[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
Neil Young — Unknown Legend (live)
Album: Unplugged
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1782









Released: 1993
Length: 4:29
Plays (last 30 days): 0
She used to work in a diner
Never saw a woman look finer
I used to order just to watch her float across the floor
She grew up in a small town
Never put her roots down
Daddy always kept movin', so she did too.

Somewhere on a desert highway
She rides a Harley-Davidson
Her long blonde hair flyin' in the wind
She's been runnin' half her life
The chrome and steel she rides
Collidin' with the very air she breathes
The air she breathes.

You know it ain't easy
You got to hold on
She was an unknown legend in her time
Now she's dressin' two kids
Lookin' for a magic kiss
She gets the far-away look in her eyes.

Somewhere on a desert highway
She rides a Harley-Davidson
Her long blonde hair flyin' in the wind
She's been runnin' half her life
The chrome and steel she rides
Collidin' with the very air she breathes
The air she breathes.
Comments (112)add comment
Just a fantastic song. The live version is pretty close to the original album version!
 h8rhater wrote:

There was a time when Harley wasn't a rich-white-guy-midlife-crisis punchline.  This song was written in that time.  It was close, though.


Its sad to see. I know a guy who bought one in his 50's and rides it about 200 yards and puts it away again.
 Anatol wrote:

Stingray wrote: America's BEST MAN!
Excuse me, I'm correct you - Neil is Russian's BEST MAN, I'm insist!



Neil Young is actually Canadian, but America is happy to have him! 
Rode a Harley for years. Now I ride a Vespa. Guess I'm getting older, haha.
beautiful lyrics - in my imagination she stands right in front of me
Neil likes the 'motorcycle mama' motif, doesn't he?
Stingray wrote: America's BEST MAN!
Excuse me, I'm correct you - Neil is Russian's BEST MAN, I'm insist!
Playing from My Favorites Mix . Great live version.
'She rides a Harley-Davidson'.

Yeah, but I bet she fancies an MZ...
 h8rhater wrote:

There was a time when Harley wasn't a rich white guy midlife crisis punchline.  This was written in that time.  It was close, though.
 

This is touching to me since the day after I told my wife that the motorcycle turning in front of us that the particular bike was my favorite Harley in town. If it was the same bike and rider, he was killed the next day in a hit and run by an unlicensed, hit and run driver (who subsequently turned himself in). *sigh*
 expatlar wrote:
I love the shit out of Neil. This song just makes me shake my head. The music and harmonies are so great, and then '...she rides a harley davidson'?
 
There was a time when Harley wasn't a rich-white-guy-midlife-crisis punchline.  This song was written in that time.  It was close, though.
 triviagal wrote:
I'm not a big Neil Young-as-a-soloist fan, but this isn't too bad.

 
I'm assuming by "soloist" you mean this acoustic version.  You'll notice that there was a whole band playing with him on this song.

That said back in the day on one tour NY did a whole tour where the first night he'd play with Crazy Horse and the second night it would be him alone on a chair in the middle of the stage.  I saw that at Merriwether Post in Columbia MD back in the 80s.  I'm hard-pressed to remember which was better, but both were ... thunderous.
I love the shit out of Neil. This song just makes me shake my head. The music and harmonies are so great, and then '...she rides a harley davidson'?
 fredriley wrote:
I was amused to read, in yesterday's Guardian (a UK liberal newspaper), that Donald "Bouffant" Trump, that icon of modesty and self-effacement, at the launch of his presidential campaign, walked out to Neil Young's "Rockin' in the free world", which prompted NY to immediately rebuff the coiffed one. Given the lyrics of the song, plainly irony isn't Trump's strongest suit. Shades of Bush using Springsteen's "Born in the USA".

Neil Young to Donald Trump: old man, look at my life, I'm not a lot like you

 
CCR,  Fortunate Son
 zunismyst wrote:

"great post!!" says one of millions of German who don't quite understand part of US people....
By the way, for this song, one of my favorite songs, NY gets a '10'. This is my first one

 
You don't need to be from Germany to not quite understand part of the US people....  we do it right here in the good ole USofA too.

NY get's a 10 from me as well.
Such a lovely song from the master, Neil.
 fredriley wrote:
I was amused to read, in yesterday's Guardian (a UK liberal newspaper), that Donald "Bouffant" Trump, that icon of modesty and self-effacement, at the launch of his presidential campaign, walked out to Neil Young's "Rockin' in the free world", which prompted NY to immediately rebuff the coiffed one. Given the lyrics of the song, plainly irony isn't Trump's strongest suit. Shades of Bush using Springsteen's "Born in the USA".

Neil Young to Donald Trump: old man, look at my life, I'm not a lot like you

 
"great post!!" says one of millions of German who don't quite understand part of US people....
By the way, for this song, one of my favorite songs, NY gets a '10'. This is my first one
Somewhere west of Laramie...


JOHN SEED   Caravaggio's "Sacrifice of Issac"  johnseed@seedhuffpost.com

2016-01-22-1453440744-260305-issac_carson_mashup.jpg

 

I was amused to read, in yesterday's Guardian (a UK liberal newspaper), that Donald "Bouffant" Trump, that icon of modesty and self-effacement, at the launch of his presidential campaign, walked out to Neil Young's "Rockin' in the free world", which prompted NY to immediately rebuff the coiffed one. Given the lyrics of the song, plainly irony isn't Trump's strongest suit. Shades of Bush using Springsteen's "Born in the USA".

Neil Young to Donald Trump: old man, look at my life, I'm not a lot like you
them unplugged sessions were just brilliant.. {#Cheers}
 Stingray wrote:
America's BEST MAN!

 
America's best always seem to be from other countries. Canada in this case.
Neil nails this one...and not too much crowd distraction on this live recording.  Very nice.

Neil Young performs a cover of "Changes" originally by Phil Ochs at the Farm Aid concert in Saratoga Springs, NY on September 21, 2013. Farm Aid was started by Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp in 1985 to keep family farmers on the land and has worked since then to make sure everyone has access to good food from family farmers. Dave Matthews joined Farm Aid's board of directors in 2001.


 Forest267 wrote:
I saw the movie "Rachel Getting Married" recently. When the guy sang this song to his bride at their wedding, I got angry. I just couldn't put that scene and this song together. Perhaps I'm missing something...

 
Perhaps, also, because Rachel Getting Married was directed by Jonathan Demme, who also directed two Neil concert movies, Heart of Gold and Journeys. I would say that their collaboration transcends whatever dramatic or aesthetic purpose this song served in that scene alone. 
{#Kiss} luv it a lot  "G O D L I K E" -  as good as it gets
I just love this song. Some incredibly talented artists originated out of The 'Peg.
America's BEST MAN!
 triviagal wrote:
I'm not a big Neil Young-as-a-soloist fan, but this isn't too bad.

 

You prefer him playing in a 2-piece band? Or in an orchestra?

Neil is the personification of a solo artist!


I'm not a big Neil Young-as-a-soloist fan, but this isn't too bad.
without doubt Neil's best collection......{#Shhh}
This was my earworm while pushing the cart up and down the aisle at the grocery store this morning! 
 Pieter wrote:
The silly lyrics don't get in the way of a great song.

 
Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs.  What's wrong with that? I need to know.
NEIL = 10
yeah I'm on that group ride too!

Bill + Rebecca toolin down that wide gorgeous 2 lane with a gang of us drifters rite behind man,  Love people!!! 
A teacher I work with heard this coming from my room one day. She stopped by and said that when she was a little, her dad used to take her on rides in a convertible with this in the tape deck, and they'd all sing along. She got pretty misty eyed telling me the story. The power of a good tune!
 lemmoth wrote:

Pearl Jam followed by their Uncle Neil.  Lovin RP this morning.


Make that four!
 lemmoth wrote:

Pearl Jam followed by their Uncle Neil.  Lovin RP this morning.

 
Me Three!
Smoothly nice.
 lemmoth wrote:

Pearl Jam followed by their Uncle Neil.  Lovin RP this morning.

 

Me too!
 Pieter wrote:
The silly lyrics don't get in the way of a great song.
 
You got it. 

Pearl Jam followed by their Uncle Neil.  Lovin RP this morning.


Nice to hear this version.   Neil is such a GREAT artist!!  
Unreal timing. I literally just put down Jimmy McDunnough's biography of Neil entitled "Shaky". Sometimes you scare me, Bill... Surprised
Nice!

If my life had a theme song, I think this song would be it. I just need the Harley. 


i can imagine more than one got married to this sowng
Love this song.  Love the way it was used in RACHEL GETTING MARRIED.
https://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMjA0NTY2NzQ1MF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNjU1NjAyMg@@._V1._SY317_.jpg


 WayUpNorth wrote:

That's because you don't really know me ...  {#Roflol}
 
Right on! You can never have too much chrome.
I love this. Always something hopeful in a good highway tune.

and i love these silly lyrics...

 
Pieter wrote:
The silly lyrics don't get in the way of a great song.
 


The silly lyrics don't get in the way of a great song.

Truly, the one and only Neil song I love. And boy do I love it.



Neil owns a big chunk of rock and roll history. Neil Percival Young's work ethic is second to none.
The fact that he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice speaks to his accomplishments.
Check him out on Wikipedia...He is an amazing guy!

 Hannio wrote:
When Neil is good, he is oh so good.
    And when stooped {#Moon} holes say,,he's not,,he still is,,, GOOD !





 Forest267 wrote:
I saw the movie "Rachel Getting Married" recently. When the guy sang this song to his bride at their wedding, I got angry. I just couldn't put that scene and this song together. Perhaps I'm missing something...
 
I haven't seen the film, but maybe both characters just liked the song.
I saw the movie "Rachel Getting Married" recently. When the guy sang this song to his bride at their wedding, I got angry. I just couldn't put that scene and this song together. Perhaps I'm missing something...


 
WayUpNorth wrote:

That's because you don't really know me ...  {#Roflol}


ohh... i thought he was talking bout me... LOVE IT!!! 


When Neil is good, he is oh so good.
 sfListener wrote:
I just don't see this girl on a Harley.
 
That's because you don't really know me ...  {#Roflol}
One of his finest..........
Love Harvest Moon. This song is good, but there's something a little embarrassing about the whole "diamond-in-the-rough-stripper-waitress" thing. At least it's not a blatant as "Mainstreet" by Bob Seger.
{#Motor}
Well this is odd....I was listening to this song, but on my ipod, listening to Harvest Moon.  I surfed over to the RP website just to see what was currently playing, and lo and behold it's the very same song.  I did a double take, wondering if I was seeing things.  So strange...
I am thinkin' I heard this playlist already this week..  :(
I just don't see this girl on a Harley.

Anyone else notice the dude in the audience that belches out a very manly "Yeeeeeaaaaaahhh-Uuuuh!" right after one of the "She rides a Harley Davidson" choruses?  Made me laugh a little.


Harvest Moon is a favorite album.  Really just about perfect.
 nigelr wrote:

My guess would be Nicolette Larson as main vocal harmonist.

 
And you would be correct. I would have bet that Nicolette would have quit recording by this point. May she RIP. {#Innocent}
that's some great song {#Clap}

This track epitomises Neils' brilliance. How do you write a song this good? Simple and visceral.
My guess would be Nicollette Larson as main vocal harmonist.

rspauldi wrote:
Does anyone know who's singing background?
I don't know about this version since it was recorded live, but Linda Ronstadt is on the Harvest Moon version.
So dreamy, a great one in the morning
Does anyone know who's singing background?
Oh yeah, baby.
bullitt wrote:
A quote from David Bryne really sums this song up: "The better a singer's voice is, the harder it is the believe what he's singing."
Now why didn't I think of that...what a great line.
HazzeSwede wrote:
Is this song about me???
Of course, it's all about you.
Is this song about me???
Thats a classic quote if I have ever heard one bullitt wrote:
A quote from David Bryne really sums this song up: "The better a singer's voice is, the harder it is the believe what he's singing."
IMHO Neil Unplugged is his best. True Neil from the older days without any nonsense
Love this album...loved Harvest moon...definately a finer moment in his career.
mcass wrote:
Harvest Moon accompanied me on several DE to OH drives. Great album, still one of my favorites.
Agreed. Funny coincidence to hear it on RP since I just listened to Harvest Moon this weekend for the first time in years.
those words, those images....colliding with the very air we breathe...
Classic tune.
Harvest Moon accompanied me on several DE to OH drives. Great album, still one of my favorites.
A quote from David Bryne really sums this song up: "The better a singer's voice is, the harder it is the believe what he's singing."
Marina1 wrote:
Love this song.
... isn't it just gorgeous! ...............................
Love this song.
tapatia wrote:
If you like this song and don't yet have it on CD, get "Harvest Moon" and not the "Unplugged" album. Harvest Moon is one of Neil's most outstanding solo works, and every song on it is a gem.
Agreed. Harvest Moon is one of my fav albums.
Road trip anyone?
WIsh I were riding down that desert highway, wind in my hair...
I thought he'd lost weight too! All that ridin I guess BuddhaPhilhole wrote:
This is my favorite Neil Young song -- I know I say that about ALL Neil Young songs, but, dammit, this time I mean it. Neil is a diety.
Woah, four years since this was last played? Wow!
orpheus wrote:
nice tune, never heard by me before :) :) :)
If you like this song and don't it on CD, get "Harvest Moon" and not the "Unplugged" album. Harvest Moon is one of Neil's most outstanding solo works, and every song on it is a gem.
goosebumps.
CCinSB wrote:
YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!
nice tune, never heard by me before :) :) :)
You mean, Niel helps you lose wieght?
This is my favorite Neil Young song -- I know I say that about ALL Neil Young songs, but, dammit, this time I mean it. Neil is a diety.
Cheer up, Neil!
Ah... thanks so much for playing this! There is just something about Neil Young, and especially his \"Harvest Moon\" work... You know that feeling you get when you\'re experiencing something truly beautiful (a painting, a photo, a play, a song) that also speaks to the very essence of what it means to be human? That\'s the best way I can describe this. Mmm.
This is one of the most \"image-evoking\" songs that can recall. Beautiful.
Wonderful song from a great unplugged album. The original album (Harvest Moon), IMHO, is Neil's greatest work.
...prefer the \"plugged\" version. Not much different but a better mood.