The Needle and the Damage Done
Neil Young
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I caught you knockin' at my cellar door I love you, baby, can I have some more? Ooh, ooh, 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 don't understand Milk-blood to keep from running out I've seen the needle and the damage done A little part of it in everyone But every junkie's like a settin' sun
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Written by: Neil Young
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, Broken Fiddle Music
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
6 facts about this song
Origins"The Needle and the Damage Done" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young.
- The song was written and performed by Young, and was included in his 1972 album "Harvest".
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InfluenceYoung wrote the song as a reaction to the heroin addiction and subsequent death of bandmate and Crazy Horse member, Danny Whitten.
- The song's title is a reference to the detrimental impact of drug addiction, referring to the "needle" of a syringe and "the damage done" as the harm caused to the user and those around them.
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CompositionThe song relies on an acoustic guitar line and features no chorus.
- Young's performance of the song is filled with raw emotion and genuine sadness.
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Live PerformancesA live performance version of "The Needle and the Damage Done" was included in the album "Harvest" because Young felt it was urgent to expose the world to the dangers of heroin.
- Although a studio version was recorded, Young opted to use the live version because he believed it captured the song much better.
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LegacyThe song is one of Neil Young's most recognized and frequently covered songs.
- It has been covered by several artists over the years including Simple Minds, Duran Duran, and Dave Matthews.
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RecognitionRolling Stone magazine placed "The Needle and the Damage Done" at number 294 on their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
- The song remains a vital piece of music history as a stark and earnest commentary on the struggles and dangers of addiction.
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Citation
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