A joint venture between Jon Anderson, best known as the lead singer for Yes… Read Full Bio ↴A joint venture between Jon Anderson, best known as the lead singer for Yes, and Vangelis.

They formed in 1979 after Vangelis had been rumoured to replace Rick Wakeman in Yes a few years before. Anderson had contributed to Vangelis' albums "Heaven and Hell", "See You Later" and "Opera Sauvage".

They released a total of four albums with Anderson writing the lyrics and Vangelis composing the music: "Short Stories" in 1980, "The Friends of Mr. Cairo" in 1981, "Private Collection" in 1983, and "Page of Life" in 1991, which got re-released in 1998 with some additional tracks of which Vangelis reportedly did not approve. There are also two compilations, called "The Best of Jon & Vangelis" (1984) and "Chronicles" (1994)

Friends of Mr. Cairo
Jon & Vangelis Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

[shooting]
[movie like speech:]
Frankie: Okay, this is the picture. Johnny's been hurt. He's been hurt bad.
Woman: Look, we can't leave him here, we can't. Look, he's in a pool of blood. He's gonna die, I know it.
Frankie: We've gotta leave him here, honey. We gotta. He won't talk, I promise you that! Will you Johnny?
Woman: Frankie, I don't care whether he talks or not, I just can't leave him like this.
Johnny: Listen. Leave me here I... I... I can ... I can ... handle it.
Woman: Oh, no, Johnny, no...

[interlude]
Frankie: The cops are outside. Luke's in the car. Come on, let's get the hell outta this joint.
Woman: Frankie, when they get here wer're gonna be dead, I know we are! We don't have agun!
Frankie: Listen. We got three million... Listen, [spud]. We got three million in the can, here. We can't look after him, I'll send the bird to his mother. Come on, let's just get out of this place, we can do it!
Woman: Oh, no, Johnny, no...

[interlude]
Frankie: Okay now, just lean up against that door. When I give the word "Go" we just..., we just go through it and blast at the same time.
She came, as in the book, Mickey Spillane
That Saturday night dark masquerade
Had filled his friend with lead, the same, sweetheart

But then, as nothing happens quite the same
Investigation is the game
He had to check her story right away-he dead
Sam Spade his buddy Archer first to go he got it
She spelt it out, how could they know the 'Fatman' got it -he dead
Her sister didn't really live at all-confusion-he dead
His chase led to the Fatman, to face the friends of Mr. Cairo

[movie like speech:]
Woman: Hey, there's a really terrific dress shop. Can we stop this raid while I buy a new gown?
Frankie: I'll buy you the whole factory, sweetheart. Don't worry.

That night, the double crosser got it right
Pretending he was really dim
He slipped to Sam a double gin (Mickey Finn)

He woke, the boys had gone, but not his gun
They'd left a note to lead him on
The chase to find the Maltese Falcon-you bet-

Early thirties gangster movies
Set to spellbind population

From Chicago to Hong Kong
Via Istanbul the Talking Tong

Dirty rats through' prohibition
Money flowed through gangsterism

Acting out this fantasy
In Hollywoods vicinity

The best part for the best rendition
Al Capone he sent to prison

Citizen Kane came fast and quickly
Conquering ol' New York City
Poking fun at superstition
Media became television Give me Cagney anyday
Or Jimmy Stewart for President

Or Edward 'G' and all those guys
Who always shoot between the eyes
Between the eyes
Between the eyes

[movie like speech:]
Kasper: ha, ha, well done Mr. Cairo, and what do you have to say about that, my friend?
Spade: Allright. So you've got me in it. What about her?
Brigid: Don't worry about me, I'm okay
Kasper: Very magnanimous, sir, very magnanimous indeed, ha, ha, ha
Mr. Cairo: You mean..., you won't make us an offer we... we can't refuse...

Father love do you work, do you work for Mother
Chances could call, and accept that, be no other
Science as it might, disappear correspond with colour
Chance is the fruit, will outlive, what is now the brother
Call for total wealth to distribute like a picture
In black and white, give it joy, give it, let it hit you

Spoil our existence by extreme gift to population
Father love do you work, do you work for Mother
Tell me straight be the Godfather be no other
Media Kings give us now give us total movie
Straight right now, give it clear, give us total movie
Now being here, being now, being here believing

[movie like speeches:]
Man: I don't know which words to put in there sweetheart, you know, I can't do it. Pretty kind of useless, though, don't you think so Mary?
Man: Come with me to the far lands of Baghdad.
Woman: Oh, if only I could. That's what I want more than anything in the world, but it could never be...
Man: Of course it can...
Woman: But my father would find us wherever we went. Yes, he has forbidden me to... to even speak to you, if he finds me now. I don't know what he'd do...
Man: But he doesn't know that I'm... I'm a prince. Before, I was the thief of Baghdad now...
Woman: It doesn't matter...
Man: Then follow me, darling, follow me now to the ends of the Earth

One on one to talk to you
Like film stars they get close to you
You've mirrored his appeal
He wants you so, he wants to be beside you
Then you pass by giving him the other side of you
Like the mystics do
So that every time he moves, he moves for you

Soul and light can always see
The meeting of true love and she
This silent night and I,
I guess a lonely mind might see

I've seen love on the screen
I've seen a screen goddesss and me-oh
How often this, how often, this the power of you
And so, I must confess
Whatever I see
I'm meant to be there with you
With you with you

Silent golden movies, talkies, technicolour, long ago
My younger ways stand clearer, clearer than my footprints
Stardom greats I've followed closely Closer than the nearest heartbeat
Longer that expected-ther were great-
Oh love oh love just to see them
Acting on the silver screen, oh my
Clark Gable, Fairbanks, Maureen O'Sullivan
Fantasy would fill my life and I
Love fantasy so much
Did you see in the morning light
I really talked, yes I did, to Gods early dawning light
And I was privileged to be as I am to this day
To be with you. To be with you

[movie actor like speech:]
Mr. Cairo: Listen. I have arranged this display for... for all of you people to... to come here this evening and I... I know you have been searched, but, what you... you don't realize is, is that in the back of the Maltese Falcon, I have it ...

Overall Meaning

The Friend Of Mr. Cairo by Jon & Vangelis is a song that tells the story of a gangster movie. The lyrics begin with the characters discussing what to do with a wounded man called Johnny. There is a sense of urgency and danger in the voices, as well as a feeling of loyalty among the characters. The next part of the song describes the investigation of a murder and how the singer follows the clues to find the culprits. The lyrics then switch to a scene where the characters are talking about clothes and shopping, which adds a touch of humor and romance to the story.

The middle part of the song reflects on the golden age of Hollywood and how it has shaped society's perception of crime and justice. There is a sense of nostalgia for this era, which is conveyed through mentions of classic movie stars like Clark Gable and Douglas Fairbanks. The song then ends with a speech by Mr. Cairo, who reveals that he has the Maltese Falcon.

Line by Line Meaning

Johnny's been hurt, he's hurt bad
Okay, this is the picture

We've gotta leave him here, honey, we gotta He won't talk, I promise you that, will you Johnny?
Look, we can't leave him here, we can't Look, he's in a pool of blood, he's gonna die, I know it

Frankie, when they get here we're gonna be dead I know we are, we don't have a gun (Listen, we got three million)
Frankie, I don't care whether he talks or not I just can't leave him like this

Listen, leave me here, I can handle it Oh, Johnny, no
Listen, Spud, we got three million in the can, here We'll look after him, I'll send the bird to his mother Come on, let's just get out of this place, we can do it

Oh, Johnny, no
The cops are outside, Luke is in the car Come on, let's get the hell outta this joint

She came, as in the book, Mickey Spillane That Saturday night dark masquerade Had filled his friend with lead, the same, sweetheart
Frankie: Okay now, just lean up against that door. When I give the word "Go" we just..., we just go through it and blast at the same time.

But then, as nothing happens quite the same Investigation is the game He had to check her story right away-he dead
But then, as nothing happens quite the same Investigation is the game He had to check her story right away-he dead

Sam Spade his buddy Archer first to go he got it She spelt it out, how could they know the 'Fatman' got it -he dead Her sister didn't really live at all-confusion-he dead His chase led to the Fatman, to face the friends of Mr. Cairo
Sam Spade his buddy Archer first to go he got it She spelt it out, how could they know the 'Fatman' got it -he dead Her sister didn't really live at all-confusion-he dead His chase led to the Fatman, to face the friends of Mr. Cairo

(movie like speech:) Woman: Hey, there's a really terrific dress shop. Can we stop this raid while I buy a new gown? Frankie: I'll buy you the whole factory, sweetheart. Don't worry.
Woman: Hey, there's a really terrific dress shop. Can we stop this raid while I buy a new gown? Frankie: I'll buy you the whole factory, sweetheart. Don't worry.

That night, the double crosser got it right Pretending he was really dim He slipped to Sam a double gin (Mickey Finn) He woke, the boys had gone, but not his gun They'd left a note to lead him on The chase to find the Maltese Falcon-you bet-
That night, the double crosser got it right Pretending he was really dim He slipped to Sam a double gin (Mickey Finn) He woke, the boys had gone, but not his gun They'd left a note to lead him on The chase to find the Maltese Falcon-you bet-

Early thirties gangster movies Set to spellbind population From Chicago to Hong Kong Via Istanbul the Talking Tong Dirty rats through' prohibition Money flowed through gangsterism Acting out this fantasy In Hollywoods vicinity The best part for the best rendition Al Capone he sent to prison Citizen Kane came fast and quickly Conquering ol' New York City Poking fun at superstition Media became television Give me Cagney anyday Or Jimmy Stewart for President Or Edward 'G' and all those guys Who always shoot between the eyes Between the eyes Between the eyes
Early thirties gangster movies Set to spellbind population From Chicago to Hong Kong Via Istanbul the Talking Tong Dirty rats through' prohibition Money flowed through gangsterism Acting out this fantasy In Hollywoods vicinity The best part for the best rendition Al Capone he sent to prison Citizen Kane came fast and quickly Conquering ol' New York City Poking fun at superstition Media became television Give me Cagney anyday Or Jimmy Stewart for President Or Edward 'G' and all those guys Who always shoot between the eyes Between the eyes Between the eyes

(movie like speech:) Kasper: ha, ha, well done Mr. Cairo, and what do you have to say about that, my friend? Spade: Allright. So you've got me in it. What about her? Brigid: Don't worry about me, I'm okay Kasper: Very magnanimous, sir, very magnanimous indeed, ha, ha, ha Mr. Cairo: You mean..., you won't make us an offer we... we can't refuse...
Kasper: ha, ha, well done Mr. Cairo, and what do you have to say about that, my friend? Spade: Allright. So you've got me in it. What about her? Brigid: Don't worry about me, I'm okay Kasper: Very magnanimous, sir, very magnanimous indeed, ha, ha, ha Mr. Cairo: You mean..., you won't make us an offer we... we can't refuse...

Father love do you work, do you work for Mother Chances could call, and accept that, be no other Science as it might, disappear correspond with colour Chance is the fruit, will outlive, what is now the brother Call for total wealth to distribute like a picture In black and white, give it joy, give it, let it hit you
Father love do you work, do you work for Mother Chances could call, and accept that, be no other Science as it might, disappear correspond with colour Chance is the fruit, will outlive, what is now the brother Call for total wealth to distribute like a picture In black and white, give it joy, give it, let it hit you

Spoil our existence by extreme gift to population Father love do you work, do you work for Mother Tell me straight be the Godfather be no other Media Kings give us now give us total movie Straight right now, give it clear, give us total movie Now being here, being now, being here believing
Spoil our existence by extreme gift to population Father love do you work, do you work for Mother Tell me straight be the Godfather be no other Media Kings give us now give us total movie Straight right now, give it clear, give us total movie Now being here, being now, being here believing

Man: I don't know which words to put in there sweetheart, you know, I can't do it. Pretty kind of useless, though, don't you think so Mary? Man: Come with me to the far lands of Baghdad. Woman: Oh, if only I could. That's what I want more than anything in the world, but it could never be... Man: Of course it can... Woman: But my father would find us wherever we went. Yes, he has forbidden me to... to even speak to you, if he finds me now. I don't know what he'd do... Man: But he doesn't know that I'm... I'm a prince. Before, I was the thief of Baghdad now... Woman: It doesn't matter... Man: Then follow me, darling, follow me now to the ends of the Earth
Man: I don't know which words to put in there sweetheart, you know, I can't do it. Pretty kind of useless, though, don't you think so Mary? Man: Come with me to the far lands of Baghdad. Woman: Oh, if only I could. That's what I want more than anything in the world, but it could never be... Man: Of course it can... Woman: But my father would find us wherever we went. Yes, he has forbidden me to... to even speak to you, if he finds me now. I don't know what he'd do... Man: But he doesn't know that I'm... I'm a prince. Before, I was the thief of Baghdad now... Woman: It doesn't matter... Man: Then follow me, darling, follow me now to the ends of the Earth

One on one to talk to you Like film stars they get close to you You've mirrored his appeal He wants you so, he wants to be beside you Then you pass by giving him the other side of you Like the mystics do So that every time he moves, he moves for you Soul and light can always see The meeting of true love and she This silent night and I, I guess a lonely mind might see I've seen love on the screen I've seen a screen goddesss and me-oh How often this, how often, this the power of you And so, I must confess Whatever I see I'm meant to be there with you With you with you
One on one to talk to you Like film stars they get close to you You've mirrored his appeal He wants you so, he wants to be beside you Then you pass by giving him the other side of you Like the mystics do So that every time he moves, he moves for you Soul and light can always see The meeting of true love and she This silent night and I, I guess a lonely mind might see I've seen love on the screen I've seen a screen goddesss and me-oh How often this, how often, this the power of you And so, I must confess Whatever I see I'm meant to be there with you With you with you

Silent golden movies, talkies, technicolour, long ago My younger ways stand clearer, clearer than my footprints Stardom greats I've followed closely Closer than the nearest heartbeat Longer that expected-ther were great- Oh love oh love just to see them Acting on the silver screen, oh my Clark Gable, Fairbanks, Maureen O'Sullivan Fantasy would fill my life and I Love fantasy so much Did you see in the morning light I really talked, yes I did, to Gods early dawning light And I was privileged to be as I am to this day To be with you. To be with you
Silent golden movies, talkies, technicolour, long ago My younger ways stand clearer, clearer than my footprints Stardom greats I've followed closely Closer than the nearest heartbeat Longer that expected-ther were great- Oh love oh love just to see them Acting on the silver screen, oh my Clark Gable, Fairbanks, Maureen O'Sullivan Fantasy would fill my life and I Love fantasy so much Did you see in the morning light I really talked, yes I did, to Gods early dawning light And I was privileged to be as I am to this day To be with you. To be with you

(movie actor like speech:) Mr. Cairo: Listen. I have arranged this display for... for all of you people to... to come here this evening and I... I know you have been searched, but, what you... you don't realize is, is that in the back of the Maltese Falcon, I have it ...
Mr. Cairo: Listen. I have arranged this display for... for all of you people to... to come here this evening and I... I know you have been searched, but, what you... you don't realize is, is that in the back of the Maltese Falcon, I have it ...

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EVANGELOS PAPATHANASSIOU

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Comments from YouTube:

David Bradshaw

2y↑176

Hearing of Vangelis' passing has me here listening in 2022, remembering hearing this on the radio in my youth and being utterly enthralled. This song is a movie for the ears, and a masterful one at that. Safe journey Mr. Vangelis.

Peter Nielsen

2y↑6

Me too. RIP

Andrew Kroth

2y↑8

The radio around here only played the first part, when I got the LP and heard the second part I was like WOW!

John Paterson

2y↑5

Training to be a L’Oréal salesman in the early 80s, this was my Walkman go to on the train back and forward to London for 4 weeks. RIP Mr V and thank you the music sir xx

Peter Nielsen

2y↑2

I love Yes and when Jon took a break to work with Vangelis I loved what they did.
"The Friends of Mr Cairo" was the first I heard. Then I got into several other songs.
They were great together. Sad to hear he passed.

David Bradshaw

2y↑2

@John Paterson That may be the most 80s contents I've ever seen - awesome!

10 More Replies...

JC

3y↑103

I first heard this song while deployed during g desert storm. You want to talk about a beautiful setting? Try listening to this in the middle of the desert with a full moon with no one around for miles. The most beautiful and peaceful setting imaginable in the mist of war and mayhem. I still get chills when I listen to this

Bells of Nevermore EAS

2y↑5

You too, huh? Wasn't this specific song, but I remember that moon.

Amish Puritan

2y↑4

Thank you for your service.

Michael Velez

2y↑2

Never saw skies like that again

MK Ultra

@Julio Carral How many enemies did you kill?

Gordy Withoutmusicidgonuts

In Egypt?

3 More Replies...

harleygal420

3y↑505

If you remember this song, you are not old,. You are high quality vintage.

Gabryael Harrisson

3y↑10

Thank you ! Same to you...

Tammie Parrish Miller

@Lena Villeneuve grow up

Tammie Parrish Miller

Indeed

Zain Keaton

3y↑1

i know I'm kinda randomly asking but do anyone know of a good site to watch newly released movies online?

44 More Replies...

Luke Skywalker

2y↑27

RIP Vangelis. A true legend. Never to be forgotten. Your masterpieces will surely continue to inspire us all.

Sylvia Rippey

1y↑1

Broke my heart when I heard he died. I've had a crush on him since I was 15. I'm 52 now. Blade Runner is my favorite soundtrack of all time.

Sandy Nicol

40w

@Sylvia Rippey Superb Sylvia, Blade Runner is my favourite soundtrack too. All the best

Cesar T

1y↑10

What a masterpiece, that synthesizer starting at 6:42 is legendary!

Lynby

44w↑2

This song is just so evocative, the atmosphere at the end takes me back to childhood watching the likes of Maltese Falcon and Showboat, Gone with the wind etc. The power of music to inspire nostalgia is amazing.

Michael O'neıll

31w↑1

It really is a love letter isn't it?

John Hassink

33w↑3

One of the most beautifully crafted songs ever made......thank you Jon & Vangelis

A388

2y↑28

The crescendo at 4:11 still gets me every time, it hits deep.

Joseph Astier

2y↑1

Song starts there.

Евгений Двухреченский

46w

7.10

LucifersDeathSquad

3y↑23

What a blast from the past. My dad used to let me pick through his 45 and 33 collection . I heard a "Blade Runner" soundtrack song the other day and it triggered a memory of this . After heavy digging I found this. This was one of my favorites because of the gangsters and shooting. I was about 6 when I found this in my dads collection. This was so cool to me. Good memories. He would let me pick through his 3000 plus collection and be his DJ as he was working on muscle cars in the garage. I didnt realize how cool my childhood was. This is an amazing song , and memory.

GTA Vianen

2y↑1

This also reminds me of times like that. I used to take a red velvet pillow on my head and playback this in the living room. No idea what it whas all about ;)

Nelson Walker

2y↑11

what a terrific song i have this memorized since over 20 years ago and can replay the whole thing in my head at any time with all of the sound effects.

torahouse2006

6y↑269

This is just a masterpiece.

airager

4y↑2

Very magnanimous sir!

Janik Litalien

4y↑1

yes, yes is

Edward Wood

Absolutely.

1 More Replies...

K Lee

4y↑62

It's funny years and years after not hearing this song I can still recite all the lyrics.... some things never fade with time

P. M68

4y↑2

Me too. Acting on the silver screen oh my.

gilles bellefeuille

3y↑1

i don’t understand a single thing about this song but still to this day i return listening to it

Sammy Fox

4y↑73

This song is like listening to a dream from sometime after it began to the moment when everything fades away and we wake up. That song is special.

ray wilson

3y↑2

quincy jones is ment to have stolen the bass line off one of the tracks off this album for billie jean

Immortal

2y↑1

What an incredibly accurate way to put it

OlliePlimsolls69

2y↑10

In 1986 my dad came home from work with a CD player and The Best of Jon & Vangelis CD - me and my sister played the crap out of this. Still have the CD & the hi-fi. Happy days.🙂

Octavio M&A

2y↑2

Was My first CD !! still have too.

stevepeebles61

4y↑48

A real masterpiece of music, from an incredible collaboration of two mega talented musicians ❤🎶

Michel Marchange

4y↑1

You noticed 2 ?

spaceflight101

2y↑18

So far, none of those reporting on Vangelis' passing have mentioned this iconic tune. Thanks for the music and rest in peace.

John Evans

2y↑18

A fitting memorial....RIP along with all the great mentioned within. I've loved this song for 40 years. Who knows where the time goes...

MrFobob

3y↑68

WHAT A PURE WORK OF ART, JUST HEARING THIS FOR THE FIRST TIME AT 75 YEARS OLD, LOVE IT, FANTASTIC, WONDERRFUL MUSIC. PERFECT !!!!!!!

This garbage is coral gable$.

3y↑5

Excellent.

Solar Guitar Studio

6y↑14

I inherited this LP from my older brother and found the most beautiful lyrics I've ever read. And its been 30 years... amazing.

Cesar T

Amazing, and amazing brother!

Tiffany Hackerspace

2y↑9

Rest in Peace, Vangelis, and thanks for all the jams!! ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

prh223585

4y↑5

Was binge watching Fringe and this song came on in the episode and like the show transported to my younger days when i listen to This type of music.
It brought a tear to my eye and i had to look up more of what i loved of this genre. Hats of to Jon Anderson and the rest of the musicians that played and
composed what I believe we used to call new age Music.

W.A.T.P

Exactly how I found it. A short story about love season 4.

Komrad

2y↑5

I was one year old when this jewell was realesed. The last part is still tear jerking pure musical beauty.

steven doan

9y↑30

Thank you to my mom and dad for exposing me to great music like this! The greatest gift ever given.

Stephan Doan

9y↑2

Long live the souls of individuals who will carry forward the art of the time. It passes this way but once.

harleygal420

This song is a masterpiece. Always has been, always will be.

FRANCUZ

4y↑13

Jutro mija mi 50 lat zycia.... Slucham tego kawalka i mam przed oczami moje mlode lata.... Az ciarki mnie przechodza.....

Jackowski Kazimierz

Też jestem już po 50 i miłe wspomnienia są, jak się kiedyś słuchało ten kawałek 😁👍

Евгений Двухреченский

46w

Мне 55 и я в восторге от этого альбома с момента его выхода. Шедевр!
Помню каждый звук. John - не реально крут с Vangelis больше чем Yes люблю

kevin gagnier

4y↑39

From 7:15 onwards it is just beautiful. Celestial one could almost say. That voice!

Martin Brizuela

2y↑6

what a magical song, so full of emotions, listening to it for the first time at 25 years old, just magic, pure work of art

Amish Puritan

2y↑4

What a unique musical combination. Wish this world had more of this today.

Robert Klopman

9y↑19

I know some of you people hate it when tv shows or movies bring people to songs, but I remember hearing this on fringe and I think it's so cool how a newer show can bring back such an amazing and obscure masterpiece. I didn't grow up with it as I am only 18, but this is such an incredible song and in the show, it fits perfectly

Mackenzie Bowles

9y↑2

+Robert Klopman no you're wrong! the only way you're allowed to like music is if you were there the very second it came out. Even better is if you liked it when nobody else did. otherwise you're a second rate human. and don't try to give these excuses that 'you weren't born then'. pffft

Katie Allen

I only dislike it when a bad movie or TV show uses a good song and people think the show's writers wrote the song

Nicolas Valadez

2y↑6

Rest In Peace Mr. Vangelis your music will live forever in my heart, and now when I listen to this song I get tears of joy 🥲 I hope my memories will be forever in my soul

Joe Buck

2y↑3

Masterpiece like many said but for me even after forty years hearing it the lyrics at the end make me cry all the time… I guess that melancholy touch gets me deep! It makes me forget for a few minutes all this mad world for some time. Thank you Jon & Vangelis!!!!

r cherrycoke

4y↑46

The second half of this song is so bewitching- just magic

Duane Kelly

11y↑11

I love this song....great story line. I have enjoyed all of Jon's vocals, but with this song he seems to get really into the story line.

jorfradec1

2y↑6

Que diferencia de calidad musical con la música que se puede escuchar hoy día, armonía, melodía y ritmo. Precioso.

1951tube

7y↑60

I studied cinematography at the Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (Toronto/Canada) in 1972. Everything I learned I hear in that song. Such remarkable new sound for the time, remarkable research in Hollywood myths. I never got tired of listening that sound! Mes hommages Monsieur Vangelis !

TF Lydon

10y↑66

Brilliant song. It's one of my all time favourites. Everyone should be exposed to this song.

stevegeek

4y↑16

Thanks to my dad for introducing me to this and other great music...what a gift. I’m now trying to do the same for my kids.

cachumbati Espasande

11y↑3

epico........ voces epicas.. equilibrio musical...... notas delicadas....... conmovedoras... que mas se puede pedir de un tema...... casi al borde de derramar alguna lagrima en cada nota........ dios solo lo sabe...

chizknocka

3y↑3

the lyricism...phenomenal. Artists in the eighties were connecting to something so mystical and interesting. The lyrics when read by themselves are a riddle, but once accompanied with the music they transform into something that's alive and beautifully strange.

Gil Lozada

2y↑2

I used to listen to this song on my Sony Walkman on a loop, riding the NY subway, going back home from school or part time work, falling asleep, waking up and listening to it again, about 30 years ago. Brings back very nice memories, just love this song, Jon and Vangelis, what a collaboration, very awesome!

maju raar

11y↑21

La verdad es que este tema me lleva al pasado de 30 años atras y nunca pero nunca habia escuchado la version completa,por 2 razones primero que las radios comerciales lo daban muy sintetizado y segundo no habia internet para poder disfrutar como ahora el hecho de que alguien lo suba.Gracias por subirlo señor en nombre de los que les gusta esta musica.Saludos desde Argentina.

Gabriel

Hello back,stay safe,and listen to some good music

Radosław Jakubowski

6y↑19

Magic atmosphere...it always gives me those goosebumps

Krzysztof Targonski

super duo

George Kodsy

8y↑20

Gives me goose bumps, the brilliance will shine forever, the lyrics from 7 mins 8 seconds on wards brings tears to an actors eye. It did for me :)

Fddeleeuw

6y↑4

It was 1979, if I recall when this album came out. I was 18 years old. It grabbed my ear then and still to this day I get chills down my spine when I listen to it. The silent movies part of the song is so soothing.. They where great! they still are! Clarke Gable, Fairbanks, Maureen O'Sullivan..

Chad Byron

6y↑46

My dad would put this album on at night for me to fall asleep to. Its forever engrained in my memory. But this song is even more. My love of classic movies... blade runner.... Vangelis.... Its magic

Paul Redwood

5y↑3

I often think that if Beethoven we’re still alive he may have written this ... original, stunning, emotional, beautiful. Once heard, never quite forgotten.

Leo Harrison

4y↑2

Yes, my brother would fall asleep to Blade runner or the shinning

Evelyn

Same❤

Tanya LaRose

Such a great song. I remember cruising around with my friend Aimee listening to the radio and hearing this. I loved it.❤

Brian Hall

4y↑78

i called my Belgian Shepherd Malinois 'Cairo' because of this song. I am now, officially, one of the "friends of Mr Cairo".

P. M68

Acting on the silver screen oh my

m1t2a1

3y↑1

You are brilliant.

Gabriel

Nice!

Gordy Withoutmusicidgonuts

What? Used against Bin Laden? I just googled.

Trev14

2y↑3

This old tune still brings tears to my eyes from time to time.

Julie Batley

33w

Absolute classic connoisseur stuff and full of memories ♥️

bornagain bornagain

3y↑2

such a wonderful song. 2 of the greats contributing to a masterpiece. Thank you gentlemen!!

GF

6y↑5

How good is this song. Beautiful. Emotive. Played this to death as a kid when it came out. Great use of vocoder and stereo separation.

Jeffrey Johnson

7y↑1

Saw Jon perform this at Perkins Palace in Pasadena ... Mitch Mitchell on drums ... Now that YES is in the HOF people need to see how deep and talented this man really is. What an amazing vocalist and musician.

Derek James O'Connell

4y↑2

such a wonderful tribute to the films of the silver screen era...for those who don't know, the original video showed clips of over 30 films..and the stars, of course...2 incredibly talented men in this collaboration!! and the rest of the album was just as good :) Thanks so much for posting this!!

Muriel Bellini

3y↑2

When I was 7 years old, my parents played this album at full volume. The voices scared me but they cradled me. I drew listening to him. It was my favorite along with others : tangerine dream . I will always be grateful for how they opened my mind and let me study whatever I wanted. hope x everyone where they are.

spaceflight101

You have to take the time and watch all of the classic movies referenced in this song. They'll play again in your mind whenever you hear this song.

AMIGOdelaHUMANIDAD

2y↑1

absolute masterpiece. one of greatest sogs ever

stef

32w

Quel bonheur de re-découvrir au bout de 40 ans cette magnifique chanson! La plus originale d après moi!!

hermand. adams

4y↑9

what an emotional journey listening to jons angelic tones, and the composing genius of vangelis truly still beautiful 40 years on

revokdaryl1

3y↑2

"And soooooo.... I must confess, whatever I see, I'm meant to be there with youuuuuuu.." Gets me every time. Beautiful song.

J San

Many stories on here of kids hearing this song through childhood thanks to parents. Although may not have appreciated it at the time, this song and album (among others) had an indelible impact on me for future music tastes. Music doesn't have to be just a couple of verses, chorus and the odd solo thrown in for good measure. So glad I got this education at such a young age.

Leslaw Swiech

5y↑1

Fantastyczny numer!!!

Frederick Mowry

I was watching the Grammys tonight, 2-5-23 and saw in the memorial he had past. Growing up with his music really shaped me as an artist. He will be missed .

Steve Z

3y↑4

Love this. Can't believe it. 2021. I fell in love with this in my Ohio State dorm room in 1981. Still packs the same punch, draws on the same feelings. So good, so fine...

Carl Miller

9y↑13

I knew I wouldn't get all the way through without shedding a tear. Thanks to the person who turned me onto this song. One of the greatest loves of my life. In spite of how it ended.

Philippe Pommier

Such a unique composer,so particular,in great memories,is music is a legacy to keep.

james burgess

I bought this 3 decades ago. and as much as I love the whole, I'm even happier that it should last much longer! Great bit!

Avelino Carvalho

2y↑3

Thank you Mr. Papathanassiou for your immense contribution to music. RIP

This song has me spellbound. I just love it.

JAY MURR

3y↑2

I just love this song! It has that dark 80's synthetic sound giving it a beautiful bleakness. Then into a soft comforting song to sooth your ears.

Stephanie Ducker

3y↑3

used to play the album to my daughters from a very early age, the story is brilliant

SUBLIMINAL MADNESS

They played this on the local rock radio yesterday, hooked me right away, such a masterpiece

Thomas Madden

5y↑13

I was 24 when I first heard this song and it captivated me immediately. Back then the Westport CT radio station played like a college station and I called them up and asked them what the heck was that song and they told me. I bought the album the next day. I played this song dozens of time, sometimes stoned. To this day I get an emotional buzz about it and it brings me back to those days when I lived with my Dad. I miss those days so much.

Tybold63

4y↑2

Never gets old and was my favourite track on that album as it was so complex yet beautiful, especially the latter part. I still got the album but no player working any longer... so YT is a friend when you get nostalgic and want to listen to pearls like this.

justpassnthru

1y↑1

A most awesome tune.... if you ever hear it on a high end stereo system you're life will be changed..

John Hassink

Agreed! Recorded using analog equipment, tubes and tape.........exquisite.......

Mikhail Talanov

4y↑2

Самое потрясающее в этой композиции начинается с 06:40 и до ее окончания. Настоящая магия!

Елена Шварц

Какие же мы счастливые, что с юных лет впитали это ВОЛШЕБСТВО! Время не властно...

Michael Mc Elroy

8y↑95

in summer 1986 i went to Orbaek in Denmark to pick strawberries - a guy from scotland played me this album and i was totally hooked. It remains a classic for me. Jon Andersons voice is like velvet, Vangelis 'arrangements breathtaking.

Helmut Boll

8y↑6

hi! you are damn right with your words, 100%! greetings from germany and thank you!!!

Michael Mc Elroy

8y↑3

Thanks Helmut - greetings from Ireland.

Fancy BobbyBob

7y↑8

Summer of my first love...she never got this album and I knew it, but i couldn't let her go...why should I...she'll come around I thought, but she saw more simple things and people... and she went. Miss her still.

Michael Mc Elroy

7y↑6

Fancy BobbyBob You've still got the album and your refined musical taste though ! Her loss.......

Mike O'Sullivan

6y↑2

Michael Mc Elroy spot on

8 More Replies...

Michiel Plomp

2y↑1

Absolute genius this guy Vangelis, I lost track of this number long time ago, but hearing it again now is feeling like Lazarus being brought back to life.

Gaston Gutiérrez

Un duo genial, imbatible. Con la voz de Anderson y la orquestacion de Vangelis son perfectos

Patricio Mujica

12y↑1

I've been a fan of Jon & Vangelis for more than a decade now - catching the little excerpt on Fringe made me burst in joy :D

Msrenaultclio55

5y↑1

E eu continuo a ouvir, depois de tantos anos

Strapper Nick

5y↑8

Vangelis, what can you say! An incredible volume of work.

mowowie

8y↑50

heard this on the radio a few times in my bedroom when i was a teen then haven't heard it again for 26 years.
Always looked for it only knowing a few words and chords.
Finally found it last May i was Ecstatic!

Michael Mc Elroy

8y↑3

A joyous musical moment mowowie - hope you enjoyed it to the fullest.

Wingfield David

7y↑2

exactly..m

Wingfield David

7y↑2

I'm not the only one...

Gary M

6y↑3

Ive lookef for ut for years too

Mary Finelli

4y↑1

Thank you for posting this incomparable song, including the lyrics. Jon Anderson & Vangelis made magic. Haven't heard it for so long, except in my mind.

Kim Schultz

3y↑2

I discovered this album so many years ago at the same time when I had discovered Charlie Chaplin. This song will forever bring back to me the love affair I had with Chaplin's life and his movies at a young age. It was a special time.

sylwiusz podstawiony

11y

Przepiękne, moje lata młodosci

Geoff P

7y↑24

God I'd forgotten how brilliant this is.

Игорь Барановский

4y↑9

I like the whole composition from my youth But where the slow part starts at 7.00 I feel that the whole Universe and my life unfolds in front of me and in this time ... something is comprehended and I just fly through space and time, remembering all the moments of life . your friends and family. music gives me tremendous energy and creativity and mental potential ... Thanks to Jon & Vangelis for this composition ...

三八弟Mr.

4y↑84

Anybody remember listening to this on the radio...in the late of night before computers (especially when your parents thought you were sleeping)?

Wolfgang Kern

3y↑5

Yes, that was in fact where I first heard it! I still lived in Canada at the time and late night DJ put it on. Same station would replay actual Radio Plays from the early 20th century like the Green Hornet and The Shadow (Lamont Cranston). good times!

atozzerotoninedude

3y↑3

Headphones Only

Jonathan McKey

2y↑1

@atozzerotoninedude It's amazing when you have headphones on, with everything in stereo, an experience to remember.

Gabriel

2y↑1

Very late,yes

Gabriel

2y↑1

@atozzerotoninedude agree,same

3 More Replies...

VE2UM

Younger, i hated the short version broadcasted from radio stations.

Later on, i discovered the longer version and fell in love with it.

Great song !

Adriana Funes

Tantos recuerdos con éste tema y todos los que están en el disco Los amigos del Sr. Cairo... Realmente es un placer esta obra de arte.

Tadzik

Zawsze wspaniałe.......

Casa Pájaro azul

2y↑2

It takes me to my 19 years old and to one of the most interesting stages of my life. If you are listening to her, it is because you need to sensitize something in yourself. Thanks for sharing

PaddyMc1500

6y↑5

Beautiful!!! Finally found it again after all these years!

bellyofanarchitect

3y↑6

A trip through early Hollywood Crime Pictures. Great lyrics, even greater music. Masterpiece in modern music.

Helene Ouellet

Jon' voice is sooo pure!....love this song

Sektion9

9y↑149

This might be my all time favorite song of the 80's.

Montgomery Denzer

cool- 80 had some good stuff

Montgomery Denzer

cool

raingirl98275

4y↑1

This...One Night In Bangkok...a few others, but this is a masterpiece.

Cid B.

@raingirl98275 Took the words right out of my keyboard!

Rui Calado

8y↑11

one of my favorite albums ever.

Ritwik Varma

This song is just pure gold.

CuriousCat

10y↑15

Thanks for uploading this fantastic song. The second part is "out of this world" beautiful. (after 5:45) Brings back so many memories from my teenage years....

Sam Rhys

SPOT ON...

J.G. ZKI.

3y↑3

I’m 52 years old and this song is timeless I love singing it
it takes me back to when I fell in love with all this kind of fantasy type music as well as the 1800s 1830 romantic time periodMe and my daughter she’s nine have this libretto we are working out it’s just amazing she comes to me with new ideas about
I’m doing all the vocals all the piano everything and I am self taught I love the three albums i have by Jon Vangelis I think I’m doing a lot better in my position because of this music as I want to go back and listen to it the mini operatic stage like compositions of these two masters I just want to say thank you when I feel like I’m getting old I go back Listen to the music I grew up on I thought I was the coolest kid in the world listening to the Bee Gees I had spirits having flown When you can sing through all different parts of the scale of music in one song you gotta love the people that wrote it and share it with the world

Norm Arteau

43w

I am a few years older than yourself and I agree 100%. This song is timeless and it brings me back to my youth.

Rick Feenstra [Staff]

Listening to this gem after an absence of two or more decades illustrates, for me, just how powerful this song is. Likewise are the feelings of the comments below. Andersen’s voice is like a siren of beauty and truth in vocalist.