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Spirit — Nature's Way
Album: Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1282









Released: 1970
Length: 2:24
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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It's nature's way of telling you something's wrong
It's nature's way of telling you in a song
It's nature's way of receiving you
It's nature's way of retrieving you
It's nature's way of telling you something's wrong

It's nature's way of telling you, it's in the breeze
It's nature's way of telling you, dying trees
It's nature's way of receiving you
It's nature's way of retrieving you
It's nature's way of telling you something's wrong

It's nature's way, it's nature's way
It's nature's way, it's nature's way

It's nature's way of telling you something's wrong
It's nature's way of telling you in a song, oh
It's nature's way of receiving you (it's nature's way)
It's nature's way of retrieving you (it's nature's way)
It's nature's way of telling you something's wrong
Something's wrong
Something's wrong
Comments (146)add comment
Hey, aren't these people that wrote Stairway to Heaven? Kidding, but I've never heard  anything from this band. Sounds good.
Posted 2 weeks ago by havardlee    [ Reply ]
 Highlowsel wrote:

Climate change.  Environmental degradation of the land, sea and air that's accelerating along with some saying we're on the precipice of a 6th Mass Extinction, a possible hallmark of this the Anthropocene Era.  This tune should be our era's theme song. 

Just sayin' is all.

Highlow
American Net'Zen



Your'e so right! This nine Negatives you got came from those who didn't hear the shot, for sure!
Posted 3 months ago by Pitjes    [ Reply ]
 Essbee63 wrote:

Always amazed how much this sounds like Paul McCartney at first.



Totally! Everytime RP plays this, I jump on the comments section to read  everyone's compliments to Macca. Only to find it's not him! Again!
Posted 7 months ago by skuzzfud    [ Reply ]
 Highlowsel wrote:


I see I wrote this 7 years ago, and baby is it ever pertinent today, eh?   So it goes I suppose.  


Yeah, it's like getting run over by a steamroller and realizing that they are heavy!
Posted 10 months ago by johnfiva    [ Reply ]
Surely one of the BEST albums to listen to on a boom-box tripping on good blotter around a campfire at the edge of a very surreal mountain meadow below Lizard Head Pass in the moonlight on a mid-summer's eve...
Posted 11 months ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 Essbee63 wrote:

Always amazed how much this sounds like Paul McCartney at first.



and some of us have actually listened to the Beatles and Macca…  This doesn’t sound anything like Paul..
Posted 1 year ago by tm    [ Reply ]
love it. one of my favs from this album.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
still one of the coolest album covers
Posted 1 year ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 igotitmade2k wrote:

One of the Granola standards. For Album Rock stations, along with "White Bird". 




And, that is a Good Thing!!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 Essbee63 wrote:

Always amazed how much this sounds like Paul McCartney at first.



Sure does
Posted 1 year ago by Dapps    [ Reply ]
Always amazed how much this sounds like Paul McCartney at first.
Posted 1 year ago by Essbee63    [ Reply ]
One of the Granola standards. For Album Rock stations, along with "White Bird". 
Posted 1 year ago by igotitmade2k    [ Reply ]
Arguing the ecological politics of a brilliant song like this is like arguing about how illogical it is that Tommy , with his limitations, could play pinball.

Take a breath, let it go, and dig the tunes. Life's too short to miss something like this because you can't shut down the monkey brain for two minutes and thirty three seconds.
Posted 1 year ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 Highlowsel wrote:

Climate change.  Environmental degradation of the land, sea and air that's accelerating along with some saying we're on the precipice of a 6th Mass Extinction, a possible hallmark of this the Anthropocene Era.  This tune should be our era's theme song. 

Just sayin' is all.

Highlow
American Net'Zen



I see I wrote this 7 years ago, and baby is it ever pertinent today, eh?   So it goes I suppose.  
Posted 2 years ago by Highlowsel    [ Reply ]
 Bruce_AK wrote:
In light of this week's mega-storm hitting the East Coast and this summer's droughts this tune takes on prophetic proportions. Those who doubt that Climate Change is human caused, you are now on notice!


Too funny....
Posted 2 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
 phlattop wrote:

wow, I thought that is an XTC outtake off of Skylarking (or whatever the album Dear God is on)

Andy Partridge /Colin Moulding wrote better lyrics...the environmental song would have been CM's and he was simply elegant with words

Posted 2 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]


 Highlowsel wrote:

Climate change.  Environmental degradation of the land, sea and air that's accelerating along with some saying we're on the precipice of a 6th Mass Extinction, a possible hallmark of this the Anthropocene Era.  This tune should be our era's theme song. 

Just sayin' is all.

Highlow
American Net'Zen





I've never felt better.
shrugs 


Posted 2 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
 Dahlia_Gumbo wrote:

Nature’s way indeed. Something is definitely wrong. Science told us global warming was on the way…did folks believe it? How’bout now?

I'm pretty sure back when this song came out it was about global cooling... the new Ice Age.

Posted 2 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
 Highlowsel wrote:

Climate change.  Environmental degradation of the land, sea and air that's accelerating along with some saying we're on the precipice of a 6th Mass Extinction, a possible hallmark of this the Anthropocene Era.  This tune should be our era's theme song. 

Just sayin' is all.

Highlow
American Net'Zen

It was the theme song of the 60's.
It was the theme song of the 70's.
It was the theme song of the 80's.
It was the theme song of the 90's.
It's been the theme song of the 2000's.
This earth has been degrading since the Garden of Eden.
BUT... were still here!

Posted 2 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
 dublanica wrote:

"Twelve Dreams of..." is one of those few perfect albums from start to finish.  Wonderful lyrics and wonderful sounds!



And how... my all time fave!
Posted 2 years ago by kenmo    [ Reply ]
 phlattop wrote:

wow, I thought that is an XTC outtake off of Skylarking (or whatever the album Dear God is on)

Yeah, if you told me Andy Partridge was the singer on this song I would have believed you.  Really nice song.

Posted 2 years ago by Jayesea    [ Reply ]
Two tracks from Twelve Dreams one after another. You're spoiling us!
Posted 2 years ago by Madness1954    [ Reply ]
The production on this album was great for its time. It would be the first thing I'd play each time I upgraded my hi-fi.
Posted 2 years ago by Madness1954    [ Reply ]
wow, I thought that is an XTC outtake off of Skylarking (or whatever the album Dear God is on)
Posted 2 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]


Randy California....

Man !  I wish I had that name. How different my life would be....
"Hi  I'm  Randy California for Big Bobs Car Sales  how are you today?"
Posted 2 years ago by flatop    [ Reply ]
Great underrated band.
Posted 2 years ago by flatop    [ Reply ]
 Ipse_Dixit wrote:

Timeless.




You Bet! A classic tune! Thanx RP!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
Timeless.
Posted 3 years ago by Ipse_Dixit    [ Reply ]
 Highlowsel wrote:

Climate change.  Environmental degradation of the land, sea and air that's accelerating along with some saying we're on the precipice of a 6th Mass Extinction, a possible hallmark of this the Anthropocene Era.  This tune should be our era's theme song. 

Just sayin' is all.

Highlow
American Net'Zen



Six years later, ever louder.
Posted 3 years ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
Nature’s way indeed. Something is definitely wrong. Science told us global warming was on the way…did folks believe it? How’bout now?
Posted 3 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
True 50 years ago, even more so today. When will we, the" selfish species" start to really care about the rest of the living things on our beautiful little planet- instead of our endless pursuit of more meaningless material "things".
Posted 4 years ago by kenmt    [ Reply ]
"Twelve Dreams of..." is one of those few perfect albums from start to finish.  Wonderful lyrics and wonderful sounds!
Posted 4 years ago by dublanica    [ Reply ]
Sweet  Thank you  : )  


Posted 7 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Could of been written today...still really good.
Posted 7 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
Bruce Caturani out there somewhere: Do you remember front row for this in H-town?
Z
Posted 7 years ago by dc_zee    [ Reply ]
great guitar player

great song

great album

great band 
Posted 7 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
VERY UNDER RATED ALBUM ....ONE OF THE TOP 10 OF ALL TIME !
Posted 7 years ago by kh808    [ Reply ]
Timeless.
Posted 8 years ago by Rockit    [ Reply ]
Wooooo-hoooooo!!!   : )
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Earl Bailey told a story to his audience that this song was about having a cold.  At the very end of the song, listen for the cough. 
Posted 8 years ago by vinylbob    [ Reply ]
I don't think I've ever heard this version. Nice!
Posted 8 years ago by ginger    [ Reply ]
Well done RP for playing this excellent track.
Posted 8 years ago by musicforme    [ Reply ]
 DanFHiggins wrote:
THANKS FOR THAT BACK TO BACK!

LOVE IT 

 
catching it again
awesome   {#High-five}
Posted 8 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
Nope
Posted 8 years ago by swart    [ Reply ]

Nachuhls way?

 

 

If people make fun of the way David Gray says sure, then I can make fun of Spirit. Heh.


Posted 8 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
just reading about Spirit's lawsuit against Led Zeppelin over Stairway to Heaven

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-02-03/led-zeppelin-rock-gods-deposed-in-stairway-to-heaven-lawsuit 

see if you can tell which version is which

https://www.bloomberg.com/bw/articles/2014-05-15/the-stairway-to-heaven-game-did-led-zeppelin-steal-the-greatest-song-opening-in-rock-history 
Posted 8 years ago by drucev    [ Reply ]
Still as pertinent today (maybe more) than it was then...
Posted 8 years ago by robotbass    [ Reply ]
great song, I feel this whole album works magically, timelessly
Posted 9 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 Propayne wrote:

...The simple, stripped back production - acoustic guitar and "everyman" vocals of the song's writer Randy California fits the song's subject matter sooooo much better to my ears. 

 
This tune has a nice melody and chords and I like the production.  I find the lyrics are a little too "simple and stripped back", but perhaps that was the general idea.
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
This one endures, moving seamlessly from one decade to the next.   .


Posted 9 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
 coding_to_music wrote:


OMG — I somehow always thought this was Paul McCartney

Great song... 

 
totally thought so too.
Posted 9 years ago by ceicilbee    [ Reply ]
 Propayne wrote:
The simple, stripped back production - acoustic guitar and "everyman" vocals of the song's writer Randy California fits the song's subject matter sooooo much better to my ears. 

 
Yeah, this one's better.
Posted 9 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
I very, very much prefer the cover by This Mortal Coil. This (original?) bores and irritates in equal measure.

 
Not me.

I applaud their taste for covering it, but I find TMC's version to be overblown and bloodless compared to the original.

The simple, stripped back production - acoustic guitar and "everyman" vocals of the song's writer Randy California fits the song's subject matter sooooo much better to my ears. 
Posted 9 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
I very, very much prefer the cover by This Mortal Coil. This (original?) bores and irritates in equal measure.
Posted 9 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Climate change.  Environmental degradation of the land, sea and air that's accelerating along with some saying we're on the precipice of a 6th Mass Extinction, a possible hallmark of this the Anthropocene Era.  This tune should be our era's theme song. 

Just sayin' is all.

Highlow
American Net'Zen
Posted 9 years ago by Highlowsel    [ Reply ]
Great example of an "album" - where all the songs fit together and the sequencing was carefully worked out.
Posted 9 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
Salt Lake City, many super concerts from the 60's, one of the standouts were a little known L.A. outfit "Spirit" sold out, damn fine!  Featuring a father/son effort, dad a jazz drummer & son on guitar.  Really deserved a bigger mark.  
Posted 9 years ago by wolfbrother    [ Reply ]
Yes, child, people used to think and talk like this!
 
Posted 9 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
THANKS FOR THAT BACK TO BACK!

LOVE IT 
Posted 10 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
 marklaw wrote:
II wanna be a hippie again.  Take me back.

 
Better and better!  Nature's Way is next.
Posted 10 years ago by marklaw    [ Reply ]
 QuestionMark wrote:
Ahead of their time !

 
Indeed. Sounds so current.
Posted 10 years ago by MassivRuss    [ Reply ]
II wanna be a hippie again.  Take me back.
Posted 10 years ago by marklaw    [ Reply ]
Ahead of their time !
Posted 10 years ago by QuestionMark    [ Reply ]
 idiot_wind wrote:
Is this with the band members: Randy California and Jay Ferguson?

 
Yep.

Randy California - guitar, vocals
Jay Ferguson - vocals
John Locke - keyboards
Mark Andes - bass
Ed Cassidy - drums 
Posted 11 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
Such the 60s ethos.  But always time less
Posted 11 years ago by egroman    [ Reply ]
this has been the best set of songs this afternoon. i need to get a cup of tea.
Posted 11 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
I think the album is a 10   it's super cool, and in the near future (perhaps) RP will have a "Full LP" button where we can blast the entire album
Posted 11 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Is this with the band members: Randy California and Jay Ferguson?
Posted 11 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 Segue wrote:
not quite godlike but an essential song. Thanks RP!

 
Solid 9 - always loved this song
be great to follow with Alvin Lee and Ten Year's After - I'd Love to Change the World 
Posted 11 years ago by Johnny-smooth    [ Reply ]
I simply love this song!
Posted 11 years ago by dw    [ Reply ]
 Bruce_AK wrote:
In light of this week's mega-storm hitting the East Coast and this summer's droughts this tune takes on prophetic proportions. Those who doubt that Climate Change is human caused, you are now on notice!
 
You will find no argument with me, but try to convince the whitebread republicans who deny the very existence of weather!
Posted 11 years ago by dew34    [ Reply ]
not quite godlike but an essential song. Thanks RP!
Posted 11 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
In light of this week's mega-storm hitting the East Coast and this summer's droughts this tune takes on prophetic proportions. Those who doubt that Climate Change is human caused, you are now on notice!
Posted 12 years ago by Bruce_AK    [ Reply ]
LOL. 
kcar wrote:

Amazed your roomies didn't cattle-prod you into a coma. 

It was good to hear this chestnut again, but halfway through the song you wish that the band had fleshed out the lyrics more. A lot more. 
 


Posted 12 years ago by jcioban    [ Reply ]
 stevematic wrote:
VCU, richmond virginia 1972. i drove my roommates crazy playing this LP... repeatedly
 
Amazed your roomies didn't cattle-prod you into a coma. 

It was good to hear this chestnut again, but halfway through the song you wish that the band had fleshed out the lyrics more. A lot more. 
Posted 12 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Absolutely wonderful song.
Posted 12 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
 shakylegs wrote:
Of all This Mortal Coil's covers, I find this original to be stronger.
(Does that make sense?)
 

Musically it's stronger, but then again TMC's version is slow and melodic.  I prefer the TMC version just because it's so much more passionate.
Posted 12 years ago by TJS    [ Reply ]
 iTuner wrote:
I always thought this was a shitty Who song. I guess its a shitty Spirit song.
 
Hahaha! {#Clap}
Posted 12 years ago by deanofox    [ Reply ]
 iTuner wrote:
I always thought this was a shitty Who song. I guess its a shitty Spirit song.
 
                       
Posted 12 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
 Coaxial wrote:

10 then and now...

 
Bump.
Posted 12 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
I always think this song sounds so much like McCartney.
Posted 12 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
VCU, richmond virginia 1972. i drove my roommates crazy playing this LP... repeatedly
Posted 12 years ago by stevematic    [ Reply ]
 Spliff wrote:
Hey - Does anyone know the real story about Randy California?
 
Drowned in Hawaii saving his son. Sad.
Posted 12 years ago by ocbrander    [ Reply ]
I always thought this was a shitty Who song. I guess its a shitty Spirit song.
Posted 12 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
may the gods, both old and new, bless Randy California
Posted 12 years ago by bobzane    [ Reply ]
Wow...what time machine did that come out of?
Posted 12 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
Of all This Mortal Coil's covers, I find this original to be stronger.
(Does that make sense?)
Posted 12 years ago by shakylegs    [ Reply ]
I love this,,,,,,THANKS BILL..... I remember the entire album, love it and as a landscaper I often sing this in some clients gardens while I work    {#Think}
Posted 12 years ago by Tamster    [ Reply ]
I love this! Never knew who it was before. Excellent old gem. 
Posted 13 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
Wow! I haven't thought about this song in decades. This was one of my worst earworms in the 1970s. 
Posted 13 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
This song was used in a commercial for a laxative about a million years ago.  Jayzus, I am OLD. {#Eek}
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Absolutely one of the finest complete albums EVER.
Posted 13 years ago by RobRyan    [ Reply ]
Wow. Throwing it back a few years. Nice surprise, Bill. Yes, ONLY on RP.
Posted 13 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
Only on rp
Posted 13 years ago by shampa1n    [ Reply ]
This song is even more relevant today than it was back in the day...
Posted 13 years ago by jimbaca    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this in over twenty years.  Loved it then; love it now.  And Animal Zoo too.........I had this album and spun it constantly..thanks for the memories!!

Posted 13 years ago by emmilina    [ Reply ]
Nice, a double shot from one of The Great Albums of the late 60"s
Posted 13 years ago by Stranglersfan    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:
Still fantastic after all these decades {#Music}
 

OMG — I somehow always thought this was Paul McCartney

Great song... 
Posted 13 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
omygod make it stop
Posted 13 years ago by ploba    [ Reply ]
Absolutely one of my favorite songs of all time.

And Randy's "every man" vocals are perfect. 
Posted 14 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
Did Cheap Trick ever get called out for copying this tune when they penned "The Flame"?
Posted 14 years ago by favrood    [ Reply ]
This is one of those timeless tunes for me.  It's fun to go back - for a sec.  {#Music}
Posted 14 years ago by George_Tirebiter    [ Reply ]
 Spliff wrote:
Hey - Does anyone know the real story about Randy California?
 He was tought to play the guitar by Jimi Hendrix who wanted him to come to England to form the Experience and gain recognition. Randy's dad wouldn't let him come because he thought he was too young at 16.

Posted 14 years ago by Dillinquent    [ Reply ]
Man, haven't heard this in forever.  8-9
Posted 14 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
Was talking to my wife something about nature's way and she started singing this-been stuck in my head since then.  Thanks!
Posted 14 years ago by Al_Koholic    [ Reply ]
Definitely a 10 for me.
Posted 14 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:
So many fine tracks on this album. This one, however, I don't care if I ever hear again.

(Maybe it has somethin' to do with hearing it while on a bad trip..."Something's wrong," indeed!)
 

Sorry I had some good times when that first hit it brings back good memories...10
Posted 14 years ago by Coaxial    [ Reply ]
 Spliff wrote:
Hey - Does anyone know the real story about Randy California?
 
The only story I know is that he drowned off a Hawaiian beach while saving his son from an undertoe. That story was published in Surfer magazine about 10 years ago (about the time I quit reading Surfer and switched to Surfer's Journal).

Posted 14 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
So many fine tracks on this album. This one, however, I don't care if I ever hear again.

(Maybe it has somethin' to do with hearing it while on a bad trip..."Something's wrong," indeed!)
Posted 14 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Still fantastic after all these decades {#Music}
Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Great harmonic movement in this song, especially through the chorus. Starting minor then landing major - always very powerful!


Posted 14 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

Amen to that, brother. They didn't use any feckin' cowbell, either.

 
but Cowbells were cool in 1972


Posted 14 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]

10 then and now...


Posted 14 years ago by Coaxial    [ Reply ]
 helgigermany wrote:
Nice, first time i hear this, but not bad stuff!!
 
Check out this CD and the three before it.  Great stuff.

Posted 14 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
Nice, first time i hear this, but not bad stuff!!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 DavidCarrico wrote:
This Mortal Coil's version is better, can i get an amen?
 
Amen to that, brother. They didn't use any feckin' cowbell, either.

Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Notes down below suggest that This Mortal Coil does a better version of this song. I need to hear it. I can't believe you could do this song much better. Of course, I was a junior in high school when this came along, so my estimation is conflated with my recollection, but this still has legs.

Thanks for playing Animal Zoo in sequence. Just not right without the seque.
Posted 15 years ago by FrankMc    [ Reply ]
OMG, I loved this song back in the '70s.  I remember trading a backpack for the album!!!  I actually picked up a used turn-table to listen to it a couple years ago, and it was as great as I remembered.  It's thematic — good call playing more than one song from it RP!
Posted 15 years ago by plaice3    [ Reply ]
 laylabird wrote:
If you want to hear Michael McCloud (member of the band Spirit)sing Nature's Way in person, he hangs out and sings in a bar in Key West. Schooners Wharf bar. A very very good time!
 
Ahhh....Michael McCloud was never a member of Spirit.  Not this Spirit anyway.
Posted 15 years ago by jdemmers    [ Reply ]
Bill has kept playing Spirit, and always I think he's there, but he hasn't hit the best yet. Tonight he has.
Posted 15 years ago by Alear    [ Reply ]