06 Neil Young - A Man Needs A Maid (Live at the BBC 1971)

[@simply.darius]

Very sad song... Saying it's sexist is a complete misunderstanding. You must read between the lines to understand. "A man needs a maid" is the point of view of a heartbroken guy who fears to get attached and suffer again. Hiring a maid is a way for him to have a woman's presence in his life without taking the risk of being heartbroken again : the maid come by to clean his house, cook and then leave. You can also understand A man will always needs a "maid" (in the sense of a "young woman") in his life. It's really deep...

[@boarovidiu7430]

Finally someone gets it. Preach it, brother.

[@williamsando4703]

yep didn't get it until i got a bit older :)

[@rohobian]

I never really understood this song as deeply as I do after having read this comment. I mean, I got it, sorta, I just had a slightly more vague idea of what he was going for. Well said, friend.

[@NickHope]

Absolutely spot on. Thank you. (p.s. but I bet Neil hates housework)

[@jonnewell3989]

To me this is about being in a mental state where It's about needing a person in your life to look in on you, someone to keep you connected with the outside world, so that you don't get lost in your own head and become estranged from the world. Maybe about being afraid of what you can do to yourself if left alone in your own thoughts for too long. i.e The maid is a person to check up on you to keep you fed and alive, grounded and sane, someone to take care of the mundane tasks like finding food to eat etc. Layne Staley needed a maid. To hear the line " a man needs a maid" and read that as sexist is a lazy interpretation IMHO.

[@jwanda10]

i think this is the most beautiful song ever written. i absolutely love it

[@totalt6600]

You aren't exaggerating. Perfect in every way.

[@11soun]

Perfect voice on perfects chords

[@11soun]

He makes me play piano guitar harmonica and banjo....

[@allanspence1347]

Yes.

[@UKESRfertilizer]

Yes his top 5, and that is quite a hall of honor to be in

[@BarstoolBlues33]

Neil was just pissing genius at this point...

[@leftybass5860]

Just like turning on a spigot...

[@anthonysalvati5868]

Was lucky enough to see him live on this 1971 tour at the very intimate Shakespeare Theater in Connecticut. You're exactly right , it was amazing to see this sheer genius so close and personal, it's a night all these years later that can still induce chills when I see a video like this.

[@celinesutton1]

so lucky!!@@anthonysalvati5868

[@anthonysalvati5868]

I actually had recorded it on a cheap old style cassette player from that era and carried that cassette around with me for years afterward until it finally wore out. The funny thing was at that point in his career Neil for some reason had developed this reputation for being surly and withdrawn onstage, but he was anything but. He told great and very funny stories before performing many of the songs.

[@celinesutton1]

Anthony Salvati amazing. I was listening to this surprise or maybe last minute gig he played in NYC in the 70s. And like you say, although he may come off a little shy and awkward at first... saying “you know” at the end of everything. But then he gets going and says how much he loves the interaction with public and that really feeds his performance. Also when I listen to his Tonight’s the Night live album or even Time Fades Away and he doesn’t seem too shy there. Anyway I wish I were born 30 years earlier sometimes. Thanks for sharing ☺️

[@vivianhale5719]

I feel the pain of a man who has lost love…beautiful…

[@zerofox1551]

So, 51 years have passed and this song still tears me up. Love you Neil Young!

[@jwanda10]

i say this is a candidate for the best song of all time... a masterpiece of the highest order!

[@michaelcohen7343]

Yup! I agree

[@michaelcohen7343]

I’m going through hell right now and I thought of this song. I have chills

[@togmor]

I could listen to this every day for the rest of my life and I would never tire of Neil's amazing voice.

[@georgetebbens3524]

Neil Young is without question an absolute genius song writer. Listen to the chords in this song and how Neil navigates the vocal melody through them. This easily rivals anything by Gershwin, Porter, or McCartney.

[@evertdoorn90]

The way Neil sings when will i see you again makes me shiver.

[@LH3plus2]

Me too!!!! Always has!!!!

[@richardmcmillan4307]

There are many lines from many of his songs that make me shiver. And people say he could not sing…

[@carolk5770]

Me too…

[@a1harrogate]

@@richardmcmillan4307 A great wordsmith. It's not about the singer, it's about the song. Same applies to Leonard Cohen. One day, great songsters will be gone. The saddest part is that there is no one to replace them.

[@whooty420]

Or when you're waiting for Neil to perform live, and you're wearing a tarp, because it's miserable af out, pouring down rain all day, and the exact moment he walks out on stage, the clouds and rain go away, the sun comes out and a huge rainbow fills the sky... It's one of my best concert memories. Other than it raining during James Taylor singing Shower The People, in 120 degree weather. 🥰🔥🌧️🌈

[@Craig-bz3dm]

I too thought this song was about a maid when I heard it in the late 70s but I soon came to realize it is about a man who had his heart broken so badly that he contemplated never giving it to another lover he would just get a "Maid " to be the woman in his life. But he comes to realize that he needs a lover to live as you hear when he sings " when will I see you again" . This song is actually heartbreaking!

[@maryanderson9191]

You feel his heartbreak in every word. Amazing!

[@Craig-bz3dm]

@@maryanderson9191 Yes , absolutely my Dear . This raw Performance with just the Piano is my Favorite by far . Like you so elequently stated , you can actually feel the heartbreak 💔

[@josephesposito3499]

LOL. NOPE it's about wanting a wo-MAN for sex, and then getting rid if her.

[@Eleonore70]

His most beautiful song. Goosebumps!

[@carolelerman9686]

My favorite Young song.

[@Boogiefunksista]

Polly Peachum AGREED! The first time I heard it, I fell in love! It gets you, right down to your core. 🧡

[@carolk5770]

I LOVE this....

[@AFCofNYC]

theres an intensity here that just isn't in the studio version. Neil is one of the few people who can captivate an audience to such a degree with just his voice accompanied by an acoustic guitar or piano and harmonica. One of a kind

[@BarstoolBlues33]

+AFCofNYC Neil has always been prone to overproduce his acousic music...there are a lot of great songs on harvest with horrible versions.

[@laineyk65]

Agreed, I was almost afraid to listen to it live. But it is superb

[@stevenhills2336]

AFCofNYC imagine hearing him live,that's all you need

[@fouadeljabri2330]

He endend with " when will i see you again?"

[@yibuseato]

Oh man you need to see Harvest Time behind the scenes footage if you want to hear intensity. It was a mind blowing To experience in a theater yesterday #neilyoungharvesttime

[@racingfan4306]

This song is absolutely brilliant on so many levels 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@bfinera]

Yep

[@SterlingRe]

This is about as good as it gets for Neil. The song is a gem and Neil is at the top of his game. The album version is spectacular with the full strings and bells.

[@excedium6559]

I absolutely love the shots of the audience in this video. It's such a powerful song, and you can see how enraptured they are just by their expressions. Nothing beats a beautiful song like this

[@ladyfuschia4729]

...and not one "Wooooo!!!"

[@bfinera]

Just quiet. It's beautiful friend

[@patriciaelg1464]

A hauntly beautiful song. I could just cry when he asks, "when will I see you again?".

[@lisad7788]

I love the mood in this piece. Beautiful piano music.

[@Craig-bz3dm]

Lisa D. Either your picture is of Stevie Nicks or you are just as Beautiful as her !!!

[@zuvuyu]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠This was the song that understood the end of my marriage . My wife of 26 years ended our marriage a few years ago. I had to leave the home that I loved, and the memories of raising 4,what are now 20 something kids. I moved to a small studio near the city and this song haunted me. As soon as I played it after not listening for a while I knew what it meant and how true its sentiment. 4 years later I'm only now able to listen to it without the tears. Stopped looking for a maid, hanging on to this world for the short moments I get to spend with my kids. I know that in my community I'm just one of many older men left to live alone. When you give your life to your family they take you with them. The last lines ... when will I see you again, is just as much about the you that lives with them as the loved ones you miss.

[@jeffwylie5899]

Thank you. I hope you are content and see your kids and 'the you that lives with them' often.

[@sheilakethley5351]

The best live performance of my lifetime

[@peterwoods2114]

This song means so much to me. The feelings of fear of commitment and yearning are palpable and clearly very personal. It has a particular resonance because I was married in the same room in Barking Town Hall that Neil recorded the album version of this song. A shoutout to anyone in the audience for this perfect performance: I'd love to get in touch and ask you about what was clearly a magical session !

[@troughsnout9817]

My GOD. The line There's a shadow running through my days like a beggar going door to door. I'd LOVE to have written that.

[@jimhouston3450]

When did we as a listening audience stray from such wonderful music? Life is the greatest struggle, and we never win.

[@NatureEllaJ]

Magnifique chanson qui exprime les difficultés rencontrées en amour 💔💫🌹

[@Bakaat777]

In '72, when I was 10 or 11, I was sneaking into my two older brothers' room to take take albums to listen to on my little portable blue and white-cased turntable... Harvest being one. While I appreciated ALL of the songs, "A Man Needs a Maid", has always had a place in my heart and head, thinking, "HOW could this have NOT been a hit?" As someone said in the comments: "When will I see you again?", just kills me. I lost one of those older brothers and whenever I hear this song... well... you know. I know it's "fashionable" to be on one's side or the other in a dispute, especially a political one, but no matter what Neil's political outlook is, I will ALWAYS listen to his music. Peace.

[@tonygraham132]

Me 2 ......

[@nathanadnitt]

Same as i see it man..im 20 years old and was instantly hooked on neil when i heard him at the age of 16...hes a batshit crazy old man now with ridiculous political views.. but i dont care for that side of neil,everybody has they're own opinions and beliefs, i just like his tunes.. hes an amazing songwriter and music composer, thanks to my dad for the years and years of musical influences

[@ivanshipy1966]

2019 ..still has the ability to choke your heart

[@Alitasplace]

2020.. and still pretty accurate.

[@bobbyherodes]

i have always been a loyal fan of Neil, and will until the day i die.......this song has always been so powerful to me because of my high school career...my first three relationships ended horribly with my girlfriends cheating on me....as a result when i got to college i had given up on relationships and focused on my soccer career and school, only to meet my wife in my senior year. we went on to have four wonderful kids, but my memory of being young has always haunted me, this song always put life into perspective for me. i have asked my grown up children to please play this song when i am gone.

[@josephesposito3499]

NEVER trust a collage girl. Automatic #PSLUTS

[@charlesruff818]

Great song - Great artist. Rock solid even without the orchestra! And, can still bring a tear to my eye.

[@jonnybirchyboy1560]

IMO it’s better without the orchestra

[@advent6996]

"When will I see you again" 2:24 - so raw. Wow! Your heart hurts just listening to it.

[@weaverfever55]

hits home today...just like back then...some things will never change

[@cwade3198]

I truly enjoy reading the comments of how this song is interpreted and how it affects and inspires us all. I'm in awe of this mans genius and the performance was punctuated with raw emotion, something that most modern day artists severely lack. Absolutely spellbinding from a time when words, and an instrument was all that we needed to appreciate a performance. I can't stop watching and marvelling at this video. I owned the record from when it came out and to me this was always such an underrated song. One of my all time faves.

[@carolelerman9686]

The whole album was great, but this song always stuck with me.

[@josephesposito3499]

A MAN NEEDS A MAID!

[@M-cq2ev]

Reality for so many of us lonely men, an unfixable problem. You pass the point of no return

[@krlosguitar1]

This song is beyond beautiful

[@Lyndanet]

This is an amazing performance

[@Taivywaivy]

I can't believe it took me this long to hear this Neil Young song. The moment I heard it, I was moved to the point of getting choked up and holding back tears. He performs with such genuine emotion and modesty that I was inspired to attempt a cover of this. It's on my channel and I'm pretty sure I could never do it justice but I appreciate any feedback.

[@davidmccaffery7977]

I do it, and so can you..when will I see you again?

[@billydisarm5694]

this song talks about an old man who refuses to have contact with other people, who refuses to feel love again. that´s why he said that he needed a "maid", because he is so immersed in sadness and loneliness that he avoids people due to a sad experience with them, particulaly in terms of love. but he remembers someone by saying "when will I see you again?". maybe that person who broke his heart. incredible song, it breaks my heart too. thanks Neil Young. you've touched the deepest part of my heart.

[@alexjacobs6713]

billy disarm very sure this song talks about a man's desire for a relationship but his gear of being hurt

[@jwanda10]

the old man he speaks of is me

[@bubbythebrow153]

This song most certainly does not talk about an old man lol

[@markwilsonannenberg9733]

Broken leg from polio

[@markwilsonannenberg9733]

Perhaps he was shy recovering from a leg 🦵

[@BJBowen]

Greatest live performance I've ever seen. Outstanding showmanship and concentration all alone on a stage like that. These days, this sort of sound/character quality is hard to come by.

[@lisadiconti]

I don't see it today.

[@heatherjones6787]

Still makes me cry almost 50 years on... Brilliant...

[@carolk5770]

I LOVE every song he does & I love his beautiful voice!

[@andrewedwards5646]

Sad and beautiful at the same time, fabulous

[@IronmaidenAndre]

I can't believe some people are still stuck on the whole feminist thing. Neil's sorrowful tone should give away what the song is really meant to say. It's apparent to me that he's mourning a relationship that failed in the past. His tone also illustrates a sadness of someone who believes that he only needs simple things like a maid who cleans his house, when in reality he yearns for a much more intimate connection.

[@Chrispypullen]

I agree completely. It's a man in mourning.

[@snakey934Snakeybakey]

@gumshoesoul Feminism are inappropriate and sexist

[@mattthrun-nowicki8641]

"When will I see you again?" Oh man, that line is the ultimate tearjerker, when the listener realizes that he knows he can't NOT have the intimate connection.

[@Juliamiller56]

Thank you A thousand times yes & thank you People can be such one dimensional dullards

[@trple2]

who cares what they think

[@mamiche9925]

This song change my life..... For ever............

[@bfinera]

Me too friend

[@mark-stefaniw]

Here's my take on this song. This song is an old man's lament for his lost life partner. The line "When will I see you again" is in heaven. My father in-law is 79 years old, and lost his wife 7 years ago, and now his life is in shambles, his trailer is a complete mess, rotten food in the fridge, car dinged up, unkempt old man. All he needs is a maid.

[@marlynnek6449]

mark stefaniw - but he was a young man when he wrote it. He was a rockstar and didn't want commitment just somebody to be around when he needed them. His soul wanted more but the circumstances wouldn't allow it

[@shawnallen9275]

No man is an island, I guess...

[@andy96356]

That's what is amazing about this song ,it was written from a young man's perspective,yet fits perfectly with with your 79 year old father's feelings as well.

[@trple2]

@@marlynnek6449 this is a raw account of his feelings at the time. a young man who can afford a maid.

[@donotwantahandle1111]

This song gets me everytime I hear it...what a great performance considering the backing instruments used on Harvest!

[@jeanwalter6889]

A Haunting melody and poignant lyrics, he was at his best when very young and pure, a kid straight off a farm in Canada. He does not play the piano anymore in concert. But, I do love this song.

[@326vince]

Yea. Almost 2022. Still amazing. And yes. It’s deep

[@michaelcohen7343]

It’s exactly how I feel right now! It’s a breathtaking song! A masterpiece expressing the broken heart!

[@patrickbrmcardle]

this is like one of the most soulful songs I've ever heard...I luv you, Neil

[@artlover4668]

When you look at the audience sitting quiet and still, you realize.....they are awestruck. They were witnessing a genius in their presence. Thank you Neil for your music. Signed your neighbor in the Santa Cruz mountains!!!

[@slhullihen]

Yes exactly go to concert now And people behind you will talk through the whole performance

[@RideswithChuck]

I never understood this song until just now.

[@johnlongo200]

Still so deep....I was 22 and my father died. I also discovered Harvest. Still goes to my bones. Have to be alone to listen to this.........when will I see you again........

[@letsif]

Deep songs like this and John Lennon's "Mother" move me to no end.

[@pamgreene8179]

I grew up listening to Neil Young and it still warms my heart to hear his messages wrapped in the lovely melodies. He is a national treasure, I hope the youth of the world listens to his genius. At this time in our country's history it seems to be a repeat of my youth, Thank you Mr. Young , hopefully we will find our way once again.

[@lisabelinda666]

my life is changing in so many ways i don't know who to trust anymore there's a shadow running thru my days like a beggar going from door to door it's hard to make that change.

[@artlover2102]

amazing dear Lisa :):)

[@lisabelinda666]

Art Lover bridges today. good harmony. we reach deeply, artiste.

[@artlover2102]

Lisa Belinda :):)

[@cymballine1]

Pure genius. One of Neil's best.

[@laviergededomremy9670]

This is just heart-breaking. Reason and Soul converse in a moving dialogue which does not leave any doubts... the Soul reveals what the Reason hides: a man does not need a maid, a man needs to "live a Love" and to "live a Love" he has to be "part of". Simply "sublime".

[@Craig-bz3dm]

La Vierge de Domremy That is the most beautiful explanation of this masterpiece that I have ever read. You brought tears to this mans soul I must admit.

[@laura.a.peters]

I have always loved this song. I'm a 54 year old woman who has loved this song since I was a teenager at 17. I believe in Neil and the angst for which this song was written. The person he described in this song *does* need a maid. It is endearing for a woman to take care of her man in this way, in my opinion.

[@dingodave9160]

Neil, You always found such a good way to touch my young and impressionable heart!❤❤❤❤❤

[@lyndapeterson8212]

All I can say is that I love you and your music from the very bottom of my heat, thanks NEIL YOUNG. I love you and your music more than life itself...

[@anitatoledo481]

Lindisima música!!!!!!!....

[@56webbo]

Just perfect.

[@gabrieltorres7466]

the rift to this song is absolutely gorgeous and his voice as well

[@matthewcoombs3282]

"Its hard to make that change, when life and love turn strange....." Jesus he wrote this in his early 20s.....how did he has such maturity, these are the words of man hit hard by the loss of a love.....this song is so vulnerable and moving.

[@Mikemcoupe]

Fuckin' corduroy rocks, as does Neil's music. This music will always be there.This fluff will fade away, the milestones last forever.

[@archie977]

this video realy shows his skill and talent.

[@lisad7788]

+archie977 I was thinking the same thing.

[@ednalherault8978]

Neil Y. is an amazing pianist , guitarist and vocalist and an environmentalist who truly cares about our country and its future. Live on, Mother Earth. I fell in love with my only true love whom I still dearly love to Mr. Youngs melodies. Stay in the circle, Neil.(: )

[@sharonhouser7838]

There is nothing sexist about Neil's music . It is a story . Neil is crying out ! Open your hearts. Take the plugs out of your ears. Listen to the words. We love you ❤️ Neil 😘

[@bfinera]

Sharon you got it

[@Our_creepy_adventures]

The music and his voice in this scared me and gave me crazy dreams as a kid when my dad played music at night.. I'm 42

[@CFaltomare]

Neil's songs are and forever will be deep im my heart. thre are no words to express how much his music and his spirit have inspired my life. Thanks Neil!!!

[@NinaGuth-hg5eh]

There is something about Neil Youngs way of singing that grabs your heart.I still love the sound of his voice.!!

[@johncorbin9599]

This was always my favorite cut from this album, even as a kid. I grew up with 5 bros; our mom died when I was 8. I could see, even then, how man really is better off, perhaps more grounded with that woman's presence. Funny how so many of us here are projecting, right?

[@richneuman9113]

I am astonished how many folks, including some musicians, have never heard this song…his signature song and truly a masterpiece!

[@johnjordan717]

It's a great song, but I wouldn't call it his signature song, or even put it in the top five for recognition.

[@void0094]

Wow, I never heard this before. Very emotional performance.

[@paulorlando6087]

I hope Neil Young will remember..... Spotify don't need him around anyhow!

[@MrSirDrew]

My life is changin' in so many ways I don't know who to trust anymore There's a shadow runnin' through my days Like a beggar goin' from door to door I was thinking that maybe I'd get a maid Find a place nearby for her to stay Just someone to keep my house clean Fix my meals and go away A maid, a man needs a maid A maid It's hard to make that change When life and love turns strange and cold To give a love, you gotta live a love To live a love, you gotta be part of' When will I see you again? A while ago somewhere, I don't know when I was watchin' a movie with a friend I fell in love with the actress She was playin' a part that I could understand A maid, a man needs a maid A maid, a man needs a maid When will I see you again?

[@keeganmoore7298]

Touches your soul, this can mean anything deep to anyone. So relative. So beautiful.

[@CurriedBat]

Effortlessly brilliant. The way Neil Young speaks of this song, and all of his music really... it's like a painter who knows all the strokes by heart. I didn't' want to be cheesy and say he reminds me of Bob Ross, but the way Bob spoke while he painted, like he had painted the same picture once before (as he actually did) strikes a similar note to this.

[@lemaghribi]

They are both genuine artists. I like your comparison.

[@joshq7371]

When they refer to a musician as an "artist "..... People like Neil Young should come to mind

[@Gavhouse]

So much emotion in one song, it's almost hard to listen to.

[@jaycorby]

Neil on the piano in this piece is beyond awesome. He knows how to elicit emotions from deep down in the core. He and I were the same age when he did this concert. Proud to say I'm of the generation that witnessed talent and musicianship of this high caliber. We're not apt to see the likes of this soon again.

[@HomeroTV95]

Me and my ex were both actors and that actress line hits different now...

[@carolr.556]

Amazing resonance..Just incredible vocal performance!

[@mangbanong8405]

This song! A 36 year old woman bring me home for goods. Was 30 years old then.

[@4pertur3]

Beautiful composition.

[@leesher1845]

A masterpiece. What a thrill to have been there.

[@petermercer6282]

Brilliant just heard this for the first time.....completely Brilliant and mind blowing

[@tommydurante6245]

la domestica di cui si ha bisogno è il nuovo orizzonte che "pulisca" la nostra anima e ci dia la volontà di amare la vita, come una donna si prenderebbe cura veramente del proprio uomo. Gran canzone, romantica e drammatica nello stesso tempo. La voce di Nei Young, come quella di Fabrizio De André, è tra quelle cose da salvare in questo tempo intriso di falsità. Finché ci saranno poeti come questi... c'è speranza in un mondo migliore.

[@patrickconton752]

Un piano , une voix et beaucoup d'émotions 😢

[@Sammyandbobsdad]

I prefer this a thousand times more than the album version with the strings. Maybe a single cello for the bridge.

[@JNortron41]

I've gotten old enough to feel this song, just want someone to check on me and let me pass on. Don't want people around anymore.

[@JesseOsher]

His best song. Yes better than Heart of Gold and Old Man. Prove me wrong. 🙃

[@leftybass5860]

Pounds those keys just like he does Old Black. Will always be one of my heroes.

[@cristinaromeo4655]

Thank You every song come at the right time to help...and reveal...............

[@sullyboy1974]

This song is so powerful, it makes me cry its that beautiful.

[@jeffcampbell2400]

Hauntingly Beautiful...

[@allisonpayne2097]

A honest song with Neil Young singing with passion😎

[@bfinera]

Yes my friend.. honest. Pure. Peace

[@ankeunruh7364]

is someone here who can play the piano AND the guitar? And sing along to both, very different songs? I can't. I never saw one in the age of 'about twenty'.

[@brianmungermusic1744]

Imagine being in that room. ❤

[@brownrm47]

This is the definition of pouring out your heart.

[@g.g.rebimik8455]

Haunting......and great!

[@stewartsanders2511]

The BBC do these concerts the best no1 else gets closer 🇬🇧 this is the best he will ever sound live

[@dennismcmahon7734]

Time stands still when i here this and brings me back to 1972 homdel nj third field playing acustic guitars on a blanket with my girlfreind /now my wife and my brother since past miss ya! john and many great freinds that stopped by to smoke some weed and have a cold one and just enjoy the day neil young is the best songwriter/singer of my lifetime .