[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
Sarah McLachlan — Blackbird
Album: I Am Sam (soundtrack)
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2546









Released: 2002
Length: 2:18
Plays (last 30 days): 0
share tweet wikiwebsitesearchamg
cd
mp3
search
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free.

Blackbird fly blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.

Blackbird fly blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.
Comments (226)add comment
ytho?
Posted 2 months ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 daliebe wrote:

Well, I've been dying to share my Sarah story somewhere. RP is as good a place as any. My wife and I were flying to Tofino, B.C. for a winter holiday. The airport (really just a little strip of pavement surrounded by forest) was fogged in and our pilot told us we had to land on the other side of the mountain range. Sarah's flight had also been diverted; she was coming home after performing a tsunami relief concert in Calgary. She looked totally bagged, and had her young daughter with her. She spoke on her cell, telling her husband "I'll just rent a car and get there in a couple hours." "Hi, I'm David," I said to her. "My name's Sarah," she answered. Well, duh. I asked if we could share a vehicle with her and she was glad to. It meant she could sit in the back and tend to her daughter who got car sick on the twisty road. Just your everyday pop star with puke on her jacket. What if I accidentally drive off a cliff? I thought morbidly. That would make me the rock equivalent of Buddy Holly's pilot. Not something I've ever aspired to. We arrived at the "airport" where her husband was waiting for her. He walked towards Sarah, veered with a startled look towards my wife and gave HER a big hug. Turns out they'd gone to high school together. And there you go. Nothing dramatic. Not even any photographic proof to my friends who have cried "bullshit." But it's my favourite brush-with-fame story, made all the more wonderful for just how completely normal it all seemed.



Your story made me increase my rating for this song by a point!
Posted 9 months ago by andrew2112    [ Reply ]
Not exactly a very original cover, but still a 7
Posted 10 months ago by jlind    [ Reply ]
Sarah was born to cover this song.
Posted 1 year ago by MassivRuss    [ Reply ]
I like this cover but I LOVE this one by Jon Batiste  blackbird
Posted 2 years ago by paloeguevo    [ Reply ]
As a Beatles fan: I approve of this version 
Posted 2 years ago by RoelantSiekman    [ Reply ]
 Ok_Sobriquet wrote:

There was a tsunami in Calgary?



It was a benefit concert in 2005 in Calgary for the 2004 tsunami 
Posted 2 years ago by debbiel    [ Reply ]
That harmonic at the end? Perfection. Excellent cover.
Posted 2 years ago by talexb    [ Reply ]
this adds nothing
actually, it subtracts
Posted 2 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
There was a tsunami in Calgary?
Posted 2 years ago by Ok_Sobriquet    [ Reply ]
Love Sarah dessert .....no cov B Bird.
Posted 2 years ago by Rockit999    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite covers of a Beatles song.
Posted 2 years ago by SpencerAR    [ Reply ]
 daliebe wrote:

Well, I've been dying to share my Sarah story somewhere. RP is as good a place as any. My wife and I were flying to Tofino, B.C. for a winter holiday. The airport (really just a little strip of pavement surrounded by forest) was fogged in and our pilot told us we had to land on the other side of the mountain range. Sarah's flight had also been diverted; she was coming home after performing a tsunami relief concert in Calgary. She looked totally bagged, and had her young daughter with her. She spoke on her cell, telling her husband "I'll just rent a car and get there in a couple hours." "Hi, I'm David," I said to her. "My name's Sarah," she answered. Well, duh. I asked if we could share a vehicle with her and she was glad to. It meant she could sit in the back and tend to her daughter who got car sick on the twisty road. Just your everyday pop star with puke on her jacket. What if I accidentally drive off a cliff? I thought morbidly. That would make me the rock equivalent of Buddy Holly's pilot. Not something I've ever aspired to. We arrived at the "airport" where her husband was waiting for her. He walked towards Sarah, veered with a startled look towards my wife and gave HER a big hug. Turns out they'd gone to high school together. And there you go. Nothing dramatic. Not even any photographic proof to my friends who have cried "bullshit." But it's my favourite brush-with-fame story, made all the more wonderful for just how completely normal it all seemed.



What a great story! "The rock equivalent of Buddy Holly's pilot." Haha!
Posted 2 years ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
Meh.
Posted 3 years ago by jjbchansen159    [ Reply ]
 flatop wrote:

...another lame Beatles cover ?  
Lets get this right only one person can pull off Beatles covers and thats William  Shatner!



What about Joe Cocker?
Posted 3 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
...another lame Beatles cover ?  
Lets get this right only one person can pull off Beatles covers and thats William  Shatner!
Posted 4 years ago by flatop    [ Reply ]
Very nice cover, Ms. McLachlan.
Posted 4 years ago by meatmike    [ Reply ]
 user4176 wrote:
Actually I really like covers of overplayed-to-exhaustion-classics that don't try to add or remove from the original. The fact that there's somebody else with his or her unique voice and perspective performing, adds enough to the song to make it the same but something completely different all at once. This only works though, if the cover artist is top class. Doesn't work at all with third rate studio musicians that do it for your supermarket shopping background pleasure.

So to conclude, I like this one very much. It breathes new life into a great song that has been played to death.
 
What user4176 said.  Covers done well are wonderful examples of different musical and vocal techniques, orchestration, and the cover artist's ability to interpret the material differently. 

I like this one; Ms McLachlan leaves in the spiritual angst, but adds a layer of brightness.  Like any other artistic endeavor, third-rate artists produce third-rate art.  In my book, Ms Lachlan is not third rate.
Posted 4 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 maggierob wrote:
I really dislike covers (or movie/TV remakes) of classics that don't add anything new. Why bother? I see this is from a soundtrack, so maybe the movie-makers were trying to save a buck by using a cover rather than the original.
 

Actually I really like covers of overplayed-to-exhaustion-classics that don't try to add or remove from the original. The fact that there's somebody else with his or her unique voice and perspective performing, adds enough to the song to make it the same but something completely different all at once. This only works though, if the cover artist is top class. Doesn't work at all with third rate studio musicians that do it for your supermarket shopping background pleasure.

So to conclude, I like this one very much. It breathes new life into a great song that has been played to death.
Posted 5 years ago by user4176    [ Reply ]
What does this "cover" add? There are better covers all over YouTube
Posted 5 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
I had heard that getting the rights to the music for this film was difficult, and it dragged well into production so all the covers wound up needing to be timed exactly like the originals to make the scoring work. 

Regardless, it all works well. Espeically so on this track. Sarah's voice really compliments the tune.
Posted 5 years ago by islander    [ Reply ]
 maggierob wrote:
I really dislike covers (or movie/TV remakes) of classics that don't add anything new. Why bother? I see this is from a soundtrack, so maybe the movie-makers were trying to save a buck by using a cover rather than the original.
 
I completely agree.  If I was out and about and heard this played like this in live performance - great, nice rendition, it would be enjoyable.  As a recording it is totally pointless.
Posted 5 years ago by adib    [ Reply ]
I really dislike covers (or movie/TV remakes) of classics that don't add anything new. Why bother? I see this is from a soundtrack, so maybe the movie-makers were trying to save a buck by using a cover rather than the original.
Posted 5 years ago by maggierob    [ Reply ]
themusicroob wrote:
You want a Blackbird cover, I'll give you a Blackbird cover:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37DHXrFfwrE
 
Yeah I find Sarah's version fine but unremarkable. Bobby's is far more interesting. I also love this one, even better than the original: 
dionne farris
Posted 5 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Amazing story... I had kind of the same wiith a local hero down in Mexico City year ago...

 daliebe wrote:
Well, I've been dying to share my Sarah story somewhere. RP is as good a place as any. My wife and I were flying to Tofino, B.C. for a winter holiday. The airport (really just a little strip of pavement surrounded by forest) was fogged in and our pilot told us we had to land on the other side of the mountain range. Sarah's flight had also been diverted; she was coming home after performing a tsunami relief concert in Calgary. She looked totally bagged, and had her young daughter with her. She spoke on her cell, telling her husband "I'll just rent a car and get there in a couple hours." "Hi, I'm David," I said to her. "My name's Sarah," she answered. Well, duh. I asked if we could share a vehicle with her and she was glad to. It meant she could sit in the back and tend to her daughter who got car sick on the twisty road. Just your everyday pop star with puke on her jacket. What if I accidentally drive off a cliff? I thought morbidly. That would make me the rock equivalent of Buddy Holly's pilot. Not something I've ever aspired to. We arrived at the "airport" where her husband was waiting for her. He walked towards Sarah, veered with a startled look towards my wife and gave HER a big hug. Turns out they'd gone to high school together. And there you go. Nothing dramatic. Not even any photographic proof to my friends who have cried "bullshit." But it's my favourite brush-with-fame story, made all the more wonderful for just how completely normal it all seemed.
 

Posted 6 years ago by PLezam9109    [ Reply ]
{#Devil_pimp}zesty cover ! matter of fact this soundtrack is all beatles covers and they are all very good
Posted 6 years ago by primm    [ Reply ]
You want a Blackbird cover, I'll give you a Blackbird cover:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37DHXrFfwrE
Posted 6 years ago by themusicroob    [ Reply ]
This song actually benefits from a female voice.  I don't know why.
Posted 6 years ago by Typesbad    [ Reply ]
 i was thinking a start of a 8 HearsayDave wrote:
With Blackbird, its almost impossible to destroy, so it starts with a benchmark of 7.

 

Posted 6 years ago by bicyclesonmain    [ Reply ]
Wow, this is very uptempo for her.
Posted 6 years ago by gmsingh123    [ Reply ]
Gawd I feel like a dummy.  At first I did not realize that this was a cover.  -hehe- 
Posted 7 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
With Blackbird, its almost impossible to destroy, so it starts with a benchmark of 7.
Posted 7 years ago by HearsayDave    [ Reply ]
the soundtrack as a whole is very good, some interesting covers!
Posted 7 years ago by primm    [ Reply ]
another pointless straight cover
adds nothing 
Posted 7 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 dsd wrote:
Great songs beget great covers.  This is a fine one.
 
I had just dubbed this tune "pretty good" as a sraight cover of the outstanding original...and just then the bells came in at the bridge... And I thought "they tinkered just enough with the arrangement to make it special without spoiling the essence of the song." So +1 to a Quite Likeable. "
Posted 8 years ago by bluejay08003    [ Reply ]
I prefer Paul mc cartney  only with his acoustic guitar live!!
Posted 8 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Great songs beget great covers.  This is a fine one.
Posted 9 years ago by dsd    [ Reply ]
 DeemerDave wrote:

Apparently Sarah has a time machine and gave this song to Paul McCartney. She is awsome!

 
heh
 
Posted 10 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
A thoroughly competent, faithful cover. Suitable for bar gigs and movie soundtracks. 

Any other reason to play & listen? Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?

#unnecessarycover 
Posted 10 years ago by MassivRuss    [ Reply ]
Sam I am..
Posted 10 years ago by coolpeople_rule    [ Reply ]
I don't usually like covers of songs I really, really like, but this holds its own quite well.
Posted 11 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
 somnium wrote:
The Jaco Pastorius version is simply splendid, too. I wonder if it has been uploaded...

Edit: I checked. No Jaco Pastorius! WAAAAUUGH!!!

 
If we're going to talk covers of this song, I'll put my two cents in for Evan Rachel Wood's version form the Across The Universe soundtrack.It's not really a great soundtrack, but the cover of Blackbird is wonderful -- sparse, emotional and beautiful.
Posted 11 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
 terrapin52 wrote:
Super creative to compose this one.  Where does she come up with this?  Amazing!  She really earned her keep composing this score. Keep writing great songs, Sarah.  You are an original.  

 
Apparently Sarah has a time machine and gave this song to Paul McCartney. She is awsome!
Posted 11 years ago by DeemerDave    [ Reply ]
best
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMpVZYyLdWs
 
Posted 11 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
The Jaco Pastorius version is simply splendid, too. I wonder if it has been uploaded...

Edit: I checked. No Jaco Pastorius! WAAAAUUGH!!!
Posted 11 years ago by somnium    [ Reply ]
Great Soundtrack!
Posted 11 years ago by Baketown    [ Reply ]
 gosvimmink wrote:
NO. NO. NO. you may not cover this song
 
 Not unless you do a really good job of it - which Sarah does.
Posted 12 years ago by medoras    [ Reply ]
Great sound track, it has all Beatles covers
Posted 12 years ago by Baketown    [ Reply ]
NO. NO. NO. you may not cover this song
Posted 12 years ago by gosvimmink    [ Reply ]
 I like Sarah. My first thought on hearing this was Anne Murray.....
Posted 12 years ago by mgoldman    [ Reply ]
Sarah Mac has the tenderest voice I've ever heard.
An angel on Earth.
I am smitten! 
Posted 12 years ago by MirageRF    [ Reply ]
This is a great soundtrack,  all Beatles covers
Posted 12 years ago by Baketown    [ Reply ]
 terrapin52 wrote:
Super creative to compose this one.  Where does she come up with this?  Amazing!  She really earned her keep composing this score. Keep writing great songs, Sarah.  You are an original.  
 
Profound zing.  {#Think}  It reminds me of that one time where the Beatles wrote "Twist and Shout", "Baby It's You" and "Please Mister Postman".  No wait....
Posted 12 years ago by pcicatar    [ Reply ]
 terrapin52 wrote:
Super creative to compose this one.  Where does she come up with this?  Amazing!  She really earned her keep composing this score. Keep writing great songs, Sarah.  You are an original.  
 
Never heard of a "cover?"
Posted 12 years ago by prairiedogj    [ Reply ]
Super creative to compose this one.  Where does she come up with this?  Amazing!  She really earned her keep composing this score. Keep writing great songs, Sarah.  You are an original.  
Posted 13 years ago by terrapin52    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

I think the way you TOLD this story makes it more magical. "Just your everyday pop star with puke on her jacket."  Sitting here smiling, and definitely appreciating "Blackbird" a lot as a result. Thanks for sharing.
 
Top one, I love RP.
Posted 14 years ago by Albert1967    [ Reply ]
 daliebe wrote:
Well, I've been dying to share my Sarah story somewhere. RP is as good a place as any. My wife and I were flying to Tofino, B.C. for a winter holiday. The airport (really just a little strip of pavement surrounded by forest) was fogged in and our pilot told us we had to land on the other side of the mountain range. Sarah's flight had also been diverted; she was coming home after performing a tsunami relief concert in Calgary. She looked totally bagged, and had her young daughter with her. She spoke on her cell, telling her husband "I'll just rent a car and get there in a couple hours." "Hi, I'm David," I said to her. "My name's Sarah," she answered. Well, duh. I asked if we could share a vehicle with her and she was glad to. It meant she could sit in the back and tend to her daughter who got car sick on the twisty road. Just your everyday pop star with puke on her jacket. What if I accidentally drive off a cliff? I thought morbidly. That would make me the rock equivalent of Buddy Holly's pilot. Not something I've ever aspired to. We arrived at the "airport" where her husband was waiting for her. He walked towards Sarah, veered with a startled look towards my wife and gave HER a big hug. Turns out they'd gone to high school together. And there you go. Nothing dramatic. Not even any photographic proof to my friends who have cried "bullshit." But it's my favourite brush-with-fame story, made all the more wonderful for just how completely normal it all seemed.
 
I think the way you TOLD this story makes it more magical. "Just your everyday pop star with puke on her jacket."  Sitting here smiling, and definitely appreciating "Blackbird" a lot as a result. Thanks for sharing.

Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Thank you; beautiful.
Posted 14 years ago by chehree    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
Covering a Beatles tune is an ominous task (you know there will always be Beatles fans who say "it's not as good as the original!") but I think she does a good job. CSN often do a nice cover of Blackbird in their live shows; not sure if they've ever "officially" released a version.
 
Totally agree!!

Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Just NO!!!!
Posted 14 years ago by tipper    [ Reply ]
Covering a Beatles tune is an ominous task (you know there will always be Beatles fans who say "it's not as good as the original!") but I think she does a good job. CSN often do a nice cover of Blackbird in their live shows; not sure if they've ever "officially" released a version.
Posted 15 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite songs to play on guitar.
Posted 15 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
There are a lot of gems on this album
Posted 15 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
IMHO this song is one of the greatest ever written within its' genre, got to be at least a 9 from Sara, 10 from the Liverpool Lads however........darn fine guit work, what an inspired piece of work the original was.............
Posted 15 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
 Pyro wrote:

I don't normally care for Beatles covers, but I like this.  


I originally thought WTF, "this is a ballsy act to attempt to cover this track." But when I saw the context, it made sense.

I haven't seen this film, but can vouch for Across the Universe. The latter I thought I'd hate, but it was actually very fun and they did a great job with the, uh, visuals.

Oh, wait. I DID see I Am Sam and recall that I hated it. In fact, I can't remember a Sean Penn film that I have liked.
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
That Paul guy sure knew/knows how to pen a good tune.{#Angel}
Posted 15 years ago by ICHawk    [ Reply ]
A real talent.
Posted 16 years ago by birdland    [ Reply ]
I like this cover.
Posted 17 years ago by Alafia    [ Reply ]
Its a beautiful song in its own right, and Sarah has a beautiful voice. Why not? I'd say the result is lovely.
Posted 17 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
I like Sarah, but not this. Keep to the original.
Posted 17 years ago by pushkinjim    [ Reply ]
I like her natural, casual style on this. Just hanging out on the back porch or by the fireplace sharing one of her favorites with friends.
Posted 17 years ago by ambliance    [ Reply ]
Song....I like. The film really did not make an impression.
Posted 17 years ago by sutcliff    [ Reply ]
gormeister wrote:
yikes. not even close. let the original be.
I don't normally care for Beatles covers, but I like this. She has a lovely voice, IMHO. Takes all kinds, eh?
Posted 17 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
Scoop your notes much?
Posted 17 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
yikes. not even close. let the original be.
Posted 17 years ago by gormeister    [ Reply ]
daliebe wrote:
Well, I've been dying to share my Sarah story somewhere. RP is as good a place as any.
I saw Sarah in concert in '04 and of all the performers I've seen she seemed the most, well, real. Humble. Generous. Personable. Her connection with the audience was so great that even though I was in the middle of Staples Center I felt like I was watching her perform in a small venue.
Posted 17 years ago by jojopodo    [ Reply ]
Geecheeboy wrote:
...Nice clean pickin too. Better than MY version for sure.
Yeah, takes a little more work than it appears at first.
Posted 17 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]
daliebe wrote:
Well, I've been dying to share my Sarah story somewhere. RP is as good a place as any. My wife and I were flying to Tofino, B.C. for a winter holiday. The airport (really just a little strip of pavement surrounded by forest) was fogged in and our pilot told us we had to land on the other side of the mountain range. Sarah's flight had also been diverted; she was coming home after performing a tsunami relief concert in Calgary. She looked totally bagged, and had her young daughter with her. She spoke on her cell, telling her husband "I'll just rent a car and get there in a couple hours." "Hi, I'm David," I said to her. "My name's Sarah," she answered. Well, duh. I asked if we could share a vehicle with her and she was glad to. It meant she could sit in the back and tend to her daughter who got car sick on the twisty road. Just your everyday pop star with puke on her jacket. What if I accidentally drive off a cliff? I thought morbidly. That would make me the rock equivalent of Buddy Holly's pilot. Not something I've ever aspired to. We arrived at the "airport" where her husband was waiting for her. He walked towards Sarah, veered with a startled look towards my wife and gave HER a big hug. Turns out they'd gone to high school together. And there you go. Nothing dramatic. Not even any photographic proof to my friends who have cried "bullshit." But it's my favourite brush-with-fame story, made all the more wonderful for just how completely normal it all seemed.
Talk about six degress of separation! What a great story.
Posted 17 years ago by tapatia    [ Reply ]
daliebe wrote:
Well, I've been dying to share my Sarah story somewhere. RP is as good a place as any.
Great story-- now that's something that would never happen in Los Angeles. I see "stars" all the time at LAX. Offering to share a ride would probably get you shot by one of their handlers.
Posted 17 years ago by YourNameHere    [ Reply ]
Hey, nice story :) daliebe wrote:
Well, I've been dying to share my Sarah story somewhere. RP is as good a place as any. My wife and I were flying to Tofino, B.C. for a winter holiday. The airport (really just a little strip of pavement surrounded by forest) was fogged in and our pilot told us we had to land on the other side of the mountain range. Sarah's flight had also been diverted; she was coming home after performing a tsunami relief concert in Calgary. She looked totally bagged, and had her young daughter with her. She spoke on her cell, telling her husband "I'll just rent a car and get there in a couple hours." "Hi, I'm David," I said to her. "My name's Sarah," she answered. Well, duh. I asked if we could share a vehicle with her and she was glad to. It meant she could sit in the back and tend to her daughter who got car sick on the twisty road. Just your everyday pop star with puke on her jacket. What if I accidentally drive off a cliff? I thought morbidly. That would make me the rock equivalent of Buddy Holly's pilot. Not something I've ever aspired to. We arrived at the "airport" where her husband was waiting for her. He walked towards Sarah, veered with a startled look towards my wife and gave HER a big hug. Turns out they'd gone to high school together. And there you go. Nothing dramatic. Not even any photographic proof to my friends who have cried "bullshit." But it's my favourite brush-with-fame story, made all the more wonderful for just how completely normal it all seemed.
Posted 17 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
I actually like ti better than Pauls version...lets face it this not a Beatle song but a Paul song.
Posted 17 years ago by eastcoast    [ Reply ]
daliebe wrote:
And there you go. Nothing dramatic. Not even any photographic proof to my friends who have cried "bullshit." But it's my favourite brush-with-fame story, made all the more wonderful for just how completely normal it all seemed.
And quite a nice story it is.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
daliebe wrote:
Well, I've been dying to share my Sarah story somewhere. RP is as good a place as any. My wife and I were flying to Tofino, B.C. for a winter holiday. The airport (really just a little strip of pavement surrounded by forest) was fogged in and our pilot told us we had to land on the other side of the mountain range. Sarah's flight had also been diverted; she was coming home after performing a tsunami relief concert in Calgary. She looked totally bagged, and had her young daughter with her. She spoke on her cell, telling her husband "I'll just rent a car and get there in a couple hours." "Hi, I'm David," I said to her. "My name's Sarah," she answered. Well, duh. I asked if we could share a vehicle with her and she was glad to. It meant she could sit in the back and tend to her daughter who got car sick on the twisty road. Just your everyday pop star with puke on her jacket. What if I accidentally drive off a cliff? I thought morbidly. That would make me the rock equivalent of Buddy Holly's pilot. Not something I've ever aspired to. We arrived at the "airport" where her husband was waiting for her. He walked towards Sarah, veered with a startled look towards my wife and gave HER a big hug. Turns out they'd gone to high school together. And there you go. Nothing dramatic. Not even any photographic proof to my friends who have cried "bullshit." But it's my favourite brush-with-fame story, made all the more wonderful for just how completely normal it all seemed.
too cool! totally!
Posted 17 years ago by driver8    [ Reply ]
Well, I've been dying to share my Sarah story somewhere. RP is as good a place as any. My wife and I were flying to Tofino, B.C. for a winter holiday. The airport (really just a little strip of pavement surrounded by forest) was fogged in and our pilot told us we had to land on the other side of the mountain range. Sarah's flight had also been diverted; she was coming home after performing a tsunami relief concert in Calgary. She looked totally bagged, and had her young daughter with her. She spoke on her cell, telling her husband "I'll just rent a car and get there in a couple hours." "Hi, I'm David," I said to her. "My name's Sarah," she answered. Well, duh. I asked if we could share a vehicle with her and she was glad to. It meant she could sit in the back and tend to her daughter who got car sick on the twisty road. Just your everyday pop star with puke on her jacket. What if I accidentally drive off a cliff? I thought morbidly. That would make me the rock equivalent of Buddy Holly's pilot. Not something I've ever aspired to. We arrived at the "airport" where her husband was waiting for her. He walked towards Sarah, veered with a startled look towards my wife and gave HER a big hug. Turns out they'd gone to high school together. And there you go. Nothing dramatic. Not even any photographic proof to my friends who have cried "bullshit." But it's my favourite brush-with-fame story, made all the more wonderful for just how completely normal it all seemed.
Posted 17 years ago by daliebe    [ Reply ]
rixtar99 wrote:
Some of you think that if you cover a Beatle song you should go to jail. Sarah makes it her own and does a good job.
Yeah for one thing she capoes up and changes the key a little. Nice clean pickin too. Better than MY version for sure.
Posted 18 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
No No No No No Honey, Don't do that. It's bad Manners and it doesnt sound so good. I don't hear anything original brought to the table here at all. My kindest of compliments to the composer.
Posted 18 years ago by sandpebble    [ Reply ]
:}
Posted 18 years ago by denizenusa    [ Reply ]
She should sing a duet with Paul.
Posted 18 years ago by iMacomania    [ Reply ]
This is one of the few if not the only tolerable cuts on the I Am Sam CD. Very nice. Most Beatles covers are forced and pointless.
Posted 18 years ago by Essbee    [ Reply ]
Some of you think that if you cover a Beatle song you should go to jail. Sarah makes it her own and does a good job.
Posted 18 years ago by rixtar99    [ Reply ]
Um . . . . no.
Posted 18 years ago by dango    [ Reply ]
Hob wrote:
Lots of people here saying "What has she added". Umm... her voice?
Would she mind taking it back?
Posted 19 years ago by BKardon    [ Reply ]
Love Sarah, but this one just wasn't really going anywhere for me. A bit like my cooking - all the right ingredients, but didn't quite live up to expectations!
Posted 19 years ago by Akaiila    [ Reply ]
Not bad. Prefer the original.
I agree. But all the same, it's better than nothing. I have the original if I want to hear it, anyway.
Posted 19 years ago by Birchleaf    [ Reply ]
chasech5 wrote:
Not bad. Prefer the original.
My feelings exactly.
Posted 19 years ago by redbird    [ Reply ]
atticus wrote:
Didn't see the movie. Don't really want to watch Sean Penn in this role. Can understand now why she even attempted the cover, if it was for a movie sound track. But, unfortunately, didn't want to hear someone else, no matter how beautiful her voice, touch something so perfect as McCartney's "Blackbird." Tried to listen to it with an open-mind, but in the end, felt disappointed. Saddened. It's a bit like Feliciano covering The Doors gem, Light My Fire, isn't it.
"What would possess an artist to cover a Beatles song? It's an important question to ponder while listening to this album. The Sean Penn Oscar-bait movie couldn't get access to original Beatles' songs, so they went to V2 records and assembled a quickie lineup of seventeen covers from today's top alterna-acts. It's no surprise that the album is a mixed bag to say the least." (click here) Even so, I LOVE Sarah McLachlan and I LOVE her version of this song :D
Posted 19 years ago by jbtidwell    [ Reply ]
Kinda like listening to William Shatner sing In da Gadda da Vida.
Posted 19 years ago by mxdcec    [ Reply ]
Great song+great singer=great remake, though original still rules still is the best!
Posted 19 years ago by cbonai    [ Reply ]
Didn't see the movie. Don't really want to watch Sean Penn in this role. Can understand now why she even attempted the cover, if it was for a movie sound track. But, unfortunately, didn't want to hear someone else, no matter how beautiful her voice, touch something so perfect as McCartney's "Blackbird." Tried to listen to it with an open-mind, but in the end, felt disappointed. Saddened. It's a bit like Feliciano covering The Doors gem, Light My Fire, isn't it.
Posted 19 years ago by atticus    [ Reply ]
Well, I can't help it. I love this cover. Her voice is so well suited to the simplicity of this song, and I love that she respects the song for that very simplicity.
Posted 19 years ago by Beanie    [ Reply ]
Not bad. Prefer the original.
Posted 19 years ago by chasech5    [ Reply ]
farleym wrote:
I'm not a big Beatles fan, but I like this song. I would say I like this version better, simply because I like Sarah McLaclan's soft voice. Someone earlier called it a "respectful" cover. I concur. She's got a beautiful voice, lent to a beautiful song.
If she respected the song, she'd avoid cookie-cutting it for profit. I like Sarah's voice too, but she doesn't know better than to leave well enoguh alone. Siouxie did a great "Dear Prudence" cover precisely because she dropped the respect and breathed new life into a classic.
Posted 19 years ago by Trustocity    [ Reply ]
radiojunkie wrote:
When the revised edition of your dictionary comes out, be sure to change that to "this recording"
:oops: LOL - too right, wot. Just what I meant.
Posted 19 years ago by Trustocity    [ Reply ]
I'm not a big Beatles fan, but I like this song. I would say I like this version better, simply because I like Sarah McLaclan's soft voice. Someone earlier called it a "respectful" cover. I concur. She's got a beautiful voice, lent to a beautiful song.
Posted 19 years ago by farleym    [ Reply ]
Trustocity wrote:
un.ne.ces.sa.ry (adj) 1. this song
When the revised edition of your dictionary comes out, be sure to change that to "this recording"
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
un.ne.ces.sa.ry (adj) 1. this song
Posted 19 years ago by Trustocity    [ Reply ]
Hob wrote:
Lots of people here saying "What has she added". Umm... her voice?
Ah well, in classical music it's often desirable to stay as close as possible to how the composer meant the composition to be, so in that respect. Even then there's still lots left to be added, like a certain feel, a better (other) way of recording it and indeed the voice. So in that respect. After all, aren't The Beatles classical also, by now?
Posted 19 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
Lots of people here saying "What has she added". Umm... her voice?
Posted 19 years ago by Hob    [ Reply ]
Anyone else gets goosebumps simply from the lyrics, regardless of whether it's the original or this cover?
Posted 19 years ago by Beastie    [ Reply ]
Well done, by which I mean basically indistinguishable from the original. What was the point of this cover?
Posted 19 years ago by physicsgenius    [ Reply ]
I generally don't like Beatles covers *, but I'll make an exception with this one. Nicely done. * The only other Beatles cover that was better than the original was Al Jarreau's rendering of "She's Leaving Home," which is simply spectacular. I'd upload it for Bill's consideration, but I don't have it in digital form. It's on an old scratchy LP. Anyone else have it to upload for Bill's consideration?
Posted 19 years ago by mojoman    [ Reply ]
I love the combination of what was always a lovely song with Sarah McLachlan's beautiful voice. Some covers don't have to be particularly different from the original to be good.
Posted 19 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
Sacrilege.
Posted 19 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]
amitishere wrote:
From the AMG entry on this album: The filmmakers' original plan was to use the Beatles' original versions of songs in the film, but it was stonewalled by the band's strict self-imposed policy of not licensing their music for films. Instead, the producers decided to use new recordings of the songs by contemporary artists. Further complicating the issue, the film had also been sequenced to match the pacing of the original songs, so many of the new versions needed to match the exact tempo and length of the classic versions.
That's just bad planning. Thanks for the info, though!
Posted 19 years ago by mrselfdestruct    [ Reply ]
I love this. simple. So what if its been done before. perhaps she liked it thier way. Someone else would have complained if she'd cahnged it.
Posted 19 years ago by callum    [ Reply ]
I love this cover! the voicing is simple, perhaps that's why other listeners have rated it lower.
Posted 20 years ago by bluelight    [ Reply ]
rolo wrote:
Sweet .... Beautiful ... respectful cover .... :nodhead:
The best opinion I have read so far...My final answer..8
Posted 20 years ago by masterhead    [ Reply ]
This is one of those songs in which you cannot improve on the original, and which should probably not be covered. The Swingle Singers have done the best cover of this song I have heard, and it's still nowhere near the original.
Posted 20 years ago by LazyMF    [ Reply ]
wow, there's a pretty wide gap on the opinions of this one. I like it, I like it a lot. It still falls short of a very bad recording (bootleg) of Sting doing this live that I found on a CD that was left in a rental car.. if only I could find that original...
Posted 20 years ago by islander    [ Reply ]
lowelltr wrote:
Bad cover of a bad song by bad original artists, by a more recent bad artist.....dreary
Dude, did you just insult the Beatles? Bad artists? Woa. Overrated perhaps, but bad artists?
Posted 20 years ago by KohlDaddy    [ Reply ]