To everyone who ever shared this music with someone you loved, and lost, I want you to know that it was an experience that I too shared in 1968-69 . I was drafted and sent off to that living hell that was known as Vietnam, and lost her. She wrote a letter to me and I only can remember the first line that read; "Ronnie ~ I'm sorry but I cannot wait for you." Now, in my old age, I try to smile because she, and her love, were once mine. Perhaps, in another time & place, we'll cross paths again.

@jvnance4859

3 жыл бұрын

Your lives will cross again. Maybe it's you from the future?

@CassiWoo

Жыл бұрын

Ron, you were probably better off with her leaving...though a horrid way to do it. Any woman who could leave a man while he is serving is the lowest of low. The thought would have never even crossed my mind. Maybe because my Grandpa was a soldier and my Dad, a Navy man and like i did during that war, i prayed for our servicemen and read all the news reports and listened to the news each evening. My own daughter served in the Army...in Iraq and Afghanistan. She's my wounded soldier...brave in her own right. Thank you for your brave service, Ron, and i am so glad you made it back home!

I first heard his albums in 1970. Afterwards I realized I wasn't the only person in the world like me. I'm so grateful for his music and poetry. It kept me from suicide.

If we were really honest with ourselves, weren't we all here at one time or another ? Youth and love go hand in hand. We all had one love that stood out in our past. I was lucky, I realized it on New Years Eve 1977 at a party on Hilldale and spent 40 years loving and sharing my life with them until they passed away in 2017. I wouldn't have changed a moment. It all led me to where I am now. Filled with immense gratitude to Rod for his music and to God for having them come into my life. HE must have been thinking of me....

Born before 1950, cleaning out stuff, I find his old albums, what a time that was for me. Alone and seeking. Such a mind, such a voice. Mr. John

He was a noble soul who gave something gentle to the world. There were always be room for people who have beautiful thoughts to share.

@Daffyd23

6 жыл бұрын

I wish someone would release a book of Rod's complete poems and song lyrics!

@terrybennett6622

4 жыл бұрын

He became a part of my life in 1970 while at college...... 2019 still loving his music/poetry

@rogerdutton1672

4 жыл бұрын

Perfectly said.

I met him in Sausalito, we all had fish and chips, that was like a hundred years ago, he been a favorite ever since

I've just turned 76 y/o on 9/24. And now, more than ever, i do understand Rod Mckuen. ---------MJL

My favorite poet of all time... R.I.P. Rod - You will be missed.

I am old now but Rod McKuen brings all my youth back to me - my deceased husband and a long lost love. Why does life go so quickly?

His poetry helped me through some difficult times, and made me smile, and I think a better person for it...Rest in Peace Rod, you are missed and will never be forgotten. I saw him in concert several times and Glen Yarborough, in Berkeley and San Francisco, peaceful and loving times.

I like it too. People, especially the critics, were far too harsh on him. He is a truly underrated musician/poet/songwriter.

I am SO THANKFUL to have been introduced to this incredible poem almost 50yrs ago exactly - and to its author who expressed for me what I knew +felt but didnt yet have the words to say.. I'm grateful too that his work lives on in each of us he touched +gave his voice to.. I will always b in awe of him +his talent..RIP

@Jace1423

6 жыл бұрын

Beautifully said, Cheryn. I had the honor and blessing of meeting him a couple of times and chatting about his poetry and songs, along with those I was just beginning to write. I patterned my style after his after I discovered it in 1969. It changed my whole world.

As my 70's move on---------this man's voice -----his music & poetry---------mean more to me, every day. When I was in my early 20's, & I heard him for the 1st time, I wasn't ready------he seemed to personal-------too close--------but now -------------Rod speaks to me ----------more clearly as time goes on. -----He always seemed to me -------to be so much older, when he was " young". ------------WolfSky9, 73 y/o

@oliviadriver1362

4 жыл бұрын

Wolfsky9, I know just what you mean. I discovered him when in my hippy years, and have stuck with him since. I have the book Stanyan Street and Other Sorrows and if anypone dared try to take that away, they'd regret it to their dieing day! That is my favorite of all his works.

@Hildachipman

2 жыл бұрын

At age 14 I read his poetry and flipped forever more.

@summerbreeze3090

2 жыл бұрын

I wish I could talk to you. 72 y/o

Rod McKuen was an inspiration to younger writers like myself. He was a true sentimentalist who held high the spark of humanity that resides in us all. People could only better themselves from reading his words; in them you'd find the clear reflection of the world as seen through the eyes off an eleven year old kid that ran away from home. His writing guided him the rest of his life. Thanks Rod

@ConservativeAnthem

8 жыл бұрын

+david worrell He was a beacon for gay poets.

@annacottage4536

7 жыл бұрын

I agree with all you say. I would not love to write as I do, had it not been for Rod. Lonely, lonely years but I had Rod's words, his songs. Miss him dreadfully, he was a sweet gentle soul, who deserved to be remembered via his Barn, his dream what he longed for. Those of us that love you, remember.

@annacottage4536

7 жыл бұрын

Is that all you have to say. Whatever Rod's sexuality was irrelevant then, as it is now. Rod McKuen was a genius, a gentle Soul.

@keithharvey7230

3 жыл бұрын

@@annacottage4536 Well said Anna.

Listened often with a group of friends living in San Diego '68-'69. A quiet time spent with friends that I loved......

RIP, Rod McKuen, I am so very sad to know you've left us ! My mortality is calling to me more & more, & I don't like it. I thought you & I would always be young, searchers, wanderers, rolling stones. --It just never occurred to me that you --& I, would ever get old. Damnit !!! Wolfsky9

Mr.Rod ... I miss you a lot.

Be it on Gray days, Be it on Sunny days, Be it on Lonely days, Be it on Happy days, Rod McKuen filled my ears with his WONDERFUL POETRY and SONGS... My wife Maggie, once interviewed Rod when she was in HS in New York state many years ago and she fell IN LOVE with him right then and there...

@Uschi4370

8 жыл бұрын

"One Can Only Fall In Love With Rod McKuen" ............

@jvnance4859

3 жыл бұрын

My Dad once went to a book signing of his. My dad was second in line to meeting Rod and he signed his book for a a lady and the woman walked away reading what he had wrote. My dad said that she was obnoxious as she read the words out loud... "Sleep Warm" she said it as a question... "Sleep warm?" My Dad said that it was at that moment that he was sure he was a Rod McKuen fan.

I am so sad to learn of rod's passing,,i always felt his words were meant just for me..he was and is an amazing man..

@jvnance4859

3 жыл бұрын

Same

Thank-you. I once had most of Rod's albums, but lost them all. Do have one CD at Carnegie Hall, & though I love it, there is so much more of his music that I miss. This has always been one of my very favorites. Rod's poetry and music are timeless.

I'm sad your not here for my 57 th I rember your beautiful poetry in momma's living room and the world isn't as cultured today ... Rest easy now and be peaceful

It is amazing how he can come with such beautiful poetry drawn from by simply walking down the street.

@MamakG

6 ай бұрын

He experienced all those moments first I believe, then drew an image from his feelings and experiences for us with words!

The world spins at little more slowly and sadly since he left us.

@jvnance4859

3 жыл бұрын

I feel this

Mr. McKuen and this song are touchstones for me. I listened to this song over and over back-in-the-day and always wondered what life was like in San Francisco in the 60s. I was elsewhere then. Now I'm 72, with more time behind me than in front, and I try not to spend going-forward time on memories and regrets. But sometimes they creep in. I revisit Stanyan Street and remember better days with Diane

When I 1st encountered this man, I was too young--too full of myself & in a hurry---to appreciate him. I did listen, but was always uncomfortable with how personal--how open, he seemed to be. Now that I'm older--70 y/o---I am no longer fearful of being " uncomfortable", & I find this man speaks to me in ways I could never have imagined as a young man. Maybe I just needed to catch up to him. --Yes, that's it. ------Wolfsky9

For many years, Rod McKuen's writing greatly influenced my own. He was simple, real, and honest in his writing.

@jvnance4859

3 жыл бұрын

It still should influence your writing. Rod was a phenomenal poet.

May he rest in peace. I remember this song from my time in San Francisco in the 70's Thanks for sharing your talent with us

I discovered Rod Mckuen in 1994 when i was 15,still a fave

Thank you for sharing yourself, the pain, the wonder, the awe and the unending questions of growing - older, hopefully wiser. May your journey be tender, encouraging and always adventurous.

As a San Francisco native I loved and appreciated Rod McKuen's knowledge of "The City" - I bought "Stanyan Street..." right off. I was never in a place to get an autograph -- see ya in the next room Rod. :'(

@jvnance4859

3 жыл бұрын

Could we be so lucky?

to me, he was one of the greatest man on earth

I was there, I still am, in between the sorrows and the heartbreaking lyrics of Stanyan Street & other sorrows Just a man Thank you Rod

I can't forget... . "Now, three cigarettes later, still." Remember? Now, Rod... Sausalito... remember>? And green hills to climb. Remember, the apartment on Stanion Street>+? I do. You still live... in my heart. Maybe, this will be......... forever. What a year that was. Love you Rod.

@rodmckuenfan

4 жыл бұрын

Did you know Rod personally?

now that I am older this man's words bring me back to my youth RIP Rod and Thank You for all poems and songs

Soft and peaceful may you ever be!

@jvnance4859

3 жыл бұрын

Forevermore, Rod!

I cant stop crying

I lived on Stanyan street in the 60's I use to listen to this song daily. I am 70 years old now but this always takes me back to those wonderful times on Stanyan street and playing tennis in golden gate park.

Rest in peace Rod. Thank you for all the words, thoughts, music and memories.

I've always had an interest in San Francisco, and Rod McKuen's work helped piqued my interest even more while growing up...

My folks are both native San Franciscans and Mom grew up on Stanyan, right across from the stadium. I still remember her dad complaining about people parking in his driveway through the 30's, 40's and 50's! Anyway, both my parents liked Rod McKuen and turned me on to him. I love this poem, but especially when he reads it. It can bring me to tears sometimes. He had a way and I'm so thankful much of his work is recorded on audio.

@sdsaztec I'm 21 years old, and in college right now---and these albums have really impacted me! I feel like I've stumbled upon lost treasures, and I'm always eager to share these songs with my friends. It looks like history has a way of repeating itself---the Occupy Protests happen right outside the windows at Portland State University, where I go to school. Glad you saved his albums too!

Great post

I have not thought of Rod Mckuen for decades - at one time I had his book and album and they were important to my life at the time and then the part of my life faded away. RIP Rod you gave the world something to remember.

I too was in college when this album came out. Listened to it then constantly and still do. I saw Rod in concert just a couple of years ago in Palm Beach in a small theatre. He was gracious and signed all my old albums, falling apart as they were. I love him and his style. Sigh..... it was such an innocent time when I came of age.

You're not alone. I pray for another time and place with a girl who will be forever young in my heart and memories.... To those crossed paths!

How interesting that we both went to PSU. That's great! I'm glad I found his poetry too.

He knew just how to say it, the end his coming! I felt this way when my marriage was ending. It was over. I never really got over it, not your first love.

Thank you. This is marvelous, and filled with love. It also brings back my college days, protests, his concerts, and Stanyon Street. A girlfriend and I used to share his words and music then. Interestingly, circumstances have reunited us after 40 years. I'm glad I saved his albums to share again.

It is sad to think that a man with an amazingly creative mind now lies motionless and devoid of all thought. Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory?

I discovered Rod's poetry and songs around the same time. My lost love's name is Sandy. Before Sandy I thought I knew what love was all about, but I soon learned I knew so little. She taught me what TRUE love was all about. We shared many beautiful nights listening to The Sea, especially the track Pushing The Clouds Away. Losing her in late '69 literally destroyed me. Over time I was able to find some solace in Rod's books and LP's, but the memories Sandy and I shared will always live on.

I found his book Stanyan Street and other sorrows in a good will store when I was about 14 or 15 and carried them around with me through the years. Wierd for a 90s kid I guess. I'm 45 now and still scoop them up when I see them.

Rest in Peace Rod.

A beautiful haunting piece of poetry and music as only Rod Mckuen could write.I'm a big fan of Mckuen's work,I would like to wish Rod Mckuen a happy birthday for April 29th.

Thank God for this wondrous man... We were so lucky to have him... Thank you, Lord

I remember the first time I heard this . It was at the Garden State Arts Center in N.J. back in The late 60's. I played this to a High School class I was substitute teaching in a couple of weeks ago. "You Tube" and a "Smart Board" can be a nice method of connecting generations. The kids seemed to enjoy it.

After 3 years in the Army, I attended and graduated from Portland State University in December 1969. The protests were against the Viet Nam war. Rod McKuen touched me deeply then.... and now. So glad you found his poetry.

My love was Joyce.... To those days.... the hurt that followed.... the memories that never fade.

Thank you for this. I saw him in the 60s-70s in London, I have mnaged to get some cd's but also have some LPs. Nice to see his face again as it was then, returns me to my youth.

@DebReatta90 You're absolutely welcome. I know Rod's music is hard to come by these days, so I'm making it my mission to put his songs on the internet for his devoted fans! And--yes--this song is so dark and beautiful. Have you listened to his three part spoken word album, "The Essential Rod McKuen with the Stanyan Strings?" I bet you'd thoroughly enjoy the entire thing.

Rest in Peace Rod,you will be loved and missed.

He knew my true love. Lost sadly to me...forever

Rod you were a thief, a liar and he left me all alone. I thought you stole all my tears but no, then came AIDS and I just kept on going. Rod, what happened to us? Now. even my shadow is passing away... and soon... I may forget those searing hot tears. Rod, where are you? Make me cry once again. I think that's all I have left, now. Rod. Where are you?

@jahnaroth669

6 жыл бұрын

Charles Davis Charles weep no more for he is here with us, his voice his heart, your community needs him evermore my friend keep your love, and dedication and your activities we love you, all us friends

@charlesdavis7087

3 жыл бұрын

I was much more dramatic... then. (3 years ago.). Just as there is nothing equal to second place. cccc. So we find all the scriptures of the world, both East and West, these are psychic confessions about what "we" believe. God bless C. G. Jung.

The opening lines of this song are from Rod's book of poetry of the same name. A friend had introduced me to McKuen's music a year earlier. I bought the book after a girl who I thought was the love of my life had broken up with me. Ann, I still think of you sometimes late at night when I'm having trouble sleeping. I've moved on. I hope you're at peace. Adieu.

@Ron Cromer ~ Thanks, Ron. Kindred spirits can sure help each other, can't they? I HAVE found a sense of peace and comfort in Rod's music and lyrics / poems, and I rejoice and celebrate the love we shared for just over two incredible years ... two years that produced memories that have lasted a lifetime, and been the source of many poems and songs I've written over the years.

To Jace Carlton, I read your entry, & was deeply touched. I am so very sorry for your loss. All I can say is that I know it also, & what I've " learned" --somewhat anyway--is that the only thing that makes it bearable is to LIVE. Truly Live, in gratitude for that time , however long , for the memory, & yes, for somehow, " moving on". How to do that ? One minute--one hour--one day, at a time, knowing it will never be as good as what was, but grateful you once had that time. Wolfsky9, 67 y/o Now

I have total recall of you in Stanyan Street because I know it will be important later... RIP

To Kay were ever you may be. 1966 to 69. we were young..

To Mr. R. Cromer & IrishActor28, I was introduced to Rod McKuen in '69, through a girl I dated for a short time. She loved his poetry & music --& I'm ashamed to say that I laughed at her & Mr. M. . I thought it too personal, too open, & not musical enough. Those were the days when Rod Mckuen made me uncomfortable. By the time I moved to The City in '80, I began to understand & almost like Mr. M.. Now, knowing love& loss as I do, I understand & yes, love his music. Wolfsky9, 67 y/o now

I wish the best for you two, in whatever capacity that may be,

Love, love, love!!! 💓

As I turn 72 y/o tomorrow, I understand this man so much more. ----------------------WolfSky9

I miss hearing him.

Thanks for UP.　Beautiful♪

@rodmckuenfan

10 жыл бұрын

Happy to do it! :)

@Jace1423 ~ Thank you for sharing a moment in your life. Although I am deeply sorry for your loss, I hope that you too find comfort in Rod's music and lyrics. I smile a little, knowing that there are others who understand what what I once felt. I think individuals, like you and I, are so lucky because there was, once, a time when we had such a special person in our life. I smile because Kathy and I were once one and I hope that you too can rejoice because of Sandy and those moments together.

Oh you nay sayers. Can't you find the peace in his work?

He was our friend wasn't he? Words when we had no voice, love when we had no hope in finding it. I think of you friend anytime I write a word, anytime I wish for a way to express myself with a style that would make you proud. There are those of us who know words and there placement are a dance, a painting, a sculpture. I find your paper backs in shops and yard sales. Pages dog eared obviously marking places were reading has paused. I would buy all of them except who am I to take away the chance for a new friend to find you. Thank you Rod.

Genius

I wish I could have gone to that Palm Beach show. I'm sure it was a real treat. I just read an article about that show called "Rod McKuen appears in the Desert." It doesn't paint a very flattering picture of Rod McKuen, but its still an interesting read. I think that the author of the article didn't gave Rod McKuen enough credit for his superb songwriting ability and they focused too much on how much they, personally, didn't like his poetry...

A McKuen convert! :)

El yo tengo ice cream en el freezer y voy a tomarlo llamarlo a esa hora muy tarde y el gusto que tengo yo de es el de dulce de leche y a mí me gusta mucho el gusto de limón sobre todo en esta época es una época en que no hace mucho calor ni mucho frío pero hay gente que toma helado incluso con mucho

RIP

Now we know where William Shatner got his singing style from.

..to me

Do you have the lyrics of the song he sings at the end? It's not in the book :P

@rodmckuenfan

10 жыл бұрын

There are golden apples to be picked/And green hills to climb/Meadows to run when you're young/There are roaring rivers to be crossed/And bridges to build/Wild oats to sew as you grow/But later on the other side of time/The apples no longer taste sweet/Bridges fall down/Meadows turn brown/As life falls apart in a little room on Stanyan Street

@MaestroOblidemon

10 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Who was he talking to?

@susansykes9110

Жыл бұрын

me