Bruce Hornsby & The Range - The Way It Is REACTION!

[@jerryguajardo6367]

Bruce on a piano is just what this world needs. Absolutely incredible artists.

[@renlessard]

When Bruce Hornsby is playing you know exactly who it is. Such a distinctive sound

[@grantog123]

Exactly

[@cog4life]

Love to watch him play this song. It’s amazing!! 😊such a beautiful piece! 😊

[@athlonen]

Here's the big thing about this song: while everyone catches that Tupac sampled this (at his shows, Bruce introduces this song as "here's a song written by Tupac!" and the audience laughs!), and the piano work, everyone who hears this song for the first time misses the social commentary on this, and that's what makes this song relevant. He talks about a poor lady during the dust bowl/Great Depression time (mid 1930s/1940s), when a lot of people were on welfare, with a guy going by in a suit, telling her to "get a job". He then talks about a kid not being able to do what others do because of his race, and when called out on it, just says "That's just the way it is." Then he gets to the "law in '64", which is the Civil Rights Act (see Martin Luther King), he talks about how people of color can't do or participate in activities with whites at that time due to a racial barrier - The Line on the Color Bar. This man goes deep with his lyrics. You want more? Check out Look Out any Window, The Valley Road (the video for this has nothing to do with the lyrics), Mandolin Rain, and Every Little Kiss.

[@RowdyRuth]

Thank you that was very informative and I enjoyed reading it.

[@elbruces]

Yeah, there's a reason Tupac sampled this.

[@allanmacmillan7823]

Rainbow's Cadillac

[@Sam1jere]

Something I can add about Hornsby's song, Valley Road, is it was inspired by his time in Nairobi, Kenya 🇰🇪 We do have a Valley Road that leads to our Central Business District.

[@TheBikagyura]

Another funny story about Bruce: He also plays the piano on Bonnie Raitt's "I can't make you love me", which I didn't know when I first heard it, by that time I only knew Bruce for this song (I knew he was a great pianist in other words). But when I first listened to the Bonnie Raitt song what really stood out to me was the piano playing. It was so on point! It basically never happens to me that a single instrument has such an impact on a song that I just have to look up who's playing. So I was really surprised, and really unsurprised at the same time when I discovered it was him.

[@ZomboneTheBassist]

Dude, Billy. Seriously. Bruce Hornsby - Mandolin Rain. That song will touch your soul and bring a tear to your eye. Trust me.

[@timothyzdroik890]

Mandolin rain is my daughters song sang into her 10 mins after she was born and 6 years she still love it

[@marieaug9322]

Oh yeah.. mandolin rain

[@jeffharry9675]

YES!. Mandolin Rain is the BOMB!

[@abarton1978]

Total agree.

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

And the followup, The River Runs Low, hits like a lovesick hammer to the heart

[@tedharvick9010]

Bruce can tickle those ivories. Great reaction, Sir

[@jumplittledoggiejumpjump9112]

There have been "woke" white males long before "woke" was a thing. I think you would also like to hear 'Another day in paradise" from Phil Collins. A message that shows great compassion for the down trodden. Would love to see-hear you react to that GREAT song.

[@rodthebodfromcanada]

What people are calling "woke" most of us just call basic human decency

[@foghornleghornish]

Streets of London - Ralph McTell (1968)

[@gwillis01]

Bruce Hornsby was writing about the racism he saw growing up in his hometown.

[@samuelplacensia9979]

This song is not about racism. Stop bringing racism into every single thing!! The 80s were a different time not everyone was sensitive and focused on racism everywhere.

[@happy629]

@@samuelplacensia9979Sorry to disappoint you, but Bruce Hornsby’s own words about HIS song: “.. the song is meant to evoke people to give to the poor and to protest against racial segregation, white supremacy and economic value.” You only need to listen to the lyrics to understand that.🙄

[@ronni5467]

Nope​@@happy629

[@kevino4846]

@@samuelplacensia9979 Wow, you really need to listen to it a few more times. Instead of saying not to bring racism into everything, try admitting that it's still alive and well. And that's not a good thing. Thanks, Bruce for bringing it to the forefront in your time.

[@EriksAngel15]

Bruce grew up in Williamsburg Va. Racism is the topic of the song.

[@leespurlock3911]

for some reason this song has brought me too tears this morning.

[@JenniferSmith-is8mt]

What’s cool about this to me is that even though you didn’t know the song obviously Tupac DID. The lyrics he wrote actually expound on the original. Both songs tell different versions of the same story that NEEDS to be told. Both are phenomenal, and hopefully those who haven’t heard Tupac will now listen to his song. He didn’t take over or take away; he added to the greatness that was already there

[@SkyShazad]

Damn Right

[@dhaisley]

I will go and listen to it now. Thanks.

[@sarahdell4042]

Bruce usually refers to his own song as a Tupac song as well, which is great.

[@thedukeparty]

Well said

[@robster-vision475]

😇

[@lutherl2350]

Bruce Hornsby and Huey Lewis were two of my favorites in the 80's.

[@rondag.3761]

Luther, mine too! The 80's had some great singers and songs.

[@joepegel]

Huey actually helped Bruce get his first record contract. So Bruce let Huey record his song "Jacob's Ladder", which became a hit single for Huey. Bruce recorded his version of it on his second album. On the same album, Huey played harmonica on a song called "Defenders of the Flag".

[@Lance37a]

@@joepegel Huey is on the first record as well, Down the road tonight.

[@tinaharp9213]

Forgot about that one Thanks for the reminder!!

[@jjsdad4952]

Huey Lewis - super duper underrated

[@usfreight]

I went to High School with him, he was a year ahead. His family owned Hornesby fuel oil company. Simplier time back then... 1970 era.

[@lautarorial3880]

and are you still in contact with him?

[@usfreight]

No. We all moved on.

[@sherrythomas3028]

When I am really sad I always listen to his song Mandolin Rain

[@theresarandall7448]

Love Mandolin Rain

[@marko.9615]

I think Mandolin Rain is a better song actually

[@SilentHunter245]

Mandolin Rain has always been my favorite of his.

[@energeez]

one of my favorites. i used to have a $2000 headphone audiophile rig and mandolin rain was always my go to. MEZMERIZING

[@jamielynn8662]

Yes!! Great song!!!

[@juventusventuno9213]

The piano solo makes you want to cry, yes, even in the store when you shopping

[@cheshorcatbeats1273]

That man can play the hell out of a piano!

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

The man can really play that piano...and then sing and write music...it just ain't fair sometimes. This song works on many levels and 30 plus years later it is still listenable and relevant.

[@stevent5426]

When Tupac sat down to listen to this song he knew he found a masterpiece god rest his soul 🙏

[@99thJediWarrior]

Not only that but both artists continued the message behind their music.

[@objectiveobserver4278]

Tupac listened to this and said, "I think I'll steal this and make it my number one hit". He didn't tell his fans where he got this because this version is much better than his crappy copy. Find yourself a better idol. Tupac was gangsta and now he's dead.

[@caskirby633]

Highly recommend Bruce Hornsby and the Range - Every Little Kiss. I think you'd like it!!!

[@sherrythomas3028]

Omg that one is so good too!

[@brentlee1043]

Bruce and the Range have always been a class act.

[@rondag.3761]

They did this in 1986 when I was in my late teens. I LOVED this song!

[@dmike03]

Cuz the law don't change another's mind, when all they see at the hiring time, is the line on the color bar! It's such a shame that in 2020, that line still rings true!! I'm glad you enjoyed this one brother!

[@Just-Me-Living]

Move down South. I live in Alabama and we get along just fine.

[@crnkmnky]

@@Just-Me-Living 👀 in many ways, yes. in other ways, meh.

[@poolhall9632]

Total nonsense. You obviously don't keep up with labor statistics or reality. Why do you choose to live in the past?

[@deitydam]

This song always reminds me of another great song, Walking in Memphis - Mark Cohn. Don't know why.

[@crnkmnky]

well, the vocal tone, lead instrument, geographic subject, production style, and chart era for both songs are all very similar 👍

[@satoricrush]

2Pac's "The Way it is" is an incredible song. This sampling works so well. 2Pac took this song and made it come from a different cultural space. Bruce wrote from his perspective and 2Pac wrote from his. Both incredible songs that have the same underlining message. I never understood people freaking out when an artist samples another (with permission) for a song. To me, it's a compliment. It's one artist telling another that what you wrote is so awesome that I want to use it for part of my song. And Dre is one of, if not the best ears for music.

[@Kairukurumi]

See, I am always afraid that they stole it, so it is good to know when they got permission

[@Tekknorg]

See Reznor and Cash

[@tawogtrailers]

Bruce even said, "I thought he was so clever, and really profound, and deep. There's a lot of gravitas to Tupac's music, to me.”

[@nelibear]

Bruce is the best piano player from my time. He is amazing. Love this band.

[@nikkiplatt316]

This is my dad's favorite song to play on his piano, I grew up knowing this version instead of Pacs.. but who doesn't love Tupac 😂

[@richsalzer2556]

Bruce Hornsby & the Range and Tupac were in music in the 90s

[@DJJAZZYREAVES]

AND THEY BOTH WERE BASICALLY SPEAKING ON THE SAME SOCIAL ISSUES. JUST DIFFERENT LEVELS. HORNSBY’S A GENIUS. JUST KILLIN THEM 88’S!!!!!!!! R. I. P. PAC

[@peacetoyou63]

Love this reaction! Your giddiness is absolutely contagious. ✌🏼♥️🎼

[@jmoreno44]

What a treat for us music fans when a legendary song is sampled to make another legendary song! We all benefit from their magnificence!

[@williamjudge8722]

So cool when genres cross so perfectly. Love this. 👊🏼

[@donnabruhn6907]

Bruce is an awesome pianist and has played with all the big names. Love this song, the words are amazing

[@thetempleunfinished]

One of the greatest piano players of all time. Bruce is the Master. Thanks for playing it!!

[@lynne5322]

I love that you love this. 💕 Such TASTY playing! And a deep message.

[@robertgieseler1220]

Just absolutely loved your reaction and your appreciation of this piece. All Best from Germany

[@bmw128racer]

Great reaction. This song is decidedly about the civil rights movement... It's on point.

[@garylindsey5174]

Bruce did some great work with Don Henley.

[@shunlvswx]

Gary Lindsey And The End Of the Innocence sounds just like The Way It Is. I know he wrote it with Don, but the music is so close to it. Heck half of his music kinda sound the same but different words. Note. Not knocking Don Henley. I love his music and a huge fan.

[@garylindsey5174]

@@shunlvswx Yeah,I know what you mean,but a lot of different musicians have a lot of material that sounds really similar,and I think it really stands out with the piano,maybe more than guitar. But I know I am a novice musician,I have a predictable strumming style. I have to pay attention to try and keep everything I play from sounding the same lol

[@nathanhull8302]

Gary Lindsey Don Henley was awesome. Both in the Eagles and solo

[@garylindsey5174]

@@nathanhull8302 Yeah,that "The End of the Innocence" album was a masterpiece

[@garylindsey5174]

He will make you a piano lover,that's for sure.

[@ifeanyiokoye196]

He is fanta-terrific playing the piano. He is the world best pianist. Elton john bowed to his talent. Have been enjoying his music since 1983. Great music really. The show goes on track is magnifico and melodious.

[@lgbass]

Wow. Hadn't heard that one in years. Great song.

[@Skybolt211]

Man, did I used to LOVE Bruce Hornsby! Nice blast from the past, I gotta go back and listen to that whole album that song is from...

[@xoxoxoxoxo7997]

I've always loved this song. One of the few that give me goosebumps. Ikr Bruce and this song makes me want to learn piano

[@chevy80z68]

Phil Collins Another Day in Paradise will bring out Billy you so Emotional

[@bearman000ify]

Killer choice!

[@gwillis01]

Phil Collins wrote a song about homelessness called "Another Day in Paradise".

[@KeithDCanada]

Bruce is the reason I learned piano. He has so many amazing songs, but my favorite is "The Valley Road"... if you enjoy his piano you need to check it out.

[@DoctubZ]

"That was probably God telling me to shut up." 🤣🤣🤣 You got my subscription there, my friend.

[@winsurfer123]

I get a kick out of folks getting aware that not all musicians with soul and grit aren't black. No denying you were the root of the music we enjoyed in the 50's, the 60's and even into the seventies. I grew up on Motown and still listen to this day. Don't dismiss music because someone says it's not worth the time. Your soul is yours alone and don't let anybody take you off your square.Billy, welcome to the real world of music.

[@objectiveobserver4278]

Funny how when black folks steal these soulful songs, they never give credit where credit is do.

[@ChessieSeaboardX]

I was born in the 70’s so I got to enjoy this song as a young kid. Then got to have the Tupac version in my 20’s. This is a classic for sure and a good message in the lyrics!

[@jeffstevens4262]

Amazing amazing amazing. I hadn't heard this incredible song since way back and I'm ashamed to say I'd forgotten all about it but Bruce Hornsby is a superb songwriter/performer. God I love this track. So powerful, so tuneful, so haunting. Surely Bruce's version is the original...?

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

Yes. He co-wrote it with his brother John and polished it in the garage of his house in San Pedro, California while doing commercial jingly-type stuff.

[@strangeworldsunlimited712]

I always love watching that "THIS is where the song comes from?!" moment.

[@brettsiebenhaar]

Out of all the reactions to this classic song, this is by far the most genuine and respectful!

[@davidjackson8905]

The entire album is great. Never a bad song.

[@TexasMagnolia]

Before pushing play I know Billy gonna say...I’ve heard this sampled! Yes, this is the original! Hornsby was a genius.

[@ozysturm1084]

Channel Nine in Australia since the 90's, still uses the piano rifts from this song as part of their Saturday night news Sports short report background music as of Jan 2024.

[@LeaderofThePack303]

You should react to Bruce Hornsby & The Range - Mandolin Rain. This is in my belief is his best song.

[@robb9395]

I've seen Bruce a dozen times live...they are really, really good. He is also a fantastic human being. This song always rings true to me. He loved that Tupac sampled it.

[@FloridaManRacer]

That's one of my all time favorite songs. The piano work, bass work etc are just top notch and I'm not one to be okay with sampling most of the time, but for Tupac's Changes, I'll stfu and love every note of it... because it's that good.

[@Lat41]

This song floored me the first time I heard it in the summer of 1986. I’ve been a big Hornsby fan since that day. Thanks for covering it.

[@joepegel]

Bruce Hornsby is one of the best pop/rock pianists ever. Check out "Valley Road" and "Mandolin Rain" for more.

[@deadtroll242]

Hey how you find music is always great no matter what it is and what you first heard it from! And Tupac using this sample was inspired!

[@michaeljakob4764]

Yes my friend....I was 16 back then....those were the 80 ies.....regards from a German fellow living in the Caribbean. 80 ies....best time ever for music 🎵🎶

[@alexc.1112]

Love this song!!! Definitely a classic!!

[@victoriagrove5344]

I am loving this whole thing!

[@karenj3611]

For we old folks, this song was a message for it's time and sadly is still relevant today. The musicianship is immaculate and I'm sure Tupac also had a great message in his version. I'm glad you got to see this original version

[@timavery7984]

Listen to “look out any window “ ...Bruce Hornsby”...about the destruction of the environment by big money ...one of my total favorites. Powerful.

[@dianazamarripa53]

I know its 2022 n i just found this its awesome i love it. Both Bruce n Tupac...❤❤❤

[@odakotarose]

Here's a few others from Bruce Hornsby that my dad introduced me to: The Valley Road, Look Out Any Window, Mandolin Rain, and Every Little Kiss. Also! You gotta play this one to the end, the piano flourishes are totally worth it- he's just showing off by the end lol.

[@paulrosenberg4227]

Bruce got the mix tape after Tupac passed. The Shakur Foundation reached out to him, and the rest is history.

[@jeffgilliland4040]

I love to see younger people learn new music. I am 55 and love learning new songs. New this from way back. On M T.V. days. Like what your doing.

[@Just-Me-Living]

49yrs. here and enjoying all the new experiences.

[@patv2072]

Bruce Hornsby et al did a GREAT job. So did Tupac. And your reactions were justified. Great job Billy!

[@kens32052]

This song came out in 1986 and the sad thing is nothing has really changed.

[@cowetascore8476]

"Ah, but don't you believe them..."

[@miamidolphinsfan]

Hornsby was from Virginia, but graduated from The University of Miami, Frost School of Music, he has come to some alumni gatherings here in Miami a few times....so chill & so good.

[@lindaishikawa6444]

Any Bruce is good BRUCE HAVE FUN

[@sarahdell4042]

The fact Bruce beat Iverson in a 1 on 1 game after helping him get out of jail is always a funny fact that instantly pops into my head when hearing his music

[@moms2398]

I love the line "Hey, Old Man, how can you stand to think that way? Did you really think about it before you made the rules?" And I have spent the past 15 years telling students "Don't you believe them!"

[@steveandme63]

I feel like the 'man' who made those rules DID know what he was doing.

[@wolfgangkranek376]

"Don't believe them - but believe me, don't you question or else!"

[@laserbeak3551]

Such a great song!

[@jpace4608]

If you like Bruce Hornsby, try Mike and the Mechanics. Another 80's hit writer.

[@crnkmnky]

Mike Rutherford was also in Genesis with Phil Collins. 🤘🏿

[@touchstoneaf]

I don't know why people get mad when somebody hears a song for the first time as a sample, in my mind that's a great way for someone to walk backward and learn about music history. Glad you recognized this one, and glad you knew it from the Tupac sample, because they're both excellent songs with great messages.

[@laurawelker9025]

For someone like Tupac to sample that song, it's a compliment to the artist.

[@jeffharry9675]

Thank-You for your exuberance. I've always loved this. I'm 73 and this song feels like yesterday.

[@johnfreel6004]

The importance is the message. The 80s were a beautiful time of injustices, times of hope, beautiful songs to change the world. I was 20 in 1980. I was a musician and saw music and people change to help humanity! The music industry killed those great times and now look where are now! Divided!

[@jimwhite9735]

Check out any number of live versions of this song. You'll be further blown away. Also, check out “Across the River” from their third album with a kick ass solo by Jerry Garcia (Bruce was doing a stint as the Dead keyboardist at the time) The whole catalog is great. Glad to share in your discovery.

[@therealrobertmcdonald]

I love you youngsters hearing the originals sampled by legends from legends.

[@brettoslon5357]

See Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers in concert. All of his songs have deep social commentaries and incredible melodies.

[@LadyTmuzikal1]

One of my all time favorite songs PERIOD💯👑

[@timavery7984]

So great seeing your appreciation of this ,man.

[@tinamarief51]

Tupac was a poet. Bruce is one of the greatest pianists on the planets Two great artists ❤🎶

[@jodytollefson7187]

This song came out in 1986 such great music from the 80s.

[@TheParker71]

Love Bruce. So glad you did this song

[@seanjohnson3920]

I see my WNY Bills helmet back there!! Go BILLS!! Cool watching younger folks learn what I learned 30 or so years ago. LOL awesome.

[@gryphon9507]

I understand your feeling. I heard this as a child and wanted to learn piano.

[@TondaGrant]

Hello .. Bruce H. Was all time favorite 80's very beautiful master pieces he created .. I really enjoyed listening as a kid back then .. if you never heard the song " Eyes without a face " Billy Idol.. this master piece was sang both English and French together .. if you pay attention listen to the women sing in background they are in French singing.. and Billy Idol in English then he charged the song with guitar etc .. I was born in 70's so I got a chance to experience all types of music ...I have over 40 years of music in a bend ( CD) "s .... Thank youuuuu... I would love your feedback Enjoy...

[@LetItBeSummer-1]

I just heard you try to sing and then choke lol. “Billy, you so funny!“ 😆

[@twwtjohns]

Tupac was a purveyor of much of the greatest music from tue 70s and 80s. It's said the last song he listened to while dying was Vincent by Don Maclean which he considered beautiful poetry.

[@victormontano7148]

Never heard Tupa’s versión but always knew Bruce’s version, a Genexer who grew up in the 80’s would know most 80’s songs.

[@kevinball7553]

Around the same time as this is one by a group.....david&david / welcome to the boomtown..

[@varsitycamplife]

That whole album is a jewel

[@sendmedoge8939]

"See, this is why I hate listening to certain songs." I think I just woke up my neighbors laughing. Got a sub!

[@feliciakidd9358]

Great reaction. I love how you recognized this song from the beginning ☺

[@gpal86]

Loved this song since it came out, but just now listening to the great lyrics.

[@ritacarroll2057]

Loved your reaction.

[@barbarapatterson9288]

This is a real classic genius piece music. Glad u know Hornsby did it first back in my generation. My mom loved it too.

[@Just-Me-Living]

I used to listed to his cassette in 1986. I think the color bar has changed alot since 1964. But hey I am just a Southern Alabamian, what do I know?

[@korimccarthy5726]

Had to watch a fellow Mafia member’s reaction!! Love both the songs and your take! Go Bills!! ❤️🦬💙

[@kevinmontrose3871]

I'm old enough to remember this in MTVs top 10 countdown