Natalie Merchant - Verdi Cries

[@steelrain202]

Honestly one of the best songs ever written. The music of my youth. Young love young dreams.

[@CartoonMuhammed]

I consider Natalie to be one of the most important song writers of the last 30 years.

[@lewisc215]

She's not.

[@Edward1312]

I wouldnt agree with you on that, but what I would say is that this song is a beautiful song, no doubt.

[@AppealToHeaven]

Makes me think about that. Perhaps. I would also say Stevie Nicks.

[@jamesd.2856]

Paul, John, Jeff Lynn, Dylan, she is good but way down the list.

[@danneumann3274]

i think the best female songwriter ever

[@jonnynelson5734]

God bless that woman. That is one of the most incredible voices I've ever heard.

[@Co_Jones]

Hasn't he already blessed her?

[@BCD1964]

One of the 20th Century's very best....pure art.

[@rockchalk1990]

One of the many times I saw Natalie solo, someone from the crowd yelled out "Verdi Cries" to which Natalie said something to the effect of "let me see if I can remember that one." Obviously not a part of her set, she sang it for the crowd and it was every bit as awesome as this clip!

[@dobella]

I cannot think of a human being more attractive than Natalie. Her voice is unbelievably sweet and beautiful. Add that to her persona and you have a once in a lifetime superstar.

[@randymcneil4321]

I can't either think of a more attractive beauful lady inside and out .with the voice of a angel .

[@tbaine8133]

In My Tribe album is a masterpiece! Natalie Merchant’s voice is the purest most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard. Love her!!!!

[@gramfin5404]

This is one of the most vivid and beautiful songs that conjures up memories of holidays in Europe, it has brought me close to tears, goose pimples, and all that. What a song, Natalie should have been as big as Joni Mitchell, not quite sure why she wasn't.

[@adrrda6091]

I hope these were goose bumps, not pimples :P but yes, I had tears streaming toop

[@bobbymoss6160]

This performance was incredible! So grateful this was recorded and uploaded for all to enjoy.

[@artvandelay3911]

She's from Jamestown NY, about a half hour drive from me. Before any of my friends even knew who the Maniacs where I asked them to go to Darien Lake (now known as Six Flags over Darien) to go see them play. Front row center. They were blown away. She was an honest talented songwriter then and still is. I own everything she's ever done.

[@jesussaves5354]

I'm in Olean. Love her unique voice.

[@AppealToHeaven]

oh, how lovely that must have been

[@maxxbenzz7842]

Cry every time I hear this. Is there a more beautiful voice on the planet

[@portcullis5622]

+John R In the absence of the late, great Sandy Denny, possibly not! Both wonderful songwriters with voices that move the heart and soul.

[@puppetken]

+John R Crying right now my Mom is not well!

[@maxxbenzz7842]

+puppetken u think im funny do I make u laugh??

[@puppetken]

John R Yes but I didn't mean to offend you sorry! The song made me cry also my Mom is in the hospital.

[@keithbate9405]

+John R IMO there are others . listen to Lisa Gerrard particularly "vespers", "of love undone". her vocalization is unique. She sings in a language made up by her. The language creates emotion that combines with the music to create something that is unfathomable (I know this sounds pretentious but it is difficult to describe the effect her vocals/music have on me (and not just me) 2) I also love the voice of klara (First Aid kit) A long time ago " is sad but wonderful song and Klara sings it beautifully 3) I also love the voice of Hannah Reid (London Grammar) "if you wait" she also sings at the piano a la Natalie M. 4) I love the voice of Agnes Obel . Listen to the curse (Berlin live version ps not forgetting one of the all time greats Joan Baez= "diamonds and rust"

[@klawhea2d196]

i want to listen to a voice when i'm walking in the woods that needs no visual and this is what natalie brings me. total peace and a kind voice.

[@mannylugz5872]

One of the best 80s songs out there.

[@Jackalski57]

She has one of the only voices I've ever heard that can hold me completely spellbound

[@hinesenpfefferfarms]

I can't stop watching her.......................

[@reason5591]

Ahhh my favorite female voice above all the rest! Her lyrics are genius as well! Signed- A 60 yr old fan

[@thisbirdhasflown2554]

Her voice is so achingly beautiful.

[@everettpence2410]

Natalie and the 10,000 maniacs helped me through difficult times when I was in college 25+ years ago. This song has so much meaning to me. I love her voice and got to see her in concert at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio years ago thanks to my brother for buying tickets. Salute to Robert Buck who passed away in 2000. Love you Natalie.

[@dana7298]

Me too.

[@andrewsterling1908]

My favorite 10,000 Maniacs song. This has the echoes of "Piano Man" to me. The last line, "Years ago" breaks my heart every time. I'm 46 now and heard this "years ago" and all that Aida life-drama of the 20's and 30's of our lives. What a gift she has for all her songs and incredible lyrics.

[@crazipy]

I love this song because she is writing about her summers spent working in the Hotel Athenaeum in Chautauqua, New York. I worked there years after that and the song makes so much sense.

[@robertrehill1716]

I saw an interview she did where she stated that song was inspired by an old man in the next hotel room to her’s during a vacation in Spain when she was only 20 years old.

[@doloreswitkowski5578]

@@robertrehill1716 I saw that interview as well. She mentioned it was her first trip to Spain, and that is very romantic. In fact, she referred to the "romantic" aspect more than once.

[@tjjordan9715]

Songwriters and novelists lie about their work constantly. My money is on the hotel job. Maybe she picked up"verdi" while in Spain. Thing about songwriters is they often have no idea what the hell the lyrics mean, even when someone well versed in mythology (dream language) can easily understand the meanings.

[@tjjordan9715]

Songwriters and novelists lie about their work constantly. My money is on the hotel job. Maybe she picked up"verdi" while in Spain. Thing about songwriters is they often have no idea what the hell the lyrics mean, even when someone well versed in mythology (dream language) can easily understand the meanings.

[@drn13355]

No it isn't.

[@sneezepal]

I have been in love with Natalie since the 1980s. She's my dream girl!

[@lizajayasinha5821]

I can understand..

[@ProfessorChomsky]

A most beautiful song sung by a most beautiful woman. Magnificent x

[@jademorgan1096]

Timeless Classic, Excellent!! Bravo!!! I don't think we gave this band enough credit. What talent and brilliant lyrics.

[@hunterscott7592]

Gorgeous and perfect

[@caseroj6020]

Natalie Merchant is absolutely amazing isn't she? Her vocals and melodies are beyond compare. What an awesome vocalist. I believe she was blessed by an Angel and gifted an amazing voice when she was very small!

[@C.Church]

If I am so fortunate to die in a peaceful way from consciousness, I want this song played.

[@angellopasova]

just discovering Natalie, for myself. She is fantastic. I love the way she sings and dances. There is a sincerity in her music, that's kind of rare these days. She completely, totally, absolutely rocks.

[@tommybohman7818]

What a performance, absolutely breathtaking! I'm astonished at her ability to turn a nostalgic song into a shining gem. Miss Merchant is luminous on stage and it goes without saying that she is the star. No-one can question that Miss Merchant was essential in the band's success; but also that 10,000 Maniacs were instrumental for her talent to develop and blossom.

[@JuliaStegeMagic]

she is a fantastic piano player too! This totally got me weeping.

[@NotAFanAnymore]

Holidays must end as you know This line Crushes my lonesome soul

[@bbmatty]

good lord, is this lady an angel?

[@Stanters1967]

Doesn't get a lot better than this - just beautiful

[@JayMatt89]

her voice, her shy, sensitive ,quiet soul has touched all of us who has truly listened to her...I getting wiser as I get older, b/c I regret never seeing her when she was w/ the Maniacs....such an iconic voice....

[@TheTombo10]

PERFECTION, PERFECTION,PERFECTION.

[@chackett99]

Truly spectacular. Beautiful piano, pure vocal perfection, strings and haunting lyrics that evoke pure emotion .. "...all years ago." .. gets me every time. I have genuine sorrow for those who never experience what this masterpiece has to offer.

[@nocoat294]

It's from 10,000 Maniacs' album titled In My Tribe . Too many Natalie Merchant fans have never even heard of 10,000 Maniacs. She was at her best with the band

[@keithbate9405]

+no coat Despite superb albums like "Ophelia and " and the "Natalie merchant" (2014) I agree. "In my tribe" is a mini masterpiece and should be better known (IMO). ps I know that at last one founder (and current !) member of 10K Maniacs has said that Natalie was best with us behind her,

[@Dorpington]

>Too many Natalie Merchant fans have never even heard of 10,000 Maniacs That is definitely not true.

[@doloreswitkowski5578]

@@Dorpington I agree.

[@musicandtravel7124]

I don't know how true that is, but even if one fan of her voice and her solo work does not know well both "In My Tribe" and "Blind Man's Zoo", it is too many.

[@jonceramic]

Possibly the best song ever. I have had this song stuck on replay so many times in my life.

[@SuccsessfulFailures]

I had forgotten how utterly brilliant this song is.

[@dmodlin71]

shivers..... wow, this is beautiful..... natalie is beautiful beyond words. thanks for sharing this.

[@bigbattenberg]

One of pop music's best voices... clear and pure.

[@gregoryoakes7476]

always loved her voice. had the opportunity to see her live this summer. took my son. she was amazing captivating gracious to the crowd. don't ever miss the opportunity to catch her live

[@beetee4295]

Natalie and The 100000 maniacs are among the truly all time greats. Her voice is rich and unique. The lyrics are mesmerizing along with her artful use of the language. Their music is in a wonderful playground of emotions and the message captures many important social issues along with telling stories of relationships most of us can relate to personally or vicariously.

[@ldmax]

How can so much beauty exist? How can so much emotion come out of a human being? Breathtaking.

[@th3_g0dz_of_Vict0ry]

She is a goddess and this song is her playground on this earth... (sigh) ... such a voice.

[@prd9601]

I love this! I am a fan from the 80's. This song is so special.

[@jaddison1112]

Lisa Lonfiglio of Buffalo NY who taught a Fries Avenue School in CA introduced me to10,000 Maniacs in the 1980s .... Loved Natalie ever since .... this one of my very favorites ....

[@stevenvp]

This is my favorite. I actually whispered in Natalie's ear, "You follow, I'll lead" once at a show - we danced and then I sadly got kicked off of the stage. Bummer. It was the best dance of my life.

[@qlazz]

i have grown up with 10000 maniacs and natalie , you just don't kow how their music got me through the hardest times growing up, her music was my escape, it's like she is family,seems as though she has always been there for me, thank you 10000 maniacs and you natalie, god bless you, you have been a big part of my life.

[@angelacarson5401]

I was fortunate enough to see her perform this live at Illinois State University in the early 90's. It is still one of my favorite songs 30-some years later. What a gift!

[@jerryfan4ever294]

goose bumps - every time- decades later!

[@dobella]

Natalie, I have followed your beautiful music for many years. All i can say is thankyou, and i envy your husband.

[@666vampyreheart]

This song really touches my heart. it reminds me of good time when we lived in LA. A very good friend of ours spent nights singing to us & this is one of the songs that i used to make her sing over & over again. we love you Sarah you are always in our hearts. I really do miss the sound of your voice. Be sure to have an Enchanting Christmas with your amazing Husband & your beautiful baby boy :)

[@pepsi3232]

I just saw Natalie perform in her hometown of Jamestown, NY with the Chautauqua Orchestra and in middle of the concert she sang this song !!!!!!! AMAZING !!!!!!

[@yankeejack151]

Wow.. Just searching ebay due to hearing her via REM. She is amazing. Wish I'd heard her earlier. What a voice..

[@ashishkulkarni9783]

Reminds me of Nightswimming

[@bradclanton4467]

My God, one of the most beautiful songs ever brought with simplicity and passion by the song's originator. Absolutely stunning and beautiful.

[@keithbate9405]

I agree but now part of the past. If you want up to date brilliance listen to Agnes Obel "the curse" , Lisa Gerrard "of love undone", First Aid Kit "a long time to go" and yes NM's new (2014) album . love giving up everything, the end and Texas in particular

[@tommyfender1968]

+Keith Bate... Love the new release, Texas is the gem on that album although I like all the songs.. "Maggie Said" is another one that I dig the more I listen to it.

[@keithbate9405]

+Tommy Burick wonderful album and we all have our favs mine is "the end"

[@tommyfender1968]

That's a good one as well.. Love the symphonies on that one

[@kungpowdan]

The most beautiful voice in history. I could listen to her all day. And do :)

[@hocuspocusfocusable]

This song is totally sublime... A friend made me a cassette-back in the day-of 'In My Tribe', and I always loved the way it ended, with this song.... When I bought the CD...I was even more surprised, that there was an entire stanza (the last one) . It had ended so perfectly on the cassette...but certainly felt a lot more complete, when it brought it all together...with those last words

[@EzekielJazz]

Simply stunning!!!

[@dennisheruela5265]

What a passionate performance. 10,000 Maniacs was my favorite since I was in high school. Their songs a brilliant and Natalie Merchant is a lyric genius!

[@Wehrmacht777]

Don't have words for how great this truly is

[@CharlieAnteby]

I never paid attention to this artist, or the band 10,000 maniacs, until very recently. I love her voice, her style, her look, her every nuance and movement. So soothing and wonderful. Thanks for posting this very beautiful video.

[@luvsilly60]

I was late as well. Checkout the album, "Tigerlilly".

[@keithbate9405]

Her new album is superb and if you get chance to see her live take it. But please watch "the curse" (Berlin live sessions 2013) by Agnes Obel. her "delicate Beauty" and long blond hair as she sings/performs at the piano backed by "her girls" on cello and violin will captivate you.

[@keithbate9405]

Charlie A; Why did you not pay attention to that great band ? you missed out on so much at the time. you had ears to hear. When I played the "in my tribe" album back in the 1980's I said "verdi cries" is not just my fav ever track by the band but this is one of "the greatest tracks of any era". Well over 25 years on I have not altered my opinion. Her new album (2014) is outstanding . Like Agnes Obel (brilliant) , London grammar (wonderful) and also Lisa Gerrard, First Aid kit and many others she flies' the flag for the brillianc eof music in 2014

[@keithbate9405]

***** Glad you have "caught up " on those who listened to Natalie from the early 1980's : The new solo album (2014) is superb. her best since "Ophelia" late 90's (how the time passes) . Do not make the same mistake with another brilliant female artist = Agnes Obel. whose Re packaged 2013 album has just been released in a de luxe version with new tracks, live tracks etc. "the curse " is the best thing I have heard this decade. Like it just as much as "verdi cries". Watch the fantastic live "Berlin Sessions" you would have to have a heart of stone to be not captivated by the gentle sublime talents (and looks) of Agnes and "her girls" who play violin and cello. Great music lives on !!

[@portcullis5622]

Better late than never Charlie-at least you have a lot of 'new' (old) songs to listen to.My personal favourites include 'Thick as Thieves' ('Ophelia',1998 and a solo version on 'Retrospective',2005-both are stunning),'Noah's Dove' and 'How You've Grown' (both on 10000 Maniacs' 'Our Time In Eden' 1992) and 'Hateful Hate' (10000 Maniacs's 'Blind Man's Zoo',1989) to name just a few.Happy listening!

[@GlennKilpatrick]

Simply beautiful.

[@fiercebone825]

I love this woman's music. So beautiful!

[@Co_Jones]

A song that invokes wretching emotions that surface from beneath our fragile outer shell.

[@vegasrobbie]

Her voice gives me goose bumps every time. :)

[@nakbreda]

sheer.....genius. can listen to this over and over.

[@stmcnally1957]

Beautiful song. The first time I heard it I couldn't help but hear the influence of Sandy Denny

[@cdeford]

I've always loved this song. Whatever it's supposed to be about, for me it's about those long-lost holidays you had as a kid that just seemed so magical but which were soon gone. We'd go back if we could...

[@orac1waterskiing]

Natalie Merchant brilliant story teller that exudes peace and love...........God Bless. x

[@thatposterguy]

Your'e right smoothfishy and her voice is absolutely magical.

[@timmyteaching]

Natalie Merchant is the perfectly attractive A student roundly ignored in high school. She is a treasure. I solved the original Mario Brothers listening to In My Tribe. Ha!

[@mykrodyke]

I have loved her since I was a kid....I dont know what it is about this song but it always makes me cry.

[@mymonkeydusty]

Natalie is one of the best signers and one of my most favoriteever I have been following her since 1985. Thanks

[@DiggerjohnKansas]

Exactly. Just a great voice, and well written songs were all you needed not that long ago. Thank You MTV. Thank you for relegating talented musicians to coffee houses and bars while talentless hack with "the look" buy gold plated bidets.

[@artwager5736]

My favorite Natalie Merchant / 10000 Maniacs song. Beautiful.

[@kindanice101]

oh my gawd....as beautiful as I remember this. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@charlescapozzi9440]

An artist never to be forgotten!

[@garysevern]

10,000 Maniacs - In My Tribe album. It was before Natalie went solo.Brilliant album!

[@cheofbowland]

+garysevern First album i bought..awesome...still listening to In My Tribe.....Painted Desert...Love It.....01/05/2016...:)

[@sciencedj]

I went to college in Fredonia, New York (The Fredonia Recordings) and saw them many times. Even though Mary Ramsey is a beautiful person and a very, very talented Viola player and vocalist, I feel that the group was never the same once Natalie Merchant went solo.

[@michaeljacobs8560]

The most perfect album of all time. As perfect today as it was in 1987.

[@sterlingwalter5971]

Albert Mancuso , the dumbest guy in my West Islip neighborhood went to Fredonia.

[@11Garrett11]

@Michael Jacobs 💯

[@lhart99]

Wow, absolutely beyond words. I love Natalie Merchant's voice. The writing abilities of the Maniacs w/ Natalie's voice is effing amazing. I find it a dam shame that there is no new bands w/ such talent. And people wonder why the music business is going to crap in a hand basket...it's not because of the Internet that's for dam sure.

[@BelisaTheTechie]

GO NATALIE!!!!!!!JW

[@Iansfavmusic]

Wossy was probably so busy loving his own ego he didn't even know who she was or listen to this masterpiece. Thanks for posting this. My vinyl copy is buried somewhere in the garage and it's years since this delighted me.

[@maracaibostud]

i´m very happy to notice that i am not the only one crazy for miss merchant and 10K maniacs, muchos besos from venezuela!

[@sciencedj]

Just Beautiful....brings tears to my eyes after all this time.

[@francescomoretta5258]

There are no words to describe such a sad enchanting Song ! Too beautiful !

[@jeffbritt5647]

A Gorgeous Flower,A Magnificent Voice...words fail ...

[@agdugnan]

Brilliant, such talent. I tear up listening to this

[@Degri73]

Natalie's voice gives me chills...she is truly a gifted artist...

[@orion8835]

Such a gorgeous & beautiful song. It is timeless.

[@arthurconrad5648]

Is a gifted, beautiful, talent woman!!!!

[@BeauMinnick]

I have loved this song for over 20 years, and I still love Natalie today. In some of the post below there was the question witch modern female singers can stand up to Natalie and I would say Sara Watkins.

[@21jig]

been listening to her for 20+ plus........never get tired of her

[@19rudy73]

Imagine going to a light entertainment show and unexpectedly hearing such a sublime performance of a masterpiece...

[@manderson143]

Wonderful. In My Tribe - one of THE greatest albums.

[@88flyswatter]

This. Is. A part. Of my life. Never forgotten. Thank you, Natalie. Beautiful.

[@miyukishijisha8540]

It took me many years to listen again BUT now I am a big fan, thanks Natalie

[@sandiegophoto64]

My favorite by Natalie... One of my all time favorite songs. So beautiful.

[@margaretharrell7741]

Most amazing artist I have ever heard.

[@wmnoe]

My very very very favorite 10,000 Maniacs song. this MIGHT be my favorite version.

[@jgilbertify]

complete talent....................... what a beautiful soul...................

[@josephdavis3179]

Just shimmering.......STILL get shivers........nice to see a live version.