Having success on his own for a bit, he later joined the folk rock supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash as a fourth member in 1969, thus forming Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. He forged a successful and acclaimed solo career, releasing his first album in 1968. His career has since spanned over 40 years and 34 studio albums, with a continual and uncompromising exploration of musical styles; his musical vision is notably referred to by his autobiographical tune"The Loner". Music critics have often called him one of the best single artists of all time, and several tunes such as "Heart of Gold" and "Rockin' in the Free World" remain popular on rock radio.
According to the Don't Be Denied Songfacts, the 16-year-old Neil was raising chickens and selling the eggs, with plans to go to Ontario Agricultural College and be a farmer. Only his leisure activities foretold his future, when he would hide from his family problems in his room with his transistor radio playing local station CHUM. From this, Young experienced a growing admiration for rock n roll originators such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, and, of course, Elvis Presley. In 1958, his father bought Neil his first music instrument, a plastic ukulele. His father would later recall, "He would close the door of his room... and we would hear plunk, pause while he moved his fingers to the next chord, plunk, pause while he moved again, plunk."
In Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Neil started his professional music career in the mid-60s with a number of bands in Canada, including the Squires and later the Mynah Birds, which also included fellow future Buffalo Springfield bassist Bruce Palmer and future funk star Rick James. When the Mynah Birds broke up, Young and Palmer headed to California to meet Stephen Stills, whom he had met in Thunder Bay, and the result was Buffalo Springfield. That band split up after releasing three critically acclaimed albums, particularly achieving international fame for their tune "For What It's Worth".
Showing his strengths as a cynical yet experimental songwriter in the group, he also sung prominently in some of the band's songs such as the biting satire of 'rock star' life "Mr. Soul". Neil soon started his solo career with the release of 'Neil Young' on November 12, 1968. The album did not do very well commercially, but it included several strong tracks, including "The Loner", said to be a portrait of Stephen Stills but also being deeply auto-biographical.
On May 14, 1969, he recruited members of Crazy Horse and made the critically acclaimed 'Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere'. This was a much more consistent album, being the first to introduce longstanding collaborators Crazy Horse and beingbuilt around the balanced interplay between the guitar playing of Young and the talented Danny Whitten. The album also featured two lengthy classics, "Down by the River" and "Cowgirl in the Sand". The critically acclaimed solo album "After the Gold Rush" came out in 1971, featuring such classic songs as "Southern Man'", "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" and "Don't Let it Bring You Down". Harvest followed in 1972 with the hit"Heart of Gold".
During this time he also enjoyed considerable success as a quarter of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Neil's subsequent work has zig-zagged across genres - dabbling in country rock on "Old Ways"; electronics on "Trans"; hooking up with the Shocking Pinks in a homage to old-time Rock 'n' Roll on "Everybody's Rockin'"; creating a wall of feedback on the live Arc-Weld; and cementing his status as Godfather of Grunge when collaborating with Pearl Jam on Mirror Ball.
His idiosyncratic approach to genre even led to him being sued by his record company (Geffen) in the 80s for making "uncharacteristic" music.
Young has also dabbled in film, most recently on the album/concert series/dvd Greendale.
Young is often known by the nickname "Shakey." According to his biographer Jimmy McDonough, the name was given by his friends after noticing very unsteady results holding a camera for home movies.
Young founded Pono Music, whose mission was to bring a digital player, download store, and streaming service devoted to hi-res music. It was a commercial flop and was shut down in 2016. Young has stated that the labels would not agree that "All songs should cost the same, regardless of digital resolution."
The film Canadian Bacon includes the line "Canadians are always trying to figure out a lot of ways to ruin our lives. The metric system, for the love of God! Celsius! Neil Young!"
For recent news see: http://www.neilyoung.com/
Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing
Neil Young Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where's that silhouette I'm trying to trace?
Who's putting sponge in the bells I once rung
Taking my gypsy before she's begun
To singing the meaning of what's in my mind
Before I can take home what's rightfully mine
Joinin' and listenin' and talkin' in rhymes
And who's saying, baby, that don't mean a thing
'Cause nowadays Clancy can't even sing
And who's all hung up on the happiness thing?
And trying to tune all the bells that he rings?
And who's in the corner and down on the floor
With pencil and paper just counting the score?
And who's trying to act like he's just in between?
The night isn't black, if you know that it's green
Don't bother looking, you're too blind to see
Who's coming on like he wanted to be?
And who's saying, baby, that don't mean a thing
'Cause nowadays Clancy can't even sing
And who's coming home on the old ninety-five?
And who's got the feeling to keep him alive
Though havin' it and sharin' it ain't quite the same
It ain't no gold nugget, you can't lay a claim
And who's seeing eyes through the crack in the floor
There it is, baby, don't you worry no more
Who should be sleepin', but is writing this song
Wishin' and hopin', he weren't so damned wrong
Who's saying, baby, that don't mean a thing
'Cause nowadays Clancy can't even sing
And who's saying, baby, that don't mean a thing
'Cause nowadays Clancy can't even sing
The lyrics to Neil Young's song "Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing" seem somewhat disorientating at first glance, but after a closer examination, we can unlock a few meanings behind the words. The song begins with the singer being kicked around by someone figuratively "stomping" all over his face. He's trying to find his way through obscurity, identifying the voice of someone familiar, only to have that voice thwarted by someone else. The singer is frustrated because he wants to take something home that's rightfully his but has been blocked from doing so. He is speaking to someone, asking them to join him, listen to him, and speak in rhyme, but something (or someone) prevents him from doing so.
The lyrics further contemplate the struggles of this unknown character, Clancy, in the next few verses. Young describes him as someone who doesn't sing anymore and someone who's gotten too caught up in the idea of happiness. Clancy's involvement in the situation is unclear, but he seems to be part of the reason the singer is unable to sing. Clancy seems to be overly focused on something else, counting his "score" when he should be paying attention to what's around him. Despite these issues, Clancy is still around, taking the old ninety-five home, and desiring to stay alive.
In conclusion, "Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing" is a song that deals with themes of interpersonal conflict, creativity, and focus. The singer is struggling to be heard, communicate his thoughts and emotions, and be creative when something (or someone) is blocking him. Clancy appears to be caught up in his own world, leading to frustration and confusion.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, who's that stomping all over my face?
'Who' is doing something hurtful and disrespectful to me.
Where's that silhouette I'm trying to trace?
I am trying to find someone or something but am having trouble.
Who's putting sponge in the bells I once rung
Someone or something is interfering with my ability to make beautiful music or accomplish something important.
Taking my gypsy before she's begun
My creative or adventurous spirit is being held back before it even has a chance to blossom.
To singing the meaning of what's in my mind
I want to express myself through music and lyrics in a way that is true to my thoughts and emotions.
Before I can take home what's rightfully mine
I am striving to achieve success or personal fulfillment, but something is blocking me from getting what I deserve.
Joinin' and listenin' and talkin' in rhymes
I am seeking connections with others who share my passion for music and creative expression.
Stoppin' the feeling to wait for the times
I am trying to suppress or control a powerful emotion in order to wait for the right moment to express myself.
And who's saying, baby, that don't mean a thing
Someone is dismissing or belittling my thoughts, feelings, or creative output.
'Cause nowadays Clancy can't even sing
This dismissiveness is a sign of a broader cultural trend or problem, where creativity and free expression are undervalued or blocked.
And who's all hung up on the happiness thing?
Someone is overly focused on trying to be happy, rather than pursuing something deeper or more meaningful.
And trying to tune all the bells that he rings?
This person is fixated on perfection or controlling every aspect of their life, rather than letting things happen organically.
And who's in the corner and down on the floor
Someone is feeling defeated or overwhelmed, hiding away or struggling to stand up for themselves.
With pencil and paper just counting the score?
Despite feeling defeated, this person is still trying to keep track of their achievements, as if these numbers will somehow bring them success or validation.
And who's trying to act like he's just in between?
Someone is trying to play it safe or be neutral, rather than taking a stand or pursuing their dreams.
The night isn't black, if you know that it's green
If you look at things from a different perspective, you might see opportunities rather than obstacles or darkness.
Don't bother looking, you're too blind to see
Despite these opportunities, someone is blind to them, unable or unwilling to see beyond their current situation or mindset.
Who's coming on like he wanted to be?
Someone is trying to appear successful or confident, but it's clear they are struggling to really achieve their goals or find their place in the world.
And who's coming home on the old ninety-five?
Someone is returning home, perhaps after a long journey or period of struggle.
And who's got the feeling to keep him alive
Despite this return, someone still has a strong sense of purpose or desire to keep going, to keep living and creating and pursuing their passions.
Though havin' it and sharin' it ain't quite the same
Having something valuable, like creativity or success, is one thing, but sharing it with others is another challenge altogether.
It ain't no gold nugget, you can't lay a claim
Some things are too precious or intangible to put a price tag on or claim as your own.
And who's seeing eyes through the crack in the floor
Someone is looking at the world from a different angle, perhaps seeing what others don't.
There it is, baby, don't you worry no more
Despite the challenges and difficulties, something important or valuable has been discovered or revealed.
Who should be sleepin', but is writing this song
Someone is sacrificing sleep or rest in order to create something meaningful or express themselves.
Wishin' and hopin', he weren't so damned wrong
Despite their efforts, someone is still unsure or doubtful about their creative output, hoping they are on the right track and not making a mistake.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Neil Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
kill_kill.912
Who's that stomping
all over my face?
Where's that silhouette
I'm trying to trace?
Who's putting sponge
in the bells I once rung
And taking my gypsy
before she's begun
To singing the meaning
of what's in my mind
Before I can take home
what's rightfully mine.
Joinin' and listenin'
and talkin' in rhymes
Stoppin' the feeling
to wait for the times.
Who's saying baby,
that don't mean a thing,
'Cause nowadays Clancy
can't even sing.
And who's all hung-up
on that happiness thing?
Who's trying to tune
all the bells that he rings?
And who's in the corner
and down on the floor
With pencil and paper
just counting the score?
And who's trying to act
like he's just in between?
The line isn't black,
if you know that it's green.
Don't bother looking,
you're too blind to see
Who's coming on
like he wanted to be.
Who's saying baby,
that don't mean a thing,
'Cause nowadays
Clancy can't even sing.
And who's coming home
on the old nine-to-five?
Who's got the feeling
that he came alive,
Though havin' it,
sharin' it
ain't quite the same
It ain't no gold nugget,
you can't lay a claim
Who's seeing eyes
through the crack
in the floor
There it is baby,
don't you worry no more
Who should be sleepin',
but is writing this song
Wishin' and a-hopin'
he weren't so damned wrong.
Who's saying baby,
that don't mean a thing,
'Cause nowadays Clancy
can't even sing.
Sharon Houser
This is one of my favorites . The lyrics come from your heart . Beautiful ❤️
We love you so much Neil. You are a blessing !
Danny Hemphill
Singer, songwriter and great guitar player. The ultimate package. Young, Dylan and McCartney have brought decades of joy to my ears since the 60s. I’ve been blessed !
Pamela Schneider
Never heard Neils version before, it's beautiful
Cody Barker
Pamela Schneider It's Neil's song. The record label hated his voice, so they decided Richie would sing the BS rendition.
Bernardo Sanesi
Listen to the Carnegie hall versione,amazing!!!!
42awww
First time I have heard this.......and I thought I loved it before. This is the greatest gem I've yet to find on you tube. Neil's voice goes right through you sometimes...
Michael Rieck
Possibly the greatest song ever composed. Love it!
Larry Linn
I saw them perform this song back in 1966, and I want this to be played at my funeral!
Sophia Keller
Wow... how did I miss this until now? Amazing version -- clean and deep.
Evan Sinclair
Knowing all my life that Young wrote this song, still I had never heard him sing it until today. Of course, due to the power struggle between Young and Stills, allowing Richie Furay to do the vocals on the original release was an awkward compromise. But can I say: my favorite Neil Young song of all time, and yet I prefer the original vocals. That's just me.