Big Star - The Ballad of El Goodo (Official Lyric Video)

[@kkirkpatrick2130]

We played this song at the funeral of my beloved husband of 40 years. Big Star was one of his favorite groups, and this song of course is a standout. He had a hard life and fought hard to live it as well as possible. Words can't describe how deeply he's mourned, but this song gives me comfort. Thank you, Big Star. Say hi to him for me.

[@edgytryhard]

sorry for ur loss.

[@buck_swope]

[@MinMin-mm5vz]

Sorry for your hubby, i think he really was a good person ❤️

[@mattgilbert7347]

If you're out there listening to this and feeling..not ok, just remember: Hold on. Hold on..

[@michaelskurski912]

If you dont get emotional listening to this song you don't have a soul

[@LPJack02]

RIP the three members of Big Star Alex Chilton (December 28, 1950 - March 17, 2010), aged 59 Chris Bell (January 12, 1951 - December 27, 1978), aged 27 Andy Hummel (January 26, 1951 - July 19, 2010), aged 59 You will be remembered as legends

[@thekidfromiowa]

Dang. Alex and Andy died the same year at the same age. :(

[@mikeknowles8017]

I got to work with Andy a little in his later career in Aerospace and I can tell you he was highly regarded by many people including me. He came down on my side of an argument with company leadership one time and I owed him one. RIP Andy - A legend indeed.

[@edhelvey]

@@thekidfromiowa Chris died the day before Alex turned 28.

[@fede018]

Two died at 59? crazy coincidence

[@edgytryhard]

Jody Stephens is still alive, he is in a band called "those pretty wrongs"

[@cinnamongirlinterrupted]

This song has been a comfort song for me the past couple of months when I've been struggling a lot

[@bossrjc]

It’ll be ok.

[@pablozewoppa]

Is this not the most beautiful song ever? Hold on.

[@A.Chosen_One.]

🙏 amen

[@cmr5954]

My husband (of 32 years) and I chose this song as our 1st dance. It’s forever on video ❤

[@brentlidstone1982]

I can't believe I didn't even know about this band when I was a teenager. Apparently they were really popular among music heads back in the 1970s but their lack of commercial success caused them to fade into history. Yet they were SO incredibly ahead of their time - these guys probably progressed pop music more than ANY other band in the 1970s. We're only now realizing just how much influence they had on pushing pop music forward in the early 70s and they don't get the credit they deserve.

[@colinwilson4609]

The reasonably good 1980s indie band called the Replacements had a song called Alex Chilton. So my friends and I did some research, and , yes, (sorry about all the commas), the guy was super cool. From the Box Tops "Letter" song to India, to September Gurls; whatta band!

[@phillipschloss3984]

An all star tribute band touring now Aug 2024

[@scottmooneyham5521]

Among the college indie bands making the club rounds on the East Coast in the 1980s, Alex Chilton was a near deity. Many of them promoted him, cared for him, did what they could to help him make a living and keep his career alive. Don Dixon was probably the leader that.

[@phillipschloss3984]

Concert was simply amazing at the cats cradle in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

[@phairlever]

This is neck and neck with the best songs I've ever heard.

[@theonemodifier]

It's amazing especially when the backup harmonies kick in on the second verse. What's another one you think is close?

[@ih8music]

I never travel far without a little Big Star... and after you hear songs like this, you understand why.

[@herbertrichard614]

Good idea, thanks.

[@edhelvey]

When I heard Paul Westerberg sing that line on the Replacements' song "Alex Chilton", I had no idea who Big Star or Alex Chilton were - no internet in 1987. No Big Star on the radio either. I only knew "The Letter" by the Box Tops - Alex's band.

[@shruggzdastr8-facedclown]

That rhyme would make a great song lyric -- even an opening line to a song, or the first line of the chorus!

[@kennyberry5171]

I can't believe I'm just getting exposed to this music. Hell, I was playing in Memphis with a band out of Mobile, AL from January through February, 1973 and even THEN didn't hear anything about them. I'm 71 now, still a working musician, still a shameless Beatles and Brian Wilson fan, but I'm amazed that nobody in Memphis was raving about Big Star. WTF?? I'm going to listen to everything I can get my hands on.

[@scottmooneyham5521]

It’s taken me most of my life to get this band. Perhaps that’s because I listened to its musical disciples - The Cars, the DBs and Marshall Crenshaw- before I ever heard them. Listening with fresher ears now, the music makes sense even if it seems dated (which plenty of music does).

[@billbaggins1688]

From a purely selfish viewpoint, I am glad Big Star did not get the recognition their three incredible albums deserve. Familiarity breeds contempt. These songs sounds so fresh and vital today in part because they have not been played to death like some other powerpop masterpieces.

[@billyboy1093]

Well put, call me selfish as well, I'm glad I can get into an elevator or go to the grocery store without hearing some crap instrumental version of this wonderful song.

[@andrewmello367]

In true big star fashion, no one knows about this video for some reason. Best lyric video I have ever seen.

[@herbertrichard614]

I am an artist and completely agree with your assessment. It is beautifully done! Perfectly honors a great song.

[@jeffreywebb7932]

Agreed

[@theonemodifier]

Brilliant song! When those harmonies kick in on the second verse, goosebumps every time

[@urosmilosevic6003]

Otis and Maeve 🌠❤️

[@andrejissitt1635]

I was looking for a fellow fan :) Such a bittersweet ending

[@hadiofficiel9755]

Yes !!!💔😓

[@chaturvediakbarsanthosh34]

Such heart touching sense

[@kristellbrysonn]

Yesss

[@claytonradford1194]

You know your shit aha

[@scottnixon9367]

Never heard of these guys until I watched a documentary on Prime. Sad they never made it big in their time.

[@mackeydirk8643]

Big Star just makes me happy....thank you Chris Bell and Alex Chiltom

[@johnchesterman6016]

One of the greatest bands in the world

[@carmaigdeforest7284]

Great song. Cool video.

[@ParchedPinemarten]

At my side is God amen

[@michaelulbricht9438]

How are they so "under known?" I'm an older musician and I had to "discover" them myself. #1 Record & Radio City are 2 of the best albums of all time!

[@voraciousreader3341]

Bad marketing by their label is given as a reason for their lack of success, based on good sources. Sorry! I just don’t think they’re that good so I won’t join in the ballyhoo, it just isn’t my thing. Every once in awhile I’ll come back for a listen in case I might have been crabby when I listened the previous times. But I wasn’t. I find them very derivative of the Beatles, specifically McCartney, who also isn’t my favorite Beatle, so that may be the source of my lack of response. They also remind me of Rockpile, but I like Rockpile’s music much more. And the band I feel sorriest for is Bad Finger; even though they enjoyed both critical and commercial success, they never saw a dime of money until after the 2nd of their lineup committed suicide out of sheer despair.

[@erscott13]

I read in comments on KZbin that one of the reasons they didn't make it big was because their distributer went out of business.

[@charlieevergreen3514]

@@michaelulbricht9438 Hey Michael. Of course you’re entitled to see suicide as you see fit, but I’d like to suggest that anyone’s suicide is probably much more complicated than another person can see. To characterize it as mental weakness seems too harsh to me. Maybe that’s the best description in some cases, but in many cases, there are multiple factors, some of which can even be physical, in the brain. Factors that no human would be immune to, should they encounter them. In any case, I’m just suggesting that you consider that at least some suicide victims are just that: victims. Not cowards, weaklings, or fools, even though there are surely those as well. Just a thought. Best of luck to you.

[@michaelulbricht9438]

Charlie, what a well written and thoughtful response. I agree with everything that you said and I'm going to delete the post. We all make mistakes and I'm not afraid to admit when I make one. Take care, stay well, and Peace!

[@candidcook-up8865]

@@voraciousreader3341 they are so terrible that you periodically revisit them to see if they still suck. that just indicates they are good.

[@mainmaam]

An essential rock and roll band.

[@sigurdhamre1907]

Amazing song from an amazing album! Just what we need right now.

[@elisecliftonklitz]

The best rock ballad ever! For the good guys! Rip Alex Chilton, Chris Bell & Andy Hummel and John Fry. Memphis Finest🙏" at my side is God. .ain't no one going to turn me round ". Still relative in 2020❤❤❤

[@mattmcdonald6202]

My favourite dilemma with this lyric is always what "round" meant to them.

[@elisecliftonklitz]

@@mattmcdonald6202 I know! The lyrics were inspired by a debate at TGI Friday's w producer John Fry's secretary, Diane. ( written on napkins)...anyway the debate was about religion. But she was trying to turn him round to her religion. (But I personally thought it referred to the music biz stuff he experienced w the Box Tops, not sure.) Don't know the details of the religion Diane & he discussed but El Goodo was code for God. I heard Jody say that.. so who knows... but Diane was also a muse for September Gurls as well. I know this because Diane was my babysitter when I was a kid in Memphis & she told me about it years later!

[@mattmcdonald6202]

@@elisecliftonklitz I definitely agree that their themes were often simultaneously spiritual and profane - and sometimes caught awkwardly and even dangerously split over the two, like a number of both Alex's and Chris's musical and personal "excesses". It took me a couple of decades to also realise just how important it is to understand the identities and influence of the people around them - that became clear to me after seeing a retrospective of the photographic work of William Eggleston, who shot the iconic cover of "Radio City": proxymusic.club/2018/12/07/william-eggleston-album-covers/

[@elisecliftonklitz]

@@mattmcdonald6202 Eggleston was quoted as telling Alex he didn't like the music much on Radio City! Alex loved that he told him that!! Great stories surround the band!!

[@elisecliftonklitz]

Also Eggleston is a classical pianist so it makes sense!

[@udipadhikari8483]

Absolutely otis and maeve❤️

[@drewsturgeon9511]

Unbelievable song! The production is simply stunning!

[@marcelostemposki9002]

Big Star and Alex Chilton 4 ever!!!!

[@JCStorm76]

Classic. Big Stars best album in my opinion

[@mosesnaedele3727]

My friend Paul K of Paul K and The Weathermen used to cover this song. Paul K was the finest songwriter to emerge from the Lexington, Kentucky underground music scene in the eighties and nineties. He wrote amazing songs and covered really good ones such as this fine song. All Hail Big Star and class acts like Paul K who had the fine taste to cover songs such as this...

[@notlameguy]

As person who's live was changed by Big Star as a 12-year old in 1975, I was not expecting to be reminded of a deeper, more powerful message of one of the bands' songs I was not aware of. How off-target I was(I should know better). Their brilliance and relevance brought into profound relevance and importance on March 23, 2020. THANK YOU to person who created this...

[@renodavid]

Bruce, what Big Star music did you hear in 1975 and how did you miss the first album? It’s very cool that you get such a wonderful surprise 40 years later. Such a gift.

[@elisecliftonklitz]

The lyrics were written by my friend Alex Chilton on napkins in a bar, TGI Fridays in Memphis. Alex was debating the music biz and God (el goodo) with Diane, John Frys secretary, and it was recorded at Ardent

[@notlameguy]

@@elisecliftonklitz Well, the backdrop makes it even more interesting for fans...thank you for the extra info connected to its origin!

[@elisecliftonklitz]

@@notlameguy u r welcome! Diane his muse later married Fred Smith and had 8 kids. Smith owns Fed Ex! (She is the original September Gurl as well... me too I met Alex when he was recording September Gurls in 1973). Chilton knew during his super hits with the Box Tops and touring with the superstars that "they sit (*zip) you down and stand you in a row.. tell u what to do...you can just say No" or something like that.❤ Ballad of El goodo Memphis music went bankrupt after Stax folded in the mid 70s and Big Star records sat in a warehouse! No distribution

[@econogate]

@@elisecliftonklitz should have just broke in and distributed them themselves, i would have tried! To put your heart and soul into something and have it rotting away in a warehouse!!!

[@jeffdawson2786]

They have many great songs that I like, but I keep coming back to this one. Maybe everybody does. Wow.

[@mattmcdonald6202]

I reckon a lot of us start here... and keep coming back, when the mood is right and we feel like contemplating their unadulterated gems, not just their brittle, near-miss masterpieces.

[@HoratioFitzbastard]

That chorus never fails to make my ears feel amazing.

[@lxx5045]

The video gives this beautiful song another take, love it.

[@skinheadsbowling]

That the beautiful man who wrote this beautiful song died at 59 because he couldn't afford health insurance is a reminder of what a horrible fucked world we live in. RIP Alex.

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

he died because he was too stupid to get to an emergency room apparently having chest pains for days and ignoring the warnings of a heart attack that eventually killed him a few days later people without health insurance get medical attention everyday nothing wrong with the world we live in Maybe he just needed a better job than being a washed up musician without benefits

[@skinheadsbowling]

@@buzzedalldrink9131 You sound lovely

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

@@skinheadsbowling by lovely Im sure you mean truthful and honest thats what happened

[@skinheadsbowling]

@@buzzedalldrink9131 I'll leave it to your own imagination

[@austinechomusic]

Rock and roll, etc

[@Abegoldhatch]

I used to ignore this song among their other great stuff, but at this moment I should confess that I was heavily wrong and this masterpiece is as great as their other great songs. Rest In Peace Alex Chilton, you’re the biggest star ever 🌟

[@theonemodifier]

Chris Bell sure did add his touch to this one

[@Abegoldhatch]

@@theonemodifier God bless his soul, I’ve always felt sorry for his death. He was too beautiful and good to die. Too fast to live & too young to die. May he rests in heavenly peace.

[@wasntborntofollow]

Glorious Chorus! ❤️🎯

[@AJLangford]

If Jesus was a singer/songwriter, he couldn't have done better than this. Pure and simple genius.

[@VomitPinata]

Jesus was a carpenter. And a Capricorn. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3THl4yhirWpitU If you haven't been hipped to this, you're welcome. If you have, welcome back.

[@elisecliftonklitz]

Chilton wrote several great ones. Check out Jesus Christ( was born today) and Blue Moon from Big Star Third

[@matthatter2849]

This comes from deep within the heart and soul. These are definitely lyrics inspired by God I believe. They give a message of hope that things will be alright. But not in the the self-centered way today's pop stars try to relay that message. And Jesus said some INCREDIBLE things that could be set to music.

[@elisecliftonklitz]

@@matthatter2849 listen to "Jesus Christ" (was born today) from Big Star 3. & "Blue Moon" from Big Star 3. Also, Chris Bell wrote "Look Up" as a solo artist, it is about God too. But I agree that the Ballad of El Goodo is one of those anthems that is truly inspirational "🎶...years ago my heart was set to live...against unbelievable odds.....its seems so hard in times like this to hold on....but....at my side is God"🎶 & ain't no one going to turn me round

[@ignatiusd4562]

Recently discovered Big Star. Looking forward to hearing and learning more about this band.

[@dr.wynthomas4985]

Ah, the memories - some good, some not so good. What a song!

[@davidjohnson5983]

Awesome band I just heard of them the other day and I love older music

[@erscott13]

This song was written about Viet Nam. But the words are great for keeping me sober.

[@Silva-sr2xz]

The best gospel song

[@JG-oi5gg]

This is the best song in the world

[@startervisions]

The best power pop album of the classic rock era. The rock n roll era had The Beatles...the punk era had Ramones...the new wave era had The Cars...the hardcore era had Descendents...the college rock era had Husker Du...the alternative era had Teenage Fanclub...the emo era had Weezer...and then in the pop punk era it all came full circle. Big Star are the main connection between rock n roll and indie rock. They were essentially the first power pop band.

[@e11aguru]

Badfinger and Raspberries were around the same time. Big Star was more influential to indie/alternative though.

[@herbertrichard614]

Correct. Big Star invented a sub-genre of rock music. And we all are the better for it.

[@nedzadbadnjevic6885]

Rest in Peace,Brothers.

[@anishshrestha7704]

What a great song to end the season❤

[@urielsalinas1812]

I need S4!

[@anishshrestha7704]

@@urielsalinas1812 we all need S4

[@urielsalinas1812]

@@anishshrestha7704 How unfair, right? It seems that Netflix hates us😂, it brings them together a chapter and in the end it separates them again .. If Otis does not stay with Maeve, let him stay with Rubí, I liked that couple too

[@anishshrestha7704]

@@urielsalinas1812 exactly, They always leave us with disappointment at the end. I hope S4 will end in good note.

[@finkboy66]

Do yourself a favor and listen to this record in vinyl form - I swear it adds another dimension.

[@theonemodifier]

Yes! Digital is merely a reference. Analog rules!!!

[@94HEATH94]

This video is so well done!

[@ronbo11]

I heartily agree! Fantastic.

[@matthatter2849]

I couldn't agree more. The video soothes the soul just like the song itself. Poor Chris Bell. I wish he had held onto these lyrics in his times of darkness.

[@ragpicker006]

​@@matthatter2849Did Chris write the words? I thought it was entirely a Chilton song.

[@matthatter2849]

@ragpicker006 I don't think Chris wrote this, but he should've taken the words to heart. But we know that when someone suffers from depression, they can't.

[@tygerstripes3752]

I love this song so much, and this video is the elegant visualization of the lyrics through the Big Star logo. Simple and clean. *chef's kiss* Perfect!

[@tygerstripes3752]

I'll pass on the vinyl, I prefer CD. Don't miss all those hisses, crackles, skips and pops at all.

[@pratikbendre2080]

Otis and Maeve man this song really suits it..

[@snoopdoggdankkush9285]

The greatest band that never was

[@kjdman]

I was just coming to write “the greatest unknown classic rock band of all time”. Lol. How did I go 42 years without hearing this!

[@snoopdoggdankkush9285]

​@@kjdman I read Big Star's label closed down or something and thats why a lot of their music didn't get to be heard ):

[@mattmcdonald6202]

You won't ever hear rock / pop the same way again. Congrats / sorry....

[@snoopdoggdankkush9285]

@@mattmcdonald6202 power pop (:

[@orphanoforbit7588]

@@snoopdoggdankkush9285 it's better not to stamp music with any specific genre. Just let it alone.

[@Cardatwork]

What a thing of wonder this song is.

[@thecharlesfoley]

I like how this runs off into the wild with Carole's Big Star logo flourecent bit. I'm sure she would dig this video. I love it.

[@elisecliftonklitz]

Rip Carole Manning. Another Big Star gone too soon. She died of cancer shortly after Alex passed.

[@jerrywithers8118]

One dislike?? There'll always be SOMEONE who doesn't get Big Star [ :P ] ...

[@TimeTraveller010]

>

[@mattmcdonald6202]

Most. It's ok.

[@flyertown9893]

Years ago, my heart was set to live, oh And I've been trying hard against unbelievable odds It gets so hard in times like now to hold on But guns they wait to be stuck by, at my side is God And there ain't no one going to turn me 'round Ain't no one going to turn me 'round There's people around who tell you that they know And places where they send you, and it's easy to go They'll zip you up and dress you down and stand you in a row But you know you don't have to, you could just say no And there ain't no one going to turn me 'round Ain't no one going to turn me 'round Ain't no one going to turn me 'round Ain't no one going to turn me 'round I've been built up and trusted Broke down and busted But they'll get theirs and we'll get ours if you can Just-a hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on Years ago, my heart was set to live, oh Though I've been trying hard against strong odds It gets so hard in times like now to hold on Well, I'll fall if I don't fight, and at my side is God And there ain't no one going to turn me 'round Ain't no one going to turn me 'round Ain't no one going to turn me 'round Ain't no one going to turn me 'round Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on Traduire en français

[@tristramcoffin926]

This is the best lyrics video I have seen in some time. First off, the lyrics are correct which isn't a given with these things. Also, the graphics are well done in theme. Really good job.

[@thomasnelson5758]

Beautifully animated video. Hope you guys do this for all the #1 Record songs. And then Radio City. And then Third/Sister Lovers

[@swiinow]

this is gas 🔥

[@jacobseal]

Absolutely brilliant song.

[@mainmaam]

"Nothing Can Hurt Me", by Rob Jovanovic; best book on the band's history!

[@keithstewart934]

We'll fall if we don't fight...and at our side is God Deus Vult

[@grv7437]

Big Star and The Kinks have the perfect songs to suit Wes Anderson movies!

[@jhill2704]

Definitely my song for the last few years

[@erscott13]

Awesome visuals! Thanks for making them.

[@markb2255]

I am El Goodo.

[@Donhasi1]

Hart touching song,,,lovers dont give up,,,go forward wht ever happened ,,,70 are best rock music

[@johnwhatsittoya6374]

Such a beautiful tune. Those harmonies are so sweet and smooth and slow like honey. One of their very finest! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@johnwhatsittoya6374]

Also- The video was awesome... Easily and by far the best lyric video I’ve ever seen. 👍👍

[@martinquarton8535]

Fabulous video to a brilliant song.

[@neel6212]

"YOU ARE NOW LEAVING MOORDALE COME BACK SOON"

[@urielsalinas1812]

The big question is ... will she come back?🤔😢

[@doggystaves]

Amazing song. Ain't no one to turn to turn me round!

[@lewistasso8866]

To me, this song sounds like a song I could have heard John Lennon singing. Something about it reminds me of John Lennon or George Harrison.

[@HoratioFitzbastard]

George Harrison definitely could have slotted a perfect cover of this on "All Things Must Pass".

[@n0tsane]

I'm here after Sex Education S3E8. Unfortunate that I didn't know about it earlier. Thnks to Netflix for using such a great song to end the season.

[@Shotterpathe]

Thanks otis and maeve ...

[@amithaldar7453]

Like for maeve and otis 🖤

[@stevenhenry5267]

Such a great song.

[@kientrantrung6185]

I come here from SE

[@naeemakhtar928]

NO ONE GIVES AF STHU ALREADY

[@trupax2210]

Wow, I needed that. Thanks.

[@timbraman2658]

It's a nice little video

[@misterspookyman]

Does Big Star really only have 3k subscribers? That's so Big Star. Smh.

[@kristineluna5765]

This is so good 😌😌👍

[@Slyfish-67]

Reminds me of old school speed,93 Melbourne

[@martinevensen406]

Lovely tune

[@marianeves8890]

This video is great is realy good...💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@deadlykiss827]

Maeve on her way to America... :)

[@raddimusmcchoyber3362]

Children by the million...

[@DavidSush1]

Scream for Alex Chilton. Or so Paul Westerberg told me. I had the opportunity to meet Alex Chilton after one of his late-life concerts in a club in Cleveland. We had a nice little conversation of his appreciation and friendship with the Replacements leader. It was a really cool moment.

[@laizy04]

Such a perfect song to end Sex Education season 3

[@PuddingAtheist]

2:19 that's fantastic.

[@3ZX8Ball]

Awesome!!!!

[@jman6178]

George Harrison would of loved these guys😮😮

[@sadikimohammed6636]

Like for Otis and Maeve

[@iamadamchristian]

yup!

[@dogperday]

Awesome.

[@emmetrigg71]

Byrds meets Kinks with a bit of Gram Parson, no song has a hook as good as this

[@mattmcdonald6202]

Except - maybe - September Gurls from #2. Yeah, they were THAT good. But best with Chris and Alex. Damn, we miss them both.

[@sunflowerprepper6025]

Love this thank you

[@okalright8980]

Love it ⭐

[@stefanwenk]

Who would've have known but EJ Wells!

[@Pedrocuca7]

I ve heard this song on sex education season 3 and i loved it

[@hadiofficiel9755]

Moi aussi

[@anuragbachute9804]

Here after sex education s3

[@precinct1baltimorecountyre588]

I'm 58 played in a 80a cover band. And never heard of them. And if this is a sample. Hhmmf. Sounds like a Beatle trying a solo album trying to make it solo

[@ojhajinamaste3469]

Otis and Maeve 🥺

[@rohitpal9755]

I heard it in the last episode of s3 of sex ed