Brilliant performance by Levon Helm on the drums and being the lead singer. I love this song.
Just wanted to say its not often a person plays drums and does lead vocals. I’m not a musician but im sure anyone can see that this is a very impressive live performance. I know that its from a movie but I’ve never seen the movie. I’ve been watching this video on youtube for years now and I have a young son and he’s just learning to talk and he likes to sing this song with me. I saw in another comment on youtube I think that although is song is written from the perspective of the south, its really about just being a normal guy living in a small town and all of a sudden you’re being sent to war, regardless of which side you happen to be on. The lyrics are great. I hope someone enjoys it.
It makes sense that your young son likes it: when it was written, Robbie Robertson had to be quiet so as not to wake up his sleeping daughter. So there may be some kind of father/child thing with this song. Check out the BBC Classic Albums special, where this clip is taken from: https://youtu.be/VusxYu9Uycs?t=75
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing that.
You’re welcome. That whole film is fantastic, including a sequence where Levon talks about singing and drumming at the same time. He claims that it’s in fact easier that way…
Absolutely love that song. I’ve also been listening to The Weight a lot recently, because I’ve had Van Morrison’s Moondance album on repeat lately, and there are so many songa on there that remind me of The Band for some reason.
The Weight is such a good song, and probably their most well known. I’m gonna check out Van Morrison’s Moondance album, I’m getting older and just now really getting into classic rock. I love the video for Sympathy for the Devil as well I’ve been watching that a bunch lately. Also the Eagles. Whoa.
I’ve never really given the Stones the time of day, but the same was true about the Beatles a while back and now they’re one of my favorites - so maybe it’s time to give the Rolling Stones a chance one of these days (that whole rivalry between fans of the two bands is just silly nonsense of course).
you sound like me haha. love the beatles now. trust me go watch the video for sympathy for the devil and tell me it isnt cool as hell https://youtu.be/Jwtyn-L-2gQ i agree fan rivalry is silly, i can like two things lol. maybe it made sense back when it was fresh and new and i might have been a part of it, but now im just here for good music!
God that vid makes me understand why that song “Moves Like Jagger” was written, dude had stage presence for sure.
Right! he’s unreal, and so skinny, it’s no wonder he’s still alive after all those years of partying. But yeah the way he moves around is unique for sure.
Love the Jerry Garcia Band version as well. Soooo good!