1999, youthful, tormented and drunk after a messy break up. Driving. Suicidal. Providence intervened, slotted in Ophelia in the car stereo, 200 kms later, lost, out of gas, sober and still alive and still mesmerized by this voice. Swore never to be that stupid again. Many women has been through my life since then, and now happily married to a wonderful woman. Thats the raw power of Natalie Merchant. Greatest female artist of all time. No doubt.
@@shepaaaarrrrrd Things have indeed turned out well. Happily married, stable job, etc etc. Still a Natalie fan. To this day have the a CD of Ophelia in the car.... cars will come and go... CD stays :) Thank you for your response!
Ah, the archangel of sonic art. Her voice enters the brain, fills it with the sweet beautiful ecstasy of vocal and lyrical perfection, then buries itself so deep that it can't be dismissed before permanently entwining itself round every synapse, just slightly out of reach til you hear her once again. You can stumble round for years without her, but only the slightest and shortest exposure to that voice and your mind is flooded with the beauty this angel was born to create.
I realize these remarks were made 11 years ago but I just discovered Ms Merchant as a solo artist today and I agree with every single syllable that you have written about her. I'm mesmerized. I think I listened to Motherland 20 times today. So far. :)
@@behall808 Columbia record co. I was a subscriber. I'd buy CD's on the reviews. Cowbow Junkies(didn't like the name). Many others including the CD with the Gold Rush Brides. It painted such a picture. That's part of her legacy. She researches. Studies. Thinks. Speaks well.
A timeless voice, a song for the ages and a gift to the world. The comet that is Natalie Merchant flashes across our universe, a beacon of light and hope amidst the pervading darkness.
First saw Natalie with 10,000 Maniacs in Athens, GA, probably in 1984 or 1985. She was in the spinning stage then -- a singing dervish. They were utterly captivating and completely original. I like everything 10,000 Maniacs has ever done, and I've enjoyed everything Natalie's done ever since then. What a gift they've given to American music.
Natalie is a wonderful free spirited "old soul" and her barefoot dancing when she sang on stage at her concerts was just great. I could say she reminds of of some folk singers of some past decades but everyone has their own favorites. Natalie is one of a kind!!
Motherland is a very emotional song, performed here with dignity and style - she looks serious and solemn at the same time. I'm a die-hard admirer of Miss Merchant and her music since Carnival was released as a single and frequently played on the radio. Tigerlily is still very dear to me and I love the whole package. Ophelia is probably a better album, but it doesn't charm me like her solo debut. Motherland is also a very good album, a bit underrated, even if I prefer the previous ones. The cover picture by Laura Wilson of Miss Merchant, where she poses as a fertility goddess, is just wonderful to see. Please don't forget to give Miss Merchant's perhaps most beautiful album a chance: The House Carpenter's Daughter. It's a collection of traditional and contemporary folk music. 🇺🇸
What a lovely voice she has! Emotions well up in me when I listen to this song. For some (in)explicable reason, it makes me think of my mom (she passed away 13 years ago. I am currently 30 years old) I sometimes cry when I hear this song. Pure kindness and warmth... :)
OMG. This song makes me think of the mother I lost last year at age 93. The lines "keep me safe, lie with me, stay beside me, don't go" bring tears to me eyes.
Idmcifmdk call centre, , m jcjcjcncicjckcmckmmcmcmcmcmc cm cycle, can, can cycle mcmdkc ckmcckmkcm k m l xk k k mcintire ncomcic dkkkmdod cmckdmekfnc jdk🍟🍉🍳🍘🎅💋
After watching Eurovision and the so called 'talent' on display, came here to listen to a wonderful artist and a beautiful song beautifully performed. Feeling a bit better now, thank goodness!
Thank you Natalie, for your beautiful voice, beautiful lyrics and beautiful nature. So many years have been supported by you and you alone. You are truly an inspiration to every woman with spirit. God bless you always.
Saw her live this past weekend 9-23-2018 at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield MA. It was a beautiful night, and the performance was awe-inspiring. She is a GREAT talent, and if she ever plays close to you and you do not attend you will be doing yourself a true disservice. We flew to Mass from Missouri JUST TO SEE HER, and would do it again in a second! Got to meet her after the show. Truly a humble woman. Beautiful inside and out! The show was very intimate, and a nearly surreal experience. She played in a Shaker barn built in 1910. I hope she tours the US soon, I will definitely see her again! My favorite show of all time! Thank you Natalie!
Natalie came in concert in Seattle,WA. It was raining out but that didn't stop anyone that truly loves to listen to her and to watch her dancing. Natalie can sing to your soul and brings about many strong emotions. She's that great not to mention her fair beauty, simple and sweet. I love that girl, she's awesome !!!
A beautiful lyrical melody, a voice like no other... exotic, immediate, elegant. If you could go home again this is where you would hope for. I could watch this many times and each time is like the first.
Over years since the time I can remember voices has been a part of my life. My mother singing being the first and many others through out my life. One voice is Nataly Merchant, she will always be a part of my life.
This song and "The Lowlands of Holland" tie for my favorite Natalie Merchant songs. Of course the Lowlands of Holland is a cover, so I guess that makes this the real favourite Natalie merchant song.
Natalie, for 15 years your music has enriched my life with true, pure amazement. A real passion for the profound and haunting music you write. I have so much appreciation. You are one of the most influential artist to impact my soul. Many Blessings to you and yours~* Love Always.
+Daphne Castillo Natalie has written several songs related to mans destruction to Earths resources. This was written just before the Gulf BP oil spill.
It's not a tribute to "Mother Earth". It's a political song; a lament about society's failings (as Merchant sees it). The original album cover was supposed to feature kids in gas masks, but Merchant changed it after Sep 11.
i was introduced to her by a friend yesterday and i love her for her voice, the intensity of her singing and her genuineness which is so tangible ... will be listening and enjoying her company often now thanks to RU-vid
Christmas time 2020, one of the loneliest X-masses ever, just because a virus dictates the world. Living without a real family in my life is so damn difficult and the few friends there are, you can't visit to find some warmth, kindness, and tenderness. I dedicate this song to someone I really care for, Mónica L.G. living in the Araucania region in Chile. I just would like to say to her with the words of the artist: "Keep me safe, lie with me, stay beside, but don't go, don't go, don't go..." I wish you a Merry Christmas 2020, you are 12.500 km away from Flanders, but you will always be in my heart. I made once a secret promise in a special Chapel in Bruges, a promise I will never break as I walk around here.
@@scooter4ification , thanks brother...and yes, so sadly she left, but she will always stay in my heart, there is a warm place free for her, she's always welcome back after what she gave me that what I had never before. I wish you a Merry Christmas in Canada from Flanders, Belgium.
Very few singers can glue me to a video screen or a pair of speakers like Natalie does; no matter what I'm doing I have to pay attention. I've seen her many times and she's on the short list of end all be all of female vocalists for me. My wife and I choose to cover her frequently because of her excellence.
