Genius. They just don't make them like that anymore but happily my children and their friends are rediscovering that generation again, probably out of paucity of talent today......roll on Richard Harris, Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole, Peter Finch, Oliver Reed etc.....
You really nailed it Deb! As a former deejay and lifetime trained singer God blessed those two pals = Webb and Harris in the summer of 68; it is my pick of the top 40 litter of al time eliciting a variety of emotions because Jimmy wrote it after a heart wrenching breakup. Many men's souls run very deep which is why the vast majority of romantic music has bee written by the male gender contrary to what the media leads us to believe OR simply ignores. David.
They have dubbed over the performance with the studio version. That is not him singing live. It is a recording from the studio that they played over the footage. Very misleading.
I'm LISTENING !!! I was 12 years old in 1968 when I first heard and fell Madly in Love with this Song !!! It inspired me to become a Concert Pianist !!! BRAVO Sir Richard Harris !!!
He stated that since he wasn't musically trained, he used his theatrical voice to give the words the punch. He got a Gold Record for this song. Frank Sanatra and Dean Martin were both singers and actors. And they all WORKED to their end. Amazing generation of men and women who gave us so much!
Ben I concur with your sentiment. This song was played by my Parents. They would scoop us up and twirl around in total rapture. This song was my Mummies funeral song, both my Parents survived Auschwitz. My Heartfelt gratitude as my Brother and I now are seated together as our Daddy prepares to leave this mortal coil. Australia 3.52am
Me. Since the 70's. As an adopted children, the analogy of the cake leaved on a benchpark on the rain always make me cry everytime. But the whole song is a masterpiece.
Loved this song in the 60's when I was 10 and love it even more today. My mother loved this song too and hearing it again makes feel as though she is listening along with me.
The emotion and passion Harris gives this song is staggering. A masterful songwriter and a wonderful actor with a voice which is simply sublime. If there is a perfect song performed by a perfect singer then this it.
Fifty years later it’s still so beautiful. His accent comes through the song. So many people when they sing seem to lose the beauty of their accent, he doesn’t. I listen to it and I’m 17 again with the radio on listening to this and doing my homework. God bless all who grew up with this music.😌
God did bless us, and we are blessed again to have this recording. I saw Sir Richard three times in Camelot, Live, the man was amazing, mesmerizing, and what ah voice. Talk about passion, what actor can compare today. He sang, he acted, he Loved, and he Lived.
I always thought this was a great song with its many levels, altho the lyrics are crazy. I was 16 when it came out and it does take you back to all those young memories. Love the violins around 4:06.
Richard Harris lived in the Savoy Hotel in London. Having become very ill with his final illness and being taken to hospital on a stretcher the great man had the presence of mind to raise himself up as he was carried through the lobby of the hotel and exclaim to shocked guests "It Was The Food! . It Was The Food! " A magnificently wicked sense of humour to the last
I'm 74, I could never figure out all the fuss about the words, over the years. I've loved macarther park since I was a teenager, richard harris was the best choice. To me it was about a moment in time, thank you Mr webb ❤❤
Now .. 52 years later, this song still holds the ability to carry me back to a small apartment in rural Missouri. I can still smell the sage floating through the open windows and the sound of the trucks on the Interstate... this song has created one of the most intense memories I own. Thank you for sharing this. Soundtrack of my youth 🎼🖤
I was in 8th grade and this played the same time every morning on the way to school. Our bus driver had her radio on and everytime I hear this I am heading up Gordons corner rd in Englishtown, Nj
I still love this song! I was a teen when it first hit the radio, and I remember it was pretty much the only thing discussed on the radio and the news, concerned about what it really meant! It was just a song, but one big hit that means a lot to all of us who loved it.
Oh yes, 1968 it was and I was stunned by this epic song, a classic and miracle!!! I was in East Europe on vacation and I was discussing as a 15-year-old this song with a pretty English teen girl while we were surrounded by an amazing Tsechoslovakian nature ... I will never forget that moment, and all because of this amazing Jimmy Webb song with the voice of Richard Harris.
Isn't it so perfect yet perhaps overly emotional? I was 15 when it reached #1 everywhere summer of 1968. Today I've 12,000 records and MCPark is my favourite as a trained singer and former drummer. It comprises 3 songs in one. It was written by Webb after a heart breaking Breaking Up Is Hard To Do. Jimmy is 74 BTW very much with us and Son Of A Preacher Man. Thee only other song that comes close to MCPark is Nights In White Satin by my favourite group, The Moody Blues plus Gordon Ligftfoot's Canadian Railroad Trilogy.
Me too Shane. After losing my darling wife Carol, none before or to come could ever match her. She took her uniqueness with her, I'm just so privileged that she saw fit to let me be part of it for 25 years.
One of the most poignant lines ever written. It always reminds me of a certain lady called Fiona... I can tell you more if you want johnsurrey1955 @ gmail . com
The drummer on the original recording was Hal Blaine. Google search his name. I was in the studio with Hal before. Look on RUclips for music by The Rock Island Boys (Remember The Beach). Hal played drums for me on Walk Along The Beach Tonight and God Bless California.
@@tamistone2632 I asked the original poster, Ruben Gomez, if he had the video with the original audio for the performance and he, very quickly and very kindly, provided a link.
Sang with a sad passion by Richard Harris and all the better for it. This was the B side of another Jimmy Webb song by Richard Harris called DIDN'T WE GIRL and sang in the same vein as this song. Great stuff from talented men that knew what they were doing and did it brilliantly.
This song was truly profound for me. The sonic territory it covers sends shivers down my spine, even to this day. The power of a huge orchestra creating the music.. The lyrics sound like a prototype for something John Lennon might have written. Jimmy Webb did write some truly amazing songs. This is an extremely hard song to pull off also. He does it here.
Yes and Jimmy is the son of a minister writing many tunes for Glenn Campbell Mark BUT, MacArthur Park is easily his masterpiece like 3 songs in one. It is my favourite top 40 song ever graced by God to Jimmy no doubt. The mood swings are incredible. I believe it portrays making true love to a lady he loved maybe too much thus lost. Many women can be too selfish and therefore vein. Been there done that. Peace.
@@daveycrockett6781: Great way to explain the song. Putting too much of oneself into another and being let down. There aren't many ways to express that.
A fascinating song. Richard did the best version. But Glen did a country version, Donna did a disco version and Maynard Ferguson did a jazz version (big band). But the original will always be the best. Timeless, emotional, unforgettable.
With a cheap, sweaty acrylic shirt from British Home Stores and still intoxicated from the night before, here we have Harris at his very best. God bless him!
@@glenfordburrell1076 - I’m rather intolerant of alcoholics and found your comment a little too comforting. I had thought you felt as I do! I do not like alcoholics (in general) but there is something about a proud drunk that I find intolerable. The kind of drunk who wakes up on their front lawn having never quite made it to their front door after driving home. Harris once famously boarded a train solely to take advantage if its bar and ended up in Leeds at 3:00 in the morning. So, of course, when he stumbled onto a house, he did the only sensible thing: He threw a brick through the front window. The startled owner came out with a baseball bat ready to kill the offender. However, once recognizing Harris…invited him in. Harris made himself at home for 4 days having been drunk the entire time. When this man’s wife finally called Harris’s wife, she announced that she HAD her husband here at her house. Mrs. Harris responded “Good! You can have him!” This all explains the obvious. We tolerate this alcoholic because he’s famous. Had he been anyone else, do you think he’d be invited to stay for 4 days? Both you and this couple and nearly everyone in this room make the same mistake: They become enablers of a fantastically ugly man who got away with his stupidity ONLY because he was Richard Harris, the celebrity. Much like Donald Trump…you think you know him because you saw him on tv or on a movie screen! Neither of these men ever cared about anybody but themselves!
He isnt wearing a cheap acrylic shirt and he isnt drunk. Who needs this kind of mentality defining a highly talented intelligent male. Intelligent peoe dont come to work drunk. And people with money and style which he had dont wear cheap acrylic shirts to work. Try your fake poetic lingo somewhere where truth doesnt matter.
Incredible how a piece of music like this can transport us back in time to a specific place and to the specific emotions we felt then in our glorious, painful youth when were were beautiful and full of love. It is the sounds of our lives.
Spring was never waiting for us, girl It ran one step ahead As we followed in the dance Between the parted pages and were pressed In love's hot, fevered iron Like a striped pair of pants MacArthur's Park is melting in the dark All the sweet, green icing flowing down Someone left the cake out in the rain I don't think that I can take it 'Cause it took so long to bake it And I'll never have that recipe again Oh no! I recall the yellow cotton dress Foaming like a wave On the ground around your knees The birds, like tender babies in your hands And the old men playing checkers by the trees MacArthur's Park is melting in the dark All the sweet, green icing flowing down Someone left the cake out in the rain I don't think that I can take it 'Cause it took so long to bake it And I'll never have that recipe again Oh no! There will be another song for me For I will sing it There will be another dream for me Someone will bring it I will drink the wine while it is warm And never let you catch me looking at the sun And after all the loves of my life After all the loves of my life You'll still be the one I will take my life into my hands and I will use it I will win the worship in their eyes and I will lose it I will have the things that I desire And my passion flow like rivers through the sky And after all the loves of my life Oh, after all the loves of my life I'll be thinking of you And wondering why MacArthur's Park is melting in the dark All the sweet, green icing flowing down Someone left the cake out in the rain I don't think that I can take it 'Cause it took so long to bake it And I'll never have that recipe again Oh no! Oh no No Oh no!
This is the way Harris sang it, but the real lyrics is MacArthur Park, not MacArthur's Park. The story is they tried to get Harris to stop saying it with the S but he refused.
One of the great spoofs in music, just look at the lyrics that make no sense at all, then the music that uses every cliche known to man. After all the loves in my life il be thinking of you and wondering why?? I will drink the wine while it is warm and never let you catch me looking at the sun. Benny Hill couldn't have done better.
Compare this to the standard for singers today. How he feels the words when he sings. Not the superficial act of merely singing to sing. How he expresses himself. Not performs for others. His enthusiasm and joy. Not just standing there as if a cardboard box
Hearing this has brought back all that is special between two people when the love is real..I had forgotten this beautiful man and his beautiful song..thanks for reminding me..im going to find a cd..listen to it at least once a day..
Richard Harris is a Genius . A Great Artist ( Singer , Actor and all around Performer ) Elvis Presley sang a song that Richard Sang Called "My Boy". Richard sang this so well, But it didn't get much Air Time from the radio DJ's . Elvis sang it in 1975 - pretty big hit for him and Elvis fans love this song. Elvis always gave credit to Richard Harris when he introduced this song from the stage, while in concert. Richard Harris was a Great Artist and McArthur Park is such a Classic Song . Thanks for getting out to us The Fans - Great Job
Well Hard to argue that point. But Richard Harris had many Talents . Look at the way he performs this song. He sits down in the middle of it , No one does that and yet it looked great doing so.@@-Luka-Brazi
@@MOGGS1942 - This “genius” moniker is now everywhere…along with “hero” and “Woke” (whatever that means)…particularly on social media. He didn’t say “Everyone” but EVERYONE is doing it!
@@-Luka-Brazi There is probably Geniuses that we don't know are q Genius'. Different fields of work or entertainment or any number of things people do could be a genius' in their field. Maybe 10 % of the worlds population is made up of geniuses.
Abso-bloody-lutely spectacular. This song is very special, written about an ex girlfriend of the writer / composer, Jimmy Webb. Brilliantly done by Richard Harris.
Hey, Greg... I went into senior year of high-school in '68 and yep, this song was popular. It became part of the "regular play-lists" on local radio. So when I had my first date...and first kiss...on graduation night, Friday 06/06/69, this is the song that takes me back to that night...and that moment... Stay safe and be well.
This "IS" ah song for the aegis, unblemished by time, ah masterpiece, I knew it the very first time I heard it, and I'm still listening 52yrs later. I saw Sir Richard Live three times in Camelot, the man and his music, always amazing. Thank-You Richard for all your love.
🇧🇷 EM 1968 EU VINDO DA PEQUENA CIDADE DE TAMBAÚ PARA SÃO PAULO CAPITAL, E A PRIMEIRA CANÇÃO QUE OUVI FOI ESSA!!!! UMA MISTURA DE SENTIMENTOS MEDO, SAUDADES ESPERANÇAS...... MEU CORAÇÃO DISPAROU COM ESSA LINDA CANÇÃO!!!!!! NOSSA .....PASSOU UM FILME NA MINHA CABEÇA DAQUELE DIA🙆♀️ EU ESTAVA COM 12 ANOS.
It took listening to this two times and it grabbed me and never let go. I began memorizing this song and would sing it while in my car. I had it on an eight track tape back then. My wife of 17 years and I divorced and this song was always my reminder that life goes on. I often would listen to it and when it got to 2:52 the tears came. "there will be another song for me, for I will sing it, there will be another dream for me, someone will dream it" ....... We all dream about having a love that is so strong, nothing can break the bond. Divorce is the ultimate humiliation of ones soul. Yes, healing can and does come, but the heart will never forget the love you once had and what was lost!
@@patriciabilinkas3911 By 1969, I was 14 yrs old and this song was still being played some. It came out late 1968. My cute girlfriend and I loved this song. Both of us experienced our first ever kiss was with each other. 💏
Nossa nunca imaginei escutar por aqui esta musica incrível. Sempre adorei. MacArthPark. Linda cantada por este cara também incrível. Sinto muita saudade imensa de tanta gente. Gente linda que passaram por minha vida e que igualmente como eu amavam esta música MARAVILHOSA. Curtiamos sempre juntos com o som nas alturas pois é assim que ela deve ser ouvida . Divinamente. Beijos no coração para quem curtiu comigo ou não. AMO VOCÊS.
To think that this was sung by one of Ireland’s finest film actors and it was originally released as the B Side of the single his band released. The A side hit the US charts, then a DJ decided to play this beautiful song and it skyrocketed to number 1. No wonder Richard was able to pick an choose what film projects he wanted to work on! It’s wonderful to see this live version.
One of my favorite songs of all time.. Over the years I heard people comment that it was a stupid song about green icing and melting cake. Idiots didn’t get the symbolism of the lyrics. Those of us who understand the true meaning of the song appreciate what a phenomenon it was, is and always will be! It still brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it! ...RIP Richard...
The composer of this song was Jim Webb and he wrote so many hits that set countless artists over into the top 10. And he never received the credit he deserved .
This song means a lot to me. Ten years ago my great love left me. She left me with so many questions...sadness... On her grave is a piece of text from this song... Maybe she is drinking a glass of wine with Richard somewhere now...
I so remember when I was in the car, me, about 13, & my mom about 35 ..... when this song came on the radio seeing tears in mom's eyes, & how VERY strong she was to NOT allow her tears to break free & roll down her cheeks. At my young age I found it too painful to see her face that way, I'd turn my face & look out my window. Now, I'm 60+. I absolutely 💯 % know exactly why those tears appeared. I have always been a very loving, pure love & wearing my heart on my sleeve type woman. I've given so, so much love, & dedication to ONE man, that's all I knew/know. He has broken my heart ❤ dozens & dozens of times, yet I remain. I continuously ask myself, "WHY?" What is wrong with me? What. I am so yearning at this stage of my life for a loyal type love even half as pure as what I've given for nearly 35 years. I only have memories of the beginning, & there's not anything that I find emotional & loving now. It's becoming too painful to not share, give love to someone who appreciates me, my love, as well as has true love they want to share before the rain comes.
A giant of the screen, and hell could he sing. Wonderful actor, lived life hard and fast. Burton, o toole Olivier, Harris legends gone never to be replaced.
“After all the loves of my life, you’ll still be the one.” Is there a more bittersweet, poignant line in any song? Age, love, loss … all rolled into 12 words.
Whew..... this played on the radio on our way, my first date, May 11, 1968, going downtown with my sister and her future hubby. My date was my high school sweetheart, we were going downtown Detroit to see the Doors.....
@@skyemacallister1306 So, how was the concert??? Was Morrison behaving himself or was he acting like an ass? I was alive back then but way too young to go to concerts... One of my few regrets.
@@NoOne-sn2si the concert was a first class concert with 3 opening acts, each one better than the last. Jim was amazing that night, we even visually connected at one point. I'll never forget when he just whispered into the mic and asked the audience "what do you want to hear?" We all called out for "When the Music's Over" the teenyboppers screaming for "Light My Fire." Guess what they played? What a night.
No one could sing it better than he can. Agree? Thumbs up!
Donna Summer sang it pretty good too but Mr. Harris is the best in my humble opinion.
I AGREE,DONNA DID IT WELL.....
@@Simorris7723 Donna Disco Wrecked It!
Genius. They just don't make them like that anymore but happily my children and their friends are rediscovering that generation again, probably out of paucity of talent today......roll on Richard Harris, Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole, Peter Finch, Oliver Reed etc.....
Yes but... Donna Summer ;)
No one, but NO ONE, can sing this classic like Richard Harris!!! Bravo!!!
I don't even want you listen to others
Stripped pants
So so right!
The grittiness of his voice represents the regular man showing so much emotion.
Yes it brings out tears for lost loves !
I am listening in 2024. Yes, wonderful song, yes, forever.
tres juste merci Béba💞
Me too
Same
Same brilliant performance ❤
Check out An Evening with Glen Campbell (1977) A fantastic version if it (ny favourite)
RIP Richard Harris (October 1, 1930 - October 25, 2002), aged 72
You will be remembered as a legend.
Richard Harris has always been one of my favorites..I see he and I have the same birthday day Oct. 1st....love this video and song
If he was born in 1930..he was 92..i was born in 1940 and i am 82...just a sad loss no matter how old he was...
@@barbarahorter8051 He passed away in 2002.
@@joseph3469 yes you are correct..lol...thanks..id still like him at 92..
I’d love him at. 92 ❤
This is an all time masterpiece.
You really nailed it Deb! As a former deejay and lifetime trained singer God blessed those two pals = Webb and Harris in the summer of 68; it is my pick of the top 40 litter of al time eliciting a variety of emotions because Jimmy wrote it after a heart wrenching breakup. Many men's souls run very deep which is why the vast majority of romantic music has bee written by the male gender contrary to what the media leads us to believe OR simply ignores. David.
Indeed! My number one song ever !
Been looking for this for ages….Richard Harris is a master of storytelling with his voice…goosebumps
Yes it is!
Masterful interpretation. Every time I listen to this musical gem I get very excited. They don't make songs like this anymore.
OH i agree, i was hoping John Lloyd Young would do it, he could do it well. But Richard Harris's version is my fave, loved him!
Got chills hearing it for the first time in 1968, and it hasn't lost one bit of its impact. Absolute, utter perfection.
I agree! It was fantastic then, and it's fantastic now!
Yes!
merci Béba
Same here
... maravilhoso !!!!!
Simply put, a Poetic and Majestic musical MASTERPIECE!! Like a great wine, this song will never grow old!! ❤ 💫 💞
I loved how it was just him singing. No half nude dancers, no light show or fireworks. Just a man with talent, a mike, a song, and a voice
And a FULL ORCHESTRA!
They have dubbed over the performance with the studio version. That is not him singing live. It is a recording from the studio that they played over the footage. Very misleading.
..and some idiot who left a cake out in the rain.
@@MrMiddenfacemcnulty yes , and besides he's just talking I can notice his effort for goodness
Your point being?
Great song by Jimmy Webb - great rendition by Richard Harris. Timeless.
these songs et al are the new popular standards
I'm LISTENING !!! I was 12 years old in 1968 when I first heard and fell Madly in Love with this Song !!!
It inspired me to become a Concert Pianist !!! BRAVO Sir Richard Harris !!!
I will have the things that I desire! Reach for the beauty always!😊
How about the alcoholism and violence? Did he inspire that too?
That's amazing and wonderful. ❤
I was 12 too
@@carolinemuncey5353 Wow! -- I wasn't even an idea in the minds of my horny teenage parents back then 🤣😂🤣
The BEST version of this song.....PERIOD.
BEST ET ETERNELLE Béba❤💜💙🥞🍼👗👶💔
sadly glen did it, so sorry .. with the composer, playing guitar, being vocally much more flexible and diverse
They don't make actors like this anymore.
He was so talented in many ways. Acting, and an incredible voice.
Loved Camelot.
I miss you Richard 🌹
He stated that since he wasn't musically trained, he used his theatrical voice to give the words the punch. He got a Gold Record for this song. Frank Sanatra and Dean Martin were both singers and actors. And they all WORKED to their end. Amazing generation of men and women who gave us so much!
Movies, A man named Horse. Then return of a man named Horse.
Camelot was an absolute masterpiece. The closing with the young Earl of Warwick was fantastic.
And could drink & tell a story!!
yes agreed
I'm so proud that this was my music when I was a teenager.
For Sure 100%
Ben I concur with your sentiment. This song was played by my Parents. They would scoop us up and twirl around in total rapture.
This song was my Mummies funeral song,
both my Parents survived Auschwitz.
My Heartfelt gratitude
as my Brother and I now are seated together as our Daddy prepares to leave this mortal coil.
Australia 3.52am
Yes a great song!!
Such a brilliant actor and sadly missed ,he had to sing this song as it's so dramatic, love you my lovely Irish man xx
Me too.. great singer..
Richard Harris had a lovely voice, no one can cover this as good as him!!! ❤️👌♥️🌼
Look at RUclips
" Mac Arthur Park
Will Lee on Letterman"
Donna Summer, equally as good
Sorry...that orchestra is covering up much.
King Arthur
How about Donna Summers?
That full orchestra crescendo makes me cry every time...... Sheer Perfection from a genius.....
Yes!!
Jimmy Webb, wrote so many greats at a very young age, this version is great ❤️!!!!!
@@elizanne6660 And mr.
@@35chatham The Wrecking Crew.....
Who would knew that the original Professor Dumbledore could sing
Who's listening in 2022? Wonderful song 😍 Forever💙🎵🎶 in My Heart!
Me. Since the 70's. As an adopted children, the analogy of the cake leaved on a benchpark on the rain always make me cry everytime. But the whole song is a masterpiece.
yes on both
interesting looking into the origin of the words and story of the composer - makes the song much more meaningful!
@@peterpowis4145 Ok...congratulations ! 👏
@@richarddouglas6838 Me to!
The 60s was the best decade in music history from the Beatles to Motown to a masterpiece such as this.
Lenny, you nailed it!
lenny, I been around 7 decades
and couldnt agree more.
Amen to that!
i like very much the old there alot of memories
Loved this song in the 60's when I was 10 and love it even more today. My mother loved this song too and hearing it again makes feel as though she is listening along with me.
Timeless song by a legendary actor. R.I.P Richard.
The emotion and passion Harris gives this song is staggering. A masterful songwriter and a wonderful actor with a voice which is simply sublime. If there is a perfect song performed by a perfect singer then this it.
agree 100%
Yeah agree but it was written by Jimmy Webb
Fifty years later it’s still so beautiful. His accent comes through the song. So many people when they sing seem to lose the beauty of their accent, he doesn’t. I listen to it and I’m 17 again with the radio on listening to this and doing my homework. God bless all who grew up with this music.😌
God did bless us, and we are blessed again to have this recording. I saw Sir Richard three times in Camelot, Live, the man was amazing, mesmerizing, and what ah voice. Talk about passion, what actor can compare today. He sang, he acted, he Loved, and he Lived.
I always thought this was a great song with its many levels, altho the lyrics are crazy. I was 16 when it came out and it does take you back to all those young memories. Love the violins around 4:06.
So did I.... I grew up listening and ejoying this kind of music while doing my Homework.
@@hawkeye1836 2
Wow. What a lovely comment.
Richard Harris lived in the Savoy Hotel in London. Having become very ill with his final illness and being taken to hospital on a stretcher the great man had the presence of mind to raise himself up as he was carried through the lobby of the hotel and exclaim to shocked guests "It Was The Food! . It Was The Food! " A magnificently wicked sense of humour to the last
Magical.
Thanks for sharing This. He was an original.
That is wonderful.😂😂👍
That is very funny!!
Being a regular guest at the Savoy myself, i am smiling at this wicked display of humor. Wonderful.
The emotion that Harris emits is amazing. This is by far the best rendition of this song. Beautiful 💗
I Agree...The Best...
It is pretty wonderful! 🥰
Please.... lets not get crazy...
Unbelievably beautiful. How did he do that?
Absolutely correct
I think that Richard Harris' performance of this song was seriously underrated. GREAT.
I'm 74, I could never figure out all the fuss about the words, over the years. I've loved macarther park since I was a teenager, richard harris was the best choice. To me it was about a moment in time, thank you Mr webb ❤❤
I'm 73, soon to be 74 and i LOVE Richard Harris's version, the best ever. Many sang it, i loved them all, but Richard....the best.
I am 84 & fell in love of this song first time I heard it. I’ll never be tired of listening it. Loved Richard Harris & Jim Webb 🥳🧑🏻🦳
Now .. 52 years later, this song still holds the ability to carry me back to a small apartment in rural Missouri. I can still smell the sage floating through the open windows and the sound of the trucks on the Interstate... this song has created one of the most intense memories I own. Thank you for sharing this.
Soundtrack of my youth
🎼🖤
I was in 8th grade and this played the same time every morning on the way to school. Our bus driver had her radio on and everytime I hear this I am heading up Gordons corner rd in Englishtown, Nj
Geez SOOZUU Born at St. Luke's, lived in KC near Loose Park as a KID. I'm forever a fly over baby.
I still love this song! I was a teen when it first hit the radio, and I remember it was pretty much the only thing discussed on the radio and the news, concerned about what it really meant! It was just a song, but one big hit that means a lot to all of us who loved it.
I was 18yrs old when this song was released it sounds as good today as then, listening friday February 5th 2021...... 23-15 🌜
Just bought this on vinyl, 27 y.o, from Middle of England, warwickshire.
Oh yes, 1968 it was and I was stunned by this epic song, a classic and miracle!!! I was in East Europe on vacation and I was discussing as a 15-year-old this song with a pretty English teen girl while we were surrounded by an amazing Tsechoslovakian nature ... I will never forget that moment, and all because of this amazing Jimmy Webb song with the voice of Richard Harris.
Music of our youth that we still like hearing even in our old age .
I was 24 years old. So many memories❤
Richard puts so much love, sensuality and emotion into that song it makes me want to cry. Just Beautiful 💕
Isn't it so perfect yet perhaps overly emotional? I was 15 when it reached #1 everywhere summer of 1968. Today I've 12,000 records and MCPark is my favourite as a trained singer and former drummer. It comprises 3 songs in one. It was written by Webb after a heart breaking Breaking Up Is Hard To Do. Jimmy is 74 BTW very much with us and Son Of A Preacher Man. Thee only other song that comes close to MCPark is Nights In White Satin by my favourite group, The Moody Blues plus Gordon Ligftfoot's Canadian Railroad Trilogy.
You are right
Harris, one of the finest actors ever...Best King Arthur.
Richard Harris was a real genius with this classical masterpiece. He was amazing!
Classical?????
A great Actor, A legendary Drinker, And still a fine vocalist here - well done RH!
After all the loves of my life. You would still be the one. Brings tears.
Me too Shane. After losing my darling wife Carol, none before or to come could ever match her. She took her uniqueness with her, I'm just so privileged that she saw fit to let me be part of it for 25 years.
Yea if you caught a dose, id probably cry too.
I hear that.
One of the most poignant lines ever written. It always reminds me of a certain lady called Fiona... I can tell you more if you want johnsurrey1955 @ gmail . com
"I will win the worship in your eyes, and I will lose it." Brings tears.
STILL one of my favorite songs of all time. What a huge talent, and Spirit. Thank you, God Bless you and RIP dear Richard!
Belíssima canção. Eu AMOooo!!!!
Beautifull, bealtifulll, mil x bealtifulll!!!!
One of th best songs ever written - period.
Of all the versions I've listened to, Richard's is by far the best. RIP Richard.
And the drummer deserves a medal for his performance :)
The drummer on the original recording was Hal Blaine. Google search his name. I was in the studio with Hal before. Look on RUclips for music by The Rock Island Boys (Remember The Beach). Hal played drums for me on Walk Along The Beach Tonight and God Bless California.
@@dr.richmann4477The Wrecking Crew
@@RetroMusicMan369 Hal Blaine on drums.
@@dr.richmann4477 And was the instrumental part of The Wrecking Crew
This was a Masterpiece. Jimmy Webb wrote this, a magnificent piece.
Thanks for hearing this song again.I love this since my younger days.
Dumb song but musically beautiful
@@paleo704 Its a love song
masterpiece indeed... one of many from Jimmy Webb and Richard Harris... absolutely fantastic 👍🇬🇧
The melody is up there with the best but I don't know ...leaving a cake out in the rain... doesn't seem to have affected the song's success
A rare view of Richard Harris singing MacArthur Park. It will last forever and create memories for all who it touches.
You are right! I never tought I would see it ever!
Too bad they couldn’t include the audio that went with this film instead of having to overdub the original soundtrack onto it.
@@tamistone2632 I asked the original poster, Ruben Gomez, if he had the video with the original audio for the performance and he, very quickly and very kindly, provided a link.
A bit like Covid!
I am proud to say I can recite Too many Saviors on my Cross. My father taught me about loyalty
Sang with a sad passion by Richard Harris and all the better for it.
This was the B side of another Jimmy Webb song by Richard Harris called DIDN'T WE GIRL and sang in the same vein as this song.
Great stuff from talented men that knew what they were doing and did it brilliantly.
I have the LP and I had no idea it was the B-side. Jimmy is very much alive BTW. MP is like 3 songs in one thus, a total masterpiece!
This song was truly profound for me. The sonic territory it covers sends shivers down my spine, even to this day. The power of a huge orchestra creating the music.. The lyrics sound like a prototype for something John Lennon might have written. Jimmy Webb did write some truly amazing songs. This is an extremely hard song to pull off also. He does it here.
Yes and Jimmy is the son of a minister writing many tunes for Glenn Campbell Mark BUT, MacArthur Park is easily his masterpiece like 3 songs in one. It is my favourite top 40 song ever graced by God to Jimmy no doubt. The mood swings are incredible. I believe it portrays making true love to a lady he loved maybe too much thus lost. Many women can be too selfish and therefore vein. Been there done that. Peace.
Agreed!!!!
@@daveycrockett6781: Great way to explain the song. Putting too much of oneself into another and being let down. There aren't many ways to express that.
Such raw passion...love his voice!
A fascinating song. Richard did the best version. But Glen did a country version, Donna did a disco version and Maynard Ferguson did a jazz version (big band). But the original will always be the best. Timeless, emotional, unforgettable.
The best version . Fantastic. RIP Richard Harris
Just Brilliant . 52 years later , still Fantastic !!
What an emotional song of love lost, but never forgotten. Many of us can relate.
And the depth of an orchestra no less.
Those strings are Awesome Gosh❤️
a complete masterpiece
Genius a real Irish man rip Richard
@@davecooke6626 you got that right :)
One great thing about the internet. We get to see these great performances from the past.
With a cheap, sweaty acrylic shirt from British Home Stores and still intoxicated from the night before, here we have Harris at his very best. God bless him!
Still drunk from the night before…in a cheap, sweaty acrylic shirt? This is Harris at his “best”?
@@-Luka-Brazi Just a bit of sarcasm, that's all. I love the dude!
@@glenfordburrell1076 - I’m rather intolerant of alcoholics and found your comment a little too comforting. I had thought you felt as I do! I do not like alcoholics (in general) but there is something about a proud drunk that I find intolerable. The kind of drunk who wakes up on their front lawn having never quite made it to their front door after driving home.
Harris once famously boarded a train solely to take advantage if its bar and ended up in Leeds at 3:00 in the morning. So, of course, when he stumbled onto a house, he did the only sensible thing: He threw a brick through the front window. The startled owner came out with a baseball bat ready to kill the offender. However, once recognizing Harris…invited him in. Harris made himself at home for 4 days having been drunk the entire time. When this man’s wife finally called Harris’s wife, she announced that she HAD her husband here at her house. Mrs. Harris responded “Good! You can have him!”
This all explains the obvious. We tolerate this alcoholic because he’s famous. Had he been anyone else, do you think he’d be invited to stay for 4 days?
Both you and this couple and nearly everyone in this room make the same mistake: They become enablers of a fantastically ugly man who got away with his stupidity ONLY because he was Richard Harris, the celebrity.
Much like Donald Trump…you think you know him because you saw him on tv or on a movie screen!
Neither of these men ever cared about anybody but themselves!
Maybe C&A? 😀
He isnt wearing a cheap acrylic shirt and he isnt drunk. Who needs this kind of mentality defining a highly talented intelligent male. Intelligent peoe dont come to work drunk. And people with money and style which he had dont wear cheap acrylic shirts to work. Try your fake poetic lingo somewhere where truth doesnt matter.
Incredible how a piece of music like this can transport us back in time to a specific place and to the specific emotions we felt then in our glorious, painful youth when were were beautiful and full of love. It is the sounds of our lives.
Listening to this rendition of Richard Harris sing this is the bareing of his sole always brings me to tears.
Have you listened to the lyrics?
@@katandglen1 yes
Me too - sole! 🙄
Funny, I didn't see his bare feet
Me too. Then and now. I was 16 when this came out.
DEPUIS PLUS DE 50 ANS CETTE MERVEILLE ME HANTE MERCI RICHARD 💕Béba
Spring was never waiting for us, girl
It ran one step ahead
As we followed in the dance
Between the parted pages and were pressed
In love's hot, fevered iron
Like a striped pair of pants
MacArthur's Park is melting in the dark
All the sweet, green icing flowing down
Someone left the cake out in the rain
I don't think that I can take it
'Cause it took so long to bake it
And I'll never have that recipe again
Oh no!
I recall the yellow cotton dress
Foaming like a wave
On the ground around your knees
The birds, like tender babies in your hands
And the old men playing checkers by the trees
MacArthur's Park is melting in the dark
All the sweet, green icing flowing down
Someone left the cake out in the rain
I don't think that I can take it
'Cause it took so long to bake it
And I'll never have that recipe again
Oh no!
There will be another song for me
For I will sing it
There will be another dream for me
Someone will bring it
I will drink the wine while it is warm
And never let you catch me looking at the sun
And after all the loves of my life
After all the loves of my life
You'll still be the one
I will take my life into my hands and I will use it
I will win the worship in their eyes and I will lose it
I will have the things that I desire
And my passion flow like rivers through the sky
And after all the loves of my life
Oh, after all the loves of my life
I'll be thinking of you
And wondering why
MacArthur's Park is melting in the dark
All the sweet, green icing flowing down
Someone left the cake out in the rain
I don't think that I can take it
'Cause it took so long to bake it
And I'll never have that recipe again
Oh no!
Oh no
No
Oh no!
This made tears roll down my cheeks for very personal reasons
This is the way Harris sang it, but the real lyrics is MacArthur Park, not MacArthur's Park. The story is they tried to get Harris to stop saying it with the S but he refused.
One of the great spoofs in music, just look at the lyrics that make no sense at all, then the music that uses every cliche known to man. After all the loves in my life il be thinking of you and wondering why?? I will drink the wine while it is warm and never let you catch me looking at the sun. Benny Hill couldn't have done better.
@@slottibarfast5402 what a moron.
Compare this to the standard for singers today. How he feels the words when he sings. Not the superficial act of merely singing to sing. How he expresses himself. Not performs for others. His enthusiasm and joy. Not just standing there as if a cardboard box
He's Irish! We can be a pretty passionate people.
passion for everything!
Indeed. It is the words that matter.
his battle cry wasn't "Show Me The Money", nowdays, it's all about the coin, not the CLASS.(there is very little of that these days)
OK, in tears now - just the magnificence of this production.
A este artista lo conocia como actor pero nunca (hasta ahora) habia sabido que era un cantante y de lo mejor. Que voz, y esta cancion es magnifica!.
This Guy Can Do It All...Sing.. Story Telling...Acting!!!
Hearing this has brought back all that is special between two people when the love is real..I had forgotten this beautiful man and his beautiful song..thanks for reminding me..im going to find a cd..listen to it at least once a day..
A beautiful sad song by a great actor.
Beautiful storytelling, lovely voice and that orchestra, memories, thank you all.❤
Richard Harris is a Genius . A Great Artist ( Singer , Actor and all around Performer ) Elvis Presley sang a song that Richard Sang Called "My Boy". Richard sang this so well, But it didn't get much Air Time from the radio DJ's . Elvis sang it in 1975 - pretty big hit for him and Elvis fans love this song. Elvis always gave credit to Richard Harris when he introduced this song from the stage, while in concert. Richard Harris was a Great Artist and McArthur Park is such a Classic Song . Thanks for getting out to us The Fans - Great Job
Curious how EVERYONE these days is a “genius”. And if everyone is a genius then …NO ONE is a genius!
Well Hard to argue that point. But Richard Harris had many Talents . Look at the way he performs this song. He sits down in the middle of it , No one does that and yet it looked great doing so.@@-Luka-Brazi
@@-Luka-Brazi He didn't say everyone was a genius.
@@MOGGS1942 - This “genius” moniker is now everywhere…along with “hero” and “Woke” (whatever that means)…particularly on social media. He didn’t say “Everyone” but EVERYONE is doing it!
@@-Luka-Brazi There is probably Geniuses that we don't know are q Genius'. Different fields of work or entertainment or any number of things people do could be a genius' in their field. Maybe 10 % of the worlds population is made up of geniuses.
Quando ele canta "...and wondering why....."! Uau! Quanta emoção ele colocou nessa frase. Grande ator e grande intérprete! R.I.P. Richard Harris.
I too love this version. Richard charmed many for sure with his talent and his melancholic voice
This guy was a wonderful actor with a marvelous voice,I adored him❤
A legendary actor & singer, we will always cherishes all his beautiful works. RIP hero
Belíssima interpretação do Dombledore para essa maravilhosa obra . Uma das mais belas do século passado .
I was in high school when this song came out and have always loved it. Jimmy Webb is one of the great songwriters.
Jimmy Webb have another no.1 song with the fifth dimension before writing some songs with Andrew Lloyd Weber for Jesus superstar
FUCK 'JIMMY WEBB'. ITS RICHARD HARRIS WHO SUNG IT. SO SHUT THE FUCK UP. lol
Abso-bloody-lutely spectacular.
This song is very special, written about an ex girlfriend of the writer / composer, Jimmy Webb.
Brilliantly done by Richard Harris.
Precursor to channeling emotional trauma of nation from Robert F Kennedy’s assassination two months after it was released
The girl was a cousin of Linda Ronstadt. I believe her name was Suzy Horten Ronstadt.
Love this song, love Richard Harris. Just beautiful.
One of the most beautiful pop songs ever made!
Frankly, I think this song is a timeless classic.
In which case you are correct.
A perfect hit by Richard Harris
Definitely agree. Never understood the mocking of it by many over the years. He was a very good singer and the song was perfect for his voice.
Poetry from the best of times...
Correct
UwU
Oh, this version has been with me most of my life. It brings wonderful memories each time I hear it.
I love this version & I was fortunate to have met the legend ,God bless you Richard Harris .
A perfect blend of voice and song.
The definitive version of this song....and the original. Someone left the cake out in the rain....what a line.
I know right? It took so long for him to bake it.
october 27,2020..i still cry watching him sing this! i heard this the first time 1968
Great version
Hey, Greg...
I went into senior year of high-school in '68 and yep, this song was popular. It became part of the "regular play-lists" on local radio. So when I had my first date...and first kiss...on graduation night, Friday 06/06/69, this is the song that takes me back to that night...and that moment...
Stay safe and be well.
This "IS" ah song for the aegis, unblemished by time, ah masterpiece, I knew it the very first time I heard it, and I'm still listening 52yrs later.
I saw Sir Richard Live three times in Camelot, the man and his music, always amazing. Thank-You Richard for all your love.
No body sings it as well as he does! Absolutely the best ❤️👍
Concordo!
Totally agree
The Legend that is Richard Harris. He sings this with such emotion and depth. Just beautiful 💖💖💖
He would have been 90 years old now. RIP legend.
"Ah, music," he said, wiping his eyes. "A magic beyond all we do here."
Oh, perfect! That quote is so fitting.
@@janmcguire5268 indeed
Classically done popular music.
Great music, great voice!
🇧🇷
EM 1968 EU VINDO DA PEQUENA CIDADE DE TAMBAÚ PARA SÃO PAULO CAPITAL, E A PRIMEIRA CANÇÃO QUE OUVI FOI ESSA!!!!
UMA MISTURA DE SENTIMENTOS MEDO, SAUDADES ESPERANÇAS......
MEU CORAÇÃO DISPAROU COM ESSA LINDA CANÇÃO!!!!!! NOSSA .....PASSOU UM FILME NA MINHA CABEÇA DAQUELE DIA🙆♀️ EU ESTAVA COM 12 ANOS.
Such a beautiful song. This is one of my favorites. No one sings it like him!
It took listening to this two times and it grabbed me and never let go. I began memorizing this song and would sing it while in my car. I had it on an eight track tape back then. My wife of 17 years and I divorced and this song was always my reminder that life goes on. I often would listen to it and when it got to 2:52 the tears came. "there will be another song for me, for I will sing it, there will be another dream for me, someone will dream it" ....... We all dream about having a love that is so strong, nothing can break the bond. Divorce is the ultimate humiliation of ones soul. Yes, healing can and does come, but the heart will never forget the love you once had and what was lost!
thx lovely words
oh yes 8 track.
Love to be a young teenager again and listening to great music like this.
a 70's kid, and this always makes me cry
It was a great time to be a teenager.
Those were the best times! Best music!
USMC 73-77 I was that teenager, too.
@@patriciabilinkas3911 By 1969, I was 14 yrs old and this song was still being played some. It came out late 1968. My cute girlfriend and I loved this song. Both of us experienced our first ever kiss was with each other. 💏
Nossa nunca imaginei escutar por aqui esta musica incrível. Sempre adorei. MacArthPark. Linda cantada por este cara também incrível. Sinto muita saudade imensa de tanta gente. Gente linda que passaram por minha vida e que igualmente como eu amavam esta música MARAVILHOSA. Curtiamos sempre juntos com o som nas alturas pois é assim que ela deve ser ouvida . Divinamente. Beijos no coração para quem curtiu comigo ou não. AMO VOCÊS.
Oh my goodness! What a star and what a song. Never bettered. I was so young, when this released, but lyrics stay in my heart.
Mr. Harris, I`m sure you must be singing this song for the angels... RIP!!
To think that this was sung by one of Ireland’s finest film actors and it was originally released as the B Side of the single his band released. The A side hit the US charts, then a DJ decided to play this beautiful song and it skyrocketed to number 1. No wonder Richard was able to pick an choose what film projects he wanted to work on! It’s wonderful to see this live version.
One of the world's greatest actors you mean! 🙂
Timeless! I would say that Richard Harris is best remembered by this song rather than having worked as an actor.
The best rendition ever !
One of my favorite songs of all time.. Over the years I heard people comment that it was a stupid song about green icing and melting cake. Idiots didn’t get the symbolism of the lyrics. Those of us who understand the true meaning of the song appreciate what a phenomenon it was, is and always will be! It still brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it! ...RIP Richard...
The composer of this song was Jim Webb and he wrote so many hits that set countless artists over into the top 10. And he never received the credit he deserved .
very true the bloke was a genius
The most pretentious song ever written.
This song means a lot to me. Ten years ago my great love left me. She left me with so many questions...sadness...
On her grave is a piece of text from this song... Maybe she is drinking a glass of wine with Richard somewhere now...
I so remember when I was in the car, me, about 13, & my mom about 35 ..... when this song came on the radio seeing tears in mom's eyes, & how VERY strong she was to NOT allow her tears to break free & roll down her cheeks. At my young age I found it too painful to see her face that way, I'd turn my face & look out my window. Now, I'm 60+.
I absolutely 💯 % know exactly why those tears appeared. I have always been a very loving, pure love & wearing my heart on my sleeve type woman.
I've given so, so much love, & dedication to ONE man, that's all I knew/know.
He has broken my heart ❤ dozens & dozens of times, yet I remain.
I continuously ask myself, "WHY?" What is wrong with me? What.
I am so yearning at this stage of my life for a loyal type love even half as pure as what I've given for nearly 35 years.
I only have memories of the beginning, & there's not anything that I find emotional & loving now.
It's becoming too painful to not share, give love to someone who appreciates me, my love, as well as has true love they want to share before the rain comes.
Stunning. A lost love that overcomes space time and lasts for ever. No One else could have sung this sad marvelous song
Richard Harris did a great album called “slides” check it out if you can find it. Only onLP I think. ( I had the 8-track)
@@likearailroad I will. Thanks for telling me!
Donna Summers version is arguably better!
A giant of the screen, and hell could he sing. Wonderful actor, lived life hard and fast. Burton, o toole Olivier, Harris legends gone never to be replaced.
What a beautiful performance and after all these years still stands like a diamond rock
“After all the loves of my life, you’ll still be the one.” Is there a more bittersweet, poignant line in any song? Age, love, loss … all rolled into 12 words.
I had no idea that Richard Harris did this song Wow I've saw him in mostly Christian movies just shows how talented he was RIP
Whew..... this played on the radio on our way, my first date, May 11, 1968, going downtown with my sister and her future hubby. My date was my high school sweetheart, we were going downtown Detroit to see the Doors.....
My first date was a month later, on the night RFK was shot!
U have good memories did u marry your high school sweet heart
No, I didn't marry him, but we have stayed in contact all these years. What a night that was!!! I even remember what I wore. 🙂
@@skyemacallister1306
So, how was the concert??? Was Morrison behaving himself or was he acting like an ass? I was alive back then but way too young to go to concerts... One of my few regrets.
@@NoOne-sn2si the concert was a first class concert with 3 opening acts, each one better than the last. Jim was amazing that night, we even visually connected at one point. I'll never forget when he just whispered into the mic and asked the audience "what do you want to hear?"
We all called out for "When the Music's Over" the teenyboppers screaming for "Light My Fire."
Guess what they played?
What a night.
"I will take my life into my hands and I will use it".... exactly what Jesus did. Hallelujah 🙌
So Awesome, Harris could do it all. Thank You Jimmy Webb, for this Magnificent Song. No-one does it Better than Richard Harris.