Spirit — When I Touch You
Album: Twelve Dreams Of Dr. SardonicusAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 854
Length: 5:23
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Often in my dreams
I see the strangest things
I see the mountains rise
I see them touch the sky's
When I'm near to you
I feel the same way too
I feel the mountains rise
I feel them touch the sky's
I, I won't see you any more
I, I won't see you any
I will not see you any
more....More....MORE
And when I touch you
I feel the same way too
I feel the mountains rise
I feel them touch the sky's
Your love holds all these keys
Why can 't I be free
From thoughts of bitter rage
White lions in their cage
I, I won't see you any more
I, I won't see you any
I will not see you any
more....More....MORE
When I touch you
When I touch you
Ahaa....Ahaa....
Mmmmm....Mmmmm....
Mmmmm....Mmmmm
I see the strangest things
I see the mountains rise
I see them touch the sky's
When I'm near to you
I feel the same way too
I feel the mountains rise
I feel them touch the sky's
I, I won't see you any more
I, I won't see you any
I will not see you any
more....More....MORE
And when I touch you
I feel the same way too
I feel the mountains rise
I feel them touch the sky's
Your love holds all these keys
Why can 't I be free
From thoughts of bitter rage
White lions in their cage
I, I won't see you any more
I, I won't see you any
I will not see you any
more....More....MORE
When I touch you
When I touch you
Ahaa....Ahaa....
Mmmmm....Mmmmm....
Mmmmm....Mmmmm
Comments (160)add comment
Hhhmmmm... very Who-ish -- The Real Me
joelbb wrote:
i LOVE dr. sardonicus, but i disagree - i just love this song.
One doesn't hear "Dr. Sardonicus" much these days. It's a terrific album. But it has much better cuts than this one.
i LOVE dr. sardonicus, but i disagree - i just love this song.
What a really great album from a really magnificent group! My brother and I had a very memorable camping trip near Lizard Head Pass, near Telluride, the summer of '85, and we listened to it, rapt, while on some powerful blotter... FUN!
One doesn't hear "Dr. Sardonicus" much these days. It's a terrific album. But it has much better cuts than this one.
jkamm14 wrote:
My melt is facing
My felt has become stiff and unyielding.
My melt is facing
My felt has become stiff and unyielding.
maxmox wrote:
My mace is felting
My melt is facing
My mace is felting
My melt is facing
After all these years this is still one of my favourite albums.
I hope some Audioslave after this, or Soundgarden.
Great "Sleeper" album - it took 6 years to go Gold
Spirit should have been more successful and should be better known. Jimi Hendrix loved how Randy California played. This whole album is a masterpiece IMHO
Kokoloco53 wrote:
Completely agree about "Nature's Way". Bizarre that "When I Touch You" is played instead, kind of pedestrian.
Absolutely, and yes Bill, I checked the playlist off the Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonius and you've never played my absolute favorite green song off this album, Nature's Way. Must be a personal reason because the song is like an anthem to many of us, though the hidden meaning in the song could have deeper sorrow than I understand.
Completely agree about "Nature's Way". Bizarre that "When I Touch You" is played instead, kind of pedestrian.
I loved this album back in the day. When I told my older super cool cousin about it, he said "you know that's really pop crap, right?" I was devastated. Doesn't sound too pop to my ears. Pretty great stuff for it's time and for now!
Favorite track from Sardonicus. Still blows me away.
More_Cowbell wrote:
My face is melting
maxmox wrote:
My mace is felting
My felt is macing
My face is melting
maxmox wrote:
My mace is felting
My felt is macing
dannyboy57 wrote:
Folks seeing what others had that day tasting a bit of this and taking some of that.
I freakin' luuuuuuvvvv this song! Big fat guitar riffs - yay!!
It brings me back to 2nd period English when Pat Strong asked whether I smoked weed...It was only customary for Yuri, Kenny and I to smoke doobies on the hill behind the high school just before classes (hee, heee, heeee!!)
Dang we could have gone to the same HIGH school. Except there were 20 or so. Sometimes we made it to the hill but usually we were in the bleachers.It brings me back to 2nd period English when Pat Strong asked whether I smoked weed...It was only customary for Yuri, Kenny and I to smoke doobies on the hill behind the high school just before classes (hee, heee, heeee!!)
Folks seeing what others had that day tasting a bit of this and taking some of that.
GOOD choice..
Wow, wonder if Chris Cornell listened to this as a kid.
got high with Larry in the company van listening to this on a dingey 8-track, I had just graduated high school, had no plans, no sense of direction at all, the freakin' Air Force enlistment guy kept callin' my parent's house trying to get me signed up man, shit... Spirit was awesome! left that dirty job and wound up doing something with my life, with my creative drive, a little pot, some righteous music, the whole world opened up for me in strong yet subtle ways, this song is still so powerful to me
dannyboy57 wrote:
And the teacher nev-er noticed!
Reminds me of freshman Social Studies—too many kids in one class, bright ones mixed in with mouth-breathers. At one point, Mr. Benedetti, our potbellied and solidly mediocre teacher, called on David Bruns in the front row. Unfortunately Bruns was on some powerful trip that kept him slack-jawed, cross-eyed, deaf and dumb. We all just watched him—slowly rocking and forth in his chair, barely conscious, unable to say anything.
Someone in the back said something like "Burrnnnt!" and yes, David sure was stoned out of his mind. I'm hoping your highs weren't as intense, dannyboy57.
I freakin' luuuuuuvvvv this song! Big fat guitar riffs - yay!!
It brings me back to 2nd period English when Pat Strong asked whether I smoked weed...It was only customary for Yuri, Kenny and I to smoke doobies on the hill behind the high school just before classes (hee, heee, heeee!!)
It brings me back to 2nd period English when Pat Strong asked whether I smoked weed...It was only customary for Yuri, Kenny and I to smoke doobies on the hill behind the high school just before classes (hee, heee, heeee!!)
And the teacher nev-er noticed!
Reminds me of freshman Social Studies—too many kids in one class, bright ones mixed in with mouth-breathers. At one point, Mr. Benedetti, our potbellied and solidly mediocre teacher, called on David Bruns in the front row. Unfortunately Bruns was on some powerful trip that kept him slack-jawed, cross-eyed, deaf and dumb. We all just watched him—slowly rocking and forth in his chair, barely conscious, unable to say anything.
Someone in the back said something like "Burrnnnt!" and yes, David sure was stoned out of his mind. I'm hoping your highs weren't as intense, dannyboy57.
High school memories—-yikes getting older! Hope to hear "Natures Way"
Kokoloco53 wrote:
...no, surely we've heard nature's way here on radio paradise - maybe it only entered rotation since the big oil spill last year, though, after your comment?..
Absolutely, and yes Bill, I checked the playlist off the Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonius and you've never played my absolute favorite green song off this album, Nature's Way. Must be a personal reason because the song is like an anthem to many of us, though the hidden meaning in the song could have deeper sorrow than I understand.
...no, surely we've heard nature's way here on radio paradise - maybe it only entered rotation since the big oil spill last year, though, after your comment?..
OUCH! Headphones off.
Great album, check out the album, "Clear" it is equally as awesome, I think it was the one previous to 12 Dreams.......
...check off another thought-this-was-soundgarden...
God, just a great great album.
Way ahead of it's time.
Way ahead of it's time.
DaveInVA wrote:
No offense meant, but I appreciate the insta-sorries for this style of music. Definitely not my flava.
This LP has some of my favorite Spirit tunes on it - great stuff! 
I tried to upload some more songs off it but they got insta-sorried.
I tried to upload some more songs off it but they got insta-sorried.
No offense meant, but I appreciate the insta-sorries for this style of music. Definitely not my flava.
Decoy wrote:
Right there with you, buddy.
this is not my cup of tea...
Right there with you, buddy.
Still a moving and powerful song. Love it!
wade44 wrote:
Funny. And I knew it was Spirit but swore Chris walked into the song and started screaming too!
This album was released 5 years before I was born, so I had never heard it before. I thought it was Chris Cornell! Sounds like it was recorded more recently than 1970.
Funny. And I knew it was Spirit but swore Chris walked into the song and started screaming too!
Intriguing stereo-mixing,very 70'ish ! 
this is not my cup of tea...
lattalo wrote:
Capital idea. I commend you.
Flash back, I still own this album, yes album. Excellent Album!
Bill could you play Natures Way sometime?
Bill could you play Natures Way sometime?
Capital idea. I commend you.
michaelc wrote:
that's what's fun about RP - they play the song after the song on the album that you'd expect to hear.
lots of good stuff on this album,
this tune is not one I would have put in that list
this tune is not one I would have put in that list
that's what's fun about RP - they play the song after the song on the album that you'd expect to hear.
This album was released 5 years before I was born, so I had never heard it before. I thought it was Chris Cornell! Sounds like it was recorded more recently than 1970.
Me no like.
lots of good stuff on this album,
this tune is not one I would have put in that list
this tune is not one I would have put in that list
jules44 wrote:
Funny, I was just thinking this could have been recorded today. Maybe minus the organ.
A lot of old school today Bill....not particularly my fav. 
Funny, I was just thinking this could have been recorded today. Maybe minus the organ.
This LP has some of my favorite Spirit tunes on it - great stuff!
I tried to upload some more songs off it but they got insta-sorried.
I tried to upload some more songs off it but they got insta-sorried.
LP should have been titled: "The 12 Screams of Dr. Be Done With Us"
A lot of old school today Bill....not particularly my fav.
back when they still had the "epic" category
makes me want to break out some Uriah Heep
makes me want to break out some Uriah Heep
pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase make it stop.....
One of my all-time favorite albums.
The sort of thing that could only have been done in 1970.
njoebott wrote:
Couldn't agree more. Definitely not a bad band to be influenced by!
No doubt these guys were a direct influence on Soundgarden. It is amazing how similar they sound...someone needs to update the Music Style and Influences section in the wikipedia entry for Soundgarden.
Couldn't agree more. Definitely not a bad band to be influenced by!
Hannio wrote:
Yeah. Never look in the mirror while on acid, believe me.
Was that a mirror?
...oh, man...
Yeah. Never look in the mirror while on acid, believe me.
Was that a mirror?
...oh, man...I freakin' luuuuuuvvvv this song! Big fat guitar riffs - yay!!
It brings me back to 2nd period English when Pat Strong asked whether I smoked weed...It was only customary for Yuri, Kenny and I to smoke doobies on the hill behind the high school just before classes (hee, heee, heeee!!)
It brings me back to 2nd period English when Pat Strong asked whether I smoked weed...It was only customary for Yuri, Kenny and I to smoke doobies on the hill behind the high school just before classes (hee, heee, heeee!!)
I also will add My vote for Natures Way!
James Brown could scream on key. Paul McCartney too.
Doesn't bother me so much in Spirit's case.
Doesn't bother me so much in Spirit's case.
newwavegurly wrote:
yes, this exactly!
I just can't get past the screaming going out of tune during portions of this song.
It sounds like Chris Cornell heard the way this guy yells during a song, and learned how to do it on key to improve upon it for Soundgarden.
It sounds like Chris Cornell heard the way this guy yells during a song, and learned how to do it on key to improve upon it for Soundgarden.
yes, this exactly!
More_Cowbell wrote:
Yeah. Never look in the mirror while on acid, believe me.
My face is melting
Yeah. Never look in the mirror while on acid, believe me.
perfect, thanks Bill.
Absolutely, and yes Bill, I checked the playlist off the Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonius and you've never played my absolute favorite green song off this album, Nature's Way. Must be a personal reason because the song is like an anthem to many of us, though the hidden meaning in the song could have deeper sorrow than I understand.
Touch, tone, technique.... R.I.P. Randy.
Flash back, I still own this album, yes album. Excellent Album!
Bill could you play Natures Way sometime?
Bill could you play Natures Way sometime?
still love it...
No doubt these guys were a direct influence on Soundgarden. It is amazing how similar they sound...someone needs to update the Music Style and Influences section in the wikipedia entry for Soundgarden.
miamizsun wrote:
Well I have to say...this is rather deep.....
even though the cover is Supercreep.
great song.
Well I have to say...this is rather deep.....
even though the cover is Supercreep.
great song.
39 years old...? I can't believe! Amaaazing! What an incredibly touching song! Wooow!
Bill's always good for a BIG-BIG surprise indeed!
Sanguru
Bill's always good for a BIG-BIG surprise indeed!
Sanguru
Wow! How have I managed to miss out on these guys for so long? Good stuff.
atw58 wrote:
I was thinking it sounds like Chris Cornell singing!
Sounds fresh even 39 years later.
I was thinking it sounds like Chris Cornell singing!
ah...i love it.
Sounds fresh even 39 years later.
What a great intro, love the way the bass falls into the mix, then that drum break.... Great band from the day!
tgapen wrote:
Far coat, bro!
Seriously, one the most under-rated bands of the '70s. "12 Dreams" was one of their best but all their records were great and way ahead of their time, as evidenced here. This still holds up 30 years later.
Far coat, bro!
I just can't get past the screaming going out of tune during portions of this song.
It sounds like Chris Cornell heard the way this guy yells during a song, and learned how to do it on key to improve upon it for Soundgarden.
It sounds like Chris Cornell heard the way this guy yells during a song, and learned how to do it on key to improve upon it for Soundgarden.
I get a Soundgarden vibe, especially Chris Cornell. So soundgarden ripped off Spirit! I learn something everyday....
lmic wrote:
Well now Imic, you're still in the loop! Power to the snow rabbits!
I'm thinkin, Townshend.
Well now Imic, you're still in the loop! Power to the snow rabbits!
I'm thinkin, Townshend.
More_Cowbell wrote:
My mace is felting
My face is melting
My mace is felting
Reminds me of Spinal Tap.
Seriously, one the most under-rated bands of the '70s. "12 Dreams" was one of their best but all their records were great and way ahead of their time, as evidenced here. This still holds up 30 years later.
Yeah!
(I'm really surprised by the low ratings here.)
(I'm really surprised by the low ratings here.)
Mugro wrote:
They're better than this. . . in fact, I heard they refused to cover this cut. . .
Is this Spinal Tap?
They're better than this. . . in fact, I heard they refused to cover this cut. . .
Is this Spinal Tap?
Pyro wrote:
Mediocre is being generous.
Didn't particularly like it back then and still don't like it. Seems really mediocre to this "trained" ear. Maybe without the vocals. (I love the Hammond B3!)
Mediocre is being generous.
Didn't particularly like it back then and still don't like it. Seems really mediocre to this "trained" ear. Maybe without the vocals. (I love the Hammond B3!)
My face is melting
Robert_V_West wrote:
I always felt "Nature's Way" was the only song worth listening to on this album decades back but this one is not too bad and seem less commercial today.
I had to remove that track from my conciousness after a bad trip, where what I had imbibed was screaming at me that "It's nature's way of telling you...something's wrong." I wasn't particularly keen to get that message delivered in that format at the time, thanks.
I always felt "Nature's Way" was the only song worth listening to on this album decades back but this one is not too bad and seem less commercial today.
I had to remove that track from my conciousness after a bad trip, where what I had imbibed was screaming at me that "It's nature's way of telling you...something's wrong." I wasn't particularly keen to get that message delivered in that format at the time, thanks.
That was a right fine scream in the middle there...
Great guitarist, technically and spiritually
About the same time, I saw them in San Diego. Randy played hig guitar through a synth that was either custom or home-made, and came out into the audience for several songs. Probably wouldn't have been so impressive if I hadn't already been a fan, but it has always been great seeing them. As I recall the last time (ca. 1985) they had Ed's son playing drums instead of him.
kberry595 wrote:
About the same time, I saw them in San Diego. Randy played hig guitar through a synth that was either custom or home-made, and came out into the audience for several songs. Probably wouldn't have been so impressive if I hadn't already been a fan, but it has always been great seeing them. As I recall the last time (ca. 1985) they had Ed's son playing drums instead of him.
kberry595 wrote:
When I saw Spirit at NIU/Dekalb in '79, Randy came into the crowd right in front of me, got down on his knees still playing. Me sitting on the tile floor - our knees were touching.... One of those memorable moments. Then it was Dr. Sardonicus on 8-track in a smoky car on a road trip to the Smokies.
RobRyan wrote:
agree that this is one of the lesser tunes on the album, but nevertheless very creative at the time, from the cover art to the music, and yes, kind of like Folgers, good to the last drop!!
I've said it before, and I may very well say it again. This is one of a very small number of albums I can put on and listen to from start to finish. This is one of the weakest songs on the album (in my humble opinion, of course) and it still rates a "Most Excellent." If Bill ever takes a notion to play an occasional album in its entirety, I'd wholeheartedly endorse this as a choice.
agree that this is one of the lesser tunes on the album, but nevertheless very creative at the time, from the cover art to the music, and yes, kind of like Folgers, good to the last drop!!
Powerful, deep, emotive. Spirit never lets you down.
A terrific under appreciated group. For those uninitiated who enjoyed the song, The Family That Plays Together is just as fine an album as 12 Dreams.
nigelr wrote:
RC played in Jimi's band Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, circa 1966, according to Charles Schaar Murray's wonderful book 'Crosstown Traffic'.
Jimi's the one who gave him his new surname, to distinguish him from the other Randy in the band.
RC played in Jimi's band Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, circa 1966, according to Charles Schaar Murray's wonderful book 'Crosstown Traffic'.
Jimi's the one who gave him his new surname, to distinguish him from the other Randy in the band.
anniebear wrote:
Huh??????????????
Atrocious
Huh??????????????
Awesome! Great LP! Great band!
When I saw Spirit at NIU/Dekalb in '79, Randy came into the crowd right in front of me, got down on his knees still playing. Me sitting on the tile floor - our knees were touching.... One of those memorable moments. Then it was Dr. Sardonicus on 8-track in a smoky car on a road trip to the Smokies.
I've said it before, and I may very well say it again. This is one of a very small number of albums I can put on and listen to from start to finish. This is one of the weakest songs on the album (in my humble opinion, of course) and it still rates a "Most Excellent." If Bill ever takes a notion to play an occasional album in its entirety, I'd wholeheartedly endorse this as a choice.
I always felt "Nature's Way" was the only song worth listening to on this album decades back but this one is not too bad and seem less commercial today.
Dreck, should have stayed where it came from.
one of my first cds, and one that holds a special place in my heart. love it!!
smdeeg wrote:
The story is correct, but the year was 1997. Not that that it makes it any less tragic.
And while we're at it, I believe his son survived the drowning.
Love this Spirit stuff. What a great band from the day.
This seems like an example of what happens when musicians with sub-standard intelligence take acid.
publiceric wrote:
Am I the only listener here strongly reminded of Spinal Tap?!? 
definitely a source of inspiration for tap
much older than tap
Nice. I was just listening to Twelve Dreams on the train in to work today. A lot of it is dated, but therre is still some great music on there.
good sound!
Rockabobbie wrote:
If Sound Garden were born too early to know of KISS... the vocal reminds me of Cornell.
spot on! i was thinking chris cornell too. never heard this in my life. i love it.
Thanks, Bill.This is a most excellent CD. This tune is my favorite.
Yes, Randy learned a bit at Hendrix's knee.
rumplestiltskin wrote:
It sounds like they channeled a bit of Hendrix there, towards the end. Was it "A Merman I Should Turn to Be"?
RC played in Jimi's band Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, circa 1966, according to Charles Schaar Murray's wonderful book 'Crosstown Traffic'.
Thanks for playing this Bill, I listened to this so much in college!!!!!
Wow Bill..... Flashback time
So great to hear something from The Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus again! Wow. Thanks RP.
Pretty Damn Cool.
Wow. A great album that has mostly been forgotten.
It sounds like they channeled a bit of Hendrix there, towards the end. Was it "A Merman I Should Turn to Be"?
wow, very cool stuff, never heard before now.
kh808 wrote:
...
We lost Randy and his son from drowing on the island on Kaui I belive the year was 1978.
The story is correct, but the year was 1997. Not that that it makes it any less tragic.
Trippin!
What the hell?
jhyoungjr wrote:
kh808 wrote:
Spirit is a group that slips by most peoples radar I have been into them since 1972...
one of my alltime fav groups
We lost Randy and his son from drowing on the island on Kaui I belive the year was 1978.
HIS MUSIC LIVES ON!!!
Glad to meet another fan. It's my understanding that Randy California (given the name by Jimi Hendrix himself!) lost his life saving his son who lives still. In any case, one of the premiere bands of the early seventies.....everyone should take a second listen to them....and everyone should take a look at the most gorgeous Mark Andes (Spirit, JoJo Gun, Firefall and Heart). 
According to (click here)(www.randycaliforniaandspirit.com/biography.html), he died in 1997
If Sound Garden were born too early to know of KISS... the vocal reminds me of Cornell. The riffs and progressions are WAY COOL. BIG DUMB RAWK--in the very best sense of the phrase.
merkin_muffley wrote:
This is fantastic. Heard of the name before but never heard their music. Bet they were brilliant live......
Saw them twice live. Once opening for Cream. They were definitely ahead of their time. A lot of their music was rock/jazz, way before Steely Dan. Randy California was amazing (rip).
timeless and unmistable spirit.
Thanks RP for everything, John