You are so in tune with your analysis of this song. Being a Bahá'í for over 50 years and hearing you react to this song as you did was to me so wonderful. I appreciate you very much.
definitely a song about the divine spirit of love which lifts us all up to the heaven of holiness - and without a doubt one of Seals and Crofts more overtly spiritual songs - although there is usually a spiritual undertone in almost all of their music - this song is perhaps their ultimate masterpiece for its sheer beauty and uplifting energy
Finally! I knew someone would find this old gem🐦 They have so many great songs. Diamond Girl, Summer Breeze, We May Never Pass This Way Again, Get Closer and King of Nothing are all excellent and worthy of reactions ✌ They are both devout members of the Baha'i Faith
You are right, Harri, this is very much a devotional song. "Hummingbird" is a metaphor for Baha'u'llah, the prophet-founder of the Baha'i Faith to which Seals and Crofts belong. The intro to the song includes a passage from a Baha'i prayer, "Lift me up to the heaven of Thy holiness, O Source of my being..." Interestingly, Baha'u'llah referred to Himself in another prayer as the "Nightingale of Paradise;" I wonder if they considered using "Nightingale" instead of "Hummingbird."
Nightingale would make more sense with the prayer, as hummingbird are beautiful, and many see them as divine messengers of a sort, but they are NOT songbirds. (Heavenly songbird)
I first heard this in 1972. Loved hearing it at their concerts, which were amazing. Still love it. Hummingbirds are truly a gift from God. Have feeders every summer and watch them come and go from my window.
The song as a whole, I rate about a “B”, good song, but IMHO, this is the greatest song ending EVER! The melody, the buildup, the changing notes, the incredible bass, and the classical guitar thrown in as the cherry on top. A++++. 😎🎶❤ Thanks for another great reaction!
I listen to this song every time I get on an airplane. It takes me places, especially the fade out. For me the hummingbird is my love of life. Hummingbirds are sacred to the Baha'i.
Hummingbird as metaphor(depending on source) can represent hope, joy...nature...the symbol of springtime and renewal...others here have already mentioned Seals n Croft's master Baha'u'llah...One of the last songs that Leonard Cohen wrote and performed was about the hummingbird called 'Listen to the Hummingbird"
Hey, my friend, it's a mid-seventies song. Those modulations in the intro and the ending are just superb. From a musicality standpoint, it's one of the most creative melodies I've ever heard in the world of non-classical music; Carrie's me away every time.
I was moved by your understanding of this song, on your first listen. Excellent reaction. Loved it! Besides Ruby Jean and Billie Lee you must check out We May Never Pass This Way again. Very underrated, is my opinion of Seals & Crofts. Enjoyed this, will look for more reactions, from you, to enjoy. Peace
One of my favorite Seals and Crofts tunes... Great chord changes in this! You should react to their song Ruby Jean and Billy Lee- a song they wrote for their wives...
Probably my favorite Seals & Crofts songs. Only real fans know this song, it never got any air time. That whole album is a gem. As Harri says its diamonds in my ears. Lol
Love the great harmonies of Seals & Crofts. They were an American soft rock duo who had a lot of great songs in the 70's such as "Summer Breeze", "Diamond Girl", "Get Closer", "We May Never Pass This Way (Again)", "Hummingbird", I'll Play For You", "Castles In The Sand", "You're The Love" etc.
This recording also featured studio session musicians, Wilton Felder on bass And Louie Sheldon on guitar. They both also played on the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back".
I remember exactly where I was when I heard this album for the first time. Summer in Hampton Beach, NH So nice to hear this again. Thank you Michael 🌺✌️
@@debbiechang5781 That's funny Debbie. I was shopping and had dinner in Derry yesterday! I've lived in NH for 21 years now but am a native New Yorker; hence the nickname. - Brooklyn Mike
The major problem with the people of this world is that they are waiting for someone to save us instead of us saving each other and loving and caring for each other. That is the wY we all can save the world for us and future generations!❤️☮️🙏🏼
Jim Seals came from the talented Seals family....his brother was England Dan Seals...cousin, Country singer songwriter Troy Seals...Brady Seals "Little Texas" and hit country artist Johnny Duncan. Jim like his brother Dan will be missed.
The acoustic guitar sound is actually a mandolin as seen in this live version. Watch Croft's insane solo toward the end th-cam.com/video/Q97QecyanZw/w-d-xo.html Also the bassist is Jeff Porcaro of Toto
Hi. Just to clarify…. Mike Porcaro played bass. Does look like him on this video Not on this video… Jeff Porcaro played drums. Steve Porcaro plays keyboards/synthesizer’s.
At the time they were heavily influenced in their music by the Baha'i scriptures and religion. There's another song in that album which shows this even more clearly, called "East of Ginger Trees".
I feel that HarriBest will do this song justice & will be a FAIR reactor instead of making a joke about the PEOPLE that have the hummingbird personality: unassuming & kind & destined for Heaven. The generous & UNSELFISH of the world.
Well, here's the thing I love and respect Seals and Crofts and respect their faith. But I must say, from what they said, that all are included in Salvation. However, I must contend for my JESUS, He is the only Way, the Truth, and the Life!!!!!
The Baháʼí Faith is a relatively new religion teaching the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people. Established by Baháʼu'lláh in the 19th century, it initially developed in Iran and parts of the Middle East, where it has faced ongoing persecution since its inception.
To religions who think that their own prophet has the final word,it's sacrilegious. They think everything before and after their own,specific form of Abrahamic faith is wrong.
Harri- I loved your commentary, just let the song play through without interruptions. Please make your commentary afterwards. The song was from 1973. Thank you.
Sweet spiritual music. Lovely. The Bahai faith teacher was one of the many manifestations of the Holy Sound current, who have been with us from the beginning. 'In the beginning was the Word'. Fortunate are those of us who are blessed to recognize them and accept their Godly gifts. Thanks for this elevated offering.
I have not read all 95 comments so I may repeat something already said. The hummingbird refers to Baha'u'llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith. Seals and Crofts were members when they performed at my college in '71. The main message is the oneness of mankind. Good review!
Jimmy Seals passed on June 6, 2022; your reaction video was prior...If you look for Seals and Crofts Tonight Show on youtube Jimmy explains it refers to Baha'u'llah (1817-1892),, the manifestation of God for this day, indeed the "return" of the messengers expected at the same time for all the major faiths. This is "Progressive revelation", that God will never leave humanity without guidance, and about every 1,000 or so years the guidance should be relevant...spiritual renewal and laws updated for the time. Thank you for this! Adding this: "Year of Sunday" is one of their earliest songs whose lyric illustrates vocally the concept of Progressive revelation.
Harry,, this is John from Chicago. Just north of my home is the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. Seals & Crofts are/were members of the Baha'i faith community, an international fellowship that I love and respect highly. Their prophet is the world's most contemporary prophet in the Abrahamic tradition, the Báb known as Baha'u'llah, the Hummingbird. In 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the son of the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, traveled from coast to coast across America after a lifetime of imprisonment and persecution. He came to Chicago where a house of worship had been establish and broke ground for the landmark that stands today.
You are very close, Seals and Crofts are Baha'i's, and the Abha kingdom it refers to is the kingdom of God, and about Baha' u' llah, translated, Glory of God. I am a Christian and a Baha'i since 1983, this is such a beautiful and meaningful 🎵 Song
HIGH Harri, I really think you and your subscribers will react like nothing you've ever heard before..... The first Rapper was Bob Dylan..... "It's Aright Ma. I'm Only Bleeding" album version
I have found that if you just do a little snip snip, and remove those pesky wings, the sumbitch won't even be able to fly away. And so it is that people got stuck on Earth.
Another song that proves the 1970's was a magical decade that I'm spoiled to have grown up with.
🎸☮️💕
Amen brother. Best decade for music. And the best time of my life.
You are so in tune with your analysis of this song. Being a Bahá'í for over 50 years and hearing you react to this song as you did was to me so wonderful. I appreciate you very much.
Dash Crofts... A Master Of The Mandolin
I was a young man when this came out, it's truly beautiful and made for sometime of self reflection...
definitely a song about the divine spirit of love which lifts us all up to the heaven of holiness - and without a doubt one of Seals and Crofts more overtly spiritual songs - although there is usually a spiritual undertone in almost all of their music - this song is perhaps their ultimate masterpiece for its sheer beauty and uplifting energy
The last minute of that song is probably the best melody ever done.
Tis very beautiful and spiritual.
Finally! I knew someone would find this old gem🐦
They have so many great songs. Diamond Girl, Summer Breeze, We May Never Pass This Way Again, Get Closer and King of Nothing are all excellent and worthy of reactions ✌
They are both devout members of the Baha'i Faith
Yes, "We May Never Pass This Way Again", is a MUST!
"I'll Play For You"
Agreed...Sick, that the only song being reacted too is Summer Breeze....Man, they did so much good stuff....
Beautiful song🎵. They had great harmonies.
You are right, Harri, this is very much a devotional song.
"Hummingbird" is a metaphor for Baha'u'llah, the prophet-founder of the Baha'i Faith to which Seals and Crofts belong. The intro to the song includes a passage from a Baha'i prayer, "Lift me up to the heaven of Thy holiness, O Source of my being..." Interestingly, Baha'u'llah referred to Himself in another prayer as the "Nightingale of Paradise;" I wonder if they considered using "Nightingale" instead of "Hummingbird."
I was wondering also; thank you so much for that information. I love this song. 🎸☮️💕
Nightingale would make more sense with the prayer, as hummingbird are beautiful, and many see them as divine messengers of a sort, but they are NOT songbirds. (Heavenly songbird)
Correct
This song kind of has that 'White Bird' from 'It's a Beautiful Day' vibe. Another song you need to check out!
We more music like this now~ So glad I had this song as a teenager. I remember just floating away listening to it.
Wow, so right on.
Jimmy Seals and Dash Crofts use vocal harmonies like some of the best of all time have....Superbly
It's about Enlightenment. 🍃🌺🍃
I first heard this in 1972. Loved hearing it at their concerts, which were amazing. Still love it. Hummingbirds are truly a gift from God. Have feeders every summer and watch them come and go from my window.
These are two great guys I met them at a party! Very down to earth!! They are very spiritual.. Your right about the song.
Jim Seals was the older brother of Dan Seals ... England Dan and John Ford Coley.
If I remember correctly, they each have a daughter and the daughters became a band themselves
HUMMING BIRD IS AN SPIRITUAL SIMBOL !!!!♥️♥️♥️♥️
Loving your reaction to Hummingbird.
Very moving!!
Thx Harry!!
The song as a whole, I rate about a “B”, good song, but IMHO, this is the greatest song ending EVER! The melody, the buildup, the changing notes, the incredible bass, and the classical guitar thrown in as the cherry on top. A++++. 😎🎶❤ Thanks for another great reaction!
It is SO easy to imagine Hummingbirds in flight with the way the music was written. Beautiful.
When I was in Jr. High school, I was hooked on I'LL PLAY FOR YOU.
I listen to this song every time I get on an airplane. It takes me places, especially the fade out. For me the hummingbird is my love of life. Hummingbirds are sacred to the Baha'i.
To the western American Plains people Hummingbirds symbolized 'Joy'
Harri, please check out Summer Breeze by Seals & Crofts. Beautiful. Thanks, and love your channel.
Pretty sure Harri's reacted to that one already but it would have been some months back.
@@robtaylor5550 Okay, thnx, I'll look for it.
Beautiful tune long remembered decades later!
East Of Ginger Trees is a beautiful journey to take w/ these two...
Yes, Summer Breeze was also a sublime song.! 💕
This song like no other shows the Baha'i faith of Seals and Crofts you can feel it deeply in the music and the message.
My favorite from this album!
The late, great and sadly disturbed Jim Gordon on drums. Producer Louie Shelton confirmed it. CLASSIC song!
an absolutely beautiful song... the harmonies are soaring... the hummingbird in this song, represents the god of their religion, the Bahai Faith...
I feel this song all 5hru me when u hear it empress pamela
Hummingbird as metaphor(depending on source) can represent hope, joy...nature...the symbol of springtime and renewal...others here have already mentioned Seals n Croft's master Baha'u'llah...One of the last songs that Leonard Cohen wrote and performed was about the hummingbird called 'Listen to the Hummingbird"
Hey, my friend, it's a mid-seventies song. Those modulations in the intro and the ending are just superb. From a musicality standpoint, it's one of the most creative melodies I've ever heard in the world of non-classical music; Carrie's me away every time.
Love your channel... you'll have to listen to more of their stuff.
Saw them in 1975 or 1976 in Dothan AL. They were so impeccably flawless. Was so good!!!
I was moved by your understanding of this song, on your first listen. Excellent reaction. Loved it! Besides Ruby Jean and Billie Lee you must check out We May Never Pass This Way again. Very underrated, is my opinion of Seals & Crofts. Enjoyed this, will look for more reactions, from you, to enjoy. Peace
One of my favorite Seals and Crofts tunes... Great chord changes in this! You should react to their song Ruby Jean and Billy Lee- a song they wrote for their wives...
Probably my favorite Seals & Crofts songs. Only real fans know this song, it never got any air time. That whole album is a gem. As Harri says its diamonds in my ears. Lol
This is just a great record. The melody, arrangement and vocals are all perfect.
You are a great person and I love your reaction videos.
Love the great harmonies of Seals & Crofts. They were an American soft rock duo who had a lot of great songs in the 70's such as "Summer Breeze", "Diamond Girl", "Get Closer", "We May Never Pass This Way (Again)", "Hummingbird", I'll Play For You", "Castles In The Sand", "You're The Love" etc.
Dagmar got the Goods !
One of my favorite songs by seals and crofts.
&2 years old here and listened to this song since the day it was released and I still get chills everytime I hear it.
This recording also featured studio session musicians, Wilton Felder on bass And Louie Sheldon on guitar. They both also played on the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back".
The whole album is good as is the "Diamond Girl" album.
If you want to hear something a bit unexpected from Seals and Crofts, check out their song Wisdom. Must love saxophone.
Such incredible spirituality expressed through beautiful music
I remember exactly where I was when I heard this album for the first time. Summer in Hampton Beach, NH So nice to hear this again. Thank you Michael 🌺✌️
'My pleasure Debbie! I live in Manchester, New Hampshire now. - Brooklyn Mike
@@michaelplotino7046
I used to live in Derry, NH before I retired in CT. It’s always good to meet fellow New Englanders!
@@debbiechang5781 That's funny Debbie. I was shopping and had dinner in Derry yesterday! I've lived in NH for 21 years now but am a native New Yorker; hence the nickname. - Brooklyn Mike
Was hanging out in Lowell Canyon LA 🍷
Hi Harri, Thank you for doing my request. I'm glad that you enjoyed it; as usual, you are very insightful! - Brooklyn Mike
Interesting take Harri, God bless. Love the song!!.
The 70's had the best music. We loved listening to them and getting high. It was the best Sunday music getting high and relaxing. Still is.
The major problem with the people of this world is that they are waiting for someone to save us instead of us saving each other and loving and caring for each other. That is the wY we all can save the world for us and future generations!❤️☮️🙏🏼
Great musicians, always liked them. Saw them play at the Felt Forum MSG in New York '75
Jim Seals came from the talented Seals family....his brother was England Dan Seals...cousin, Country singer songwriter Troy Seals...Brady Seals "Little Texas" and hit country artist Johnny Duncan. Jim like his brother Dan will be missed.
Wow, I never thought of it in that way.
Definitely worth contemplating…
If you liked music growing up at this time frame. You had this album
Absolutely Agree!! ❤❤❤
Yep!!!! I still have it!!!
RIP Jim Seals
Legendary. Music. Where were you in 72.
I just assumed they didn’t want summer to end and the Hummingbirds leaving were the signal of that. Lol
Still have it on vinyl!
Me too
The acoustic guitar sound is actually a mandolin as seen in this live version. Watch Croft's insane solo toward the end th-cam.com/video/Q97QecyanZw/w-d-xo.html
Also the bassist is Jeff Porcaro of Toto
Hi. Just to clarify….
Mike Porcaro played bass. Does look like him on this video
Not on this video…
Jeff Porcaro played drums.
Steve Porcaro plays keyboards/synthesizer’s.
Harvey Brooks played bass on this studio version.
hummingbird sings for "a plea of forgiveness"
They were from the Bahai faith--thats where it comes from
At the time they were heavily influenced in their music by the Baha'i scriptures and religion.
There's another song in that album which shows this even more clearly, called "East of Ginger Trees".
Listen to' East of Ginger Trees'
I feel that HarriBest will do this song justice & will be a FAIR reactor instead of making a joke about the PEOPLE that have the hummingbird personality: unassuming & kind & destined for Heaven. The generous & UNSELFISH of the world.
Great reaction Harry!
Well, here's the thing I love and respect Seals and Crofts and respect their faith. But I must say, from what they said, that all are included in Salvation. However, I must contend for my JESUS, He is the only Way, the Truth, and the Life!!!!!
I'd also suggest "Advance Guards" and "East of Ginger Trees". Somehow, I don't feel like they get mentioned enough...
The Baháʼí Faith is a relatively new religion teaching the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people. Established by Baháʼu'lláh in the 19th century, it initially developed in Iran and parts of the Middle East, where it has faced ongoing persecution since its inception.
Hard to believe that a religion that is all encompassing could be discriminated against, since that means condemning your own beliefs.
To religions who think that their own prophet has the final word,it's sacrilegious. They think everything before and after their own,specific form of Abrahamic faith is wrong.
Great song Harri. Now check out Hummingbird done by Joe Bonamassa done Live At The Geek Theater. I think you will like it.
excellent
Love the Mandolin, even in the rain..are you listening, Bruce Hornsby?
You are most likely on the right path. They were of the Baha’i faith.
Your right about this song, they wrote it about some religion they believed in.
Harri!! Please do Get Closer!!
Yes
Harri- I loved your commentary, just let the song play through without interruptions. Please make your commentary afterwards. The song was from 1973. Thank you.
Hey Hari you would love reacting to the tune ‘King of Nothing’.
Yes I agree. It is about our Savior Jesus Christ.
Sweet spiritual music. Lovely. The Bahai faith teacher was one of the many manifestations of the Holy Sound current, who have been with us from the beginning. 'In the beginning was the Word'. Fortunate are those of us who are blessed to recognize them and accept their Godly gifts. Thanks for this elevated offering.
I have not read all 95 comments so I may repeat something already said. The hummingbird refers to Baha'u'llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith. Seals and Crofts were members when they performed at my college in '71. The main message is the oneness of mankind. Good review!
If you like saxophone solos, try Urgent by Foreigner or Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty.
Jimmy Seals passed on June 6, 2022; your reaction video was prior...If you look for Seals and Crofts Tonight Show on youtube Jimmy explains it refers to Baha'u'llah (1817-1892),, the manifestation of God for this day, indeed the "return" of the messengers expected at the same time for all the major faiths. This is "Progressive revelation", that God will never leave humanity without guidance, and about every 1,000 or so years the guidance should be relevant...spiritual renewal and laws updated for the time. Thank you for this! Adding this: "Year of Sunday" is one of their earliest songs whose lyric illustrates vocally the concept of Progressive revelation.
Astute understanding (4:52-6:00) on your part! Another comment I left explains a little bit too)😉
Hello Harri
Please to listen to"MacArthur's Park" by Richard Harris
Thank You!
I tried to learn how to play the mandolin because of Seals And Crofts. Wasn't very successful.
👍👍💯
☮️💙💙💙🔥
As I recall they were followers of the Bahai religion..
Harry,, this is John from Chicago. Just north of my home is the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. Seals & Crofts are/were members of the Baha'i faith community, an international fellowship that I love and respect highly. Their prophet is the world's most contemporary prophet in the Abrahamic tradition, the Báb known as Baha'u'llah, the Hummingbird.
In 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the son of the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, traveled from coast to coast across America after a lifetime of imprisonment and persecution. He came to Chicago where a house of worship had been establish and broke ground for the landmark that stands today.
You are very close, Seals and Crofts are Baha'i's, and the Abha kingdom it refers to is the kingdom of God, and about Baha' u' llah, translated, Glory of God. I am a Christian and a Baha'i since 1983, this is such a beautiful and meaningful 🎵 Song
That was a mandolin you heard..
HIGH Harri, I really think you and your subscribers will react like nothing you've ever heard before..... The first Rapper was Bob Dylan..... "It's Aright Ma. I'm Only Bleeding" album version
They were B'ahai, not xian. Many of the lyrics come from sacred B'ahai texts.
Early 70s, maybe mid 70s...
1972
If you decide to dive deeper, their previous album, Year of Sunday, and specifically the title song, more clearly outline their spiritual beliefs.
Hari, there is Nothing about religion connected to this song. They're talking simply about how beautiful the Hummingbirds are!
I have found that if you just do a little snip snip, and remove those pesky wings, the sumbitch won't even be able to fly away. And so it is that people got stuck on Earth.
Maybe just the feathers at the tips of the wings...