This track was released in 1968. In 1967, Robin and his then girlfriend, Molly (she later became his first wife...) survived a train crash that killed 49 people. (Robin's twin brother Maurice once said that he felt/knew something had happened to his brother - in spite of him being in another location, at the time of the accident...). This experience affected Robin deeply, and his choice of lyrics reflects it on this track, as well as in many other songs.
Robin was a perfectionist with perfect pitch. A musical genius. A man so heartfelt with words and beautiful gift of song that matched. Learn of his later works and be amazed !
Just before Robin passed away his son got out his phone, uploaded this song and placed his phone on top of Robin's chest so he could listen to it .😭😭 Happy New Year. It's 2023!!!
The Bee Gees were putting out beautiful music for a whole decade plus before Saturday Night Fever and disco took them over. Robin did much of the lead vocal work in those earlier days. Barry's super-recognizable falsetto was found out by accident! Not part of the original trio for sure, but it became what was most recognizable. The pre-disco Bee Gees are among some of my favorite music to this day.
And would you believe Robin is only about 18 years old here, that Vibrato gets you every time. Yet when they all sing together their Harmonies are a whole different thing. Even all their kids are all great singers. Even Andy’s daughter PETA can sing. A couple of years ago the Gibb kids put out some songs of the Bee Gees and my favourite is Please Don’t Turn out the Lights. Barry eldest son Steve, Robins eldest son Spencer, Mo’s Son Adam and Daughter Sam, as well as Andy’s daughter did a beautiful Cover of the song and they call themselves, The Gibb Collective. 🎼❤️🇦🇺❤️🇬🇧🕺🏻💃🎸☘️
Thank you, HAP3SPEAKZ, for reacting to what became Robin's signature song. He loved this song so much that he requested that it be played at his funeral in 2012. The video you chose to react to was from a German TV show produced in 1968 when the group had five members. Two friends from Australia were the other two members of the group. Colin Petersen was their drummer and Vince Malouney was their lead guitarist. Remember, they were still quite young here. The twins were only 18 years old and Barry was 21. Fast forward to 1989, their Melbourne concert, which, in my opinion, is his best ever performance of "Joke". You said you wanted to hear it again so please give this live version a listen where Robin poured out his heart and soul with his beautiful performance. Whenever he performed this song throughout the decades he always received a standing ovation and this performance was no exception. In fact, they actually showed it in its entirety and it lasted almost one minute! The fans always loved this amazing song of his and always showed their appreciation with that standing o. Hope this answers a few of your questions and I'll be looking forward to future reactions from you.
Vince Melounay, huge guitarist. Listen to his crazy performances on "Idea", "When the change is made", the alternative version of "Never say never again", et many more.
Yes, I agree. You must react to Robin’s live performance from 1989. Keep in mind that the brothers were very funny, always joking, so there’s humor behind it, and very creative word play, delivered dramatically, but humor is the basis for it.
People have been trying to decipher the meaning of this song since it came out. Robin apparently said once that it is a 'spiritual' song, but trying to explain the meaning would detract from the work. So...I guess this is one each person who listens has to decide what it means. What's CERTAIN, though, is that it's STILL being listened to, over 50 years later. Can't say that about most music.
Beautiful Robin again this always makes me cry and no one can ever tell me that Robin wasn’t the best singer in my mind Robin was the most talented out of them when they first started Robin was the main singer and in my opinion should have stayed that way he had a voice just like velvet don’t get me wrong I love them all and all there music but come on Robin every time Don’t forget Hap please react to Don’t forget to remember me another beautiful song Thanks Hap Love from Denise in Yorkshire England 🏴❤️🥰👏👏👏👍👌👋
So, the song is about him always being out of step with the world. I think Robin wrote another dark song about a man on death row called, "I've gotta get a message to you."
Robin had a weirdness in his songs. He also came up with I just got to get a message to you, which is about a man getting execuded but no can sing these types of songs and the music and voices are so great they become hits, only the Bee Gee's.
Don't know how true it is but I read that Robin said this is about a man who did something unforgivable, that he really meant no malice by, but it was so unforgivable that everyone turned against him.
I'm old enough to remember when all of these songs were first played on the radio (59yrs), and their songs/sound was so eclectic I said 'wait, this is the Bee Gees?' more than a few times. Please be sure to react to at least one song from each of the FIVE decades they recorded. (Especially from 'This is Where I Came In' 2001)
i agree. They continued to evolve and were able to create music that resonated with listeners in any time period. Best to react to songs from all of thier creative phases. They were never afraid to try anything. I love that about them.
HAP3SPEAKZ - Love your insight into this complex song. Robin wrote this and never explained it but said it was very spiritual to him. It is basically about things you do and how they effect others and yourself and how it leaves your mark on the world, in your own eyes and in those of others. The mirrors reflect the theme. How do we see ourselves, realistically or distorted like in a fun house? (The cutout figures also reflect a funhouse and distorted reality) As a child, he was sensitive, slight, bucktoothed and interested in music, not what other kids were interested in, so he was always a loner even as an adult. His keen intellect and biting humor are reflected in the lyrics. He was very intelligent (called a genius by his brothers and friends), but distant and an introvert. Barry said "nobody could compete with his wit but he could be very dark". He also called himself the black sheep of the family. He said he was shy and insecure (God knows why with that voice) so the lyrics might reflect him wondering how people viewed him. Everyone says or does things they regret and this song is supposed to be about how we deal with that. He would be the last man to explain it. He wanted people to THINK! He wanted this played at his funeral. A deep and enigmatic man. He did a marvelous version of this live in Melbourne in 1989 that received a massive and long standing ovation. It was his signature song. So much for the psychoanalysis! I'll send you my bill. :)
We got to stop meeting like this, Suzie Q. Loving everything you said as usual. I think you and I could be related to each other, really! We have a great love for this wonderful group and one amazing man in particular!
@K Thor - Decades: The Bee Gees in the 1960's"....Quote, "I started a joke was always recognized as Robin's signature song and he is primarily credited with its creation. He said he melody was heard aboard a British Airways Vickers Viscount about 100 miles from Essen. It was one of those old four engine prop jobs that seem to drone the passenger into a hypnotic trance. After a while it appeared to take the form of a tune. Robin offered that it was a very spiritual song about faith and survival in life." "I've got to get a message to you". The song originated with Robin who wrote the lyrics. They all worked on the final product BUT each brother often independently presented their original idea and thus were "creators" of individual songs.
If you watch live performances of this song in later years (I"m not sure about some of the earlier concerts) when they performed this song, Barry would step away and turn his back to the audience while he played guitar. It always moves me, Barry wanted to make sure that he was not distracting from the audience focus on Robin.
I'll give Barry the benefit of the doubt that his intention was to give Robin the stage but it does the opposite. It never fails to draw attention to him and thus away from Robin because performers so rarely turn their back on the audience. You think "Look how Barry gives Robin the stage" instead of "Listen to how beautifully Robin is singing." Only for a second or 2 but it still defeats the purpose. Robin used to leave the stage when Barry did his big solo on "Words". Granted, he could do that because he wasn't playing an instrument as Barry does in "...Joke." Robin commanded the stage on this song so completely that no accomodation was needed but in every live video performance someone will point out what Barry does meaning they are looking at him when he's trying to have them not look at him.
Robin at his best! Now maybe it's time to check out masterpieces of them, not being on singles but on albums. Barry with 'With The Sun In My Eyes' and 'The Change Is Made'. Robin with 'Really And Sincerely' and 'Road To Alaska'. Maurice with 'Omega Man' and 'Walking On Air'.
A GORGEOUS SONG, BEAUTIFULLY SUNG BY ROBIN, EVEN THOUGH A LITTLE DARK. VERY MOVING. HAP, YOUR REACTION WAS INSIGHTFUL AND THOUGHT PROVOKING! LOVED IT!!🥰❤🎶
Many people interpreted it to be about Jesus Christ. "I finally died, which started the whole world living. " but yes, it's open to many interpretations. This is just 1 of many
Robin and his wife, Molly, were in the Hither Green train derailment in 1967, he and Molly were not badly injured as they were in first class, Robin however helped pull people out and saw things he did not wish to. He only stopped when real emergency services arrived an took over. He and Molly were taken to Hospital to be checked. Where Mo and Barry found them. Mo told Barry, 'Something's happened to Robin' before the wreck was broadcast, so they started looking for him. Barry said years later that the train derailment was the release of pathos in Robin's song writing and singing style.
Another oldie but goodie. My favorite will always be “I’ve gotta get a message to you”. One of the first songs my mom let us buy. Every week we were allowed to pick out one record from a local, small record shop. Wonderful memories.
Thanks, Hap - oh, Robin - SO beautiful... so missed... other features: "Gotta get a message to you (hold on): and "Massachusetts" -- the early ones are great - but so are the later live ones... especially Massachusetts... look forward to more...
This song was written by Robin when he went out on his own when the boys split for a short time but when they got back together it was recorded as a bee gees song and went to No 1. He requested that this song play at his funeral he loved it.
That's not quite correct. It was recorded and released before the split, hence all 5 band members performing here. Colin and Vince never rejoined. It hit the top 5 at least (I think) in the US but wasn't even released as a single in the UK. I don't know how it did elsewhere.
Robin’s son played this song in the hospital when Robin died. The meaning of the lyrics are probably among the most debated. Robin said it’s spiritual and the listener should take whatever it means for them.
The Bee Gees are one of the greatest. People shoe horn them as disco. They were popular way before then, and after the disco era. Their harmonies are seldom matched, and Barry is one of the most prolific song writers of our time. They are timeless.
Great reaction Hap. You are right that they were similar in some ways but very different in others and this brought a variety to their output. A lot of the songs Robin leads on do sound very melancholy ( and difficult to understand!). I've seen interviews where he says even he doesn't really know what this means but I suspect he just doesn't want to talk about his feelings as a teenager when he wrote this.
The 3 brothers who grew up in Australia and were like no other group in the world. This song actually makes me want to cry every time I hear it. The sadness and desperation in his voice comes across like no other song. It’s an extraodinary song. Craig
Hello my dear friend! after BEATLES and ABBA, I love the Bee Gees specialy their first years just before to 'disco style' You're right, and I agree this is a bizarre song, a dark song, and amazing song too! and Robin Gibb voice is unique! a fantastic interpretation He is in my Top 3 of all greatest Male Voices (the others two are Paul McCartney & Freddy Mercury) "I started a joke" (1968) beautiful ballad of earliest Bee Gees (it was the same year that BEATLES made "Hey Jude" & "Revolution") If you continue in chronological order, I suggest to listen one of the most underrated Bee Gees songs: Lamplight (1969) in my Top 5 of all Bee Gees songs the song for Robin leave the group
I remember hearing this song for the first time circa 1975-76 (so I would’ve been either 5 or 6) while going through my parents record collection, and when I heard Robin’s voice it just really resonated with me. It still does. Even 45 years later.
This song is actually before my time (shock!) but it was played on radio stations even decades later. I bought copies of their older albums as a teenager. This song was perfect for teenage angst! Used to make me cry. I love their early music just as much as the newer stuff. So much talent. Thanks, HAP! Great reaction.
Some people assumed the "which started the whole world living" bit was about Jesus, but I remember on VH1 Storytellers Barry saying "I'm not sure about that" and Robin concurring with "Me neither," lol.
This is Robins song. My favorite Barry song is How do you mend a broken heart. Maurices song is Man in the middle. He doesn’t take the lead very often. 🤘🏼
Hap your Insightful and deep interpretation with this song is amazing. Thank you for this. I really liked the melody and I feel that I needed to hear this song and your comments today. 🙏💕
Robin did say once that it was a very spiritual experience singing this song. I think it also reflects his vulnerabilities and how we should treat each other kindly. The words " I finally died and started the whole world living' could also reflect on the death of Jesus....just my thoughts on this song. Loved your analysis.
Two of my all time favorite songs by the Bee Gees are FANNY and LOVE SO RIGHT. If you haven't reacted to them yet please react to: LOVE SO RIGHT, LONELY DAYS, and RUN TO ME by The Bee Gees.
I heard this song for the first time when I was about 15. It made me feel like the joke started the day he was born, and that he felt like everyone always made him feel like a joke.
I'm laughing when you react so puzzled because you reflect exactly what I was thinking when I first heard this song!😂❤ Beautiful, magical and the deepest riddle!😂 Some say it was about religion, but I think it is about someone doing a practical joke or act that deeply hurt people and backfired big time!!❤❤❤ LOVE YOUR REACTION!!
I remember from one of their documentaries that sometime towards the end of 1968, Robin got into some kind of accident which affected part of his vocal chord. If you listen to all their albums from 1964 or 1965 to early part of 1968, Robin’s voice was full of vibrato and very powerful. His voice began to be a little different from 1969 on but I still love his voice though.
He was in the November 5 1967 Hither Green train derailment but other than a few bruises wasn't physically hurt. He was just 17. Stayed for hours helping pull others from the cars and saw horribly injured and dead all around him. It affected him emotionally for sure.
Everybody feels uncomfortable or ill-at-ease with the lyrics of this song. But IMO, it's quite simple. It's a man who is totally disconnected from the rest of the society, who finds it difficult or impossible to communicate with society in general. He has the impression that he doesn't belong. Remember it's 1968, the time when the Vietnam war was raging, when the hippie movement was reaching its peak, so it was an atmosphere of termoil where one may feel "out of place". How about that for an explanation?
My older brother always made me listen to his favorite music when he was a teenager in the late 60s. This song, and others, helps me remember him. R.I.P. Jim. And the Bee Gee's best music was from this era. Not a fan of their disco crap.
Said the Poet: "Now one plus one equals two, that happens every day, that is not magic. That's the grind. That's when you get up, one. Go to work, one. Go to bed, two. Two, geniuses, two. But when one plus one equals three, that's when your life changes, and you see everything new, and these are days when you are visited by visions, when the world around you brings down the spirit and you feel blessed to be alive. It is the essential equation of love. There is no love without one plus one equaling three. It's the essential equation of art. It's the essential equation of rock 'n' roll. It's the reason the universe will never be fully comprehensible. It's the reason Louie Louie will never be fully comprehensible. And it's the reason true rock 'n' roll, and true rock 'n' roll bands, will never die. Now Gary, Danny, Little Steven, Mighty Max, Professor Roy, Nils Lofgren, Patty Scialfa, that is my one plus one equals three. ...But nobody captured my audience's imagination or their hearts like Clarence. Clarence was, Clarence was a figure out of a rock 'n' roll storybook, and together, we told a story that was bigger than any of the ones I had written in my songs..... The Big Man was big. Everything about him. His personality, his size, his laugh, the sound of his saxophone. When I first heard it I thought it was the biggest sound I ever heard. And it was. His heart, his problems - they were big. But he was elemental in my life. And losing him was like losing the rain. -Bruce Springsteen. Alright Hap It's been a hot minute. It time for some more Springsteen. Rosalita (Come Out Tonight) (Phoenix, 78) (from Thrill Hill Vault 1976-1978).
The bee gees were very much in trouble with the police as young teens and were always up to no good...they were sent to Australia from isle of man and never looked back!......but this song is a plea for forgiveness for their crimes ........
@@Zlata1313 The local police highly encouraged the Gibb family to move on & emigrate to someplace else, as unfortunately as we all know, the boys had gotten into a lot of trouble by that time in their lives (stealing, starting fires).
I actually have an answer as to what this song is about ... which will make complete sense as Robin said he would not explain it but only to say it was very spiritual 🙏. I will not put it public because I get slaughtered in the comments so here is my Instagram instagram.com/bealsjezebel?igshid=1uidlv6bb6klx
Not bizarre. It's just about, irony, regret, inner turmoil and the cycles of life. Note how it ends with a sort of primal, anguished tone, like someone screaming into the void.
what a great band. much like everyone knows scotty pippen is a NBA hall of fame legend but everyones wants Micheal Jordan on their team . All the Bee Gee's are awesome. But every guy wanted to be Barry and every gal wanted to be with Barry.
Robins bravado is so mesmerizing!
I laughed. My 1st favorite BeeGee song. I tear up every time. Robins voice is hauntingly beautiful.
This track was released in 1968.
In 1967, Robin and his then girlfriend, Molly (she later became his first wife...) survived a train crash that killed 49 people.
(Robin's twin brother Maurice once said that he felt/knew something had happened to his brother - in spite of him being in another location, at the time of the accident...).
This experience affected Robin deeply, and his choice of lyrics reflects it on this track, as well as in many other songs.
Robin was a perfectionist with perfect pitch.
A musical genius.
A man so heartfelt with words and beautiful gift of song that matched.
Learn of his later works and be amazed !
Robin had such a beautiful voice. He was very young here, but his voice was amazing. Rest In Peace, Rob. You are truly loved and missed. ❤️🌹❤️
Robin got the idea for the melody from the sound of jet engines humming.
Robin has an unforgettable voice.
Like a tear about to fall.
Just before Robin passed away his son got out his phone, uploaded this song and placed his phone on top of Robin's chest so he could listen to it .😭😭 Happy New Year. It's 2023!!!
Robin said this is a spiritual song Robin you are so missed ♥️
The Bee Gees were putting out beautiful music for a whole decade plus before Saturday Night Fever and disco took them over. Robin did much of the lead vocal work in those earlier days. Barry's super-recognizable falsetto was found out by accident! Not part of the original trio for sure, but it became what was most recognizable. The pre-disco Bee Gees are among some of my favorite music to this day.
Same here. Their late 60s era music is just sublime.
And would you believe Robin is only about 18 years old here, that Vibrato gets you every time. Yet when they all sing together their Harmonies are a whole different thing. Even all their kids are all great singers. Even Andy’s daughter PETA can sing. A couple of years ago the Gibb kids put out some songs of the Bee Gees and my favourite is Please Don’t Turn out the Lights. Barry eldest son Steve, Robins eldest son Spencer, Mo’s Son Adam and Daughter Sam, as well as Andy’s daughter did a beautiful Cover of the song and they call themselves, The Gibb Collective. 🎼❤️🇦🇺❤️🇬🇧🕺🏻💃🎸☘️
I love that too. Nice to see the next generation of the Gibbs sing.
Thank you, HAP3SPEAKZ, for reacting to what became Robin's signature song. He loved this song so much that he requested that it be played at his funeral in 2012. The video you chose to react to was from a German TV show produced in 1968 when the group had five members. Two friends from Australia were the other two members of the group. Colin Petersen was their drummer and Vince Malouney was their lead guitarist. Remember, they were still quite young here. The twins were only 18 years old and Barry was 21. Fast forward to 1989, their Melbourne concert, which, in my opinion, is his best ever performance of "Joke". You said you wanted to hear it again so please give this live version a listen where Robin poured out his heart and soul with his beautiful performance. Whenever he performed this song throughout the decades he always received a standing ovation and this performance was no exception. In fact, they actually showed it in its entirety and it lasted almost one minute! The fans always loved this amazing song of his and always showed their appreciation with that standing o. Hope this answers a few of your questions and I'll be looking forward to future reactions from you.
Vince Melounay, huge guitarist. Listen to his crazy performances on "Idea", "When the change is made", the alternative version of "Never say never again", et many more.
Yes, I agree. You must react to Robin’s live performance from 1989. Keep in mind that the brothers were very funny, always joking, so there’s humor behind it, and very creative word play, delivered dramatically, but humor is the basis for it.
I second that suggestion - "I started a joke", Melbourne 1989. https"//th-cam.com/video/bLy8AkDBSA8/w-d-xo.html
People have been trying to decipher the meaning of this song since it came out. Robin apparently said once that it is a 'spiritual' song, but trying to explain the meaning would detract from the work. So...I guess this is one each person who listens has to decide what it means. What's CERTAIN, though, is that it's STILL being listened to, over 50 years later. Can't say that about most music.
Robin messin with our heads!
Beautiful Robin again this always makes me cry and no one can ever tell me that Robin wasn’t the best singer in my mind Robin was the most talented out of them when they first started Robin was the main singer and in my opinion should have stayed that way he had a voice just like velvet don’t get me wrong I love them all and all there music but come on Robin every time Don’t forget Hap please react to Don’t forget to remember me another beautiful song Thanks Hap Love from Denise in Yorkshire England 🏴❤️🥰👏👏👏👍👌👋
I love Robin Gibb. His voice is totally unique and ethereal. This song is one of the best ever. Missing Robin.
So, the song is about him always being out of step with the world.
I think Robin wrote another dark song about a man on death row called, "I've gotta get a message to you."
Thank you! I love Robin.
Robin had a weirdness in his songs. He also came up with I just got to get a message to you, which is about a man getting execuded but no can sing these types of songs and the music and voices are so great they become hits, only the Bee Gee's.
Don't know how true it is but I read that Robin said this is about a man who did something unforgivable, that he really meant no malice by, but it was so unforgivable that everyone turned against him.
Really hope they use the real voices for the BeeGees biopic. You can't beat Robin Gibb.
I'm old enough to remember when all of these songs were first played on the radio (59yrs), and their songs/sound was so eclectic I said 'wait, this is the Bee Gees?' more than a few times. Please be sure to react to at least one song from each of the FIVE decades they recorded. (Especially from 'This is Where I Came In' 2001)
i agree. They continued to evolve and were able to create music that resonated with listeners in any time period. Best to react to songs from all of thier creative phases. They were never afraid to try anything. I love that about them.
Thanks for another sincere reaction to the Bee Gees. Wonderful comments. 👍🏼
Gorgeous Robin 🥰😘🤩 and his amazing beautiful voice ❤❤❤
HAP3SPEAKZ - Love your insight into this complex song.
Robin wrote this and never explained it but said it was very spiritual to him. It is basically about things you do and how they effect others and yourself and how it leaves your mark on the world, in your own eyes and in those of others. The mirrors reflect the theme. How do we see ourselves, realistically or distorted like in a fun house? (The cutout figures also reflect a funhouse and distorted reality) As a child, he was sensitive, slight, bucktoothed and interested in music, not what other kids were interested in, so he was always a loner even as an adult. His keen intellect and biting humor are reflected in the lyrics. He was very intelligent (called a genius by his brothers and friends), but distant and an introvert. Barry said "nobody could compete with his wit but he could be very dark". He also called himself the black sheep of the family. He said he was shy and insecure (God knows why with that voice) so the lyrics might reflect him wondering how people viewed him. Everyone says or does things they regret and this song is supposed to be about how we deal with that. He would be the last man to explain it. He wanted people to THINK! He wanted this played at his funeral. A deep and enigmatic man.
He did a marvelous version of this live in Melbourne in 1989 that received a massive and long standing ovation. It was his signature song.
So much for the psychoanalysis! I'll send you my bill. :)
We got to stop meeting like this, Suzie Q. Loving everything you said as usual. I think you and I could be related to each other, really! We have a great love for this wonderful group and one amazing man in particular!
@@lauriebarnes2999 - STALKER!!!!!! LOL!
Apparently this was indeed played at his funeral.
Yes, Robin wrote this…..along with Barry & Maurice!
@K Thor - Decades: The Bee Gees in the 1960's"....Quote,
"I started a joke was always recognized as Robin's signature song and he is primarily credited with its creation. He said he melody was heard aboard a British Airways Vickers Viscount about 100 miles from Essen. It was one of those old four engine prop jobs that seem to drone the passenger into a hypnotic trance. After a while it appeared to take the form of a tune. Robin offered that it was a very spiritual song about faith and survival in life."
"I've got to get a message to you". The song originated with Robin who wrote the lyrics.
They all worked on the final product BUT each brother often independently presented their original idea and thus were "creators" of individual songs.
If you watch live performances of this song in later years (I"m not sure about some of the earlier concerts) when they performed this song, Barry would step away and turn his back to the audience while he played guitar. It always moves me, Barry wanted to make sure that he was not distracting from the audience focus on Robin.
I'll give Barry the benefit of the doubt that his intention was to give Robin the stage but it does the opposite. It never fails to draw attention to him and thus away from Robin because performers so rarely turn their back on the audience. You think "Look how Barry gives Robin the stage" instead of "Listen to how beautifully Robin is singing." Only for a second or 2 but it still defeats the purpose. Robin used to leave the stage when Barry did his big solo on "Words". Granted, he could do that because he wasn't playing an instrument as Barry does in "...Joke." Robin commanded the stage on this song so completely that no accomodation was needed but in every live video performance someone will point out what Barry does meaning they are looking at him when he's trying to have them not look at him.
Robin at his best! Now maybe it's time to check out masterpieces of them, not being on singles but on albums. Barry with 'With The Sun In My Eyes' and 'The Change Is Made'. Robin with 'Really And Sincerely' and 'Road To Alaska'. Maurice with 'Omega Man' and 'Walking On Air'.
Thank you for playing this! My favorite song by the BeeGees.
Interesting interpretation. It is existential comedy/tragedy.
I love ,love, love the early BeeGees. The disco stuff was good too, but you can't beat this beautiful music
A GORGEOUS SONG, BEAUTIFULLY SUNG BY ROBIN, EVEN THOUGH A LITTLE DARK. VERY MOVING. HAP, YOUR REACTION WAS INSIGHTFUL AND THOUGHT PROVOKING! LOVED IT!!🥰❤🎶
Robin said it was a spiritual song but didn't want to discuss too much so people could find their own meaning. Colin Peterson was the drummer.
Many people interpreted it to be about Jesus Christ. "I finally died, which started the whole world living. " but yes, it's open to many interpretations. This is just 1 of many
Robin and his wife, Molly, were in the Hither Green train derailment in 1967, he and Molly were not badly injured as they were in first class, Robin however helped pull people out and saw things he did not wish to. He only stopped when real emergency services arrived an took over. He and Molly were taken to Hospital to be checked. Where Mo and Barry found them. Mo told Barry, 'Something's happened to Robin' before the wreck was broadcast, so they started looking for him. Barry said years later that the train derailment was the release of pathos in Robin's song writing and singing style.
Oh, there were sooo many great songs back then. I knew every word and would sing along. That was my time.
Time to hear a song with Maurice on lead!!! Lay It On Me, On Time, Hold Her In Your Hand, Man in the Middle, Walking in Air, ...
Another oldie but goodie.
My favorite will always be “I’ve gotta get a message to you”.
One of the first songs my mom let us buy.
Every week we were allowed to pick out one record from a local, small record shop. Wonderful memories.
Thanks, Hap - oh, Robin - SO beautiful... so missed... other features: "Gotta get a message to you (hold on): and "Massachusetts" -- the early ones are great - but so are the later live ones... especially Massachusetts... look forward to more...
This song was written by Robin when he went out on his own when the boys split for a short time but when they got back together it was recorded as a bee gees song and went to No 1. He requested that this song play at his funeral he loved it.
That's not quite correct. It was recorded and released before the split, hence all 5 band members performing here. Colin and Vince never rejoined. It hit the top 5 at least (I think) in the US but wasn't even released as a single in the UK. I don't know how it did elsewhere.
Robin’s son played this song in the hospital when Robin died. The meaning of the lyrics are probably among the most debated. Robin said it’s spiritual and the listener should take whatever it means for them.
I. BeingThe Ego. Meaning Let go and Be
So beautiful 💐💐💕💕💕💕💕 thank you hap 😍
I Think it is about feeling misunderstood Your entire life…… a beautiful song, and a beautiful Voice
This voice, this song - PERFECTION.
The Bee Gees are one of the greatest. People shoe horn them as disco. They were popular way before then, and after the disco era. Their harmonies are seldom matched, and Barry is one of the most prolific song writers of our time. They are timeless.
Oh, and did you know that Robin was just 18 here...?
Beautiful track.
Great reaction Hap. You are right that they were similar in some ways but very different in others and this brought a variety to their output. A lot of the songs Robin leads on do sound very melancholy ( and difficult to understand!). I've seen interviews where he says even he doesn't really know what this means but I suspect he just doesn't want to talk about his feelings as a teenager when he wrote this.
The 3 brothers who grew up in Australia and were like no other group in the world. This song actually makes me want to cry every time I hear it. The sadness and desperation in his voice comes across like no other song. It’s an extraodinary song. Craig
Hello my dear friend!
after BEATLES and ABBA,
I love the Bee Gees
specialy their first years
just before to 'disco style'
You're right, and I agree
this is a bizarre song, a dark song, and amazing song too!
and Robin Gibb voice is unique!
a fantastic interpretation
He is in my Top 3 of all greatest Male Voices (the others two are
Paul McCartney &
Freddy Mercury)
"I started a joke" (1968)
beautiful ballad of earliest Bee Gees
(it was the same year that BEATLES made "Hey Jude" & "Revolution")
If you continue in chronological order, I suggest to listen one of the most underrated Bee Gees songs: Lamplight (1969)
in my Top 5 of all Bee Gees songs
the song for Robin leave the group
I read that Robins youngest son, Robin John, sang this song at Robins funeral.
The recording was played at the end of the service. I believe "How Deep is Your Love" and "Don't Cry Alone" were also played.
I remember hearing this song for the first time circa 1975-76 (so I would’ve been either 5 or 6) while going through my parents record collection, and when I heard Robin’s voice it just really resonated with me.
It still does. Even 45 years later.
Love the song. The Bee Gees are great!! Sing it HAP! Knock Knock! 😂🔥♥️
This song is actually before my time (shock!) but it was played on radio stations even decades later. I bought copies of their older albums as a teenager. This song was perfect for teenage angst! Used to make me cry. I love their early music just as much as the newer stuff. So much talent. Thanks, HAP! Great reaction.
Check out 1910 New York mining disaster great harmonies
Some people assumed the "which started the whole world living" bit was about Jesus, but I remember on VH1 Storytellers Barry saying "I'm not sure about that" and Robin concurring with "Me neither," lol.
This is Robins song. My favorite Barry song is How do you mend a broken heart. Maurices song is Man in the middle. He doesn’t take the lead very often. 🤘🏼
The Bee Gees are awesome 🎶❤️
Hap your Insightful and deep interpretation with this song is amazing. Thank you for this. I really liked the melody and I feel that I needed to hear this song and your comments today. 🙏💕
Love his voice but I find this song very sad. But. I still love it.
I looove it!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Ahh the early promotional films (before the term video). Those two full figured drawings are SO freaky.
Robin did say once that it was a very spiritual experience singing this song. I think it also reflects his vulnerabilities and how we should treat each other kindly. The words " I finally died and started the whole world living' could also reflect on the death of Jesus....just my thoughts on this song. Loved your analysis.
So 60s and the psychedelic/flower-power days.
This was played at Robins funeral per his request.
Nice reaction.
Pleasantly real.
New sub
Two of my all time favorite songs by the Bee Gees are FANNY and LOVE SO RIGHT. If you haven't reacted to them yet please react to: LOVE SO RIGHT, LONELY DAYS, and RUN TO ME by The Bee Gees.
What more can you say about the Bee Gees
I picture a small boy in school telling a joke and gets laughed at and ridiculed by the other kids, causing him to cry.
First heard when I was very young, and loved it, is one of my favs! Love your reactions.
I heard this song for the first time when I was about 15. It made me feel like the joke started the day he was born, and that he felt like everyone always made him feel like a joke.
Genius song writing
bee gees nights of broadway
I'm laughing when you react so puzzled because you reflect exactly what I was thinking when I first heard this song!😂❤ Beautiful, magical and the deepest riddle!😂 Some say it was about religion, but I think it is about someone doing a practical joke or act that deeply hurt people and backfired big time!!❤❤❤ LOVE YOUR REACTION!!
I remember from one of their documentaries that sometime towards the end of 1968, Robin got into some kind of accident which affected part of his vocal chord. If you listen to all their albums from 1964 or 1965 to early part of 1968, Robin’s voice was full of vibrato and very powerful. His voice began to be a little different from 1969 on but I still love his voice though.
He was in the November 5 1967 Hither Green train derailment but other than a few bruises wasn't physically hurt. He was just 17. Stayed for hours helping pull others from the cars and saw horribly injured and dead all around him. It affected him emotionally for sure.
👏👏🤜
Everybody feels uncomfortable or ill-at-ease with the lyrics of this song. But IMO, it's quite simple. It's a man who is totally disconnected from the rest of the society, who finds it difficult or impossible to communicate with society in general. He has the impression that he doesn't belong. Remember it's 1968, the time when the Vietnam war was raging, when the hippie movement was reaching its peak, so it was an atmosphere of termoil where one may feel "out of place". How about that for an explanation?
It's as good as any but no more definitive than anyone else's. It's along quite similar lines as many other people's I imagine.
My older brother always made me listen to his favorite music when he was a teenager in the late 60s. This song, and others, helps me remember him. R.I.P. Jim. And the Bee Gee's best music was from this era. Not a fan of their disco crap.
Said the Poet:
"Now one plus one equals two, that happens every day, that is not magic. That's the grind. That's when you get up, one. Go to work, one. Go to bed, two. Two, geniuses, two. But when one plus one equals three, that's when your life changes, and you see everything new, and these are days when you are visited by visions, when the world around you brings down the spirit and you feel blessed to be alive.
It is the essential equation of love. There is no love without one plus one equaling three. It's the essential equation of art. It's the essential equation of rock 'n' roll. It's the reason the universe will never be fully comprehensible. It's the reason Louie Louie will never be fully comprehensible. And it's the reason true rock 'n' roll, and true rock 'n' roll bands, will never die.
Now Gary, Danny, Little Steven, Mighty Max, Professor Roy, Nils Lofgren, Patty Scialfa, that is my one plus one equals three. ...But nobody captured my audience's imagination or their hearts like Clarence. Clarence was, Clarence was a figure out of a rock 'n' roll storybook, and together, we told a story that was bigger than any of the ones I had written in my songs..... The Big Man was big. Everything about him. His personality, his size, his laugh, the sound of his saxophone. When I first heard it I thought it was the biggest sound I ever heard. And it was. His heart, his problems - they were big. But he was elemental in my life. And losing him was like losing the rain.
-Bruce Springsteen.
Alright Hap It's been a hot minute. It time for some more Springsteen. Rosalita (Come Out Tonight) (Phoenix, 78) (from Thrill Hill Vault 1976-1978).
🙏👌
This song just kills me.
It was explained that this song was in reference to when you say something that you later regret
Please react to THIS IS WHERE I CAME IN live by the BEEGEES thanks
Great reaction. Love this song, i published a piano cover too 🎹
😀👍❤️✌️🌼
The bee gees were very much in trouble with the police as young teens and were always up to no good...they were sent to Australia from isle of man and never looked back!......but this song is a plea for forgiveness for their crimes ........
Not sent. The family decided to emigrate in search of a better life. This song has nothing to do with that.
@@Zlata1313 The local police highly encouraged the Gibb family to move on & emigrate to someplace else, as unfortunately as we all know, the boys had gotten into a lot of trouble by that time in their lives (stealing, starting fires).
I do like the BeeGees, not the disco stuff though. This, Massachusetts, I've Gotta Get a Message to You, are my favs.
I find it bizarre too. Not sure what they’re trying to say!😢.
I actually have an answer as to what this song is about ... which will make complete sense as Robin said he would not explain it but only to say it was very spiritual 🙏. I will not put it public because I get slaughtered in the comments so here is my Instagram
instagram.com/bealsjezebel?igshid=1uidlv6bb6klx
Not bizarre. It's just about, irony, regret, inner turmoil and the cycles of life. Note how it ends with a sort of primal, anguished tone, like someone screaming into the void.
I always interpreted the song as the coming of Jesus and his sacrifice for the people.
Check out I just gotta get a message to you, Massachusetts, New York Mining Disaster 1941. All from around the same time period as this one.
If you like this, look up Honey, by Bobby? Birdsboro
Goldsboro
what a great band.
much like everyone knows scotty pippen is a NBA hall of fame legend but everyones wants Micheal Jordan on their team .
All the Bee Gee's are awesome. But every guy wanted to be Barry and every gal wanted to be with Barry.
Nope I always wanted to be with Robin
You should try Credence Clearwater Revival Born on the Bayo
Amazing to think Robin is only 18 years old here
Wow that's really something to think about 👍
My husband thinks about Jesus when he heard this song. 😌. I don’t believe we are fertilizer. I think we go to heaven. Hey - u started it. Lol.
Only our bodies are.
The two masks symbolized comedy and tragedy
I hope they use real voices of Bee Gees too otherwise not worth doing
Oh god you jumped in to soon lovely song don't spoil it