White guy from Texas here. I love this song, and the message. I love that it was unapologetically confrontational. I appreciate a band using their platform to speak out on important issues in this way.
Just one of the best Neil ever wrote. He has the uncanny ability to make a guitar sound like an angry human protest, not just an inanimate musical instrument. Pure genius.
They are actually banning books, now. Decades ago Nazis first burned books, then they burned people. History repeats when society doesn’t learn from the past.
Biz, I’m white and have zero problem with you speaking about race stuff. Don’t feel like you gotta hold back man, you’re a thoughtful dude and we’d all appreciate your perspective, no matter what it is. Great song choice, peace brotha
Well said, John. I watch to learn from you, Biz, just as you learn from our experiences as expressed in the music that shaped out lives in the '60s and '70s. Music and culture will bring the world together some day. You are part of that.
I’m an older white Canadian fellow who has watched a number of your videos, hadn’t subscribed ‘cause I was following so many sites but always liked your take on music. Last night my wife and I watched this reaction to the end and were quite taken by your comments, not surprised, as forms of racism are everywhere. Your take on the quiet form as opposed to the more open form of racism is right on. In any case that discussion goes on, for myself I try to be open to other cultures and people and have met lots of great folks. I’ve subscribed to your site, I like what you have said and I don’t mind learning more and having my eyes opened.😎🍺
You can tell that Neil Young, aka THE MAN, was really pissed off when he wrote and recorded this song in 1972. When Ronnie Van Zant sings "When will Neil Young remember that a Southern Man don't need him around anyhow.", he signaled that he and his friends were not too happy having to hear the sad truth about some members of Southern society. Eventually, Neil and Lynyrd Skynyrd became friends and wore each others T Shirts when performing concerts. But he still sang this song, and took some heat for it, but he survived okay. Neil is THE MAN.
I'm an old white woman and I admire Neil for this song. I agree with him so very much. You should listen to four dead in ohio..by csny and I think Neil wrote it. About Natl guard gunning down four students at Kent St in ohio not far from where I live. They were protesting Vietnam War.
dark day in ohio history as well as the country. over a war we never should have been in. looks like history repeating itself again. off of the csn&y so far Lp. played it so much back in the day. had to replace it when the harmonies didn't sound right. lol
We were in the middle of the civil rights movement and I think Neil felt it was necessary to acknowledge the inhumanity of the past. Awareness being step one in the healing process. You handled this topic with real class, Bro! Great reactions too! ☺✌💛, PJ
I remember getting this album when it dropped. The whole thing is fire. The sound of everything is so genuine. Real music on real instruments. Naked, raw, vocals, it’s everything I love about music. Plus it’s Neil Young at the pinnacle of his career. As far as America during slavery and the difficulties of Reconstruction, it happened don’t erase history. Don’t ban books. The Nazis burnt books, then they burnt people. History is vital to a truly free society.
@@blindriv3r I saw a documentary on Neil gives a tour of that house and describes exactly how the record was made. But, I can’t remember if it was CBS 60 Minutes or somewhere else. Do you know.
What a time to be alive. Maybe I lived a past life in the 60s I connect so much with Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Buffy St Marie, the Band. It would have been an interesting time to be alive
@@atherwitch it sounds like you have a bit of a hippy soul. I suggest Judy Collins, “Who knows Where the Time Goes” and her hit version of Joni’s “Both Sides Now”. And, Laura Nyro, “Stone Soul Picnic”.
Neil Young can rock and do a ballad, like Heart of Gold. I'm a white southerner and I always like this song...Neil Young too. IMO, Neil Young is a top 10 singer / songwriter.
Crank it up! PS. When Young dropped this in 1970 it was only seven years earlier that the cops in Alabama sicced dogs and water cannons on children, 15 years after Emmett Till was murdered. So if the song made people in the South uncomfortable it was mostly because they were in denial about the truth of Jim Crow. Their complaints fall on deaf ears with me, to be honest.
One Neil's best songs. I admire him for telling it like it is even if some people don't want to hear it. He was just speaking out against an injustice which is something that he has never been afraid to do.
As a white person who lived through the racial and social upheavels of the 60's & 70's, I am not at all offended to have discussions on our history of racism and the battles taking place back then. I am proud to be part of the "hippie" generation who actually cared about our fellow man and were idealistic about making change. Lots of good protest songs around and Neil contributed quite a few. Please continue with Neil and also CSNY. "Harvest" and "Harvest Moon" are not socially significant, just lovely. BTW - since you like Humble Pie, Steve wrote an excellent song about American racism from their first album - Not well known but worth a listen - "Alabama '69". Also shown on another Beat Club video.
Yes but now the left is ushering in a racial ranking system just like the actual NAZIs they are. Let's debate. By the way, NAZI = "National Socialist Workers Party." The NAZIs were socialists. The idea that Hitler was right wing is just plain stupid and ignorant.
Neil Young - the Master of the One-Note Guitar Solo! Neil is a deep music hole, and if you are into social issue songs, you will cross Neil Young's path many times. I love everything he does - almost. :)
Neil Young is one of my favorites. This song was released in 1970. I was 8 years old and heard it many times while growing up. He speaks out for humanity and against injustice. We come from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Still, we are all human beings. We come from the same source. We all just want to live and survive. We also want to be loved and safe and want the same for our loved ones. I pray for a time when we find unity. I'm a 60 year old white woman. I went to a community college campus starting in 2012 that was 93% Black student population. I ended up tutoring there and saw awful roadblocks for these students trying to succeed and create better lives for themselves. It was heartbreaking. The school moved their nursing program, medical assisting, and all other medical classes to a campus on the other end of the county out of reach for students that relied on city busses for transportation to school. One of the tutors I worked with was an amazing mathmatician. She lived in her car with her 2 kids. She was such an amazing woman and so much fun to be with at work. She died of a heart attack, leaving her kids behind. There is just too much wrong with this world. I wish people would stop the insanity and help each other when possible. I still hold onto hope for a better future.
Neil Young is a legendary artist. But he’s one of the most divisive guitar players in rock n’ roll history. No one sounds like Neil. Great song and great lyrics. I'm a White Man in my 70's, from the South. My Grandmother was a Native American and felt the sting of racism. She told me, "To never let your inner spirit become lost enough to hate any man of any tribe, race, or religion!" She had never been to school, but she had wisdom. Thanks, Biz for your wisdom and thoughts, They help bring us all together with a smile and good music.;
Lynerd Skynerd's song Sweet Home Alabama was a response to this song. And than Neil Young and Ronnei Van Zandt became great friends to the extent where Neil Young was a pall bearer at Van Zandt's funeral.
Yeah Neil is from Canada, but his Mom's side of the family was from the southern US. The family would take yearly road trips driving down to FLA from Ontario when he was a small kid, it made an impression.
When it comes to Neil Young, until you've listened to "Cowgirl in the Sand" you simply have not experienced the full power and vision of what Young has been up to. The album recording of that song is one of the great moments in all of rock music ever.
In the 1970s, we were never uncomfortable with this song. It’s historical, and very important to remember. That’s exactly w what we thought about it. Awesome Rock and roll.
Neil is indeed Canadian, but a US citizen. But above all, he is a thinking and feeling man, who puts his world into wonderful songs. He is a real treasure for humanity!
'Heavy' is an appropriate sum up, and you're right, he's not talking about all southern peeps, it's not called Sothern Men. It hit hard with a lot of people, truth can be hard, and wow how you can almost see and feel the screams and whips lashing thru his delivery and in the solo. Respect from Ireland for what it's worth. Peace.
Neil Young one of the greatest Songwriter's singers, father of grunge guitar, not afraid to tell it like it is. A Canadian hero loved throughout the world. One of his best angry songs. He still lays it on the line politically. Such a unique voice he can play all kinds of genres. This was a cutting through song, The 70;s were big Vietnam war protests, Neil wrote Ohio, and many other protest songs for over 50 years now. Listen to more Neil Young
I absolutely love this song. He was simply singing about the culture that persisted in the Jim Crow south. Some people want to pretend that it didn’t happen but it’s history and it cannot be erased.
You can't change history. Only the future..... it's a black eye to USA but it definitely needs to be told. Neil Young had BIG BALLS to make this in 1970....wow.
I'm a 69 year old white dude that sometimes not to happy with that. I've lived and seen a lot of horrible things that haven't change much to me any way. Played this song in a few bands back in the 60's and 70's with some enjoyment and some flack. Keep up the good work man. Jim
Very thoughtful comments, Biz man. You are right to block people with hateful thoughts, don't need to give them a platform. I enjoy your reactions to the music I grew up with. You are going to find that the '60s were quite turbulent and many songs, such as this one, reflected what was happening.
Neil said a lot with very few words. The music always sounded like a mix of anger and anguish. If, that makes sense. It's very sad to me that I'm 2023 we still have racist, backward thinking people but I guess they'll never completely go away as much as the majority wish they would! Keep doing what your doing Biz!! I love your reactions! Your honesty and humor are refreshing. 🖤 🤍🖤🤍🖤
I'm 73 years old and I guess having gotten out of HS in 1967, Summer of Love, was when our music crashed into human rights. My friends were going off to fight in a war and dying, women were tired of being held back and treated like property, my black friends were still not being served when we went to grab a bite to eat in a resturant. We had a lot of issues as teens and we wanted answers and changes. I guess we didn't have enough worldly knowledge to know we were pissing people off with our protest and demands, but we didn't care, we wanted people to listen, we were a force that politicians hated, but in time they couldn't ignore. We were hundreds of thousands of kids finally able to afford jr college and State colleges. We had places to assemble and organize protest and we couldn't be stopped These songs came from a place of intense needs to fix the biggest problem in America, Misogyny, Racism and the drafting of our generation of young men. I'm sometimes amazed at what we managed to accomplish and I feel proud of our tenacity. The music was such a universal part of the messages and it reached across State lines and borders. It still makes me emotional when I hear the protest songs and the messages that were so powerful. From Dylan to Neil Young, there's a library of music that sent strong messages and helped change this country and end a war. Kind of sad we actually are falling back in time right now, but I look at it as a wake up call that we still have work to do and now is the time to stand up and be heard once again. Never take it for granted, there's always those looking for a time of weakness to jump in and grab what we hold most dearly, our rights. ♡
When Neil wrote this song in 1969, the Jim Crow laws in the South were just starting to be abolished. It was this song and another called "Alabama" Neil wrote that Lynyrd Skynyrd responded to with Sweet Home Alabama.
Neil owns the longest one note solo with Down by The River. And the longest song with the fewest words, 'T-Bone'. goes like this: Got mashed potatoes. Ain't got no T-bone.
Those who don't learn from History are doomed to repeat it. Neil Young brought the issues of the day to the forefront. Things that upset people world wide.
Keep in mind Biz, Neil Young wrote this song in 1970 as a result of traveling through the South. It was actually based on his experience of traveling in the South in the 60's.
Great reaction Biz. I'm a southern boy and I felt the song was more than appropriate at the time. He wasn't talking about me or any other southerner who was against all the crap being perpetrated against Blacks. I worked for good people in the 70's who wouldn't hire a Black person. I know this, these type songs never have an ill effect on the people who agree with them. It doesn't matter if the people fall into the general category because everyone who agrees with them knows it's not about them. There were white people in the original American colonies against taking land from the native people. There were white people against slavery in the 1600's, over 100 years before the Declaration of Independence. There were people in the south who were Union sympathizers and people in the north who were confederate sympathizers. White people have been against what other white people have been doing since there were white people. Same as everyone else. 😂I guess everyone could just say you humans over there who are perpetuating whatever they're talking about. Nobody cares if we all say humans suck. Everyone gets that. 😂
Always loved this song and appreciate it’s truths, no holds barred. I’ve heard some sickening racist attitudes from ignorant people over the last 5 years rearing their ugly heads again, so this song remains relevant. As a Canadian 🇨🇦, Neil has always been one of our icons.
Bizmatic as a fellow Canadian of Neil Young and a massive fan. One of Neil best tracks is "Down by the River" live version with Neil band Crazy Horse. No pun intended but you'd be crazy not to give it a listen 😂😂
The song "Alabama" is the other song referenced by "Sweet Home Alabama", and he's specifically talking about George Wallace. Neil aimed this song at the Sothern Christians, the "Good Book" reference. The re-formed Lynrd Skynrd played at Farm Aid, which was organized by Neil.
You never get over it. I'm white and I'm not over it. I do my best to keep peaceful, but "how long?" How long is right. I appreciate this song and I appreciate you having the courage to put yourself out there.
This song was written by a White man and millions of White people, including me, have listened to it for decades. And his message came across loud and clear.
The power of music. It took a Canadian to fully see the atrocity of the American South at the time, especially since the American North was on fire in the 60s for the same reasons.
Trying so hard still to reach out, my friend, and Neil, Bob, Chuck, Jimi and others built bridges to get more of us "on the right side of things". I can do better and I strive to. Maybe some day "sides" will not even exist. The Isleys, man. You are doing a wonderful thing...power to you.
He protested which was brave but he was known for doing that with his music. Try Neil youngs song, down by the river. It is funky and obviously genius. i Enjoy your reactions and you look like you get a buzz listening to the stuff I have always listened too. 👍
The full picture for this album cover is pretty cool. There's another famous musician in the picture off to the right, forward a bit, who played in a band with Neil.
Neil gave a whole story in just a couple stanza's. I was a teen when it came out and played on Album Oriented FM stations. It never gets old and unfortunately still current. I grew up in Western NY and I was always struck by what I would hear of the south when I was a child in the 60's - the separate bathrooms, doors to go through, seating, and "white only" establishments. I guess I thought, as a child, how ancient the times of President Lincoln were and yet what went on only a decade before (1950's) and even into the 60's how unevolved our society (white) is. But you're right, in the north racism is more under cover and in whispers. At least it was. Nothing seems to be much any more these days. We (boomers) didn't change the world with our revolutionary styles and music as much as we hoped. What I didn't expect, is for things to go backwards.
Was great groovin to the instrumental parts and sing along riding in car alone or with friends. The strong lyrics stuck with me and still are relevant today. Injustice anywhere should make everyone feel uncomfortable
Thank you, BizMatik. This came out in 1970. I bought the album. (Yes, I am that old.) This was still in the civil rights era, but more toward the end. Lynyrd Skynyrd took exception to it because though they were from the south, they weren't racist, nor did they go along with racism. One of their songs expresses that, though they were Neil Young fans. To prove their fan status, their lead singer often wore a Neil Young t-shirt. And yes, Neil, however great his work was, was Canadian.
Neil is fire that everyone should listen too. He speaks up and takes a lot of heat for it, but he goes hard here and I couldn't agree more his playing here was played with burning FIRE and ANGER and I love it! I support Neil all the way!!!
Remember that he worte that song in 1970; pretty much just describing what he saw and felt he had to do something about it because although he is Canadian, he lived in the USA at the time !
White guy from Texas here. I love this song, and the message. I love that it was unapologetically confrontational. I appreciate a band using their platform to speak out on important issues in this way.
Just one of the best Neil ever wrote. He has the uncanny ability to make a guitar sound like an angry human protest, not just an inanimate musical instrument. Pure genius.
53 years later, school kids might need another song to tell the history they don't learn in class. Excellent reaction!
They are actually banning books, now. Decades ago Nazis first burned books, then they burned people. History repeats when society doesn’t learn from the past.
So true!
I love your comment, and totally agree.
Biz, I’m white and have zero problem with you speaking about race stuff. Don’t feel like you gotta hold back man, you’re a thoughtful dude and we’d all appreciate your perspective, no matter what it is. Great song choice, peace brotha
Well said, John. I watch to learn from you, Biz, just as you learn from our experiences as expressed in the music that shaped out lives in the '60s and '70s. Music and culture will bring the world together some day. You are part of that.
It's all about the talent to me NY is 1 of a kind musically period!!!
I’m an older white Canadian fellow who has watched a number of your videos, hadn’t subscribed ‘cause I was following so many sites but always liked your take on music. Last night my wife and I watched this reaction to the end and were quite taken by your comments, not surprised, as forms of racism are everywhere. Your take on the quiet form as opposed to the more open form of racism is right on. In any case that discussion goes on, for myself I try to be open to other cultures and people and have met lots of great folks. I’ve subscribed to your site, I like what you have said and I don’t mind learning more and having my eyes opened.😎🍺
Biz if you’re interested check out Rossington Collins Band Don’t Misunderstand Me. Thanks for the reviews and perspective!
Exactly
As a Canadian, I say preach. ✌🏽❤️🇨🇦
You can tell that Neil Young, aka THE MAN, was really pissed off when he wrote and recorded this song in 1972. When Ronnie Van Zant sings "When will Neil Young remember that a Southern Man don't need him around anyhow.", he signaled that he and his friends were not too happy having to hear the sad truth about some members of Southern society. Eventually, Neil and Lynyrd Skynyrd became friends and wore each others T Shirts when performing concerts. But he still sang this song, and took some heat for it, but he survived okay. Neil is THE MAN.
I'm an old white woman and I admire Neil for this song. I agree with him so very much. You should listen to four dead in ohio..by csny and I think Neil wrote it. About Natl guard gunning down four students at Kent St in ohio not far from where I live. They were protesting Vietnam War.
Yes, Neil wrote the song Ohio
Ditto
I'm glad you helped me out I always thought that song was called born dead in Ohio I thought it was kind of an abortion song or something, thanks
dark day in ohio history as well as the country.
over a war we never should have been in.
looks like history repeating itself again.
off of the csn&y so far Lp. played it so much back in the day. had to replace it when the harmonies didn't sound right. lol
Another old white woman who couldn't agree more. This was back when we didn't turn our backs on things that were hard to look at.
We were in the middle of the civil rights movement and I think Neil felt it was necessary to acknowledge the inhumanity of the past. Awareness being step one in the healing process. You handled this topic with real class, Bro! Great reactions too! ☺✌💛, PJ
Are,not were, we’re still trying to change some folks, every day every way.
You can’t erase history. Only learn from it
I remember getting this album when it dropped. The whole thing is fire. The sound of everything is so genuine. Real music on real instruments. Naked, raw, vocals, it’s everything I love about music. Plus it’s Neil Young at the pinnacle of his career. As far as America during slavery and the difficulties of Reconstruction, it happened don’t erase history. Don’t ban books. The Nazis burnt books, then they burnt people. History is vital to a truly free society.
Yeah very real, it was recorded in a home studio, and Neil has written at times his wife was banging on the door during it lol
@@blindriv3r I saw a documentary on Neil gives a tour of that house and describes exactly how the record was made. But, I can’t remember if it was CBS 60 Minutes or somewhere else. Do you know.
@@ed.z. This is the only thing like that I am aware of, don't know of any other ones w/the Topanga house
th-cam.com/video/HHnDc7jhyu0/w-d-xo.html
What a time to be alive. Maybe I lived a past life in the 60s I connect so much with Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Buffy St Marie, the Band. It would have been an interesting time to be alive
@@atherwitch it sounds like you have a bit of a hippy soul. I suggest Judy Collins, “Who knows Where the Time Goes” and her hit version of Joni’s “Both Sides Now”. And, Laura Nyro, “Stone Soul Picnic”.
Neil Young can rock and do a ballad, like Heart of Gold. I'm a white southerner and I always like this song...Neil Young too. IMO, Neil Young is a top 10 singer / songwriter.
Crank it up! PS. When Young dropped this in 1970 it was only seven years earlier that the cops in Alabama sicced dogs and water cannons on children, 15 years after Emmett Till was murdered. So if the song made people in the South uncomfortable it was mostly because they were in denial about the truth of Jim Crow. Their complaints fall on deaf ears with me, to be honest.
One Neil's best songs. I admire him for telling it like it is even if some people don't want to hear it. He was just speaking out against an injustice which is something that he has never been afraid to do.
Shakey at his best. This song will never cease to sound powerful.
As a white person who lived through the racial and social upheavels of the 60's & 70's, I am not at all offended to have discussions on our history of racism and the battles taking place back then. I am proud to be part of the "hippie" generation who actually cared about our fellow man and were idealistic about making change. Lots of good protest songs around and Neil contributed quite a few. Please continue with Neil and also CSNY. "Harvest" and "Harvest Moon" are not socially significant, just lovely.
BTW - since you like Humble Pie, Steve wrote an excellent song about American racism from their first album - Not well known but worth a listen - "Alabama '69". Also shown on another Beat Club video.
Yes but now the left is ushering in a racial ranking system just like the actual NAZIs they are. Let's debate. By the way, NAZI = "National Socialist Workers Party." The NAZIs were socialists. The idea that Hitler was right wing is just plain stupid and ignorant.
Neil Young - the Master of the One-Note Guitar Solo! Neil is a deep music hole, and if you are into social issue songs, you will cross Neil Young's path many times. I love everything he does - almost. :)
Neil Young is one of my favorites. This song was released in 1970. I was 8 years old and heard it many times while growing up. He speaks out for humanity and against injustice. We come from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Still, we are all human beings. We come from the same source. We all just want to live and survive. We also want to be loved and safe and want the same for our loved ones. I pray for a time when we find unity. I'm a 60 year old white woman. I went to a community college campus starting in 2012 that was 93% Black student population. I ended up tutoring there and saw awful roadblocks for these students trying to succeed and create better lives for themselves. It was heartbreaking. The school moved their nursing program, medical assisting, and all other medical classes to a campus on the other end of the county out of reach for students that relied on city busses for transportation to school. One of the tutors I worked with was an amazing mathmatician. She lived in her car with her 2 kids. She was such an amazing woman and so much fun to be with at work. She died of a heart attack, leaving her kids behind. There is just too much wrong with this world. I wish people would stop the insanity and help each other when possible. I still hold onto hope for a better future.
Neil Young is a legendary artist. But he’s one of the most divisive guitar players in rock n’ roll history. No one sounds like Neil. Great song
and great lyrics. I'm a White Man in my 70's, from the South. My Grandmother was a Native American and felt the sting of racism. She told me, "To never let your inner spirit become lost enough to hate any man of any tribe, race, or religion!" She had never been to school, but she had wisdom. Thanks, Biz for your wisdom and thoughts, They help bring us all together with a smile and good music.;
Lynerd Skynerd's song Sweet Home Alabama was a response to this song.
And than Neil Young and Ronnei Van Zandt became great friends to the extent where Neil Young was a pall bearer at Van Zandt's funeral.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Interesting info.. Thank you.
Van Zant
Not a Pall bearer
When Neal Young heard about the crash,at his next concert he played Sweet home Alabama,in honor of Ronnie Van want and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
I KNOWWWW YOU'RE LOVING NEIL'S GUITAR RANTS, THEY ARE SOME OF THE BEST WHEN HE STARTS TO GO OFF! 😊
Yeah Neil is from Canada, but his Mom's side of the family was from the southern US. The family would take yearly road trips driving down to FLA from Ontario when he was a small kid, it made an impression.
When it comes to Neil Young, until you've listened to "Cowgirl in the Sand" you simply have not experienced the full power and vision of what Young has been up to. The album recording of that song is one of the great moments in all of rock music ever.
Could not agree more!! Cowgirl in the Sand is a must!
Best TH-cam comment ever! YES.
RIP Danny Whitten. His guitar interplay with Neil will never be equalled.
In the 1970s, we were never uncomfortable with this song. It’s historical, and very important to remember. That’s exactly w what we thought about it. Awesome Rock and roll.
Love Neil and I love his story telling, this is an amazing song, thank you.
Neil is indeed Canadian, but a US citizen. But above all, he is a thinking and feeling man,
who puts his world into wonderful songs. He is a real treasure for humanity!
He's Canadian born and raised and kept his citizenship of his home country. He took out American citizenship so is a dual citizen of both nations
Neil did leave Canada and ended up in LA in 1966 … but he only added an American citizenship in 2020.
"After The Gold Rush" is my favorite Neil Young song. Just something very moving about it, lyrics and melody.
Im a white woman, and Ive song this song in clubs (in Fl) with a bunch of southerners in the audience and I hoped they got pissed! I applaud N Young
You go sista!
Also listen to his Alabama off , Harvest
@@alanthomson1227 Oh yeah! I've got the original vinyl album. :)
'Heavy' is an appropriate sum up, and you're right, he's not talking about all southern peeps, it's not called Sothern Men.
It hit hard with a lot of people, truth can be hard, and wow how you can almost see and feel the screams and whips lashing thru his delivery and in the solo.
Respect from Ireland for what it's worth. Peace.
Neil Young one of the greatest Songwriter's singers, father of grunge guitar, not afraid to tell it like it is. A Canadian hero loved throughout the world. One of his best angry songs. He still lays it on the line politically. Such a unique voice he can play all kinds of genres. This was a cutting through song, The 70;s were big Vietnam war protests, Neil wrote Ohio, and many other protest songs for over 50 years now. Listen to more Neil Young
Neil Young!! Powerful.
I absolutely love this song. He was simply singing about the culture that persisted in the Jim Crow south. Some people want to pretend that it didn’t happen but it’s history and it cannot be erased.
You can't change history. Only the future..... it's a black eye to USA but it definitely needs to be told. Neil Young had BIG BALLS to make this in 1970....wow.
HEY HEY MY MY-NEIL YOUNG
I'm a 69 year old white dude that sometimes not to happy with that. I've lived and seen a lot of horrible things that haven't change much to me any way. Played this song in a few bands back in the 60's and 70's with some enjoyment and some flack. Keep up the good work man. Jim
Very thoughtful comments, Biz man. You are right to block people with hateful thoughts, don't need to give them a platform. I enjoy your reactions to the music I grew up with. You are going to find that the '60s were quite turbulent and many songs, such as this one, reflected what was happening.
You remind me of me at 15 when I first discovered Neil...he's funky, and brilliant and Injustice is injustice.
Excellent Song! Neil speaks the truth ❤❤❤
Neil said a lot with very few words. The music always sounded like a mix of anger and anguish. If, that makes sense.
It's very sad to me that I'm 2023 we still have racist, backward thinking people but I guess they'll never completely go away as much as the majority wish they would! Keep doing what your doing Biz!! I love your reactions! Your honesty and humor are
refreshing. 🖤 🤍🖤🤍🖤
Older white lady who absolutely was affected by this song when it was released. I often think “The devil went down to Georgia “ and never left!
Neil Young my brother is a man for all people! Peace
When part of the lyrics to the song are, "AAAAAHHHHHH!", you know the artist is being sincere.
Good analysis. Neil was brave to release this
LOVE Neil Young… he tells the truth… he’s one of my favs of the time & NOW…. Love his story telling folksy bluesy rockin’ style
One of the most important socio/political songs in the history of the United States. With screaming guitar!
It’s a song about southern democrats.
And written a Canadian!
@@giodagrate5369
No it's not
@@SolarEclipse1996 explain how it isn’t?
@@giodagrate5369
Explain how you're so dense 🤔
Any song. Cinnamon Girl is my fav. My 1st concert was Neil Young. ❤❤
One of the all time great albums.
Not as Good as Ragged Glory or Evrrybody Knows This Is Nowhere
I'm 73 years old and I guess having gotten out of HS in 1967, Summer of Love, was when our music crashed into human rights.
My friends were going off to fight in a war and dying, women were tired of being held back and treated like property, my black friends were still not being served when we went to grab a bite to eat in a resturant. We had a lot of issues as teens and we wanted answers and changes.
I guess we didn't have enough worldly knowledge to know we were pissing people off with our protest and demands, but we didn't care, we wanted people to listen, we were a force that politicians hated, but in time they couldn't ignore.
We were hundreds of thousands of kids finally able to afford jr college and State colleges. We had places to assemble and organize protest and we couldn't be stopped
These songs came from a place of intense needs to fix the biggest problem in America, Misogyny, Racism and the drafting of our generation of young men.
I'm sometimes amazed at what we managed to accomplish and I feel proud of our tenacity.
The music was such a universal part of the messages and it reached across State lines and borders. It still makes me emotional when I hear the protest songs and the messages that were so powerful. From Dylan to Neil Young, there's a library of music that sent strong messages and helped change this country and end a war.
Kind of sad we actually are falling back in time right now, but I look at it as a wake up call that we still have work to do and now is the time to stand up and be heard once again. Never take it for granted, there's always those looking for a time of weakness to jump in and grab what we hold most dearly, our rights. ♡
When Neil wrote this song in 1969, the Jim Crow laws in the South were just starting to be abolished. It was this song and another called "Alabama" Neil wrote that Lynyrd Skynyrd responded to with Sweet Home Alabama.
Neil gave a voice to people who weren't aloud to be heard.
Neil owns the longest one note solo with Down by The River. And the longest song with the fewest words, 'T-Bone'. goes like this: Got mashed potatoes. Ain't got no T-bone.
Great reaction. Ohio is another heavy hitter.... (written and composed by neil young, performed by CSNY)
Those who don't learn from History are doomed to repeat it. Neil Young brought the issues of the day to the forefront. Things that upset people world wide.
You have to love Neil's dirty soloing style. It's story telling on guitar
🎶Don’t forget what your good book said…🎵
Keep in mind Biz, Neil Young wrote this song in 1970 as a result of traveling through the South. It was actually based on his experience of traveling in the South in the 60's.
Great song by Neil.
Great reaction Biz.
I'm a southern boy and I felt the song was more than appropriate at the time. He wasn't talking about me or any other southerner who was against all the crap being perpetrated against Blacks. I worked for good people in the 70's who wouldn't hire a Black person. I know this, these type songs never have an ill effect on the people who agree with them. It doesn't matter if the people fall into the general category because everyone who agrees with them knows it's not about them.
There were white people in the original American colonies against taking land from the native people. There were white people against slavery in the 1600's, over 100 years before the Declaration of Independence. There were people in the south who were Union sympathizers and people in the north who were confederate sympathizers. White people have been against what other white people have been doing since there were white people. Same as everyone else. 😂I guess everyone could just say you humans over there who are perpetuating whatever they're talking about. Nobody cares if we all say humans suck. Everyone gets that. 😂
Yes, this song was just about history, not politics.
The song is rightfully brutal and, given the South's history, no reason not to expose it all.
A true legend.
Always loved this song and appreciate it’s truths, no holds barred. I’ve heard some sickening racist attitudes from ignorant people over the last 5 years rearing their ugly heads again, so this song remains relevant. As a Canadian 🇨🇦, Neil has always been one of our icons.
Dude never apologize for speaking the truth you are awesome 😎🤘✌️
Bizmatic as a fellow Canadian of Neil Young and a massive fan. One of Neil best tracks is "Down by the River" live version with Neil band Crazy Horse.
No pun intended but you'd be crazy not to give it a listen 😂😂
After the Gold Rush is just a masterpiece..
The song "Alabama" is the other song referenced by "Sweet Home Alabama", and he's specifically talking about George Wallace.
Neil aimed this song at the Sothern Christians, the "Good Book" reference.
The re-formed Lynrd Skynrd played at Farm Aid, which was organized by Neil.
Fkn Masterpiece.
#goNeil
You never get over it. I'm white and I'm not over it. I do my best to keep peaceful, but "how long?" How long is right. I appreciate this song and I appreciate you having the courage to put yourself out there.
You're damn right white people need to hear this. Keep speaking your mind.
This song was written by a White man and millions of White people, including me, have listened to it for decades. And his message came across loud and clear.
How about a song concerning the black-on-black violence in Chicago?
Especially REPUBLICAN white people. Most with "Christian" in their bio. Trump came along and took their masks off.
@@johnbrowne2170 Nice attempt at deflection Sparky...not! 🥴👈
@@anthonyhedberg6471 Or the window-breaking- shop lifters in California.
The power of music. It took a Canadian to fully see the atrocity of the American South at the time, especially since the American North was on fire in the 60s for the same reasons.
Trying so hard still to reach out, my friend, and Neil, Bob, Chuck, Jimi and others built bridges to get more of us "on the right side of things". I can do better and I strive to. Maybe some day "sides" will not even exist. The Isleys, man. You are doing a wonderful thing...power to you.
He protested which was brave but he was known for doing that with his music. Try Neil youngs song, down by the river. It is funky and obviously genius. i Enjoy your reactions and you look like you get a buzz listening to the stuff I have always listened too. 👍
Love this song❤
Bought this album when I was 12 - changed my life.
Old man.... great song 😊😊
Hi Biz just dropped by to hear this song again, love that guitar!
This was the first LP I ever bought
Love America Neil.
Neil loves the non-haters in America. He despises Trump. Neil is a hero!
The full picture for this album cover is pretty cool. There's another famous musician in the picture off to the right, forward a bit, who played in a band with Neil.
NY is terrific. Keep it coming.
BIZ I am a 62 yr old white man! I love watching you! You can tell I comment on most of your videos. Keep it up bro!!!!
I’m an old white guy and I lov it who cares where your from. I grew up with Neal ty
Neil gave a whole story in just a couple stanza's. I was a teen when it came out and played on Album Oriented FM stations. It never gets old and unfortunately still current. I grew up in Western NY and I was always struck by what I would hear of the south when I was a child in the 60's - the separate bathrooms, doors to go through, seating, and "white only" establishments. I guess I thought, as a child, how ancient the times of President Lincoln were and yet what went on only a decade before (1950's) and even into the 60's how unevolved our society (white) is.
But you're right, in the north racism is more under cover and in whispers. At least it was. Nothing seems to be much any more these days. We (boomers) didn't change the world with our revolutionary styles and music as much as we hoped. What I didn't expect, is for things to go backwards.
This song is a masterpiece musically and lyrics xxxxxx Neil has never been afraid to tell it like it is xxxxx
……that song you were thinking of was The Rolling Stones “Brown Sugar” great reaction as always ! Your the Best Biz ❤❤❤❤
Neil doesn't need a band, just put him on stage with a guitar and a harmonica
Or a pump organ
@@John_Locke_108 Ah, but , man, the reverb and distortion and feedback......
Nope need his electric not the wimpy top 40 crap DOWN BY THE RIVER or Cowgirl In The Sand is needed over Harvest Moon wimp boy acoustic
@@stevepincombe3836 The piano by 18 year old Nils Lofgrin
I saw him in ‘83. He did two sets solo and brought the band out for the third set. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen.
I Love Your Perspective About Topics
Very logical and reasonable take. Thanks.
This song sounds angry. I really love it.
Was great groovin to the instrumental parts and sing along riding in car alone or with friends. The strong lyrics stuck with me and still are relevant today. Injustice anywhere should make everyone feel uncomfortable
It is history. He is reacting to the news of the time. 1960"s. It was filmed. We watched it on TV. Cannot be erased.
So great!💪
A great song loved by more white southerns than you can imagine (and I'm 70 years old).
Thank you, BizMatik. This came out in 1970. I bought the album. (Yes, I am that old.) This was still in the civil rights era, but more toward the end. Lynyrd Skynyrd took exception to it because though they were from the south, they weren't racist, nor did they go along with racism. One of their songs expresses that, though they were Neil Young fans. To prove their fan status, their lead singer often wore a Neil Young t-shirt. And yes, Neil, however great his work was, was Canadian.
Poetic truth!
Thanks!
A reactor that reads his cements, Awsome🔥🔥🔥
Neil is fire that everyone should listen too. He speaks up and takes a lot of heat for it, but he goes hard here and I couldn't agree more his playing here was played with burning FIRE and ANGER and I love it! I support Neil all the way!!!
I've loved this song since I was a kid in 1980
Remember that he worte that song in 1970; pretty much just describing what he saw and felt he had to do something about it because although he is Canadian, he lived in the USA at the time !
Thanks. Awesome. If you’ve yet to do Neil Young “Alabama”, please do. Gives me chills. ✌️
The song sweet home Alabama .. Was a direct dig at Mr Young. The the line of that Southern man don't need him around anyhow