Gilbert O`Sullivan - I WISH I COULD CRY - ( Rare Single Version ) Inspired by Robert Kennedy`s Death video free download
Gilbert`s song written as a personal response to the assassination of Robert ` Bobby ` Kennedy in California in June 1968 . This version was released on the Major Minor label in 1969 as the B-Side of ` Mr Moody`s Garden` and features strings and woodwind instrumentation ( but no drums ) and also a false ending . A re-release on the Columbia label in 1971 included drums and didn`t have the false ending ( See video response below ) . Gilbert didn`t like these early versions and recorded his `Definitive ` version many years later in 1995 ( See the other video response below ) .
WARNING - THIS VIDEO FEATURES GRAPHIC IMAGES OF THE ASSASSINATION OF ROBERT KENNEDY .
Here`s a quote from Gilbert from 1972 - "I don't know how many people realise "I Wish I Could Cry" was about Bobby Kennedy. If you listen to the lyrics again with that knowledge, the words will mean a lot more. I did it in a subtle way. "I don't mention his name once. I didn't say, 'Bobby Kennedy's dead. It's awful. What are we gonna do? Why did they kill him?' I just wrote the song: 'Day by day, someone we really love seems to feel the pain we're always thinking of. And, you know, if only we were the men we're supposed to be, it wouldn't happen again.' Now I mean, if you didn't know that was about Bobby Kennedy, you'd never guess. You'd just think it was quite a sad song."
Comments
12 years ago
sanguinefan
Of the three versions you have uploaded, this is my favourite. I dislike the 1995 re-recording intensely. There is an integrity about the early version that is lost in the later recording. Plus, in a funny way, the uptempo arrangement makes the song more poignant.12 years ago
mohawk3881
@Waverley7 I knew you would enjoy this Magda - now you have two old versions after all those years searching - remember ? Maybe all these old songs will finally be on a cd now that Gilbert is re-releasing all his work . Can`t wait ! Let`s hope it`s quicker than Gilbertville !!! lol12 years ago
Waverley7
Oh Mo, what a surprise!!! A very good version, of course, but I prefer MY Columbia version first (lol), second this one and finally the third. We need all these old titles in a new CD. Thank to comunicate it , as you know this is one of my favourites!!!!!12 years ago
mohawk3881
@RWillemM Yes Rob I also like both the early versions - and those missing lyrics ! The later version is brilliant but would have been even better with the last verse .12 years ago
RWillemM
Like this version; it holds the same verse at the end as the 1971-Colombia release which I have in my collection, and which I like. Why did he leave it out later??!! Looking forward to the 1967-compilations on cd.12 years ago
mohawk3881
@navredTraav Who knows Ed now that Ray has signed a new deal to re-release his back catalogue from 1967 onwards we might finally get all these late sixties tracks assembled together on cd. It would do me out of a job on youtube but would be great to have ! He should be proud of these old songs- they are part of his legacy .12 years ago
mohawk3881
@navredTraav No - they are indeed part of this version of the song . I checked on Brians website on the `song index ` and he mentions the breaks on this release.12 years ago
mohawk3881
@navredTraav Thanks Ed - I find these early recordings facinating - who could imagine then what wonderful music this young man would produce for the next 40 years . The video is very sad - but justifed I think to accompany the song . You are right - the slower tempo on the 1995 version suits the subject of the song better but those extra beautiful lyrics at the end are missed . Wonder why he did that ? - we should try and ask him one day .12 years ago
mohawk3881
@RAYalized I know this isn`t very easy viewing Nicole but it`s an important piece of American history and it illustrates clearly why the young Ray O`Sullivan was moved to write the song. And another version is always good to hear !12 years ago
RAYalized
Bobby was also very much welcome over here - I'm so sad he was killed - he was a great person! Very nice Mo! I'M so sorry for not having commented on this - it's so true!12 years ago
mohawk3881
@100tonee As Ray says in the text if you didn`t know this was about Bobby Kennedy you would never guess because he isn`t mentioned by name . It must have had quite an impact on Ray at the time - as it did on many people . Thanks Tony .12 years ago
100tonee
always interesting nonetheless. Also interesting what goes through the mind of a songwriter particularly Ray's music and thinking. nice one12 years ago
mohawk3881
@100tonee I agree Tony the 1995 version is far better and one of my all time favourites . I can understand why he re-recorded it . But these early versions have a charm of their own . One of the video responses features drums and is from 1971 - the other video response is the later version . The early versions also have extra lyrics at the end that he didn`t use on the new version .12 years ago
100tonee
one of my fav songs which i play on keyboard, but is the "bad" version that Ray refers to quite often as i only know the other more orchestrated version which is wonderful.12 years ago
