Hello Mr. Soul
Neil Young · Other Songs - Neil Young
I dropped by
to pick up a reason
For the thought that I caught
that my head
is the event of the season
Why in crowds just a trace
of my face
could seem so pleasin'
I'll cop out to the change,
but a stranger
is putting the tease on.
I was down on a frown
when the messenger
brought me a letter
I was raised by the praise
of a fan
who said I upset her
Any girl in the world
could have easily
known me better
She said, You're strange,
but don't change,
and I let her.
In a while will the smile
on my face
turn to plaster?
Stick around while the clown
who is sick
does the trick of disaster
For the race of my head
and my face
is moving much faster
Is it strange I should change?
I don't know,
why don't you ask her?
Hello Mr. Soul
Neil Young's 'Hello Mr. Soul' stands as a poignant exploration of the human condition, blending folk and rock sensibilities with a deep sense of melancholy. Recorded during a period where Young frequently examined themes of isolation and spiritual longing, the track captures the raw vulnerability characteristic of his later solo work. The song's acoustic-driven arrangement strips away excess, focusing on the interplay between Young's distinctive vocal delivery and the emotional weight of the lyrics. It reflects a broader tradition in American roots music where personal narrative intersects with universal themes of connection and loss, resonating with listeners who appreciate the genre's emphasis on authenticity and lyrical depth.