Leon Russell — Back To The Island
Album: Will o' the WispAvg rating:
Your rating:
Total ratings: 1996
Length: 4:34
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Now the day is gone and I sit alone and think of you, girl
What can I do without you in my life?
I guess that our guessing game just had to end that way
The hardest one to lose of all the games we played
But the time is past for living in a dream world
Lying to myself can't make that scene
Of wondering if you love me or just making a fool of me
Well I hope you understand I just had to go back to the island
Chorus:
And watch the sun go down (sit and watch the sun go down)
Hear the sea roll in (listen to the sea roll in)
But I'll be thinking of you (yes, and I'll be thinking of you)
And how it might have been (thinking how it might have been)
Hear the night birds cry (listen to the night birds cry)
Watch the sunset die (sit and watch the sunset die)
Well I hope you understand I just had to go back to the island
Well all the fun has died, It's raining in my heart
I know down in my soul I'm really gonna miss you
But it had to end this way with all the games we played
Well I hope you understand I just had to go back to the island
Repeat Chorus
Repeat Chorus
What can I do without you in my life?
I guess that our guessing game just had to end that way
The hardest one to lose of all the games we played
But the time is past for living in a dream world
Lying to myself can't make that scene
Of wondering if you love me or just making a fool of me
Well I hope you understand I just had to go back to the island
Chorus:
And watch the sun go down (sit and watch the sun go down)
Hear the sea roll in (listen to the sea roll in)
But I'll be thinking of you (yes, and I'll be thinking of you)
And how it might have been (thinking how it might have been)
Hear the night birds cry (listen to the night birds cry)
Watch the sunset die (sit and watch the sunset die)
Well I hope you understand I just had to go back to the island
Well all the fun has died, It's raining in my heart
I know down in my soul I'm really gonna miss you
But it had to end this way with all the games we played
Well I hope you understand I just had to go back to the island
Repeat Chorus
Repeat Chorus
Comments (235)add comment
love the kookaburras 😉
Why was it that I usta think 'Ol Leon could sing?
"Now the day is gone and I sit alone and think of you, girl"
How did William know that my wife is away this week and this would hit exactly at sunset?
How did William know that my wife is away this week and this would hit exactly at sunset?
6.5?!?! Really people? A solid 9 for me, a former Caribbean gal.
One of my favorite Leon songs. It's great to hear it on RP.
Fun fact: Gailard Sartain, who local Tulsa, OK residents knew as the host of Mazepa Pompazoidi's Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting on Saturday nights, then went on to bigger fame on Hee Haw and several of the Ernest movies also created the artwork for this album.
Fun fact: Gailard Sartain, who local Tulsa, OK residents knew as the host of Mazepa Pompazoidi's Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting on Saturday nights, then went on to bigger fame on Hee Haw and several of the Ernest movies also created the artwork for this album.
I remember riding around as a teen-ager with my buddy Mike P., Leon playing on the radio and him laughing so much at how well I could sing along in my "Leon voice". Great songwriter, whacky yet beloved (to me) singing voice.
I’ve lived on two Caribbean islands as well as Bermuda. This song definitely fits!
naomin wrote:
I'm with Stretcher. I've lived on many beautiful islands and this doesn't do it for me ATALL
Pardonez-moi, but don't you mean ATOLL?
I'm with Stretcher. I've lived on many beautiful islands and this doesn't do it for me ATALL
Pardonez-moi, but don't you mean ATOLL?
Which came first, the Leon Russel or the Willie Nelson?
cinzia1026 wrote:
Maybe because you've never lived on an island? It's a solid 9 for me!!
I'm with Stretcher. I've lived on many beautiful islands and this doesn't do it for me ATALL
Maybe because you've never lived on an island? It's a solid 9 for me!!
I'm with Stretcher. I've lived on many beautiful islands and this doesn't do it for me ATALL
user4176 wrote:
Well I kind of like the goat voice , Tom Petty had very similar as well
baddog8it wrote:
Feeeling exactly the same. To my ears this just plain hurts and it's hard to believe anyone could be enjoying this. But, obviously, ears are different.
Voice is ALMOST as irritating as Willy Nelson.
Feeeling exactly the same. To my ears this just plain hurts and it's hard to believe anyone could be enjoying this. But, obviously, ears are different.
Well I kind of like the goat voice , Tom Petty had very similar as well
markwsyred wrote:
What Easter ,instead of eggs we are having corona
"Don't get hung up about Easter"
What Easter ,instead of eggs we are having corona
stretcher wrote:
Maybe because you've never lived on an island? It's a solid 9 for me!!
Oh my god, this is killing me. Maybe it's just my mood right now - but this is awful.
Maybe because you've never lived on an island? It's a solid 9 for me!!
Circa 1979, college. Be partying hard (weed and beer) with some frat dudes and like 3 in the morning. 3 of us walked into this guys living room and he spun this on vinyl and turned out the lights. We didnt even talk just kicked back and let the music fill the room. I had never heard it. That few moments were seared into my brain forever.
Aloha to all, despite the rain in my heart from that torn apart marriage and thinking how it might have been.
Always mellow out when I hear this....Love Leon Russell....
Oh my god, this is killing me. Maybe it's just my mood right now - but this is awful.
Great with a hammock
Nice. Maybe something by Jimmy Buffet next?
45 years and I finally realize that bird sound is a Kukaburra. Australia isn't an island! Nice song, though.
bumped 9 to 10
bumped 8 to 9
baddog8it wrote:
Feeeling exactly the same. To my ears this just plain hurts and it's hard to believe anyone could be enjoying this. But, obviously, ears are different.
Voice is ALMOST as irritating as Willy Nelson.
Feeeling exactly the same. To my ears this just plain hurts and it's hard to believe anyone could be enjoying this. But, obviously, ears are different.
One of my all time favorite Leon Russell songs. I miss him.
Makes me want to go back to the island, and I've never even been.
My all favorite song by Mr. Leon. I want to reach out and hug him. Well, I hope to one day. So much miss him.
Not for me.
Not my favorite of his album but still a wonderful album.
No words. 10. Had to be there. Thanks RP. <3
Super Spirit Leon (neat little tune, and I like that sweet album art where Leon has a stronger, more enchanting eye than the owl : )
I thought Willie at first, then remembered i had heard this previously, then Leon came to mind. He reminds me of Dr. John for some reason.
Great deep cut from one the finest American musicians. Likes to recycle bird sound effects, nothing wrong with that.
On another note: Who Does This Government Work For? Answer: A very thin slice off the top.
Great deep cut from one the finest American musicians. Likes to recycle bird sound effects, nothing wrong with that.
On another note: Who Does This Government Work For? Answer: A very thin slice off the top.
Master of time and space... and long drawls...
Dinges,_the_Dude wrote:
I also thought this was Willy Nelson... (irritating may not be my perception, but this song won't rate high)
I hear it too. The resemblance, not the irritation.
I also thought this was Willy Nelson... (irritating may not be my perception, but this song won't rate high)
I hear it too. The resemblance, not the irritation.
Love Leon. He is missed In this home.
Steely_D wrote:
Did someone else cover this around the same thing? I remember hearing it a lot during the 70s but never associated it with Leon. It does have a Jimmy Buffet feel...
God, did I love this song. High school. KLOL out of Houston.
Did someone else cover this around the same thing? I remember hearing it a lot during the 70s but never associated it with Leon. It does have a Jimmy Buffet feel...
leon wrote so so many great songs so many were hits for other artists / underrated in so many respects ! ripI swear I hear Leonard Cohen singing backup. Am I crazy?
Thanks for the music, Leon. Always a fan. RIP.
Sounds like he may have influenced Jimmy Buffett.
Goodbye Leon. I was never much of a fan—but I heard a lot of Leon in my college dorm party days. You were a cool, quirky talent, a good piano player, and you made tunes with many notables.
Loved Leon's music, including this one. Another great one gone. RIP Leon.
God, did I love this song. High school. KLOL out of Houston.
Thanks Bill.
RIP Leon
Leon Likes Leon
baddog8it wrote:
I also thought this was Willy Nelson... (irritating may not be my perception, but this song won't rate high)
Voice is ALMOST as irritating as Willy Nelson.
I also thought this was Willy Nelson... (irritating may not be my perception, but this song won't rate high)
Just saw him in concert last month. He came on stage and rocked for a solid 45 minutes before taking a break to say 'hello.' Then did another 2 hours. We saw him leaving the theater before anyone else out a side door, riding off into the distance on his Rascal. It was definitely an exclamation point on the evening.
Ha ha. . this must be one of Bil's little musical jokes. . . ho ho. . . . what? You mean he is serious?
o_0
o_0
Voice is ALMOST as irritating as Willy Nelson.
Next to Lady Blue and Delta Lady and his Jumpin' Jack Flash version, maybe my favorite Leon tune...
that's the first time I've been lucky enough to hear that nutty (imo) Russel piece, still admire the man, and he is a powerful symbol of some kinda 70's vibe, maybe like that sweet album art where Leon has a stronger, more enchanting eye than the owl
Please play more Leon! He has done so much! This seems to get the most play, and while good, it's not one of his greats.
neuticle wrote:
Leon grows on you....go ahead...feel it.....I dare ya.
For the life of me I can not see the attraction to this guy..I've tried..Kind of like the Dead..just can't wrap my feeble brain around what people seem to like here..
Leon grows on you....go ahead...feel it.....I dare ya.
FrankThuis wrote:
This guy goes back to JJ Cale. You can't deny him. Substitute Randy Newman for Leon Russell. Newman is a real American jerk and is much more deserving of your condemnation.
What a crap. Can't you play this when Americans are awake and Europeans are sleeping? Saves a lot of headache.
This guy goes back to JJ Cale. You can't deny him. Substitute Randy Newman for Leon Russell. Newman is a real American jerk and is much more deserving of your condemnation.
Reminds me when i once hung out with these Jerry Jeff Walker fans
phyke birds and all, beats the hell outta 99.9% of what I hear when I'm out in public. (buskers on PACFIC AV,EXCEPTED)
Late 70s on leave, hanging with friends in Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms. Watching the sun go down.
Proclivities wrote:
I miss those guys.
And Mary Ann too.
I miss those guys.
And Mary Ann too.
FrankThuis wrote:
Perhaps you should hit the "Play Something Different" PSD button? That's why God made it :-)
What a crap. Can't you play this when Americans are awake and Europeans are sleeping? Saves a lot of headache.
Perhaps you should hit the "Play Something Different" PSD button? That's why God made it :-)
I love Leon!!!! This song is one of his best!
Big Fat 10!! 
Muse to Elton for years .. . plays any and all instruments.. genius.
Zep wrote:
I'm also having trouble wrapping my mind around Leon Russell singing this in his khakis and flip flops.
Nice song, but the production should have lost the cheesy "Gilligan's Island" sound effects.
I'm also having trouble wrapping my mind around Leon Russell singing this in his khakis and flip flops.
Zep wrote:
Nice song, but the production should have lost the cheesy "Gilligan's Island" sound effects.
Nice lyrics...
Nice song, but the production should have lost the cheesy "Gilligan's Island" sound effects.
For the life of me I can not see the attraction to this guy..I've tried..Kind of like the Dead..just can't wrap my feeble brain around what people seem to like here..
a very special artist
Leon twice in 2 days. I like it!
Just thinking of yeeeeeeeeouuuuuu.
The bickering that pollutes these comments is so tiring. Why is it that so many people have the need to put others down? Are they so insecure in themselves? Have they nothing better to do?
(Sorry, Frank, nothing personal. You're just the one particular hater that pushed me to comment.)
(Sorry, Frank, nothing personal. You're just the one particular hater that pushed me to comment.)
btt wrote:
If that means "walking back to the dorms after a long day, "relaxing" a bit and then firing up the stereo while watching the sun go down over the science lab," I'm with you there.
This one takes me back to a much simpler , and more serene time in my life .
If that means "walking back to the dorms after a long day, "relaxing" a bit and then firing up the stereo while watching the sun go down over the science lab," I'm with you there.
Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
And it's a recycled kookaburra at that. Must have had the same sound effects tape laying around as when he recorded Out In the Woods.
Wait a minute. Did I just hear a kookaburra in the background? Kookaburra are native to Australia and New Guinea and Australia is a continent so he must be singing about New Guinea.
And it's a recycled kookaburra at that. Must have had the same sound effects tape laying around as when he recorded Out In the Woods.
FrankThuis wrote:
you are always asleep when I am awake - same problem with the missus as well
What a crap. Can't you play this when Americans are awake and Europeans are sleeping? Saves a lot of headache.
you are always asleep when I am awake - same problem with the missus as well
This one takes me back to a much simpler , and more serene time in my life .
This makes me wish "Lady Blue" was the next cut...
Anything... Anytime... Anywhere by Leon Russell...
You nay-sayers have never lived on an island in the tropics!
Still love this song, and the guy it reminds me of every time.......
KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
I know why, and I do not like this song. I like Leon though.
I don't know why, but I love this song.
I know why, and I do not like this song. I like Leon though.
I don't know why, but I love this song.
Byronape wrote:
I was thinking the exact same thing.
Is that you Willie Nelson? Sounds like something he would put out, or at least sing on.
I was thinking the exact same thing.
Is that you Willie Nelson? Sounds like something he would put out, or at least sing on.
Leon......Yes!
Love this......so dreamysad......the One Love that got away........it happened to you too, didn't it?
Just a darned nice tune, I think.
Wait a minute. Did I just hear a kookaburra in the background? Kookaburra are native to Australia and New Guinea and Australia is a continent so he must be singing about New Guinea.
Love this song. Takes me away.
Shesdifferent wrote:
I was thinking the same thing ...
Always liked this song, but hearing it now makes me feel really old.....those times are gone!
I was thinking the same thing ...
Put this back on the shelf
FADE IT GOD DAMN! :-)
Bleyfusz wrote:
Mix Doctor John, Willie Nelson, and a dash of Lime (in the coconut).
This is about the first time I don't mistake him for the Doctor. How come?
Mix Doctor John, Willie Nelson, and a dash of Lime (in the coconut).
We used to call him the man who swallowed the wah-wah pedal. Love that voice.
This is originally from the Will O' The Wisp album, a lovely collection. Should be checked out by all.
This is originally from the Will O' The Wisp album, a lovely collection. Should be checked out by all.
Always liked this song, but hearing it now makes me feel really old.....those times are gone!
Willie Rolls...
I love Leon Russell... 
This is about the first time I don't mistake him for the Doctor. How come?
Anax wrote:
you're right, I'm a mother, and I love it!
A voice only a mother could love.
you're right, I'm a mother, and I love it!
wow, this is really nice
Derecho wrote:
Colonel Sanders meets ZZ Top.
Good song, though.
Good song, though.
A voice only a mother could love.
socalhol wrote:
LOL I thought... wow! That sounds like Leon Russell! I thought I'd hear Willie before Leon on RP. Thanks Bill! Nice to hear, tho we are moving off the island tomorrow. (Not far.. just across the bridge to the mainland.)
twitterpated wrote:
I thought this was Willie Nelson at first. . .but I really like this song.
Okay — I guess I wasn't the only one!! Totally sounds like Willie.... (wtf) LOL I thought... wow! That sounds like Leon Russell! I thought I'd hear Willie before Leon on RP. Thanks Bill! Nice to hear, tho we are moving off the island tomorrow. (Not far.. just across the bridge to the mainland.)
twitterpated wrote:
yodasan_magoo wrote:
Ditto, heard it over the headphones...I'm thinking, what the ...is Willie doing on RP... terrorists must have taken over the RP booth.
Okay — I guess I wasn't the only one!! Totally sounds like Willie.... (wtf)
I thought this was Willie Nelson at first. . .but I really like this song.
yodasan_magoo wrote:
Ditto, heard it over the headphones...I'm thinking, what the ...is Willie doing on RP... terrorists must have taken over the RP booth.
Okay — I guess I wasn't the only one!! Totally sounds like Willie.... (wtf)
WOW, this really brings back memories.
Colonel Sanders meets ZZ Top.
Good song, though.
Good song, though.
yodasan_magoo wrote:
Ditto, heard it over the headphones...I'm thinking, what the ...is Willie doing on RP... terrorists must have taken over the RP booth.
Terrorists or the Hell's Angels!!! :)
Ditto, heard it over the headphones...I'm thinking, what the ...is Willie doing on RP... terrorists must have taken over the RP booth.
Terrorists or the Hell's Angels!!! :)
twitterpated wrote:
Ditto, heard it over the headphones...I'm thinking, what the ...is Willie doing on RP... terrorists must have taken over the RP booth.
I thought this was Willie Nelson at first. . .but I really like this song.
Ditto, heard it over the headphones...I'm thinking, what the ...is Willie doing on RP... terrorists must have taken over the RP booth.
Looks like the song has had it's desired effect.
vandal wrote:
vandal wrote:
I thought this was Willie Nelson at first. . .but I really like this song.
nook wrote:
Crestone Music Festival '07, myself. He blew me away!
saw him playing with the Shelter People more years ago than i care to remember. I've always loved this song. can't say why, it just is.
Crestone Music Festival '07, myself. He blew me away!
Wow this is great. Thanks Bill.
saw him playing with the Shelter People more years ago than i care to remember. I've always loved this song. can't say why, it just is.
Droidac wrote:
...yeah, where the women tear their blouses off!
The background singers sounds identical to the singers on Leonard Cohen's "Closing Time". Anyone else hear that?
...yeah, where the women tear their blouses off!
Oh MY! Sweet and nice
Felix_The_Cat wrote:
isn't that a Tom Waits Album?
nevermind, already found that song!
isn't that a Tom Waits Album?
6.5?!?! Really people? A solid 9 for me, a former Caribbean gal.
I'm with you