LAY DOWN Melanie & The Edwin Hawkins Singers LIVE '70 (Candles In The Rain)

Special thanks to Harley White, Sr. who played an amazing bass, and to Edwin (piano) and the Singers. The single hit #1 on the Dutch charts soon after this. Willem Duys, the host, was the Ed Sullivan of The Netherlands.
/ melaniesafka

[@MelaniesafkaTheRealMelanie]

"One Night in the Netherlands: Melanie Safka, 1970, and a Performance of a Lifetime" (Jeff Suwak, September 24): medium.com/yawp/one-night-in-the-netherlands-melanie-safka-1970-and-a-performance-of-a-lifetime-b4d2632f9cc1

[@donaldsmith3926]

Thanks so much for the link; I'm still following bread crumbs from that article. He has great taste in music.

[@kinaleybas1761]

Never forget this song, love her voice

[@Morganasnotarobot0]

Ur A Blessing! 💜♀️♂️ 🔅 🌔🌕🌖🔆 Keep On Rockkn! Beautiful!.... Abrazós! 🎤 🎸 ☄ 💚💖💚💖 Beautiful Blessings! To U Bonita! 🕊️🌼🌼🌼🕊️ Amo!🕊️🌹🥀🌹🥀🌹.x.x.. May U All have All the beautiful love in the world! Paź Amo Respect 🌾 🌬️⭐FoREVer⭐🌬️🌾⭐stay blessed⭐🥀....

[@bobnan9815]

Powerful and beautiful voice. Thank you Melanie for the memories.

[@veronamartin5285]

Wow! Amazing! Love & Peace. 💖 Love this song! Your voice is incredible.

[@nancydemello2974]

I'm listening in 2024! RIP Melanie! Thank you for this beautiful song to remember you by!!😢

[@A1exS]

hello from Russia ^-)

[@nancydemello2974]

Hello Russia! Is it Das ver Donna! Sorry for the misspelling! Im so happy that you love Melanie's music! So profounding! What a sad day for us here in America!

[@nancydemello2974]

Donha, again, sorry for this misspelling!

[@sheepsfoot2]

Another great artist from the 1960s passes' the unsurpassed decade of music ! R.I.P Melanie !

[@richardeckes509]

One of the best

[@beathiswon]

Just saw Melanie has just passed away at 76 years old. Terrible news. I'm old enough at 65 to remember her songs in the 1960's and 70's. What a great singer/songwriter and this vid is my favorite. My heart goes out to her family and those who know her.

[@USMoxi]

Oh no. So young. This was just the best music of two decades

[@abbyinokc]

We loved the song Brand New Key. We all had skates and key. RIP

[@terrywilliams8779]

68 years young here! Loved her! Fly high beautiful lady! 🦋

[@billyarnold3145]

RIP 🙏🏻 Melanie 🕊 ✌🏻

[@bertwitteveen5449]

😢

[@jodi10704]

She sang the hell out of that. The Edwin Hawkins Singers took it to church. Even the old geezers were caught up in it. Goosebumps, a lump in the throat and a smile. She's gone but not forgotten.

[@wildrover9650]

Those old geezers went through World War two. If we live long enough we will go through World War three.

[@philiphatfield5666]

One of the great works of art in pop music.

[@Themanwhocameback2]

"Goosebumps, a lump in the throat, and a smile." Perfect description of my reaction, too.

[@KittyGrizGriz]

Definitely!! ❤❤❤

[@Possumsarepeopletoo]

Well said.

[@shadowplay-y5g]

Few days ago we lost the baby of woodstock Melanie. She was the voice of a generation that is slowly passing. Rest in Peace.

[@samadams6487]

Amen

[@johnmcgreevey7795]

@@samadams6487 Well said. THis one goes straight to the heart.

[@mirzamargarita]

😢

[@raystreu5763]

If you can wait another 5 years or so, us Woodstock geezers will be gone. With all we knew and still know...

[@richardplume3212]

In us all get up stand up 2day

[@ttgyuioo]

23 years old and she is a superstar! Awesome! Who's still listening in 2022?

[@jasonlynn1017]

Anyone of any age with a soul.

[@jamesslick4790]

@@jasonlynn1017 I can't even REMEMBER being 23! Let alone laying down a TIMELESS track!

[@juliegoulart8416]

Grew up on this Song that my older sisters played on the record player....still gives me Goosebumps!

[@jamesewanchook2276]

i am I'm going to do a cover of this btw. Democracies: Send brave Ukrainians everything they need pronto; let them put an end to Putin's folly. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦🇨🇦!!

[@jamesslick4790]

@@jamesewanchook2276 FROM USA with love and hope for Ukraine 👍👍👍👍

[@bobkushell4031]

If you’d only given the world one song, you couldn’t have given it a better one. Thank you, Melanie. RIP.

[@HeartWorX.Creations]

Well said sir…well said!!! What a hell of a voice… just saw of her passing yesterday, another great has left us, I was about 11 when “Brand New Key” hit the air waves-but this one here, hits me in my core-DEEP DOWN INSIDE…..❤️😓🌈🙏🌞

[@tammycuneo4100]

She will never be forgotten and forever loved and respected xoxo 🫶🙏

[@heavnnnsent]

So true this song was just out of this world unlike any other song on Earth I get chills and goosebumps when I hear it

[@SA-zf9ds]

⁠@@heavnnnsent same here. What a song! So powerful and beautiful. Edwin Hawkins Singers add to the perfection of the performance. 🎉 R.I.P. Melanie.

[@frankrsalatino5845]

The voice of an angel.

[@MeleskiwMaryLeskiw]

68 years old and this song still gives me the chills.

[@timhunt1482]

She was just very gorgeous and talented I wish it was the 70s again time stand still!

[@nerkfumgogi798]

@@timhunt1482 nooo time should keep going into the next 70s so i can tell my grandkids how much better it was 100 years ago.

[@robertbell2225]

? Hey girl I'm sexy 82 that's comical as just reading your post

[@susanhughes4890]

Queen of cool! Love her.

[@robertthacher2660]

@@timhunt1482 Time just won't do that!

[@wpageabc]

Credit to Edwin Hawkins and his Choir. What a classic improv of everlasting music...

[@donaldleider7382]

I’m 67 now but at 13 years old I went to Woodstock with my two older brothers ( I still have the tickets ). I Was totally transformed by the experience. Then this song came out and I was blown away by Melanie, I still have a crush on her till this day, this was the real anthem for Woodstock!

[@56nickrich]

Same here Donald ... born in 56 but I never got to Woodstock. 🎶🎸 Enjoying it still today with historical films!👍🏼

[@cengeb]

Yup, I remember that like it was yesterday. She went on stage as an unknown, local girl, next day a star is born..it was great

[@rickrose5377]

I am 70 (born 1953) and I feel exactly the same. I played this record relentlessly -- it almost never left my turntable for all of 1970. How I adored it and her.

[@Able-z8o]

RiP Melanie 🙏

[@lhlharrison18]

“I had never performed in front of so many people in my life. I was just thrown into it, and I had my first out-of-body experience. I was terrified, I had to leave. I started walking across that bridge to the stage, and I just left my body, going to a side, higher view. I watched myself walk onto the stage, sit down and sing a couple of lines. And when I felt it was safe, I came back,” Melanie told Rolling Stone

[@quaich14]

Still listening in 2024 as I hear of her passing. Everyone is singing with the beautiful talented Melanie RIP

[@LuckyLarue-ij3vn]

What wonderful comments from all Melanie and this anthem have always touched me so deeply

[@jesavino1255]

May Jehova God Bless her and remember her at the RESURRECTION I ask this in Jesus's Name Amen. ❤

[@frankrsalatino5845]

Still listening to this angel

[@851Sharon]

I am listening to this song with tears rolling down my face after reading that you are gone. The face of an angel. The voice of an angel. Now you are an angel. Thank you Melanie for the joy your music brought to the world. I raise my candle high in your honor.

[@nia-zq8oe]

🕯🌧😢 such a beautiful people

[@johnegli1308]

Same here. Tears streaming. RIP Melanie

[@tinalilly7167]

DITTO 🙏🏽😭🫶🏼🥰🦋🕊️💫❤️‍🩹💔♥️☮️

[@KittyGrizGriz]

Melanies music-song “Touched” all of us, such a powerful voice and message. PEACE. ❤❤❤

[@jonhunt1419]

I'm not religious, but if you wanted proof of God, there she is. What a voice, what a talent, what a loss for the rest of us.

[@lichtloper]

In memory of Melanie Safka: Let us light a candle for this beautiful singer.

[@leighbennington9457]

I'm 63 and still listening to this in 2023, it still sounds brilliant.

[@karenmurray3682]

Me too❤

[@cynthiadavis3749]

64. ❤

[@leighbennington9457]

@cynthiadavis3749 Melanie has such a powerful voice and sings with so much feeling.

[@hook-x6f]

1970 peace and love. There was no better time to be alive.

[@rodgerhoneycutt4154]

67

[@sixspeedsuzy]

Thank you Melanie for giving us this beautiful song. And in 2024 we need it more than ever. Sad to learn of her passing.

[@birdsfan57]

Well, AT LEAST we still have Taylor Swift...😆😏🤮😞😥

[@GilGettes-ki5jh]

She was Loved by All!

[@connienavarette1948]

Thank you Melanie for giving us this beautiful song. In 2024 we need it more than ever. Sad to learn of her death at 76.

[@freddexta3363]

@@birdsfan57 Hmm yeah a bit like comparing instant coffee to the real thing

[@KittyGrizGriz]

@@birdsfan57Leave, Taylor. Alone., 😂 We can appreciate all forms-genres of music w/o putting each other down. Melanie was able to articulate her Woodstock experience with lyrics-song. And that Voice, ❤, Chills inducing. “Some came to sing, some came to pray, Some came to keep the dark away”🎶🕯️🕯️🕯️🕊️

[@atlantisnewman1722]

She sings her guts out. The epic Edwin Hawkins Singers elevate this masterpiece.

[@billbailey7302]

Edwin's keyboards and her voice WOW !!!!!

[@davidrosenbaum226]

She’s got a set of pipes as well as a whole lot of poise.

[@davidrosenbaum226]

I went to Woodstock (1969), but when I heard this song in 1970, I really didn’t get that it was about the festival! I was 20 years old; I’m in my early 70’s now and love this performance!!!

[@johnhargis4566]

I was 12 when this song was played on radio looked forward to hearing it all day

[@KittyGrizGriz]

Isn’t this fantastic?!! LOVE! 🫶🫶🫶

[@jeannettebarker4873]

The Holy Spirit gave her this song. I am past 70. We are all alone. We will be faithful till the end. The fading flower children of America. Peace be with you.❤

[@richardplume3212]

The flowers hav gone

[@LV-wl7ch]

She's probably a witch.

[@richardplume3212]

We wont get fooled again but we did

[@toniatchison3678]

Today, 1/24/24, they announced this lovely lady left this world. This is my favorite song of hers. Thank you, Melanie, for the love and music you gave us over the years.

[@amir4r803]

Amen

[@martinharris4148]

And I discovered that she married a Ukranian man, so very appropriate we should sing along with her! Thank you Melanie for your gifts. ❤

[@candidasmith9623]

❤Rip Melanie

[@rustyking8783]

This isn't just a song. It's a force of nature.

[@bethbeyer8441]

Perfect description

[@77sprglde]

67 and here in '24, great song! RIP Melanie.

[@amir4r803]

Amen

[@patriciabecker2062]

At 68 years young, I consider this the very best music era I loved Melanie and was so sad to hear of her passing. I listened /watched this video every week for several years. I will miss all of the contributions to music that Melanie gave us. Rest in peace. Love always ❤

[@jlbaker2000]

Same age here. I'm in total agreement.

[@richardplume3212]

My numbers 4561 we had fun and hurt no one

[@scribblerjohn1]

"We bled inside each other's wounds." Possibly the most powerful line in the history of American music.

[@neillore]

You’re not kidding!

[@Jett7182]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@0001nika]

Amen

[@redspice55]

RIP Melanie 😢💔

[@michaelhoffman5486]

yup it was the times man quite a peak

[@levalpat]

At the age of 71 and with decades of listening to music, this song is in my lifetime’s top 20

[@williamjackson8719]

im 71 ...fall qtr 71 ....this was my favorite son ....and brand new key ...im in a funk over this news

[@williamjackson8719]

song

[@kevinmahoney5923]

I am six years your junior and I while I missed out on participating in the songs of love and peace with you, I still felt them deeply, unlike most kids my age. Much of the angst, rage we saw as a result of the war, MLK, RFK and other things was expressed so eloquently in song by you and your friends, and I dare say there has not been a generation before or since who have so dared to take on the world as they saw it in this way and none other who got it so right .

[@JatikaManigault-qu7uc]

Right there with chew...

[@peterschancel7223]

My first crush

[@tammyandersonparker3068]

This made me weep. We who grew up in the 60's and 70's had such high hopes of total World Peace and Brotherly Love by now 😥

[@michaelmccurry9947]

Yes, $$$ is god.

[@gdub999tub.]

I am 100% with you on this one.

[@tdotjazzberryram61]

I too thought we as a planet were on an upward trajectory , but we forgot, there are always snakes in the grass lying in wait, praising darkness as their God ,mammon and hatred, bigotry . IMPERFECT AS WE ARE, WE ARE STILL HERE 😚✌✌🖐👍💜💜💜 . Never give up the fight For LIGHT !

[@ChildOfThe1970s]

There will be peace when Jesus returns and only then because we as humans often cannot control our selfish and warlike nature. It will take something much higher than us to fix this mess and it can only be Christ.

[@hueydoc]

Yet "Equality" turned into Affirmative Action racism

[@marciacraven4032]

I will say this again. Loved this song. The best generation ever. Still listening in 2024.😊

[@ricardoduran2293]

I'm 81 yrs old I still love her voice! She is wonderful.

[@malcolmwhite6588]

look up some songs she sings with Miley Cyrus! Miley is respectful and does great justice to both the song and Melanie-and Melanie still has a great voice

[@redspice55]

RIP Melanie 😢💔

[@malcolmwhite3567]

@@redspice55 how sad I was just going to reply. What do you mean RIP? She is still alive and then I saw she passed away just a day or two ago😞

[@redspice55]

@@malcolmwhite3567 Yes,, on the 23rd. Very sad. You just imagine your favourite singers will live forever, and then they don't. 😢 She had such a powerful voice.

[@gordonmanley9377]

Some things just hit you and stay with you.This was Melanie for me.Onward sister

[@srvgjohnson]

What happened to a world that wanted t o include everyone. To embrace everyone. To feel everything. To move forward. So sad tonight. RIP Melanie. Thank you for wanting to even try.

[@williamburns4088]

God bless!

[@quietjohn5523]

Yes you're right. I thought we would have progressed so much more as a species in my lifetime. And we haven't. Hopefully my children will see it. They are so much more enlightened than I was.

[@sandburgmartin7947]

Most who are septaugenarians now felt and feel as you do about acceptance and peaceful co-existence on a clean decent planet. Unfortunately it was the other self centered smaller group that did not. Then they passed it to their next generation. Combined that was the start of the fouled up polarization that exists today. Peace✌️

[@americanman4746]

Human nature will never let you have that utopian dream.

[@gko7307]

❤❤❤❤

[@BigTexan59]

Anyone else listen to this 20-15 times in a row like I did?

[@PHL76Music]

I did that from the time the record first came out.

[@Icarusvampire]

U know it!!!

[@AnnLippert1]

i searched for the lyrics so i could appreciate it even more.

[@soulheartdiva]

Yep! I used to watch this performance on “ Now Explosion “ pop show on television in the 70s

[@Watson1]

Today is the 2nd of February 2024. And I have just heard that this angel has passed away. God I loved her. Always have. Such a joy to watch and listen to. You will be missed. Bye my angel.

[@kevind7422]

Glorious voice, heavenly spirit! True story: she had the graciousness to pick me up hitchhiking to high-school c '71, fame already in her pocket (I lived 20m away & missed my bus). Her family lived in the area. Couldn't take my eyes off her angelic face. Don't remember much of the chit-chat but that it was friendly and kind.

[@chrisdevalcourt648]

What a precious memory! Thank you for sharing it.

[@freddfezzo8524]

Technically, that is hitchhiking. But Kev, really, you could have taken a later bus!! Intercity hitching is fun, but cross-country is more formidable. Glad she picked you up. You have a story you shared. Nice

[@FrankStewart-go7zr]

Cool!

[@Hatbox948]

Awesome!

[@cocoaorange1]

Lucky for you, she was a decent person, there are nutty people out there, then and now.

[@lesleymorgan01]

What would the world be like today if we'd carried this kind of energy forward? Melanie, you are amazing.

[@nja3224]

If I knew I only had 7 minutes of life left, I might queue this song up and have it take me out. I feel like I can ride to heaven on it, with no fear. There is something remarkable about this song.

[@sosylvie]

Beautiful sentiment :)

[@Nan-59]

I soo agree!!! Soo agree!

[@jpollardbookseller]

I share your sentiments.

[@TheUrfster]

Beautifully said

[@blandcrowder]

Well put. Was she ahead of her time? I think she is hugely talented. This song shows it best.

[@lightlyone]

This always chokes me up. At 76, I remember the hope and music of the time so well.

[@CapinCooke]

This song always brought a tear when I played it in the 70s. At 72 today, I am wiping away many just finding out that this beautiful light has gone out. RIP dear lady.

[@garycallihan4206]

At 71 and agree

[@triode8239]

I was at DaNang during 1970 and I loved this song. I'm 70 years old now and have maybe another 3-5 years left. I wish the young would listen.

[@stevious7278]

You and me both. brother. I wish they would too. Where are the singers with messages like this today? Sad.

[@mathmusic1490]

I'm 70 too....they were about to draft me, maybe to Nam, but my vision was horrible. Let's pray you have more than 3-5 left, Pentode!

[@marynatani5119]

We 70 year olds have to share our experience, strength and hope with them. They can learn a lot from us and we from them. Hang in there and share the love, brother.

[@gocirf3433]

Amen just missed the draft 57 now and I thank you ,my grandfather was killed in ww2

[@irishpatti2736]

@Pentode THANK YOU KINDLY for YOUR SERVICE! My Brother did 3 Tours of VIETNAM ~ Was Never the Same! Died at 50 from The DRAGON in the BOTTLE ! PEACE be With You 🍀😇🍀

[@raisedbywolves100]

When Melanie sings that verse "So raise the candles high..." you can just feel it all the way to your toes.

[@patriciabecker2062]

It still gives me goosebumps, literally ❤ beautiful song 🎵 😍 ♥️

[@connorduke4619]

Yes, because that mirror raising the inner light within you - your kundalini - which is the main reason you came to Earth to do.

[@LucyLennon909]

My mother was friends w/Melanie's father. One day he was at our house in N.J. Mom said show my friend what you got today. I ran in my room and grabbed Melanie's debut album. He saw that and a big smile came on his face.

[@Hatbox948]

So cool!

[@LucyLennon909]

@@Hatbox948 actually, at that time (1970) we just assumed we just bought Melanie's "1st" album, but now I know "Candles In the Rain" was her 3rd. The first 2 weren't very popular.

[@debbieschmidling8158]

❤❤❤

[@LucyLennon909]

​@@debbieschmidling8158Hi 🙋‍♀️ a half century later at that day seems like yesterday.

[@heavnnnsent]

Wow what a story to tell..... You never know in life what will happen next

[@RFWieder]

I'm 73, I weep over the lost dreams of the 60's and 70's!! But the music will always lift my heart!! Thank you Melanie for giving the dream life!!

[@greatidea7808]

The 60s and early 70s were very tumultuous. There were several high-profile assassinations, Viet Nam conflict, civil unrest and a huge cultural shift all happening at the same time. I guess it was the music that helped us cope huh? A lot of great music during those 2 decades.

[@michaelsavage-zq9tx]

With you!

[@barneyronnie]

I try not to be a drama queen, but I sympathize. The world has become a woke mess❤.

[@richardplume3212]

Im in tears we wont get fooled again but we did

[@mayasilliman1465]

Can't believe I have to write this today. Melanie has passed this plane. The world has an empty space. RIP Sweet Lady.

[@_ro2ro406]

what happened here?............... all dressed, no silicon and botox, no auto-tune, playing and singing live, no half-naked dancers, no back-show ????..... how in all the world this ever could be a hit?.......... oh no.... it was the time you had to have real talent to be a star !!!! ..........absolute masterpiece, a beautiful woman (still she is) with an unique voice. so grateful i could grow up that time and still listening in 2020

[@carolynrogers5762]

No repeating the same line over and over, being the lyrics of the entire song ..........

[@tjvanpopta]

Agree. No effects, no flashing lights, no gimmicks, no suggestive moves. When music was music. Her legacy has truly stood the test of time. No one will remember today,s music in 50 years.

[@_ro2ro406]

@@tjvanpopta so true. :)

[@buffaloroom]

@@carolynrogers5762 yr sarcasm is crackin' me up!

[@rogerpr364]

✌🙏

[@billw1266]

Don’t forget the power of the Edwin Hawkins Singers. Beautiful song. So inspiring. 👏👏

[@nadiaddis1145]

I heard this version/performance with a fare first time today on K LOS Sunday January 28th in LA! And now we know where Bono and U2 got the idea from ( for Still Haven't Found)

[@KittyGrizGriz]

That’s so Right! 🥰 Correct!

[@MM-ly3by]

I agree , they made the song what it is !!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@g.y.u3649]

RIP Melanie...."Lay Down" was our anthem of the 60s and 70s....a religious experience

[@tjvanpopta]

The days when you could sit and listing to a natural singer. No flashing lights, no effects, no suggestive moves, no gimmicks. When music was music. Pure and simpel. Glad i grew up then.

[@GlennYoung0427]

No background dancers to deflect the no-talent star.

[@bgm1236]

I was 8 yrs. old when this song came out. It was a great time for sure.

[@lynncalderaro2739]

God thank you for the Truth 🙏🙌 of the simplicity of Life

[@lynncalderaro2739]

Sing it and sing it loud sister 😂...

[@lynncalderaro2739]

Love love ❤️

[@MWLUCKY]

I miss you already Melanie. Thank you for lighting up our hearts. This song is the antidote to what we’re all going through right now.

[@Kim-yy8kl]

So true

[@mickjagger8439]

No big ego, not running around half dressed. Just sharing her gift of music with us all. Beautiful Angel in heaven.🙏

[@dougoconnor3889]

I am 74 now and I loved Melanie's music when i was a young 20 year old university student in 1970. No one will ever sing like Melanie. I was heartbroken to learn today that she passed away almost the same day as my older brother Joe. I thank God for gifting us with such a beautiful singer and beautiful woman.

[@samadams6487]

I found out only a few weeks ago myself and was greatly Disturbed by her passing

[@LillianSteele-u9v]

So sorry for you and your family. I grew up in the 1970s and was going to become a high school marching band director. Music theory was my Achillies heel, so I switched to K12 teaching and never looked back. However, I did create a PreK four year and five-year-old rhythm band in my classroom before I retired and named it in honor of one of my mom's role models. She was the late Mrs. Fannie McCallum from Mooresville, NC who was excellent and kind. My mom was the late Mrs. Jimmie Lue Tabor Steele who was from Madison County, Georgia and she inspired me and several of her students to become teachers also. Mammas girl(me) will continue onto inspire all children forever.

[@sandraschmidt4200]

Still get choked up listening to her, today's female singers can't hold a candle to Melanie.🎸🎶

[@tonymason1395]

Sandra Schmidt what singer these could perform like this with brilliant backing singers

[@MrRWager56]

They had to... Lay down their candles, in the rain! LOL

[@philipweidenborner1302]

Joni Mitchell same category

[@donaldfrazier5508]

Yup. Singing to the chord.

[@ffjsb]

I really get tired of all this whining about how singers "today" (same whine has been going on for 50 damn years or more...), it's just NOT TRUE. Adele Lauren Daigle etc., etc.

[@Cheesus4jesus]

This is real singing! I still get chills every time I hear this song. No auto tuning and production maneuvers. Pure talent emanating from every voice.

[@hermanblume275]

Ain't it sumpin?

[@wbertie2604]

She starts off a bit flat (nerves?) but soon gets over it and gets back in tune

[@firebird6522]

Yeah, real singing by the Hawkins Singers. But Melanie Safka is just screaming. Melanie, Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan couldn't hold a tune to save their lives. The host could have just grabbed a random person out of the crowd and I'd bet real money that person could come in cold and perform better than Melanie.

[@lionhead123]

@@firebird6522 aw, poor you. you know nothing about singing.

[@jgunther3398]

@@wbertie2604 🤡

[@patnewman1]

This song still gives me goose bumps. She is an incredible talent.

[@PompetusDad]

Whoa, I'm feeling you, so many memories, i saw her album today digging in a pile of thrift shop mantovanis. What a voice, gonna clean it and blast it thru the night scratches and all.

[@ellaweaver4187]

Me tooo!✌️

[@mafia2mom]

Me too!

[@gregorydiatchenko8464]

She is awesome!

[@donnamauro5117]

70s music always told story's you can relate to

[@andirosenthal2410]

54 years old. Someone left me the message of this song. I’m teaching it to my students. It will never be forgotten.

[@C_Dana]

I remember when she burst upon the scene after Woodstock. May she rest in peace. So sad to hear today that she had passed.

[@perryjohnson6248]

I was 10 years old Back in 1970 when I first heard that song and I'm 62 years old now and I'm still listening to it and it never gets old with me I hope Melanie is alive and well and doing good for yourself thank you for listening to me y'all have a blessed and wonderful life and everything thank you very much

[@bobansiel]

62 and enjoyed her as a kid, beautiful soul.

[@trishcooley5810]

I’m 62 & this song moved me when I was just 10/11 years old also! It moves me even more today!!

[@timhunt1482]

I know brother I remember this back in the seventies too and I'm starting to cry right now I can't help it she's beautiful

[@philmullins136]

I'm also 62. Last month. I remember this song from childhood. It made an emotional memory for me that I still have today. Best wishes to you.

[@annecyle]

Same 63 and this song this choir ❤

[@birdzilla106]

This still gives me chills. I've had a 50 year crush on Melanie Safka and there's no evidence of it abating any time soon. It's church and Woodstock all in one beautiful package!

[@uralbob1]

Sorry buddy, I called first dibs! Seriously, she was and still is beautiful in all ways.

[@danlandavazo1506]

I so agree! Our time.

[@sallyperkins8376]

P hi

[@gypsydavefreeman]

I was 8 years old when this song came on the radio while I was in the barn milking cows & running the farm equipment. That voice is so heartfelt! A lifelong crush has ensued with Melanie!

[@mikededo9455]

You too huh? I was the only guy that graduated in 1985 with Melanie posters all over his bedroom.

[@garyfricke7618]

AT 66, I HAVE TEARS HEARING THIS SONG, IT BRINGS ME WAY BACK TO VERY SPECIAL, PRECIOUS DAYS & TIMES LONG SINCE GONE.

[@tonibenedict5751]

Me too...67 here!

[@georgepowers9213]

I am with ya bought the 45 wore it out brings me back to the old days

[@mieczyslawpytel6481]

Alnost 70 and I too have tears in my eyes

[@dleet86]

66 and I got tears and goosebumps. LBJ's tape to Dirkson about Nixon going behind his back to get South Vietnam to cancel the ceasefire aka peace treaty to hurt Humphry is out on PBS radio. The death toll was 37,500 and 3,750,000 dead Asians. The pro-life party sentenced 22,000 Americans and 2,200,000 Asians to death for a campaign tactic...and 4 SCOTUS seats. Nixon signed it in 1973.

[@s.breedlove701]

@@dleet86 61 years and this song also makes me cry. Such an awesome song

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

My younger wife asked me why I’m crying, how could I explain it, I’m 64 and this is my music P.S. Worst news ever…..this voice has passed on to R&R Valhalla, January 26,2024 at 76 years old. Was still recording up to last year 2023

[@richardcobey9415]

I hear ya

[@fixedshelf]

exactly.

[@jackieblue787]

Damn. My husband doesn't get it, I'm born in 65. He's born in 70.

[@corvairkid63]

read you comment and burst out crying.

[@jimmycarson2955]

I was 5 when this song was released and I couldn't understand why I liked it. I'm 56 now and now I understand...

[@stevevalkos6308]

Melanie, please get a big choir and do a huge flash mob of this song. AMERICA NEEDS YOU MORE THAN EVER.

[@NatandGeorge]

Maybe after covid is beaten?

[@Mike-yg8ig]

Yeah, I hear you brother. But America doesn't deserve the likes of Melanie Safka anymore. We let it get away...sorry to say.

[@Mike-yg8ig]

Covid is the flu.

[@Mike-yg8ig]

@@joemarks5985 Yes brother.

[@sandrakemkers3158]

the world! Steve.

[@debmauritson5016]

I just heard (watching the Grammy's) that this passionate singer of my youth had passed on January 24th. I did not know. This is her best work in my opinion and as fresh and relevant today as it was in 1970...."We were so close, there was no room We bled inside each other's wounds We all had caught the same disease And we all sang the songs of peace Some came to sing, some came to pray Some came to keep the dark away." Truer words.

[@thewatcher1120]

As I approach my 70th birthday, I still reflect on the first time I heard this song and the pure dynamic energy it radiates, even today. Melanie, you are absolutely where it’s at darling! ❤

[@jaycorby]

I turned 77 in September. This music has been my rock & sanity for 50+ years. CSN & Y, Joni Mitchell, Pure Prarie League, Poco and many, many others are still above and beyond anything produced before or after them. I know we can't go back or stay back, but if the multiverse theory is correct, perhaps this era is still 'going on' in some universe or dimension, and someday humans will figure out how to check in to any of them. The best we have now are visual and auditory recordings of the past. The smells? Well, I guess you had to 'be there' in person.

[@russelsellick316]

I'm 69...so...I feel this in my bones!

[@johnblecker4206]

@@russelsellick316 She was a Foxy Lady at Woodstock with a voice that I will never ever forget and it was worth my time to walk through that huge crowd and get to the second row from the stage to see her play that first evening.

[@RiverRat1953]

Me too brother, I am 69 also.

[@arnoldnordrum4892]

After All the tunes I've listened to she still bring back some things I haven't seen.and old feelings.03/03/2023

[@ZenarchersLair]

Transcendental performance. She had so much of that youthful exuberance of the times. Condolences to her family and friends.

[@Internutt2023]

One of the most beautiful songs from someone who IMO could be considered as the best of human beings ever. No controversies, no drama, just a person sharing her joy and talent with the world. This version is amazing in the fact that the production and performance are truly astounding, the choice of The Edwin Hawkins singers for accompaniment is wonderful, and considering that no modern artist would even think of not lip syncing to a pre-recorded auto tuned performance like this is even more amazing. I consider Grace Slick to have one of the best female vocalist voices from that time, but Melanie is a direct competitor as a toss up, she can sing clear pitched notes at a great projection, or a soft whisper that draws you in as well. R.I.P. and thank you for sharing your joy with us.

[@Roy-mw5js]

Yesterday's Aurora Asknes❤

[@bhajandaniel9771]

This is a gift to the ages. This performance was an act of total self-giving, nothing held back.

[@gw3705]

Beauty of people gathered in harmony, will not be forgotten.

[@nathanialputnam521]

And rhythm

[@rileymcintosh4852]

You are so right

[@gw3705]

@@rileymcintosh4852 maybe?

[@nolanpolansky]

2021 and still beloved by a generation z 🖤 and shall not be in vain!!

[@tombaum5506]

Agree, one hundred per cent! But my thing is seeing how She enjoys performing, compared to these wannabes of today. Baumer

[@spacep0d]

Man the song 'Lay Down' with the Edwin Hawkins Singers is incredible! Goosebumps here too. Listening in 2022.

[@seanseoltoir]

Nawh, the chorus singers ruined what would have been a good song...

[@samuelgates5935]

@@seanseoltoir 😈😈😈😈👿👿👿👿👿

[@jackieguccione94]

@@seanseoltoir you must be nuts

[@bynch]

​@@seanseoltoir😂

[@357HFC]

50 years later still end shivers up my spine.

[@bruceblackburn9423]

U got good music taste🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@laurapowell4445]

And brings me to tears

[@e1ochai]

There has to be a good screenplay in the works about trying to truck all them black folks thru the sky into Europe at that time.

[@davidburke2697]

me too.

[@357HFC]

@@bruceblackburn9423 Thank You.

[@Madacy66]

Still listening in 2024....I'm 58 and grew up listening to Melanie, because I had an awesome Mama. She was what being a true "hippie" was all about. Peace, love, and music...✌❤ 🎶🎸

[@Elo-hv3fw]

💌💌💌💋

[@ttgyuioo]

Now this is music....real music...there will never be music like this ever again. Glad i was there 😀😀🌿🌿.…Class of 78

[@chrisdevalcourt648]

Class of 68!

[@infinitecontent8001]

Wait, you were THERE LIVE??!

[@chrisdevalcourt648]

Well, he sure wasn't there dead! Haha 😂!

[@KittyGrizGriz]

‘77 here!! ❤☮️🕯️

[@12thDecember]

I have always adored Melanie. Bought her first two albums and wore them out. I did not know the back story of this song. Watching and listening to her sing gives me chills. No autotune, no pitch correction, just a pure and powerful voice. RIP, sweet Melanie. You made the world a better place.

[@altafadam7345]

And even today, at age 67, 52 years after hearing it, it moves my soul and makes me cry..especially when I hear "some came to keep the dark away.." Look, what they have down to my world, Ma?

[@HarryCHAMBZ]

My mother turned 67 yesterday. Today we listened to this song in the car on the way to visit my father. It came on and she said "Aw Melanie!" And started talking about her '69 Woodstock album. What a time in history to have been youthful during, and still with us today seeing how far/down everything has come.

[@spyros96]

68 and I feek the same!!!

[@Deejaay83urj38]

@@HarryCHAMBZ word

[@jasonlynn1017]

Our World, the world for the high in love fully living thinking feeling. Maybe by 1984 all so many who turn coated against the 60s should have fought the phony choices of Master/Slave, Woman vs Man, Compassion vs Victory, Pleasure vs Power, Republican vs Democrat, the whole world bifurcated to a lie. Yes. But maybe in 1984, there was one fork that, however, had signified the healthy from the pathological: Melanie, Beautiful People, or, Madonna, Material Girl. Well guess what.

[@michaeljames2400]

I was there August 1969.

[@rogermiller2614]

This woman topped all the bands in Woodstock. Thank you Melanie and RIP.

[@lt6577]

RIP Melanie Safka. No other singer surpassed you when I was a teenager IMO.

[@johnnie135]

This woman died today. How wonderful you left us with your message in this song. Peace out.

[@howielong2835]

Melanie poured everything she had into this song. It turned out to be one of the greatest songs of it's era!

[@IPAddy-yi3cv]

@MOTORCYCLE GUITAR { WE CAN WORK IT OUT } "THEY" do? Um, correct me if i'm wrong ( for I was only six at the time of this song's release) but here on planet Earth wasn't there was a song called "Brand New Key"...oh, wait and also another called "Look What they've Done to my Song"? Yes...yes indeed there was. Both written by the one and only Melanie who also penned the above "Candles in the Rain". All three massive hits...(should I mention #1 hits?). So, "THEY" should know that Miss Melanie couldn't be a one hit wonder even if one desired it to be so. P.S- Hey, this wouldn't be the same "They" as the They Melanie referred to in her hit song"Look What they've Done to My Song", now would it? Je pense que oui, peut-être ; )

[@cherylalt101]

I.P Addy And Beautiful People, one of my favorite Melanie songs! She was an authentic hippie chick!

[@garypeatling7927]

Melanie always pours everything into her songs

[@anitafowler524]

I’m 71. Melanie was wonderful if people don’t want to remember her for her great entertainment and her humanitarianism they are bad people.

[@daylehudson6810]

They just don't get it. That's all😢

[@frankingenito]

What a beautiful performance! The Edwin Hawkins singers sound blessed by God. Melanie has such a unique and wonderful voice. She can sing with fragile beauty and then unleash real power. She has kept putting out great music over the years (in her seventies and still singing today) but has been sadly overlooked by most people. I'm now starting to purchase more of her music and plan to buy her whole catalog. She is a truly underrated gem in music.

[@rodneymiller5926]

😂😂🤣

[@Deejaay83urj38]

@@rodneymiller5926 are you backward

[@richardkougasian7866]

I'm 65. When I feel hopeless I listen to Melanie and other like minded musicians of my youth. It may not solve my overwhelming depression but it sure does help.

[@rodneymiller5926]

@@richardkougasian7866 No Jesus, No Peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace.

[@SDeanP]

While I cannot prove it, I suspect Melanie's voice is what Stevie Nicks studied and emulated and rose to stardom behind.

[@jimcoleman598]

God was having a good day when he created this angel. So beautiful, humble, and talented. The voices by all are incredible and inspiring. What a performance!

[@marlenegarrison9886]

E

[@marlenegarrison9886]

U&

[@SirManfly]

She was so gorgeous back then !! 🔥 😍

[@shuroom57]

She WAS one of the "Beautiful People"!

[@mauijttewaal]

Albert Einstein was religious;-)

[@tarabird7392]

She is so underrated! One of the most beautiful artists! ❤️

[@howie9751]

Many good songs on her albums as well as her singles.

[@djk0811]

always one of my favs - she has an undescribable edge I can't get enough of

[@CarlosMesa-mk1vp]

Hi good day " jua.jua.jua "??? Demas que nos les tramo el original suena mejor " ji.ji.ji "???" The charly"??? El master cuando tienes la mano ho dedos en el se siente "??? Dice el liche"???

[@marthahubbard9463]

As a 15 year old trying to figure out who I was in 1971, Melanie’s songs were something I would get lost in. I dreamed about what I imagined Woodstock was like and thought it romantic to be able to be surrounded by music of my generation. Throughout the years I would listen to her music and go back in time for a little while of youth and big dreams of peace and love and beautiful music.

[@zelphx]

50 years later, and I STILL cry when I hear this. So powerful.

[@zelphx]

I was FLOORED to have gotten your attention; I considered these channels to be on "auto-pilot", or fan-hosted. Your "heart" meant a LOT to me... my wife can testify, having emotionally shared it with her. All these years later, you will NEVER be defined as ANYTHING less than the anthem you fronted with the Edwin Hawkins Singers. I taught HS History for 30 years... my students got to see and/or hear this and were moved, as well.

[@rhondaeverett8284]

Because its pure truth.

[@rogerdeschenes6749]

It is just that beautiful

[@jameshajjar9040]

I'm 68, and this still chokes me up. We had plenty of problems back then, but mass shootings by crazed teenagers wasn't one of them.

[@rogerdeschenes6749]

Yup

[@dianabythebeach]

76 and still love Melanie. Lay it all down, people. Time for peace,. 11/23.

[@dcfire2222]

I am 66 and this is GREAT!

[@GetReal-q7c]

SADLY SHE HAS PASSED, and peace has also

[@KittyGrizGriz]

@@GetReal-q7cHave faith, hope, and love.

[@smpollack]

My eyes tear up every time I watch this or hear the song. This is so anthemic: a song of hope, community and peace. A song from a time when people cared for each other and yearned for a better world to emerge from the darkness.

[@billsoinski9136]

You're not alone.

[@elizabethbigelow8709]

We need 2 work hard and shower our love on humanity. This is the kind of protest we need. Kill the hate with love.

[@Chas5971]

So true Mr. Pollack: Today's world has "derailed"...and it's getting scarier!

[@lynncalderaro2739]

This makes me cry. What the heck happened?

[@timbarnes3581]

As someone who grew up during this time period, what I want to know is what the hell happened? Didn't wr live through enough fear in the Cold War with the Cuban Missile Crisis bringing us right to the brink of Armageddon? Didn't we get enough racial strife through the race riots that ripped our cities and communities apart? Didnt enough of my brothers and sisters die in Vietnam and leave a lasting legacy of pain and suffering for all to learn? What is wrong with humanity?

[@004752]

What a powerful performance from an amazing lady. This song is an anthem for all of us who came of age in the 1970's. RIP Melanie, and thank you so much for being such an important part of our lives.

[@jackfarquahard6933]

Music is a conduit from soul to soul that resonates like a tuning fork. God's hand was definitely on this enterprise. Imagine being just twenty three years old and having the depth of consciousness to write a song like this. Her voice is so pleasing and yet POWERFUL enough to convey the emotion of the shared experience. The backing group is magnificent and adds a dimension of the sacred to the whole.

[@sharonrwilson2727]

Yes

[@chrisdevalcourt648]

Amen!

[@KittyGrizGriz]

🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

[@ericskivers6643]

Some came to sing , some came to pray , some came to keep the dark away. Indeed . Goosebumps

[@sharonrwilson2727]

Indeed. Some came to do it all at once.❤️

[@user-se7vt5ow4e]

I was in the Army way back then this song helped through some dark and trying times.

[@elizabethreid9448]

Thank you for your service. I mean it.

[@TheSandra48]

TY for your service.

[@gregoryalt9366]

Thank you brother...

[@harlieray-wallick9343]

Oh, Melanie...nobody could sing that like you. Woodstock forever.

[@JD-eg6wb]

RIP, beautiful Melanie. ❤️ A beautiful mantra for 1970 and still a perfect mantra for 2024.❤️

[@KittyGrizGriz]

A Mantra for, Forever!! ☮️☮️☮️

[@pete4693]

I have never seen a site with so many positive comments that no one has responded negatively to. This young women voiced a sentiment that deep down past our fears we all can understand...And what a choir.!

[@slack6621]

I do wonder though, about the 921 lost souls who gave this a thumbs down. They must be miserable.

[@cjregister2032]

Pete👍

[@ernestoclaudodip9671]

The first time I listened to this song on the radio in 1970 I cried I was 11 years old and still cry everytime I listen to this masterpiece.

[@robertcannet5265]

Thank God for music 🌞

[@ernestoclaudodip9671]

@@robertcannet5265 Yes I thank God for growing up when music was beautiful.

[@danielroberts698]

I was 10 and I did the same

[@Nestor123057]

I cried too and I didn't know why.

[@jonb2756]

How embarrassing!

[@petemitchell3067]

She’s not gone! Just, singing on another plane. I will so miss you , beautiful lady.😢

[@theoe2879]

In '71 I was in a talent show in my Grammer school. I sang this song wearing bell-bottoms and a leather vest with tassels. I had 3 girls sing back up and my teacher, Mrs. DeMay played piano. We took 2nd place to a CCR lip-sync. I was 10 ✌️peace and love to all us old hippies. This song never gets played anywhere, so whenever I get a chance to walk into a bar I put this song on the CD jukebox and watch who looks up. All my love to Melanie 💘

[@antoniodelrio1292]

Boy, wouldn't that be a great video to see!! Thanks for sharing!

[@dalecarlson9861]

So called classic rock stations and other oldies stations don't play any of this stuff. It's too bad, 'cause its the best! What a beautiful voice.

[@michaelbrandt5416]

Consider it a blessing you have youtube. There you are free to take your pick.

[@royandjacqueline1294]

They've just played Melanie on the radio. I love her voice💞 ...and they played Janis Joplin just before her. They play the oldies every Sunday. We absolutely love the 1920s to the 1970s. Our favourite is Gospel and Rock n Roll 🥰🇯🇲🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🕊️🔥✝️

[@royandjacqueline1294]

@@michaelbrandt5416 amen ❤️ We love KZbin so very much 🥰🇯🇲🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🕊️🔥✝️

[@glenhaywood7620]

but you can hear "brown eyed girl" 15 times a week...i just don't get it???

[@bobbender2922]

Radio Programmers who don't $#!~+ about music and it's history.

[@ejames3396]

What a monumental tribute to love and brotherhood thank you Melanie. You were one of a kind and will be missed greatly.

[@janalaine]

I'm leaving this comment here so after a month or a year when someone likes it, I get reminded of this song

[@sherrirodriguez3547]

Just got the notification she’s passed. RIP, you were an amazing singer/songwriter ❤️

[@hrundibakshi6830]

So perfect, it's hard to believe it was a live performance. Edwin Hawkins Singers are impeccable and Melanie cuts through with that distinctive voice. Nostalgia... I think I'll watch it a few more times.

[@bksalkrook8716]

just incredible i feal the same way ,,,shes got soul

[@marktemsic485]

Watching more indeed,,, and trying to turn some youngsters on to some GREAT STUFF..!

[@lasktdave]

And you can tell it's live because at one point she makes a slight error in lyrics which would never happen on a lipsynched performance. When they're doing the doop doops the chorus goes on to the next lyrics but she keeps doing it. You can see she looks back at Edwin Hawkins and smiles when it happens.

[@bingsinatra5283]

If you do, see if you can spot the drummer, the bassist and whoever plays the groovin Hammond organ. It's great but Melanie's the only one who's 'live' here.

[@HS22181]

@@bksalkrook8716 She has duende.

[@louispelletteriii6095]

There will never again be music like we had in the 60's and 70's

[@Hatbox948]

I loved her voice and music. RIP Melanie!

[@GLD-hopeful]

RIP Melanie. You left so much beautiful music for the world. Thank you for touching my heart even as a 14 year old when I saw you in concert, about 1970. I still love your music. God bless your family.

[@antarcticorb9197]

I'm in tears from the powerful memories this evokes.

[@MarkTulsa2024]

Such an angelic voice. She's singing with the angels now 😢

[@jonfisher-nx9wv]

THIS SONG TAKES YOU BACK TO THE 60'S, GREAT TIMES