Nanci Griffith, "From a Distance" on Letterman, August 30, 1988

[@jeffreylouk5841]

She owned this song nobody in the world ever ever sung it better then her . RIP you touched my heart an soul ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@thomasromano9321]

When you say "own" you need to bring up the name Julie Gold: she wrote the song. Too many people out there wrongly assume the person singing the song also wrote it.

[@mercuryman1250]

Bette Midler did an excellent job. Hers is a classic too!

[@davidsmith6976]

It woudnt have been recorded ,without Nancy ,recording it ,she took it on.

[@carlinbrumback8931]

I think Beth Midler sings it way better.

[@fretfret]

​@@carlinbrumback8931 I think your ears are broken . . .

[@laurastrom9857]

The world was lucky to have Nanci Griffith

[@stevendimmock4791]

When I first heard 'from a distance' I rushed out and bought Nanci's latest album, and all my friends scoffed an said 'she's a county singer!!' But I didn't care, a great song is a great song. I gave that tape to a Dutch friend of mine in 1991 and he, as much as I am, is still in love with it now. Nanci went far beyond the limits of music genres. Her voice and her beautiful songs were given to everybody with enough love to want them. God, please look after her, she gave so much.

[@sharonvyse330]

Such a brilliant singer-songwriter has left us today, and we are left with stories and music, oh such beautiful music of this artist who had her finger on the pulse of something wonderful. This dear soul didn't seem to think she was talented and just fell into it somehow. Well, we were so fortunate to have her 'fall into this career'. Her collaborations over the years with fellow artists and orchestras I won't forget anytime soon. I remember this up-and-coming young woman who took to Letterman that evening. That voice, and at the time without guitar in hand.....quite a gift. We shan't forget this treasure, nor her music. Heavy hearts Aug 13, 2021, but so thankful for all that she left us with...where would we be without hers?

[@lesleesimchasimler11]

Thank you for this beautiful tribute to our amazing Nanci

[@JerseyCityGuy]

I think sure her presence and this song is so apropos to our time. She reminds me that through all this craziness I don't care who you are we can love each other..

[@lance694]

This song just popped into my head while I was cleaning this morning and I came looking for Bette but found this instead. Had no idea it was a cover. She has such a unique voice but it's absolutely stunning! Glad to have stumbled upon this. RIP :(

[@marmendes4166]

Ohhh...I just discovered she wrote such a beautiful song.RIP.

[@marchall5173]

@@marmendes4166 Nanci didn't write it - Julie Gold did. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rovZXnShfJtriqc

[@Closminding]

Never was a song more appropriate than this one in the present time. I always comeback to it this time of year, 💚

[@JayJay-wg5ex]

totally

[@josiemcgrath3655]

The world have lost a fabulous artist .Rest In Peace Nancy 💜

[@dinaferguson8541]

Like the video showing the world better

[@georgelewis1762]

@@dinaferguson8541 Met her one

[@robbiegerard7857]

A voice that is sadly missed, a reminder that life is both brief and fragile.

[@jordanr8923]

God was watching you from a distance, Nanci. Now you are by His side. God bless you.

[@wainwright3]

Beautiful comment x

[@formerlyarandompropernameb9327]

Amen

[@zinniazinnia2145]

Nanci Griffith's song is the best original and the loveliest version, uncommercial and true. RIP Nanci Griffiths 2021

[@Kruppt808]

someone else wrote and then another person introduced Nancy to it. Not her song. Just one she sings.

[@100dikembe]

Rest in peace, Nanci. You were one in a million.

[@DocAgnew]

You need some more zeroes than a million, there are almost 8 billion people on this planet right now, we'll never see another like her.

[@100dikembe]

@@DocAgnew Or hear.

[@paulschlesinger8064]

Well, one in a hundred million. Only American songer I find comparable is Mary Chapin Carpenter. Who I love and respect. But she doesn't sell a song like Nanci Griffith could.

[@katharinearcher5031]

Just heard Nanci passed away today,so sad remember seeing her playing in Liverpool she was fabulous.

[@dig1272]

I saw her between 10-15 years ago at "The Canyon Club" in Agoura Hills, CA. She was great! I am so sad she passed and so young.

[@mauricecraig1070]

Very sad to hear Nanci had passed away. We seen her a few times in Belfast and she was such a lovely lady.

[@johnpauldeguzman823]

There is simplicity with how folks present themselves 20 years ago. It was a time to be alive.

[@urbangorilla33]

35 years ago. Even then she was more the exception than the rule.

[@hunkydory1973]

The 80s aren’t exactly remembered as the decade of minimalist fashion!

[@lyndamiller453]

Nanci's performance of this wonderful song has always been my favorite. Such sensitive and tender empathy. So beautiful. RIP sweet angel. Your music will always be with us.

[@WillieWeatherly-xx5lz]

The band plays this song beautifully and with great passion

[@LeeMarieHarder]

I was always a fan of Nancy and when I was lucky enough to be her driver at a folk festival in Canada I had to keep telling myself it was all real. She was just as sweet in person as her singing voice. Heaven is lucky to have received this gentle angel and we are so fortunate to be left with her incredible songwriting and music.

[@scottgragg6587]

1986 or so I fell in love with with her. A friend and I were watching the cable tv and the country music channel was within our bounds. We both fell for her. It seemed like her voice was so approachable, like an angel. I remember it to this day. I feel the loss of her not being with us anymore. WOW, she gave us so much in the time we shared with her.

[@adamtyson1257]

I randomly revisited this video today not knowing she passed away yesterday, this is how I found out, I'm really sad, I have loved her music for so long, a huge loss, she will be missed.

[@williamlee4001]

It gave me chills, when Nanci was singing the part: "From a distance I just cannot comprehend What all this fighting's for" I wish I had discovered her earlier.

[@jeffreyfernald]

so corny. overacting at its worst !

[@kevinoregan7355]

Well done William, I have always been moved by Nancy's sincere expression here, a cry for Peace!

[@jeffreyfernald]

@@kevinoregan7355 so corny. overacting at its worst !

[@earlhickey-yw7fy]

@@jeffreyfernaldso corny. over-commenting at its worst ! FWIW, we read your comment the first time. Nobody cared then… we still don’t care the second time. When you copy and paste it again- in the same thread, no less- well, it’s pretty embarrassing. Just a friendly tip… move on after your comments fall flat. Don’t double down.

[@RK-eb4iu]

I absolutely agree! I loved that part.

[@ronbo11]

Nanci's one of Texas' national treasures. If you want a good, single record overview of her work, get "One Fair Summer Evening". It's live, but she thrives in that setting. Stay safe everyone!

[@davidweitzel7729]

‘And when she dies she says she’ll catch some blackbird’s wing, and she will fly away to heaven, come some sweet Blue Bonnet spring’

[@maureenogorman8740]

I've been thinking that too.

[@dawittywats1934]

Yes

[@thefabulousgreenbean2194]

my heart

[@denasmolsky8548]

RIP

[@kathypiazza7228]

I saw her years ago with John Prine- she’s with him again now. She was too young to leave her earthly fans, friends & family. Condolences to her family & close friends.

[@charlesstuart7290]

RIP Sweetest Nanci God will no longer be watching you from a distance.

[@littlecupcakespuppies]

How incredibly sweet.

[@TallinnTadgh]

A sad day for all lovers of good music. This song and Nanci opened my ears to whole new areas of musical pleasure. The heavenly choir will sound much sweeter tonight, dammit we hadn't had enough of her down here though.

[@sandeepmehta7245]

OMG , your awesome tribute comments for her made me also realise exactly what you meant too... not had enough of her here, Such sweet and lost in the singing expressions she is here in the song it makes us feel the natural us there in the arena watching her...🙏 RIP Nancy ⚘

[@kenoswalt4278]

She was so natural and pure in her delivery.I was deeply affected by her passing. Rest in peace .

[@macbethpkyiv]

So sorry to hear of her death. I've always loved her voice, particularly as she sings this very moving song.

[@debpicard4329]

Holy s***, this was moving. RIP Nancy.

[@stevegamm2724]

I couldn’t have said it better. You are correct.

[@thomassicard3733]

One of the MOST beautiful perfomances on Letterman, or anywhere, anytime. My God in Heanen, I so love Nanci Griffith's soul.

[@Allergictocatstoo]

May her memory be a blessing! Forever in my heart! I will miss your generous light! Thank you for your everything.

[@lebosisings]

❤️ Nanci, your music will live on, Rest in Peace sweet lady🙏🏼❤️

[@painterroy]

She did this at the Bottom Line in Nyc, and there was not a dry eye in the house. A beautiful wonderful artist. She will be missed.

[@granite793]

I grew up listening to Nanci from my Mom. Mom and Nanci are gone, but the memories and music are still here

[@edsmith6211]

Only tears, that she is not on this planet anymore, to sing and carry us onward. Bless you.

[@ecmcsorley2011]

Such a humble and unassuming brilliance. God needed her back, I guess. Sad for us who remain.

[@grovermarchand5537]

This is wonderful. When she sings "I can't comprehend", wow goosebumps! Good luck stay safe everyone ✌️&♥️

[@davidcassidy3956]

It's Irish singing method. Maybe that's why it became a hit in Ireland.

[@indianarunner8836]

I like the head jerk too. Really singing from the heart.

[@troyhagen9843]

@@davidcassidy3956 That makes sense. I immediately thought of Delores O'Riordan of The Cranberries after she sang that part.

[@ksjoyjespeace]

Goosebumps for me right from the start !!! (And this is my first time seeing this) Will Lee and her voice blend very well together ❤!!

[@unclesmedley]

She was possessed of adorable innocence and delightful talent...

[@michaelmcgarry2551]

Still listening to Nancy an angel in heaven now love always Michael rip Nancy x

[@dongiller]

Nanci. :)

[@paulearp9593]

RIP Nancy, Iconic song for our age

[@niamhbrady104]

Beautiful singer gone to her eternal reward. Have always loved her songs and guitar playing. So sad to hear of her passing. Rest in peace Nanci. Thanks for all the lovely music.x

[@septimuswarrensmith879]

I fall in love with Nanci again and again. Absolutelye pure nature, pure art, absolutely beautiful person...

[@vermontprivateforever]

proof of the power of music and this song and this singer and how tears continue to flow...this is such a loss...

[@fififirestone3787]

I saw Nanci perform a few times in the last 80s and early 90s. I'm so sad she's gone. Her music lives on.

[@mtbnobull4u]

Am so moved by her rendition of this song. She nailed it! R.I.P. Nanci!!💯♥️

[@carolinecollett4349]

From a distance The world looks blue and green And the snow capped mountains white From a distance The ocean meets the stream And the eagle takes to flight From a distance There is harmony And it echoes through the land It's the voice of hope It's the voice of peace It's the voice of every man From a distance We all have enough And no one is in need And there are no guns, No bombs, and no disease No hungry mouths to feed From a distance We are instruments Marching in a common band Playing songs of hope Playing songs of peace They are the songs of every man God is watching us God is watching us God is watching us From a distance From a distance You look like my friend Even though we are at war From a distance I just cannot comprehend What all this fighting's for From a distance There is harmony And it echoes through the land And it's the hope of hopes It's the love of loves It's the heart of every man It's the hope of hopes It's the love of loves This is the song for every man God is watching us God is watching us God is watching us From a distance Oh, God is watching us God is watching God is watching us From a distance

[@madams6796]

thank you for posting the lyrics...!!!❣

[@ericmahon8886]

An angel on earth and now an angel in heaven. RIP Nanci. Your songs will live on forever.

[@olufemilonge796]

Goodnight, Nanci. See you in the morning! Thank you for lending your talents to the world.

[@stephenrafter1980]

Texas lost a living angel 😇 today. 🙏 RIP Nancy . Now you can watch us from a distance xxxxx

[@AngelalLloyd]

Rest in peace Nancy Griffith. Dear Soul, I was looking for your voice singing From a Distance. I first heard you sing it live on Austin City Limits. I remember standing alone, in my living room, hearing the lyric, and asking "who is seeing the world blue and green, and the snow capped mountains white?" and the song answered the question. Later I learned Julie Gold was the songwriter, reading the liner notes from Julie's album, she told playing the piano in her apartment as the sun set in New York City. in the late 80's. Letterman invited Nancy Griffith to be his musical guest, on the first anniversary of 911, touched, blessed by your music, your voice, good company, lovely companion.

[@NilsMontanEsq]

Rest in peace beautiful Texas girl.

[@stevegamm2724]

She was adorable!

[@40sSonggirl1]

Her voice was angelic, powerful and wise all at the same time. This amazing talent spoke to all of us. Thank you Nanci. Rest In Peace.

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

I just heard. I remember watching when she sang this and it blew me away. We're the same age. I rushed out to get her album and continued to do so. I'm in tears.

[@lawoftheuniverse8089]

Wow...What a Fabulous Piece of Music...What a Song and What a Performance... Sigh...God Bless You Nanci...!!!

[@timmcgrath8004]

RIP Nanci - beautiful voice and talent whose gifts of song will stay with us for as long as we need them.

[@donaldewert2332]

Thanks for your beautiful singing, your performance on Earth has ended. R.I.P. Donald Ewert, Milwaukee

[@coloneljawoof6832]

She’s adorable. And I love her version of this song over Midler’s.

[@orlalolo4585]

She was the first person i ever heard sing this as a kid ,im 48 now ,I'm trying work out where the years went ,🙈my granny was right life goes by in the blink of an eye ,drink it all in ,

[@thefabulousgreenbean2194]

Definitely I love it more too

[@evelynshore9489]

So do I

[@indianarunner8836]

I do too. She puts her heart and soul into this song. Maybe not to the same extent, but this version compared to Midler's very polished version is almost like Little Richard's version of "Tutti Fruiti" compared to Pat Boone's.

[@yes-yogaearthstories1404]

Me too and she sings out of her soul and heart and really means what she sings. Midler is accomplished but it's a bit of show biz.

[@lindastevens3088]

So sorry. Saw in her concert in St. Louis many years ago. She pulled me into loving music. RIP beautiful lady.

[@ROCROCROC1]

Thanks Dave and Johnny. Late night is a wasteland these days. I seldom missed a nighttime show from the very last of Jack Parr until the last show Dave made. I don't watch at all these days.... Nanci Griffith; one of my favorites. I miss her too. I lived in Nashville for 30 years and it gives me a stomach ache to think about her loss and the loss of others like her. RIP

[@patdoyle3686]

Best version of this beautiful song 📀Nanci🌟 Griffith⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@allanatherton1388]

Never heard of Nanci until seeing her obit in the NYT. Came here and the tune was vaguely familiar. But Nanci's performance is unforgettable. I have never seen such a beautiful and mesmerizing projection of facial expressions and gestures into a song. I then went to Midler's performance and it was just another song.

[@briancrawford7886]

Gosh, I miss her more than you know since I am now just discovering her massive talent watching her on ACL. Oh Nancy, I wish you the best and wish you hadn't left so soon.

[@rockbay79]

Some songs such as this one is "felt" more than heard.

[@davidroga6508]

Nanci is simply majestic in this song. It is the best version I’ve heard. Such expression at every word. She, truly is a legend.

[@carolynnash7900]

Wonderful rendition. Blessings to Nancy's family.

[@robertchesser5606]

First heard her early in the early 80's. Channel surfing 2or 3 am and she was standing all alone with a guitar and microphone. I don't remember the song but fell in love with her voice that morning. I have been an enduring fan since. Will miss her.

[@daweshorizon]

What a performer! Nanci will be sadly missed. Love and peace.

[@Dee-te9sj]

RIP Nanci-a beautiful pure voice, gone too soon.

[@rosemarymckenna8682]

Wow😢 I’m So saddened Rest in Sweet Peace Nancy…🙏🏼 You Brought “light n music to Me”and So Many in Difficult Periods of Our Lives😘..God May He rest Your Gentle Soul.☘️xxx…

[@joyferguson7191]

I love her. I remember being so upset that Bette Midler released it. She OWNS this song!

[@susanleatherbarrow2495]

You mean when Midler murdered it!!!!

[@cmishnr]

So beautifully sung, with such strength, sincerity, and passion!! Oh she will be so truly missed!

[@nadaxiong]

From a distance, you look like my friend, even though we are at war... we need more human beings like Nanci

[@DanPurdy1]

The first that I heard “From A Distance” was by Nanci. I still love her version; keeping it alive after she has passed.

[@dougroll1262]

Just listened to her lovely performance of , " From A Distance " on Letterman . It made my Christmas . Thanks Michelle . RIP.

[@chihuahuancamel]

😢😢 we spent so much time listening to her on tapes in my moms ‘64 bug. She was before her time…we won’t forget Nanci

[@roberthealy3551]

I love the passion that she gives this song and she always did and even more so here at the time when we supported Iraq & Saddam in their war with Iran ( hard to keep track)❤️

[@nathanbarnett6061]

This was August 1988. Long before Iraq invaded Kuwait.

[@roberthealy3551]

@@nathanbarnett6061 thanks

[@summitwonder]

Such a devastating loss. A wonderful talent. Thank you for what you gave us. Your music and memory will live on for the generations. R.I.P

[@raelene101]

I heard this song in 1988 London on radio 4 and instantly fell in love with the song. I rang BBC Radio next day and asked about the song. and bought the 45 single in Leicester square way before Bette M releases it. I can pick a hit

[@andrewdeweerd461]

She was incredible. For those unfamiliar, I highly recommend albums Clock Without Hands (my fave) , Dust Bowl Symphony, Other Voices too. My favorite song of hers, Shaking out the Snow (most people don't care for it). There was a song of hers included on the soundtrack for Grisham's The Firm, called Never Mind, that I really liked.

[@daniellavoie5357]

Thanks man, just found out. Still loosing it.

[@talesfromtinpanalley-thedo6198]

RIP Lovely Nanci really one the finest singers of my entire lifetime!

[@michaelknapp8961]

I AM ONE OF THE BIGGEST NANCI FANS OUT THERE AND IM SO SAD TO HEAR OF HER PASSING!!!! IVE SEEN HER TWICE IN CONCERT AND SHE WAS SO FUN TO LISTEN TOO. SHE WAS A STORY TELLER AND SANG ABOUT HISTORY AND ABOUT REGULAR PEOPLE LIVING THERE DAILY LIVES. IM VERY DOWN TODAY!!! RIP ANGEL!!!!

[@rajinaparrott6060]

I miss her talent dreadfully. She was my star of the tumultuous 90's. She carried me through a sorrowful divorce.

[@kevinaquino8224]

Agreed!! She owned this unbelievably beautiful song!! Perfect voice for it!! Luv it!!

[@sylviacollins7560]

Wow what a message. I love this song.

[@stevensnyder8409]

my new favorite ..love Nancy and miss her...such a beautiful voice.

[@chriskelleher349]

Now you've got me listening to 🎶 this lady's work. God bless you and your loved ones. 🙏

[@user-us4dj9tv7j]

What a Flawless Performance and Letterman said "Beautiful" because it is. I watched it 5 times now. Nice way of honoring her being missed badly.

[@siobhangenders5342]

Love you nanci x rest in peace a beautiful voice and soul xxx

[@PattyAubin]

This song is on repeat in my head since I heard the sad news of her passing. Rest In Peace and Fly high beautiful songbird.. 💖

[@toddfry3793]

Nanci Griffith was one of the Most Talented Singers & Songwriters ever. She had a Very Beautiful & Powerful Voices. R.I.P & You Will Never Be Forgotten!!

[@padraigmcgovern1697]

Great and unusual voice, always struck me as a very deep person. A sad loss, R,I,P,

[@joepolite4673]

Just found out today..this songstress county/folk angel from my past. I was such a nerd…RIP😢…this is peerless talent with a message..

[@Terri_K9]

The world is definitely a little less. Fly, Nanci. So thankful to see you perform in person once in my life.

[@TruthHasSpoken]

David wouldn't stop shaking her hand. He had her on a lot over the years after this first performance.

[@dongiller]

I uploaded a compilation of all of her appearances. Easy to find.

[@stephaniejones4749]

This is such a beautiful song. I have always loved it. This is my first time hearing her singing. I've only heard Bette midler singing. She has an amazing voice

[@Starrman69]

Thanks to KZbin for providing us with so many memories! Nanci was such a Sweet, Beautiful, Talented Lady! Missing her so...**sigh**...

[@MyBeastofburden]

RIP Nanci . . . Yoir beautiful voice and soul lives on through your music . . .♥️

[@cmb5489]

ooh my god i never knew she passed away she was always in the back off my head from my youth and checked in now and again to listen her, my late condolences to her Family, very sorry for being so late, she sounded like a wonderful person so sad i never met her,

[@drawntomountains]

I am so saddened to hear she passed away. I was blessed to see her atca local music fest in 1989. Such a wonderful singer and writer.

[@danschreffler1280]

This showed up unexpectedly on my timeline. Anton on drums. I like loud and noisy Rock & Roll. That contrasted with my love for her music but not now. Seeing her with a member of Frehley's Comet lets me understand that all music is connected. if it moves you by sound or lyrics, then it's all very good. God Bless The Music makers and God Bless Nanci Griffith, and Anton Fig too!!! RIP Nanci.

[@brendabaldwin13]

Yup I do remember this song omg ,rest in peace honey.

[@junehitchens7998]

A wonderful singer and songwriter, lots of wonderful memories to stay.

[@FeryAndrianus]

This original version is more simple but still touching the heart ❤️

[@musicalmagpie741]

I feel incredibly ignorant. I was only familiar with the Bette Midler version. I remember we sang along to it in primary school during a presentation on WW2. Now I come across this woman and I’m stunned. How sad to discover a gem like Nancy Griffith only to learn that she recently left us. I don’t think I can listen to the Bette Midler version the same way again.

[@glennsohm6643]

This is what happens when a performer understands what they're singing/presenting. Just wonderful to watch such an extraordinary talent put heart and soul into their work.