Majesty Snowbird- Sufjan Stevens

[@sophierose1784]

i have listened to this so many times that the guy who screamed at the beginning has just became part of the song

[@ShinyVHS]

There is a mastered version that removes him and fixes it up. Feels right and wrong.

[@y2penni]

Waiting for the reply that goes "I'M THAT GUY!"

[@Bohdirama]

2020 and still no studio version even as a lapsed sufjan fan, my heart aches

[@adrianbonnet.674]

I love Sufjan oldies

[@ck675]

A huge part of me understands your frustration, but I truly do not think a studio version will ever top this. You know those bands and musicians who will play songs live and they’re just undeniably better? I don’t know, maybe I’m wrong... but I think we accept this as the official majesty snowbird because it’s hard for me to fathom that even an official studio recording will ever top it

[@lcs-1]

@@ck675 yes honestly we are probably lucky we never got a studio version because there is no way it would have lived up to this. suf's stuff is almost always better live, just compare Planetarium live to the album. We can only hope that when he tours again he might play this song and we can enjoy a better live recording.

[@ck675]

Maybe he’s just saving it for the end. Ya never know... Too many stories of old songs from legendary bands resurfacing officially after 20+ years since their live debuts

[@alias520jw]

@@ck675there’s a version of this song on Spotify, by Michael Edwards, who has like a few thousands stream and I think it’s pretty good! It’s very different but it makes it unique. My point is that even if it doesn’t top what already exists isn’t a reason to try and do it, and eventually make something new out of it.

[@valeriethezero]

this song saved my life when I wanted to end it. I know you'll never see this, Sufjan, but thank you.

[@runrabbit8285]

6 years, are you still among us?

[@Nordencxy]

valeriethezero god bless you, amen

[@afdm1995]

how are you ?

[@ck675]

Sufjan has saved a lot of us. What an existence and what a human being. I hope you are doing okay, friend

[@timothyscriven9170]

Just wanted to jump in to say who knows? Maybe he will see it.

[@anyavanrose]

The most mysterious and profound piece I have ever heard. I always come back to this one. It goes down in history for me.

[@SAMBISH0P]

"no description available" True.

[@willwalsh3436]

This is reaching crisis proportions. I am learning that there is a whole lot of Sufjan that has not been published for me to collect and treasure. Why not??? Please Sufjan, this is so beautiful.

[@farooqansari]

@Don Fatale can you list the songs down, please?

[@farooqansari]

@Don Fatale thanks a bunch!

[@ck675]

It’s a very common thing for musicians, especially those with a vast discography, to toy around with recordings for years and years, until the time comes when they feel like the song is ready to be released to the world in proper form. Perhaps one of the best examples of this is Radiohead - so many songs you know and love today were teased and played at shows many years before being officially released. So, that all being said, bask in this recording that we have and just be patient. We might get it some day... but at the end of the day, all I can think of is how grateful I am for this exact recording itself.

[@idontcareaboutyou7757]

that's all the fun about it, let it go the way he wants it

[@johnr797]

@Don Fatale the thoroughness of that playlist is much appreciated

[@valeriethezero]

A year or two ago I posted on this video that this song saved my life. Well, I'm still here and doing better than ever and I have tickets to see Sufjan on April 21st (a week from today!) I know it probably won't happen, but I really hope I get to meet him, so I can tell him how much his music means to me. Sufjan Stevens is the real deal.

[@pigammon7843]

I'm glad you're okay and that you've gotten better. Beautiful music can do wonders. Take care :)

[@lazerlo]

How are you now?

[@ronaldbibi209]

valeriethezero weak mentality

[@greygoose2209]

you're just a pathetic fanatic, stop your bullshit oh my gad... music cannot save a person

[@johannesnicolaas]

I so hope you will get the chance to meet him and tell your story.

[@rebeccawise6260]

I will never forget seeing him perform this live. Transcendent.

[@Fergus99]

I wish I could go see him live, but I live in the UK:(

[@johnr797]

Lucky

[@ahoybobby]

where was it?

[@rebeccawise6260]

@@ahoybobby Tower Theater, Philly, 2006! Thanks for making me Google that and take a trip down memory lane, lol.

[@frwdodoodid203]

he's played here plenty of times buddy@@Fergus99

[@euanssomnoloussounds1569]

Nick Drake, Sufjan Stevens snd Elliot Smith saved my life. Anybody who says art means nothing are shallow creatures.

[@pigammon7843]

Remembering the other two died young really makes you appreciate that we have Sufjan and will for a long time.

[@eleonora7397]

Totally same for me. Their music gave and give a sense to my emotions and make me feel understood and warm and emotional

[@giovannigiorgio6496]

I dedicate this to my friend who decided to end it all yesterday, she was so young.

[@Jgaasr]

I'm so sorry to hear this happened. This song makes for a perfect dedication ... ❤

[@martinoheat1712]

I'm afraid to share this song with someone, because they might not realize how epic and perfect it is.

[@mummifiedgoose]

I love remembering this song exists because it is the greatest musical secret I've ever found and revisiting it makes me so emotional every time

[@kendalljones6665]

im the girl yelling 'that sounds SO GOOD' at the end

[@cadebuurstra462]

Kendall Jones I get to hear you like every day then

[@johannesnicolaas]

Hahaha funny....

[@ThisCreaturesFeatures]

Thank You!!!!

[@greasyturtle7118]

I just began listening to Sufjan, so this is the first time listening to this song without a doubt. But damn... i feel like i've heard it in a dream or something... It's unnervingly familiar to me. Hauntingly beautiful piece of music.

[@Begnoovio]

+Jim Lahey You are in for such a treat. Sufjan gets better over time because the nostalgia of his music builds up on itself and he will haunt you forever.

[@Begnoovio]

You are so lucky! My sister introduced me in 2009 but I was too into Daft Punk and the Killers to care. Luckily over time with the help of Seven Swans I built up layers of nostalgia for his music. It's so hard to introduce people to his music though.

[@jasper-od3dv]

Lucky!

[@chrismarchand3570]

Please, someone chase down Sufjan and ask him why he hasn't released this song properly yet! I'd say there's an 85% chance he has it recorded on some hard drive somewhere and the only reason he never released was that he wasn't 100% satisfied with it yet.

[@enyse1]

While discussing the song’s origins in a 2009 concert, Steven’s said of the melody - originally written by a contemporary female artist and friend - “I loved it so much I totally stole it.” There may be intellectual property restrictions or something.

[@chrismarchand3570]

@@enyse1 wow! I had never heard that before! I wonder who that artist is and what the original song was?

[@adambarreto456]

@@enyse1 do you have a link to that by any chance? I read somewhere that Sufjan wrote this song in his head many many years ago and for this tour he decided to perform it.

[@noahshighlightreel]

@@enyse1I don’t think so. He released I Am Santa’s Helper with the same melody.

[@soundtrap5463]

Quite possibly the most beautiful song in existence

[@ASoftSkeleton]

ALL I WANT FROM LIFE IS FOR THIS SONG TO BE PUT ON AN ALBUM.

[@piggyzach]

6 Years later and your dream is still unfulfilled :(

[@ck675]

If I was him I'd save it for my last one

[@yellowdog2359]

ck675 when do you think he’ll make his last album

[@adrianbonnet.674]

I want your dream to come true, because i've been wishing the same for 9 years :(

[@alias520jw]

The fact that this song has never been released proves that sufjan is an artist

[@StrangerToEarth]

How does he KNOW.How, sweet mother of Jesus, does he know how to make sounds like this?

[@aarongould3538]

StrangerToEarth don't question the banjo man

[@wsmu]

from now on I'm solely referring to him as banjo man

[@lankyalpaca]

ive been listening to this all the time during quarantine good lord

[@tennispat9]

This is a staggeringly beautiful, life-affirming song. The first time I heard it I was literally overwhelmed by the intensity of the emotional response I had. If we never hear a studio version it'll be a real loss.

[@pinkphlegm]

Patrick Reiher i agree

[@NoahJohnson1810]

Agreed... sadly, looks like it's a loss :(

[@TheAlexk179]

When I turn this up on full volume, I feel like a fucking king, I love you Sufjan

[@gyroscope2181]

I'll admit that when he got to the chorus, tears flowed out.

[@willwalsh3436]

It's like he's on a higher plane of existence. He should compose a symphony.

[@Jacob32905]

He's composed several. The dude is just a musical genius.

[@willwalsh3436]

+Jacob Jones He's composed several symphonies--literally? I knew about the BFQ piece though I haven't listened to it, and I think he collaborated with some classical composers on some ballet music too. I know he has some formal education in music theory, and it is obvious he has an understanding of classical composition, but I didn't know he'd actually taken that plunge. I agree that he's a genius. He just keeps creating wonderful stuff.

[@Jacob32905]

+Will Walsh Yes ,there was the BQE. He also collaborated on the music for a ballet entitled "Everywhere We Go" Then there was "The Planetarium Project." This one is amazing ! I think the songwriting there is some of his best work. Just search " Sufjan Stevens planets" He did the score for a short film years ago. If you search "Sufjan Stevens Untitled Piano" that should be on here as well. O and then there was one more but I'll have to look it up and bey back to you. Enjoy!

[@willwalsh3436]

+Jacob Jones Thanks!

[@buteverybodycallsmegiorgio]

I feel completely overwhelmed by this song.

[@RaysNewestLow]

Lyrics: Rain bird, laughing in the olive tree, la la dee-dah Collared shirt, with the alabaster altarpiece you made for me Summer sweet, and some forgiven; your advice is all that seems to matter much to me Call it sweet, call it something paradise Is it the right word? (Is it the right word?) Is it for you? Is it the broken word? (Is it the broken word?) Is it good advice, for you? Is it the half-as-sweet? (Is it the half-as-sweet?) Is your smile for me? Is it mysterious? (Is it mysterious?) Is it something ripe and sweet? Snowbird, your sister said she needed me, la la dee-dah Show them first, show them what you did for me, la la dee-dah Quiet talk and little soldier sent beneath, and epaulettes that covered every shoulder Stutter sweet, come take, forget the things I said, to please Is it the right word? (Is it the right word?) Is it for you? Is it the broken word? (Is it the broken word?) Or good advice I need? Is it the tapestry? (Is it the tapestry?) Set beneath my wings Is it mysterious? (Is it mysterious?) Mysterious, indeed Don't stop, don't break, you can delight because you have a place Quiet room, I need you now Is it the right word? (Is it the right word?) Is it the broken word? (Is it the broken word?) Is it the majesty? (Is it the majesty?) Is it the half-as-sweet? (Is it the half-as-sweet?) Is it the right word? (Is it the right word?) Is it the broken word? (Is it the broken word?) Come to me, half-as-sweet (Come to me, half-as-sweet) Come to me, majesty (Come to me, majesty) Don't stop, don't break, you can delight because you have a place Don't stop, don't break, you can delight because you have a place Don't stop, don't break, you can delight because you have a place Don't stop, don't break, you can delight because you have a place Don't stop, don't break, you can delight because you have a place Quiet room, I need you now

[@tclark54321]

He definitely uses this melody in "I am Santa's Helper" on Silver and Gold. I heard it there first, and was really surprised to hear it here. Just discovered this song.

[@marcusmaher-triskellionfil5158]

Female vocals from St Vincent, this was the last song on his Illinois Tour /The Olympia Dublin 2006

[@phibby]

Marcus Maher - Triskellion Films what I’d give to go back and see this performance, or achieve this beauty within my own abilities

[@ck675]

Are you serious?? That's actually Annie?! As if I could love this anymore

[@maxfischer469]

Are you sure? I saw a show that tour and it was My Brightest Diamond which was also the opening act

[@marcusmaher-triskellionfil5158]

@@maxfischer469 "Clark left the Polyphonic Spree and joined Sufjan Stevens' touring band in 2006, bringing with her a tour EP entitled Paris is Burning" you could be right but I distinctly remembered her l at the Olympia, Dublin singing with Sufjan...especially on this track.

[@cleansquirrel2084]

This is a song which you can hum all day.

[@teejay89656]

How does this song not have a million views?!

[@afdm1995]

the instruments are god tier

[@jane5841]

this song makes me glad to be alive

[@akival1658]

I wonder if the guy who yelps at 1:09 knows that at least 60,000+ people have heard him scream.

[@azimuthal1392]

Actually I think it's just like 14,000 people (some repeat listeners) and me 100,000 times :p

[@stevegrant6004]

Dear me, this is the most stunning thing

[@auroraeparker190]

One of the most memorable moments, witnessing this song live so many years ago. It exists on the periphery but is the center of everything. Always come back to it ♥️

[@annalyon8443]

I recall when I had to search and search to find this. I was privileged to hear thivs live in the butterfy tour at Duke University. 200

[@rainpuppies]

2021 and still no studio version... I'm holding out hope 🤞

[@deleting-e9p]

Lyrics: Rain bird laughing in the olive tree, la la dee dah Collared shirt, with the alabaster altarpiece you made for me And some are sweet, and some forgiven Your advice is all that seems to matter much to me Call it sweet, call it something paradise Is it the right word (Is it the right word) You designed for me? Is it the broken word (Is it the broken word) Or good advice I need? Is it the half as sweet? (Is it the half as sweet?) Set aside for me? Is it mysterious? (Is it mysterious?) Is it something ripe and sweet? Snowbird, your sister said she needed me, la la dee dah Show them first, show them what you did for me, la la dee dah Quiet song, and little soldier sent beneath And epaulettes that covered every shoulder Stutter sweet, "Come take Forget the things I said to please." Is it the right word that (Is it the right word) You designed for me? Is it the broken word (Is it the broken word) Or good advice I need? Is the tapestry (Is it the tapestry) Set beneath my wings? Is it mysterious? (Is is mysterious?) Glorious? Indeed Don't stop, don't break You can delight because you have a place Quiet room, I need you now Is it the right word? (Is it the right word?) Is it the broken word? (Is it the broken word?) Is it the majesty? (Is it the majesty?) Is it the half as sweet (Is it the half as sweet?) Is it the right word? (Is it the right word?) Is it the broken word? (Is it the broken word?) Come to me half as sweet (Come to me half as sweet) Come to me, majesty (Come to me, majesty) Don't stop, don't break You can delight because you have a place Don't stop, don't break You can delight because you have a place Don't stop, don't break You can delight because you have a place Don't stop, don't break You can delight because you have a place Don't stop, don't break You can delight because you have a place Quiet room, I need you now

[@oakviewmusic]

This song sends a shiver down my spine... A shiver that denotes that my mind has just been blown away by beauty yet again... The power and beauty of the song is so captivating, it seems to almost entrench me and swallow me into a trance of listening to the song on repeat. MIND = BLOWN

[@sufjan1970]

Sufjan, please come again to Belgium and sing this amazing song for me and my friends!

[@matchungo8048]

I'm assuming the people who disliked just pressed the wrong button after being blinded by tears?

[@GusHersey_Kuleanapono]

just amazing Sufjan Stevens just inspirational

[@nickrollins7612]

Someone had to have remastered the OG version- this sounds like a studio version. I am so happy. This man will save us all.

[@Pevalwen]

This song makes me sad in a nice way.

[@MrQueen101]

this is a masterpiece and he doesn't even know it

[@maddiel2129]

JUST LET US BE HAPPY

[@TheCharise98]

This song makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time.

[@brianjwalker7848]

I'm amazed that more people haven't heard this amazing piece of music 🎶

[@adriancastro3232]

Ok, I can say this is on the top 5 Sufjan songs And this isn't even the official version

[@cez5692]

wow sufjan u rlly are full of surprises

[@JoeyBarr1650]

This sends shivers through my body it's so beautiful

[@dumbiemusic]

this is impossible to not revisit

[@BeatriceLemke-Newman]

I’ve been a Sufjanfan for a Looong time, heard him first on NPR singing “The Great God Bird,” (Ivory Billed Woodpecker song.) His music gets under my skin.

[@annalyon8443]

I was blessed to be present for his butterfly tour in Durham NC unfortunately under the cruel stricture of lamictal forced on me by misguided physicians at the time..yep. I couldn't form words to my friend who was with me, but I remember every moment of that performance. I fired all the socalled doctors, detoxed from their shit medications and found over time ,y own path to sanity. But this guy has been instrumental in my remaining connected to my sense of self. Doing find these many days later.

[@idontcareaboutyou7757]

did anyone realize there's no copyright claim on this great song? magic Sufjan .

[@elderberryva9282]

In the unlikely event he actually releases this he BETTER keep the “WOO” guy in the official recording

[@chrisconnor8086]

5:15 the percussion sounds like a steam engine going through grand central station on christmas eve

[@ryanrozenberg2223]

Ok I've listened to every sufjan song and this is the best. Anyone know if there's a recording or version that you can hear the vocals just a little bit better?

[@FortyTwoMacs]

It isn't available anywhere. I don't think it even exists.

[@sundaybestdays]

I love this song so very much. :')

[@darion8476]

TO SUFJAN STEVENS: When you play in Vancouver this June PLEASE play this song! (so very very excited to finally see you live!)

[@nsidhu1596]

Darion847 I'm going to see him as well in Van- SO excited. You should read his interview on Pitchfork about his new album, it's beautiful: pitchfork.com/features/interviews/9595-true-myth-a-conversation-with-sufjan-stevens/

[@darion8476]

That article hit home, felt the same way when I lost a family member. Thanks Nav

[@nsidhu1596]

I think we can all relate to it at some points in our lives. No problem- fans of Sufjan are friends of mine : )

[@darion8476]

Well if I see you I'll make sure to give you a super dope phat high five!

[@nsidhu1596]

Fuck yea- I'll just high five random dudes and hope one of them was you hahah.

[@txkuntryboy]

Transcendent.

[@marshapono]

Really one of his best. And this isn't even a studio recording.

[@LiliumCruorem]

I would love to have a studio recording of this :o I'd buy it so fast.

[@Sun-soilproductions]

banjos are cool. i gotta get one. and a mandolin.

[@marcuskoncar]

1-800- fig.pants did you ever get one?

[@marcuskoncar]

Hey, get that banjo

[@NushRJB91]

awesome intro, he is the beastlyest man

[@itspoketrainer0692]

Asombroso.

[@amunquetzalcoatl9056]

Wonderful

[@EnflamedSilhouette]

Love the lyrics

[@josecastaneda4427]

Grandiose!

[@STKisCOOLIO]

GOATED

[@mfrash7]

SUFSUF4LIFE

[@TheAlexk179]

It's on his Rarities album, but not sure where that's available.

[@TheEngardia]

Maybe he hasn't released the song... because he's not finished with it yet!

[@SaraMoana]

WOW

[@brittpinkie]

@zimbloggy It would've fit better on All Delighted People, I feel. But yeah, sad that it hasn't been officially released yet :(

[@sint0xicateme]

Does something about this picture make anyone else feel like he's definitely going scare the shit out of you by turning his head suddenly, looking into the camera? It's making me anxious lol

[@ahoybobby]

It turned just now

[@gordon7462]

The clouds are moving behind him. Wow.

[@moi5206]

This is godly

[@euanssomnoloussounds1569]

Please just release it as it is

[@alberts1985]

Light i still be pretty well she left my favorite

[@melonbandit]

hey isn't this the first good quality version ? never saw one this good quality , where did u get it ?

[@Itdrivesus]

pleasepleaseplease make this HD

[@ikinzer11]

@zimbloggy for realz, man. seems like it could have at least been on "all delighted people", ya know?

[@TheGrenemaj]

Ian?! It is you!!

[@joeblow3335]

His voice reminds me of Don Mclean here.

[@WaitingForGodot4]

Who the hell didn't like this?

[@alberts1985]

Leisure smoke song

[@hugocedervall247]

Someone know the chords for piano?

[@MiahMarsh]

This is the best quality audio i've heard for this track. Where did you/can I find it?

[@ootZ_]

2021 and nothing on a studio version welp

[@mike85180]

why the fock is this not on itunes?????

[@JoeyBarr1650]

@DuskTransfixed FYI. people do it all the time.

[@77TJL]

Ditto! Share the secret.

[@ursulade]

but, you're watching it... you're just as guilty!! :P

[@danielfremm4532]

mixed emotions song. My Grandad listens to this LOL I feel like a fucking cretinn

[@Emnor1993]

Well if he does that, it certainly shouldn't put you off listening to it. Certainly doesn't make this music geriatric, it just makes your grandpa fcking amazing. Now, I know Sufjan through my father and can say the same thing about my parents and their outstanding taste, but my grandparents??????

[@max_mittler]

never heard suf described as beastly lol. he is the opposite: angelic.

[@SaveThePerishables]

I'm with everyone else. Where did you find this!? :D

[@joshsinsapaugh3410]

16 people need to go out into a snowstorm.

[@zimbloggy]

I was really disappointed that this was not on age of adz. I guess it wouldn't really fit that well into the whole electronica feel, but maybe he will release it as on an ep or something.

[@yellowdog2359]

9 years later and still no release

[@zimbloggy]

@@yellowdog2359 :'( yep. Considering jupiter bad June got redone for planetarium, maybe it could still happen??

[@yellowdog2359]

zimbloggy Wow this is incredible, I did not think you would reply to this comment since it’s been 9 years. It would be amazing for an offical release sadly I don’t think we’ll ever get one or at least not in the foreseeable future because it’s not on the track list for his upcoming album. It’s a shame tho, such an incredible song.

[@MrArizonaoatmeal]

Fyi... There are three periods in an elipsis...