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Fleetwood Mac — Bare Trees
Album: Bare Trees
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 469









Released: 1972
Length: 4:52
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Bare trees, grey light
Oh yeah it was a cold night
Bare trees, grey light

I was alone in the cold of a winter's day
You were alone and so snug in your bed
I was alone in the cold of a winter's day
You were alone and so snug in your bed

Bah do dah, do dah da do da do
Bah do dah, do dah da do da do
Bah do dah, do dah da do da do
Bah do dah, do dah da do da do

Bare trees, grey light
Oh yeah it was a cold night
Bare trees, grey light

I was alone in the cold of a winter's day
You were alone and so snug in your bed
I was alone in the cold of a winter's day
You were alone and so snug in your bed

Bah do dah, do dah da do da do
Bah do dah, do dah da do da do
Bah do dah, do dah da do da do
Bah do dah, do dah da do da do
Comments (104)add comment
 kingart wrote:
Probably FM's best album. I heard it for the first time on a winter's day in 1975. Instant love. 
 
 
Likewise. Same year. Same reaction.
Posted 5 years ago by NickDanger    [ Reply ]
I always wanted to learn to play guitar just so I could play that simple-sounding jangly rhythm guitar. Good stuff 40 years on. 
Posted 5 years ago by Kenbob    [ Reply ]
Thanks. I needed this this morning.

Turns amp to eleven.........
Posted 12 years ago by swell_sailor    [ Reply ]
Probably FM's best album. I heard it for the first time on a winter's day in 1975. Instant love. 
 
Posted 12 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Prolly my favorite Mac tune.
Posted 12 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:
Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
 
Y'know, I'm thinking you might be spending waaaaaayyyyyy too much time in motel rooms, with way too many people, having way too much fun.  I believe I may have to notify the authorities of this obviously suspicious behavior...


Posted 12 years ago by shutter    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:

Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
 
 
Maybe my favorite Mac tune. Dancing here too. 10

Posted 12 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
isn't this incredible
Posted 12 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
Kickin bass, awesome rhythm such a great song all the way around!
Posted 12 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
Danny Kirwan at his best..beautiful, melodic - and he self destructed during the tour of this lp
but still, this entire lp is wonderful...

Posted 12 years ago by glydev    [ Reply ]
I love this song because when it starts off I'm always convinced its, like Wings or some other purely 70s group but then when the guitars pick up it's clear that this way too groovy to be Wings.
Posted 12 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
I. Love. This. Song.  The bass alone is worth the listen, but then the guitars come ripping in, and... oh, I just love this song. Might have to get it on my MP3 player soon... {#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 12 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
This is really hitting the spot this morning.
Posted 12 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 black321 wrote:
Eh. Not really that compelling of a song. Instrumentals sounds like one of those jams a band does to warm up...start with some scale runs, and then do some jams over them...singer makes up some lyrics, adds a few doos and dahs...played well, but not a very compelling song. 

 

I don't know what you're smoking, but I sure don't want any of it.

Posted 13 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 bachbeet wrote:
Excellent song from an excellent album.  And, for those who want Hypnotized, I think that is even better than this one.  But it's not from this album.
 
Hypnotized is one of my top ten favs, it RAWKS!!!!! This song is ok.
Posted 13 years ago by trissi    [ Reply ]
Pre-hoopla Mac.  Nothin' better.
Posted 13 years ago by Sorcha    [ Reply ]
Eh. Not really that compelling of a song. Instrumentals sounds like one of those jams a band does to warm up...start with some scale runs, and then do some jams over them...singer makes up some lyrics, adds a few doos and dahs...played well, but not a very compelling song.


edit, contrast this with the Elvis' Pump it Up, which just followed. Similar style of song composition, but he does well to add a nice melody, adjust the rhythm...turns into a real song.
Posted 13 years ago by black321    [ Reply ]
Excellent song from an excellent album.  And, for those who want Hypnotized, I think that is even better than this one.  But it's not from this album.
Posted 13 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:
One of my favorite FM songs {#Music}
 

Y'know..the moment I read that, I knew exactly what you meant. And I agree! {#Bananajam}
Posted 13 years ago by Panama_Floyd    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite FM songs {#Music}
Posted 13 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Hmmm, the intro to this song had such a David Bromberg/Harry Nillson kind groove to it.
 
Posted 13 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Good ole' Mac.
Posted 13 years ago by tprimeau    [ Reply ]
 GeneP59 wrote:
This was good, but how about playing "Hypnotized"  {#Meditate}
 
Yeah - I been Hyp-mo-tized!

Posted 14 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
This was good, but how about playing "Hypnotized"  {#Meditate}
Posted 14 years ago by GeneP59    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:

Jeeze, that's sad. I always admired his silvery guitar work.

 
 

As sad as losing the Green Manalishi to too much LDS back in the '60s.

Jeremy I'm not so keen on, in that while he was also a fab guitarist, he was stuck in that Elmore James world, to be sure. While good stuff (and I regularly listen to FM In Chicago recorded at Chess Records), I really like the progression the Mac made after they dispensed with Jeremy's persuasive ways.

Kiln House, Bare Trees, Future Games, et al., are still great albums.

buddy wrote:

Wow!  You must be a young'un.  {#Wink} 

This is hands down my favorite FM song and probably my favorite album as well.  For more of this, check out the "Bare Trees" and "Mystery to Me" albums, both before the Buckingham/Nicks Fleetwood Mac years.

 
Mystery to Me was with Bob Welch in the lead guitarist spot. Danny was long gone by then.


WonderLizard wrote:

Great version of the band (Kirwan and Welch on guitar). Great album.

 
Bob Welch hadn't joined yet, as I recall. I think he first appeared on Penguin.

Posted 14 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
This song just makes me smile.  I'd be singing, but I'm not sure who's nearby. 

Posted 14 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:

https://www.fleetwoodmac.net/penguin/danny.htm

AND

Fleetwood by Mick Fleetwood (his autobiography, of which I own a copy and have read)
 
Jeeze, that's sad. I always admired his silvery guitar work.

Posted 14 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
my folks used to play this after the funny smoke smell started to dissapate a little.
Posted 14 years ago by Captn_Pea    [ Reply ]
I prefer the older Fleecewood Jack stuff mostly but this is a great song nonetheless....
Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
This is great!
I hate to admit I've never heard it before. 
Posted 14 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]

Yeah!.....Danny Kirwan!!!!!!


Posted 14 years ago by df1489    [ Reply ]
 maryte wrote:
Time for volume and chairdancing!  {#Dance}
 
OK but no line dancing, LOL This album rocks!

Posted 14 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
Wow, this one brings back memories.  Having an older brother resulted in a lot of really cool music for my 11 year old ears!
 {#Bananajam}


Posted 14 years ago by bknv    [ Reply ]
Nice to have this in the Friday afternoon mix!

deadfdr
Posted: Jul 31, 2009 - 16:04 < Reply >
I prefer this earlier period of FM to the overblown Nicks era

Each period has its place, but yeah, I turn to earlier FM much more than the Lindsey/Stevie collaborative efforts.

Posted 14 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
I prefer this earlier period of FM to the overblown Nicks era
Posted 14 years ago by deadfdr    [ Reply ]

think I wore out at least 2 copies of this lp in the seventies....
Posted 14 years ago by Jim__Sheila    [ Reply ]
Not a Fleetwood Mac acolyte, but it's good to hear other sides of the band, apart from the usual classic rock radio offerings.
Posted 14 years ago by megisi    [ Reply ]

An album that grew and grew on you; full of nuances to this day. Endures and enchants.

   



Posted 14 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
Time for volume and chairdancing!  {#Dance}
Posted 14 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
Bloody hell, I love this song!{#Bananajam} (he's playing the bassline)
Posted 15 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
 Blarney wrote:

I was wondering what your source was for this info? Thanks.
 
https://www.fleetwoodmac.net/penguin/danny.htm

AND

Fleetwood by Mick Fleetwood (his autobiography, of which I own a copy and have read)


Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
 shutter wrote:
The REAL Fleetwood Mac (as least post-Petter Green)
 
most definitely, before going mainstream, which was OK at first but...
Posted 15 years ago by Johnny-smooth    [ Reply ]
Great album from the transitional phase of the MAC.
Posted 15 years ago by anotherlistener    [ Reply ]
Great version of the band (Kirwan and Welch on guitar). Great album.
Posted 15 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
The REAL Fleetwood Mac (as least post-Petter Green)
Posted 15 years ago by shutter    [ Reply ]
Cranking it up in my office - chair dancing - and smiling!  Thanks, Bill - I really needed this today.
Posted 15 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
RobRyan wrote:
meh
Quick, somebody check his pulse!
Posted 15 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Blah. That was bland.
Posted 15 years ago by Ahnyer_Keester    [ Reply ]
EssexTex wrote:
The "idiot" I'm working with thought this was Wings! what a tool!
That's kinda harsh--I was sort of half-listening, and thought the bass chugging in this sounds very much like early McCartney solo/Wings stuff. Although, I may be a tool too.
Posted 15 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
Blarney wrote:
I was wondering what your source was for this info? Thanks.
He read it on the Internet! It must be true!
Posted 16 years ago by Derecho    [ Reply ]
I always thought this was the Dead. Duh!
Posted 16 years ago by squidish    [ Reply ]
Oh yeaaah! Its been way too long. Thank you! Awesome base line...
Posted 16 years ago by macadavy    [ Reply ]
just bumped this up to a 9....the sun is shining, the trees are beginning to bud....oh yea!
Posted 16 years ago by Alifreckles50    [ Reply ]
The "idiot" I'm working with thought this was Wings! what a tool!
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this album, this song with its groovy bass line, and vocal improv (which I sing along with, badly ), and the lyrics! AND I love the cover photograph. Every time I see bare trees in fog, I think of this album.
Posted 16 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
meh
Posted 16 years ago by RobRyan    [ Reply ]
YES! What a great record this was!
Posted 16 years ago by sharkartist    [ Reply ]
I always liked this tune - and perhaps Sunny Side Of Heaven a bit more.
Posted 16 years ago by wferrier    [ Reply ]
A true classic, through and through...
Posted 16 years ago by Alafia    [ Reply ]
jagdriver wrote:
Unfortunately, today DK lives on London's skid row in an alcoholic dementia from which he is unlikely to ever recover. Yes, the royalty checks continue to come in, but poor Danny has little idea of the life he once had and the extent of his fan base.
I was wondering what your source was for this info? Thanks.
Posted 16 years ago by Blarney    [ Reply ]
Alpine wrote:
No kidding. I didn't know that. I thought he was dead. What about Peter Green?
(click here)
Posted 16 years ago by kerr    [ Reply ]
My first Mac album was Rumours...feeling young.
Posted 16 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
Lovelovelove this song! It evokes such strong images, coupled with great poppy riffs! I was alone on the cold of a winter's day. You were alone and so snug in your bed.
Posted 16 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
Such a fine, fine album.
Posted 16 years ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
catching an XTC vibe (historical speaking in reverse or whatever, but still)
Posted 16 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]
late for work, thank you! been some time since I heard this
Posted 16 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
Al_Koholic wrote:
Wow another song that I have never heard before....
Wow, you're like really young, aren't you?
Posted 16 years ago by Shaken_Bake    [ Reply ]
jagdriver wrote:
The Mac was an outstanding band long before Lindsay and Stevie showed up, though they drifted a bit during the Bob Welch era. This is Danny Kirwan, songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist extraordinaire, on vocals. Unfortunately, today DK lives on London's skid row in an alcoholic dementia from which he is unlikely to ever recover. Yes, the royalty checks continue to come in, but poor Danny has little idea of the life he once had and the extent of his fan base.
No kidding. I didn't know that. I thought he was dead. What about Peter Green?
Posted 16 years ago by Alpine    [ Reply ]
Fleetwood Mac was absolutely amazing way back then...no theatrics, no drama, just excellent music. clearly, sometimes less is more.
Posted 16 years ago by Alifreckles50    [ Reply ]
I like this era of the band.
Posted 16 years ago by felix_the_man    [ Reply ]
The Mac was an outstanding band long before Lindsay and Stevie showed up, though they drifted a bit during the Bob Welch era. This is Danny Kirwan, songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist extraordinaire, on vocals. Unfortunately, today DK lives on London's skid row in an alcoholic dementia from which he is unlikely to ever recover. Yes, the royalty checks continue to come in, but poor Danny has little idea of the life he once had and the extent of his fan base.
Posted 16 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Wow another song that I have never heard before. Keep pulling these tidbits out of the closet Bill. Thanks!
Posted 16 years ago by Al_Koholic    [ Reply ]
dkwalika wrote:
Can't we get the original release dates on the info page? Like this would be, what, 1973? I know it wasn't 1990!!!
March, 1972 (you can research by clicking on "buy from Amazon")
Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
Can't we get the original release dates on the info page? Like this would be, what, 1973? I know it wasn't 1990!!!
Posted 16 years ago by dkwalika    [ Reply ]
I have loved FM in every incarnation. This, however, is a favorite album of mine! Thanks, Bill!!
Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
pre-hype FM cool
Posted 16 years ago by yellowfly    [ Reply ]
Skeletor wrote:
Wow it has been an ETERNITY and God know how many girlfriends since I heard this one! Thanks Bill for digging out this gem.
Indeed. The whole album is an underrated treasure.
Posted 16 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
Found an article about the 22 yr old guitarist on this track, Danny Kirwan: https://www.fleetwoodmac.net/penguin/danny.htm Too bad his life went downhill from there.
Posted 16 years ago by rob3000    [ Reply ]
Great choice, Bill! Now if you could only play something off of "Kiln House"
Posted 17 years ago by Walrus_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
Man! It's been an age since I've heard THIS...here or anyplace else!
Posted 17 years ago by Beanie    [ Reply ]
PLEASEOHPLEASE say it hasn't been nearly a year since this played!!!
Posted 17 years ago by buckskin    [ Reply ]
oh WOW what a blast from the past!!! excellent..... :nodhead: \:D/
Posted 19 years ago by Red_Dragon    [ Reply ]
not good at all..I ratehr listen to the fleetwood Mac Bluesy days
Posted 19 years ago by masterhead    [ Reply ]
Skeletor wrote:
Wow it has been an ETERNITY and God know how many girlfriends since I heard this one! Thanks Bill for digging out this gem.
Ditto and ditto. This is my favorite FM song. It gets little radio play, so I'm very pleased to see it rated so highly here.
Posted 20 years ago by rulebritannia    [ Reply ]
eddief wrote:
Great tune. Really enjoy the early Mac stuff and especially, the Lindsay pickin' style. Still think he is a very underrated, underappreciated musician.
The album information is wrong on this page. Bare Trees was released as I was graduating High School, back in 1972. This predates Lindsey by a couple of years.
Posted 20 years ago by RParadise    [ Reply ]
oh yeah!
Posted 20 years ago by Amazon    [ Reply ]
Great tune. Really enjoy the early Mac stuff and especially, the Lindsay pickin\' style. Still think he is a very underrated, underappreciated musician.
Posted 20 years ago by eddief    [ Reply ]
Wow it has been an ETERNITY and God know how many girlfriends since I heard this one! Thanks Bill for digging out this gem.
Posted 20 years ago by Skeletor    [ Reply ]
one of my favorites from one of my favorite albums.
Posted 22 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]