Motherland - Natalie Merchant

[@MrPrimus101]

1999, youthful, tormented and drunk after a messy break up. Driving. Suicidal. Providence intervened, slotted in Ophelia in the car stereo, 200 kms later, lost, out of gas, sober and still alive and still mesmerized by this voice. Swore never to be that stupid again. Many women has been through my life since then, and now happily married to a wonderful woman. Thats the raw power of Natalie Merchant. Greatest female artist of all time. No doubt.

[@shepaaaarrrrrd]

Hope things have vastly improved for you, even in these crazy times.

[@MrPrimus101]

@@shepaaaarrrrrd Things have indeed turned out well. Happily married, stable job, etc etc. Still a Natalie fan. To this day have the a CD of Ophelia in the car.... cars will come and go... CD stays :) Thank you for your response!

[@tubeyou89119]

Who is not stupid in their teens and early 20s, or even 30s.... thanks to all the good music and art.

[@danielleowen540]

She is the ultimate. Well, Willie as well, I know the torment, glad it's left you, now pray for it to leave me.

[@hawkarae]

Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this with us who need every day to remember the sheer wonder of being a human being.

[@GwenWoodin]

Diaspora across the planet. This touches so deep in my soul for all those "nameless, blameless..."😢

[@jaydaawg.8191]

Her masterpiece.

[@StewartMidwinter]

I sometimes wonder if she asks herself "from what mysterious place did I channel this wonderful piece of music?"

[@carlosmichael7605]

@@StewartMidwinter she didnt write it! Not that makes it less beautiful!

[@Martel1946]

Ah, the archangel of sonic art. Her voice enters the brain, fills it with the sweet beautiful ecstasy of vocal and lyrical perfection, then buries itself so deep that it can't be dismissed before permanently entwining itself round every synapse, just slightly out of reach til you hear her once again. You can stumble round for years without her, but only the slightest and shortest exposure to that voice and your mind is flooded with the beauty this angel was born to create.

[@randywest8274]

Beauty personified!

[@lenalaufer8110]

I realize these remarks were made 11 years ago but I just discovered Ms Merchant as a solo artist today and I agree with every single syllable that you have written about her. I'm mesmerized. I think I listened to Motherland 20 times today. So far. :)

[@behall808]

Beautifully put.

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

@@behall808 Columbia record co. I was a subscriber. I'd buy CD's on the reviews. Cowbow Junkies(didn't like the name). Many others including the CD with the Gold Rush Brides. It painted such a picture. That's part of her legacy. She researches. Studies. Thinks. Speaks well.

[@RoyenMartin]

Well said Robert, couldn't agree more

[@MichaelCherau-kt8gy]

I think what i like about natalie is her humility. You cant fake that.

[@chazzm8]

Tears streaming. I sang this to my brother in law as he passed to another world.

[@Thomas-gk42]

"Our existence transcends the passage of time", Sabine Hossenfelder, physicist

[@karenbrown4524]

Tears are streaming down my face, too. Life is so painful.

[@999mmj]

I have no words...you cannot possibly describe the tone and texture in her voice...once in a life time person and voice. Brava

[@roberttyran3813]

OMG! What a Beautiful Treasure. Bob.

[@junerose621]

How could anyone who appreciates music, not love Natalie Merchant? Just a clean, natural voice, and the song is so special.

[@richholoch8230]

Thank God my youth was filled with R.E.M, 10,000 Maniacs, The Feelies, Elvis Costello, Talking Heads. Lou Reed, Bowie and others before that.

[@hayoroskam5659]

Is there someone with a more beautiful voice? I listen twice a week for more than a year and still love it.

[@kerryg100]

Hayo Roskam .. makes sense to me... soothing my soul

[@andrearothkimmich3128]

no, there is absolutely no one with a more beautiful voice! :)

[@sterlinghayden4096]

Immediate thumbs up for that query.

[@sterlinghayden4096]

Not just beautiful, but powerful, captivating. Natalie only suspects how great she is, so cherish her.

[@laughingwaters4445]

yes, all soul

[@juliewilliams1945]

If you haven’t seen Natalie Live, you need to💗 Beautiful 💗

[@sabrinaelikyaw]

Yep! Saw "10THn manies 198o? Coventry5"2 danced in front me was misersed with their vibrant tones carismerism of their performace

[@marianneboyner736]

this song is spiritual to me and reminds me of my beautifull daghter ,who passed away 3 years ago.thank you

[@allanjensen125]

This song touches me in an extraordinary way. Not only her voice, but the words are captivating and meaningful. This is a masterpiece. ❤

[@Mariama.mks08]

correct, I love it

[@CircaCertainty]

What a lovely voice she has! Emotions well up in me when I listen to this song. For some (in)explicable reason, it makes me think of my mom (she passed away 13 years ago. I am currently 30 years old) I sometimes cry when I hear this song. Pure kindness and warmth... :)

[@edshea2040]

Love to you and yours.

[@haroldbrown6630]

I am sorry

[@lenalaufer8110]

OMG. This song makes me think of the mother I lost last year at age 93. The lines "keep me safe, lie with me, stay beside me, don't go" bring tears to me eyes.

[@mohammadhossein7626]

You must be 42 now and for sure, you would feel the same way! very sorry for the loss of your mom! no one would be able to recover from that.

[@ravimulchansingh2396]

She is bad! She makes me cry, often enough!😊

[@peteb5996]

A timeless voice, a song for the ages and a gift to the world. The comet that is Natalie Merchant flashes across our universe, a beacon of light and hope amidst the pervading darkness.

[@Patoriiii]

her voice is so soothing, so welcoming. If home had a voice, this would be it.

[@johnalden5821]

This song just guts me every time I hear it. So real and so close to the bone.

[@charlesadam8552]

After watching Eurovision and the so called 'talent' on display, came here to listen to a wonderful artist and a beautiful song beautifully performed. Feeling a bit better now, thank goodness!

[@Maraqeuz020]

Een nummer da mijnt leven al zolang als dat het bestaat door mij wordt gedraaid

[@henryVIIIification]

What a voice! What a presence! What a song! What beauty!

[@henryVIIIification]

Love the shoes man. My kind of woman. I knew a few ladies just like this back in the 60's. But they couldn't sing (sing).

[@laughingwaters4445]

love your handle

[@margaretgeoghegan6139]

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[@richardhotaling4237]

Her heart is bigger than her voice. Her love for the twins I will never forget.

[@daphnecastillo33]

What a beautiful song, a beautiful tribute to our Mother, our Mother Earth.

[@andrewschneeman4161]

+Daphne Castillo Natalie has written several songs related to mans destruction to Earths resources. This was written just before the Gulf BP oil spill.

[@w0mblemania]

It's not a tribute to "Mother Earth". It's a political song; a lament about society's failings (as Merchant sees it). The original album cover was supposed to feature kids in gas masks, but Merchant changed it after Sep 11.

[@martinavanlieshout9595]

She helped me throughout sorrow

[@kerryg100]

Martina Van Lieshout there's great comfort in this song Natalie lovely lullaby

[@Martel1946]

The sweetness, the sadness, the sorrow, the madness. The joy. The perfect joy.

[@johnalden5821]

First saw Natalie with 10,000 Maniacs in Athens, GA, probably in 1984 or 1985. She was in the spinning stage then -- a singing dervish. They were utterly captivating and completely original. I like everything 10,000 Maniacs has ever done, and I've enjoyed everything Natalie's done ever since then. What a gift they've given to American music.

[@tommybohman7818]

Motherland is a very emotional song, performed here with dignity and style - she looks serious and solemn at the same time. I'm a die-hard admirer of Miss Merchant and her music since Carnival was released as a single and frequently played on the radio. Tigerlily is still very dear to me and I love the whole package. Ophelia is probably a better album, but it doesn't charm me like her solo debut. Motherland is also a very good album, a bit underrated, even if I prefer the previous ones. The cover picture by Laura Wilson of Miss Merchant, where she poses as a fertility goddess, is just wonderful to see. Please don't forget to give Miss Merchant's perhaps most beautiful album a chance: The House Carpenter's Daughter. It's a collection of traditional and contemporary folk music. 🇺🇸

[@bill716]

Natalie is a national treasure. Her soul is as kind and beautiful as she she looks.

[@bbbbbb9847]

This was played at my grandma's funeral 😥😢😭

[@cjunkie4677]

Motherland is my most favourite album by Natalie. She is in great voice here. Just wonderful!

[@debraduffy9610]

Natalie is a wonderful free spirited "old soul" and her barefoot dancing when she sang on stage at her concerts was just great. I could say she reminds of of some folk singers of some past decades but everyone has their own favorites. Natalie is one of a kind!!

[@Moamanly]

'Earth Goddess' springs to mind.

[@dancingcedar]

Natalie sang this song at the close of a protest rally in front of Trump Tower the night before the sad day of January 20, 2017. She sang her heart out and I sobbed. Then everyone sang “This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land," reminding me of when Pete Seeger sang that at Obama’s first inauguration in January of 2008. How full of hope I was at that time. Then I really sobbed. This is an amazing song. Thank you, Natalie Merchant.

[@twalsh1801]

wasn't it wonderful? you might enjoy her tiny desk concert on the npr site. she sang it.

[@SelfReflective]

Wow, thanks for sharing! A poignant and beautiful story.

[@1marcgo]

Did you know that she wrote this song On 9-11...sad that so much hope we all felt has gone away in 9 months of complete misery

[@rudiverhoeven1735]

Wasn't Obama the president that promised to pull all troops out and ended up with more, did he not promise to close Guantanamo and didn't, did he not fail miserably in making relations between white and black better? Isn't Trump the guy that has unemployment at the lowest level ever and the economy booming? Stop sobbing and be happy you have someone in charge who actually delivers on what he promised. Otherwise you will be unhappy for 6 more years ...

[@martinblumrich8296]

Does justice matter? Nah. The economy is good. Reminds me of my ancestors in Germany in 1933.

[@lindamatandos1505]

Natalie came in concert in Seattle,WA. It was raining out but that didn't stop anyone that truly loves to listen to her and to watch her dancing. Natalie can sing to your soul and brings about many strong emotions. She's that great not to mention her fair beauty, simple and sweet. I love that girl, she's awesome !!!

[@user-jm9zk3rq4p]

Thank you Natalie, for your beautiful voice, beautiful lyrics and beautiful nature. So many years have been supported by you and you alone. You are truly an inspiration to every woman with spirit. God bless you always.

[@kimberlybossons3477]

She's been getting me through some horrendous times for more than 25 years now! She is amazing and I am ever so grateful to have her, much love!!!!!

[@russelvergara5815]

Im happy i leaved in the time of natalie merchant that most of the younger generations will never experiencedher voice is my energizer 😘

[@carlvanderlinden7324]

so pure and Beautiful no words for it

[@lennon1331]

WOW! A Beautiful Track Sung By An Angel.

[@hansholland4211]

i love her.....great voice and great human person

[@jasontravis9317]

Saw her live this past weekend 9-23-2018 at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield MA. It was a beautiful night, and the performance was awe-inspiring. She is a GREAT talent, and if she ever plays close to you and you do not attend you will be doing yourself a true disservice. We flew to Mass from Missouri JUST TO SEE HER, and would do it again in a second! Got to meet her after the show. Truly a humble woman. Beautiful inside and out! The show was very intimate, and a nearly surreal experience. She played in a Shaker barn built in 1910. I hope she tours the US soon, I will definitely see her again! My favorite show of all time! Thank you Natalie!

[@JeudeLyne]

Thank you my wonderful friend, David...for Entertaining me this song...Love, your gal....

[@moejones5555]

Brilliant, bitter, and soo very sweet. Always reminds me of my youth and the security that this brings. Thank-you.

[@mike-c1s9x]

A beautiful lyrical melody, a voice like no other... exotic, immediate, elegant. If you could go home again this is where you would hope for. I could watch this many times and each time is like the first.

[@keitothekraken2656]

One of my fave songs of all time. It’s like wrapping a blanket around a sorrowful soul xo

[@snazinhouston]

"Cause its your happiness,, that I want most of all"

[@tracybarnard1114]

She is absolutely amazing. I've been listening to her for several years, an have never grow tired of her lyrics or her beautiful voice. Love ya Nat!!

[@martincarmody970]

What a beautiful band of players. Masters and mistress of their art each and every one. Natalie is a consummate poetess!

[@lennon1331]

Just when you thought you had heard all the greatest female vocalists in the world and then you hear Natalie and your head explodes with the beauty of Her voice, Her Beauty as a person, and she lets you see into her soul, just for a second but long enough for you to love her forever.

[@chrischris3629]

Enchanting, charming and beguilingly beautiful voice and woman.

[@stephanieinman2743]

Lovely woman SING 1 of the greatest female artist of all time since 10,000 Maniacs She just keeps on! Thank YOU Natalie!

[@morriganravenchild6613]

This lady has a tremendous enduring talent. Just simply the best.

[@Prof_O2]

Only 13 days for the birthday of my idol Natalie Merchant (oct,26), wonderful woman and amazing artist. Health and happiness to her, always!

[@stephaniemichelledavis1617]

I love, love, LOVE HER VOICE, MUSIC WITH MEANING......keep up the Excellent work Natalie!!!!

[@robwyyi]

Over years since the time I can remember voices has been a part of my life. My mother singing being the first and many others through out my life. One voice is Nataly Merchant, she will always be a part of my life.

[@jacv.5984]

Tears in my eyes, chills, pain in my heart, Im damaged by my past, but ill survive.

[@beannaichte123]

-Natilie Merchant- She-touches every element of the human heart and soul, with her art. She does it with a natural grace, and a passionate strength!

[@Bak23471]

NEVER EVER STOP PLEASE YOUR VOICE IS MAGNETIC

[@philochristos]

This song and "The Lowlands of Holland" tie for my favorite Natalie Merchant songs. Of course the Lowlands of Holland is a cover, so I guess that makes this the real favourite Natalie merchant song.

[@lennon1331]

Beautiful, No Other Words Needed.

[@3641LB1]

geweldig nummer!

[@norab666]

I really love this song it just never gets old🙏🏼❤️

[@tomtscotland]

Hauntingly beautiful and perfect in every way.

[@existingman3000]

I descoverd this awesomely good musician by chance, after hearing a cover of this track lol, Natalie Merchant were have you been all my life 👌♥

[@runookiomah169]

*Lyrics to sing along: Where in hell can you go Far from the things that you know Far from the sprawl of concrete That keeps crawling its way About 1,000 miles a day? Take one last look behind Commit this to memory and mind Don't miss this wasteland, this terrible place When you leave Keep your heart off your sleeve Motherland cradle me Close my eyes Lullaby me to sleep Keep me safe Lie with me Stay beside me Don't go, don't you go O, my five & dime queen Tell me what have you seen? The lust and the avarice The bottomless, the cavernous greed Is that what you see? Motherland cradle me Close my eyes Lullaby me to sleep Keep me safe Lie with me Stay beside me Don't go Coz it's your happiness I want most of all And for that I'd do anything at all, o mercy me! If you want the best of it or the most of all If there's anything I can do at all Now come on shot gun bride What makes me envy your life? Faceless, nameless, innocent, blameless and free, What's that like to be? Motherland cradle me Close my eyes Lullaby me to sleep Keep me safe Lie with me Stay beside me Don't go, don't you go

[@carloscortes9410]

Thank you , God Bless You !!

[@ianparkes2538]

Beautiful just that amazing voice and 2 guitars perfection

[@noeliagarcia6639]

Thanks a lot for your voice and your song! Love from the bask country ❤️

[@ansfriedvanthournout1403]

Christmas time 2020, one of the loneliest X-masses ever, just because a virus dictates the world. Living without a real family in my life is so damn difficult and the few friends there are, you can't visit to find some warmth, kindness, and tenderness. I dedicate this song to someone I really care for, Mónica L.G. living in the Araucania region in Chile. I just would like to say to her with the words of the artist: "Keep me safe, lie with me, stay beside, but don't go, don't go, don't go..." I wish you a Merry Christmas 2020, you are 12.500 km away from Flanders, but you will always be in my heart. I made once a secret promise in a special Chapel in Bruges, a promise I will never break as I walk around here.

[@scooter4ification]

I feel you brother. Peace and love from Canada.

[@ansfriedvanthournout1403]

@@scooter4ification , thanks brother...and yes, so sadly she left, but she will always stay in my heart, there is a warm place free for her, she's always welcome back after what she gave me that what I had never before. I wish you a Merry Christmas in Canada from Flanders, Belgium.

[@hurling8]

its just effortless , what a melody , love this , org is always best.

[@riccardoagretti2437]

Questa canzone mi provoca sempre un fiume di emozioni, grazie!!!

[@MrPatb72]

Perfect... soul stirring - beautiful performance. Thank you - very comforting song in troubled times.

[@annahefel9906]

THANK YOU SO MUCH Do ,YOUR a friend of mine she has a voice THAT TAKES MY BREATH AWAY.

[@karlbe8414]

2 guitars and a vocal, so simple, yet so wonderful!

[@johndistaso6353]

No. No one with a more beautiful voice. No way no how!

[@johndistaso6353]

Love Natalie. No voice, no one better. Just a fact.

[@ligialewis2182]

What a beautiful performer . Her voice is haunting . . . and so very sincere . She's an inspiration. GL, Sr

[@annakuzminsky3531]

Amazing song, amazing voice! I cannot get enough of listening to her (and 10,000 Maniacs) music

[@Babyberry0045]

I love Natalie Merchant, I would love to meet her! She is really pretty and nice.

[@rosewalsh5444]

what a truly beautiful song sung by a very talented woman indeed.. fantastic lyrics.

[@CatKingCole82]

Something mesmerizing, comforting and enchanting about this song, and her voice. Wow.

[@florianos007]

Thank you God for this beautiful voice. Thank you Natalie!

[@nicolasdelaforge7420]

A summit, the song and the voice That chord after the vocal pause and then 'now come on shot gun bride' is magical.

[@gardenchicks]

Natalie, for 15 years your music has enriched my life with true, pure amazement. A real passion for the profound and haunting music you write. I have so much appreciation. You are one of the most influential artist to impact my soul. Many Blessings to you and yours~* Love Always.

[@sanjeevjagtiani9192]

In my personal Top 10 songs. Her voice is ethereal. Lucky enough to have seen Natalie live.

[@Channel-os4uk]

She has that catch in her voice that gets you every time.

[@domnail4910]

Beautiful..I just love it

[@sangeetarbhugaloo422]

i was introduced to her by a friend yesterday and i love her for her voice, the intensity of her singing and her genuineness which is so tangible ... will be listening and enjoying her company often now thanks to KZbin

[@kerryg100]

Always and forever incredible Greetings from Dublin Ireland

[@MargaIzardPereda]

Love it!!! Just words with the guitar sound, it is called talent

[@MadMan07712]

Lyrics are beautiful and even more appropriate today

[@marksmith9023]

Absolutely beautiful thank you

[@Circusqueen1976]

I've been in love with Natalie since 1993. This is one of my favorites! She still sings it beautifully. So glad to see Gabe by her side, as well.

[@lousiannegirlatheart]

she is just lovely, and I cry!

[@whatdidyousay2162]

Natalie is amazing ❤❤

[@francisfinane7915]

Can't wait to see her back in Ireland again. Lucky to see her once😎in99

[@Steelsix1]

Very few singers can glue me to a video screen or a pair of speakers like Natalie does; no matter what I'm doing I have to pay attention. I've seen her many times and she's on the short list of end all be all of female vocalists for me. My wife and I choose to cover her frequently because of her excellence.

[@iesus68]

I have this beautiful live version in my favourite video playlist since 2010 whene was uploaded. Sometimes I go through this playlist just to see if some video has been deleted for some reason and all the times, seeing Motherland is still on, I stop myself and watch and listen again and again. Always with same goosebumps. This woman is adorable.

[@sivvybee]

My wife and I saw her last night for the first time. I knew she would be great. My wife is very into poetry and had no idea about this album so I took her. This lady made both of us fall in love with her.

[@lsantos25]

She sings so effortlessly.

[@meganfine423]

i💝u so much

[@meganfine423]

Alex i 💝u

[@meganfine423]

u r duty full

[@ReinhardSchildhauer]

Nachträglich noch ALLES GUTE zu DEINEM GEBURTSTAG,was du allein mir mit Deiner Einmalig-Überirdischen Stimme und Ausstrahlungskraft und Kreativität gegeben hast kann ich gar nicht ermessen ,was Du in all den Jahren in so vielen Menschen AUSGELÖST hast,wie Dein gesamtes Wirken,EINFACH ÜBERIRDISCH.

[@JohnnyMarr85]

Stunning, absolutely stunning. Thanks to Christy Moore for introducing this wonderful artist to me.

[@17greendragon]

So poweful. I am truly amazed by this voice this woman posesses. I am her biggest fan.

[@sahassinha]

She finished recording this song in Sept 2011, a few days before the attacks. And the record was released in Nov 2011. What a beautiful and appropriate requiem for that day!!!