Leon Russell — A Song For You
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Length: 4:03
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I've been so many places in my life and time
I've sung a lot of songs, I've made some bad rhyme
I've acted out my life in stages
With ten thousand people watching
But we're alone now and I'm singin' this song for you
I know your image of me is what I hope to be
I've treated you unkindly but darling can't you see
There's no one more important to me
Darling can't you please see through me
'Cause we're alone now and I'm singin' my song to you
You taught me precious secrets of the truth, withholdin' nothin'
You came out in front and I was hiding
But now I'm so much better so if my words don't come together
Listen to the melody 'cause my love's in there hiding
I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I love you for my life, 'cause you're a friend of mine
And when my life is over, remember when we were together
We were alone and I was singin' my song for you
But I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I've loved you for my life, yes, you're a friend of mine
And when my life is over, remember when we were together
We were alone and I was singin' my song for you, yes
We were alone and I was singin' this song for you, baby
We were alone and I was singin' my song
Singin' this song for you
I've sung a lot of songs, I've made some bad rhyme
I've acted out my life in stages
With ten thousand people watching
But we're alone now and I'm singin' this song for you
I know your image of me is what I hope to be
I've treated you unkindly but darling can't you see
There's no one more important to me
Darling can't you please see through me
'Cause we're alone now and I'm singin' my song to you
You taught me precious secrets of the truth, withholdin' nothin'
You came out in front and I was hiding
But now I'm so much better so if my words don't come together
Listen to the melody 'cause my love's in there hiding
I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I love you for my life, 'cause you're a friend of mine
And when my life is over, remember when we were together
We were alone and I was singin' my song for you
But I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I've loved you for my life, yes, you're a friend of mine
And when my life is over, remember when we were together
We were alone and I was singin' my song for you, yes
We were alone and I was singin' this song for you, baby
We were alone and I was singin' my song
Singin' this song for you
Comments (55)add comment
Donny Hathaway's version is def worth a listen. I like Leon's version better. My wife, Donny Hathaway's ,who's voice will give you the same chills Leon's piano playing gives you.
simply beautiful and touching. cry every time i hear it.
It's taken me 50 damn years to appreciate Leon Russell. But glad i finally am.
robertomiller wrote:
Cool story. Thank You for sharing it!
I gave my 15 year-old daughter a ride on the highway the other day and played her a number of special, little known road songs from the 70s and 80s. We were having a great time. And then I asked her to play a song, anything she wanted. I expected Arctic Monkeys to come flying out of the stereo...
She played this song from Leon. It floored me. Somehow she knew this song was very, very special to me. I play RP in my studio when I work and had probably said something about it when it came on. Funny how riding in a car listening to music with those we love can create lasting memories.
Cool story. Thank You for sharing it!
Essential skip track
One of the best of the Wrecking Crew
I was just thinking I don’t seem to hear enough Leon Russell on RP. And here he is!
robertomiller wrote:
Awww….
I think I have something in my eye.
I gave my 15 year-old daughter a ride on the highway the other day and played her a number of special, little known road songs from the 70s and 80s. We were having a great time. And then I asked her to play a song, anything she wanted. I expected Arctic Monkeys to come flying out of the stereo...
She played this song from Leon. It floored me. Somehow she knew this song was very, very special to me. I play RP in my studio when I work and had probably said something about it when it came on. Funny how riding in a car listening to music with those we love can create lasting memories.
Awww….
I think I have something in my eye.
theirongiant wrote:
I googled "who wrote 'A Song for You'?" and got:
Who made a song for you famous?
Leon Russell
"A Song for You" is a song written and originally recorded by rock singer and pianist Leon Russell for his first solo album Leon Russell, which was released in 1970 on Shelter Records.
Who did this first, the Carpenters or Leon Russell?
I googled "who wrote 'A Song for You'?" and got:
Who made a song for you famous?
Leon Russell
"A Song for You" is a song written and originally recorded by rock singer and pianist Leon Russell for his first solo album Leon Russell, which was released in 1970 on Shelter Records.
Unbelievably good. They don't get much better than this.
Okay, how many of you play "name that artist" in your head while listening all day? I know I'm not alone. And I'd like to think my batting average is pretty good -- I'm sure it annoys my wife to call out artists on songs in the wild. But I'm batting 000 when RP plays either Leon Russell or Dr. John! And when I come here to check my answer, and it's always the other guy! Dammit! Guess I need to listen to both artists some more and get my ears fixed!!! 😁
Underrated massive talent
Leon Russell is the antithesis of the robo-music of today. Every lick, every nuance of his singing speaks to his humanity. A giant of lyricism and the emotion of the human voice.
theirongiant wrote:
I thought I knew a lot about music but I’d never heard Leon’s version till today. Love this version as well as The Carpenter’s one I’ve known for 40+ years.
What matters is Bill & Rebecca play such great music that opens ones mind.
Who did this first, the Carpenters or Leon Russell?
I thought I knew a lot about music but I’d never heard Leon’s version till today. Love this version as well as The Carpenter’s one I’ve known for 40+ years.
What matters is Bill & Rebecca play such great music that opens ones mind.
theirongiant wrote:
Does it matter? Leon nails it.
Who did this first, the Carpenters or Leon Russell?
Does it matter? Leon nails it.
Who did this first, the Carpenters or Leon Russell?
Just wonderful, wonderful. Leon.
"And when my life was over... Singin' this song."
I'll be happy with that.
"And when my life was over... Singin' this song."
I'll be happy with that.
Bill,
Outstanding segue to Summer Skin by Death Cab for Cutie.
Outstanding segue to Summer Skin by Death Cab for Cutie.
one of my favorite tunes by Leon Russell, who will be missed.
Essa música é linda demais!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That’s just beautiful. What soul.
Not in best voice, but his soul can’t be denied. I still give it a 9. Would love to hear him and Mary’s Rainbow in Your Eyes on RP. Any chance you can hook us up, Bill?
I haven't heard this in a very long time. Beautiful
and classic.....I give it a "9"......for being "Outstanding"..
and classic.....I give it a "9"......for being "Outstanding"..
Axl? Axl is that you?
A voice unique beyond words. An accompanying piano. That's it. Few there are the songs that can stab you like a stiletto straight thru the heart. His was a talent unparalleled in an industry loaded with superlative performers. Check the link to the Elton John tribute at the R&R Hall of Fame induction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxlu7WWnyNM
Elton, with no shortage of ego in his own right, gave a stellar speech honoring Leon. Elton made it abundantly clear this guy was in a league of his own. He played on records for....
"Bing Crosby, Johnny Mathis, Doris Day, Dean Marin, Herb Albert, Frank Sinatra (Strangers in the Night), the Ventures, the Everly Bro's, Del Shannon, Dwayne Eddie, Bobbie V., Bobbie Darren, Jan & Dean, the Fleetwoods (Come Softly to me), Connie Frances, the Crystals, the Ronettes, every Phil Specter record, the Byrds (Mr. Tamborine Man), Delany and Bonnie, the Beach Boys (every record including Pet Sounds), JJ Cale, Harry Nelson, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, Freddy King and BB King to name JUST A FEW!?! "
To name JUST A FEW?! Yeesh....clearly he was well favored by his peers wasn't he? As it should be. This song is a lasting tribute to the talents of the man. Bravo to Leon of the Russell clan. You done well. Now...will someone please remove this knife from my heart?
Highlow
American Net'Zen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxlu7WWnyNM
Elton, with no shortage of ego in his own right, gave a stellar speech honoring Leon. Elton made it abundantly clear this guy was in a league of his own. He played on records for....
"Bing Crosby, Johnny Mathis, Doris Day, Dean Marin, Herb Albert, Frank Sinatra (Strangers in the Night), the Ventures, the Everly Bro's, Del Shannon, Dwayne Eddie, Bobbie V., Bobbie Darren, Jan & Dean, the Fleetwoods (Come Softly to me), Connie Frances, the Crystals, the Ronettes, every Phil Specter record, the Byrds (Mr. Tamborine Man), Delany and Bonnie, the Beach Boys (every record including Pet Sounds), JJ Cale, Harry Nelson, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, Freddy King and BB King to name JUST A FEW!?! "
To name JUST A FEW?! Yeesh....clearly he was well favored by his peers wasn't he? As it should be. This song is a lasting tribute to the talents of the man. Bravo to Leon of the Russell clan. You done well. Now...will someone please remove this knife from my heart?
Highlow
American Net'Zen
This is such a beautiful song.
GREAT song!
This song touches me deeply.
This song chokes me up and brings some tears to my eyes. The piano, the voice, the words. So beautiful and sorrowful. 
Miss you Leon.
the piano on this just give me chills.
the piano on this just give me chills.
robertomiller wrote:
Nice. Seems to me she was telling you something. You've given her a special memory she'll probably treasure her entire adult life. Thinking of you with this song in the background of her memory....I can think of fewer finer things as a parent than this gift you've given to her; and in return that which she has given to you. She made you aware that she understands you, as a person, better than you thought, eh? A revelation for every parent when their child comes into their own.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
I gave my 15 year-old daughter a ride on the highway the other day and played her a number of special, little known road songs from the 70s and 80s. We were having a great time. And then I asked her to play a song, anything she wanted. I expected Arctic Monkeys to come flying out of the stereo...
She played this song from Leon. It floored me. Somehow she knew this song was very, very special to me. I play RP in my studio when I work and had probably said something about it when it came on. Funny how riding in a car listening to music with those we love can create lasting memories.
She played this song from Leon. It floored me. Somehow she knew this song was very, very special to me. I play RP in my studio when I work and had probably said something about it when it came on. Funny how riding in a car listening to music with those we love can create lasting memories.
Nice. Seems to me she was telling you something. You've given her a special memory she'll probably treasure her entire adult life. Thinking of you with this song in the background of her memory....I can think of fewer finer things as a parent than this gift you've given to her; and in return that which she has given to you. She made you aware that she understands you, as a person, better than you thought, eh? A revelation for every parent when their child comes into their own.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Stops me in my tracks. Outstanding.
For fans of Leon who may not know (I didn't see any references here) there is a 'long lost' documentary on him called "A Poem Is A Naked Person" by Les Blank that was released in 2015 by Les' son Harrod. It was shot between 1972-74 when Leon was young and hitting his stride, and well, being Leon. https://www.janusfilms.com/poem
We attended the San Francisco premier with Harrod and Leon hosting and it was an amazing night and film, check it out.
We attended the San Francisco premier with Harrod and Leon hosting and it was an amazing night and film, check it out.
A true classic for the ages this.. 
Segue wrote:
exactly
Incomparable.
exactly
Incomparable.
RIP Leon
For me, this is one of the all-time great love songs in modern popular music.
Wow what a fabulous song ... had not heard this in so many years.
This song 
. It's really one of his most beautiful vocals.
. It's really one of his most beautiful vocals.I gave my 15 year-old daughter a ride on the highway the other day and played her a number of special, little known road songs from the 70s and 80s. We were having a great time. And then I asked her to play a song, anything she wanted. I expected Arctic Monkeys to come flying out of the stereo...
She played this song from Leon. It floored me. Somehow she knew this song was very, very special to me. I play RP in my studio when I work and had probably said something about it when it came on. Funny how riding in a car listening to music with those we love can create lasting memories.
She played this song from Leon. It floored me. Somehow she knew this song was very, very special to me. I play RP in my studio when I work and had probably said something about it when it came on. Funny how riding in a car listening to music with those we love can create lasting memories.
This song makes me look at years gone by...
One of Leon's finest for sure. Tugs at the old heartstrings.
Thanks, RP.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37dw2r45Xzg
Thanks, RP.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37dw2r45Xzg
I was fortunate enough to see Leon play his last two shows in Atlanta before he passed. He will be missed!
Mayhaps one of the most soulful, poignant ballads of the era. Certainly, one of my favorites. I always have to stop what I'm doing to give it my full attention.
Who writes love songs like this any more? Love songs so sweet.
I love this song in a place
Where there's no space or time
Where there's no space or time
So much soul. RIP Leon.
thank you
Knock-knock... anyone home?