The Needle And The Damage Done

Neil Young · Official Release Series Discs 1 - 4 [2012]

i caught you knocking at my cellar door

i love you baby can i have some more?

oooh, the damage done



i hit the city and i lost my band

i watched the needle take another man

gone, gone the damage done



i sing the song because i love the man

i know that some of you dont understand

milk it to keep from running out



ive seen the needle and the damage done

a little part of it in everyone

but every junkies like the setting sun

The Needle And The Damage Done

Neil Young's haunting ballad stands as one of his most poignant acoustic recordings, capturing the raw emotional weight of addiction with stark simplicity. Written during the late 1960s, the song reflects Young's deep connection to the folk-rock tradition while showcasing his signature ability to convey profound sorrow through minimal instrumentation. The track serves as a powerful meditation on loss and the fragility of life, themes that permeate much of his extensive discography. Its enduring resonance lies in Young's vulnerable vocal delivery and the song's intimate atmosphere, which invites listeners to reflect on personal grief. As a cornerstone of his solo work, this recording remains a definitive example of his songwriting prowess and emotional depth within the broader landscape of American rock music.