Nina Simone - I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free (Live in New York, c. 1968)

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4 жыл бұрын

For those not subscribed to my channel, I upload very few videos that aren't related to Bob Dylan. But I managed to get my hands on this footage and couldn't help sharing it with the world. This is one of the best live performances I've seen by any artist. It was filmed sometime between 1968 and 1969 at the Village Gate nightclub in New York City.
I hadn't listened to much of Nina Simone until I watched the Netflix documentary "What Happened, Miss Simone?" This performance kicked open the door to my soul. The film had only short clips of it though, so I scoured the internet for the full version. To my disappointment, all the available videos seemed to be VHS bootlegs (terrible visual and audio quality). I finally found this beautifully clear version after many months of searching.
I could not upload the entire performance due to copyright issues, but the most moving part of the song is completely intact; at 1:20, Simone has her band and the entire audience singing "'Cause I know" (in reference to the lyric "Then I'd sing, 'cause I know / How it feels to be free") while she improvises incredible lines ("I wouldn't know myself / I'd have new hands / I'd have new visions / My eyes would be open"). And her eyes tell you she means every word of it (especially at 3:00). Watch this from the beginning without any distractions. If you really tune into this performance, it might kick open the door to your soul too.
Although this performance is just as much visual one as it is a musical one, I highly recommend you listen to the full version here: • I Wish I Knew How It W... .
LYRICS:
I wish I knew how
It would feel to be free
I wish I could break
All the chains holding me
I wish I could say
All the things that I should say
Say 'em loud, say 'em clear
For the whole round world to hear
I wish I could share
All the love that's in my heart
Remove all the bars
That keep us apart
I wish you could know
What it means to be me
Then you'd see and agree
That every man should be free
I wish I could give
All I'm longin' to give
I wish I could live
Like I'm longin' to live
I wish I could do
All the things that I can do
And though I'm way overdue
I'd be starting anew
Well I wish I could be
Like a bird in the sky
How sweet it would be
If I found I could fly
Oh I'd soar to the sun
And look down at the sea
Then I'd sing 'cause I know
How it feels to be free
Love & Peace,
~SP

Пікірлер: 191

@someonesomeone7423 2 жыл бұрын

The crowd singing “cause I know” really makes this song. I don’t know why but it does

@Blissedx 2 жыл бұрын

It's a form of call and response..embedded in African culture. So if you're black it's like listening to a song straight from your ancestors.

@thomasmiguel209 Жыл бұрын

For real

@MecdiAn Жыл бұрын

great and astute observation

@waingro6297 Жыл бұрын

@@Blissedx Exactly! I also think of it as the group creating a musical base for her to stand on as she works out her feelings and interpretations on the stage. It's an audio version of "We got you."

@mikeanyl Жыл бұрын

It just does 😂😂😂😂

@j.t.5178 Ай бұрын

This is only performance that truly always puts me to tears. It's one of the most beautiful and uplifting songs I've ever listened to, and it makes me want to shout "cause I know!" with the audience. Truly breathtaking.

@jonahgapes3944 7 ай бұрын

This isn't her entering a trance, this is her exiting it... for one moment of her life. 🙏

@missbritt288 2 ай бұрын

YASSS

@calvindotting2243 2 ай бұрын

what this does to my spirit is UNEXPLAINABLE 🙏🙏🙏

@achiengmigaya7428 14 күн бұрын

The spirit of activism rendered via music resided in Nina Simone. Truly she was the high priestess of music. Even though she distanced herself from being tied down by labels She appreciated every genre And appreciated the different aspects that fed into her music

@Pukkap72 2 жыл бұрын

The lady says there's been a couple of times on stage that she's been really free....and boom , you see her rise from her stool and you can physically see her spirit raise up as she moves and dances, and I think the audience singing " cause I know " gives her impetus and makes the whole thing semi religious. damn I wish I could have been in that room. Absolutely astounding .

@mpasebapaseba1394 9 ай бұрын

For Reeel!

@samuelcornett6535 4 жыл бұрын

"He who is brave is free." - Seneca

@ebscoHOSTpub 2 жыл бұрын

This performance lives rent free in my head. I love it so much. What she says and how she performs...

@ahmadh653 2 жыл бұрын

Same same same

@chloebrazier1 Жыл бұрын

Always in my head this song. I think it's massively relating. I sing this randomly without even knowing its just always in the sub conscious for me ❤

@ricardocampelo4248 7 ай бұрын

Nina is great and she gives me strenghness to go ahead in a world of sadness

@JeffBabast 3 жыл бұрын

YES! I watched the Netflix doc up to this point. Then I immediately paused it and went looking for this video. Someone needs to release the whole concert because she was on fire. Goosebumps (ermahgerd) every time I watch it.

@leximallas3008 3 жыл бұрын

Amen-from Arizona! I just watched it and after too immediately looked up this song....no words... she was pure Divine Expression.

@deanmurphy2265 3 жыл бұрын

Me to was watching up to this point. Went and found this song it's my new favorite song. Powerful stuff ✌️

@marjorie8nadieska 3 жыл бұрын

What exact show and date was this recording taken on ? Anyone know? ✨

@leondavisjr5332 3 жыл бұрын

I agree I had to search the internet for this version of the song

@robstiles454 Жыл бұрын

@@leondavisjr5332 where did you find it? I’m struggling to find it somewhere I can download

@DannyHouk 2 жыл бұрын

I get chills down my spine when she jumps off the bench yelling "easy!" then goes into a trance. It's like she touched that invisible plane where she knew freedom was real and attained it for just a moment.

@mpasebapaseba1394 9 ай бұрын

AaaaMen!

@carp9 3 жыл бұрын

This is my favorite recording of this song

@brendanvonenck429 3 жыл бұрын

Same!

@Whitefoxneko 7 ай бұрын

Agreed! The recording studio versions don't hold a candle to these live performances... Because they don't capture the absolute essence, the pure emotions or the crowds involvement in the song that Nina performed in. This video captures all of that and allows us to be touched by a time that existed long before us (or remind us of that time). Istg, I had a lump in my throat watching her perform this song (it's about the 6/7th time I've watched it) and it'll never get old. You can just feel the hidden anger, the deep sadness and the desperation to be free once more just from this vid alone ❤️❤️❤️❤️

@sweetjsphn7594 4 ай бұрын

Me too

@corneliakapelinski 4 жыл бұрын

Unbelievable, it´s like religious evocation, involving a higher power- a state of trance. As if she left her body for a short time and found it on a new level

@SwinginPig 4 жыл бұрын

Very well put.

@jakep714 2 жыл бұрын

She’s was transformed by the renewing of her mind

@puppan100 2 жыл бұрын

I am agnostic... But this almost made me wanna rethink some things.

@AJ-eu1xc 2 жыл бұрын

😪🙏👏👏👏👏👏❤❤❤❤❤

@thecourageouscashier3495 Жыл бұрын

No fear!!!

@0otee 4 жыл бұрын

Freedom is no fear she rightly says

@terrenceh.3139 3 жыл бұрын

She thought humanity could aspire to something higher. I believe that too. This woman is a Buddha among us.

@blackcrow7049 4 жыл бұрын

When Dylan was honored by MusiCares gave an speech about his career and talked about the influence of artists like Nina Simone . And Nina admired Dylan's songs . The High Priestess of Soul covered several times his songs . In 1968 included three songs 'To Love Somebody ' album : Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues , I Shall Be Released and The Times They Are A-Changin' . Previously she covered Ballad of Hollis Brown and in 1971 her famous cover of Just Like A Woman , where Nina changed the lyrics (I'm not a little girl) . Dylan was at least two times with the Nina , one late 60's and in the 80's . '' I want to be remembered as a diva who never compromised in what she felt about racism and how the world should be , and consistently stayed the same '' Nina Simone .

@blackcrow7049 4 жыл бұрын

@Ernie Chip Douglas You got it , man . It was a little joke ; her real name was Eunice , Nina is a nickname from Spanish " niña" that means "little girl" (i think when she was young , one of her latin friends called her "Niña" ) . Despite of this in Spain usually many flamenco artist and bullfighters have a nickname with "The" , and talking "street Spanish" it's usual to say La Juani , El Pedro or La Nina . 🇪🇸🎶✅

@maggiebryan2355 4 жыл бұрын

She can really sing a song

@katharinaschulz9229 3 ай бұрын

Rip Nina! U r my muse from my heart ❤️ ❤❤

@bodaka619 2 жыл бұрын

Nina Simone created so much beauty in her life. She had beauty inside of her like blood in her veins, and I think this is the video I've seen that best captures it. Could make a marble statue shed a tear.

@mahatmacote6478 4 жыл бұрын

Extremely underrated- she was astounding!

@j.frankparnell.radiation 4 жыл бұрын

I understand her. She is a beautiful person.

@tartealamerde 3 жыл бұрын

I understand you

@deanmurphy2265 3 жыл бұрын

✌️☮️🇮🇪

@contentenjoyer69 Жыл бұрын

Only Nina Simone can make me this emotional.

@marleymorr1s 4 ай бұрын

This is i think my all time favourite KZfaq video, I’ve known it for years and whenever I feel I need to, I come back and rewatch it and feel it all again.

@jeremystone6641 4 жыл бұрын

A truly singular talent and gift to the world.

@loreneclarke3797 2 жыл бұрын

I love this sung...They way she Express herself...Its like a out of body experience to watch...I miss NINA so much...rest in heaven . you are now Free...

@moniquecapri3740 4 ай бұрын

Happy Heavenly Birthday to the Great Nina Simone

@apaskevi 4 жыл бұрын

You weren’t kidding about this video. Definitely a special one

@magaligirard212 3 жыл бұрын

MERCI! J'ai entendu par hasard cette chanson de Nina Simon à la radio française aujourd'hui et j'ai tout de suite cherché à l'entendre à nouveau (merci internet, il y a quelques années c'était pas si facile!). Pour moi aussi elle a ouvert les portes de mon âme! Tanks you Mrs Simone !

@thomasbiney129 3 жыл бұрын

Sur quelle émission svp. Etait-ce cet échantillon du documentaire ou une version complète expurgee du commentaire du milieu? (Je cherche la version pure du concert)

@pratishtha1437 4 жыл бұрын

This is the best live performance of the ones I have heard lately. It is perhaps the wondrous, bluesy choir in the back. I do think this was how the studio recording ought to have been.

@Jeremy-rq5rb 3 жыл бұрын

The amazing thing (from what I understand about this performance - I maybe be wrong) is that the choir is actually the audience. They joined in and helped Nina reach that point of transcendence. It’s beautiful! ❤️

@nobaloneymahoney7940 4 жыл бұрын

I discovered Nina this year and have been grooving ever since😉 what a performance artist she was for a singer back in those times when it wasn't expected.

@1Ritus Жыл бұрын

Goosebumps from my head till down to my feeds!!!

@Peter64n 4 жыл бұрын

wow this is good, Shivers throughout the body

@loreneclarke3797 2 жыл бұрын

I can listen to thins sung all day long...This sung takes me to church...love you Nina....you can fly now......you are free... .

@rachelee73 4 жыл бұрын

Freedom no fear to love without hurt.💙💙💙 what a beautful lady

@AsAmsterdam Жыл бұрын

This used to be impossible to find … ❤❤

@ladyblue498 4 жыл бұрын

That's something very special! Freedom is to have no fear.... It would be great to live with less fear...

@jakiyahcabell Жыл бұрын

chills.... feels like i was there

@user-be2dv9ft9f Жыл бұрын

This video makes me cry every time❤

@fredjumbof9859 4 жыл бұрын

A great and moving voice and a talented pianist!

@mario7frankielee 3 жыл бұрын

at 2:00 singing with the crowd !!!that’s as high as an artist can get swinging you feature the two most important artists💎💎 in my live 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

@CarlosAlbertoGL 3 жыл бұрын

Oh my god! This makes me cry!

@jokerlokillo 2 жыл бұрын

She fight to be free, Nina, I remember You With this song, this is hope, is energy. for me, the best version about this song. Thanks

@tribeofjudah6470 3 жыл бұрын

Dear Nina, you're a remarkable dope black queen! They don't make em like you anymore. Love you for ever!!🖤 #blackisbeautiful

@-solidsnake- 2 жыл бұрын

Be transformed by the renewing of the mind

@staysmuth 2 жыл бұрын

The best concerts I’ve ever been to are beyond music. The ones that become a spiritual experience will always hit harder. Any genre.

@staysmuth 2 жыл бұрын

Imagine that crowd singing back to her “yes I know” ... heavenly .

@swaggerguru 3 жыл бұрын

I needed this today. 🕊

@Eideard Жыл бұрын

Caught some of those sets. Best ever. Cripes, I was only 30 years old, then.

@jiolo3404 4 ай бұрын

Romans 12:2 ‘do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind’

@moondancer9066 3 жыл бұрын

Wow I can't imagine life without fear.

@gm-rq8dd 5 ай бұрын

there is something transforming "to really feel, like a new way of seeing."

@marjorie8nadieska 3 жыл бұрын

The High Priestess of Soul ✨❤️✨ No fear, like a new way of seeing 🥰 Loving you across time and space 💋

@ritahall6628 4 жыл бұрын

Love You Nina - May you know freedom. And freedom from fear - Thanks SP

@joelkavanagh1464 4 жыл бұрын

thre sheer massive presence of this WOMAN ... .. .

@liljon380 4 жыл бұрын

Beautiful words. Thank you

@nissi.k 4 жыл бұрын

Nina Simone! What a voice and talent! I agree with her 100% Amen Sister! Thank you so much Swingin’ this is astonishingly wonderful to me!!!! It is like prophecy! Wow! ✨🤍🌹✨

@100Equipoise 4 жыл бұрын

Artist lady

@darionirwin4138 4 жыл бұрын

thanks

@karmenjazbec7743 3 жыл бұрын

YEAH SWEET NINA YOU ARE THE BEST WE ALL MISS YOU

@BenjaminBarnes 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ross, another artist to go and discover.

@0otee 4 жыл бұрын

This is beautiful

@Zukotoosmooth Ай бұрын

Sim you free child

@iansing5278 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nina, Thanks Swingin...

@natalianat5736 3 жыл бұрын

Could give everything to be there

@neurobook 3 жыл бұрын

What a gift she was and remains...

@oliveeisner8964 4 жыл бұрын

Breathtaking. Thank you for taking this little detour.

@gormatthew 2 жыл бұрын

A fantastic voice, songwriter and musician. Who fought the good fight. Thanks Swingin’

@Peter-733 4 жыл бұрын

great, thanks

@christineellis3688 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for finding this and sharing it. I absolutely agree with you. This is the most soul stirring performance I have ever heard.

@rachgrigg2447 3 жыл бұрын

Gosh I wish they'd release this song, it is by far the best especially with the crowd.

@portland9880 10 ай бұрын

She was an astoundingly poignant performer, a genius song writer/arranger, and an incredibly talented musician. We will not see the likes of her again but if we really hear what shes saying we will hear her reverberate through and beyond the task ahead.

@Onialove_ 5 ай бұрын

She was a queen and she died one!

@phosphenespeak6873 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this.

@Blackman19498 2 жыл бұрын

She performed that song !! Rip ms Simone

@Padybu 4 жыл бұрын

One of my favorites from Nina Simone. Y'all can find her performing this at the Montreux jazz festival in 1976 via youtube while we wait for this. Thank you Swingin' Pig

@andrewkenney7930 3 жыл бұрын

Is there a longer copy of this performance somewhere, outside of the documentary?

@Kendojin 7 ай бұрын

Yesss, that performance is my favorite of hers. She had taken a long hiatus before then to sort things out for herself... She came back and was a little rusty, sure. But she always valued authenticity, and being true to herself. If you can't enjoy her rusty, you don't deserve her at her most polished. She always desired to be a concert pianist instead of what she ended up doing... The end of "Feelings" in that Montreux performance is so epic. She is an amazing pianist ❤❤❤❤

@edwardmulholland7912 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing, she was unique. Thanks for this.

@ShamasAhman Жыл бұрын

A maz zing 👐🏾

@fadjoof1601 2 жыл бұрын

Éternelle... les larmes aux yeux en écoutant ce live 🤍🤎🤍

@katelynmcnally8592 2 жыл бұрын

No one like her. never will be.

@MakedaPhillips 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Nina. Just thank you.

@CarlaSophieMar 2 жыл бұрын

Nina was *freedom* revealing itself! 🖤 She used music to liberate herself. Activism was how she embodied freedom. Forever an inspiring example of liberation! She was free, deep down to her soul, and that's why her spirit lives forever... in the collective, in Black Herstory & History, in our hearts. To Freedom, and to Nina! Because they are one and the same ♠️

@judithpohl8331 2 жыл бұрын

No fear! She is soooo right, love you Nina, great singer and woman

@karmenjazbec7743 3 жыл бұрын

I CAN FEEL NO FEAR

@outisimila13 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you nina simone i love this song

@targarosko 4 жыл бұрын

fantastic " the queen " thanks for this great post ♥♥♥

@terrancejones728 Жыл бұрын

Love is FREE!

@brianchappell4054 4 жыл бұрын

Lovely

@Epigrafe-od6dc Жыл бұрын

I love her ♥

@AJ_AMDG_90 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for posting this. I truly believe Simone was and is the most soulful singer to have ever lived. I know I am with my people when my fav Dylan channel posts this. Things have come full circle.

@AJ_AMDG_90 3 жыл бұрын

I can't believe you found more footage of this performance.

@SwinginPig 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you :) stay safe and be well!

@MaoistBanker 3 жыл бұрын

I have been looking for someone to find this for years THANK YOU

@jackcartwright24 Жыл бұрын

Thank for uploading this. It is the most beautiful performance I’ve ever seen. I watch it again and again every few months

@talkindurinthemovie Жыл бұрын

I literally love this

@sombrereptile4167 4 жыл бұрын

beautiful! thanks for this

@rachelee73 4 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to this ta :) ✨

@thenneedd 4 жыл бұрын

thank you for this

@greengiant9739 4 жыл бұрын

This is so cool... Very inspirational..music has so much good share..

@thomasmiguel209 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful simply

@rostx87 2 жыл бұрын

I cant thank you enough for uploading this. My favorite of all times.

@cadillackid2002 4 ай бұрын

When the Holy Spirit starts moving you Feel it. Be ye Transformed by the Renewing of your Mind.

@qiatvinfo 3 жыл бұрын

legend

@mateot7170 3 жыл бұрын

Nina was too much for this world..too much bullshit for her! Real woman, person, being, trapped in her own body and mind. She’s free now. Peace beautiful SOUL