Nick Drake can teach unknown musicians a lesson. MAKE YOUR MUSIC. Record it the best you can with the time and resources you have. Even if you're a total unknown, MAKE IT FOR YOU. Because remember, when Nick Drake died, he was a VERY obscure musician, known to an extremely small group of fellow folk musicians. And here we are decades later, and the QUALITY OF HIS ART has slowly made him become a very well known musician worldwide with millions of listens. It was like that with MANY musicians: folk artist Judee Sill, the punk band Death, and in some extreme cases like Sibylle Baier where her son literally found her recordings decades later in an attic and decided to release them. All these musicians now are highly revered decades later by hundreds of thousands of people and in some cases millions of people. So MAKE YOUR ART. Make it, and release it into the public like a message in a bottle being thrown into the sea. It will have its own journey in terms of being noticed, which is up to chance, but make sure whatever is in the message reflects the best music you can make.

Weird story. I first time I heard this song was this morning. I was running late. So I decided to get an Uber to my destination. When I sat in the Uber this song was playing. I hardly talk to drivers but I could not help but ask what this piece of music was. This song was like it was sent from heaven and I'm not religious. It made my life make sense and I have never related to a song like this before, especially with my type of music being techno, house and rap. But what makes this story weird is that I was on my way to therapy for major depression. I searched for the artist of the song and soon as I got home and found out about his tragic battle with depression. This song feels too good to be true and It has potentially saved me. Its incredible how much I relate to this song, from the lyrics, singing style and the instrument. It is like it was written for me. And played at the perfect time to change my life around.

For me, he is the Van Gogh of music. He gained spotlight after his death, although he never gain good reputation for his music in his lifetime. He suffered depression and his lyrics is pure poetry and emotions like Van Gogh's paintings.

My boyfriend introduced me to this song 2 years ago. 3days ago he took his life. My life is forever altered but I will remember him through his immaculate taste in music. Thanks Jaan. (His name is Aravind, jaan is the nickname we gave each other out of sheer love)

Cant believe i had never heard of this man. Nearly 74 years old, have missed listening to him all these years.

This song reminds me of a girl I almost married and if i'm honest, had buried so deep in the past, sometimes I forget she existed. It was an intense relationship. We were together for 2 years. She played this song as part of a compilation one evening whilst giving me a massage and did it again many times. She found scars on my back I never knew were there and couldn't remember getting. She wondered what cruelty must have been inflicted on me in my childhood and by whom. I still don't know. I found out her scars too - she suffered from depression so deep and so dark it was like a black hole that threatened to suck me in as well. She wanted to get married. I did not. We were so young. I did not know how to deal with her depression. We seperated on mutual terms, still saying we loved each other and began writing letters and sending each other gifts for years, which tapered off. The way I felt when I saw her, I resolved that we would never see each other again. I put her in the past, like the boxes containing her letters. We crossed paths again last year at the most banal of places, a supermarket. Now in our 30s, both married with kids. We each bore the kinds of wounds you pick up in life, mine mostly physical; I was recovering from a car crash at the time and was in pain. We spoke and hugged and caught up and compared our scars as it were; hers seemed worse than mine. She helped me at the checkout and the thought occurred to me, where would we be now had we still been together? Perhaps in a supermarket on a friday night, her helping me at the checkout and each of us complaining about our scars. That black hole was still there and for a period, I felt myself being pulled once more into its orbit. I remembered how that felt. I could not pull her up; she only pulled me down. We parted ways as though we would see each other again the next day. I may never see her again. And that's ok. I remain thankful that in the intervening years I met and married my best friend, who is like a ray of light. We have a beautiful son together. Life is good. I wish the same for her. My wounds healed in time. I hope hers do too.

Jeff Buckley and Nick Drake were two of the most ingenious musicians that died way too young.

All of us are Nick Drakes. Living like a shadow, passing by a candle light, and sounding like a tiny whisper in this very place... People just don't know.

Nick Drake was a fragile and gentle soul. His tenderness was too precious for this world. Too bad, he was a true artist.

I still can't believe people in 1969/1970 couldn't comprehend the absolute beauty of Five Leaves Left smh RIP Nick Drake

Nick Drake, Ian Curtis, Mark Sandman, Jeff Buckley, Scott Hutchison, and far, far too many more. Left us far too soon, and so appreciated by so many.

A guitar, a violon, a cello, an orchestration and the voice of Nick = One of the greatest song ever written and recorded... for Eternity!

It's just absurd that this wonderful singer and songwriter was almost ignored during his lifetime. So many years later, his songs still touch me deep inside.

Can't believe he was only 21, so mature sounding

This beautiful voice washes over me like liquid calm and transports me to a safe place where my heart forgets cruelty and the vicious trauma of life

Sitting on the bed watching the rain outside. Decided to put this on because of something that came up on FB recently. A friend of mine sent me this music 30 years ago without knowing that it probably saved my life. Sometimes just knowing that you're not alone on the bad days is enough.

When I was about fifteen (1975 or so), I came across a copy of his self-titled album in a cutout bin. I mistakingly put on the b side first, which started off with this. I was already sold on the guitar, but when I heard his voice and those lyrics, I was mesmerized. I was almost in tears how a human being could produce something this beautiful, yet haunting.

A sensitive gentle soul who now plays for the Gods.

This song helped me go through the passing of my fiancée since she loved this song. The days I spent crying while listening to this ( am tearing up as I type this. ) and thinking about her in my own way helped me cope with her passing though if I think about her the thought of her lose comes back but it doesn’t hurt as much though I wish she was still here with me and humming this song. I don’t know what possessed me to to listen to this beautiful song but I’m glad it did.

Everyone in these comments are my bestfriends for loving this song as much as me.

I am new to Nick Drake . I've never heard anything like this before. Wow

One of the most beautiful songs of all time.

Lyrics: Betty came by on her way Said she had a word to say About things today And fallen leaves. Said she hadn't heard the news Hadn't had the time to choose A way to lose But she believes. Going to see the river man Going to tell him all I can About the plan For lilac time. If he tells me all he knows About the way his river flows And all night shows In summertime. Betty said she prayed today For the sky to blow away Or maybe stay She wasn't sure. For when she thought of summer rain Calling for her mind again She lost the pain And stayed for more. Going to see the river man Going to tell him all I can About the ban On feeling free. If he tells me all he knows About the way his river flows I don't suppose It's meant for me. Oh, how they come and go Oh, how they come and go

I heard this song in 2015 after my father passed away. Before he passed he told me I needed to get ahold of our estranged side of our family; my Aunt Linda, Sandi and grandmother Wanda. He said; "search for them, you will find what you're looking for" I had just turned 50 years old. I found them only to find out that my grandfather was a famous country western recording star. Lucky White of the Dude Ranch Playboys. He toured with Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Little Jimmy Dickens, Les Paul and Mary Ford. Gonna see the River Man, tell him all I can, about the plan.... This song brought me to tears, I found what I was looking for.... Thank you Nick

Probably one of the most beautiful songs and arrangements I have heard .

I owned all of his albums, when they came out back in the 70s, and this song is my absolute favorite...I was so sad when I heard of his death.

Well. I've got nothing! For God sakes, I'm a player/song writer and now almost ashamed to say it without having this Giant of an artist in my life! I'm going to binge listen to him for the rest of my life! And I'm going to share share share!!!!

Shows what happens when you're a quiet soul, unable to sell yourself: Brilliance isn't enough. ND, never forgotten.

You left this physical world 40 years ago to the day, we love, miss and appreciate you.

I like how he ends on an unresolved lydian chord, gives off a vibe of uncertainty and tension.

This is the most haunting and most beautiful song I've ever heard. It took me to places that I've forgotten I've been. Masterpiece!

I think this is my favourite song. Depression has been my foe and friend throughout my life. I've learnt so much from it and this man sings depression perfectly for me. This song is a blessing. For those of you on a similar path, much love.

It's so melancholic to see him, so lonely as if was waiting or expecting to be born in another world. His songs takes you to the other world (his world)...he was disappointed to not find the people he was speaking through his songs :( , but we are here 😊

Nick takes us to different mystical dimension

This song was such a comfort in what was one of the darkest periods of my life.

21 years old? Seriously? Can you imagine the amazing music he would have made as he matured further?

I didn't want to like Nick Drake when I heard about him - I thought it was a hipster thing. But I finally listened these past few months. I WAS DEAD WRONG. As a musician/guitarist, I can say honestly this guy was a genius - no hype. His guitar tunings and patterns are so unique that the melody hangs above it almost detached - like the music floats. Combine that with his voice - like he has pillows in the back of his throat - and its all becomes amazing. Thank God for recorded sound !

In "Beeswing," Richard Thompson wrote that this song's string arrangement "is the greatest in popular music, better than 'Eleanor Rigby,' 'Kashmir,' or any other contender. It was all recorded live, with Nick singing and playing in the middle of a mere twelve string musicians, although it sounds huge."

Drake was a genious. A very special music by a very special guy.

Nick Drake. The Kafka/van Gogh of music.

Ok, first try playing this guitar part over the 5/4 time - which is hard enough. Then try singing at the same time. Then try giving it the required atmosphere. Oh yeah, also try writing something this good. Then you will realize Nick Drake was a genius.

Nick Drake was very talented. The shifting rhythms, the use of minor to major tonality and the use of dissonance makes this song very interesting to listen to. Quite a musician's musician. He passed much too soon in his career.

A true, true poet.

A genius who was not appreciated in his own time. A tragic cliché. All he wanted was to touch people with his music. It took some time, but it happened. RIP Nick Drake ! Many thanks 🙏

Nicks song are just perfect for autumnal listening. This is the time of year when I love to listen to his music.His songs capture the nostalgia for the going away of summer and heralding the arrival of autumn/winter. Sublime

This is beautiful. Should be a soundtrack for a movie.

Brilliant , some poor souls are only with us for a moment but they truly leave a lasting impression .

that ending is one of the most devastating and chilling sections of music ever recorded. yes, how they come and go.

This is absolutely incredible. This is GOLD. Ashamed to say Im just now really listening to his music. Wow.

First saw him play 2 songs in Les Cousins Greek St. Soho London,in the 70's..he was so poignant and articulate,so fragile.A rare artist for sure.He will always be remembered....always.

So beautiful

I have a former girlfriend Jane to thank for introducing me to Nick,and his wonderful music.She sadly passed away a couple of years ago,we had 11 really great years together.She was always Hazy Jane,but River man is my favourite.Kept asking her to marry me,but she never did sadly.I don't often play Nick's music,but always nice memories of good times.

Listening to this masterpiece always reminds me of Hermann Hesse's "Sidarta", when Sidarta starts to listen and to understand what the river has to teach us...

Riverman is my favourite all time track....having worked with creativity and related mental health areas it is so poignant that this man achieved so much and he is loved for his deep sense of grappling with inner turmoil, and that should teach us all to be understanding and enjoy what he left us...he was a visionary, as so many individuals are, society does not understand how they fit in with the accepted norms...but there lies the twist!

This poor, tragic, brilliant soul was so ahead of his time.

Wow. That was the first time i ever heard this. Truly a beautiful song. I can see Beck borrowed a lot from this song when he wrote the Sea Change album. One of my all time favorite albums

I first heard this song on Facebook, posted by someone after they had heard the news that their friend, my son, had been shot and killed. Hearing it brings back the feeling of that terrible day. The river for Roland was the Gila River in New Mexico, he'd spent a lot of time near that river for many years; somehow the tribute of that one person who thought of him as the "Riverman" was comforting to me on that most devastating day. March 24, 2011.

His song "Poor Boy" came up on my GooglePlay "Sophisticated 70s" channel. Had never heard him before... and I'm 59 ! WTF !!!? This is only my third song so far... ahhh... so much to discover. Here we go........... ;-)

Sooooo beautiful!! Beautiful boy

Never heard of him ... never heard his music... first time listening to him.... amazing....wow.

Mesmerizing. First time I heard this, it made me stop what I was doing to just listen. Can't say that ever happened before. Now that I know his story, it's even more haunting.

Nick Drake was an artist from the future were we will live like a real brotherhood of people. Some artists come early in life and give us glimpses from this liberated world- we just have to thank them- and most times we don't....

Brilliant

Yo amo "Northern Sky" es la melodia mágica que me ayuda a salir de mis estados down. Que gran talento el de Nick Drake 💫 y gracias por su música y que llegara a mi vida♥️

I've never heard a song more haunting, or beautiful.

This has to be the most haunting and emotionally charged song i've ever heard by far. Truly amazing talent. R.I.P Nick Drake.

This seems to come from another world...

This is by far the most melancholy track of my lifetime .. Beautiful and timeless .... Its truly shockingly good today as it was back in the day ......

First heard this late to the party..in a film, The Perfect Man...looked it up, fell in love with it and want it at my funeral. It's beautiful.

A chill-air overcast day in late October is the perfect time to listen to a Nick Drake song. 👌🏻 😌

Beautiful. Just like Nick. Sorely missed forever...

Brilliant. Like folk jazz.

The most beautiful song about the weave between life and death that I have ever encountered.

One of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard so far in my 22 years of life.

Outstanding orchestral arrangement by Harry Robertson

Legendary....and fully deserving of that status.

He must be a contender for the title of "England's Greatest Ever Acoustic Guitarist"

I've been seeing this video since it was uploaded 11 years ago. Happy Birthday Nick

Perfect on this rainy day. Fireplace roaring, sleeping cat, cup of coffee, big comfy chair, headphones amplifying every note and crackle. I am in heaven.

I can't believe I've only just discovered this. A flawless song, lifted to the heavens by that string arrangement. I am tearing up listening to this.

Just recently stumbled upon this guy..... completely mesmerized.

I discovered Nick Drake 30 yrs ago. Every time I hear this song I get chills bumps and tears. There are some artists and songs that do that if you really listen.

Everytime i listen to him its the first time...this song is so beautiful...so good...R.I.P.

AMAZING AMAZING SONG! PURE GENIUS

One of the most beautiful song most people have never heard. Probably why its beautiful.

Grazie per sempre, giovane uomo

One of the most beautiful songs of the 20th Century.

I've been listening to this song for three days straight. Such a beautiful voice. Haunting song and nostalgic melody. He was like another Jim Morrison. Rest in peace Nick. I want to listen to this song at the beach on a cloudy lonely afternoon just by myself.

One of the single greatest pieces of songwriting ever

Anew generation need to hear his music! Nick Drake!

This song is like: u sitting on a chair on ur porch in the sunday afternoon in Feb month and u listen to the birds and dont know what is stress what is sadness all u feel is joy .its a master piece.when Im sad and so blue i listen to this music and walk with Nick drake in those street he took pics in.

This beautiful mysterious song really caught my mind as a child; it filled me with both awe and melancholy. Twenty years later it feels even more dark and more pretty at the same time. A masterful description of the passage of time and life.

Can you imagine something more beautiful than this????

Never heard anything more beautiful. An Absolute in a world of disconnected, dangerous nonsense. This man was a sage, no less than Plato and his teachers

This is just absolutely beautiful

Impossibly transcendental and elemental at the same time. Every time I hear his music, and this song in particular, I am transported, elevated, illuminated. Nick was a treasure beyond all reckoning.

What a masterpiece. Beautiful melody floating over the top of that off-kilter 5/4 guitar track and not one note over-produced. Brilliant.

This music is so beautiful. It has an English folk feel.

❤E' Meravigliosa ! Thank you Nick ! Dio ti Benedica ❤🙏

Pure, simple poetry.