Amen to that, Rima, and well said. Beautifully said, in fact. I was privileged to see nanci at the Blue Mountains Music festival in Australia in 2010 - Rob Paul, Sapphire FM
I've been listening to Nanci for decades now and I consider this to be one of the most important songs ever written by anyone. I just read a couple of posts and there seems to be some discord regarding the lyrics. Get over it and listen to the message, not the lyrics. "...and if we poison our children with hatred, a hard life is all that they'll know." My god, no truer words were ever spoken, perhaps with the exception of "all you need is love". Peace my Brothers & Sisters the doctor
30+years ago my friend called me and just said "Listen" and held his phone by his speakers. I heard Nanci singing this and I cried. My friend gave me a tape and I cried when I heard this song, every damn time. My friend is dead now, and so is Nanci, and I still cry.
Such a powerful, powerful song. She was so talented, a fine songwriter and fine interpreter of other's songs. RIP Miss Nanci. So glad I got to see you perform.
I first heard this song here in Belfast so many years ago. It was true then - as it is now. Now we have brexit, rising nationalism and continuing social division. Surely we can regain the idealism we briefly held in the sixties? Maybe, just maybe, Covid 19 will bring us all together in the end...
I'm a black woman. My husband is a white Irish American man, We often played Nanci's songs as we had dinner at the table every night when they were little kids. I'm so proud to have exposed our kids to the beauty and unifying pleasures of music. Thank you and sweet peace, Nanci.
I will miss you so much. You and your music meant so much to me as a teen. I wish I could have seen you live when I had the chance. Thank you for the songs that got me through my loneliness. RIP 😔
Rest in peace 💗 thank you, for sharing your musical soul of pure beauty with us... offering us experiences of connection of the joy and the sorrow and the beauty in all of life! XO
I've often tried to sing this song and I cant get through it without my eyes filling up with tears and my voice breaking up.. RIP Nanci I'll always miss you.
She says"I'm a back seat driver from America" perhaps meaning, I can criticize your behavior, but really who am I. She does a great job. I just can't believe that I missed out on her for all these years! I hope she's well, happy and healthy.
@@larrydavis185 not a rendition, she originally sang it although someone else wrote it. Rendition- a performance or interpretation, especially of a dramatic role or piece of music. Although it can fit under performance but the definition implies reworking someone else's version.
@@belfastbeatle You're obviously right about the literal meaning, the video even acts that out for us in wonderful 80s early 90s narrative style. : ) Thank you for calling attention to this interesting story about the real driver! She was actually in the back seat (but not driving). But I think maybe your "just" limits what else can be meant by that key phrase, either in Nanci's intention or just in the minds of all who love the song. Especially if you put the phrase "backseat driver", which means someone not in control and someone who nevertheless tries to control or criticise, together with the 2nd and 3rd verses. In verse 2 she sadly criticises the sins of her own country - something that a lot of people outside of the US don't think Americans do very well (some truth) - which is maybe why she didn't answer Seamus' question about Belfast issues with more than "I don't know". To NOT be the backseat driver who criticises someone else without actually doing, or having any self awareness. In verse 3 she talks so profoundly about this view of Americans that is in fact widespread " I am guilt, I am war, I am the root of all evil" - and what it's like to understand the truth in that while still knowing you, personally are of love and peace, despite your nationality. So I personally at least think "backseat driver" has a beautiful double or triple meaning in the song, also referencing her experience as a *person (and American) not in control* in a world of hate and evil. It expresses to me frustration and yet also resigned acceptance of this position, in contrast to once being that dream-filled child of the 60s. None of this is meant to criticise you, btw! I just love the song and wanted to add my take onto your worthy contribution here.
Beautiful! One of my favourite musical artists. Loved her music. Anyone aware of the WHF Channel here on YT? In long form the title is: What's Her Face. Look it up. As far as I am aware Ms WHF is a Canadian lady. From the moment I saw one of the WHF Channel videos there was an intense familiarity with the lady's face. Well, I do believe I now have the answer because in my humble opinion there is an incredibly similarity in appearance between the WHFC lady and Nancy Griffith. Well done Nancy. Gorgeous music. 😉👍👏👏🙏
This is true. When I first actually listened to Nanci it while driving diagonally across Missouri. It was this album on one the NPR stations. This song is important today, for me anyway and I hope for many.
I heard this song when it first came out but then not again untill I heard it here. I always liked it, that's why I searched for it here. But now that I hear it again, she's kind of preachy for someone who offers no solutions for what she sings against.
You are all beside the point. A song is like a poem--you don't ask a poet to change the third word in the second stanza. You listen and take it in the way it is given to you. Because the words chosen mean something to the artist. You try to find the kernal of truth and relevance in the writer's words. If you don't like it, don't listen. It's not your place to say what she might have said. Leave it!
Disagree. She's just describing him as the fat guy. Wasn't necessary, but no different than someone asking me "which guy are you here with" and I say "the Asian guy." Merely describing a person's physical characteristics - tall, short, Black, white, etc. should not be offensive. We need to stop reading so much into people's words or descriptions. Leads to false accusations of racism, sexism, other isms, and unnecessary butthurt.
@numbat56 Yes yes so true - Nanci is a true spriritual warrior and a fabulous writer and singer and I am eternally grateful for her music and her voice. She is superb and the music is beautiful. It's a very hard life whereever you go and if we poison our children with hatred then the hard life is all that they'll know.
You teached my cold dark heart by Roy John Wheelock .. so how i knew you ? well i understood your love inspired me it bringed out the good in me .. so how i knew you ? when i looked in your eyes i knew you as kind, gentle and wise how do i know I know it's you ? your the one who brought the glue and i love you you teached my cold dark heart your the one whom i wanted to know the one to share my immortal soul i always thought that you would still write for me and I love you you teached this cold dark heart you were the one who taught me "love conquers all" you were there when we took the fall you held me softly in the middle of the night i could love you even after a fight your the one, just how do i know? your the one who stopped the show and i love you you teached this cold dark heart copyright 2014 Roy John Wheelock all rights reserved
I am a backseat driver from America They drive to the left on Falls Road The man at the wheel's name is Seamus We pass a child on the corner he knows And Seamus says, "Now, what chance has that Kid got?" And I say from the back, "I don't know." He says, "There's barbed wire at all of these exits And there ain't no place in Belfast for that kid To go." It's a hard life It's a hard life It's a very hard life It's a hard life wherever you go If we poison our children with hatred Then, the hard life is all that they'll know And there ain't no place in (Belfast) for These kids to go A cafeteria line in Chicago The fat man in front of me Is calling black people trash to his children He's the only trash here I see And I'm thinking this man wears a white hood In the night when his children should sleep But, they slip to their window and they see him And they think that white hood's all they need It's a hard life It's a hard life It's a very hard life It's a hard life wherever you go If we poison our children with hatred Then, the hard life is all that they'll know And there ain't no place in (Belfast) for These kids to go I was a child in the sixties Dreams could be held through TV With Disney, and Cronkite, and Martin Luther Oh, I believed, I believed, I believed Now, I am the backseat driver from America I am not at the wheel of control I am guilty, I am war, I am the root of all evil Lord, and I can't drive on the left side of the road It's a hard life It's a hard life It's a very hard life It's a hard life wherever you go If we poison our children with hatred Then, the hard life is all that they'll know And there ain't no place in (Belfast) for These kids to go
its sad you don't understand the meaning of the song....the description of the racist has nothing to do with the message she is trying to get across. So what if its changed to say the racist is a skinny man...still doesn't change the message.
And would then possibly be hurtful to skinny people!! How does Bruce fail to see that the game of 'dueling oversensitivities' is untenable. You don't have a right not to be offended, outraged, hurt, triggered, whatever by what people say. Dealing with other human beings, and their imperfections, is part of living. Insisting everybody carefully avoid giving any offense ever is part of tyranny.
WRITING A SONG ABOUT HATE AND PREJUDICE USING TERMS OF HATE AND PREJUDICE IS JUST PLAIN DUMB SHE CAN CHANGE IT AND ADMIT SHE WAS WRONG AND CALLING PEOPLE TRASH IS ALSO NOT A WAY TO GET YOUR POINT ACROSS TO THEM LET HER SING A CORUS OF MY BACK PAGES(I WAS SO MUCH OLDER THEN IM YOUNGER THEN THAT NOW) AND CHANGE THE SONG
I LIVE THIS SONG EVERY DAY AND EVERY TIME I SEE MY SON HOLD HIS DAUGHTER IN ONE HAND AND A M16 IN THE OTHER I ASK MYSELF WHAT WILL THE FUTURE BRING FOR HER SO PLEASE DONT TELL ME I DONT UNDERSTAND THE SONG
Bruce Levine Then I presume you're equally offended by Meghan Trainor's 'All About That Bass', as well, where she denigrates slim women - and that's practically the raison d'etre for the song. (I am, but only because the song is a worthless piece of shit). Or anything by the talentless whore Nikki Minaj, for that matter. I grew up with, and still sport, a fair degree of facial disfigurement. I accepted it and moved on. I might suggest that you deal with your self-worth issues as well, and stop policing poets for minor incidental terms that bruise your obviously fragile self-image. And if you think this is the only song that's going to do that, then you don't get around much, and screaming in all caps does nothing to improve your argument.
Bruce Levine Oh, by the way, I'M offended by the thought of a parent who would hold his daughter and a killing machine at the same time. Much less own one of the things. In fact, he'd be reported to the authorities up here and have his gun license revoked (not that we even allow slaughtering machines like the M16 to be privately owned), and rightfully so. And perhaps even a visit by Child Protection Services as well.
Victor Edwards Likely former Eagle Bernie Leadon (guitar, mandolin and pedal steel), Victor, who shared guitar duties on 'this album with former Fairport Convention acoustic guitarist Jerry Donahue. He gets a nice fat - oh, sorry, gravitationally challenged - sound of out that thing, doesn't he?
+Victor Edwards Victor, the guy in the video playing slide is without doubt Philip. The album notes say Bernie Leadon played slide on Listen To The Radio, but does not mention him playing it on Hard Life! Philip and Fran Breen were both still in Nanci's touring band when the album was made, but Philip is not credited on the album as playing electric guitar! Once you have heard Philip's guitar playing style, you would recognize his sound anywhere, it is so distinctive.My guess is that it probably, like tezhowes said, is Bernie playing this on the album cut, and Philip is just air playing, as this is definitely the album track and Nanci is lip synching here on the video.Philip's album Town and Country is fabulous. His Strat playing is amazing! He has a red one and a black one.
@harlanmackey Still a great song, but totally understand your point. The response to mean words should not be mean words. But, it's a great song, with a great message. Calling the racist 'trash' does go against the message of tolerance, but I suppose it expresses the battle cry of "this is wrong!" I'm too stupid to know the right way to put it, but I still love the song, and absolutely understand your point
Just heard the news, and it punched me in the stomach. Why do the best ones leave us too soon?? R.I.P. Nanci. An angel, once on earth, now in Heaven. x
Me too. I just turned on the computer after my walk and saw the news and felt that punch in my gut and my heart break. An angel that touched my heart and soul. R.I.P Nanci.
As an intern with MCA Records, I had the great pleasure of meeting Nanci as I worked promoting One Fair Summer Evening - LIVE from the Anderson County Fair. Both she and Lyle Lovett were two of the classiest people I've had the pleasure of knowing! ~ So happy for my small part in their respective successes! Great video! ~ Happy Belated Birthday, Nanci Griffith! :-)
It was this song that made me reexamine everything I was taught about other races and cultures. The first song of hers that I ever heard. I had to hear everything she sang after that. Devastated by her death. 68 is too young.
Janna, I am so glad to hear that this awesome song had such a powerful effect on you. I am devastated too. I hope the song gets played a lot in her honor.
And here we are in 2023. Nanci is gone, and the United States is increasingly divided and filled with hatred. It's a hard life indeed. I am thankful to be old with one foot in the grave never to see what happens next.
Nancy , dear beloved Nancy , there’s a light beyond these woods . Rest in sweet peace , you gorgeous soul .
The most lovely tribute. Thank you Rima ❤️
Beautiful Rima, no truer words. The news floored me.....
Amen to that. One of the more powerful songs written. The world will miss her
It’s probably her natural TX accent, but I love how she emphasizes the word “Chicaaaaago” with, what sounds like a south side accent!
Amen to that, Rima, and well said. Beautifully said, in fact. I was privileged to see nanci at the Blue Mountains Music festival in Australia in 2010 - Rob Paul, Sapphire FM
As a "child of the sixties" who once believed, tears are streaming down my face. Such a beautiful soul. Gone too soon.
@@mureka29 I was about to say the same thing! Born '85 here and so much hasn't really changed since the 90s.
And I believed, I believed, I believed. Heartbreaking that we never could change the world as we thought we could.
90's kid I once believed and then the buildings blew up by it's own govmnt.
I've been listening to Nanci for decades now and I consider this to be one of the most important songs ever written by anyone. I just read a couple of posts and there seems to be some discord regarding the lyrics. Get over it and listen to the message, not the lyrics.
"...and if we poison our children with hatred, a hard life is all that they'll know."
My god, no truer words were ever spoken, perhaps with the exception of "all you need is love".
Peace my Brothers & Sisters
the doctor
Imma black male from a small town called jonesboro louisiana an i love her music i have this album my sister introduced me to this .
30+years ago my friend called me and just said "Listen" and held his phone by his speakers. I heard Nanci singing this and I cried. My friend gave me a tape and I cried when I heard this song, every damn time. My friend is dead now, and so is Nanci, and I still cry.
"If we posion our children,with hatred,then a hard life is all that they'l now.
Posibbly the best lyric ever written.
Why do so many strive to cripple their own children? To prove to themselves that their prejudices are justified?
RIP Nanci. You are gone but not forgotten.
I agree, one of the most important songs ever written by anyone. Share it often!
Tears of love and joy...we miss your tough sweetness so damn much.
Such a powerful, powerful song. She was so talented, a fine songwriter and fine interpreter of other's songs. RIP Miss Nanci. So glad I got to see you perform.
100% agree. In my opinion, one of the more powerful songs written in our generation. She will be sorely missed
Rest in peace. Thank you for this beautiful, important, work. Sing with the angels.
Such an observer and story teller. Rest in peace lovely lady ❤️
ive been listening to Nanci for 35 years and this song still makes me cry.
One of your best songs ...you will be missed RIP
No words needed, but what a loss.
So sad to hear of her passing , so many lovely memories in her songs.
No matter what she sings, I hear it with tears in my eyes. She's been my favorite for a long time. She is timelesss to me.
Indeed. I start choking up the instant this songs starts. She's such a story teller. Timeless, for sure.
I always cry when I hear this song.
Yes, she's special for sure.
Me too. She’s just the best. ❤️
Same. Cry at the beginning of this song.
RIP, Nanci, creator of this, one of my very favorite songs from the first time I heard it. Your music is gorgeous and everlasting.
I first heard this song here in Belfast so many years ago. It was true then - as it is now. Now we have brexit, rising nationalism and continuing social division. Surely we can regain the idealism we briefly held in the sixties? Maybe, just maybe, Covid 19 will bring us all together in the end...
You would hope so Linda, I'm from N.I. too, people need to wise up
I'm a black woman. My husband is a white Irish American man,
We often played Nanci's songs as we had dinner at the table every night when they were little kids.
I'm so proud to have exposed our kids to the beauty and unifying pleasures of music.
Thank you and sweet peace, Nanci.
God bless you both
What a lovely thing to share, thank you.❤️☮️
Gay
…”and he’s the only trash here I see”…
Diversity is a beautiful part of the human family eh? Nanci put on a GOOOD show.
I will miss you so much. You and your music meant so much to me as a teen. I wish I could have seen you live when I had the chance. Thank you for the songs that got me through my loneliness. RIP 😔
It will be a hard life without you, Nanci…RIP..
If ever there was a song appropriate for 2020. The blessed Nanci Griffith
The most Angelic voice to ever grace the earth. Thank you Nancy for sharing your gift.
Rest in peace 💗 thank you, for sharing your musical soul of pure beauty with us... offering us experiences of connection of the joy and the sorrow and the beauty in all of life! XO
😯 wow SO VERY TRUE
May 2024 🇭🇲
I've often tried to sing this song and I cant get through it without my eyes filling up with tears and my voice breaking up.. RIP Nanci I'll always miss you.
Nanci's songs got me through some very hard and lonely times, and they still do now. R.I.P Nanci.
Oh Jesus help me, it’s been so long since I’ve heard this song. This world lost a light when you died, Nanci.
Nanci.... "In pace requiescat et in amore".
Your songs will stay with us forever
I’ve loved Nancy’s music since I first heard it in 1995 Soundtrack to many epic adventures. RIP my dear
Such deep, profound lyrics even in these modern times
www.reverbnation.com/thebandfocus/song/22431159-the-line
One of my favorite Nanci Griffith's tunes.
I've loved this song from the moment I heard it in 1989. Thank you.
She says"I'm a back seat driver from America" perhaps meaning, I can criticize your behavior, but really who am I. She does a great job. I just can't believe that I missed out on her for all these years! I hope she's well, happy and healthy.
Her rendition of From a Distance is right up with this one.
@@larrydavis185 not a rendition, she originally sang it although someone else wrote it. Rendition- a performance or interpretation, especially of a dramatic role or piece of music. Although it can fit under performance but the definition implies reworking someone else's version.
"And I am not at the wheel of control". I love that turn of phrase.
A back seat driver.tells you how it should be done (in their opinion) but has no power or proof
just my opinion
@@belfastbeatle You're obviously right about the literal meaning, the video even acts that out for us in wonderful 80s early 90s narrative style. : ) Thank you for calling attention to this interesting story about the real driver! She was actually in the back seat (but not driving).
But I think maybe your "just" limits what else can be meant by that key phrase, either in Nanci's intention or just in the minds of all who love the song. Especially if you put the phrase "backseat driver", which means someone not in control and someone who nevertheless tries to control or criticise, together with the 2nd and 3rd verses. In verse 2 she sadly criticises the sins of her own country - something that a lot of people outside of the US don't think Americans do very well (some truth) - which is maybe why she didn't answer Seamus' question about Belfast issues with more than "I don't know". To NOT be the backseat driver who criticises someone else without actually doing, or having any self awareness. In verse 3 she talks so profoundly about this view of Americans that is in fact widespread " I am guilt, I am war, I am the root of all evil" - and what it's like to understand the truth in that while still knowing you, personally are of love and peace, despite your nationality. So I personally at least think "backseat driver" has a beautiful double or triple meaning in the song, also referencing her experience as a *person (and American) not in control* in a world of hate and evil. It expresses to me frustration and yet also resigned acceptance of this position, in contrast to once being that dream-filled child of the 60s.
None of this is meant to criticise you, btw! I just love the song and wanted to add my take onto your worthy contribution here.
Beloved Loved Missed Deeply ♥️🎶🌹
Beautiful! One of my favourite musical artists. Loved her music. Anyone aware of the WHF Channel here on YT? In long form the title is: What's Her Face. Look it up. As far as I am aware Ms WHF is a Canadian lady. From the moment I saw one of the WHF Channel videos there was an intense familiarity with the lady's face. Well, I do believe I now have the answer because in my humble opinion there is an incredibly similarity in appearance between the WHFC lady and Nancy Griffith.
Well done Nancy. Gorgeous music.
😉👍👏👏🙏
I hope it was a peaceful journey and an easy landing, Nanci. Thank you for your gifts. RIP
Followed Nanci since I first heard the Lone Star State of Mind- being Irish this song resonates a lot - love God bless the Flyer - eternal peace Nanci
Beautiful.
Rest in peace, sweet Nanci.
Still love her voice. Dosen't hurt that she's so dang cute either......
This song just feels appropriate these days.
Nestof4g it's a ridiculous song full of liberal propaganda
She called the man fat and trash- yet that is okay? . I don't see why. She is just as bad as he is.
Meade Music who said Nanci was liberal?
she probably worse than a liberal. She is a progressive.
okay
Love ya Nancy!
My favorite Nanci Griffin song!
We miss Nanci! We are blessed with her love ❤️ and her music 🎶
Great song! And nobody sang it as well as Nancy. We all miss her!
Timeless. Your memory is a blessing. Thank you.
Much of this was recorded in The Winding Stair Bookshop and Cafe on Ormond Quay, Dublin, Ireland.
Lovely, I called my son jamie after this song .... thank you Nanci
I love you as certain dark things are loved,between the shadow and the soul.Pablo Neruda.
Nancy Griffith is so beautiful. I love her music
one of the best singer songwriters in the music industry!
You were so much a part of my life, still are. Rest in peace sweet Lady
This is true. When I first actually listened to Nanci it while driving diagonally across Missouri. It was this album on one the NPR stations. This song is important today, for me anyway and I hope for many.
Thank you google.you always get it.
This song has not lost its power. Still drives me to tears as a black man nog as a removed white liberal
To me, this was her best. Came here just to remember it.
WHY does this only have 60,897 views?!?! if only people knew what they were missing.
she sing song that should (I hope) rings bells around the world
Is a very good song. It has a lot of truth to it
I still believe.
Its a Hard Life ,WARRIORS SURVIVE.
There is forgiveness for those who ask Jesus Christ. He offers love and eternal life.
I heard this song when it first came out but then not again untill I heard it here. I always liked it, that's why I searched for it here. But now that I hear it again, she's kind of preachy for someone who offers no solutions for what she sings against.
I love it, it was really nice and true
that's what I thought
God Bless George Mitchell and the mothers
You are all beside the point. A song is like a poem--you don't ask a poet to change the third word in the second stanza. You listen and take it in the way it is given to you. Because the words chosen mean something to the artist. You try to find the kernal of truth and relevance in the writer's words. If you don't like it, don't listen. It's not your place to say what she might have said. Leave it!
She showed herself to be the same as the people she criticizes. Doesn't like the fat guy's looks. Demonizes him.
Disagree. She's just describing him as the fat guy. Wasn't necessary, but no different than someone asking me "which guy are you here with" and I say "the Asian guy." Merely describing a person's physical characteristics - tall, short, Black, white, etc. should not be offensive. We need to stop reading so much into people's words or descriptions. Leads to false accusations of racism, sexism, other isms, and unnecessary butthurt.
Thank you, ReflexPoint. My thought exactly.
💔
If you came looking for this song in the disaster known as 2020, I'm right there with you, and we haven't even finished September yet.
@numbat56 Yes yes so true - Nanci is a true spriritual warrior and a fabulous writer and singer and I am eternally grateful for her music and her voice. She is superb and the music is beautiful. It's a very hard life whereever you go and if we poison our children with hatred then the hard life is all that they'll know.
молодец Ненси :)
🇭🇲🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
This Music Video has meaning, it is so true of the times 04/18/2017 Nanci really knows how to put it together.
You teached my cold dark heart by Roy John Wheelock
.. so how i knew you ?
well i understood
your love inspired me it bringed out the good in me
.. so how i knew you ?
when i looked in your eyes
i knew you as kind, gentle and wise
how do i know I know it's you ?
your the one who brought the glue
and i love you
you teached my cold dark heart
your the one whom i wanted to know
the one to share my immortal soul
i always thought that you would still write for me
and I love you
you teached this cold dark heart
you were the one who taught me "love conquers all"
you were there when we took the fall
you held me softly in the middle of the night
i could love you even after a fight
your the one, just how do i know?
your the one who stopped the show
and i love you
you teached this cold dark heart
copyright 2014 Roy John Wheelock all rights reserved
💕😘☘✌
@WestVirginia002 - It would seem she's preaching that love is the solution.
☘💕✌😘
I am a backseat driver from America
They drive to the left on Falls Road
The man at the wheel's name is Seamus
We pass a child on the corner he knows
And Seamus says, "Now, what chance has that
Kid got?"
And I say from the back, "I don't know."
He says, "There's barbed wire at all of these exits
And there ain't no place in Belfast for that kid
To go."
It's a hard life
It's a hard life
It's a very hard life
It's a hard life wherever you go
If we poison our children with hatred
Then, the hard life is all that they'll know
And there ain't no place in (Belfast) for
These kids to go
A cafeteria line in Chicago
The fat man in front of me
Is calling black people trash to his children
He's the only trash here I see
And I'm thinking this man wears a white hood
In the night when his children should sleep
But, they slip to their window and they see him
And they think that white hood's all they need
It's a hard life
It's a hard life
It's a very hard life
It's a hard life wherever you go
If we poison our children with hatred
Then, the hard life is all that they'll know
And there ain't no place in (Belfast) for
These kids to go
I was a child in the sixties
Dreams could be held through TV
With Disney, and Cronkite, and Martin Luther
Oh, I believed, I believed, I believed
Now, I am the backseat driver from America
I am not at the wheel of control
I am guilty, I am war, I am the root of all evil
Lord, and I can't drive on the left side of the road
It's a hard life
It's a hard life
It's a very hard life
It's a hard life wherever you go
If we poison our children with hatred
Then, the hard life is all that they'll know
And there ain't no place in (Belfast) for
These kids to go
its sad you don't understand the meaning of the song....the description of the racist has nothing to do with the message she is trying to get across. So what if its changed to say the racist is a skinny man...still doesn't change the message.
And would then possibly be hurtful to skinny people!! How does Bruce fail to see that the game of 'dueling oversensitivities' is untenable.
You don't have a right not to be offended, outraged, hurt, triggered, whatever by what people say. Dealing with other human beings, and their imperfections, is part of living.
Insisting everybody carefully avoid giving any offense ever is part of tyranny.
WRITING A SONG ABOUT HATE AND PREJUDICE USING TERMS OF HATE AND PREJUDICE IS JUST PLAIN DUMB SHE CAN CHANGE IT AND ADMIT SHE WAS WRONG AND CALLING PEOPLE TRASH IS ALSO NOT A WAY TO GET YOUR POINT ACROSS TO THEM LET HER SING A CORUS OF MY BACK PAGES(I WAS SO MUCH OLDER THEN IM YOUNGER THEN THAT NOW) AND CHANGE THE SONG
I LIVE THIS SONG EVERY DAY AND EVERY TIME I SEE MY SON HOLD HIS DAUGHTER IN ONE HAND AND A M16 IN THE OTHER I ASK MYSELF WHAT WILL THE FUTURE BRING FOR HER SO PLEASE DONT TELL ME I DONT UNDERSTAND THE SONG
Bruce Levine Then I presume you're equally offended by Meghan Trainor's 'All About That Bass', as well, where she denigrates slim women - and that's practically the raison d'etre for the song. (I am, but only because the song is a worthless piece of shit). Or anything by the talentless whore Nikki Minaj, for that matter. I grew up with, and still sport, a fair degree of facial disfigurement. I accepted it and moved on. I might suggest that you deal with your self-worth issues as well, and stop policing poets for minor incidental terms that bruise your obviously fragile self-image. And if you think this is the only song that's going to do that, then you don't get around much, and screaming in all caps does nothing to improve your argument.
Bruce Levine Oh, by the way, I'M offended by the thought of a parent who would hold his daughter and a killing machine at the same time. Much less own one of the things. In fact, he'd be reported to the authorities up here and have his gun license revoked (not that we even allow slaughtering machines like the M16 to be privately owned), and rightfully so. And perhaps even a visit by Child Protection Services as well.
Really? People called this song preachy? They probably were the people this song cautioned against.
Free Palestine! I can’t think of a harder life.
Anyone know yet what she died from.
As of this typing it's not been said.
It was her wish that no statement be released for a week. I hope she did not suffer greatly.
Does anyone know who is playing that slide guitar?
Victor Edwards Likely former Eagle Bernie Leadon (guitar, mandolin and pedal steel), Victor, who shared guitar duties on 'this album with former Fairport Convention acoustic guitarist Jerry Donahue. He gets a nice fat - oh, sorry, gravitationally challenged - sound of out that thing, doesn't he?
+Victor Edwards
Philip Donnelly, an Irishman who plays that wonderful Strat with those seagull licks. Fantastic guitarist.
*****
Thanks, Philip! Great stuff, that guy!
+Victor Edwards Victor, the guy in the video playing slide is without doubt Philip. The album notes say Bernie Leadon played slide on Listen To The Radio, but does not mention him playing it on Hard Life! Philip and Fran Breen were both still in Nanci's touring band when the album was made, but Philip is not credited on the album as playing electric guitar! Once you have heard Philip's guitar playing style, you would recognize his sound anywhere, it is so distinctive.My guess is that it probably, like tezhowes said, is Bernie playing this on the album cut, and Philip is just air playing, as this is definitely the album track and Nanci is lip synching here on the video.Philip's album Town and Country is fabulous. His Strat playing is amazing! He has a red one and a black one.
@harlanmackey Still a great song, but totally understand your point. The response to mean words should not be mean words. But, it's a great song, with a great message. Calling the racist 'trash' does go against the message of tolerance, but I suppose it expresses the battle cry of "this is wrong!" I'm too stupid to know the right way to put it, but I still love the song, and absolutely understand your point
@harlanmackey Maybe the lyrics are like that for a reason...
Chi cuaaugo?
I'm here on the day before Biden/Harris inauguration ... deep concern ... Wisdom from scriptures @ Jer 10:23
This was the first song of hers I ever heard.
Rest in peace, Nanci. You're going to be missed.
Me too. It came on TV and within an hour I had bought the album--one of the only albums I ever bought new. I still play it.
Same here. :(
Same. And then I promptly went out and purchased Storms and all of her other albums.
Same here. F**king sucks! The world needs more singer/song writers like her. She will be sorely missed
Me too.
Just beautiful
Just heard the news, and it punched me in the stomach. Why do the best ones leave us too soon?? R.I.P. Nanci. An angel, once on earth, now in Heaven. x
Me too. I just turned on the computer after my walk and saw the news and felt that punch in my gut and my heart break. An angel that touched my heart and soul. R.I.P Nanci.
Me too. This one is hitting me super hard. I just loved her; her music got me through so much.
@@cristovaljesusamado8455 What reality do you live in?
Most people don't doe at that age!
@@cristovaljesusamado8455 really? My mother will be 95 in two weeks. Explain that.
@@danthedobermann
My mother will be 89 in Sept. Her mother lived to 100. I'm 70. I hope I've got at least a few more years. 😉
I’m so grieved to learn of her passing.
Rest in peace Nancy, It feel like I have just lost one of my best friends tonight!
RIP Nancy: thank you for your artistry.
As an intern with MCA Records, I had the great pleasure of meeting Nanci as I worked promoting One Fair Summer Evening - LIVE from the Anderson County Fair. Both she and Lyle Lovett were two of the classiest people I've had the pleasure of knowing! ~ So happy for my small part in their respective successes! Great video! ~ Happy Belated Birthday, Nanci Griffith! :-)
my sister said the same thing--she met her at a meet-and-greet and said she was delightful and very patient
"This song just feels appropriate these days." Comment from 3 years ago. Dear dear
It was this song that made me reexamine everything I was taught about other races and cultures. The first song of hers that I ever heard. I had to hear everything she sang after that. Devastated by her death. 68 is too young.
Powerful. Beautiful song.
Janna, I am so glad to hear that this awesome song had such a powerful effect on you. I am devastated too. I hope the song gets played a lot in her honor.
And here we are in 2023. Nanci is gone, and the United States is increasingly divided and filled with hatred. It's a hard life indeed. I am thankful to be old with one foot in the grave never to see what happens next.
My heart just aches. Thank you Nanci for all the music and sharing your talents and sweet soul with us. RIP