Trade verses or one singer for Rockin' in the Free World?

Question

A bunch of us are getting together for a gig this weekend. We've recently added RITFW to the setlist. I'm thinking that we all sing a verse separately and the chorus together. We can all sing, so it'll sound good. But I think our ego lead man may want to sing it all himself and not see the fun factor in everyone having a go. Thoughts?

Answer 1

I love that song! I think you should share the wealth of giving everyone a go at singing it. I think your audience would love that!

Answer 2

i don't think the STORY of this song is one that is conducive to having fun and sharing verses... how do you sing something like this and plan who should sing what how and when?: this piece of work is a COMMENTARY on whats going on in the streets of the U.S. Young girls getting prgnant and dumping their babies in garbage cans... Young wrote it from his heart and soul to the CONSCIENCE of amerika its NOT a rock song as much as a quit rocking get yer head out yer a s s and LOOK AROUND and HELP song, it is not meant to be a showcase piece for band members, no let the lead singer sing the whole song and ONLY if he FEELS what Neil Young meant ...if not find something else like Eve of Destruction by Barry McGuire or something like that thats an excellent anti war song or even The Youngbloods Get Together but don't "pop" out such a masterpiece as Rockin in the Free World...please
"I see a woman in the night
With a baby in her hand
Under an old street light
Near a garbage can
Now she puts the kid away,
and she's gone to get a hit
She hates her life,
and what she's done to it
There's one more kid
that will never go to school
Never get to fall in love,
never get to be cool."
Kepp on rockin in the free world

Answer 3

When covering Neil Young, being able to sing well isn't really a pre-requisite (just kidding, Neil...) so I say give everyone a turn. All lead singers have an ego problem...what are ya gonna do?