I will never understand why this has not been considered one of the greatest songs ever written. First heard it in 1966, maybe it was 1967. I lived a little north of Boston, and on those cold late Friday afternoons in October and November, when I walked up the street to my job at a restaurant (with my collar pulled up), this song went through my head. I also remember jumping on the bus to get into Symphony Hall in Boston to get a few tickets to hear Tom play, and getting back in time to work at my job. That was my first date, taking Sandy in to hear Tom Rush play.
Somehow I never heard this until a couple years ago when I got the first "Archives" release on vinyl at Record Store day. I think it is one of the best songs ever, too. So sad, and yet she knows how to save herself. I just did a nature walk program searching for signs of life in a winter landscape for the Jung Society of Cleveland. I thought it was the perfect song to start with.
To make is more confusing, people make such a big deal out of Joni's other songs, like Big Yellow Taxi and Carey. But she gets no attention at all for The Midway Song, Chelsea Morning, Circle Game, or this one. Leaves me scratching my head and losing faith in the tastes of music listeners. @@markdavidson-yw9yt
I love Tom's cover of the tune. 1972 I went away to college and for the first time, I was alone away from family and friends. It was the fall and the time for leaving, and this song paints both the picture and the melancholy, the urge for going, and the separation that it leaves one with.
I break down into tears every time I hear this song. I mean sobbing. Which can be a problem if I am at a concert, in a crowd. This song speaks to me on so many levels. A tanned beautiful girlfriend from high school who dumped me when summer faded. I guess she always knew what was coming, but it was a surprise to me. Once in the woods alone, seeing geese take flight with no warning. Not a test run, just suddenly leaving. A collective body all at once, getting the urge for going. My mother passing last Spring. Holding her hand. And suddenly knowing, only seconds before, that she had the urge for going. When the meadow grass is turning brown. And all her empire's falling down. And winter's closing in.
I have always been haunted this song. Heard Tom Rush's version in 1970 and it is still my favorite. My wife always loved it, I played it for her when we met in '71. I learned to play and sing it for her for all these years. It was the opening song for the Celebration of Her Life this last spring. She got the urge for going and I had to let her go. i hope she still loves it, make me cry every time. Fly on, Little Wing
Thank you for sharing, I'm sorry For your loss... I Keep replaying this song Now at the end of october... My husband passed away two months ago... It feels like two days ago... Autumn was our favorite time of year... The song really speaks to my soul more than ever....
Heard this in a cabin in Alaska when the snow was falling and the temperature with it. My love played it for me. He's gone now, I'm still here in the north. I can't hear it without getting teary.
Amazing. So good to find this Tom Rush clip. So proud to have known this troubadour in his heyday. Sweet soul. Great Joni song. All these connections seem impossible to tie together, yet need to be. I enjoy them do much.
I first heard this song in 1968, when my older sister gave me a copy of the 45. I think of this song every year at about this time. I finally saw him perform it last Saturday night at the Guthrie Center, in Stockbridge, MA. Why the Hell did I wait so long?
It was during the late sixties at the Riverboat in Toronto I saw Tom Rush for the first time live. I knew he was into Joni Mitchell's material and at a prime moment during his set, in between songs I called out "Urge For Going." He looked back at his lead guitar player for approval and the magic kicked in. To this day when I revive that moment it takes me right back to that most special evening and that wonderful era that I'm so happy and thankful to have experienced.
I was a regular at his New Years Eve shows in Boston going back to his first at Paul's Mall in 1973 to his last at Symphony Hall (I forget the year). Always a special way to end the year and welcome the new.
I am one of those folks from the Boston suburbs who heard you on the radio late at night when you wee first starting out. You have meant so much to me, for the last half century. I enjoyed seeing you in person in National City, near San Diego, recently. It was like seeing an old friend. You’ve still got it!
Love this song, always have. Tom's cover inspired me to pick it out on the piano back in the day and arrange it the way Joni plays piano and sang and played it nearly daily for years. So good to hear it again. Thanks, Tom and Joni!
Tom’s still very well alive and kicking, you know? He’s actually working on a new album and his voice is a mellow as ever. Check out his website at Tomrush.com
There are two people who truly sing this song: Joni Mitchell & Tom Rush Each develop every element of the song beyond the lyrics and music to evoke a transcendent feeling which you revisit every time you hear the song (saudade in thumos)
Saw Tom perform at the Chessmate the evening of that fateful day in ‘67. After he was done, many of the folkies left and missed Sam Lay and his blues band from Chicago. My apartment mate John Crews and I left at 2AM. Hopped on our bikes and rode back to Albion. Didn’t know until we turned the tv on the next day, Sunday morning, that the riot had begun the night before.
Joni Mitchell wrote this when she was like 25? So it always struck me as a young women's song, but this version slowed down and weathered brings maturity, nuance, and seasoning to Joni's comparatively bright version.
The "Circle Game" album was benchmark for me as a player, just as it was for the "new" writers: Jackson Browns, James Taylor and Joni Mitchell. Incredible.
there was a place called the Unicorn coffee house, in Boston or Cambridge, I forget...saw Tom there in 69 or so...he is still just as cool....but I got the Urge myself, left the New England cold behind a year later, never did go back...this brings back memories...
Such a great song. Whenever I hear it I find myself imagining another Canadian, Gordon Lightfoot, singing it. I bet he did too. It echoes forward to The Wreck of The Edmond Fitzgerald.
This song which was never released as a single or on an album is the B side to “You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio.” Seems to bring out emotions in almost everyone. I think the very first version I heard was Dave Van Ronk’s.
Thanks so much for posting this. For years & years, living in the upper peninsula of Michigan, this song -- especially Tom's version of it -- really hit the mark right around October. The studio version, on his Circle Game album when he was 27, sounded great -- and here he is on this recording when he was 69, still sounding every bit as good!
Because of Copyright issues, TH-cam lowered the volume on this edit...there is sound but you have to crank up the computer and youtube volume. Sorry...out of my control.
I will never understand why this has not been considered one of the greatest songs ever written. First heard it in 1966, maybe it was 1967. I lived a little north of Boston, and on those cold late Friday afternoons in October and November, when I walked up the street to my job at a restaurant (with my collar pulled up), this song went through my head. I also remember jumping on the bus to get into Symphony Hall in Boston to get a few tickets to hear Tom play, and getting back in time to work at my job. That was my first date, taking Sandy in to hear Tom Rush play.
curious what the restaurant was.
Somehow I never heard this until a couple years ago when I got the first "Archives" release on vinyl at Record Store day. I think it is one of the best songs ever, too. So sad, and yet she knows how to save herself. I just did a nature walk program searching for signs of life in a winter landscape for the Jung Society of Cleveland. I thought it was the perfect song to start with.
The China Moon. Recently closed. It had a good reputation, people would travel a bit to eat there.@@parismemory
To make is more confusing, people make such a big deal out of Joni's other songs, like Big Yellow Taxi and Carey. But she gets no attention at all for The Midway Song, Chelsea Morning, Circle Game, or this one. Leaves me scratching my head and losing faith in the tastes of music listeners.
@@markdavidson-yw9yt
I always loved it played it many in fall in New England
I love Tom's cover of the tune. 1972 I went away to college and for the first time, I was alone away from family and friends. It was the fall and the time for leaving, and this song paints both the picture and the melancholy, the urge for going, and the separation that it leaves one with.
Just saw Tom last night at Jorma K's Fur Peace Ranch in Ohio. STILL GREAT AS EVER. Cornel- Portsmouth, OH.
I break down into tears every time I hear this song. I mean sobbing. Which can be a problem if I am at a concert, in a crowd.
This song speaks to me on so many levels. A tanned beautiful girlfriend from high school who dumped me when summer faded. I guess she always knew what was coming, but it was a surprise to me.
Once in the woods alone, seeing geese take flight with no warning. Not a test run, just suddenly leaving.
A collective body all at once, getting the urge for going.
My mother passing last Spring. Holding her hand. And suddenly knowing, only seconds before, that she had the urge for going.
When the meadow grass is turning brown. And all her empire's falling down. And winter's closing in.
I have listened to Tom Rush from the 70's, I saw him once in person, l think he's amazing, l love his music,
I first heard Tom Rush at the Univ. of Maine around 1970. Been a favorite ever sense.
Talk about memories.. I was at that concert... in Farmington Me., drove up from Boston in my 49 DeSoto... best times of my life..
I have always been haunted this song. Heard Tom Rush's version in 1970 and it is still my favorite. My wife always loved it, I played it for her when we met in '71. I learned to play and sing it for her for all these years.
It was the opening song for the Celebration of Her Life this last spring. She got the urge for going and I had to let her go. i hope she still loves it, make me cry every time. Fly on, Little Wing
I plan to have a quote on my tombstone..."I hope I had The Urge for Going..." I'm so sorry or your loss.
❤ your story. Thx 😊
❤
Thank you for sharing, I'm sorry
For your loss... I
Keep replaying this song
Now at the end of october... My husband passed away two months ago... It feels like two days ago... Autumn was our favorite time of year... The song really speaks to my soul more than ever....
Best ... Joni song .. ever. I cannot listen without my eyes glistening with tears.
I love everything about this song , I admit it hits me in a certain place , I tear up a bit , it's a beautiful song in many way for me ☺
Same.
Always a transformative and transfixing song. It has been with me for over fifty years.
And that's saying a lot! She's got a few ... but I won't argue with you. It's pick em' really.
Heard this in a cabin in Alaska when the snow was falling and the temperature with it. My love played it for me. He's gone now, I'm still here in the north. I can't hear it without getting teary.
Oh so lovely, and so sad.
May you find peace in the memory, sparked by Joni’s words and Tom’s rendition.
I first heard him sing this song live on WBZ during an interview in the middle of the night. Could never forget it. Sang if for years.
Amazing. So good to find this Tom Rush clip. So proud to have known this troubadour in his heyday. Sweet soul. Great Joni song. All these connections seem impossible to tie together, yet need to be. I enjoy them do much.
One of my all time favorite songs and this is the right time of year. Saw him in Cleveland circa 1968.
Tom Rush and Joni Mitchell - two of my all time favorites - thank you!
OMG This guy looks great, sounds great and HE STILL HAS IT TOTALLY. He's like a fine wine that just gets better with age.
I first heard this song in 1968, when my older sister gave me a copy of the 45. I think of this song every year at about this time. I finally saw him perform it last Saturday night at the Guthrie Center, in Stockbridge, MA. Why the Hell did I wait so long?
He is playing in Worthington MA this Sunday!
It was during the late sixties at the Riverboat in Toronto I saw Tom Rush for the first time live. I knew he was into Joni Mitchell's material and at a prime moment during his set, in between songs I called out "Urge For Going." He looked back at his lead guitar player for approval and the magic kicked in. To this day when I revive that moment it takes me right back to that most special evening and that wonderful era that I'm so happy and thankful to have experienced.
In concert lately, Tom Rush often tells the story of when he first met Joni!
Nice one. I saw James Taylor there in 1969. He just played, didn't really talk. Great little place.
I was a regular at his New Years Eve shows in Boston going back to his first at Paul's Mall in 1973 to his last at Symphony Hall (I forget the year). Always a special way to end the year and welcome the new.
Paul’s mall under Boylston St
The Boston Tea party
Psychedelic Suppermarket
Unicorn Coffee House
60’s, WBCN, first FM STATION
Hendrix at Boston Garden
@@errolrick633 Charles Laquidera on the " Big Mattress".......yes, those Were THE Days.
7:36 Enjoyed Tom Rush at New England College in the 1970's. Continue to enjoy his music.
Former St. Francis in Maine?
I am one of those folks from the Boston suburbs who heard you on the radio late at night when you wee first starting out. You have meant so much to me, for the last half century. I enjoyed seeing you in person in National City, near San Diego, recently. It was like seeing an old friend. You’ve still got it!
Come see him in Worthington MA this Sunday!
Always remember loving and buying and playing this purple covered Electra label vinyl album and loving it for this song.
I got to see Tom several times at the Cellar Door in Washington, DC. in the early 70's. Glad to see that he's still got it. A great talent!
Love this song, always have. Tom's cover inspired me to pick it out on the piano back in the day and arrange it the way Joni plays piano and sang and played it nearly daily for years. So good to hear it again. Thanks, Tom and Joni!
Try this version th-cam.com/video/cPbAW3lpQfI/w-d-xo.html
I saw and heard Tom play this song at the King's Rook in Ipswich MA back in the day....Any of you old sports car hippies been there back then??
Tom’s still very well alive and kicking, you know? He’s actually working on a new album and his voice is a mellow as ever. Check out his website at Tomrush.com
Nobody could write it like joni, And nobody could sing it like tom❤❤❤❤❤❤
How beautiful, no matter the iteration❤️
Sept. 10 in Saskatoon and the snow comes to stay. Then you know the feeling for this song. You start bowling beneath the King George hotel. Hey joni!
I've made this comment before, but how do even seven people give Tom a thumbs down?
We'll never understand this, but there are people who have no discernable heart.
There are two people who truly sing this song: Joni Mitchell & Tom Rush
Each develop every element of the song beyond the lyrics and music to evoke a transcendent feeling which you revisit every time you hear the song (saudade in thumos)
I used to see you at the Stone Church years ago. I still listen, but now it's youtube. Folk on!!
Forgot to mention, I saw Tom play at Worcester State Teachers' College in the early 70s. Great show!
Saw Tom perform at the Chessmate the evening of that fateful day in ‘67. After he was done, many of the folkies left and missed Sam Lay and his blues band from Chicago. My apartment mate John Crews and I left at 2AM. Hopped on our bikes and rode back to Albion. Didn’t know until we turned the tv on the next day, Sunday morning, that the riot had begun the night before.
the great Tom Rush!
Beautiful. Have you heard Mary Black ( Ireland ) version. Also beautiful. ☘🍁🍂
If Tom hadn’t covered Joni before she became well known, it’s possible her career may never had flourished as it had.
We have never heard or seen much of Tom in the UK. Our less. He's a great singer of his and others' songs.He puts so much feeling into every song.
That should read: Our loss.
Yeah, but you have Kate Bush, so....
Just an amazing song well done
Joni Mitchell wrote this when she was like 25? So it always struck me as a young women's song, but this version slowed down and weathered brings maturity, nuance, and seasoning to Joni's comparatively bright version.
Beautiful. I love Tom Rush's music. Nadine
The "Circle Game" album was benchmark for me as a player, just as it was for the "new" writers: Jackson Browns, James Taylor and Joni Mitchell. Incredible.
Six decades later the song becomes a meditation on death in old age, something I doubt Joni anticipated back in 1966.
she did in an adolescents imagination
Brilliant, thanks for posting.
there was a place called the Unicorn coffee house, in Boston or Cambridge, I forget...saw Tom there in 69 or so...he is still just as cool....but I got the Urge myself, left the New England cold behind a year later, never did go back...this brings back memories...
The Unicorn coffee house under Boylston St Boston, The Boston Tea party Berkeley St , WBCN BRODCASTED in the back, Bo commercials. Boston Tea Party
You ain't just whistlin' Dixie, Allison! Dang, that makes me feel good to hear Tom still crankin' out the tunes. He's in Seattle tomorrow ...
Such a great song. Whenever I hear it I find myself imagining another Canadian, Gordon Lightfoot, singing it. I bet he did too. It echoes forward to The Wreck of The Edmond Fitzgerald.
This song which was never released as a single or on an album is the B side to “You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio.” Seems to bring out emotions in almost everyone. I think the very first version I heard was Dave Van Ronk’s.
so love this cover!
I was singing Tom Rush's Joni Mitchell songs before I knew who she was. Thank you, Tom, for the introduction.
Success is fleeting, talent is everlasting!!
very nice
Amazing
Thanks so much for posting this. For years & years, living in the upper peninsula of Michigan, this song -- especially Tom's version of it -- really hit the mark right around October. The studio version, on his Circle Game album when he was 27, sounded great -- and here he is on this recording when he was 69, still sounding every bit as good!
It's up to 10 now; yeah, I don't understand that either.
Hey Tom, How about the turks head on charles street a block away from the common ??
Been a while,don't cha' think ?
Seems now, I am sure unintentionally, to describe life as the temporary thing that it is...
Is it my speakers or is the audio really low on this?
Supposed to be the only song Joni wrote in standard guitar tuning--instead of her more well-known open tunings.
@teddyoneills well said!
yes it sounds no different than on his first album which i owned a long time ago, a lifetime ago.
This song just says, "Canada".
A National Treaure
no sound
Because of Copyright issues, TH-cam lowered the volume on this edit...there is sound but you have to crank up the computer and youtube volume. Sorry...out of my control.
I think Rush does it better than Joni. (Well...this particular version was lacking a bit of emotion but still...) And I love Joni.
As great as it sounds, its a little empty without Bruce Langhorne's riffs and fill-ins .
+Hudson Valley I like it better with the spaces that let it grow
I am sorry...he does not compare to joni.
Duh
Yes...you ARE sorry!
Please leave Joni Mitchells songs . For Joni only, To sing in public. If you wish to sing them in private .Im sure Joni will send you her blessings.