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Neil Young — After the Gold Rush
Album: After the Gold Rush
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2722









Released: 1970
Length: 3:42
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Well, I dreamed I saw the knights
In armor coming,
Saying something about a queen.
There were peasants singing and
Drummers drumming
And the archer split the tree.
There was a fanfare blowing
To the sun
That was floating on the breeze.
Look at Mother Nature on the run
In the nineteen seventies.
Look at Mother Nature on the run
In the nineteen seventies.

I was lying in a burned out basement
With the full moon in my eyes.
I was hoping for replacement
When the sun burst thru the sky.
There was a band playing in my head
And I felt like getting high.
I was thinking about what a
Friend had said
I was hoping it was a lie.
Thinking about what a
Friend had said
I was hoping it was a lie.

Well, I dreamed I saw the silver
Space ships flying
In the yellow haze of the sun,
There were children crying
And colors flying
All around the chosen ones.
All in a dream, all in a dream
The loading had begun.
They were flying Mother Nature's
Silver seed to a new home in the sun.
Flying Mother Nature's
Silver seed to a new home.
Comments (394)add comment
 VH1 wrote:


Well said...
And Neil had foresight, Human kind today spend more money on finding out how to live on other planets than in saving the beautiful one we've got.
All the natural catastrophes recently. Humans deserve all they get. 
50 years of warnings and what have we done with all this time?
Jack! 



Way back then, my school teachers taught me that we have to take care of the earth. I have been doing my best to do so, yet most ignored those signals.

I feel so alone sometimes.
 slandering wrote:

"All in a dream, all in a dream
The loading had begun.
They were flying Mother Nature's
Silver seed to a new home in the sun."

Those words will be on my grave -
its all written in my last will



Well said...
And Neil had foresight, Human kind today spend more money on finding out how to live on other planets than in saving the beautiful one we've got.
All the natural catastrophes recently. Humans deserve all they get. 
50 years of warnings and what have we done with all this time?
Jack! 
 Funkybro wrote:
I read through the comments herein dating years past. 
 
While the majority of comments pan Neil's voice not one gives credit to the song considered a very critical narrative to the environmental movement, one that addresses nuclear annihilation and other trivial events.  Even the devoted NY fans don't seem to see the trees through the forest. 
 
Paradise burned, whales wash up filled with discarded fast food containers, our beachfront property will be under water in our children's lifetime.  But do we really care? 
 
Apparently all we care about is a tone of voice that doesn't sit well.  What exactly did Shakespeare's voice sound like?  I haven't a clue but I do know that this prophetic voice lives within a foundation of truth.
 


So why don't you put all that energy into saving the world then, instead of arguing with people who have a different taste than you and making ridiculous claims that people who don't like his voice automatically don't care about the things he's singing about.

I think Neil Young is a great song writer and musician, but I also happen to hate the sound of his voice. It distracts me from actually listening carefully and doesn't make it en enjoyable experience for me (and no, I don't only enjoy "easy" or happy music, far from that)
There is a version of this song by dolly emmylou and linda which is wonderful
 h8rhater wrote:
 
...and, oh, how they do whine on endlessly.



As does Mr. Young.
As Neil says, Mother Nature was on the run in the 1970's. 50 years later Mother Nature has decided not to run any further. What a prescient guy. I'm always amazed at how accurate the dreamers and poets are. 
Moved me deeply the first time I heard it decades ago, still does - perhaps even more than ever. 
Absolute classic. 
Good Sunday Night R.P 
I shall retire for the day after this masterpiece Coda!
Thank you for...
Another great day of listening!
This song is part of the pre-class playlist I created this semester while students were waiting for Zoom class to begin. Worked very well for an environmental politics course.
One of those relatively few songs (with Dylan, among others) in which the title is never iterated in the lyrics.  Which is especially unusual when the song title is also the album title. 
 BCarn wrote:
Guess you're not a Tom Waits fan then
 

 Nextf wrote:
Beautiful Voice
 

This song came out when I was in 10th grade. As moving now as it was back then. Except Neil sounds so young now.
As perfect a '10' for me as any song.  Thanks Neil (& RP).
 acolt wrote:
He also would be much better served with literally ANY other decent singer fronting his ideas.
 
Wrong. And down-voted for wrongness too.
I used to play this LP on an old mono player to put myself to sleep circa 1972.  
 yoksa wrote:

Your comment is well meant, the point is well argued, valid and much appreciated. However, the fact is that Niel just can't sing and his voice betrays him so often that is simply unbearable.  Neill is not Shakespeare and will never be even if he published his lyrics as a paperback! Making comparison like that is a little bit over the top, don't you think? Most overrated artist of the generation! Can't sing, lousy guitar player. Having said that, I am still going to see him at the beginning of July in Hyde Park together with Bob Dylan. I could write a bit more (and please don't compare Neill with Bob) but you are getting my drift, don't you?
 
Neil Young is an incredible songwriter and lyricist. That is an indisputable fact . He also would be much better served with literally ANY other decent singer fronting his ideas.
 Funkybro wrote:
I read through the comments herein dating years past. 
 
While the majority of comments pan Neil's voice not one gives credit to the song considered a very critical narrative to the environmental movement, one that addresses nuclear annihilation and other trivial events.  Even the devoted NY fans don't seem to see the trees through the forest. 
 
Paradise burned, whales wash up filled with discarded fast food containers, our beachfront property will be under water in our children's lifetime.  But do we really care? 
 
Apparently all we care about is a tone of voice that doesn't sit well.  What exactly did Shakespeare's voice sound like?  I haven't a clue but I do know that this prophetic voice lives within a foundation of truth.
 
 
Yes, the messages are admirable, but they're delivered poorly. If the band's instruments had been out of tune or if Neil had slurred his words or if the volume had randomly jumped up and down, we would also be justified in criticizing the delivery. 

Shakespeare doesn't perform his own stuff . These days, he has top-quality actors to do that for him. And their voices don't whine.

Sorry for negging, but I was trying to write a very difficult email in these very difficult times and, with RP in the background, Neil's voice leaped out at me. Thank you Bill for that PSD button.
 shhhh777 wrote:

Ask your mom and dad what they thought.
Pretty Voices!
You hear Pretty Voices!
Poor Boy.
You don't hear...
Dylan
Me
 
Ummmmmm...ya. I'm pretty sure I do not care what they thought. Your response seems somewhat scatterbrained and "out there" so it makes one wonder why you responded at all. A conundrum for the ages.
Still a horrible voice. Horrible. The horror. 
The horror.
Apparently Neil's voice is an acquired taste. Fortunately, I acquired the taste when Harvest Moon was released. After that, all of his music I previously disliked became very likable. 
 xavfitz wrote:
one of my favorite songs
 
One of my least favorite songs - Time for PSD
one of my favorite songs
 BCarn wrote:
Just turned on RP and this abomination started off. I guess I'd whine like that if someone had a firm grip on my junk. Gaaawwwd, his voice is horrid. 
I'll go to my Faves for now.
 
Ask your mom and dad what they thought.
Pretty Voices!
You hear Pretty Voices!
Poor Boy.
You don't hear...
Dylan
Me
10+1

I'll go +1 today for all the variations on "Neil" I read in the comments....
And +2 on the merits of the song's meaning.
LLRP!!
9 for Neil
Thank you Neil for the perfect representation of the frustration of everyone who appreciates nature and is sad that we're destroying it.
Look at Mother Nature on the run in the Trump Administration!
 On_The_Beach wrote:
A solid 7.5 rating from the RP community, despite the incessant whining of the haters.
 
...and, oh, how they do whine on endlessly.


 BCarn wrote:
 Just turned on RP and this abomination started off. I guess I'd whine like that if someone had a firm grip on my junk. Gaaawwwd, his voice is horrid. 
I'll go to my Faves for now.
 
ditto
Just turned on RP and this abomination started off. I guess I'd whine like that if someone had a firm grip on my junk. Gaaawwwd, his voice is horrid. 
I'll go to my Faves for now.
 yoksa wrote:

Your comment is well meant, the point is well argued, valid and much appreciated. However, the fact is that Niel just can't sing and his voice betrays him so often that is simply unbearable.  Neill is not Shakespeare and will never be even if he published his lyrics as a paperback! Making comparison like that is a little bit over the top, don't you think? Most overrated artist of the generation! Can't sing, lousy guitar player. Having said that, I am still going to see him at the beginning of July in Hyde Park together with Bob Dylan. I could write a bit more (and please don't compare Neill with Bob) but you are getting my drift, don't you?
 
No. Not getting your drift at all. 
Whatevs ! Best listening Binge Ever ...
Great Playlist Dudes ~~Mahalo : >
Hail HAIL Neal Young " And I Felt like getting High ; >"
Beautiful Voice
My ears are bleeding
 richards298 wrote:
While viewing the graphical rating distribution for this song, I am left wondering if the same chart may also reflect the age distribution of RP listeners.
 
It's possible but I doubt it.  Judging by the overall station playlist it's not likely there are very many regular listeners here born after 1972 or so.  Still, ageism is one common tactic to dismiss opinions which may differ from one's own.
 dublanica wrote:
There is NO better voice than Neil Young's!  It just the ears of those who do not recognize nor appreciate greatness.
 
His voice can be likened to the sound of:
- air squealing through the tightly-stretched mouth of an untied balloon
- fingernails being dragged across a long chalkboard
- a second grader practicing the violin
- a cheap air horn at a baseball game

It's just the ears of those who do not recognize or appreciate greatness!
Wow.  These lyrics are so relevant now, kinda wish they weren't.  If only we listened and learned when Neil sang this all those years ago.
Augh no. I cannot. Too whiny.
My favorite Neil Young song. Although I was only 8 when the song was released, and didn't have hippie parents, so didn't discover his music until I was in college. 
 dublanica wrote:
There is NO better voice than Neil Young's!  It just the ears of those who do not recognize nor appreciate greatness.
 
LOL
There is NO better voice than Neil Young's!  It just the ears of those who do not recognize nor appreciate greatness.
So very good! Sorry, that's all I got.
 Funkybro wrote:
I read through the comments herein dating years past. 
 
While the majority of comments pan Neil's voice no one gives credit to the song considered a very critical narrative to the environmental movement, one that addresses nuclear annihilation and other trivial events.  Even the devoted NY fans don't seem to see the trees through the forest. 
 
Paradise burned, whales wash up filled with discarded fast food containers, our beachfront property will be under water in our children's lifetime.  But do we really care? 
 
Apparently all we care about is a tone of voice that doesn't sit well.  What exactly did Shakespeare's voice sound like?  I haven't a clue but I do know that this prophetic voice lives within a foundation of truth.
 
 
Your comment is well meant, the point is well argued, valid and much appreciated. However, the fact is that Niel just can't sing and his voice betrays him so often that is simply unbearable.  Neill is not Shakespeare and will never be even if he published his lyrics as a paperback! Making comparison like that is a little bit over the top, don't you think? Most overrated artist of the generation! Can't sing, lousy guitar player. Having said that, I am still going to see him at the beginning of July in Hyde Park together with Bob Dylan. I could write a bit more (and please don't compare Neill with Bob) but you are getting my drift, don't you?
 richards298 wrote:
While viewing the graphical rating distribution for this song, I am left wondering if the same chart may also reflect the age distribution of RP listeners.
 

I was always one of the “what’s wrong with people that like this guy” crowd until I heard KD Lang doing Helpless, which led me to Neil’s Live at Massey Hall 1971 album.

There was something about hearing him sing some of his best songs live in that setting that made me say “oh, now I get it.”
Kermit The Frog.... Is that you?  
 Funkybro wrote:
I read through the comments herein dating years past. 
 
While the majority of comments pan Neil's voice not one gives credit to the song considered a very critical narrative to the environmental movement, one that addresses nuclear annihilation and other trivial events.  Even the devoted NY fans don't seem to see the trees through the forest. 
 
Paradise burned, whales wash up filled with discarded fast food containers, our beachfront property will be under water in our children's lifetime.  But do we really care? 
 
Apparently all we care about is a tone of voice that doesn't sit well.  What exactly did Shakespeare's voice sound like?  I haven't a clue but I do know that this prophetic voice lives within a foundation of truth.
 
 
Very well said Funkybro.
All they see is a voice when there is so much more to the song. Always the same comments on Dylan songs.
One of my favorite Neil songs
While viewing the graphical rating distribution for this song, I am left wondering if the same chart may also reflect the age distribution of RP listeners.
I read through the comments herein dating years past. 
 
While the majority of comments pan Neil's voice not one gives credit to the song considered a very critical narrative to the environmental movement, one that addresses nuclear annihilation and other trivial events.  Even the devoted NY fans don't seem to see the trees through the forest. 
 
Paradise burned, whales wash up filled with discarded fast food containers, our beachfront property will be under water in our children's lifetime.  But do we really care? 
 
Apparently all we care about is a tone of voice that doesn't sit well.  What exactly did Shakespeare's voice sound like?  I haven't a clue but I do know that this prophetic voice lives within a foundation of truth.
 
His voice his voice {#Frustrated} {#Fire}
A solid 7.5 rating from the RP community, despite the incessant whining of the haters.
This song is kinda like ya gotta pee really badly but you just have a few more miles to drive... then ya get home and rush to the bathroom and dang: When it's over it's such a relief.
 jim1964 wrote:

maybe pull your ears off instead, might be more effective.
 
Good idea. It just came on again now. Thought I'd comment to express my further disdain for this incessant whining. Where's the Puking Emoji?

 BCarn wrote:
His voice makes me want to pull my eyes out of their sockets.
 
maybe pull your ears off instead, might be more effective.
His voice makes me want to pull my eyes out of their sockets.
 givendale wrote:
Shut the fuck up Neil
 
now now
 givendale wrote:
Shut the fuck up Neil
 
You should do us all a favour and take your own advice.
Shut the fuck up Neil
Spread love
C-L-A-S-S-I-C
 Stefen wrote:
It hurts my throat just to listen.
 
Hmmmm.  I'm not an expert, but that sounds like you're listening wrong.
It hurts my throat just to listen.
"All in a dream, all in a dream
The loading had begun.
They were flying Mother Nature's
Silver seed to a new home in the sun."

Those words will be on my grave -
its all written in my last will

what a way to start a Saturday morning, cold and overcast.  It's suddenly got a lot brighter !


20

One of the songs my co-worker could play my first summer working in the bush so rated up for the memories.

My Jew's harp accompaniment added a certain je ne sais quos. 


This song is extremely poetic, prophetic and hauntingly beautiful. My favorite on the album and one of my Neil Young favs.
 justin4kick wrote:

Neil opened with this song (solo with a pump organ) on his tour with The Promise Of The Real. He changed the lyrics to "Look at Mother Nature on the run In the 21st century." 

I wonder what the world would look like if we had Neil for president.
 
"I wonder what the world would look like if we had Neil for president."  what a Great idea!!!
 unclehud wrote:
Saw an incredibly interesting PBS special about David Geffen, who sued Neil Young, his own client.  Seems that Neil recorded "Trans" and another rockabilly album after signing with Asylum, David's label.

The albums did poorly, since fans — and Mr Geffen — wanted more "typical Neil".  The lawsuit was based on Neil's output being so very different from what was expected.

Ironically, the two got over it, and Neil recorded at least one more album before leaving Asylum.  Mr Young was quite honest about everything when interviewed for the TV show, and seemed like he and David were still buddies.

 
Pretty close, but David Geffen sued Neil while running Geffen Records, not Asylum.  Geffen had co-founded Asylum Records but was no longer in control of it by the late 1970s.  "Trans", "Everybody's Rockin'", and two other albums were released on Geffen Records in the late 1980s.
 idiot_wind wrote:
Listen, until you are lying in a burned out basement, you just don't get it.   

 
That's the truth.
schön! magazine
Saw an incredibly interesting PBS special about David Geffen, who sued Neil Young, his own client.  Seems that Neil recorded "Trans" and another rockabilly album after signing with Asylum, David's label.

The albums did poorly, since fans — and Mr Geffen — wanted more "typical Neil".  The lawsuit was based on Neil's output being so very different from what was expected.

Ironically, the two got over it, and Neil recorded at least one more album before leaving Asylum.  Mr Young was quite honest about everything when interviewed for the TV show, and seemed like he and David were still buddies.
Listen, until you are lying in a burned out basement, you just don't get it.   
 Cynaera wrote:
Totally agree.  And he could switch out the "Poignant" with "Asshole." No, not my opinion, but he's very outspoken so a lot of people probably think of him as an asshole.  (John Mellencamp refers to himself as "The Little Bastard" because he's fully aware of how some people view him.)  Mr. Young has more than earned his stripes in the music business. He's made enemies because of his outspoken viewpoints, but he's also embraced a huge and loyal following (of which I am a staunch member.) 

I will always love Neil Young's music, because during a time when I didn't know who I was or what was expected of me or even what I wanted for my life, his music guided me.

And now I am an anti-government, anarchistic rebel with a stockpile of food and a paranoia of anyone who offers something that looks too good to be true.  Okay, can't blame Neil Young for that, but he opened the door... {#Mrgreen}
 
Everybody in my elevators misses you so much, Cynaera...  we love this song...  this link shows Neil Young's most recent outspoken viewpoint, and everybody in my elevators applauds him...
Future shock.  Alvin Toffler  {#Exclaim}    October 3 1928 - June 27 2016  A fine mind  Rests In Peace
 msymmes wrote:
"Look at Mother Nature on the run In the nineteen seventies."
 
And now look at this planet in 2016...

 
Neil opened with this song (solo with a pump organ) on his tour with The Promise Of The Real. He changed the lyrics to "Look at Mother Nature on the run In the 21st century." 

I wonder what the world would look like if we had Neil for president.
 ozzie1313 wrote:
Two years ago I drove by myself for 6+ hours in winter weather - snow, high winds over rough terrain in Oregon to see Neil and Crazy Horse in Seattle. I am in the Philippines now and thought it would be the last time I saw him.  His music was still fresh, creative, mind bending with a very dramatic stage show.  I was shocked to see so many of my age peers there with walkers or in wheelchairs.  Not there yet, but when will this all end.  I have the same birthday as Dylan, but he is 10 years older; recently heard music critics decrying his lackluster performances, well, he is almost 75.  But Neil is still prolific.  I am so grateful to Radio Paradise for providing connection to youthful performers that keep the rock spark alive, such as Silvert Hoyem or My Morning Jacket.  

 
Thanks for sharing man! Keep your spark alive!
 Phlegmaticman wrote:
French horn!

 
Never mind your sexual preference - what about the music!
Two years ago I drove by myself for 6+ hours in winter weather - snow, high winds over rough terrain in Oregon to see Neil and Crazy Horse in Seattle. I am in the Philippines now and thought it would be the last time I saw him.  His music was still fresh, creative, mind bending with a very dramatic stage show.  I was shocked to see so many of my age peers there with walkers or in wheelchairs.  Not there yet, but when will this all end.  I have the same birthday as Dylan, but he is 10 years older; recently heard music critics decrying his lackluster performances, well, he is almost 75.  But Neil is still prolific.  I am so grateful to Radio Paradise for providing connection to youthful performers that keep the rock spark alive, such as Silvert Hoyem or My Morning Jacket.  
 Rh wrote:
As true today as when it was written!
 
 
true
but unfortunate 
"Look at Mother Nature on the run In the nineteen seventies."
 
And now look at this planet in 2016...
Looks like it's gonna be a Neil Young night when I get home. Haven'y listened to him in ages. Heard a good Buffalo Springfield song the other day as well.
French horn!
back then this was my Saturdayand Sunday morning album
1

I've never been a fan of Neil Young's voice. Like fingernails on a chalkboard. 
 jackie0 wrote:

Despite the 'happy ending', this song is still very much a dirge, a lament, a nostalgia for some future past, and more spot on emotionally with each day that passes.  
Neil was doing some heavy channeling when he created this piece.   

 
Nicely said. 

A favorite that has just gotten more poignant with each passing year. I tried to be a poet because, in part, of Neil. 

I felt like getting high 
About Mother Nature's Silver seed.

Despite the 'happy ending', this song is still very much a dirge, a lament, a nostalgia for some future past, and more spot on emotionally with each day that passes.  
Neil was doing some heavy channeling when he created this piece.   
 Lindo525 wrote:
Instant transportation to a bitter-sweet place and time. All the pleasure and discomfort of teenage angst. This just brings it rushing back - in a warm, sublime wave. I still "feel" this song as much, if not more than I hear it.
 
bump
Early Neil Young songs always take me back.

Really love so much of his work.

My all time favorite - Helpless.
 
Look at Mother Nature on the run in 2015.
My favorite artist, album and song!
I don't know, but his voice sounds pretty lovely to me.
 Rozsa wrote:
Although I like Neil Young and always enjoy hearing the old stuff, I feel that he's highly favored on the the playlist. Not a day passes without hearing him once or twice. Why is that?  {#Stupid}

 
Could it be because he is among the best of his generation?
Although I like Neil Young and always enjoy hearing the old stuff, I feel that he's highly favored on the the playlist. Not a day passes without hearing him once or twice. Why is that?  {#Stupid}
Prelude, in the 1970's, did an excellent cover.
We need more songs with lyrics using the words: "lying in a burned out basement" and "fanfare".

Just saying "fanfare" is fun. Ooooh...alliteration.  
 jagdriver wrote:

Whiny Neil

 
This song is the poster child for those holding that sentiment.
 idiot_wind wrote:
"I was lying in a burned out basement...."
Geez...the lyrics. the lyrics.

"...I was hoping it was a lie".

And a french horn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
 

 
yeah.
Pure beauty and genius.  One of my favorite Neil songs of all time.
"I was lying in a burned out basement...."
Geez...the lyrics. the lyrics.

"...I was hoping it was a lie".

And a french horn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
 
 jagdriver wrote:
Gag.

 
Whiny Neil <=
Gag.
Instant transportation to a bitter-sweet place and time. All the pleasure and discomfort of teenage angst. This just brings it rushing back - in a warm, sublime wave. I still "feel" this song as much, if not more than I hear it.
 pk53 wrote:
you just had to be there (in the 70s), preferably in your late teens or 20s....then. The line makes all the sense in the world!!
 
Ditto.   I  was just eighteen sitting in a college literature class presenting a take on some obscure literary verse when I played this song to the entire class. You just had to be there. 
Portrait of the genius as a young man.
F***ing spectacular.

Businessgypsy, if you ever need an extra driver ....
Always liked the lyrical imagery in this song. It was inspired by a screenplay penned by Young's neighbors Dean Stockwell and Herb Berman. After the Gold Rush was a story of survival following a massive earthquake with some trippy-hippie-dippy elements (transporting the Tree of Life through Topanga Canyon, etc.) In particular, the term Silver Seed to describe a spaceship containing all the elements to replicate life elsewhere appealed so much that I christened my transcontinental migration stealth camper with that name.

Silver Seed begging diesel from a road construction camp just off the PCH in Big Sur

 Jannne wrote:
{#Clap}  Iconic

 
..... and GODLIKE
{#Clap}  Iconic
 pinem wrote:
 Oh to be in my twenties again; one of the truly outstanding albums of all time.

 
.... totally agree on outstanding album & being in my 20's rather than 60's sounds even better :)
 Oh to be in my twenties again; one of the truly outstanding albums of all time.
Why not Cinnamon Girl?
 guipumi wrote:
what a annoying song

  Don't wait here for your 'Bieber' moment, pal......rejoice in his brilliance, don't hate it.....


 Sjaaks wrote:
 mrdak wrote:

If you hate this voice, you must be one horrible m*f*!


I'll take being one horrible m#f# over having a voice like Neil's* any day!


*that's when he's singing songs like this... {#Doh}

 
...........You're one M.... F....... that simply needs to turn it down if you don't like it. Stay in your minority, and wait for what you like...
what a annoying song
 Biscobret wrote:
Lovely.  Perfect.  Brilliant. 

 
        Brilliant.  Perfect.   Lovely.
 Kay4Bee wrote:
Love the song, hate this version.

 
What other version is there? This is THE version.