When I lost my first wife Maria to cancer, this song spoke of the loss so powerfully. Cancer was the Cortez that took her away from me. The song speaks to my soul like nothing else could to capture Maria's loss.
My wife just finished 6 months chemo. June, 6 months radiation. Can't rap my head around it ! Covid 19 is not or killer. Can't imagine this world without her. 💙
This isn't just a show. He goes into the zone. It's magic. If you've been there you understand. This is what Neil does. Not just choreography, a glimpse into his soul.
100%. I'm a hardcore old Deadhead, work for them. The Warlocks. Only two living guys I feel that Shaman Magic with: Neil Young and George Clinton. And their bands, full respect. If you know, you know. If not, take more and dig deeper. 😉🤘🏼🔥✌🏼
Neil at his absolute best. I've not ever heard a better version of Cortez. Do Yourself a favor and get in front and back of some good speakers and amp and TURN IT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely stunning! I've been appreciating his music for almost 50 years.
My favourite version,too. Very emotional,as all Neil's songs. And I love " Walks like a giant"- it is my favourite, favourite Neil's song... Hugs from Poland for all fans.🤗
When you see a performance like this, there's nobody better. The voice, the feeling in the guitar playing, the poetry, can't beat it. And he still walks among us. Long live Neil Young 💙
I love how Neil pours his heart and soul into the music . He is the master of his universe that he allows us to privilege to listen to. And for that we should all be honored and grateful❤
I first listened to "Cortez" in 1975..I was 16....This album consoled me in my first "love broken stories".......Then i was lucky enough to see neil and crazy Horse live in paris 1976..... But now i'm 63, and when i ear THIS version, i'm mindblowed.....The density of emotions he put in EACH NOTE is fabulous...In fact it happens beyond the words.....maybe because the concert was in south america...There's something Karmic in here...He really lived something in this times of Montezuma and Cortez, i believe it.......I know some good guitarists who'd give theur entire life just to play those fantomatic last notes here: 12:22 to the end......
Yeah, I’m with you on that bro. Probably the one is greatest guitar players ever in history. Neil Young. I follow him all the way from the seventies to 2024 still hands-down the greatest artist ever ever walked the face of the Earth.
You may call him one of the best songwriters, one of the best guitarrists, one of the finest guys in rock business. I agree. But don´t call him one of the best singers. His voice fits his music and I have nothing to complain about his singing within his music. Neil has a very limited vocal range.
Thanks so much for the love ❤️ I really appreciate, I hope you will never stop listen to my music 🎶.. If you don’t mind kindly drop me your hangout just to get in touch with you privately ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Such an underrated guitarist and one of the most honest and beautiful people to ever sing and play for the masses. This song caught me when I was young and searching on a path with heroin as my guide. And while I quit that journey quickly thank god, this song takes me back there every time I hear it. It reminds me of the sadness I felt at the time. And I feel that same feeling even when I hear it today. Sad and beautiful and young and searching. I have seen him so many times. I love Neil Young
Neil always plays the song, rather than the guitar - every note serves the emotion of the song. I don't think he cares about 'technical mastery'. He is still an awesome player, and one of my favourite guitarists, because of the emotional richness and subtlety of his playing.
One of my friends said this about Neil's guitar work, and huge fan that I am, I chuckled but had to admire the truth of it: When I think about Neil Young soloing on his guitar, I picture him wrestling with electricity; sometimes he's winning, sometimes he's losing, but it's always epic.
When Neil Young plays something, he plays with so much juice that it makes you feel like he's playing for YOU personally. Not many performers can project like that. He is incredible...and his guitar playing is totally unique...brilliant. The man says more with one note and that Bigsby that a million others can with a million notes. Nobody sounds like Neil Young.
Love the harmony of "the women all were beautiful". This is my #1 song of all time. Who does a meandering guitar solo so beautiful, and the lyrics are incredible and meaningful. Crazy horse rhythm section hits all the notes. Perfection. Every time.
In my top 10 songs. The Live Rust version is the best I've heard, this is a little tepid. The best song Neil did was "I've been Waiting for You" but only in the studio is the song great. The claim that “Hate was just a legend. And war was never known” is absolutely not true. Remember, we call it the Aztec Empire for a reason. You see, empires are not, by their very nature, peaceful. They're expansionist political entities that are constantly pushing their borders outwards adding new territories and peoples through war and diplomacy. The Aztecs warred against smaller tribes, they made them their vassals, forced them to pay tributes, and took people from them to offer them in sacrifice to their god of war by ripping their hearts out while the victims were still alive and then eating them. How's that for the peaceful, serene, child-like stereotype of the “Indian”? Do you really think around 600 Spaniards conquered an empire of 5-6 million all by themselves? Of course not, those 500 Spaniards had the help of thousands of Natives (up to 100.000) who rebelled against their Aztec oppressors/enemies and of a smallpox outbreak that took out half the population (that's the big genocide of the American people, by the way, Old World diseases the New World natives had no immunity against, some claim it might have wiped out up to 90% of the population).
@@oppothumbs1 I think Neil is self aware about this though, I thought it was hyperbole to such an extreme as to be intentionally noticeable. I don't think he believes or believed the Aztecs were a peace happy land of peaceful happy and beautiful people.
This song has haunted me since 79/80 when I first heard it, pure brilliance from a guy who has always bucked the trend. I will never tire of this and many other songs, crafted by a true genius. Should go down as one of the greatest musicians to have ever lived. Rust never sleeps.
Yes, I heard this song for the first time today. Oh When it came to the bit where they stood strong sacrificing so others could go on. Oh I just howled. So sad I cried, so true.@@sarahemikula
It’s a history lesson that the imperialism just destroyed people’s empires. Only because their way of living culture was different. Missionaries were the worst 🔥
This is just magical. Neil shines of course but I think Crazy Horse are often overlooked and underrated. There is some great playing going on here that enables Neil to soar.
I want to take a moment to think Neil Young for sharing this awesome version of Cortez the killer! May God keep on blessing you Neil! So that you can continue sharing your god-given talents with us!❤❤❤
It is a song that he has played for decades...He could likely play it in his sleep...but he doesn't. He plays this like it was him many years ago, when he first wrote it...proving it is better each time he plays it no matter how many years it has been.
Totally agree. But, earlier in his life he did not like playing his “greatest” songs for audiences over and over.. Glad he changed. Or maybe I am missing something
This song never fails to deliver. Truly one of the greatest rock tracks ever. There are better singers than Neil..and better guitarists...but man, he gives you the feels like no other artist. That achingly beautiful groove never leaves you.
Thanks so much for the love ❤️ I really appreciate, I hope you will never stop listen to my music 🎶.. If you don’t mind kindly drop me your hangout just to get in touch with you privately ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I can only agree with my brothers before me here................Neil young is just breath-taking and amazing......what makes him so good is that he can chill us with an acoustic guitar and harmonica, but then he can do this with a lead guitar..........nobody can compare to him! Mike Batt
Thank u Neil Young for traveling back in time shape shifting and returning with this song. The most haunting bittersweet guitar jam ever. Nobody nowhere comes close or will. We are not worthy. Rock on Neil.
In a career of utter brilliance, this stands out, a true work of art...it's probably his best song, despite any number of qualified challengers...and, oh, man, what a version...
Neil may have been a rock and roll star. He may still be. But he has always been and will always be, an Artist. an Ever-Evolving, Searcher for that "heart of gold". like the one inside of himself.
It's not all about how many notes you can hit in a 4/4 beat. With Neil it has always been about the passion, the emotions. This fantastic song makes me think of many things, some sad, some happy. It grips me and takes me away. Thank you Neil for all your music that I grew up with buying every album then figuring out all the songs on guitar. Be well my friend.
I just listened to " Almost cut my Hair" recorded at Farmaid 2000...Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. What a privilege to grow up in those days. Thank God! Music of the day lives on forever. Today I own my family's lumber yard and am a respected member of our community. But, my senior year of high school, 1975...I went to 74 concerts. Hell I might have "almost Cut my Hair" played my funeral! This is who we are.
Neil is one of the few left that still has the same spirit and feel he's always had, one of the few that still creates songs that can reach out and grab you. So glad I've been lucky enough to have seen him on stage! Neil is truly a legend.
Absolutely brilliant i have been a fan for 40 years and this man NEVER AGES HIS VOICE.. I had the pleasure seeing him in person twice the guitar work ... go you marvellous man xxxxxxxxxxx
This is absolutely one of the best 12 guitar solos Neil has ever done on Cortez! Really, it is my favorite opening of any song ever, going back to Beethoven!
This video of him is incredible. This version of this song is insanely incredible. he is in a Groove here like never b4..but still... it's like every time i see him, he's in a groove but this groove in this video is quite A Deep-cut rooted Groove!.. of our favorite musician and life pal-
It's like electric birds and waves rushing. Some of the notes hang way out there in the lush distortion. A chill is spreading over the nape of my neck, and I don't know if it's a rush of pathos or what. The song is about a killer. The song is about the dead. God it floats, this version.
I think it's a little more than that. It's like a tragedy of a beautiful people being killed by an invader that didn't understand the culture. So many ties this has happened where invader come and screw up something special.
Neil Young bottles emotion like no one else. The first time I watched the “The Last Waltz” DVD Helpless had me in tears, Cortez the Killer has reduced me to tears multiple times, but this version has me in floods of tears. As Frank Zappa said “music is the best” and it really doesn’t get much better than Cortez.
I have listened to the song All My Life I first heard this an original album I was 18 years old I'm now 63 is the best song I have ever heard in my life I love you new Young maybe I'll meet you there someday
I 've never seen this before. Now it's on my list of vids that I'll watch every so often just because of how fucking great they are. Live Rust was somewhat life changing for me, certainly for my musical tastes. This is an amazing version of the song. The instrumental lead-in, like many of Young's songs, almost tells the story on it's own. How 'bout that for talent. You can hear in the music that something or someone is coming. There's a motion, a wave or tide maybe to the rhythm, and even if you've never heard the song before, you are not surprised when Young leans in to the mic to say "He came dancing across the water with his galleons and guns," because you could almost see in that instrumental interlude that something was out on the horizon, coming in, coming in to the song, and it's Cortez, and he's not bringing anything good. Few artists have the ability to write music so close to the story that you can almost read the music without the lyrics. I remember watching a David Crosby interview with Bob Costas many years ago. Crosby told him that Young is the greatest songwriter he'd ever known. He said ".....and I know a lot of songwriters." He talked about the same type stuff, how Neal Young matches music and words in a way that makes you believe it's the only words for that song and the only music for those words. Good stuff.
Thanks so much for the love ❤️ I really appreciate, I hope you will never stop listen to my music 🎶.. If you don’t mind kindly drop me your hangout just to get in touch with you privately ❤️❤️❤️❤️
It’s the spaces between the notes that define Neil’s sound. That’s where the emotion lives- in between. Like life-it’s not the big events, the real beauty is in the spaces. Peace everyone. Be well. Love.
I felt like I was his guitar when I was playing Cortez with my tears of emotion like the flow of the notes. I love you Neil, I wish I could have been your friend to share this magic. You play the guitar as you and you guitar are one. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you bring to me since I first heard old man and that was it, until I die Neil you will remain with me. ♥️
My love for Neil started as a late teenager. My first time seeing him was with Booker t and the mg's. His music has such depth, meaning, and feeling. Your mind wanders to a better place in times of trouble . The wind blowing through your hair , the smell of weed in the air. It's a time away from reality. Thank you Neil young and crazy horse. Your legend will live on forever.
Mercy... That is called lost in your music. Pouring out your soul for others to see. Awesome My first poetic" Champion." It is difficult to listen to even now. Some memories are just to tough to take. I got through the song and I didn't cry. So,maybe time has done its job.
I can't find the words to say how much I love that performance there are quite a few great performances of Cortez but for me this is still the best no one can capture that atmosphere like Mr Young keep on rockin in the free world
words at glastonbury 2009 and this version of cortez.....the two best pure jamming music that can bout bring tears to my eyes. I must have listened to them both 100's of times, burned to multiple cds, just the best ever from the best ever. i started with everybody knows this is nowhere when I was 16, in the early 1970's and neil my favorite ever since, still is, always will be
+james williams You are spot on with your opinion of those two performances; Words at Glastonbury did bring tears to my eyes, especially considering that the bass player and the pedal steel player died. This Cortez is simply existential music for the brain.
Hauntingly beautiful. The voice, the guitar, Crazy Horse; thoughts of Aztec sacrifices. So sad. Yet, Neil paints a beautifully poignant picture of these two flawed forces facing off, each right, and, each so terribly wrong; this song transcends their human evilness.
2+ million views, and honestly less than one million of those were me. The master at work - do not disturb! If this performance doesn't make you emotional, then you probably have no soul.
+Carlos B do ya just like Neil!!!! good for you m8 we all get lost in nothingness...reality its a human thing, maybe deer do to bt as a human its not unique
+Carlos B AHHAAHAH. Oh my lord I just got the image in my head of Clock work orange, when they listen to music and kick the eff out of the guy on the ground!!!! AHAHAHAH. Oh lord, I'm old.
How can this POSSIBLY GET 71 thumbs down?!?!?!?!... smh.... you all just go away... I am SO INTENSELY JEALOUS of anyone who has this much creative and performing talent. However, while it never ceases to amaze and impress me, I get it, and will never tire of listening to Neil's creations over and over.... Thank you Neil Young!
I wouldn't obsess so much that there are people in the world who don't like the same music as you. Perhaps you can call Obama and get the IRS to destroy their lives or something.
Valid point Tom. My wife doesn't care for Neil either, so I should've known better. However, saying it's an obsession is a bit much, and the Obama comment was just plain snarky. It's a music thread, after all, and for me, a 'place to hopefully escape' or temporarily block out the ineptitude and immoral morass of politics. Don't get me wrong, I'm not naive or blind to the fact that this song is a socio-political statement by Neil - as are some of my other all time faves from him like Powderfinger (GAWD, I love THAT one!), Southern Man, Walk On, and on and on - but really, all I want to do is lose myself in the music and enjoy the sensory good vibes. As for politics, may God have mercy on us all, because We The People are in big trouble until we all wise up and hold ALL politicians accountable. Okay, I'll get off MY snarky soapbox - thanks for taking me to that dark place - and instead get back to listening to more great music. Take care my friend.
The Spanish came to the New world looking for gold and treasure, look now at the condition of most of their former colonies in Central and South America. Most northern Europeans came looking for religious freedom, which our country was built on .( Not that the early setters were without human rights abuses ) That will soon be taken away from us ( that's from my socio-political soapbox ) Now, back to Neil's music . I love it and feel he is in the top 5 ever in songwriting and performing ( maybe not the best singer, LOL) I have seen him in concert x 2 ( with Crazy Horse and the International Harvesters ) and once with Crosby, Stills and Nash ( 1972) . Not many artists can match his stamina after so many years doing his thing. plus, I love his guitar tone and style !
Every live performance of this song he plays has that little something special, a certain note, harmonics, or phrasing. Different in every show. All of his live songs are really, but this one is so special. Neil and Crazy Horse truly play from the heart. A+++
Dearest Steve, I played "Cortez" in my car each time as I was called to my Dad's dying bed in the early hours of the morning ten years ago...three times...until he finally succumbed on a bright sunny Sunday afternoon... There are no words to describe just how much the beautiful melancholia of this anti-dirge heals while it hurts and impossibly manages to dignifiy love and loss in inexpressible sublime comfort.... God bless you... Frank
I have my own Neil story that most will find interesting (esp.gtr players)I and a great old friend who I have lost contact with went to nys state fair in 1984 he if I remember was doing the" shocking pinks" thing (think:"wondering")well it started to down pour rain like I've never seen since and all front rows vanished from the whole front standing room .Ron and I got to see Neil honestly 1 to 2 ft away staring in my eyes .as a dedicated guitar player then and now I in full honesty felt this to the degree of I yelled in Ron's ear every and I mean every song that he would play next the entire show. As the wet soaking rain made it BETTER and it wasn't the doses either just a great moment and salute to all of you who love the man and a special salute to those of us who learned the songs and stories behind them THANK YOU. Neil,tom shollz,and Todd roundgren for sharing your gift with me
Been listening to ny since 1970 old man was the first song I heard I was 8 im now 55 and still listening to ny he to me is like a angel from heaven to help understand this ragged and torn up world !!! Every song of his has meaning to me !!! The old hippie " byrdman 62 "
When I lost my first wife Maria to cancer, this song spoke of the loss so powerfully. Cancer was the Cortez that took her away from me. The song speaks to my soul like nothing else could to capture Maria's loss.
I get that. Condolences, my brother, on your loss.
My wife just finished 6 months chemo. June, 6 months radiation. Can't rap my head around it ! Covid 19 is not or killer. Can't imagine this world without her. 💙
God bless you
From:Rio de Janeiro. Brazil
I'm in the same boat. God bless you and always let your loved ones know how you feel.
Powerful
The most haunting vibe you'll ever hear with 6 strings.
Tickles the spine.
That's beauty of dropped d tuning
So many versions of this Masterpiece - This is my favorite
100 percent agree, I just can’t get over how incredible it is
If you have the chance
the 2024 version is really good .. lol
ALSO....
This isn't just a show. He goes into the zone. It's magic. If you've been there you understand. This is what Neil does. Not just choreography, a glimpse into his soul.
Every note Neil plays comes from the soul and touches the heart of anyone who is lucky enough to be on the same wavelength.❤
100%. I'm a hardcore old Deadhead, work for them. The Warlocks. Only two living guys I feel that Shaman Magic with: Neil Young and George Clinton. And their bands, full respect. If you know, you know. If not, take more and dig deeper. 😉🤘🏼🔥✌🏼
It’s so next level, Jesus
We saw Neil at least 5 times. I never sat down throughout out the entirety of the concerts.
Neil at his absolute best. I've not ever heard a better version of Cortez. Do Yourself a favor and get in front and back of some good speakers and amp and TURN IT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely stunning! I've been appreciating his music for almost 50 years.
+de 40ans d,écoute tout en accord avec toi ce mec est un génie il vit et transmet sa musique longue vie à lui!!!!!!!
love it man!
ZUMA OH YEAH.
Love his song
think it s the best version
This goes out to my late husband Scott that turned me on to Neil Young, such a beautiful song just like you Scotty, love you forever 😥
Good luck with everything.
Diana Green Sorry for your loss...
Love never sleeps~ you'll see him later Diana :)
You will be together again...For now RIP ....
Sorry Diana
My favorite Neil's song and my favorite version. Come to heaven. Thank you Neil. 50 years as a fan. What a journey. ❤
9:09
9:38
My favourite version,too. Very emotional,as all Neil's songs. And I love " Walks like a giant"- it is my favourite, favourite Neil's song... Hugs from Poland for all fans.🤗
Same here, everytime I listen to this version it sends chills down my spine. It FLOORS me, just three chords, I’m just glad it was recorded
This legend walks among us today. Thank you Neil ! I was privileged enough to see this in person ❤️
No one covers Neil Young and Crazy Horse band beacause they cannot. Awesome
He's like Jesus
When you see a performance like this, there's nobody better. The voice, the feeling in the guitar playing, the poetry, can't beat it. And he still walks among us. Long live Neil Young 💙
Watch his body language makes me tingle from head to toe also brings tears to my eyes😢
This was the last song I listened to before my best friend passed a way. I love and miss you greatly Hoovie. R.I.P.
11/08/1958 - 08/18/2019
Sorry for your loss...
same as mine only i was a year earlier,i get it
Rip...
I’m very sorry......🙏🏻
So sad
I love how Neil pours his heart and soul into the music . He is the master of his universe that he allows us to privilege to listen to. And for that we should all be honored and grateful❤
He’s fantastic phenomenal ❤
Haunting, Emotional, Perfect! Thank You Neil!
I first listened to "Cortez" in 1975..I was 16....This album consoled me in my first "love broken stories".......Then i was lucky enough to see neil and crazy Horse live in paris 1976..... But now i'm 63, and when i ear THIS version, i'm mindblowed.....The density of emotions he put in EACH NOTE is fabulous...In fact it happens beyond the words.....maybe because the concert was in south america...There's something Karmic in here...He really lived something in this times of Montezuma and Cortez, i believe it.......I know some good guitarists who'd give theur entire life just to play those fantomatic last notes here: 12:22 to the end......
Me too
The tone is like no other.
Just found this again. So unbelievably absorbing. Thank you Neil for being in our lifetime.
His music truly has DEPTH!
One of the best song of Neil Young... 40 years after I'm still a fan.
Thank you Mr. Young for this masterpiece! I really appreciate this song - and particularly this live version a lot !!
Some of the most soul-wrenching guitar work ever! Let your light keep shining Neil.
❤ legends
Yeah, I’m with you on that bro. Probably the one is greatest guitar players ever in history. Neil Young. I follow him all the way from the seventies to 2024 still hands-down the greatest artist ever ever walked the face of the Earth.
So beautiful, tears are in my eyes.
One of my favourite songs by Neil - 13 minutes of Cortez - absolute transcendence.
I could not have said it any better ..I've been listening to him since he first got started ..he grew into a beast...I'm crazy about him
Yeah
SAME WENDY
For me this is a song of riddance: every time I hear it I feel somehow free of bitterness and resentment. I love this song
Beautifully put
One of the best singer and song writers of all time
You may call him one of the best songwriters, one of the best guitarrists, one of the finest guys in rock business. I agree.
But don´t call him one of the best singers. His voice fits his music and I have nothing to complain about his singing within his music. Neil has a very limited vocal range.
@@hofla7777 lots of thumbs up for that
Thanks so much for the love ❤️ I really appreciate, I hope you will never stop listen to my music 🎶.. If you don’t mind kindly drop me your hangout just to get in touch with you privately ❤️❤️❤️❤️
In late 2016, suffering with a herniated disc and sciatica, this track soothed me far more than the painkillers could! 💓
I love your comment. It says, quite succinctly, the power of music to lift
Such an underrated guitarist and one
of the most honest and beautiful people to ever sing and play for the masses. This song caught me when I was young and searching on a path with heroin as my guide. And while I quit that journey quickly thank god, this song takes me back there every time I hear it. It reminds me of the sadness I felt at the time. And I feel that same feeling even when I hear it today. Sad and beautiful and young and searching. I have seen him so many times. I love Neil Young
Neil always plays the song, rather than the guitar - every note serves the emotion of the song. I don't think he cares about 'technical mastery'. He is still an awesome player, and one of my favourite guitarists, because of the emotional richness and subtlety of his playing.
One of my friends said this about Neil's guitar work, and huge fan that I am, I chuckled but had to admire the truth of it:
When I think about Neil Young soloing on his guitar, I picture him wrestling with electricity; sometimes he's winning, sometimes he's losing, but it's always epic.
Not to mention he is an incredible songwriter.
When Neil Young plays something, he plays with so much juice that it makes you feel like he's playing for YOU personally. Not many performers can project like that. He is incredible...and his guitar playing is totally unique...brilliant. The man says more with one note and that Bigsby that a million others can with a million notes.
Nobody sounds like Neil Young.
You can say that again and again and again......
I have never heard a guitar solo like this. It is magnificent.
And there's more out there 👍 There is nothing like Neil Young live.
Yes, this is one of the better live of my favorite song..Top 3 for me anyway..
@@SoWhat.BigDeal. Powderfinger is also great, live, well so many, including album version which is so crisp.
No one moves, plays, writes or sings like Neil Young.
Françoise Dupré ... or trips, To Dixie and beyond ....
Truely moving xx
Those guns are real
One of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.
Ich höre dieses Lied ab und an, und ich denke, oh man wie zeitlos, trotzdem tief und warm, und was hab ich alles verpasst...
Love the harmony of "the women all were beautiful". This is my #1 song of all time. Who does a meandering guitar solo so beautiful, and the lyrics are incredible and meaningful. Crazy horse rhythm section hits all the notes. Perfection. Every time.
In my top 10 songs. The Live Rust version is the best I've heard, this is a little tepid. The best song Neil did was "I've been Waiting for You" but only in the studio is the song great.
The claim that “Hate was just a legend. And war was never known” is absolutely not true.
Remember, we call it the Aztec Empire for a reason. You see, empires are not, by their very nature, peaceful. They're expansionist political entities that are constantly pushing their borders outwards adding new territories and peoples through war and diplomacy.
The Aztecs warred against smaller tribes, they made them their vassals, forced them to pay tributes, and took people from them to offer them in sacrifice to their god of war by ripping their hearts out while the victims were still alive and then eating them. How's that for the peaceful, serene, child-like stereotype of the “Indian”?
Do you really think around 600 Spaniards conquered an empire of 5-6 million all by themselves? Of course not, those 500 Spaniards had the help of thousands of Natives (up to 100.000) who rebelled against their Aztec oppressors/enemies and of a smallpox outbreak that took out half the population (that's the big genocide of the American people, by the way, Old World diseases the New World natives had no immunity against, some claim it might have wiped out up to 90% of the population).
@@oppothumbs1 Neil wrote these lyrics as a teenage kid, he didn't have a real strong grasp on history yet lol
@@oppothumbs1 I think Neil is self aware about this though, I thought it was hyperbole to such an extreme as to be intentionally noticeable. I don't think he believes or believed the Aztecs were a peace happy land of peaceful happy and beautiful people.
@@blindriv3r great tune but I always wanted to ask Neil where he got these historically incorrect lyrics.
@@oppothumbs1 not only did they constantly war, but if there was no conflict, they had flower wars just to have sacrifices for their gods.
This song has haunted me since 79/80 when I first heard it, pure brilliance from a guy who has always bucked the trend. I will never tire of this and many other songs, crafted by a true genius. Should go down as one of the greatest musicians to have ever lived. Rust never sleeps.
Agreed! I got on this stuff about the same time! My ex brother-in-law turned me on to Neil.....Like a Hurricane and this song are the haunters!
Totally agreed. maybe the greatest... ever
You aren't kidding man, haunted is an understatement. Tears fall every time I hear it, no matter where I am
Yes, I heard this song for the first time today. Oh When it came to the bit where they stood strong sacrificing so others could go on. Oh I just howled. So sad I cried, so true.@@sarahemikula
It’s a history lesson that the imperialism just destroyed people’s empires. Only because their way of living culture was different. Missionaries were the worst 🔥
Mellow and melancholy , fragile and stunning, a brilliant piece of songwriting and superb guitar work from Neil Young.
I could listen to him play the guitar for hours
then you've come to the right place : )
I do.
We do😉
I liked Neil until he spewed his leftwing libtard views.
@@storminnorman7620 Your statement proves you know nothing at all about Keil.
Long after this song finishes, I still hear those haunting chords and feedback echoing in my head.
This is just magical. Neil shines of course but I think Crazy Horse are often overlooked and underrated. There is some great playing going on here that enables Neil to soar.
3 chords
Sometimes that's all you need!
There are an infinite number of ways to play those 3 chords, and NY explores them all
had a wife that saw him twice!! omg twice, she said he brought many instruments to the show and played everyone of them.
I agree. The vibe is there with Crazy Horse.
For a man who has always been true to himself i.e. NEIL YOUNG: RESPECT!
I want to take a moment to think Neil Young for sharing this awesome version of Cortez the killer! May God keep on blessing you Neil! So that you can continue sharing your god-given talents with us!❤❤❤
Correction! I want to take a moment to thank Neil Young
It is a song that he has played for decades...He could likely play it in his sleep...but he doesn't. He plays this like it was him many years ago, when he first wrote it...proving it is better each time he plays it no matter how many years it has been.
Totally agree. But, earlier in his life he did not like playing his “greatest” songs for audiences over and over..
Glad he changed. Or maybe I am missing something
This song never fails to deliver. Truly one of the greatest rock tracks ever. There are better singers than Neil..and better guitarists...but man, he gives you the feels like no other artist. That achingly beautiful groove never leaves you.
Thanks so much for the love ❤️ I really appreciate, I hope you will never stop listen to my music 🎶.. If you don’t mind kindly drop me your hangout just to get in touch with you privately ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Better guitarists…I take it you mean in a technical sense
I can only agree with my brothers before me here................Neil young is just breath-taking and amazing......what makes him so good is that he can chill us with an acoustic guitar and harmonica, but then he can do this with a lead guitar..........nobody can compare to him! Mike Batt
Thank u Neil Young for traveling back in time shape shifting and returning with this song. The most haunting bittersweet guitar jam ever. Nobody nowhere comes close or will. We are not worthy. Rock on Neil.
In a career of utter brilliance, this stands out, a true work of art...it's probably his best song, despite any number of qualified challengers...and, oh, man, what a version...
NY never fails to tickle my melancholy awake
@@edconmy7307 When I see I love NY shirts, I think of Neil Young lol.
Neil may have been a rock and roll star. He may still be. But he has always been and will always be, an Artist. an Ever-Evolving, Searcher for that "heart of gold".
like the one inside of himself.
It's not all about how many notes you can hit in a 4/4 beat. With Neil it has always been about the passion, the emotions. This fantastic song makes me think of many things, some sad, some happy. It grips me and takes me away. Thank you Neil for all your music that I grew up with buying every album then figuring out all the songs on guitar. Be well my friend.
"Notes? Anybody can play notes. Music is 10% notes, and 90% the attitude of the motherfu@&€% playin' em." --Miles Davis
The best version of the greatest song ever written
Quel merveilleux artiste canadien .👀❤️
I agree !!!
Amen brother
Im stay there and I agree too
Check out the Gov't Mule live version (from 1999 with a little help from our friends CD).
I just listened to " Almost cut my Hair" recorded at Farmaid 2000...Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. What a privilege to grow up in those days. Thank God! Music of the day lives on forever. Today I own my family's lumber yard and am a respected member of our community. But, my senior year of high school, 1975...I went to 74 concerts. Hell I might have "almost Cut my Hair" played my funeral! This is who we are.
Almost cut my hair and Long time gone David shows what a voice he had, great music. RIP you deserve
Neil is one of the few left that still has the same spirit and feel he's always had, one of the few that still creates songs that can reach out and grab you. So glad I've been lucky enough to have seen him on stage! Neil is truly a legend.
forget all politics and bias--- Do you think Morrissey had that ?
I think that is able to stay fresh because he does "Stay fresh" and when done with a subject moves on. The man is a legend as you state!
Neil, is half-native American. So, am I.
Absolutely brilliant i have been a fan for 40 years and this man NEVER AGES HIS VOICE.. I had the pleasure seeing him in person twice the guitar work ... go you marvellous man xxxxxxxxxxx
as great as it is to listen to him play, imagine what it must feel like to have that sound coming from your own hands
it is the best feeling in the world.
This is absolutely one of the best 12 guitar solos Neil has ever done on Cortez! Really, it is my favorite opening of any song ever, going back to Beethoven!
This video of him is incredible. This version of this song is insanely incredible. he is in a Groove here like never b4..but still... it's like every time i see him, he's in a groove but this groove in this video is quite A Deep-cut rooted Groove!.. of our favorite musician and life pal-
Agree. Thanks for your drop by. Glad you enjoyed this one!
It's like electric birds and waves rushing. Some of the notes hang way out there in the lush distortion. A chill is spreading over the nape of my neck, and I don't know if it's a rush of pathos or what. The song is about a killer. The song is about the dead. God it floats, this version.
I think it's a little more than that. It's like a tragedy of a beautiful people being killed by an invader that didn't understand the culture. So many ties this has happened where invader come and screw up something special.
Don Bagley listen close to the words, it’s not about a killer!!! Dave Matthews band plays it with warren Hayes outstanding song 👍💥👍
Only song better than Stevie Ray Vaughn's version of Little Wing
That's a darn poetic description of the song. I really like it!
well stated, i agree
My favorite Neil Young song and I like many of them... His guitar playing is masterful 😎
Neil Young bottles emotion like no one else. The first time I watched the “The Last Waltz” DVD Helpless had me in tears, Cortez the Killer has reduced me to tears multiple times, but this version has me in floods of tears. As Frank Zappa said “music is the best” and it really doesn’t get much better than Cortez.
I have listened to the song All My Life I first heard this an original album I was 18 years old I'm now 63 is the best song I have ever heard in my life I love you new Young maybe I'll meet you there someday
I 've never seen this before. Now it's on my list of vids that I'll watch every so often just because of how fucking great they are. Live Rust was somewhat life changing for me, certainly for my musical tastes. This is an amazing version of the song. The instrumental lead-in, like many of Young's songs, almost tells the story on it's own. How 'bout that for talent. You can hear in the music that something or someone is coming. There's a motion, a wave or tide maybe to the rhythm, and even if you've never heard the song before, you are not surprised when Young leans in to the mic to say "He came dancing across the water with his galleons and guns," because you could almost see in that instrumental interlude that something was out on the horizon, coming in, coming in to the song, and it's Cortez, and he's not bringing anything good.
Few artists have the ability to write music so close to the story that you can almost read the music without the lyrics. I remember watching a David Crosby interview with Bob Costas many years ago. Crosby told him that Young is the greatest songwriter he'd ever known. He said ".....and I know a lot of songwriters." He talked about the same type stuff, how Neal Young matches music and words in a way that makes you believe it's the only words for that song and the only music for those words. Good stuff.
Thanks so much for the love ❤️ I really appreciate, I hope you will never stop listen to my music 🎶.. If you don’t mind kindly drop me your hangout just to get in touch with you privately ❤️❤️❤️❤️
It’s the spaces between the notes that define Neil’s sound. That’s where the emotion lives- in between. Like life-it’s not the big events, the real beauty is in the spaces. Peace everyone. Be well. Love.
Neil has often said " They are a feel band!!!" He knows who he is as a musician! Well said!!
Hai detto la cosa giusta, amico.
Pace e Amore al mondo intero.
ivano trincanato.
pace anche a te amico mio
Life is what happens in between making plans.
Well said...........no need for speed
I felt like I was his guitar when I was playing Cortez with my tears of emotion like the flow of the notes. I love you Neil, I wish I could have been your friend to share this magic. You play the guitar as you and you guitar are one. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you bring to me since I first heard old man and that was it, until I die Neil you will remain with me. ♥️
Yeah, go Bea Le
Neil and Robin Trower, 2 guitar icons that are still ROCKIN"!
Clapton, Gilmour, Trower, Knopfler and Young...What a band that would be!!
@@raymondarata6549I’d throw out Clapton but each to his own
When an artist like a guitar player or an actor or actress can move you into tears they have reached their pinnacle they are immortal in that moment
I was there 20 years ago.
One of the best performances I have ever seen in my life.
What a treasure this band is to all of us old school rockers
This song is a world unto itself, what a masterpiece
My love for Neil started as a late teenager. My first time seeing him was with Booker t and the mg's. His music has such depth, meaning, and feeling. Your mind wanders to a better place in times of trouble . The wind blowing through your hair , the smell of weed in the air. It's a time away from reality. Thank you Neil young and crazy horse. Your legend will live on forever.
When Neil young plays the guitar it sounds like a eagle flying over
Each note you want to last an eternity. But it fades and the next is better. So good it hurts.
Fifty years I have been listening to this song, this is the best version, and just beautifully mellow.
never get tired of listening to his masterpieces love you Neil
Mercy... That is called lost in your music. Pouring out your soul for others to see. Awesome My first poetic" Champion." It is difficult to listen to even now. Some memories are just to tough to take. I got through the song and I didn't cry. So,maybe time has done its job.
My all time favorite Neil Young rendition
Superb
Man the best rock that I've heard after so long...god bless Neil young/,,/
I can't find the words to say how much I love that performance there are quite a few great performances of Cortez but for me this is still the best no one can capture that atmosphere like Mr Young keep on rockin in the free world
words at glastonbury 2009 and this version of cortez.....the two best pure jamming music that can bout bring tears to my eyes. I must have listened to them both 100's of times, burned to multiple cds, just the best ever from the best ever. i started with everybody knows this is nowhere when I was 16, in the early 1970's and neil my favorite ever since, still is, always will be
+james williams James, so much of what you wrote is the same with me. May he continue
+james williams You are spot on with your opinion of those two performances; Words at Glastonbury did bring tears to my eyes, especially considering that the bass player and the pedal steel player died. This Cortez is simply existential music for the brain.
+james williams +Kelly Guthrie words at glastonbury :*_* I love this song so much and also cried a lot on this version.. I totally agree
+james williams Amen! Great comment! Totally agree about Words and this song!
nice hat. ty
Hauntingly beautiful. The voice, the guitar, Crazy Horse; thoughts of Aztec sacrifices. So sad. Yet, Neil paints a beautifully poignant picture of these two flawed forces facing off, each right, and, each so terribly wrong; this song transcends their human evilness.
2+ million views, and honestly less than one million of those were me. The master at work - do not disturb! If this performance doesn't make you emotional, then you probably have no soul.
This video keeps my page alive with it's traffic. Thanks for your visit. I wish I could monetize this but that would not be fair to Uncle Neil.
Maybe the best rock song ever written/composed. Neil is a champ. Greetings from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
what a groove! love when Neil starts to wind up and get lost in it, just like i do.
+Carlos B do ya just like Neil!!!! good for you m8 we all get lost in nothingness...reality its a human thing, maybe deer do to bt as a human its not unique
+Carlos B hey rude sorry m8 it just read in my head rather cheesey... emptiness ace its true nature cool
+Carlos B AHHAAHAH. Oh my lord I just got the image in my head of Clock work orange, when they listen to music and kick the eff out of the guy on the ground!!!! AHAHAHAH. Oh lord, I'm old.
You don't need lots of clever words to describe how this performance makes you feel just let your senses take it in and enjoy
Just so good
How can this POSSIBLY GET 71 thumbs down?!?!?!?!... smh.... you all just go away... I am SO INTENSELY JEALOUS of anyone who has this much creative and performing talent. However, while it never ceases to amaze and impress me, I get it, and will never tire of listening to Neil's creations over and over.... Thank you Neil Young!
+William Day Well said. He is a genius.
I second that, fantastic.
I wouldn't obsess so much that there are people in the world who don't like the same music as you. Perhaps you can call Obama and get the IRS to destroy their lives or something.
Valid point Tom. My wife doesn't care for Neil either, so I should've known better. However, saying it's an obsession is a bit much, and the Obama comment was just plain snarky. It's a music thread, after all, and for me, a 'place to hopefully escape' or temporarily block out the ineptitude and immoral morass of politics. Don't get me wrong, I'm not naive or blind to the fact that this song is a socio-political statement by Neil - as are some of my other all time faves from him like Powderfinger (GAWD, I love THAT one!), Southern Man, Walk On, and on and on - but really, all I want to do is lose myself in the music and enjoy the sensory good vibes. As for politics, may God have mercy on us all, because We The People are in big trouble until we all wise up and hold ALL politicians accountable. Okay, I'll get off MY snarky soapbox - thanks for taking me to that dark place - and instead get back to listening to more great music. Take care my friend.
The Spanish came to the New world looking for gold and treasure, look now at the condition of most of their former colonies in Central and South America. Most northern Europeans came looking for religious freedom, which our country was built on .( Not that the early setters were without human rights abuses ) That will soon be taken away from us ( that's from my socio-political soapbox ) Now, back to Neil's music . I love it and feel he is in the top 5 ever in songwriting and performing ( maybe not the best singer, LOL) I have seen him in concert x 2 ( with Crazy Horse and the International Harvesters ) and once with Crosby, Stills and Nash ( 1972) . Not many artists can match his stamina after so many years doing his thing. plus, I love his guitar tone and style !
The best version that i have seen . One of my favs .
An exceptional musician.... and a brilliant piece of music. He puts his heart & soul into the piece....
Great video quality great song wish I was there front and center!! He came dancing across the water..
This literally takes my breath away and my soul leaves my body. Wherever he is playing his guitar im with him.
Second time hearing this song and must say..... Mind Blown! Just Amazing!
This is absolutely brilliant. Something extraordinarily powerful about this song
The end of Paradise. Simply!
Every live performance of this song he plays has that little something special, a certain note, harmonics, or phrasing. Different in every show. All of his live songs are really, but this one is so special. Neil and Crazy Horse truly play from the heart. A+++
Just wanted to add more... NY is the absolute guv'nor, this number gives me mega goose bumps, awesome Mr Young truly awesome...😀✌️👌👍
Neil Young is iconic - one of the best musicians of all my life
Yeah, but you're only one year old. Give it some time.
I could listen to this forever!!! Jo
Your right sister could listen forever what a remarkable gutier player & singer it Nail Young awesome video ty for sharing love you Patty xo 🎸🎤🎺🎷🎹
I’m old and have seen just about everyone. Neil Young & Crazy Horse were always my favorite
One of the most Powerful tunes ever ❤️
Fantastic! Still my all time favourite NY track since first hearing back in the 70’s.
What a journey! Not many can put such feeling and images in your head with just a song!
Unique guitar, unique voice, amazing Neil Young,
I am now 61, listened to him for more than 40 years ,
love him more and more
I saw neil on his live rust tour It changed my life!I learned to love life
Dearest Steve, I played "Cortez" in my car each time as I was called to my Dad's dying bed in the early hours of the morning ten years ago...three times...until he finally succumbed on a bright sunny Sunday afternoon...
There are no words to describe just how much the beautiful melancholia of this anti-dirge heals while it hurts and impossibly manages to dignifiy love and loss in inexpressible sublime comfort....
God bless you...
Frank
If this was the only thing Neil Young did it would put him on the list of all time greats.
Gifted
Classic Neil! Superb tune. Still one of my favourites after all these years. Emotive and so hauntingly beautiful.
I have my own Neil story that most will find interesting (esp.gtr players)I and a great old friend who I have lost contact with went to nys state fair in 1984 he if I remember was doing the" shocking pinks" thing (think:"wondering")well it started to down pour rain like I've never seen since and all front rows vanished from the whole front standing room .Ron and I got to see Neil honestly 1 to 2 ft away staring in my eyes .as a dedicated guitar player then and now I in full honesty felt this to the degree of I yelled in Ron's ear every and I mean every song that he would play next the entire show. As the wet soaking rain made it BETTER and it wasn't the doses either just a great moment and salute to all of you who love the man and a special salute to those of us who learned the songs and stories behind them THANK YOU. Neil,tom shollz,and Todd roundgren for sharing your gift with me
Been listening to ny since 1970 old man was the first song I heard I was 8 im now 55 and still listening to ny he to me is like a angel from heaven to help understand this ragged and torn up world !!! Every song of his has meaning to me !!! The old hippie " byrdman 62 "