Mike + The Mechanics - The Living Years (REACTION) First Time Hearing it 

A wonderful, emotive song beautifully sung by the great voice of Paul Carrack.

This is a brilliantly written song. A lot of wisdom delivered in a few minutes.

Oh, the innocence of those children singing those emotional lyrics always brings the tears out of me. Also having those two very different generations singing together is heart wrenching!

The lyrics don't ask people to change except to LISTEN to each other.

I can never get through this song without my eye's filling up with tear's...

This is one of the greatest songs of all time!!

As someone else stated, Mike Rutherford, the guitarist and the man with the child in the video, helped start Genesis, that Phil Collins resumed after Peter Gabriel left. This song resonates with me so much. My father was in hospice from metastatic cancer, dementia from the cancer as it went to his brain. I got a call from the hospice facility saying my dad had fallen but was ok, then 30 minutes later I got another call stating he was unresponsive and they didknow how it was going to go. By the time I got there, he was gone. I knew it was coming, but it came so fast. So, yeah, a beautiful, but heartbreaking song. Thank you to whomever suggested it, and thank you, Saeed, for your genuine reaction to this. Much love to you and your family. ❤😊

A life lesson, who's cutting onions..Paul Carrick has a great voice...

Father and Son by Cat Stevens, and Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin are two other great father-son strained relationship songs worth listening to. Both very moving.

This song resonates even more since I lost my Dad a few years ago. I was fortunate to be present at the end and could articulate everything I needed to say. Sadly he passed from ALS which is such a devastating illness. He was unable to speak by the end, but was completely mentally aware. If only I could have heard him tell me he loved me one last time. But fortunately I knew.

I was not a fan of my father when he was alive but now I can look at my upbringing and be thankful for the respect I was taught. This is what attracted my wife to me. We are about to enjoy our 41st wedding anniversary in a few weeks and I hope that I instilled some of his qualities in my son. Santa

This is a beautiful song with such a deep meaning. Mike and the Mechanic have quite a few great songs. When I lost my mom to cancer i was grateful that this didn't pertain to us. We were always close and I was there when she lost her battle. There are times when some relationships are toxic and distance is a good thing. Other times it's like the lyrics portray so well. To not allow pride and bitterness to keep us from bridging the gap.

I'm a retired junior school teacher. While I was working we had a poster pinned on the notice board. It featured criticism of the younger generation, complaining they were disrespectful, selfish, had bad manners etc. At the bottom was the name of the person who wrote it. It was Socrates. It was a lesson to always keep an open mind and not to be judgemental. I've never forgotten it and sometimes think that because we are more mature and possess greater knowledge, that it's the older generation that should set the example by listening, then we will have earned respect rather than thinking it's our right.

Lots of wisdom in these lyrics. We all can listen as well as hear.

Basically, the living years need to be the loving years, not the prideful years {'swallow it' is the best advice you ever heard}

Mike Rutherford formed Genesis late sixties with Peter Gabriel, Anthony Phillips, Chris Stewart and Tony Banks. Mike and the Mechanics, started in 1985 with vocalists Paul Carrack and Paul Young, was a very successful side project, when Phil Collins was busy with his solo career. I love this song, my father could talk a lot but never left much room for questions, I think. And in hindsight, I would have loved to hear more about his life.

"Teach Your Children" by Crosby, Stills and Nash (also by CSNY), originally written by Graham Nash while he was still with the Hollies.

I got lucky. My daddy was my hero. I didn’t feel like I was living up to him. We always got along, though. At about age 28, we threw hella drunk together. Just took a ride up the mountains in his new RV. Pulling beers out of the cooler, just 25 miles an hour, on the dirt roads. Playing word games, stopping at creeks, walking in the woods. Riddles, cutting up. I’m taller than my daddy was. So, in private, I called him my little daddy. We were wasted, and running out of beer. We went back to the small farm he had. Sat under the shade tree and broke out rye moonshine he had. Watched the sunset, and wondered how long it would a take a man on a GOOD horse to ride to the next ridge. Then, we drunk enough, it started getting serious. lol, his girlfriend was yelling for us to come to dinner, but we went back to the camper. That’s where his homemade muscadine wine was stored. Don’t get sideways. My daddy was a dignified man. But he pulled out a bottle, and the serious stuff started. He told me why he made the choices he did. I told him some stuff he would have rather not known. We got it all out. We cried. Held hans across the table. He apologized for not being a perfect daddy. I apologized for not being a perfect daughter. I wish everyone could have that. Go get it.

Fortunately my father and I reconciled long before he died. My favorite line, "We all talk a different language, talking in defense". When two people are having a discussion, defending contrasting belief systems, they talk a different language, if for no other reason than they are not listening to each other. As a police officer and detective, I had to teach myself to listen to other people. George Carlin once said that the opposite of listening is not talking, it's waiting for the other person to stop talking, so you can say what you want to say.

I’m 69 and still miss my mom and dad. Crazy.

I was 30 when my dad died, 1990. He died on the day before his passing. So heartbreaking. Amazing song to listen to, I'm 64 now & have a son, my daughter, who has 2 brilliant children - my grandchild who I adore too. This song is so incredible with the words & lyrics, love it.

Mike is a master of intelligent, moving lyrics to tell a story and put you in someone's shoes. Their song "Another Cup Of Coffee" is another masterful example that I think you'll really appreciate.

Paul Carrack is the lead singer. Mike + the Mechanics had 2 lead singers. The other was Paul Young. Both excellent singers and they sang on many songs like this one where they were not named.

Wow. This song came out when I was in my teens. I haven't heard it in 30 years. All of a sudden I get it. Having 2 boys of my own (teenagers) this song hits home. I think I need to call my dad.

Mike Rutherford was in Genesis with Phil Collins

This has always made me cry since I first heard it in 1988 when I was in college.

I’m just a few years shy of twice your age, and have heard this song many times since its release. As always, so impressed by your reactions, and just want to say that this song’s impact increases the older we get. It’s one to keep in mind and revisit as time marches on, and to keep its message in your heart and mind, and act accordingly in your personal life. I have no doubt you can do that better than many who forget the song as soon as it’s over. Great work you’re doing here Saeed.

Listened to this song many times and each time the powerful lyrics get me every time as each the lyrics in each line in this song packs a punch. Timeless song.

I am glad i had the hard talk with my farver before he passed

This tune aways brings a tear to my eyes.

I was 12 in 1965 when I lost my father and this song really strikes a chord. It dosnt get any easier.

Have been bought up with this song. So beautiful and therapeutic for so many. Thank you. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

A song for everyone. But particularly for fathers and sons. I lost my dad seventeen years ago and admit freely we did not say the things we should have said to each other. Beautiful reaction. You really got this.

Every time I hear this song it hits me both my parents passed away during Covid and both were in a nursing home I never got to say good bye I miss them both thank you for your heart felt reaction God bless

This song always gets me. Had a good relationship with my dad. Loved my dad and talking to my dad but looking back still wish I would have done it more.

This song is just ageless! I appreciate your reactions!

This song was written by B A Robertson about his dad . Paul had a very successful career before Mike + the mechanics, he sang with Squeeze, had a very successful song with Ace it’s 50 years old this year and called how long. He also co wrote a song for the Eagles. Love will keep you alive you should check them out. Eagles might be tricky, but definitely how long.

So concise is so true. Wonderfully written.

Thanks, Saeed.. this song brings tears...(especially the last verse) - not a situation in my particular family.. but have known many in that situation... very moving! Appreciate your reaction...

Their Songs Are all very good!!

This song is so meaningful to me! Mom and dad have both passed and I really did not get the full meaning to the song til it was passed time. Thank you for passing this great music on and letting others get the message before time runs out. Time goes by all to fast. Thanks again!

Beautiful and emotional song with a great meaning.❤

good reaction man you know your stuff you get it !

I think the lyrics to this song are so exquisite. I’ve always loved this song. Has not lost any currency over the years because it is a truism for every generation that they fault the one before - sometimes rightly but never in context.

One of the things I thoroughly enjoy listening to this music with you is that, since you're a writer you listen to the actual words of the song and get a sense of the meaning much better than other reactors. I thank you for that and for making these videos.

One of the best songs ever.

This song is brilliantly written and delivered. Other great father-son songs 1. “Leader of the Band”-Dan Fogelberg 2. “Through my Veins”-Richard Marx 3. “Dance with my Father”-Luther Vandross

Some of the best lyrics ever written. Impressive video and music. Catch more of this group but also Genesis. Mike was their bass player and wrote some great songs. Mike is the one with the kid (who is his actual son, not an actor!)

I lost my Daddy & 6 mths later, I was pregnant so this song gets me!

This is their most famous song. There were other singles, but none as popular. "Mike" Rutherford was from the group Genesis. This was a "super group" of sorts.

GREAT TIMELESS SONG

Yeah... this song gives us a lot to think about. I've seen many people react to it and it never gets old. Your analysis was great. The last verse is tough for me because I wasn't there the morning my father passed away. That was over forty years ago.

Hmmm, you always offer an interesting tidbit or two…and that you appreciate the great stuff, gives me great pleasure. Keep up the good work.

A very deep song

ive known this song for a long time.....these lyrics are something rush (Neil peart) would write

I lost my mom back in May and now I found out my father in law has bone cancer. He's a great guy and I'm gonna hate losing him

Props for having the lyrics pulled up. Every reactor should do this on EVERY song.

Great band. Beautiful song. My favorite is Silent Running 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

lyrics for eternity with 2 choirs.....of every generation.....

I share your love for excellent, thought-provoking lyrics, as well as your admiration for Jackson Browne and his writing. You can go straight from this song to Jackson's "Daddy's Tune" from The Pretender album. Kind of the same message shared in different ways. I know you'll love it.

It's a shame that songs with as much meaning as this one are no longer written... once again Bro, excellent reaction 👍

I wasn't there that moment that my wife passed away.24 years ago.Alone ever since.😥

A hard hitting song as tomorrow isn't promised....

Love your reactions ❤❤ and a great song

Great one here love you

Great song, great reaction ❤

SILENT RUNNING is the biggest mike and the mechanics hit (fantastic)

Forever Young by Rod Stewart! It's another song with great meaning and feeling behind it.

Is reminiscent the past

My life story. VERY tough song for me to listen to. Never get through this without crying.....

Another great Father & Son song is " Leader of the Band" by Dan Fogelberg

We're not enemies because we don't agree. We're just different. Why are people so afraid of that?? How boring would life be if we were all the same?

Check out "Blackmores Night," the darkness, live at York.

Good song!

With the current political climate in the US, families are sharply divided over strongly held beliefs. I hope it changes.

Awesome song! You've got a great taste 🥰I would add Elliott Smith - King's Crossing

You must react to White Lion. When the Children Cry

First of all i like all your reactions. So i would like to see your reaction to my favorite singer Phil Collins with his band Genesis. Please react to the live version of Genesis "Home by the sea" 1987 in Wembley Stadium😊😎

Dealing with that with my wife and communication with our kids. But last week did open up a quarrel despite being worlds apart in our beliefs and it is a generational gap for sure. At least we are talking and left the meeting with hugs but we are not there yet.

❤❤❤

You have got round to this wonderful and meaningful song, Thankyou. Next “Looking back over my shoulder” by them….😉 P.S. Another reactor to this song said and I quote” you idolise when young, then demonise as you age, then humanise” when you are fully adult your parents, rings some truth really…

Listen to some Paul Carrick songs

React to "The River" by Bruce Springsteen if you love great lyrics.

This song rings especially true now. True there's always been generational gaps but I think the millennials changed the game a bit but not in a good way. It's acrimonious now where before it was irritating but you shrug it off. Now you have the me culture, it's not about generations as it is opposing opinions that no one seems to care to listen. They're too busy shouting. I'm 52, and I've never seen this polarization of the people. Especially based on something stupid. Like politics. At least family dynamics means something. Over politics is so ridiculous.

O k boomer. Lol

Your first pause, told me you didn't understand anything at all in the lyrics. You just spouted words, that had nothing to do with the message.