My 17 year old daughter introduced me to Sufjan's music a year or more ago. She just sent me this, at first I thought just because I'm 70 years old. But I realize she (also) sent it to me because it is real, beautiful, authentic, and beyond any boundaries of age. Many thanks.
@@FrankWatkinson not only i burst into tears, but your performance moved me the way like i was never felt on youtube. Thanks a lot sir, thank you a lot.
Lyrics: The evil it spread like a fever ahead It was night when you died, my firefly What could I have said to raise you from the dead? Oh could I be the sky on the Fourth of July? Well you do enough talk My little hawk, why do you cry? Tell me what did you learn from the Tillamook burn? Or the Fourth of July? We're all gonna die Sitting at the bed with the halo at your head Was it all a disguise, like Junior High Where everything was fiction, future, and prediction Now, where am I? My fading supply Did you get enough love, my little dove Why do you cry? And I'm sorry I left, but it was for the best Though it never felt right My little Versailles The hospital asked should the body be cast Before I say goodbye, my star in the sky Such a funny thought to wrap you up in cloth Do you find it all right, my dragonfly? Shall we look at the moon, my little loon Why do you cry? Make the most of your life, while it is rife While it is light Well you do enough talk My little hawk, why do you cry? Tell me what did you learn from the Tillamook burn? Or the Fourth of July? We're all gonna die We're all gonna die We're all gonna die We're all gonna die We're all gonna die We're all gonna die We're all gonna die We're all gonna die >>This broke me. The original version is sad, and this one is 100x sadder. So much feelings flow through me right now. Sending you love ❤️
in tears honestly, i know you may never seen this comment but this song took me through some really rough times and your voice just made it so perfect, hearing someone sing from the heart like this brings me hope in a world where we dont get enough. thank you, so much for giving me that hope and making me feel like its worth trying, you bring so much joy to the world.
@@FrankWatkinson if you ever want to id love to hear your take on first love/late spring by mitski, of course you dont have to. Ive stuggled with mental hardship a long time and that song got me through the grayest of days, i really think youd do it justice. That song gave me a ray of sunshine in times i didnt think id live to see tomorrow, my emotions are always so strong, and to have found your videos and seeing that you replied made my week. December is always rough for me but im grateful that i can enjoy your music to relax. Ever since my brother got his cancer diagnosis i havent felt peace of mind, but your videos help a lot.
I love how you chage the songs enough to make them yours without stripping them of their essence. It always gives me peace to listen to you play. Stay great
This is absolutely gorgeous. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did because I'm a huge fan of the original but you've given it such a beautiful Ralph McTell feel to it that it's just wonderful.
I love how you capture the solemn and isolated feeling of the song. The guitar arrangement is simple yet elegant and really leaves the space for your vocals to fill it in. The way you reconstructed this is truly wonderful. Thank you
In the way you sing these words, in your expression, in your voice and in you eyes I can see you are truly strong human being. There are tough times in our lives we all have to get through and people like Sufjan... people like You make these moments just a little bit easier. Thank you.
I've recently become mildly obsessed with this song...and by far. yours is the best cover I have found. Thank you for this. I was amazingly surprised.. God Bless~
one of my favorite live music memories was getting to hear the entirety of Pitchfork Festival in Chicago sing "we're all going to die" over and over again during Sufjan's set the year after Carrie & Lowell came out. this has that same pure, meditative, connected energy.
I come back to these covers. These covers just to feel like someone out there *understands*. Call it toxic. But your cover at 4AM helped. Just. Feel human. Feel relatable.
Frank, I am so happy that your video popped up in my recommended. I personally adore the artist and this heart wrenching song, and you did such a beautiful rendition of the song. Your voice is so complimentary and I can hear the passion in your voice. So lovely! ✨💕
I maybe years late discovering this video but I want to say that this is so beautiful. Even for emotionally numb people like me, who seeks the slightest hint of emotion, teared up listening to this. Wishing you good health and fortune and please keep creating soulful music like this.
Honestly this is so beautiful and really amazing. It is all ready an emotional song, but they way you delivered it? Just made it jsut so more powerful! My heart was hurting with how emotional this was.
Dude, this had me literally crying like a baby for 4 minutes straight. I know I'm late and probably you'll never see this since this videos is 4 years old already, but from the bottom of my heart: great job:)
What a beautiful version! I just fell in love with this song listening to Sufjan yesterday. I didn’t expect to find it that beautiful only with a guitar and vocals. Inspiring indeed! Greetings from Brazil.
10000000000/10 i was going to ask you to do a cover of this song because it is one of my faves but i found that you already did!!! And oh my god- i am speechless yet again. The way you play your guitar and make each cover you do so personal to you and your singing style, you have the best voice I’ve ever heard and every time i hear you sing i actually get a smile on my face! Please keep doing what you are doing, you spread so much joy even while singing sadder songs.
Dear God man!! That stopped me in my tracks, Absolutely love that song and you ! .......i mean....just wow, Can't believe how beautiful and real that was, So happy I stumbled upon your video. That didn't feel like just a cover song, that felt personal. Thank you are sharing that!
And here I was thinking that this song couldn’t make me feel more devastated. Beautiful work. Couldn’t finish listening because I’m at work and don’t want to embarrass myself by sobbing hysterically.
This was such a beautiful and moving cover. This album always make me think of my Grandparents who’ve passed on and the other family who died before I was born and never met. I can picture them comforting me in my mind’s eye while listening to this track alone in the dark. Sufjan’s music has always had a therapeutic effect on me and you’ve brought me to tears with your interpretation. Cheers.
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever commented on a video on RUclips, but I just had to tell you how beautiful this is. Thank you for sharing and moving me (and so many others!) with your incredible talent, Frank! 🤍
I'm binge watching at this point, it's amazing, everything, your guitar playing is impecable, your voice is soothing... You are amazing, let's keep it up, you got this, amazing videos
Just stumbled across this and it feels like it’s being sung straight from the heart. Very moving and I’m now off to watch the rest of your covers. Keep it up! Loved it.
Love Zillions Love ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love everything you do ! I’m catching up on all of your videos on this cold winter Monday. Thank you kind 🎶🎶👂🏼👂🏼🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶👂🏼👂🏼💝🎶💝🎶 I’m sharing your videos to all of the ppl I love 💜
Even though this isn't like the original, it is still beautiful. Actually, it makes your interpretation of it even prettier. Thank you for creating such good videos, I and many others really appreciate it. You putted a certain intonation of sentiments in your voice and it almost made me tear up. Thank you, again. Love from France !!
Hi sir, just discovered this cover and I have to say that I really appreciate how you adapt the song to your vocal range. I really sincerely appreciate your rendition of this song.
@@FrankWatkinson I see why you would say this, and I will acknowledge that your vocal range is not the widest by any measurement. But I really appreciate your emotional delivery and it really adds to the song and makes it different from the original, I think. In any case, my vocal range is about as monotone as yours and this was really inspirational and motivational to me. Thank you again.
My 17 year old daughter introduced me to Sufjan's music a year or more ago. She just sent me this, at first I thought just because I'm 70 years old. But I realize she (also) sent it to me because it is real, beautiful, authentic, and beyond any boundaries of age. Many thanks.
She is a rare type of person.
I want you to know that this performance moved me almost to tears. This is breathtakingly beautiful. ❤️
Thank you , i wasn't sure if anybody would like it when i posted it ,seems i was wrong.
Very wrong@@FrankWatkinson. This is an absolutely stunning piece of perfection.
@@FrankWatkinson not only i burst into tears, but your performance moved me the way like i was never felt on youtube. Thanks a lot sir, thank you a lot.
"Why do the fireflies have to die so soon?"
You will have to ask Sufjan .
ahah love the reference
someone hasn’t truly understood/felt the lyrics until watching this
this is beautiful
Lyrics:
The evil it spread like a fever ahead
It was night when you died, my firefly
What could I have said to raise you from the dead?
Oh could I be the sky on the Fourth of July?
Well you do enough talk
My little hawk, why do you cry?
Tell me what did you learn from the Tillamook burn?
Or the Fourth of July?
We're all gonna die
Sitting at the bed with the halo at your head
Was it all a disguise, like Junior High
Where everything was fiction, future, and prediction
Now, where am I?
My fading supply
Did you get enough love, my little dove
Why do you cry?
And I'm sorry I left, but it was for the best
Though it never felt right
My little Versailles
The hospital asked should the body be cast
Before I say goodbye, my star in the sky
Such a funny thought to wrap you up in cloth
Do you find it all right, my dragonfly?
Shall we look at the moon, my little loon
Why do you cry?
Make the most of your life, while it is rife
While it is light
Well you do enough talk
My little hawk, why do you cry?
Tell me what did you learn from the Tillamook burn?
Or the Fourth of July?
We're all gonna die
We're all gonna die
We're all gonna die
We're all gonna die
We're all gonna die
We're all gonna die
We're all gonna die
We're all gonna die
>>This broke me. The original version is sad, and this one is 100x sadder. So much feelings flow through me right now. Sending you love ❤️
Please sing more Sufjan Steven songs
Ps. This one was epic
I will have to listen to some first. thanks.
@@FrankWatkinson 'Casmir Pulaski Day' needs you
@@baphomick Wow i have just listened to it for the first time and almost cried ,i will have a go at it but minus the high pitched bit at the end.
@@FrankWatkinson I can't wait! And yes it's a doozie
in tears honestly, i know you may never seen this comment but this song took me through some really rough times and your voice just made it so perfect, hearing someone sing from the heart like this brings me hope in a world where we dont get enough.
thank you, so much for giving me that hope and making me feel like its worth trying, you bring so much joy to the world.
I see all comments, if i can.
@@FrankWatkinson if you ever want to id love to hear your take on first love/late spring by mitski, of course you dont have to.
Ive stuggled with mental hardship a long time and that song got me through the grayest of days, i really think youd do it justice. That song gave me a ray of sunshine in times i didnt think id live to see tomorrow, my emotions are always so strong, and to have found your videos and seeing that you replied made my week. December is always rough for me but im grateful that i can enjoy your music to relax. Ever since my brother got his cancer diagnosis i havent felt peace of mind, but your videos help a lot.
I love how you chage the songs enough to make them yours without stripping them of their essence. It always gives me peace to listen to you play. Stay great
This cover makes me feel all the things at the same time, and the first feeling is nostalgic.
This is absolutely gorgeous. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did because I'm a huge fan of the original but you've given it such a beautiful Ralph McTell feel to it that it's just wonderful.
Thank you, Ralph Mctell is so good.
I love how you capture the solemn and isolated feeling of the song. The guitar arrangement is simple yet elegant and really leaves the space for your vocals to fill it in. The way you reconstructed this is truly wonderful. Thank you
carrie & lowell album is all amazing. Through your playing, this song is more beautiful than before for me. 👍🏼👏👏👏👏
Thank you ,i need to listen to it.
In the way you sing these words, in your expression, in your voice and in you eyes I can see you are truly strong human being. There are tough times in our lives we all have to get through and people like Sufjan... people like You make these moments just a little bit easier. Thank you.
Thank you.
I've recently become mildly obsessed with this song...and by far. yours is the best cover I have found. Thank you for this. I was amazingly surprised.. God Bless~
This beautiful, Mr. Watkinson. Truly, beautiful. Please keep making these forever
This cover is so so so good, you’re so talented and full of emotion I love this
Thank you.
one of my favorite live music memories was getting to hear the entirety of Pitchfork Festival in Chicago sing "we're all going to die" over and over again during Sufjan's set the year after Carrie & Lowell came out. this has that same pure, meditative, connected energy.
Wow, it reminds me my grandfather, this cover drive me to tears, amazing voice before a shadow of a doubt
This was beautiful😭, now excuse me while I binge watch all of your videos💕
thank you for sharing. this song means so much to me, and your version brought me to tears. so beautiful
Thank you.
I come back to these covers. These covers just to feel like someone out there *understands*. Call it toxic. But your cover at 4AM helped. Just. Feel human. Feel relatable.
Frank, good music knows no bounds of age. I've subscribed. I love your renditions of Sufjans tracks. So wonderful. Thank you.
Thank you .
Frank, I am so happy that your video popped up in my recommended. I personally adore the artist and this heart wrenching song, and you did such a beautiful rendition of the song. Your voice is so complimentary and I can hear the passion in your voice. So lovely! ✨💕
I maybe years late discovering this video but I want to say that this is so beautiful. Even for emotionally numb people like me, who seeks the slightest hint of emotion, teared up listening to this. Wishing you good health and fortune and please keep creating soulful music like this.
Honestly this is so beautiful and really amazing. It is all ready an emotional song, but they way you delivered it? Just made it jsut so more powerful! My heart was hurting with how emotional this was.
Thank you.
This was the most beautiful cover I've ever heard, you can hear the emotion in his voice.
This was so incredibly moving. I just found your page tonight and I think I’ve watched half of your videos already. I am grateful for you!
Dude, this had me literally crying like a baby for 4 minutes straight. I know I'm late and probably you'll never see this since this videos is 4 years old already, but from the bottom of my heart: great job:)
I saw it thanks.
Break my heart Frank!!!
Thank you for sharing this. This is beyond beautiful.
What a beautiful version! I just fell in love with this song listening to Sufjan yesterday. I didn’t expect to find it that beautiful only with a guitar and vocals. Inspiring indeed!
Greetings from Brazil.
We still here listening.. beautiful
This is so breathtaking, I can't listen to it without crying. I love all of your music. Been listening all day.
Thanks wish that one was mine.
Thank you for this beautiful cover. Your guitar playing is so clean and your voice sounds fantastic.
Thank you
I have just discovered this cover. It is so beautiful, I am in tears. Thank you so much. Greetings from Spain.
10000000000/10 i was going to ask you to do a cover of this song because it is one of my faves but i found that you already did!!! And oh my god- i am speechless yet again. The way you play your guitar and make each cover you do so personal to you and your singing style, you have the best voice I’ve ever heard and every time i hear you sing i actually get a smile on my face! Please keep doing what you are doing, you spread so much joy even while singing sadder songs.
Thank you so much!!
This song never fails to move me to tears. Your cover is no exception, thank you for your music Frank 🖤
Dear God man!! That stopped me in my tracks, Absolutely love that song and you ! .......i mean....just wow, Can't believe how beautiful and real that was, So happy I stumbled upon your video. That didn't feel like just a cover song, that felt personal. Thank you are sharing that!
And here I was thinking that this song couldn’t make me feel more devastated. Beautiful work. Couldn’t finish listening because I’m at work and don’t want to embarrass myself by sobbing hysterically.
This was exactly what i thought😭
I'm binge listening to you. You're a great singer, more people should aware of this channel. Thank you for those angelic voice
Thanks for listening
This was such a beautiful and moving cover. This album always make me think of my Grandparents who’ve passed on and the other family who died before I was born and never met. I can picture them comforting me in my mind’s eye while listening to this track alone in the dark. Sufjan’s music has always had a therapeutic effect on me and you’ve brought me to tears with your interpretation. Cheers.
To hear the choruses sing by someone your age hits me really hard. Amazing cover mate. Bless you.
Long love the king.
Every year I place this song on this precious day, July 4🥀
The Can Stevens fan in me is EXPLODING!!! THIS IS GREAT!!!
Thanks.
You are so incredible! This is the best cover of the song! Please continue sharing your talent!
Crying like a baby right now. Thank you frank, so glad I found you ♡
amazing!!! hopefully in a few years i can cover this as good as you. thank you
So beautiful - love your guitar so much on this one, Frank. thank you
So moving. Thanks for this Frank. Can feel every word you utter.
Thank you.
Your covers are beautiful! To Be Alone with You is Sufjan song I think you'd play beautifully (as well as every other, I'm sure),
I will have a listen. thanks
i am sitting here in absolute tears, this cover is ethereal. wonderful job.
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever commented on a video on RUclips, but I just had to tell you how beautiful this is. Thank you for sharing and moving me (and so many others!) with your incredible talent, Frank! 🤍
The original one is great but ur voice makes it so real. Almost like we transported back into his memory.
Oh this is so beautiful. When your voice breaks with emotion my heart misses a beat ❤ Much love and respect lovely man 🥰 👏👏
Heartbreakingly beautiful. Thank you
As if I couldn’t adore this song any more than I already do. Thank you for this stunning piece. Always so raw and special with you 🌹
I'm not crying. You're crying...
this is one of my favorite songs ever I cried you are my favorite youtuber
Thank you i'm honoured.
I'm binge watching at this point, it's amazing, everything, your guitar playing is impecable, your voice is soothing... You are amazing, let's keep it up, you got this, amazing videos
Thank you for watching.
Realmente me gusto su versión :"3 el sentimiento que le pone es verdaderamente hermoso... Mucha suerte
Gracias
you moved me sir. God bless! hope you do more covers. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you.
This is an absolutely stunning cover!
This moved me beyond words and I'm still processing it, I just wanted to leave a comment to let you know that
Pleaseeeeee release some of your covers and original songs on Spotify! Literally wanna listen to it all the time
My originals are on there , and some covers.
Really moved me with this one. So touching
It is beautiful sir thank you 💓
Thank you.
thank you for your beautiful and honest interpretation
Thank you ,i'm glad you liked it.
I can’t explain how this made my heart feel. You captured it so well. It was beautiful Frank
so beautiful. the talent and emotion u put into this. so so incredible, thank u for sharing. im in tears ❤
Beautiful song. Great performance.
Thank you.
thank you i love this so much 🥰🥰 much love and stay safe 💗
It's so powerful, i'm crying 😭
Thank you .
this song means so much to me. you really brought the meaning out❤️
U made me cry thank u for this beautiful performance Frank!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Just stumbled across this and it feels like it’s being sung straight from the heart. Very moving and I’m now off to watch the rest of your covers. Keep it up! Loved it.
I absolutely love this cover. you need to add this to your spotify
Your interpretations remind me so much of the Americana projects by J. Cash, please keep bringing more beauty in 2021! Happy NY
This brought me to tears🥺 absolutely beautiful voice.
omg Frank, you always make me cry. it is awesome what you do. thanks
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ we love you Mr Frank thank you for your lovely music
I love you and how you make this song you‘r own♥️🙏🏼
loved this so much !
like this music wasnt already sad enough!!!!! (love it)
Somehow, you managed to make this very sad and bleak song, kinda hopeful. It's beautiful, I really like it.
Thank you.
this is so awesome 🥺
Love Zillions Love !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love everything you do ! I’m catching up on all of your videos on this cold winter Monday.
Thank you kind 🎶🎶👂🏼👂🏼🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶👂🏼👂🏼💝🎶💝🎶
I’m sharing your videos to all of the ppl I love 💜
I love this so much. Very calming. ❤️
this was a lovely rendition!!! ♥️♥️♥️
Thanks.
This is excellent in its own right. Pure bliss
Thank you.
this made me cry. u are incredible thank u so much.
Beautiful.
You're incredible
words can't describe how i felt watching this,amazing.
Even though this isn't like the original, it is still beautiful. Actually, it makes your interpretation of it even prettier. Thank you for creating such good videos, I and many others really appreciate it. You putted a certain intonation of sentiments in your voice and it almost made me tear up.
Thank you, again. Love from France !!
This is the most beautiful cover ever. A masterpeace ♥️♥️
Subscribed. Can't wait for the next sufjan's songs cover
I have done a few.
absolutely beautiful.
Thank you.
I am blown away by the emotion you create!
Thank you.
Hi sir, just discovered this cover and I have to say that I really appreciate how you adapt the song to your vocal range. I really sincerely appreciate your rendition of this song.
Thank you ,my vocal range is basically monotone lol.
@@FrankWatkinson I see why you would say this, and I will acknowledge that your vocal range is not the widest by any measurement. But I really appreciate your emotional delivery and it really adds to the song and makes it different from the original, I think. In any case, my vocal range is about as monotone as yours and this was really inspirational and motivational to me. Thank you again.
@@FelixNKryptic If you want to do it then do it life is too short to wait.