Letters submitted by NYA Members for Neil
Thanks folks for all these letters and the nice words about Second Song!
LOVE TO ALL
neil
Hi Neil,
Second Song is your best album in years. The songs are intense and the sound is magical. It’s like a big daydream. I wish there were more of it!
I’d like to take this opportunity to ask if you could release some outtakes from House of David, January 1983.
Thank you.
All the best.
Matt from Italy
Thanks Matt
We will look at House of David
LOVE
neil
Hey Neil it’s Joseph, I wrote to you a couple times last year. I’m a junior in college now and I just got my driver’s license. I got my first car, which I’ve been saving up for ages for. One day maybe I’ll get an old Buick like you, but not today. Ive been going for long drives listening to your music out on Lake Hughes Road, what a beautiful drive! I just drove out there this morning playing your new album, and what a album! my favorite song is Soon I Might be Gone, I love long songs like that. I love all your new stuff, Talkin to the Trees might be one of my favorite albums you’ve ever made.
Keep riding the peace trail.
LOVE Joseph
Thanks Joseph
LOVE
neil
Dear Mr. Neil Young,
I’ve loved your music my entire life we grew up on it. I was born in 1967.
Still love your music. I was headed down the shore today and had it on my CD in the car.
I’m writing because of wanting to bring awareness to data center issue, They’re building 11 data centers—not one, but 11 within 2.7 miles from my house, right near a park and right on the Delaware River in Falls Township Bucks County Pennsylvania.
They use millions of gallons of water. They will be using OUR river to cool these machines.
We have eagles’ nests and tons of wildlife in the park around our area and (they don’t care). Within one mile from these 11 data centers—that should be illegal.
I don’t know how they got this approved. Eagles use the same nest for the ENTIRE life!
Even if they fly away, they come back and they use the exact same nest for their entire lives.
How can they pollute the water knowing that these federally protected eagles and lots of other animals—if you look it up there’s like 30 different animals in our area—fish, turtles, birds—look up how many different things are supposed to be federally protected. How did this get through? I’ll never figure it out. It’s beyond comprehension.
They told us it was gonna be an Amazon warehouse and now It’s going to be a huge of millions of square-foot data center. The other 10 it’s a nondisclosure agreement!!!
They will not tell us so it is. Amazon is already built and we are trying to stop the other ones and I guess Falls Township sold us out, so to speak.
I know you see things on a much deeper level and you care about the environment! you have a whole interesting perspective on things and amazing way to describe things that need to be Brought to everyone’s attention.
What would be the reasoning behind all these data centers and using all of our precious water supply?
They’re trying to build them across the United States. I’m sure you know all about it. Why are they doing this?
I think you can bring some kind of awareness, and a lot of people just don’t understand the intensity of the impact on wildlife, our water, our children’s lives between the noise aspect disrupting everyone’s nervous systems and probably killing the animals just with the noise alone.
They are lying about the water issues saying it’s being recycled. If you really look into it there’s still spill-off. And the machines have to be cooled down. They’re gonna disperse the used water into the river, which is then going to heat up the river and kill all the fish. It’s already hot enough. If It increases by even five more degrees, all the sturgeon will die. That’s just one type of fish that will be affected .
If you look into this, You will see what is really going on!
Not everything is about making money and I don’t understand the perspective of these people. And it’s not just in our area. It’s everywhere across the United States. They have to be stopped.
There are other ways to cool down, you don’t need to use the water supply. It should be against the law, but it’s not….
Maybe you can bring some kind of awareness or look into it because we need your brain!!!
And your creativity. These people will not stop. They are on some kind of weird mission.
Another question is why are they willing to sacrifice our planet for data? Why why do we need so much data??
What is wrong with all these Politicians and people investing in data centers? Life is about much more than business. Let’s live in Harmony! Where is our voice?
We are silenced and they look at their watches while we’re up in the microphone stating facts at these meetings. Where are the real people? And who are these sellouts trying to make a quick dollar at the expense of everyone who doesn’t care about money?
Can’t drink data!!
Thank you
And fyi we played Keep on Rockin’ in the Free World at my mom’s funeral in 2022 over and over again because that was her perspective in life. She always tried to see others’ points of view and would be very empathetic and understanding.
That song was very much her.
And When I was on my way home from work, a license plate in front of me said ”your mom” on the personalized license plate, and I was stuck at a red light and then that song came on the radio: Keep on Rockin in the Free World. It was right after she passed away and I knew it was her.
I was freaking out. Had to pull my car over. I was crying hysterically. She was only 73 years old.
Anyway, I feel better just writing this. Thank you for listening.
Keep the peace.
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you for being you
Dear Friend,
I will do everything I can to stop this. I feel you. Data is meaningless without life and people.
In China they use renewable fuel for Data centers. We need vision and leadership. The future is close.
Be Rockin’ the Free World, i’ll play it for your Mom tonight
Love
Be well
Neil
Neil
As you say, soon I might be going, so I just want to make sure you know how much you’ve meant to me over my six-decades plus. I’m not just a fan. Your music touches me deeply and I just wanted you to know how much joy and soul you have given me.
Thank you for that. And thank you for your integrity as an artist all these years.
That’s all I wanted to say. People often don’t get a chance to say what they want before they miss the chance. Hopefully, more people will reach out to you and tell you how they feel.
Gersh from Brooklyn, NY
Dear Gersh
Thanks!
Stay with us friend.
LOVE
be well
Neil
Hi Neil,
Loving the new album, I think its among your best, and the vinyl sounds absolutely lovely. I was just wondering why it was decided to cut “Second Song” into two parts on the vinyl? Was that an artistic choice or did it otherwise not fit on the record?
Thanks for music Neil, hope to see you live again someday.
Leon
Dear Leon
Thanks
It was done to make both sides sound as good as possible. The shorter the side, the better it sounds….
LOVE
Be well
neil
Dear Neil,
Long time not writing to you. I hope that you and your loved ones are doing good.
I am cleaning my apartment, wearing the Harvest Moon t-shirt as I listen to your new record,
which I already love because I entirely feel it. The haunting melodies of “Second Song” and “The Foggy Edge of Time” have already captured me.
World has changed a lot and fast. We are living in a stormy and violent period where aggression and the will to eliminate the “enemy” prevail.
So sad to experience this in the 3rd millennium; it appears that History does not teach anything.
We cannot surrender though; our beautiful planet cannot be destroyed by the Greedy Big Corporations that choose the “elected ones” to implement their plans of development whose results we can see, touch and breathe every day. It is everybody’s responsibility to stop this.
Even though we cannot walk, as before, like giants in this land, we must sing loud and strong, all together, to awaken everyone’s consciences and fight for a better world, The hippy dream is here to stay!
Thanks and be well!
We can walk like Giants and we will.
VOTE!
LOVE
neil
Hi Neil,
First thanks for playing three miles from my house again! I’ll be at the Bridgeport, CT show after seeing you there two years ago. This will be my lucky 13th show. But my question has to do with the interview you did with NPR. In the article you say, “You can tell artificial intelligence doesn’t have the soul. There’s no soul. I don’t feel a soul in artificial intelligence,” which I completely agree with. But it brings me to an interesting conversation I had with my son after I got my EV. He said, “It’s cool and fun to drive, but it doesn’t seem to have the soul of an internal combustion engine.” I love the EV but can’t really disagree with my son that there is a difference in how the car feels, breathes and moves. As a car enthusiast I’d love to know how you feel about EVs and soul.
All the best to you and yours.
Matt from CT
Matt
I love my EV.
It is quiet and clean
It breathes for the planet
It has the soul we need.
LOVE
Thanks
neil
For me the best album of Neil Young is definitely Comes A Time.
Thanks
LOVE
neil
Dear Neil,
I hope this letter finds you and Daryl well!
Yesterday I went down to Traffic Records in Atascadero and purchased Second Song. What a beautiful album! I love every song. I have to tell you, that Soon I might Be Going has stirred me to my core. The lyrics are so gripping and intense. I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. It is deeply sad and yet such a beautiful song. It feels like it’s your last message to mankind. I pray it isn’t. It needs to be heard by the whole world.
You are really creating some magic with the Chrome Hearts. I can’t express my love and gratitude enough!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
Love and Peace
Christine Ruda
Thanks
LOVE
and Be well
neil
Hey Neil,
I just ordered your new album. I went to the Greedy Hand Store and read that is similar to Comes A Time and Prairie Wind, two legend albums. You look really cool on the cover. I hope all is well and you are enjoying life as much as we are enjoying your music.
Dan
Thanks Dan
I’m happy to be playing this week with the Chrome Hearts
LOVE
Thanks
neil
“Jazz Singer”
Shakey, I’ve been loving the new Chrome Hearts album, such a mellow reflective vibe! “Earth Girl” might be my favorite on it. Just a lighthearted question this week. Has the public (in your private day-to-day errands) ever confused you with the other Neil singer/songwriter? Not that there is anything wrong with the “Jazz Singer” actor? Thanks, Take Care ♥️ J
Yes
I do sometimes get confused with Neil Diamond by elderly folks
LOVE
Thanks
neil
Hi Neil,
Just listening to “Natural Beauty” and reflecting that this anthem still applies to today’s happenings, especially with AI developments.
One line especially rings true, “ A greedy man never knows what he’s done.”
So true … Profound lyrics!
Peace,
Nancy
Thanks Nancy
LOVE
Be well
neil
Hey Neil,
hope this finds you well. As a long time fan and middle aged man in need of a few new experiences in life, I recently decided to go on the famous and long-running BBC TV quiz show Mastermind, with you as my specialist subject (not sure if you’re aware of the programme, but contestants answer questions on a specialist subject as well as general knowledge, in a pretty intimidating studio setting—apparently the producer was inspired by his experiences being interrogated by the Gestapo in WWII, which somehow makes better TV than it sounds like it might).
Anyway, it was pretty fun and despite the questions being pretty niche, I managed to win my round. I’m attaching the questions below for the interest of you and the fans on here….
Loving Second Song—it’s beautiful and meditative and flowing. What special gifts you keep giving us.
All the best,
Taz
LOVE
Thanks Taz
neil
Neil young was born in Toronto, and spent much of his time in which small town on the Pigeon River, where a high school is now named after his father, the journalist Scott Young?
As a teenager, in order to transport equipment for his band, the Squires, Young bought an old Buick Hearse, which he referred to by what four letter abbreviated name?
After early success with the band the Buffalo Springfield, Young suddenly left the group just before they were due to appear on a high profile American television show, hosted by which entertainer?
Young met his first wife, Susan Acevedo, whilst she was running what restaurant in the Topanga shopping centre in LA ,where he often went for breakfast?
In August 1969, when Young joined Crosby, Stills & Nash, the new foursome played their first concert in Chicago with which established singer-songwriter billed as their opening act?
In lyrics of the song Cripple Creek Ferry, from the album After The Goldrush, which character, who hates to lose, tips his hat and walks towards the door?
Young’s long time backing band Crazy Horse was formed when he recruited three members from which other group, previously known as Danny & the Memories?
What was the name of the artist whose rough sketch of a bird and a woman flying over cacti and a pyramid, was chosen as cover artwork for his 1975 album Zuma?
What name, a Hawaiian word that can be translated as righteous and good did Young give to the audio project he designed to deliver the highest quality sound in digital format?
In which 1987 film directed by Alan Rudolf did Young play a truck driver, three years before appearing in another Rudolf film, Love At Large?
Which song on Young’s 1977 album American Stars & Bars features the repeated line I want to love you but I’m getting blown away?
We are at a major moment of censorship. Sheeran is not a profile in courage. Neil, we need your voice.
We all need each other.
LOVE
Thanks
neil
Second Song….
First listen I found it a bit dreary.
Second listen I loved the melody.
Third and ongoing listening I think you have crafted a beautiful work of art. A stunning meditation on later life, love, and happiness … or at times unhappiness.
Keep going Neil and DH.
T
Thanks T
LOVE
Be well
neil
Hi Mr. Young,
I am writing to share a video of my 11-year old son performing Heart of Gold during his school’s spring concert in Montreal.
I’m not sure whether this sort of thing interests you, however, he worked so hard learning the harmonica and guitar (self-taught with a little help from me on guitar), so I wanted to share.
Our family are huge fans of yours. In fact, my mom gave me the Harvest tape when I was around my son’s age (early ’90s), and I’ve been a big fan ever since.
I’m not sure whether this counts as the prohibited “personal request,” however, any acknowledgement (in any form) would surely make his day.
Have a great weekend,
Zack Brown
Thanks Zack
Great version by your son!
Hey young man Brown, Write a song of your own so we know what you are feeling!
LOVE
Be well
Neil
Hi Neil,
My dad is 72 and has been a fan of yours for as long as I can remember. He raised me on your music in his truck as a little girl and it has became our soundtrack to countless road trips and memories together. We play your songs whenever we’re on the road—and Dad jams along by playing them on harmonica (he’s surprising good!).
We were on a road trip this past July and stayed at Wiesbaden Hot Springs in Ouray, Colorado. One night we were eating at Ouray Brewery and I was finishing my beer while dad was telling me to hurry up because he wanted to get to the vapor caves. When we got back to the hotel, one of the hotel employees was beaming with a wide smile and said she had just met you. She said she had such a lovely conversation with you and that you were such a nice person.
I think part of my dad’s soul left his body knowing that he could have said thank you in person to you for how your music has impacted his life. I told him that your energy was amongst us and that we were lucky to have been in such a spiritual place around the same time as you.
About a month later, you announced that you were doing a show with Willie Nelson in Connecticut, which is where we live! I told dad it was the energy and we bought tickets the second they went on sale! For years, dad has been saying that the one person he has never seen in concert that would complete his bucket list is Neil Young.
It feels pretty special to be able to see you in concert alongside my dad. It’s going to be a monumental moment in time for us.
If there’s any chance this message could make its way to Neil, I’d love for him to know just how much his music has meant to my dad, and how grateful I am that it became part of my life too.
See you in Connecticut tomorrow! Safe travels and have a great show!
Thank you for all the music and all the memories.
Christina and Ralph Buonocore
Thanks to you both Christina and Ralph!
LOVE
Thanks
neil
Hi
I’m 53. Lifelong fan. I just want to thank you for the new album Second Song. As someone who writes songs as well, I recognize that this is a cut above your more recent work and this has some very deep personal lyrics inside these songs. It’s a gift as a fan to be able to have you share this with us, so thank you and congratulations on an amazing record. I think it’s one of your best.
Dave Casale. OSSINING NY
Thanks Dave!!
LOVE
Be well
neil
Hi Neil. Thanks again for choosing Philly for this mini tour before Farm Aid. Now that it’s a little more than three days away and the day before CT., I am so filled with the excitement and anticipation that comes before a new tour that is so familiar but has been so missed even though it’s only been a little more than a year since I saw you so far away in Ireland (and what an incredible trip that was to see you there!) and then Bethel NY last year. For the past few days I have been listening over and over to your new album since you so generously dropped it onto the Archives, and to me, it’s an absolute masterpiece. I hope you play the entire thing at this show, every song deserves it. I feel pretty sure you probably weren’t even thinking about the fact that this was your 50th studio recorded album when you made it, but the melancholic and yet simultaneously hopeful and loving themes in this collection of songs couldn’t be more apropos for this special anniversary we all are celebrating together.
Much love to you and the family! Good luck tomorrow!!! I’ll see you in Philadelphia!!!!
…
Hi Neil, just a quick follow-up question about the new album Second Song, that I am wondering if it’s just a coincidence that tracks 5 and 7 are the two songs that were written around 57 years ago?
All my love to you and the family!!
your friend, Joby
Joby
When i finished recording all my new songs, the next day I woke up and heard these ones in my head. They finished out the feeling I was looking for.
LOVE
Be well
Thanks! Neil
Hi Neil! Today Is the 50th anniversary of the release of Long May You Run!
Will there be a special edition of the record? Will we ever listen to Fontainebleau live? It’s a great song never played live.…
Take care
Giovanni
Giovanni
Thanks for the ideas….!!
LOVE
BE WELLNEIL
Neil,
I have appreciated, bought and loved every album you’ve ever released on Vinyl. So when Second Song came out on LP the other day I picked up a copy. I am very puzzled as to why the title track got split in half across Side A and Side B?? Although the edit is “tasteful,” it reminds me of the song splicing on the old 8-track tapes.
Were you so married to this records’ song order that you couldn’t shuffle songs to have Second Song be complete? You’ve done that before, specifically with Chrome Dreams 2 where Vinyl and CD running orders were different to accommodate the songs. An odder example would be Psychedelic Pill where Driftin’ Back was split because it was just too long in itself.
Thanks for sharing your thought process on this.
Keep telling your truth. Will always love you Neil.
In these trying times, as you’ve said, “Try to Remember Peace.”
Paul B
Dear Paul
I split the song in two so both sides of the record would be about the same length, allowing for the best tone and volume through the vinyl sides. The longer the side, the less volume you can have. Less volume means more surface noise in the analog vinyl world..
That’s why albums in the old vinyl days were typically less than 20 minutes per side.
THANKS
LOVE
BE WELL
Neil