Donovan – Catch the wind

About The Song

“Catch the Wind” is a song composed and performed by Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan. Released by Pye Records as Donovan’s debut on February 28, 1965, in the United Kingdom (Pye 7N.15801), it featured “Why Do You Treat Me Like You Do?” on the flip side. The single achieved notable success, reaching No. 4 on the United Kingdom singles chart. In the United States, Hickory Records released it in April 1965 (Hickory 45-1309), where it secured the 23rd position on the Billboard Hot 100.

Cash Box characterized the song as a “medium-paced, folk-styled low-down bluesy romancer” with a vocal reminiscent of Bob Dylan. Record World also labeled it as “Dylanesque.”

In May 1965, Pye Records released a different version of “Catch the Wind” on Donovan’s debut LP album, “What’s Bin Did and What’s Bin Hid” (NPL.18117). While the single version included vocal echo and a string section, the album version omitted these elements and showcased Donovan playing harmonica.

When Epic Records compiled Donovan’s Greatest Hits in 1968, they faced challenges securing the rights to the original recordings of “Catch the Wind” and the follow-up single, “Colours.” Consequently, Donovan re-recorded both songs for the album, accompanied by a full backing band featuring Big Jim Sullivan on guitar and Mickie Most as the producer.

Video

Lyrics

In the chilly hours and minutes
Of uncertainty, I want to be
In the warm hold of your love and mine

To feel you all around me
And to take your hand along the sand
Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind

When sundown pales the sky
I want to hide a while behind your smile
And everywhere I’d look your eyes I’d find

For me to love you now
Would be the sweetest thing ‘twould make me sing
Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind

Di di di di, di di di di
Di di di di, di di di di
Di di di

When rain has hung the leaves with tears
I want you near to kill my fears
To help me to leave all my blues behind

For standin’ in your heart
Is where I want to be and long to be
Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind

Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind