Convinced this is the greatest song on earth

A lifelong friend passed away from cancer in 2022 after being diagnosed two months earlier. He never understood why I loved Roxy Music, but I remember how, months before his diagnosis, he called me and said, "I get it now." He was referring to discovering Roxy Music, and one of the songs that he loved was "Mother of Pearl".

I’m 23 years old, I think I’ve possibly found one of the best songs I’ll ever find in my life on earth. This is just top notch. Ferry, what a genius.

They were their own genre, NO one sounded like them.

The "ah" at 1:31 is possibly the greatest moment in music history.

This song is the essence of Roxy Music distilled into 6 minutes and you can tell Ferry knows it. Sublime.

As a 25 year old black man from la when my friends hand me the aux it take forever to find a song cause all my music at top is songs like this and they don't understand

This guy is the definition of stage confidence

after searching my memory thoroughly, i honestly cannot think of any human with more cool than Bryan Ferry.

The thing about Roxy Music is, their trademark characteristic consists of starting a song out in one style, half of it in one tempo, key, progression, etc. then suddenly the thing turns into something else altogether different. Essentially they have a knack for cramming at least 2 songs into one, into one hit sometimes as well.

"Thus even Zarathustra, another time loser" lol Ah, so much ability and so much will to please.

Random story.... first heard this song while taking a shower in a Czech hostel. Was forever turned on to them. Cheers folks. Live your life fully

This song is so exciting, I'm 65 and so fortunate to have been listening to this wonderful music from my earliest youth. Thank you Roxy Music 🙋‍♀️.

He looks like he's sweating, but it's pure talent coming out of his pores

From Roxy’s Stranded album. Not a wasted note, eclectic, electric, eccentric, fantastic! Eno on record as saying this is his fave Roxy recording, ‘nuff said!

This is even cooler today than it was 48 years ago because there was competition and serious creative talent back in this era and there is nothing that can come near this today in complete package form, i mean a proper band, fucking rare thing this 21st century!

Stoned as fuck, heavy lids and eye liner sweating through a tuxedo. What a man. Reminds me of my ex.

Those lyrics are the product of a clever, nimble and creative mind.

I can never understand how Roxy/Ferry were never as big worldwide like Bowie , and this is coming from a massive Bowie fan !

Amazing how he remembers these lyrics

That guitar has its own reality. What a maestro.

Ferry is making love to the song

Bryan was the epitome of '70s 'cool'; the Humphrey Bogart' white dinner jacket ala Casablanca & the 'Elvis'' black quiff!

Hard to deal with the fact that these guys were so "cutting edge" back in the day....and are still cuttinge edge in 2022. I hope I get to the heaven where I have a permanent VIP Pass to their venues.

Im 21 years of age, yeah im one of those "i was born im the wrong era" guys, and in my journey ive just discovered Roxy and this song literally one week ago...and this song is going to stay with me for the rest of my life, what an absolute masterpiece! What a live performance, the charisma and talent oozing out of Bryan ferry, outstanding

Ferry is such a cool guy, he could have been a great 007 James Bond or a Doctor Who. Charisma and aloofness to burn.

I love this mans mannerism

Turn the lights down Way down low Turn up the music Hi as fi can go All the gang's here Everyone you know It's a crazy scene Hey there just look over your shoulder Get the picture No no no no .......(Yes) Walk a tightrope Your life-sign-line Such a bright hope Right place, right time What's your number Never you mind Take a powder But hang on a minute what's coming round the corner' Have you a future No no no no .......(Yes) Well I've been up all night again Party-time wasting is too much fun Then I step back thinking Of life's inner meaning And my latest fling It's the same old story All love and glory It's a pantomime If you're looking for love In a looking glass world It's pretty hard to find Oh mother of pearl I wouldn't trade you For another girl Divine intervention Always my intention So I take my time I've been looking for something I've always wanted But was never mine But now I've seen that something Just out of reach - glowing - Very Holy grail Oh mother of pearl Lustrous lady Of a sacred world Thus: even Zarathustra Another-time-loser Could believe in you With every goddess a let-down Every idol a bring down It gets you down But the search for perfection Your own predilection Goes on and on and on and on Canadian Club love A place in the Country Everyone's ideal But you are my favorita And a place in your heart dear Makes me feel more real Oh mother of pearl I wouldn't change you For the whole world You're highbrow, holy With lots of soul Melancholy shimmering Serpentine sleekness Was always my weakness Like a simple tune But no dilettante Filigree fancy Beats the plastic you Career girl cover Exposed and another Slips right into-view Oh looking for love In a looking glass world Is pretty hard for you Few throwaway kisses The boomerang misses Spin round and round Fall on featherbed quilted Faced with silk Softly stuffed eiderdown Take refuge in pleasure Just give me your future We'll forget your past Oh mother of pearl Submarine lover In a shrinking world Oh lonely dreamer Your choker provokes A picture cameo Oh mother of pearl So so semi-precious In your detached world Oh mother of pearl I wouldn't trade you For another girl

"But no dilettante, filigree fancy beats the plastic you!" You can say that again.

Bryan Ferry is what All men must aspire to be.

the lead singer is having too much fun.... Uplifting to watch

[26 January 2021] Roxy Music in their heyday were hotter, sweeter, and *purer* - more romantic, more passionate, more driven - than any of the guitar-schlock that so-called "classic rock" radio stations play. Oh how I wish someone would have the nerve - the bravery or the wit - to play "Mother Of Pearl" on the radio, for a change. Even if they only played it late at night...

After graduating from high school, I had a summer job at Burger King before heading off to college. The BK group used to have parties at the boss's nearby house every night, and it was at one of these parties that first heard this song. It changed my life.

Whoa. I always liked Roxy Music, but had never heard this song before today...My mind is blown. How many years was this before the Talking Heads/ David Byrne?? I never thought I would every accuse David Byrne of appropriating but....I mean...COME ON. I have newfound respect for Bryan Ferry!!!

To me, this song defines Roxy Music more than any other. Their crowning achievement.

THE best Roxy track ever, Bryan at his very very best, genius band

so deliciously LITERATE...

[08 July 2021] I admire Bryan Ferry almost more than I can say. Listening to his songs has made me want to be a performer - not just a poet or a writer, which I am now, but someone who goes on stage looking completely cool and poised, and stands under a blue spotlight, their hair shining, and recites swirls of wayward words that whirl in peoples' heads. After all, that's what Bryan was doing here.

Nothing quite like Roxy. They were a fusion band with incredible ingredients. You can hear Jim and the doors, punk, glam, and funk. And don't discount the musicianship. Great players with a great front man. Like ELP, NY Dolls, Who, and a few others. Truly unique and one of a kind.

I remember the day when Roxy Music first hit the TV screens way back in the early ‘70’s (Old GreyWhistle Test) playing Remake/Remodel. It was like.. what the f**k is this! Nothing at all like it before. We talked about it for days and went out to buy the vinyl! I still enjoy it 50yrs later!

John Gustafson's bass is absolutely brilliant. The three albums he played on were Roxy at their peak.

ive always loved this band but this period of their music trips me out better than anything and Phil Manzaenera is so creative and sensitive.

This is about as good as it gets. Vocals, visuals, originality, songwriting and perfect performance.

This song is so 🔥🔥🔥 It kicks off at the climax, for which I interpret as one living in the fast lane. Partying, doing drugs, etc Starting at 1:23 the party is over, and we get some of the most self-reflecting lyrics in the history of rock.

Jesus Christ there’s so much style and talent in this video

Roxy Music - Often imitated, never duplicated. Truly originals.

Phil manzanera shredding it on guitar!!😮

(Turn the lights down) Way down low (Turn up the music) Hi as fi can go (All the gang's here) Everyone you know (It's a crazy scene) Hey there just look over your shoulder Hoo hoo! Get the picture? No no no nooooo! (Walk a tightrope) Your life-sign-line (Such a bright hope) Right place, right time (What's your number?) Never you mind (Take a powder) But wait a minute who's this here coming round the corner? Hoo hoo! Have you a future? No no no noooooo! [blistering guitar solo] Ah! Well I've been up all night again Party-time wasting is too much fun Then I step back thinking Of life's inner meaning And my latest fling It's the same old story All love and glory It's a pantomime If you're looking for love In a looking glass world It's pretty hard to find Oh mother of pearl I wouldn't trade you For another girl Divine intervention Always my intention So I take my time I've been looking for something I've always wanted But was never mine But now I've seen that something Just out of reach, glowing Very Holy grail Oh mother of pearl Lustrous lady Of a sacred world Thus: even Zarathustra Another-time-loser Could believe in you With every goddess a let down Every idol a bring down It gets you down But the search for perfection Your own predilection Goes on and on and on and on Canadian Club love A place in the Country Everyone's ideal But you are my favorita And a place in your heart dear Makes me feel more real Oh mother of pearl I wouldn't change you For the whole world You're highbrow, holy With lots of soul Melancholy shimmering Serpentine sleekness Was always my weakness Like a simple tune But no dilettante Filigree fancy Beats the plastic you Career girl cover Exposed and another Slips right into-view Oh looking for love In a looking glass world Is pretty hard for you Few throwaway kisses The boomerang misses Spin round and round Fall on featherbed quilted Faced with silk Softly stuffed eider down Take refuge in pleasure Just give me your future We'll forget your past Oh mother of pearl Submarine lover In a shrinking world Oh lonely dreamer Your choker provokes A picture cameo Oh mother of pearl So so semi-precious In your detached world Oh mother of pearl I wouldn't trade you For another girl

Wow, super clear for an old video. And one best bands ever.

He has to be one of the if not the GREATEST FRONTMAN EVER!!! Can I be him!!

One of the best songs in history of music! ❤ Can't stop listening. Very well written and performed, everything is literally perfect.

Light years ahead of their time. Brilliance in their own galaxy.

Probably the coolest man on the planet.

From one of the three best albums ever made. The others were the first two.

I saw this tour as a 16 year-old with some older friends. Back then, I'm not sure I really appreciated it for how great it truly was.

Been listening to this for the past almost 50 years and it never gets old. I recommend searching for all the Roxy Musikladen performances on KZfaq, as seeing them perform these songs live in the small setting when they were new are simply great. “Psalm” is another one that starts off, and takes you somewhere you don’t expect. For those unfamiliar and looking for their greatest, their first five albums…Roxy Music, For Your Pleasure, Stranded (that M of P is from), Country Life, and Siren are brilliant. Not that Manifesto and Avalon are not superb, but the 1st five are from another world.

The “ uhhh” at 1:30 is genius!

One of my favourite versions of the song. The pace of the second part contrasts with the first better than the faster versions, it gives the second part more gravitas too. The Rickenbacker bass rumbling away is a little slice of heaven too.

Almost impossible to believe how great this is. But never mind, now we can listen to Adele and that little bloke with his ukulele.

Ferry. Natural born performer

Any one of these guys have more talent than any a group of today's so called stars/hitmakers/chart toppers. It would take five years and 50 writers and they could never come close to this song. Roxy did it over and over with ease. I love comments from people under 35 discovering Roxy. Tell your friends!!

It’s almost 1:30am where I’m at and I can’t fall asleep. Time for some Roxy Music I guess.

The guitar playing is phenomenal, lyrics and Brian is just brilliant.

i'm 23 and this has been my favourite song since i was 15

Roxy music. The definition of timeless music.

1974. I remember it so well and i'm thankful that i was young at this time. The lifestyle, the music, my friends (many of them didn't make it), what a treasure i carry in my heart and my memories.

I adore this whole album, one of the best in music history, and Mr. Ferry is one of my personal all time heroes. Fabulous.

Early Roxy Music .edgy instrumentals and obsessive sightly creepy lyrics. lovely !

Art rock at its best. Mid 70s and still fresh as new

Hands down the best version of the best song of the 20th century. Magnificent

Ferry was a Poet and brilliant song writer .

My BEST Song from Roxy

I'm 53 and just come across this. what the fuck have i been doing 😐. Fantastic lyrics and a brilliant proformance

This was filmed the year I graduated high school. It is still one of the best enigmatic, artschool pieces of all time. What a delight....

so fucking cool !! this is beautiful poetry... I haven't listened to this for so many years now, and it reminds me just how much talent has gone before, that we should enjoy, rather than the vacuous crap which is so prevailant today

For me as a 16 yr old, this was my Stairway to heaven, mid 70s😍

Nothing and no one compares to this/them/him. Mesmerizing.

The musicianship of Roxy are exceptional and in particular Phil on guitar who mastered his instrument and helped to define Roxy's unique creative output and timeless songs which have sculptured a generation.

My favorite Roxy song!

Such great lyrics; a truly unique band.

Today's music will never last as long as this

This is the greatest song on Earth

We all bow down. Masters at their peak.

Just found this song. Best song ever.

Lyrically perfect

Best song ever!

1963 Gibson Firebird!!!

I've seen Ferry live, so many times since the 80's but never with the energy he had in these early days

Wow. Sublime. Makes me happy.

Viva Roxy Music ... BOOM 💥 👍

This song is a masterpiece, and the performance here is superb. Nothing like it before or since.

Love the 2nd part of song!!!!! Just an amazing ,what a great songwriter

Just bloody brilliant

E-P-I-C!!!!!! Ferry=one of the very best lyricists .....at his best he's as good as Dylan

Brilliant. Ferry remembering the lyrics is impressive, I couldn't do it. Brilliant. Did I already say this song is brilliant? No? Well it is brilliant.

Sexy, talented, unique, dark, elegant, sophisticated, arty... doesn't get any better than this. And Bryan Ferry is not too hard on the eyes either ;)

12th july 2021, I listened to this for the first time and it has to be one of the best I have ever heard. Lyrically its on par with stairway, rolling stone and imagine.

most beautiful piece of music to ever grace the earth, nothing else compares... except for scribbles cover of it

Just move to a Nanchang from Beijing. Walking by the river and decided to turn on Spotify and this was suggested. F*ck i love Spotify!!!!

Great writing and performance and musicianship