Always loved when he switches from can't, to don't, to won't. It's the priority. Ability isn't the point, reality isn't the point. It's the willingness. He doesn't want to think it could be true because it's such a depressing reality to consider. It's a feeling of divine disappointment and betrayal and there are no words to cure what you've already seen. It's a simple heartfelt message: "If you're responsible for this, then take responsibility." (Just like how you said you ought to take responsibility for the troubles you could have an effect on, for God, this is ALL troubles.) Not unlike how the populus might get fed up with the ruling governments for behaving in much the same distant way, acting like the problems they cause or should be preventing aren't really on their hands. Like there can exist some justification for why the people should be abused to their esoteric ends. It's the audacity to blame the starving child for starving rather than the parents that had the child. And He is after all, the Father.
Good job on this one Daniel. Regardless of anyone's personal beliefs this an excellent song from an equally excellent album. When you briefly mentioned Todd Rundgren it made me realize you have not explored his music yet. Todd has been interviewed many times and has expressed his disdain for the experience of producing the album and XTC. The feeing was mutual as Andy Partridge has expressed the same. Yet out of that came an excellent album Skylarking. To my ears it is one of XTC's best. You should explore more of XTC and get to Todd Rundgren as well. The latter has had along career as an artist and producer. He has been on the cutting edge of technology and is one of the most all around talented musicians and writers out there.
I didn't mention how great the rest of the album is but you're right, it's their most accessible too. Still my favorite is "Mummer" which has a tinge of darkness on a couple of songs.
Yes please react to Todd, a very deep rabbit hole. One of my favorites and I’ve seen him many times in concert from the 70s until recently. What a great artist and performer. And producer. A teenage genius, really.
This song caused quite the stir. Radio stations refusing to play it. It's a wonderful song. Glad I had college radio! You are wise beyond your years! Thanks.
Loved your reaction - I was among those who had recommended this one way back when. It's amazing to me that a 3-minute pop song could be so thoughtful, challenging, and provocative. Completely agree about the bridge - it's unrelenting (musically and lyrically) until it ends and we return to the child's voice for the final few lines. Lyrics aside, I was locked in from the very first acoustic guitar riff - and then come those strings!
This is one of those songs that actually says what many people think. Who hasn’t had these thoughts at one time or another. Easter Theater is a great XTC song for spring. Andy’s lyrics are always so engaging. XTC has so many different kinds of songs, truly fascinating artists.
It’s a thought provoking song that if everyone is honest, who believes, has questioned at one time or another in their life. And there is nothing wrong with that. No need for over reaction. I’ve heard the most religious people I know question God when people have been taken from them.
@@richardvincelette9741 well said. Andy partridge was raised in a strict Christian household. Of course he rebelled but I wonder what his thoughts are in this song.
Excellent, thoughtful reaction Daniel! Well done. Another way to see this song is, more broadly, as an ironic letter to god written by an atheist. Now, why would an atheist write to someone he knows doesn't exist? He wouldn't - the letter, as one comment suggested, is written to humankind. Its written to us, the listeners and its speaking to how we treat each other and the myriad ways we rationalize that. Religion doesn't just take away responsibility, Partridge might be saying, it robs us of our agency, our ability to shape our own lives.
First off, so glad you are getting into XTC! They were SO GOOD! I was VERY late to come to them, only really discovering them in around 2010. During that period of time, I had been on a mission to learn everything about about Todd Rundgren (who I also mostly "missed" until then), and I learned about XTC as a result of looking into Todd's production credits and the stories behind them. So, anyway, this is a GREAT reaction, Daniel! I, for one, really appreciate your willingness (maybe even eagerness?) to push the envelope on reacting to more controversial songs. I appreciate that you KNOW it will spark up the comments, and you encourage that, but you also express your own views, and ask us all to give each other respect in our comments. Thanks, Daniel! You are on a roll lately, fer sure! ;)
You have a whole world of X T C music in front of you my friend. They started out during the punk era and their sound and lyrics continued to progress until they became the Masters of the Pop idiom. One of my favorite bands.
Thank you, Daniel. I was looking forward to you reacting to the genius that is Andy Partridge and XTC. You didn't disappoint. Wonderful, thoughtful reaction. Andy Partridge had mixed feelings about "Dear God"... strong feelings enough to write the song and record it... but he also felt it was simply inadequate to write about such a heavy topic in a four minute pop song. Having said all that... I think Partridge did a masterful job. XTC is a massive canyon FILLED with amazing songs for you to discover. They run the gauntlet from delicate and beautiful ("Harvest Festival" "Love On A Farmboy's Wages") to ear-rattling wall of sound ("Complicated Game" "No Thugs In Our House" "Reign Of Blows")... and everything in between. They are the most logical torch-bearers of The Beatles' legacy. Next: I'd go with any of the following: "Wrapped In Grey," "Complicated Game," "Senses Working Overtime," "Harvest Festival" "The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead," "Mayor Of Simpleton," "This World Over" or "All Of A Sudden"... so many more great songs, too. ALSO: Don't sleep on their alter-egos "The Dukes Of Stratosphear"... probably the greatest 60s Homage ever created. Amazing songs in the style of The Beatles, Cream, The Kinks, The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, etc.
Big XTC fan. Your facial expressions just had me along for the ride of your experience. I could see just how invested you were and the feelings on the way. Took me back to the 80s and the first time I heard it. Great job.
I wonder if this song was banned in The Bible Belt? Wouldn't be surprise me if it was! Todd Rundgren Produced Meatloaf's Bat Out Of Hell Album and has had a long and wonderful career as producer, engineer, songwriter and performer with many albums released as a solo artist and as the group Utopia. He can also play most any instrument. A real talent. I Saw The Light and Hello It's Me are his two most popular singles released in the early 70's. Give them a listen.
Nothing will ever change. People love their delusions, and dogmas. Listening to people talk of religion is the same as children talking about Santa to me.
LOVE this song!!! Found it when I was 14, 1984 or 85. It's on my "depressed mode" playlist, yes it's mostly Depeche Mode but this song is on the cassette like 5 times 😂.
I applaud your tackling this song. Originally this wasn't on the album "Skylarking" but when the single became popular the album was reissued with 'Dear God' replacing 'Mermaid Smiled' (which later appeared on the compilation "Rag Bone Buffet"). Partridge was afraid people would be too angry over the song and he was right. Of course the precept is that there is just one God which not everyone concedes, and many don't believe in the same god. The Bible is full of instances of trying to wipe out the pagan religions such as goddess worshipers and yet it was okay to have money changing, temple prostitutes, slavery and human sacrifice. You're right about the writing of the book, historians have a lot to say on that, the different versions of creation, the flood, etc. by various editors. All that aside it's hard to reconcile the picture painted of a beneficent God with a divine plane for eventual justice & judgement when there is so much misery and not just from other men, from natural disasters, droughts, floods, infestations, diseases and so on. The guilty go unpunished often, injustice falls on the innocent and the answer to the vast majority of prayers is silence. Personally I searched long and hard, spent several years in a religious group only to be disillusioned. I find no evidence of any deity in existence, nor of an afterlife. Man-made religion is used to justify a wide variety of crimes against humanity. People can believe and worship what they want but don't try to legislate it on everyone else. Some Christians hate abortion, gay marriage and adoption and want to outlaw these but wouldn't want to live under Sharia law either. We'd all be better off, I think, if we just took responsibility as you said, deal with this life as if it's the only one, care for the Earth, animals, the climate and each other instead of embracing Armageddon with the dead rising up and the damned condemned to eternal torment.
I Am Native American (Navajo) & Have Lived My Life By The Wisdom Of The Elders,, The Earth Is Our Mother And ALL Her Children,, My Brothers & Sisters..Treating Them ALL With The Love,, Care & Respect That They Deserve.
Maybe I have an import, but both "Dear God" and "Mermaid Smiled" are on my LP, which I got as soon as it was released. My recollection is that they took "Dear God" off after the initial release because of the backlash.
I cried, again. (Clarifying: My mother, raised Catholic, lost her faith in the wake of WWII-a British child witnessing film clips of the moments when concentration camps were liberated. She died 12 years ago, but her loss of faith was a constant in her life, and clearly a trauma for her.)
@@johnmavroudis2054 Yes, a heartbreaking song with beautiful instrumentation. There's even a video for this one ! th-cam.com/video/ZL44yBe3BA0/w-d-xo.html
I enjoyed this reaction. I’m glad you liked it and weren’t offended. Please continue to delve into more from them. Also, yes to watching Perks of Being a Wallflower.
I've always really liked this song. I think almost everyone feels this way at some time or another. "There are no atheists in foxholes" People forget that everything is defined by their opposites. Without evil there is no good, without wrong there is no right, without hell there is no heaven, there just is. I personally am not religious, I believe in an innate good and evil. I guess I'm just spiritual and feel that once religion becomes organized it loses it's religion. Just my opinion.
@@gabrieleflannery6504 I come from a huge military family myself and have family who have been in them. We'd all be dead if there were no Atheists in foxholes. I can't imagine being protected by anyone who fell to their knees in prayer when the enemy was coming for you.
@@dmac8949 so I was correct. I said nothing about what they said or thought once out of the foxhole. Apparently you equate anyone who isn't an atheist, with a coward or perhaps you're just a nihilist. PS - who was that "thankfully" in your first comment directed at ? Certainly not I.
Todd Rundgren. That will be a journey through many dimensions. His whole history as songwriter, performer and producer winds through so many styles. I believe that's a door you want to pass through.
Echoes of William Blake's "The Tyger" - "Did he smile his work to see? Did he who made the Lamb make thee?" I'd recommend The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead for another intense reaction.
Andy Partridge, the main songwriter in XTC is a glowing atheist (or at least strongly opposed to organised religion, more so than Tull's Ian Anderson). I'm not necessarily, but this won't stop me from loving this band. BTW snippets of this song also were used in the "IT" movie based on Steven King's novel from a few years back. There are two distinct phases of the band, both yielding extraordinary albums: the early years where the band started as art-punk and soon became quirky/edgy New Wave and the later years where they developed a (sometimes psychedelic) very mature pop sound. On top of witty play with words in many of their lyrics, there are some really thought-provoking tracks by XTC you would probably enjoy to analyse, such as "No Language in Our Lungs", "Across this Antheap", "Books are Burning" or "The Last Balloon".
I don't believe in any type of 'Man in the Sky' or personalized type, God. I can believe in God as some type of creating energy, cosmic consciousness, or some supernatural creative force. I really doubt a God would give a crap about humans on earth and make up a bunch of rules and so forth. I like studying Hinduism and Buddhism, it's something I can more relate to, even though I was raised in the USA. I'm half Jewish and half Catholic, but my parents were not religious at all. In any case, I respect all paths...All religions...
What I love about songs like this is the sheer honesty of it. Songs of people questioning things about their beliefs (religious and otherwise) show a point of view that is questioning - that is *thinking*. Songs that are just parroting a point of view given to them with unquestioning faith... there's no drama, no soul-searching, just pablum. I love your observation about those hoping to hasten the end-times, when Jesus said he tarries "that more might come to repentance." If they truly embodied the figure of their belief, they'd hope for that day to be far, far in the future, if ever. If God is truly a God of love - then surely God would understand when a human being is torn up in empathy with the suffering of the world to the point of questioning everything, even God's existence. Most people's conception of a God that would be offended by this - they reduce God to a figure of pettiness and spite, ignoring completely the concept of forgiveness. Those whom organized religion has left in fear of eternal damnation for even questioning God like this, or worse has left them with a sense of maintaining their unquestioning belief because of the entitlement they imagine it provides them... faith cannot be a product of manipulation and still be called faith. Interestingly, the Bible warns against these things, but too many ignore the bits they find challenging, if they're even allowed by the doctrine of their faith to interpret the Bible for themselves instead of being taught "only priests can interpret what the Bible means."
This is remarkable, imho. Wow. There are so many things I could say, but this probably isn't the best venue in which to say them. Great song, great video. I mean...damn.
Well done Daniel, you're playing a song, that will later be a classic! Of course, you know about their side project "Dukes of Stratosphere"? A tribute to their love of the Beatles and Beach Boys?
Most people were introduced to XTC with this song. Making Plans For Nigel is a better starting place. I first heard Nearly Africa circa 83 and fell in love with the originality. Nearly Africa should be next
I love XTC! I'm not an atheist anymore (I was *very much one* for almost ten years), but I still think this is a powerful song. It was, indeed, controversial at the time of its release, and many (most?) radio stations wouldn't play it. I liked it then, and I like it now, for different, respective reasons. XTC has a large catalog of often thoughtful, often witty, and wonderfully melodic songs. "The Mayor of Simpleton" is a classic!
@@Tracey..H I hear you on "Dear God." It's definitely an angry song, but as a former atheist who became a Christian as an adult, I think that it's lyrically interesting and poses some good questions for Christians and other people of faith. "The Mayor of Simpleton" is so catchy! One of my favorite songs by XTC or any band. 🙂
I've been listening to XTC for over 40 years. They're one of my all time favourites. You have to do XTC's 'At The Hop", and one of my favourites 'The Mayor Of Simpleton.' When you were scrolling through the comments I don't know if you noticed the video 'What makes this song great' episode 76...it's about XTC's 'Mayor Of Simpleton. If you want to see a breakdown of the musical and lyrical brilliance of XTC, you really should watch it. Their English Settlement album is a great album. I'm a staunch Atheist and referring to a line in the song...as to the truth of any of that stuff, 'I know it aint.' But paraphrasing a fellow a fellow Atheist 'I don't care if you believe in a rock, just don't throw it at me.' I really enjoy your philosophical take on things. As to Todd Rundgren, check out his Something, Anything album, it's a classic. Cheers.
Immagina di nascere e crescere in Italia... in una famiglia religiosa e diventare agnostico dopo questa canzone, le stesse domande e le stesse risposte nel testo. Complimenti per la reazione, così giovane e così "consapevole "
About the line in song: Did you make disease and the diamond blue? You may be right but I read that it is believed that a blue diamond protects against misunderstandings and fights and obviously it doesn't work. That's how I interpreted it, but either way it makes a lot of sense.
I like this a lot more than Nigel. Thanks. All new to me. I'm a side note I had a Todd rundgren album in my hands yesterday thinking I should probably get you one of these since you haven't crossed his path yet... I put it back but I'll have to consider that for the future.
Nice work, Daniel... being a catalyst for thought and discussion is exactly what Partridge and XTC became with this song, and you're the continuation of this type of genial examination. I believe that none of their other songs focus on a higher power, but on the ways humans interact and the ways we might improve. This band is an absolute legend... and I believe that 100 years from now it will be studied and enjoyed. They have been a continuation of the genius of the Beatles (with Sir George Martin), for an addition 30 years... and a complete joy in my life. Thanks for your interest in them. You really have to dive into Todd Rundgren as well.... a guy who was hailed as the 'next Carole King', but rejected it for a life of musical and production experimentation. Another artist that history will treat well.
You might enjoy the book by J Philip Newell "A New Harmony: The Spirit, the Earth, and the Human Soul" - that presents a Celtic view of spirituality - not literal or fundamental but based on connection to the earth, as oral traditions understood it. XTC's song is so powerful and expresses the anguish of the human condition. Enjoyed your take. (And yes, it is man responsible for the human condition and yet we all contain the spirit of the divine, or the cosmos or however we wish to conceive it) I admire Andy Partridge's honesty in expressing this anguish.
😎 This group had a long string of hits in the UK during the 20 year period from 1979-1999. Here in the U.S. however, they are mainly known for three songs that got a lot of airplay back in the day: "Generals And Majors" (1980), "Senses Working Overtime" (1982) and "The Mayor Of Simpleton" (1989). All of them are well crafted catchy upbeat melodic pop, with non-controversial lyrics.
One my all-time, top 5 bands. Combined with my fave solo artist/producer, Todd Rundgren... this album is 'desert island' worthy for me. Rundgren selected the order of the tunes, which irked Andy Partridge, but resulted in one of the greatest 'song-cycle' albums ever. And Rundgren is an artist with a career path much like XTC, because he's purposely stayed far from the pop sensibilities of the time. And for that, he's very influential with hordes of musicians and bands today, including one of my new faves - Tame Impala. You really need to take a deep dive into Rundgren's catalog. XTC is also tremendously influential. Both are absolutely legendary.
Check out album "Skylarking" - it is a classic - an incredible track on there is "Satellite" - Dear God is such a great song to noodle around on an acoustic with - maybe just not around a church :P
A walk of faith is filled with ups and downs, comfort, healing , hope, confusion, wondering and pondering, but once you experience God, you can’t deny. I got healed of alcoholism on a barstool.
Good review. You concentrated on the lyrics which in this case of a song, is something that very much has to be discussed. A great song...both musically and, of course, lyrically....which challenges
Been a fan of this unbelievably underrated band for over 40 years. They were one of the best bands of the 80’s and their album Skylarking IMO was the best album of that decade.
I 100% stand by every word you spoke in this video, from believing in a higher power, the manipulation & subsequent profiting brought about in organized religion and the misunderstanding by the masses in the actual role God has when it comes to this world and man's freewill. I am a huge George Carlin fan and he is who first tipped me off to the fact that religious teachings needed to be questioned. Not whether God exists but in what capacity and to what effect this has in accordance to my life. The more I put my life in God's hands, the more I seemed to fail but I was being laxidasical, not owning up to the work I still needed to put forth (there is no faith without work). I misplaced my faith but it was through unorthodox means like George Carlin and this song that pointed me back in the right direction. Check out the covers of this song by 2 artists in particular- Sarah McLachlan & Tori Amos. Thank you, brother and God bless! 😁☮️♥️
All respect for listening to this song, but I do recommend listening to this album, Skylarking, in one setting as should be seen as cohesive whole - songs lead into another and it amazing to hear it all at once is awe-inspiring.
The fact that Daniel only has 42k subscribers is ridiculous. Nobody has more intelligent insight into the songs he reacts to. An amazing channel that analyzes lyrics and breaks then down in a way that everyone can digest. If you love music, and like me are moved by lyrics more than the beat, this is definitely the channel for you. I hope Daniel comes back soon!
Now go check out Joan Osbourn's "What if God Was One of Us". I was a student when this XTC came out and it perfectly dictated the thoughts I never dared speak. It was freeing.
You mentioned that you've heard of Todd Rundgren, who produced this. That's because you reacted to his song "Hello It's Me" back in August of 2020. You seemed a bit tired in that reaction, which may be why you didn't remember it.
I'm so impressed by you and your reflections, young man. I'm a firm believer, and I think this song is absolutely brilliant. Of course people have these kind of concerns and worries, and they have to be listened to and taken seriously.
insanely good, powerful, thought provoking track. whether you agree or disagree, ya gotta admit it's extremely will done. Interesting tidbit. Todd Rundgren produced this album (and song)...and it was a very painfule experience that almost caused the breakup of the band. Andy and Todd butted heads every step of the way, then traded barbs in the press for years. eventually Partridge admitted that Todd did 'stellar work'....but then recently they started jabbing each other again :O). Anyway....todd wanted this song on the album. Apparently Andy and the record label said no...for obvious reasons. The album was released without the song (i have a copy).....later on a radio station picked up on the song and it took off. the album was re-released with the song included. and the rest is histroy...
Andy Partridge is the singer of this song.. he's the primary singer of this band.. Nigel was sung by bassist Colin Moulding, who usually contributed two or three songs each album.
Andy Partridge is one of Britain's greatest singer/songwriter band leaders. Exquisitely approaching topical and other song themes into progressive pop masterworks.
Great song, despite Andy Partridge's reservations. Canadian ex-pat (San Francisco based) writer Paul Myers has a book about Todd Rundgren, subtitled 'A Wizard, A True Star', following its subjects name, and after one of his breakthrough early solo albums. I thought he had one about XTC too, he's a big fan, and has met and communicated with Andy, at least, perhaps it's underway, or ultimately rejected by Partridge. Myers HAS written books on Canada's Barenaked Ladies(theme song for 'The Big Bang Theory') and Long John Baldry, the towering British Rock'n'roll icon(mentor to Rod Stewart and Elton John, among many, no doubt). His -Myers'- old eponymous band was the only other I ever heard play the Beatles' 'And Your Bird Can Sing' other than mine, back in the 80s in Toronto. Great analysis, Daniel, keep it up, you have great instincts, a keen mind and a good heart. ;>D
Yes very controversial topic I happen to believe in God but my youngest daughter does not, but that's okay I don't love her any less everybody has a right to believe what they want❤️✌️
I'm not a ravenous XTC listener, but their Skylarking album is pure summer joy to me. I still have the cassette I bought before they replaced Mermaid Smiled with Dear God. As usual, you've handled the sensitive subject matter head on, but with maturity and respect.
Skylarking ends with Dear God, and although it was kind of tagged on, it fits. The first two tracks, Summer's Cauldron/Grass, run together, and they are also excellent. Yet more evidence of the genius of XTC. I love to see people reacting to a first listen of this song, especially combined with the video, because it takes me back to being a kid, watching a video show and seeing this masterpiece. Well done.
I grew up Muslim and currently I'm agnostic. I love this song, it's been on my playlist for a few years.
I grew up Christian and now I'm also agnostic. I like this song so much! It's something I would say in 3 minutes...
I grew up Atheist and I am still an Atheist.
@@DjWellDressedMan Same here. Best thing my parents ever gave me was pure intellectual freedom.
I’m really impressed with you Daniel, so mature and thoughtful at such a young age, your parents must be very proud of you!!. Loved your reaction 😘
Always loved when he switches from can't, to don't, to won't. It's the priority. Ability isn't the point, reality isn't the point. It's the willingness. He doesn't want to think it could be true because it's such a depressing reality to consider. It's a feeling of divine disappointment and betrayal and there are no words to cure what you've already seen.
It's a simple heartfelt message: "If you're responsible for this, then take responsibility." (Just like how you said you ought to take responsibility for the troubles you could have an effect on, for God, this is ALL troubles.) Not unlike how the populus might get fed up with the ruling governments for behaving in much the same distant way, acting like the problems they cause or should be preventing aren't really on their hands. Like there can exist some justification for why the people should be abused to their esoteric ends. It's the audacity to blame the starving child for starving rather than the parents that had the child. And He is after all, the Father.
You can throw a dart at any of their songs and still hit the bullseye. If you keep listening to them you'll become addicted and there's no rehab.
True dat.
I'm a Christian and still love XTC and this song. It really makes you think. That's the sign of great music...making people think.
Good job on this one Daniel. Regardless of anyone's personal beliefs this an excellent song from an equally excellent album. When you briefly mentioned Todd Rundgren it made me realize you have not explored his music yet. Todd has been interviewed many times and has expressed his disdain for the experience of producing the album and XTC. The feeing was mutual as Andy Partridge has expressed the same. Yet out of that came an excellent album Skylarking. To my ears it is one of XTC's best. You should explore more of XTC and get to Todd Rundgren as well. The latter has had along career as an artist and producer. He has been on the cutting edge of technology and is one of the most all around talented musicians and writers out there.
I didn't mention how great the rest of the album is but you're right, it's their most accessible too. Still my favorite is "Mummer" which has a tinge of darkness on a couple of songs.
Yes please react to Todd, a very deep rabbit hole. One of my favorites and I’ve seen him many times in concert from the 70s until recently. What a great artist and performer. And producer. A teenage genius, really.
It’s a TH-cam react video.
There’s nothing smart or good here.
This song caused quite the stir. Radio stations refusing to play it. It's a wonderful song. Glad I had college radio! You are wise beyond your years! Thanks.
Loved your reaction - I was among those who had recommended this one way back when. It's amazing to me that a 3-minute pop song could be so thoughtful, challenging, and provocative. Completely agree about the bridge - it's unrelenting (musically and lyrically) until it ends and we return to the child's voice for the final few lines. Lyrics aside, I was locked in from the very first acoustic guitar riff - and then come those strings!
This is one of those songs that actually says what many people think. Who hasn’t had these thoughts at one time or another. Easter Theater is a great XTC song for spring. Andy’s lyrics are always so engaging. XTC has so many different kinds of songs, truly fascinating artists.
👍
It’s a thought provoking song that if everyone is honest, who believes, has questioned at one time or another in their life. And there is nothing wrong with that. No need for over reaction. I’ve heard the most religious people I know question God when people have been taken from them.
@@richardvincelette9741 well said. Andy partridge was raised in a strict Christian household. Of course he rebelled but I wonder what his thoughts are in this song.
Excellent, thoughtful reaction Daniel! Well done.
Another way to see this song is, more broadly, as an ironic letter to god written by an atheist. Now, why would an atheist write to someone he knows doesn't exist? He wouldn't - the letter, as one comment suggested, is written to humankind. Its written to us, the listeners and its speaking to how we treat each other and the myriad ways we rationalize that. Religion doesn't just take away responsibility, Partridge might be saying, it robs us of our agency, our ability to shape our own lives.
Very well put!!
Great point!!!
Sorry I can only like your comment- ONCE
Well Said! although Andy is a pagan, not an atheist
First off, so glad you are getting into XTC! They were SO GOOD!
I was VERY late to come to them, only really discovering them in around 2010. During that period of time, I had been on a mission to learn everything about about Todd Rundgren (who I also mostly "missed" until then), and I learned about XTC as a result of looking into Todd's production credits and the stories behind them.
So, anyway, this is a GREAT reaction, Daniel! I, for one, really appreciate your willingness (maybe even eagerness?) to push the envelope on reacting to more controversial songs. I appreciate that you KNOW it will spark up the comments, and you encourage that, but you also express your own views, and ask us all to give each other respect in our comments.
Thanks, Daniel! You are on a roll lately, fer sure!
;)
We love XTC!!!
Generals and Majors.
You have a whole world of X T C music in front of you my friend. They started out during the punk era and their sound and lyrics continued to progress until they became the Masters of the Pop idiom. One of my favorite bands.
I knew you'd like it. Good analysis, Daniel-san.
Thank you, Daniel. I was looking forward to you reacting to the genius that is Andy Partridge and XTC. You didn't disappoint. Wonderful, thoughtful reaction.
Andy Partridge had mixed feelings about "Dear God"... strong feelings enough to write the song and record it... but he also felt it was simply inadequate to write about such a heavy topic in a four minute pop song. Having said all that... I think Partridge did a masterful job.
XTC is a massive canyon FILLED with amazing songs for you to discover. They run the gauntlet from delicate and beautiful ("Harvest Festival" "Love On A Farmboy's Wages") to ear-rattling wall of sound ("Complicated Game" "No Thugs In Our House" "Reign Of Blows")... and everything in between. They are the most logical torch-bearers of The Beatles' legacy. Next: I'd go with any of the following: "Wrapped In Grey," "Complicated Game," "Senses Working Overtime," "Harvest Festival" "The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead," "Mayor Of Simpleton," "This World Over" or "All Of A Sudden"... so many more great songs, too. ALSO: Don't sleep on their alter-egos "The Dukes Of Stratosphear"... probably the greatest 60s Homage ever created. Amazing songs in the style of The Beatles, Cream, The Kinks, The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, etc.
I had goosebumps when I first saw this video back in the 80s...and I still get them every time I watch this video. It's brilliant.
Big XTC fan. Your facial expressions just had me along for the ride of your experience. I could see just how invested you were and the feelings on the way. Took me back to the 80s and the first time I heard it. Great job.
I wonder if this song was banned in The Bible Belt? Wouldn't be surprise me if it was!
Todd Rundgren Produced Meatloaf's Bat Out Of Hell Album and has had a long and wonderful career as producer, engineer, songwriter and performer with many albums released as a solo artist and as the group Utopia. He can also play most any instrument. A real talent. I Saw The Light and Hello It's Me are his two most popular singles released in the early 70's. Give them a listen.
One of my favorite songs of all time.
Nothing will ever change. People love their delusions, and dogmas. Listening to people talk of religion is the same as children talking about Santa to me.
LOVE this song!!! Found it when I was 14, 1984 or 85. It's on my "depressed mode" playlist, yes it's mostly Depeche Mode but this song is on the cassette like 5 times 😂.
I applaud your tackling this song. Originally this wasn't on the album "Skylarking" but when the single became popular the album was reissued with 'Dear God' replacing 'Mermaid Smiled' (which later appeared on the compilation "Rag Bone Buffet"). Partridge was afraid people would be too angry over the song and he was right.
Of course the precept is that there is just one God which not everyone concedes, and many don't believe in the same god. The Bible is full of instances of trying to wipe out the pagan religions such as goddess worshipers and yet it was okay to have money changing, temple prostitutes, slavery and human sacrifice. You're right about the writing of the book, historians have a lot to say on that, the different versions of creation, the flood, etc. by various editors.
All that aside it's hard to reconcile the picture painted of a beneficent God with a divine plane for eventual justice & judgement when there is so much misery and not just from other men, from natural disasters, droughts, floods, infestations, diseases and so on. The guilty go unpunished often, injustice falls on the innocent and the answer to the vast majority of prayers is silence.
Personally I searched long and hard, spent several years in a religious group only to be disillusioned. I find no evidence of any deity in existence, nor of an afterlife. Man-made religion is used to justify a wide variety of crimes against humanity. People can believe and worship what they want but don't try to legislate it on everyone else. Some Christians hate abortion, gay marriage and adoption and want to outlaw these but wouldn't want to live under Sharia law either. We'd all be better off, I think, if we just took responsibility as you said, deal with this life as if it's the only one, care for the Earth, animals, the climate and each other instead of embracing Armageddon with the dead rising up and the damned condemned to eternal torment.
I Am Native American (Navajo) & Have Lived My Life By The Wisdom Of The Elders,, The Earth Is Our Mother And ALL Her Children,, My Brothers & Sisters..Treating Them ALL With The Love,, Care & Respect That They Deserve.
Maybe I have an import, but both "Dear God" and "Mermaid Smiled" are on my LP, which I got as soon as it was released. My recollection is that they took "Dear God" off after the initial release because of the backlash.
I'm very impressed with you. Your intelligence for your age is refreshing. Keep it going and never stop.
I cried, again. (Clarifying: My mother, raised Catholic, lost her faith in the wake of WWII-a British child witnessing film clips of the moments when concentration camps were liberated. She died 12 years ago, but her loss of faith was a constant in her life, and clearly a trauma for her.)
XTC's track "This World Over" is also a look at religion and politics and their consequences. This could be your next piece of XTC !
this world over is an INCREDIBLE track!
BRILLIANT song with thoughtful, painful lyrics by the great Andy Partridge.
@@johnmavroudis2054 Yes, a heartbreaking song with beautiful instrumentation. There's even a video for this one ! th-cam.com/video/ZL44yBe3BA0/w-d-xo.html
XTC is a deep and stunningly beautiful pool. Keep diving! Try 'Easter Theatre'.
This song is on my "gets me every time" list.
Mayor of Simpleton, River of Orchids, Easter Theatre - welcome to Andy Partridge
I enjoyed this reaction. I’m glad you liked it and weren’t offended. Please continue to delve into more from them. Also, yes to watching Perks of Being a Wallflower.
This song changed my life for the better 20 years ago. To see it in a church changes my life for the better even more.
You are now in the XTC ZONE..
So much to enjoy..
I love watching people's reaction to this song ❤
I've always really liked this song. I think almost everyone feels this way at some time or another. "There are no atheists in foxholes"
People forget that everything is defined by their opposites. Without evil there is no good, without wrong there is no right, without hell there is no heaven, there just is.
I personally am not religious, I believe in an innate good and evil. I guess I'm just spiritual and feel that once religion becomes organized it loses it's religion.
Just my opinion.
Yes there really are Atheists in foxholes, thankfully.
@@dmac8949 yet , I somehow doubt you've ever actually been in one.
From the wife of a Marine.
@@gabrieleflannery6504 I come from a huge military family myself and have family who have been in them. We'd all be dead if there were no Atheists in foxholes. I can't imagine being protected by anyone who fell to their knees in prayer when the enemy was coming for you.
@@dmac8949 so I was correct. I said nothing about what they said or thought once out of the foxhole. Apparently you equate anyone who isn't an atheist, with a coward or perhaps you're just a nihilist.
PS - who was that "thankfully" in your first comment directed at ? Certainly not I.
All right, next up for XTC, "Mayor of Simpleton."
My first XTC song was The Mayor of Simpleton. Been a fan ever since. So good..
The Skylarking album has an intentional Beatle-esque feel.
Excellent album from top to bottom.
Check it out.
Glad you kids are finding out about XTC. I was jamming to them since the Walkman days.
Just a powerful, beautiful song.
Todd Rundgren. That will be a journey through many dimensions. His whole history as songwriter, performer and producer winds through so many styles. I believe that's a door you want to pass through.
Echoes of William Blake's "The Tyger" - "Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?"
I'd recommend The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead for another intense reaction.
I've been waiting for you to review this song. Your reaction was priceless. So glad you heard it.
Andy Partridge, the main songwriter in XTC is a glowing atheist (or at least strongly opposed to organised religion, more so than Tull's Ian Anderson). I'm not necessarily, but this won't stop me from loving this band. BTW snippets of this song also were used in the "IT" movie based on Steven King's novel from a few years back.
There are two distinct phases of the band, both yielding extraordinary albums: the early years where the band started as art-punk and soon became quirky/edgy New Wave and the later years where they developed a (sometimes psychedelic) very mature pop sound.
On top of witty play with words in many of their lyrics, there are some really thought-provoking tracks by XTC you would probably enjoy to analyse, such as "No Language in Our Lungs", "Across this Antheap", "Books are Burning" or "The Last Balloon".
I don't believe in any type of 'Man in the Sky' or personalized type, God. I can believe in God as some type of creating energy, cosmic consciousness, or some supernatural creative force. I really doubt a God would give a crap about humans on earth and make up a bunch of rules and so forth. I like studying Hinduism and Buddhism, it's something I can more relate to, even though I was raised in the USA. I'm half Jewish and half Catholic, but my parents were not religious at all. In any case, I respect all paths...All religions...
"The Diamond Blue" is an old British idiom for the sea.
What I love about songs like this is the sheer honesty of it. Songs of people questioning things about their beliefs (religious and otherwise) show a point of view that is questioning - that is *thinking*. Songs that are just parroting a point of view given to them with unquestioning faith... there's no drama, no soul-searching, just pablum.
I love your observation about those hoping to hasten the end-times, when Jesus said he tarries "that more might come to repentance." If they truly embodied the figure of their belief, they'd hope for that day to be far, far in the future, if ever.
If God is truly a God of love - then surely God would understand when a human being is torn up in empathy with the suffering of the world to the point of questioning everything, even God's existence. Most people's conception of a God that would be offended by this - they reduce God to a figure of pettiness and spite, ignoring completely the concept of forgiveness.
Those whom organized religion has left in fear of eternal damnation for even questioning God like this, or worse has left them with a sense of maintaining their unquestioning belief because of the entitlement they imagine it provides them... faith cannot be a product of manipulation and still be called faith. Interestingly, the Bible warns against these things, but too many ignore the bits they find challenging, if they're even allowed by the doctrine of their faith to interpret the Bible for themselves instead of being taught "only priests can interpret what the Bible means."
This is remarkable, imho. Wow. There are so many things I could say, but this probably isn't the best venue in which to say them. Great song, great video. I mean...damn.
Well done Daniel, you're playing a song, that will later be a classic! Of course, you know about their side project "Dukes of Stratosphere"? A tribute to their love of the Beatles and Beach Boys?
I always follow the dictum ELO, REM, and XTC as separate letters when used in a band title. It don't work for ABBA though.
ELO is actually short for Electric Light Orchestra, not the same thing as the others.
Most people were introduced to XTC with this song. Making Plans For Nigel is a better starting place. I first heard Nearly Africa circa 83 and fell in love with the originality. Nearly Africa should be next
Love how you looped back to George 😂 Great reaction to a phenomenal band!
I love XTC! I'm not an atheist anymore (I was *very much one* for almost ten years), but I still think this is a powerful song. It was, indeed, controversial at the time of its release, and many (most?) radio stations wouldn't play it. I liked it then, and I like it now, for different, respective reasons. XTC has a large catalog of often thoughtful, often witty, and wonderfully melodic songs. "The Mayor of Simpleton" is a classic!
I’m a Chris too and can’t stomach DG BUT simpleton is my fav.
@@Tracey..H I hear you on "Dear God." It's definitely an angry song, but as a former atheist who became a Christian as an adult, I think that it's lyrically interesting and poses some good questions for Christians and other people of faith. "The Mayor of Simpleton" is so catchy! One of my favorite songs by XTC or any band. 🙂
I've been listening to XTC for over 40 years. They're one of my all time favourites. You have to do XTC's 'At The Hop", and one of my favourites 'The Mayor Of Simpleton.' When you were scrolling through the comments I don't know if you noticed the video 'What makes this song great' episode 76...it's about XTC's 'Mayor Of Simpleton. If you want to see a breakdown of the musical and lyrical brilliance of XTC, you really should watch it. Their English Settlement album is a great album. I'm a staunch Atheist and referring to a line in the song...as to the truth of any of that stuff, 'I know it aint.' But paraphrasing a fellow a fellow Atheist 'I don't care if you believe in a rock, just don't throw it at me.' I really enjoy your philosophical take on things. As to Todd Rundgren, check out his Something, Anything album, it's a classic. Cheers.
Excellent reaction.
Immagina di nascere e crescere in Italia... in una famiglia religiosa e diventare agnostico dopo questa canzone, le stesse domande e le stesse risposte nel testo.
Complimenti per la reazione, così giovane e così "consapevole "
About the line in song: Did you make disease and the diamond blue? You may be right but I read that it is believed that a blue diamond protects against misunderstandings and fights and obviously it doesn't work. That's how I interpreted it, but either way it makes a lot of sense.
I like this a lot more than Nigel. Thanks. All new to me.
I'm a side note I had a Todd rundgren album in my hands yesterday thinking I should probably get you one of these since you haven't crossed his path yet... I put it back but I'll have to consider that for the future.
"You're always letting us humans down." - Andy Partridge is a genius.
This is an amazing song from an amazing band.
Nice work, Daniel... being a catalyst for thought and discussion is exactly what Partridge and XTC became with this song, and you're the continuation of this type of genial examination.
I believe that none of their other songs focus on a higher power, but on the ways humans interact and the ways we might improve. This band is an absolute legend... and I believe that 100 years from now it will be studied and enjoyed. They have been a continuation of the genius of the Beatles (with Sir George Martin), for an addition 30 years... and a complete joy in my life. Thanks for your interest in them.
You really have to dive into Todd Rundgren as well.... a guy who was hailed as the 'next Carole King', but rejected it for a life of musical and production experimentation. Another artist that history will treat well.
This was a daring statement at the time.
Boy I am trying to catch up here after one week good content love you
One of my favorite songs of all time!
Check out “Peter Pumpkinhead”.
This song was produced by Todd Rundgren
The progression of, "can't... don't... won't believe" is a journey of justified moral outrage.
I feel this song 100%
Another song that is sort of similar to this is Armageddon Days Are Here (Again) by The The
You might enjoy the book by J Philip Newell "A New Harmony: The Spirit, the Earth, and the Human Soul" - that presents a Celtic view of spirituality - not literal or fundamental but based on connection to the earth, as oral traditions understood it. XTC's song is so powerful and expresses the anguish of the human condition. Enjoyed your take. (And yes, it is man responsible for the human condition and yet we all contain the spirit of the divine, or the cosmos or however we wish to conceive it) I admire Andy Partridge's honesty in expressing this anguish.
Great band
Thank you for keeping it real! I’m with you.
😎 This group had a long string of hits in the UK during the 20 year period from 1979-1999. Here in the U.S. however, they are mainly known for three songs that got a lot of airplay back in the day: "Generals And Majors" (1980), "Senses Working Overtime" (1982) and "The Mayor Of Simpleton" (1989). All of them are well crafted catchy upbeat melodic pop, with non-controversial lyrics.
One my all-time, top 5 bands. Combined with my fave solo artist/producer, Todd Rundgren... this album is 'desert island' worthy for me.
Rundgren selected the order of the tunes, which irked Andy Partridge, but resulted in one of the greatest 'song-cycle' albums ever.
And Rundgren is an artist with a career path much like XTC, because he's purposely stayed far from the pop sensibilities of the time.
And for that, he's very influential with hordes of musicians and bands today, including one of my new faves - Tame Impala.
You really need to take a deep dive into Rundgren's catalog.
XTC is also tremendously influential.
Both are absolutely legendary.
Check out album "Skylarking" - it is a classic - an incredible track on there is "Satellite" - Dear God is such a great song to noodle around on an acoustic with - maybe just not around a church :P
This song is so good
A walk of faith is filled with ups and downs, comfort, healing , hope, confusion, wondering and pondering, but once you experience God, you can’t deny. I got healed of alcoholism on a barstool.
Good review. You concentrated on the lyrics which in this case of a song, is something that very much has to be discussed. A great song...both musically and, of course, lyrically....which challenges
Been a fan of this unbelievably underrated band for over 40 years. They were one of the best bands of the 80’s and their album Skylarking IMO was the best album of that decade.
I 100% stand by every word you spoke in this video, from believing in a higher power, the manipulation & subsequent profiting brought about in organized religion and the misunderstanding by the masses in the actual role God has when it comes to this world and man's freewill. I am a huge George Carlin fan and he is who first tipped me off to the fact that religious teachings needed to be questioned. Not whether God exists but in what capacity and to what effect this has in accordance to my life. The more I put my life in God's hands, the more I seemed to fail but I was being laxidasical, not owning up to the work I still needed to put forth (there is no faith without work). I misplaced my faith but it was through unorthodox means like George Carlin and this song that pointed me back in the right direction. Check out the covers of this song by 2 artists in particular- Sarah McLachlan & Tori Amos. Thank you, brother and God bless! 😁☮️♥️
All respect for listening to this song, but I do recommend listening to this album, Skylarking, in one setting as should be seen as cohesive whole - songs lead into another and it amazing to hear it all at once is awe-inspiring.
The fact that Daniel only has 42k subscribers is ridiculous. Nobody has more intelligent insight into the songs he reacts to. An amazing channel that analyzes lyrics and breaks then down in a way that everyone can digest. If you love music, and like me are moved by lyrics more than the beat, this is definitely the channel for you. I hope Daniel comes back soon!
Now go check out Joan Osbourn's "What if God Was One of Us". I was a student when this XTC came out and it perfectly dictated the thoughts I never dared speak. It was freeing.
You should do 1000 Umbrellas by XTC. More than 30 years after first hearing it, it still pops up in my mind at times.
You mentioned that you've heard of Todd Rundgren, who produced this. That's because you reacted to his song "Hello It's Me" back in August of 2020. You seemed a bit tired in that reaction, which may be why you didn't remember it.
I'm so impressed by you and your reflections, young man. I'm a firm believer, and I think this song is absolutely brilliant. Of course people have these kind of concerns and worries, and they have to be listened to and taken seriously.
insanely good, powerful, thought provoking track. whether you agree or disagree, ya gotta admit it's extremely will done. Interesting tidbit. Todd Rundgren produced this album (and song)...and it was a very painfule experience that almost caused the breakup of the band. Andy and Todd butted heads every step of the way, then traded barbs in the press for years. eventually Partridge admitted that Todd did 'stellar work'....but then recently they started jabbing each other again :O). Anyway....todd wanted this song on the album. Apparently Andy and the record label said no...for obvious reasons. The album was released without the song (i have a copy).....later on a radio station picked up on the song and it took off. the album was re-released with the song included. and the rest is histroy...
An excellent review and a cogent argument towards a view of God expressed by Thomas Paine amongst others
Partridge’s delivery!
Andy Partridge is the singer of this song.. he's the primary singer of this band.. Nigel was sung by bassist Colin Moulding, who usually contributed two or three songs each album.
Andy Partridge is one of Britain's greatest singer/songwriter band leaders.
Exquisitely approaching topical and other song themes into progressive pop masterworks.
Sarah McLachlan does a great cover of this!
BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO and Thank You!
Great song, despite Andy Partridge's reservations. Canadian ex-pat (San Francisco based) writer Paul Myers has a book about Todd Rundgren, subtitled 'A Wizard, A True Star', following its subjects name, and after one of his breakthrough early solo albums. I thought he had one about XTC too, he's a big fan, and has met and communicated with Andy, at least, perhaps it's underway, or ultimately rejected by Partridge. Myers HAS written books on Canada's Barenaked Ladies(theme song for 'The Big Bang Theory') and Long John Baldry, the towering British Rock'n'roll icon(mentor to Rod Stewart and Elton John, among many, no doubt). His -Myers'- old eponymous band was the only other I ever heard play the Beatles' 'And Your Bird Can Sing' other than mine, back in the 80s in Toronto.
Great analysis, Daniel, keep it up, you have great instincts, a keen mind and a good heart. ;>D
Yes very controversial topic I happen to believe in God but my youngest daughter does not, but that's okay I don't love her any less everybody has a right to believe what they want❤️✌️
Jesus saves the good Pagans anyway, right?
I'm not a ravenous XTC listener, but their Skylarking album is pure summer joy to me. I still have the cassette I bought before they replaced Mermaid Smiled with Dear God. As usual, you've handled the sensitive subject matter head on, but with maturity and respect.
Try Go2, Black Sea, and English Settlement, if you haven't already. They're my favorites.
There’s another really good song called Dear God by Dax
Skylarking ends with Dear God, and although it was kind of tagged on, it fits. The first two tracks, Summer's Cauldron/Grass, run together, and they are also excellent. Yet more evidence of the genius of XTC. I love to see people reacting to a first listen of this song, especially combined with the video, because it takes me back to being a kid, watching a video show and seeing this masterpiece. Well done.
The Oliver Stone of pop songs lol-hits ya intelligently, thoughtfully, but like a damn jack hammer. As subtle as a nuclear weapon.
I'd love to see your reaction to The The's "Armageddon Days Are Here (Again). I like to think of it as a bookend to this tune.
Listen to oranges and lemons merely a man ,across this ant heap both masterpieces and the rest of the album is awesome
There is no good without bad!