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Neil Young — Round & Round (It Won't Be Long)
Album: Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Avg rating:
6.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 838









Released: 1969
Length: 5:39
Plays (last 30 days): 2
Round and round and round we spin,
To weave a wall to hem us in,
It won't be long, it won't be long
How slow and slow and slow it goes,
To mend the tear that always shows.
It won't be long, it won't be long.

It's hard enough losin'
the paper illusion
you've hidden inside,
Without the confusion
of findin' you're usin'
the crutch of the lie
To shelter your pride when you cry.

Round and round and round we spin,
To weave a wall to hem us in,
It won't be long, it won't be long
How slow and slow and slow it goes,
To mend the tear that always shows.
It won't be long, it won't be long.

Now you're movin' too slow
and wherever you go
there's another beside.
It's so hard to say no
to yourself and it shows
that you're losing inside,
When you step on your pride and you cry.

Round and round and round we spin,
To weave a wall to hem us in,
It won't be long, it won't be long
How slow and slow and slow it goes,
To mend the tear that always shows.
It won't be long, it won't be long.

How the hours will bend
through the time that you spend
till you turn to your eyes,
And you see your best friend
looking over the end
and you turn to see why,
And he looks in your eyes and he cries.

Round and round and round we spin,
To weave a wall to hem us in,
It won't be long, it won't be long
How slow and slow and slow it goes,
To mend the tear that always shows.
It won't be long, it won't be long.
Comments (107)add comment
absolutely wonderful - i feel this song
 bodinrichard1 wrote:

I am a huge music fan and appreciate most genres, but this is music to slash your wrists to. Awful.



Nobody will miss you, buh-bye.
adding another positive comment - I bought this well after After The Gold Rush and felt like it was a nice change from Harvest and ATGR, both great albums. He used to change it up regularly and always got crap for it. "what a killer..."
 bodinrichard1 wrote:

I am a huge music fan and appreciate most genres, but this is music to slash your wrists to. Awful.



Are you saying that this would be a good tune to hear while dying?  And that committing suicide is awful?  If so, then I totally agree with your statement.  Neil Young at his "mellow" contemplative best in my humble opinion.
 prs wrote:



Are you kidding me!  This is a fantastic track and album - thanks RP - this doesn't get played very often AND this was released before After The Gold Rush!



So true - I actually think this album and and the Neil Young album BOTH released before ATGR are better albums - as always thanks RP
Thank you Bill for resurrecting this. 7. Mostly because I don't think I 've heard it since 1970, sitting on The Quad, pondering my future.
I am a huge music fan and appreciate most genres, but this is music to slash your wrists to. Awful.
 jelgator wrote:

Ick.




Are you kidding me!  This is a fantastic track and album - thanks RP - this doesn't get played very often AND this was released before After The Gold Rush!
Ick.
It will be too long, before this finishes.
 nagsheadlocal wrote:

Wow, I have not heard this in ages, and I'm surprised at how much I am enjoying it.

Thanks, Bill and Company. I'll continue to pitch RP to my friends and tell them to forget NPR and pledge a few bucks to RP instead. 



I think there's room for both. And would bet Bill and Rebecca would agree. 
Wonderful lyrics as always with Neil Sounds like he’s singing about someone with an addiction Slow and true song
 Johnny_Wave wrote:
Big fan of Neil, but this song is crappy

 

Yeah, I agree.  There are not many NY songs I dislike, but this is one.


ROBIN LANE on the harmony! She had a great band in the Boston area in the mid 70's - first act I saw when I moved there in 1976.  She was a playing a venue that the the band I played in would headline as a regular fixture two years later Jonathan Swift's...those was the days...
This would be perfect if I was lying in bed relaxing at the end of the day.  Unfortunatly is mid morning and I'm trying to work and now I want a nap.
 Johnny_Wave wrote:
Big fan of Neil, but this song is crappy
 
Wouldn't call it crappy, but it's not one that comes to mind when I'm thinking of my fave Neil Young songs.

 mauflex wrote:
In Italy we say... "che due coglioni!!!!!!!"...that it means that this is a little bit boring...JUST a little.
 
si...

 govna wrote:
i think all the "sleepy" comments are ignoring one thing: context.  the album is nicely balanced, with both fast and slow songs (more on the fast side actually).  don't forget, this is where "cinnamon girl" came from.
 
Let's all request "Cinnamon Girl", then !
sound too long to me.
 Rooney wrote:
I like Neil Young a lot.  But this song kind of puts me to sleep.  {#Sleep}
 
And sleepy songs cerntainly have their place....just wish I weren't at my desk....

{#Sleep}{#Stop}{#Sleep}
edit:

{#Sleep}{#Puke}{#Sleep}


Löve every little bit from this wonderful album.
 Verpeiler wrote:

Can´t argue with that. I think he sucks.
 
Yeah, it's probably been all downhill for you since Sprockets was canceled. 
"Now is the time on Sprockets vhen ve dance!"

i think all the "sleepy" comments are ignoring one thing: context.  the album is nicely balanced, with both fast and slow songs (more on the fast side actually).  don't forget, this is where "cinnamon girl" came from.
Excellent, simply excellent.
Big fan of Neil, but this song is crappy
I like Neil Young a lot.  But this song kind of puts me to sleep.  {#Sleep}
Wow, I have not heard this in ages, and I'm surprised at how much I am enjoying it.

Thanks, Bill and Company. I'll continue to pitch RP to my friends and tell them to forget NPR and pledge a few bucks to RP instead. 
 BKardon wrote:
This song holds up better in the context of the album.  It's a softer tune sandwiched between rockers such as Cinammon Girl, Down By The River, and Cowgirl In The Sand.
I'm in the "Neil Young can do no wrong" camp.
 
I'm in the "Neil Young could do no wrong between 1969 (this album) and 1979 (Rust Never Sleeps)" camp.
Since then it's been pretty patchy, with enough tasty nuggets to keep us interested.
And yes, I agree with your comment about this song within the context of the rockers on the album.
Personally, I even like it "out of context", and I love the fact that Bill keeps playing it, despite its relative obscurity.
Cheers.


 BKardon wrote:
This song holds up better in the context of the album.  It's a softer tune sandwiched between rockers such as Cinammon Girl, Down By The River, and Cowgirl In The Sand.

I'm in the "Neil Young can do no wrong" camp.
 
So'm I, mostly. His recent politisse is sort of a turn-off, because it's almost as if he's neglecting the music for the sake of the message, instead of delicately balancing the two the way he used to do and probably still can.  My favorite album of his is still "Zuma."


In Italy we say... "che due coglioni!!!!!!!"...that it means that this is a little bit boring...JUST a little.
Wow! The segue from Eels to Neil seems to enhance both songs.  Pretty cool.  Guess that's what a good D.J. is about.
 blades wrote:
not ageing well...or is it me
 
Well, looking at your favorites list (Rollingstones, Fleetwood Mac, Beatles) I'd say you haven't changed much in 30 years. It's both of you.
This song holds up better in the context of the album.  It's a softer tune sandwiched between rockers such as Cinammon Girl, Down By The River, and Cowgirl In The Sand.

I'm in the "Neil Young can do no wrong" camp.
not ageing well...or is it me
I guess by now I shouldn't be surprised by some of the low ratings some of my favorite songs/artists receive anymore, but I honestly am. No love for Neil?
 FrankMc wrote:
Robin! And I always thought it was a Mourning Dove.

I wondered who provided that ethereal sound to one of my absolute favorite songs.

 
capandjudy wrote:

I believe that the female vocalist is Robin Lane.
 
 
i just came here to inquire the same! thanks!
Robin! And I always thought it was a Mourning Dove.

I wondered who provided that ethereal sound to one of my absolute favorite songs.

 
capandjudy wrote:

I believe that the female vocalist is Robin Lane.
 

All yours!
 Infinite_Destiny wrote:
Love this album
 


Boring...   {#Drunk}
 capandjudy wrote:

I believe that the female vocalist is Robin Lane.
 
 OMG, it's a she?


 nigelr wrote:
Neil, Nicolette and Crazy Horse..................perfection.
 
I believe that the female vocalist is Robin Lane.


 steeler wrote:
Lovely. Yet painful.
 

I'm a big Neil fan but this one I can do without.
 More_Barn wrote:
My philosophy is anything Neil does is pure genius.
 
Can´t argue with that. I think he sucks.
I thought he said "It Won't Be Long"? Seems to going on a bit to my ears...
My philosophy is anything Neil does is pure genius.
Lovely. Yet painful.
Sweet.  I am getting my daily Neil fix.{#Music}
Oh yeah... and Pink Floyd took the guitar style and used it in later work.  Do you hear it?
Good stuff... goods (not always) tuff
 veegez wrote:


Trying to deal with it, and I can't.
GOODBYE CRUEL WORLD!!!!!!!!

...nah, can't do myself in today, Twins v Angels game on later.....

 

Final score—

LAA 5 MIN 3

Twins' bullpen blows a stellar outing from Kevin Slowey, and "F-Rod" picks up his 50th save for the Angels.  And you still didn't off yourself. 

Well, that's just fine, because we can still get some more of your timely retorts to various select naysayers here at RP.  Keep 'em coming.

P.S.-is that photo of Stipe & crew in your profile from '83 (the same year "Hootenanny" hit the shelves)?
Everyone knows this song goes nowhere.
Neil, Nicolette and Crazy Horse..................perfection.
Love this album
 Radar416ams wrote:
As a RP listener old enough to remember the early Neil Young stuff, I think this is timeless.  So there.
 
Hey, I'm old enough to remember the early stuff too - back when Internet Radio was the stuff of science fiction.  (Except even William Gibson couldn't predict something as cool as Radio Paradise.)   Actually, I think Neil is great.  Just my personal opinion that this song was lame.

As a RP listener old enough to remember the early Neil Young stuff, I think this is timeless.  So there.
Whiney whiney whiney.... la la la!
 horstman wrote:


What are any of here but fellow listeners with our own opinions and comments.

Personally, I could live without Neil Young. I know he's great, but he is not my cup of tea. He sometimes pisses me off with his political views. I even have expressed that here on this site.

But to tell me and others to pipe down because we don't share your views on music is absurd.

Oh, and I think this song is pretty bad.

My opinion.

Deal with it.
 

Trying to deal with it, and I can't.
GOODBYE CRUEL WORLD!!!!!!!!

...nah, can't do myself in today, Twins v Angels game on later.....

Not this album - and surely not this song!
TERRIBLE!
Say that as a N.Y.-fan!
This whiner sucks!!!


Funny you should say worst singer, I came back to the radio after having it off and caught the last couple seconds of this song and I thought "WTF? It sounds like a couple sick cats". insert emoticon of smiley covering bloodied ears here:
horstman wrote:
WTF is three letters! You can make it whatever you want, like "Who's throwing feces", or "World Trade(center) Falling". A friend of mine, who really likes Neil Young said of him "Neil is a great song writer, but probably the worst singer and guitar player in the history of rock and roll". Nuff said.
Well how did they put it, and who was it saying, about Johnny Cash: "The best singer in the world who can't sing a lick." Think I actually picked it up from some comment here on RP. Defines pretty well Neil Young as a guitar player. Besides, not exactly my favourite song of Neil's, this one.
I'll always remember and it continues, the freakage, that an OZzie guy I adventured with in The Outback (NT: Darwin, Litchfield, Kakadu, Barramundi Gorge...) put this into the tape deck of his LandCruiser and sent me back to one breezy mountain fresh Boulder day...after another... and hell I knew it wouldn't be long before the next Ruby Falls would come along to connect to the next wicked-cool synchronicity, dig it!
horstman wrote:
A friend of mine, who really likes Neil Young said of him "Neil is a great song writer, but probably the worst singer and guitar player in the history of rock and roll".
stop it you are making me laugh. oh man i can't get any air..... hold it almost there.... Ok, now i can say it, " worst guitar player "?!?!? sounds like your friend is an idiot.
Great song!
Man, does this cover a lot of ground. Coming to terms with oneself is a universal theme. The yearning is so potent here.
Love Neil Young and 99% of his songs. This song is in the 1% that I don't like.
This song just flipped my psyche head over heels into the past ! Some songs do that more than others don't they ? Feels good.
HazzeSwede wrote:
Three words-WTF! The song,#10!!!
WTF is three letters! You can make it whatever you want, like "Who's throwing feces", or "World Trade(center) Falling". A friend of mine, who really likes Neil Young said of him "Neil is a great song writer, but probably the worst singer and guitar player in the history of rock and roll". Nuff said.
Pyro wrote:
Haven't heard this in years! Very nice. Neil had a breathy vocal moment that sounded like Donovan. Anyone hear that?
Yes! Good call
horstman wrote:
Oh, and I think this song is pretty bad.
word
Neil's Canadian no? As for politics,American politics? Three words-WTF! The song,#10!!!
Mike88 wrote:
I'm sick of your Neil Young comments. He is a legend and one of the greatest performers of our time. What are you?
What are any of here but fellow listeners with our own opinions and comments. Personally, I could live without Neil Young. I know he's great, but he is not my cup of tea. He sometimes pisses me off with his political views. I even have expressed that here on this site. But to tell me and others to pipe down because we don't share your views on music is absurd. Oh, and I think this song is pretty bad. My opinion. Deal with it.
Neil,please come over to Sweden again,where everybody knows you are #1!
Neil doesn't surpass the lofty heights attained on this album, for mine. Love Nicolette!
AC wrote:
Y'know, I went through a period for a couple years in the late 60s, early 70s when I turned my nose up at Neil Young. Thought he was "too whiney". I share this only to illistrate how possible it is for a normally discerning person to get their head so far where the sun don't shine that they miss the light. I'm better now, thanks. :) This track has so many layers I'm still hearing new stuff three decades on.
Amen!
MickMan wrote:
Great song off one of Neil's best albums. I'm ashamed to admit, I only have this on vinyl. Guess I'll be heading to the record store at lunch to get the disc.
There's really no shame in that! I would rather have the vinyl. Cds are convenient thought. Great song.
Wow, I love this song. Really nice, thanks for playing a tune that you'd never hear elsewhere except for your own turntable...er, tape player. CD player. MP3 player/IPod. Whatever.
Wow. What a brilliant album. Talk about stripped-down essence. This underscores what we mean when we talk about natural talent. So evocative, so beautiful.
Haven't heard this in years! Very nice. Neil had a breathy vocal moment that sounded like Donovan. Anyone hear that?
Great song off one of Neil's best albums. I'm ashamed to admit, I only have this on vinyl. Guess I'll be heading to the record store at lunch to get the disc.
I can never get tired of Neil Young. Love the harmonies...
Originally Posted by gatesofthenorth: I hope it is not too long before this song is over!!!
I'm sick of your Neil Young comments. He is a legend and one of the greatest performers of our time. What are you?
I hope it is not too long before this song is over!!!
Almost anything by Neil Young is good. Round and Round isn\'t a good late afternoon song, unless you\'re in serious trouble. For the rest of us, it\'s better late at night. The song is Robin Lane\'s first commercial appearance.
it\'s either hit or miss with ol\' neil. unfortunately, this is a miss...
Sweet lordie lord is Neil Young bad. Ouch.
I happy to hear Neil Young, the Grateful Dead and basically about 99.9% of everything else I hear on RP.
Originally Posted by allenrudd: We are listening to this song 32 years after it was recorded. I suspect we will still be listening in 32 more.
Really. Y'know, I went through a period for a couple years in the late 60s, early 70s when I turned my nose up at Neil Young. Thought he was "too whiney". I share this only to illistrate how possible it is for a normally discerning person to get their head so far where the sun don't shine that they miss the light. I'm better now, thanks. :) This track has so many layers I'm still hearing new stuff three decades on.
Originally Posted by gatesofthenorth: Get a life Neil...you suck!!!
Why are you so mad? Anyway, I love it. A deeper track from a classic album. Thanks.
Get a life Neil...you suck!!!
Originally posted by triviagal: Neil's voice is like a book on a shelf. It doesn't stand up well unless it has bookends (supporting harmonies) to hold it up. I like this one very much.
Unfortunately, the harmonies on this one are as out of tune as Neil. I agree with the "howling wolves" characterization.
Does Neil Young have partial ownership of RP? It seems like he rules this site. Not necessarily a bad thing.
We are listening to this song 32 years after it was recorded. I suspect we will still be listening in 32 more.
Originally Posted by triviagal: Neil's voice is like a book on a shelf. It doesn't stand up well unless it has bookends (supporting harmonies) to hold it up. I like this one very much.
This is an excellent observation. And this is an excellent song that seems to define the word poignant.
One of my favorite albums. I still remember the day I heard it first, Thanksgiving 1979.
Originally Posted by Johray63: Words can seem so useless sometimes. That's why we got music I suppose.
Right on Johray, that's EXACTLY why we have music and art.
There where a whole lotta things I could comment to explain what makes this song special to me, but I noticed that finally I was left without words to point it out in a satisfying way. Maybe that\'s explaining enough. Words can seem so useless sometimes. That\'s why we got music I suppose.
Neil\'s voice is like a book on a shelf. It doesn\'t stand up well unless it has bookends (supporting harmonies) to hold it up. I like this one very much.
Great song! Greater album!!
yep. that thar\'s some high grade Neil!
One of my favourite songs from my favourite Neil Young album :)