I know how you feel... I am a Vietnam veteran and I did 2 tours!! When I first heard this song I was mesmerized to the core because I lived in that zone
I lived through the era of the Vietnam War. We had no business over there in my opinion. A lot of young men and women were victims of it. The American government still needs to make things right with all of our vets man. It needs to be made right and made right now. Great job by John Legend on this song. Much love to the poet Bill Withers a messenger of truth.
Just read after seeing John and The Roots do this performance Bill Withers reached out to John and they became good Friends. Thank you John and The Roots for introducing this song to a new generation!
I saw Legend and The Roots perform this live in Austin, Tx years ago and I WAS BLOWN AWAY! Blown away Then and listening to this video here now in 2023, I'M STILL BLOWN AWAY NOW!💯🖤👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
If you were young during Vietnam and had friends who went over, you will recognize the authenticity in the Withers version. I had lots of friends who went and a few who never came back, but that guitar solo by Kirk Douglas is what it's all about. Sharing this on Memorial Day to salute my friends.
The guitar solo is for every veteran. The salute they neglected to give you. The support you still search for. The memories that you wrestle with. The families of the ones that didn’t come home... #billwithers #thankallofyouforserving #kirkSTRIKESagain
This is still one of the most powerful lyrics of all-time: Boot camp we had classes. You know we talked about fighting-fighting everyday. And looking through rosy colored glasses, I must admit it seemed exciting anyway. Oh, but someone that day overlooked to tell me bullets look better, I must say - brother - when they're coming at you than going out the other way
Having a baby made me wonder how there could be war,>? Saw a machine gun video where the shooter had a sore finger... Ouch! he said. If only we could imagine more fully the lifetime of hurt all kids go through in war. Great rendition guys. Fight for Peace.
Came across this cause I was listining to the original. It naturally played after. Man! Touched a bunch of genres on this one. I felt I was at a R&B concert, listening to a GREAT rock and roll guitar solo. Ended at church.
The whole thing is amazing but that guitar solo?!! I know the theme of the song is not pleasant but I would have been out of my chair! Kirk Douglas was just a vessel at that point and God started playing!! Absolutely sublime!!
Virtuosic solo and excellent production quality aside, I can't bring myself to say that I like this as much as Bill's '73 live version … but I'm damn glad to see talented people engaging with this fine song 40 years later. Even happier to see some folks watching now, some 47 years later. Pity that it's still relevant, of course, but there's human nature for you.
This song goes to all fighting in Ukraine, the Middle-East, Iraq wherever, and for whatever reason. The message is this, when it's over you will realize that all the horror, pain and destruction wasn't worth it. You might as well stop before getting hurt, or before you do something you will never be able to forgive yourself for. Go home, make love, and have a beer instead! Cheers!
9th of March 2020 sitting here 6:06 a.m. in Baltimore came across the song by Bill Withers you shot me in my shoulder can you please write a letter to my momma such beautiful words touch my heart it made me feel some kind of way about life the meaning of life to live it to your fullest respect yourself and respect mankind no matter what rest forever in peace Bill Withers
I didn't pay attention to John Legend previously, but joining in this project w/an 'old spirit' like QuestLove makes this song worthy. They all do a stellar job, especially the guitarist channeling Hendrix.
Saw this tour live was amazing although there all covers its easily the best project John has ever done he really put his all in to this album and done justice to the original songs and made them his own rather than sounding karaoke
Love me some Bill Withers. Use to play this tape "Live at Carnegie Hall" while stationed in Korea back in the 80's.U did a really lovely job with ur rendition of this song with lots of soulfulness
Bill Withers..So underrated. An incredible artist to the core. Doing a good job on this, it's not easy to redo such a great song. Job well done. Bill Withers, so loved.
This was good but if you realy want to hear it at its best check out the album version. John Legend and the Roots "Wake Up". They played it with 3X the emotion. You feel like you are on a flight home from Vietnam listening to it.
Still can't listen to this song without tearing up/openly weeping...this is a noble cover...probably the best I've ever heard, but nothing will ever match up to the late, great Bill Withers...and that's no disrespect to John Legend and the Roots! Excellent Job for resurrecting a song that's as relevant today as the day it was recorded on Oct. 6, 1972.
How did a music connoisseur such as me not know about this here?!? Always loved this cut and the message it brings. Quite possible the best performance I have seen of Legend. Of course all of the musicians are phenomenal in this piece. RESPECT to you gentlemen for your tribute to Still Bill.
The Amex tour has a live show where this song was played. The entire stage seemed to resonate with these guys playing, unbelievable. Can't find that video now.
I am at a complete loss for words.. I've heard this song 1 million times before.. this version on their album and Bill Withers' verion (RIH), but this right here!!!💖 Beautiful ~ Real Music just seems to pull (in this case, yank) the tears out of my soul! That was truly a wonderful performance...everyone on that stage is truly Blessed with gifts from God above!
![Megan Thee Stallion - Neva Play (feat. RM) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TpYTyAaTRts/mqdefault.jpg)
how could a performance like this not have millions of views?
because the movie disappeared from youtube years ago, but before that I've downloaded it
It's ok but it hasn't a patch on Bill's live performance of it. Bills voice was in another league.
Right!? Holy shit this was great!
Ill watch it 1 mil times fo real
Because Bill perfected it in 1973
Rest in Power Bill Withers. Big up The Roots and John Legend. Awesome song cover. Best EVER bar none.
This is a great way to honor those who fought in our wars.
A classmate died in Vietnam who was 19 yrs old. 😞
I know how you feel... I am a Vietnam veteran and I did 2 tours!! When I first heard this song I was mesmerized to the core because I lived in that zone
Timeless classic
A bill withers masterpiece re tracked by Mr. Jonny legend & roots just put it together all too good!!!
Absolutely perfect!!!!
I lived through the era of the Vietnam War. We had no business over there in my opinion. A lot of young men and women were victims of it. The American government still needs to make things right with all of our vets man. It needs to be made right and made right now. Great job by John Legend on this song. Much love to the poet Bill Withers a messenger of truth.
Bill Withers is THE version, but this definitely pays tribute to a classic. Love it!
Just read after seeing John and The Roots do this performance Bill Withers reached out to John and they became good Friends. Thank you John and The Roots for introducing this song to a new generation!
Kirk put his soul on this guitar solo .. pure state of trance! I can feel him
I have never seen Quest work the drums so hard...LOL Kirk killed it!
*Captain Kirk's solo beams me up to the outer space.*
Maybe he could envision "can't play the guitar one-handed" War will not end till men stop going to war.
I saw Legend and The Roots perform this live in Austin, Tx years ago and I WAS BLOWN AWAY! Blown away Then and listening to this video here now in 2023, I'M STILL BLOWN AWAY NOW!💯🖤👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
"Bill Withers Live at Carnegie Hall" hands down... the best album experience EVER!
One could not imagine a better example of a man making love to his guitar than with Kirk Douglas and his solo.
The military drumming is reminiscent of Hendrix Machine Gun and Funkadelic 'March to The Witches Castle.
Bill Withers must be proud of you. 🙌🏿
The bass guitar 👌🏿
Dude that guitar solo was INSANE!!! Rip legend Bill Withers ✌️
This collaboration was perfection.
This is what I call real music! Rest peace all you soldiers...
why has no one mentioned Kirk's solo...it was mind blowingly good.
Yes. He smashed that.
H.J.W - agree, Feckn intensely mind blowing and soulful.
This song is kickass, and that solo is simply awesome!
Yeah it's very good ... with a hints of Machine Gun here and there :) Love it!
Incredible!
this is a terrific version but man, that original version is so powerful in its simplicity!
Powerful and beautiful. Kirk’s solo was RAD
If you were young during Vietnam and had friends who went over, you will recognize the authenticity in the Withers version. I had lots of friends who went and a few who never came back, but that guitar solo by Kirk Douglas is what it's all about. Sharing this on Memorial Day to salute my friends.
The guitar solo is for every veteran. The salute they neglected to give you. The support you still search for. The memories that you wrestle with. The families of the ones that didn’t come home... #billwithers
#thankallofyouforserving #kirkSTRIKESagain
🙏 & ❤
This is one of my favorite performances ever. Incredible.
This is still one of the most powerful lyrics of all-time:
Boot camp we had classes.
You know we talked about fighting-fighting everyday.
And looking through rosy colored glasses, I must admit it seemed exciting anyway.
Oh, but someone that day overlooked to tell me bullets look better,
I must say - brother - when they're coming at you than going out the other way
Having a baby made me wonder how there could be war,>? Saw a machine gun video where the shooter had a sore finger... Ouch! he said. If only we could imagine more fully the lifetime of hurt all kids go through in war. Great rendition guys. Fight for Peace.
Soooouuuul!
Gotsta dig deep
To get down low
Gotsta aim high
To touch ya soul.
May our journey into the future be one of 🙏 & ❤
I listened to Bill Withers sing this song..How much more powerful can one person and one song get..........
Came across this cause I was listining to the original. It naturally played after. Man! Touched a bunch of genres on this one. I felt I was at a R&B concert, listening to a GREAT rock and roll guitar solo. Ended at church.
This is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen and heard in my entire life. And I've been here a while.
WOW. Damn. They went to church on this one.
I'm glad to hear that someone else loves this composition as much as I have over the years!
Bill Withers was a poet!
it just doesn't get any better than this!!!!!
I was gobsmacked when, at the Rally for Sanity, this was played. Just briliant. So moving. So sadly relevant today.
Same for me. Blew my mind!
This peace is a treasure, it dominates from start to finish. A true Eclectic, riveting song!!!!!!
RIP Bill Withers❤❤❤
wE have GOT to keep RELAVANCE ALIVE!
Huge Bill Withers fan, grew up listening to him as a child. truly enjoyed this rendition.
I was looking for the original, and found this. Why hasnt it been played on the air? A credible tribute to a master musician.
Holy Shit!! So fucking beautiful!
John legend he's a friend of mine..I absolutely love his music
Everything sounds just great as always, but the organ player is a bloody genius!!
The whole thing is amazing but that guitar solo?!! I know the theme of the song is not pleasant but I would have been out of my chair! Kirk Douglas was just a vessel at that point and God started playing!! Absolutely sublime!!
Virtuosic solo and excellent production quality aside, I can't bring myself to say that I like this as much as Bill's '73 live version … but I'm damn glad to see talented people engaging with this fine song 40 years later. Even happier to see some folks watching now, some 47 years later. Pity that it's still relevant, of course, but there's human nature for you.
So wonderful, "Bill Withers" his life story was Impressive as his Talent
Cap'n Kirk on the guitar and QL pounding on the drums!!!
This song goes to all fighting in Ukraine, the Middle-East, Iraq wherever, and for whatever reason. The message is this, when it's over you will realize that all the horror, pain and destruction wasn't worth it. You might as well stop before getting hurt, or before you do something you will never be able to forgive yourself for. Go home, make love, and have a beer instead! Cheers!
Why is anyone even fighting in the middle east though?
Interesting to see this comment! 8 years later there’s still a war in Ukraine. So prescient.
The bass rift is unreal.🔥
Questlove playing military snare is genius
Exactly! The Roots are freaking brilliant.
Rest In Peace Bill! You are a LEGEND of the Light! Incredible performance of this song! Wow!!!!
Who's here in 2020? Love this cover
Never gets old......soooooo good!
RIP BILL WITHERS!!!! AMAZING ARTIST! MAY YOUR MEMORY REMAIN ETERNAL!
My Boy Bedi would have loved this live performance - RIP BOY - (I hope heaven has RUclips)
its amazing that soul like this still exists
i recently found this video. i love the origanall the most. but this had me tears. I had recently lost my baby brother who was a vet and was in irock
I'm so sorry for your loss, sincerely.
This is just wow. Phenomenal live music with passionate musicians for the ears and good stage lights with impressive editing for the eyes
I really love this performance....ain't nothing the Roots can play bad!
This album is amazing!
All Eyez on ?Questlove... beautiful art
WOW Kirk and Quest fucking killed it absolutely phenomenal performance
9th of March 2020 sitting here 6:06 a.m. in Baltimore came across the song by Bill Withers you shot me in my shoulder can you please write a letter to my momma such beautiful words touch my heart it made me feel some kind of way about life the meaning of life to live it to your fullest respect yourself and respect mankind no matter what rest forever in peace Bill Withers
complete eargasm. Not many artists can take a masterpiece and do it such justice. Big up to a Volcanic performance
Very powerful version of an already powerful song!
I didn't pay attention to John Legend previously, but joining in this project w/an 'old spirit' like QuestLove makes this song worthy. They all do a stellar job, especially the guitarist channeling Hendrix.
Thank you for this pure way of honoring Bill Withers.
Saw this tour live was amazing although there all covers its easily the best project John has ever done he really put his all in to this album and done justice to the original songs and made them his own rather than sounding karaoke
THIS is music!
this is a f* amazin version of an already amazin song. good lord. respect all around, i love it!
Wow! Great job! How did I miss it!
The roots of lotus religious thinking theoritiQ blissful 🎀
I Love this song and was So Surprised to find this. REAL MUSIC with MEANING !
How is the people there so calm? I’d be rocking so hard
Love me some Bill Withers. Use to play this tape "Live at Carnegie Hall" while stationed in Korea back in the 80's.U did a really lovely job with ur rendition of this song with lots of soulfulness
My dad used to play this for us and I bump it in my ride to this day.
STANKONYA!! JOHN'S IN DA HOUSE!!! AMAZING!!!
I’m certain Mr. Withers would smile.
Bill Withers cannot be beaten.
Yeah That was incredible!!!
Coming back to this performance periodically for take some positive energy.
Great performance. So much love for everyone who made this.
This song was one of my biggest reasons for writing my play Underground Episodes...RIP
I love Bill Withers and haven't really liked any covers of his work but this is outstanding...
now THAT'S a cover!
Hail to the legend Bill Withers. And what a piercing performance of these guys! goodness me! Strength for those having to write left handed..
Loved the original,and Bill Withers,but this is also magnificent!
Hats off to the whole band, they went in.. Masterful
I've never heard a single John Legend song but kudos to you for sampling an awesome Bill Withers song!
This is actually called a cover not a sample.
Show me
Save room
Stereo
Some of the John legend songs that stand out for me.
Im tired of these ads in the middle of a guitar solo. That’s too much
I recommend Ad block
Yes! I almost chucked my phone across the room.
gives me goosebumps every time i hear it
Bill Withers..So underrated. An incredible artist to the core. Doing a good job on this, it's not easy to redo such a great song. Job well done. Bill Withers, so loved.
This was good but if you realy want to hear it at its best check out the album version. John Legend and the Roots "Wake Up". They played it with 3X the emotion.
You feel like you are on a flight home from Vietnam listening to it.
Dre Hardin Thanks for recommendation, will check it out!
I strongly disagree. This is not only better. But one of the greatest performances ever
That was intense…
Amazing!! Great job everyone!! Damn Captain Kirk
This messed me up man. Dang that was powerful! I love this, new fav performance!
RIP Bill Withers! Amazing performance here. Well done!
Grandioso ....pianoforte adorato❤
Listening to this once more before our NationWide ShutDown in South Africa.. We can't write left-handed Corona Virus.
Still can't listen to this song without tearing up/openly weeping...this is a noble cover...probably the best I've ever heard, but nothing will ever match up to the late, great Bill Withers...and that's no disrespect to John Legend and the Roots! Excellent Job for resurrecting a song that's as relevant today as the day it was recorded on Oct. 6, 1972.
How did a music connoisseur such as me not know about this here?!? Always loved this cut and the message it brings. Quite possible the best performance I have seen of Legend. Of course all of the musicians are phenomenal in this piece. RESPECT to you gentlemen for your tribute to Still Bill.
The Amex tour has a live show where this song was played. The entire stage seemed to resonate with these guys playing, unbelievable. Can't find that video now.
I am at a complete loss for words.. I've heard this song 1 million times before.. this version on their album and Bill Withers' verion (RIH), but this right here!!!💖 Beautiful ~ Real Music just seems to pull (in this case, yank) the tears out of my soul! That was truly a wonderful performance...everyone on that stage is truly Blessed with gifts from God above!
Right around 5:50 you can see one of the singers vibing super hard with that vocal run John hit.