New Colony Six - Can't You See Me Cry

[@oldermuscleguy]

The New Colony Six had beautiful ballads in the 60s. From Chicago.

[@richardblayneamerican8149]

Beautiful song, like so many New Colony Six ballads.

[@thedirtymac8054]

This song is a stone cold classic from an incredible rock band. New Colony Six' album "Colonization" is a desert island disc. I discovered this band in the 80s and became an instant fan. Fortunately, new generations of fans will appear as KZbin shares with the world this band's amazing body of work.

[@marshawilcox5815]

I loved this song in back then, and it's still wonderful.

[@thepurpleufo]

Most of the greatest songs of all time are (sadly) underrated and unknown. "Can't You See Me Cry" is a perfect example.

[@romelovesdan]

I agree wholeheartedly- Thank you for helping me champion this great song!

[@tominnc315]

Yes …..fact

[@musicluver1958]

Most of my "most special favorites" are unknown b sides or album tracks or were played but never big hits

[@vanopromo]

Another phenomenal song that radio somehow missed. Should have been a Top 10 national hit. Heard it on the old WKBW/Buffalo. Couldn't hear it enough then. Can't hear it enough now...My favourite NC6 song ever.

[@zanetierney]

I SIMPLY LOVE NEW COLONY SIX SONGS!

[@markkadelski6488]

During. quarantine. my. wife. was. In. nursing. home ---that's. about. time. I. rediscovered. this. song. from. my. teenage. years. It. made. me. cry. .

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Blessings to both of you... Ray

[@46razzledazzle]

I can't believe that this song never hit the Top 40. What were we teenagers thinking at the time? Was it that the radio stations gave it little air play?I bought the record and still listen to it often.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Actually CYSMCry did hit as high as a #1 on some radio stations - I was told of a site (Google ARSA if interested) where folks are requested to send in radio station record surveys and found NC6 had 4 #1s, 2 #2s, 4 #4s, 1 #6, 3 #7s and 1 #8, along with many more in the teens among those sent into the site and posted. Cool thing - you can check your fave bands and see how they did, at least with those surveys sent into the site by their readers! 15 different tunes of ours that reached Top Ten somewhere in the US & Canada - one of those being the hit record's "B" side, which was to have been its "A" side until we were counseled by WLS radio Super Jock, Larry Lujack, that we were pushing the wrong side. Told management; they flipped it; "Things I'd Like to Say" became our biggest single ever... but "Come & Give Your Love to Me" had reached #8 at a station in Iowa and was still climbing when we made the switch!😱

[@tominnc315]

Thier 1968 San Antonio ABC tv appearance. They do this live. A+ incredible song

[@RAV1953]

This never gets old!

[@richardmarten7500]

Hearing this brings back the warm summertime memory of a sweet, innocent fourteen year old boy walking home just after dark and passing the home of a tall, beautiful, dark-haired, out-of-my-league older girl named Michele. Always hoping I might catch a glimpse of her sitting under the soft light in the front porch swing and that she might notice me. I can still feel the ache.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Similar situation led to me writing the song, RM. Theresa, was my heroine, but dated back to my pre- or very early teen years... sigh! Ray

[@musicluver1958]

Those are both such sweet and innocent memories. And hey Richard, in my very early 20s, i had a bad crush on a beautiful girl named Michelle too, also one way out of my league - and just like your Michelle - tall and beautiful. However, I did get to spend a couple hours with her one night - until we were rudely interrupted. But I will never forget those moments!

[@richardmarten7500]

Wonderful memory!!!

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Thanks to all of you. Will close with another song title I wrote to share my feelings over your thoughts below = " Love You (all) So Much"! Ray

[@ParchedPinemarten]

Hi Ray, this is one of my favourite songs from the 60s. Seriously, you nailed this one! I can feel the emotion in your voice

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@ParchedPinemarten Given your kind words, I have a pair of additional places to hear the tune. Here is a link to one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2Oxk6B8mKp1b5I which features the band and me doing the tune live on our United States' ABC TV network back in 1968. I was told by the Director that he loved my tambourine but forbade my playing it as it interfered with my vocal pick-up during rehearsals before they let in the audience and we went on the air live. This next one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqi4g4GvqLKSlas was done just by our current guitar player and myself - a single take, maybe about 2005-2006 if memory serves. You'll hear my emotions let loose again, just a smidge in the bridge when my voice cracked a wee bit - cannot help it; puppy love that never was even acknowledged let alone pursued... sigh! Thanks so much for listening, liking and posting... Ray

[@RAV1953]

Thanks Ray!! You guys were great!!!

[@americanexpat8792]

Hey Ray, I had once heard you tell the story of why wrote 'Can't You See Me Cry' in some video. However, I have never able to find that video ever again. I'd love to find it, because as my comment suggests in this section, it aligned almost exactly with my friend. Could you share where to find it or just recount it here? Thanks, Marty

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@americanexpat8792 Brevity version: preteen Ray is living with his parents, sees a big truck (moving van) and hopes for a boy since folks apparently moving in down the block and across the street. Speaking gobbledygook which I later learned was Polish, but then saying some words in English, I spot a girl about my age and think she's really cute so I cross the street, talk to her a bit but clearly she has zero interest. Tried a few more times but "no sale". So, since in Chicago your homes typically have an alley behind the houses for garage entries, garbage can storage, etc., I would go stand by their garbage cans and try to catch a peek of her through a window. Fast forward a decade or thereabouts and while thinking of things that might be cool to share in lyrics, voila, those "puppylovestruck" days smack me in the brain. And while I have mentioned her first name countless times over the years at live concert appearances, simply to find out if she even ever heard the song let alone recognized it as having been written for her by that little boy she discouraged, well, who knows, but thus far anyway, paths never crossed hence unknown if she ever even heard CYSMCry let along known it was written for her. Oh well, life goes on and went on - clueless where she went, is, or even if remaining alive but that, my friend, is indeed the story! 😢

[@bobvogel2412]

Born and raised on the west side of Chicago 68+ years ago. All day every day with the Buckinghams, Cryin' Shames, Ides of March and of course the NC6. AND this being my favorite song from my favorite Chicago band. This music never gets old. Unfortunately we do.

[@henryrogers5500]

I met Jim Peterik in 1968. He was my neighbor’s brother.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@henryrogers5500 If still in the area, hr5500, try to catch a concert by an act called, Cornerstones of Rock. Long story on the name, which came from a PBS TV Special by Chicago's WTTW, following which most of us who appeared in the show began doing live concerts, but when we began and both the lead vocalists from Shadows of Knight & American Breed were still alive, they, along with Buckinghams, Cryan Shames, NC6, and the Ides of March, with J.P. still at the helm! Today we do tributes to Jimy (Shadows) & Gary (Breed) and do have a gig at the Des Plaines Theatre in November if memory serves!

[@jmcd112]

This is one of their best!

[@aershamus]

I can't believe this song never garnered the attention it should have, especially in Chicago! Classic 60's love ballad by one of the best of their era---NCS was the best!

[@randypiquette8524]

A true classic....like so many of this bands songs...hardly ever heard.

[@Barking914]

A haunting fantastic love song that every red blooded American male has felt at one time or another. Love the horns! So perfect, c'mon gal, I'm here who loves you? I'm crying for you to see me. Wonderful words and composition from one of the BEST bands of all times. Now that's entertainment plain and simple.

[@newhotman1001]

I found this song this morning while looking up the New Colony Six. I was a weekend DJ in Lansing, MI while attending Michigan State. I played NCS a lot and really liked their sound. Things I'd Like to Say is my favorite but this is a close second. There are those of us who didn't live in Chicago who remember this terrific group.

[@AOS1738]

I LISTEN TO THIS SONG ON WOKY OUT OF MILWAUKEE. GOOD CHICAGO GROUP AND GREAT SONG. THERE WAS A LOT OF GOOD MUSIC BACK THAN YOU DON'T HEAR ON THE RADIO NOW, SAD

[@americanexpat8792]

I’ve always loved this song, as well as another New Colony Six song, “Things I Would Like to Say”. I guess having grown up in Chicago in the city we heard it frequently on WLS and WCFL. In fact, besides liking it for the music, I can personally relate to it, since there was this girl that I had a crush on at the time. There would be times when I would literally find myself staring at her window from the alley. And sometimes I would find her looking out the window staring back at me. However, at the time, I didn’t have the confidence to take the initiative and approach her, like I should have. And eventually, our lives went very different directions. To this day, I wonder how life would have been different if I had acted on my impulses, since she is somebody that I think that I could have been married to. There are not many things that I regret in my life (since I gained much confidence starting in my 20s), but this is one of them. It was interesting for me to hear Ray tell the story of how he came to write this song. It dovetails nicely with my own experience. Ironically, this song was out just about the time that I found myself staring at her window…….. Even if nothing came from that experience, it brings back wonderful memories…..

[@glennwaddell305]

The best music in the world for me as a 10 year old back in 1968

[@musicluver1958]

@@glennwaddell305 me too! 10 in '68 Listening to wls on my am radio at night in Grand Rapids, Michigan

[@musicluver1958]

They had more than 2 hits. My favorite is - I Will Always Think About You and another is - I Could Never Lie To You

[@stevensmith8666]

"Roll On" from 1971 is infectious. Love it!

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Thanks for the kind words, my friend... sigh! Ray

[@DoofsterDan]

Of all the NC6 songs, THIS one with its catchy melody regularly sticks in my head!

[@greitje50]

Love the New Colony Six- back in the "60s and they still sound great to me.

[@greitje50]

Remember listening to this on WLS radio Chicago . Love them! ( the New Colony Six that is)

[@josephhbangers9697]

How many songs by new colony 6 got airplayed? Theres a song called I LIE AWAKE and ITS A LONG LONG TIME came out in 1971

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@josephhbangers9697 19 of our singles reached #19 or higher on radio charts I have seen from across North America, including 2 "B" sides of our records! 😲

[@jamesr.donovan7644]

Loved the big LS from my dorm 100 miles away

[@Barking914]

What a thoughtful song. How many of us have had the same feelings? She is there, but you can not reach her...Keep trying is what you do.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

True story behind it too, JC - I know; I wrote it! Ray

[@terrysears4350]

another great song by the new colony 6....awesome tune !!

[@musicluver1958]

I love it! i also love, I Will Always Think About You, I Could Never Lie To You, Things I'd Like To Say, I Want You To Know, Long Time To Be Alone and and I Love You So Much. Thank you again Ray, for this song.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Glad to see CYSMCry AND LYSMuch on your list! Ray

[@musicluver1958]

​​​@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.Thank you Ray! Can't believe that I am just seeing your reply. You guys' music, was a very important part of my youth. Iwatay, is probably my favorite song of the 60s and in the top 10 of my fav songs of all time. But I love all of your ballads, including this one.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@musicluver1958 I don't check here regularly hence an apology for a bit of tardiness! While we morphed from what NC6 was at the very beginning of our career that summer of 1964, I concur with your endorsement of our ballads. Surely, Ronnie and, before his untimely death, Les, and others like the balance of those of us who wrote the music, deserve tremendous credit for the overall success that we had "in the day". And, unbelievably, now just short of 60 years since Day One, still do have opportunities to relive those times when given the chance to entertain folks who know our lyrics, have those tunes in some form or other and still recall a slow dance with another who may or may not have ever become a spouse but shall always have a place in their hearts. Enough already, so thank you for this chance to reminisce a bit and smile this morning; hugs to you and yours over the coming holidays; may our paths cross one day in person, or, if not, at a Colony gig somewhere or sometime in Eternity... Peace! ☮& Blessings! ✝

[@BleedBNG]

This is a nice song.

[@musicluver1958]

Thank you again Ray.

[@rbjkb1]

I cant believe this only made it to number 52!

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Sigh... Ray

[@pollysunday]

PERRRFECTION!

[@jessefay4984]

You nailed it Raymond!

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Danke, Jesse! Ray, err Raymond...

[@MustangSam]

I just played my 45 single of this song and it sounds kind of rough. Sounds smooth here. What a great song this was and still is! Nice stereo sound.

[@chasjohn57]

Yeah Sam Mercury Records had awful pressings. So did Dunhill 45s. Import singles had better sound on virgin vinyl.

[@izzy_is_oran9eyt694]

Izzy love's Chicago rock 🎸 💘 Enjoy 1968.

[@bowiemichelle]

LOVE the harmony!! Miss you guys & my youth!

[@AOS1738]

Your so right, I remember hearing this on a Milwaukee radio station WOKY-AM alot. I still can't understand why it didn't do better on the chats.

[@Jhensy2012]

I randomly put this on an Ipod playlist, now I realize what a great lost hit it is!

[@Anophis]

Beautiful and sorrowful

[@kidsare1st]

Heard this song at Trader Joe's in Los Angeles. Love it! We love Ronnie Rice.

[@lynneirish8606]

Loved NCS back in the late 60s. I was a freshman at Univ of Wisc and listened to WLS out of Chicago. This group NEVER got the airtime or recognition for their music. You can't even find Things I'd Like To Say on Amazon, iTunes, etc. The best music back then!

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@lynneirish8606 Many thanks! Ray

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Ronnie and I still perform together at times - see "Cornerstones of Rock" if you ever find us anywhere near you!

[@dagnabbit6187]

This is runner up to Things I’d Like To Say .

[@greitje50]

New Colony Six... I remember this song but I guess it's because I listened to WLS radio from Chicago.

[@musicluver1958]

I've love the six since i first heard them on my little am transistor radio that i took to bed at night, listening to wls in grand rapids, mi. I was 8 years old in 1966

[@izzy_is_oran9eyt694]

Izzy love's rock 🎸 💘 Enjoy 1968.

[@Krallyz28]

I agree. A great song...

[@perettijean3693]

Super ce groupe.J'ai écouté plusieurs titres ce soir, tous bons les uns que les autres.

[@josefnagy3662]

Don´t know how I got this vinyl 45er, thanks for posting, it´s a lovely song!

[@michaellazzeri9439]

Sad to say, but in Denver, this song never made it to AM or FM playlists. One of too many great songs that never made it . Especially Chicago based groups. -------------------------MJL, 75 y/o

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Agreed... sigh!@ Ray

[@Barking914]

Hi Tim, the problem bud was that, the Six had had their day and music was changing. Day late an dollar short as we say, but you are right the Six was a powerhouse in their own right. The real shame was the song Never be Lonely. Gorgeous song A plus that here again missed the "window" back in the day. Please check that song out. It will move you. Thanks bud!!

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Amen to all you wrote, JC... Ray

[@philiphoward1731]

This is a really good song I seen this group on the Mike Douglas show on KZbin I guess they were a really good banned from Chicago of course

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

We did it live on ABC TV in 1968 so if interested and see thisph1731--- kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2Oxk6B8mKp1b5I. If you do watch it, note that the TV Director loved the "look" of my tambourine but since it interfered with my audio pick-up during rehearsals, he made me hold it but not play it... d'oh!

[@toopoable]

I was listening to some randomized mp3s and momentarily mistook this for Magnetic Fields!

[@luiscalcano4359]

Wat yr this beautiful tune come out?

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

1968

[@dagnabbit6187]

Not far behind Things I'd :Like To Say in beauty ! Lesser known but this song shoots a poignant arrow to your heart too. .

[@dllewiszz]

@n2uid01 Ray's in top form on this one. Be sure and catch his story about writing this song as a teen. Ray's solo remake of this is also excellent. 73 de Dave

[@kencarpenter8967]

After 11 long years, it's about time you received a like for your comment.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@kencarpenter8967 Wish I had an idea of how to get the acoustic version up here but, sadly, not a clue!

[@tonydominoactor]

Bravo!

[@aershamus]

This song should've gone a lot higher on the charts- was there another NCS song on the charts or was this a flip side of a hit that just didn't get any play time?

[@robertharris4926]

Not sure if "I Will Always Think About You" (#22) was still on the charts at the time. Flip side of "Can't You See Me Cry" was "Summertime's Another Name for Love," another great song but did not chart to my knowledge.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@robertharris4926 CYSMCry hit Top 5 around the Midwest and I do have one chart from a station that had us at #1! Ray

[@MultiBudboy]

Thanks to Mercury - a piss-poor label of distribution - (Dusty Springfield left from England because of this) - this masterpiece was not a top ten national. But we know & love it.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Agree across the board! Ray

[@RAV1953]

Wasn't this 66 or 67? Whatever...this was the best!!!

[@stevieg7672]

Summer of '68.

[@aershamus]

whos singing lead on this-Ray or Rice

[@kencarpenter8967]

After 12 long years, I decided to give you a like for your comment. Long overdue. Hopefully you are still around to see this. BTW, I do not know if it is Ray or Rice.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@kencarpenter8967 'Twas I, gang! Ray P.S. Prior note read "It was me" but the former English teacher in me that noticed my faux pas this morning simply demanded the EDIT! Taught Junior High among other things while taking time away from NC6 for a few years...

[@timfurnier7061]

You have a very sweet-sounding voice here, Ray. I think it sounds good, but your live vocals sound much stronger. I like the arrangement of this single, but I think it could have been better had your voice been made more forceful. Maybe a blending of your live performance with this would've been better. Why didn't this chart nationally? It makes no sense! I know horns are big in Chicago, but it almost sounds like your producer was trying to turn you into the next Buckinghams. I think that was a mistake.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Remember that the Bucks followed us as we were first by nine weeks before Shadows of Knight covered Van Morrison's album cut with the band, "Them", cleaned up his lyrics and became the smash hit that "Gloria" was... Not sure how much later that the Buckinghams hit with "Kind Of A Drag" but NC6 opened those radio airplay doors for all the Chicago area bands who followed us onto the charts!

[@izzy_is_oran9eyt694]

Izzy love's rock 🎸 💘 Enjoy 1968.