From Hank to Hendrix

This song may not seem like much, but my dad used to play this for me when I was still little and I didn't understand why him and my mom didn't live together anymore. The harmonica used to soothe me on the way home. I'm surprised more people don't know about the Harvest Moon album, because it really is fantastic.

the Hank in the song title is Hank Marvin of The Shadows not hank williams as some people tend to think, Hank was one of neil's first guitar heroes.

yeah its definately about a split with a woman, with the music weighing in as well. "Can we get it together? Can we still stand side by side? Can we make it last Like a musical ride?"

alot of people can relate with this song very easily. "The same thing that makes you live Can kill you in the end" If there is a breakup the fact that you are without that person you loved so dearly can kill you.

i think the references of "hank to hendrix" and "marilyn to madonna" are just references of time. he has loved her the whole time, from old to new.

anyways, thats my take. great song, one of my favourites from neil.

Hank is Neil's guitar that was once owned by Hank Williams. Neil has had this guitar for many years. It represents an older type of music. Then Hendrix came along and did things with a guitar that have never been surpassed.
Neil was a typical horny teen boy around 1960 with a crush on Monroe, but then she died. Today (c 1992 when song came out), Madonna is the sex symbol. But whereas with the guitar something was gained, in this case something was lost. Similarly, the lust he initially had for his wife has declined and he wonders if they will just be another California couple who divorce. However, he has children (with disabilities) with this woman and hopes to continue together.

As an added note. Neil's music covers a wide range of listener ages. I'm 56 and play guitar at a personal care home for seniors. One 90 something resident in particular really enjoyed my music. When lookin thru his cd collection I came across Neil Youngs Harvest Moon with a piece of masking tape on it. Written in black felt marker my favourite. I feel the same way

I'm thinking it might be about him trying to reconcile his first marriage in light of his career as a musician. Might be totally off, but I think it could make sense.

Madonna was divorcing from Shaun Penn about the same time that this song was written - and it was in California.

Harvest Moon was a long awaited followup of After The Goldrush. This song is about Neil youngs relation with his public during all those years, , when he started, until now. I'll walk these streets with you (all these years I made music for you, while we both grew older) Here I am with this old guitar Doin' what I do

I always expected That you would see me through I never believed in much But I believed in you (you=the audience, his fans)

Can we get it together? Can we still stand side by side? Can we make it last Like a musical ride?

From Marilyn to Madonna (Marilyn Monroe style-icon for Madonna) I always loved your smile Now we're headed for the big divorce California-style

I found myself singin' Like a long-lost friend The same thing that makes you live (This is a phrase which is true on many levels: addiction will make live, but will kill you in the end. Love can give strenghth, but great sorrow when it is lost, your personality will achieve things, while it will also be your ultimate burden) Can kill you in the end

I always enjoyed how Neil puts pop culture icons in his lyrics. It makes the song more personal, like it does with Marlon Brando in "Pocahontas."

I play guitar and harmonica and already play a dozen Neil Young songs. In my opinion Neil's at his best with his harmonica and acoustic guitar in his hands. I just added this song yesterday to my repritar. Bueatiful heart felt lyrics and soothing harmonica riffs. Thanks Neil