When this album came out I had it in regular rotation for about a month. Of course I put it on the shelf after a bit and then quarantine happened. One day at the beginning of May, after having been laid off from what should have been the start of my carrier and cooped up in my apt since late March, I was cleaning and thought "Oh yeah, this seems like a relevant album for the moment." Cut to the last verse of this song and I'm crumpled on the kitchen floor sobbing. I didn't listen to the album again for the rest of the year because it was just too much. Now it's new years day, I'm still unemployed and locked in my apartment and three days ago my covid test came back positive. I'm sad and I'm angry but the worst is that most of the time I just feel numb to it all, because letting myself succumb to the reality of the situation would paralyze me. I listened to this song again today and I'm thankful to have it as a release. Here's to fully recovering and being able to ride my bicycle again once the weather improves. Happy New Year
I am brand new to this song and artist. I had to pause it because I was so absorbed and moved by what you wrote. It's people like you who post comments like this that keep my faith in this world alive. I send you all the best and thank you for your courage and heart.
It's amazing how melodic he's able to make some of these lyrics. They don't jump out at me as being especially poetic or well metered.. but with Richard's vocal stylings he's able to milk melody out of them that you wouldn't think was there. He forces the common place to be artistic, the awkward to be melodic. Very interested to hear the new album.
Agreed, and it's also weird because on other albums like "Magic Bridge" he almost does the opposite of this...as in he writes and sings the words with almost no regard for how they are phrased over the music. Not that it's a problem either way, really...
I'm pretty sure he writes up everything he has to say whenever he feels the need to, with almost no regards toward metrics and rhyming. And then he tries to match it with a vocal melody.
"I know I must be paranoid, this morning in memorial park I thought I caught a busker sneak an ugly word into Wonderwall as I went by" is so goddamn funny
@@nimfenzwanner a busker is someone who sings in the street for people to give money, wonderwall is an Oasis song from the 90s, the man is paranoid the busker called him a c#%t or something while singing Wonderwall.
I, a US American, living in France, married to a Brit, heard about this song from friends in Munich. Each of us laughed and cried feeling deeply the truth of this beautiful funny poignant revelatory anthem to the times we seem to be living in everywhere. This Richard Dawson is a beautiful person. I haven't loved any song so much in a long time.
I love this song so much. It's so raw, honest and bare. It's the first song in a long time to make me well. I'm a 31 year old man and this absolutely demolished me.
Amazing song, phenomenally-raw and courageous lyrics. What's more, it's 7 minutes long and he doesn't repeat a single line! And he seems to have fused folk and metal or slow-core together...Most surprising and oddly heart-rending thing I've heard in ages
I heard some of Richards stuff before and liked it but this is marvellous. It's the sort of song i'd find myself listening to at a too high volume in my darkened kitchen after drinking too much and trying very badly to match his vocals. I'd enjoy that experience very much. My wife and neighbours wouldn't.
This is just so, so, amazing. In latter years I have found my attention span for pieces of music has seriously diminished, which I believe is due to the internet - I will begin to listen to something wonderful, and - 'click'. I am onto something else. But RD has changed that for me, it takes me back to the 70's when you would save to buy an album, and listen to it repeatedly, studying every aspect of it - music, lyrics, album cover. Thank you Richard Dawson, for this a priceless gift. I am listening properly again.
It's like Richard collected multiple versions of himself from other dimensions, and each one of them is making a killer album. The stuff he comes up with has been consistently touching and mind-blowing.
Peasant was a masterpiece, but I'm extra excited for the new album knowing that he's taken a different approach lyrically and sonically. Can't wait to hear more from 2020!
I like how the mood of the song coupled with the lyrics really illustrates how anxiety can amplify situations other people may see as everyday into one's personal hell. That whilst telling the story of a patient who gets over it is so emotionally touching.
Thanks Richard, you've hit the nail on the head re. functioning from day to day with anxiety while maintaining a sense of humour. And given me faith that people will always make music from the heart and not just to shift units. 6 Music, as funded by the BBC TV Licence which might disappear if populism has its way, alerted me to this track and improved my life immeasurably!
@@bestfullyy Populism is a political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups.
Wait, so is 2020 the modern companion of Peasant? Both have a penultimate track called No-one and seem to center around the concept of social issues. If so, brilliant. If not, I'm sure it will still be brilliant. Peasant is the best album ever made, surely this will be worthwhile too.
Absolutely astonishing track, had never heard of Richard before this song and I'm an instant fan. It's melancholy and uplifting all at once, and that chorus just kills me... Album is ordered and I can't wait to hear it.
First song I listened to after my car accident. I was in my hospital bed and I discovered this thru Melon and it really helped me get through those tough times. Thank you Richard Dawson for making 2020. Probably my favorite record of last year and top 10 of the decade. Thank you for getting me through such a rough time in my life
Just discovered Richards music and what a discovery this man is a genius- can’t stop listening to 2020 and now find there are 4 more albums to dive into ... can’t wait!
wow, some honesty...rarer than a flying unicorn with bank notes as wings...we need more music like this in the UK. This is on the right tracks...society is an illusion, our country is falling apart...and yet no one sings about it. thank god for Richard Dawson x
I absolutely love this song!! What a treasure and inspiration. I especially love the “metal-y” bits because I feel like that’s great jogging music. This song completely took me by surprise. The drums from “Running up That Hill” was a nice touch, if on purpose which I think it was.
Is there a recording of this or was it live on the air? Cant find it on yt but i neeed to hear this acoustic version . im kinda late to this but holy shit this song is incredible. Cant even imagine an acoustic version
I have been jamming this song pretty consistently for the last few weeks, and just wanted to share how much I relate to the words. It's hotter than hell here in Texas, but I am going to pick up my running again soon and am greatly looking forward to it.
Such a unique style of music and song righting this guy is awesome I've even watched some of his live videos he's such a humble fellow and being a Lancashire lad I can truly relate
This is amazing. It's like he's just telling you whats going on in his head to a melody. No sense of making it rhyme or structuring it as a song but with Super furry Animals sound tracking it. i like.
This is a wonderful personal and melancholy complement to Sleaford Mods' brutal UK Grim track and video. The video is also a masterpiece, it's one of the most symbolically dense representations of England and it's current state I've ever seen. Bravo!
I don't know why this is so life-affirming, but it really is. There's an honesty to it that seems to resonate with a lot of people. Also, I love jogging, so maybe that helps too.
Most underrated artist I've ever had the absolute pleasure of listening to, I swear if this guy looked like brad Pitt and had a constant monotonous beat on all of his songs, he would no doubt be top of the music food chain.
the more I listen to this the more I'm convinced it's one of the best songs ever
When this album came out I had it in regular rotation for about a month. Of course I put it on the shelf after a bit and then quarantine happened. One day at the beginning of May, after having been laid off from what should have been the start of my carrier and cooped up in my apt since late March, I was cleaning and thought "Oh yeah, this seems like a relevant album for the moment." Cut to the last verse of this song and I'm crumpled on the kitchen floor sobbing. I didn't listen to the album again for the rest of the year because it was just too much. Now it's new years day, I'm still unemployed and locked in my apartment and three days ago my covid test came back positive. I'm sad and I'm angry but the worst is that most of the time I just feel numb to it all, because letting myself succumb to the reality of the situation would paralyze me. I listened to this song again today and I'm thankful to have it as a release. Here's to fully recovering and being able to ride my bicycle again once the weather improves. Happy New Year
You doing ok? Get better?
@@gamemeister27 Yeah, I'm doing better now. Thank you.
Amazing how evocative good music can be. Hope you're well mate.
I am brand new to this song and artist. I had to pause it because I was so absorbed and moved by what you wrote. It's people like you who post comments like this that keep my faith in this world alive. I send you all the best and thank you for your courage and heart.
It's amazing how melodic he's able to make some of these lyrics. They don't jump out at me as being especially poetic or well metered.. but with Richard's vocal stylings he's able to milk melody out of them that you wouldn't think was there. He forces the common place to be artistic, the awkward to be melodic. Very interested to hear the new album.
My neighbours must hate the sing-a-longs I have been having of a morning!
I have neither the lungs nor the metre..
Agreed, and it's also weird because on other albums like "Magic Bridge" he almost does the opposite of this...as in he writes and sings the words with almost no regard for how they are phrased over the music. Not that it's a problem either way, really...
I'm pretty sure he writes up everything he has to say whenever he feels the need to, with almost no regards toward metrics and rhyming. And then he tries to match it with a vocal melody.
That line where he fits the full name of the school in is so satisfying :)
@@redacted1462 Sounds just like Jonathan's voice doesn't it
I honestly dont think there's a better more relevant song written than this in the past 30 years but very willing to hear otherwise.
"I know I must be paranoid, this morning in memorial park I thought I caught a busker sneak an ugly word into Wonderwall as I went by" is so goddamn funny
tuff ghost haha Its a great line. I think i hear things like this all the time.
I know i must be paranoid...
I don't get that line (not a native speaker... or just plain stupid) - anyone care to explain?
@@nimfenzwanner a busker is someone who sings in the street for people to give money, wonderwall is an Oasis song from the 90s, the man is paranoid the busker called him a c#%t or something while singing Wonderwall.
tuff ghost great name
Hows it funny
I'm pretty much an old man now. I didn't think I'd hear music as good as this again.
The atmosphere is growing nastier? What does he mean?
Isn't it the lovely England of Miss Marple anymore?
@@thekaiser4333 Haha it never was really
There is so much good music out there, just takes a little bit of digging
I, a US American, living in France, married to a Brit, heard about this song from friends in Munich. Each of us laughed and cried feeling deeply the truth of this beautiful funny poignant revelatory anthem to the times we seem to be living in everywhere. This Richard Dawson is a beautiful person. I haven't loved any song so much in a long time.
I love this song so much. It's so raw, honest and bare. It's the first song in a long time to make me well. I'm a 31 year old man and this absolutely demolished me.
When you're reminded how music and books can make you feel closer to humanity. Bloody ace.
Amazing song, phenomenally-raw and courageous lyrics. What's more, it's 7 minutes long and he doesn't repeat a single line! And he seems to have fused folk and metal or slow-core together...Most surprising and oddly heart-rending thing I've heard in ages
Bloody hell. Single of 2019 right there.
Its got to be up there.....
Just wait until 2020.
I heard some of Richards stuff before and liked it but this is marvellous. It's the sort of song i'd find myself listening to at a too high volume in my darkened kitchen after drinking too much and trying very badly to match his vocals. I'd enjoy that experience very much. My wife and neighbours wouldn't.
@Kitty karacat surely the bagpipes would be miles better.
@Kitty karacat not if you're Scottish.
I've just done that!
This is just so, so, amazing. In latter years I have found my attention span for pieces of music has seriously diminished, which I believe is due to the internet - I will begin to listen to something wonderful, and - 'click'. I am onto something else. But RD has changed that for me, it takes me back to the 70's when you would save to buy an album, and listen to it repeatedly, studying every aspect of it - music, lyrics, album cover. Thank you Richard Dawson, for this a priceless gift. I am listening properly again.
It's like Richard collected multiple versions of himself from other dimensions, and each one of them is making a killer album. The stuff he comes up with has been consistently touching and mind-blowing.
that bit about the kurdish family is always such a gut punch
Yes
as a family whose had a brick put through their window, yes. yes yessy yesyesyes
They don't belong, simple as.
how can a song represent my day to day life so accurately?
Peasant was a masterpiece, but I'm extra excited for the new album knowing that he's taken a different approach lyrically and sonically. Can't wait to hear more from 2020!
This whole album hit me really hard when it came out, and this is probably my favorite track. Still makes me want to cry a little
Colonel Failure sent me here, and I'm glad he did... Amazing!!!
I like how the mood of the song coupled with the lyrics really illustrates how anxiety can amplify situations other people may see as everyday into one's personal hell.
That whilst telling the story of a patient who gets over it is so emotionally touching.
what an amazing tune
His songs are poetic miracles
im new to richard dawson music. love it. and he looks exactly how i thought he would
I took my sister-in -law to see him live. She said he ruined her night. It was an affirmation of his greatness. 👍
I need way more detail... This has to be good.
Did he play the hermit?
Ha! We all know someone like your sister in law. Well played.
hit her with that poor old horse 😵
@@novaterataI seen the hermit at the Barbican and it was one of the best live experiences I’ve ever had
I cannot get enough of this album, still in my rotation in 2022 heading to 2023!!
It's like he took the words right out of my head. Feeling this song hard.
So where do I donate to support this marathon?
RUN RICHARD, RUUUN
Bandcamp
I sponsored him 3 quid. Don’t think he was too impressed
Is this a joke
Thanks Richard, you've hit the nail on the head re. functioning from day to day with anxiety while maintaining a sense of humour. And given me faith that people will always make music from the heart and not just to shift units.
6 Music, as funded by the BBC TV Licence which might disappear if populism has its way, alerted me to this track and improved my life immeasurably!
bet you can't define "populism"
@@LeylaDerben Clown!
@@bestfullyy Populism is a political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups.
Thank you CF for bringing me here.
Wait, so is 2020 the modern companion of Peasant? Both have a penultimate track called No-one and seem to center around the concept of social issues. If so, brilliant. If not, I'm sure it will still be brilliant.
Peasant is the best album ever made, surely this will be worthwhile too.
Peasant has cemented itself as my favourite album ever. This had a lot to live up to so I was pretty anxious... Unnecessarily it seems.
@@StarryVeck I see you're doing some JoCo covers on your channel. He's another one of my heroes. Do you write songs? How're you liking 2020?
I don't know what it is, but this song is a bit hypnotic.
This is insane in the most positive way possible! What a talent.
Absolutely astonishing track, had never heard of Richard before this song and I'm an instant fan. It's melancholy and uplifting all at once, and that chorus just kills me... Album is ordered and I can't wait to hear it.
Michel Faber's book 'Listen, On Music, Sound and Us' brought me here. Good one Michel!
First song I listened to after my car accident. I was in my hospital bed and I discovered this thru Melon and it really helped me get through those tough times. Thank you Richard Dawson for making 2020. Probably my favorite record of last year and top 10 of the decade. Thank you for getting me through such a rough time in my life
Unusual stuff, in a good way.
I heard this last week on the radio and heard it a few more times since.
It's what I call A Grower.
This is for sure one of my top ten songs of my life
Just discovered Richards music and what a discovery this man is a genius- can’t stop listening to 2020 and now find there are 4 more albums to dive into ... can’t wait!
I love the description of schoolchildren as “the young folk”, like he’s Gandalf going to the shire to visit the hobbits
Man this music speaks to me in such a deep way, thank you for making this anthem for us weirdos who struggle with anxiety everyday.
wow, some honesty...rarer than a flying unicorn with bank notes as wings...we need more music like this in the UK. This is on the right tracks...society is an illusion, our country is falling apart...and yet no one sings about it. thank god for Richard Dawson x
I love everything this man does. Musical genious, lyrical genious ... and that voice!
I absolutely love this song!! What a treasure and inspiration. I especially love the “metal-y” bits because I feel like that’s great jogging music. This song completely took me by surprise. The drums from “Running up That Hill” was a nice touch, if on purpose which I think it was.
I absolutely love this. The character portrait is painstakingly real.
If he keeps making music like this, Richard can have whatever he fancies off Zoopla!
Musically and lyrically genius. Heard this last night on Marc Riley and his acoustic version was incredible.
Is there a recording of this or was it live on the air? Cant find it on yt but i neeed to hear this acoustic version . im kinda late to this but holy shit this song is incredible. Cant even imagine an acoustic version
I have been jamming this song pretty consistently for the last few weeks, and just wanted to share how much I relate to the words. It's hotter than hell here in Texas, but I am going to pick up my running again soon and am greatly looking forward to it.
genius. beautiful voice and a superb record of our times.
Love this.
There is hope for old England yet..
a truly gifted musician, its just such a great song
when he said "recently i've been struggling with anxiety", i felt that
That's one of my favourite songs ever. It's just brilliant.
This is such an amazing heartfelt song to describe Middle england
Richard man. I bloody love this song. It's a masterpiece.
Such a unique style of music and song righting this guy is awesome I've even watched some of his live videos he's such a humble fellow and being a Lancashire lad I can truly relate
This album is outstanding!
this is one fantastic song, to me the album 2020 sums up the death of a thousand cuts that is modern life, and it does it with a warm sense of humour.
This album is perfectly fitting for everyone's current situation.
This is amazing. It's like he's just telling you whats going on in his head to a melody. No sense of making it rhyme or structuring it as a song but with Super furry Animals sound tracking it. i like.
This is one of the most funny videos/ songs i´ve enjoyed in a long time.
I love it all. Lyrics, melody and that incredible crunchy, yet clean guitar tone.
I can't imagine music I would rather hear. I am so grateful he is in my ears and brain and heart.
My favourite folk song of all time (since time became an issue)
That’s the best thing I’ve heard in ages. Got to check it all out now. Haven’t heard anything nail the moment so well for a long time
Amazing music. Amazing lyrics.
Coming off a great holiday and back to work and reality , this is the only thing that made it better.
I don't know how somebody could hug a song but I'd like to hug this song x
Musical and lyrical genius. Best thing I’ve heard in years.
Greatest living lyricist bar none.
Just wanted to say this is one of the very very few songs that make me wail and tear up. Beautifull
I hope u are well Mr dawson. Have a nice day.
He has a great voice and his songs are varied, unpredictable and odd. I’m a fan!
Man, this song was prophetic...
Absolutely bloody brilliant.
These lyrics really resonate after everything we've gone through the last 2 years
This song is class! Love listening to Richard Dawson. Such a great storyteller!
Astonishing!
bro i completely forgotten about this song. this just randomly came up on my page, i remembered a lot from this LOL. good song 😎😎
First time listener to Dawson's work. This one is bemusing and confounding and grand and epic and mundane and deeply true. Bravo, sir.
Dig it. I know this was made pre-pandemic, but walking/jogging (exercising) is more important than ever! Truly makes a day better.
I heard about him on Twitter now I can’t stop listening
His lyrics just blow me away.
check out his 2017 album, peasant. throwback to the good ol days
Womb Raider I am planning to 👍
Peasant was so fucking good
This is a wonderful personal and melancholy complement to Sleaford Mods' brutal UK Grim track and video. The video is also a masterpiece, it's one of the most symbolically dense representations of England and it's current state I've ever seen. Bravo!
A guy fighting off the darkness for awhile with exercise, gallows humor, and unflinching honesty. Wish I couldn't relate...
Matter-of-fact lyrics, deadpan delivery and some surprisingly fitting vocal melodies. What more could you ask for eh? 😂
Wow!!! Bloody incredible in every way 😍
This is just brilliant- amazing lyrics, great video and music is bloody great!
I don't know why this is so life-affirming, but it really is. There's an honesty to it that seems to resonate with a lot of people. Also, I love jogging, so maybe that helps too.
Oh yes my excitement knows no bounds for this
The uttermost excellent music.
poetry in motion
Just keeps getting better every time. Damn
amazing as usual, also acab
So good on Marc Riley's show last night, I am really liking this, great lyrics
For me,this is the track of the year.Superb.
Brilliant sir, thank you...👏👍🙏
This is so relatable, thanks for speaking out!
Also, amazing voice and cracking song. Can't wait to see them live in a few weeks.
Most underrated artist I've ever had the absolute pleasure of listening to, I swear if this guy looked like brad Pitt and had a constant monotonous beat on all of his songs, he would no doubt be top of the music food chain.
Great sound. So musically positive.....
SONG OF THE YEAR
This is really so different in a lyrical sense from his other work, but yet it still works so well. He makes the mundane seem grand.
You are awesome. I loved every minute of this.