HARRY NILSSON I'd Rather Be Dead

[@HarryNilssonCatalogue]

Only Nilsson would write a song about the one thing no one wants to write a song about.

[@luciamartins1404]

A must-see movie!!!!! And how I love the soundtrack!!!

[@brendamoore3775]

The group singing with him is the Senior Citizens of the Stepney & Pinner Choir Club No. 6, London, England. They are adorable!!!

[@bobdudy7177]

I remember hearing this in High School in the 70's and thinking, now "those are some Hip Oldsters." I miss Harry.

[@johnnydepp3801]

Theyre all dead

[@Bogframe]

Not to mention soused to the gills on brandy, G-d bless 'em!😀

[@Nico-pl6sf]

They ded

[@LazyIRanch]

Those three adorable ladies dancing in a circle together brought back memories of my mom and her two sisters. They loved to sing, and when they were together they constantly cut up and laughed. Their maiden name was "Cagle" but my dad called them the "Cackle Sisters". The older they got, the more they didn't give a crap what people thought. They were cracking up at a restaurant so much once, the waiter came over, looking disturbed and asked, "Have you ladies been DRINKING!?" None of them drank, and my oldest aunt said, "Darling, we get this way from breathing AIR!"

[@mikeohagan2206]

these old folks lived through 2 world wars with a depression in between,, much tougher than we will ever be. break out the sherry dance and sing. while you still can.

[@jeffryhammel3035]

That's exactly what I thought. Perceptive comment!

[@steveblake446]

played this for my grandfather before he had a stroke, and he loved it. now it seems everyone doesn't think its so funny anymore. i still play it for him and he smiles

[@herbertjansen1808]

GRANDAD'sAbigNILSSON,HARRYfan 😁

[@artmccartan4911]

I think it's a great idea. In fact the song reminds me of my grandfather so much maybe it's the accent of the old folks because my grandfather was from Ireland so he had that twang he live to be 95 and was in very good health but towards the end he just wanted to go my grandmother had passed all his friends that passed so nothing wrong at all with playing this for your grandfather

[@steveblake446]

@@artmccartan4911 we are Irish too, I think that has to do with our dark sense of humor.

[@steveblake446]

He's since passed btw. Rip.

[@artmccartan4911]

@@steveblake446 sorry for your loss but it's wonderful we got songs like this to remember our parents and grandparents. I lost my father last April 23rd and my brother June 3rd so 2020 couldn't leave quick enough the great thing about Nielsen is he can make you laugh and he can make you cry and he's just as relevant today as he was 40 years ago

[@omahadadbod]

How could this song and video not make you smile? Anyone who's offended by it needs to lighten up. It was Nilsson's version of whistling in the graveyard, and it's absolutely delightful.

[@ITFDAVE]

It does unfortunately offend people. I think it's another reason why it's brilliant tho. 😂

[@daved4215]

My mother loved Harry. She died a few years ago at 92. The Point was her favorite album. Thanks Mr Nillson.

[@francescomanier1246]

Did she also rather be dead? 🤔

[@Oh_I_Will]

Francesco Manier is rather be dead then have to listen to another Family Member to the grave cliche TROLL story...

[@auroraborealis6398]

@@francescomanier1246 not funny folk

[@aceup1]

The Point! is such a fantastic album, I'm glad that you have a memory like that. Music is such a great reminder of who we've lost, and Nilsson is a very lucky reminder.

[@juliehanson2247]

I doubt my kids know this about me. Scorpio moon 🌙

[@damonhobson2827]

I loved this song as a teenager 50 years ago, and accidentally stumbled onto it the other day. It's awesome! My dad was a physician who mainly treated old folks. He laughed so hard when I presented this fine piece of art to him!

[@ntesla100]

Oh so funny i was introduced to Nilsson from my brother in law as he was going to Med school at Hershey PA. Beautiful town. Of course it started with Your breakin my heart. Actually just great music, Son of Schmilsson my favorite.

[@jakespivey3716]

I'm 67 years old and I'm feeling this song now, it's not just comedy piece.

[@michelefitzgerald6603]

IT'S NICE TO BE ALIVE WHEN THE DREAM COMES TRUE

[@shnoopydoo]

My Father -in-law died yesterday. This was one of his favorite songs.

[@ZippyThePinhead]

The fact these old folks have a sense of humor enough to sing those lyrics along with him, instead of getting their knickers in a twist, is so cool. 😁❤ Think I'll have this one played at my funeral.

[@whitebirchtarot]

That’s a great idea! I don’t particularly want a funeral, but if there’s anyone left who wants to throw a celebration for my life, this will be a good one!

[@ZippyThePinhead]

@@whitebirchtarot That's the way I look at it too. My sister said the same before she passed, however a "funeral" isn't actually for our the deceased sake, its actually so loved ones can have the chance to grieve, AND celebrate their lives. Which we did for her, we had solemn moments along with happy moments too. 🙂

[@whitebirchtarot]

@@ZippyThePinhead Yes, you’re right, funerals are definitely for the living, obviously I suppose. I didn’t get to go to my mom’s because I was ill, I didn’t get to go to my niece’s because I was caring for my husband who had dementia and I couldn’t leave him, and then my husband passed a little over a year ago and because of Covid we couldn’t have anything indoors, so I suggested an outdoor memorial because the weather was still nice even though it was Fall, but his entire family said they were “busy“, so the only people there would’ve been were the three people who were here with him when he passed, so I didn’t do it. Maybe someday I will because I think they do provide some kind of closure. Although I hate the word closure. As if we ever stop missing the ones we love! I use that phrase getting your “knickers in a twist“ all the time and people look at me like I’m crazy as if they’ve never heard it before. I wonder if it’s a regional thing. I’m from the West Coast of the US, but I’ve been living in the Midwest in the US for the past 30 years. One of these days I’m gonna go home. Nice talking to you! 💕

[@whitebirchtarot]

@@ZippyThePinhead P. S. Your screen name sounds familiar. I think I’ve seen you on other posts. Small world. 😊

[@ZippyThePinhead]

@@whitebirchtarot My condolences for your loss of all three, like you said, you never stop missing the ones you've lost. The knickers phrase is actually British, at least that's the only ones I've heard use it regularly. I'm from the midwest, and still live here, at least till I retire shortly, I may change that soon. My best to you & yours. 🙏

[@shauljanes3779]

Beautiful song

[@halloweenjack95]

I have always liked Nilsson's Humor. And Son of Schmilsson is a great lp

[@raymondkidd2346]

When my Nana died at 89.next day I played this song on my headphones and had a big cry.

[@johnhickton7944]

Unbelievable. What a magnificent group of people. You can just tell they are all of a special kind. None of them will be with us now. Each and everyone of them will have made their very own final personal journey. Reduces me to tears.

[@denabergman5847]

Harry, you were a mensch. R.I.P. I was lucky enough to meet you in person a gazillion years ago. Fave song: You’re Breaking My Heart. It got bleeped on the radio, but what the fuck.

[@grafikfeat]

I've been listening to this song since the 70's... I always thought it was Harry being a wiseass... But this video changes all of that once again showing his sardonic brilliance. Thank You Harry!! Where ever you are!

[@tammywicker5904]

Wish he wasn't. Would've liked to thank him for all he's done to keep my life...sane!❤

[@notsure4746]

I always kind of disliked this song, but after watching this vid I've done a complete 180 and love it. This is amazing.

[@DJ-bj8ku]

I loved the shot of the old guy scrutinizing the lyrics.

[@permiflexposturecorrector5726]

Love this, the human spirit, raw, defiant and not scared - maybe there is nothing to the scared of...

[@firebirdblackred]

I'm 65. I just love Harry's music. Still revisit it a few times a year. I teach kids music and show The Point every year to second grade. They love it. And as all of us, at times they don't quite know what to make of Harry. But it's a fun ride.....

[@susanzoeckler4926]

Hi! I've been searching for the original version of The Point movie with Ringo Starr narrating. Do you have the secret key?

[@stevelibby6852]

One of the greatest music videos on so many levels.

[@raymccraine2449]

This is one of my favorite Nilsson videos. Its just Beautiful. I hope The wonderful seniors were compensated accordingly. Great Job!!!!!

[@docholiday8315]

Harry was just awesome. Only a man who could write a song as dark as this could be best mates with lennon :)

[@heidtpaul]

Absolutely right !

[@qtpysusie54]

I don't find it dark at all. I am 69 now, and it does in its own way make me smile and feel better!

[@scottnone7264]

The success of Nilsson Schmilsson was too much for Harry to top. So he blew-up the follow-up Son of Schmillson ... mental illness will do that to some people.

[@qtpysusie54]

@@scottnone7264 Dude, you obviously don't know anything about Harry. Go back to his oldest music from the sixties. Also, Harry was a genius who was also an alcoholic, which ultimately killed him. No mental illness. Ended up with a gorgeous wife who bore him five or six children. Happy but doomed alcoholic.

[@jenniferpetrellicarslearni2265]

​@@scottnone7264he was not mentally ill!

[@frankiefelinesalwayswelcom5825]

Harry had such a comedy style in his music, that I have always loved since I first heard him, as well as such a gorgeous voice. Such a shame the music world lost such a fine talent too soon.

[@paulcampbell6377]

Harry was ahead of his time.

[@THE-HammerMan]

Only Harry had enough class & wit to record this for on an album. Gosh dang it, I miss him!😢😢😢😀

[@susane.4328]

This amazingly upbeat song should be the anthem for every Right To Die organization world-wide!! Love it!!

[@raptureready5004]

No they are right to murder..

[@DeanoEssex]

You have been for 25 years now... Left behind a legacy of great music.....

[@CarrotFlowers421]

I'm normally a painfully empathetic person and could see myself usually feeling really offended by this but I'm in a dark depression and this is making me cry from laughter. It's such a twisted thing for him to make them sing and some of their faces show dismay yet everyone is having a gay old time and I'm just reminded that life is absolutely absurd.

[@whitebirchtarot]

Your comment about the Nilsson video really resonated with me because I’m in a dark depression right now myself. My husband passed away a little over a year ago from Lewy body dementia with Parkinson’s and I only have one family member left, my older sister, who has Alzheimer’s and lupus. I don’t suppose she’ll be around much longer. This is ultimately a happy song because sometimes death is the better option. Sad, but true. I agree with you that life is absolutely absurd! Well put. Take care.

[@idgie5762]

This song and "Remember (Christmas)" are on the list for my memorial service, whenever it occurs.

[@whitebirchtarot]

Those are great song choices.

[@rewbadew]

The greatest troll in Rock and Roll! Shine on Harry, shine on...

[@amybeth5776]

This song is the worst ear worm ever! It's in my brain almost 24/7 since I first heard it last week! :)

[@CarrotFlowers421]

And it never ends, it just goes on in a loop

[@porpoisesongs]

Please play this song at my funeral. It’ll be fun.

[@shoehorny6844]

I'm a big Harry Nilsson fan and I love this song! However, I never saw this video before and not it finally clicked about what it is all about! The look of astonishment on some of those old-timers faces when they read the lyrics is classic! Poor old sods. No wonder why John Lennon loved Harry Nilsson so much. Guy was a genius.

[@peteytwofinger]

My fathers favorite artist was Harry . Harrys music was all that we heard growing up .RIP Dad , we lost him in 83 , he was 43 , gone too soon perhaps. i was unable to listen to any Nilsson for a long time and now when i do i always end up crying like a baby . Absolutely incredible artist , and it strikes me how he was close with JL , another guy who did not treat his family the way he should have . lennon couldn't touch nillson tho .Harrys music has MUCH more emotional depth to it .

[@ITFDAVE]

I agree with 99% of what u said, friend. The only correction is that he died at the age of 52. January 15 1994 Still too soon 🙏

[@wormsnake1]

You can see from this song alone why Lennon loved Neilson.🙏❤️.x

[@peteytwofinger]

his name ... is NILSSON

[@loveharry2379]

Three cheers for HARRY! It's a joy to be his fan! He is so clever and talented! I agree Harry was bold to sing this song but he was a free spirit and did what he wanted!

[@tealgrl]

I love this Harry..your humor and your beautiful voice!

[@xXxPobrecitoxXx]

He's dead

[@tomcostello9191]

Gene Splicer as you will be soon!

[@christinataylor6572]

I just found Harry today even though I’ve known His music for a long time. Was listening to Danny Kaye Sing Lullaby In Ragtime And someone commented that there was only two people that could sing that song. Danny And Harry so I looked him up. On Google . I’ve been listening now for 2 hrs. To everything I can find and telling my daughter how Awesome he is. Next my grandson who is a Music Director at a High School in Gladstone, Oregon. The kid’s should be aware of Harry. I’m 80 yrs old and My Favorite has always been Bobby Darin. Also felt to be unappreciated . They are both on top now. What a Great day!. Thank you for posting. I live in Portland, Oregon and a few people here will be listening to Harry real soon. God Bless Bobby And Harry . R.I.P. 🎶💜💙🙏💜💙🙏💜💙🎶♥️♥️♥️😘😘😎

[@susanzoeckler4926]

A year later. How are you? Harry's music is why my husband & I first fell in love. Wishing you well.

[@nunyanunya6398]

i watched The Point over and over as a child.,strange..i kinda sound and look like him! Hey ma! Was harry ever a milkman? Lol My very first friend in life... his dad was rambkin frontman for a rocknroll band.,, unrelated...yo 3 dog night! U for forgot something backstage in SLC bro

[@whitebirchtarot]

@@susanzoeckler4926 that sounds like an interesting story - that you and your husband fell in love because of Harry Nilsson’s music. Care to share it? My husband and I were both older when we got married; I was 43 and he was 53 and somehow he had never heard of Harry Nilsson! But as soon as I played him some of his music, he loved him.

[@dailyvinyl5145]

Absolutely brilliant

[@allene211]

Omg! I love this! Just found it and have been playing it over and over. I want to remember the words so I can sing it the next time I go to the Senior Center 😂

[@thomasgriffin2782]

This is great stuff. The spirit of humans is strong even in old age!

[@kambellsoup1343]

funniest thing I've seen in along time...thanks for the laugh, Harry...

[@mortyboardsmusic2444]

Harry absolutely nailed it!

[@kingcollette]

Harry is such a hoot!! xo Harry!!

[@teamcrumb]

only found out last month he wanted pensioners singing along with him, but i had no idea there was footage of the recording!!! thanks so much for uploading x

[@delord1619]

If I remember the liner notes correctly, this was done at the retirement home. The audio from this shoot was tidied up a bit for the album.

[@r.s.leergaard5738]

@@delord1619 they called themselves The London Geriatric Choir, according to the liner notes I saw, I used to have that album.

[@brucebarnard]

Originally they thought of using children to sing with Harry.

[@KennethShawSF]

I love you, Harry. Thank you. Miss you.

[@harm7602vicount-Visconti]

I’ve instructed my sons to play this on my ‘parting’. Luckily I live in The Netherlands so I won’t have to fear that I’ll end up wetting myself at the end. You should ALWAYS have to be able to make this choice.

[@ZippyThePinhead]

That's a great idea! I'm going to add this to my list of songs for my funeral too.

[@randyvanvliet226]

I hope the USA or at least the state I retire to live in gives me the death with dignity out option... for I fear Alzheimer's will claim me.

[@whitebirchtarot]

@@randyvanvliet226 I don’t know where you live, but I know that if you move to Oregon you’re immediately considered a resident and they have physician assisted suicide. I hope you don’t get Alzheimer’s! I’m terrified of it as well. I’ve lost my mom and my husband to dementia and now my sister has Alzheimer’s. I’m so sick of it! Take care of yourself.

[@qtpysusie459]

Harry, thanks for this and your hilarious friends. I know you're all together.

[@contraryson4690]

Effing beautiful!

[@clinchee]

Brilliant .. and I would !! ❤ and also sing harmonies as much as possible 😘🥂

[@alniderstros7305]

Harry ..Absolute Rock Star- dearly missed !

[@onedirections1172]

Amazing! Only a few are unsure, 99% of the ensemble are enthusiastically in agreement, as well as song!

[@RaxOldies]

I miss Harry !!!!

[@saucepanbach]

what a fantastic, heart warming video. love it .... wisdom of our elders sung with great humour. Thanks :) Off to take out the battery from the pacemaker.

[@canarsie56]

this is still a classic video-love it all

[@bishopaz]

More sherry please.

[@Superjyt]

Tous ceux qui reprennent les chansons de Nilsson, il leur manque toujours ce côté décalé, le sens de l'autodérision. Dutronc a ça aussi.

[@niltonborges2842]

Beautiful! Make me cry...

[@luvyesmusici4886]

Classic! One of the grratest sing a longs; ever.

[@jimuga34]

I am 85 years old. Love this. An anthem for physician assisted suicide. Let’s have it. Treat ourselves as well as we treat our pets. And, oh yeah....it’s funny!

[@davicus100]

come on no one 85 knows how to use a computer ahahaha

[@gnarbeljo8980]

@@davicus100 Wow are you mistaken buddy. I know some older than that who are more savvy than myself, (50+)!

[@gnarbeljo8980]

It could also be an anthem for decent care and daily assistance for the dignity of our seniors who’ve put in a lifetime of hard work for our benefit. Corona has made it quite clear to everyone we can do alot better!

[@shayneoneill1506]

@@davicus100 My grandpa was working on early valve computers in the 1960s. He might not have been a whiz at driving windows around, but put a command line in front of him, and it was like a duck to water. He'd be close to 100 now if he was still around. Remember kids, Millenials might be the first born to the internet, but computers where around for nearly half a century before that.

[@alanberent4428]

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Don't set an example for your kids, or grandkids.

[@peterschorn1]

This song was never very popular with young people in the West, but the youth in Asia OW OW OUCH OW WHAT OW

[@theressamurphy2996]

This is funny and so true.... What a man

[@raymccraine2449]

Oh Man. This is just GREAT! I love this!!!!

[@liedenier]

One of Gods musicians. None of us are sinless.

[@ginakapuscinski9698]

How splendid! THANK YOU HARRY!!!!!!!!!!!

[@suecollins1991]

Would like to add this to my.playlist when I pass. Along with Going Out in Style by Dropkick Murphys and You're Still Gonna Die from the Old Dogs country album!!!

[@suecollins1991]

A great song anyway but the icing on the cake is having the seniors singing along. And don't they look like they're having fun?

[@chriswhite2151]

He was a genius

[@benparkinson5990]

The first time digging through my fathers 500+ vinyl collection that has a sad story when we moved the partition wall separating rooms the washer/dryer in the other side well one day the washer got pissed off at the world broke down and flooded my father's entire collection, back to this song well album for that matter i was hooked on how every song was different then " id rather be dead" came on not knowing what to expect my father passed not a few weeks later for harry nilsson was his ultimate favorite band the song we enjoy the most was " take 54" but we played id rather be dead at his funeral yes it turned some heads because my father was the black sheep in a Mormon family but since then I've gotten nilsson son of schmilson on cd and jam it in my Camaro weekly in my father honor.

[@kaycee18]

Irony! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this song and video. Thank you for sharing!

[@davicus100]

You just have to pray someone strong enough is around when youre weak to finish you off. Otherwise you may lay there 20 years in misery..Remember make a pact with someone so theyll finish you off and you wont lay there. Most people are to weak to go through with it. Chief in 'One Who Flew Over the Cuckoos nest' I pray someone like him is there for me at the end!!!!

[@JorenCull]

So cool! Thanks for sharing all this amazing footage.

[@judithadams647]

I told my wife that this song is my living will

[@fart813]

excellent , best chuckle i have had all day

[@angeliquenomade4353]

Je T'Aime Merci pour cette publication.

[@docmoody6908]

Irony or deliberatly Harry Nilsson brought residents of Sun City seniors choir as his Chorus... that's Harry, R.I.P.

[@TINCANsquid]

I'm getting in to the zone. I was a kid when I first heard this heh heh heh time don't blink

[@user-InvitationtoLove]

Brilliant

[@jimdartouzos2127]

This Song is Totally Fucking Awesome !!

[@brandpross.u.552]

Bendiciones para ti y para TODOS!!!!❣️❣️💕💝💝💯💋💌💙🤗😁☺️😄✨🍁😃😃💢💟🌱👏🌊💛💛🌊💙🌊💙🙌🏼❣️🌊🌊💕🌊💓🌊💓🌊🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼👏👏👏👏👏👏🤗👏🤗👏🤗👏🤗👏🤗👏🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗❣️❣️💕💕💕💕

[@glennhfriedman4571]

still laughing from the grave, that's Harry.

[@ClubZoltar]

Amazing! Thank you for posting this

[@HarryNilssonArchive]

Glad you liked it - it cracks me up every time

[@ClubZoltar]

We are all big fans. Especially my Dad. He loved the video too.

[@HarryNilssonArchive]

Phish N' Chimps None at all - I'm just a big fan

[@chorolo12]

A truly positive song

[@davidcarney1949]

Great Song...Great album.Harry always had humor in his songs...Mix Beatles with Randy Newman

[@janicemitchell6950]

Brilliant!!!

[@JimRiley-d7f]

I I love this song 🎧 I listen to it when I'm depressed 😔 are mad it makes me happy and I would rather be dead i then wet my bed

[@brandpross.u.552]

Buen videoooo 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😃😃 BELLISIMA BELLA OBRA DE ARTE!!!!

[@moonglow1311]

Harry visited a nursing home and got the old folks to sing the chorus!!! Most of them really got into it. Good sports! Harry, ever the jokester!!!

[@Bogframe]

No, he bused them to the recording studio, gave them sherry and whiskey and recorded this!

[@popeheely480]

Something about this is just unnerving. I don't know why though.

[@Day1onDay1]

🎉 *Happy birthday, Darren!!* 🎈🎂🤸‍♀️🎶🥳

[@Real_g.s.]

I sure miss Harry.

[@laurissa2269]

My favourite soooong!

[@topsalespro]

This song is about the tremendous sense of powerlessness, shame and embarrassment people who wet their bed feel to the point where they'd rather be dead, than wet their bed.Made popular by Harry Nilsson, gone but not forgotten who has a strong propensity to write really weird songs.

[@Bipedal-Primate]

thats your opinion about it. personally, i dont think the song is about being ashamed to pee the bed

[@beverleymcguiness501]

Michael Safrin Ha, I sing this on my set...people's faces are a picture

[@cerph]

+Michael- Yes, and if you'll notice, he's singing the song at an old age home- (where they probably do wet their beds, and aren't that far off from dying).

[@teamcrumb]

not weird, just alive with both eyes open

[@trikerflash]

I think he's saying he'd rather die, than to no longer be in control of his life. I know I'm hoping to go to sleep and not wake up, rather than slowly waste away, with others having to take care of me.

[@brandpross.u.552]

WUUUUAUUU WUUUUUAAAUUU WUUUUAUUU BUEN VIDEOOOO 👐👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😃👏🖐️🤗🤗💕BUEN VIDEOOOO COMO SIEMPREEE 👏👏👏👏👏 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😃😃 BELLISIMA BELLA OBRA DE ARTE!!!!

[@warrennotes3575]

Loved Harry. He did cross the line or at least get close here, but I guess that was the point. Mind-blowing. It was suggested in the documentary that Harry himself had a death wish.

[@Bogframe]

I disagree. As I get older (I'm 58) The real meaning of this song gets clearer by the year. It had to be written and I'm glad Harry did.

[@zoecain123]

dude was depressed af lol

[@whitebirchtarot]

@@Bogframe yes, you have to be older to really appreciate this. Or at least have lost some loved ones.

[@Bogframe]

@@whitebirchtarot Or both, in my case.

[@brandpross.u.552]

Wuuuuauuu ES UNA BELLISIMA BELLA OBRA DE ARTEEEEEE 🙌🙌👏👏👏👏 BUEN VIDEOOOO!!!! 🙌👏👏👏👏👏👏😃 wuuuuauuu wuuuuauuu wuuuuauuu wuuuuauuu wuuuuauuu wuuuuauuu wuuuuauuu wuuuuauuu wuuuuauuu wuuuuauuu wuuuuauuu wuuuuauuu wuuuuauuu wuuuuauuu wuuuuauuu wuuuuau

[@86PrincessTigerLilly]

LMFAO!!! Love this video, epic Lol

[@martinbrennan7329]

A free spirit.

[@waynzy6942]

Martin brennan free af?