Melanie Safka Lay Down

[@davidmitchell5917]

A great singer. She wrote some of the most memorable songs ever - Lay Down, Brand New Key (the skate song), and Look What They Done to My Song, Ma. But she’s hardly remembered today. Thanks for promoting her.

[@sgtcrab2569]

This is a Viet Nam anthem anthem. I was Army 65-58 out E 5, That said this little white chick stood toe to toe with the best Black Choir of the day, You can see Hawkins in the clip knowing they nailed it utterly, ... WE were so close there was no room...we bled inside each others wounds.....Holy crap so many years later I cannot speak.

[@jamnjimmy4502]

Yes. She sang this song based on her experience while attending Woodstock. Woodstock held half a million people, of every color in the rainbow, without one murder.

[@craiglee8574]

That's a trip...pun intended

[@TitusFFM]

Still several people died there. Part of the chaotic preparation part became nobody would think that some many would attempt. On the other hand more than a dozen kid's where born there and 9 months later was even more birth flood.

[@Belluser-we1uc5cb2l]

That's right Woodstock was about a peace and love Festival ✌ ❤ need that today. It's all about hate nowadays. 😢

[@manuelcampuzano558]

Backup group are The Edward Hawkins singers, they had a big hit the year before with "Oh Happy Day"

[@dianekelly7339]

The Edwin Hawkin Singers are a famous gospel group. They sang, Oh Happy Day, which was a hit song.

[@Songbird-59]

Love Oh Happy Day.

[@rubbersole79]

That song was in the movie "Secretariat".

[@jonb2756]

@rubbersole a big "who cares?" on that one.

[@Flatwoodsdad]

Gotta love hippie girl's. Melanie's still out there singing songs of love, just look her up on YT.

[@shilohauraable]

Ahhhh! Melanie! So unnecessarily forgotten, yet still one of my all time favorites! I still have her Candles in the Rain vinyl LP! 💖

[@OronOfMontreal]

I fell in love with the audience. They looked like any White, Conservative-looking audience in 1970 in the U.S., but these Europeans opened their souls to music and performers very different from themselves. To see those older White squares getting into this song and appreciating its singers, it brings a tear of joy to my eye.

[@mikegriffin415]

I totally agree with your comment on the audience and to see a lot of people who were probably born around 1900 clapping to this song was amazing.

[@templeman4]

They responded to an uptempo gospel song with the Edwin Hawkins backing up the soulful Melanie.

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

I had a huge crush on Melanie back in the day. She was pretty hot. With her and Linda Ronstadt I had a couple of great women in my early teen life. Then I met real girls........ Still a great song and love the video. Thanks a lot.

[@shyman99]

Melanie is medicine for the soul. This song and "Peace Will Come" provide hope when there is no hope to be found otherwise. God blessed us with her recordings.

[@karenh.]

"We were so close, there was no room... We bled inside each other's wounds"

[@mamaral77]

Hello this is Russell responding from my daughters account I need to get my own account, anyways, I was 14 when I first heard this and I still get goosebumps hearing it Man I grew up not realizing how great this music was, I took it for granted, thinking it would last forever. Heck, that's what kids think, right?

[@827dusty]

This was one of the true Anthems of the 60s. Love Melanie

[@patriciaquinn6377]

Yes I agree. RIP Melanie

[@800series]

You should check out O Happy Day by The Edwin Hawkins Singers.

[@mgentles3]

She only went by Melanie. I never knew her last name until now. I remember watching her sit cross-legged on the stage singing this song. Powerful voice. Vietnam war protest music, by the way.

[@masspence1]

There was an incredible comaradie between young people back then that is reflected in that period's music.

[@caralayne503]

I only knew of this because Im a massive fan of Woodstock, it’s performer’s & the time itself. I really enjoyed the chorus & the background singers, very gospel-y which I love. 🖤✌️

[@uralbob1]

When I was a young, 17 year old testosterone infused 6'4", 190 lb. farm boy in 1971, I absolutely loved this woman. She was so powerful, beautiful, artistic, etc., I was entranced with her persona and the strength and joy in her voice. Had I been given the opportunity to meet her back then, I'd have been a mumbling star struck fool. Now, as then, her musical genius still intimidates the hell out of me. Her personality and musical gifts were so far out of my league, I couldn't imagine. If I met her today, I'd just give her a hug, and thank her for everything, and yes, I'd probably cry. Our generation has failed the world's future in spite of those people like Melanie, Joan Baez, and many others who tried to show us the way forward with song. Thank you Jamal, for your words as well.

[@laurakennedy9250]

I have heard Melanie sing this song even better than in this version. Melanie was one of the ultimate hippie chicks and unfortunately, when she is remembered at all, she is remembered for the few less than stellar songs they chose to play on the radio. Being an avid fan, I had all of her albums and she had some incredible songs (hidden gems) that most people never heard. Even today, I think she has one of the most spectacular voices I have ever heard, which isn't really shown on this particular live performance. She is still alive and well and still playing her music. Bless her sweet soul.

[@rej1960]

"You're Not A Bad Ghost, Just An Old Song"

[@kentclark6420]

I thought her voice sounded amazingly powerful in this. And right on pitch. It's hard to believe she could do any better. She showed quite a range, too. That isn't to say that she displayed her assets in other songs even more distinctly, though.

[@lightgiver7311]

Melanie had a cute song - called Brand New Key - Had this LP too - Groan!! Find and watch the Woodstock Movie

[@joankisloski6972]

This was the time that I thought for sure we have reached peace. Black was beautiful. People cared for one another.

[@bernicemoore5182]

WRONG!

[@paladingeste6897]

I always like Melanie. Her looks were beauty and her eyes twinkled. Her voice was down to earth, even when she yelled out her songs. Also she made her own music.

[@jamnjimmy4502]

I am a fan and a subscriber❤️. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for playing this song. One of my top 20 songs of all time. PLEASE do us all a favor, PLEASE review the “Back And White” by Three Dog Night. This is a POWERFUL SONG, and is absolutely what we need right now. It’s a song of UNITY, and was released in 1972. The song is one of the BEST songs ever by Three Dog Night. I would not steer you wrong. It’ll blow your mind how RELEVANT this song is right now. This very day❤️

[@virginasaldana6501]

Yes i totally agree with you Three Dog Night was awesome group, Please play the video to that song.👍

[@alieversole8875]

My mother is Teresa Diane. And she just introduced me to this song! TODAY. It's beautiful and momma's right. It's exactly what we need. She goes by Diana, and PEACE IS WHAT WE NEED. THANK YOU, SIR!!!

[@BobSmith-lb9nc]

They definitely went to church.

[@robertkawka7553]

It's been years. Absolutely loved that girl. Thank you so much and thanks to whomever suggested it.

[@randysmith4614]

Great song!!! The heartfelt passion is so strong, it never gets old. And yes, it speaks unity, which is desperately needed now. We're all brothers and sisters. We just don't always realize it or act like it.

[@barbaracollins8552]

This is one of my favorites by Melanie !

[@markhunt4618]

She was surely easy on the eyes

[@brainsareus]

oh my, I had a crush back then...!

[@RoryVanucchi]

Yea Edwin Hawkins Singers. Written about Woodstock festival. Called Candles in the Rain.big hit

[@deborahferrell5651]

History is repeating itself..... you are a very intuitive young man, stay the course. Your words are powerful and Melanie was one cool chick back in the day🙏

[@xomox5316]

Interesting you think History is repeating despite so many wars being ended the last 4 years and more troops coming home, record peace treaties signed in the middle east recently normalizing relations. Perhaps you are talking about communist China brutal mass murder and slavery of religious minorities happening right now, in that case I agree its shameful media in the west turns a blind eye to the communists.

[@jeffjames4064]

By God we had some truly amazing and inspirational artist then. If you are looking for a unifying voice from those days to help in the troubles of these days, listen to Joan Biaz (sp?) Ask any old hippy or social activist from the 60's. Peace bro

[@DoNotArrestThisLady]

Listen to the extended album version. Has a cool hippie intro. My ma used to listen to it loud and sing her ass off along with it. I loved it when I was a kid.

[@sparkytuttle2966]

This was an all Dutch audience of grandparents who ALMOST clapped on time. I love this lady. I now know how much her music influenced my songwriting right down to the Edwin Hawkins singers...I had Black church singers. Bless this time in the world...I am blessed to have experienced it all.

[@thomasflynn5366]

Sadly she also felt that she was being used by everyone. Listen to Tuning My Guitar. Sad because she was very young when she started.

[@unclesamjones]

Her voice cuts through that choir like a razor, but sweet.

[@MRM-Wendy]

Love this song. Its before my time. But i love 60s music. My Mom use say i was a hippy child..lol She was right.

[@roydean1137]

What I like about this performance is how this uptight looking audience at the end were clapping really getting into it.

[@kentclark6420]

The passion that she had for peace was common within the peace and love generation. I was there. The same things happening then are returning. Peaceful protesters being sabotaged by cops and agitators. But Melanie is one of a kind. Her passion and voice, so epic!

[@RoryVanucchi]

Oh Happy Day and Day by Day from Godspell are big gospel pop and Bridge over Troubled Water by Aretha Frankin

[@VinE83656]

Love this song, it still gives me chills today. I was only 11 when it came out and didn't understand the message then but it's one of those timeless songs, just as you said. Thank you for your great reaction and words of wisdom.

[@nickbyrne5871]

The song is ABOUT Woodstock!!! fyi/Melanie, single-handedly, SAVED Woodstock.......they needed an act that was not a heavy electric band..........alas, Melanie and her acoustic guitar........she got on stage in the POURING rain.........most everybody would've left, had she not performed~~~~~~ PRETTY amazin'

[@markbishopmusic]

It rained so hard, they shut power off except for the sound and essentials. They were afraid of getting electrocuted. The god-knows-how-many people lit candles and huddled together sharing blankets, showing her a hillside of light! The spoken word part was not in this performance, but the older Dutch audience reaction is great!

[@cheryllawrence6939]

The eternal battle between good and evil has polarized to the nth degree and we must unite, we simply must. The alternative is mass disintegration.

[@827dusty]

All of us guys were in love her. She can sing a little bit too.

[@peggyolson6511]

I agree with you totally about the sense of unity that is conveyed by this song so beautifully. It is always wonderful to see an integrated band. Black and White Unite! Segregation sucks!!!

[@craiglee8574]

Let the church say, Amen..

[@lisahemingway3828]

A big AMEN from me! This girl totally went to Church on this song! WOW!

[@ellavader4411]

Anything by Lovin' Spoonful !!! Please! Rain on the Roof, Summer in the City, Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?, Nashville Cats, Daydream, Do You Believe in Magic, Darling Be Home Soon ......

[@lindanadeau1884]

My favorite Melanie song.

[@StevenQ74]

Seeing the credits at the end I realise this was actualy in a Dutch TV show from 1970

[@j20tower]

I was around when this came out. It’s just as powerful today as it was back then. Great song

[@karenr1688]

Loved this song when I was a child!!

[@larryc3860]

Melanie Safka wrote this right after the first Woodstock.......thanks for posting a video featuring a "folkie" from my youth.......this is from German TV....."let your white bird smile up...." (the Woodstock logo ).......

[@kevinwaters5872]

Judging by the attire and demeanour of the audience this might have been the most thrilling five minutes of their lives ! Bless you Melanie , RIP.

[@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc]

The poor audience didn't have any rhythm!😅

[@jojoelf1]

Love this song! Music has always moved me when nothing else can. Watching this video sent me on a search for another song that never fails to bring me to tears. "We Are the World" was originally recorded to raise money for Africa, then remade for Haiti with different singers. It is proof that people of all colors can stand as one for a cause!!! We can do it again! We will rise again as a nation that stands for equality for ALL. We will stand as a beacon of light to all nation's again. We will lead the way to peace and unity for the world again. America will not fall, she won't fail. We will stand on the other side of this storm and shout "hallelujah!" and raise our hands in love and thanksgiving! We will raise our candles high against the darkness and we shall overcome! (Putting my soap box away now.) Much love to you and yours Ty.

[@Ohhapppyday888]

We had a vision in those days of a loving world of peace that was about to be. So hopeful! Many of us are still holding steady with our love light whether shining dim or bright.

[@OdinMaiden]

Melanie had played the original Woodstock Festival, following The Who, and did this TV appearance a few months afterwards. She was a brave soul, and very wise for her years. After releasing her hit single, “Brand New Key”, she was shunned by the recording industry for being incredibly honest and outspoken about the corruption therein. In “Lay Down” (Candles in the Rain), she’s talking about shining the light against negative people. Peace is the white bird. She’s talking about Shining your light in the darkness and on the ignorance in the world. The lay down, is about losing ego and being a powerful force for good! 🕊 I’ve been posting this video for years. I can’t get enough of the sincerity and power herein!

[@bradycullen8086]

Just a great song writer and a unbelievable voice. Hawkins singers in background is just awesome. One of the best songs coming out of that era. Goosebump material

[@dannyfeinberg3579]

this song gets me emotional to the point of tears,those were great days people!! the only real racists are politicians,on both sides,music COULD cure,i mean cure racism!

[@masspence1]

Another song from that era that represents the youth peace movement is Get Together by the Youngbloods.

[@lgeyser1]

I've always thought of the Youngblood's "Get Together" as the Hippie National Anthem. I still get chills when I hear it. Great song.

[@lisahemingway3828]

That definitely deserved a Standing ovation!🙌

[@kentclark6420]

Heck, she deserved a Grammy!

[@negf22]

Edwin Hawkins singers were a hugely famous gospel choir

[@flatoutt1]

absolutely inspired perceptive comment brother .

[@MikeyFortune]

She is a friend of mine. Beautiful then, beautiful now 😍

[@Songbird-59]

Melanie has a unique voice.

[@jaynebuchanan4612]

This recording is from a Dutch TV show.

[@FunkyMarcel]

Somebody got a haircut...

[@martinbraun1211]

Please react to one of my favorite songs : "waiting for a star to fall" from Boy meets Girl !!!

[@Subdeaconmark]

I love your comments afterwards Melanie was one of my favorites I remember putting headphones on laying down by the stereo and just playing that song at full blast

[@davekriz7019]

Fell in love with Melanie when she came out with this song in 1970.

[@beckyneufeld5531]

This is one my most favorite tunes of my generation

[@myfavoritedream2149]

RIP sweet Melanie.

[@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc]

Melanie never got the credit that she deserved.

[@LoveStory-pg5gt]

i recommend this everlasting song " Woman in Love " by Barbra Streisand , written by the bee gees

[@evelynjimenez433]

That's true it's evil

[@ivane5110]

You're right, this song does have a nice "we're all in this together" vibe. And I'm glad you picked that video; it complemented that feeling perfectly.

[@sherrylasalla8887]

I really wish you check out a band called badfinger they had three great songs that I loved called no matter what and baby blue and day after day but it’s really a sad story the lead singer Pete ham committed suicide and eight years later the bassist Tom Evans did also

[@lelleithmurray235]

You missed 'Come and get it'. Great song!

[@elisagriffith5411]

I started listening to & loved Melanie at 11 yrs old still love her💝

[@60sbaby456]

It is so hilarious, the old folks in the audience look mechanical like clapping dolls.

[@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@stuartbeaton-gm9xn]

Little White gal with an acoustic guitar stood toe to toe with one of the best ever Black choirs... the cuts to Edwin showed that he KNEW they REALLY got it! Nailed it. ..Sgt US Army 65-68.

[@dmartin1203]

My gosh! I can't believe I'm watching this video right now. The 60's had some of the greatest singers/musicians/song writers of ALL time. Woodstock! Amazing! Please...do some research on Woodstock performers and then react to their songs. You will truly be amazed. I love watching young people's reaction to these gems of songs...it give me goose bumps! I love what you said at the end. Cudos to you! Well said! No more "black or white!" It's about unity...we must take care of each other! God bless you all!

[@michelleortega1514]

Such a good song and singer

[@saradraperwessels]

She wrote this about what was happening at Woodstock . They had electrical problems heavy rain, and over-crowding, amongst other things. Hence: "Candle in the rain." And considering this: "We were so close there was no room; we bleed inside each other's wounds," it is very poignant after the pandemic.

[@Mekratrig]

Immortall pahrful song. Have loved it most of life, me. Nevar gets ould. Some genjous had the idea to pair her With Hawkings doing full throated harmony backuping. A combinatjon creating more than some of parts, synergy, that.

[@RonD108]

Liked your commentary, really captured spirit of song!

[@SweetThing]

Yes, this song is so appropriate in these troubling times. A bit of trivia: Edwin Hawkins, leader of the gospel group backing Melanie in this song. They had just come off their hit "Oh Happy Day" when they hooked up with Melanie for this one. Please react to it "Oh Happy Day" with the Edwin Hawkins gospel singers. it is spiritual and uplifting and it will make your day; you will be humming all day long! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5eqdal6fKpqsM0

[@wenha2937]

Just listened to this 'classic' MRM song commentary! I've been having a Melanie-fest tonight. Peace!

[@boosuedon]

Melanie did, what I believe is a follow-up to this song and it is called; "Look What They've Done To My Song".

[@jonb2756]

This review channel is going nowhere. Sat there stoic faced during the entire song. And then for a couple mins afterwards said you like that it's about unity lol. If you are looking to grow, that ain't it.

[@Mark-iv7np]

You made good points. Melanie Safka is one great singer. She wrote this after performing at Woodstock. Had a few real good songs. Love her voice!!

[@vacbrewernut]

Thank you for sharing and thank you for understanding. I have loved this song and live by. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

[@sherrylasalla8887]

I really wish you would check out a band called bad finger they had three great songs that I loved called no matter what and baby blue and day after day they were discovered by Paul McCartney and were the first band singed to the Beatles label apple records but it’s really a sad story the lead singer Pete ham committed suicde and the bassist Tom Evans also committed suicide eight years after pete did

[@lorraineguzman-chatham6057]

One of my favorites that got push back of my tunes.

[@williamchavez7186]

with a little help from my friends was a Beatles song sung by Ringo Cocker did the cover

[@saradraperwessels]

At Woodstock people met strangers and hugged and shared food and drinks; and rolled in the mud together. Not today.

[@christopherking9338]

Let The Healing Continue........ 😎❤️😎

[@jamieselko2203]

I love watching those fifty and sixty year old middle-class Dutch folks getting totally into it. This is wahat musice used to be like

[@garymaidman625]

Sounds crazy, but I could definitely see Chris Stapleton doing this.

[@terryjester1245]

she was allabout togetherness- she just got finished preforming at Woodstock

[@kentclark6420]

True, and the evil is inside each and everyone of us. So it's a matter of reconciling those feelings not just with each other, but from within.

[@alieversole8875]

Though she's not the Teresa Diane, you're speaking of. Just a coincidence

[@Nudiescorner]

KUDOS!!!!! EXCELLENT COMMENTARY ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@boosuedon]

The logo for the Woodstock event was a white dove sitting on a guitar neck. I do believe that is the white bird in the song and it represents peace, social harmony and love for your fellow man. I would have to say that we failed there pretty miserably! The thing that really gets to me is the fact that many of our political leaders were around when that event took place. How soon we forget.