Edwin Reuben Hawkins (August 19, 1943 – January 15, 2018) was an American g… Read Full Bio ↴Edwin Reuben Hawkins (August 19, 1943 – January 15, 2018) was an American gospel musician, pianist, choir master, composer, and arranger. He was one of the originators of the urban contemporary gospel sound. He (as leader of the Edwin Hawkins Singers) was probably best known for his arrangement of "Oh Happy Day" (1968–69), which was included on the Songs of the Century list. The Edwin Hawkins Singers made a second foray into the charts exactly one year later, backing folk singer Melanie on "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)".

At the age of seven Hawkins was already the keyboardist to accompany the family's gospel choir. Together with Betty Watson, he was the co-founder of the Northern California State Youth Choir of the Church of God in Christ, which included almost fifty members. This ensemble recorded its first album Let Us Go into the House of the Lord at the Ephesian Church of God in Christ in Berkeley, California privately (on the Century 70 custom label), hoping to sell 500 copies. "Oh Happy Day" was just one of the eight songs on the album. (The soloists in the album were Elaine Kelly, Margarette Branch, Dorothy Combs Morrison, Tramaine Davis (Hawkins), Reuben Franklin, Donald Cashmere, Betty Watson, and Ruth Lyons.)

When radio stations of the San Francisco Bay area started playing "Oh Happy Day", it became very popular. Featuring the lead vocal of Dorothy Combs Morrison, the subsequently released single (on the newly created Pavilion label distributed by Buddah) rocketed to sales of over a million copies within two months. It crossed over to the pop charts making U.S. No. 4, UK No. 2, No. 2 on the Irish Singles Chart, and No. 1 on the German Singles Charts in 1969. It then became an international success, selling more than 7 million copies worldwide, and Hawkins was awarded his first Grammy for it. Hawkins' arrangement of the song was eventually covered by The Four Seasons on their 1970 album Half & Half.

Their second Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts was the 1970 Melanie single "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)," on which the label listed the performers as Melanie with The Edwin Hawkins Singers. The song peaked at No. 6 in the U.S. In the 1992 movie Leap of Faith, Hawkins is the choir master for the gospel songs.

Hawkins died on January 15, 2018, at the age of 74.

Lay Down
The Edwin Hawkins Singers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown
Lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown

We were so close, there was no room
We bled inside each others wounds
We all had caught the same disease

And we all sang the songs of peace

Lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown
Lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown

So raise the candles high
'Cause if you don't we could stay black against the night
Oh, raise them higher again
And if you do we could stay dry against the rain

Lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown
Lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown

We were so close there was no room
We bled inside each others wounds
We all had caught the same disease
And we all sang the songs of peace
Some came to sing, some came to pray
Some came to keep the dark away

So raise the candles high
'Cause if you don't we could stay black against the sky

Oh, oh, raise them higher again
And if you do we could stay dry against the rain

Lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown
You gotta lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown
You gotta lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown
You gotta lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown

Lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh

Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh

Oh lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown
Lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh

Let it all down, let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown
Lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown

Lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds oh oh oh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh

Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh

Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh

Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh

Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh
Uh uh uh uh

Uh uh uh uh lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown
Lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown

Lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown
Lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown
Lay down, lay down, let it all down
Let your white birds smile up at the ones

Overall Meaning

who stand and frown

The lyrics to "Lay Down" by The Edwin Hawkins Singers speak to the need for people to come together and let go of their differences in pursuit of peace. The opening verses describe the shared pain and suffering experienced by those who have been affected by some form of strife or conflict, with the desire to find a way to heal these wounds and move forward in unity. The chorus, "Lay down, lay down, let it all down, let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown," encourages listeners to transcend their pain and anger and find hope in the beauty and innocence of nature, symbolized by the image of white birds.

The second verse touches on the idea that we are all connected in our struggles and that we share a common goal of peace. "We all had caught the same disease, and we all sang the songs of peace" reminds us that despite our differences, we are all human and have the capacity for compassion and empathy. The bridge of the song, "So raise the candles high, 'cause if you don't we could stay black against the night" serves as a call to action for listeners to come together and work towards a brighter future.

Overall, "Lay Down" is a powerful anthem for peace that speaks to the importance of unity and hope in the face of adversity. Its message of hope and perseverance is as relevant today as it was when it was first released over 50 years ago.

Line by Line Meaning

Lay down, lay down, let it all down
Take a break, let go of everything holding you back

Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown
Let your happiness shine despite those who judge and criticize

We were so close, there was no room
We were in intimacy, almost unable to be away from each other

We bled inside each others wounds
Our internal pain and wounds were shared and understood by one another

We all had caught the same disease
We all faced the same issues and struggles

And we all sang the songs of peace
We sought comfort and resolution through our music

So raise the candles high
Signify hope and light up the darkness with your candle flame

'Cause if you don't we could stay black against the night
If we do not encourage the light, we could remain in the darkness

Oh, raise them higher again
Keep raising the candles high for more light and hope

And if you do we could stay dry against the rain
If we raise the candles high, we can stay protected from the storm and its impact

Some came to sing, some came to pray
Everyone came to the same place with different intentions

Some came to keep the dark away
Some came to spread light and positivity to ward off negative energy

Uh uh uh uh
Vocalization with no specific meaning

Oh lay down, lay down, let it all down
Repeated emphasis on taking a break and letting everything go

Let your white birds oh oh oh
More emphasis on letting happiness and positivity shine through

Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: MELANIE SAFKA

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

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Morganasnotarobot0

5y↑17

Ur A Blessing! 💜♀️♂️
🔅 🌔🌕🌖🔆

Keep On Rockkn! Beautiful!....

Abrazós! 🎤 🎸 ☄
💚💖💚💖
Beautiful Blessings!
To U Bonita! 🕊️🌼🌼🌼🕊️
Amo!🕊️🌹🥀🌹🥀🌹.x.x..
May U All have All the beautiful love in the world!
Paź Amo Respect
🌾 🌬️⭐FoREVer⭐🌬️🌾⭐stay blessed⭐🥀....

All comments from YouTube:

@MelaniesafkaTheRealMelanie

7y↑1.4K

"One Night in the Netherlands: Melanie Safka, 1970, and a Performance of a Lifetime" (Jeff Suwak, September 24): https://medium.com/yawp/one-night-in-the-netherlands-melanie-safka-1970-and-a-performance-of-a-lifetime-b4d2632f9cc1

@donaldsmith3926

5y↑37

Thanks so much for the link; I'm still following bread crumbs from that article. He has great taste in music.

@kinaleybas1761

5y↑100

Never forget this song, love her voice

@Morganasnotarobot0

5y↑17

@bobnan9815

5y↑80

Powerful and beautiful voice. Thank you Melanie for the memories.

@veronamartin5285

5y↑59

Wow! Amazing! Love & Peace. 💖 Love this song! Your voice is incredible.

135 More Replies...

@nancydemello2974

1y↑1.1K

I'm listening in 2024! RIP Melanie! Thank you for this beautiful song to remember you by!!😢

@A1exS

1y↑9

hello from Russia ^-)

@nancydemello2974

1y↑15

Hello Russia! Is it Das ver Donna! Sorry for the misspelling! Im so happy that you love Melanie's music! So profounding! What a sad day for us here in America!

@nancydemello2974

1y↑5

Donha, again, sorry for this misspelling!

@sheepsfoot2

1y↑25

Another great artist from the 1960s passes' the unsurpassed decade of music ! R.I.P Melanie !

@richardeckes509

1y↑16

One of the best

27 More Replies...

@jodi10704

1y↑659

She sang the hell out of that. The Edwin Hawkins Singers took it to church. Even the old geezers were caught up in it. Goosebumps, a lump in the throat and a smile. She's gone but not forgotten.

@wildrover9650

1y↑15

Those old geezers went through World War two. If we live long enough we will go through World War three.

@philiphatfield5666

1y↑18

One of the great works of art in pop music.

@Themanwhocameback2

1y↑20

"Goosebumps, a lump in the throat, and a smile." Perfect description of my reaction, too.

@KittyGrizGriz

1y↑13

Definitely!! ❤❤❤

@Possumsarepeopletoo

1y↑13

Well said.

27 More Replies...

@beathiswon

1y↑859

Just saw Melanie has just passed away at 76 years old. Terrible news. I'm old enough at 65 to remember her songs in the 1960's and 70's. What a great singer/songwriter and this vid is my favorite. My heart goes out to her family and those who know her.

@USMoxi

1y↑35

Oh no. So young. This was just the best music of two decades

@abbyinokc

1y↑43

We loved the song Brand New Key. We all had skates and key. RIP

@terrywilliams8779

1y↑47

68 years young here! Loved her! Fly high beautiful lady! 🦋

@billyarnold3145

1y↑38

RIP 🙏🏻 Melanie 🕊 ✌🏻

@bertwitteveen5449

1y↑12

😢

46 More Replies...

@shadowplay-y5g

1y↑417

Few days ago we lost the baby of woodstock Melanie. She was the voice of a generation that is slowly passing.
Rest in Peace.

@samadams6487

34w↑10

Amen

@johnmcgreevey7795

32w↑3

@@samadams6487 Well said. THis one goes straight to the heart.

@mirzamargarita

32w↑2

😢

@raystreu5763

30w↑3

If you can wait another 5 years or so, us Woodstock geezers will be gone. With all we knew and still know...

@richardplume3212

26w↑3

In us all get up stand up 2day

4 More Replies...

@bobkushell4031

1y↑486

If you’d only given the world one song, you couldn’t have given it a better one. Thank you, Melanie. RIP.

@HeartWorX.Creations

1y↑15

Well said sir…well said!!! What a hell of a voice…
just saw of her passing yesterday, another great has left us, I was about 11 when “Brand New Key” hit the air waves—but this one here, hits me in my core-DEEP DOWN INSIDE…..❤️😓🌈🙏🌞

@tammycuneo4100

1y↑5

She will never be forgotten and forever loved and respected xoxo 🫶🙏

@heavnnnsent

50w↑9

So true this song was just out of this world unlike any other song on Earth I get chills and goosebumps when I hear it

@SA-zf9ds

42w↑4

⁠@@heavnnnsent same here. What a song! So powerful and beautiful. Edwin Hawkins Singers add to the perfection of the performance. 🎉 R.I.P. Melanie.

@frankrsalatino5845

42w↑4

The voice of an angel.

4 More Replies...

@quaich14

1y↑233

Still listening in 2024 as I hear of her passing. Everyone is singing with the beautiful talented Melanie RIP

@LuckyLarue-ij3vn

1y↑3

What wonderful comments from all Melanie and this anthem have always touched me so deeply

@jesavino1255

43w↑2

May Jehova God Bless her and remember her at the RESURRECTION I ask this in Jesus's Name Amen. ❤

@frankrsalatino5845

28w↑2

Still listening to this angel

@MeleskiwMaryLeskiw

2y↑555

68 years old and this song still gives me the chills.

@timhunt1482

2y↑16

She was just very gorgeous and talented I wish it was the 70s again time stand still!

@nerkfumgogi798

2y↑7

@@timhunt1482 nooo time should keep going into the next 70s so i can tell my grandkids how much better it was 100 years ago.

@robertbell2225

? Hey girl I'm sexy 82 that's comical as just reading your post

@susanhughes4890

2y↑6

Queen of cool! Love her.

@robertthacher2660

@@timhunt1482 Time just won't do that!

33 More Replies...

@wpageabc

1y↑29

Credit to Edwin Hawkins and his Choir. What a classic improv of everlasting music...

@ttgyuioo

3y↑1.8K

23 years old and she is a superstar! Awesome! Who's still listening in 2022?

@jasonlynn1017

3y↑71

Anyone of any age with a soul.

@jamesslick4790

3y↑26

@@jasonlynn1017 I can't even REMEMBER being 23! Let alone laying down a TIMELESS track!

@juliegoulart8416

3y↑42

Grew up on this Song that my older sisters played on the record player....still gives me Goosebumps!

@jamesewanchook2276

3y↑37

i am I'm going to do a cover of this btw. Democracies: Send brave Ukrainians everything they need pronto; let them put an end to Putin's folly. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦🇨🇦!!

@jamesslick4790

3y↑32

@@jamesewanchook2276 FROM USA with love and hope for Ukraine 👍👍👍👍

272 More Replies...

@sixspeedsuzy

1y↑324

Thank you Melanie for giving us this beautiful song. And in 2024 we need it more than ever. Sad to learn of her passing.

@birdsfan57

Well, AT LEAST we still have Taylor Swift...😆😏🤮😞😥

@GilGettes-ki5jh

1y↑5

She was Loved by All!

@connienavarette1948

1y↑1

Thank you Melanie for giving us this beautiful song. In 2024 we need it more than ever. Sad to learn of her death at 76.

@freddexta3363

1y↑2

@@birdsfan57 Hmm yeah a bit like comparing instant coffee to the real thing

@KittyGrizGriz

1y↑2

@@birdsfan57Leave, Taylor. Alone., 😂
We can appreciate all forms-genres of music w/o putting each other down.
Melanie was able to articulate her Woodstock experience with lyrics-song. And that Voice, ❤, Chills inducing.
“Some came to sing, some came to pray,
Some came to keep the dark away”🎶🕯️🕯️🕯️🕊️

7 More Replies...

@toniatchison3678

1y↑306

Today, 1/24/24, they announced this lovely lady left this world. This is my favorite song of hers. Thank you, Melanie, for the love and music you gave us over the years.

@amir4r803

1y↑12

Amen

@martinharris4148

1y↑5

And I discovered that she married a Ukranian man, so very appropriate we should sing along with her! Thank you Melanie for your gifts. ❤

@candidasmith9623

1y↑3

❤Rip Melanie

@lichtloper

1y↑142

In memory of Melanie Safka:
Let us light a candle for this beautiful singer.

@77sprglde

1y↑144

67 and here in '24, great song!
RIP Melanie.

@amir4r803

1y↑9

Amen

@rustyking8783

2y↑342

This isn't just a song. It's a force of nature.

@bethbeyer8441

2y↑20

Perfect description

@atlantisnewman1722

2y↑364

She sings her guts out. The epic Edwin Hawkins Singers elevate this masterpiece.

@billbailey7302

2y↑16

Edwin's keyboards and her voice WOW !!!!!

@davidrosenbaum226

2y↑14

She’s got a set of pipes as well as a whole lot of poise.

@davidrosenbaum226

2y↑11

I went to Woodstock (1969), but when I heard this song in 1970, I really didn’t get that it was about the festival! I was 20 years old; I’m in my early 70’s now and love this performance!!!

@johnhargis4566

2y↑6

I was 12 when this song was played on radio looked forward to hearing it all day

@KittyGrizGriz

1y↑3

Isn’t this fantastic?!! LOVE! 🫶🫶🫶

6 More Replies...

@lightlyone

1y↑34

This always chokes me up. At 76, I remember the hope and music of the time so well.

@CapinCooke

1y↑2

This song always brought a tear when I played it in the 70s. At 72 today, I am wiping away many just finding out that this beautiful light has gone out. RIP dear lady.

@garycallihan4206

43w↑2

At 71 and agree

@donaldleider7382

1y↑511

I’m 67 now but at 13 years old I went to Woodstock with my two older brothers ( I still have the tickets ). I Was totally transformed by the experience. Then this song came out and I was blown away by Melanie, I still have a crush on her till this day, this was the real anthem for Woodstock!

@56nickrich

1y↑31

Same here Donald ... born in 56 but I never got to Woodstock. 🎶🎸 Enjoying it still today with historical films!👍🏼

@cengeb

1y↑39

Yup, I remember that like it was yesterday. She went on stage as an unknown, local girl, next day a star is born..it was great

@rickrose5377

1y↑40

I am 70 (born 1953) and I feel exactly the same. I played this record relentlessly -- it almost never left my turntable for all of 1970. How I adored it and her.

@Able-z8o

1y↑36

RiP Melanie 🙏

@lhlharrison18

1y↑32

“I had never performed in front of so many people in my life. I was just thrown into it, and I had my first out-of-body experience. I was terrified, I had to leave. I started walking across that bridge to the stage, and I just left my body, going to a side, higher view. I watched myself walk onto the stage, sit down and sing a couple of lines. And when I felt it was safe, I came back,” Melanie told Rolling Stone

31 More Replies...

@851Sharon

1y↑265

I am listening to this song with tears rolling down my face after reading that you are gone. The face of an angel. The voice of an angel. Now you are an angel. Thank you Melanie for the joy your music brought to the world. I raise my candle high in your honor.

@nia-zq8oe

1y↑11

🕯🌧😢 such a beautiful people

@johnegli1308

1y↑12

Same here. Tears streaming. RIP Melanie

@tinalilly7167

1y↑5

DITTO 🙏🏽😭🫶🏼🥰🦋🕊️💫❤️‍🩹💔♥️☮️

@KittyGrizGriz

1y↑4

Melanies music-song “Touched” all of us, such a powerful voice and message. PEACE. ❤❤❤

@jonhunt1419

1y↑4

I'm not religious, but if you wanted proof of God, there she is. What a voice, what a talent, what a loss for the rest of us.

4 More Replies...

@tammyandersonparker3068

5y↑1.8K

This made me weep. We who grew up in the 60's and 70's had such high hopes of total World Peace and Brotherly Love by now 😥

@michaelmccurry9947

5y↑10

Yes, $$$ is god.

@gdub999tub.

5y↑27

I am 100% with you on this one.

@tdotjazzberryram61

5y↑71

I too thought we as a planet were on an upward trajectory , but we forgot, there are always snakes in the grass lying in wait, praising darkness as their God ,mammon and hatred, bigotry . IMPERFECT AS WE ARE, WE ARE STILL HERE 😚✌✌🖐👍💜💜💜 . Never give up the fight For LIGHT !

@ChildOfThe1970s

5y↑60

There will be peace when Jesus returns and only then because we as humans often cannot control our selfish and warlike nature. It will take something much higher than us to fix this mess and it can only be Christ.

@hueydoc

5y↑29

Yet "Equality" turned into Affirmative Action racism

275 More Replies...

@RFWieder

27w↑41

I'm 73, I weep over the lost dreams of the 60's and 70's!! But the music will always lift my heart!! Thank you Melanie for giving the dream life!!

@greatidea7808

23w↑1

The 60s and early 70s were very tumultuous. There were several high-profile assassinations, Viet Nam conflict, civil unrest and a huge cultural shift all happening at the same time. I guess it was the music that helped us cope huh? A lot of great music during those 2 decades.

@michaelsavage-zq9tx

21w↑2

With you!

@barneyronnie

17w

I try not to be a drama queen, but I sympathize. The world has become a woke mess❤.

@scribblerjohn1

2y↑192

"We bled inside each other's wounds." Possibly the most powerful line in the history of American music.

@neillore

1y↑13

You’re not kidding!

@Jett7182

1y↑6

❤❤❤❤❤

@0001nika

1y↑2

Amen

@redspice55

1y↑6

RIP Melanie 😢💔

@michaelhoffman5486

1y↑1

yup it was the times man quite a peak

1 More Replies...

@levalpat

1y↑176

At the age of 71 and with decades of listening to music, this song is in my lifetime’s top 20

@williamjackson8719

1y↑8

im 71 ...fall qtr 71 ....this was my favorite son ....and brand new key ...im in a funk over this news

@williamjackson8719

1y↑1

song

@kevinmahoney5923

1y↑7

I am six years your junior and I while I missed out on participating in the songs of love and peace with you, I still felt them deeply, unlike most kids my age. Much of the angst, rage we saw as a result of the war, MLK, RFK and other things was expressed so eloquently in song by you and your friends, and I dare say there has not been a generation before or since who have so dared to take on the world as they saw it in this way and none other who got it so right .

@JatikaManigault-qu7uc

1y↑1

Right there with chew...

@peterschancel7223

1y↑3

My first crush

5 More Replies...

@BigTexan59

2y↑81

Anyone else listen to this 20-15 times in a row like I did?

@PHL76Music

1y↑4

I did that from the time the record first came out.

@Icarusvampire

U know it!!!

@AnnLippert1

1y↑3

i searched for the lyrics so i could appreciate it even more.

@soulheartdiva

1y↑1

Yep! I used to watch this performance on “ Now Explosion “ pop show on television in the 70s

@Watson1

1y↑93

Today is the 2nd of February 2024. And I have just heard that this angel has passed away. God I loved her. Always have. Such a joy to watch and listen to.
You will be missed. Bye my angel.

@leighbennington9457

2y↑267

I'm 63 and still listening to this in 2023, it still sounds brilliant.

@karenmurray3682

2y↑4

Me too❤

@cynthiadavis3749

2y↑2

64. ❤

@leighbennington9457

2y↑5

@cynthiadavis3749 Melanie has such a powerful voice and sings with so much feeling.

@hook-x6f

2y↑8

1970 peace and love. There was no better time to be alive.

@rodgerhoneycutt4154

2y↑2

8 More Replies...

@nja3224

4y↑1.6K

If I knew I only had 7 minutes of life left, I might queue this song up and have it take me out. I feel like I can ride to heaven on it, with no fear. There is something remarkable about this song.

@sosylvie

4y↑34

Beautiful sentiment :)

@Nan-59

4y↑28

I soo agree!!! Soo agree!

@jpollardbookseller

4y↑24

I share your sentiments.

@TheUrfster

4y↑27

Beautifully said

@blandcrowder

4y↑26

Well put. Was she ahead of her time? I think she is hugely talented. This song shows it best.

94 More Replies...

@ricardoduran2293

2y↑139

I'm 81 yrs old I still love her voice! She is wonderful.

@malcolmwhite6588

1y↑7

look up some songs she sings with Miley Cyrus! Miley is respectful and does great justice to both the song and Melanie-and Melanie still has a great voice

@redspice55

1y↑2

RIP Melanie 😢💔

@malcolmwhite3567

1y↑2

@@redspice55 how sad I was just going to reply. What do you mean RIP? She is still alive and then I saw she passed away just a day or two ago😞

@redspice55

1y↑2

@@malcolmwhite3567 Yes,, on the 23rd. Very sad. You just imagine your favourite singers will live forever, and then they don't. 😢 She had such a powerful voice.

@gordonmanley9377

1y↑3

Some things just hit you and stay with you.This was Melanie for me.Onward sister

2 More Replies...

@g.y.u3649

1y↑36

RIP Melanie...."Lay Down" was our anthem of the 60s and 70s....a religious experience

@kevind7422

1y↑144

Glorious voice, heavenly spirit!
True story: she had the graciousness to pick me up hitchhiking to high-school c '71, fame already in her pocket (I lived 20m away & missed my bus). Her family lived in the area. Couldn't take my eyes off her angelic face. Don't remember much of the chit-chat but that it was friendly and kind.

@chrisdevalcourt648

1y↑20

What a precious memory! Thank you for sharing it.

@freddfezzo8524

1y↑6

Technically, that is hitchhiking. But Kev, really, you could have taken a later bus!! Intercity hitching is fun, but cross-country is more formidable. Glad she picked you up. You have a story you shared. Nice

@FrankStewart-go7zr

1y↑6

Cool!

@Hatbox948

1y↑3

Awesome!

@cocoaorange1

1y↑3

Lucky for you, she was a decent person, there are nutty people out there, then and now.

5 More Replies...

@triode8239

5y↑638

I was at DaNang during 1970 and I loved this song. I'm 70 years old now and have maybe another 3-5 years left. I wish the young would listen.

@stevious7278

5y↑29

You and me both. brother. I wish they would too. Where are the singers with messages like this today? Sad.

@mathmusic1490

5y↑42

I'm 70 too....they were about to draft me, maybe to Nam, but my vision was horrible. Let's pray you have more than 3-5 left, Pentode!

@marynatani5119

5y↑19

We 70 year olds have to share our experience, strength and hope with them. They can learn a lot from us and we from them. Hang in there and share the love, brother.

@gocirf3433

5y↑7

Amen just missed the draft 57 now and I thank you ,my grandfather was killed in ww2

@irishpatti2736

5y↑19

@Pentode
THANK YOU KINDLY for YOUR SERVICE! My Brother did 3 Tours of VIETNAM ~ Was Never the Same! Died at 50 from The DRAGON in the BOTTLE ! PEACE be With You
🍀😇🍀

83 More Replies...

@C_Dana

1y↑16

I remember when she burst upon the scene after Woodstock. May she rest in peace. So sad to hear today that she had passed.

@patriciabecker2062

1y↑115

At 68 years young, I consider this the very best music era
I loved Melanie and was so sad to hear of her passing. I listened /watched this video every week for several years. I will miss all of the contributions to music that Melanie gave us. Rest in peace. Love always ❤

@jlbaker2000

1y↑6

Same age here. I'm in total agreement.

@tjvanpopta

5y↑682

The days when you could sit and listing to a natural singer. No flashing lights, no effects, no suggestive moves, no gimmicks. When music was music. Pure and simpel. Glad i grew up then.

@GlennYoung0427

5y↑12

No background dancers to deflect the no-talent star.

@bgm1236

5y↑9

I was 8 yrs. old when this song came out. It was a great time for sure.

@lynncalderaro2739

5y↑3

God thank you for the Truth 🙏🙌 of the simplicity of Life

@lynncalderaro2739

5y↑6

Sing it and sing it loud sister 😂...

@lynncalderaro2739

5y↑6

Love love ❤️

23 More Replies...

@temeculajoe

5y↑2.1K

Who is watching this classic 60s song in 2020

@donandlorikowalchuk4840

5y↑71

We who grew up in this period will always remember the music that shaped our lives. 60's and 70's were unparalleled for music. I only wish I could have been around when the likes of Patsy Cline and Buddy Holly were taking the world by storm (born in '59). Thank goodness for Youtube and keeping the music alive!

@TexasDebBoomerBabe

5y↑39

Love the music we grew up with☮😅💘
Touches my core!!
Still listening, and will until leaving to the next life 🥰

@gwarlow

5y↑6

temeculajoe You are.

@Beckala67

5y↑17

And belting it out in the bathroom!

@davidgibbs381

5y↑37

Still digging it 50 years later !!

175 More Replies...

@raisedbywolves100

1y↑78

When Melanie sings that verse "So raise the candles high..." you can just feel it all the way to your toes.

@patriciabecker2062

1y↑2

It still gives me goosebumps, literally ❤ beautiful song 🎵 😍 ♥️

@connorduke4619

1y↑3

Yes, because that mirror raising the inner light within you - your kundalini - which is the main reason you came to Earth to do.

@bhajandaniel9771

21w↑7

This is a gift to the ages. This performance was an act of total self-giving, nothing held back.

@LucyLennon909

1y↑86

My mother was friends w/Melanie's father. One day he was at our house in N.J. Mom said show my friend what you got today. I ran in my room and grabbed Melanie's debut album. He saw that and a big smile came on his face.

@Hatbox948

1y↑2

So cool!

@LucyLennon909

1y↑4

@@Hatbox948 actually, at that time (1970) we just assumed we just bought Melanie's "1st" album, but now I know "Candles In the Rain" was her 3rd. The first 2 weren't very popular.

@debbieschmidling8158

1y↑3

❤❤❤

@LucyLennon909

1y↑2

@@debbieschmidling8158Hi 🙋‍♀️ a half century later at that day seems like yesterday.

@heavnnnsent

50w↑2

Wow what a story to tell..... You never know in life what will happen next

1 More Replies...

@lesleymorgan01

2y↑172

What would the world be like today if we'd carried this kind of energy forward? Melanie, you are amazing.

@billw1266

2y↑107

Don’t forget the power of the Edwin Hawkins Singers. Beautiful song. So inspiring. 👏👏

@nadiaddis1145

1y↑1

I heard this version/performance with a fare first time today on K LOS Sunday January 28th in LA! And now we know where Bono and U2 got the idea from ( for Still Haven't Found)

@KittyGrizGriz

1y↑2

That’s so Right! 🥰 Correct!

@MM-ly3by

34w↑2

I agree , they made the song what it is !!!!❤❤❤❤❤

@mickjagger8439

28w↑19

No big ego, not running around half dressed. Just sharing her gift of music with us all. Beautiful Angel in heaven.🙏

@patnewman1

3y↑527

This song still gives me goose bumps. She is an incredible talent.

@PompetusDad

3y↑12

Whoa, I'm feeling you, so many memories, i saw her album today digging in a pile of thrift shop mantovanis. What a voice, gonna clean it and blast it thru the night scratches and all.

@ellaweaver4187

3y↑8

Me tooo!✌️

@mafia2mom

3y↑4

Me too!

@gregorydiatchenko8464

2y↑5

She is awesome!

@donnamauro5117

2y↑2

70s music always told story's you can relate to

1 More Replies...

@srvgjohnson

1y↑116

What happened to a world that wanted t o include everyone. To embrace everyone. To feel everything. To move forward. So sad tonight. RIP Melanie. Thank you for wanting to even try.

@williamburns4088

1y↑1

God bless!

@quietjohn5523

1y↑1

Yes you're right. I thought we would have progressed so much more as a species in my lifetime. And we haven't. Hopefully my children will see it. They are so much more enlightened than I was.

@sandburgmartin7947

1y↑1

Most who are septaugenarians now felt and feel as you do about acceptance and peaceful co-existence on a clean decent planet. Unfortunately it was the other self centered smaller group that did not. Then they passed it to their next generation. Combined that was the start of the fouled up polarization that exists today. Peace✌️

@americanman4746

1y↑2

Human nature will never let you have that utopian dream.

@gko7307

1y↑1

❤❤❤❤

3 More Replies...

@Cheesus4jesus

2y↑363

This is real singing! I still get chills every time I hear this song. No auto tuning and production maneuvers. Pure talent emanating from every voice.

@hermanblume275

2y↑3

Ain't it sumpin?

@wbertie2604

2y↑1

She starts off a bit flat (nerves?) but soon gets over it and gets back in tune

@firebird6522

Yeah, real singing by the Hawkins Singers. But Melanie Safka is just screaming. Melanie, Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan couldn't hold a tune to save their lives. The host could have just grabbed a random person out of the crowd and I'd bet real money that person could come in cold and perform better than Melanie.

@lionhead123

@@firebird6522 aw, poor you. you know nothing about singing.

@jgunther3398

2y↑4

@@wbertie2604 🤡

5 More Replies...

@Hatbox948

1y↑6

I loved her voice and music. RIP Melanie!

@mayasilliman1465

1y↑46

Can't believe I have to write this today. Melanie has passed this plane. The world has an empty space. RIP Sweet Lady.

@sandraschmidt4200

5y↑841

Still get choked up listening to her, today's female singers can't hold a candle to Melanie.🎸🎶

@tonymason1395

5y↑8

Sandra Schmidt what singer these could perform like this with brilliant backing singers

@MrRWager56

5y↑6

They had to... Lay down their candles, in the rain! LOL

@philipweidenborner1302

5y↑11

Joni Mitchell same category

@donaldfrazier5508

5y↑3

Yup. Singing to the chord.

@ffjsb

5y↑11

I really get tired of all this whining about how singers "today" (same whine has been going on for 50 damn years or more...), it's just NOT TRUE.
Adele
Lauren Daigle
etc., etc.

55 More Replies...

@_ro2ro406

5y↑1.3K

what happened here?...............
all dressed, no silicon and botox, no auto-tune, playing and singing live, no half-naked dancers, no back-show ????.....
how in all the world this ever could be a hit?..........
oh no.... it was the time you had to have real talent to be a star !!!!
..........absolute masterpiece, a beautiful woman (still she is) with an unique voice. so grateful i could grow up that time and still listening in 2020

@carolynrogers5762

5y↑21

No repeating the same line over and over, being the lyrics of the entire song ..........

@tjvanpopta

5y↑46

Agree. No effects, no flashing lights, no gimmicks, no suggestive moves. When music was music. Her legacy has truly stood the test of time. No one will remember today,s music in 50 years.

@_ro2ro406

5y↑13

@@tjvanpopta so true. :)

@buffaloroom

5y↑9

@@carolynrogers5762 yr sarcasm is crackin' me up!

@rogerpr364

5y↑3

✌🙏

67 More Replies...

@burtonlong2716

17w↑3

RIP Melanie 😢 She passed on 1/23/24. I (and many others) had a crush on her when I was a young teenager in the late 1960s.

@lemurianchick

16w

I just turned 59. None of her songs were ever on classic rock stations. I just recently started exploring her music.

@357HFC

5y↑334

50 years later still end shivers up my spine.

@bruceblackburn9423

5y↑6

U got good music taste🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

@laurapowell4445

5y↑10

And brings me to tears

@e1ochai

5y↑1

There has to be a good screenplay in the works about trying to truck all them black folks thru the sky into Europe at that time.

@davidburke2697

me too.

@357HFC

@@bruceblackburn9423 Thank You.

4 More Replies...

@MWLUCKY

1y↑56

I miss you already Melanie. Thank you for lighting up our hearts. This song is the antidote to what we’re all going through right now.

@Kim-yy8kl

1y↑4

So true

@lt6577

1y↑15

RIP Melanie Safka. No other singer surpassed you when I was a teenager IMO.

@1etherealreality

18w↑3

That girl could SING. She's simply amazing!

@marciacraven4032

44w↑70

I will say this again. Loved this song. The best generation ever. Still listening in 2024.😊

@MichaelandCathy1999

4y↑609

My younger wife asked me why I’m crying, how could I explain it, I’m 64 and this is my music
P.S. Worst news ever…..this voice has passed on to R&R Valhalla, January 26,2024 at 76 years old. Was still recording up to last year 2023

@richardcobey9415

4y↑14

I hear ya

@fixedshelf

4y↑10

exactly.

@jackieblue787

4y↑7

Damn. My husband doesn't get it, I'm born in 65. He's born in 70.

@corvairkid63

4y↑14

read you comment and burst out crying.

@jimmycarson2955

4y↑10

I was 5 when this song was released and I couldn't understand why I liked it. I'm 56 now and now I understand...

43 More Replies...

@thewatcher1120

3y↑302

As I approach my 70th birthday, I still reflect on the first time I heard this song and the pure dynamic energy it radiates, even today. Melanie, you are absolutely where it’s at darling! ❤

@jaycorby

2y↑16

I turned 77 in September. This music has been my rock & sanity for 50+ years. CSN & Y, Joni Mitchell, Pure Prarie League, Poco and many, many others are still above and beyond anything produced before or after them. I know we can't go back or stay back, but if the multiverse theory is correct, perhaps this era is still 'going on' in some universe or dimension, and someday humans will figure out how to check in to any of them. The best we have now are visual and auditory recordings of the past. The smells? Well, I guess you had to 'be there' in person.

@russelsellick316

2y↑13

I'm 69...so...I feel this in my bones!

@johnblecker4206

2y↑11

@@russelsellick316 She was a Foxy Lady at Woodstock with a voice that I will never ever forget and it was worth my time to walk through that huge crowd and get to the second row from the stage to see her play that first evening.

@RiverRat1953

2y↑4

Me too brother, I am 69 also.

@arnoldnordrum4892

2y↑1

After All the tunes I've listened to she still bring back some things I haven't seen.and old feelings.03/03/2023

5 More Replies...

@ZenarchersLair

1y↑29

Transcendental performance. She had so much of that youthful exuberance of the times. Condolences to her family and friends.

@stevevalkos6308

5y↑360

Melanie, please get a big choir and do a huge flash mob of this song. AMERICA NEEDS YOU MORE THAN EVER.

@NatandGeorge

4y↑5

Maybe after covid is beaten?

@Mike-yg8ig

4y↑9

Yeah, I hear you brother. But America doesn't deserve the likes of Melanie Safka anymore. We let it get away...sorry to say.

@Mike-yg8ig

4y↑8

Covid is the flu.

@Mike-yg8ig

4y↑1

@@joemarks5985 Yes brother.

@sandrakemkers3158

4y↑1

the world! Steve.

7 More Replies...

@jerryp8263

5y↑2.7K

Who's watching this during Coronavirus shutdown.

@marshabraswell5380

5y↑28

meeeeee

@mjtgough

5y↑18

Yup.

@1967PONTIACGTO

5y↑41

prophetic lyrics

@mallenbergman4923

5y↑55

Jerry P Wood stock brought some of the greatest music legends of all time . there's something about singing from the soul that touches another's soul . by god and the holy spirit.

@charlesmiuccio7384

5y↑14

yeah baby

266 More Replies...

@geraldsims4362

18w↑3

70yrs old, that voice still pierces my soul

@spacep0d

2y↑160

Man the song 'Lay Down' with the Edwin Hawkins Singers is incredible! Goosebumps here too. Listening in 2022.

@seanseoltoir

Nawh, the chorus singers ruined what would have been a good song...

@samuelgates5935

2y↑3

@@seanseoltoir 😈😈😈😈👿👿👿👿👿

@jackieguccione94

2y↑1

@@seanseoltoir you must be nuts

@bynch

@@seanseoltoir😂

@garyfricke7618

4y↑189

AT 66, I HAVE TEARS HEARING THIS SONG, IT BRINGS ME WAY BACK TO VERY SPECIAL, PRECIOUS DAYS & TIMES LONG SINCE GONE.

@tonibenedict5751

4y↑5

Me too...67 here!

@georgepowers9213

4y↑7

I am with ya bought the 45 wore it out brings me back to the old days

@mieczyslawpytel6481

4y↑4

Alnost 70 and I too have tears in my eyes

@dleet86

4y↑1

66 and I got tears and goosebumps. LBJ's tape to Dirkson about Nixon going behind his back to get South Vietnam to cancel the ceasefire aka peace treaty to hurt Humphry is out on PBS radio. The death toll was 37,500 and 3,750,000 dead Asians. The pro-life party sentenced 22,000 Americans and 2,200,000 Asians to death for a campaign tactic...and 4 SCOTUS seats. Nixon signed it in 1973.

@s.breedlove701

4y↑2

@@dleet86 61 years and this song also makes me cry. Such an awesome song

4 More Replies...

@zelphx

4y↑182

50 years later, and I STILL cry when I hear this. So powerful.

@zelphx

4y↑5

I was FLOORED to have gotten your attention; I considered these channels to be on "auto-pilot", or fan-hosted. Your "heart" meant a LOT to me... my wife can testify, having emotionally shared it with her. All these years later, you will NEVER be defined as ANYTHING less than the anthem you fronted with the Edwin Hawkins Singers. I taught HS History for 30 years... my students got to see and/or hear this and were moved, as well.

@rhondaeverett8284

3y↑6

Because its pure truth.

@rogerdeschenes6749

3y↑3

It is just that beautiful

@jameshajjar9040

3y↑3

I'm 68, and this still chokes me up. We had plenty of problems back then, but mass shootings by crazed teenagers wasn't one of them.

@rogerdeschenes6749

Yup

@KG-hm4gk

17w↑2

Just graduated from high school in '70 and Woodstock on everyone's mind. The music was incredible.

@gw3705

5y↑282

Beauty of people gathered in harmony, will not be forgotten.

@nathanialputnam521

5y↑6

And rhythm

@rileymcintosh4852

4y↑3

You are so right

@gw3705

@@rileymcintosh4852 maybe?

@nolanpolansky

4y↑5

2021 and still beloved by a generation z 🖤 and shall not be in vain!!

@tombaum5506

4y↑5

Agree, one hundred per cent! But my thing is seeing how She enjoys performing, compared to these wannabes of today. Baumer

4 More Replies...

@dougoconnor3889

39w↑47

I am 74 now and I loved Melanie's music when i was a young 20 year old university student in 1970. No one will ever sing like Melanie. I was heartbroken to learn today that she passed away almost the same day as my older brother Joe. I thank God for gifting us with such a beautiful singer and beautiful woman.

@samadams6487

34w↑2

I found out only a few weeks ago myself and was greatly Disturbed by her passing

@LillianSteele-u9v

27w

So sorry for you and your family. I grew up in the 1970s and was going to become a high school marching band director. Music theory was my Achillies heel, so I switched to K12 teaching and never looked back. However, I did create a PreK four year and five-year-old rhythm band in my classroom before I retired and named it in honor of one of my mom's role models. She was the late Mrs. Fannie McCallum from Mooresville, NC who was excellent and kind. My mom was the late Mrs. Jimmie Lue Tabor Steele who was from Madison County, Georgia and she inspired me and several of her students to become teachers also. Mammas girl(me) will continue onto inspire all children forever.

@birdzilla106

4y↑459

This still gives me chills. I've had a 50 year crush on Melanie Safka and there's no evidence of it abating any time soon. It's church and Woodstock all in one beautiful package!

@uralbob1

4y↑18

Sorry buddy, I called first dibs! Seriously, she was and still is beautiful in all ways.

@danlandavazo1506

4y↑8

I so agree! Our time.

@sallyperkins8376

P hi

@gypsydavefreeman

4y↑9

I was 8 years old when this song came on the radio while I was in the barn milking cows & running the farm equipment.
That voice is so heartfelt!
A lifelong crush has ensued with Melanie!

@mikededo9455

4y↑8

You too huh? I was the only guy that graduated in 1985 with Melanie posters all over his bedroom.

9 More Replies...

@dalecrowe7757

16w↑2

Came back for another listen. My sister has passed to breast cancer and I'm in tears and they are tears of awe and joy at the beauty of this song!

@georgeburge7136

5y↑332

"WE all caught the same disease and we all sang songs of Peace!" Let it be so.

@eviecarrico5613

5y↑6

@@mateowilliams2162 LOL and here we are 50 years later

@g.m.5395

5y↑5

@@eviecarrico5613
God ALL MIGHTY YES profoundly YES,

@melanielapierre1972

5y↑6

I discovered this song in 9th grade and blasted it in my room on my portable record player.
We share the same first name which was a big name for a tiny girl like me. The name just wasn't heard back then. This song made it cool for me to have my name.
Then 10th grade and Brand New Key! Much kidding but nobody forgot my name. I love it now.
Hearing this song after so many years, I'm back in my old room. The music was never sweeter than when I put that needle on my 45!! ☮

@carmenjones5528

5y↑7

Let us catch that disease now.These are the songs we need to be in the streets singing again.

@stevenmonson5149

5y↑1

What the clap? Corona?

2 More Replies...

@user-se7vt5ow4e

3y↑108

I was in the Army way back then this song helped through some dark and trying times.

@elizabethreid9448

3y↑6

Thank you for your service. I mean it.

@TheSandra48

2y↑5

TY for your service.

@gregoryalt9366

2y↑5

Thank you brother...

@jerrythames5778

7y↑205

Anyone who does not fall in love w/Melanie at first clip is simply not human.

@ypey1

6y↑3

Or gay

@terrencedalhouse7218

@jerry Thames:and have no soul

@SVHome

5y↑2

ypey1 I’m gay and I adore Melanie. Always have and always will!

@Charlie-xc6mb

True dat!

@emmabradford0137

@@SVHome she's pretty great

1 More Replies...

@mooseydeucy

17w↑3

Always heard it never knew the name of it finally looked it up oh my God and it fits with the Christmas season

@dianabythebeach

1y↑18

76 and still love Melanie. Lay it all down, people. Time for peace,.
11/23.

@dcfire2222

1y↑4

I am 66 and this is GREAT!

@gloryBE-o1w

1y↑1

SADLY SHE HAS PASSED, and peace has also

@KittyGrizGriz

@@gloryBE-o1wHave faith, hope, and love.

@johnnie135

1y↑14

This woman died today. How wonderful you left us with your message in this song. Peace out.

@tarabird7392

2y↑155

She is so underrated! One of the most beautiful artists! ❤️

@howie9751

2y↑4

Many good songs on her albums as well as her singles.

@djk0811

2y↑2

always one of my favs - she has an undescribable edge I can't get enough of

@CarlosMesa-mk1vp

2y↑1

Hi good day " jua.jua.jua "??? Demas que nos les tramo el original suena mejor " ji.ji.ji "???" The charly"??? El master cuando tienes la mano ho dedos en el se siente "??? Dice el liche"???

@rogermiller2614

33w↑8

This woman topped all the bands in Woodstock. Thank you Melanie and RIP.

@bennettjoseph1481

1y↑17

So sorry to hear of Melanie's passing. This song and this performance is magic.

@JD-eg6wb

1y↑26

RIP, beautiful Melanie. ❤️ A beautiful mantra for 1970 and still a perfect mantra for 2024.❤️

@KittyGrizGriz

1y↑1

A Mantra for, Forever!! ☮️☮️☮️

@BenLapke

1y↑17

R.I.P. Melanie. Thank you for all the great songs. You brought so much joy to so many people.

@JeffMcNeal

17w↑2

I'm almost 65-years-old and this song and performance still gives me goosebumps.

@ttgyuioo

2y↑35

Now this is music....real music...there will never be music like this ever again. Glad i was there 😀😀🌿🌿.…Class of 78

@chrisdevalcourt648

1y↑1

Class of 68!

@infinitecontent8001

Wait, you were THERE LIVE??!

@chrisdevalcourt648

1y↑1

Well, he sure wasn't there dead! Haha 😂!

@KittyGrizGriz

‘77 here!! ❤☮️🕯️

@perryjohnson6248

2y↑177

I was 10 years old Back in 1970 when I first heard that song and I'm 62 years old now and I'm still listening to it and it never gets old with me I hope Melanie is alive and well and doing good for yourself thank you for listening to me y'all have a blessed and wonderful life and everything thank you very much

@bobansiel

2y↑10

62 and enjoyed her as a kid, beautiful soul.

@trishcooley5810

2y↑11

I’m 62 & this song moved me when I was just 10/11 years old also! It moves me even more today!!

@timhunt1482

2y↑10

I know brother I remember this back in the seventies too and I'm starting to cry right now I can't help it she's beautiful

@philmullins136

2y↑9

I'm also 62. Last month. I remember this song from childhood. It made an emotional memory for me that I still have today. Best wishes to you.

@annecyle

2y↑9

Same 63 and this song this choir ❤

10 More Replies...

@howielong2835

7y↑324

Melanie poured everything she had into this song. It turned out to be one of the greatest songs of it's era!

@IPAddy-yi3cv

5y↑11

@MOTORCYCLE GUITAR { WE CAN WORK IT OUT }
"THEY" do? Um, correct me if i'm wrong ( for I was only six at the time of this song's release) but here on planet Earth wasn't there was a song called "Brand New Key"...oh, wait and also another called "Look What they've Done to my Song"? Yes...yes indeed there was. Both written by the one and only Melanie who also penned the above "Candles in the Rain". All three massive hits...(should I mention #1 hits?). So, "THEY" should know that Miss Melanie couldn't be a one hit wonder even if one desired it to be so.
P.S- Hey, this wouldn't be the same "They" as the They Melanie referred to in her hit song"Look What they've Done to My Song", now would it?
Je pense que oui, peut-être ; )

@cherylalt101

5y↑3

I.P Addy And Beautiful People, one of my favorite Melanie songs! She was an authentic hippie chick!

@garypeatling7927

4y↑3

Melanie always pours everything into her songs

@jonfisher-nx9wv

35w↑10

THIS SONG TAKES YOU BACK TO THE 60'S, GREAT TIMES

@sherrirodriguez3547

1y↑15

Just got the notification she’s passed. RIP, you were an amazing singer/songwriter ❤️

@12thDecember

1y↑31

I have always adored Melanie. Bought her first two albums and wore them out. I did not know the back story of this song. Watching and listening to her sing gives me chills. No autotune, no pitch correction, just a pure and powerful voice. RIP, sweet Melanie. You made the world a better place.

@MarkTulsa2024

1y↑18

Such an angelic voice. She's singing with the angels now 😢

@patmays7344

26w↑2

Still listening 28/10/2024. This song will not die. RIP. Melanie. ♥️

@cherricoleman2319

1y↑21

Rest in peace, Melanie! Your music has brought me such joy from the time I was a child. I'm 62 now and the joy is still there. So sad to see you go. Thank you for all you gave. ❤😢

@harlieray-wallick9343

1y↑25

Oh, Melanie...nobody could sing that like you. Woodstock forever.

@ericskivers6643

8y↑47

Some came to sing , some came to pray , some came to keep the dark away.

Indeed . Goosebumps

@sharonrwilson2727

Indeed. Some came to do it all at once.❤️

@MaryEllenCoghlan-n4d

33w↑5

The Edwin Hawkins Singers took this great song to another level!

@JohnBailey-nw3mm

23w

Indeed they did

@ejames3396

1y↑22

What a monumental tribute to love and brotherhood thank you Melanie. You were one of a kind and will be missed greatly.

@louispelletteriii6095

7y↑18

There will never again be music like we had in the 60's and 70's

@altafadam7345

4y↑219

And even today, at age 67, 52 years after hearing it, it moves my soul and makes me cry..especially when I hear "some came to keep the dark away.." Look, what they have down to my world, Ma?

@HarryCHAMBZ

4y↑9

My mother turned 67 yesterday. Today we listened to this song in the car on the way to visit my father. It came on and she said "Aw Melanie!" And started talking about her '69 Woodstock album.

What a time in history to have been youthful during, and still with us today seeing how far/down everything has come.

@spyros96

3y↑5

68 and I feek the same!!!

@Deejaay83urj38

3y↑1

@@HarryCHAMBZ word

@jasonlynn1017

Our World, the world for the high in love fully living thinking feeling. Maybe by 1984 all so many who turn coated against the 60s should have fought the phony choices of Master/Slave, Woman vs Man, Compassion vs Victory, Pleasure vs Power, Republican vs Democrat, the whole world bifurcated to a lie. Yes. But maybe in 1984, there was one fork that, however, had signified the healthy from the pathological: Melanie, Beautiful People, or, Madonna, Material Girl. Well guess what.

@michaeljames2400

3y↑1

I was there August 1969.

@petemitchell3067

1y↑2

She’s not gone! Just, singing on another plane. I will so miss you , beautiful lady.😢

@antarcticorb9197

1y↑24

I'm in tears from the powerful memories this evokes.

@dalecarlson9861

4y↑114

So called classic rock stations and other oldies stations don't play any of this stuff. It's too bad, 'cause its the best! What a beautiful voice.

@michaelbrandt5416

4y↑3

Consider it a blessing you have youtube. There you are free to take your pick.

@royandjacqueline1294

3y↑4

They've just played Melanie on the radio.
I love her voice💞
...and they played Janis Joplin just before her.
They play the oldies every Sunday.
We absolutely love the 1920s to the 1970s.
Our favourite is Gospel and Rock n Roll
🥰🇯🇲🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🕊️🔥✝️

@royandjacqueline1294

3y↑2

@@michaelbrandt5416
amen ❤️
We love YouTube
so very much
🥰🇯🇲🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🕊️🔥✝️

@glenhaywood7620

3y↑3

but you can hear "brown eyed girl" 15 times a week...i just don't get it???

@bobbender2922

3y↑2

Radio Programmers who don't $#!~+ about music and it's history.

1 More Replies...

@GLD-hopeful

1y↑21

RIP Melanie. You left so much beautiful music for the world. Thank you for touching my heart even as a 14 year old when I saw you in concert, about 1970. I still love your music. God bless your family.