"Pocahontas" Performed by Gilli@n Welch & D@vid R@wlings, written by Neil Young

"Pocahontas" Performed by Gilli@n Welch & D@vid R@wlings, written by Neil Young
Pocahontas lyrics
Aurora borealis
The icy sky at night
Paddles cut the water
In a long and hurried flight
From the white man
to the fields of green
And the homeland
we've never seen.
They killed us in our tepee
And they cut our women down
They might have left some babies
Cryin' on the ground
But the firesticks
and the wagons come
And the night falls
on the setting sun.
They massacred the buffalo
Kitty corner from the bank
The taxis run across my feet
And my eyes have turned to blanks
In my little box
at the top of the stairs
With my Indian rug
and a pipe to share.
I wish a was a trapper
I would give thousand pelts
To sleep with Pocahontas
And find out how she felt
In the mornin'
on the fields of green
In the homeland
we've never seen.
And maybe Marlon Brando
Will be there by the fire
We'll sit and talk of Hollywood
And the good things there for hire
And the Astrodome
and the first tepee
Marlon Brando, Pocahontas and me
Marlon Brando, Pocahontas and me
Pocahontas.

[@brianlalor]

Wow wow wow, as the northern lights is in the sky

[@ronl1633]

Best cover of Neil's Pocahontas is playing here now.

[@davmil2002]

One of my favorite covers of any of Young's songs. One can almost hear / feel the canoe paddle on the water in the beginning. Lovely in every sense.

[@shavedparmesanprosciuttoan4317]

I grew up to my parents playing these records and I have always wished to see these two play live. But good music rarely comes anywhere near my neck of the woods. One day I’ll leave these sticks and go see some great music!!

[@billderinbaja3883]

This video shows the rhythmic genius of Dave Rawlings, when he plays harmonica... not his instrument, plays notes that are not in key, yet he uses unusual rhythm to make it all work. Dave has developed a totally unique style, very improvisational and constantly creative within every song he and Gil play.

[@paulbutler9619]

Saw dave out one night in Nashville playing pool. Asked him to come hang at our house in East Nashville he said heck yes man. Stayed till 4am. Such s cool dude

[@billderinbaja3883]

@@paulbutler9619 Great little story, thanks for sharing!

[@peterwilliams6114]

Wow , only just discovered this version of Neil Young's Pocahontas and what incredible sound it is , just beautiful . Thank you , both .

[@FarWestHammer]

No real limit to the talent of these two. What a beautiful thing for the rest of us that they found each other!

[@durwoodball4062]

The best cover of "Pocahontas" I've ever heard.

[@d.j.2803]

Absolutely love this Duo. I never tire of their Tunes, the Playing and Singing and Harmonies!

[@Katy-sh3ru]

I just found this! One of those moments where I'm so grateful to be alive that it's almost overwhelming! I've loved this song since I was little.

[@susanneconway]

epic

[@leavemealone.2150]

Really quite a powerful song. Great cover by a talented pair doing justice to the great Neil Young song. I think Neil would approve!

[@ducksinarowpatience3670]

Same

[@kevintapp54]

Awesome. These guys are amazing. Gillian has got to be my favourite female singer. Wonderful rendition of a great song. Impromptu harp playing - good on yer David.

[@drmlabs]

these two restore my faith in American music. God bless'm

[@pauletherington8229]

It's absolutely beautiful that David Rawlings can play the harmonica in the same way that he solos on the guitar, meandering around, away from the melody, and just when you think all is lost he pulls it back with the sweetest phrase. The mark of a true natural musician, and this from a man who says he doesn't really know how to play harmonica!

[@robdayful]

Paul Etherington He was kidding. That was tongue in cheek :)

[@davidholubetz1014]

Ha ha that guy's got so much talent it's ridiculous. If you or I said we couldn't play harmonica we would mean it, and it wouldn't be a good idea to push us to try. But when he says it what he means is that he is not the best harmonica player in the world, so maybe he shouldn't give it a go. And then Gillian makes him do it and he pulls off this beautiful haunting accompanyment ...

[@moonharp]

At no point did anyone think all was lost...just sayin. Dave is a rock solid musical guide. You go where he leads and you never worry about where he's takin you. You just follow...follow...

[@jesstowns10]

David is playing a harmonica that's not in the same key as the song. He'd have to stick mostly to blues playing to make that harmonica work, but he doesn't. I think David would admit that he did in fact get lost playing too many notes not in the key of the song and was desperately trying to figure out how to make it look like he did it on purpose. I also agree that he does get a sweet sound out of that harp.

[@jjlilybean]

from about 3:41 to the end of the harmonica solo, it sounds to my ear like Gillian plays a few chord or timing changes that don’t quite fit the regular progression while David is flying through the air like a wild bird, if you will, on that E harmonica. Together they bring the solo home...with a harmonica in a different key than the song, as mentioned.... it’s a wild ride. They are magical together always. I wonder if they made the melody change because of vocal range, or maybe just to make sure, as the consummately humble and respectful musician’s musicians they are, that they couldn’t possibly upstage Neil Young’s chilling and transcendent version of this song.

[@ortussemperfi3257]

So good - the harmony is devine... love this song

[@snowdog001]

love how real these two are, no bullshit, manufactured pop stars here, just beautiful.

[@ant13665]

they do sing well together. great harmonies, excellent guitar (from both protagonists), magnificent song. altogether, a very satisfactory offering.

[@rupertrozells5816]

What a wonderful song, by 2 fantastic folk singers.

[@tattooedmama71]

I'm so in love with these two and the music they make together. This is one of my favorite songs to cover as well.

[@MrCryptic55]

My favorite neil young song by the best musician/singers to grace this Earth!!!

[@matmazy8378]

My favourite artist too. Fav songs gotta be Running Dry (Requiem For The Rockets )

[@MrCryptic55]

Nice!! Great track. I still love every song of On The Beach which I think was out of print until a few years ago! That and Neil Young and Crazy Horse are my two favorite Neal albums. Thanks!

[@matmazy8378]

I listen to On The Beach at least weekly. Revolution Blues,For The Turnstiles of course, On The Beach!

[@ronwood1411]

I believe Gillian did cover for The Turnstiles, but i think my fav Neil cover was Time Fades Away.. They did a lot of covers.. but not on albums. Jimi's Manic Depression..is outstanding, so is Townes Van Zandt's Snowin On Raton.. Real nice folks. I got to talk Music with them after a show in Santa Cruz. Dave's vintage Epiphone is a story in itself.

[@JustaTypicalAries]

Damage done

[@geoffreyjohnson6365]

They performed last night in Sydney and every song was an absolute treat, this included

[@robertragland1884]

Oh sweet Jesus! That was beautiful!

[@jo-annesimpson264]

oh my, when musicality is in you, every fibre of you, you sound like this...doesn't matter what genre, so few have it....

[@deenibeeni3938]

Absolutely fabulous in black & white.

[@paulconnolly3634]

David Rawlings is fucken insane ! I love this guys guitar playing - other worldly !

[@shaconage]

This is so sublime I shed a tear................... Thank you for this painfully beautiful rendering of this painfully beautiful song.

[@terrystokes4531]

Two brilliant artists so good together. Love it!

[@Jamesdylandean]

Not only great musicians, but very cool people!

[@johnbruce5915]

two fantastic musicians never tire of listening to them.

[@frankcorrenti5941]

When this pair play this song, I feel and understand and wish I were a Neil Young fan, but I must be somewhere else. Thanks, Lord.

[@konnyturtle]

Dave Rawlings is one of the best folk guitarists ever!!!!!

[@BrianCarnevaleB26]

She pulls from her roots with the origins coming from the Brittish Isles in her style of play & Composition. They just have so much fun together, it really rubs off on you.

[@benjaminberan7645]

David Rawlings is one of the best guitarist ever, period.

[@moonharp]

Benjamin Beran Thank you. Saved me the trouble. 🙏🏻

[@michelevanderwoude6483]

I would say THE best folk guitarist. ever. full stop. I get shivers watching/listening to him play.

[@jessepoole106]

I couldn't imagine one of them without the other, though.

[@CedricCedricCed]

Real Music! Insightful lyrics

[@94757598494309438]

Wow. Just a phenomenal cover. And it all began with, 'my little box at the top of the stairs'.

[@FenderX91]

That was just fantastic.

[@caramason56]

Bravo, so beautiful 👏👏👏👏🌹🌹🌹

[@deankinsella8250]

Never heard of these guys but that was fantastic - especially the guitar fills

[@ida5376]

Two fantastic musicians, love it ***

[@robinskitube]

Really nice version of a great song.......thankyou

[@ladyleesutter]

Man, I love these two. And this may be my favorite Neil Young song.

[@missourimale5431]

One of many great songs from this duo!!

[@captnpants5656]

Just....Perfect.....

[@justhuman3977]

Just amazing.. :)

[@alunwilliams9501]

Beyond perfect. Brought tears to my eyes.

[@brianprasher3792]

So much talent great version

[@jamesmckelvey7209]

Asked for "Pocahontas" at the 1:24 mark on this video and about 30 seconds later they were doing it at the Cat's Cradle here in Carrboro, NC. Had my three sons with me and they all gave me a look like "how did you pull that off?" Bill Bost in Hickory and I are big Neil Young fans and like to hear Gil and Dave do covers of him. Best one I got them to do was in Asheville when the duo version of the Dave Rawlings Machine did Neil's "Country Girl" with the manager of the Cat's Cradle, Frank Heath, leaning up against the wall next to me at the Grey Eagle.

[@caseywebb7914]

+James McKelvey James that's awesome. I noticed that somebody said Pocahontas at 1:24. Everything about this vid is great. How Dave cracks up about stomping and cupping your hands if you can't play harmonica, Gillian laughing when she tells Dave to get the harmonica back out, Gillian telling Dave he can do it ha, and then Dave still playing great guitar w two fingers while holding the harmonica in his left hand! Not bad solo on the harmonica either. Good request James!

[@smwrbd]

Great story.

[@moonharp]

James McKelvey Those are some darn good memories. Glad you have them to treasure.

[@jussipetterikatajamaki8235]

Just Amazing. Wow!

[@JulesThackway]

Just brilliant! Really wonderful, thank you!!

[@zerokei9403]

That's a beautiful performance.

[@neilharris9803]

Gorgeous rendition. Very few could do that song justice, exquisite

[@RawsonGordonII]

that was the coolest drink of water i've enjoyed in quite a while.

[@bobgoodman1451]

Never, never gets older. Loved them from long ago

[@kennyc8]

OMG! Incredible!

[@Badelier]

Goosebumps.....perfect!

[@gravlaxbob355]

What can I say, I must be in heaven!

[@brettb9194]

Ah... stuck in my head now - very nice.

[@navajotrail9253]

Fantastic performance! Thanks!

[@LordKenebutch]

I think Neil would be proud of this performance!

[@dreamwell2020]

David doesn't know how to play the harmonica in the same way that Gillian knows how not to play the banjo. Lesser tallents can dissapoint by emulating more proficient pickers or blowers, but Dave brings his very own musicianship with him to the mouth harp. Here, Gil sets him up to conger some real live music from the thing, out of thin air, right before our eyes.

[@ducksinarowpatience3670]

I thought to myself, if he doesn't know how to play the harmonica, I can't wait to hear what else he can't do.

[@cjcoops1967]

@@ducksinarowpatience3670 and then ho goes on to play a solo on his guitar while holding the harmonica in his left hand... what the ;-)

[@appamtnculture1302]

Love this!

[@jenniferfar]

Beautiful!

[@dsck8985]

When you [Gillian] just can't wait to sing that song, then this tells me that you Love to sing. You love this song; It shows. A true Artist, putting your all into this song. Appreciated.

[@anonnumber1]

What are you playing? Then they nail it. Wow.

[@douglaslucas7612]

Talking about chilling, relaxing, loneliness busting!!! Introspection, feelings if My humanity!

[@lynnbertie5104]

Beautiful..

[@rudyo8409]

So awesome" thank you's

[@navajotrail9253]

Neil Young song in Simon & Garfunkel style.... :) beautiful

[@alexbowie6316]

Masterclass........................one of the best clips on KZbin

[@anjaoconnor1857]

I just love the way they move

[@Rainmakers84]

Black and White makes the perfect mood setting.

[@skinnerman100]

Exactly ...captures ii perfectly

[@peacemonger1967]

Really beautiful version. Lovely guitar solo, btw.

[@blackcrow7049]

Well (ch) , this is raw (lings) power .

[@lindabowen4817]

Cute!

[@blackcrow7049]

My ex-wife have another opinion , but thanks .

[@attnMoFo]

Brilliantly written by Neil and performed here. A beautiful, mezmerizing backdrop of music surrounding a stain on American history, stained in blood and savagery. We've evolved little since.

[@artnouveau4332]

The history of this country is stained with slavery and genocide

[@heathsavage4852]

@@artnouveau4332 As is every country.

[@willmercury]

@@heathsavage4852 Yes: homo homini lupus est; however, since Mr. Burger limited his comment to our country, I think that's what should be addressed, especially given the hypocrisy (and noble spirit) of its founding principles. Let's acknowledge and take care of our own problems without resorting to a "tu quoque" fallacy. Cheers.

[@jondoe8889]

Saddly, violence and death is in America's DNA.

[@emilypostpunk]

this fills my heart with love.

[@moonlitme]

Perfectly done.

[@michaelf.9472]

They so good!!

[@lwhowell4387]

They're not just "playing " music, they Are the Music.

[@kevindean6600]

Damn I love this song. Thank you.

[@MisterJaeg]

Fantastic!!

[@vincenewton9282]

This song, and some wandering spirits, are all that's left of what happened that day...

[@ted1bates]

Such an emotional song. You guys bring a brilliant version of the Neil Young song

[@moecoolmag]

Music heals...

[@deweypug2636]

Love it! (only in folk music does it take three minutes to introduce a four minute song)

[@lindaguerrero3256]

Five star performance!

[@JonathanRoadley]

Well that was lovely.

[@MrJohnbolger]

She laughs at the end cos she knows shes fuckin nailed it. Well done ya beaut ya!

[@gsesteve]

Love these guys and happen to be a rabid Neil young fan and player of his songs.Things ,like the universe seem to run together,all is making sense now and my life is nearly over.

[@jt0308]

just stumbled across this, so good!

[@rayhoward8188]

OH YES , HITS THE SPOT BRILLIANT 👏 👌 RAY TWELVE STRINGS U.K 🎶

[@deltavistastudio124]

I always looked for a handy place to keep my harmonica between guitar solos - who knew you could keep it in your left hand!

[@w8godot]

MAYBE the best Neil cover EVER

[@stevenwalker9741]

Fantastic.

[@ununderstood]

I'm glad they kept the film rolling.

[@danieldevereaux]

Wonderful.

[@terrydownes8425]

Brilliant!

[@LucaasBlog]

Neil probably love this version so much, what a beautiful peace..

[@djdollase]

Why have I never heard this amazing woman (and man) before? Watching “ Hell or High Water” and heard her sing and it was like hearing the old time country like in the 30’s/Carter Family but updated. She has that old rawbone mountain sound to her, like Allison Krause without all the Christian stuff.

[@MrBeepbeep11]

@OneSpiritOneWorld - You're in for a treat if you check out the soundtrack for Coen Bros.' film, "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou." There are some real treasures when Gillian Welch and Alison Krause team up for songs like, "I'll Fly Away," and harmonize with Emmylou Harris in "Didn't Leave Nobody But The Baby."

[@Kimmer24]

She's such a beautiful talent, you're in for a real treat

[@RiverhippieThe]

Well done

[@VexaPT]

beautifull , ty

[@brianmccrae3009]

chills

[@Zitrone1212]

This is so good- above all words! Thank you so much for uploading

[@christopherscheno9918]

From Nick Offerman’s “Where the Deer and the Antelope Play,” in which he references “Pocahontas” via Jeff Tweedy playing it on his “booming J-200” during a sound check at Manchester’s Ritz Theater, thru Neil’s 2014 Farm Aid 29 version, to this seemingly (thanks to the box) impromptu rendition. Well worth this brief journey down the rabbit hole.