A Reason To Never Give Up - The Tragic Story of Nick Drake
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- In this short animated documentary type video we explore the life of the mysterious Nick Drake. While many people expected Nick Drake to have a succesful music carreer he never got to that point during his lifetime. However, at this point in time, almost 50 years after his passing were still talking about him. How did Nick Drake die? And what can his short life teach us?
Nick Drake released 3 albums during his life:
Five Leaves Left (1969)
Bryter Later (1971)
Pink Moon (1972)
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Suffering with depression as a young man through the '70's and' 80's Nicks music touched and helped me through those lonely and difficult times . Now as an old man approaching my 70's l am still touched and moved by he's lovely music .
How nice to hear!
I had exactly the same experience, and it was while Nick was still aiive, in his final year. I am forever indebted to him for expressing exactly how I felt and with such beautiful music.
Hello and me my name is Carol I'm 76 I love his music often hear it on a telly programme called heartbeat
I was into Donovan Bob Dylan cat Stevens jonie Mitchell
But nike drake remains a favourite xx
*his
Thank you for this video.
The use of Pink Moon in the Volkswagen commercial was so impactful for so many people that more people called to ask what song was used than people interested in the car
Horrific
My mom recommended him to me. There's nothing more heartbreaking than doing your best, exerting a lot of effort and working hard but still end up getting unappreciated.
Thank you for your music, Nick. It saved me.
Nick will live forever and the fact that he never had success makes him more of an enigma , i have never personally heard anyone as a solo artist as good special in every way
Once you discover Nick Drake your life changes forever
Well said.
100 per cent! Especially the last paragraph..... you are never the same once your head and heart are embroiled in his beloved songs. ⚘️
He’s one of a category of artists whose work becomes commercially successful only after they are gone.
Couldn’t agree more. The music lives on 🎼🎷🎹🎸
I feel this way about Jason Molina, too. Tragic souls stolen from life too young.
It's sad some of the best artists are depressed 😔
Pink Moon should be its own genre, suicidal coffeehouse. I was in a pretty dark place some years back. Had no friends, no girl, massive debt, horrible chronic pain that required a surgery, and was on the verge of being jobless because the company I worked for was selling. I ended up coming across the album again after years of not listening to it. The crushing, crippling, nauseating, suffocating depression on that record is palpable. While listening I could feel it in the pit of my stomach. Poor guy must’ve really felt hopeless and alone but his playing and songwriting is uniquely beautiful. Wasted talent-could’ve produced so much more music if he didn’t die so young.
You should have listened to Eye of the Tiger.
I agree with only one thing you wrote and that is his music was and is beautiful. One weird thing about music that addresses feelings of depression, whether it be through lyrics or melodies or both is that somehow it can be cathartic and thus healing to experience, even if it is bleak. Perhaps it boils down to misery loves company but rather than being indulgent moping I tend to feel it can be legitimate release too, to know that ‘hey I am not the only one who struggles and feels this way’. The cure, joy division, the occasional smiths song, in spite of the jangle, codeine, palace brothers all have grasped this. By the same token relentlessly happy party music can feel oppressive at times especially when it is very superficial. Nick Drake was supremely talented and I appreciated the depiction here. I am sorry he was unable to break out of his depression but he certainly left us all with a marvelous oeuvre to enjoy.
@@keyfinder257 It is not your etymological statement that I do not endorse, it is where you go with all of that.
@@etamommy are you THE EDGE???????
@@mrsmacca126 Not I but I do like The Edge! Just share his name almost.
I've read that the antidepressants had a cummulmative effect and that is what killed him. I personally don't believe he meant to do himself in. He ate a bowl of cornflakes before he died. Bear with me here, but I just don't think he would have been interested in eating anything, even a bowl of cornflakes if he was in that state of despair. I've been severely depressed before and you lose interest in everything.
The drugs for depression in those days were probably a factor?
@@dorotheakiwi yes for sure. I think that Nick's parents probably didn't realize the dangers of them because the doctors that prescribed them didn't realize it either.
May as well enjoy your cornflakes before death
That is true but I wonder if he just snapped and swallowed his pills impulsively. Kind of like when you try to tolerate the buzzing of a fly until you can't stand it and you swat it away. Obviously not the same but I wonder if, in the event he did take his own life as opposed to die of the effects of the meds, he had no intention to until the minute he actually did it.
@@comeflynextome94 It's certainly a possibility. I mean, none of us were there. Not even his parents were present when he passed so we will never know for sure whether or not he did it intentionally. It's all just conjecture at this point. I HOPE he didn't take his own life on purpose. Either way it's sad but I hope he felt some hope before he passed.
Thank you for this! I produced the first American concert of the music of Nick Drake at Central Park Summerstage on July 5, 2005, Robert Kirby flown to America to conduct our 18-piece orchestra for an audience of about 5,000 people. Robert stayed in my apartment for four days and of course held me spellbound with stories about the 1968 Nick. Gibson guitars lent me SIX guitars, each tuned a different way, of course. We played all of "Five Leaves," "Bryter Later" and songs from "Pink Moon" and "Time Of No Reply." I've had a long career and I'm about as obscure as a musical artist can get, but that was one of the highlights not only of my career, but my life. And it took me four years to find a venue who would agree to hold the concert. There is no video of the concert, no live recording - just five photos of me and Robert and the orchestra. But during the last song, "Saturday Sun" a giant moth flew out of the darkness, onto the stage, fluttered about, and was off. No one but me and Robert saw this moth. "It was Nick!" he said. RIP ROBERT ☮☮☮☮
Thank you for sharing this. Amazing to read you've had the chance to meet Kirby where he shared stories with you concerning Nick Drake.
@@withinmotion Kirby was a riot! A great big man with a great big heart. And I should say that after the show at the bar he was surrounded by women, one on each arm, he was a great big teddy bear. He also gifted me the handwritten notation to 'Time of no reply" which I still have.
Beautiful story m8! Thankyou for sharing Nick's music and this story! Hope life is treating you well! God bless, love from the U.K.🙏💙
Awesome comment
PS I also asked Robert "What Nick would think of all this." He replied "He'd have a wry smile, and he would be thrilled to know that his music had reached all the way to the heart of New York City." I was thrilled, too! The only thing that was a slight bummer is I did all this work for months, including learning all those songs so they sounded exactly like Nick's arrangements (Impossible, but I gave it 100%!) and then the concert happened and each song went by in less than 3 minutes, and that was that.
When i was a child of around 7, i was lucky enough to have been able to visit Nick's grave with my father.
Of course at the time i had little clue or real appreciation for who he was. Yet, the memory is a key factor of my life
We walked through the desolately quiet little village, the stone cottages looming darkly out of the mist and the ground blanketed with snow, veiling the day in a serene white hue. The pale, chill air around us was still and silent; only the crunching of snow underfoot dared break it. We reached the grey stone wall of a churchyard, its small tower vanishing into the fog. As we began walking through the cemetery, the shrouded black limbs of a tree began to impose itself into visibility. My father stopped in front of it and we shared a moment by the gravestone of Nick Drake.
Though seemingly depressive upon description, it was incomprehensibly beautiful, especially to me now.
The resting place of this troubled man who poured all his struggling soul into his emotional songs, was full of peace and solitude that seemed to rest on my shoulders like a comforting pressure; even as a child, even in memory.
I'm 22 now. I struggle, like we all do. I'm always at battle with myself, like we all are.
When I...when we hear his music, we all come face-to-face with deep emotions. It will be unique to each of us, but similar i'm sure.
Nick Drake was a musical philosopher. His music was a discourse with himself about his questions on life and self. His soul is truly inside his music, more than any i've heard.
Your description of your visit to Nick's grave is truly poetic. Fantastic that it should have made such an impression on a youngster of 7. Bravo!
Thank you for sharing this story. It is beautiful.
@Samu..I certainly hope that you have a career as a writer. If not, you ought to give that some serious attention. You have the talent.
As someone who has battled/suffered like Nick, my saving grace for all these decades has been and still is my ability to see the absurdity of it all. For that I’m grateful, it is a gift. If he could have hung in there just a little bit longer maybe the message Camus was sending would have registered. He had two options right there on his bedside, to live, or to die, and sadly he chose the wrong one.
Beautifully said..
came across his music when i was 14 and his tragic beauty changed everything. six years later i showed his music to my boyfriend and i kind of started revisiting his albums and unreleased stuff i’m so glad i can share his music with someone who’s capable of seeing his beauty
His music was one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. Thank you Nick Drake. 'So forget this cruel world....Lend a hand and lift me
To your place in the cloud'. I hope you have finally found the peace you were looking for X
I don't know why the algorithm decided to serve up this video but I'm glad it did. I've never heard of Nick Drake but I can relate to him. I, too, have failed at everything I've ever done.
The premise that Nick's work was ultimately successful probably means very little to him, considering that the future success still failed to lift him out of the depths of despair. I'm reminded of a line from the song 'Spirits' by The Strumbellas; "I don't want a never-ending life, I just want to be alive while I'm here."
Hey Phil, sad to hear you feel like you've failed at the things you tried to do.
Wanted to encourage you to keep trying to do the things you enjoy.
@@withinmotion Thank you for your response. I wish it was that easy. But, here's the epitome of stupid questions, what do I enjoy?
As a man of integrity, I've always considered it my duty and responsibility to defer my own personal dreams in support of others' dreams, most notably my wife and children. As a result of following this example for literally decades I've discovered that I no longer have any dreams. I don't even remember what those original dreams were and am pretty sure they wouldn't matter now anyway. If dreaming was a muscle it has atrophied from lack of use.
Anyway, thanks for letting me rant for a moment.
Wow what a beautifully presented video and such a tragic story. Perhaps if he had approached his musical career without so much attachment and expectation to ''success,'' that may have curbed his depression somewhat. He has left us with some true gifts. Thank you Nick Drake.
Thank you, and well said..
Nick's close friendship with my friend's cousin John Martyn has always given me a sense of peace. Of course, I have always thought of Nick as a genius yet a tragic figure however, it often suddenly strikes me that he is one of the few enigmas in music. I wear this in the shape of a Pink Moon tattoo on my right arm. Love you Nick x
This is a beautifully put together mini-documentary and the style and tone really suit Nick's story. Congratulations to all of the team that created this.
Glad to hear we got this right in your eyes. Thank you for the sweet comment.
Very tastefully produced synopsis of a talented but tormented young man. Nick Drake’s music and voice have a lovely, gentle quality that belies the angst he felt.
Thank you
Lovely overture on Nick Drake. Beautiful tribute to an ethereal being that lived out of this world. 🌬️💖🌠
Glad you enjoyed it
I love the silhouette of him sitting by the circular window in his room👍🏻
That could be a poster. I'd buy it👍🏻
I'm glad you like it!
@@withinmotion I do😁
I thought the same thing! Haunting! I'd buy both the silhouettes and frame them 💕
@@rodgilbert5128 yes gorgeous 👍🏻💯
Holy smokes that gave me chills. I love the song Pink Moon but have never dived into his stuff I'm off to right that wrong now congratulations on another spectular creation it was beautiful in every sense of the word
Thank you so much for the kind words. It really means a lot :)
I hope you'll find more songs of Nick you enjoy listening to.
@@withinmotion Had a couple of spins through Pink Moon yesterday there was actually another couple of tunes on there that I knew. Top quality stuff I reckon I'll have this on in the background a lot with making this week's video!
@@TheLivingPhilosophy Ah I love the fact that you took the time to listen to more of his songs. Hope it helps during the the process of making your videos ⭐
@@withinmotion Just listening to some Nick Drake again and was thinking of this video and WOW! I'm so delighted it popped! Congratulations! can't wait to see what you've got in store for us next!
Hi again :), really appreciate your continuing support that's been there since the beginning of this channel! There will definitely be more in the future!
Your most recent video is really interesting! I like how you combined cinema and philosophy in one video.
Little did he know, his music would someday be in volkswagen car commercials. Nick was ahead of his time. This video is very well done. Bravo and thank you
Beautiful how things in life can turn out indeed.
Thank you for the compliment ⭐
That last sentence is pretty touching and well put, great video
Thank you. I'm glad that struck a chord ⭐
"A light that burns twice as bright but for half as long " is never a life wasted. I was introduced to Nick on a Harvest compilation album, the track "Northern Sky " blew me away. I was 17 at the time.
On the Album where Barclay James Harvest, Roy Harper, and Amazing Blondel, (Yes this was 1972/3) and so many others so Nick was in excellent company.
Nicks problem was just that , it was the 70s and musically so much was happening that he got over looked, nothing more, His talent was assured just over looked.
Fast forward to the 2000s and a film set in New York and a young couple who meet, lose them selves and re-meet again (forget the films name ) and as the hero lays down snow flakes fall and the haunting Northern Sky can be heard,
Older, wiser, and with more time and money I rediscovered Nick and all three of his albums.
I was not disappointed.
Your Video Explains Nicks life, Quite, to the point , and non sensational ( a bit like Nicks music) .
Well done you.
The Film in question is Serendipity and just seen it on this page, well worth the watch.
Thank you John!
Pink Moon the album is an absolute masterpiece. Just a man and a guitar but one of the heaviest albums you'll ever hear
This was beautifully done, thank you. Inspiring me for a different type of content...
You introduced me to him. Thank you.
Love knowing that :) Hope you find his music interesting.
I played the crushing masterclass album Bryter Layter on full blast throughout the Miami ghettos.
A stunning work.
Thank you. Nick. As a fellow Camus-loving, philosophical musician type, this resonates.
Glad it did.
This was a beautifully constructed video, your animation style is quite captivating and moving. Thank you for this, I've certainly subscribed for more.
Thank you so much!
I first heard Nick in the early 2000s, immediately loved his music and wondered why I hadn't heard of him before.
Awesome that you have made this video
thanks for making such a beautiful video about one of my favorite musicians and artists in general
Excellent video. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this important story.
You're welcome.
Was just listening to Hazy Jane I....his music will never die
Great choice. And I agree his music lives on.. ✨
I absolutely love Bryter Layter...its a stunning creation xx
thank you for sharing this. i found comfort in the last few words you said. again, thank you.
You are so welcome
This is perfect. A really really well crafted piece - well done and thank you!
Thank you very much!
Ooh lovely, I love anything to do with Nick Drake
Hope you enjoy listening to Nick's music once more.
Beautiful, the ending left tears in my eyes.
Rip Nick
🤍
thank you
Wow this was an amazingly well done video, I'm shocked this channel only has 408 subscibers. Youve gained a new fan, looking forward to more!
Thank you so much. That's amazing to read. There definitely will be so stay tuned :)
I'm 35 now I was 13 when I was first introduced to riverman, I didn't instantly like it but something about it stayed with me...been a fan ever since, his music is timeless,hard to imitate and totally unique...talk about underated! Perfect example of a unrecognised genius
❤ Un grand artiste immensément talentueux ✨🌸
Favorite Drake song: From The Morning
Gabrielle, his sister, says in an interview 😣 that her bro was delighted to sing his songs to her on the family couch ......Nick lived his sister
Really well made video, excited to see the future of this channel!
Thank you so much!
Nick was to pure this world. People brag about artists today like Taylor Swift for example, in my opinion I think he didn't want his music to be considered mainstream but he wanted his music in the mainstream to reach people who could relate to him. RIP Nick
I love Nick so much 🥺 such a tragic story
Wow this is really great, such a insightful overview of the short life of this musical genius. Could you recommend any sources perhaps you guys researched to get in to it a bit deeper?
Truly a fascinating soul, thanks so much for sharing.
Hi Brecht, thank you for the kind words!
Author Patrick Humphries wrote a great biography about Nick Drake which I would highly recommend.
If you're more into documentary I would recommend: A Skin Too Few: The Days of Nick Drake by Jeroen Berkvens
Have a nice day ⭐
Great video, a great homage to the tragedy that was Nick Drake.
I discovered him several years ago in college , and a few years ago I went to see a night dedicated to him, all of his music performed as Gaeilge by Irish musician Liam O'Maonlaí. It was beautiful. It's truly heart breaking to think that he didn't live to see the success of his career, that his music had such an affect on people that there was an entire night dedicated to him overseas and in a different fucking language.... Briseann sé mo chroí.
God can you imagine what music might exist today if things had transpired differently? If, god forbid, this had happened to Robert Smith after Faith, or Thom Yorke after The Bends, and we were never graced with some of the best music of the 20th century??
I thoroughly enjoyed this video and now I think I'm going to take a bit of a break from my obsession with Death Metal and plunge back into the world of folk and singer song writer stuff, namely this video's namesake to start
Thank you. That 'tribute' night sounds amazing. Also like that this video inspired you to get back into folk music for a bit before going back to Death Metal. Enjoy 🙂
@@withinmotion are you familiar with Liam Ó'Maonlaí?
@@paulphoenix1669 No. I'll definitely check out his work. Thank you!
You should have more subs , amazing editor , video and script
Love nick drake
Thank you so much Gustaf!
I played Way to Blue on repeat when my son was born. From when I was in labour and when ever I put him to bed. I should play it again to him now that he is 19 and see if my subliminal music experiment worked!
I am deeply moved by Nick Drake's music but as a musician who has spent my life trying to win over audiences, I can see clearly how your average audience would consider his music perfect background to dinner conversation. At best he probably played to some small folk gatherings who appreciated him but it would have taken an incredible publicity and production machine to be noticed over the sound of Led Zepplin, Jimi Hendrix, the Who, Donovan, etc. who were defining the sound of pop music at that time. He just wasn't made for that. I would imagine his live performances were heartbreaking.
This is and unrelated question and I hope it doesn't sound insensitive, but the piano piece playing through this video is absolutely gorgeous, anyone tell me what it's called and who it's by?
It's very important that very good musicians realize that they are but a conduit for the sounds they are making. You don't need to take things so personally and to believe that you're a gift to the world,. You need to realize just how inconsequential you truly are. Even if you are "one of the greats" at any given instrument, you need to realize that that is a relative statement, and even if it means something on Earth, it means diddly squat in this milky way, let alone the entire universe.
So just remember,,,, YOU ARE A NOBODY!
The life of a genius.
Great video
Such a great video, thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
Nick and Elliot Smith what enigmas.Theirs others also. Almost a pattern
beautiful
I’m not immune, but it seems folly to tether one’s sense of accomplishment to the vagaries of public recognition. Even when effort/achievement is recognized it seems a paradoxically inefficient fuel for most humans’ sense of worth and belonging.
Nick is relatively new to me. The 1st tune I heard “River Man” feels completely comfortable in its own skin in the year 2023.
Oh to be able to sit and talk with this young man…
Thank you for the post.
This is a fundamental truth that took me 25 years to realize. If you make music you’re personally proud of and enjoyed making then nothing else matters. To me, this is why a career in music can be somewhat dangerous. Ultimately, you have to pay your bills somehow, so you’re conditioned to worry about how your music is perceived. It’s a double edged sword, really. Respect to anyone putting their craft out there, let alone trying to make a living off of it
@@seancarterx I share your sentiment(s). I appreciate how you think. Very well expressed here.
Your observations ring true with my perspective, accrued over a lifetime as a musician/educator…an experience I’ve errantly saddled myself with as feeling ‘kinda good at, but not great at either’. Assigning quantitative value to that which is inherently subjective/qualitative seems an impossible math. It has complicated the mistake I’ve made in looking to others for validation vs looking inward. I am harder to please than it has typically been to satisfy others….students, etc. There is a palpable yet ineffable sense of well-being that comes with the comfortable quietude of recognizing that I’ve done what I can despite my limitations.
This realization has come to me slowly. Nick Drake would be years older than me were he still among us, the living. Therefore the age difference (my younger self believed) would’ve been I’m imbued him with something approximating omniscience.
Now? I see him as a young man, vibrant with feelings and passions and thoughts and questions who tragically may have fallen for the miscalculation of overestimating the commoditized response to uniquely personal expressions of his truth thru HIS music.
As if I have a stranglehold hold on any of this…
Rip Nick ❤
Gabrielle once said that she didn't know what would happen to her Mother Molly without Rodney. I think both Molly and Nick had severe depression. I also think that Joe Boyd should have never allowed Nick to perform live without an ensemble that could also switch to guitars and drums.
I loved and appreciated Nick Drake since the mid-1980s. Apart from his stellar songwriting, he was a brilliant acoustic guitarist. He possessed a wondrous technique and employed unusual tunings, plus Joe Boyd's production made his guitar sound really warm and oddly comforting. Great video, with a great ending, which we should all heed....
There is video footage of Nick Drake walking through Cambridge Folk Festival, a very thin velvet clad and appearance of a very tall man. I think that there must have been more than depression going on.
Sadly the evidence of that actually being Nick is shaky.
Good informative video
Thank you.
My first experience with Nick Drake is actually a song that was not done by him in the initial recording I heard. It was a cover of things behind the Sun by the Mars Volta on an album that apparently came out just in Japan or something it's just all covers. It was so cool and nice and I was like man I like it I'm going to see you at the original sounds like and then I just fell in love with it. I'm a musician myself and my style really resembles a lot of his music but especially that song things behind the Sun. I love how I just kind of keeps going with the almost like a laundry list of his last few lines and almost has the attitude of like a rap but the somberness of you know a journal entry or something. I was still so calm and just gorgeous. So you mix a bit over a decade of me listening to him and he's special, I only know him through songs so how he felt in his songs is how I know him to be alive for me tragedy that everything else happened the way it did
Yessss!!!! This!
His life was so tragic he didn't even make it to the 27 club
Nick simply forgot that we are all ridiculous.
tbh, a couple of years in the army, courtesy of national service, would have sorted him out - exposure to common people can be quite grounding, innit...
Never knew Gabrielle Drake was his sister.
This came on autoplay and for a second I thought it was a joke video about Drake. Aubrey Graham
He always had long fingernails - he played fingerstyle ... and he couldn't have had long fingernails on his fretting hand if he wanted to be able to play guitar at all. To say his long fingernails were a sign of his state of mind is completely ridiculous. Your fingernails are your most important tool as a folk guitarist.
Fair point! Thank you.
Millions have died by choice, or the destruction of integrity imposed by
their obsession with the guitar. It can be every bit as hazardous as any
other addiction. Beware, and see the
dangers, and all the fallen soldiers.
he did not tour or promote the Albums . Any gigs he seldom did were not great as he was not well Thats why he was not a best seller. The songs were and are brilliant folk songs way ahead of their time. I dont think he committed suicide I think he just tried to take more of the anti depressivies to overcome deep depression but they killed him
Although I’ve loved Nick’s music for decades and knew his story, it breaks my heart all over again hearing he believed he’d failed. I like to think that somewhere, somehow, Nick can see the enormous impact his exquisite music has had on millions of fans worldwide. Thank you for sharing this.
At the worst moments of my life, I’ve had that same exact thought, “I’ve failed at everything I’ve ever done.” That really struck me. He was too young to think like that, but that’s what depression will do to a person.
@@leahcimolrac1477 …..I think what makes Nick’s story so sad, is that those around him recognised his talent and were forever assuring him he’d be successful. So to have all three albums sell so poorly (reportedly around a mere 5,000 copies apiece), must have been completely devastating for an already depressed and disheartened Nick. That said, I’ve never believed the overdose was intentional. If you only ever live a good, honest and kindly life has, you haven’t failed. Be well…..
Is it kind of like the Jeff Buckley story - I love his music but its haunted music for me 😢
@@metafive1 ……I love Jeff’s father (Tim Buckley’s) music. Although the two were never close, both had beautiful voices and both died tragically premature deaths. Tim was only 28 years old.
Nick certainly left us with a wonderful musical legacy
Fantastic video. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it
I am so unbelievably happy that he's finally gotten the success he deserves. None of that "Well I listened to Nick before he was cool". He deserves this so much.
Totally agree with this sentiment .I only discovered Nick 4 years ago and I,m now 64 years ........ What a genius .. Brilliant English musician .
What a nicely sensitive handling of Mr Drake’s tragic tale. A real touch of the Van Gogh about his life; another artist who never lived to see the fruits of their success. Nick’s story has a strangely uplifting narrative to it, as it really underlines the importance of doing your best each and every day, no matter how you may be perceiving things as going. Who knows where it will take you? Keep on keeping on, people 👍
Thanks for the compliment and I like the wise words :)
Was thinking that.
And how sensitively you have responded! Behind Nick's supposed 'depression' was also a remarkable exploration of the meaning of life, not as Grand Guignol with its unfathomable horrors, but in daily, closely observed sensations. The delicacy of his lyrics combined with the unusual tunings of his guitar remain for me, a certain kind of English melancholia, reminiscent of (perhaps) Purcell, or Vaughn Williams, Elgar, and TS Eliot. I am not even English, but I feel that sense of place and loss of place. Each of his albums remains so very special to me and I refuse to pick a favorite. And yes, to the thousands, millions of us who have ever thought of ending it all, Nick Drake's music did give me a frame, a channel, an impetus and a vision of beauty to keep on, and not give up. Perhaps that was his gift,
They are questioning the history of Van Gogh.....that he was not depressed and insane. His ear being cut off was a mistake with a friend. The account is on paper from him at the time. Look it up.
I'm a musician. Lived a life much like Nick's. Felt like a failure around same age as he did. I did not commit suicide and instead turned things around. Not sure i feel less of a failure today in the specific areas that were so important back then to feel like a success in. But i've reached a point in life where i measure success and prioties in life much different. And Nick Drakes songs have become an important part of that daily life. His music fits so well into the acceptance of life as it is. And not chasing dreams unreachable, placed on mountain tops that has gatekeeping preventing you from ever climbing them.
I still play music, i still write songs. But chasing that dream specifically is no longer a desire. I just desire playing music for people and seeing people get together and smile.
I'm literally the same person as Nick Drake, but I have a twin brother. That's the only thing that saved me . I would be dead a long time without him. Live is way too cruel to survive on your own.
Congratulations on working your way through the depression. That's a real feat. I had a taste of PPD and it was the lonliest place I've ever been. I wish Nick had found his way. I didn't know about his breakdown and hospitalization. Stay well!🤗
I came across Pink Moon in my early 20s, over a decade and a half back. I had dropped out of college, was after a particularly bad breakup, and was generally aimless in direction. Pink Moon wrecked me and then put me back together again over that year and a half. I don't revisit the album - or indeed the rest of Nick's work much these days, not because I think they have aged or because I've moved on musically, but because it triggers memories of that period, and I would rather not go back to that place emotionally.
Pink Moon is, in my view, the musical equivalent of a suicide note. It is immensely uncomfortable to listen to, and has no business being that beautiful and timeless sounding. Somehow it sounds like from the past and the future, and makes sense in the present for the listener. I don't know if that makes sense, but just the mention of Nick Drake stirs something deeply melancholic within me.
Pink Moon remains - and will remain - one of my top 10 albums, a desert island album for sure, and Nick remains my favourite lyricist ever. Ever? Ever.
Will stop now because I can go on for days on what Nick's music meant to the broken younger me. I will always be grateful to his music and words.
If there is an afterlife, I hope he is at peace knowing his work may have saved other young people's lives, decades after his passing.
I'm 26 now, and I discovered his music almost 4 years ago, and as Joe Boyd said: "Once you've listened his music, you're gonna tell everyone about him". And I was just amazed about that quote, because that's what happened to me, once I listened his music, I could not stop talking about Nick's music to one of my two older brother's and some friends. I cannot put into words how much grateful I am with Nick, because his music and his 3 albums supported me when one of my two older brother's passed away (still quite young). Such a great content, thank you for this!!!
I'm sorry to hear that. I'm glad Nick's music has supported you in these tough times..
Thank you for the compliment.
@@withinmotion Nick' music is a great support! And thanks for your comment! And you're welcome, your content is great!!! 😎
Each night of November the 24th all through the night into the morning of the next day, I play his music and thank him ... I have done this for 25 years ( pre planning each year) I will keep doing this until I leave this physicle world.
What a wonderful ritual 💙
I forgot to say ... I try to visit his grave around/on the date and I sing Fruit Tree ... its very hard to comepleat as my voice breakes as I cry for him.
That's amazing. I hope that somehow Nick knows how much he and his music are loved. It's just too big for God not to share it with him.❤
My wife played Pink Moon on one of our trips together. I immediately loved it, the both of us are trained professional musicians. On watching this video, it strikes me that life seems to require a certain, peculiar selfishness. I feel that I have to claim the time of my lifespan to do as I please, I have to look at it as a gift. But there is a certain ferocity in gripping existence this way, I have to put the bedrock fact of it beyond evaluation internal or external. If I have failed, so what? I have a roof over my head, I still eat. I work when I get it and look forward to the morning coffee. Life- as it belongs to me, it doesn't have to be anything other than whatever it is.....I know that's an odd thing to say, but if you get it, it will help you a lot. Good journeys NIck, thank you for your music.
I think what you're trying to say can be summarized by: what some times makes life and the world unbearable is that we feel that it should be different from what it already is
@@TheArtInterviews I agree, attachment to an expectation
I wholeheartedly agree with your musing here.
A really good and profound personal philosophy which resonated strongly with me... advice for living fully and creating a sense of perspective.
dreaming can be dangerous
Completely unique artist. Despite his limited discography, what he gave us is more than enough to qualify him as one of the great musicians. His music is utterly hypnotic and so beautiful.
'River Man' was, and still is a hauntingly great song... Heard it Sooooo many years back and it still makes me think every time I play it...
😎🇬🇧
One of my personal favorites, and like Van Gogh, a tragic hero who never got to realize the influence he would have on so many for decades to come. Pink Moon will forever be one of my favorite albums. His story is also a good reminder to treat everyone we meet with kindness and compassion: we never know what other people are going through, and life is always too short. Be kind and stay curious
I think this is a very well put together account of Nick Drakes obvious talent and tragic demise. Im 69 now. Loved music particularly in the 60/70s. I'd never heard of Nick Drake so unfortunate for me as never acquainted wirh his brilliant work. Im so so happy he is recognised now for the great talent that he was. But incredibly sad he wasnt here to appreciate the admiration of his work. Im annoyed I'd overlooked him but love listening to his work now, and recommended a listen to so many friends. Gary from Seaton in Devon UK ❤
Thank you for the kind words Gary. Happy to read you discovered Nick Drake later in life though. And I hope you are able to recommend his work to many more friends. Have a nice day.
Lovely tribute to a lovely man. Depression is crippling. Sometimes our world can become quite small. But sometimes the world can become unbearable. It's brutal that Nick lived in so much pain for so many years. Honestly, I don't condemn anybody who end their lives; It's awful but I understand. "And now we rise. And we are everywhere."
I relate a lot to Nick Drake, having spent several years during my 20's, depressed in my families home. It's embarrassing as an adult to have to live at home. I'm sure he was frustrated. The suburbs and countryside can be isolating for a young person, but then again, life in the city can be anxiety inducing.
In some cultures, families live together with the different generations. Nothing wrong with it if you like your family. Calling it "embarrassing" doesn't help.
@@charlottetaylor4471 Yeah I should add my family suck. Nick Drake also didn't get along with his family but its unclear if that was because of his mood swings or because they were a bit annoying.
@@charlottetaylor4471 Except it's not other cultures, there is judgement by peers.
@@pommemelon7026 and most people are stupid, as witnessed in the last few years. Most are sheep who spend their lives ticking boxes and doing as they're told.
@@grungepantsHope you're feeling better these days. There's light on the other side of depression.
I listen to Nick Drake regularly just to honor him and his music. If he only knew how many people he has touched over these many years. What a beautiful sadness.
You are a very talented writer!! The narrator's voice and all the unique graphics, a real gem of a documentary. You also summarize how and when his albums were created. For the first time I got the history of things better! Thanks for sharing something very special about a very special artist! You gave me incentive to keep creating, to open my arms like wings and embrace the world. Who is the pianist playing in your sound track? I like their music a lot too.
Thank you for this sweet comment. It means a lot to me.
It was a pleasure for me to work on this video and seeing that it is of use to people warms my heart.
The soundscore under this video is created by Erick McNerney.
I discovered Nick in 1973, when I was fifteen, thanks to a recorded cassette of Pink Moon, present from a friend a few years older than me.
and since then he has become a lyrical and musical reference of mine.
a great artist..
absolutely great.
I bet hearing that in real time was amazing I absolutely love his voice I can listen to him all day
You were one of the few that listened to his music when he was alive
if you are prone to depression, know that drugs are your ultimate pitfall!
Molly Drake has a song in Ted Lasso… I remember firelight. She was a poet and songwriter in her own rite.
Unfailingly - a most English, and wonderful appreciation! My band mates and I each owned the boxed set of his records (unmentioned here) that came out in 1988 or so. The impact of his particular voice is undeniable. But most often overlooked - the keen embrace of joy also running in parallel through Nick Drakes songs. As if you can’t escape the link between these extremes of human reckoning. He should be rightly known as the Chuffed Angel.
Nick's great-grandmother was my grandfather's sister. She was an amazing artist. I've one of her paintings in my home.