KEVIN JOHNSON"Rock&Roll I Gave You The Best Years Of My life

Filmed for German TV, Australian singer/songwriter performs in Berlin.

[@JamesPilgrim-ql2to]

As an 81 year old musician who never quite made it, the lyrics in this song sums it up, you have to love it. ❤

[@DrWinstonOboogie98]

Still fantastic in 2023. What a song!

[@denniskennedy9288]

Still a great Song in 2024

[@BarrettWillsonoutofmylife]

🤝 👍

[@rodwood837]

Still a great song after all these years… fond memories 😊

[@paulrankin8578]

Yep

[@BarrettWillsonoutofmylife]

🤝 👍 Thank you Kevin

[@marionhettich9720]

Was ein Lied, wenn es mir nicht so gut geht höre ich es und geht mir besser. Du bist ein Star.❤

[@BarrettWillsonoutofmylife]

marionhettich9720 🤝 Marion, a heart for you, sorry ❤️ ein Herz für Sie. 🤝 Barrett

[@steveduncan9256]

She tried to help me understand I'll never be a star , is probably one of the most heartbreaking lyrics ever 💔

[@trevorfarr529]

It sure is

[@mandyk4988]

😭😭

[@vinylsingleman]

I agree. It really makes me mad that Mac Davis changed that line to the cheap, cliched "I'm just a simple country boy and that's all I'll ever be".

[@KeithRowe100]

A classic … a timeless piece of music, with deeply philosophical lyrics. This is a wonderfully poetic storyline that could apply not only to a music career, but any of life’s pursuits. Not only that, but beautifully sung, and professionally produced … one of Australia’s very best!

[@KeithRowe100]

Received some feedback on my above comment that indicates that many others also feel that this song is an absolute gem. I expand on these remarks in the description of my own recent cover of this song. If you care to visit, here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpyUpJeXedKcraM

[@denisking642]

Yes one of my favourite songs since i was a child. How come nobody cant write a song that last forever? Then again people lived different lives full of respect for God and all His creation.❤

[@user-yl9yj8zd6w]

This song is a immortal classic the best Rock and Roll song that is an anthem Kevin has really nailed it. How many can relate to the lyrics. 1967 what a year for music.

[@w.k.n5714]

Unforgotten! Unforgettable! Thank you Kevin!

[@jack1234356]

Probably one of the best songs ever written!!!

[@kingflappy4827]

I was on a date with a girl and she put this song on a jukebox back in 1985 I loved this song since .

[@steventhomson9869]

His best song for sure!

[@entenhund1806]

yes I agree, but also the lyrics

[@laurietaylor5465]

Not probably, it is the greatest rock song written!!

[@Gemini5AU]

Here here!!!

[@williamw2]

Would go back to 74 at the drop of a hat.. Great memories. everything seemed possible.

[@juttagraumann3634]

Ich liebe dieses Lied so sehr!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@user-rc4kb1ml5x]

Wunderschön und gefühlvoll

[@BarrettWillsonoutofmylife]

🤝 👍 oh jeah, this is a song for every time.

[@potdog1000]

possibly the greatest anthology of music ever

[@BarrettWillsonoutofmylife]

🤝 👍

[@soender52]

Can't stop crying - I want my youth back and this is it

[@rogerhector8323]

can l cry with you

[@beverleymaxworthy66]

ditto x

[@vinipaduano5458]

The stuff nowadays doesn't even come close to this, soender52 take me back with you when you find the youth answer.

[@kingflappy4827]

I went out on a date 33 years ago she put this song on 8 jute box this is the song I will always remember

[@Guzzist11]

treasure it deep inside you and be glad you had a youth to cry for. I do not envy the young people today in these crazy and busy times. Stay safe!

[@kerryburke1083]

Love this song. Truly brilliant. Kevin is sensational.

[@davidhughes6999]

One of the best songs of all time. I never tire of listening to it and it always brings tears to my eyes. What a wonderful talent! How sad that Kevin never performed in the UK. Thank you for some very iconic songs. They will last for all time😊.

[@erinredmond71]

Such a wonderful song , covered by many musicians but Kevin Johnson, who wrote this, sings it so soulfully

[@awm8221]

This is the best version of them all. I didn't like the Mac Davis version which was a big hit in US. Mac's version reduced the power of the chorus.

[@davidclifton1390]

Brilliant song that explains how hard it was to be a "star" in the music industry in the 70s, especially if you were an unknown Aussie artist, but Johnson sings it to perfection.

[@colinwatkins5321]

Im 57years old and half an hour ago I was driving home when a couple of lines of this song pop in my head I had to pull over and try to construct it in my head till I had the title so I could u tube it when I got home.This was my fathers favourite record and him playing it was the only time I heard it.It must be thirty years, The mind is a weird and wonderful thing.Nostalgia is the key.

[@Pisceaneye20]

An absolute classic, Colin. Funny how something musical can take us back to places and people from our past.. I have memories of this song being played regularly on my local radio station 3BO (Bendigo) as a young teenager in '73/74. Reckon it is still one of the great 'anthems' of our time.

[@alisonharman181]

same vintage as you Colin and isn't youtube great to listen to all these old tunes. I reckon we were spoilt with the talent that was around.

[@writerman242]

colin watkins Well I am 61 and have it on an LP and on the computer and on my tablet. I am happy to say I know it by heart..nostalgia is not such a bad thing really. Things weren't so much "better" when we were young, but at least I remember having hope and that was reflected in so much of the music i loved and love now. Tired of the nastiness, the hate and the horrors

[@Mr195758]

colin watkins

[@writerman242]

+Andy Mangele you are very welcome Andy

[@wtarkka]

A very underrated Aussie talent.

[@venderstrat]

Not where I come from - he's a legend.

[@Guzzist11]

@@venderstrat So he is a Legend Down Under? Well deserved, glad to hear it. I just came here after i heard it on the Radio and just discovered he is an Australian, sadly pretty unknown Singer in Europe. Cheers.

[@clintsherman5797]

Very true

[@mandyk4988]

I didn’t know he was from Oz

[@kevinarchbold3704]

​@@mandyk4988 listen to his voice and accent

[@jamescurtis5787]

Virtually unknown, and I can never understand why. Absolutely amazing singer, songwriter, performer, star!

[@HOLEARSE]

My sentiments exactly James. One of my all time favourites

[@johndias5201]

underrated

[@hazeljackson4747]

I feel the same, Im in my fifties now and am only just beginning to realise all the great artists I have overlooked for so long, and this guy is definitely one great artist

[@MsSpock1]

Extraordinary singer why did he not make it. Was this song a prophetic one. Love it so much x

[@huguettemarquet4675]

@@MsSpock1 "Satanic roots of rock'n roll" : Look for on Google and you will understand that he didn't want to be manipulating.

[@dannyhumberstone9407]

What a song! Pure Genius. Love it always.

[@ianman1516]

One of the best autobiographical songs about the tough life and struggles within the music industry. Although this became a hit for Mac Davis in the United States, it’s Kevin Johnson’s life story.

[@alles.gelogen.]

Endlich gefunden... ich hatte diesen Song völlig vergessen, obwohl er mich als Teenager immer zum Weinen gebracht hatte...🤩😢😍 Finally found ... I had completely forgotten this song, even though it always made me cry when I just was a teenager.

[@petercharles4792]

Gleiches ist bei mir sogar der Name Susanne trifft bei mir zu

[@wissenschaftenundpraxishan1952]

Ja, ich hatte es auch lange nicht gehört und vor kurzem wieder entdeckt. "She tried to help me understand, I'll never be a star", und damit wurde er zum Star. :-)

[@lizziecahill9065]

fantastic song. I've loved it since I first heard it. so beautiful ...so much soul.

[@BarrettWillsonoutofmylife]

🤝 👍 for you 🌹

[@luciabraithwaite3446]

Lost this in 1976 when I came over from Oz and started my travels. Elated I found it selling in Ireland. Bought a cassette and played it to death - fantastic voice, and a great song. If you grew up in the 60's you can relate to the lyrics. Many thanks xx

[@grahamjones4652]

I can't remember how many times I have played this song. The lyrics are incredible . I bet there are plenty of singers who can relate to this song. Another top song from Aus. I hope the Berliners appreciated it.

[@WugaWowe]

This Song was played on the funeral from my grandfather. Everytime i listen to this song, i have tears in my eyes and always drink a glass of his favorite whisky. He was a good man, he left much too early. RIP Opa Bootz.

[@timothyjoyce9554]

What a great tune. Magnificent song

[@michaelvongerard3017]

Got to be my favourite ! This song just gets me!

[@dag-mon]

Always makes me cry - so touching and wonderful

[@marinahoeckrndorf4034]

Ich liebe diese Musik,einfach träumen

[@robertwhittaker8941]

I first heard Kevin Johnson back in 1979 on the radio and enjoyed the song immensely. Until now I have not been able to find it again. Finding it on you tube was a great surprise, meaning I can listen to it whenever I want. To me he is one of the best folk music stars of my generation. Bob Whittaker

[@zapkvr]

Yes Bob I agree. This is why we need the internet. I have found so many long lost gems and this is one of the best. It's not the best sound quality but hec I can't hear as well as I could in the seventies.

[@waynewheeler6634]

Watched Kevin perform this live in Sydney last night (21st March 2015) along with a show full of his other songs. At 72 years old he sounded tremendous. Great Australian artist.

[@andrewf2212]

Wayne, if you're interested he will be in Concert in Mittagong - NSW Southern Highlands - on Friday 24th March. Small venue - only 175 seats so everyone will be in the thick of it. See facebook.com/kjmittagong/?fref=ts or kevinjohnsonmusic.webs.com for more details.

[@frankfriedrichheckmannqual4890]

World Class Single from Kevin Ich Love the Single Big CountryFan❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Nobbe22]

Es gibt Lieder die begleiten Dich ein Leben lang.Dieses gehöhrt absolut dazu.

[@monikaludwig767]

Da haben wir den gleichen Geschmack! Kann das Lied immer wieder hören!

[@wissenschaftenundpraxishan1952]

Ich habe es nach vielen Jahren wieder entdeckt. Wirklich ein sehr schönes Lied, das ich immer wieder hören kann. :-)

[@monikaludwig767]

Ein schöner, ruhiger, aber auch irgendwie trauriger Song! Ich höre ihn immer wieder gerne!

[@RoryODonoghue]

Had the pleasure of working with Kevin and I played all the guitar parts on this iconic recording. We recorded this session at ATA Studios in Glebe. Engineer was Bruce Brown.

[@dantaylor9096]

Wow! That's so awesome!!! Very nice song! My grandmother just got me to find it for her haha

[@stevenaylor4004]

Good man - life eh

[@drdavidpoole2028]

+Rory O'Donoghue Thanks for all of your own work over the years, Rory. As a kid, although it was viewed by mum as being "very naughty", I loved the antics of you and Mr Bond in Auntie Jack. Farewell, whether or not you do come back! You are a gifted man. Thanks again. Dave

[@zapkvr]

+Rory O'Donoghue Second greatest Australian song of all time. Oh and before you ask, Friday on my mind. Cheers.

[@RoryODonoghue]

Two great songs there no doubt.

[@elsahirsch5289]

Ein sehr schönes Lied, höre es immer wieder gerne

[@stephentaege6255]

This song was also rewritten about football 🏈 player's I love both versions but second version brings a tear because my late father was in the a player then coach then man of league your song Mr Johnson is classic love and respect cheers stevo 🦘🦘🦘🦘

[@jerrymicola4511]

Kevin Johnson is one of Australia's greatest singer song writers, never given the credit he deserved. There are many talented musicians around today, as well as a heap of trash artists that do not deserve the plaudits they are getting. These 3 Ausies, Kevin Johnson, Mike McClellan and Doug Ashdown were and still are, loved by millions of music lovers outside of Australia. Kevin's Rock & Roll(I gave you the best years of my life.) stayed at the top of the Dutch hit parade for close to 10 years, a feat not equeled by the Beatles, Elvis, The Stones or Abba to name a few. What a sad indictment on Australia.

[@joergen11111]

a real storyteller.......love the dephth of his words........underrated singer

[@briankiernansmith2433]

kevin johnson, you are a star.

[@brianodonnell1384]

Yes, great song and fantastic singer.

[@mB-fn4no]

Ein ganz toller wertvoller Mann 💋

[@albertoruckholdt8359]

I discovered Kevin Johnson in around 1975 through "Bonnie please don't go" I bought the album and now his songs are in my i-pod. I don't care if he never was a 'star' for he is to those of us who appreciate him a real star

[@user-cv3vk2xz1c]

Mister Kevin Johnson, You gave the world this beautiful song. The world is grateful to You. I'm happy when I listen to her. I wake up in the morning and listen to it, and then I get a huge boost of energy for the whole day.

[@christinemccarthy4895]

One of my all time favourite songs ❤️🎶played it non stop on the jukebox in the 70s, Reminds of such carefree times. All friends together in The welcome Inn..) Kevin was The Biggest Star ⭐

[@robertglare9019]

Back when real artists had to give blood, sweat and tears for the music they shared

[@lindasmith8881]

Best song ever to come out of Australia.

[@zapkvr]

Very difficult to argue with that. Bob Dylan would be proud to have written the song. It's perfect.

[@austinpundit6321]

Hmm, thats a big call, but it certainly ranks up there with the best. I prefer his "Man of the Twentieth Century".

[@clintsherman5797]

Big call. But its up there

[@trevorfarr529]

Brilliant song ❤

[@kevinthompson5083]

I remember when this song was played endlessly on the radio and then it would come on very rarely in the 80s and it was a big thing to hear it. Everyone in the car would sing it. Now, nothing. Young Aussies probably don't know this song. It is unfortunate that our music history just fades.

[@philipgratton51]

In 65 I was 16 and in a band now I am 72 still play guitar and sing never made it I feel this song is about me and my life hey hehe good news is I had a life

[@geebeebee]

One of the all timers. Superb song. Timeless.

[@annesaturley3181]

How many people must think "He's singing about my life!"

[@user-cv3vk2xz1c]

The song reflects the era of romance and lyrics. Who can express their feelings so beautifully now? This was the elite, the best part of the stratum of society, the flower of the nation. I very like this song.

[@MsSpock1]

So smooth, beautiful voice, cheers me just to hear this lovely song, thank you for posting 🌷🌷

[@domdegood5376]

Good songs never die, they just lose the listeners one at a time.

[@alkohl4383]

+Dom Degood Yeah.. this one is amazing, I just discovered it today..fantastic ! so, listeners come and go...

[@charlessidebottom4671]

i just now discoverd him and this song ....it tells the story of the many talents, that never got the big break....what a great song and singer..

[@zapkvr]

Brutal but very true.

[@hillpost]

The lyrics. All true. We have all went down this road at some point in our lives. It could not have been sung any better. Just super.

[@adammummery7454]

I’m sitting out under the patio with my old man, having a beer. I grab the iPad and we take turns of picking songs on KZbin.I’m 42 he’s 75, this reminds me of the long car trip from Melbourne to Canberra as a kid when we used to go visit family,in the old blue fairlane. Good memories.

[@karl-heinzreinberger3719]

Was für ein genialer Song

[@raymondliggett2668]

Love a song with a story. Great writing and music. In my top 10 Songs. R

[@germanley4276]

most people over 50 will be able to relate to this song. No matter what religion, race, sex or where they live. Life is like this. simple as that.

[@mattpb9212]

I'm sure this song's real popular in the Middle East and Sub Saharan Africa.

[@cheryleharding1420]

yep remember it well....

[@andrewf2212]

For KJ fans in Australia and around the world - we have a live concert planned for early 2017 "Kevin Johnson - The man and his music" which will feature Kevin performing and being interviewed about his life and music. All those interested in attending in person or online should reply to this post

[@quinnsofflicence50a]

Would so love to attend

[@sasanach8]

your right and we all did give rock and roll the best years of our life and still do

[@raoulmohr899]

Magnifique composition ❤

[@kimoon3255]

I can still remember when I bought my first guitar Remember just how good the feeling was, put it proudly in my car And my family listened fifty times to my two song repertoire And I told my mum her only son was gonna be a star Bought all the Beatles records, sounded just like Paul Bought all the old Chuck Berry’s, 78’s and all And I sat by my record player, playin’ every note they played And I watched them all on TV, makin' every move they made Rock and roll, I gave you all the best years of my life All the dreamy sunny Sundays, all the moon-lit summer nights I was so busy in the back room writin’ love songs to you While you were changin’ your direction and you never even knew That I was always, just one step behind you '66 seemed like the year I was really goin’ somewhere We were living in San Francisco, with flowers in our hair Singing songs of kindness so the world would understand That the guys and me were something more than just another band And then ’69 in LA, came around so soon We were really making headway and writing lots of tunes And we must have played the wildest stuff we had ever played The way the crowds cried out for us, we thought we had it made Rock and roll, I gave you all the best years of my life All the crazy lazy young days, all the magic moon-lit nights I was so busy on the road singin’ love songs to you While you were changin’ your direction, and you never even knew That I was always, just one step behind you ’71 in Soho, when I saw Suzanne I was trying to go it solo, with someone else’s band And she came up to me later and I took her by the hand And I told her all my troubles and she seemed to understand And she followed me through London, through a hundred hotel rooms Through a hundred record companies who didn’t like my tunes And she followed me when, finally, I sold my old guitar And she tried to help me understand, I’d never be a star Rock and roll, I gave you all the best years of my life All the dreamy sunny Sundays, all the moon-lit summer nights And though I never knew the magic of makin’ it with you I thank the Lord for giving me the little bit I knew And I will always be one step behind you Rock and roll, I gave you all the best years of my life Singing out my love songs in the brightly flashing lights And though I never knew the magic of makin’ it with you I thank the Lord for giving me the little bit I knew Rock and roll, I gave you all the best years of my life All the dreamy sunny Sundays, all the moon-lit summer nights I was so busy in the back room writin’ love songs to you While you were changin’ your direction, and you never even knew That I was always, just one step behind you

[@frankschmidt9421]

Thank You!

[@irenahardi5286]

Thankyou..lyrics are magic!

[@mandyk4988]

🥺🥺🥺

[@HouseholdDog]

Never realised this was Australian. He has a great voice.

[@mickb55]

Just wonderful why wasn't this guy a global superstar? I know, heartfelt lyrics, great voice, great playing, integrity. Thank you for posting -love this to bits!!

[@Lurch211253]

A few years ago was voted one of the best songs of all time by the music industry stars & songwritters

[@I_Palaver]

It doesn't get much better than this.

[@tomgreaney1]

Great song, lyrics and voice, amazing guitar playing, song was stuck in my head for ages

[@kerriecrawford5511]

Beautiful. So much meaning and such a great voice, where has all the good music gone? Love Kevin Johnon. Like so many talented artists he didn't get the recognition he deserved. Why? So sad.

[@Kingmick58]

Kevin and my brother John were mates and i remember Kevin with his guitar at Johns 21st in Rockhampton Queensland Australia. 1964.

[@marianne8182]

What an incredibly insightful song that I heard for the first time today. While this song was created 28 years before I was born, the story Kevin tells through it is just as relevant now to me as it surely was to many in his generation.

[@myballs5718]

It’s amazing how you can apply this song to so many different things in everyone’s personal lives

[@PattyBeecham]

Love this song, beautifully sung, thank you.

[@Anjewellini]

One of my most favourite songs of all time....such beautiful lyrics and the tune and guitar work is sublime :)

[@dfoley1409]

Rozanne Winter yes I agree you

[@Igloo3471]

The Australian Football League reprised this hit, again sung by Kevin Johnson, during the VFL/AFL Centenary year in 1996 termed "Aussie Rules, you gave me all the best years of my life". Was used on every Channel 7 broadcast at the time.

[@chrisbannisterone]

I haven't heard this in years, I love this song so much, one of the saddest, most beautiful songs about music ever written. Wonderful

[@grahamreich3302]

Great song ,great artist,loved this forever,such a undervalued artist.one of the best of all times.

[@MichaelVonderHeyde]

I am agree a real artist

[@165liam]

This song always gives me a lump in my throat , especially in the last verse where he realises he'd never be a star 🌟 Wow , what a great piece of music n lyrics , just love ❤ it ...

[@suzyalkhayatt2818]

I will always be one step behind you..A lovely song, very well written and sung... 😍

[@jayweiss4378]

We sure do spend a lot of our life listening to music…. Turned this track up many times on my car radio

[@musicundertaker]

I too relate to this song that I have always loved, but for the love of rock & roll I will never sell my old guitar. It will go to the grave with me! and now at the age of 60 I will never be a star don't want to be. Thanks for the memory Aussie Mate.

[@jujuju3384]

A classic anthem to all rock-stars waiting for 'that break' . Great song, and for me stands the test of time .

[@steviemac3580]

Every now an again, l have to play this song.... I don't know what it is about the song, but it has this magic hold on me...a really good song, by a really good artist. Thanks Kevin!

[@declancampbell3731]

Amazing song amazing singer!

[@coorowdarts]

question ?,how can some people not like this song,it`s one of the best songs of the 70`s.

[@klauskoschinski3471]

Es gibt meinem Herzen die Sehnsucht zurück ❤ dank

[@dst0153]

This is one of the great songs! Should have made him a superstar

[@jackbadger56]

A real, hard-earned story that makes a song that still enters my consciousness every now and then nearly forty years after first hearing it.

[@frankfriedrichheckmannqual4890]

What a wonderful Countrysong,Thank you Kevin.

[@bitbech]

What a song!! It sure brigs back a lot of sunny and happy memories!!!

[@sailb0atscream]

This song always makes me think of my dad :') Never fails to put a smile on my face. It's such a beautiful classic!!

[@grahamcooper6538]

Terrific song. Not much recognition for a great artist with a beautiful voice.

[@harrychristopher8424]

Remember this when it hit the radio I sort of thought that it was a life story Kevin should have gone to greater heights with his talent

[@jackyanderson9330]

I sincerely wish that Kevin Johnson be inducted( or awarded a prize) in to rock and roll hall of fame. Also in country music. This is one of the best musics ever.

[@stephenburke5967]

Brought to prominence by an Irish dj who continuously played his music and they became great friend but unfortunately that dj Val Joyce died today 10/10/22.

[@malmarshall9614]

Awesome song. My parents played this and K.J's other big hit 'Bonnie Please Don't Go' on the Cassette Player over and over on every road trip we ever done. Great childhood Memories.

[@leannelayton9431]

Thanks you-tube. So many renditions of this song, never knew who the original singer was!!

[@RownanChristophers]

This bounced me back to the '70s (and my teenage years) in a split second and just like then, I knew it'd stay with me for the rest of my days....and it did.