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Neil Young — No Wonder
Album: Prairie Wind
Avg rating:
5.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 277









Released: 2005
Length: 5:35
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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See the bluebird fly easy as a dream
Dipping and bobbing in the sun
Could she be the one I saw so long ago
Could she be the one to take me home

This pasture is green
I'm walking in the sun
It's turning brown
I'm standing in the rain
My overcoat is worn
The pockets are all torn
I'm moving away from the pain

Tick-tock
The clock on the wall
No wonder we're losing time
Ring, ring
The old church bell
The bride and her love
Seeking guidance from above

Amber waves of grain bow in the prairie wind
I'm hearing Willie singing on the radio again
That song from 9/11 keeps ringing in my head
I'll always remember something Chris Rock said

Don't send no more candles
No matter what you do
Then Willie stopped singing
And the prairie wind blew
The green kept rolling on
For miles and miles
Fields of fuel rolling on for miles

Tick-tock
The clock on the wall
No wonder we're losing time
Toll, toll
The fallen soldier bell
The old church on the hill
Still standing when so many fell

Back when I was young, the birds blocked out the sun
Before the great migration south
We only shot a few
They last the winter through
Mother cooked them good and served them up

Somewhere a senator sits in a leather chair
Behind a big wooden desk
The caribou we killed mean nothing to him
He took his money just like all the rest

Tick-tock
The clock on the wall
No wonder we're losing time
Ring, ring
Ring the wedding bells
The bride takes the ring
And the happy people sing
Comments (66)add comment
Neil's right about one thing, BUSH SUCKS!!
Posted 18 years ago by Ibis99    [ Reply ]
absolutemotion wrote:
Tired of Neil Young? Get him out of your system in just 50 seconds! Here's EVERY Neil Young song you've ever heard... (click here)
how can someone who is an artist, your age and who likes so many other cool bands possibly be so closeminded about Neil?
Posted 18 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
I usually love Neil Young, but I'm not sure I dig this song
Posted 18 years ago by monkeywonders    [ Reply ]
Waybo wrote:
Yuck.
LOL ... yea and it's makin' me kind of itchy too.
Posted 18 years ago by TBD    [ Reply ]
Tired of Neil Young? Get him out of your system in just 50 seconds! Here's EVERY Neil Young song you've ever heard... (click here)
Posted 18 years ago by absolutemotion    [ Reply ]
I like the instrumentation, but the lyrics are just rambling. They don't even fit from sentence to sentence. And the tick..tock, ring..ring lines? Ugh.
Posted 18 years ago by SoundsGoodToMe    [ Reply ]
bubble_headed_beach_blond wrote:
yikes! is it me, or does the opening of this song sound just like the opening of 'find the cost of freedom?'
YES! It startled me -- I expected those gorgeous harmonies to come pouring out and was surprised when they didn't. Edit: I mean, no it's not just you.
Posted 18 years ago by vvlee    [ Reply ]
ryuujin23 wrote:
His nasal tenor voice is not all that unusual. I always thought that he, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan went to the same singing lessons. By the way, Frank Zappa has quite a few more records, but seeing that he is dead, I suppose Mr. Young has a chance to surpass Mr. Zappa.
Hmm...Neil Young, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison. One of those things is not like the other.
Posted 18 years ago by SoundsGoodToMe    [ Reply ]
lixy wrote:
I understand that Neil's nasal tenor voice might be a little too unusual for some. However, Mr. Young has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice and is the most prolific artist I know (correct me if you know anybody with more records than him). For this alone, respect is in order.
His nasal tenor voice is not all that unusual. I always thought that he, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan went to the same singing lessons. By the way, Frank Zappa has quite a few more records, but seeing that he is dead, I suppose Mr. Young has a chance to surpass Mr. Zappa.
Posted 18 years ago by ryuujin23    [ Reply ]
Compared to his back catalogue, this is pretty week. Tick Tock, waiting for this song to end.
Posted 18 years ago by ryuujin23    [ Reply ]
Neil Young singing about Chris Rock? I need a drink.
Posted 18 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]
yikes! is it me, or does the opening of this song sound just like the opening of 'find the cost of freedom?'
Posted 18 years ago by bubble_headed_beach_blond    [ Reply ]
Death_to_Clear_Channel wrote:
I've said it before and will say it again. Neil Young sucks.
So does your musical taste.
Posted 18 years ago by rocket5150    [ Reply ]
lixy wrote:
I understand that Neil's nasal tenor voice might be a little too unusual for some. However, Mr. Young has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice and is the most prolific artist I know (correct me if you know anybody with more records than him). For this alone, respect is in order.
I love Niel Young, but its not for his voice; it's for his artistry and songwriting skills. If you don't like Niel Young you should probably suspend judgement until you've heard Decade, IMHO. Some of his best work is on there; I Am a Child, Southern Man, Ohio, Cinnammon Girl, Sugar Mountain. That "I shot my baby" song... The guitar work on that ablum is really something too.
Posted 18 years ago by gtm256    [ Reply ]
guy down the street from me looks exactly like Young. Kinda sings like him too....ho hum.
Posted 18 years ago by chaostan    [ Reply ]
Death_to_Clear_Channel wrote:
I've said it before and will say it again. Neil Young sucks.
With you all the way.
Posted 18 years ago by algrif    [ Reply ]
Death_to_Clear_Channel wrote:
I've said it before and will say it again. Neil Young sucks.
I was going to rip on you for ripping on Neil, but it looks like your're a Replacement's fan, so I'll let it slide.
Posted 18 years ago by MickMan    [ Reply ]
Death_to_Clear_Channel wrote:
I've said it before and will say it again. Neil Young sucks.
I understand that Neil's nasal tenor voice might be a little too unusual for some. However, Mr. Young has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice and is the most prolific artist I know (correct me if you know anybody with more records than him). For this alone, respect is in order.
Posted 18 years ago by lixy    [ Reply ]
dapower wrote:
Like him, don't like this though. The whole thing is just too contrived.
Don't like him. Don't like this. All his stuff is too contrived. So there! (IMHO)
Posted 18 years ago by algrif    [ Reply ]
my favorite song from the album (except the Chris Rock part )
Posted 18 years ago by Alanur    [ Reply ]
Like him, don't like this though. The whole thing is just too contrived.
Posted 18 years ago by dapower    [ Reply ]
Mr. Young is still a great songwriter. Amazing.
Posted 18 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
I've said it before and will say it again. Neil Young sucks.
Posted 18 years ago by Death_to_Clear_Channel    [ Reply ]
I admire a radio station that plays material that polarizes opinion and deliberately plays less well known and, err, less popular tracks. I may not care for this track, but I am glad I have heard it in place of some Neil Young track that i have heard a zillion times before. Ok twice before, then. Market forces sure work in mysterious ways!
Posted 18 years ago by Paul_in_Australia    [ Reply ]
Put yourself in his shoes...in his 60's, a brain hemmorage scare, kids who never got a fair chance, and see what you come up with at that stage in your life. The guy is trying to make a difference in the world. Go Neil and Go Leafs Go. He knows what i am talking about.
Posted 18 years ago by jtaub    [ Reply ]
drife wrote:
Although I am fond of Neil Young, this song isn't my cup of tea. The whole thing sounds strained at best, and self-indulgent at worst.
Eeeep. Yuck. Eeeep.
Posted 18 years ago by turnergirl1of2    [ Reply ]
one of kind he...
Posted 18 years ago by godspeed    [ Reply ]
hcaudill wrote:
You know, I've listened to this album a couple of times now, and tried to like it, and I've finally given up. There are a couple of good songs, and by and large the music is good; but the lyrics are just not up to his standard. If this album didn't have Neil Young's name on it, it would be a laughingstock. I'm talking about clumsy lines like this: He sounds like a beginning songwriter who's trying too hard.
Yes, no way to disagree with your assertion and its support. But we are here to enjoy, so I recommend tuning out the lyrics and concentrating on the musical parts!
Posted 18 years ago by rKokon    [ Reply ]
You know, I've listened to this album a couple of times now, and tried to like it, and I've finally given up. There are a couple of good songs, and by and large the music is good; but the lyrics are just not up to his standard. If this album didn't have Neil Young's name on it, it would be a laughingstock. I'm talking about clumsy lines like this:
we only shot a few they last the winter through mother cooked them good and served them up
not to mention
i'll always remember something chris rock said
He sounds like a beginning songwriter who's trying too hard.
Posted 18 years ago by hcaudill    [ Reply ]
Yuck.
Posted 18 years ago by Waybo    [ Reply ]
Although I am fond of Neil Young, this song isn't my cup of tea. The whole thing sounds strained at best, and self-indulgent at worst.
Posted 18 years ago by drife    [ Reply ]
As much as I can only take Neil in small doses... I have to admit he is always changing and never stays down one path for two long. And the fact that he is a train buff is another thing I love about the guy Who doesnt like a steam engine?
Posted 18 years ago by huebdoo    [ Reply ]
Bocephus wrote:
I suppose the "godfather of grunge thing" pearl jam, nirvana, soundgarden, alice in chains etc.
Even with that said it is still an apples to oranges comparison.
Posted 18 years ago by Bizzarefall    [ Reply ]
excelent .the best song in " Prarie Wind "
Posted 18 years ago by conejo    [ Reply ]
hcaudill wrote:
Who said anything about Nirvana? What a strange comparison to make.
I suppose the "godfather of grunge thing" pearl jam, nirvana, soundgarden, alice in chains etc.
Posted 18 years ago by Bocephus    [ Reply ]
plutodazed wrote:
a bad day with Neil Young is better than a full career of Nirvana
Who said anything about Nirvana? What a strange comparison to make.
Posted 18 years ago by hcaudill    [ Reply ]
Probably my favorite song off this album. Like the images of 9/11, crooked politicians and meanwhile time moves on and there is still a little good in the world at the end.
Posted 18 years ago by Bocephus    [ Reply ]
One of my favorites from Prairie Wind. BTW, Neil will play on Saturday Night Live this weekend. Hopefully, he'll play this song. "I'm hearing Willie Nelson on the radio"
Posted 18 years ago by thrasher    [ Reply ]
Neil Old
Posted 18 years ago by hurrah    [ Reply ]
Although I don't care for this song that much, a bad day with Neil Young is better than a full career of Nirvana (Except for "Come As You Are.") mojoman wrote:
Such a good song. Too bad Neil had to sing it.
What a great quote, right or wrong, foolish or full of wisdom, whatever you think of it, it's genius. However, do not mistake lack of talent for genius.
Posted 18 years ago by plutodazed    [ Reply ]
Neil just played this the other night on the Conan O'Brien show. It was like an ol' fashioned hoe-down. It rocked and the backup singer Buffalo Girls were gorgeous!
Posted 18 years ago by thrasher    [ Reply ]
KohlDaddy wrote:
"I'll always remember something Chris Rock said..."
Was it "George Bush hates midgets"? ;)
Posted 18 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
Come on people, the lyrics aren't that bad!
Posted 18 years ago by jah_blessed    [ Reply ]
Thanks Bill for adding this to the playlist. Probably wouldn't have had a chance to hear it otherwise.
Posted 18 years ago by Cyclehawk    [ Reply ]
meadowwoods wrote:
Reminiscent of Captain Kennedy off of Hawks and Doves...
Yeah, that one, too. Although I'm sure his many detractors would disagree, repeating himself is one thing I've never noticed before from Neil Young.
Posted 18 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
Am I imagining things, or did Neil lift a chunk from the much more wonderful "World on a String" and slap it into the middle of this one?
Posted 18 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
"I'll always remember something Chris Rock said..." Ha! I had to laugh out loud at that one. Very poetic. Poor Caribou. Ha! Song is great, lyrics not so much. Is that possible? Yes, yes it is.
Posted 18 years ago by KohlDaddy    [ Reply ]
Reminiscent of Captain Kennedy off of Hawks and Doves...
Posted 18 years ago by meadowwoods    [ Reply ]
It may be not the best song on this album, and this album may not be his best one, but even though its pretty good. not everybody likes his voice, and these days its thinner than 20 years ago. but the songs are that good, so its ok with me :-)
Posted 19 years ago by dan78    [ Reply ]
Such a good song. Too bad Neil had to sing it.
Posted 19 years ago by mojoman    [ Reply ]
madtowner11 wrote:
Neil, we are worthy.
Stop it! J/K!
Posted 19 years ago by am    [ Reply ]
Neil, we are worthy.
Posted 19 years ago by madtowner11    [ Reply ]
As a Canadian who has grown up living and dying by Old Weird Neil, I reluctantly agree with you ... partially. What I've heard of this new album shares alot in common with much of Neil's recent stuff. The melody and overall sound is distinctly Neil, and it appeals to me for many reasons (some of them sentimental and some of them aesthetic), but his lyrics fall far short of the mark. Truthfully, they are juvenile and bland, but rest upon the mountain behind the artist for all to revere. Compared to his past writing, and especially compared to the high quality of folk composition surrounding listeners today, Neil's writing just isn't cutting any fresh, compelling edges. As for the "crappy voice" comment, that's juvenile and bland ... and crappily voiced ... in too many ways to list. Eul0gy wrote:
Lets say I make an album. I sing every word on it "from the heart." But I have a crappy voice and no lyrical ability. If my name is Neil Young, people fawn over it.
Posted 19 years ago by pontiff    [ Reply ]
Lets say I make an album. I sing every word on it "from the heart." But I have a crappy voice and no lyrical ability. If my name is Neil Young, people fawn over it.
Posted 19 years ago by Eul0gy    [ Reply ]
Neil's the man, can do no wrong in my book. He touches me somewhere that feels good. Re his voice, it's like taste, everyone's is different. I understand those of you that can't stand his voice, it just doesn't speak to you, just don't deny my ability to enjoy it. I don't criticize Celine Dion's voice (well, sometimes), but I understand how people enjoy what to me is pure hell......
Posted 19 years ago by valleyguy    [ Reply ]
am wrote:
Oye. Here we go again. Neil sings (and writes) from the heart and no his voice is not technically perfect. Yet I love the sound of it...that I'm happy to admit.
I agree, the best analogy I like to use is to compare music to paintings: Many paintings that are painted by painters less skillfully than for example Rembrandt are still incredibly beautiful, sometimes even more beautiful. I like NY's voice sometimes, other times not.
Posted 19 years ago by SuperWeh    [ Reply ]
Huh. Didn't realize Neil was still making new music. I'm stuck back in the CSNY days, I guess...
Posted 19 years ago by UltraNurd    [ Reply ]
madtowner11 wrote:
Yikes. Well, whatever you meant, I'll never understand why Neil Young fans won't just admit he has a sucky voice instead of defending him with words like "honesty" and "raw". Call a turd a turd and people like me (who equate Neil's voice with fingernails down the chalkboard (hmmm, maybe it's genetic?)) will respect you more. One can like Neil Young's music without liking his voice (and my hope is that the majority of his fans fall into that category).
Oye. Here we go again. Neil sings (and writes) from the heart and no his voice is not technically perfect. Yet I love the sound of it...that I'm happy to admit. It is raw and honest, emotionally charged and full of life. I dunno, it's like art or something. Neil, we are not worthy. well, some of us are
Posted 19 years ago by am    [ Reply ]
madtowner11 wrote:
Yikes. Well, whatever you meant, I'll never understand why Neil Young fans won't just admit he has a sucky voice instead of defending him with words like "honesty" and "raw". Call a turd a turd and people like me (who equate Neil's voice with fingernails down the chalkboard (hmmm, maybe it's genetic?)) will respect you more.
Maybe it's because "madtowner11's opinion" and "truth" aren't synonymous, and there's no such thing to "admit". As to the second point ... what makes you think any Neil Young fan is particularly concerned about your respect?
Posted 19 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
encore wrote:
The success of Neil's musical efforts confounds many. I never could figure out what the love/hate relationship was until I realized that the haters were hearing his sound and the lovers where hearing is voice.
Yikes. Well, whatever you meant, I'll never understand why Neil Young fans won't just admit he has a sucky voice instead of defending him with words like "honesty" and "raw". Call a turd a turd and people like me (who equate Neil's voice with fingernails down the chalkboard (hmmm, maybe it's genetic?)) will respect you more. One can like Neil Young's music without liking his voice (and my hope is that the majority of his fans fall into that category).
Posted 19 years ago by madtowner11    [ Reply ]
The success of Neil's musical efforts confounds many. I never could figure out what the love/hate relationship was until I realized that the haters were hearing his sound and the lovers where hearing is voice.
Posted 19 years ago by encore    [ Reply ]
Saw Neil on the hurricane relief benefit concert on TV. He's looking older these days like all of us, but his voice is still the voice of honesty. I like the accessibility of this no-frills arrangement, too. This CD's worth buying just for this track and "When God Made Me." Rock on, Neil!
Posted 19 years ago by sparrow    [ Reply ]
Mojoman caught my thoughts exactly. Great song but Neil's sometimes compelling voice is not up to it. Great sound though. Has there ever been a compilation of Neil Young songs sung by someone else?
Posted 19 years ago by Typesbad    [ Reply ]
octopoxho wrote:
I disagree, I LOVE his style of singing...it's raw and beautiful...
Yeah, gotta love whining!
Posted 19 years ago by cbonai    [ Reply ]
mojoman wrote:
Neil, you write the songs, but please let someone else sing them.
I disagree, I LOVE his style of singing...it's raw and beautiful...
Posted 19 years ago by octopoxho    [ Reply ]
Neil, you write the songs, but please let someone else sing them.
Posted 19 years ago by mojoman    [ Reply ]