. Songs are, by definition, for sharing. They wouldn't be anything if they weren't shared. Covering a song is an act of love, as much as it is an act of sharing. Some people don't do much more with that act than express their affection, but some people do add a little flavor. I think Nina Simone adds one thing (if i must name only one) that even improves on the man's original: "broken windows and emp-TY hallways"... she goes up on TY to follow the piano melody. No one else does that, and it scratches my brain real good like nothing else. Also, money is to be shared. Money only exists as a liquid surrogate for goods and services, which, if hoarded, rot and waste and lose their value.
One of my favourite writers and performers.Timeless and beautiful and I prefer Randy singing his own songs than any other artist.He wrote em and he can sing em.Jim.Liverpool.
I heard this song in an episode of Mr. Mercedes, and it was as if time just stopped. I later realised that I’ve heard the song before, since I know I listened to his first album once. Clearly, I didn’t pay attention. This song is utter perfection.
The chord progression of the bridge (1:29) is so moving, and greatly enhanced by the orchestration here (especially the last chords at 1:54); brilliant.
It seems that progression has been used in every sad scene in every good movie that was was made after this song was written... All of those sounds I hear in my head from like Shawshank redemption or Forrest Gump - or band of brothers... things like that... But I could be wrong.
Broken windows and empty hallways, A pale dead moon in a sky streaked with grey. Human kindness is overflowing, And I think it's gonna rain today. Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles, The frozen smiles to chase love away. Human kindness is overflowing, And I think it's gonna rain today. Lonely, lonely. Tin can at my feet, I think I'll kick it down the street. That's the way to treat a friend. Bright before me the signs implore me: Help the needy and show them the way. Human kindness is overflowing, And I think it's gonna rain today. Lonely, so lonely. Tin can at my feet, I think I'll kick it down the street. That's the way to treat a friend. Bright before me the signs implore me: Help the needy and show them the way. Human kindness is overflowing, And I think it's gonna rain today.
All these smiles hide the way we really feel. A life full of contradictions. Such a heavy sorrow to bear. Like a clown, they can be some of the saddest people in the world.
What a beautiful performance, that green movement on a background is so fitting. What a heavenly joy it must be to feel your song to such a degree and be able to play it for people who appreciate it.
Beautiful. Such a talented guy. I like this version of it which he was a bit younger and vocal range wider. But everything he does is great. On the Gilmore Girls series, this song was used, with him playing piano and Claudine Longet singing it during a very sad scene. Gilmore Girls always had great songs in each show; they used other songs he did, also.
I first heard Judy Collins recording in the 70’s, then later Bette Midler’s version in the 80’s(?) Tonight (May 20,2022) we were watching “We bought a zoo” and thought it was Randy Newman singing it. Waited until all of the credits rolled to see if it was a Randy Newman version. Couldn’t believe when it said sung by and WRITTEN by him. Mind blown 🤯
We got to see him and his piano at the Santa Rosa CA County Fair ~ 1995? He was so wonderful. I'd been enjoying Randy since his first album. Not underrated here.
Broken windows and empty hallways, A pale dead moon in a sky streaked with grey. Human kindness is overflowing, And I think it's gonna rain today. Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles, The frozen smiles to chase love away. Human kindness is overflowing, And I think it's gonna rain today. Lonely, lonely. Tin can at my feet, I think I'll kick it down the street. That's the way to treat a friend. Bright before me the signs implore me: Help the needy and show them the way. Human kindness is overflowing, And I think it's gonna rain today.
So beautiful. Rob Paparozzi recorded this on his Etruscan Soul CD, and did a great job. Randy's influence on Rob's music shows through.Two talented soulful souls!
This song really makes me think of the fim 'About Schmidt' (2000) - The beauty and sadness of trying to connect with those closest to us, one of Jack Nicholson's finest films imo.
It's the approach... the feeling. The way he sings "smiles" with that hesitant wilt. That's what sets his meditation on these words apart from the other musicians who have tried their hand. @In the Art, your comment is inspiring to a fellow like me. I would prefer to think a better interpretation lies somewhere deep within the depths of the collective unconscious, waiting for some brazenly lonely explorer with decent pitch to find it.
the reason i love randy newman is his inability to say what he means . he uses sarcasm and little life stories to say what he can't. he is my favorite broken white child
Judy Collins and Graham Nash ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-H5SxWu5w9hI.html But Neil Diamond (Live at the Greek 1972) still the best imho
I have posted this on Facebook as I'm sure you chums have, but RU-vid might be the only place you will find a chum that gets this, Friends I take my hat off to you, I don't even know you
i'm having this ,the 23rd psalm sung by Buju Banton and Gramps,and I feel like going home by Bonnie Rait and Trisha Yearwood for my funeral.On that happy thought I'll get me coat
I think Newman, the composer certainly did do it justice. If there is an even more poignant version, I think it would be Peter Gabriel, who plays it almost entirely straight from the Newman version, holding back tears, I think. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hYwYas3wMFs.html
No one has ever given this song justice. Not even Randy Newman. Sorry folks. Randy created a song that even he couldn't give justice. No one - not Barbara, not Bette, not no names, no one has ever given this song what it deserves. They all suck at it. The song itself is beautiful. One day, someone will come along, I hope, that gives this song what it deserves.
