Living Years -Mike + Mechanics (Mike Rutherford/B.A. Robertson) cover live at Phillips Crab Deck

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I did not write or originally record this song. The other night as I was searching on my iPad for a new song to play at a gig, the chorus of this tune came into my head. Great tune by a great band...also got me on a Paul Carrack (vocalist in the band) kick-go check him out; fantastic talent and discography. This video is of my second time playing the song, flubbed a lyric or two, but so be it; that's live music. I shot it with an umbrella stand-mounted GoPro and captured audio with an M-Audio MicroTrack II.
Speaking of live music, if you're ever in Baltimore-come down to Phillips Seafood (www.phillipssea...) in the inner harbor and get great food, drink and service while listening to some of the best musicians you'll ever hear for free (unless it's me, then please tolerate, don't hate)! Inside at the piano bar, or out on the Crab Deck.
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www.mikesharpsongs.com
Lyrics (B.A. Robertson):
Every generation
Blames the one before
And all of their frustrations
Come beating on your door
I know that I'm a prisoner
To all my Father held so dear
I know that I'm a hostage
To all his hopes and fears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years
Oh, crumpled bits of paper
Filled with imperfect thoughts
Stilted conversations
I'm afraid that's all we've got
You say you just don't see it
He says it's perfect sense
You just can't get agreement
In this present tense
We all talk a different language
Talking in defense
Say it loud (say it loud), say it clear (oh, say it clear)
You can listen as well as you hear, yeah
It's too late (it's too late) when we die (oh, when we die)
To admit we don't see eye to eye
So we open up a quarrel
Between the present and the past
We only sacrifice the future
It's the bitterness that lasts
So don't yield to the fortunes
You sometimes see as fate
It may have a new perspective
On a different day
And if you don't give up, and don't give in
You may just be okay
So say it, say it, say it loud, say it clear (oh, say it clear)
You can listen as well as you hear
Because it's too late, it's too late (it's too late)
When we die (oh, when we die)
To admit we don't see eye to eye
I wasn't there that morning
When my Father passed away
I didn't get to tell him
All the things I had to say
I think I caught his spirit
Later that same year
I'm sure I heard his echo
In my baby's new born tears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years
So say it, say it, say it loud, say it clear (oh, say it clear)
You can listen as well as you hear, yeah
It's too late (it's too late) when we die (it's too late when we die)
To admit we don't see eye to eye
Hey, so say it, say it, say it loud (say it loud, say it loud)
Say it clear (come on say it clear)
Say it loud
(Don't give up, don't give in and don't look away 'til it's too late)
Say it clear

[@the.mr.beacher]

2024 and still the best cover of this song I've ever heard. Thank you!!!

[@mikesharpsongs]

@@the.mr.beacher thank YOU, kind sir!

[@daveenyart]

When this song came out in late 1988, our son had been born a few months prior. At that time, my dad and I were on good terms and our relationship became better and better until he passed in 2022. This song is a true gift to humanity and Michael Sharp's cover is exceptional. Thank you, Mr. Sharp for your efforts.

[@mikesharpsongs]

@@daveenyart thank YOU!☮💜🎶

[@2460welshguards]

No recording studio, no backing vocals , no editing crew , just a guy in a mall with a plug in amp ... brilliant

[@bigteddy66]

Totally agree, a proper musician.

[@canefan17]

Yep

[@clevelandmortician3887]

He gets a lot of sound from his instrument

[@dandtintennessee7675]

Yep. Unfortunately the people with the most talent don't wind up playing stadium shows. This guys is very talented.

[@antoniovelazquez8356]

Talento desestimado y así como el hay tantos, le sale increíble la canción y sin los coros que yo pensaría que sin coro no se escucharía bien y le quedó maravillosa

[@jesusprof]

I can't understand why peopele don't stop to hear this incredible cover. Fully amazing guitar and voice. Thank's.

[@nipperdog7777]

I KNOW. I always stop. And always drop some cash.

[@BB-ue3lf]

People did stop 0:34

[@BB-ue3lf]

and 1:52

[@BB-ue3lf]

4:39

[@BB-ue3lf]

4:44

[@kathybooth1408]

Wow!!! What talent this man has!

[@availablelight999]

Just lost my father at 9 06am a few days ago. We were never the best of friends but this song is him and me all day and I hope he's happier in that next place. Love you dad. Amazing cover.

[@DC-rs6bi]

Lovly tone to the voice mate 👌 keep banging them out, sticking it to the man the world needs it

[@davidknittle2284]

What a great cover! Thank you.

[@mikesharpsongs]

@@davidknittle2284 Thank YOU, sir!

[@brianruwoldt7422]

I'd just had a fight with my Dad that night and went to sleep listen to that song. I'd went to work as usual the next morning, about 10: 00 am I'd got a call from sister telling me dad had died. I was in shock, but my workmates helped me out. It's 30years since then, but l never forgotten about my Dad or that song. So people don't take the people that you love for granted.

[@mikesharpsongs]

@@brianruwoldt7422 #TRUTH !

[@deborahriley8136]

Wow. Just. . .wow. 😢

[@sportkiteflyer]

Michael Palmisano brought me here. Beautiful, man! Simply beautiful! ❤

[@sixstringjc]

Same!

[@mikesharpsongs]

@@sportkiteflyer thanks so much for coming! ☮💜🎶

[@d.cotrone8695]

Blown away! Paul Carrack would be proud!

[@tommyk6719]

Imagine sitting and eating your appetizers while drinking your ice cold beer….this performer starts in on the “living years…..” Really gets you thinking. Show stopper for sure!

[@jeannegiorgilli8172]

I lost my father to a very long illness when I was 19. THIS song was one that crushed me every time I heard it. This one and Leader of the Band. Chills!!!!! Thanks Mike!!!

[@mikesharpsongs]

@@jeannegiorgilli8172 Thanks so much Jeanne; I know your father is proud of all the light you share! ☮💜🎶🐾

[@brucepumphrey9225]

The great Paul Carrack would be proud. You deserve a crab cake!

[@the_light_writer]

2014. A breath of fresh air. People weren't walking around like zombies wearing masks. They were truly living their lives. I miss those days.

[@mrh3375]

This song is about myself and my Father... It flows through me like other song.. My Friend you do a remarkable job. Thank You

[@mikesharpsongs]

@@mrh3375 thank YOU, music is a great healer!

[@patrickwolf4373]

Absolutely beautiful...just his voice, guitar and amp!! LOVE THIS!!! Thank you!!

[@m118lr]

VERY well done man! Excellent acoustic version brother!

[@mrbee3377]

Outstanding...this song hits close....came out the week my father died !

[@briansandrabaker370]

I lost my Grandma 31 years ago and this song played on the radio just after I got word. The eery part of this video is that her last name is Phillips. Take a look at the name of the seafood restaurant behind the performer. This has happened many times with this song.

[@paulaallen6649]

Stunenly Heartbreaking beautiful ...DADS AND SONS REACH OUT ...BREAK THE CYCLE ...from a daughter who never got that choice ❤❤❤

[@GerryMcglynn]

From, the i was born life was very tough, my Father was a hard man, we just did not get on,myself and others 💔 😢 in the family. Before he died all i wanted was just one SORRY OR ONE I LOVE YOU SON IT NEVER HAPPENED. R,I,P.😢

[@Furriee]

Crazy skills, and a fantastic voice you have. Thank you for sharing.

[@loretobolanojr6507]

You are sooo good. Thank you for sharing your God-given talent. Keep it up, brother !

[@mikesharpsongs]

Thank YOU, Loreto!☮💜🎶

[@eightiesboy]

Brilliant, hits you right in the heart and stomach. Thank you.

[@mikesharpsongs]

@@eightiesboy thank YOU!

[@BCounC]

The crisp notes and melodic tunes from the guitar are truly something special. Lost my father 12 years ago at 50 to cancer and there are just songs that pull on those strings... thank you Michael Palmisano for sharing this wonderful cover by Michael Sharp. Maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to be strolling by to see Michael

[@Mackan68]

What a fantastic rendition of this song. Great guitarwork and a soul easing voice! Best cover indeed.

[@chorlauheung4920]

You did a terrific cover of this very poignant, very profound, iconic song by Mike and the Mechanics.

[@sonicfrogdotnet]

Wow.... Just Wow.

[@judgeholden4208]

Transcendental and magical. If one ever needed proof of soul to soul direct communication... Well done to Michael Palmisano for sharing this absolutely remarkable performance. The world needs to know about Michael Sharp.

[@brntckt]

Your comment, not even two weeks ago, shows the everlasting deepness of this song. It's one of the best.

[@fullcircle3357]

Someone give that man a record deal

[@jimheckert5383]

Fantastic. Thanks 🇺🇸

[@MarjorieStoker-oj8fh]

❤ well done young man what a contribution with your talent and voice god bless

[@spencergroup]

Very talented. Should have had a huge applause for that.

[@liftpanic]

Excellent cover. This might be my favorite song and he really nails it.

[@DigitalDamager]

Thank you for this brother! My Grandpa passed away yesterday and this was his favorite song; I’m playing it at his funeral in a few days and this has been a massive inspiration!

[@mikesharpsongs]

So sorry to hear about your Grandpa; play your ❤ out!

[@troip2769]

Brings tears to my eyes...

[@PauIieWalnuts]

That dad walking by with his family around the beginning was clearly moved. Any dad can relate.

[@heathermiller5765]

Loved your rendition, and your voice could melt butter lol. Simply an amazing cover of an equally amazing song 😊

[@jpnatura4054]

Mike you are such one of the great musicians I have ever heard, You are capable to melt between voice and guitar in such manner that you could surf and fly inside this song

[@TEBerrigan]

Everything about this is just perfect. The guitar, voice, and something about all the people just casually walking by, and watching the random ones who stop for a bit to take it all in.

[@lafreeway]

Man, that is so good. My son called me a few days ago and said he heard this song on the radio and wanted to tell me how much I meant to him. Really special to me. Thanks for posting.

[@garyt19651]

It's great your son did that. Neither my Dad or I said the things we should have said to each in the living years. I wish I had.

[@PaliGap1]

A tough song to play despite the standard chords - and hard to sing too. You did a great job!

[@beakes28]

Way to ride that wave brother. Made it your own, didn’t go over the top yet showcased the heck out of it. You are in the pocket, on the wave and rolling.

[@jimmyhjorth8580]

I'm really enjoying this song!!!❤ I love his sound 😍 The guitar 🎸 sounds great 👍

[@paulabessant120]

Oh my ... this is what beautiful sounds like .....

[@jimmurdock5189]

Absolutely well done love the sound of the guitar and the voice is amazing. MP sent me here and I’m excited to listen to more. Well done sir

[@unabrazoatodoslosbuenos]

Because of this song I made an effort to tell him how much I loved him. Sometimes we just need that little push. Great job. Rip.

[@brntckt]

Be proud of having done this step in the living years, guy! Believe me, I was too young to cope with all that when my dad passed away. Now I'm too old to rewind the clock.

[@frankfossaceca9616]

This Is Brilliant. Great Voice !!!!

[@garyt19651]

THANK YOU Micheal, Fantastic rendition of a song I hold close to my heart. This song could very well have been written about the relationship between my father an I . He passed away 51 years ago, 3 days after my 16th birthday, a traumatic experience I have NEVER gotten over. Keep up the great work !!!

[@brntckt]

That's quite similar to my experience. This song always hurts me hearing it, but it's still one of my favourites, because it's honest and touching.

[@MrMurph73]

I never liked this song before. After hearing this, I love it.

[@ryanlair71]

Unreal version of this. Such great finger picking.

[@Tony-yp7ok]

Just came across this - what a beautiful version of this great song. Watching the dad and his son walk past in the background and seeing all the different age groups was very poignant. Thank you

[@random275]

Lovely right hand guitar style - I may do this one as my next video - yours was great..!! Cheers Phil

[@eamonnmorris5331]

Great singing, playing, sense of rhythm, chording .. the whole package! So why do people just walk on by? Because they don't KNOW! If someone hasn't told them it's good, or cool, or whatever ... then they simply DON'T KNOW. That's also the state of the whole music business, incidentally.

[@ChristineGibbons-s8r]

This version is just fantastic what a singer😊

[@nickmoan8223]

This is absolutely fantastic. Raw talent and real music right there. I could simply listen too your voice all day

[@dwsides4860]

Great job man,,, just a man and his guitar,, thank you so much for not using loopers and samples, this is so much better !

[@steelz78]

Damn. This guy is filthy talented.

[@macman3175]

Nice voice Mike, I do that song as well.

[@crabbyoldman8209]

Great. Thanks for making me cry my freakin eyes out. ...Life-long musician and singer here to tell you what an amazing job you have done with this song. With no disrespect whatsoever to the original, yours has hit me as deep and hard as any song ever has. Best of everything to you, sir!

[@EricInTampaAcoustic]

Here I am again seven years later enjoying this timeless gem

[@alcondragon]

Absolutely Outstanding

[@bobbyflanagan154]

I am so glad I found this!!! Beautiful voice. Powerful and super smooth.

[@mikesharpsongs]

@@bobbyflanagan154 thanks so much for your kindness!☮💜🎶

[@keithcasey866]

Beautifully done. ❤ thanks for posting.

[@tatatonio]

Beautiful rendition! Just beautiful!

[@gerrymcglynn7390]

ABSOLUTELY 💯 BRILLIANT 👏 AND BEAUTIFUL 💯 👏 GOD BLESS YOU SIR 💯 👏 🙏.

[@dilshansenanayake4079]

You did it amazing God bless

[@JonDunnmusician]

Outstanding 🎹

[@mattsmith1809]

Wow! Great voice and your guitar strumming style has SUCH a groove to it.

[@derec85]

What a voice!

[@davidgill1583]

Absolutely Brilliant cover.

[@MrWoodyanders]

Excellent and heartfelt.

[@RandyLebedow]

Outstanding performance

[@aspekti2]

So beautiful and powerful bro, that's soul in all of it's meanings. All the new technology in the music industry has made people to not be able to recognize pure, raw talent anymore, and the proof is the people walking pass.. All the best Michael and much love, thank you for this amazing 5,34 minutes

[@checkitout611]

You stopped that kid right in his tracks to take a listen ..... nice job! Sounded great and full and that's not easy as a lot is going on in this song!

[@tombrownsings9330]

This song became dear to me as it was released at the same time my own father was in a coma and not expected to live. Thank you for performing it so well.

[@JaxKona]

Brilliant! Thank-you!

[@Rosspilot]

Very nice . . . one of my favorite songs . . .

[@MarjorieStoker-oj8fh]

❤wow fantastic well done

[@yvonneglenister9792]

Pure class. Thank you for sharing.

[@soniareyes6405]

Wow!! What talent this guy has!! I love this song!!

[@mikesharpsongs]

Thank you so much, Sonia!☮💜🎶

[@jimwaller5465]

This is just beautiful.. Wow!

[@vincentvangough2008]

One word.....TALENT

[@golfmex3]

Its amazing to hear that song in your great version. Respect. Sounds perfekt

[@southernexposure27]

Hands down best Living Years cover on KZbin. Thank you for sharing. You have provided serious enjoyment.

[@emielnijland4643]

you did a great job at making me cry. ;) July 11th it will be 19 years ... My father died of a heart attack. I never got to say goodbye or anything else. He never met my wife and he never got the chance to see his grandsons.

[@sedhanaliyanage6488]

What a brilliant performance 🎉😊 keep it up man

[@herneeblues]

Great cover bud, one of my all time favs! Keep it up!

[@olliefleming6860]

Wow 👏👏👏

[@napper8]

Wow! This is great! 😊👍🏽👏👏👏

[@steveworkman4289]

Amazing ❤

[@RuthlessVillan]

Loved that mate 👏

[@dallasreese8416]

Excellent work, Michael. Your tone is similar to Paul Carrack's. Nice.

[@christsotsoros]

No words. Beautiful. Bravo.

[@laifschtailendbjuti]

Wow! Pure and clear! Great man.

[@roochalana4652]

What a amazing performance... good luck brother....

[@MezMezMez1]

Well done. This is a hard song to sing well. You did a great job!!

[@mikesharpsongs]

@@MezMezMez1 thank you so much!

[@sharonholford]

❤😢 our Dad is in hospital right now with several complications 3:49 I just texted him to say "We all love you Dad" even though its not been an easy relationship for any of us 4:52 xxx thank you

[@mikesharpsongs]

@@sharonholford blessings and my hope that whatever can be is made right☮💜🎶

[@filiperocha4466]

Excellent interpretation of a beautiful and classic theme! Thank you very much Michael. Merry Christmas to everyone! Greetings from Portugal 🎈🎼💙💛