Neil Young — Unknown Legend
Album: Harvest MoonAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1886
Length: 4:28
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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She used to work in a diner
Never saw a woman look finer
I used to order just to watch her float across the floor
She grew up in a small town
Never put her roots down
Daddy always kept movin', so she did too.
Somewhere on a desert highway
She rides a Harley-Davidson
Her long blonde hair flyin' in the wind
She's been runnin' half her life
The chrome and steel she rides
Collidin' with the very air she breathes
The air she breathes.
You know it ain't easy
You got to hold on
She was an unknown legend in her time
Now she's dressin' two kids
Lookin' for a magic kiss
She gets the far-away look in her eyes.
Somewhere on a desert highway
She rides a Harley-Davidson
Her long blonde hair flyin' in the wind
She's been runnin' half her life
The chrome and steel she rides
Collidin' with the very air she breathes
The air she breathes.
Never saw a woman look finer
I used to order just to watch her float across the floor
She grew up in a small town
Never put her roots down
Daddy always kept movin', so she did too.
Somewhere on a desert highway
She rides a Harley-Davidson
Her long blonde hair flyin' in the wind
She's been runnin' half her life
The chrome and steel she rides
Collidin' with the very air she breathes
The air she breathes.
You know it ain't easy
You got to hold on
She was an unknown legend in her time
Now she's dressin' two kids
Lookin' for a magic kiss
She gets the far-away look in her eyes.
Somewhere on a desert highway
She rides a Harley-Davidson
Her long blonde hair flyin' in the wind
She's been runnin' half her life
The chrome and steel she rides
Collidin' with the very air she breathes
The air she breathes.
Comments (81)add comment
Byronape wrote:
Wow. And how does one sound gay? I don't hear a lisp, I don't hear a feminine lilt, and I don't hear any references to homosexuality in his lyrics. Those are all "indicators" of someone's sexual orientation.
And even if he is gay, does that make him any less of a performer and master song crafter?
Try to keep the commentary a little less offensive. You sound like you might be projecting your own inadequacies there a bit, fyi.
Are you the RP police? Everyone has an opinion to share. If you don’t want to hear his, I don’t want to hear yours! Your may be even more offensive
Wow. And how does one sound gay? I don't hear a lisp, I don't hear a feminine lilt, and I don't hear any references to homosexuality in his lyrics. Those are all "indicators" of someone's sexual orientation.
And even if he is gay, does that make him any less of a performer and master song crafter?
Try to keep the commentary a little less offensive. You sound like you might be projecting your own inadequacies there a bit, fyi.
Are you the RP police? Everyone has an opinion to share. If you don’t want to hear his, I don’t want to hear yours! Your may be even more offensive
gigikent wrote:
How's the weather in 1953? Let me guess -- men with long hair are all gay too, right? Not like those perrfectly straight real men's men with their close crew cuts, bushy mustaches, rippling muscles just hinting at the promise of nights of pleasure, their toned, muscular glutes forever living in your dreams.
His voice would probably tie with the Bee Gees for gay-est voices out there,
How's the weather in 1953? Let me guess -- men with long hair are all gay too, right? Not like those perrfectly straight real men's men with their close crew cuts, bushy mustaches, rippling muscles just hinting at the promise of nights of pleasure, their toned, muscular glutes forever living in your dreams.
Holy crap, this album is 31 years old.
BonzoWiltsUK wrote:
Same here. I usually streak to the PSD button when he comes on, but this is a great song.
Surprisingly good, first NY track I've not been inclined to skip.
Same here. I usually streak to the PSD button when he comes on, but this is a great song.
Surprisingly good, first NY track I've not been inclined to skip.
this album saved my life in college. I was broke. Living in my car. Working four jobs to survive and stay in college. My only parent was mentally ill, and I was trying to save myself. Many times I felt such despair and exhaustion I couldn't move, sitting in my car from one job, one class, to the next, ad nauseum. I sat in my car, blasted this CD, gulping for courage. He literally saved my life more than once. Never understimate the power of music.
gigikent wrote:
FYI, there are 3 Bee Gees songs in rotation here on RP.
Also, piss off!
His voice would probably tie with the Bee Gees for gay-est voices out there, for some reason no Bee Gees on RP though.
Of course, it's the genere you might say, but still the annoying voice is hard to overcome.
FYI, there are 3 Bee Gees songs in rotation here on RP.
Also, piss off!
unclehud wrote:
What is off-kilter about his view of life?
NEIL!!!
A unique human being with an off-kilter way of observing the life around him. He's always welcome to Happy Hour at my house!
Wrote this for his second wife, Pegi. She died of cancer in 2019.
What is off-kilter about his view of life?
gigikent wrote:
So you made the comment 10 years ago. Have you come out of the closet yet? :-D :-D
His voice would probably tie with the Bee Gees for gay-est voices out there, for some reason no Bee Gees on RP though.
Of course, it's the genere you might say, but still the annoying voice is hard to overcome.
So you made the comment 10 years ago. Have you come out of the closet yet? :-D :-D
"Nothing's finer than being in your diner"
Seinfeld
Neil Young's voice is perfect ... for singing about loss, regret, yearning.
Gave it a 9 because it is neil young
I find it somewhat weird that I dislike many country and western singers who have a nasally twang, YET I love almost every song that Neil Young sings. Yes, I realize that his lyrics are generally far better than most C&W fare, but I also like Neil Young's version of his songs over covers by artists with "better" voices.
Go Figure!
I can understand why many listeners do not like his voice, but that is what the PSD button is for.
And as for the homophobe who thinks his voice is "gay", I think you should stay out of country and western taverns - cowboys are the toughest blokes I've ever witnessed in bar brawls.
Go Figure!
I can understand why many listeners do not like his voice, but that is what the PSD button is for.
And as for the homophobe who thinks his voice is "gay", I think you should stay out of country and western taverns - cowboys are the toughest blokes I've ever witnessed in bar brawls.
God like it too!
So it’s gotta be great folks
10/10 every time!
Byronape wrote:
If you see Neil performing these days no one in their right mind would think he is gay but even if he is it wouldn't matter one iota to me!
gigikent wrote:
Wow. And how does one sound gay? I don't hear a lisp, I don't hear a feminine lilt, and I don't hear any references to homosexuality in his lyrics. Those are all "indicators" of someone's sexual orientation.
And even if he is gay, does that make him any less of a performer and master song crafter?
Try to keep the commentary a little less offensive. You sound like you might be projecting your own inadequacies there a bit, fyi.
His voice would probably tie with the Bee Gees for gay-est voices out there, for some reason no Bee Gees on RP though.
Wow. And how does one sound gay? I don't hear a lisp, I don't hear a feminine lilt, and I don't hear any references to homosexuality in his lyrics. Those are all "indicators" of someone's sexual orientation.
And even if he is gay, does that make him any less of a performer and master song crafter?
Try to keep the commentary a little less offensive. You sound like you might be projecting your own inadequacies there a bit, fyi.
If you see Neil performing these days no one in their right mind would think he is gay but even if he is it wouldn't matter one iota to me!
moodfood wrote:
It's Linda Ronstadt per Wikipedia
Is that Emmylou or Nicolette on background vocals? 
It's Linda Ronstadt per Wikipedia
NEIL!!!
A unique human being with an off-kilter way of observing the life around him. He's always welcome to Happy Hour at my house!
Wrote this for his second wife, Pegi. She died of cancer in 2019.
A unique human being with an off-kilter way of observing the life around him. He's always welcome to Happy Hour at my house!
Wrote this for his second wife, Pegi. She died of cancer in 2019.
Is that Emmylou or Nicolette on background vocals?
I have to push PSD more often. I don't generally like NY, but this is wonderful.
Dahlia_Gumbo wrote:
10
Great.
10
my favorite squeal tune...makes the bubblegum screech worth the pain.....
One of the first songs I presented to my Lyricism classes, with specific looks at imagery and storytelling in songwriting. Even 16 and 17 year olds liked this song.
The last "show" my rock 'n' roll band ever played was a huge backyard pig roast graduation party for my best friend / roommate at the time. Perfect late Spring night. Almost anyone I was close to at the time was there. I sang this song. Those were good times.
gigikent wrote:
Take a good hard look at yourself in the mirror. Your use of adjective is magnifying your profoundly ignorant self. I can appreciate that you don't care for NY's voice or tonal style...but c'mon now!
His voice would probably tie with the Bee Gees for gay-est voices out there, for some reason no Bee Gees on RP though.
Of course, it's the genere you might say, but still the annoying voice is hard to overcome.
Take a good hard look at yourself in the mirror. Your use of adjective is magnifying your profoundly ignorant self. I can appreciate that you don't care for NY's voice or tonal style...but c'mon now!
Nice!
Hmmm...here is a NY song that I actually like. It hardly gets played though.
gigikent wrote:
doth protest too much, methinks.
His voice would probably tie with the Bee Gees for gay-est voices out there, for some reason no Bee Gees on RP though.
Of course, it's the genere you might say, but still the annoying voice is hard to overcome.
doth protest too much, methinks.
9
From another GORGEOUS album!
Tippster wrote:
Easy, boy. Neil rocks harder than you could possibly imagine. Go see a show sometime.
Yeah, or check out his album Freedom... for recorded example of hard rockin.
Easy, boy. Neil rocks harder than you could possibly imagine. Go see a show sometime.
Yeah, or check out his album Freedom... for recorded example of hard rockin.
This album was Neil wonderfully revisiting his most countrified style, the sequel to Harvest many years later. It contains some absolutely beautiful songs, including this one. Loving the harmonies.
MiracleDrug wrote:
MD - not a Neil fan??
MD - not a Neil fan??
Dahlia_Gumbo wrote:
Great.
gigikent wrote:
Easy, boy. Neil rocks harder than you could possibly imagine. Go see a show sometime.
His voice would probably tie with the Bee Gees for gay-est voices out there, for some reason no Bee Gees on RP though.
Of course, it's the genere you might say, but still the annoying voice is hard to overcome.
Easy, boy. Neil rocks harder than you could possibly imagine. Go see a show sometime.
Brilliant song from an even more brilliant album. Yep.
gigikent wrote:
Wow. And how does one sound gay? I don't hear a lisp, I don't hear a feminine lilt, and I don't hear any references to homosexuality in his lyrics. Those are all "indicators" of someone's sexual orientation.
And even if he is gay, does that make him any less of a performer and master song crafter?
Try to keep the commentary a little less offensive. You sound like you might be projecting your own inadequacies there a bit, fyi.
His voice would probably tie with the Bee Gees for gay-est voices out there, for some reason no Bee Gees on RP though.
Wow. And how does one sound gay? I don't hear a lisp, I don't hear a feminine lilt, and I don't hear any references to homosexuality in his lyrics. Those are all "indicators" of someone's sexual orientation.
And even if he is gay, does that make him any less of a performer and master song crafter?
Try to keep the commentary a little less offensive. You sound like you might be projecting your own inadequacies there a bit, fyi.
His voice would probably tie with the Bee Gees for gay-est voices out there, for some reason no Bee Gees on RP though.
Of course, it's the genere you might say, but still the annoying voice is hard to overcome.
Great.
BKardon wrote:
He's singing about his wife. Beautiful song.
That goes a long way to explain the use of it in the movie RACHEL GETTING MARRIED!
He's singing about his wife. Beautiful song.
That goes a long way to explain the use of it in the movie RACHEL GETTING MARRIED!
BKardon wrote:
'BK', thanks. Never knew this.
He's singing about his wife. Beautiful song.
'BK', thanks. Never knew this.
The air she breathes
I had this album playing, on constant repeat, while I spent a beautiful evening with a wonderful friend.
I wonder where you are now, Darla dear?
I wonder where you are now, Darla dear?
Hard to believe this is already 18 years old.
CamLwalk wrote:
He's singing about his wife. Beautiful song.
I'd like to meet that woman.
He's singing about his wife. Beautiful song.
Yeah, Prairie Wind is pretty decent.
Rick_V wrote:
Check out Prarie Wind. It's more acoustic than this one and came afterwards.
A classic song from the last great acoustic Neil Young album.
Check out Prarie Wind. It's more acoustic than this one and came afterwards.
He's got a ton of great songs, even though many of them have complete gobbledygook for lyrics.
Not this one - haunting lyrics and great music.
Not this one - haunting lyrics and great music.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Bump it up.
I'll see your 9 and raise you 1.
I was shocked to see I'd never rated this before.
9. Maybe 10 but we'll leave it there for now.
9. Maybe 10 but we'll leave it there for now.
Bump it up.
I'll see your 9 and raise you 1.
I was shocked to see I'd never rated this before.
9. Maybe 10 but we'll leave it there for now.
9. Maybe 10 but we'll leave it there for now.
One of those albums that hit me where I live/love....
I like this album a lot,,hard to rank Neils albums, but this is up there some where.
One of the very few Neil Young songs I like, not sure why, maybe because he isn't mumbling, maybe just a better song. Anyway - nice song. a 7
A classic song from the last great acoustic Neil Young album.
If I were to have a funeral, I would want this song played ... runnin' no more, just ridin' off into the desert sunset.
erichb wrote:
......i know someone whos wedding song is/was Harvest Moon ;)
I'm getting married in a few weeks and my mom wants my dance with her to be a Neil Young song. Any suggestions on a good track. I was thinking Long May You Run.
......i know someone whos wedding song is/was Harvest Moon ;)
When I first learned to play guitar I told my instructor I wanted to play like Neil,.....he dryly replied, "That shouldn't be too hard". hahah
I love Neil, maybe 'cuz I can't sing on tune either.....
I love Neil, maybe 'cuz I can't sing on tune either.....
I'd like to meet that woman.
Geecheeboy wrote:
I hope he chose Harvest Moon. That is a wonderful song to dance to, and always fills the dance floor when I play it at a party.
That was my thought too. Perfect song for that dance.
I hope he chose Harvest Moon. That is a wonderful song to dance to, and always fills the dance floor when I play it at a party.
That was my thought too. Perfect song for that dance.
erichb wrote:
I'm getting married in a few weeks and my mom wants my dance with her to be a Neil Young song.
Inspired choice. Neil himself has been married to his wife, Pegi, for 30 years.Bill there's waaaay too much Neil Young being played on Radio Paradise. I cant take the cat yodeling much longer
I usually can't stand Mr. Young's voice, but on this track it is at least not a complete disaster.
erichb wrote:
I hope he chose Harvest Moon. That is a wonderful song to dance to, and always fills the dance floor when I play it at a party.
I'm getting married in a few weeks and my mom wants my dance with her to be a Neil Young song. Any suggestions on a good track. I was thinking Long May You Run.
I hope he chose Harvest Moon. That is a wonderful song to dance to, and always fills the dance floor when I play it at a party.
Lovely. I've been listening to this album all week. I had forgotten how wonderful it is.
Your not worthy !Saw Neil yesterday at Werchter, Belgium. He played a enchanting version of this song, in fact, all of his set was fantastic, lots of electricity in the air. One of the best concerts I saw of Neil Young (5th time I saw him).
For those interested, here's the playlist:
Love and only love
Out of the blue
Everybody knows this is nowhere
Spirit Road
When you dance
Fuckin Up
All along the watchtower
Oh lonesome me
Mother Earth
The needle and the damage done
Unknown legend
Heart of gold
Old man
Get back to the country
Words
No hidden path
(Bis)
A day in the life
Yes, the last one is a Beatles-cover and I have to say, Neil did a great version.
erichb wrote:
I'm getting married in a few weeks and my mom wants my dance with her to be a Neil Young song. Any suggestions on a good track. I was thinking Long May You Run.
You can't go wrong with "Long May You Run." But you might think about using "When You Dance You Can Really Love", "Are You Ready For The Country?" or "Cinammon Girl."
Neil Young songs are rarely danceable.
Wow, A Neil song I can actually tolerate. Maybe all this exposure to this guy is softening my temperment.
Naw.
Just sublime. It's a shame that Beck's The New Pollution had to follow and spoil the mood.
squidish wrote:
So how long do you think it will be before Harley uses this in a commercial?
Quite a while. Neil "This Note's For You" Young has yet to license any of his music for commercials.
erichb wrote:
I'm getting married in a few weeks and my mom wants my dance with her to be a Neil Young song. Any suggestions on a good track. I was thinking Long May You Run.
How'bout CSNY? "Teach Your Children Well"
I'm getting married in a few weeks and my mom wants my dance with her to be a Neil Young song. Any suggestions on a good track. I was thinking Long May You Run.
Rock solid 10 from me.
Instant soul connection.
It's unbelievable how much certain music can bring you to a certain place.
Picture:
A cool night, middle of July in central Maine. Dark stillness and this accompanied by campfire and a slight echo off a deep lake.
This song brings me there maybe too much to be sitting here doing work right now.
So how long do you think it will be before Harley uses this in a commercial?
First time I've heard this on RP - I'm surprised it's taken this long!
For me, much of the Harvest Moon album has the same kind of feel as the Comes A Time album..gentle and cooel..I like that 
classic, timeless Neil...haunting like Roy Orbison...
Acoustic Neil greatness.
FYI, there are 3 Bee Gees songs in rotation here on RP.
Also, piss off!
Why only 3 new BG songs and why the hell in rotation? Jeez RP has an issue playing the same songs over and over like standard radio stations till we tire of them!
Also Piss off!