 On The Beach (1977) [ larger cover art ] |
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I caught you knockin' at my cellar door
I love you, baby, can I have some more
Ooh, ooh, the damage done.
I hit the city and I lost my band
I watched the needle take another man
Gone, gone, the damage done.
I sing the song because I love the man
I know that some of you don't understand
Milk-blood to keep from running out.
I've seen the needle and the damage done
A little part of it in everyone
But every junkie's like a settin' sun.
I love you, baby, can I have some more
Ooh, ooh, the damage done.
I hit the city and I lost my band
I watched the needle take another man
Gone, gone, the damage done.
I sing the song because I love the man
I know that some of you don't understand
Milk-blood to keep from running out.
I've seen the needle and the damage done
A little part of it in everyone
But every junkie's like a settin' sun.
| drcrnp (Philly and Floyd VA (Crooked Road)) | Posted: Nov 12, 2012 - 18:37 Instant and sweet time travel |
| cmarcan (Nanaimo, BC) | Posted: Oct 12, 2012 - 10:09 Often the most powerfull songs are the simplist. No one seems to understand this better than Neil. |
| suesblues (Sydney, Australia) | Posted: Oct 12, 2012 - 10:08 looooove this song. so......tender, when you wouldn't expect it to be, considering the topic |
| gemtag (Texas) | Posted: Jan 01, 2012 - 14:28 Quintessential Neil. Neil's best. A classic. I love it. |
| johnjconn (chicago land) | Posted: Jul 29, 2011 - 11:20 Well thanks for the advice. There are people in my life with issue. I know, I'll give them a copy of Neils album to listen to. Then I'll explain that that Amy didn't listen hard enough and that they should. So there, do you think that will work. ps - speak for yourself when you say "Were not all broken , fragile and flawed" Not everyone is a loser azdcryan wrote: Nobody likes the Monday Morning Quarterback. Tell you what, there must be someone in your life that needs help...maybe they won't admit it, maybe you're uncomfortable accepting the role - hell, maybe you don't know anyone in trouble...find someone, there's lots of folks out there that could use friendship, honesty, courage, and grace —-> all directed at their recovery. Find them and help them. We're all broken, we're all fragile & flawed. Don't be a jerk. It takes more effort to help...but it's also more noble. Peace. |
| azdcryan (DC Metro) | Posted: Jul 27, 2011 - 17:59 johnjconn wrote: Winehouse should have listened a little harder to this message. Nobody likes the Monday Morning Quarterback. Tell you what, there must be someone in your life that needs help...maybe they won't admit it, maybe you're uncomfortable accepting the role - hell, maybe you don't know anyone in trouble...find someone, there's lots of folks out there that could use friendship, honesty, courage, and grace —-> all directed at their recovery. Find them and help them. We're all broken, we're all fragile & flawed. Don't be a jerk. It takes more effort to help...but it's also more noble. Peace. |
| On_The_Beach (Vancouver BC, Bud) | Posted: May 25, 2011 - 19:29  |
| dpvest (roseville) | Posted: May 25, 2011 - 15:34 prob my favorite neil young song... |
| lemmoth (NYC) | Posted: Mar 23, 2011 - 12:37 CatFitz wrote: sorry. i am never looking for gut-wrenching over-emotive garbage whines out on a broken cracked falsetto. The first annoying note, and i mute RP and vote 1. eww. Niel Young. eww. Look...over there...that's right .... behind that bush....what you've been looking for....a clue. |
| fatcatjb (Sunny Sacramento) | Posted: Jan 19, 2011 - 20:21 this is such a lucid comment well said, ybjb ydjb wrote: When Harvest came out, not only this song but the entire album blew me away, and still does. If you are looking for a perfect voice, I suggest Pavarotti. If you are looking for gut-wrenching emotion, Neil will do just fine. |
| broradio (somewhere in Texas) | Posted: Sep 15, 2010 - 07:33 We like it. Joe Yankee lives! |
| sirdroseph (Yes) | Posted: Sep 15, 2010 - 06:24 I had this one a 7! Man, I musta been in a BAD mood!  9! |
| calypsus_1 | Posted: May 01, 2010 - 23:54 Neil Young - Needle and the Damage Done, Live |
| westslope (BC coast) | Posted: Mar 08, 2010 - 09:49 ydjb wrote: When Harvest came out, not only this song but the entire album blew me away, and still does. If you are looking for a perfect voice, I suggest Pavarotti. If you are looking for gut-wrenching emotion, Neil will do just fine. Used to listen to this at low volume on an old mono player as I was going to sleep. That was the first year or so of the 70s decade and I believe I was 15 or 16 at the time Was always a little embarrassed about liking Neil Young so much. Since then he has morphed into a rock legend. No longer feeling quite so embarrassed. -lol- |
| h8rhater | Posted: Mar 08, 2010 - 09:43 CatFitz wrote: sorry. i am never looking for gut-wrenching over-emotive garbage whines out on a broken cracked falsetto. The first annoying note, and i mute RP and vote 1. eww. Niel Young. eww. Clearly the searing heat of dry and miserable Tulsa OK has fried your brain. |
| sirdroseph (Outer Mongolia) | Posted: Mar 08, 2010 - 09:40 Clearly one of Mr. Youngs best efforts! Powerful song!  |
| bknv (Vancouver, BC) | Posted: Feb 04, 2010 - 21:48 CatFitz wrote: sorry. i am never looking for gut-wrenching over-emotive garbage whines out on a broken cracked falsetto. The first annoying note, and i mute RP and vote 1. eww. Niel Young. eww.  |
| sfearll (Sunny SoCal) | Posted: Jan 04, 2010 - 10:44 one of my absolute favorite songs... just wish it lasted longer..! |
| helgigermany (Germany) | Posted: Aug 31, 2009 - 15:13 Love this!! |
| bpkengor (York, Maine, USA) | Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 08:10 Timeless! |
| CatFitz (Tulsa, OK) | Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 08:08 sorry. i am never looking for gut-wrenching over-emotive garbage whines out on a broken cracked falsetto. The first annoying note, and i mute RP and vote 1. eww. Niel Young. eww. |
| RedGuitar (Iowa, USA) | Posted: May 28, 2009 - 12:55 polymath wrote: What's this "American Idol"? Never seen it. It's a supposed "singing competition" wherein hundreds of thousands of wannabees audition for the privilege of going to Hollywood and competing for the top spot. In this year's competition, a truly talented singer with incredible range (I heard some big-name band wants him) lost out to a good, but IMHO, limited singer. People at home vote online or by texting, so right there it's no longer a singing competition, but a popularity contest! The voting in the finals was perhaps tainted by the cell phones provided to people at the eventual winner's rallies that registered 10 votes for every text. |
| Bleyfusz | Posted: May 28, 2009 - 12:50 bindi wrote: I can understand people finding fault with Neil's voice, but for some of his work - like this song, it is emotional and honest. This song with a perfect voice would just sound fake. <....>.  |
| ydjb (Blacklick, Ohio) | Posted: Mar 26, 2009 - 07:44 When Harvest came out, not only this song but the entire album blew me away, and still does. If you are looking for a perfect voice, I suggest Pavarotti. If you are looking for gut-wrenching emotion, Neil will do just fine. |
| nagsheadlocal (North Carolina, the new New Jersey) | Posted: Mar 26, 2009 - 07:41 One of the high points of his career. Just about the time you think he's lost it, he comes up with a song like this. He's done it several times in all the years I've been following him. |
| bindi (North Carolina) | Posted: Feb 22, 2009 - 19:03 I can understand people finding fault with Neil's voice, but for some of his work - like this song, it is emotional and honest. This song with a perfect voice would just sound fake. I'm starting to like a lot of "less perfect" voices. |
| ugly | Posted: Feb 22, 2009 - 18:58 My best friend is a heroin addict. I have seen the needle. I have seen the damage done. Neil Young expresses what I could never express but feel deep within my own heartbreak. Every junky's like a setting sun.... |
| vandal (arriving somewhere, but not here. . .) | Posted: Dec 30, 2008 - 08:32 toterola wrote: I always thought it was a well-placed kick. But a stomp would do!  I just figured a prima donna like bolton would rather be seated during such a tedious process. . .  |
| horstman (Syracuse, New York) | Posted: Dec 21, 2008 - 15:35 Not a fan, but this song is perfect. 10. |
| toterola (Further) | Posted: Dec 21, 2008 - 15:33 vandal wrote: Not offended, but I would never agree that bolton's voice is technically perfect - from the perspective of my humble ears, I'm pretty sure that bolton's personal assistant stomps his crotch just before he performs. . . I always thought it was a well-placed kick. But a stomp would do! |
| vandal (arriving somewhere, but not here. . .) | Posted: Oct 19, 2008 - 13:02 Krispian wrote: Warning: The following is an opinion, please do not be offended: I personally liken Neil's voice to a homely, yet well-loved pair of slippers: they're not designed to impress, and disgust the fashionable types, but they perform their cozy function suberbly, without pretention or artifice. On the other hand, we could compare a technically "perfect" voice (such as Mariah's or Bolton's) to a pair of diamond-encrusted stiletto heels: stunning, but excruciating to endure. Not offended, but I would never agree that bolton's voice is technically perfect - from the perspective of my humble ears, I'm pretty sure that bolton's personal assistant stomps his crotch just before he performs. . . |
| toterola (Somewhere between Shipping and Receiving) | Posted: Aug 17, 2008 - 07:47 Alpine wrote: 10. I grew up with Neils music. He's the male Joni Mitchell. He shaped many young mens lives. Well said, my friend! Have you ever heard that live version of "Circle Game" where Joni talks about a friend of hers writing a song about being sad because he could no longer go to the "teen only" clubs in Canada? She's talking about Neil and "Sugar Mountain". |
| RobRyan (Canyon Country, CA) | Posted: Jul 16, 2008 - 16:31 Krispian wrote: I personally liken Neil's voice to a homely, yet well-loved pair of slippers: they're not designed to impress, and disgust the fashionable types, but they perform their cozy function suberbly, without pretention or artifice. On the other hand, we could compare a technically "perfect" voice (such as Mariah's or Bolton's) to a pair of diamond-encrusted stiletto heels: stunning, but excruciating to endure. In likening Neil's voice to footwear, I'd use a pair of running shoes that have holes from many hundreds of miles and have been run in with no socks. They may be comfortable to the wearer, but to those around they emit an ... odor ... that ... can't be ignored. That said, this is a wonderful and poignant song. I rag on Neil for dogs like Cortez the Killer and Like a Hurricane (ALL versions but especially the hideous pump organ version) so it's only fair to credit him for his gems such as this and Sugar Mountain. |
| CoYoT51 (Reims, France) | Posted: Apr 13, 2008 - 04:53  Simply FA-BU-LOUS! |
| polymath (Virtual Paradise) | Posted: Apr 13, 2008 - 04:51 milehighYinzer wrote: Well said. I always say on these boards that people judge music on here like they are voting for the next lame American Idol.
What's this "American Idol"? Never seen it. |
| Alpine (N39d39mW121d30m) | Posted: Mar 12, 2008 - 17:16 10. I grew up with Neils music. He's the male Joni Mitchell. He shaped many young mens lives. |
| CafeRacer (Still Waiting To Wake Up, Indiana) | Posted: Mar 12, 2008 - 17:15 Krispian wrote: I personally liken Neil's voice to a homely, yet well-loved pair of slippers: they're not designed to impress, and disgust the fashionable types, but they perform their cozy function suberbly, without pretention or artifice. On the other hand, we could compare a technically "perfect" voice (such as Mariah's or Bolton's) to a pair of diamond-encrusted stiletto heels: stunning, but excruciating to endure. Bravo! |
| outerspace (SLC Utah) | Posted: Feb 10, 2008 - 07:25 Krispian wrote: I personally liken Neil's voice to a homely, yet well-loved pair of slippers: they're not designed to impress, and disgust the fashionable types, but they perform their cozy function suberbly, without pretention or artifice. On the other hand, we could compare a technically "perfect" voice (such as Mariah's or Bolton's) to a pair of diamond-encrusted stiletto heels: stunning, but excruciating to endure. milehighYinzer wrote: Well said. I always say on these boards that people judge music on here like they are voting for the next lame American Idol.
What you said. S |
| HazzeSwede (Vinyl Land) | Posted: Nov 08, 2007 - 00:23 This #10. BillG,think it´s time to double amount of NY songs a day,been reading a lot of old comments and I think the nonbeleavers are slowly coming around.  |
| oldsinger (Wexford, PA) | Posted: Jul 05, 2007 - 05:00 THis live version is the best! |
| drtjdel (Saratoga, CA) | Posted: May 03, 2007 - 11:37 Krispian wrote: I personally liken Neil's voice to a homely, yet well-loved pair of slippers: they're not designed to impress, and disgust the fashionable types, but they perform their cozy function suberbly, without pretention or artifice. On the other hand, we could compare a technically "perfect" voice (such as Mariah's or Bolton's) to a pair of diamond-encrusted stiletto heels: stunning, but excruciating to endure. Oh, thank God! I'm not the only one who feels stillettos excruciating! Thought I was alone in my misery. |
| pinto (west meade) | Posted: Mar 17, 2007 - 06:36 Constantine wrote: One of the few songs I can play on the guitar - nice if you can get it right.... I haven't heard it in a long time !
I'm chuckling and nodding in agreement. You can count on one hand the number of songs that I too learned how to play on guitar and this is one of them. Apparently I played this one too much (and very poorly I might add) because eventually my friends could no longer listen to Neil Young sing the original because of my butchering the song. I have to think that I'm partly to blame for some of the negative comments that RP listeners have posted regarding Neil Young and his music. My apologies. |
| milehighYinzer (717 E. Colfax Ave, Denver) | Posted: Mar 01, 2007 - 15:35 Krispian wrote: I personally liken Neil's voice to a homely, yet well-loved pair of slippers: they're not designed to impress, and disgust the fashionable types, but they perform their cozy function suberbly, without pretention or artifice. On the other hand, we could compare a technically "perfect" voice (such as Mariah's or Bolton's) to a pair of diamond-encrusted stiletto heels: stunning, but excruciating to endure. |
| lathyris (Austin, TX) | Posted: Mar 01, 2007 - 15:30 meower215 wrote: ever heard "cold blue steel sweet fire?" Joni Mitchell? might change your mind Doubt it, since this is not just the prettiest song about heroin abuse. . .it's also simply one of the prettiest songs ever! |
| On_The_Beach (Vancouver, Canada) | Posted: Jan 30, 2007 - 12:19 Krispian wrote: I personally liken Neil's voice to a homely, yet well-loved pair of slippers: they're not designed to impress, and disgust the fashionable types, but they perform their cozy function suberbly, without pretention or artifice.
On the other hand, we could compare a technically "perfect" voice (such as Mariah's or Bolton's) to a pair of diamond-encrusted stiletto heels: stunning, but excruciating to endure. Well put, except I wouldn't call Bolton's voice "perfect"; more like painful! And yes, this is one of Neil's finest. Check out this great clip of Neil in 1971 from the soon-to-be-released CD/DVD: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MTPANQ/ref=amb_link_4419812_1/105-4101083-8163638 |
| Constantine (London) | Posted: Jan 30, 2007 - 11:24 One of the few songs I can play on the guitar - nice if you can get it right.... I haven't heard it in a long time ! |
| meower (Philadelphia) | Posted: Jan 30, 2007 - 06:43 Gryn wrote: This song is.. the best song ever made about Heroin abuse.
It's also the prettiest. ever heard "cold blue steel sweet fire?" Joni Mitchell? might change your mind |
| Krispian (Vancouver, BC) | Posted: Aug 24, 2006 - 23:17 I personally liken Neil's voice to a homely, yet well-loved pair of slippers: they're not designed to impress, and disgust the fashionable types, but they perform their cozy function suberbly, without pretention or artifice. On the other hand, we could compare a technically "perfect" voice (such as Mariah's or Bolton's) to a pair of diamond-encrusted stiletto heels: stunning, but excruciating to endure. |
| Baby_M (a 100-year old building in downtown Akron, Ohio) | Posted: Dec 09, 2005 - 08:36 I've seen the needle and the damage done A little part of it in everyone But every junkie's like a settin' sun. |
| PattonFever (wherever i go, there i am.) | Posted: Nov 17, 2005 - 19:42 i love this song & i have to say that its placement after nirvana's 'all apologies' is an excellent, delicious coincidence. thank you, bill. :) |