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.

If Nick looks down and sees how many views this incredible song has got 5,406,766 as I type this, he would have the greatest smile on his face ♥️

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

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.

In a beautiful english churchyard in Tanworth in Arden lies one of England's greatest ever singer songwriters ❤❤❤❤❤❤

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

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.

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. The Kafka/van Gogh of music.

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.

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

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

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.

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 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!

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

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

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.

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."

Like being serenaded by a beautiful ghost

A sensitive gentle soul who now plays for the Gods.

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 !

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

There’s something incredibly significant about the photo of his on the wall with the man running past. It shows Nick, standing against the grain of human slavery, the man, who runs past, ignores the genius who should have been famous. The man who runs cares more for his job than to notice a reflection of freedom; Nick. It’s absolute ART ❤

One of the most beautiful songs of all time.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

During this period '69-'72 the "singer-songwriter" was in full swing. You had James Taylor, Elton John, Jim Croce, Joni, Carli, and a host of hitmakers. You had to be "that" and he was not "that." I remember kids from Bard College listening to Nick.He was big with prep, and Ivy League kids.

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

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

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.

This seems to come from another world...

There's only one Drake, and that's Nick Drake

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.

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!!!!

Pink Moon just came up randomly on Spotify and I thought “Hello, this is interesting!”. Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been listening to him constantly, wondering how on earth I haven’t heard his music before now (I’m in my late fifties).

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

One of the single greatest pieces of songwriting ever

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.

Distant fathers cause heartbreak. Without emotional touch there's emptiness, despair....

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

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.

Forse il più profondo brano di Drake, misterioso allusivo sussumente nella semplicità geniale dell'adombrato 5/4, ed il pedale armonico, il modo lidio... Bellissime le interpretazioni solo-piano di Bred Melhdau

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

Nick takes us to different mystical dimension

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 😊

Depression is a terrible illness.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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

People with little knowledge talk about Sid Barrett. I praise this man.

sometimes, something so delicate - the voice, the guitar, the arrangement, the pace, the quiet -can leave you on the ground, looking at the sky, agape

A true, true poet.

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.

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

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.

How could you people have never told me about this???? First time I have ever heard my favorite song I was 60.

My dad got me addicted to nick drake he lives very old fashioned we have vinyl and record players in our home and modern music is a big no this is the type of beautiful music we love at just 18 my whole life has Been filled with beautiful music like this ❤️

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........... ;-)

Imagine writing a song like this at 20 years old. In fact, imagine writing it during an entire lifetime... Ahh Nick, I wish you didn't leave so soon.

Nick always sounds so reserved almost depressed in his approach. The song "Northern Lights" though was the exception to his melodramatic tribe as it was optimistic and beautiful and joyful.

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

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...

If anyone doesn't know about Madison Cunningham, she does a cover of Nick. 'River Man' is my favorite of his and she does an amazing rendition of it!

… and an utterly great photo sequence

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

This wonderful song is way beyond beautiful, way beyond sublime even. I also get a very strong sense of his (N D's) introversion and solitary nature. Quite melancholic really. Why oh why is such genius all to often touched with a level of mental and emotional fragility that the majority of most people can neither feel nor fathom. Just saying.

A fellow musician/friend is covering some of his music, sent it to me, and I’ve never heard it until now. I’m in love, like I was as a child with Joni.

hearachingly beautiful, when those strings come in they sweep you away. "about the ban, on feeling free" god damnit

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.

Outstanding orchestral arrangement by Harry Robertson

but still we carry on, mental health issues ignored . It is so damaging to so many ... to cope with my mental health issues I have adopted this mantra .. Please Remember: Your job is the dream of the unemployed Your house is the dream of the homeless Your smile is the dream of the depressed your health is the dream of those who are sick Beautiful things happen when you distance yourself from negativity Find something to be grateful for . wake up each day and relish the sunshine of a new day

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♥️

to think me, (at 21) would be discovering Nick Drake 50+ years later after he thought he was a failure. His songs make you relate to him, and his story destroys you. It really inspires you to make most of what you have.

Holy smokes. Okay so I just am finishing up Joe Boyds book and nick drakes name stood out to me and the way Joe talked to him stood out to me a lot. I felt I knew him, I felt connected to him. So I looked him up in hopes to find one his songs and I have. I haven’t fell in love with a song , a voice, a sound so fast.

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

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 🙏

5/4 time signature. 🤯🤯🤯

This song is England in 2 and a half minutes. Not the flag waving type of England but the verdant, stoic land of sweet moderation. I got into Nick Drake after reading about him and the NME encyclopedia of rock in about 1984. Not the best time for finding records by cult 70s folk singers but I track down a shop (Our Price on the Kings Rd) that had Heaven in a Wild Flower and a box set (Fruit Tree). The shop assistant was a fan and said as I wasn't sure if I wanted to shell out for the box set of an artist that I hadn't heard before I could buy Heaven in a Wildflower and if I liked it I could return it and buy the box set. The next day I returned to the shop to buy the Box set. He asked me if I'd bought the other album to return and I told him I was keeping that as well. Nick Drake is one of my favourite artists to this day.

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

amazing. complete perfection for my bipolar disorder

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

I cannot explain the way this song makes me feel. It almost seems that when I hear this song I unlock an emotion in my mind that I can’t quite grasp. Strange but infinitely beautiful. What a genius this human was.

Every time I need a good cry this song comes to mind . Each time it takes on new meaning

WTF this was made in 1969?!?! This is WAAAAAY ahead of its time!

It's so sad this amazing artist is no longer here. I feel such a connection to him thru his music. I feel like he understood all of us better than we understand ourselves. Like his mother's poem, The Shell. Rest in eternal peace, Nick. Love, a fan in Missouri, USA

Went to the bank today and the guy saw my name was Drake and suggested listening to nick Drake because he thinks of his music when he hears Drake. I love it!!

Suicide is such a terrible thing it leaves ripples far wider than you could ever imagine… but then when someone is in that state you can’t apply guilt on to them

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.