Paul Williams and the Muppets - Sad Song (on The Muppet Show)

[@phoebeariadupree1073]

I watch The Muppet Show every year and it never gets old

[@suzybright8685]

“I was singing a song called ‘Sad Song’ with Rowlf the Dog [performed by Henson] playing the piano and a bunch of Muppets coming in to sing background,” he says. “There’s a moment at the end of the song when Rowlf pats the piano and looks at me like This is really sad, isn’t it? He closes the lid of the piano, and I reach down … and I realized when I watched that: There is no Muppet performer under any of that. That moment is all about me being totally moved by this furry creature. I realized that if I connect with the Muppets like that, I think maybe we all do. They have a deep spiritual sense about them as teachers and all, but it’s so beautifully cloaked in their playfulness.” - Paul Williams

[@marnybassett8713]

Just listened to that podcast last night. Paul is an angel on earth.

[@maxdaae]

Paul Williams is a treasure

[@treebranches2539]

Amen

[@kimlemanh5078]

Suzy Bright rp

[@liamelias4146]

@@marnybassett8713 where can I find it? Please dude, I gotta hear it

[@Sarasdad91]

Paul Williams is among the greatest composers of the 20th and 21st century. Allot of artists owe their success to him.

[@notthebachelor]

The Muppets had more talent than most human beings in the business today.

[@CJohnson0074]

Agreed.

[@spcyt4585]

FAX

[@TomFynn]

Agreed. Although having more talent than most human beings in the business today isn't hard...

[@VJFranzK]

btw - Humans were moving the Muppets ; - )

[@wouldntchuliketoknow8170]

​@@VJFranzKjeez you don't say.

[@alex4u2007]

This was the Greatest times in my childhood watching this innocent TV special of the muppet show, also with walt disney that brought me much happiness with much laughter and imagination, in loving music and playing and creating music from a cruel world that I'm surprised I survived from those that tried to end my life so many times because of racism. It brings me joy to hear Paul Williams from past memories. From torturous childhood.

[@tmkatx6497]

Williams is just incredible ... was pretty funny too, as Little Enos in Smokey and the Bandit.

[@ernestogasulla7763]

Paul Williams must be one of the most forgotten big acts of the 70s.

[@j.c7719]

Great music lives forever. No one who knows music will forget ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’, ‘’Rainy Days and Mondays’, ‘An Old Fashioned Love Song’ and Your Give a Little Love’🔝

[@ernestogasulla7763]

@@j.c7719 pray tell me when was the last time you heard one of Paul' songs in oldies radio. Any station, any city. I'm not dissing his music, which I love. I'm stating a fact.

[@j.c7719]

@@ernestogasulla7763 I hear his songs played on radio fairly often in the UK

[@ernestogasulla7763]

@@j.c7719 good for you guys. In the US he gets zero attention.

[@j.c7719]

@@ernestogasulla7763 that’s a shame and I don’t mean that sarcastically

[@juliakopecka2030]

His voice is beautiful

[@karlaakemann3268]

Definitely

[@TheAnchorArmsChad]

PREACHING TO THE CHOIR!

[@MichaelBrookham]

I like how Paul Williams puts feeling in his song, like he almost cries when he is singing this song. I do that a lot when I sing in our Church choir.

[@saints093]

Even Animal has a soft side, he didn't freak out on the drums, proves he does have a soft side

[@colmmendoza]

zuzu elmo kami zwike

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

Beautiful rendition of the song! I love how Paul just quietly puts his hand on Rowlf's shoulder and smiles at the end.

[@MrGabeanator]

beautiful

[@beautifulbat7200]

You might realize that Paul Williams played as Swan in the 1974 movie, Phantom of the paradise

[@elizabethalvarado8698]

+Beautifulbat Kermit did describe Paul as a "singer, composer, actor, and all-around good guy", after all.

[@IJVin]

I read an interview with Paul where he said that when Rowlf looked up at him at the end, he realized, "There is no Muppet performer under any of that. That moment is all about me being totally moved by this furry creature." www.vulture.com/2017/12/the-story-behind-the-music-of-the-muppet-christmas-carol.html

[@judythompson5253]

yep that knocks me out every time

[@cj_sings]

This is one of my favorite segments of The Muppet Show. If I listed all my favorites, I'd be here all day.

[@CthulhuianBunny]

The original version is great, don't get me wrong, but I LOVE the addition of the saxophone in this rendition! Especially when it comes in at 0:31.

[@charlienyc1]

Zoot brings it, as usual. Except, ya know, when he skips the groove ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/en-6qZKIg7J1Z5I

[@butterflydeli]

What does it matter how anyone looks; talent speaks for itself. If you've got, you don't need to prove it, it's part of you and Paul Williams has it. As a lyricist he's top notch.

[@TreasureOne]

I saw Paul when I was 12, and Phantom had just come out. It is still one of the best concerts I can remember, and I've seen many of the classics: The Stones, Patti Labelle, Joe Cocker, Dr. John, etc.

[@lauracoffing315]

This is the best Paul Williams song ever! I love this version... HOWEVER the full version on the album is so much more... If you want to know the best music ever written... Look up Paul. He helps me survive my days and know that anytime I need a bit of a smile or love-- his songs are there for me!

[@iamthebollin]

Laura Coffing thank you, I love this version but as you recommended, I looked up the album version on Spotify and it's truly magic.

[@adamarmstrong2883]

It's good he is still with us.Love it that he is the voice of Penguin in the animated '90's Batman series.

[@MrGabeanator]

that's right

[@MrGabeanator]

yep

[@ivantheterrible2594]

He was the Penguin?

[@MrGabeanator]

yep

[@andywinslow9638]

Damn right. He should write for a new muppet films

[@jeffmelchior8573]

Man that dog could sure play a mean piano😃

[@apokryltaros]

Rowlf's piano is so mean that it bit my aunt three times after it had its distemper shot.

[@hafizaidil2972]

This movie is now available toooo watch hereе => twitter.com/2b6f5fe6f175bcda2/status/824454000120516609 Paul Williams and the MMuppееeets Sad Song on TTTheeeе Мuppet Show

[@johnpro2847]

silly me ..i thought it was a guy in a dog.s suit..

[@thepurplestofpies1136]

Rowlf was one of my favorites, I just love when he's on screen

[@garycarpenter6433]

Yes he could and he was a bit jealous of Liberace

[@kezadrone]

Williams was a master and still is. In light of the unfortunate individuals that have indeed passed from this world to the next, I'm happy this man was not one. Only in the 70's did they have top notch artists involved in kids shows. Yeah I know, the Muppets was an adult show also. ;) Lets bring back BIG production values again.

[@saraconnolly843]

This song made me Fall in love with this guy. And I saw him on Smokey and the Bandit. Like I didn't love him there.

[@pauljoneseyboy9615]

They are all the same size. Beautiful

[@maxdaae]

I'm always blown away by Paul's songs. I'm gonna have to binge listen to more

[@MWMTalent]

I loved this song when I was a kid! Every song on the "Little Bit of Love" album was beautiful... especially the lullabye at the end. BTW, I never saw Animal so reserved when playing the drums.

[@charlienyc1]

I came here to the comment to say that about Animal! Throughout the song, I was half-expecting him to start going berserk.

[@zenonlopezwallace568]

Wish we had this Kindle of music and singers in 2023.....Wish we could go back thene ⁰

[@raquelcorcos2349]

Beautiful.... there is nothing more to say ... I'm crying right now.... :(....... :)........ it's beautiful....

[@ezrasky3761]

RIP Henson. Those good ol' days.

[@belleekgirl]

I love this song. I have the LP of the full version Paul sings. This is a great representation of it. Paul will always be a part of the Muppets (Rainbow Connection). He will always be in my heart and kids music world!

[@Oldiesmann]

He was also the piano player at the El Sleezo Cafe in that movie.

[@hattenkofer]

He also composed for the Christmas Carol Movie.

[@Lilearlsinks1]

I love Paul's writing and singing as well as his Brother Mentor Williams but i always was a fan of his and the Muppet's well who can't love them as well

[@saints093]

That was one of the few times Animal remained calm on the drums, which I thought was pretty cool too :)

[@2degucitas]

Kevin Rose He showed such restraint. Must have been tamed by the music.

[@elizabethalvarado8698]

@@2degucitas Or, tamed by the musician.

[@karlaakemann3268]

Definitely

[@TheAnchorArmsChad]

I sang this at my Uncle's funeral for reflecting the love of his life.... Everyone loved it

[@DaveFisher-cq2dr]

really?

[@TheAnchorArmsChad]

@@DaveFisher-cq2dr yes

[@DaveFisher-cq2dr]

@@TheAnchorArmsChad when was that?

[@TheAnchorArmsChad]

@@DaveFisher-cq2dr last year

[@jaredmello]

Good work sir

[@2Brian]

Very well said. Williams and Henson were a magical match.

[@MegaAntMan1]

this is one of the few things in life that makes me emotional whenever i listen to it

[@krystalcompass]

Paul Williams and the Muppets is such a perfect combo :)

[@DonnaLichvarcik-e1w]

Paul was also famous for playing the iconic penguin aka Oswald Chesterfield cobblepott

[@jward1210]

How I wish talent like this was what played on the radio today! Raw emotion in the vocals, lyrics that tug at your heart, and a melody that sticks in your head for days...rare stuff. Thanks for posting!

[@tinalilly7167]

The Muppet Show was the BEST!! At 63, I STILL love the muppets. They were my childhood and with me forever 🙏🏽🥰🫶🏼🦋🌈🦄💝

[@Tordogor]

Best Muppet Show episode ever!!!

[@manofmanyinterests]

Yes, and the one with Helen Reddy.

[@MrGabeanator]

@@manofmanyinterests and elton john

[@meiguess4732]

MrGabeanator the Alice Cooper one was pretty cool too

[@MrGabeanator]

@@meiguess4732 so i've heard

[@TheAnchorArmsChad]

@@MrGabeanator and Spike Milligan!

[@madisongrohman794]

The Muppets were my childhood I absolutely love them to this day Wish I could go back in time to when I was just a kid watching the Muppets, not a care in the world

[@princeblackelf4265]

Good God, was this man an amazing vocalist

[@joinmarch76]

+Daniel Hayley What do you mean was? He still lives! He's admittedly not doing much, but he's still very much alive and active.

[@princeblackelf4265]

joinmarch76 hah yeah I guess I shouldn't have referred to him in the past tense,

[@joinmarch76]

West Coast Experience So I've been a little behind in my Paul Williams studies.

[@MrGabeanator]

hes still alive

[@princeblackelf4265]

MrGabeanator if you check the comments I did mention it was a mistake to refer to him is past tense above.

[@cim15222]

paul williams is one of the greatest song writers ever.

[@danielleprobert1885]

I have different episodes of The Muppet Show and Paul Williams is 1 of the guest stars on my DVD and he's 1 of my favourite guest stars on my DVD.

[@GazghoulThraka471]

Paul Williams is badass

[@Marinawinabambobina]

hummm.............indeed a sad SONG.......

[@PJMPercussion]

good music is just that "GOOD MUSIC" you can't fight the fact - - Paul Williams God bless him !

[@RitaSora]

Happy Birthday Legend Paul Williams! 9-19-23.🎉❤Your words always hit right to the soul! Thank You for this great song and all of your work.Your fan since 1970 and Forever! Love You Paul!❤😘

[@biggkattj]

To all those looking for the original song, it also has two more verses in it. Well, one and then repeated with a little expansion of it technically, BUT, the album it was originally on was "A Little Bit Of Love" from 1974 Paul Williams, one of the most amazing and talented songwriters in history, working often with one of the most inventive and imaginative people (Henson) of all time. How could one possibly go wrong? That's right, one can't.

[@finedeva]

My favorite from Muppet's Revue

[@TheHaarrrleyFan]

I got chills just now, seriously!

[@saints093]

Paul also wrote the lyrics to the theme song to The Love Boat TV show that used to come on ABC every Saturday night from the late 70's to the mid 80's

[@MirFab5]

The Muppet are my childhood.

[@DaveFisher-cq2dr]

I've met Paul Williams in person, and I told him this was one of my favourite episodes of the show

[@neoprogressive]

I remember that song from when I was sixteen. Now I'm 52... I still think it is beautiful. Thanks Paul !

[@MelanieLouM]

Paul Williams was such a great singer...and kinda cute, too! ^_^

[@KeiNaarr]

Amazing, awesome, flawless, original, creative... Paul Williams is a genius and this performance just rocks. Thanks for posting

[@Montork]

ive listened to this 40+times

[@jjames2161]

Paul---good documentary on netflix------GREAT songwriter !!

[@GretaGarbo]

Oh, my God, this is so cute!! I'm in love!

[@modernmozart813]

I love the melody ❤️

[@ambersalcove]

Wow Paul williams has a great Voice

[@Sarasdad91]

Brian Wilson....Paul McCartney....and Paul Williams, still with us.

[@MrGabeanator]

would'nt be the last time PAUL WILLIAMS would make us cry would it

For those who don't know, Paul wrote Rainbow Connection (among his awesome other songs).

[@klausdieter1234]

Wonderful outstanding Song!

[@THLAlina517]

I love you Paul.

[@jethyy]

Perfectly performed, love it

[@playsample2]

when i was a kid i watched with my dad, phantom of the opera movie starring paul williams. it scared the crap out of me. good times:)

[@SpunkyDunk]

Paul Williams also wrote The Rainbow Connection as sung by Kermit the Frog...one of the greatest songs of all time in my opinion.

[@oslosecurity]

Very cool song.

[@onelove9175]

What a voice 😍❤️

[@markharper3043]

A master. A musical genius. Some artists seem touched by some kind of gift that makes them more special than others. Elton John, Barry Gibb, David Foster, etc. This is such a beautiful song, and although Williams was known best for his writing, his voice was special and had emotion and humanity in it. A great example is the song “Flying Dreams” written and produced by Jerry Goldsmith for The Secret of Nihm. He had Paul Williams sing the vocals, which are unique and beautifully done. “Time and Tide” is another Williams song I like from the sleeper hit movie Lifeguard from 1976, staring a young Sam Elliott and Kathleen Quinlan. Keep on making music into 2024, Paul!

[@Rathidragon]

I always tear up when I listen to this.

[@madammelva]

or maybe they decided to give Animal his meds for this performance. There is one other performance Animal was in where he performed without going crazy, it was during the 'Razzle Dazzle' number with Joel Grey, he's part of the chorus, and spends most of the time with his eyes closed.

[@MrGabeanator]

leaving behind an angels glow I made that mistake once

[@MyCakePop]

I Can never find this song but I watch this episode on my Muppet dvd lol for the song lol and the comedy

[@henday750]

0:38 - 0:43 - LOVE THIS MELODY!!!!

[@nevedimaggio]

GENIALE PAUL!

[@TheGallantGentry]

I've always liked how Paul pats Rowlf at the end. It's very touching. I love the Muppets.

[@rudetuesday]

One of my favorite childhood sad moments.

[@scottgould4130]

This man writes beautifull music and lyrics. He said if he'd had a gun he would have been a sniper, he didn't have a gun but he had a guitar so he became a musician. I can relate. I would have loved to see. Him in concert. What a very special man. Thank you for being born and sharing yourself with us all. [e-mail]

[@dsheldon57]

I have seen this on The Muppet Revue

[@hilarioph]

I wish Paul Williams will come to Asia soon and the Philippines

[@LFTU2]

Seeing this brings back lots of great childhood memories

[@rcjjcr2979]

Damn I remember watching the the 3 channel tv that you had to turn with no remote Bunny ears this episode came on channel 3 since everything was on 3 I think 4 was news or 5 ham sandwich goodtimes

[@robertoamenabar9970]

Uno tiene la sensación de encontrarse ante la perfección, tanto por la música, la letra y los Muppets acompañando brillantemente.

[@ambriadaniels5689]

Sad 😭😢 songs our favorite songs 💗 ooh ooh 🥺☹️😟🥹 lonesome every day 😊

[@ashleyk1282]

I Watched That One Since When I Was in 2011

[@glitzarprincess627]

Coming from a mutual breakup, this song is beautiful on so many levels. Life sucks sometimes, but moving on is part of life unfortunately.

[@modernmozart813]

Really touching melody

[@VicDemise]

Thanks for that.

[@corcovado33]

Paul WILLIAMS is a fabulous, fantastic man and artist !!!

[@DustinReckling]

Wonderful arrangement. So great!

[@fool4singing]

A lesser known tune, but a great one that Paul penned...

[@javerygmailcom1212]

One of my faves.

[@325supersonic]

this re minds me of my gampa who died from lugarics disese I miss him alot

[@Phantomsbreath]

He is a genius. He made the Muppets. All of them.

[@rodneyporter6665]

This guy has soul

[@RavenoftheBlack]

This is such a beautiful song.

[@PatriciaParke-m3r]

Paul Williams was amazing

[@Phantomsbreath]

We lost a master of the craft when he died.

[@TheInstallations]

"Touch" by Daft Punk and Paul Williams brought me here.

[@ObiTrev]

Rowlf was the best of the bunch, a true showman, and a true friend... I miss my Rowlf.

[@bartsimpson83]

I know, right? If you want proof of his greatness, just listen to the soundtrack for The Muppet Christmas Carol. That just might be the finest work he ever did.

[@thomasdevine867]

Paul Williams, because he could simply interact with the Muppets on their level, was one of the better guest stars.