First and foremost I’m sorry about your mom!! Mike is actually the guitarist for Genesis. This is such a touching song. It hits you deep especially the line about his father’s voice in his baby’s newborn tears. Thx for watching this. Always brings a tear to my eyes.
I think I caught his spirit, later that same year, I’m sure I heard his echo in my baby’s newborn tears . That verse gets me every time such genius heartfelt lyrics ❤❤❤.
My dad died in 2020 at the young age of 60 and we weren't allowed to go into the hospital to see him or say goodbye, the last WhatsApp message I sent him said how much we were all thinking of him and that I loved him. But the blue double tick didn't show on the message and that always wrecks me knowing he didn't read it. If you still have your parents tell them how much you love them ❤️
@@greyknightus7 thanks for your support 🫶 he did know how much I loved him and I was lucky to have a Dad as great as him, some people unfortunately never get that and that's something I can cherish forever.
Yes! Not many reactors mention how appropriate it was to see two generations singing the chorus. It was a subtle visual presentation of the theme of the song.
The Generational divide has always been real. It's just that the karma from son to father and then being a father and trying to connect to your own son(s) is crazy.
"Mike" is Mike Rutherford (formerly part of Genesis) is the one in the video with the kid in the video and playing guitar in white, the singer is the brilliant Paul Carrack (formally of far too many to list)
I'm 72. And from my perspective, one of the big differences between the music of the 50s - 80s is that back then, there were songs written like this one that mean something. Stylistically "The Living Years" is dated, both in terms of its audio and video; it's clearly a production of the 80s. But this song has a meaning and a message that will always transcend style and fashion. No one seems to be writing songs like this any more, and our culture is poorer because of that.
Wish I could call my dad! He passed in 1978! He was 53! He was in two wars and became an alcoholic! I now realise that he probably had PTSD! He didn’t get the help he needed! We didn’t even know about PTSD in the sixties! Yes I’m old! This song is BREAKING my heart! Peace and Blessings to you and yours!
Lost mine just before Christmas 2002! Miss him everyday! We always talked Bama football and the years are hard for not being able to talk to him about it! Love you parents while you can!
I'm 56 and I lost my father 53 years ago and every time I really listen to this song... it brings tears to my eyes. I've loved this song since the first time I heard it. Thanks for your reaction. I just recently found you and I'll keep watching! You're awesome and seem to be very honest. Have a great Thanksgiving with your family.
Profoundly beautiful song! I lost my dad to cancer in 1999. A heavy drinker through my childhood, he got sober when I was still in high school. He showed me that a leopard CAN change its spots, if it really wants to. I got to have him live with me thru his chemo. I miss my dad.
I cry every time I hear this. I am thankful I was able to talk truthfully and honestly and lovingly with both parents before their passing. I do regret not being able to take care of them before they passed. I wanted to hold their hands. But I had to follow their wishes. They didn't want it. People please talk honestly to your loved ones about what you want to be done. It was so helpful and will save them from regrets.
I almost passed out holding my breath because watching your expression as you kept it going for so long before the first comment You were hooked and I could see it! Truth transcends generations, gender, race, society, wealth... you name it. This song takes us home every time.
Call your dad, wish him an happy Father's Day. I know he'll appreciate that. I lost my father 41 years ago. The hate is gone and I miss the SOB terribly now.
My dad passed away when I was 5 yrs old I never knew him 😢😢😢😢my mom passed away in 2010 didn't get to say anything to her she was sudated for 13 days but ICU 😢😢😢😢😢😢so 😭😢 she passed away from a hernia I am seriously 😢😢😢😢😢 every time I hear this song 😢 im sorry for all losses prayers sent 🙏🙏🙏🙏 to all my prayers are with all.m😢😢
I knew my dad loved me but did not tell me until he was on his deathbed, and then it was only after I called him out on his crap. He was with mom for 63 years and was a great bread winner and was ALWAYS there for us kids. But like your dad, he was stern and stoic. He was a mean alcoholic (stopped drinking 14 years before he died). He was a wounded WWII Vet and lived through some horrors of war and we talked about that near his end. I had already started the process of forgiveness in my early 30's. I held his hand as he took his last breath on Thanksgiving Day 1999. Cancer Sucks!
My father died in 1996 at age 77. I was out of the country when he passed but 6 weeks before, I was visiting my parents and Dad wanted to go for a drive out in the countryside. We drove and talked and reminisced about things we did when I was little, like when we drove past our favorite fishing spot. He was very involved in reintroducing cranes to Wisconsin so we were looking to see if any were back yet. When we saw a group, we pulled over to watch them as they did their unison calls and dancing. He commented that he never thought his kids would be able to see one of his fondest memories from his childhood (habitat destruction and hunting caused cranes to disappear from our state back in the late 30's). I wasn't there to say goodbye, but we both had that wonderful afternoon together which Mom said meant a lot to him. Cranes are my spirit animal and bring me close to Dad even now. I was able to say goodbye to Mom. She took her final breath while I was holding her hand in hospice (age 95).
Our high school choir directors father passed my sophomore year. He had us sing this at our spring concert. He sat in the front row and wept. It was our last concert of the year and his last year at the school. 5 years ago he passed too. 25 of us made the trip and sang this at his memorial. RIP Mr. Palletizer ❤
This song gets me every time. I had no contact for over 20 years when my father died. Never got validation or closure. Probably the biggest regret of my life
This song hits hard such an amazing song with incredible lyrics …. He says you just don’t see it. He says it’s perfect sense we just can’t get agreement in this present tense. We all talk a different language talking in defense !! damn that’s fucking genius
I cry everytime ,I was not there when my Dad died it was the worst day of my life,I have been waiting for you to do this song I knew it would get you.❤❤❤
I always thought this was a beautiful song, but now hearing it now, listening to the lyrics, has brought tears to my eyes. I’ve buried both parents and my husband and I’m sitting here setting my cat’s fur with my tears.
I'm so sorry...Call out to Jesus...HE loves you and will help you through the pain and sorrow..HE will never leave you...May God bless you in Jesus' name🙏❤
BP, have you ever thought about bringing your dad on to react to some of the songs he grew up listening to? And if he doesn't want to go on camera, ask him to share some music from his personal favorites list that you can react to, and widen your musical exposure even more!
That was a really good, heartfelt reaction. My Dad died 53 years ago on the 11th April,1971 and I still miss him. My Darling Mum followed on the 25th of May,1996. I still miss them hugely and now, through the solid, unstoppable march of time,I am 70 years old, myself. To demonstrate the fragility of life, ONLY TODAY,i have just heard that my London Football Team's goalkeeper has died, suddenly, at just 26 years old. It can happen to anyone, anytime so make the most of every day and tell your loved ones how you feel, which I used to do, fortunately. It could all end that suddenly but as you get older, you, unwillingly, buy more tickets in the lottery of death, I'm afraid.
My situation is eerily similar. Dad in March of1975,,,Mom in Oct of 1995. She lived 20 years after she lost her loving husband. I had 2 stepsisters, and a stepbrother, all gone now,, one sister who is 2 years older, and we are still close. I’m 68
My mom died in 2021 from lung cancer. Even though I expected it, it seemed when she died it was sudden quick and unexpected! I feel like I'm still mourning I miss her so very much! I would do almost anything just to have her back, except I know her spirit is at peace and I'm being selfish. To know I will be missing her when I'm in my 70's is daunting! Hopefully the missing/yearning/gut-punch feeling will morph into something lighter to carry though my living years! I went to visit my father today to hug him, listen to his voice and to tell him I love him.. Thank you for sharing your story with us.🙂
I had 3 brothers 4 sisters, 3 stepbrothers and 5 stepsisters , 2 half brothers. 1 brother 2 stepsister are gone , two years before my father passed he told me was proud of me , he wasn't a hugger and never expressed his love . So it took me by surprise. He passed two years later.
One of my brothers and one of my sisters have passed away. I always try to empathize with my father, because I can’t imagine burying your children before you’re dead. I’m going fishing with him tomorrow.
I heard this song many years before my father died, and the line "I wasn't there that morning" made me cry even then just imagining that day. I hope you called your father. I wish I could call mine.
I got to listen to this song with my dad. I don’t remember if it was the same day, but we spent a day getting drunk together. The shade tree lawn chairs, a ride in the mountains, friends dropping by. Sitting at the table in the RV. We had “ the talk” . He explained his choices. I explained mine. He told me some hard truths, and I told him some things he didn’t know about. I always loved and respected him. He died suddenly a year or so later. I’m so grateful for that day.
One of the most meaningful songs. Beautifully sung by Paul Carrack. I've been watching your reactions for about a year now, keep them going, this one was so good.
This is one of my favorite songs. It's so underrated yet so iconic. What we have to remember is that they were just doing the best that they could, just like we are doing. There is no perfect family, we're all just doing the best that we can in our own circumstances. Love expressed 100 years ago might not look like love expressed today. Just do the best you can and try to understand the changing world they grew up in.
I know what you mean - my dad loved me dearly but his generation didn’t do much hugging or saying “I Love You”. I held his hand as he died, and realized it was the first affection he had shown since I was little. I held his hand as a child and again when he passed. This song is SO powerful. Thanks for your heartfelt reaction to this.
Thank you for this reaction. I'm sorry about your Mom, your love for her radiates so strongly and is a beautiful testament. This song perfectly says all the things we try to say. My dad is 85, I'm named after him ("Roni"), and the youngest of 7 -- all raised on a truck driver's salary. He is a man's man and I was intimidated of him while growing up but I have watched him soften over the years to where he now freely gives out hugs and "I love you"s. My son hasn't spoken to me in 10 years and my heart is broken..but I pray one day he'll come back to me...and if not, we'll be reconciled in Heaven. God bless all the fathers this Father's Day weekend and God bless all of us who are trying so hard to keep it together through all the pain. Love wins. God wins. ❤
My dad died in a work accident when I was 13. He went to work that morning and I never saw him alive again. When you’re a kid you don’t think to ask your parents things or tell them things. You always think there’ll be time. There’s so much I wish I could have said to him. This song always gets me in the heart.
My dad was a mean drunk through my childhood and as an adult. He was awful to my mom and I begged her many times to leave him. She died suddenly at age 62. I told my dad at her funeral that I was done. I had put up with his shit because of Mom, and I didn’t have to anymore. Seven years later, my brother called and told me dad had been sober for 6 yrs and he was sick. Dad wanted to see me. So I went home. He was dying from cirrhosis. He lasted about 2 yrs, and we finally had the kind of relationship I had wanted my whole life. So, if anyone out there is thinking they should give their dad a call, do it.
Glad you got to fix things. With me, it was my mom who was the abuser. I kept her for 20 years, maybe more. I never counted. When I was finally free, and she was in a nursing home, people tried to guilt me into visiting her. Why? I may have been a little salty, or bitter for a while. I really don’t remember anything but relief. Folks told me she was the sweetest little old lady. No sarcasm, but good for them. I didn’t go to her funeral, because I had made peace, and it would have been for family, not her. After all she was dead, and they had plenty of family around. Anyway, now, years have passed, and I have sympathy for her. She had it tough, living in her head. Nobody should have to go through what she did. Now, I fight my own battles. No regrets.
I'm sobbing. Guess this one must still get me. My best friend passed away 8 yrs ago from cancer, and I guess I've just cried a bit more ever since, over different things, definitely over music more.
Such a good song! I cant hear it without crying. I was in college and still had parents when it came out. I'm 56 now and they're both gone. it absolutely guts me. Mike is Mike Rutherford from Genesis, my favorite band,and this was the year that the charts were full of Genesis and adjacent artists: Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, GTR (with former band member Steve Hackett)!
Wow this song. My baby lost her battle at 27 yo. Two days before she left we had settled on we had said everything we needed to. It hasn't quite been six months yet. It got me in my feels.
My dad passed almost 2 yrs ago. I hadn’t listened to this song in years and it now brought me to years. My mom passed 5 months after dad. I had time to tell her I love her. She was wonderful.
This song came out at a time when my parents were having terrible marital problems, and they eventually divorced. I had serious issues with my Dad at that time & later, but we eventually worked past it all and had a wonderful relationship as adults. He lives over 3 hrs away now & it's difficult to go see each other financially right now, which is unbelievably hard for both of us. His 80th birthday is in latter July & I have to find a way to get up there. Miss him terribly.
My father died when I was under a year old, from an illness he acquired while serving in the military. Even though I never knew him, I "saw" him in the way my gramps became the leading force in my upbringing. I can only pray that my grandsons will feel towards me, the love and admiration I shared with my gramps.
Never feel ashamed for being moved by this song. My mom's funeral was just a week ago and I'm so glad I got to visit with her and my brothers a few weeks before that for her birthday.
Love Paul Carrack’s voice. Love this song and it is so true. Don’t waste time in holding grudges or be afraid to say “I Love You” to those who are so important to you. Love your reactions, thanks for sharing.
When I got to my 30s I made sure that I started to hug my dad and tell them that I love him even if we argue and we do a lot. But I make sure he understands I don’t hate him and I appreciate everything he has done! Love you dad (mom too😊)!
Every once in a while, a song so thought-provoking comes along and it really makes you think. This is absolutely true of The Living Years. It's beautifully written and sad, but I also think it's empowering too. Like, so what if we don't agree on everything. We can talk, listen and try to understand and that's what matters for me xxx
I'm gonna cry now. I know it. I miss my Dad so much. He was my hero and savior when my mom would beat me mercilessly. When I was five,he realized she hated me,so he kept me with him all the time. Took me to work and even when he went to a tavern for an afternoon beer. He loved me,cherished me always. I just wish everyone had my Dad for their lives.
It was the other way around for me….it was my dad who resented me (though it wasn’t hate) and my mother and grandmother…who valued meAs an adult I managed to build a decent relationship with my dad.
@@CaesarConsuloProVita A lot of times boys and fathers have resentment. It's sad and I wish you hadnt gone through it. I'm just glad it all worked out and that you had your mom and grandmother to hold on to you during that time. :}
It’s been a while since I heard this….good to hear it again. Our youngest son hasn’t been to see us in 5 years. We talk occasionally, but he just doesn’t have time for us. My dad has been gone many years….but his love is tucked in my heart. I know he’s doing great in heaven. I pray our younger son comes around soon. My husband, his father, has dementia.
This was one of my father's favorite songs as I was growing up. He always said that if this song doesn't move you then you have no soul. My father was a lifelong pharmacist who finally retired at 85. About a year later, he started having early signs of dementia. He was also diagnosed with afib and was having minor strokes. My beautiful wife and our 4 children live on the street directly behind my parents, so every evening I would go by their house to check on them. My father had gotten to a point where he would sleep until 6pm, get up, eat, watch TV, then go back to sleep. That was his routine. On a Friday evening I stopped by and my father was still in bed. I knocked and went in and asked if he was okay. I got no response back. I turned on the light and he was shaking like was cold but he still would not say a word. I knew he had suffered a massive stroke. I told my mom and called EMS. While we waited, I called Elena and told her. She said that her and the kids would be right over but I didn't want the kids to see their grandfather in this condition and said just meet us at the hospital. Once we got to the hospital, the doctor informed me that he had suffered a massive stroke and at his age of 88, there was really anything that they could do. I just said, make sure he was comfortable. 2 days later, they were able to get him in hospice house. During all this, my niece, who lives 200 miles away with her husband and children, happened to be the only person yet to see him. She was coming up on Wednesday so she could see him one last time. From the night I found him in bed, this song would not stop playing in my head. The following Wednesday, when my niece was coming up, my wife and I got in the car to meet everyone at the hospice house, when I started the car, This song came on the radio. I am not a man who is very emotional, but I knew this was a sign that was letting me know that my father was going to be moving on to a Heavenly place before the end of the day. I was tearing up a little and my wife asked me what was wrong. I told her about how much my father loved this song, and that he was hanging on until my niece got to see him. Once we got to hospice house, everyone was there except for my niece. She got there around noon, and we all got to spend the day together reflecting on the wonderful memories we had of my father. My niece kissed my father on the forehead, said her goodbyes and left around 4pm. We hung around until 5 and as we were leaving, I held my father's hand, told him how much I loved him, not only as my father, but as my hero, and best friend. I kissed his forehead and gave his hand a squeeze, said I love you, and Im proud to be his son. He squeezed my hand back. As we pulled into our driveway, my cell phone rang. It was hospice house calling to let me know he passed 5 minutes after we left. I feel so blessed that we all got to say all the things we had to say to him in "his living years." Happy Father's Day, Pop!!
Every time I listen to this it hits me hard. My father passed away a few years ago. We had not spoken in years and I wasn't there when he passed. The biggest regret of my life. I miss you Pop. I wish I had been there one last time more than anything.
My dad was born during the depression of 1929. He never really talked about his life growing up. He joined the Navy at 17. My parents got married in 1951. I'm the 2nd youngest of 6 kids. We were raised by an iron fist. My dad had his 1st heart attack at the age of 38. He was still in the Navy. After 22 yrs in the Navy, he was forced to retire in 1969. I was 7 yrs old. The last beating I got I was 15 years old. I had accidentally kicked a hole in the wall, and my younger sister told him. I could never understand why he was that way. I was still living at home when I was 22. He worked swing shift and I worked days. We didn't have that father son relationship some boys have. He did his thing and I did mine. I used to party a lot, and I would come home sometimes after he was home from work, and go straight to bed. But in 1982 we started to be able to be in each other's presence. For the next 1.5 yrs we would make small talk. One day in April of 1984 I came home from being out with friends, and he was home already. I sat on the couch and he asked me if I thought I would ever stop getting high. I said, "yes probably after I get married and have a family. He acknowledged this with a little smile. I got up to go to bed because I had work the next day. As I was walking down the hallway to my room I stopped, turned around, went back to him kissed him on the cheek and said I love you. He said he loved me too. This was only the 3rd or 4th time he had ever told me he loved me. The next day I came home from work and saw his car in the driveway. I thought he had a class to teach that night so I didn't think much of it. I walked in the front door and saw him laying on the floor. He had died of a heart attack. I felt blessed knowing that the night before his last words to me was he loved me. It wasn't until 25 yrs later that I came to understand why he was the way he was growing up. It's because his dad was the same way. Sorry this was so long. But this song came out in the mid 80's, and it just hit home with me. 😢
The greatest thing about the Internet (and music and TH-cam and whatnot) is the opportunity to express ourselves and share experiences with strangers who actually share our experiences without having to leave the house and join some sorta support group. Thank you for the post, bockman. Keep writing. Whenever and wherever you can. It's appreciated.
This song catches just about everyone in the feels man. Especially us older guys who have just recently lost their fathers (mine passed 2 years ago age 87). Every time I hear this song (and I knew it when it came out in the late 80s), I can't help welling up. Good to hear you still have your Dad and you didn't come from a broken home. That shows through your character. And I'm sure having a newborn makes that last verse all the more poignant for you. Re this now iconic song, the MIKE in the MECHANICS is the tall bearded lead guitarist in the video with the boy, MIKE RUTHERFORD. MIKE was an original founding member of the legendary Progressive Rock group GENESIS, way back in 1967. He founded Genesis along with his high school pals, which included PETER GABRIEL, who ended up being GENESIS' lead singer (yes, the same GENESIS that PHIL COLLINS would join a few years later as drummer, and then as GABRIEL'S replacement as lead singer). Back to RUTHERFORD. He was with GENESIS his entire career as bass guitarist and then lead guitarist, and songwriter 1967>2021. Over 50 years. In the mid 80s, when PHIL COLLINS would take time off from GENESIS to do his solo tours and albums, MIKE RUTHERFORD decided to form a side band as another creative outlet for his songwriting. So MIKE formed MIKE + MECHANICS in the mid 80s with a stellar group of musicians. The lead singer of the Mechanics with that great blues baritone voice is PAUL CARRACK, an already established pop/rock singer who had sung popular singles such as HOW LONG (ACE), TEMPTED (SQUEEZE). MIKE + MECHANICS had an immediate huge radio single on their first album in 1985 called SILENT RUNNING (CAN YOU HEAR ME?). Well worth reacting to. Had several other good hits on that debut album too like ALL I NEED IS A MIRACLE. MIKE RUTHERFORD primarily wrote this tune, The Living Years. That's Mike playing that intro Jangle guitar riff to start the song out. CARRACK has such a great voice which is perfect for the melancholy of this tune. Great heartfelt personal reaction man, and Happy Father's Day.
I lost my Dad in '97 and Mom in '06, it made me re-asses what was truly important to me in my life, the questions not asked will never be answered - and many of them i didn't have until they passed, the mind was on a different track - caught up in the rat race of life, work - kids - bills - wife... so now, i want my kids and grandkids to know as much as i can think of to tell them, so they don't have the same feelings. being a parent and then a grandparent changes the lens on the life-washed goggles we so confidently or naively marched into the adult world, trying to make our way in life and contribute to the world, just to have life turn back and say - take the time for the simple things and the people around you that are dear to you, time waits for no one.... sorry for your lose Dude...
My adored dad died in December 2022 in Queensland Australia aged 87 and we live in central Victoria. I was a daddy’s girl all of my life, he was the centre of my world. My mum kicked him out when I was 5 after one too many affairs he had and I was hysterical, attached to his leg to stop him leaving me, begging him to stay. I stayed so close to him, we saw him every weekend and he was always very financially very responsible for us. I finally got to live with him and my stepmother when I was 14 and absolutely loved seeing him every day. He was a very successful businessman, wore Pierre Cardin suits and was a workaholic. But in the evenings he and I would watch British comedy together and laugh our butts off. When he remarried for the third time, that wife did not want him being close to me. I bought him this song, gave it to him and he never said a word so I don’t know if he even listened to it. When he moved so far away (her doing) it became even harder to have that bond again but I loved him so much. The last time we flew up to see him, my son, he and I went out for lunch at the stunning Tweed Heads country club on the Tweed river. We sat there so long talking that everyone else had left. It was raining by then and he went and got the car for us so that we didn’t get wet, so sweet. I miss my father so much. When he died, we didn’t even know where his body was thanks to our revolting stepmother. I was waking in the night sobbing for him and I was 62 but felt like that 5yr old little girl again who had lost her dad. No funeral, no nothing. Just gone 💔
My biological father has been almost nonexistent in my life. I think of my grandfather as my father. He had cancer and i helped my grandmother take care of him towards the end. I wasnt there the morning he passed, but the night before i had a heartfelt talknwith him. I was able to him how i felt. He was nonverbal by this point and could not really respond..but at least i got to tell him how i felt. This song has always had a special place in my heart.
I'm 65 years old. My father told me he loved me for the first time when I was in my 30's. It was how he was raised...no matter the circumstances for how tough he could be, his last words to me was, " I love you son". That's what I remember.
I’m glad that you got that. My dad was “diplomatic”. He loved everyone, and did the work, was a national and local hero. A hero in our family. LOL, I called him little daddy, because I am taller than he was. We had the hard talk. He told me why he chose what he did, and I told him things he didn’t know. We cried together, over this or that. I wish it for everyone.
My parents died six months apart. Both were older and had lived a good life, but it was still hard. It still hurts to think about them cause I miss them so much. This song makes me cry every time I hear it.
I'm 73 and the part that still really hits me and makes me misty eyed every time I hear this song is - "I wasn't there that morning, when my father passed away. Didn't get to tell him, all the things I had to say." In 1963 ( a month before my 13th birthday) my father was out of town and died of a heart attack.
I was driving when I first heard this song. Third verse came on and I had to pull over and just cry for a bit... hit hard about time i missed with dad before he passed.
My dad apoligized to me for everything he felt he did wrong in my upbringing and I thanked him for keeping me on the straight and narrow, he died in a helicopter crash not to long after that. I was so glad we had that conversation and is still one of my fondest memories I have of him.
This one gets me every time, my parents are still alive in their 70s, but I moved to another state 10 years ago and don’t get to see them hardly any more, hoping to take a trip to see them soon, mom has Alzheimer’s and not sure how much longer she’ll be around, and like you, my dad was really strict and we clashed when I was younger, I’m in my 50s now and I realize time is short, love your videos brother ✝️🙏🏻
Hip hop could never create a song this deep. You need the emotion of the singer, the careful lyrics and a beat that sets the tone and allows you in to join the song.
One of the deepest, most meaningful songs with gripping lyrics... every time I hear this, I wish I could've had more time with my dad. Lost him at age ten in 1979. Marine Corps, Korean War vet, pastor.
This song is a wake up call and a gut punch combination. I love and miss both of my parents and am doing my best to be a good father to my son. It takes less than two seconds to say "I love you."
I am the 2nd oldest of , I'm 62. I have memories of our Dad telling us that he was going to die in his sleep, wake up to Jesus, and will be painting rainbows 🌈 and when Mom comes home, but not too soon, she'll be painting rainbows a well. He passed in his sleep in 2018, during the Christmas season, we had to wait to bury him until after Christmas. However, my family was scattered coast to coast and everyday, we all sent pictures of slivers of rainbows each day. I know he is with us yet today 🌈
I've always preached this Honestly, I had forgotten this song until it started. I forgave my dad and step mom for unspeakable things. She unfortunately commented suicide. However, he is still her and has expressed remorse. I've also forgiven friends and other family members with no expectation of remorse and often relieved none. It's the cleansing of the soul that counts. You need to take that step for your sanity, or it will eat at you for the rest of your days.
I was a teenager when this song came out and I did like it but I never truly understood it or appreciated the lyrics until I got older and it hit me different. I am grateful that I ha d an amazing relationship with both of my parents but it killed me the day I got that call that mom had passed. The call. I was heartbroken. Mom died in her sleep with my dad at her side. There's a blessing in that, but I still wish I could have seen her one more time. She had Alzheimer's for over 14 years and that was hard, slowly losing her, the mom I knew, over such a long period of time, but I still appreciated every moment I had with her, even if most times she didn't remember me. I visited my folks the week before she passed, but I still hated getting The Call. Dad passed away exactly one year after mom. We all insist he died of a broken heart. She passed three months before their 50th wedding anniversary and they were more in love then, then when they got married. They built a good life together and had 13 children, all crazy about mom and dad. When dad passed, he was not alone. 9 out of the 13 of us were there with him, all of us holding him in some way, all of us connected to him in those final moments and all of us whispering to him that it was okay to let go, that it was okay to move on and to go to mom, all telling him how much we loved him and would miss him. I will be eternally grateful that I was given that gift of that moment. I will be eternally grateful that when dad passed from this world he wasn't alone. He was surrounded by those he loved move than life. My dad was one of those people who was just crazy about kids. He loved kids and always wanted us around. I know he was happy and at peace when he left us, knowing that we were all there. Tell your loved ones how much you love and appreciate them now, while they and you are alive to hear it and experience it. Don't wait because you may lose that chance. Family First Always!
Sorry to hear about you mom. You never realize how important your parents are until they're gone. A definite heart touching song. I cry every time I hear this song because I miss my parents every day. We all regret things that we've said in the past but don't wait until it's too late to let them know how much they mean to you. In my younger days, my parents seldom told me that they loved me but I knew they did.
My dad passed December 26,2001 and I cry every time I hear this song. If I remember correctly he wrote this for his father. We had the best music in the 80s!!!
I think many of us have parents who just couldn't show their feelings. My dad never showed emotion, never hugged, kissed, or even a pat on the back. But when he lay in bed the last night of his life, my daughter went to his bedside to say goodbye, and he said to her..."I hope your mom knows I love her". Right to the end he couldn't tell me. Love this song. Life is short and regrets live long.
Bro I’m on my couch crying. Just like you my Dad is 80 ex military, tough upbringing and with Father’s Day being tomorrow don’t know how many more I have with him. This is a tremendous song with every word speaking to us. But I believe it makes us better men and a loving Father who at times hugs with affection to your kids. My two boys 15&11 there hasn’t been one day without I love you!! Great call BP on this one 👍🇺🇸
My dad and I were estranged for years and I was lucky enough to patch things up with him before he passed from a lengthy batttle with cancer. He died on his 57th birthday in 2019. Two days after he passed I took the long way to work and heard this song for the first time.
@13:46 My father was and is my best friend. When he passed 9/22/98 around 9pm, and then his mother finally died 9/23/98 to her illnesses, she was feisty Irish she knew but didn't know, but when told of her eldest child passing that's what killed her. 2 wks later her sister passed from complications of open heart. My family got November off, and then my cousin hung himself in December.
First and foremost I’m sorry about your mom!! Mike is actually the guitarist for Genesis. This is such a touching song. It hits you deep especially the line about his father’s voice in his baby’s newborn tears. Thx for watching this. Always brings a tear to my eyes.
Remember BP, Genesis is Phil Collins! You like him!
The singer is Paul Carrack. You might want to check out an awesome solo song of his, "Don't Shed a Tear".
I think I caught his spirit, later that same year, I’m sure I heard his echo in my baby’s newborn tears . That verse gets me every time such genius heartfelt lyrics ❤❤❤.
@@HeavyTopspinpreviously of Squeeze and singer of “Tempted.” Great song. Great voice.
I love Genisus,great music
My dad died in 2020 at the young age of 60 and we weren't allowed to go into the hospital to see him or say goodbye, the last WhatsApp message I sent him said how much we were all thinking of him and that I loved him. But the blue double tick didn't show on the message and that always wrecks me knowing he didn't read it. If you still have your parents tell them how much you love them ❤️
Reading it or not, he knew.
As a mom I agree.
Don't carry that dude, he'll have known
@@greyknightus7 thanks for your support 🫶 he did know how much I loved him and I was lucky to have a Dad as great as him, some people unfortunately never get that and that's something I can cherish forever.
@@StevenJago-j2y thanks for your kind words of support, it really means a lot. I will try my best to let it go 🫶
The two generations of choir is a brilliant touch
Yes! Not many reactors mention how appropriate it was to see two generations singing the chorus. It was a subtle visual presentation of the theme of the song.
He heard his father's spirit in his newborn baby tears. 😮
😢😢😢😢😢😢
I'm almost 51 years old, and I have cried every time I've heard the last verse since 1998!
I'm 59 and it's been every time since 2011. I understand.
Same. I'm 60, and I was not with my dad the morning he passed. I keep away from this song as it breaks me down every time
The Generational divide has always been real. It's just that the karma from son to father and then being a father and trying to connect to your own son(s) is crazy.
and still better then 95% of today's music
and the rest
I agree, sadly I think a lot of new songs and music just isn't as deep or as soul touching as some of the oldie but goodie songs, just my opinion.
"Mike" is Mike Rutherford (formerly part of Genesis) is the one in the video with the kid in the video and playing guitar in white, the singer is the brilliant Paul Carrack (formally of far too many to list)
This song means so much to those who have lost loved ones. Grief is heartbreaking 😢
That tough, stoic man raised a remarkable son ... a man who is respectful, respected, and successful. You are blessed, my friend.
I'm 72. And from my perspective, one of the big differences between the music of the 50s - 80s is that back then, there were songs written like this one that mean something. Stylistically "The Living Years" is dated, both in terms of its audio and video; it's clearly a production of the 80s. But this song has a meaning and a message that will always transcend style and fashion. No one seems to be writing songs like this any more, and our culture is poorer because of that.
It's been just a year since my dad passed. Please, call your Dad.
I’m going fishing with my father tomorrow.
Wish I could call my dad! He passed in 1978! He was 53! He was in two wars and became an alcoholic! I now realise that he probably had PTSD! He didn’t get the help he needed! We didn’t even know about PTSD in the sixties! Yes I’m old! This song is BREAKING my heart! Peace and Blessings to you and yours!
Lost mine just before Christmas 2002! Miss him everyday! We always talked Bama football and the years are hard for not being able to talk to him about it! Love you parents while you can!
I just took my dad on a sunset cruise for Father's day. I will NEVER take him for granted.
I discovered this song after my dad passed away. I didn't get to see him before he passed away. This song always reminds me to remember my dad.
I'm 56 and I lost my father 53 years ago and every time I really listen to this song... it brings tears to my eyes. I've loved this song since the first time I heard it. Thanks for your reaction. I just recently found you and I'll keep watching! You're awesome and seem to be very honest. Have a great Thanksgiving with your family.
Profoundly beautiful song! I lost my dad to cancer in 1999. A heavy drinker through my childhood, he got sober when I was still in high school. He showed me that a leopard CAN change its spots, if it really wants to. I got to have him live with me thru his chemo. I miss my dad.
One of the deepest song ever!
You can NEVER call your parents or children too much…I learned that simple fact too late…definitely dial up your Pops…respect…
I had forgotten how powerful this number is.
I think you and your dad should sit down and watch this video together and start your living years conversations
It's a rare song that makes your ass reevaluate your life choices
Depending on how you lived your life, this either hits hard, or is devastating.
For me, it's the latter.
@@adamlorenz4748 Or wish you still had time to reevaluate your life choices.
I cry every time I hear this. I am thankful I was able to talk truthfully and honestly and lovingly with both parents before their passing. I do regret not being able to take care of them before they passed. I wanted to hold their hands. But I had to follow their wishes. They didn't want it. People please talk honestly to your loved ones about what you want to be done. It was so helpful and will save them from regrets.
I almost passed out holding my breath because watching your expression as you kept it going for so long before the first comment You were hooked and I could see it! Truth transcends generations, gender, race, society, wealth... you name it. This song takes us home every time.
Play this for dad. Sometimes music is the best communicator.
Maybe one of the greatest songs of all time 😢
Call your dad, wish him an happy Father's Day. I know he'll appreciate that.
I lost my father 41 years ago. The hate is gone and I miss the SOB terribly now.
My dad died in 86. We weren't close but he got to meet his grandsons before he passed. Mom died in 2009. And my husband of 40 years died in 2018.
My dad passed away when I was 5 yrs old I never knew him 😢😢😢😢my mom passed away in 2010 didn't get to say anything to her she was sudated for 13 days but ICU 😢😢😢😢😢😢so 😭😢 she passed away from a hernia I am seriously 😢😢😢😢😢 every time I hear this song 😢 im sorry for all losses prayers sent 🙏🙏🙏🙏 to all my prayers are with all.m😢😢
I knew my dad loved me but did not tell me until he was on his deathbed, and then it was only after I called him out on his crap. He was with mom for 63 years and was a great bread winner and was ALWAYS there for us kids. But like your dad, he was stern and stoic. He was a mean alcoholic (stopped drinking 14 years before he died). He was a wounded WWII Vet and lived through some horrors of war and we talked about that near his end. I had already started the process of forgiveness in my early 30's. I held his hand as he took his last breath on Thanksgiving Day 1999. Cancer Sucks!
Be sure he sees this video, shared by you, to him on Father's Day tomorrow. ❤🎉
❤
My father died in 1996 at age 77. I was out of the country when he passed but 6 weeks before, I was visiting my parents and Dad wanted to go for a drive out in the countryside. We drove and talked and reminisced about things we did when I was little, like when we drove past our favorite fishing spot. He was very involved in reintroducing cranes to Wisconsin so we were looking to see if any were back yet. When we saw a group, we pulled over to watch them as they did their unison calls and dancing. He commented that he never thought his kids would be able to see one of his fondest memories from his childhood (habitat destruction and hunting caused cranes to disappear from our state back in the late 30's). I wasn't there to say goodbye, but we both had that wonderful afternoon together which Mom said meant a lot to him. Cranes are my spirit animal and bring me close to Dad even now. I was able to say goodbye to Mom. She took her final breath while I was holding her hand in hospice (age 95).
Our high school choir directors father passed my sophomore year. He had us sing this at our spring concert. He sat in the front row and wept. It was our last concert of the year and his last year at the school.
5 years ago he passed too. 25 of us made the trip and sang this at his memorial. RIP Mr. Palletizer ❤
😢
This song gets me every time. I had no contact for over 20 years when my father died. Never got validation or closure. Probably the biggest regret of my life
Paul Carrack is an amazing singer.
He sang.lead on numerous hits, yet had minimal recognition.
Awesome song.
Universally relatable.
Amazing singing!
This song hits hard such an amazing song with incredible lyrics …. He says you just don’t see it. He says it’s perfect sense we just can’t get agreement in this present tense. We all talk a different language talking in defense !! damn that’s fucking genius
Everyone's reaction to this song is the same. I don't know anyone who cannot relate. Such a powerful message.❤❤❤
The people who can't relate are probably just staying silent rather than disrupting the vibe.
This song always make me cry😢😢
This is such a powerful song, especially with Paul Carrack singing it.
This is a powerful and beautiful song! Brother, you are so lucky to still have your father! I lost my father 45 years ago! I miss him EVERY DAY!
I cry everytime ,I was not there when my Dad died it was the worst day of my life,I have been waiting for you to do this song I knew it would get you.❤❤❤
I always thought this was a beautiful song, but now hearing it now, listening to the lyrics, has brought tears to my eyes. I’ve buried both parents and my husband and I’m sitting here setting my cat’s fur with my tears.
My dogs for me the same with the rest of your comment.
I'm so sorry...Call out to Jesus...HE loves you and will help you through the pain and sorrow..HE will never leave you...May God bless you in Jesus' name🙏❤
Yes. This hits differently now after having lost my parents (they died 2 days apart) my son and my husband…😥
BP, have you ever thought about bringing your dad on to react to some of the songs he grew up listening to? And if he doesn't want to go on camera, ask him to share some music from his personal favorites list that you can react to, and widen your musical exposure even more!
That was a really good, heartfelt reaction. My Dad died 53 years ago on the 11th April,1971 and I still miss him. My Darling Mum followed on the 25th of May,1996. I still miss them hugely and now, through the solid, unstoppable march of time,I am 70 years old, myself. To demonstrate the fragility of life, ONLY TODAY,i have just heard that my London Football Team's goalkeeper has died, suddenly, at just 26 years old. It can happen to anyone, anytime so make the most of every day and tell your loved ones how you feel, which I used to do, fortunately. It could all end that suddenly but as you get older, you, unwillingly, buy more tickets in the lottery of death, I'm afraid.
I'm 64yrs old and I lost my dad in 2014. I appreciate the advice and I'll take it to heart. Thank you. 🙏🇺🇲✌️😎
@@Crownd1_ Good Luck and be strong for them,my friend.
My situation is eerily similar. Dad in March of1975,,,Mom in Oct of 1995. She lived 20 years after she lost her loving husband. I had 2 stepsisters, and a stepbrother, all gone now,, one sister who is 2 years older, and we are still close. I’m 68
My mom died in 2021 from lung cancer. Even though I expected it, it seemed when she died it was sudden quick and unexpected! I feel like I'm still mourning I miss her so very much! I would do almost anything just to have her back, except I know her spirit is at peace and I'm being selfish. To know I will be missing her when I'm in my 70's is daunting! Hopefully the missing/yearning/gut-punch feeling will morph into something lighter to carry though my living years! I went to visit my father today to hug him, listen to his voice and to tell him I love him.. Thank you for sharing your story with us.🙂
not spoke to dad for nearly 20 years and this song hit me in the feels i forgot how powerful it is.
Still one of the most powerful songs ever written. And sung by one of the most unappreciated vocalists out there in Paul Carrack.
I had 3 brothers 4 sisters, 3 stepbrothers and 5 stepsisters , 2 half brothers. 1 brother 2 stepsister are gone , two years before my father passed he told me was proud of me , he wasn't a hugger and never expressed his love . So it took me by surprise. He passed two years later.
One of my brothers and one of my sisters have passed away. I always try to empathize with my father, because I can’t imagine burying your children before you’re dead. I’m going fishing with him tomorrow.
Enjoy your day!!❤@@Syzygy77
One of the best songs in history
I heard this song many years before my father died, and the line "I wasn't there that morning" made me cry even then just imagining that day. I hope you called your father. I wish I could call mine.
LOST DAD IN 2018 - DIDN'T GET TO TELL HIM ALL THE THINGS I HAD TO SAY. THIS SONG ALWAYS BRINGS A TEAR TO MY EYE - THANK YOU FOR THE REACTION.
I got to listen to this song with my dad. I don’t remember if it was the same day, but we spent a day getting drunk together. The shade tree lawn chairs, a ride in the mountains, friends dropping by. Sitting at the table in the RV. We had “ the talk” . He explained his choices. I explained mine. He told me some hard truths, and I told him some things he didn’t know about. I always loved and respected him. He died suddenly a year or so later. I’m so grateful for that day.
One of my favorite songs. Paul Carrack's lead vocal is fantastic and the whole performance is superb. Thanks for reviewing it.
One of the most meaningful songs. Beautifully sung by Paul Carrack. I've been watching your reactions for about a year now, keep them going, this one was so good.
This is one of my favorite songs. It's so underrated yet so iconic. What we have to remember is that they were just doing the best that they could, just like we are doing. There is no perfect family, we're all just doing the best that we can in our own circumstances. Love expressed 100 years ago might not look like love expressed today. Just do the best you can and try to understand the changing world they grew up in.
Sitting here on Father's day thinking of my dad who died when i was 13,, then i see this and now im bawling
I know what you mean - my dad loved me dearly but his generation didn’t do much hugging or saying “I Love You”. I held his hand as he died, and realized it was the first affection he had shown since I was little. I held his hand as a child and again when he passed. This song is SO powerful. Thanks for your heartfelt reaction to this.
Thank you for this reaction. I'm sorry about your Mom, your love for her radiates so strongly and is a beautiful testament. This song perfectly says all the things we try to say. My dad is 85, I'm named after him ("Roni"), and the youngest of 7 -- all raised on a truck driver's salary. He is a man's man and I was intimidated of him while growing up but I have watched him soften over the years to where he now freely gives out hugs and "I love you"s. My son hasn't spoken to me in 10 years and my heart is broken..but I pray one day he'll come back to me...and if not, we'll be reconciled in Heaven.
God bless all the fathers this Father's Day weekend and God bless all of us who are trying so hard to keep it together through all the pain. Love wins. God wins. ❤
Drive to your son or fly to your son, book a hotel. Go to him in person. Pray first, be soft, listen, love… Today is the day!
The message of this song is ultimately hopeful, but it still moves me every time I hear it.
My dad died in a work accident when I was 13. He went to work that morning and I never saw him alive again. When you’re a kid you don’t think to ask your parents things or tell them things. You always think there’ll be time. There’s so much I wish I could have said to him. This song always gets me in the heart.
I lost my father at the same age. You think they will be around forever
my dad died in work and i never got to talk to he again and this song was out at the time 1988 i still get choked up
@@kaysmith2503 mine died in ‘87. Sorry for your loss.
My mom is 89 and she needed help to stay in her house. So I now live with her to help her and i make sure i hug her every day.
My dad was a mean drunk through my childhood and as an adult. He was awful to my mom and I begged her many times to leave him. She died suddenly at age 62. I told my dad at her funeral that I was done. I had put up with his shit because of Mom, and I didn’t have to anymore. Seven years later, my brother called and told me dad had been sober for 6 yrs and he was sick. Dad wanted to see me. So I went home. He was dying from cirrhosis. He lasted about 2 yrs, and we finally had the kind of relationship I had wanted my whole life. So, if anyone out there is thinking they should give their dad a call, do it.
Glad you got to fix things. With me, it was my mom who was the abuser. I kept her for 20 years, maybe more. I never counted. When I was finally free, and she was in a nursing home, people tried to guilt me into visiting her. Why? I may have been a little salty, or bitter for a while. I really don’t remember anything but relief. Folks told me she was the sweetest little old lady. No sarcasm, but good for them. I didn’t go to her funeral, because I had made peace, and it would have been for family, not her. After all she was dead, and they had plenty of family around. Anyway, now, years have passed, and I have sympathy for her. She had it tough, living in her head. Nobody should have to go through what she did. Now, I fight my own battles. No regrets.
I'm sobbing. Guess this one must still get me. My best friend passed away 8 yrs ago from cancer, and I guess I've just cried a bit more ever since, over different things, definitely over music more.
Such a good song! I cant hear it without crying. I was in college and still had parents when it came out. I'm 56 now and they're both gone. it absolutely guts me. Mike is Mike Rutherford from Genesis, my favorite band,and this was the year that the charts were full of Genesis and adjacent artists: Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, GTR (with former band member Steve Hackett)!
I love this song, but I cry thru it because the words are sooo true.
Wow this song. My baby lost her battle at 27 yo. Two days before she left we had settled on we had said everything we needed to. It hasn't quite been six months yet. It got me in my feels.
💔 lost my eldest son at 37...I miss him more than I ever imagined I could. 🙏🏼 for you.
@@JoniSacroug I'm sending you love mama. I'm sorry we are in this club.
My dad passed almost 2 yrs ago. I hadn’t listened to this song in years and it now brought me to years. My mom passed 5 months after dad. I had time to tell her I love her. She was wonderful.
This song always makes me cry. I am sorry for the loss of your mother ❤. Obviously, both of your parents did something right!
This song came out at a time when my parents were having terrible marital problems, and they eventually divorced. I had serious issues with my Dad at that time & later, but we eventually worked past it all and had a wonderful relationship as adults. He lives over 3 hrs away now & it's difficult to go see each other financially right now, which is unbelievably hard for both of us. His 80th birthday is in latter July & I have to find a way to get up there. Miss him terribly.
My father died when I was under a year old, from an illness he acquired while serving in the military. Even though I never knew him, I "saw" him in the way my gramps became the leading force in my upbringing. I can only pray that my grandsons will feel towards me, the love and admiration I shared with my gramps.
British band absolutely beautiful,moving song it won a Grammy I think...
My dad's been gone 19, my baby 24 and my husband 5
It's just me and my mom and this song... Just the thoughts of hearing it again has me 😢
Never feel ashamed for being moved by this song. My mom's funeral was just a week ago and I'm so glad I got to visit with her and my brothers a few weeks before that for her birthday.
Love Paul Carrack’s voice. Love this song and it is so true. Don’t waste time in holding grudges or be afraid to say “I Love You” to those who are so important to you. Love your reactions, thanks for sharing.
When I got to my 30s I made sure that I started to hug my dad and tell them that I love him even if we argue and we do a lot. But I make sure he understands I don’t hate him and I appreciate everything he has done! Love you dad (mom too😊)!
Every once in a while, a song so thought-provoking comes along and it really makes you think. This is absolutely true of The Living Years. It's beautifully written and sad, but I also think it's empowering too. Like, so what if we don't agree on everything. We can talk, listen and try to understand and that's what matters for me xxx
I'm gonna cry now. I know it. I miss my Dad so much. He was my hero and savior when my mom would beat me mercilessly. When I was five,he realized she hated me,so he kept me with him all the time. Took me to work and even when he went to a tavern for an afternoon beer. He loved me,cherished me always. I just wish everyone had my Dad for their lives.
Same.. I have huge tears just welling up
It was the other way around for me….it was my dad who resented me (though it wasn’t hate) and my mother and grandmother…who valued meAs an adult I managed to build a decent relationship with my dad.
@@CaesarConsuloProVita A lot of times boys and fathers have resentment. It's sad and I wish you hadnt gone through it. I'm just glad it all worked out and that you had your mom and grandmother to hold on to you during that time. :}
Tell the people in your life that you love them. Life is too short. Love your dad while you still have him.
It’s been a while since I heard this….good to hear it again. Our youngest son hasn’t been to see us in 5 years. We talk occasionally, but he just doesn’t have time for us. My dad has been gone many years….but his love is tucked in my heart. I know he’s doing great in heaven. I pray our younger son comes around soon. My husband, his father, has dementia.
This was one of my father's favorite songs as I was growing up. He always said that if this song doesn't move you then you have no soul. My father was a lifelong pharmacist who finally retired at 85. About a year later, he started having early signs of dementia. He was also diagnosed with afib and was having minor strokes. My beautiful wife and our 4 children live on the street directly behind my parents, so every evening I would go by their house to check on them. My father had gotten to a point where he would sleep until 6pm, get up, eat, watch TV, then go back to sleep. That was his routine. On a Friday evening I stopped by and my father was still in bed. I knocked and went in and asked if he was okay. I got no response back. I turned on the light and he was shaking like was cold but he still would not say a word. I knew he had suffered a massive stroke. I told my mom and called EMS. While we waited, I called Elena and told her. She said that her and the kids would be right over but I didn't want the kids to see their grandfather in this condition and said just meet us at the hospital. Once we got to the hospital, the doctor informed me that he had suffered a massive stroke and at his age of 88, there was really anything that they could do. I just said, make sure he was comfortable. 2 days later, they were able to get him in hospice house. During all this, my niece, who lives 200 miles away with her husband and children, happened to be the only person yet to see him. She was coming up on Wednesday so she could see him one last time. From the night I found him in bed, this song would not stop playing in my head. The following Wednesday, when my niece was coming up, my wife and I got in the car to meet everyone at the hospice house, when I started the car, This song came on the radio. I am not a man who is very emotional, but I knew this was a sign that was letting me know that my father was going to be moving on to a Heavenly place before the end of the day. I was tearing up a little and my wife asked me what was wrong. I told her about how much my father loved this song, and that he was hanging on until my niece got to see him. Once we got to hospice house, everyone was there except for my niece. She got there around noon, and we all got to spend the day together reflecting on the wonderful memories we had of my father. My niece kissed my father on the forehead, said her goodbyes and left around 4pm. We hung around until 5 and as we were leaving, I held my father's hand, told him how much I loved him, not only as my father, but as my hero, and best friend. I kissed his forehead and gave his hand a squeeze, said I love you, and Im proud to be his son. He squeezed my hand back. As we pulled into our driveway, my cell phone rang. It was hospice house calling to let me know he passed 5 minutes after we left. I feel so blessed that we all got to say all the things we had to say to him in "his living years." Happy Father's Day, Pop!!
Every time I listen to this it hits me hard. My father passed away a few years ago. We had not spoken in years and I wasn't there when he passed. The biggest regret of my life. I miss you Pop. I wish I had been there one last time more than anything.
My dad was born during the depression of 1929. He never really talked about his life growing up. He joined the Navy at 17. My parents got married in 1951. I'm the 2nd youngest of 6 kids. We were raised by an iron fist. My dad had his 1st heart attack at the age of 38. He was still in the Navy. After 22 yrs in the Navy, he was forced to retire in 1969. I was 7 yrs old. The last beating I got I was 15 years old. I had accidentally kicked a hole in the wall, and my younger sister told him. I could never understand why he was that way. I was still living at home when I was 22. He worked swing shift and I worked days. We didn't have that father son relationship some boys have. He did his thing and I did mine. I used to party a lot, and I would come home sometimes after he was home from work, and go straight to bed. But in 1982 we started to be able to be in each other's presence. For the next 1.5 yrs we would make small talk. One day in April of 1984 I came home from being out with friends, and he was home already. I sat on the couch and he asked me if I thought I would ever stop getting high. I said, "yes probably after I get married and have a family. He acknowledged this with a little smile. I got up to go to bed because I had work the next day. As I was walking down the hallway to my room I stopped, turned around, went back to him kissed him on the cheek and said I love you. He said he loved me too. This was only the 3rd or 4th time he had ever told me he loved me. The next day I came home from work and saw his car in the driveway. I thought he had a class to teach that night so I didn't think much of it. I walked in the front door and saw him laying on the floor. He had died of a heart attack. I felt blessed knowing that the night before his last words to me was he loved me. It wasn't until 25 yrs later that I came to understand why he was the way he was growing up. It's because his dad was the same way. Sorry this was so long. But this song came out in the mid 80's, and it just hit home with me. 😢
So glad you had that moment!
The greatest thing about the Internet (and music and TH-cam and whatnot) is the opportunity to express ourselves and share experiences with strangers who actually share our experiences without having to leave the house and join some sorta support group. Thank you for the post, bockman. Keep writing. Whenever and wherever you can. It's appreciated.
This song catches just about everyone in the feels man. Especially us older guys who have just recently lost their fathers (mine passed 2 years ago age 87). Every time I hear this song (and I knew it when it came out in the late 80s), I can't help welling up.
Good to hear you still have your Dad and you didn't come from a broken home. That shows through your character. And I'm sure having a newborn makes that last verse all the more poignant for you.
Re this now iconic song, the MIKE in the MECHANICS is the tall bearded lead guitarist in the video with the boy, MIKE RUTHERFORD. MIKE was an original founding member of the legendary Progressive Rock group GENESIS, way back in 1967. He founded Genesis along with his high school pals, which included PETER GABRIEL, who ended up being GENESIS' lead singer (yes, the same GENESIS that PHIL COLLINS would join a few years later as drummer, and then as GABRIEL'S replacement as lead singer).
Back to RUTHERFORD. He was with GENESIS his entire career as bass guitarist and then lead guitarist, and songwriter 1967>2021. Over 50 years. In the mid 80s, when PHIL COLLINS would take time off from GENESIS to do his solo tours and albums, MIKE RUTHERFORD decided to form a side band as another creative outlet for his songwriting. So MIKE formed MIKE + MECHANICS in the mid 80s with a stellar group of musicians.
The lead singer of the Mechanics with that great blues baritone voice is PAUL CARRACK, an already established pop/rock singer who had sung popular singles such as HOW LONG (ACE), TEMPTED (SQUEEZE).
MIKE + MECHANICS had an immediate huge radio single on their first album in 1985 called SILENT RUNNING (CAN YOU HEAR ME?). Well worth reacting to. Had several other good hits on that debut album too like ALL I NEED IS A MIRACLE.
MIKE RUTHERFORD primarily wrote this tune, The Living Years. That's Mike playing that intro Jangle guitar riff to start the song out. CARRACK has such a great voice which is perfect for the melancholy of this tune.
Great heartfelt personal reaction man, and Happy Father's Day.
RIP TK Ward. I love you pop
I will never forget the last thing I remember hearing you say to me... "whats up snot rag"
He was the best
I lost my Dad in '97 and Mom in '06, it made me re-asses what was truly important to me in my life, the questions not asked will never be answered - and many of them i didn't have until they passed, the mind was on a different track - caught up in the rat race of life, work - kids - bills - wife... so now, i want my kids and grandkids to know as much as i can think of to tell them, so they don't have the same feelings. being a parent and then a grandparent changes the lens on the life-washed goggles we so confidently or naively marched into the adult world, trying to make our way in life and contribute to the world, just to have life turn back and say - take the time for the simple things and the people around you that are dear to you, time waits for no one.... sorry for your lose Dude...
My adored dad died in December 2022 in Queensland Australia aged 87 and we live in central Victoria. I was a daddy’s girl all of my life, he was the centre of my world. My mum kicked him out when I was 5 after one too many affairs he had and I was hysterical, attached to his leg to stop him leaving me, begging him to stay. I stayed so close to him, we saw him every weekend and he was always very financially very responsible for us. I finally got to live with him and my stepmother when I was 14 and absolutely loved seeing him every day. He was a very successful businessman, wore Pierre Cardin suits and was a workaholic. But in the evenings he and I would watch British comedy together and laugh our butts off. When he remarried for the third time, that wife did not want him being close to me. I bought him this song, gave it to him and he never said a word so I don’t know if he even listened to it. When he moved so far away (her doing) it became even harder to have that bond again but I loved him so much. The last time we flew up to see him, my son, he and I went out for lunch at the stunning Tweed Heads country club on the Tweed river. We sat there so long talking that everyone else had left. It was raining by then and he went and got the car for us so that we didn’t get wet, so sweet. I miss my father so much. When he died, we didn’t even know where his body was thanks to our revolting stepmother. I was waking in the night sobbing for him and I was 62 but felt like that 5yr old little girl again who had lost her dad. No funeral, no nothing. Just gone 💔
😢
🙏❤️🙏 He knows you loved him
I am sorry that happened to you!
My biological father has been almost nonexistent in my life. I think of my grandfather as my father. He had cancer and i helped my grandmother take care of him towards the end. I wasnt there the morning he passed, but the night before i had a heartfelt talknwith him. I was able to him how i felt. He was nonverbal by this point and could not really respond..but at least i got to tell him how i felt. This song has always had a special place in my heart.
I'm 65 years old. My father told me he loved me for the first time when I was in my 30's. It was how he was raised...no matter the circumstances for how tough he could be, his last words to me was, " I love you son". That's what I remember.
I’m glad that you got that. My dad was “diplomatic”. He loved everyone, and did the work, was a national and local hero. A hero in our family. LOL, I called him little daddy, because I am taller than he was. We had the hard talk. He told me why he chose what he did, and I told him things he didn’t know. We cried together, over this or that. I wish it for everyone.
My parents died six months apart. Both were older and had lived a good life, but it was still hard. It still hurts to think about them cause I miss them so much. This song makes me cry every time I hear it.
I'm 73 and the part that still really hits me and makes me misty eyed every time I hear this song is - "I wasn't there that morning, when my father passed away. Didn't get to tell him, all the things I had to say."
In 1963 ( a month before my 13th birthday) my father was out of town and died of a heart attack.
I was driving when I first heard this song. Third verse came on and I had to pull over and just cry for a bit... hit hard about time i missed with dad before he passed.
My dad apoligized to me for everything he felt he did wrong in my upbringing and I thanked him for keeping me on the straight and narrow, he died in a helicopter crash not to long after that. I was so glad we had that conversation and is still one of my fondest memories I have of him.
This one gets me every time, my parents are still alive in their 70s, but I moved to another state 10 years ago and don’t get to see them hardly any more, hoping to take a trip to see them soon, mom has Alzheimer’s and not sure how much longer she’ll be around, and like you, my dad was really strict and we clashed when I was younger, I’m in my 50s now and I realize time is short, love your videos brother ✝️🙏🏻
Hip hop could never create a song this deep. You need the emotion of the singer, the careful lyrics and a beat that sets the tone and allows you in to join the song.
This song gets me every time.
One of the deepest, most meaningful songs with gripping lyrics... every time I hear this, I wish I could've had more time with my dad. Lost him at age ten in 1979. Marine Corps, Korean War vet, pastor.
This song is a wake up call and a gut punch combination. I love and miss both of my parents and am doing my best to be a good father to my son. It takes less than two seconds to say "I love you."
I am the 2nd oldest of , I'm 62.
I have memories of our Dad telling us that he was going to die in his sleep, wake up to Jesus, and will be painting rainbows 🌈 and when Mom comes home, but not too soon, she'll be painting rainbows a well.
He passed in his sleep in 2018, during the Christmas season, we had to wait to bury him until after Christmas. However, my family was scattered coast to coast and everyday, we all sent pictures of slivers of rainbows each day. I know he is with us yet today 🌈
I've always preached this
Honestly, I had forgotten this song until it started.
I forgave my dad and step mom for unspeakable things. She unfortunately commented suicide. However, he is still her and has expressed remorse.
I've also forgiven friends and other family members with no expectation of remorse and often relieved none.
It's the cleansing of the soul that counts.
You need to take that step for your sanity, or it will eat at you for the rest of your days.
I was a teenager when this song came out and I did like it but I never truly understood it or appreciated the lyrics until I got older and it hit me different. I am grateful that I ha d an amazing relationship with both of my parents but it killed me the day I got that call that mom had passed. The call. I was heartbroken. Mom died in her sleep with my dad at her side. There's a blessing in that, but I still wish I could have seen her one more time. She had Alzheimer's for over 14 years and that was hard, slowly losing her, the mom I knew, over such a long period of time, but I still appreciated every moment I had with her, even if most times she didn't remember me. I visited my folks the week before she passed, but I still hated getting The Call. Dad passed away exactly one year after mom. We all insist he died of a broken heart. She passed three months before their 50th wedding anniversary and they were more in love then, then when they got married. They built a good life together and had 13 children, all crazy about mom and dad. When dad passed, he was not alone. 9 out of the 13 of us were there with him, all of us holding him in some way, all of us connected to him in those final moments and all of us whispering to him that it was okay to let go, that it was okay to move on and to go to mom, all telling him how much we loved him and would miss him. I will be eternally grateful that I was given that gift of that moment. I will be eternally grateful that when dad passed from this world he wasn't alone. He was surrounded by those he loved move than life. My dad was one of those people who was just crazy about kids. He loved kids and always wanted us around. I know he was happy and at peace when he left us, knowing that we were all there. Tell your loved ones how much you love and appreciate them now, while they and you are alive to hear it and experience it. Don't wait because you may lose that chance. Family First Always!
Thank you so much for reminding me of this music I'm 71 and you are just lovely thank you again ❤️
Wish I could call my father. This song says it all.
Sorry to hear about you mom. You never realize how important your parents are until they're gone. A definite heart touching song. I cry every time I hear this song because I miss my parents every day. We all regret things that we've said in the past but don't wait until it's too late to let them know how much they mean to you. In my younger days, my parents seldom told me that they loved me but I knew they did.
My dad passed December 26,2001 and I cry every time I hear this song. If I remember correctly he wrote this for his father. We had the best music in the 80s!!!
I think many of us have parents who just couldn't show their feelings. My dad never showed emotion, never hugged, kissed, or even a pat on the back. But when he lay in bed the last night of his life, my daughter went to his bedside to say goodbye, and he said to her..."I hope your mom knows I love her". Right to the end he couldn't tell me. Love this song. Life is short and regrets live long.
Bro I’m on my couch crying. Just like you my Dad is 80 ex military, tough upbringing and with Father’s Day being tomorrow don’t know how many more I have with him. This is a tremendous song with every word speaking to us. But I believe it makes us better men and a loving Father who at times hugs with affection to your kids. My two boys 15&11 there hasn’t been one day without I love you!! Great call BP on this one 👍🇺🇸
My dad and I were estranged for years and I was lucky enough to patch things up with him before he passed from a lengthy batttle with cancer. He died on his 57th birthday in 2019. Two days after he passed I took the long way to work and heard this song for the first time.
My dad passed when i was a baby. This "song" (piece of art) has always made me feel emotions. So beautiful.
@13:46 My father was and is my best friend. When he passed 9/22/98 around 9pm, and then his mother finally died 9/23/98 to her illnesses, she was feisty Irish she knew but didn't know, but when told of her eldest child passing that's what killed her. 2 wks later her sister passed from complications of open heart. My family got November off, and then my cousin hung himself in December.