Rufus Wainwright - Who Knows Where The Time Goes? (Folk Awards 2016)

Watch Rufus Wainwright's touching tribute to Sandy Denny at the Folk Awards 2016 in London. Visit the Folk Awards website for more videos and photos bbc.co.uk/folkawards

[@leylandrichard]

What a voice. I don’t think we need tangle ourselves up in how this compares to Sandy Denny - it was sung at a tribute concert, it’s an homage. He gives it everything, applies his full power and it sounds wonderful to me.

[@joelasinger1]

Well said my friend.

[@deborahhughes6923]

Awe beautiful song...

[@clairerichards1448]

I love how he chews the words up in his guts and lets them out so beautifully xx

[@richardbennett5128]

Absolutely wonderful. Best interpretation of a beautiful song.

[@gmonkman]

It is awful. Listen to Sandy.

[@roxaneauer360]

Rufus is a true artist. A single human living their life creating beautiful art when things are hard, creating beautiful art when things are good, and honing their craft so that we have something more beautiful to hold on to when there are down times and we're looking for uplift. Human to human, listen to his interviews, nothing is hidden. What a wonderful artist.

[@sandyfisher4985]

one of the best male vocalists in a generation in my opinion. brilliant version!

[@cornstorm666]

Everything he sings is brilliant...poignant and from his soul...

[@helenfelton8804]

Do you know why his breathing technique is so unique? He does not seem to need to breathe for amazingly long notes. Well as kids him and Martha had competitions lying in their beds at night who could hold a note longer and louder. She said he usually won! It's a stunning style and one of the many unshowy quirks that make his vocals the best.

[@angelaconnor8917]

I agree

[@gmonkman]

Its fickin awful.

[@TH-nf1eo]

The ultimate irony is that this song is so timeless.

[@cornstorm666]

You can hold time in your hands with this song...open up your palm..time is gone...

[@johnbrereton5229]

A great rendition of this song, he sings it so well, he makes it sound like he wrote it. Sandy Denny was just 19 when she wrote this song. Only 12 years later she was dead aged 31. I saw her at a London concert in around 1977 not long before she died. Who knows where the time goes, indeed !

[@beverlyderry3843]

"and then the birds in Spring again " - this too shall pass all of us in Lockdown, keep up the Hope.

[@DougVonBug]

Written when Sandy Denny was 19. Astonishing song. Astonishing singing.

[@julielendrum906]

sometimes there is a voice that just fills the heart and delights the soul, thanks Rufus.

[@ianwood960]

I saw his dad in Loughborough, he was pretty good too, had a lovely little song about the baby Rufus

[@roseangelo4416]

An amazing interpretation of this Sandy Denny masterpiece. I think Rufus tapped in to the pain and the brilliance that created this song, and he channeled that. Two amazing souls and a masterpiece. Thank you Sandy and Rufus.

[@michaelh5416]

sandy denny died way to soon

[@gmonkman]

I think everyone tapped into the money.

[@stellaboulton9531]

YES.

[@stellaboulton9531]

@@gmonkman An astonishingly cynical comment.

[@thedivinemrm5832]

@@gmonkman It's a folk event put on by the BBC - there is no "money" - they'd have been paid pittance. So congrats on posting the dumbest comment I'll read today, I guess?

[@agelessfem-gem8481]

Rufus sounds like a a piece of silk floating in the wind...softly calmly lingering

[@beckyknight1219]

What a beautiful sentiment ❤

[@danarzechula3769]

Exactly Silk.

[@teresacollins7763]

Great comparison!

[@becooldontfreez]

No one can sing it as good as Sandy herself.

[@jimcala8384]

My God thins man can sing! This is so beautiful! He is so amazing.

[@yveeliza]

Credit for the fiddler too, she is fantastic. ღ 🌷 ღ

[@MrPorkpieman]

You can stop searching now......... you have found musical perfection.

[@Liofa73]

Shayman Chris --- No.

[@diannarule3914]

Honestly at 75 I swear I will love this man until I die

[@deafflylii1]

That is so funny because my Mum is now 76 and I am just posting it to her. What a beautiful song and what a beautiful sentiment. You have the heart to love beauty anyway. Life is full of half lives, filling it with music like this helps my path.

[@howlindonster6131]

No higher complement than yours could make one pray that you have many more years and that music fills them daily.. You are gentle and kind, we can use more ladies such as yourself... Cheers!!

[@seryerson50]

I feel the same way.. I'm 68 .... Love him!!!

[@wendysmail]

Now your 78 and I bet your loving him even more!!!!!

[@ItsNotRealLife]

@@deafflylii1 I presume you've heard the original by Sandy Denny. There's also a very slow cover fron Nina Simone

[@jimscott1246]

Rufus personifies the grace and beauty of being an artist. One of only a handful of artist who take their craft seriously, today. I adore you

[@claumouz]

Can't stop listening to this man... his voice hypnotizes me

[@PrincessWowNetwork]

Same here..❤❤❤

[@ulrikebohn9115]

​@@PrincessWowNetworkme too

[@user-wy4wp1np9z]

You might enjoy his duet with Sting on Wrapped around your finger. ✨🖖🏻

[@claumouz]

@@user-wy4wp1np9z Oh, yes! It's awesome! Thank you!

[@63doughnut]

I've never heard Rufus Wainwright before . WHERE HAVE I BEEN ?

[@ansielubbeprosser9072]

It's okay, you've found him now - never too late!

[@vero2107]

Almost the same for me ! I discovered him because george michael covered one of his song. Where have i been ? Now i listen to him each day

[@gerryfinegan]

Born of a great musical dynasty......pure class.

[@glassncobalt]

Hopefully, Sandy Denny is smiling from wherever she might be.

[@lucasgdrezes]

He just gets better.

[@dalelight8340]

He is so present, so powerful when he sings, pure magic!!!

[@richardwilson1234]

This song would not have meant much to me when I was aged 20. But now.... honestly ...where does the time go?

[@sarahaschenbach1585]

I find myself singing this to myself these days. His voice is so clear and powerful. He is extraordinary.

[@chrisward8919]

At times in our life, we are touched deep within by the beauty of a song, a voice. Today I was touched by this song and the amazing voice of Rufus Wainwright

[@cornstorm666]

I have no fear of time.🏳️‍🌈

[@soniabradford7041]

So powerful, I wish Rufus would record this song.🌹✨

[@1954barker]

There are not enough superlatives in the English language to describe that track.

[@julielendrum906]

Beautiful. This is Rufus in his musical sweet spot. Haunting music.

[@alrichmond4341]

Did ever a song and a singer, creatively separated by decades, ever collide more poignantly. As Sting said of Rufus: 'what a voice'. Bravo, all.

[@cabaroigcostablanca]

Oh Rufus you're second to Sandy,I salute you,you nailed it,Wow

[@jax1233]

As far as voices go, haunting and beautiful, one of the best.

[@susiemichell447]

I was very lucky to see Rufus in concert in Hastings, E Sussex UK last Spring, when I was volunteering for the Hastings Concerts. Oh my his voice is magical and this version is the tops

[@morrisophile]

That's a great line-up of musicians behind him, too!

[@ruthangell1]

Thank you!

[@konstanceleigh]

@@ruthangell1 All of you together created something hauntingly beautiful in this tribute. Came to see this performance (video)of Rufus Wainwright- someone I love and treasure! But, the rest of you touched my heart as much as he did, and this was a gift to me. I saw in the comments that you gave everyone's name, thank- you for that. BLESSINGS ! 💙💙💙💙💙 Konstance

[@danjsy]

@@ruthangell1 Well done - high jeopardy song ! Loved the way you all wound the song down, Thanks.

[@rolandgodshaw6811]

Konstance L

[@digitig]

@@ruthangell1 I thought it looked like you! Great job!

[@dtdt8634]

I’ve just been to see this wonderful man in Edinburgh usher hall he sang his absolute heart out , my first gig since Covid began he sang many songs from his new album and sang a good few others one of them being this I was overjoyed to hear it ! The only song he missed was sword of Damocles which was ashame but a superb concert and his voice gets better with age projection and breath control amazing. Keep writing and singing these anthems rufus your a star ⭐️

[@parkyourdogwithchrissie1596]

Oh I wish so much I had gone to that concert ! He's truly amazing

[@gmonkman]

Are you all paid for?

[@user-lt3xp6yb2m]

Just came across this beautiful song can’t stop playing it now

[@finn12146464]

utterly incredible wonderful

[@barbaracameron-smith7093]

Goose pumps territory, big time. This guy. A song god, when it comes to affecting us humans.

[@maggiemoran7747]

wow wow wow. . just wow.

[@nikolhalamova8300]

You still be dreaming.. ❤ that is what I love about You, Rufus. I also am dreaming listening to this song.. and it feels good, realy good.. xxx

[@gkitteringham]

I love this song, and Sandy Denny. There have been many covers, but I think this one tops them all.

[@MyCleverHandle]

And the effortless delivery denies the training and depth of knowledge he has put into that beautiful, beautiful voice. He just opens his mouth and throat and out it flows. Thank you to whatever muse inspires this artist.

[@stellaboulton9531]

Exactly.

[@pentangle4444]

Very nice to see "The Lady" being elected to the BBC folk hall of fame this year....I was lucky to get to see Sandy perform in person twice.... such a great and introspective singer and writer.. and for people like me.. she has had a 45 plus year impact on my life

[@martycrow]

Rufus captures both the anguish and the hope inherent in the song very beautifully. A healing song lighting the path to ageing well. Fear not time, but only squandering its gift.

[@paulcheeseman1437]

Absolutely wonderful version of one of the best songs ever. I doubt sandy denny's version can ever be equaled but ruffs sure gave it his best. Well done young man, superb.

[@toniomalley5661]

Every musician is an artist great

[@michaelbrowne9840]

Absolutely beautiful. what a great voice and performance.

[@susandennison5945]

This song makes we want to weep - no matter who sings it.

[@pacrimco]

Sometimes in a very unique and special moment, it all just comes together perfectly. This was one of those mesmerizing times.

[@victorsaenz8060]

JON D. ELDER

[@gayevankammen2480]

Xoxoxo

[@mwj5368]

I come back here to experience Rufus. There's a heat wave here today after weeks of below zero Fahrenheit and it's 39 degrees F today at noon and hearing Rufus singing makes me want to go on a very long bike ride through the sunshine!

[@suzylux]

never knew how beautiful and strong his voice was. just gorgeous :(

[@clairerichards1448]

I've loved Eva Cassidys version of this for over 20 years but Rufus makes me cry more somehow

[@mrsramsden]

I can't get enough of this. It's beautiful he should record it ...

[@mrsramsden]

I'm in love with Rufus

[@greghowes9711]

I am obsessed with his version of this song. Haunting, a touch of melancholy. Just quite perfect and lovely

[@bruceloeppky3784]

This dude is awesome.Raw emotion

[@chrisharris4277]

This is purely outstanding subtle piano and bye the way masterful arrangement

[@PC-wp8oq]

Remarkable singer

[@poppyseed890]

Ahhhh....that makes me all dreamy....what a voice!

[@teresacollins7763]

I could listen to Rufus Wainwright over and over and over again.He has such a gorgeous voice, it brings me much needed peace.

[@garethbuckley6922]

Even though not his song this man is pure genius,sheer brilliance, superbly talented & bloody stunning and even though I'm 100% straight and female,at times I wish I was a gay man coz the man is damn gorgeous inside & out.

[@nikolhalamova8300]

A great true comment.. 😂😂😂👍

[@rickahrens5994]

Very awesome comment man😄💯👊👍👌

[@ctmishksa2877]

amen

[@denniskane1870]

Ok ...that's weird.... but he does sing the song beautifully.

[@diannesheridan2243]

Hey... I totally agree Gareth!!! Always felt that way about Rufus!

[@cbyanks3]

What a beautiful different voice

[@thelex001]

Chilling. Rivals Sandy's 1967 pre-FC recording (without surpassing it). Ravishingly beautiful, heartfelt.

[@lyndaclancy8531]

I love his version of a beautiful Sandy Denny song. Sublime.

[@GotAUkulele]

Outstanding.

[@jeannesjoberg8656]

My husband is enraptured with this guy’s amazing, incredible, powerful voice I reckon he’s pretty good too!!

[@maggilloyd-davies3221]

I can listen to over again and I do. I don't care what the negative comments are I think he is truly amazing and everything he does.

[@abucketofrhymes]

Goosebumps! Thank you Rufus x

[@Manawakitepuhoro]

I have just discovered this guy, And wow!..

[@mirinmcmenemy9330]

Loved it and i discovered him when he was singing the gay massia ( even better live ) go see him excellent . 😎

[@williamcairns7547]

Fantastic version of a fantastic song.

[@Bobsienz]

So beautiful Rufus... Saw your concert in Auckland... a few years ago.. Just wonderful...

[@teresacollins7763]

Mr.Wainwright has it all...voice of an angel and so very good looking.I listen to this song and his others while I'm driving...I live in Tampa ,Fl.and the traffic is horrible, this calms me right down and keeps me from getting super angry at idiot drivers!!

[@michaelbass2116]

what a wonderful vibrato absolutly beautiful voice

[@justMe-rd4sw]

what a great choice of vocalist ,really did the song justice,and a fabulous tribute sandy Denny , beautiful song and performance .

[@rayrivers7251]

what a great version!

[@whoareyou1332]

Love Rufus so much. This is beautiful.

[@sarn9]

Love this man’s voice !

[@markrichards6863]

It's a beautiful presentation of one of my old favorites. Sandy Denny must be smiling down.

[@user-ek3ir5dr8i]

beautiful heartfelt 💙captivating vocalists~ where the time goes?

[@Deliquescentinsight]

A very difficult song to perform, who can match Sandy Denny's original performance? Rufus manages to evoke, without trying to outdo, nice work

[@sommy38]

I AM IN LOVE

[@keithkeller4156]

That was a great tribute to Sandy Denny. Please note that, "Induct Fairport Convention into, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" is on Facebook. Thanks Keith B. Keller

[@cornstorm666]

@Roy Polloi Folk music has never been given its due respect...I lived it..still do..RIP to all of those who have gone on...these songs changed a whole generation

[@mog5331]

This is so soothing and inspiring. One of the most beautiful pieces of music ever.

[@julmalo4125]

so rare to see Rufus sing eyes opened :)

[@debsearl7266]

It's because he hadn't learnt the words and was reading off the Autocue at the back.

[@mattnyc79]

Every time I hear this performance, I just never want it to end.

[@Anthony-bs4jv]

What an amazingly beautiful vocal performance from Rufus this is

[@PFat1]

love live versions. almost forgets the line ...so comes the storms of winter..but pulls it off a little unsure, smiles and back into it.

[@rebelbrewer]

Loved it. No-one can match Sandy but this was fantastic and very fitting.

[@FungusMossGnosis]

Agree that Sandy Denny's recording with Fairport Convention is unmatched beauty. This is really good, and so's Judy's, but nothing comes close to Sandy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6SxgaKog96Ae5I

[@donnabittner69]

Listening AGAIN during this Covid-19 situation/ October 20, 2020. When we have ALL lost so much .....especially precious time. I finally fell 😴 asleep after nights of insomnia due to worrying about the future and this song was actually in my dreams. Blessings and 💘 love to everyone worldwide 🌐.

[@jezzamarkham5285]

Over the years of Fairport Convention and many other renditions oh this song, it has never sat well with me. Yes Sandy Deny was a talent and so have many other people who sang this song but still it never sat well, until tonight. Rufus Wainwright has sung this song in a way that for me has brought the magic that so many other people spoke of over the long years. I'm so glad i heard this version while i still had some years left to enjoy and savour it. Thank you Mr Wainwright.

[@MsTubbytube]

Not to knock his beautiful voice but I think Eva Cassidy's version is better, she sings it like she is really feeling it. Watching Rufus' body movements I wonder if he is on drugs?

[@donnabittner69]

Marianna Taubman, If you see his other videos his body language is similar. That's just him.... I am watching his music from his home during this self quarantine.....so uplifting! Thanks Rufus.

[@donnabittner69]

I think he is singing his heart out for his mother! 😥 No other person ever replaces them. Watching during the quarantine of 2020.

[@jezzamarkham5285]

Donna Bittner Kate Mcgarrigle had a haunting voice so similar to her sisters Anna. Rufus sang a lot with his mother and co but not his father and i think it shows in his singing style, emotion, arrangements and voice. I ❤️ him live.

[@jezzamarkham5285]

Marianna Tubman Rufus came from a very broken home and it shows even now. He sings a bit like a lost soul looking for something he may never find. He does truly “feel” the lyrics to this song.

[@mwj5368]

Such a voice that takes flight too, and with a clear blue sky to be a sailing. This guy knows how emotion wraps around, entwines, drips with the ethereal strangeness of time and of love, Sandy's love. There's only 4 musicians and how each possess their own sector, a symphony and it's ranks. The pianist too how she dances a kind of light, a coloration, like the Sandy Denny sunset, and a violin that takes the shape of wings, and a guitarist on the up-winds, and a bass the sturdy wing shoulders of a knowing pulse. Rufus Wainwright, such a great voice, one who can't afford his own dental work, sadly the starving artist yet living a life of the great wealth of his very own artistry. I love the Native American pendant, such beautiful bead-work he chose to wear, and beauty all around! Thanks BBC Radio 2 for sharing this with the world!!

[@REAREGINA]

MY FAVORITE SONG AND YOU PUT A BEAUTIFUL SPIN ON IT. I CAN LISTEN TO THIS OVER AND OVER AND I HAVE. THANK YOU RUFUS.

[@rosebehan4124]

His voice is so beautiful & pure ❤

[@Massivo07]

Wonderful version. But I still miss a lot ...lady Alexandra.

[@hfxsue]

I never ever thought anyone would equal Sandy Denny's version.... absolutely stunning Rufus.. thank you 💕

[@jonathanmorgan7503]

+hfxsue took the words right out of my mouth. I wouldn't put me down as a folk fan but caught this on the radio and instantly recognised it as a Sandy Denny song I'd not heard since I was a teenager 1st discovering proper music. The whole arrangement on this is nothing short of beautiful.

[@dansm1422]

+hfxsue Nanci Griffith did a nice version of it.

[@WildEndStudio]

erm, Sandy did write this song, y'know?

[@lynneceegee8726]

I think that's a gross overstatement. He does a passable job in his own way but comparing it with Sandy Denny is risible.

[@ruthangell1]

Thank you, we had a wonderful time arranging this. I wrote my violin part.

[@markthorpe4400]

What flawless, fearless delivery. Rufus cases down the inherent darkness with his incomparable voice.

[@julielendrum906]

Music and voice to fill my soul.

[@tourbillon13]

2018...Sublime. Thankyou Mr Rufus Wainwright x

[@rexhake1]

It seemed that the original Fairport version could never be bettered , now I am not sure . This is a wonderful ,wonderful version .Thankyou .

[@Liofa73]

colin king --- Sandy Denny is the only person that could sing this song properly...

[@colinfield981]

Actually the original Strawbs version

[@danarzechula3769]

Catch Rufus version with Brandi carlile

[@reemclaughlin4260]

Sandy Denny’s will be played at my memorial service. 🙏🏼♥️🌸🕊

[@peterroberts542]

just beautiful !

[@beverlyderry3843]

So deeply felt and moving - wonderful version.

[@GiantCalGunner]

excellent thank you for posting this.

[@radiotelegram]

Honouring Sandy in his inimitable fashion. I have a lot of time for Rufus, this is why.