Tar And Cement - Full Version

[@sherreewilson925]

I remember this beautiful song. I had to move from the Country to the City to work at 18. Am now 72. ❤️🌹

[@gerrymarlowe5541]

Same same. I'm 73 in Adelaide South Australia and have never forgotten this song.

[@waynehart1596]

This song was so under-rated in 1966. It most certainly deserved to be in the top five. I believe that it only made it to #28. I bought it new in the summer of '66.

[@John-oj5vx]

Agree! Actually peaked at only # 38 on Billboard, although l remember it charting higher on WBZ Boston, the Top 40 station I was listening to in 1966. There's something about songs of childhood memories...thinking also of "Brooklyn Roads" by Neil Diamond (which reached only #58 in 1968.)

[@combivan4346]

Went to number one in Australia.@@John-oj5vx

[@mattlawson9781]

I spent pocket fulls of pennies on this album no 1 for me , 66/67

[@Marco-ww1ht]

i think because is a cover of an italian song called : il ragazzo della via gluck

[@RandalF-259]

I thought it was fantastic.

[@davidreid2498]

IN 2023 the song evokes the same feeling it did in 1966 when I was just 14. Awakened me to a place of consciousness. Childhood behind me the truth adulthood brings both beautiful and sad in front. I've shared it with some much younger than I. It's impact beautifully resonates across generations. Poignant, beautiful, powerful.

[@phillipkeal2851]

I am from Australia and discovered this song about 4years ago Still addicted

[@karlhasselberg1668]

One of the most poignant songs of the sixties. Brilliant evocative , historic personal lyrics...brilliant...!!!!

[@michaelgeorge8671]

60 years later and the songs meaning has come more than true.And we have Russias invasion to go with it.

[@judymcnamara7439]

My Mom just loved this song. We both sang it all the time. Beautiful Memories

[@karensnowden962]

I thought I commented on this BEAUTIFUL SONG 4b. But I didn't. And now words are hard 2 find. Yes. Progress Indeed. I see it all around me now Our country side disappearing.

[@WOODR52]

1967 was when I heard this. love it today. wish I could go back.

[@oldwhippersnapper3]

Agree Richard - not much that is charming or endearing about life these days.

[@musicroolsman994]

@@oldwhippersnapper3 Agree also, too much hate in the world and time for people to get the hell over it and move on; too much hate around these days. Peace.

[@YouChwb]

Heard it around that time when I was a 10 year old. No cares in the world, although when I listened to this song I was attentive to the music and melodies. I guess that is all a young mind could do. That that age we were not aware of the way the world was changing. Now days, everyone is a fully fledged expert.

[@hainesellison8699]

@@oldwhippersnapper3 00000pppp

[@hainesellison8699]

@@oldwhippersnapper3 0

[@thomasstankard3318]

Loved this song as soon as I heard it on the radio. Beautiful lyrics and voice.

[@davideasiebert2740]

this song has haunt me for most of my 73 years...so much truth...too late...

[@belvinsweat7742]

Davidea Siebert I’m the same way in my 71 years.

[@junevanstaden6010]

Absolutely beautiful. Listening lockdown March 2021

[@douglasbennett5202]

This was s protest song off an album of protest songs released in the 80 s.I think she was a one hit star back in 60 s.

[@nighthiker8872]

GET IN LINE '' HAUNT'' ME, I only heard 1 time in my dad barber shop, maybe 1969, and I plan to fine the name of the song and who sang it.

[@englandshope689]

same...

[@kathypaulson8002]

I have loved this song since I was a teenager. So much truth!

[@christinedavies2420]

Your not wrong there

[@johnager9428]

A beautiful song telling a story ♥️ not like the tripe that is sung today 🤔

[@Ducatirati]

Hi Kath , that's why i have a love hate relationship with the Beautiful John Rowles classic " If i only had time , what a beautiful song , if i only had time ! god bless xx

[@julierice100]

I was 7 ...loll

[@patrickryan1515]

This song and Joe South's "Don't it Make You Want to Go Home", plus The Brothers Four "Try to Remember" take make back to a place no one in today's world will ever reach now or again.

[@RayTay1951]

This is a great song! It stirs your emotions when you listen to it. Kudos to the songwriters and Verdelle Smith who sang it beautifully. It's a pity she didn't have more hits, she has a great voice.

[@gretanolles3662]

I have tears in my eyes listening to this song.... So true.. So sad... 🇦🇺

[@gloriamartinez8960]

Great voice.. Smooth as silk...

[@olehlytviak8552]

She also sang “in my room”. Some thinks it’s a sequel.

[@southaussie5108]

Love love love this song. Takes me back to 1960-1970s .... Australia, SA, Poochera pictures of a Friday night. they always played this song.

[@southaussie5108]

06JUN2024 Once more I come back to hear this great song. I'm getting older, 72 next month, but this song is ageless. Why does urban spread have to be onto rich fertile farming soil, one day we will need this sod to grow food; but which is lost forever under housing , Tar and Cement.

[@simontrencher8245]

​@@southaussie5108 Not sure what we will eat in the future, when agricultural land is gone, especially in Australia. We'll have to import it like everything else...

[@Crazeyfor67]

A wonderful song that more people need to be aware of." Each night I sit alone and learn what loneliness meant." That line stays with you. Thanks Verdelle

[@ThoughtfulAl]

How lovely. I wish I could have remained a child.

[@chucknonverbal]

I loved this song from the moment I first heard it at age 12. Still do..

[@BrendaAugustine-r1c]

Same here...💔

[@blitzmagazine5649]

Adriano Celentano composed it and recorded the original version as Il Ragazzo Della Via Gluck. The great Francoise Hardy covefed it as La Maison. Caroline Munro and Mel Carter also turned in magnificent versions of it. But Verdelle Smith pretty much nailed it as well as it could be done. Absolute, utter perfection. I wouldn't be without any of those versions.

[@grahamholton8542]

thanks for the background. Very popular in Australia when it came out

[@Shelley550]

Have always loved this song & the meaning of the story told, it's played a lot on the station I listen to here in Oz

[@francisdec1615]

It's very loved in Sweden as well. During the 1960s and 70s the politicians destroyed an awful lot of old buildings in most Swedish cities and instead erected horrible Soviet-like concrete buildings. The Swedish version is very similar to the Italian original: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWHOY59-qKeAgdE

[@clothilde555]

It's 2022 and those interested know and we we all know the history, all I'm am saying perfect song.

[@nicfewer8393]

And Irish singer Joe Dolan, his was the first version I heard. Is that Caroline Munro, the actress? I've met her, but didn't know that she sang.

[@mayhemxtwo]

A very Special song as it brings back memories of my Dad (1925 -1994), his job was in Civil Engineering.

[@pastina000]

WOW !!!!....From Meadows and Lilacs to Tar and Cement......and we call it PROGRESS !!

[@jonathanbirchley]

A beautiful, poignant song that I remember from when I was growing up just outside a major city. Hearing it now, it sounds just as beautiful but even sadder as it brings back the same memories

[@eugeneszlaski9794]

A classic forever !!

[@glennwaters9323]

Verdelle I bought on a e.p when it first came out, I was 15 years old, it brings great memories back of the songs of that era, tar and cement I just love & Verdelle Smith . Bring back those great songs ,so we all can remember our old days.take care everyone.

[@lizmcaullay6934]

One of my favourite all time songs. All the paddocks where we used to ride our horses are all now 4 lane highways and residential suburbs. Soooo sad 😭

[@wheatbomb52]

Still beautiful after all these years

[@shellandshilo]

Very relevant now 😢love this song ❤

[@donaldmorrow3096]

I bought this record by accident at a record show for almost nothing. Years later, I found it on KZbin and on first listen, I felt I was fated to own it. The simple story of an adult dealing with the trade-off that happens when you grow up too fast gets more pure and powerful with each listen. All Verdelle had to do is sit there and bear witness. And this important and valuable life lesson on record has not left me since.

[@dryliner65]

Heard this two or three times recently on Boom radio and Caroline flashback . Great version and a fantastic voice .

[@rodneyrikimaru8053]

I remember this song from its original release, and the lyrics came true for me. As others have observed, "Tar and Cement'" has a similar theme to Joni Mitchell's '"Big Yellow Taxi." I have seen 1960's Honolulu transformed from a pleasant uncrowded city to a densly-packed, traffic-choked urban center crammed with high rises, and also witnesssed Los Angeles experience a similar fate.The song also reminds me of Cat Steven's "Where Do the Children Play?"

[@trevormcgaughran9351]

I was about to post a similar comment.

[@PaulCoomber-g7h]

This song has always been in the top 2 or 3 of my all time favorites. The lyrics define life as it has been deteriorating in quality over the past 6 or 7 decades. They are so full of meaning and emotion. And I loved her voice too. For me, a beautiful and meaningful song.

[@glennpmartin]

I was reminded of this song because it was playing at the nursing home where my mum is. I loved this song in the 60s. It was one of the important songs in my life. It still is, and it is also very beautiful. Verdelle Smith, one time but wonderful.

[@waynedunn1108]

Bloody marvellous song

[@christopherbarrott3488]

Beautiful song sung by a beautiful woman, brings back so many memories. They call it progress but I'm not so sure about that!

[@jameshorton7496]

Always liked this song. First time I ever seen what she looked like.

[@Savatore83]

this is the english version of one of the most famous italian song

[@TemplarX2]

It's just destructive capitalism not progress. Progress can occur without destroying the land to build layer upon layer of filth. Note I'm for Free market capitalism but against mindless and all consuming dog eats dog capitalism.

[@chuckacker3024]

im sure, this current garbage is NOT progress

[@gerryrothman4719]

It's too bad we can't have both. Like one foot on each side of a BRIDGE. Gerry

[@MikeBlitzMag]

Composed and first recorded by Adriano Celentano as Il Ragazzo Della Via Gluck. Francoise Hardy also did a magnificent job reworking it as La Maison Ou J'ai Grandi. And finally, in mid-1966, Verdelle Smith gave us this bit of absolute, utter, jaw dropping perfection. One of the most extraordinary records ever made, period.

[@edweichsler5051]

Amen Mike.

[@belvinsweat7742]

I couldn’t agree more. Love this song she also did In My Room

[@anthonypascarella3498]

almost a literal word for word translation from Italian to English from Celentano's original. An amazing feat reproducing Celentano's melody yet keeping his music's message ♥️

[@waynephllips5840]

One of the most important songs of the 60s, it’s a shame todays songs can’t match the real truth that change has made to us as a race, what we have done to the environment can never be fixed, what a voice Verdelle had, stunning

[@rogozzy1]

Just heard this song on AM Radio and don't remember it in 66 but fell for it big time now. Thanks for posting it.

[@voltare2amstereo]

❤️ am 📻 has a feel that the FM lacks

[@charlottelougher628]

One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard in all of my 68yrs.

[@barryrollason6750]

Your the same age as me,We love the same things!!!

[@charlottelougher628]

Still love it in 27.05.2024

[@jaybee670]

Loved this song-- going back to my old home still brings back memories of this song. If only we could relive those old days!

[@ThePeterb123]

one of the memorable one hit wonders of the 60s.

[@dilysgard1735]

I have been trying to find this song since 1977. I used to listen to it when I lived in Victoria British Columbia and Bellingham radio would play it. I could only remember it was something about sidewalks and never could find it! I've spent hours Googling various versions of sidewalks, etc. It finally popped up the other day. Thank you to whoever posted it, I'm 73 now, it reminds me of when I was a young hippy. Now I'm an old one and love this music!

[@bilby53]

Beautiful song and a huge hit in Australia. I loved it the first time I heard it when growing up in Townsville, Queensland. It took me years to get a CD version and now it's played often. It's a pity she only had one hit as she has a great voice.

[@junevanstaden7288]

Love everything about this beautiful song. Loved it from the first time I heard it way back in the day

[@patryckdowd5201]

This is a great song A reminder of how we can lose what we loved the most, if we chase what we think are our dreams, and how every thing that we knew, is gone before we know it

[@1957robertjohnson]

Patryck Dowd someone that actually gets it. Contrary to what others posted. This isn’t a song about the environment.

[@julierice100]

I just turned 63 ALWAYS LOVED THIS .❤

[@mred9361]

I've loved this song since the first time I heard it.Beautifully delivered by a beautiful lady, should have been bigger than she was but seemed to vanish after a short career

[@MunecaNMagic]

Shared this song with my dad way back in the 60's. It became a favorite; and oh so true.

[@glendasutardycempaka2830]

I love it. I remember this gorgeous song. Thank you so much for recording it!!!!!!!❤

[@michelemason5449]

I first heard it in the 60s absolutely love it, play it regularly & wish for those times !

[@jimervin387]

The truth of that song resonates stronger every day with me, it seems. The higher the density, the less the liveability so far as I'm concerned. That's one reason why I stay in my old house and don't sell out for more tar and cement.

[@elizabethmontgomery4024]

that's the way bud...one patch of ground that will never be ruined, huh

[@jimervin387]

Not if I can help it at least.

[@belvinsweat7742]

Jim Ervin good for you.

[@dorisbav]

As everybody has written, this is a brilliant record in every possible way. How it was not a worldwide hit totally astounds me. Poor promotion, perhaps? In 1966 I was in Europe, bumming around for 4 months and can only assume that was when the record was presumably aired in London. I used to hear just about every one played on radio or TV. Never heard this...........Maybe better for the delay until first hearing it in Australia. Now a resident of France! What a recording!

[@combivan4346]

It made number 1 in Australia.

[@Marco-ww1ht]

It's a italian song called "il ragazzo della via gluck, writer and orinaly singer, is adriano celentato

[@hoffnerburns]

Françoise Hardy had a big hit with a French language version that is sublime, my favorite recording of the song. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWLGpoR8bdh4faMsi=fVnZHffWHQMmpmFc

[@davewilson4528]

I was 15 when this was released. I can remember listening to it on the AM car radio. I still get shivers when the horns hit the high notes at the climax.

[@mustlovepretzels]

Heard this song for the first time on January 11, 2020. Brand new old song I love. Thanks OldiesAppreciater. Cheers!

[@debracalliss7299]

I remember my dad listening to this song ,as a young girl, I have never forgotten.

[@lesleystewart8285]

Love this song

[@michaeljohn7398]

The lesson here is, don't take for granted what we have and love. Live in this moment, relish every delicious moment, it will never be repeated. Don't leave things unsaid. Cheers from Michael. Australia.

[@takeapissonme]

Thank you so much for posting this rare and beautiful version-

[@RandalF-259]

Still sing this sometimes while sitting alone.

[@andrewjohnstone963]

Who mentioned Dusty 👀 this is.a superb example of 60s production gets me every single time❤❤❤

[@TheBigben1731]

this song has true meaning.. i lived in the country , gone to city and went back it was not the same . her voice is fantastic

[@michelevincent4692]

Beautiful song to this day

[@musicroolsman994]

In my simple life i thank you Verdelle Smith for this tune as i wouldn't feel what i do now and will continue to do thanks to you? I know you live in NYC and pray you still do and once again thank you for this remarkable loving tune. Peace.

[@joeok8641]

Pure 60's platinum...thanks for sharing this big hit.

[@MrStillwind]

The song brings back a lot of memories.I look back at my old neighborhood and see the change and remember the fun we had ,which today's world doesn't have.

[@raymondsommerfeldt2817]

Beautiful voice, but how true the words are. How many meadows are now tar and cement!

[@seanmurray3633]

Have loved this song since I first heard it in the sixties. Beautiful lyrics Wonderful singer

[@ijustlovebritcoms]

Such a beautiful song...I had not heard this in many decades but it just came to mind, and I find it right here! It strikes me as a sad song, not upbeat at all like Joni Mitchell's 'Big Yellow Taxi'...although both have the underlying message of the importance of preserving what is left to us of nature and simple things!

[@donaldraaff5537]

My mother, Frances Elizabeth Raaff, loved this song. She died in 1969.

[@SyBelle101]

At this Stage of my Life - this Song has become my "Life Theme Song" - it basically covers everything... LOVE it...

[@ralphconnor2034]

I probably haven’t heard this song for at least 30 years. It’s fabulous. Thanks for uploading it

[@bryanpalmer9660]

Remember this from my childhood---a beautiful ❤️ song .

[@christopherfranklin4760]

Another great record you hardly ever hear on the radio. I have had an original 45 for over 50 years.

[@patrickdowdle5121]

50 years old and still this song sounds beautiful

[@deswelch1304]

I love this song and her version is the best one I have ever heard bless her x

[@andreo.7633]

Wow i never knew this version existed Im sure Adriano was proud

[@BarrygMr]

Absolutely love this song!! Always have.

[@stuartcunningham8377]

One of many gems played by Wonderful Radio London (Big L) in the mid 60's and only recently rediscovered by me. Fabulous!

[@mugwump790]

On the 50th anniversary of the release of Tar and Cement, I'd like to salute Ms. Smith, writer/producers Paul Vance and the late Lee Pockriss and Capitol records. They created a minor miracle with this record. Tar and Cement was not a huge hit in the US (but was very big in several cities) in spite of the repeated attempts and re-releases during its lengthy chart run. It was Number One in Australia and big in many more countries. There are at least five Capitol versions starting at 3:13, including one single which was 4:05 label time. The version here makes six, as it contains a guitar intro and slightly different first verse than I have heard before. The most-effective is the 3:32 mono version that is the shortest to contain the "...and I can see it all so clearly now" refrain. The Summer of 1966 was the peak of recorded music. Well over 1,000 records made Billboard that year. (Today, maybe 75 do - which explains a lot...) Tar and Cement was slightly too exotic - or too good - to be one of the biggest. Since then, it has been and will always be midway up in my all time Top Ten. Several more from 1966 are on that list: You Don't Have To Say You Love Me, Bus Stop, Solitary Man (BANG mono version), All Strung Out and Walk Away Renee to be exact. If anyone cares, the others are No Milk Today and A Whiter Shade of Pale from '67, If You're Gone from 2000, and a tenth slot which kind of floats free (usually Friends and Lovers Forever by Nancy Ames). I consider all of these to be perfect records: all the right people with the right ideas and talent in the right place at the same time.

[@edweichsler5051]

I find no dispute in anything you've stated Mugwump790, even in your 'Serveral more from 1966'. I was there then too.

[@alanoneill3065]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKKYi55-p7NneKM

[@anthonycook8703]

Mmm. I like Waterloo Sunset too.

[@markmehicic6971]

Heard this song today for the first time since 1968 !! Loved it then, love it now . Haunting

[@benjaminfalzon4622]

It's not just Tar and Cement anymore. It's Tar, Cement, Wind Farms, Solar Farms, and Transmission lines.

[@greyhamlogan2255]

The very first 45rpm single that I purchased, and still one of my most favorite songs. 😊

[@julierice100]

Absolutely love this song

[@francesfarmer736]

I remember this song when I was a child of 11-12 and loved the melody but didn’t know the words....it was a very poignant song.....I heard it again for the first time since the 60s on SeriusXM 60s@6 so glad I found it again

[@johnager9428]

A beautiful song from a beautiful woman with a beautiful voice ♥️

[@MrMic351]

Man! This song brings back such memories. Thanks for downloading it......

[@monikasaringer1152]

Love this beautiful song & so poignant in this day & age

[@matetatatamati2895]

Yes, it's happening now. Where I live, one house is being pulled down and 6 go up in its place. soon there will be no grass.

[@petermarosszeky5457]

Beautiful and very nostalgic...

[@petergillies7782]

We all need a world of happy/ stable , popul , popular, population, thank 's. Ms V Verdeel

[@ellessenzed]

One of my very favourites from the 1960's. I had the 45 record but it disappeared many years ago so it is just lovely to hear it again. Thanks :)

[@lizreichert7529]

I remember hearing this song playing on my mum’s radio when I was a of toddler 3 or 4. I’m 61 now and it’s stayed with me all these years.

[@nauort23]

Miss you, Patsy. Thanks for giving me this song. Love, Kitty.

[@donaldcarr7513]

Beautiful song. Great version!!

[@jasonjuliushaekcmedi]

Thank you and you are so kind to introduce me to this version,bless you it is a beautiful version.

[@unclebillmusic]

BEAUTIFUL THANK YOU FOR THE POST.

[@alansmith9814]

a small gift from the 60s. thanks.

[@SthrnCrossLady]

Hey OA thanks so vm for sharing this AWesome song.Wow!! It's been a long time since i heard this Greaaaaat classic!! Beautiful -thanks again Blessings xo Maree

[@UteChewb]

The first environmental song I ever heard, and it resonated so strongly with me. Still so relevant and beautiful.

[@laszloslenkai3079]

She misses her past (childhood), not concerned about the environment.

[@UteChewb]

@@laszloslenkai3079 , it's both. The wording indicates that. There was no environmental movement back then, but the defence of the environment definitely existed, believe me.

[@Mark-q3t4k]

I think this got to no.2 in Australia. I heard it on one of our Adelaide radio stations just yesterday. I hadn't heard it since I was a kid. I'm 64 now.

[@bobjackson4720]

Haunting song, an anthem for our times

[@raymondandrews7567]

Fantastic song pretty true to form in my 70's now lots of changes I've witnessed, the man from OZ!

[@blahblahblah85]

Early this morning I drove through my old home town, thought of this song..ran home 2 find it on youtube. Feelin emo :(

[@ceedee4071]

Know the feeling... growing up in 70s happy childhood day's😊😘🤑

[@robertorick6383]

CKLW of Canada did play this song on their playlists, and the song got noticed in Detroit as a result. However, they of course always played the edited version of the song to keep up with their limited airplay time limits that the programming directors demanded.