Helpless
young neils Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

There is a town in North Ontario
Dream comfort memory to spare
And in my mind I still need a place to go
All my changes were there

Blue, blue windows behind the stars
Yellow moon on the rise
Big birds flying across the sky

Throwing shadows on our eyes

Leave us

Helpless, helpless, helpless, helpless
Babe, can you hear me now?
The chains are locked and tied across the door
Baby, sing with me somehow

Blue, blue windows behind the stars
Yellow moon on the rise
Big birds flying across the sky
Throwing shadows on our eyes

Leave us

Helpless, helpless, helpless, helpless

Overall Meaning

The song "Helpless" by Young Neil talks about a town in North Ontario that holds a special place in his mind. He reminisces about the comfort, memories, and dreams that the town holds for him. To Neil, it's a place he can return to in his mind whenever he needs to. He also talks about the changes he's gone through and how they all occurred in this town, which makes it even more special to him.

The second stanza talks about the beauty of the night sky, with blue windows behind the stars, a yellow moon on the rise, and big birds flying across the sky. However, even with this beauty around him, Neil still feels helpless. He addresses someone (perhaps a lover) and asks if they can hear him. The chain being locked and tied across the door suggests that he's trapped and unable to escape. Despite this, he asks the person to join him and sing together, perhaps to find solace in the moment.

Overall, "Helpless" is a bittersweet song about nostalgia and helplessness. It's about holding onto memories and dreams that provide comfort, but also feeling trapped and unable to escape. The song's beauty lies in its simplicity, with the use of vivid imagery and easy-to-follow lyrics.

Line by Line Meaning

There is a town in North Ontario
There is a place in Northern Ontario where the singer comes from and has fond memories.

Dream comfort memory to spare
The place brings comfort to the singer because of the good memories and nostalgia associated with it.

And in my mind I still need a place to go
The singer still longs for a place to go to find refuge and comfort, and this place in Northern Ontario is that for him.

All my changes were there
The artist associates his self-evolution with the memories in this town and how he has grown to be the person he is now because of them.

Blue, blue windows behind the stars
The night skies with the stars make the artist feel at home and safe. The color blue also represents serenity and calmness.

Yellow moon on the rise
The sight of the moon rising over the town symbolizes the idea of new beginnings and hope.

Big birds flying across the sky
The birds flying across the sky represent the freedom, the beauty of nature, and the journey towards self-discovery.

Throwing shadows on our eyes
The bird's movement casts a shadow on the ground, representing that life has its ups and downs and that everyone has their own comfort zone.

Leave us
The artist and others in the town want to remain in this peaceful, therapeutic, and comforting environment.

Helpless, helpless, helpless, helpless
The artist feels helpless without the town's memories and the emotions attached to it. He wants to keep it always in his mind, as it is essential for his wellbeing.

Babe, can you hear me now?
The singer pleads with someone to understand him, as he shares his feelings about the importance of this town to him.

The chains are locked and tied across the door
The artist feels trapped and unable to revisit the past, wanting to stay where he is familiar and comfortable.

Baby, sing with me somehow
The singer calls out for support and a connection, someone who can accompany him through their shared memories and happiness.

Helpless, helpless, helpless, helpless
The refrain is repeatedly used to communicate the singer's feeling of powerlessness without this place of comfort.

Lyrics © Broken Arrow Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Neil Young

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@schymark8392

6y↑354

Before this song ends, I just wanna say what a true pleasure of my life it is to be able to hear these people anytime I want to.

@pamelacox4842

2y↑6

Dam straight!

@sandrajensen3069

2y↑4

Amen, god ie.goo

@sandrajensen3069

@rippi37

2y↑5

Absobloodylutely !!!

@jamesward8860

1y↑3

I first got a vhs copy in about 1986 or 87 , then a cd in about 98 or 99, anyhow I've viewed it hundreds of times with countless others and most importantly I've started friendships because of this glorious concert. Those friendships are my favorite type, they start with music and never seem to end.
Peace to all

6 More Replies...

@josephlemko3027

16w↑111

The Band, Neil Young & Joni Mitchell on the same stage at the same time, performing this classic song, makes this listener feel like he is in heaven.❤ Peace!

@daveburns3886

8w↑1

A Canadian thanksgiving celebration — the whole last waltz celebration/ concerts/ movie- documentary is unparalleled.. it was a grand ballroom feast surrounded by a concert of all rock’s / folk’s greatest— Clapton, Dylan, van Morison, Neil diamond!! Martin captured it perfectly for film

@josephlemko3027

8w↑1

@@daveburns3886: I cannot disagree with one word you wrote. ❤ Peace!

@ShereeBarrow-dz3ws

7w↑1

I would give my kidney and a finger to have been there that night. I should have been a musician. They have the best life 💓

@ShereeBarrow-dz3ws

Is Canada accepting American immigrants? If trump gets his fat butt into our White House I won't stay here. I'm 96 percent British according to the ancestry thing. Maybe that's an option.

@josephlemko3027

7w↑2

@@ShereeBarrow-dz3ws: I rarely encounter a person who feels that strongly about any subject. Peace!

2 More Replies...

@jamesmcleod2536

5y↑589

This was one of my dad's favorite concert dvds, after he passed I didn't have the strength to put it on because it would remind me of him. I would break down in tears hearing the music, I get really choked up listening to this even now. Still remembering that big smile he had when my dad would watch Neil Young come stage. I look to my left to the empty chair where he sat and think on the time I would spend with him. Now even that house, the chair is gone. All I have now are my memories, and damn good ones they were for sure.

@bid84

5y↑24

James McLeod You dad had great taste and it was obviously a shared passion.

@alberttait1363

4y↑6

That is pretty cool!!

@legend9948

4y↑5

and you have Youtube through the tears

@ffm595

4y↑18

Thank you for sharing this with us, let this be a beautiful reminder of the power of music

@ENDERTON2000

4y↑5

Damn...

30 More Replies...

@chuckthesham5195

2y↑123

I love that silhouette of Joni Mitchell singing that beautiful falsetto seemingly without any effort. Her stunningly beautiful voice soars like a big bird flying across the sky. Thank you, Ms. Mitchell and Mr. Scorsese for getting me out of an emotional mess.

@Jrfiggy74

2y↑3

The Angel in the background

@stevewilson5402

When immediately I realized it was really the one and only I PLUSSED!

@jdsavage52

1y↑4

You may be cool, but you will never be “Joni Mitchell singing harmony from off stage” cool.

@junkiescumbag6550

Scorsese? is this performance in a scorsese film?

@jonathansiegel7116

8y↑2K

I was there - in my usual spot stage right, aligned with the mics and just above - watched Joni come out behind all the speakers and do her part. One of the greatest shows I ever attended, starting with the waltz itself, then Thanksgiving dinner. I even bought a tux for the occasion...a few dozen of us were similarly attired. Tickets at the time were an un-heard of $35.00 as I recall. I later regretted not having bought twenty to bring friends along. Three days before, The Band played a warm-up concert down in Santa Cruz to a few hundred of us. The whole thing felt like...family. Truly remarkable. I still smile to think of it all.

@saraha7642

8y↑46

Give us more stories, Jonathan!

@amsterdamsterdam

8y↑25

@yoyobetsaboo1

7y↑13

Why was Joni hidden? Did she not want to attract any attention away from Neil and The Band?

@jonathansiegel7116

7y↑95

Joni Mitchell came across to most of us as highly vulnerable. Joyful too with inner confidence. Her lilting, almost haunting voice drifting up that evening was like wafting smoke - very ephemeral. I would say that fewer than 25 of us could see her where she stood and sang for Helpless - she later came on out. Curiously, for me this was the high point of the evening.

@jonathansiegel7116

7y↑58

Well, we've just passed the 40th anniversary; someone else sang from that stage that "there's nothing you can hold for very long...."
These memories are ephemeral, they are here in our minds and hearts. I will say that the film is a fair approximation, but is a bit over-produced and that the event was (pleasantly) more raw.
Joni's vocals drift through my mind as the true high-point of the show for me; I'm sure many in attendance would choose different moments. It was truly touching. All you can ask for!

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@tpstrato2270

2y↑55

His voice is pure gold.
He is unique. No one else sounds like him.

This is one of my favorites.
He expresses pure emotion. Helpless. He expresses the pain of loss perfectly.

What a great artist.
Thanks Neil Young.

@advent6996

4y↑217

I love Robertson's expression at 1:21 when Neil starts singing. How we all feel! Just can't get over that voice! What a great concert.

@damienfaure8739

3y↑3

True!

@ninjavigilante5311

3y↑13

I think it was the first part that got him as well because most of them are good ole Canadian boys.

@edwardfetner2513

2y↑6

i think it was mainly because he knew what neil was playing, who was notorious for improvising and not going onstage with a plan

@HooberTube

2y↑1

I scrubbed to that and HOLY CRAP!

@haw_n_thorne

1y↑7

@@ninjavigilante5311 Canuck pride— Robbie is Indigenous too

@vedderisbetter29

2y↑177

Neil's nose all full of fun stuff, Joni killing it on the vocals, the band being the band.....One of Canada's finest moments truly :)

@ninjavigilante5311

2y↑9

Good ole Canadian boys playing great music before the 90s boom of Canadian music came back

@benmarkus3675

2y↑12

If there is ONE thing i'm proud of about being a "Canadian" It's this performance. Neil is all of us, we are all Neil.

@usware5240

2y↑9

yeah, I think they had to rotoscope the coke out lol. Still one of the most iconic moments in rock history.

@usware5240

2y↑5

and he had a flawless performance. Extraordinary actually.

@justdynee

51w↑3

@@usware5240 Levon's playing drums for Lightfoot now.

8 More Replies...

@MoiraRussell

8y↑189

Joni Mitchell's voice on this is UNREAL. She sounds like a falling angel.

@rinalore

3y↑11

Joni Mitchell has always been, a Rising Angel.
🇨🇦✌️🎶🎸❤️✨🌎💫

@titteryenot4524

2y↑2

@@rinalore Angels are figments of your feverish imagination.

@jeffreyhall2136

2y↑8

Sorry, sounds more like screech owl.

@ianbartle456

2y↑8

@@jeffreyhall2136 Should you happen to run across any owls, screech or otherwise, that can write songs like Joni be sure to drop me line as I'd sure like to see that...

@jeffreyhall2136

2y↑1

@@ianbartle456 Oh now Joni is a great lyricist too? Thought this was a Neil Young song though. Screeching behind the guitar amp is definitely the highlight of her career.

5 More Replies...

@sharlenesymcheck7394

3y↑55

Takes me back to my days growing up with my husband . Close my eyes and I am back in his arms. Hope heavens great as we thought Hon. Still missing you and forever will .

@courtneydavy123

6y↑62

This song embodies what so much of North Ontario was really like in the 70s. A lonely place, a beautiful wilderness, but whatever it was to anyone it touched your soul. Amazing memories.

@fintanoclery2698

1y↑9

Not much has changed up north.

@carolbuckley7900

I was so lucky to be born 1960 and my two older musician brothers filled our home with all the legendary artists including Neil Youmg♥️♥️♥️♥️ I loved his record Zuma. 🌹🌹🌹🌹 I’ve always wanted to see him play in person. ♥️♥️♥️🌹🌹such a tender voice.

@JasonCassady-le7sn

38w↑66

“They got it now Robbie!” Always gets me.

@richardthelionheart5594

Robert

@hannejeppesen1809

Robbie real name was Jaime Royal Robertson, but he was always called Robbie@@richardthelionheart5594

@dan32113

Calm down@@richardthelionheart5594

@pintpot

7w↑2

Gets me too coz I never knew what he meant.

What does he mean?

@darylmixan8170

7w↑3

Me and my brother has been saying this for years

9 More Replies...

@diosantana2659

6y↑12

My father, born in 1950, was watching this part of The Last Waltz while rocking my 5 month old baby. All of the sudden, she fell alseep in his arms and laid her head on his chest. Another beautiful moment in my life to the soundtrack of 70s rock

@michellefletcher2982

7y↑340

I was told Eric Clapton said this was the best live song he had ever heard. If true, that's an awesome compliment.

@ninjavigilante5311

4y↑11

He was probably proud because it's so Canadian.. Eric is half Canadian as well if didn't know.

@lamolambda8349

4y↑6

@@ninjavigilante5311 that guy needs to remember to close the windows

@mr.mayhem8904

4y↑23

Probably because Mr. Young shared a huge line of blow with him before hand lol. They almost didn’t put this song on the movie because Neil young had a massive rock of cocaine hanging outta his nose but they edited it so you couldn’t see it

@mikemac7196

4y↑1

@@lamolambda8349 He wasn't home when that happened

@nopenope2592

4y↑2

@@mr.mayhem8904 I noticed that before this video was edited

16 More Replies...

@jaygohel1657

43w↑30

When Neil joins the band at 4:11 says everything about Neil and The Band. Respect and love

@johngore7744

35w↑3

Tons of Canadian talent and the irreplaceable Levon Helm. Thank you America for your influence. Cheers from Montreal.

@texanfournow

9w↑10

As someone whose mother was born in Toronto and father was raised on a farm in Ontario, this song has always "struck a chord" in my heart. I spent nearly every summer of my youth in Muskoka, Ontario, and recall waking up in the middle of night, walking out of our rented cottage, and watching the Northern Lights paint the sky, with stars galore as a backdrop. Thank you Neil, The Band, Joni (wow!), and Marty.

@marksutube

10y↑38

I see from the comments that many people have questions about this song. The woman in the background is Joni Mitchell. By coincidence, Neil and Joni contracted polio in Canada as children in 1951 during the last epidemic in North America before the Salk vaccine solved polio. They were thousands of miles apart, they did not know each other, they both grew up to become amazing folk/rock musicians. Neil Young has never explained the meaning of "Helpless" and rock critics think it is about the feeling of being stuck in a small town but I am convinced that it is about the emotions of having Polio and not having any idea if you are going to get better or spend years inside an iron lung. That is why having Joni kind of sneak in behind the curtain and sing background vocal during this performance is so special and powerful.

@rievans57

3y↑5

When Neil said, "all my changes were there", I immediately thought of teenage angst-

@RonDoiron-pz3ee

The true story of this song, in 1969, while on his Canadian Tour, their bus broke down, early evening, on Highway 17 North, at the crossroad, leading into Wawa. The shadow emanating from the Wawa goose, covering their broken down bus, inspired this talented man. Well, I’m 78 now, so, if my memory serves me right, they had a one night gig here, before hitting the highway.

@avictorbell2835

2y↑51

Even after all this time this version still brings a tear to my 64 year old eyes

@cbennett196631

Why

@petermcmillan3446

36w↑2

Same age, same response. Bawling my eyes out right now :)

@michaelbirke6050

36w

@@cbennett196631why? Who ripped your heart out?

@mikew6025

33w

@@cbennett196631 If you were there, no explanation is necessary.
If you weren't there, no explanation will suffice.
Rock on.

@56Veggie

28w↑4

As told in Neil Young: Long May You Run: The Illustrated History, this song is about the town of Omemee in Ontario. In 1949, Neil's parents moved there with him when he was just four years old. Young describes it as "a nice little town. Sleepy little place... Life was real basic and simple in that town. Walk to school, walk back. Everybody knew who you were. Everybody knew everybody." Neil had polio at age six and his family moved to Florida, believing that the warmer climate would aid in his recovery.
It is the emotion and sleepy sadness in this song that brings tears to the eyes of those who experienced Neil Young when we were young (i.e., the Forum in Inglewood, late 1970s).

@tommyreed3967

10w↑6

Gives me goosebumps everytime..
R.I.P dad x..
You was right all along.. neil young one of the greatest.
What a track 👌

@deliveryz-kacchan

4y↑33

My heart trembled. I am still moved by this Helpless,from Japan.

@mitchkenvin259

2y↑40

He may not be your cup of tea, but he was a genius and his greatness cannot be underestimated.

@mullen25

37w↑22

thank goodness this legendary greatness was captured on film for generations to appreciate. these artists are irreplaceable.

@craignormie

36w↑7

so fortunate to grow up in an era with real music, real professional musicians who in the rawest sense could touch the soul and now today we have so called musicians who have to have all types of eye candy to mask their inability to truly sing and have real meaning to their lyrics outside of bubblegum pop. RIP Mr. Robertson - a lost legend

@highlyblessed318

5y↑180

Joni Mitchell on this performance gives me chills and tears at the same time.

@pbhoidale

4y↑7

Joni has said many times that this is the greatest song ever written!

@jeffreyhall2136

Sorry Joni has a unique voice, but not here. I'd rather just listen to the guys. She sounds like a screech owl in this.

@somegalfromcan

Yes! I have no idea why she isn't credited here.

@robertspence831

3y↑3

She adds a lot, and it's already a glorious piece of work.........

@sheehy933

7y↑18

This truly is a magical moment captured for eternity. From Robbies smile when Neil starts to sing to Rick looking at Neil with a sense of knowing anticipation of the next verse to Rick and Robbie jokingly looking skyward at the "big birds flying across the sky".
Hard to put into words but I'll try and say there is a feeling of comraderie exuding from this clip that warms the heart.

Yes kids, drugs are bad.....but in this moment in time I believe they accentuated what was already a special moment.

@markfriedman6341

3y↑21

There are no words to explain all that talent including Joni singing like the Angel she was. Leaves me helpless and speechless!!!

@ffm595

4y↑85

The greatest version of this song. Seeing them look so happy singing together with Joni's echoing vocals is simply breath taking

@fgsp8909

4y↑1

and we are fighting against covid now .... i wish i had 30 in 1976

@damienfaure8739

4y↑1

I agree with you, it's probably the greatest version of that song.

@Khem10

3y↑1

This is the Greatest Live Version Ever of the Song “Helpless” from Neil Young .... Simply Breath-Taking ... all of them singing and the mouth organ music takes you to another level of heavenly happiness

@dylanmurphy1075

3y↑29

The mutual respect on display is palpable. They are so pumped to be sharing a stage. Wow.

@roseannparker5800

1y↑1

And a bit of chemical hepl.

@jerrymariano402

7y↑278

imagine your back up vocal is JONI MITCHEL, shes a goddess! Wow!!

@ThaiThom

5y↑9

Joni and Neil were always friends.

@jeffreybrian2666

4y↑9

And Joni is not even a featured face on stage, to boot. Now imagine you had a traveling Joni Mitchell, a "fact" about which very few know, and via personal fiat, you layered songs with her voice without the audience knowing from whom or where it was coming.

Joni OnDemand ... look stage right, nod, and Joni will take her place in an unlit corner next to her mic, ready to back up any song (or, to truly mess with the audience, have her sing a cover with no supporting vocals and have the entire band act as if nothing is different). Fun times!

@LifeForUndead

Harold and Kumar ?

@natashacadieux1102

4y↑10

She is 100 percent a goddess

@natashacadieux1102

@@ThaiThom not true, she could not stand him this night

25 More Replies...

@TomokosEnterprize

7w↑4

Sweet memories of days now long passed. Man sure has taken a dive down since those days of peace and love !

@billjones5526

5w↑3

Best Neil song ever, plus this concert showed the the world Robbie is one of the best guitar players ever

@MariaGonzalez-lu5nw

6y↑46

FYI about why Joni was backstage: Joni came out later to perform Coyote and they wanted to keep it a surprise, so she stayed behind the curtains during "Helpless".
It's kind of brilliant, imagine not having any idea she was there, and then during the song you hear her gorgeous voice complementing this song....goosebumps.

@petervanherp7871

3y↑1

Pure magic and greatness....

@ZwienerZ

9y↑333

When Neil starts singing, I can't help but notice Robbie's huge smile! I love it!

@rcoates07

9y↑13

ZwienerZ He realises he is about to be part of something special, yes.

@jerrydog8671

9y↑5

ZwienerZ i agree Robbie's huge grin gave me goosebumps

@justincase1660

9y↑2

its still a great jam

@hespheiden1

8y↑15

+ZwienerZ It's a bunch of Canucks having a special Hoser moment. Gotta like it.

@thegreatsalaam

6y↑10

...and taking a deep sniff, never seen a finer performance by peops higher than these guys.

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@Khem10

3y↑60

This is by far the best live version, I have ever heard ... the song takes you out in a oblivion of blue sky away and away from this earth in to the heaven.... beautiful notes

@mart1j99

The others are Down by the River and . . . ?

@ruddle17

2y↑35

This is one of the greatest live performances captured on film - Joni lending her magic to Neil and the guys at the legendary Winterland

@cbennett196631

Doesn’t touch Rooftop

@Chapooski

37w↑4

Rest in peace Robbie, you will be missed.

@deanoemonsjr8543

3y↑38

I grew up in the late 60's early 70's........what an incredible 'time slot' that was for music.
This song along with many others of Neil Young's are the soundtrack to my youth.
What a childhood it was....
Neil, you are a treasure!

@ronabrams7899

46w↑1

ditto that my brother.

@josephleotta2443

15w↑5

This is perfection. There's nothing better than this.

@ifwegoatall3312

2y↑28

Joni’s voice is a presence and the silhouette of her is such a great shot… its enough to bring tears to your eyes.

@gloriabermudez4987

5y↑40

No matter what, Neil Young, the genius he is, nailed a song. Thanks to u-tube. Without these videos how could I listen to all this amazing music. True love for rock.

@bryansmith9310

9y↑515

when they all start singing together on the same mic...that is some magical shit right there

@uwu_biggamerman1406

9y↑5

Hell yeah

@lorihill3531

9y↑14

+bryan smith Until Joni Mitchell started howling in the background.

@ryanokeeffe3013

9y↑4

+Lori Hill omg i just started laughing so hard at that thank you

@montgomerydenzer8805

8y↑1

+bryan smith TRUE DAT

@jerrycoleman7150

8y↑2

+bryan smith very true.

16 More Replies...

@fritzy2112

7y↑71

I'm a full blown southern boy. I don't give a damn what Ronnie say, this southern man needs ole Neil Young around!

@garybrinker4522

6y↑9

Roonnie and Neil admired eachother

@tommyhaynes9157

4y↑1

I grew up in NC in the 70s .....we all thought Southern Man was complimentary.We weren't reading too deep into the lyrics

@SusieQsDairyBar

Are you referencing the Drive-By Truckers song "Ronnie and Neil"?. If not check that song out. It's literally about what you said.....or anyone else reading this, check out that song.

@scottbird6423

I heard it was a joke between them

@SusieQsDairyBar

@@scottbird6423 There are tons of aspects to it. It's worth a google. I just did and learned a lot I didn't know about the whole situation. Very interesting story for sure.

@brandonromano315

3y↑16

Rick Danko's backup vocals are so rich and underrated.

@damienfaure8739

3y↑1

So true!

@hannejeppesen1809

7w↑1

We all love Rick, he was unique.

@donnamichel5771

8w↑2

The band, Neil Young, and Joni Mitchell, all singing on the same stage doing the song, helpless amazing❤

@safetydave720

7y↑31

One thing I like about Neil is that he is unique. His own style. He didnt follow others, they followed him.

@paddyross6321

4y↑38

"They got it now Robbie". Cool as fkn milk...

@gwynnielsen5081

8w↑2

Watching this is about going back in time to an easier era wherein people were willing to open their hearts to what was real.

@JacobClark93

10w↑3

This song rocks so hard!!! I have watched so many times over the years.

@ebbw99

37w↑4

RIP Robbie. What a beautiful tune this is👏

@debrablackwell9152

7y↑187

There is a passion that takes over and this is an example. Neil Young does not play the game. He is what he is and that is a passion for his music. He sings with life rolling off his tongue and his guitar. Those of us who were fortunate enough to experience him in the 70's were blessed, definitely blessed. God Bless you, Neil Young. Thank you for standing for what you believe. I love you, we love you.

@th70186

5y↑6

Your comment combined with this beautiful music just gave me goosebumps

@juliettemacdonald5792

5y↑3

Debra Blackwell Ya- Neil is from Blind River, Rick from Stratford, Robbie ,Garth, + Richard also are from Ontario. Only Levon Helm is from Elaine, Arkansas but he lived in Woodland, N.Y.

@aaronlandau5575

5y↑3

It does help that Neil Young had an enormous rock of cocaine stuck up his nose through this performance, that was later edited out at the behest of his manager

@CharCanuck14

4y↑4

@@juliettemacdonald5792 .....and Neil is singing about a town up the road from where I live....little Omemee, Ontario,

@doneown503

3y↑1

Hes an awesome Canadian, & human bean!

5 More Replies...

@56Veggie

28w↑1

Neil Young - all the songs I learned first on guitar were his songs. He's the best thing that ever came out of Canada.

@jamescampbell1273

6y↑4

my senior hi school teacher took our class to see this in 1978 and it changed my world. to this day I still love to watch and listen to the BAND its as awe inspiring today just as it was 40 yrs ago and if it wasn't for Robbie Robertson the BAND never would have been ...

@buckodonnghaile4309

5y↑1

Teacher of the Century

@WOLFMANoct1963

9y↑850

how many artist today can walk out with a acoustic guitar, harmonica and standard mic and throw down like that?? Not many

@colinmoffat3215

9y↑51

Yes and stoned out his tights too.neil is the man

@langerguitarboy

9y↑28

WOLFMANoct1963 Ever notice that we always seem to call today's "pop stars" artists, and not musicians...Isn't that weird? Just a random thought probably doesn't mean anything.

@ballskin

9y↑42

Alec John It's because to be a musician you need to know how to play an instrument.

@comaradella

9y↑4

Alec John more than you think

@michelliots

9y↑20

WOLFMANoct1963 it's wrong for people to act like there's no talented musicians today. There's alot of really great musicians out there these days, it's just that there not recognized enough to become popular, like all those people who are just in it for the attention as an image of fame as opposed to a musician who really has something to offer to the world.

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@ShepFL002

7y↑3

Stoned as F*ck and making music for the love of music - miss these days when music was real and "all my changes were there" Simply magic!

@fionamckinnon1167

1y↑2

I’m sure all the people we have lost are in are hearts ♥

@andrewhoggardspeaker

26w↑2

I have deeply enjoyed this song for years and have experienced an even deeper joy reading all these comments. Neil Young…yeah a tear stained experience for sure

@mary241056

7y↑10

his harmonica speaks louder than any lyrics ive ever heard. I love it

@543Molly

1y↑12

One of my all time favorite performances!..
Truly beautiful ❤❤❤

@cormacdavid7355

Hello Molly 👋 How are you? So sorry for the infringe on your
privacy. Beautiful song

@7Paradise77

8w↑2

Neil Young. My all time favourite artist. He is music personified. That voice - that inimitable voice. And that inimitable guitar. My God. He is heaven to me.💕💘💞

@stevepeters3961

Love the look on Robbie’s face when “there is a town in north Ontario”. I feel the same every time I hear that line!

@fintanoclery2698

1y↑3

God Bless Northern Ontario.

@strangelalansbury5028

3y↑3

The universe is billions of years old and I got to exist at the same time as Neil Young

@gringosloth

3y↑2

U.S. citizen here. So glad to have these great people in my life from north of the border.

@elizabethhickey12

24w↑1

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! 🎉🎉
Just sitting here watching The Last Waltz on this early Sunday morning.

@beckyfinch6628

3y↑8

This the greatest concert ever to be on screen!!!! I just can't say enough about it!!!! The Band was just SO F'N GOOD!!!! And then there is Neil Young, with Joni howling in the back!!!! Jesus Christ can it ever get better than this?!!! HELL NO I SAY!!!!!! THE BAND.....WHAT A GREAT NAME FOR THEM!!!! THEY WERE ALL SO TALENTED.. HELM, DANKO, HUDSON, ROBERTSON AND MORE, NOT TO MENTION THEIR GUEST ON HERE!!!! I WATCH IT TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR, AND HAVE FOR FORTY YEARS AND COUNTING!!!❤️❤️✌️✌️❤️❤️

@giorgiimedashvili1763

4y↑20

Just love how Robbie looks up to see rising yellow moon and big birds flying across the sky.

@chriscarr6392

2y↑1

This song rings so true to my life. It was 1979, Cedaredge Colorado. I went to live with my aunt and uncle. I left a bad life and at 16 was reborn. I love that town, I finished my last 2 years of high school. I graduated in 1981 and then left for the Navy in 1984. It will always be my home....

@gillygil8747

3y↑1

Just some Canadian kids back in 76. Watched this with my whole family sitting around the living room.

@Clarkwork

7y↑320

Not sure how you can press thumbs down on this. One of the most beautiful songs ever.

@isleafs13

7y↑17

Jeff, some people are just negative by nature.

@nikkiavery7240

7y↑13

Jeff Clark
It's always been my favorite ❤️️ ! I could listen to this one song all day .

@jagger4786

7y↑3

SgtVirg they are not negative they just have no feeling for music and no education .

@LDixon007

6y↑12

It's easy to confuse the thumb icons when your eyes ares are filled with tears.

@kurtcole9574

6y↑2

love playing this song with my friends band, the MOUNTAIN BROTHERS BAND I play the bass, easy to play, and I enjoy that

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@apocalypseplough8089

9y↑460

To all the Americans here, you're welcome.
~ Canada

@apocalypseplough8089

9y↑15

*****
For nurturing great talent like Neil Young and The Band.

@marianvictoriliescu7567

+Apocalypse Plough i love flower power

@DanielEvitt

8y↑24

You gave them Bieber and fucked it up.

@n40tom

7y↑6

Apocalypse Plough You mean thank you for opening our arms to Neil and appreciating his talent.

@CHlEFFIN

7y↑6

tackless What kind of a pathetically nationalist comment is this...?

Is this a pissing war to see whose DESCENDANTS (highly unlikely due to multiculturalism, thankfully) did the 'most' for the rest..?

PATHETIC. Enjoy the fucking music and realize this is not about who can piss the farthest.

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@poppyorsini5505

3y↑1

Thank God for Canadian musicians! - Neil Young and the Band -Four Canadians & one good ole boy!

@seanmcdugall5549

4y↑2

Every song from the last waltz, is the best version of that song

@desireedasilva2750

3y↑5

this song could wash down on me forever, and I'd still hit replay. The best.

@trevmac8362

8y↑83

Rick Danko my favorite rock star of all time

@zzyyxxo

8y↑13

+Trev Mac rick danko deserves serious kudos.

@bamadeadhead

6y↑1

What? Favorite all time? He just has a cool name that’s probably not real man. You can’t trust those Canadiens😂

@fgsp8909

4y↑8

@@bamadeadhead fuck you ricky is the best

@gordonowens7794

4y↑8

Man where does the time go? Yesterday it was the 70's I was buying the latest 45 record and playing it non stop...Saturday Night Fever is playing at the local theater...I am listening to music on my transistor radio (FM only) as I deliver my newspapers in Victorville CA....I graduated from High School a girl I barely knew hugged me with passion as she whispered my name softly in my ear (why didn't I know she liked me before now?)..I am in the Air Force I am 17 (I turned 18 in basic training), my Mom sold me her Vega, I listen to Pink Floyd on my 8 track as I drive around Nellis AFB, I make Staff Sargent at 21... After 5 years I get accepted to attend the Culinary Institute of America I say goodbye to the Air Force, England and...Alison. It's raining the day I leave and she says "All of England is crying at your departure"....I have been a Chef for 30 years...It's now 2020 I will soon be 59 my knees prevent me from cooking professionally any longer....I am looking at this video and as I listen to the music I keep wondering....where has all the time gone??

@alfonsoribeiro2689

Victorville, CA? Hey guys!

@user-xw2it9ty5n

Damn Hippies r so kool

@micheletranchida7264

3y↑7

The best performance in this concert. Neil & Joni Amazing.

@kyoku1982

5y↑17

Here I am on Canada day listening to perhaps the most Canadian music moment of all time.

@analogkid4957

Wouldn’t Rush be elevated as the most popular Canadian band?

@kyoku1982

@@analogkid4957 Hard to say. Rush has a huge cult following but I dont know if they have the mainstream following of Neil or the Band.

@bobmcrae5751

3w↑1

@@analogkid4957 I grew up on the west coast of Canada in the 60's and 70's and Rush was NEVER played on the radio. They were strictly an eastern band. So no, Rush was NOT the most popular Canadian band.

@Silmapuoli

8y↑330

I'm in rehab and this gives me so much motivation to go on. Without Last Waltz and other favourite music I might had jumped out of the window days ago.

@kylermondello8486

8y↑18

+Silmapuoli if you look closely you can see the cocaine in Neil's nose.

@bobmarley12345ify

8y↑4

+Kyler Mondello lol well placed comment

@aemrng

6y↑16

You can make it brother. You have good taste. Carry on✊🏻

@garyfoutch5974

6y↑7

Silmapuoli I think music is a gift.. given to us.. what we do with it is like all gifts.. If we value its ability to calm us and give peace in our hearts then it can be used as it was originally intended.. granted there is some bad music and musicians but they were given the gift too.. they just didn't treat it like a gift.. maybe they took it for granted or just let it age and not keep its value.. I value Music like you do.. it keeps me sane. I need it fairly often.

@gageky

6y↑1

Praying

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@elstonhutch4440

25w↑1

god what i would give to have been alive to see this concert.

@re-peteafter-me2008

7w↑2

Watching this in 2024 with a few retrospective beer..,.. i want to seriously shed a tear

@VincentMacIsaac

Me too. This is life

@AGroth-ld6dm

3y↑3

Great song and for some folks still relevant ......oh yes

@craigslistdave2086

4y↑23

Neil Young is such a class act it’s a blessing for him to still be with us today, or to even have him at all in our culture. Thank you Neil Young.

@pamelacox4842

2y↑1

30 plus relationship dating and married. I love this song!!!

@jayar1818

4y↑2

I won a pair of tickets off “The Mighty Q” Q-107 to the World Premier of “The Last Waltz” in Toronto, Canada...Joni Mitchell’s background vocals still bring chills...a legendary performance by Uncle Neil & The Band...simply sublime...

@olafkohler2043

4y↑4

Neil Young - for me the best Songwriter ever.

@hannejeppesen1809

He is great, but don't leave out Robbie who wrote most of The Band's songs. Dylan wrote great lyrics, but didn't have the voice Neil did.

@richardamatthew5241

6y↑7

Magic. There hasn't been another moment like The Last Waltz.

@brittonlumpkin9227

3y↑14

Neil hit a little of that nose candy, and then knocked it out of the park.

@laurenjunette1143

3y↑3

What I came to say

@merg124

3y↑5

Now 71 years old myself after following this guy since I was seventeen years old that says a whole lot for a genius in music.

@leenewhook7994

8y↑75

that moment when Neil starts singing and you see Robbie go into a complete different state of mind.

@fadeandfringe

5y↑19

The first time I gave myself to my ex boyfriend this album was on vinyl and immediately after ...this song came on and we laid there and held each other and I will forever remember him by this song and that perfect moment... it ended on bad terms and we haven’t talked in 3 years but thankyou Justin for showing me the gift of Neil Young. Beautiful

@jasnapanic3621

I still have this album on vinyl😊😊

@davep2626

9w↑2

My heart and soul hurt today...i needed this.

@louisevad6091

Once in a life this happens if you a lucky one you were at this concert. It was an end of an era with the band calling it. Now there is only one left. RIP band members

@btmacie

8y↑144

For his high status in the rock and roll community, Neil Young just kinda comes like some socially awkward dude I would have known in high school or something. I find it quite relatable.

@lildebbie997

5y↑1

Brendan Macie I know it’s crazy

@analogkid4957

5y↑2

Brendan Macie What is it specifically about Neil that people regard him as socially awkward? Is it his geeky appearance so to speak?

@grandwazoo1696

5y↑8

I would shoot his barber though lol

@adambradford9472

4y↑1

Mildly autistic

@Resplencemelodi

3y↑1

Probably Asperger's and a little stoned. he's okay.

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@rossellaflumian236

5y↑3

Took my bike and ran to see this movie for 10 kms in 1976.....the people were clapping hands at this song

@floydzepplin2427

8w↑1

A masterpiece…..the entire concert

@GilliePryor1Artist

3y↑7

Neil's got SOUL. They are all out of their boxes, and yet this is a perfect masterpiece. Joni on descants and Neil and Robbie immersed in harmonies. The lyrics really hit home, too. Marvellous