Hi, this is Neil. Link to the NYA info-card for this song with press, documents, manuscripts, photos, videos. Look around NYA for fun and listening! ALL my music in high resolution at neilyoungarchives.com/info-card?track=t1971_0119_08
Astonishing feat of willpower and heart to tour and record that year (1971) with spinal pain. This music was a soundtrack for my teen years and fundamental to me as a guitarist and songwriter. Amazing folklore around the whole Harvest project. Many thanks Neil Young for all your work in all spheres.
This is my first time hearing this song, and I feel so overwhelmed. I'm crying, but I'm not sure I know why I'm crying. Maybe that's what the greatest art does--it allows us to access something inside ourselves we didn't know was there.
Well said. You should check out the live version of this song from The Last Waltz with Neil Young, The Band and Joni Mitchell. It's also very good. Cheers
I remember my dad used to make me listen to Neil young all the time as we shot pool in the basement. I'd beg him to change it. Now that he's gone I get choked up whenever I listen to Neil
Bud same here, pops would put the old records I always hated. Shooting pool in the basement. Never forget those times. “It’s better to burn out than to fade away”
Thank you so much for what you sacrificed for the freedom I/we still have. I'm so awfully sorry for the way you heros were treated when you got back. I hope it's of some comfort to realize this great country has matured as to not blame you putting their life on the line for something they disagree with politically. What idiots we were. So, so sorry.
Neal make me remember so much of my youth its like stop this was me then seven times i saw him and i feel like I'm there when i here him hello Johnny rotten
That's the beauty of a good number of Neil Young's songs... even though he's singing of his own childhood, he does it in such an inviting way that it pulls you in. I think anyone who spent their early childhood years in a small town, and then suddenly lost that world due to a family circumstance of having to move away, can REALLY feel this song.
There is a town in north Ontario, With dream comfort memory to spare, And in my mind I still need a place to go, All my changes were there. Blue, blue windows behind the stars, Yellow moon on the rise, Big birds flying across the sky, Throwing shadows on our eyes. Leave us Helpless, helpless, helpless Baby can you hear me now? The chains are locked and tied across the door, Baby, sing with me somehow. Blue, blue windows behind the stars, Yellow moon on the rise, Big birds flying across the sky, Throwing shadows on our eyes. Leave us Helpless, helpless, helpless.
My fist time hearing this song. Loved it as I do all of his music. One great source of inspiration. Discovering Neil Young's music is like finding a new color.
I am 63 now heard this first back in my 20's and it really grabbed me. I still don't really know why. I guess it's a little like the last time you defended the right to cry when you were 5 or 6. Remember how that felt.
i often find myself looking through the comments on videos of this song just to see the feelings it brought out to different people at different times, it amazes and excites me for what is to come
I hope you didn't have to go. My parents and their friends (those who were going on to college/safe) started a crisis intervention program that basically found each boy (because, face it, high school graduates are still just boys) a medical reason to exempt from the draft. Plenty of guys wanted to go but some weren't built to kill a fly and they were terrified; they didn't want to go die in a senseless war- which they surely would have done. Flat feet? Heart murmur? My mama fed an exceedingly healthy guy a ball of tin foil that read as an ulcer in his stomach. HIS older brother had already gone months prior and he died 17 hours after they'd dropped his unit into that jungle. His mama's spirit was shattered and she begged her youngest not to go. CI made sure he didn't have to. My parents grew up to be trump humping republicans.. but at the time.. they knew their country was sending boys off to die for nothing at all.. and they managed to save quite a lot of them from that fate.
Visting a close friend in psychiatric ward after his many problems. One of the last things he did was make me a tape, this song meant most ,to me and him,will always remember him when I hear it. Thank you.
A memory we were sitting ina field , some of us crying some looking for a reason. We tried so hard to end the Vietnam . We were burned out . This song takes us back there. We love you Neil .
Hey Ryan - While I hope it’s not 8 years too late, it sounds like you are going through some stuff as we ALL do at some point in our life. I can only guess that’s what brings us to Neil’s music, as he too has dealt with some personal issues. But I want you to know there’s hope. Have faith in the Lord and He’ll guide all of us during most troublesome time of our life irrespective of how desolate it may seem. God bless brother and here’s to better days ahead.
@@ziaislam2473 Umm...while you may have been late for Ryan, you helped me. Not the 'having faith in the Lord' but hearing from someone who cares. Hope you are well these past 8 mths & Thank you.
Such a great venue to drink in all the God given talent that sat before them that evening......nobody scrolling through their phones. Just sitting and taking in all that talent.....
Thank god I finally woke up to this guy at the beginning of the seventies. Should of been earlier but then I was living in Wales. Thanks Neil for blessing us with your music and spirit.
As good as it gets. Im watching this 7/1/20 from sw Florida. There is a Pandemic and all the local ICU beds are full. It was 110° with the index today. Trump is still talking all kinds of stupid shit. This song had me crying. It felt good. I needed to.
@@anniefannycharles9951 I lived in Florida Annie and know how miserable the heat can be. I actually left there because of it . I hope you have good AC . Take Care ?
The Decade album was my first introduction to Neil Young via my bro who was 3 years older than I. He's gone too soon. I carry his legacy through tunes he introduced me to.
The Massy Hall Live is the best in my opinion...young, pure, unjaded, real and so close to those formative places he sings about... and Massey Hall acoustics, ❤️
7 or 8 years ago I went to a Neil Young concert. The stage was loaded with instruments, but Neil came out by himself. I expected the band to follow, but they never did. Neil played every instrument on the stage. What a concert!
Grew up listening to this gem. My brother used to play Neil when he took me fishing when I was 9-12 and now it is absolute comfort every time I listen. I hope it’s about Omemee and not Sudbury. ;)
Neil Young live is always the best, by himself or with a band doesn’t matter. It’s nice to be able to do all your stuff solo, that way you don’t have to put up with any BS.
Sounds like many moments in my life... helpless, helpless, helpless. And that's all we can bring to that which is life... or existence... or better yet Being (helplessness). We can only be helpless to that which confronts us, but we can only use our will to love to make things better. Luckily, Neil sang to us about our "Will to love". Neil is not only a great song writer, but he is also a deep 'Spiritual' source for those who can see!!! Have you seen?
Helpless was recorded in late 1969 and released in march of 1970. Knockin' on Heavens Door wasn't released till 1973 so if any song sounds like the other its Knockin' that sounds like Helpless.
This song came into my head and I was singing it while grocery shopping and driving., ive always loved it though I can't recall when I last heard it. Simple beautiful evocative
I saw an interview of David Crosby on one of the CSNY or general rock documentaries some years ago. Crosby said he saw Neil reading the Time or Life magazine article about Kent St, the one with the students crying in agony over the dead girl's body. Neil then goes off for about an hour, and comes back with the written lyrics of this new song he had just written, and played it for Crosby and Nash I think it was. Crosby said Neil singing those raw words fresh off the headlines brought instant tears to their eyes.
We can always count on Young to bring a song home to us and doesn't give a shit when rattling more than a few cages along the way. A singularly outstanding artist.
Hi, this is Neil. Link to the NYA info-card for this song with press, documents, manuscripts, photos, videos. Look around NYA for fun and listening! ALL my music in high resolution at neilyoungarchives.com/info-card?track=t1971_0119_08
This is really you ?! I FKING LOVE YOU!
Astonishing feat of willpower and heart to tour and record that year (1971) with spinal pain. This music was a soundtrack for my teen years and fundamental to me as a guitarist and songwriter.
Amazing folklore around the whole Harvest project.
Many thanks Neil Young for all your work in all spheres.
Thanks for selling out and becoming a commercialized product. Lost a lifelong fan
@@davebouchier9712 oh Boo hoo
@@barrelboy8713 get lost goof
This is my first time hearing this song, and I feel so overwhelmed. I'm crying, but I'm not sure I know why I'm crying. Maybe that's what the greatest art does--it allows us to access something inside ourselves we didn't know was there.
Well said. You should check out the live version of this song from The Last Waltz with Neil Young, The Band and Joni Mitchell. It's also very good. Cheers
Welcome to the world of Neil Young. He tends to have that effect on ya. 👍 it’s good to cry though. He would agree.
K.D Lang version is the one you want..
I have heard this song hundreds of times... I'm shedding a tear as I listen again. I'm moving to north bay soon. Yeah Neil is truly unique.
Because it's beautiful
I remember my dad used to make me listen to Neil young all the time as we shot pool in the basement. I'd beg him to change it. Now that he's gone I get choked up whenever I listen to Neil
OLE DAD WAS TRYIN TO OPEN YOUR EYES AND MIND A LIL BIT!!
my dad passed last month n now I'm listening to his music
Bud same here, pops would put the old records I always hated. Shooting pool in the basement. Never forget those times. “It’s better to burn out than to fade away”
That’s hilarious and wholesome
Too true. Resisted and resisted. Even with college roommates (I was punk AF). Then one day it hit.....hard. Neil (and others) devotee since
when i got home in 71 i was a mess. i immersed myself with going to shows and listening to music. found comfort in your music, thanks.
God bless Kevin.
From nam?
Hope you're doing well now, Kevin, and keeping safe. May blessings always find their way to you in the end.
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much for what you sacrificed for the freedom I/we still have. I'm so awfully sorry for the way you heros were treated when you got back. I hope it's of some comfort to realize this great country has matured as to not blame you putting their life on the line for something they disagree with politically. What idiots we were. So, so sorry.
C'mon..who else gets chills when they listen to this song....
Neal make me remember so much of my youth its like stop this was me then seven times i saw him and i feel like I'm there when i here him hello Johnny rotten
Everybody with a soul
Always. And it’s been a favorite of mine for decades.
That's the beauty of a good number of Neil Young's songs... even though he's singing of his own childhood, he does it in such an inviting way that it pulls you in. I think anyone who spent their early childhood years in a small town, and then suddenly lost that world due to a family circumstance of having to move away, can REALLY feel this song.
Helped me make it thru the war
Man, who got s shiver down their spine listening to this?
There is a town in north Ontario,
With dream comfort memory to spare,
And in my mind
I still need a place to go,
All my changes were there.
Blue, blue windows behind the stars,
Yellow moon on the rise,
Big birds flying across the sky,
Throwing shadows on our eyes.
Leave us
Helpless, helpless, helpless
Baby can you hear me now?
The chains are locked
and tied across the door,
Baby, sing with me somehow.
Blue, blue windows behind the stars,
Yellow moon on the rise,
Big birds flying across the sky,
Throwing shadows on our eyes.
Leave us
Helpless, helpless, helpless.
God, I love this song
I cry everytime I hear this song. Neil tells u a good story. Brings back a lot of memories. We love you Neil. ❤❤❤
My fist time hearing this song. Loved it as I do all of his music. One great source of inspiration. Discovering Neil Young's music is like finding a new color.
This is one of his greatest and most classic songs. It is almost 50 years old...but the lyrics and music are timeless.
"...like discovering a new color". What a cool way to put. Very Neil Young!
I am 63 now heard this first back in my 20's and it really grabbed me. I still don't really know why. I guess it's a little like the last time you defended the right to cry when you were 5 or 6. Remember how that felt.
+william winget I'm 58 was just a kid when when I got turned on to CSN&Y then NEIL went solo both bands so damn poetic fantastic tunes
+william winget that the way i feel it wont go away and i am the age as you
A tad older at 69, and I feel the same, a great song from a great man...
Agreed from a 64 year old youngster.
this song is on the deja-vu album by crosby, stills, Nash & young.
i often find myself looking through the comments on videos of this song just to see the feelings it brought out to different people at different times, it amazes and excites me for what is to come
One of the saddest goddamn songs I've ever heard. Gorgeous.
This is my favorite Neil Young 🎵 song!!!❤ Neil is my favorite rocker!
Best song ever. First heard when I was getting out of HS...facing draft to Vietnam...felt Helpless”.
I hope you didn't have to go. My parents and their friends (those who were going on to college/safe) started a crisis intervention program that basically found each boy (because, face it, high school graduates are still just boys) a medical reason to exempt from the draft. Plenty of guys wanted to go but some weren't built to kill a fly and they were terrified; they didn't want to go die in a senseless war- which they surely would have done. Flat feet? Heart murmur? My mama fed an exceedingly healthy guy a ball of tin foil that read as an ulcer in his stomach. HIS older brother had already gone months prior and he died 17 hours after they'd dropped his unit into that jungle. His mama's spirit was shattered and she begged her youngest not to go. CI made sure he didn't have to. My parents grew up to be trump humping republicans.. but at the time.. they knew their country was sending boys off to die for nothing at all.. and they managed to save quite a lot of them from that fate.
Visting a close friend in psychiatric ward after his many problems.
One of the last things he did was make me a tape, this song meant most ,to me and him,will always remember him when I hear it.
Thank you.
A memory we were sitting ina field , some of us crying some looking for a reason. We tried so hard to end the Vietnam . We were burned out . This song takes us back there. We love you Neil .
I feel you. I come from that era. God bless you.
@@donnagarcia6410 Bless you too. We survived . The love in our hearts kept us going .
@@sharonhouser7838 you have a good heart.wush I had a sister in my life. Stay blessed. Enjoy now
neil young's albums are one of the only things i have in my life really anymore. a gift of a soundtrack to the last year of my life.
Hey Ryan - While I hope it’s not 8 years too late, it sounds like you are going through some stuff as we ALL do at some point in our life. I can only guess that’s what brings us to Neil’s music, as he too has dealt with some personal issues. But I want you to know there’s hope. Have faith in the Lord and He’ll guide all of us during most troublesome time of our life irrespective of how desolate it may seem. God bless brother and here’s to better days ahead.
@@ziaislam2473 Umm...while you may have been late for Ryan, you helped me. Not the 'having faith in the Lord' but hearing from someone who cares. Hope you are well these past 8 mths & Thank you.
A flood of memories when I hear this......ah something in my eyes
No memories. Definitely something in my eyes.
amen
jason carpenter me too man..
Anyone who has lived in Ontario and visited the north knows the feeling Neil is expressing.
Lol I wouldn't consider the kawarthas north but truth...I'm so fucking glad I was born in Canada when my parent's came north of the border.
The 71' Massey Hall performances will always be my favorite.
IT'S SUCH AN AMAZING ALBUM
You will live forever through your beautiful music my brother. From someone "up in north Ontario" who loves you.
Hey blueyes for the love ❤ how have you been? Peace unto you 🖤
Merry Xmas and a blessed 2023. ☺
Listening to this under the super moon, November 15, 2016.
November 14
Thanks! A friend also reminded me just in time to catch it. :-)
not bad, this song. I guess it's csll nutshell
Full moon October 24, 2018.
GOD BLESS NEIL YOUNG!!
One of his best. Stuck in my head all day today. Had to hear it again.
This song dedicated to my brother John passed away alone
Three chords and the truth .. ..
nice van reference
What's not to love..great tune. Let's make America love again❤
I wish i would have known more about Neil Youngs music when i was younger. He has truly inspired me to write beautiful music and grow as a musician.😊
I definitely FEEL CHILLS! The Recorder propped on the chair is PRICELESS! SO COOL! When MUSIC was REAL! 💘
Thanks for the love ❤ how have you been? Merry Christmas and a blessed New year. 😊
Such a great venue to drink in all the God given talent that sat before them that evening......nobody scrolling through their phones. Just sitting and taking in all that talent.....
I played this song, in 1972, in Berlin, an open mic night at the EM club. Homesick, pissed off, and nervous. My life has not been the same since.
Thank god I finally woke up to this guy at the beginning of the seventies. Should of been earlier but then I was living in Wales. Thanks Neil for blessing us with your music and spirit.
been lovin' this song for 50 yrs.!
This one will bring you to tears. My God how good is this??
jlaws....I was just talking with God and he said he likes it very much also
As good as it gets. Im watching this 7/1/20 from sw Florida. There is a Pandemic and all the local ICU beds are full. It was 110° with the index today. Trump is still talking all kinds of stupid shit. This song had me crying. It felt good. I needed to.
@@anniefannycharles9951 I lived in Florida Annie and know how miserable the heat can be. I actually left there because of it . I hope you have good AC . Take Care ?
@@anniefannycharles9951 leave your politics out of it
God bless Niel Young, fighting the good fight still today.
Makes my heart ache. Inexplicably.
Perfectly beautiful. He paints a picture in my mind, I feel I'm there, where ever he is, and it is awesome. Poetry in motion. . . .
2020, I am 70, still appreciate your genius. Respect with thanks
Neil Young will never get old.
Yea he will we all do..never though his music.....
今から40年ぐらい前、友人のアパートで、彼がこの曲を弾き語りしてくれました。いまだにこの歌は心の奥に響き渡ります！
The Decade album was my first introduction to Neil Young via my bro who was 3 years older than I. He's gone too soon. I carry his legacy through tunes he introduced me to.
I was there with great seats near the stage. It was, as you can hear, amazing.
Brad Reed id die to see him do this performance. what did you think of Ohio?
The Massy Hall Live is the best in my opinion...young, pure, unjaded, real and so close to those formative places he sings about... and Massey Hall acoustics, ❤️
When I was in high school. My first boyfriend looked like Neil and played a guitar and hermonica and sounded like Neil . Even looked like him ..
I wish I could put a picture of him here . Wow looked like Neil
what a treasure.
U touched my ❤️ beautiful!
Big birds flying across the sky..... Threw shadows upon our eyes... Leave us HELPLESS HELPLESS......
Has a better song ever been written about bittersweet nostalgia for a place and state of mind that no longer exists?
The words of this take me back to a place all my changes began
The best one man concert ever...Neil Young!
7 or 8 years ago I went to a Neil Young concert. The stage was loaded with instruments, but Neil came out by himself. I expected the band to follow, but they never did. Neil played every instrument on the stage. What a concert!
Grew up listening to this gem. My brother used to play Neil when he took me fishing when I was 9-12 and now it is absolute comfort every time I listen. I hope it’s about Omemee and not Sudbury. ;)
Thanks for posting. One of the best live albums ever!
... first heard this 49 years ago this week - school holidays, on the radio (remember them?), still does it to me . .
Hi thanks for the love ❤ I appreciate you...🥰 Merry Christmas and a blessed 2023. ☺
How are you?
Makes me cry. Every single time.
His vibrato is simply amazing❤🙏🎤🎸
Priceless, priceless, priceless
No words could do this song's magnificance any justice.
Neil Young live is always the best, by himself or with a band doesn’t matter. It’s nice to be able to do all your stuff solo, that way you don’t have to put up with any BS.
Neil has such a great way on acoustic guitar and blend with his voice ❣❣ 😍💓
Sounds like many moments in my life... helpless, helpless, helpless. And that's all we can bring to that which is life... or existence... or better yet Being (helplessness). We can only be helpless to that which confronts us, but we can only use our will to love to make things better. Luckily, Neil sang to us about our "Will to love". Neil is not only a great song writer, but he is also a deep 'Spiritual' source for those who can see!!! Have you seen?
What a voice! Eternal
Está canción es demasiado,preciosa!!❤
beautiful, crazy, inside & out
How I've enjoyed his music, 50yrs. Still he soothes my soul....Neil Young Thank you!!!
Thanks for the love ❤ how have you been?
Merry Xmas and Happy New year. 😊
Immer noch sehr cool 😎
Helpless was recorded in late 1969 and released in march of 1970. Knockin' on Heavens Door wasn't released till 1973 so if any song sounds like the other its Knockin' that sounds like Helpless.
Both great tracks similar chords no biggy
in my mind I still need a place to go /// love you Neil
Hi Sandra thanks for the love ❤ how have you been? Merry Christmas and Happy New year. 😊
Peace unto you 🖤
Pure Neil
It is to me an Ode to the world 🌎 we don't control, and do not want to. My favorite Neil. SHUT. ❤
In, Our House he was always called Uncle Neil !!!
Love this song and the background video. Reminds of trips to Canada in the earlty sixties.
Thank You Neil
Tears fall through blue
windows behind the stars-
one instant of luminous beauty
for which we travel an eternity.
Love this song!
Thanks for the love ❤ how have you been?
Merry Christmas and a blessed 2023. 😊
Heard Neil Live at Cactus Gardens in Perham Mn. 1985? When he sang this song,I almost cried.
Always fresh and awesome, no matter how many times I hear it.
Neil Young ....luv him.
What memories it wakes up!
AWESOME SONG AND SONG WRITER - NEIL IS TIMELESS - BRAVO
Now I know why I am obsessed with Canadian artists
love you, Neil! thank you SO much
This song came into my head and I was singing it while grocery shopping and driving., ive always loved it though I can't recall when I last heard it. Simple beautiful evocative
My fav version of this beautiful song
Beautiful. Simply beautiful.
Exactly. ♥
EXCELLENT SONG... wish i could go back in time
Lucky for you it’s timeless
Neil's best song he ever wrote....and sang
I saw an interview of David Crosby on one of the CSNY or general rock documentaries some years ago. Crosby said he saw Neil reading the Time or Life magazine article about Kent St, the one with the students crying in agony over the dead girl's body.
Neil then goes off for about an hour, and comes back with the written lyrics of this new song he had just written, and played it for Crosby and Nash I think it was. Crosby said Neil singing those raw words fresh off the headlines brought instant tears to their eyes.
His most beautiful song.
"in my mind, i still need a place to go"
Classic Ontario moment!
Just relaxing to some good ole Neil Young❤️
this song gives me chills
you listen to this when you have a problem that looks helpless
Mamma take this badge from me...❤
As time goes by , Neil's music is classic as is many other great performers of The time bravo!!! I only wish csn&y still existed❤🙏🙏🙏🙏
Always been one of my favorites
The great, THANK YOU !
grande canzone di uno dei più' grandi artisti di tutti i tempi
First time hearing the original of this song, only found it because of an Angie McMahon cover
Both beautiful 🙌
We can always count on Young to bring a song home to us and doesn't give a shit when rattling more than a few cages along the way. A singularly outstanding artist.
OLD SONGS NEVER DIE