The Roches/♬Hammond Song♬

[@lindamccumber9942]

The sound of these sisters singing in harmony makes all the hair on my neck stand up…even after 40 years

[@davidnicholson6680]

This song is spine-tingling, melancholy, wry, smart and wise all at the same time. It tells a perfect story.

[@cwiermaa]

You know a group is good when you stop listening to the original to listen to a live performance. This is amazing.

[@cschools]

That is exactly what I just did. 💖

[@zestymashup7645]

special stuff that is not appreciated by enough people. I want to meet you guys :)

[@petermarquard5107]

I remember playing this song for my daughter who was about ten at the time. She burst into tears.

[@flowersforferdinand375]

Really? Can you tell us more? That's actually kinda incredible for someone so young (but who knows, if my mom sang this at this age maybe I'd connect too). I love this song both musically and lyrically, and would love to know more about people who really connect to it.

[@pen2199]

Oh I do like your reply, for me I'm 56 and I never heard it till 1 year ago, and that made me cry all the more

[@keithepley2132]

Lovely moment. Hope it was happy tears.

[@discipline-my5hi]

Heard this song for the first time a few days ago and burst into tears. Several times since, as well. The studio version is unbelievably haunting

[@stephaniecarrow4898]

She sounds like deep, emotionally attuned and sensitive child. I trust she's continued that way. We need more people like her.

[@christiananderson6761]

one of the most beautiful songs of all time

[@thomasdarling4482]

Even after damn near 40 years of listening to this song, I still get goosebumps when they hit that harmony on "we fall apart/if you go with that fella"

[@soulscanner66]

... makes me fall apart ... the sweet sound of letting go

[@judywright6889]

...and the word, OKAY !💓

[@MonsieurBiga]

Same, sir

[@danaxtell2367]

Wait. Were you "that fella"? It's curious that most of comments on Roches KZbin pages come from men. Wait. Was I "that fella"?

[@dukeanddauphindonald8849]

Yes, for sure

[@alonzogarbanzo]

Those three voices, each so full of rich harmonics, each so dead-on in tune, and blending like that....geez, they always sounded like an entire choir, a very tight one. Something about Maggie's stance was so brave and beautiful, and those low notes! Anyway, thanks to the poster of this lovely bit. I only am sorry I never saw them perform.

[@bluetoad2001]

you nailed it, Maggie has presence ❤️👍✅😎☮️🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼

[@briteness]

This is one of a handful of songs that mark the Roches' indelible place in the firmament. They should name a constellation after them.

[@rivermichaelmoone]

If you start a petition to rename the Pleiades I'll sign it.

[@marksoasis]

Love this comment . Beautif7l

[@christophrieger]

this record is a treasure

[@jam-nc8ut]

I've been addicted to music for almost all of my 41 years, and have explored most genres; how have I only now (too late, alas) discovered The Roches? This song is like some kind of alchemy. I love it.

[@wewerehere2]

Same here!! Unbelievable beautiful!

[@4g63t8]

Just heard My Winter Coat on the radio today. 45 years old and an explorer of genres to be sure….never heard them before. I honestly couldn’t tell if the song was 40 years old or modern. I’m a fan now.

[@donlasala]

Magnificent Roche sisters! Never to be replicated: watch & marvel!

[@martinfalls6614]

How lovely to meet you beautiful people here. Thank you, Jim. Will never forget my introduction to their first album & the privilege of seeing them live & even meeting them in person as a journalist in the '80s. They are family to me. Know we all miss Maggie; she has certainly passed into the immortal. I have cancer now & am increasingly drawn back to their music. Do explore their whole discography! So worth it. Some of it may seem dated (not for me, as I lived thru it). But lyrics. Cohesion. Magic. Love to all. Keep hope & such wonderfully good music alive.

[@domboyandrice]

The Avalanches bought me here👍

[@benburke3015]

Same. What they did with that sample was amazing!

[@stephenforrow]

which avalanches song?

[@domboyandrice]

@@stephenforrow we will always love you feat blood Orange

[@philtikao2333]

No auto tune here. Brilliant

[@anitaw7275]

Do your eyes have an answer To this song of mine? They say we meet again On down the line Where is on down the lineHow far away?Tell me I'm okay These lyrics are on my heart since my husband passed recently as well. Rest in Peace Maggie...Your work is genius.

[@dezcrawford]

Anita, my husband and I met as deejays at our college radio station when this album came out in what, 1979? We both loved it. When I scattered his ashes three years ago, and watched them blow away in the wind at Multnomah Falls, I could not get that line out of my head: "Where is on down the line... how far away? Tell me I'm okay..."" I cannot hear this song without tears, both happy and sad.

[@anitaw7275]

Dez Crawford so beautiful, so heartwrenching

[@dezcrawford]

I am sorry for your loss. There is also a line from Robyn Hitchcock 's "I Often Dream of Trains" (same musical vintage) that haunts me about the afterlife: "Maybe we'll meet someday, out in the corridor...I'm waiting for you, baby...". Same kind of song -uplifting and gut wrenching at once. Peace.

[@Perksofbeingglow]

Sending love 6 years “ down the line “.. hope times has healed ❤

[@billmcgovern6479]

I was at this Soundstage performance in Chicago with my wife and friends. It was the first of many live performances of theirs I've been lucky to see. It was amazing to see them perform their songs so perfectly. They've always delivered their music nearly perfectly. That and the way they brought humor into their delivery and shows made them a must-see every time. We saw Suzzy and daughter Lucy last night. Great songs and humorous repartee as always. I try to see them whenever they're in town. RIP Maggie. 😢

[@BarryHawk]

That RING off the voices at 2:57. Miraculous.

[@tectonictom]

God, I love this song. To me, understanding it precisely isn't required. I enjoy that it's an obscure, snapshot of two people's personal communication. It's lines could be found in any of our personal expostulations with loved ones, small details shifted. Immortality for the Roches.

[@PeterDGloria]

Robert Fripp brought me here. I'm sticking around.

[@VetlovnKK]

thanks to Robert Fripp for Exposure

[@marthaneufeld2920]

I saw them in Boston when they were first around...small audience of about 50 people, and it was amazing. People were crying because their harmony were so good in that small room. One of them, I think it was Terre, left school to follow a guy to Hammond. It turned out he was a jerk, and they made a song about it. All their songs are about them and their lives....the lyrics are just as wonderfully emotional as their harmony!

[@jlynker]

Paradise Theatre? I was there and was SO impressed! WBCN used to play them. Fun group!

[@kathysherlock-green7098]

Martha Neufeld Was that in 1984 or 85? I think I was there.

[@Gpacharlie]

The harmonies are physiologically pain relieving. I think I will start up clinics and name them ROCHE THERAPY.

[@mickeyjupp1]

Interesting. And who was "that fella" I wonder?

[@jimbarton3956]

Summer 1979 at Passims?

[@astrotter]

"We'll always love you, but..." Beautiful, heart-piercing song, one of my favorites. Their vocal control is astounding. I'd never seen them perform live; thank you for posting.

[@jarrahdrum]

Absolutely enchanting for me. Robert Fripp adds even more enchantment on the studio version

[@dinbx917]

I recall that as a young teen, I was drawn to this song, so fleeting on AM radio . . . I had no title, artist group, etc. But the haunting melody stayed with me. Then, one day a few years ago, I saw an old reel on KZbin! The lyrics are so true to life; the voices: the best!

[@TrateMusic]

I just heard this song for the first time a couple weeks ago. I could have sworn there were like seven singers, this is incredible

[@bobamato1]

I remember purchasing the first Roches LP when it came out. Whenever I hear this song the hairs on my arms still stand up. Probably the most beautiful recording in the history of music. Thank You Roches!

[@BCMiller-k4d]

RIP Maggie. We'll always love you...

[@glubritz]

Terri still breaks my heart after all these years when she sings: "Well, I went down to Hammond... I did as I pleased.... why don't you face the fact, you old upstart.... we... fall... apart."

[@martinevans123]

In my opinion the best song on that album and worthy of a Grammy.

[@eauhomme]

The thing that has always struck me about this song in particular and the Roches in general is the drastic range between Terre's soprano and Maggie's extreme contralto. Two sisters with probably five octaves between them.

[@velvetunderpants44]

There's a great balance between their ranges that you don't often get in female singing groups

[@carrolly2k]

💔Much love Maggie...thank you for the music! RIP

[@mickwarfield2447]

I can say that I'm sad - and teary.

[@mickeyjupp1]

A beautiful song and the video production is superb on this - the people who shot this know what they were doing and captured this song perfectly. Maggie's guitar playing is often overlooked and she really propels this along. Its not a whimsical song - its an argument and needs to be sung that way. Other versions take a softer approach which to me doesn't fit the lyrics and tone.

[@thomasgadwa1930]

Jim Carrol

[@matthewstetson1840]

Maggie does sound driven here. Her playing, all three ladies sound fabulous. This brings me great pleasure. They were one, three of a kind.

[@matthewstetson1840]

Thanks for the video.

[@cryofom]

The Roches are long time family friends. :-)

[@AddaleeBracken]

How fortunate are you?? :)

[@KailuaDon]

If there is a heaven, I'm pretty sure this is what it's going to sound like.

[@BluStile3]

Neat vocals???? My god these three are angelic. I saw them live both in the 80s and 90s. No equals for three part harmony. Fantastic and honest songs about their lives. I easily put them as the female young Simon and Garfunkel. They sing as one rather than as three. Meggie, Teri, Suzzie(sp?) thank you for many years of beautiful music.

[@douglaslippertindy]

For anyone who was privileged to hear them live, I would love to read what that was like. For crying out loud, I get chills just remembering hearing them on the overhead PA at a record store in Jackson, Michigan and being spellbound. I burned up the road getting home so I could play the LP. These ladies were beyond talented and captivating.

[@keithepley2132]

Yes! Here in Russellville, KY, I had to drive 30 miles for my vinyl.

[@timtibbitts1017]

Saw them live in Phoenix, about 1992 or 1993. They did a version of “Ireland” that was very extended in length, by them going off on a long, ethereal, almost spooky play session with a capella harmonies. People were literally gasping in their seats.

[@gerardnc]

What's amazing about musical artists is that even if your music doesn't become hugely popular, future generations will one day discover your music and be deeply touched. I'm happy to have discovered The Roches in the 80's so I can keep enjoying their music. RIP Maggie, your brilliance lives on.

[@Livedthe70s]

Beautiful. Decided I want this playing at my funeral!

[@garyreynolds3086]

I saw them in NYC at Kenny's Castaways in 1978 and it kinda changed my outlook on music and maybe life. Their music sounds as good now as it did almost 40 years ago.

[@jaynelson8288]

"Where is our down the line? How far away?" Everyone has their favorite lyrics. In a recent 2021 interview I believe it was Suzzy who said the critics centered on what they wore. Three part harmony is a precise craft which they practiced precisely for each song until ready for delivery to us.

[@campsjams]

This lyric cuts me to my core. It’s so powerful, and seems to resonate more and more as the years pass by.

[@gbpred2306]

I heard this song for the first time yesterday and I cried, unbearably beautiful

[@explodingvinyl]

This song is absolutely perfect.

[@haroldsteinblatt2567]

Lots of terrific Roche songs, but this one came from on high. I used to see them at New York's great Bottom Line, and always noticed how big Maggie's small guitar looked - and waited for her baritone "on the wrong track." RIP, so terribly sad.

[@stevenmfreeman3277]

This Roches album got me through some rough times in college. I love them so much.

[@yourmajesty1630]

I had this record. I remember my father liked it and he didn't like everything

[@nelanncal]

Came here after this beautiful song was sampled by The Avalanches!

[@mindrolling24]

I came across this song recently on Terry Hall’s Spotify playlist and at first I thought it was a bit weird, but then i listened to it again and since then it’s kind of taken over my brain in a good way! 3 Women with an acoustic guitar: they say more than any of your Beyoncé or Madonna mega shows ever could.

[@AlwaysHalloween000]

Godspeed to Maggie (October 26, 1951 - January 21, 2017)

[@jcw001]

Somehow the passing of Maggie has affected me more than i thought it would' perhaps because it was so untimely and unexpected' but i think the real reason is that her Songs had a much bigger effect on me than i realised' Rest in Peace Maggie x

[@MrAlcull]

I'd never heard this song until this morning, when an a cappella group from Yale sang it on Sydney radio.It's beautiful.

[@tj1667]

This is sampled by The Avalanches 'We will always love you' and was played on BBC 6music today. I'm glad I found it!

[@alanollier9683]

Farewell Maggie Roche, You left Us with happy memories.

[@cyclingtroll]

Wow. I love the Roches. But this- this live… ok. wow.

[@dorisporis8]

So glad that there is at least this footage of a beautiful and haunting song from times past! It's the only one I have found.

[@Myplop]

Just discovered these geniuses...amazing talent

[@mattadams5345]

So sad at the recent passing. I'll never forget this song. It's so special. Unique. RIP Maggie.

[@dbeaus]

The regret is to those who never heard their music. Beautiful voices, meaningful songs, makes you think about life, who you are and who you should be. I am sure they change many lives, they changed mine. I am her age and have seen and felt my share of loss, this one hurts. See you on the other side.

[@mikesnyder1788]

Oh no!!! I did not know this. Sorry sorry to hear of her passing. GREATEST. TRIO. EVER!!!

[@matthewstetson1840]

I just found out myself a couple months back. Another good reason to have a newspaper subscription. Rest In Peace Maggie Roche.

[@Loolooette]

My dad had me listening to them as a child. They are remarkable

[@discipline-my5hi]

Lucky lady. Hope you and your father are doing great

[@Loolooette]

He passed away three years ago. Every time I hear them, I think of him.💜

[@discipline-my5hi]

@@Loolooette my condolences. Glad you have something beautiful to remember him by

[@chadlazzara]

After seeing them in person I immediately had to purchase their LP's, probably in the 1980's. "Hammond Song," I believe, is one of their most beautiful songs. Now the band named "Whitney" has a beautiful cover available.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

Blimey - I'd forgotten about these girls, brilliant song brilliantly sung, brings a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye - and me a bloke too. Ah, girls from the past...

[@tchin2020]

I listened to The Roches like all of us back in the 70s when music was real music, Thank you ladies for the fond memories of those times....

[@wingheartsong03]

Godspeed Maggie. Thank you for the beautiful words and music.

[@tonychestnut904]

1st time I've seen them live. I'm awe struck

[@Mattyc76]

Adore this song....what a beautiful performance. Those harmonies are quite simply perfect x

[@brianmcfarlane9976]

I've kept this song in my heart from the beginning, always that safe place to go to when in doubt, thank you

[@EyecareBacklog1]

This'll be played at my funeral - for everyone who's said goodbye to someone.

[@hiturbine]

I first heard these gals sing back in 1990, while in college. A dear friend turned me on to their music. (Thank you Denise!) I was amazed with their beautiful harmonies and lyrical prose. Very sad to learn that Maggie has passed on. God speed you miss - you were unique beyond measure.

[@dukeanddauphindonald8849]

Most under-appreciated band of all time.

[@johnheals4129]

This performance made me cry. What beauty.

[@billybop65]

I’m here because of The Colour Field’s cover of this song, this is a band I had never heard of before, what a beautiful collection of harmonies ❤

[@jimchorley]

Terry Hall did a good version on that album didn't he

[@billybop65]

@@jimchorley he did, a quality version

[@sullivan2339]

Such unique quirky talent & song-writing! Their vocals slay me.

[@NewWaver80014]

RIP Maggie, and thank you for the songs. :(

[@nickbigd]

i wore this record OUT in high school. the whole thing was genius. love them so much. thanks for posting this clip.

[@CorsiniVision]

Robert Fripp did a song with Terre singing on it called Mary. Just beautifully transcendent.

[@jennifermaynard1973]

These ladies taught me alot about harmony when I started singing when I was 12 years old. I found this tape in some bargain bin in 1986. I'd never heard of them, had no idea the kind of music they sang. The harmonies of this song really stuck with me. I'm 48 now.

[@hippiehopper]

Hey, that is so great to find this. I saw them a couple of times in New York back in 1979 and was looking for them for years. What an amazing band! Thanks for posting! Good memories!!!

[@culperagent355]

Such incredibly difficult harmonies. Great performers. Love this song.

[@billvalley8698]

The best song to play while going at it with a beauty and not wanting to finish too quickly.

[@ben909ben]

I saw them in Port Dover Canada this year, small hall, 4th row, they seem to have only deepened as people and they could still sing lovely. Suzzy's daughter (with Louden Wainright 3), has a fantastic pure voice and spirit, she opened for them, Lucy Wainright Roche - check her out. I also saw them in a tent at the Winnipeg Folk Festival in 1982, just after "The Roches" came out.

[@jojokerus]

The Roches were in Seattle not many years ago - 2007 ish. Filled a medium sized hall. Also saw two of the sisters after the Zero Church album they put out together near the same time. This was at a smaller venue on Vashon Island. It was a privilege to be there.

[@multicaruana]

Possibly the first song of the new folk generation that I ever heard. Great. Brings back memories

[@Gpacharlie]

Oh yes. Folk with an African rhythm with Minnesota enunciation... WOW !!!

[@seansolo7143]

Their harmonies are gigantic. Wouldn't be surprised if there were two hidden sisters singing under the stage. 🥰

[@rinkydinkron]

WOW! This is TOO Good!!!😳😢😢😢

[@malcolmroxburgh7746]

How is this so brilliant and makes me so emotional?

[@Kensingtonlane]

This song makes me cry every time

[@robertstockdale7729]

three angels i would love to sit in and accompany these super talented angels!!!!!!

[@PaulBenjaminJenkins]

This vocal performance is OTHER WORLDLY. MY GOSH.

[@sp2435]

Live. Incredible.

[@mindslaw4961]

This song reminds me so clearly of the place and time I first heard it, and at the same time it's so redolent of a place and time I've never been

[@sphexes]

I saw them live in Detroit back in 1993. I've always loved this group with quirky lyrics and great harmonies. Check out a newer group called The Staves. More traditional approach with a very Roche like feel.

[@eauhomme]

You may also like Uncle Bonsai, a Seattle trio with quirky lyrics and harmonies. Two women who just sing and a counter-tenor man who plays guitar, writes most the songs, and sings very high. They've got videos here on KZbin.

[@dbmail545]

What beautiful harmonies❤ RIP Maggie

[@jacquesbrelfan]

one of my favourite songs of all time loved these brilliant irish american ladies for the last 35 years or so

[@davidbarker2878]

Why did I not know about these lovely people until now?

[@jaynelson8288]

Stunning three part. I run this song thru my nit wit brain a couple times a week. I lived there then and I didn’t go see them. Suzzy and her daughter and Terre perform in my area in NY on occasion. I’ll have to get out more. At least we have the internet now to go to.

[@bunitamarcus2434]

We're going to miss your incredible voice. Thank you!

[@tectonictom]

@MissEnas God, I love this song. To me, understanding it precisely isn't required. I enjoy that it's an obscure, snapshot of two people's personal communication. It's lines could be found in any of our personal expostulations with loved ones, small details shifted. Immortality for the Roches.

[@mrgears]

They are so fantastic, I can't describe it. They have dozens of fabulous songs but this one I can easily say is their best.

[@Swampzoid]

So sad that Maggie is gone now. I love that deep voice. It effects me.

[@Awareness4humanity]

I used to listen to them over and over and over as young boy. 42yrs young this Feb. Such great, powerful melodies/messages.....love them.

[@katterfelto]

Stunning

[@gordonanderson3111]

Thanks for reminding me how great these women were back in the days of the 'nickelodeon'. I recently read the book about Gerdie's Folk City, where these sisters started out as waitresses, learned from the best and built it into something Classic, symphonic even! One could "stand on the shoulders of giants", then, but giants are not nearly as big as they used to be.

[@sonnydukes]

some of the best harmonies ever...i discovered them in 1986 in denver colorado...the blond was hot back in the day...