Michael Johnson -- I can't get to you from here

Song: "I can't get to you from here"
With Classical Guitar

[@1217skp]

This song, rarely sung in one of his concerts, is probably my favorite song. The tenderness and strength of the lyrics and the incredible guitar, is in my soul. WOW. I miss him. Such a beautiful life.

[@drift8021]

This guy should have been more famous. Music in 2021 is pure garbage. I met MJ when I was a kid. Nicest, calmest guy ever. Just a fantastic human being. RIP.

[@peterjeffery8495]

Met him at O'hare in '86. What an absolute delight. I was a real fan and he was happy to chat. RIP Michael.

[@usrt46]

This is just a brilliant piece of writing. This just connects with every 40+ family man who is thinking about the one that got away.

[@heywilbur]

Late 70's into the 80's. I bought every LP, and they were so good... several songs he would record would become big hits for others. Saw him live twice... good as it gets...

[@CFPTA]

I could listen to him for hours (and I have). His voice is so mellow, his lyrics so touching, excellent guitar. I am so surprised he is not more well known. But I for one love and appreciate his talent.

[@willcrogers57]

wonderful!! I love this guy! I saw him doin a show in Jackson Wyoming years ago, my fovorite concert of all time. I would love to have a dvd of his live show. The cd's don't do justice to what he can do with just him and a guitar!! My all time favorite guitar player. Love this guy!!!

[@MRMED123]

Yea, I've heard those songs as I watched Michael play numerous times in Rockford IL at Charlotte's Web. My parents took me to see him many times.. some of my best memories as a child... "..singing...rooty toot toot for the moon, It's the biggest star I've ever seen. It's a pearl of wisdom, a slice of green cheese, burning just like kerosine......" yea I remember in my head and in my heart. Steve

[@peterjeffery8495]

This live version is better than the studio version. Everything about it is better. He really leans in the lyric and gets every ounce of emotion out of it. Beautiful.

[@pastorphilthorsen4906]

He played with Leo Kottke that night. PBS - Twin Cities. Wasn’t there but saw it on the television

[@peterjeffery8495]

@@pastorphilthorsen4906 I met him once at O'Hare airport. I was a big fan of MJ. He never as mainstream as he deserved and was happy to talk to a fan. Just as nice and friendly as he could have been. RIP

[@zehravecover]

Thanks Steve Chandler for helping me to find this song. With a book. 🌹 08.04.2019

[@peterjeffery8495]

Guitar + voice = breathless audience. Go listen again..MJ accompanying MJ is all there is on this track other than 5 seconds of applause at the end. Old tech recording gear recorded Live 1 take, no loops, no dubs, no back up singers or sidemen. MJ was a complete, quiet, ultra talented virtuoso whom I miss greatly. Iv'e been a fan since 79/80? Met him once and the man was as sweet and kind as you'd imagine. If you stumbled your way here and this song is all you know of him go explore, it'll be worth the effort.

[@cybercita]

his album for all you mad musicians is one of my favorites. i've probably played it several thousand times.

[@philabrian]

Excellent guitarist and vocalist. Love this song particularly, it brings the memory of my late wife, my soul mate.

[@Dan-bf4tw]

Missing Michael so much. Best player among folk singers ever. Such beautiful playing along with that sweet folk voice.

[@maryejp3016]

I'm so sad that Michael is gone. What an amazing songwriter.

[@maryfay53]

Easily, every concert I've see Michael Johnson perform at, he is phenomenal. The best.

[@Dan-bf4tw]

Saw him in the early 80s at St. Olaf. I've never heard a better one-man folk presentation.

[@npenciso]

He is one great artist,far greater than the ones most popular these days.He outshines them all with his talent..

[@joevannabelle]

So sad to hear you're gone. Can't believe it.

[@MarkLAsche]

Perfection.

[@opalcolvin1488]

I had the pleasure of meeting Michael Johnson when I lived in Nashville. He was as sweet a person as he was talented. I was so sad to hear about his death earlier this year. Thank you Michael for the wonderful music. RIP

[@Dan-bf4tw]

Michael, this is friggen gorgeous. Vintage Michael Johnson. Unbelievable player/singer.

[@sherrynazario4555]

My ALL TIME favorite singer/songwriter :-)

[@Dan-bf4tw]

Yup. Michael was amazing. What a player! And this song is sung so beautifully. Missing Michael.

[@Dan-bf4tw]

Wayyyy underrated. One of the best folk artists.

[@nightingaleofsorrow9349]

Michael's music helped sustain me thru a divorce and many dark days. He just seemed to have that special tone in his singing. I call it a melancholy tone we can feel so strongly and share his passion too. Thank you for the kind words...

[@JRW66]

MJ is an amazing talent. I saw him in concert twice while I was in college at St. John's Univ. in Minnesota. To this day those performances were some of the best I've ever experienced...and I've been to a lot of great concerts. MJ, please come to St. Louis!

[@TheLeslie421]

loved his music since 1977.

[@jomacron1106]

Michael Johnson vocals is so haunting here... .. such a gift. RIP.. (1) I'm glad you called me, I still feel your voice Touch something inside me but I have no choice But to tell you I'm no longer one of boys And I can't get to you from here (2) Now I don't think you'd know me to see me up close I've built me a family and I don't like to boast But I'm all settled-in to what I need the most And I can't get to you from here REFRAIN: I cant turn back the years and get crazy again Nothing to fear Easy as that might appear I cant turn my back on the love leavin here (3) I only bet when Ive got all the cards I dont take on all corners when they come on too hard Im a daddy and bolder and i go to bed tired and I cant get to you from here (To REFRAIN) (4) So Im glad you called but its sad in a way I still feel the flame when theres nothing to say The world we once lived in now so far away That I cant get to you from here No I cant get to you from here..

[@cybercita]

So sorry to hear of Michael's passing. I loved his music.

[@danalynnejohnson6850]

Rest in peace, Michael Johnson.

[@nightingaleofsorrow9349]

Michaels singing and guitar playing always move me as much as it seems to move him. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@robbyadams2529]

RIP Incredible Talent....

[@fjbdc]

Beautiful song... actually written by Steve Chandler and Fred Knipe.

[@mikelord9860]

I thought it was written by Don Williams - his credit comes with the lyrics on Google.

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

Too many people have not heard his voice and his music. I have not heard him sing a bad song. Very heart felt and beautiful songs.

[@mikesamaki5063]

Just heard this song mentioned in the book Time Warrior.

[@kobinsadvance]

Me too :-) but i heard it from Audiobook (Time Warrior).

[@jonathanm.4392]

Me three lol !The book is awesome too!

[@candoaemployabilityskillsa7744]

same here as well

[@richardbeare11]

Haha same!

[@i-am-abraham]

Same here!:))

[@Dan-bf4tw]

Missing you Michael, more than ever.

[@Dan-bf4tw]

I saw him solo with his guitar in 1981 or 82. I was stunned. Michael is a real artist. He and his guitar are one. The most beautiful ballad playing in all of folk.

[@chrislee57]

This guy doesn't get the recognition or fame he deserves. Great vocals and guitar!

[@mikelord9860]

Tonight I was driving with a folk program on the radio, when the host cued up a song by 'the late Michael Johnson' - in an instant stunned and saddened - and that he had passed three weeks earlier. My favorite guitarist and singer, since way back when I was in high school. I was fortunate to see him in concert several times and to meet him on two of those occasions. RIP Michael.

[@lepoetress]

He writes and sings a song from the heart. No wonder you can feel it in your soul. Beautiful song.

[@marshalllancaster2314]

Saw this guy for free once....got his own thing going like JT or Croce....dig the music.

[@you3001]

At first, I heard this song as a conversation with a lost love. But now I hear it as a farewell to an old friend who never grew up and a recognition that they no longer have anything in common. This second interpretation struck a powerful chord with me.

[@bester34]

He smooths out the twang in country music.

[@bookratt]

The yearning in his voice will break you, if you let it. This, and his version of Bluer than Blue, are so much a part of me.

[@southernsallybell]

Wow, thanks for posting this! I saw him at the Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville in 1991 with just him and his guitar, and it was brilliant! Why over-produce when you sound that good, by yourself! :)

[@bester34]

Sally Bell I couldn’t have said it better myself, “ Why over produce when you sound that good.”

[@rogerlaw-zu6zr]

Still so beautiful...

[@bethcoddington2150]

Thank you for all the music and Joy you brought to the world, Michael. Miss you!

[@68ray]

So complex yet done so effortlessly.

[@maryfay53]

Awesome talent. I had the privilege to see him in concert several times, even shake his hand. He is just great. Wish more of his songs were posted here.

[@PaulAshley]

I just had the rare opportunity to see Michael perform live in Evanston, Illinois last night. A great guitarist and consumate entertainer, he had the audience alternately in stitches with humorous stories and songs and then reflective with his songs of love and life. If you get a chance to see him, go for it!

[@corinthian0430]

I'm glad you called me, I still feel your voice Touch something inside me but I have no choice But to tell you I'm no longer one of boys And I can't get to you from here Now I don't think you'd know me to see me up close I've built me a family and I don't like to boast But I'm all settled into what I need the most And I can't get to you from here

[@PaulAshley]

Yes, "That's That" is an amazing tune!

[@jlmontero1950]

A complete artist. In every sense. His voice and performance touch your heart. I wonder why he's not known. He sure deserves a recognition compatible with his talent. JLM, Bahía Blanca, Argentina.

[@maryfay53]

Truly a musical genius. One of the best.

[@bester34]

This music maybe the theme song in a chapter in my life, moving through time and still connecting to a past relationship, knowing why I cannot go back.

[@dancingsoftball51]

I actually came here looking for "25 Words or Less". I have an LP from the late 70's and it's always been one of my favorites. I've never heard this song before and it just blew me away. What a great picture he paints!

[@PaulAshley]

I saw Michael in one of his rare concerts earlier this year and he is still a magnificent composer and performer. If you get a chance to see him, grab it.

[@maryfay53]

Michael is a great talent. This is just one of many great songs.

[@marshalllancaster2314]

RIP...so many great songs.

[@keithburdg7840]

A great performance of this song. Typical for Michael the consummate artist throughout a wonderful career. His haunting voice is now silent.... Rest In Peace

[@flyboy61b]

It was a tremendous concert. He is wonderfully funny, a spectacular guitar player, and an all-around super entertainer.

[@danielbohland5271]

May you rest in peace Michael Johnson

[@maryfay53]

Anything he sings is awesome.

[@hawaiiguy1]

my ALL-TIME favorite singer! I want to see more videos of him singing his songs---bring it on!!!

[@teresee39]

Saw him in concert just recently (in Minnesota). He sang and played wonderfully, and was funny and charming with the audience.

[@RicoPetro]

Great song! Just saw him tonight in concert - if he comes your way, this performance is exactly how he comes across.

[@kloarx]

Its just a beautiful reminder of another time too long past.

[@cybercita]

rooty toot toot for the moon was written by another stellar singer/songwriter/guitarist, greg brown.

[@TERRY38221]

I first heard this song on a Don Williams album and it was great, but I love this version too.

[@tapnager]

You are so right usrt. I'm not a daddy, I might vote, and I go to bed drunk (usually having played this song at least once) but he got to me. Message beautifully conveyed...as you said...BRILLIANT!

[@ThePreciousguitar87]

Guitar & Voice melting together! Awesome performance!

[@dowop4]

What a great song! I love it ! I hope Michael is doing better!

[@bester34]

I am hopelessly still here

[@shagtimeband]

This is a fantastic piece of music both lyrically and melodically. This song rests my soul and mind. Because of this song, I went to MJ's web site to read more about him, although I knew who he was during the 70s and 80s. I would like to know what TV show this clip came from. Last summer I went to a song writing workshop and met Hugh Prestwood, who wrote That's That. Another of MJs wonderful songs. During the workshop Hugh talked at length about That's That, and MJ.

[@you3001]

Great song. Same poetic quality as Jim Croche.

[@NahuelAlej1]

DESDE Argentina. excelente canción

[@MrBluesTrain]

this is beautiful, inspiring and rare. i cant believe i havent seen this before but thank goodness i stumbled across it

[@tapnager]

Incredible performance --instrumentals and vocals!

[@Spence12]

...isn't he just the best? Now, if we could just find his youtube videos without sorting through endless sports clips...

[@maryfay53]

I'd marry the guy, he is that great a singer and guitar player. Does anybody have videos of his older songs, especially his first album///there is a breeze.

[@123ThisIsMe]

Simply a really nice song (with good chord changes, too)

[@cybercita]

it's on home free from 1981. i don't know if it's still available but you can check the website.

[@thecatalunya1]

Rest easy my friend...

[@HavvaErolAldas]

Steve Chandler kitabında önermiş dinleyin diye 🥰 merak ettim hemen buraya geldim, dinlendirici bir ses 👌

[@maryfay53]

Damn. That's a tragedy. The man sang the hell out of everything he touched. I saw him perform several times in person, and he is out of this world. Damn. Was this in the news? I lived and breathed There Is a Breeze in college.

[@patiam1969]

Wow... I remember these songs when i was a kid.... funny thing i met him today and didnt put 2 and 2 together. i ran his name in a musician search cause of the platinum records on his wall. I met Chuck Yeager the same way.

[@maryfay53]

I think he lives in Nashville. He has grandkids now....do you believe that? He is definitely one of the best performers I've ever seen. His banter between songs was almost as good as his music. He has a website, so check that out.

[@chunky60]

I could never remember who this guy was util I found youtube. Any way, so nice that I can see the singer behind the song. Thanks for the video, keep then coming.

[@jessupar]

god damn this guy is good o.0

[@drinking69]

Time Warrior brought me here.

[@MR.HandyANDY]

geeze, man thats nice. thanks for sharing this wonderful songster.

[@south644]

Luvit

[@greeneyegemini06]

amazing

[@flyboy61b]

He'll be in Boulder City, NV at the Boulder Theater on March 6, 2010.

[@chitoortega6081]

His finger can waltz.

[@bluephilg]

Yep, here from Time Warrior :)

[@archie977]

nice

[@passingthrough321]

jnorts: you took the words out of my...keyboard! 'cept for seeing him...

[@dehadista2006]

Where is he now????? I would trade all the music of 1000 new artist today for Michael Johnson's music.

[@Mr.NoName1972]

Jacky Ward recorded and released this song as a single in 1987, but did not chart that high on the Country singles chart. Michael Johnson sang this version a lot better.

[@anakin19]

I think it's "Bluer than Blue."

[@usrt46]

@shagtimeband Search Denver Boise and Johnson...tremendous clip of the 3 covering both side now

[@JeanDLucas]

I used to go to those shows too. Can I buy copies from you? Mark Lucas

[@usrt46]

@Culieoriginal Point taken...guess because a man is singing it and men do tend to be more restless in that midlife period. I am guessing when you hear this you have a certain man on your mind that was once in your life?