I think when that breakdown/ solo occurs, that’s Death coming and the fear is rising, then she settles down as Death calms her and she realizes there’s nothing to fear.
Agreed. My take is that her sickness (or whatever) was over taking her and Death came to take her away, so her spirit left the body said goodbye and she went off with Death (the Reaper).
@@resin_Hd My take is a little different. The boyfriend is beckoning her to commit suicide together, or it also could be her imagining the calling of someone from the other side to come join him.
First heard “Reaper” in Buck’s parents’ living room. Don’t remember the occasion, but the tune suddenly came on a Long Island FM station. It was just starting to get airplay. That was over 50 freakin’ years ago!
You've been pretty spot on with your reactions, but I think you missed this one a bit. She didn't run off with another man, she left him for the reaper. That is, she died.
Your a bit off on this one. Her lover passed before her. He returned to be with her upon her death. The song is about love transcending death. " Love of two IS one". They were never really separated by death. " Here but now they're gone". " Came her last night of sadness". Living without him". " The curtains flew then He appeared". The Vail between life and death was removed and she sees him again. Takes his hand and they are reunited.
@@Phuc_Socialist_You_Tube After reading your comments, I've reviewed the lyrics a few more times and I think that you could be right. You didn't mention the specific line "Baby I'm your man", which could mean something along the lines of "Hey it's me, the one you love" as she may not realize it's him on the other side. There is no doubt that this song is about the transition that happens at death, but some things about it may never be known for sure without a definitive explanation from the original writer of the song.
They are from Long Island, NY, so as a kid, all the older kids were always seeing BOC at local venues. They are loved here. I'm actually surprised you never heard of them though. This song ("The Reaper"), "I'm Burning For You" is an awesome song & would love to see you react to it, there's the super trippy "Godzilla" which would also be fun to see your reaction!
You almost got it. He died first and she had to go on without him. The instrumental and solo represent the turmoil and strife of life. And then there’s a truly beautiful resolution as the solo fades into the original melody hook. At this point she is finally at the end of her life, about to cross over and he’s there waiting for her. This song is about how true love transcends death and time and never dies. There’s no need to fear the Reaper. ❤
The end is when she dies not goes with another guy but goes with the Reaper. My interpretation anyway. Love your reactions. Would love to see you react to the vocals of Geoff Tate in Queensryche... Take Hold of the Flame live in Tokyo it's incredible.
DFtR was written and sung by BOC's lead guitarist Buck Dharma(Donald Roeser). The song deals with the inevitability of death and the belief that we should not fear it. In 1976 when the song was released 40,000 human beings died in the world every day...today---176,000.
So many amazing songs by BOC like "Cities On Flame", "Burnin' For You", "Last Days of May", "Godzilla", "Veteran Of The Psychic Wars", "Hot Rails To Hell", "Buck's Boogie", "Astronomy"... They sound as good live as they do on studio tracks. Celebrating 50 years as a band this year. A discography that is worth a listen.
Also my favorite band. I'm off to see them next month for like the 20th time. If you do another Blue Oyster Cult song, I recommend Golden Age of Leather. Probably too obscure a suggestion to get traction, but I love it and it really shows off what's great and unique about Blue Oyster Cult.
Hey man. Just recently found the channel and subbed. I love reaction videos, but too many are just someone listening to a song or whatever and not saying anything. Meanwhile, you're here giving us your full on thoughts and feelings. Thanks for that. As for Don't Fear the Reaper, it's a truly classic track. Blue Oyster Cult doesn't get enough recognition these days, but they truly were great artists of their time. Also, as for that last 1/3: Remember, he starts off the song saying, "Don't fear the Reaper. We'll be able to fly" and in the end, she runs to "him" and they begin to fly... because she's now with the Reaper. AKA - She's dead, homey.
I always thought she was very ill (it was clear she couldn't go on) and he was telling her it was OK to let go and be free of her pain. But songs always say different things to different people.
Behold: the greatest, most evil-sounding guitar solo in the history of rock 'n' roll. I don't care what anyone else says; there are a lot of incredible bands out there with a lot of incredible guitarists and guitar solos (Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb," Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower," and Metallica's "Fade to Black" come to mind), but none of them fits their song quite as well as this one does.
a bit daft Comparing the quality of of amazing guitar music and musicians solos, its like comparing a thing that makes the hairs on the back of the neck stand out or puts goose bumps on your skin and still stands the test 40/50 years on will qualify as Classic and a great i have grown old through the sixties to the present day and still finding quality tracks and artists this is one of the many i have heard and very special amongst the many
Don't Fear The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult was released in 1976 and I've always thought it sounded very out of place for the era. It is a very unique song. Always loved it.
It has a very original sound this song. Very catchy. When you say a person has an old soul, I would also apply that to this song. A song with an old soul. The type of song which feels like I've heard it many times before on my first listen ;)
Buck Dharma (Donale Roeser), the lead guitarist of BOC, wrote this song about after he'd been diagnosed with arrhythmia. Back when he wrote this, it was harder to treat than it is today. The purpose of this song was contemplating his own mortality, and so he wrote a song about a love that extends beyond death. This is NOT a song about suicide.
One of my favorite Classic Rock songs. Being a big Black Sabbath fan my whole life, I can appreciate the musicianship and the lyrics and how the band put this track together to make a fantastic song
That is very patronising and condescending Ryan. Ryan, what you're saying is that you are up in your Ivory Tower sitting in judgement. You are looking down on every other Band. You will decide what is a good song/ tune because you are a Black Sabbath fan. Only Black Sabbath fans know what a good quality song is. Ryan I'm a musicologist and music historian and I have some very patronising comments about Black Sabbath. They made a couple of good quality albums in the very early 70's, then they kicked Ozzy out of the Band due to his drug and alcohol problems. Ronnie James Dio was a great vocalist, though the music wasn't up to the earlier standard, or to my liking. My fave Rock Band have 33 studio albums, a couple of them aren't good. 31 isn't too bad though. In fact this Band were on VERTIGO with Sabbath in the 70's. This Band urinate all over Sabbath and all other Bands. Rock on, Ryan
I had the pleasure of seeing them live twice. My favorite BOC song and always will be. The beginning of Stephen King's "The Stand" (1994 and best version) features this at the beginning. Some folks back when this was on the radio every day thought it was encouraging suicide but deep down it's a love song. Two is one. Another band with this kind of vibe and depth you need to check out if you haven't already is Kansas.
Listened to this after my daughter died when I was getting through the third year after her death using music … a song of the day for me. My daughter knew her life would be shortened unless there would be a medical breakthrough, so she lived each day other best. Love survives death. 💕🐝💕
These guys are in their 70’s and keep getting better. I’d highly recommend one of their recent songs “The Alchemist”. The story, vocals, piano and guitar make it a hard rock masterpiece. I’m completely obsessed with it.
I think you missed some of the context and subtext in this one (which is understandable, it's somewhat nuanced). The singer IS the Reaper, calling to the woman. "Like Romeo and Julliette, together in eternity... take my hand... we'll be able to fly... come on, I'm your man"... Romeo and Julliette were only able to be together in death. It's tricky to pick up on, because it's in a 3rd person narrative, but he is the reaper in this context. But more than that, he's not literally the reaper. That's allegorical. He's a destructive force in her life, asking her to throw caution to the wind, and to follow him without fear. The writer (guitarist and vocalist, Don Roeser) wrote it with the realization that his lifestyle would surely lead to an early grave (though he's still around today), but he found it foolish worry about the inevitable. Is it worth having a lesser life to live a longer life? He didn't think so. The reference to the "40,000 men and women every day" is a reference to how many die every day. But those lives are not a tragic loss. They are, hopefully, just the conclusion to many a vibrant and fulfilling life. Mourn those who haven't allowed themselves to live, not those who have. Listen to it in that context and it'll blow your mind all over again.
I saw them in concert in the 90s. It wasnt promoted very well. It was at a club. 8 people showed. We talked totheband members thry asked us what song to play next. It was great
I looked up the meaning of the lyrics for the song and it said the following: It was rumored to be about suicide, but it actually deals with the inevitability of death and the belief that we should not fear it. Romeo and Juliette's love transcended death. And the two become one is when a man and woman marry, they become as one. Billy Boy
This is about not being afraid of death, or crossing alone, or living your life worrying about it. We all get collected, no one passes over alone, live your life with joy.
Really love your reaction channel. Godzilla is another great track from them. For incredible musicianship all around and also a great lead vocalist you need to try out Deep Purple, tracks like Lazy, Child in Time, Highway Star, Smoke on the Water.
Regarding what this is about, here's a quote from the writer and lead singer, "I felt that I had just achieved some kind of resonance with the psychology of people when I came up with that, I was actually kind of appalled when I first realized that some people were seeing it as an advertisement for suicide or something that was not my intention at all. It is, like, not to be afraid of [death] (as opposed to actively bring it about). It's basically a love song where the love transcends the actual physical existence of the partners."
I am SO envious of your first time listening to this. This is one of those songs that you will never forget the rest of your life. It's right up there with Comfortably Numb.
Sole survivor, Cities on flame, Flaming telepaths, Astronomy, Burning for you, Joan Crawford, Veteran of the Psychic wars, Fire of Unknown origin. These songs are all phenomenal. Love BOC
I've been suggesting this one Bob Dylan tune on every channel I come across to no avail. You're a smart dude who catches on to lyrics quicker than I do, maybe you'll figure out "Desolation Row" without looking it up like I had to. I doubt it though. It also features the great Buck Trent on acoustic guitar, as a bonus.
Great reaction and the one thing you didn't mention was I love the bass line in this. Man it drove it just as much as the drums did and all of the other elements. They were so solid and believe me, there was a point where this song was on the radio every day. It was the fabric of our lives. That's an interesting interpretation of the ending and like any good song, it's open to interpretation of course. I think the song is mostly about suicide and it's even darker than you are imagining. In the final verse it's not another guy she's going with so much as the devil or whatever finally gets into her head enough so that she gives into her urges to commit suicide. I've been around suicide much of my life and this just Rings true but it's just an incredibly talented musical way of addressing a very difficult subject. I think they hit all the notes to do it just right. Pardon the pun you have to check out Godzilla by them!
If you liked this, consider checking out Blue Oyster Cult: "Burning for You." Edit: re: 40,000 everyday - people have tried to convince me otherwise over the years, but despite what the band or anyone else claims, this is definitely a song about committing suicide: the lyrics are pretty unambiguous. The reaper comes to your window and you leap out to embrace him, becoming "like Romeo and Juliet"? Yeah. (The actual number used was apparently just made up, but it definitely sounds believable in the moment.)
I agree. It took me years to work out (pre internet days) but once the penny drops... It's about lovers' suicide pacts. Just how dark do you like your music ?
People seriously deny this is about suicide? That's laughable... literally laughable. Next thing you know they'll be saying "Fade To Black" is about bad TV reception. There's no way to interpret the last verse as anything *but* suicide.
@@davidkulmaczewski4911 According to the lead singer, the song is: "about the inevitability of death and the foolishness of fearing it" and was written when he was thinking about what would happen if he died at a young age. Personally, I think that's just a cover story.
Epic song from an epic band. Would love to have you reacting to “Then came the last days of May” from the Album “On your hands and on your knees”. Fantastic guitars and a fantastic song. Keep it up man, your doing it great!
a few suggestions led zep-misty mountain hop Boston-hitch a ride/ rock roll band yes -and you and I bugles- video killed the radio star sweet-fox on the run Badfinger-baby blue/come and get it wings-band on the run Allmand bros-blue skies joan baez-forever young
Hello, the song is a lyrical take on the inevitability of death or more specifically suicide. The statistics referenced in the lyrics could be daily death rates but coincide more with suicide rates at the time of the song. The Romeo and Juliette verses were an apparent reference to the two rejoining each other in the afterlife after their tragic demise. The ending segment poetically describes either a reunification after a breakup or the girl committing suicide and her leaving with death. I guess it's a sort of upbeat slant on commonly dark subjects. One of my favorite bands of all time, they're outstanding live.
The song is not about suicide. it's based on a real life health scare for the writer. In the song he dies young & waits decades for his partner to die of old age at the end of the song when they re-unite.
@@stevenwilkinson1265Thank you for pointing out a statement I never made. If you would have noticed my use of conjunctions, you would have concluded that I wasn't making a statement of fact and that I was merely pointing out observations on what the song could have meant. The songwriter himself points out ambiguities that led people to think of suicide as a theme. He also states the 40,000 number was an arbitrary guess at daily death rates but the 40,000 was in fact closer to daily suicide rates. Roeser says, “I was thinking about my own mortality. I wrote the guitar riff, the first two lines of lyric sprung into my head, then the rest of it came as I formed a story about a love affair that transcends death. I was thinking about my wife, and that maybe we’d get together after I was gone.” Roeser said in 1998, “The second verse is the one that’s caused all the trouble all these years. ‘Valentine’ is a metaphor for mortal love. ‘Romeo and Juliet’ I used as an example of a couple who had faith to take their love elsewhere when they weren’t permitted the freedom to love here and now. What I meant was, they’re in eternity cause they had the faith to believe in the possibility. It frankly never occurred to me that the suicide aspect of their story would be plugged into people’s take on ‘Reaper,’ making it an advertisement for suicide. The “40,000” number was pulled from the air as a guess about how many people died every day worldwide, not how many people committed suicide.” Roeser also said “It would bother me to know the song gave someone an excuse to commit suicide. I never have come anywhere close to really wanting to commit suicide. I’m gonna live until I die. On the other hand, when I go, I don’t want ‘Amazing Grace’ as the musical centerpiece of my funeral. I want ‘(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.’”
The evangelicals came after this one (and many others) claiming it encouraged suicide. I've listened to it for 40 years and I ain't dead yet, lol. My older brother burned his immaculate record collection though, oh the humanity.
BOC (currently touring) has long been the intelligent, brooding, dark-music band. "Veteran of the Psychic Wars" is co-written with author Michael Moorcock, "Astronomy" is fabulous in live performance, and "Godzilla" is just a shredding hoot. Try more!
I'm really enjoying your clear and insightful comments. I'd love to hear you react to Aja by Steely Dan it's got everything you seem to appreciate. Great musicianship, changes in feel and tempo amazing solos on different instruments I'm sure you'd love it. Keep up the great work
I've always felt that this was song about an old woman dying and she's afraid of seeing the grim reaper. She can hear him coming and hear his soothing words, but still she's fearful of it. As she gets closer to her last day she can start to see the the grim reaper is really her husband who had died before her, and who is telling her not to be afraid of death. then she dies and is reunited with her husband, together for eternity. The music is somber because it's about death, but the message is a hopeful one for what comes after it.
TH-cam suggested this to me because I love this song I guess First off.... I hate reaction vids because they pause the song every ten seconds and make dumb comments. You only paused twice, at the right times, to give some feedback and spend the rest actually listening to it. I give mad respect to that man!! Second, I love hiphop, I really do. But where I feel a lot of hiphop is good rhymes with a fat beat to it (which is what it should be and lots of love to it) music like this is more complex with not just good lyrics, but amazing vocals, good drums and bass, great guitar, layering of ups and downs...... There's just so much going on. Again, I probably have limited knowledge of hiphop, so please take that into account with this comment. Just saying I enjoyed your reaction vids, where I usually hate them because they're about attention grabbing. This felt genuine. Respect to that. Oh yeah, it's not about falling in love with another guy. She commited suicide. Romeo and Juliet.
Meloncholic is a good descriptor. I saw these guys in probably.. 2010 or '09. They bring a fan, from the crowd, up on stage for the cowbell during this song 👍
BOC had some great tracks - I'd recommend "Veteran of the Psychic Wars", "In Thee", "Great Sun Jester", "Godzilla". For some reason they're often grouped with early metal bands, though their sound is more straight ahead harmony-laden rock and more naturally compared with bands like Cheap Trick (another band to check - try their song "Dream Police"!)
Great track. The vocals are maybe more reminiscent of the Byrds than the Beach Boys, and you'll like the Byrds' "Eight Miles High" from 1970, which has a similar vibe. New Zealand band the Mutton Birds did a fine cover version of "Reaper".
From them ... Godzilla next !!! Then, Burnin' For You, Cities on Flame with Rock & Roll, Take Me Away, We Gotta Get Out Of This Place and Shooting Shark ... and this is one band that does a lot of live stuff well, and sometimes, a little different or longer than the studio, so Check their Some Enchanted Evening album for some of these songs. You might even listen/react to this song from that album. It's a bit faster and harder ... more driving, and the ending solo is pretty awesome !!!
Another great song by Blue oyster cult is veteran of the psychic Wars, there are some amazing live versions of it as well Also you should look up Saturday night Live Bruce Dickinson more cowbell, a very famous skit that features this song prominent ly :-)
BOC have many great songs, also try Godzilla, Cities on Flame and the atmospheric classic, Nosferatu. Saw them 19 times and always a great show, they had the chops to be on the same bill with anybody. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎹🎶
I’ve known this song since forever but had never listened deeply to the lyrics until recently. Really creepy! And scary Btw The stat meant how many people cross over (die) around the world daily
You need to hear the vocal, lead guitar, bass guitar & drums separated onto their own channels, it's even more impressive than you can ever imagine. Great musicians. Nice insights btw. Try "I Love the Night" for another BOC gem ...
Can't believe the folks declaring that this song is about suicide. It has nothing to do with that. The 40, 000 men and women everyday was writer Buck Dharma's estimation of how many people died per day around the world. We was quite off, the answer being approximately 150,000. The reference to Romeo & Juliet was Buck thinking of a famous couple hopelessly in love with each other and how their love will carry on through eternity. The fact they each committed suicide has nothing to do with the song's concept. Buck was inspired to pen this classic when he had a health scare and began reflecting on life and love in the hereafter, and how we should accept our fate instead of fearing it.
Yeah I enjoy you’re insights and they are spot on pretty quick, but I agree with Paul, he lost his woman to the Reaper not another guy. They were in love, she was dieing, they knew it , he was with the whole way and helped her face death with courage and embrace the next step of her journey.
From what I have heard, 40,000 men and women everyday is the number of people that die on average back 1976 when this song was recorded. That's what I remember being told, but it be wrong.
Yeah sorry, but this is most definitely a song about a girl joining her lover in the afterlife, possibly vampiric. Not easy to see in first listening but certainly that is the song's story. Love your reviews, keep up the good work
One of my favorite band of all time, Don't Fear The Reaper is a legendary track! recommend to check out Godzilla, Burnin for you and Then came the last days of may by BOC
My take for what it’s worth. It is the grim reaper or death that is courting her. She is dying and clinging to life. The reaper is reassuring her and she surrenders to him. Think of peoples alleged near death experiences. Saw a white light that was calling me comforting me (here in the movie the patient flatlines) but some pulled them back and they lived. In the song she completely surrendered and was gone for eternity. No idea about the 40,000 though to few to be the number of people who die a day and hopefully to many to the number of suicides a day.
I saw them years ago in Stamford ct. Very poor advertising. Less than 10 people showed up. It was great. Lead singer walked up to the bar and asked us what we wanted them to play. The bar owner lost a ton of money
I think when that breakdown/ solo occurs, that’s Death coming and the fear is rising, then she settles down as Death calms her and she realizes there’s nothing to fear.
Agreed. My take is that her sickness (or whatever) was over taking her and Death came to take her away, so her spirit left the body said goodbye and she went off with Death (the Reaper).
@@resin_Hd My take is a little different. The boyfriend is beckoning her to commit suicide together, or it also could be her imagining the calling of someone from the other side to come join him.
First heard “Reaper” in Buck’s parents’ living room. Don’t remember the occasion, but the tune suddenly came on a Long Island FM station. It was just starting to get airplay. That was over 50 freakin’ years ago!
She took the reaper's hand with no fear and became like the other 40,000 💞 Amazing that he wrote this to comfort himself when he was ill.
You've been pretty spot on with your reactions, but I think you missed this one a bit. She didn't run off with another man, she left him for the reaper. That is, she died.
Your a bit off on this one. Her lover passed before her. He returned to be with her upon her death. The song is about love transcending death. " Love of two IS one". They were never really separated by death. " Here but now they're gone". " Came her last night of sadness". Living without him". " The curtains flew then He appeared". The Vail between life and death was removed and she sees him again. Takes his hand and they are reunited.
@@Phuc_Socialist_You_Tube After reading your comments, I've reviewed the lyrics a few more times and I think that you could be right. You didn't mention the specific line "Baby I'm your man", which could mean something along the lines of "Hey it's me, the one you love" as she may not realize it's him on the other side. There is no doubt that this song is about the transition that happens at death, but some things about it may never be known for sure without a definitive explanation from the original writer of the song.
Perhaps the most under-rated band in all of rock-and-roll. This was my favorite band in high school.
BTW, listen carefully to the last note of the guitar solo. It is sustained for a looooong time.
I’ve heard that said about so many bands but I think this one might actually be on the money. Certainly of the 70s and 80s.
Still my favorite band.
@@loadedorygun Yep, BOC have to be the most underrated classic rock band, their songbook is incredible over 5 decades.
100% agree. My favorite band.
They are from Long Island, NY, so as a kid, all the older kids were always seeing BOC at local venues. They are loved here.
I'm actually surprised you never heard of them though. This song ("The Reaper"), "I'm Burning For You" is an awesome song & would love to see you react to it, there's the super trippy "Godzilla" which would also be fun to see your reaction!
You almost got it. He died first and she had to go on without him. The instrumental and solo represent the turmoil and strife of life. And then there’s a truly beautiful resolution as the solo fades into the original melody hook. At this point she is finally at the end of her life, about to cross over and he’s there waiting for her. This song is about how true love transcends death and time and never dies. There’s no need to fear the Reaper. ❤
The end is when she dies not goes with another guy but goes with the Reaper. My interpretation anyway. Love your reactions. Would love to see you react to the vocals of Geoff Tate in Queensryche... Take Hold of the Flame live in Tokyo it's incredible.
i have loved this song for over 40 years & i've never got bored of it! also, i crank up the volume when i hear it!! a song to be played at funerals!!!
DFtR was written and sung by BOC's lead guitarist Buck Dharma(Donald Roeser). The song deals with the inevitability
of death and the belief that we should not fear it. In 1976 when the song was released 40,000 human beings died
in the world every day...today---176,000.
By suicide. The girl committed suicide. This is why a lot of people didn't like them, because they wrote a song about a friends suicide.
@@Hollylivengood Please provide the source of your allegation.
The 40,000 number was just something Buck guessed at when writing the song, the actual figure was much higher even back then.
@@jauntyfgc415 Yeah your right. He was way off. over 40,000 off.lol
@@Hollylivengood No, he didn't write this about suicide. And that's from Buck Dharma himself.
One of the most unique yet recognizable guitar solos of the 70's. One of my favorites. First time listening it really blindsides you.
So many amazing songs by BOC like "Cities On Flame", "Burnin' For You", "Last Days of May", "Godzilla", "Veteran Of The Psychic Wars", "Hot Rails To Hell", "Buck's Boogie", "Astronomy"... They sound as good live as they do on studio tracks. Celebrating 50 years as a band this year. A discography that is worth a listen.
Cities on Flame off the On your feet, or On you Knees live LP - one of my favorite guitar solos
Last Days of May is my favorite. For personal reasons. Thanks for mentioning it. No one ever does.
"I Love The Night" is one of my favorite BOC songs.
you forgot, 'lips in the hills'!!!
Also my favorite band. I'm off to see them next month for like the 20th time. If you do another Blue Oyster Cult song, I recommend Golden Age of Leather. Probably too obscure a suggestion to get traction, but I love it and it really shows off what's great and unique about Blue Oyster Cult.
Hey man. Just recently found the channel and subbed. I love reaction videos, but too many are just someone listening to a song or whatever and not saying anything. Meanwhile, you're here giving us your full on thoughts and feelings. Thanks for that.
As for Don't Fear the Reaper, it's a truly classic track. Blue Oyster Cult doesn't get enough recognition these days, but they truly were great artists of their time.
Also, as for that last 1/3: Remember, he starts off the song saying, "Don't fear the Reaper. We'll be able to fly" and in the end, she runs to "him" and they begin to fly... because she's now with the Reaper. AKA - She's dead, homey.
I always thought she was very ill (it was clear she couldn't go on) and he was telling her it was OK to let go and be free of her pain. But songs always say different things to different people.
I got to see them peformance this live when this first came out. They were way ahead of their time. They are now timeless, like the Reaper!
So Ahead of their time
Underplayed and totally misunderstood
But they are my favorite band of all time
Rock on
Behold: the greatest, most evil-sounding guitar solo in the history of rock 'n' roll. I don't care what anyone else says; there are a lot of incredible bands out there with a lot of incredible guitarists and guitar solos (Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb," Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower," and Metallica's "Fade to Black" come to mind), but none of them fits their song quite as well as this one does.
agree with you- but hard to leave sympathy for the devil solo out of most evil sounding solo!
It's an all-time high mark for a recorded lead guitar solo, no doubt...
a bit daft Comparing the quality of of amazing guitar music and musicians solos, its like comparing a thing that makes the hairs on the back of the neck stand out or puts goose bumps on your skin and still stands the test 40/50 years on will qualify as Classic and a great i have grown old through the sixties to the present day and still finding quality tracks and artists this is one of the many i have heard and very special amongst the many
It is pretty awesome. It fits the song perfectly.
"It needs more cow bell". Totally agree with Don Fette.
You gotta now check out the SNL skit about this song called “More Cowbell.” Christopher Walken, Will Ferrel, Jimmy Fallon, and others. Hilarious!!!!
Best ever skit!
HELLS YESSSSS!!!!🤣🤣
Don't Fear The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult was released in 1976 and I've always thought it sounded very out of place for the era.
It is a very unique song.
Always loved it.
A masterpiece.
I have a signed vinyl of theirs! Joe Bouchard signed it for me!
It has a very original sound this song. Very catchy. When you say a person has an old soul, I would also apply that to this song. A song with an old soul. The type of song which feels like I've heard it many times before on my first listen ;)
Buck Dharma (Donale Roeser), the lead guitarist of BOC, wrote this song about after he'd been diagnosed with arrhythmia. Back when he wrote this, it was harder to treat than it is today. The purpose of this song was contemplating his own mortality, and so he wrote a song about a love that extends beyond death. This is NOT a song about suicide.
One of my favorite Classic Rock songs. Being a big Black Sabbath fan my whole life, I can appreciate the musicianship and the lyrics and how the band put this track together to make a fantastic song
That is very patronising and condescending Ryan.
Ryan, what you're saying is that you are up in your Ivory Tower sitting in judgement.
You are looking down on every other Band.
You will decide what is a good song/ tune because you are a Black Sabbath fan.
Only Black Sabbath fans know what a good quality song is.
Ryan I'm a musicologist and music historian and I have some very patronising comments about Black Sabbath.
They made a couple of good quality albums in the very early 70's, then they kicked Ozzy out of the Band due to his drug and alcohol problems.
Ronnie James Dio was a great vocalist, though the music wasn't up to the earlier standard, or to my liking.
My fave Rock Band have 33 studio albums, a couple of them aren't good. 31 isn't too bad though.
In fact this Band were on VERTIGO with Sabbath in the 70's.
This Band urinate all over Sabbath and all other Bands.
Rock on, Ryan
Two things immediately come to mind when I hear this song:
Movie “The Stand”
“I need more cowbell.” - SNL skit w/the magnificent Christopher Walken
I had the pleasure of seeing them live twice.
My favorite BOC song and always will be.
The beginning of Stephen King's "The Stand" (1994 and best version) features this at the beginning.
Some folks back when this was on the radio every day thought it was encouraging suicide but deep down it's a love song. Two is one.
Another band with this kind of vibe and depth you need to check out if you haven't already is Kansas.
Listened to this after my daughter died when I was getting through the third year after her death using music … a song of the day for me. My daughter knew her life would be shortened unless there would be a medical breakthrough, so she lived each day other best. Love survives death. 💕🐝💕
Sorry for the loss. Blessed be your daughters memory.
@@IisDeeps Thank you. It means a lot to me.
These guys are in their 70’s and keep getting better. I’d highly recommend one of their recent songs “The Alchemist”. The story, vocals, piano and guitar make it a hard rock masterpiece. I’m completely obsessed with it.
I think you missed some of the context and subtext in this one (which is understandable, it's somewhat nuanced). The singer IS the Reaper, calling to the woman. "Like Romeo and Julliette, together in eternity... take my hand... we'll be able to fly... come on, I'm your man"... Romeo and Julliette were only able to be together in death. It's tricky to pick up on, because it's in a 3rd person narrative, but he is the reaper in this context.
But more than that, he's not literally the reaper. That's allegorical. He's a destructive force in her life, asking her to throw caution to the wind, and to follow him without fear. The writer (guitarist and vocalist, Don Roeser) wrote it with the realization that his lifestyle would surely lead to an early grave (though he's still around today), but he found it foolish worry about the inevitable. Is it worth having a lesser life to live a longer life? He didn't think so.
The reference to the "40,000 men and women every day" is a reference to how many die every day. But those lives are not a tragic loss. They are, hopefully, just the conclusion to many a vibrant and fulfilling life. Mourn those who haven't allowed themselves to live, not those who have.
Listen to it in that context and it'll blow your mind all over again.
I saw them in concert many years ago (1974), and they were awesome! Great reaction!
I saw them in concert in the 90s. It wasnt promoted very well. It was at a club. 8 people showed. We talked totheband members thry asked us what song to play next. It was great
Saw them in the 70's and was one of the best concerts. They were like the first to use lasers. They blew your mind.
Out standing song. I don't think any other band has ever sang a song like this befor.
Great song and band! Loved your discussion on it. So glad your channel is growing quickly.
I looked up the meaning of the lyrics for the song and it said the following: It was rumored to be about suicide, but it actually deals with the inevitability of death and the belief that we should not fear it. Romeo and Juliette's love transcended death. And the two become one is when a man and woman marry, they become as one. Billy Boy
This is about not being afraid of death, or crossing alone, or living your life worrying about it. We all get collected, no one passes over alone, live your life with joy.
One of the most brilliant pieces ever.
Really love your reaction channel. Godzilla is another great track from them. For incredible musicianship all around and also a great lead vocalist you need to try out Deep Purple, tracks like Lazy, Child in Time, Highway Star, Smoke on the Water.
Regarding what this is about, here's a quote from the writer and lead singer, "I felt that I had just achieved some kind of resonance with the psychology of people when I came up with that, I was actually kind of appalled when I first realized that some people were seeing it as an advertisement for suicide or something that was not my intention at all. It is, like, not to be afraid of [death] (as opposed to actively bring it about). It's basically a love song where the love transcends the actual physical existence of the partners."
Steve Miller band is another good underated band
I am SO envious of your first time listening to this. This is one of those songs that you will never forget the rest of your life. It's right up there with Comfortably Numb.
May I suggest the live version of "Veteran of the Psychic Wars". The guitar solo is unforgettable!!! Truly memorable!!!
Sole survivor, Cities on flame, Flaming telepaths, Astronomy, Burning for you, Joan Crawford, Veteran of the Psychic wars, Fire of Unknown origin. These songs are all phenomenal. Love BOC
I've been suggesting this one Bob Dylan tune on every channel I come across to no avail. You're a smart dude who catches on to lyrics quicker than I do, maybe you'll figure out "Desolation Row" without looking it up like I had to. I doubt it though. It also features the great Buck Trent on acoustic guitar, as a bonus.
I need more COWBELL!!!
Great reaction and the one thing you didn't mention was I love the bass line in this. Man it drove it just as much as the drums did and all of the other elements. They were so solid and believe me, there was a point where this song was on the radio every day. It was the fabric of our lives. That's an interesting interpretation of the ending and like any good song, it's open to interpretation of course. I think the song is mostly about suicide and it's even darker than you are imagining. In the final verse it's not another guy she's going with so much as the devil or whatever finally gets into her head enough so that she gives into her urges to commit suicide. I've been around suicide much of my life and this just Rings true but it's just an incredibly talented musical way of addressing a very difficult subject. I think they hit all the notes to do it just right. Pardon the pun you have to check out Godzilla by them!
If you liked this, consider checking out Blue Oyster Cult: "Burning for You."
Edit: re: 40,000 everyday - people have tried to convince me otherwise over the years, but despite what the band or anyone else claims, this is definitely a song about committing suicide: the lyrics are pretty unambiguous. The reaper comes to your window and you leap out to embrace him, becoming "like Romeo and Juliet"? Yeah. (The actual number used was apparently just made up, but it definitely sounds believable in the moment.)
I agree. It took me years to work out (pre internet days) but once the penny drops...
It's about lovers' suicide pacts.
Just how dark do you like your music ?
People seriously deny this is about suicide? That's laughable... literally laughable. Next thing you know they'll be saying "Fade To Black" is about bad TV reception. There's no way to interpret the last verse as anything *but* suicide.
@@davidkulmaczewski4911 According to the lead singer, the song is: "about the inevitability of death and the foolishness of fearing it" and was written when he was thinking about what would happen if he died at a young age. Personally, I think that's just a cover story.
40,000 people every day does not sound like suicides....too big of a number. Maybe deaths generally.
with out a doubt methinks
Epic song from an epic band. Would love to have you reacting to “Then came the last days of May” from the Album “On your hands and on your knees”. Fantastic guitars and a fantastic song. Keep it up man, your doing it great!
I love this song and also the cover of it by the band HIM. Both are in my favourites playlist.
a few suggestions
led zep-misty mountain hop
Boston-hitch a ride/ rock roll band
yes -and you and I
bugles- video killed the radio star
sweet-fox on the run
Badfinger-baby blue/come and get it
wings-band on the run
Allmand bros-blue skies
joan baez-forever young
I love the references to Beach Boys harmonies. I’d never considered that before, but I totally see it.
On Your Feet, Or on Your Knees: One of the greatest live albums of all time. Been listening to Last Days of May lately: Love that song!
Hello, the song is a lyrical take on the inevitability of death or more specifically suicide. The statistics referenced in the lyrics could be daily death rates but coincide more with suicide rates at the time of the song. The Romeo and Juliette verses were an apparent reference to the two rejoining each other in the afterlife after their tragic demise. The ending segment poetically describes either a reunification after a breakup or the girl committing suicide and her leaving with death. I guess it's a sort of upbeat slant on commonly dark subjects. One of my favorite bands of all time, they're outstanding live.
The song is not about suicide. it's based on a real life health scare for the writer. In the song he dies young & waits decades for his partner to die of old age at the end of the song when they re-unite.
@@stevenwilkinson1265Thank you for pointing out a statement I never made. If you would have noticed my use of conjunctions, you would have concluded that I wasn't making a statement of fact and that I was merely pointing out observations on what the song could have meant. The songwriter himself points out ambiguities that led people to think of suicide as a theme. He also states the 40,000 number was an arbitrary guess at daily death rates but the 40,000 was in fact closer to daily suicide rates. Roeser says, “I was thinking about my own mortality. I wrote the guitar riff, the first two lines of lyric sprung into my head, then the rest of it came as I formed a story about a love affair that transcends death. I was thinking about my wife, and that maybe we’d get together after I was gone.” Roeser said in 1998, “The second verse is the one that’s caused all the trouble all these years. ‘Valentine’ is a metaphor for mortal love. ‘Romeo and Juliet’ I used as an example of a couple who had faith to take their love elsewhere when they weren’t permitted the freedom to love here and now. What I meant was, they’re in eternity cause they had the faith to believe in the possibility. It frankly never occurred to me that the suicide aspect of their story would be plugged into people’s take on ‘Reaper,’ making it an advertisement for suicide. The “40,000” number was pulled from the air as a guess about how many people died every day worldwide, not how many people committed suicide.” Roeser also said “It would bother me to know the song gave someone an excuse to commit suicide. I never have come anywhere close to really wanting to commit suicide. I’m gonna live until I die. On the other hand, when I go, I don’t want ‘Amazing Grace’ as the musical centerpiece of my funeral. I want ‘(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.’”
The evangelicals came after this one (and many others) claiming it encouraged suicide. I've listened to it for 40 years and I ain't dead yet, lol. My older brother burned his immaculate record collection though, oh the humanity.
And you can still see these guys live, but it's getting near the end I feel. See them while you can. But save the good seats for me.
They will be playing in a park in Albany, OR for free (I guess the city pays them). I will be there!
Buck Dharma incredible guitarist, so fast, but so melodic with an incredible dynamic sense understanding his sound within the song.
This was their biggest song by far. There’s a very funny Saturday Night Live skit based on this song….and the prevalence of cow bell in it
BOC wrote one of the most beautiful love songs ever written. It is called "Harvester of Eyes". You should check it out!
BOC (currently touring) has long been the intelligent, brooding, dark-music band. "Veteran of the Psychic Wars" is co-written with author Michael Moorcock, "Astronomy" is fabulous in live performance, and "Godzilla" is just a shredding hoot. Try more!
I'm really enjoying your clear and insightful comments. I'd love to hear you react to Aja by Steely Dan it's got everything you seem to appreciate. Great musicianship, changes in feel and tempo amazing solos on different instruments I'm sure you'd love it. Keep up the great work
You need to check out Blue Oyster Cult Veteran Of The Psychic Wars, Godzilla, and Astronomy all the live versions
I've always felt that this was song about an old woman dying and she's afraid of seeing the grim reaper. She can hear him coming and hear his soothing words, but still she's fearful of it. As she gets closer to her last day she can start to see the the grim reaper is really her husband who had died before her, and who is telling her not to be afraid of death. then she dies and is reunited with her husband, together for eternity. The music is somber because it's about death, but the message is a hopeful one for what comes after it.
TH-cam suggested this to me because I love this song I guess
First off.... I hate reaction vids because they pause the song every ten seconds and make dumb comments. You only paused twice, at the right times, to give some feedback and spend the rest actually listening to it. I give mad respect to that man!!
Second, I love hiphop, I really do. But where I feel a lot of hiphop is good rhymes with a fat beat to it (which is what it should be and lots of love to it) music like this is more complex with not just good lyrics, but amazing vocals, good drums and bass, great guitar, layering of ups and downs...... There's just so much going on.
Again, I probably have limited knowledge of hiphop, so please take that into account with this comment. Just saying I enjoyed your reaction vids, where I usually hate them because they're about attention grabbing. This felt genuine. Respect to that.
Oh yeah, it's not about falling in love with another guy. She commited suicide. Romeo and Juliet.
Saw them in concert... wow!
On that same album, along with "(Don't Fear) The Reaper", "The Revenge of Vera Gemini" and "Sinful Love" really give a good idea of what BOC could do.
Meloncholic is a good descriptor.
I saw these guys in probably.. 2010 or '09.
They bring a fan, from the crowd, up on stage for the cowbell during this song 👍
Saw them in the mid 80’s at a small club in south Florida….they played under the name
Soft White Underbelly
Fantastic reaction to an exceptional song 🔥
BOC had some great tracks - I'd recommend "Veteran of the Psychic Wars", "In Thee", "Great Sun Jester", "Godzilla". For some reason they're often grouped with early metal bands, though their sound is more straight ahead harmony-laden rock and more naturally compared with bands like Cheap Trick (another band to check - try their song "Dream Police"!)
The early albums had more metal content, I think.
Great track. The vocals are maybe more reminiscent of the Byrds than the Beach Boys, and you'll like the Byrds' "Eight Miles High" from 1970, which has a similar vibe. New Zealand band the Mutton Birds did a fine cover version of "Reaper".
From them ... Godzilla next !!! Then, Burnin' For You, Cities on Flame with Rock & Roll, Take Me Away, We Gotta Get Out Of This Place and Shooting Shark ... and this is one band that does a lot of live stuff well, and sometimes, a little different or longer than the studio, so Check their Some Enchanted Evening album for some of these songs. You might even listen/react to this song from that album. It's a bit faster and harder ... more driving, and the ending solo is pretty awesome !!!
I've seen BOC in concert at least ten times.
Another great song by Blue oyster cult is veteran of the psychic Wars, there are some amazing live versions of it as well
Also you should look up Saturday night Live Bruce Dickinson more cowbell, a very famous skit that features this song prominent ly :-)
You need to listen to the long version of Nights In White Satin by Blue Oyster Cult.
I believe that's actually a Moody Blues song..
It's got a sort of strange lonely trippy type vibe to me, like you're completely alone looking at the world through a dreamy hazey lens
"Burnin For You" is another great hit by BOC. Check it out.
BOC have many great songs, also try Godzilla, Cities on Flame and the atmospheric classic, Nosferatu. Saw them 19 times and always a great show, they had the chops to be on the same bill with anybody. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎹🎶
Blue Oyster Cult "I Love The Night",, "Godzilla" & " This Ain't The Summer Of Love"
I’ve known this song since forever but had never listened deeply to the lyrics until recently. Really creepy! And scary
Btw The stat meant how many people cross over (die) around the world daily
Listen to the song: don't fear the Reaper. We're all going to die sooner or later. Live and let live.
To know this song is to love this song. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love this song. A classic.
You need to hear the vocal, lead guitar, bass guitar & drums separated onto their own channels, it's even more impressive than you can ever imagine. Great musicians. Nice insights btw. Try "I Love the Night" for another BOC gem ...
Good job Brother...✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽
It’s a really beautiful and haunting song.
Used in Halloween and Scream. Great horror vibe.
I heard he wrote this after finding out he had heart trouble and didn't want to worry about death. Great song all round
Can't believe the folks declaring that this song is about suicide. It has nothing to do with that. The 40, 000 men and women everyday was writer Buck Dharma's estimation of how many people died per day around the world. We was quite off, the answer being approximately 150,000. The reference to Romeo & Juliet was Buck thinking of a famous couple hopelessly in love with each other and how their love will carry on through eternity. The fact they each committed suicide has nothing to do with the song's concept. Buck was inspired to pen this classic when he had a health scare and began reflecting on life and love in the hereafter, and how we should accept our fate instead of fearing it.
Yeah I enjoy you’re insights and they are spot on pretty quick, but I agree with Paul, he lost his woman to the Reaper not another guy. They were in love, she was dieing, they knew it , he was with the whole way and helped her face death with courage and embrace the next step of her journey.
From what I have heard, 40,000 men and women everyday is the number of people that die on average back 1976 when this song was recorded. That's what I remember being told, but it be wrong.
Do the video to Pearl Jam's "Jeremy". (If you know, you know.)
Syed, please add Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson to your reactions. They became my favorites of this era.
Yeah sorry, but this is most definitely a song about a girl joining her lover in the afterlife, possibly vampiric. Not easy to see in first listening but certainly that is the song's story.
Love your reviews, keep up the good work
Well said
One of my favorite band of all time, Don't Fear The Reaper is a legendary track! recommend to check out Godzilla, Burnin for you and Then came the last days of may by BOC
My favorite guitar solo
My take for what it’s worth. It is the grim reaper or death that is courting her. She is dying and clinging to life. The reaper is reassuring her and she surrenders to him.
Think of peoples alleged near death experiences. Saw a white light that was calling me comforting me (here in the movie the patient flatlines) but some pulled them back and they lived. In the song she completely surrendered and was gone for eternity. No idea about the 40,000 though to few to be the number of people who die a day and hopefully to many to the number of suicides a day.
On your off time, watch the SNL skit of this song featuring Christopher Walken, Will Ferrell, and others.
Will Ferrell was in a Saturday Night Live comedy skit about the cowbell in the song. Please look for it and react...VERY funny!
Great Band they still are they are “ On Tour Forever “ Saw them 2 months ago still great ! Buck Dahrma is a WAY underrated guitarist.
I saw them years ago in Stamford ct. Very poor advertising. Less than 10 people showed up. It was great. Lead singer walked up to the bar and asked us what we wanted them to play. The bar owner lost a ton of money
Me just eagerly waiting for when he gets to the guitar solo.
"More Cowbell!" ~ Saturday Night Live reference.