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Pink Floyd — Childhood's End
Album: Obscured by Clouds
Avg rating:
8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1810









Released: 1972
Length: 4:27
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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You shout in your sleep
Perhaps the price is just too steep
Is your conscious at rest
If once put to the test
You awake with a start
To just the beating of your heart
Just one man beneath the sky
Just two ears just two eyes

You set sail across the sea
Of long past thoughts and memories
Childhood's end your fantasies
Merge with harsh realities
And then as the sail is hoist
You find your eyes are growing moist
And all the fears never voiced
Say you have to make the final choice

Who are you and who am I
To say we know the reason why
Some are born some men die
Beneath one infinite sky
There'll be war there'll be peace
But everything one day will cease
All the iron turn to rust
All the proud men turn to dust
So all things time will mend
And so this song will end
Comments (114)add comment
Brilliant track - just SO, SO good at many levels.
Posted 2 days ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
I love how this amazing, decidedly different song previews some of the seeds, even the very riffs and rhythms that would germinate in the mind-blowing immortal epic Dark Side of the Moon...and how it teases hints of the trademark searing, snarling guitar tone that David would use to such devastating effect on Animals... They were really starting to ROCK OUT again like they hadn't since their early Syd days!
Posted 9 months ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 prs wrote:



I agree about the opening - I was holding my breath in the hope it may have been Expecting To Fly - however not too disappointed



4 months on and still thought the same - may be Expecting To Fly!
Posted 1 year ago by prs    [ Reply ]
 azjames wrote:

love love love the way this begins. This man is god to me!




I agree about the opening - I was holding my breath in the hope it may have been Expecting To Fly - however not too disappointed
Posted 1 year ago by prs    [ Reply ]
 maclochness wrote:


Gilmour - great voice, great guitar - but in my opinion, not a great songwriter.  That's all RW, rants included....


What's your issue with Roger, pal?
Posted 2 years ago by nicknt    [ Reply ]
 kbrochford wrote:

Obscure Pink Floyd.  Most excellent


Yep, they squeezed this soundtrack album in between Meddle and Dark Side.
Posted 3 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 maclochness wrote:


Gilmour - great voice, great guitar - but in my opinion, not a great songwriter.  That's all RW, rants included....


If the songwriting was in two parts, the music and the lyrics, I would say he is great at the music and much less so as a lyricist, which he has alluded to himself.
Posted 3 years ago by coyote620    [ Reply ]
love love love the way this begins. This man is god to me!
Posted 3 years ago by azjames    [ Reply ]
 FlatCat wrote:

Are the ANY PF songs that deviate from exactly 60 beats per minute? Plodding, gray, soul-crushing music that I always hear as the background track for 1984.



120 bpm duffus
Posted 3 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
I love listening to this album every once in a while. It, as well as Meddle before it, shows the direction pf was moving in and concepts of those albums found their way to DSotM, WYWH and Animals. 
Posted 3 years ago by niels1    [ Reply ]
This makes me wish more bands had the guts -and opportunity- to soundtrack for a film. Probs too risky for the artist and movie studios want to play it safe. How many times has playing it safe deprived the world of great art. Let artist make art!
Posted 4 years ago by PhoenixArtDj    [ Reply ]
 ppopp wrote:
Sounds like they wrote this album during quick visits to the toilet when they were writing Dark Side Of The Moooooooon (said the cow).
 
I think I heard they recorded this while on break during the DSOTM sessions.  While recording one of the most epic albums of all time, they take a vacation to unwind....by recording a soundtrack album that is quite good.  
Posted 4 years ago by Relayer    [ Reply ]
Sounds like they wrote this album during quick visits to the toilet when they were writing Dark Side Of The Moooooooon (said the cow).
Posted 4 years ago by ppopp    [ Reply ]
Are the ANY PF songs that deviate from exactly 60 beats per minute? Plodding, gray, soul-crushing music that I always hear as the background track for 1984.
Posted 4 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
one of their best albums, thanks for being one of the only stations that regularly plays tracks from it.
Posted 4 years ago by bullshipped    [ Reply ]
Perfectly fine piece of music, but if it were by an obscure band I'd take about two or three points off that 8.1 score.  Just worth noting that we're all under the pull of the popular and the familiar.
Posted 4 years ago by cely    [ Reply ]
This could have easily ended up on a early David Gilmour album by the sounds of it.
Posted 5 years ago by wolverine    [ Reply ]
 h8rhater wrote:

You are easily amused. {#Rolleyes}
 
C'mon man, you're getting sloppy.  In your zeal to "punish haters everywhere" you apparently overlooked the context of that series of comments.
Posted 5 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 wingo395 wrote:
Anyone else hear the embryo of "Time" in this song?  The tick-tock is almost identical.
 Yes, I do

Posted 5 years ago by memo.zamarripa    [ Reply ]
 Relayer wrote:
Gilmour proving how he can be a great songwriter on his own, without Roger bullying his way into the song with a rant about his father and Thatcher.  
 

Gilmour - great voice, great guitar - but in my opinion, not a great songwriter.  That's all RW, rants included....
Posted 5 years ago by maclochness    [ Reply ]
 Relayer wrote:
Gilmour proving how he can be a great songwriter on his own, without Roger bullying his way into the song with a rant about his father and Thatcher.  
 
How much more empty the spaces would be without the rants of the past and present 
Posted 6 years ago by LudicrousMaximus    [ Reply ]
Gilmour proving how he can be a great songwriter on his own, without Roger bullying his way into the song with a rant about his father and Thatcher.  
Posted 6 years ago by Relayer    [ Reply ]
I remember the joy of discovering this album. I'd already heard Dark Side of the Moon and Animals, and even Meddle, before someone put this rocker on the turntable at an all-night After Party. Gilmour's amazing guitar...Waters' scene-setting lyrics...leading up to DSotM.
Posted 6 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 Pedro1874 wrote:
Thanks to RP I am becoming re-acquainted with some of my older albums that have been gathering dust!  Always loved this but have not heard it for a loong time.  Looking forward to enjoying the whole album tonight. {#Notworthy}

 
And still lovin' it.  Great album.  Thanks for reminding me RP {#Notworthy}
Posted 7 years ago by Pedro1874    [ Reply ]
Obscure Pink Floyd.  Most excellent
Posted 7 years ago by kbrochford    [ Reply ]
 aspicer wrote:
Getting psyched for the Floyd/Waters show in a few weeks in Chicago!  Roger never disappoints.  An aside - saw King Crimson last night absolutely amazing! 8 person band - 3 full set drummers positioned at the front of the stage including.....Gavin Harrison!  My God is he incredible - only Bruford compares.

 
You will be floored by Roger Waters. The show's amazing. Doesn't leave much room for non-programmed moments, but the band is tight and Roger is in his element. I saw the second show in Louisville and was just amazed. 

Would have loved to have seen King Crimson, especially with Gavin pounding the skins. Maybe they'll hit Louisville. In the meantime, got the New Pornographers this weekend as a Forecastle Festival after show.
Posted 7 years ago by eeastridge    [ Reply ]
Getting psyched for the Floyd/Waters show in a few weeks in Chicago!  Roger never disappoints.  An aside - saw King Crimson last night absolutely amazing! 8 person band - 3 full set drummers positioned at the front of the stage including.....Gavin Harrison!  My God is he incredible - only Bruford compares.
Posted 7 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Oh c'mon. Play the title track! Imagine first hearing it from the original LP with Koss headphones all alone late at night and the blotter you took hours ago just kicking in. Woohoo!
Posted 7 years ago by folkrocker    [ Reply ]
 Relayer wrote:
Gilmour dammit.  He is the man. So good here in this song; great lyrics, guitar, and his voice is so far beyond the screaming rants of Waters.

ALSO, I downloaded and watch "the Valley" just to see it since PF did the soundtrack.  Very underwhelming movie, even though it received good reviews.  Oh well, I still need to watch  MORE, since I just downloaded it as well.

 

Relayer .... Yes, Waters doesn't have the same voice as Gilmour but... thats a good thing !  Waters voice, however is distinct, uniquely expressive. Waters had and still has one of the most expressive voices in all of Rock. (see his The Wall tour) Lennon's voice and McCartney's were really quite different too.  Jagger/Richards...  Townsend/Daltrey..... so many more...   musical math .. 1+1=3



Posted 7 years ago by TAI    [ Reply ]
 I had nearly forgotten that turntables had 16rpm options way back when..I only used it to amuse myself with the effects ..thank you for reminding me   twoplain2sea wrote:
put 16 to the test.

 

Posted 7 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
I own this LP on vinyl..still in decent condition as well..I imagine it is a rare one
Posted 7 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
Gilmour dammit.  He is the man. So good here in this song; great lyrics, guitar, and his voice is so far beyond the screaming rants of Waters.

ALSO, I downloaded and watch "the Valley" just to see it since PF did the soundtrack.  Very underwhelming movie, even though it received good reviews.  Oh well, I still need to watch  MORE, since I just downloaded it as well.
Posted 7 years ago by Relayer    [ Reply ]
What's up with all the sniffing?  Sounds like someone's on a massive coke binge in the background.
Posted 7 years ago by IrieTom    [ Reply ]
that was a looooooong segue from Blasphemous Rumours. It mostly worked though.
Posted 7 years ago by kalpol    [ Reply ]
Such an amazing tune, one of my all time favorites!  A few other great stand outs on this album too....
Posted 7 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
sniffles
Posted 7 years ago by stunix    [ Reply ]
 themusicroob wrote:
Someone in my office has the sniffles really bad...

 
Hey, mine too! What's up with that?
Posted 8 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Trumps theme song.
Posted 8 years ago by LuvWilloughby    [ Reply ]
Love this track—-haven't heard it in years. That remastered "Obscured By Clouds" sounds fantastic. The original LP was muddy as hell.
 
Posted 8 years ago by chasech5    [ Reply ]
Someone in my office has the sniffles really bad...
Posted 8 years ago by themusicroob    [ Reply ]
put 16 to the test.
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
 Otomi wrote:
Sasha2001 wrote:
Have you been on a 40-year acid trip?

  {#Roflol} That made me laugh hard for the first time today. Thank you, Sasha. Peace and love.



 
You are easily amused. {#Rolleyes}
Posted 8 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 stunix wrote:
I think this is where David found his feet.   It is a prelude to WYWH.

 
I think this is where the whole band found it's feet. There's premonitions of things to come on all counts here.
Posted 8 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
I think this is where David found his feet.   It is a prelude to WYWH.
Posted 9 years ago by stunix    [ Reply ]
 Highspirits wrote:
Hey...super segue from DM to PF!!

 
i agree  {#Music}
Posted 9 years ago by miamizsun    [ Reply ]
Hey...super segue from DM to PF!!
Posted 9 years ago by Highspirits    [ Reply ]
Wow....I am rockin' here in good ol'Blighty on a Sunday morning !!   Great track.   thx Bill
Posted 9 years ago by jimmygee848    [ Reply ]
 Bluenoser wrote:
Haven't heard this one for a very very long time. Classic Floyd. Thanks RP. {#Clap}


 
Hear hear!
Posted 9 years ago by h_in_bristol    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this one for a very very long time. Classic Floyd. Thanks RP. {#Clap}

Posted 9 years ago by Bluenoser    [ Reply ]
 Sasha2001 wrote:

Have you been on a 40-year acid trip?
 
Life is an acid trip. Where the hell have you been?
Posted 9 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite PF tunes and albums.
Posted 9 years ago by xtalman    [ Reply ]
Sasha2001 wrote:
Have you been on a 40-year acid trip?

  {#Roflol} That made me laugh hard for the first time today. Thank you, Sasha. Peace and love.


Posted 10 years ago by Otomi    [ Reply ]
 Otomi wrote:
Is this one if the most extraordinary and aesthetically moving pieces of music ever composed and performed, or does it just seem that way to me because I listened to it a lot during the most profoundly transformational period in my life?

 
Have you been on a 40-year acid trip?
Posted 10 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
You can so hear the birth of songs like 'money' in this. Classic pf being formulated
Posted 10 years ago by bb_matt    [ Reply ]
WoW - this one slipped in between Meddle and Dark Side of the Moon and I missed it! Quick google also revealed the following:

Pink Floyd, the 1970s rock band known for its lush musical textures and meditative take on existence, will release its first new album in two decades.

The album, titled The Endless River, will be released in October, Doug Wright, a spokesman for the band, said in a statement today.

It will be "mainly ambient and instrumental music" based on unreleased 1993-1994 sessions that featured guitarist David Gilmour, drummer Nick Mason and keyboardist Richard Wright, according to the statement.


Posted 10 years ago by MM_Oz    [ Reply ]
 linzie wrote:
My 1st listen.....



 
I envy you that.
Posted 10 years ago by ccjemmett    [ Reply ]
Glad I heard this here, so I could rate it a 10
Posted 10 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
Anyone else hear the embryo of "Time" in this song?  The tick-tock is almost identical.
Posted 10 years ago by wingo395    [ Reply ]
My 1st listen.....


Posted 10 years ago by linzie    [ Reply ]
Is this one if the most extraordinary and aesthetically moving pieces of music ever composed and performed, or does it just seem that way to me because I listened to it a lot during the most profoundly transformational period in my life?
Posted 10 years ago by Otomi    [ Reply ]
I'll have to put this album on the turntable when I get home today... It's been way too long.  Thanks RP!!
Posted 10 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
Wow a real blast from my past. Underated album
Posted 10 years ago by Sadoslados    [ Reply ]
Thank you, thank you, for playing this!
Posted 11 years ago by daniel_rusk    [ Reply ]
 ckcotton wrote:
I have to say it again

10 

 
Me too!
more than 10!
Posted 11 years ago by vanmas    [ Reply ]
I have to say it again

10 
Posted 11 years ago by ckcotton    [ Reply ]
I always loved this obscure gem with the blistering guitar and mesmerizing message... I still feel like I just can't get enough of Pink Floyd!
Posted 11 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
The quality of Pink Floyd's productions from the early 70ies always amazes me. This is real quality excellent work. Look up, you 64bit autotune enabled iPhonies from today! {#Beat}
Posted 11 years ago by Wundermichl    [ Reply ]
super duper AWESOME!

One of the best unknown Floyd tunes of all time


Posted 11 years ago by ckcotton    [ Reply ]
Ausgezeichnet!

Translation: 9
Posted 11 years ago by R7-12    [ Reply ]
dieser sound paßt gut zum tee, gibt eine gute stimmung{#Clap}
Posted 12 years ago by mistabird    [ Reply ]
Thanks to RP I am becoming re-acquainted with some of my older albums that have been gathering dust!  Always loved this but have not heard it for a loong time.  Looking forward to enjoying the whole album tonight. {#Notworthy}
Posted 12 years ago by Pedro1874    [ Reply ]
Nice one, RP - a Floyd song I've never heard (of), and I thought I'd heard them all, from an album I've never heard of. The sound is a clear precursor to Dark Side of the Moon.
Posted 12 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
jagdriver
(Just a nod and a wink south of Paradise)
Posted: Jul 19, 2012 - 13:41 < Reply >
 jpdribbler wrote:
I think I really need to check out their earlier stuff - I'd go as far and say that I prefer songs like this one, Fat Old Sun and Fearless to their "Greatest Hits" (well, except Comfortably Numb). I guess it's because I feel that there's a "rawer" and more direct quality to them. Any recommendations on similar tunes?
  
I've long enjoyed their entire catalog from Saucerful of Secrets through Meddle. Skipping Ummagumma*, that leaves More and Atom Heart Mother in addition to the aforementioned and Obscured By Clouds. in my opinionPiper At the Gates of Dawn is for collectors only, as well as those obsessed with the sound of 1966 "Swinging London" (although I do enjoy Interstellar Overdrive and See Emily Play).

I wish they had produced more music like the two tracks you called out, but then Roger pretty much assumed creative control. While DSoM is touted as billing wholly collaborative, from that point on I feel as though their product was that of Roger Waters and his hired sidemen. David Gilmour was able to periodically shout him down and insist on some melody, but the latter was never a lyricist. I also wish that Rick Wright had been more demonstrative, as his keyboard pieces were frequently very evocative.

*Ummagumma is one-half live album, one-half "each member does whatever". If you love their early space-rock sound (I do), then it's a must. Don't expect any great lyrical content on this release, however

Nice analysis jagdriver!  I concur!!  {#Yes}


Posted 12 years ago by JIan    [ Reply ]
Not sure how it is I have never heard this before now. I clicked over thinking it was Gilmour solo. Surprised indeed to see it's Pink Floyd from waaaaay back in the way back when.
Posted 12 years ago by dwlangham    [ Reply ]
SWWEEEEEEETTTTTT!!!!!!!
Posted 12 years ago by xtalman    [ Reply ]
 jpdribbler wrote:
I think I really need to check out their earlier stuff - I'd go as far and say that I prefer songs like this one, Fat Old Sun and Fearless to their "Greatest Hits" (well, except Comfortably Numb). I guess it's because I feel that there's a "rawer" and more direct quality to them. Any recommendations on similar tunes?
 
I've long enjoyed their entire catalog from Saucerful of Secrets through Meddle. Skipping Ummagumma*, that leaves More and Atom Heart Mother in addition to the aforementioned and Obscured By Clouds. in my opinion Piper At the Gates of Dawn is for collectors only, as well as those obsessed with the sound of 1966 "Swinging London" (although I do enjoy Interstellar Overdrive and See Emily Play).

I wish they had produced more music like the two tracks you called out, but then Roger pretty much assumed creative control. While DSoM is touted as billing wholly collaborative, from that point on I feel as though their product was that of Roger Waters and his hired sidemen. David Gilmour was able to periodically shout him down and insist on some melody, but the latter was never a lyricist. I also wish that Rick Wright had been more demonstrative, as his keyboard pieces were frequently very evocative.

*Ummagumma is one-half live album, one-half "each member does whatever". If you love their early space-rock sound (I do), then it's a must. Don't expect any great lyrical content on this release, however


Posted 12 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
SUCH a great tune! Classic Floyd - Aaahhhhhhhh,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Posted 12 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 vanmas wrote:
One of my favorite songs of The Pink Floyd!
My stereo is booming over here! Love this!
 
A "Lost" classic.... as good as anything they ever did
Posted 12 years ago by ckcotton    [ Reply ]
Some of the best lyrics they ever wrote.
Posted 12 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite songs of The Pink Floyd!
My stereo is booming over here! Love this!
Posted 12 years ago by vanmas    [ Reply ]
Stands the test of time doesn't it.. As does most of their stuff..
Posted 12 years ago by ski19570    [ Reply ]
So good!
Posted 12 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Gilmour solos.. Just amazing!

Nice to hear some pre-DSotM tune.
Posted 12 years ago by mauguima    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:

This song is good for the ears...
 
 
...& the rest of the body too! =)
Posted 12 years ago by GrooVy    [ Reply ]
Goddamned killer tune, and album.

Posted 12 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
 robco1 wrote:
An Arthur C. Clarke reference?

Great song in any case.
 

Yup, apparently: https://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=4637
Posted 13 years ago by justsomeone    [ Reply ]
I think I really need to check out their earlier stuff - I'd go as far and say that I prefer songs like this one, Fat Old Sun and Fearless to their "Greatest Hits" (well, except Comfortably Numb). I guess it's because I feel that there's a "rawer" and more direct quality to them. Any recommendations on similar tunes?

Posted 13 years ago by jpdribbler    [ Reply ]
Nice!  Been a while since I've heard this!
Posted 13 years ago by nelamvr6    [ Reply ]
Great song and album.  I'll have to check out the movie.  (Thanks for the idea Otomi!)
Posted 13 years ago by smdeeg    [ Reply ]

This has been one of my favorite albums since the year it came out. I recently bought the movie these songs were written for (La Vallée) on DVD and saw it for the first time. It was a powerful experience.
(Click on the poster to see the trailer.)


Photo source: https://www.peterasaro.com/STIM/LaVallee0.jpg


Posted 13 years ago by Otomi    [ Reply ]
Very agree!!!! ;)

 LennytheB wrote:
my vote for best band of all time
 


Posted 13 years ago by Deyan_Vriesse    [ Reply ]
An Arthur C. Clarke reference?

Great song in any case.
Posted 14 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
my vote for best band of all time
Posted 14 years ago by LennytheB    [ Reply ]
Has a Dark Side of the Moon sound....that would be their next album. {#Music}
Posted 14 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
Completely forgot about this song.
Radio paradise is always good for a surprise.


Posted 14 years ago by iw3gtf    [ Reply ]
 randerse10 wrote:
Man, I really need to go bad, but you keep putting pure musical awesomeness on! Darn you, Bill! :D
 
Dontcha hate that ;)
Posted 14 years ago by BrokenArrow    [ Reply ]
This NEEDS to be in the rotation more often..... once a month or less is just not acceptable
Posted 14 years ago by ckcotton    [ Reply ]
 mirland wrote:
This album is a stroke of genious. 

 

 

Bingo!!!

Posted 14 years ago by xtalman    [ Reply ]
{#Clap}

"Big-time Bill,big time, big time"

Yes

 
{#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by jersey_birdman    [ Reply ]
Man, I really need to go bad, but you keep putting pure musical awesomeness on! Darn you, Bill! :D
Posted 14 years ago by randerse10    [ Reply ]
This album is a stroke of genious. 
Posted 14 years ago by mirland    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this in ages. It remains timeless.
Posted 14 years ago by MinMan    [ Reply ]
 peter_james_bond wrote:
Here's an old interview with Floyd - 1971 - a year before this album came out. This is a hilarious Spinal Tap like moment for the band.....all bands must have those Tap moments.

 
Great find! I laughed at the earnestness of the reporter. Sad to think that Richard Wright has gone on to the great gig in the sky.

Posted 14 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
OMG

WHOAAAAAAAAAAAA

That's why I recommend RP to everyone!!!!

AMAZING!!! 
Thanks RP! 
Posted 14 years ago by oscar_driver    [ Reply ]
sounds like Beck Floyd
Posted 14 years ago by Felix_The_Cat    [ Reply ]
exactly what I needed right now...thanks RP! {#Clap}

Posted 15 years ago by ydorsouroti    [ Reply ]
Killer Floydian machinations!! {#High-five} {#Notworthy}
Posted 15 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
Here's an old interview with Floyd - 1971 - a year before this album came out. This is a hilarious Spinal Tap like moment for the band.....all bands must have those Tap moments.




Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
For me Obscured By Clouds is a languid, late summer afternoon, bottled on record. I've never seen the film OBC is the soundtrack for but I there's already a film playing in my mind when I hear it.

Posted 15 years ago by Jungle_Jim    [ Reply ]
ahhh, pink floyd.
Posted 15 years ago by bcdawgfather    [ Reply ]
Look at this guitar.  It has six strings.  Let's see what happens when I bend them!
Posted 15 years ago by Dahnyul    [ Reply ]
Wow. I Pink Floyd song I haven't heard before. I'm not usually a Floyd fan, but I like this. Nice set o'tunes this afternoon! 

Posted 15 years ago by Marley    [ Reply ]
still in a box out in the garage.  one of many fine pieces of vinyl sleeping in the dark..thanks for bringing it back.  I was graduating 8th grade when this was released.  Childhoods end...appropriate title for 1972


Posted 15 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]