An Iconic song of an entire generation who would drop everything to go travelling up North from Sydney, catching waves and doing the 'nature' thing long before it was a 'lifestyle'. RIP John J Francis.
John J was my mate & my family`s favourite uncle Loved him to bit`s along with his brother Kevin & sister Dawn Andy Clarke & family catch you later JJ :)
G/day Marguerite di d you know John ? I was a mate of his since 1985 I,v got a memory of your name been mentioned in our Friday night get together`s or I may wrong Cheer`s anyway Andy Clarke :
@@andrewclarke8975 sadly no, I did not. I think I saw him play once at a great venue in Annandale, Sydney back in the mid 70's? The Booth St Dispensary. My name may have come up as I am a musician/singer/songwriter and despite being highly underage (back then) I would always be singing in venues around the traps.
@andrewclarke8975 Punctuation is everything. I was referring to.those times. I also wanted to credit the singer/songwriter. I need to put me glasses on.
He's not on Rockwiz Legends, He didn't reach the hottest 100, but this is THE BEST SONG EVER WRITTEN BY AN OZZIE. Now more than ever this song is THE BEST.
Saw morning of the earth,reel to reel at the regal theatre in subiaco (perth western Australia)in thevery early 70s.Had the sound track on a cassette that died after a hell of playing .Managed to find it on cd some years back.Still takes me back .Ps im an old guy. sound
I was 8 years old, when I first heard that song. Movie night, Kiama surf club. Imagine. Those days, that age. I could see the magic. To this day. I get a lump in my throat. 7:41
Hay YULE are still with us ? JJ talked about you often I remember he went to Melbourne in the late 80,s He came back with a song KICKING COUNTRY I was a good friend of JJ,s and his family loved him to bits Andy Clarke
Just bought my first 12 string. A beautfy Grande J22 40 E Special.. plays this song do well. Brings back many memories of "Morning of the earth" days( I'm 63,)
This song is Baddy’s song. Growing up in the 70’s in Manly...Baddy was the one ...ran his own race I enjoyed and learnt from his charisma. Although our generation were younger it was obvious he was a multi generational surfer. Saw him last just before he departed and he still impressed my 15 year old son as a fine surfer. That is hard to do. He died only 2 years later.....RIP David
Had run with him once , I didn't want to , but he wouldn't let it go , ended up telling him he wasn't a real local anyway .., he didn't like that (he came from Manly) I didn't hate the guy.
I was born in Manly late 1950s, saw MOTE in Manly 1970s. Moved north & went to Baddy’s paddle out. RIP Baddy. How privileged to have grown up on the Northern Beaches in that era of changes. Sadly not the same there now. Living the simple life but with more restrictions than then. Simplicity has to be a priority. Appreciate nature.
Morning of the Earth is just always so wonderful... Just came back to this brilliant footage. Wish I could have been there on Australia, to witness and be a part of this amazing time.
just spoke to his record label and he is very much alive. his rels have been receiving condolences calls that sent them into a panic. apparently, misinformation on twitter republished in as music ezine (accidentally) created the story, they have since pulled it. anyway, at the moment he is still going strong.
Classic Hippie music. I bought “ Play Mumma sing me a Song “ in 1973 and had no regrets. This guy later became a DJ on 2JJ and then disappeared. I heard he joined a commune in the South Coast and practiced herbal remedies and nudism.
you said, " I heard he joined a commune in the South Coast and practiced herbal remedies and nudism" , this is not true, Shane.. he is a good friend of mine..
No he didnt join a commune or practice herbal or nudism he went on to live a full life, he was a normal fella and my friend for 40 yrs Andy Clarke JJ passed away 2022 in Cowra NSW
Wonderful when he looks at the camera after he sings ''I've seen myself in a still, calm pool and I've heard a donkey bray'.. Like it is the most important thing. It may just be. '
Thankyou! You just told me the only lyrics in the song I couldn't understand. My life is complete. This song is timeless ageless legendary and priceless. It makes me well up... thankyou so much 🙏💜😇
Yes. And that line is Simple Ben's response to the question, "Do you believe in God and the words that preachers pray?" "I've seen myself in a still, calm pool and I've heard a donkey bray." Simple Ben speaks in riddles, doesn't he? He's kind of like Socrates. "I've seen myself in a still, calm pool" is his answer to the question, "Do you believe in God?" In this riddle, he seems to be saying, "There is an Order to the cosmos, and I respect that Order." A still, calm pool is the epitome of Order, and seeing one's own reflection in that pool is a recognition of one's role in that Order, one's objective moral responsibilities. "I've heard a donkey bray" is his answer to the question, "Do you believe the words that preachers pray?" Simple Ben has no time for churches and preachers and holy writings. Indeed, these are very important, very profound observations about the Human Condition and the meaning of life.
This is a simple two chord song. (C/G will do it.). The lovers of this song might want to give it a bash. It's one of the first I learned on geetar. The lyrics get a bit slippery though.
Haha, I remember when I got my first guitar, I rang John up at double JJ in those days, and asked him the chords to this song, he laughed and told me to work it out 🤣🤣🤣
Sounds like C and F to me , with a Dm7 fitting in for the F occassionaly. John must have his 12 string tuned in D , cos he is playing D and G , from what I can see. Awesome song, awesome movie and soudtrack, pre- "the stuffed up world" .
Just C and F. It appears he has tuned his guitar up a tone to give a fuller feel to the F chord by giving it the standard G formation. Amazing what you can do with two chords, fantastic backing and truly wonderful melody and lyrics.
News about John's demise is incorrect. just spoke to his record label and he is very much alive. his rels have been receiving condolences calls that sent them into a panic. apparently, misinformation on twitter republished in as music ezine (accidentally) created the story, they have since pulled it. anyway, at the moment he is still going strong.
Contrary to this being called Australian, it has definitely got an American style to it, which is where he was born and even his name dictates. Great song, but definitely of the good ol' USA style. "I'm alive" was the greatest track from the album and captured the essential Aussie free spirit of the time. What wonderful unaffected days.
Croyez-vous en Dieu et aux mots que les prédicateurs prient ? Bien, je me suis vu dans une piscine calme et tranquille et j'ai entendu un âne braire. ⚡
News about John's demise is incorrect. just spoke to his record label and he is very much alive. his rels have been receiving condolences calls that sent them into a panic. apparently, misinformation on twitter republished in as music ezine (accidentally) created the story, they have since pulled it. anyway, at the moment he is still going strong.
![Kodak Black - Versatile 4 [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VcP_1Ua__vY/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm an old surfer from the 60's/70's and I believe this song tells a very important story. Thank you JJ for giving us this great music.
it does .. taoism 101
An Iconic song of an entire generation who would drop everything to go travelling up North from Sydney, catching waves and doing the 'nature' thing long before it was a 'lifestyle'. RIP John J Francis.
John J was my mate & my family`s favourite uncle Loved him to bit`s along with his brother Kevin & sister Dawn Andy Clarke & family catch you later JJ :)
G/day Marguerite di d you know John ? I was a mate of his since 1985 I,v got a memory of your name been mentioned in our Friday night get together`s or I may wrong Cheer`s anyway Andy Clarke :
@@andrewclarke8975 sadly no, I did not. I think I saw him play once at a great venue in Annandale, Sydney back in the mid 70's? The Booth St Dispensary. My name may have come up as I am a musician/singer/songwriter and despite being highly underage (back then) I would always be singing in venues around the traps.
I heard that he's still alive & well, lol
@andrewclarke8975 Punctuation is everything. I was referring to.those times. I also wanted to credit the singer/songwriter. I need to put me glasses on.
Everyone of us grew up surfing in this era were so fortunate love this song takes me back
He's not on Rockwiz Legends, He didn't reach the hottest 100, but this is THE BEST SONG EVER WRITTEN BY AN OZZIE. Now more than ever this song is THE BEST.
100%
Saw morning of the earth,reel to reel at the regal theatre in subiaco (perth western Australia)in thevery early 70s.Had the sound track on a cassette that died after a hell of playing .Managed to find it on cd some years back.Still takes me back .Ps im an old guy.
sound
I first heard this while watching "Morning of the Earth" and it stuck with me to this day! thanks for posting, beautiful tune!
I was 8 years old, when I first heard that song. Movie night, Kiama surf club. Imagine. Those days, that age. I could see the magic.
To this day. I get a lump in my throat. 7:41
The best surf movie soundtrack ever!
It has always been my favourite song from the Morning of the earth album .
Great album...
It's great, No Formula for Happiness shades it for mine. Peace
Hay YULE are still with us ? JJ talked about you often I remember he went to Melbourne in the late 80,s He came back with a song KICKING COUNTRY I was a good friend of JJ,s and his family loved him to bits Andy Clarke
So good.. another genuine Aussie classic.
From a golden era that I was privileged to live through
This has to be one of the best songs ever written from a lyrical standpoint.
Fuckin aye brother!!!! A lost song..a lost band...a lost time.... legendary...timeless... priceless!🙏💜😇
Straight up!
Totally.
fkn incredible
yup../.absolutely
Morning of the Earth soundtrack fave 🌾Love his connection with the camera..
I am on old surfie and often I have put the headset on and the lights off just before nodding off to Simple Ben and the visualizations are great👍
Great old song
Music supposed to bring you joy & happiness, this song certainly does that, thank you John, one of my favourite songs
Just bought my first 12 string. A beautfy Grande J22 40 E Special.. plays this song do well. Brings back many memories of "Morning of the earth" days( I'm 63,)
I just keep hitting the replay button.......this is our household soundtrack
Simple ben ...my all time favourite song .
Totally brilliant !!!!!!
Thank you .
👌
This song is Baddy’s song. Growing up in the 70’s in Manly...Baddy was the one ...ran his own race
I enjoyed and learnt from his charisma. Although our generation were younger it was obvious he was a multi generational surfer. Saw him last just before he departed and he still impressed my 15 year old son as a fine surfer. That is hard to do. He died only 2 years later.....RIP David
Had run with him once , I didn't want to , but he wouldn't let it go , ended up telling him he wasn't a real local anyway .., he didn't like that (he came from Manly) I didn't hate the guy.
I was born in Manly late 1950s, saw MOTE in Manly 1970s. Moved north & went to Baddy’s paddle out. RIP Baddy. How privileged to have grown up on the Northern Beaches in that era of changes. Sadly not the same there now. Living the simple life but with more restrictions than then. Simplicity has to be a priority. Appreciate nature.
Morning of the Earth is just always so wonderful... Just came back to this brilliant footage. Wish I could have been there on Australia, to witness and be a part of this amazing time.
An Aussie classic,,ty for sharing it💙💙💚💙🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
great tonic for a busy world
Vale John J Francis and thank you for the music. 5/4/19
just spoke to his record label and he is very much alive. his rels have been receiving condolences calls that sent them into a panic. apparently, misinformation on twitter republished in as music ezine (accidentally) created the story, they have since pulled it. anyway, at the moment he is still going strong.
Morning of the Earth stuff! Love it.
Always makes me cry and want to have the long sleep
Classic Hippie music. I bought “ Play Mumma sing me a Song “ in 1973 and had no regrets. This guy later became a DJ on 2JJ and then disappeared. I heard he joined a commune in the South Coast and practiced herbal remedies and nudism.
you said, " I heard he joined a commune in the South Coast and practiced herbal remedies and nudism" , this is not true, Shane.. he is a good friend of mine..
No he didnt join a commune or practice herbal or nudism he went on to live a full life, he was a normal fella and my friend for 40 yrs Andy Clarke JJ passed away 2022 in Cowra NSW
Brilliant, absolutely love it!
love it john ;;;;;rob
I miss the 70s!! Everyone is so hairy!
Double j night dj, breaks works and thoughts one of the best oz albums in an era of classics.
John's mother Mrs McGregor was my neighbour. 😊
great song...
Fave song.
Wonderful when he looks at the camera after he sings ''I've seen myself in a still, calm pool and I've heard a donkey bray'.. Like it is the most important thing. It may just be. '
Thankyou! You just told me the only lyrics in the song I couldn't understand. My life is complete. This song is timeless ageless legendary and priceless. It makes me well up... thankyou so much 🙏💜😇
Yes. And that line is Simple Ben's response to the question, "Do you believe in God and the words that preachers pray?" "I've seen myself in a still, calm pool and I've heard a donkey bray." Simple Ben speaks in riddles, doesn't he? He's kind of like Socrates.
"I've seen myself in a still, calm pool" is his answer to the question, "Do you believe in God?" In this riddle, he seems to be saying, "There is an Order to the cosmos, and I respect that Order." A still, calm pool is the epitome of Order, and seeing one's own reflection in that pool is a recognition of one's role in that Order, one's objective moral responsibilities.
"I've heard a donkey bray" is his answer to the question, "Do you believe the words that preachers pray?" Simple Ben has no time for churches and preachers and holy writings.
Indeed, these are very important, very profound observations about the Human Condition and the meaning of life.
Such a great tune from such a great movie.
funny, love it cause my name is ben and my dad used to call be simple ben ;)
Well hello my friend, I see your on the Road just like me, why don't we rest and share us up a Lil Tea😆
wonderful... thank you
Morning of the earth
Morning of the earth surfboards :)
Yeah
Like he's 26
Great song.
Pure unadorned talent
Excellent!
Vale John J Francis
American born raised in Newcastle, NSW! Go Newy!!!!
Australian born and raised in Newcastle
Very Good !
Wonderful
great song - on great album morning of the earth
Been looking for his album for ever any thought's?
Who remembers the doggie shift on 2JJ?
I have often wondered what happened to John. I read years ago he gave up the commercial music industry?
This is a simple two chord song. (C/G will do it.). The lovers of this song might want to give it a bash. It's one of the first I learned on geetar. The lyrics get a bit slippery though.
Haha, I remember when I got my first guitar, I rang John up at double JJ in those days, and asked him the chords to this song, he laughed and told me to work it out 🤣🤣🤣
Sounds like C and F to me , with a Dm7 fitting in for the F occassionaly. John must have his 12 string tuned in D , cos he is playing D and G , from what I can see. Awesome song, awesome movie and soudtrack, pre- "the stuffed up world" .
Just C and F. It appears he has tuned his guitar up a tone to give a fuller feel to the F chord by giving it the standard G formation. Amazing what you can do with two chords, fantastic backing and truly wonderful melody and lyrics.
They named a radio station after him seeing he was the first DJ on it? Double J.
We lost Baddy Treloar last month
News about John's demise is incorrect. just spoke to his record label and he is very much alive. his rels have been receiving condolences calls that sent them into a panic. apparently, misinformation on twitter republished in as music ezine (accidentally) created the story, they have since pulled it. anyway, at the moment he is still going strong.
Brilliant other versions not as good!
Contrary to this being called Australian, it has definitely got an American style to it, which is where he was born and even his name dictates. Great song, but definitely of the good ol' USA style. "I'm alive" was the greatest track from the album and captured the essential Aussie free spirit of the time. What wonderful unaffected days.
He was born in Newcastle NSW
Croyez-vous en Dieu et aux mots que les prédicateurs prient ?
Bien, je me suis vu dans une piscine calme et tranquille et j'ai entendu un âne braire. ⚡
Our Dylan? I'd much rather listen to him than old Bobby.
The 70s when 28 yr olds looked 40 😅
:)
Thanx Jota Jota.
RIP (1945-2019)
Not so..... JJFrancis is alive and kicking. Noise11.com report is fake news.
News about John's demise is incorrect. just spoke to his record label and he is very much alive. his rels have been receiving condolences calls that sent them into a panic. apparently, misinformation on twitter republished in as music ezine (accidentally) created the story, they have since pulled it. anyway, at the moment he is still going strong.
@@kjoemack7013 thanks
this reminds me of sublime
Don't like this version at all.
well, it probably doesn't like you either
Grrrrrrrrrr he wrote it and sang ! which version did you Like ???
Morning Of The Earth 🏄♂️
Excellent!