ROD MCKUEN ~ If You Go Away ~

Rod McKuen ~ IF YOU GO AWAY ~ song by Jacques Brel. English lyrics by Rod McKuen. McKuen and Jacques Brel collaborated on many songs that became hits. For this reason the two formed a close friendship. McKuen says: "When news of jacques death came I stayed locked in my bedroom and drank for a week."

[@mandrake3919]

😢My beloved wife of 54 years is lying beside me suffering in pain from inoperable pancreatic and liver cancer. Even with her scheduled chemotherepy, she will be gone before long and so will the sunshine in my life. Rod's lyrics in english are so meaningful to me and express just how I feel at this time. Thank you Rod in heaven, if you can hear me. God bless you for this beautiful song presentation. I hope others who my loose the light of their life find healing in this song.

[@nataliyazubanova3631]

Be strong! May God give you the strength to endure!

[@fob1xxl]

I am so sorry. I know what you are going through. We were so very lucky. Most people will never know the love we had and how it sustained us. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories you created over the years. We hope to meet them again in Heaven. They just got there before us.......

[@KEscano88]

Memory Eternal to your beautiful wife.

[@elizabethceilidh6991]

Dear Rod McKuen - I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for your beautiful words and songs. Thank you for your humor and love. Thank you for sharing your cats and Old English Sheepdogs with us. And especially, thank you for giving me the chance, one snow-stormy day in Michigan, to make one of my mom's dreams come true when I took her to OCC to one of your readings. Rest in peace, Mr. McKuen. You will be missed, sir, but your heartfelt words will live forever. "But if you go, I'll understand, leave me just enough love to fill up my hand. If you go away, if you go away, if you go away..."

[@ClariceAust]

Beautifully said..

[@hippiedylan2704]

only just found out he had passed away,i agree with everything you said,he holds a special place in my heart,i even called my late spaniel mr Kelly.

[@russellbanks8540]

so well put I cried , glad there are others who love his genius, some dont understand him , he, s upper level,

[@marionduber9756]

I have loved this man since I first heard him at 17 I am 66 now have shared him with my daughter who loves him as much. the honest truth in his words. hit home.

[@laszlobilki9785]

It brings tears in my eyes.

[@user-ns6js4hn3e]

Wow, if your memory hit the mark, cuz i thought it's been longer than that since i've heard this. Wow, eh.

[@susanbouchier2217]

I just reread "Listen to the Warm" that a boyfriend gave me for my 20th birthday. I am 70. I still love the poetry.

[@mylearningcompass]

In 1967, my girlfriend shared with me Rod McKuen's book "Listen to the Warm". Here was poetry that didn't rhyme and the words matched my experience. I was inspired to write my free verse poetry and still do. I saw Rod in concert at the Hollywood Bowl in 1969. Great concert and a warm memory. He touched me as I am sure did many others. Adios Rod.

[@nancyp8695]

You had a great memory with that concert and him. 🥰🥰🥰

[@rainforme1850]

Oh I listen to that one over and over and then I read the book listen to the worm many many times. When I was 17 that book resonated with my heart and soul

[@maryjanejones4627]

I have loved my book Listen The Warm for 50 years. I was lucky enough to hear Rod read his poems one time in Atlanta. He should have been named Poet Laureate.

[@castielsgranny4308]

I’m envious you got to see him!

[@mayasilliman1465]

I saw Rod in concert for his 50th birthday when I was in my early 20's. I still have the yellow jacket with his signature sneakers on the front and a blue and red front zipper. I keep it as I really loved this guy. I'm 75 now and can't tell you how valuable thar jacket is to ME. Would never sell or give it away. Some people just never understood Rod's poems and that's to their lack of understanding of that era.

[@lindarini4933]

I saw Rod McKuen in Central Park in the mid 70's. It was a beautiful summer night. I also have several of his books. Over the years, I take them out periodically, as they remind me of my youth...He was one of a kind.

[@katherinestiletto]

I’ve been in love with this song since 1983 and it’s 2020 and I’m still listening to Rod McKuen cover this classic :)

[@onebonnylass]

I believe he wrote this song.

[@katherinestiletto]

@@onebonnylass Jacques Brel wrote it in 1959 as Ne Me Quitte Pas :) it’s originally French! Rod provided the English translation :)

[@WickedFelina]

@@onebonnylass Jacques Brel wrote this song. Rod, like other performers, did their best to translate Brel's work.

[@deemariewright3981]

I fell in love with Rod McKuen poems & songs when I was fifteen years old. I probably still have a library book of him, I couldn’t bear to take it back. Yes, I feel bad about it.

[@sharonwilkie2770]

Rod McKuen's a poet and songwriter extraordinaire. His albums "The Sea", "The Soft Sea", etc. are brilliant and this adaption of the 1959 French song is incredibly beautiful. Bravo!!

[@willcullen894]

+Sharon Wilkie Indeed, he may not have a beautiful sounding voice, but he has a beautiful voice nonetheless :-)

[@angelialvares]

This is a fantastic version of "Ne me quitte pas", sung by the poet himself. So happy to have found it on Utube. Just brilliant and so beautifully expressed by Rod Mckuen. A true poetic genius!

[@godsun798]

THIS MAN IS LEGENDARY LEGEND THANK U SO MUCH FOR ALL U GAVE US🙏🏆🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@robinc8903]

~ What a sad and heartfelt song~ Beautifully sung~ RIP Mr McKuen

[@rosemaryaloisio7125]

RIP Rod McKuen, Thank you, for leaving us your beautiful Legacy.

[@jamesmock5448]

To those of us who love you and your music, ...you will never go away. Thank God you will always be with us. What a great void now that you are not physically with us! A colossal talent and loving spirit.

[@paulineboundy3950]

Saw him perform this at The Woodville Halls in the 70's - he was the best of his generation

[@omaJeanette]

Rest in peace, Mr. McKuen thank you for giving your beautiful words with your music to the world xxxx

[@cesime]

brilliant poet and brilliant interpretation of jacques brel ne me quitte pas

[@slee1480]

I wish you didn't have to go away...RIP Rod

[@meliah49]

O my goodess. This brought back so many tender memories,

[@tmr3513]

What most people don't get is Rod was the last of the "beat" musicians. Folk singers from the late 50's to early 60's who performed in coffee shops and bars, cafes in Greenwich Village. BEATNIK's. Acoustic guitars open mic just raw expression of thought through words. He inspired young people like Robert Zimmerman. You know Bob Dylan another singer who can't sing a lick......

[@fbroyles6450]

T.M. Ritchie ggyy

[@Gstein11]

I wish everyone could feel what I feel when I listen to Rod singing this.

[@rnhealer6044]

I listened to this beautiful love poem set to music by Rod McKuen with my eyes closed, savoring his voice, the words, It was wonderful. Thank you so much for uploading this video.

[@sharonwilling3226]

I loved working at RCA Victor Records when Rod was recording there. He and I had many special and unforgettable moments in my office. I remember him standing at a window with his whole body illuminated by the sun behind him, smiling at me. I miss you still, Rod.

[@Wolfsky9]

One of the great qualities of artistic expression is that it is seen, heard, & felt by each of us in our own way. I cannot think of another name for whom those words ring true as they were for Rod McKuen. Some loved his work, others couldn't bear it. And no matter what else, he invoked passionate responses & feelings from all who listened. -- I 1st encountered Rod's work --" Stanyan Street & Other Sorrows", in late '68, through a girl I briefly dated. His poetry made me very uncomfortable & his singing voice even more so. However, by 1980, having moved to The City, I found Rod affected me very differently. I bought " The Sea" : I still own that album, having listened 1000 times at least. And, Rod's poetry suddenly spoke to me --very deeply. So, allow me to say, RIP ; you're already greatly missed . You made my life richer & for that, I send heartfelt thanks--forever. Wolfsky9, 68 y/o

[@glennacagle]

R.I.P. ROD THANK YOU FOR THE BIG BRASS BED N LISTENING TO THE WARM you healed the pain of being alone in a new world where i was not known...thank you for sharing your heart with me ...peace love n happiness you r the way to harmony through the unknown....

[@dublin1948]

Rod McKuen's poetry books are beautiful!

[@beaularue4302]

One of my favorite songs and one of my favorite poets!

[@joybreeden366]

Yes, he had the ability to read and touch the inter most human feelings His words and songs are magnificent

[@humbleradioTokyoAdventures]

He did what made him happy. And those things just happened to make many others happy too. Isn't that enough?

[@johnnypastrana6727]

Yes, bravo!!!....

[@bobpat79]

In college in the late 1960's, his music was listened to, his poetry was read - on campuses across the US. Girls sat for hours, sipping coffees or colas and listening to him.

[@richardhastings6082]

And a lot of us guys listened as well.

[@maureengrogan5874]

We have Rod McKuen to thank for the beautiful evocative song, but Frank is a fabulous interpreter of his songs. Especially this one. ❤❤

[@mikeprell2747]

This Man's music was so much a part of my life in the late 60's. His THE ART OF CATCHING TRAINS completely blew me away with it's power. It saddened me so very much when I learned of his recent death. But did he really die? How could he? How does spirit like his ever go way/

[@lisamia05]

singer, poet, one of a kind

[@myraburch8091]

this man had great love poems i loved him

[@nancyp8695]

I love the way he sang, as if he was talking to himself in an empty room 😥😥😥

[@LarisaKorotaeva]

❤

[@go2beach51]

How did I find myself here on a Friday night, crying over my lost youth, listening to Rod Mckuen and remembering a time in my life when I still believed that there was such a thing as a sensitive man? I can almost smell the "Windsong" perfume and Noxema. I listened to this album until I wore it out.

[@julirensch]

Farewell Rod...your energy remains with us... Observer Jules

[@mimpact99]

Rod, I'm 78 and will join you soon. Can't wait to hear your new songs

[@jamestv5173]

Michael Warner this comment made me cry omg ❤

[@GeoffErvin]

Hang in there mike you may live to be 100

[@nazozden5392]

how are you michael? i have been listening this song all day long and i saw your comment. hope you are ok still listening this beautiful song with us.

[@shalimarsgirl]

And now, we must face the news of Rod McKuen's death. "Here's to you, Rod McKuen. Rest In Peace. You live in our hearts."

[@maloney1953]

used to enjoy it when he was on smothers brothers show back in the 60s.... he wrote a lot of good poetry that he would read on the show...

[@iahelcathartesaura3887]

Thank you, Rod McKuen for translating & making this great song for so many artists. ❤️

[@Zudick1960]

Please remember Rod and Jacques wrote, thought, and believed together...such beauty...please do not destroy this perfect union.

[@michaelrosum2611]

I miss him. He reminds me of college days.

[@saywhat4224]

It is so that we hear this song for it's purity of meaning when heard through Rod's heart and voice. Thank you Rod for leaving us so much of you. xxoo

[@WickedFelina]

This song is the BEST translation he could do to be faithful to the original ~ 'Ne Me Quitte Pas' by the one composer and poet Jaques Brel. It is his "pure heart' you hear. Find it with English subtitles here on KZbin. Then, avail your soul to the rest of Brel's original work. Trust me, you will NEVER be the same again.

[@philipwood5284]

Sad news of his Death. Loved him for 40 years. His Classical music was wonderful, too.

[@lenspaulding]

Phil did you remember him by getting "high"? Which would be appropriate and you and I both know it Sir!

[@net1go369]

So natural & down to earth rendition. Rod in tune w/everyone!

[@beverlymurphy9887]

I must find my dog eared, tear stained book of your poems and Stanyan Street and Other Sorrows, because I was there THEN, when you wrote them. You never knew what good friends we were and how many hours we shared. We can "touch" your words and they us. Thank you and rest well.

[@sharonlevin6534]

The most unbelievable lyrics penned with Jacqueline Brel. Rest my dearest singer brilliant songwriter. Tears.

[@nancycampbell2443]

Thank you for your beautiful poetry and songs. You helped me ease my youthful journey through the late 1960's of college, the Viet Nam War era and my loneliness and self doubt.

[@lokuzzz]

we played this song on the funeral of my stepfather. it was very very touching and moving. great song, great interpretation

[@samshepard6235]

I first heard his songs in 1966 still in high school in SF and they still move me.

[@jms4177]

I had the privilege of talking to Rod backstage at the Fisher Theater in Detroit when he appeared the in the sixties. He was an enviable man.

[@mariaottavia]

Breathtaking!!!

[@richahill3552]

Have always loved this song, never knew about Rod's involvement, possibly one of the best versions.

[@abelofchrist]

Raw & beautiful.......

[@janis041964]

Outstanding!!!!!!!!

[@bro8974]

I miss so much of my younger years, especially late sixties and early seventies. This song brings me back on this sad day as we endure the Corona Virus crisis.

[@michaelwilson2419]

I had the honor of attending a poetry reading by Rod McKuen at University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland around 1972. I never forgot it.

[@MaryannMiller]

Having such a good time going back to earlier years when I first started listening to the music of Rod McKuen.

[@lilien231]

If you go away , Please , don't Go Away ...

[@Uschi4370]

"Thank God Your Voice Is Still There" ........... R.I..P ..........

[@iamhere3442]

“ Leave me just enough love to fill up my hand.” ❤️

[@jolynngood2746]

I went to Mr. McKuen's concerts in Denver. Went to 4 or 5 of them. My favorite was the one at Red Rocks. He got several standing ovations. I was so sorry to hear he died.

[@dorisstouder3607]

I love this, used to listen to him a lot and had his records. Glad to see and hear him sing again. Sad song but love it.

[@annevogle]

No words..such beauty..such pain.almost unbearable

[@fransvinks6828]

So beautiful!!!!!!

[@rainforme1850]

I was such a big fan I’m in the 70s of rod McKuen. My mom and dad bought me concert tickets in Seattle and I brought my best friend. I had a couple books at one time too

[@MarkSM]

Just heard. RIP Rod. I think I remember others singing your songs.

[@bulki1992]

Honestly, I don't know why other people here hate this so much. I LOVE this-the second-best version after Brel's, in my opinion. (And that's a lot coming from me, since I don't normally consider myself a very artistic person, but this rendition is just beautiful. I could almost feel his pain-but of course, Brels' is incomparable and absolutely spectacular.

[@gerardop9633]

Excelente+Excelente+ Excelente

[@rader304]

Rest in peace....wonderful person♥♥♥

[@Wallula]

I was fortunate to see him in concert in mid-sixties at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh PA. Mesmerizing

[@riomichellecorrales7096]

Gave the best homage to the Brel's original French.

[@nancyashba1550]

Gosh, I love this song!

[@maxgarcia5484]

If you go away on this summer day Then you might as well take the sun away All the birds that flew in a summer sky When our love was new and our hearts were high When the day was young and the night was long And the moon stood still for the nightbird's song If you go away Ne me quitté pas If you go away Ne me quitté pas But if you stay I'll make you a day like no day has been or will be again We'll sail on the sun We'll ride on the rain We'll talk to the trees And worship the wind Then if you go I'll understand Leave me just enough love to fill up my hand If you go away If you go away Ne me quitté pas If you go away If you go away as I know you will You must tell the world to stop turning till You return again, if you ever do For what good is love without loving you Can I tell you now as you turn to go I'll be dying slowly 'til your next hello Ne me quitté pas If you go away If you go away But if you stay I'll make you a night like no night has been or will be again I'll sail on your smile I'll ride on your touch I'll talk to your eyes That I love so much Then if you go I'll understand Leave me just enough love to hold up my hand If you go away If you go away Ne me quitté pas If you go away If you go away as I know you must There'll be nothing left in this world to trust Just an empty room full of empty space Like the empty look I see on your face I'd have been the shadow of your dog If I thought it'd have kept me by your side If you go away Ne me quitté pas If you go away Please, don't go away

[@carolgiltrow7298]

I saw Rod perform this at The Royal Albert Hall early 1970s. Magic.

[@Zudick1960]

McKuen and Jacques Brel collaborated on these songs, neither ever claimed to be singers...simply lovers of words and the way they might make people feel

[@WickedFelina]

Brel didn't "collaborate" ~ 'Ne Me Quitte Pas' IS his song, and his GREAT hit. What happened to Jacques Brel's song was, since they were in French (one being 'Marieke' in Dutch a song about the destruction of his homeland, and losing a Great Love ~ Belgium, not a 'human' lover). A host of English speaking singers, and song writers wanted to perform them in English speaking countries so they translated them the best they could. They tried to be faithful to Brel's lyrics, and meaning. Otherwise, most people, who do not speak Dutch or French, would not be able to relate, and the songs would be much less likely to be hits. A famous one in English is 'Le Moribund' or better known 'Seasons in the Sun' which was translated, and reworked twice by Rod and Terry Jacks. If you have never seen Brel's version of 'Ne Me Quitte Pas,' search for it here then, avail yourself of the rest of Brel's body of work. No composer has equaled his poetry or variety of music styles. Brel is a singer and actor. He is the Greatest on so many levels. Sadly, most people in the West, still, despite Bowie performing his Work "Amsterdam" and "My Death" and the hit Broadway musical "Jaques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris" DON'T EVEN KNOW HIM AT ALL Singer, musician, composer, poet, actor, lover, humanitarian. Or, everything that matters in life!🍃🌹

[@MarkHolman]

GOD BLESS YOU!

[@marianhoogland5777]

Rest in peace, Rod. I still love you!!! M.

[@browndog461]

Remembering my young years and Rod seemed have our pulse for living with his words.

[@mickeyrich1chance]

Love this song!

[@marilynoneil8781]

I love to hear Neil Diamond's version. And I think it's simplicity hits the listener to the core, because it states the feeling just as it's felt. The news of his passing made me sad.

[@natjack6515]

No one has sung this song as sweetly and as tenderly as Rod McKuen. Neil Diamond came close, Mr Sinatra should not have bothered.

[@Rozrr]

Saw him in the Albert hall many years ago. Loved him then and still do...

[@nancybates80]

I REALLY LOVED HIM!!!

[@wendyclarke4163]

What a great song by a great singer>

[@RachelGuestToTheParty]

wow this is beyond so beautiful. how have i not heard this till now?

[@maloney1953]

+Rachel Guest he used to be on the smothers brothers show... he wrote and read some really great stuff back then

[@amandaleopold1687]

So beautiful...I wish I could find "I always knew that you would find me"

[@mthobelinathanheshu8423]

Wow! One of the songs that linger in my mind. I Googled it today & this magic came up 👏

[@solidsnake19902342]

Very touching words

[@BrianJMonahan]

Being good is worth it!

[@7howie71]

I used to go to his shows when ever he was in London. Still can see him at the albert hall. Got his books signed still think he is great.

[@giornosmusic5556]

Bravo!❤🎼

[@ARockhill1]

I love Rod's work very much. The only album I had was "For Lovers Only" with Anita Kerr. I just lost the cover to flood this week...it broke my heart. Thanks for posting this.

[@VIncentSunflowers]

My heart just broke. RIP

[@svetlanamcgee1931]

Прослушала 15 разных исполнителей . Наслаждение. Все разные . Больше всего понравились Оскар Бентон и Патрисия Каас. Но на этом исполнении я сломалась и заплакала.

[@raylongoria7941]

I saw him in person performing this song at The Troubador on Sunset back in the day. I have all his books of poetry.

[@chrisround2000]

gave me inspiration 30 years ago still does today

[@ElfeMusik]

filled with Beauty !!!

[@virginiabower4232]

Great stuff. Legend.