As Neil tells it, decades ago when he bought his ranch there was an old caretaker, and he wrote this song after meeting him for the first time. During that meeting the caretaker asked him. How does a young man like you come to afford a place like this? Neil’s reply was “just lucky I guess”.
Down by the river, Cinnamon Girl, Down by the River, Ohio, Alabama, When you dance, The needle and the damage done, I saw Neil perform the Harvest tour and he was the most charismatic performer I have ever seen. Look out for my love, I believe in you, Cortez the Killer, After the Gold Rush. His first three solo albums are classics
Best live performance of Neil Young is a live track called "Down by the river" with his band Crazy Horse. Fantastic Neil grunge guitar performance. It was Farm aid
I graduated high school in 1974 this song was chosen by the seniors to represent us as we entered the adult world. Now I listened as the old woman. It really touched me. Thank you
Young wrote this about the caretaker of the ranch he bought in 1970. The song compares a young man's life to an old man's and shows that the old man was once like this young man. The caretaker of the that cattle ranch? His name was Louis Avila. The ranch was the Broken Arrow Ranch, purchased for $350,000 in 1970. Reportedly, Avila was giving Young a tour of the place and asked him how a young man like him could afford a place like this. Young, aged 25, replied "Just lucky, Louie, just real lucky." Avila was quite bemused. Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor sang backing vocals on "Old Man" and another Harvest track, ""Heart of Gold." Source: Songfacts
In addition, I think Neil was being a little contemplative in his comparison, being single at the time and probably feeling a little lonely on that big ranch.
I got see Neil Young several times in his Bridge School Benefit Concerts in the Bay Area which was a fundraiser for a school with special needs children, which his son had attended. He always put on a great show and many big names including his old band mates CSN
Neil grew up in Winnipeg. A few years back the present owners saw a man outside looking at the house. The owner went out and spoke to the man who asked whether this was the house where Neil Young grew up. The owner confirmed that it was. The owner asked if he wanted to see his room which he did. The owner took him on a tour of the house and Neil’s room where he wrote a number of his songs. After the visitor left the owner’s wife asked her husband why he had brought this one in the house when others were turned down. Her husband said that was Bob Dylan. Definitely mutual respect between the two.
Absolutely too many wimps only ask for Neil's Acoustic...whe sadly ignoring Neil s main reason for existing....WHY WHY WHY do requesters ignore Everybody Know Album or maybe they just listen to top 40 recycled trash...same thing every 15 mins
Old Man was inspired by the Caretaker that came as part of a ranch Neil bought. He's the guy who lives there, cares for livestock, mends fences. It was Neil shifting from his life in Los Angeles to simpler and quieter things and the Caretaker's life sent him off on some whimsy.
Neil has A LOT of variety in his catalog. May I suggest: "Powderfinger", "Rockin' In The Free World", "Cinnamon Girl", "After The Gold Rush" and "This Note's For You". Thanks.
If you listen to this entire video(2 songs)you would've heard the story he told (about this song and Heart of gold) and you would've learned he just started playing the harmonica and the song was about the Forman on his ranch. It really highlights his personality and sense of humor.
When a young hippy I would go to no nonsense coffee houses and watch similar acts to Neil, very intimate and inspiring. Neil's voice sounds just right when you are 'stoned' I am told.
This song holds special meaning to me. My last text I received from my Dad prior to him passing away, came on my birthday a few years back, wishing me a happy birthday and he would from time to time remind me that this song was his favorite. He had mentioned this in the text as well. I will always think of you, when I hear this, old man! Edit: You guys are right, there is a story behind this song, in Neil's words, but I like the fact that people can also interpret the song in their own words, first, before hearing the inspiration behind the lyrics.
I cut my teeth on this song in 72 when I was buying my first 8 tacts and listened to it a thousand times over the years and learning to play this on guitar so it's driven into my brainpan. Having said that it is only till now that I have really broken the code on it's meaning. The old man is a ranch hand that came along with Neil's new real estate purchase in Ontario who inspired this song about his loneliness of having all that, yet love lost...that makes him think of two...his life being all ahead of him...the old man's all behind him. A young (no pun) man's lament to an old wise weathered man, for female companionship to complete his life on that huge ranch that he had just bought. Genius songwriting and delivery by Mr. Young. Such a talent. Kudos Canada
A man , A guitar and talent . No auto tune , no band no hype or garbage. THIS is talent and I so miss these days. Thank you for doing this one. The story he told before the song was cut out , you should find the original video and watch it :)
Neil Young and Bob Dylan are from the same era and are very good friends who have written songs about each other, Neil is considered the father of Grunge Rock.
As a teenager i listened to neil so many hours back in the 70s and needle and the damage done ment a lot as friends who came back mixed up from veitnam trying to hide the pain i could relate and this song ment something to me as well
The Godfather of grunge... Rockin in the Free World, Powderfinger, downtown, Sedan Delivery, Needle and the Damage Done.... and.. this note's for you. That's enough diversity for today. Lots more of Neil Young. Keep up the great work.👍✌🖖🍻🇨🇦
I've watched a lot of people react to this video - and every single time when Neil breaks into the refrain - their expression changes to absolute surprise.... Every single time! Sam being the exception, now... I was surprised Sam was not surprised....
Neil Young’s music is very diverse, you’ll get ballads and rockers like Cinnamon Girl, his voice fits his songs like Bob Dylan’s voice fits his songs, I would definitely suggest Cinnamon Girl, Down by the River, Heart of Gold and After the Goldrush
Just wait until you check out , Hey Hey My My , but , if you listen to that one , then you have to hear the other half , which is , My My Hey Hey . Fantastic , but then , I grew up listening to Neil Young !
Legend. A special artist. And just so. you know when he rocks, he goes 150% check out "Like a Hurricane" or Hey hey my my (into the black) Trust me. You'll be blown away.
Neil Young's haunting self-titled solo debut album from 1968 is fantastic - with songs "The Loner", "The Emperor of Wyoming" (country-instrumental), "If I Could Have Her Tonight", "I've Been Waiting For You", "The Old Laughing Lady", "String Quartet from Whiskey Boot Hill" (country-instrumental), "Here We Are in the Years", "What Did You Do to My Life?", "I've Loved Her So Long", and an extended finale "The Last Trip to Tulsa".
pretty sure this was Neil Young Live at Massey Hall in NY.....you'll notice no one applauded when he started....that's because this was the very first time he played it in public....none of the audience had ever heard it....
Uhhh, he's been "into that pocket" his entire career. Right reaction to this tune - can't imagine any possible negative reaction to the gloriously beautiful and poignant "Harvest Moon."
Just a tip about the lyrics, Neil had recently bought a ranch and the ranch hand who ran the place continued on as Neil was frequently on the road. If you've ever seen the show Yellowstone you get a picture of the life of these guys, giving up everything for their job not unlike a travelling rock star. He was feeling lonely and realizing what this man had given up for what he loved and that inspired the song.
We saw him by himself at the Fox Theater in STL in the early 2000's. No opening act, no band. Just him and a dozen guitars on stands. He would play a song, get up blow on the harmonica as he walked around to switch his guitar. It was incredible. And as a bonus, the parking lot guy wasn't there after the show so we parked for free.
Very few people can command an audience with just their voice and an acoustic guitar. I personally love Neil’s voice because it’s filled with emotion and vulnerability. Read the lyrics without the song and you’ll get a better idea of what he’s trying to bring across. Like all lyrics they’re subjective. 🕊❤️🎼
This video cut out the beginning before he starts playing where he describes the song as being inspired by the older ranch foreman/caretaker of his recently purchased ranch in California back in the day. Beautiful. One of my favorite Young performances.
Heart of Gold has a lovely harmonica on it, but it must be from the same live show, and the introduction to the song where Neil is trying to find the correct harmonica for the performance is priceless.
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Heart of Gold, The Needle and the Damage Done. Must listens!
I agree. Both are Neil Young classics.
Great songs. I would add Cinnamon Girl to the list.
Cinnamon Girl!
Yes, facts. Must listen.
Nope time to grow some balls....Neil s GOO stuff is his rock...Down By The River
As Neil tells it, decades ago when he bought his ranch there was an old caretaker, and he wrote this song after meeting him for the first time. During that meeting the caretaker asked him. How does a young man like you come to afford a place like this? Neil’s reply was “just lucky I guess”.
Neil
Yes, in Half Moon Bay.
Oops
He tells it easier before he played this song. Enjoy Neil's softness exposed by this setting. Suce a treasure!!
Yeah we know every reaction channel plays this SUBPAR acoustic nightmare...grow some need Down By The River
Down by the river, Cinnamon Girl, Down by the River, Ohio, Alabama, When you dance, The needle and the damage done, I saw Neil perform the Harvest tour and he was the most charismatic performer I have ever seen. Look out for my love, I believe in you, Cortez the Killer, After the Gold Rush. His first three solo albums are classics
At 63 I'm the old man in this song now even though I was very young when I first heard it
I'm 64 . I really liked his stuff with crazy horse.
I'm 67 and feel the same as you except that l'm a woman ✌️🎶
I'm 60... Time flies..
I heard this in 1972...I was 22...=)
Rocking in The Free World is a great Neil Young song with a different vibe than what you've seen so far.
Just a little different vibe ......LOL :)
Not as good as anything on Everybody Knows This is Nowhere
Electric guitar bangers are Like a Hurricane, Cortez the Killer, Cowgirl In the Sand, Hey Hey My My.
Don't forget Rockin' in the Free World.
Yes stop the wimpy acoustic
@@headlibrarian1996Down By The River much better
Best live performance of Neil Young is a live track called "Down by the river" with his band Crazy Horse. Fantastic Neil grunge guitar performance.
It was Farm aid
I graduated high school in 1974 this song was chosen by the seniors to represent us as we entered the adult world. Now I listened as the old woman. It really touched me. Thank you
It's amazing how much your perspective changes in 50 years.
The needle and the damage done is another great song worthy of your time
Nope Cowgirl in The Sand way better and not as wimpy
The entire Harvest album is a true gem
Rockin' in the Free World is one of his best songs!
I like Rockin' In the Free World, Hey Hey My My, and This Note's For You. That's the Neil Young I prefer.
Young wrote this about the caretaker of the ranch he bought in 1970. The song compares a young man's life to an old man's and shows that the old man was once like this young man.
The caretaker of the that cattle ranch? His name was Louis Avila. The ranch was the Broken Arrow Ranch, purchased for $350,000 in 1970. Reportedly, Avila was giving Young a tour of the place and asked him how a young man like him could afford a place like this. Young, aged 25, replied "Just lucky, Louie, just real lucky." Avila was quite bemused.
Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor sang backing vocals on "Old Man" and another Harvest track, ""Heart of Gold."
Source: Songfacts
In addition, I think Neil was being a little contemplative in his comparison, being single at the time and probably feeling a little lonely on that big ranch.
very informative
We know we ve heard the story 20 millions times......SOOOO WHAT need more of Neil s Rock
Thank you.
Yes, he uses a harmonica in most of his ballads.
Rock: "Like a Hurricane" studio version.
I got see Neil Young several times in his Bridge School Benefit Concerts in the Bay Area which was a fundraiser for a school with special needs children, which his son had attended. He always put on a great show and many big names including his old band mates CSN
Down by the river,like a hurricane,everybody knows this is nowhere are great neil young songs
Exactly and it's rock that isn't overplayed lime Harvest.
..and long guitar solos...
Neil grew up in Winnipeg. A few years back the present owners saw a man outside looking at the house. The owner went out and spoke to the man who asked whether this was the house where Neil Young grew up. The owner confirmed that it was. The owner asked if he wanted to see his room which he did. The owner took him on a tour of the house and Neil’s room where he wrote a number of his songs. After the visitor left the owner’s wife asked her husband why he had brought this one in the house when others were turned down. Her husband said that was Bob Dylan. Definitely mutual respect between the two.
More talent and originality in just that first verse than all Ed Sheeran songs combined.
Heart of Gold is my favorite Neil Young song, and one of my favorite songs by all artists.
I feel 100% the same ! 👍👍👍
"I've been to Redwood"- Redwood Ave Winnipeg Mb nearby where Neil grew up.
Love Heart of Gold.
Nope overplayed top 40 trash rock radio that top 40 played instead of Neil's Good stuff
@@4thlinemaniac356Stop we know how the tired words go...expand your horizon with Neil s Rock
A AWESOME SONGWRITER !!❤🎼🎵🎶🐐🎸🔥
A must listen is "Don't Let it Bring you Down", "Needle and the damage done", "Cinnamon Girl," "Cowgirl in the Sand" and... all of them.
His album, "Everybody Knows This is Nowhere" Any song on that album is worth reacting to. My favorite on that album is "Cowgirls in the Sand"
Absolutely too many wimps only ask for Neil's Acoustic...whe sadly ignoring Neil s main reason for existing....WHY WHY WHY do requesters ignore Everybody Know Album or maybe they just listen to top 40 recycled trash...same thing every 15 mins
Old Man was inspired by the Caretaker that came as part of a ranch Neil bought. He's the guy who lives there, cares for livestock, mends fences. It was Neil shifting from his life in Los Angeles to simpler and quieter things and the Caretaker's life sent him off on some whimsy.
Definitely Heart of Gold. My Fav Neil Young
If I remember right, forgive me I’m old, I think Farm Aid was the concert series Neil Young co founded.
Love, love, love this song....Neil and the guitar sound amazing...I think it's a Martin...my dream guitar to own someday.
Yes a D-45 and he also owns Hank Williams original D-18.
Neil has A LOT of variety in his catalog. May I suggest: "Powderfinger", "Rockin' In The Free World", "Cinnamon Girl", "After The Gold Rush" and "This Note's For You". Thanks.
You were doing good till the last 2 but yeah too much wimpy same old songs instead of Neil's Good stuff
Aside from the excellent vocals his guitar work is incredible in all the layers he gets at one time.
Heart of Gold for sure & Rockin in the Free World!
If you listen to this entire video(2 songs)you would've heard the story he told (about this song and Heart of gold) and you would've learned he just started playing the harmonica and the song was about the Forman on his ranch. It really highlights his personality and sense of humor.
"Heart Of Gold", "Cinnamon Girl" and "Rockin' In The Free World" are my recommendations.
When a young hippy I would go to no nonsense coffee houses and watch similar acts to Neil, very intimate and inspiring. Neil's voice sounds just right when you are 'stoned' I am told.
Neil wrote this after he bought a Ranch in California. He saw the Lead Ranch Hand, an older man, and was inspired to write this song.
One of the most perfect songs ever written.
This song holds special meaning to me. My last text I received from my Dad prior to him passing away, came on my birthday a few years back, wishing me a happy birthday and he would from time to time remind me that this song was his favorite. He had mentioned this in the text as well. I will always think of you, when I hear this, old man! Edit: You guys are right, there is a story behind this song, in Neil's words, but I like the fact that people can also interpret the song in their own words, first, before hearing the inspiration behind the lyrics.
I cut my teeth on this song in 72 when I was buying my first 8 tacts and listened to it a thousand times over the years and learning to play this on guitar so it's driven into my brainpan. Having said that it is only till now that I have really broken the code on it's meaning. The old man is a ranch hand that came along with Neil's new real estate purchase in Ontario who inspired this song about his loneliness of having all that, yet love lost...that makes him think of two...his life being all ahead of him...the old man's all behind him. A young (no pun) man's lament to an old wise weathered man, for female companionship to complete his life on that huge ranch that he had just bought. Genius songwriting and delivery by Mr. Young. Such a talent. Kudos Canada
Neil Young speaks to my 16 year old heart living carefree in 1972! ❤❤
17 and the same!
A man , A guitar and talent . No auto tune , no band no hype or garbage. THIS is talent and I so miss these days. Thank you for doing this one. The story he told before the song was cut out , you should find the original video and watch it :)
Raw talent. Well performed with a lot of emotion. What a treat for that live audience.
This guy is so talented. One of my favorites by him. Love the reaction!👍😎
Neil èmbodied the character of the times. He's just a phenomenon. He started the farm aid concerts for the American farmers.
Neil Young and Bob Dylan are from the same era and are very good friends who have written songs about each other, Neil is considered the father of Grunge Rock.
In Heart of Gold from this same concert Neil plays the harmonica!
He’s a legend. Heart of Gold, live from the same show, features harmonica
Wow oh boy SOOOO WHAT Ragged Glory feature kick ass rock that wimpy boys never hear
This is my fav Neil Young song
As a teenager i listened to neil so many hours back in the 70s and needle and the damage done ment a lot as friends who came back mixed up from veitnam trying to hide the pain i could relate and this song ment something to me as well
I was 19 when I heard this. 70 now, old man.
The Godfather of grunge... Rockin in the Free World, Powderfinger, downtown, Sedan Delivery, Needle and the Damage Done.... and.. this note's for you. That's enough diversity for today. Lots more of Neil Young. Keep up the great work.👍✌🖖🍻🇨🇦
You liked that,you need to do keep on rocking in the free world.
"Rockin in the free world"
Neil has done many great songs. You can clearly hear his vocal skills in Don't let it Bring you down among others.
I've watched a lot of people react to this video - and every single time when Neil breaks into the refrain - their expression changes to absolute surprise.... Every single time! Sam being the exception, now... I was surprised Sam was not surprised....
Heart of Gold! A must listen!
Great version, Neil sang ok as a young guy but his lyrics were what made the songs.
Heart of Gold from the same concert has harmonies in the song check it out fantastic.
Neil Young’s music is very diverse, you’ll get ballads and rockers like Cinnamon Girl, his voice fits his songs like Bob Dylan’s voice fits his songs, I would definitely suggest Cinnamon Girl, Down by the River, Heart of Gold and After the Goldrush
Cowgirl In The Sand is one of my favorites!!
DOWN BY THE RIVER is my fave NEIL YOUNG !!! HE GETS FUNKY !!
Yes, as Eddie Vedder said when inducting Neil into the Rock Hall, 'he is the king of mountain funk'
No he gets loud NOT FUNKY OR DISCO....just long guitar solos that don't put you to sleep like Harvest
One of the best ever.
Rockin' in the Free World.
Good old Young, always there since the 70ths
There is harmonica in Heart of Gold
Just wait until you check out , Hey Hey My My , but , if you listen to that one , then you have to hear the other half , which is , My My Hey Hey . Fantastic , but then , I grew up listening to Neil Young !
Legend. A special artist. And just so. you know when he rocks, he goes 150% check out "Like a Hurricane" or Hey hey my my (into the black) Trust me. You'll be blown away.
Neil Young's haunting self-titled solo debut album from 1968 is fantastic - with songs "The Loner", "The Emperor of Wyoming" (country-instrumental), "If I Could Have Her Tonight", "I've Been Waiting For You", "The Old Laughing Lady", "String Quartet from Whiskey Boot Hill" (country-instrumental), "Here We Are in the Years", "What Did You Do to My Life?", "I've Loved Her So Long", and an extended finale "The Last Trip to Tulsa".
Cinnamon Girl and Sugar Mountain are two of my favorites of his. All his music is amazing. Check out his "Decade" double CD. Full of amazing songs.
AMAZING SONG!!!!!!!!!!!
DEFINITELY have to do Heart of Gold. Excellent song
pretty sure this was Neil Young Live at Massey Hall in NY.....you'll notice no one applauded when he started....that's because this was the very first time he played it in public....none of the audience had ever heard it....
One of my favorites thank you ❤❤❤ Yes on Heart of Gold
Great song great performance great reaction video
Such an amazing and awesome song! 🎵🎶
My favorite by far.
This is a great song by a great artist, his voice always sounded so mystical to me.
Another great Canadian musical legend, we've produced so much amazing talent from my country. My favorite Neil Young's song is "Heart of Gold" 😊
HEART OF GOLD, please!
Neil young has two sides
Calm acoustic
Bad ass electric Guitar god
Both are awesome
Uhhh, he's been "into that pocket" his entire career. Right reaction to this tune - can't imagine any possible negative reaction to the gloriously beautiful and poignant "Harvest Moon."
Neil is 1 of the greatest singer song writers ever.
One of the first songs I ever sang as kid, for my own enjoyment…love it!
Just a tip about the lyrics, Neil had recently bought a ranch and the ranch hand who ran the place continued on as Neil was frequently on the road. If you've ever seen the show Yellowstone you get a picture of the life of these guys, giving up everything for their job not unlike a travelling rock star. He was feeling lonely and realizing what this man had given up for what he loved and that inspired the song.
Mr Soul when he was with Buffalo Springfield is one of my favs.
We saw him by himself at the Fox Theater in STL in the early 2000's. No opening act, no band. Just him and a dozen guitars on stands. He would play a song, get up blow on the harmonica as he walked around to switch his guitar. It was incredible. And as a bonus, the parking lot guy wasn't there after the show so we parked for free.
He's telling a story and the audio is amazing kudos BBC and the mixers .. it sounds so good
For me it almost doesn't matter the song. I love listening to him play the guitar
Cinnamon Girl is one of my FAVS by him - but, he has SO MANY GREAT SONGS!! Harvest is a GREAT album!! ENJOY!!
"A Man Needs A Maid/Heart Of Gold Suite (Live At Massey Hall-1971)" is brilliant.
Neil Young And The Bluenotes
*"Neil Young - This Note's For You (Official Music Video)"*
Neil Young & The Shocking Pinks
*"Neil Young - Wonderin'"*
Not a big fan but Ive always liked
This song I remember when it came out
Great song by another Canadian music legend .Along with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp the three of them came up with Farm Aid in1985
Very few people can command an audience with just their voice and an acoustic guitar. I personally love Neil’s voice because it’s filled with emotion and vulnerability.
Read the lyrics without the song and you’ll get a better idea of what he’s trying to bring across. Like all lyrics they’re subjective. 🕊❤️🎼
'Down by the River' is his all time best ..... a classic
This video cut out the beginning before he starts playing where he describes the song as being inspired by the older ranch foreman/caretaker of his recently purchased ranch in California back in the day. Beautiful. One of my favorite Young performances.
listen a couple more times....understanding will come....
Was written to acknowledge the old man/Forman of his ranch
Neil Young's lyrics are was stands the test of time,his words are music to the ears,
Heart of Gold has a lovely harmonica on it, but it must be from the same live show, and the introduction to the song where Neil is trying to find the correct harmonica for the performance is priceless.
The studio version is great too, James Taylor plays banjo on it , love banjo
Heart of Gold from this same concert is also very good and he does play the harmonica