Bruce Hornsby and the Range - The Way It Is | REACTION

[@jamelakajamal]

‘JUST BE A GOOD HUMAN’ Hats, Hoodies, and More, Enter Promo Code ‘Jamel’ jamel-aka-jamal-youtube-store.creator-spring.com/

[@seancanova7396]

Side note. His son played basketball at LSU

[@TheDivayenta]

The official video really showcases the gorgeous sound of his piano.

[@maryt2290]

Definitely a “why can’t you just be a good human” song!

[@strangeworldsunlimited712]

"That's just the way it is." It's the phrase that gets repeated over and over in the song. It's the catchiest part of the song for that reason. BUT, it's the last line in the chorus, "Ah, but don't you believe them" that is the key to everything that the song is about. Things are the way they are because people just accept that "That's the way it is". But Bruce is saying that you don't have to believe that. It DOESN'T have to be that way. The key is to find a way to change things. "That's just the way it is" fosters a never-ending cycle. "Don't you believe them." Break the cycle.

[@Ken-vk8pb]

This was a big hit in 1986. He also had - " Mandolin Rain" and " Valley Road".

[@batmanforpresident9655]

Also, "Look Out Any Window". He is a very talented musician.

[@jasonsarver668]

He already did Mandolin Rain

[@juliothom2408]

Even as a teenager, I loved this song. I knew it was deep then, and it still is.

[@kimberlymichellethomas9964]

“Mandolin Rain” is such a beautiful song. Grew up listening to it with my dad. 💛

[@SweetThing]

And "Every Little Kiss" and "The End of the Innocence" which he co-wrote with Don Henley & Don had a hit with.

[@ricthornton2958]

Powerful song indeed! Written and performed by a virtuoso.

[@johnklinger943]

I got to see Bruce Hornsby about 40 times from 1996-2002. This song never gets old.

[@wendys5421]

Bruce and Bonnie Rait doing"I Can't Make You Love Me" is just plain fantastic. His piano skills and her haunting voice....incredible!!

[@numb3r1D172010T]

Just in case you aren’t aware he did do a reaction to that a few months back.

[@nancyl3843]

Bruce Hornsby and Leon Russell; two friends, two piano men, two superior song writers. Love these men.

[@benjohnson1633]

Jamel, I’m so glad that you were able to focus in on the lyrics, and realize the meaning behind the song. I’ve seen others react to it, and immediately upon recognizing it from Tupac’s sampling, they lose focus because of their surprise. Not being critical, because I understand their initial reaction. But I’m glad you were able to go back and get the full meaning.

[@carlosalvarez3561]

as always singers from other times giving a lecture on how real music is made.... You are amazing piano man BRUCE HORNSBY👏👏👏👏👏

[@kirbywilliamson2942]

They say of the way he played piano, that it was surprising the piano survived to be played again. His finger strokes were so sharp and precise, he about cut the instrument to shreds !

[@jakeeasterwood3204]

One of my all time favorite songs. That entire album was a masterpiece!

[@josephmoodler2711]

I never realized what the lyrics were about until now. This is a powerful song.

[@stob100]

Wow... that brings back memories. That was my dad's favorite song. He used to play that whole album in the car everywhere we went. Thanks for the memory. I will pull up the album on Spotify on my way to work tomorrow

[@rhondamcbath6279]

My favorite too ❤️

[@tjerwin1]

Bruce Hornsby is a great talent this is one of my favorite songs of his along with "Mandolin Rain" they are both epic songs. Great reaction to a great song.

[@victoriagrove5344]

This song is the nirvana of music and powerful lyrics!

[@Deemac70]

To the best years of my life ❤

[@terrybear5398]

Bruce is the ultimate artist, a truth teller, and higher Being. God bless him and you.

[@auralfixxation6702]

This song is truly a classic. Everything about the arrangement just blends, words and music into a great story.

[@sergiolobato1798]

I just love watching Jamal's reaction posts. Unlike most reaction videos I get the feeling Jamal's appreciation of lyrics and musicianship are genuine and are heartfelt. You can tell he has a radiant spirit!

[@janna2245]

Aww. The keyboardist for the Grateful Dead. Love him

[@scubasteev]

The only living one

[@TheMoonPilgrim]

@@scubasteev R.I.P. Ron, Keith, Brent and Vince ❤ ⚡️

[@keiths1913]

Jamel makes me proud to be an American.

[@SweetThing]

Bruce Randall Hornsby wrote this song and had a hit with it in 1986. Tupac covered it later. Bruce Hornsby is the reason I learned piano and now play a keyboard. Nothing like the talent of Mr. Hornsby, but he was my inspiration.

[@neillschwartz3418]

It’s amazing that listening to this song for all these years and not really understanding it. Thanks Jamal. You’re an amazing human, gentleman, kind soul, and the example of truth and integrity.

[@matts6272]

Love this song! Jamel, have you ever reacted to any James Taylor? He is one of our greatest living songwriters and his songs are timeless stories. "Fire and Rain" is a great start if you're interested.

[@kimberlymichellethomas9964]

YES🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾💯💯

[@williamharris7357]

I'm glad you did the live version it's fricken awesome dude!

[@jasonbermiller1075]

Hornsby was the keyboardist for The Grateful Dead for a spell. Jerry Garcia and Hornsby were good friends. Jerry appeared on Hornsby's album later on a track called "Across The River." Bruce Hornsby wrote "Jacob's Ladder", a song that Huey Lewis and the News made into a major hit on the album 'Fore!'.

[@cherylreichardt]

Love the piano intro! Love it live! Great memories!

[@southernbella6535]

This is why i love your reactions, you deep dive the meaning of lyrics, its powerful messages most people miss but need to be clearly heard :) Keep exploring , I will keep watching !

[@corkycobon1481]

Bruce Hornsby played with the Dead when Jerry was still alive and you can see his influence and the Dead's influence on him with his jam on the piano. Magical stuff right there!

[@AuntieNita74]

When ibhear this song it toally takes me back to elementary school. It was big hit then and just takes me back. Good lyrics and song all around

[@TreeFreak]

Love Bruce Hornsby!!

[@827dusty]

Bruce is the writer and composer of this great song way back in 1987, I think. Good job Bruce.

[@alancameron261]

One of the best, musically and in message.

[@wallymarcel1]

He’s extraordinary.

[@mariebrinar7468]

Thank you for sharing I had no idea what this song was about, but I have always loved it!

[@michaelseeram1283]

Very powerful lyrics that's just the way it is we are the ones to try to do good on our journey in life

[@mkeiser5]

Thanks for this live version.

[@moe92870]

Holy crap... I didn't know Jaco Pastorius played on this... And I've heard this a bunch of times. Jaco was one of the best jazz bassists

[@ali87107]

Jaco or Pat Matheny? Can't tell.

[@spankyham9607]

It is always fun to watch these epic songs in their live form.

[@arthurshagnasty4039]

Bruce Hornsby has a wide range of stuff you could sift through. just some of them off the top of my head. The Valley road. going to be some changes made. Mandalin rain. on the Western skyline. Watertown. There was also a duet he did with somebody I can't recall her name I can't make you love me I believe that's your name of it.

[@ozarkchief7]

I saw them perform this song live in 1986 when they opened up for Steve Winwood in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Powerful message with top notch musicianship.

[@bobpadrick7718]

Finally!! I've been wanting to listen to this song, by the original artist, "WITH" you for such a long time, Jamel. The lyrics are so stark and honest. They are not just heard, they are also felt. The only reaction I wanted from you was the realization in your eyes that this song went to number 1 precisely because there are a lot of good humans out here who are WITH you. My reaction every time I hear it is to shake my head in bewilderment and join with the powerful LAMENT that there are still so many out here who have not, cannot, or will not see the light. Peace, Jamel. You ARE a good human!

[@omaramador4669]

Bob those States of Mind aren’t going to fixed never. I’m Spanish black male,I grew up in Cuba and I remember Castro in many times talked about how African Americans were living and discriminated here. He came to UN to speak in front of the others presidents about how black peoples living around the world. It was on 1979 I was 11 and those “ messages “ were well deep in my mind. For some years I was saying to myself that he was right. All the time the Communist media were showing how the Police were abusing against them. Until I started to meet some intelectual people and I started to see “ the light” . I started to educate myself reading here and reading there. That’s the key of the whole problem. Education, and sadly the whole African American population doesn’t wanna be educated. Only you have to see how the Immigrants come to this country and their life starts changing. I’m a example of that, I came here more than 20 years ago and I so proud how my life has changed just working. No robbery no delinquency no killing others people. Only they have to see the light, it’s not gonna be easy because they are a bunch of mastermind working hard behind the courtain to Keep the hate between the races alive.

[@rowanbaker700]

Keep the faith Jamal were not all prejudice lots of love out there for all our fellow human beings and fellow travelers on planet earth and this is now our time to go around. 👍

[@sheteg1]

Great song. I was 18 when this came out ! Wish I could go back.

[@beeragainsthumanity1420]

Saw him and his band in the '90s on a lark... simply blew me away. Much respect.

[@dazeyday5699]

I like the racial justice theme of this song, and the environmental message of “Look Out Any Window”. But my favorite Bruce Hornsby in terms of atmospheric jams are, as usual for me, his deeper cuts. I love “The Wild Frontier”, “The Road Not Taken”, “The River Runs Low”, “Every Little Kiss”, “On the Western Skyline” and “Down the Road Tonight”. Those were among my traveling tunes back in the day, and are evocative of being young and free and romantic. For more truth to power messages by Bruce, try also “The Long Valley Road” and “Defenders of the Flag”, both of which speak to economic inequities and DOF in particular critical of the overmilitarization of society that sends young people to die while indulging their own excesses and cementing political power.

[@ewanmacfarlane9195]

Incredible musician

[@angeliasharp4202]

Saw him and The Range with Crowded House in 1986. Smallish venue. One of my favorite ever concert experiences: phenomenal musicians and songwriters in both bands! This song never fails to break my heart. Love you, Jamal, and all you do! ❤ (Crowded House's "Weather with You" is worth a visit, J!)

[@willyby1]

Really Really glad you revisited the lyrics. Powerful stuff.

[@TheDivayenta]

I saw Bruce in concert at Wolf Trap - he was fantastic!

[@Torgo1001]

“Look Out Any Window” is another great Bruce Hornsby and the Range song.

[@onsesejoo2605]

The way the playing goes with the band, Bruce is just smiling on the drive.

[@michaelbrowning2625]

One of my favorites. Thanks, Jamel!

[@LadyHeathen82]

Mandolin Rain!

[@djhrecordhound4391]

Beautiful song!

[@martyjansing2675]

A really nice rabbit hole to go down. Harbor Lights.... Hot House Blues... and a whole bunch more. And many collaborations some in the shadows and others up front.

[@Cynthia...]

Getting out some great songs tonight. 🇨🇦☮️

[@melaniesmith2917]

Perfection! I love a piano man 😍

[@colinvandenberg3446]

So glad you're finally getting to this song. It's all about just just being a good human.

[@Wolverines77]

It took until about the 2 minute mark to click with the up tempo singing. I fell in love with the the up tempo jazzy feel of the actual music from the first note. This is a HUGE song that needs to be played more in this day and age. I am a year 2 Gen X'er (1968) and I cannot believe the tailspin that alot of white "Boomers" have gone into about racism. I love my dad, but he was raised hating everybody and as the Agent Orange and PTSD sank their hooks deeper and deeper into his psyche the racism came to the fore. I hate to say it, I was completely at peace with his passing, knowing his tortured soul no longer had to fight the losing fight against old age, Agent Orange and his PTSD. That's just the way it is, you know...

[@theplanetruth]

I can remember this song in my high school cafeteria back in the day. Loved the piano Hornsby put out. I loved it when I recognized his playing in a Steve Winwood song.

[@TheAcgtrs]

He’s such a great live show to go and see… He was clearly influenced by the Grateful Dead. It made so much sense, him playing with the Dead, back in the day, after Brent Mydlan passed away.

[@larrygottenberg853]

Love your work, Jamel. Was blessed to see Bruce's first appearance with the GD at Buckeye Lake OH.He was absolutely beaming when Jerry said "We dont let just anybody play accordion with us"

[@joecarroll3371]

Bruce Hornsby is a fellow Virginian from the Chesapeake Bay area. He's definitely made us Virginians very proud.

[@jeffstevens4262]

My God that boy can play that thang...!!!!

[@Jinty92]

This is years after it came out as you can see how old he looks in this in comparison to the original video when he looks fairly young. Myself & Tupac were 15 when this was released. It played on radio constantly. Was crazy good!

[@rickerty444]

Mandolin Rain is a amazing tune

[@briansteidl2016]

Bruce Hornsby played with the Great full Dead for a while too very beautiful song about a strong subject that needs addressing.

[@spiderbass65]

Got to see Bruce with the Grateful Dead a few times, and solo right after Jerry passed. Awesome piano player!

[@richardjack4827]

My man just dances across that keyboard

[@StarDarkAshes]

Great 😊 One. I hope there’s a reaction to Bruce Hornsby’s Across the River someday. I love Jerry Garcia’s guitar work on it. (Obviously it would have to be the studio version to enjoy Mr. Garcia’s contribution) Great 🎧 song.

[@luisalonsoecheverria]

Bruce's best live performances are with his current backing band The Noisemakers. Check out any of their live videos!!

[@anthonymoore3612]

He played piano for a lot of music 🎶 stars 🌟 back in day.

[@jeanstrickland2445]

This is a great song 💕

[@Treasacello]

We've come so far, but we have so much farther to go, and it breaks my heart that we're starting to slide backwards.

[@theangryaccountant0]

That's Joe Puerta of Ambrosia playing bass in this band. Back in the day I saw Hornsby open for Michael MacDonald, who had David Pack (also from Ambrosia) in his band at the time. Alas, they didn't perform together. Hornsby did this 5-minute improv just before starting into this song. It was amazing.

[@donparker8246]

When this song came out, Elton John called him and said it was good to hear the piano on the radio again.

[@joelong7448]

Very nice version. All jazzed up.

[@williamarthurfenton1496]

These chaps really know how to play.

[@williamladley4291]

This song always reminds me of when I learned there were people of different colors ,around 1960-61 In Detroit I was 3 or 4 ,( My Grandfather had a farm and the workers were often dirty when they came in, I grew up in the city ) My Mom and I were at a supermarket , and I looked at a black woman and asked my Mom " why is she dirty ?" Mom was horrified , as my Mom was so not raciest , (Believe Me !) The woman , smiled at me and said "no honey , thats the color of my skin" and took my hand and put it to her face, and showed me my fingers and said see.....at 64 years old now this was one of my first life's lessons that I hold dearly to the day, I wish I could hug that woman today.....

[@EKomar-z6h]

Never saw the live version of this song. It's a slightly different arrangement but good. This is the way pop music used to be - no a$s-shaking, no autotune, just good songwriting, perfectly pitched singing, superb instrument playing. Cheers.

[@scottNNJ]

I love how you give equal weight to both the music and the lyrics. For an equally beautiful song with sobering, powerful lyrics, give a listen to “I Believe” by Blessid Union of Souls.

[@Peter-oh3hc]

Just recently learned the meaning of the song. I just heard the piano

[@woodchucknation]

When I listen to this I always add the “oh yeah!” from Tupac’s changes at the end

[@briano.1503]

Jamel, the drummer John Molo is the drummer for Phil Lesh and Friends quite often. And Jerry Garcia did some lead guitar work on some of Hornsbys music. Peace from Southwest Michigan! 🎸🎼🎵🎶🧠🌌♾❤💀👍

[@arthurshagnasty4039]

👍👍👍He also wrote that song in 1984 and put it on his 1st album in 1986. There was another recover of that when he did Woodstock 99. He jazzed it up it was really good. He also did an interview where he talked about how he came up with the song and thought about it Is fluid and it wouldn't really amount too much. That was covered in AVH1 documentary.

[@djhrecordhound4391]

Surprised you didn't check him out earlier, since he was the Dead's keyboardist after Brent Mydland passed. Still an awesome version live! Pardon the vinyl joke--it wasn't an Epic recording, it was RCA...

[@AbeBSea]

Vinnie: "Am I a joke to you?"

[@amyelizabeth529]

Yes, he's heard of Bruce Hornsby, and he reacted to him playing with The Dead in the early 90's.

[@Brandon-sw5ob]

Hope you're having a wonderful day my friend

[@jasonsarver668]

Thank you for getting to this one finally, Jamel. But seriously, take a listen to “I Believe” by Blessid Union of Souls. Deals with love and race.

[@ogmike7302]

Great song, great reaction. The Valley Road by him is a top tier track. ✌️😎

[@michaelcorley3622]

His son is a great basketball player. Got to see him on the AAU circuit. Played two years at UNC Asheville & two at LSU. Now plays professionally overseas.

[@fishordie1992]

Fun Fact: Bruce Hornsby's Son played basketball for LSU. He looks like his Dad and was a pretty good 3 pt shooter

[@joelliebler5690]

Hornsby the best piano player since Billy Joel hit it big.

[@michaeltveten8458]

The vast majority of people want harmony and peace amongst one another. The “division” that we’re confronted with, is a myth. Of course, “hate” exists, but it represents a minuscule segment of our society. If we continue to love each other, the “rest” will segregate, and isolate themselves….Meanwhile, we’ll enjoy each other, and praise our unification!

[@markhamilton3838]

He’s from VA , probably has seen discrimination first hand

[@joelliebler5690]

Jamel it is obvious what the song is about,then again I purchased the album upon release and so I have you by at least 20 years.

[@paulprendergast3184]

Love this song. Just saw the band Goose cover this live. It was so damn good.

[@cardinalslover09]

Look Out Any Window is another great song from him. About big corporations and pollution.

[@ronaldsabourin8835]

Underrated and almost forgotten band.