Gene Cotton came with his band to my college campus in 1979. He complimented the students on their behavior that they actually were there to listen to the music and not to get stoned. I have asked young people now whether they have ever heard of Gene Cotton and this song, and they smile and ask "who?"
In 1976 I was living in Cairo, Egypt and heard “Me & The Elephant” on BBC’s “POP Club”, Noel Edmonds (UK DJ) played it as record of the week, could not hear much because of Short Wave, but sounded amazing. My cousin went to London and I told him you have to find it, and he did at HMV. When I got the record I played it to my “music” friends and they all went crazy about the song. I vowed to myself that I have to make this song popular not only between some friends but a whole nation. In Jan 1982 I started my Radio Show on Radio Cairo and played it and they audience went nuts. To this day I meet listeners who know every single word. I also played most of the album tracks on “Writers”, “Rain On”, “Dancer” and “No Strings”. We have no regulations in Radio, we play what we are passionate about. To this day I still play it ALL THE TIME to a new generation. I just made my 40th Anniversary show and included the song. How can Gene Cotton be one of the most popular artists on Egyptian Radio and very few people know him in the US!!!!!!!
It's good to know from reading these comments there are other softies like me! The lyrics are so corny but so clever, and still move me too! It's 40 years for me, you other suckers!
The Summer of 1976 and on to 1977 with the introduction of this cute and sad song, fills me with nostalgie. The Love of my life went with her friend to London Zoo, leaving me to work back in the office. I bought her a Cuddly Elephant when we parted and I hope she still has it today. Such happy memories, stirred by this CZcams recording.
I haven't heard this song in decades. I heard it on the radio as a kid and liked it. I couldn't find this recording, so I bought a 45 of someone else. It had a country styling with steel guitar, and just didn't satisfy. Lovely to hear this again. Thanks!
It's funny how you discover songs. A while back my friend loaned me a bunch of old dusty 45's to listen to, and one cold rainy night, when the moment was perfect, I just by chance happen to put this song on, and it just blew me away
The 10 people that thumbed this one down, I salute you. Anyone who can go through life without any connection or emotion to this song needs a hug and a bit of support.. This is quite simply one of the most beautiful songs about love and loss ever written.. I dare you to post a hate comment, I'll find you and hug you until things get straight again.. :) This song is pure beauty, much love u tube chums.. :) Xx
I get so emotional when I listen this. Reminds me of my parents and my Doggy. I'm 66 and seem to have become more emotional as the years pass oh so quickly. Great tune and well sang.
Again heard this on Terry Wogans last day, I think it was Ken Bruce that played it as part of his tribute to Terry, I came to youtube to see if I could find Terrys version but without luck, I wonder if anybody else knows where to find it, As other have said a song I have heard so many times over the years without really listening to it or paying much attention, Many thanks for putting it on youtube very nice. Nick in the UK.
BristoIre Your images have done homage to this wonderful song! When the song came out, my three year old son Tim thought the opening line was "we went down to the city zoo, just to kill an OWL or two!! I did explain the lyrics to him & event ually convinced him that the song was not about killing owls!! I still love this song, Tim is 33 now & I still love him too.
I was introduced to this song when it was released, when Gene Nelsen made it his featured song for a week on KSFO 560 in San Francisco. He played it as a novelty tune. In retrospect I realize this is real music, a real love song and not a novelty tune.
I remember this getting huge air play on both national and local radio back in '77, and remain astonished to this day that it didn't chart in the UK and didn't even make the US Top 40. It's just a fine, sad song of love lost and times remembered. Fine vid too - well done!
what a wonderful sad song....takes me back to the 70's....wow...things sure have changed since then.....that era was a great time to be a teen.....and a american
I had totally forgotten about this song until I recently found it in a piano book. It reminds me of being a wee wee girl with my dad and brother at the zoo. We both felt sorry for the elephant tied with a chain. Must have been on the radio around that time..... nice song.
Charming song about lost love, that most of us have experienced. Whatever happened to Gene Cotton and why are his songs so underrated? This is a very poignant song! David N Hughes.
I fondly remember this song. Going to Edinburgh Zoo with Maggie Dunlop back in the day! I'm long gone from Scotland, & Maggie's long gone from my life. Still good memories, though. I love the verse about burning the pictures. My grandma thought he was singing" Just to kill an owl or two!" LOL!
My mom & I saw Gene in concert several times at a university in Kansas when I was around 7-10. Nicest guy ever. And funny! My mom still has his albums. Such a cool & humble guy! He's very underrated.
I'm sure I remember the late lamented Val Doonican singing this lovely song on his BBC TV show back in the seventies, sitting on his rocking chair and sporting a comfy cardigan as only he could. Rest in Peace, Val. We will remember you.....
This has always been my favorite song...I wanted to buy it for ages and I found out that you can buy it directly from Gene at his website. He even replied to my emails about sending it by post outside of the states! Sounds like a nice guy
Never get tired of listening to this classic. you can easily download this (or any song from youtube) to your computer as an mp3, then burn it on to a blank cd. There are dozens of easy to use free you tube to mp3 converters on the web. Y.T.D. Is one of many.
This reminds me of a friend of mine who is an elephant and her name is Saigon. she is 56 and is trapped in Perry bros zoo in Melbourne, Australia being abused. There is an activist group who is appealing to free her and i am part of it. When she is taken to a Nature reserve i am hoping to ask the reserve to spend a day with Saigon for a nice peaceful walk and give her a big hug around her trunk. When she is about to gasp her last breath, i will remember the time we had together.
I first listened to this driving to college in Knightsbridge 35 yrs ago & back then, the only chance I had of hearing it again was to pray BBC or Capital Radio wld play it......until youtbe was discovered - tx whoever.
I saw Gene Cotton two decades ago and he was great! Have not heard anything about him for a long time - does anyone know whether he still performs around Nashville?
Thanks BristolRE for uploading, and thanks Gene for making this beautiful, bitter/sweet song. After all these years, it still brings a ttear or two to my eyes
THANK YOU for this!!! What great memories. Loved this, oh my gosh, loved this. Sang it alot and it reminds me of my childhood. THANKS AGAIN for this video.
never got over elaine. 1974 to the present love her still... will always remember her. not a day has gone by that i have not thought of her since the last time i saw her in 1979 when we all left wilbraham high school and went off into the big bad world.
Gene Cotton is one of my favorite artists and his songs and interpretations have always been superb. I like his version of "Me And The Elephant" the best of ones I've heard. I am hoping to find a source of digital transfers to CD of Gene Cotton albums from Charity Street through Eclipse Of The Blue Moon. Sadly the only one officially released was "Save The Dancer" by Renaissance Records. Thanks in advance for any help or information!!
Gene Cotton was and is supremely underrated, and I wish some rich person would buy his catalog and release everything on CD because my turntable and tape deck are kaput.
"I remember the day we had nothing to do, so we went down to the city zoo, just to kill an hour or two.." It's funny how (certainly for me) most of my best moments in life were when I was doing nothing planned and just killing time. I'm sure it's the same for many. A great song about love and loss.
I have ask radio stations for years trying to find this song! It came out around the time I lost my little sister So I would sing it in her memory . Now that I have it back I will never let it go again . Thank you for this post ! As always Luv Vern
1977, 19 years old and not a care in the world. Why do we have to grow old?
This song has so many memories for my late wife and I. We met when she was 17 married at 20 and I lost her aged just 50. Beautiful song.
Beautiful song. A real treat and i shed a tear for my innocence too.
Gene Cotton came with his band to my college campus in 1979. He complimented the students on their behavior that they actually were there to listen to the music and not to get stoned. I have asked young people now whether they have ever heard of Gene Cotton and this song, and they smile and ask "who?"
In 1976 I was living in Cairo, Egypt and heard “Me & The Elephant” on BBC’s “POP Club”, Noel Edmonds (UK DJ) played it as record of the week, could not hear much because of Short Wave, but sounded amazing. My cousin went to London and I told him you have to find it, and he did at HMV.
When I got the record I played it to my “music” friends and they all went crazy about the song. I vowed to myself that I have to make this song popular not only between some friends but a whole nation.
In Jan 1982 I started my Radio Show on Radio Cairo and played it and they audience went nuts. To this day I meet listeners who know every single word. I also played most of the album tracks on “Writers”, “Rain On”, “Dancer” and “No Strings”. We have no regulations in Radio, we play what we are passionate about.
To this day I still play it ALL THE TIME to a new generation. I just made my 40th Anniversary show and included the song.
How can Gene Cotton be one of the most popular artists on Egyptian Radio and very few people know him in the US!!!!!!!
Very true, fantastic artist
Me and the elephant will never forget Sue.
Heard his on Radio 2 today, can't believe it is over 30years old
It's good to know from reading these comments there are other softies like me! The lyrics are so corny but so clever, and still move me too! It's 40 years for me, you other suckers!
The Summer of 1976 and on to 1977 with the introduction of this cute and sad song, fills me with nostalgie. The Love of my life went with her friend to London Zoo, leaving me to work back in the office. I bought her a Cuddly Elephant when we parted and I hope she still has it today. Such happy memories, stirred by this CZcams recording.
I haven't heard this song in decades. I heard it on the radio as a kid and liked it. I couldn't find this recording, so I bought a 45 of someone else. It had a country styling with steel guitar, and just didn't satisfy. Lovely to hear this again. Thanks!
Really love this song
Cried whenI first heard it and cried now!!
It's funny how you discover songs. A while back my friend loaned me a bunch of old dusty 45's to listen to, and one cold rainy night, when the moment was perfect, I just by chance happen to put this song on, and it just blew me away
Love this one, and my other favorite, Leave me Now Before My Heart Finds Out
The 10 people that thumbed this one down, I salute you. Anyone who can go through life without any connection or emotion to this song needs a hug and a bit of support.. This is quite simply one of the most beautiful songs about love and loss ever written.. I dare you to post a hate comment, I'll find you and hug you until things get straight again.. :) This song is pure beauty, much love u tube chums.. :) Xx
rebel without aplause.. you so right..thank you for taken the time to post.
+mickwalsh12 No worries mate :)
mickwalsh12 Thanks Mick, that says a lot about your character, mainly legendary .. ;)
Rebel Without Applause Yes, I love this song, I always shed a tear when he won't get rid of the picture he always carries with him...😪
arriesone Hey, thanks
I get so emotional when I listen this. Reminds me of my parents and my Doggy. I'm 66 and seem to have become more emotional as the years pass oh so quickly. Great tune and well sang.
This is definitely my favourite recording of this song
Again heard this on Terry Wogans last day, I think it was Ken Bruce that played it as part of his tribute to Terry,
I came to youtube to see if I could find Terrys version but without luck, I wonder if anybody else knows where to find it,
As other have said a song I have heard so many times over the years without really listening to it or paying much attention,
Many thanks for putting it on youtube very nice.
Nick in the UK.
Brings a tear to my eye in 2011 just like it did in 77. great vid
First time ive ever heard this song was this morning on Radio 2 breakfast show. Love this song now.
BristoIre Your images have done homage to this wonderful song! When the song came out, my three year old son Tim thought the opening line was "we went down to the city zoo, just to kill an OWL or two!! I did explain the lyrics to him & event ually convinced him that the song was not about killing owls!! I still love this song, Tim is 33 now & I still love him too.
I was introduced to this song when it was released, when Gene Nelsen made it his featured song for a week on KSFO 560 in San Francisco. He played it as a novelty tune. In retrospect I realize this is real music, a real love song and not a novelty tune.
Spot on!
I remember this getting huge air play on both national and local radio back in '77, and remain astonished to this day that it didn't chart in the UK and didn't even make the US Top 40. It's just a fine, sad song of love lost and times remembered. Fine vid too - well done!
So sweet. Making me cry. Feeling melancholy. But feelings of all kinds are what make us real. Thank you, Gene Cotton.
what a wonderful sad song....takes me back to the 70's....wow...things sure have changed since then.....that era was a great time to be a teen.....and a american
Kenny Everett used to play quite a lot of Gene Cotton. I loved this one, so bittersweet.
Beautiful song. All time favourite
I found this song after I listened the Cantonese version
both voices are great!
I love this song and the idea of the elephant that never forgets. Amazing that it wasn't a big hit - it should've been!
this was my favorite...I cry when I hear it..makes me remember someone I will never forget,,,,just like the elephants...Ill never forget...
I had totally forgotten about this song until I recently found it in a piano book. It reminds me of being a wee wee girl with my dad and brother at the zoo. We both felt sorry for the elephant tied with a chain. Must have been on the radio around that time..... nice song.
Love the tune. I hear it and long for something: my innocence I guess. That ‘78 album is great. This one should have been on radio.
Yes, I know what you mean
Charming song about lost love, that most of us have experienced. Whatever happened to Gene Cotton and why are his songs so underrated? This is a very poignant song! David N Hughes.
One of my all-time favourite songs. Not heard it for 30 years.
Thank you very much!
I fondly remember this song. Going to Edinburgh Zoo with Maggie Dunlop back in the day!
I'm long gone from Scotland, & Maggie's long gone from my life.
Still good memories, though.
I love the verse about burning the pictures.
My grandma thought he was singing" Just to kill an owl or two!" LOL!
Still makes me go a bit misty-eyed forty years later.
If ever a song is going to make me blub its this one.
perfection in a song...
Tracy's song. Still love you and. "Everthing that reminds me of you would all have to go".Just the two or three i still have.
Thanks for posting, great song.
Sublime
Thank you for this video. My heart is aching
What a perfect video for this beautiful, sad song.
My mom & I saw Gene in concert several times at a university in Kansas when I was around 7-10. Nicest guy ever. And funny! My mom still has his albums. Such a cool & humble guy! He's very underrated.
I'm sure I remember the late lamented Val Doonican singing this lovely song on his BBC TV show back in the seventies, sitting on his rocking chair and sporting a comfy cardigan as only he could. Rest in Peace, Val. We will remember you.....
yes he did, a great version of a beautiful song
he did record it
This has always been my favorite song...I wanted to buy it for ages and I found out that you can buy it directly from Gene at his website. He even replied to my emails about sending it by post outside of the states! Sounds like a nice guy
Never get tired of listening to this classic.
you can easily download this
(or any song from youtube)
to your computer
as an mp3, then burn it on to a blank cd.
There are dozens of
easy to use free you tube to mp3 converters on the web.
Y.T.D.
Is one of many.
Love this song
now this is what we call music. not some crap noise that has lots of bass and nothing else we get these days.
Wonderfully perceptive song. I especially love the bit about the pictures...so so true.
this is a song i wish i hadnt found.been looking 4 25-30 years.means 2 much.even if it is silly.u no life does that 2 u.
How odd!Just dug into a 'special' box after one year!Oh My Life!How relevant is 'Me and the Elephant'.Miss you so much ! I Hope you LOVE the SESH xxxx
really wonderful video - congratulation
still brings back memories of my 1st love still miss you Inge after 35 years
This reminds me of a friend of mine who is an elephant and her name is Saigon. she is 56 and is trapped in Perry bros zoo in Melbourne, Australia being abused. There is an activist group who is appealing to free her and i am part of it.
When she is taken to a Nature reserve i am hoping to ask the reserve to spend a day with Saigon for a nice peaceful walk and give her a big hug around her trunk. When she is about to gasp her last breath, i will remember the time we had together.
Just discovered this....so sad ! Great lyrics. Amazing how a relationship can mean so much to one person....and nothing at all to the other.
I heard this track on Radio Caroline Flashback a couple of days ago. (Yes Caroline continues!) What a great song. thank you for posting.
A Great song from Gene back in the day when I was first learning to write a song. I love this song. Simple but brings back memories as songs should.
this song was played at my dad's funeral as it was his favourite song. thanks for posting it
We had my mums funeral on Wednesday and we played this through the photo slide show ❤❤
@@joelkolep7361 I'd like this at my funeral too!
I first listened to this driving to college in Knightsbridge 35 yrs ago & back then, the only chance I had of hearing it again was to pray BBC or Capital Radio wld play it......until youtbe was discovered - tx whoever.
What a great tune.....Hard to believe this wasn't released in the States.....Hard to believe it wouldn't have been a big hit....
I saw Gene Cotton two decades ago and he was great! Have not heard anything about him for a long time - does anyone know whether he still performs around Nashville?
Greatest
👍
Thanks for posting it. Wonderful lyrics; always brings back warm memories about old friends.
Absolutely one of my top favourites.
one of mine to..It transports me back in time..
CLASSIC TRACK -LOVE IT
amazing song loved it 4 years
Thanks for posting this ; lovely song that I remember from years ago. Thw melody and lyrics flow so naturally, as from the heart
Thanks BristolRE for uploading, and thanks Gene for making this beautiful, bitter/sweet song. After all these years, it still brings a ttear or two to my eyes
Great song
oh long time no hear
love you gene
KOZA24
Love this...but it makes me laugh😂
one of my all time favorite songs. I've been singing it for 40+ years.
Gotta love those mis-heard lyrics. She also thought Kenny rogers was singing about four hundred children in 'Lucille' !
THANK YOU for this!!! What great memories. Loved this, oh my gosh, loved this. Sang it alot and it reminds me of my childhood. THANKS AGAIN for this video.
Hey me! Still loving this 14 years later! 😂❤
god, this hurts.went to the zoo wiv a special girl in my teens.she moved to jersey.
Such a sweet song, and so emotionally true.
Love this song..........thanks for uploading it. x
Thanks
Loved this as a kid and it popped into my head this morning, guess what I still love it . Thanks for sharing
I have the 45 of Before My Heart Finds Out...great song!! I love this song...still makes me cry.
My favorite Gene Cotten song...
Glad that you enjoyed it!
never got over elaine. 1974 to the present love her still... will always remember her. not a day has gone by that i have not thought of her since the last time i saw her in 1979 when we all left wilbraham high school and went off into the big bad world.
I never got over Gill......still love her, so much.
Never got over Sarah. ❤️ 1989-1991. She is my one true love. Me and the elephant will never forget her.
this is lovely...very touching, it brings back memories. thanks
Wonderful....thank you for posting.
this is one truly beautiful song! got me through one hell of a bad time .
So true and me too !!!!!!
This is for friends who still have little ones! :) such a sweet song!
Remembering our day at the Milwaukee Zoo. Times that are Treasured.
Gene Cotton is one of my favorite artists and his songs and interpretations have always been superb. I like his version of "Me And The Elephant" the best of ones I've heard. I am hoping to find a source of digital transfers to CD of Gene Cotton albums from Charity Street through Eclipse Of The Blue Moon. Sadly the only one officially released was "Save The Dancer" by Renaissance Records. Thanks in advance for any help or information!!
Unfortunately I am not able to help, this is the only song of his that I know.
Gene Cotton was and is supremely underrated, and I wish some rich person would buy his catalog and release everything on CD because my turntable and tape deck are kaput.
The rhino forgot ya, the hippo forgot ya, the polar bear and tiger too, but me and the elephant, we'll never forget you..
Gene even performed it on TOTP - we saw it on the BBC4 repeats last year. How it wasn't a hit is a mystery.
Went to the Cleveland Zoo today.......Thought of this song.......We had fun watching the elephants......All 5 of them.
Cilla Black did a lovely version in 1978 and sang it on tv and in her live shows .It was always a great crowd pleaser.
Not heard her version
Reminds of a girl i knew ,didn't work out ......i miss her.
A great wee song that one, good video too ;-)
"I remember the day we had nothing to do, so we went down to the city zoo, just to kill an hour or two.." It's funny how (certainly for me) most of my best moments in life were when I was doing nothing planned and just killing time. I'm sure it's the same for many. A great song about love and loss.
was on radio 2 this morn on the sara kennedy show
Yep...me and the elephant still remember you??
I have ask radio stations for years trying to find this song! It came out around the time I lost my little sister So I would sing it in her memory . Now that I have it back I will never let it go again . Thank you for this post ! As always Luv Vern
:)
Laverne solis ,,so glad you found it