My father showed me this song & video when I was 16. A couple months later he went missing. I didn’t recognize the underlying layers of what he might’ve been sharing with me at the time; these lyrics and vocals a medium of expression. He wasn't the best at communicating, and I feel like I barely knew him. Though these lyrics were some of the realest, and last words he’d ever shared with me. That was 10 years ago. I’ve returned to this artwork from Bonnie Prince Billy over the years. In this last week I've connected deeper with this song than I ever have, and I’ve grieved harder than I ever have. It’s healing, and I am grateful for it. This song will always be harrowing for me. It reminds me to share my truth, my heart, my pain, and to LOVE my closest relations and strangers alike without bounds. We all hurt, we all have darkness - may we be there for one another, to face the darkness together. So, thank you Bonnie for this reflection of life you have given Paz Q Salt Spring Island, Salish Sea, Canada
Astounding in every way. My wife went to high school with Will Oldham. She's always said he's way beyond cool. I just thought she had a crush on him. Turns out, I can't blame her.
Really an absolutely miraculous reimagining of one of the bleakest songs ever written, just by upping the tempo, adding some drums and a couple backing vocals. What before was the distilled essence of forlorn and lonely has been transubstantiated into divinely hopeful, warm and redemptive.
It's really absolutely none of the latter. The entire song is reminiscent of Poe's "Alone". It's just as dark as the original and despite the upbeat tempo it managed to sacrifice nothing. That is its brilliance.
I love all the different versions of this song equally because they make me feel completely different emotions even with the exact same lyrics. The original is raw and melancholy, like you're in the darkness with him, and i love Johnny's version because of the finality, its a man who has faced darkness his whole life and is stronger for it and is saying goodbye, and this version makes me feel hopeful because even when the darkness returns hopefully theres that one person or thing that you can come back to get through, even if sometimes its just this song. Fuck Im grateful for this song and all its versions
I prefer this version to the original for the very fact that it's upbeat yet about something so deep and bruising and painful. A reminder to us all to be kind to yourself and love yourself deeply else you lose yourself and that's one more beautiful soul gone from the world without ever having shone with the tremendous light and love that's in every one of us and that's a sad thing when that happens.
I think this version needs to exist next to the original one. When you're upbeat it doesn't mean your depression is gone. The same goes for this song. Even if it's upbeat, the depression (and need to talk about it with a friend) is still there. It may be even harder to talk about your depression if you feel good, because you don't want to ruin the moment.
"the original one"?? Is not this the original version? (if there is another version, it would have to be BLOODY good to be better than this) I have heard Johnny Cash's version, and as much as I love Cash, his version is not a patch on BPB's version.
Agreed. I've felt that way about it too, the original is stuck in the depression and can't shake it. In this one, he's more optimistic and feeling better. He knows its gonna come back sooner or later but right now he's celebrating the reprieve at least.
I almost threw up from pure joy and happiness when I saw this. How witty. Just when I think he has put me to the top he just surprises me and puts me higher. Two weeks ago I did a Love Bonnie Prince Billy concert this song included the sadder version. I have to watch it every day for a while now.
[Added preface: unintentionally long heartfelt anecdote but hopefully useful to someone.] I only heard this song today, oddly enough. Found it when looking up the lyrics to practice singing (my voice is eerily similar to Johhny Cash according to my buddies). Odd I never found out about this song before now. A little sunshine and rainbows 🤪anecdote to hopefully make you, or whoever else might stumble upon this likely incoherent ramble, feel a tiny bit better about their life, at least for a short while, you know, silver lining and such. It will exemplify what music can mean to some humans (with empathy). As a reference, first half of the movie Joker felt eerily like looking in the mirror back then, minus all the delusions and crazy, but the asking for more medication bit was 100% my life. Since release of the song I've treasured dearly Johhny Cash's hauntingly beautiful and equally intense version of it that perfectly mirrors the darkness I've been struggling and cursed with since my late teens some 26 years ago. Darkness alleviated pretty successfully by good times for a long long while (never ever marry btw, divorce might literally kill you - if you're a man with kids) and had I been a Yank with easy access to guns (or a hunting license giving head to a shotgun like Cobain) 2 years ago I wouldn't be here now to type this rambling whatever this is. The darkness was always dormant (and forever will be, at best 🤞) with 2 exceptions, latter one resulting in me ending up 4 viscous red pints lighter than before) deep beneath the surface. Like a volcano that's been inactive for decades or centuries, but it'll always be there no matter what you do. Ignore and hope it won't erupt again? Prepare actions if it's about to? Who knows? I'd personally recommend trying therapy (no harm in at least trying antidepressants to see if it works for you). I now have a somewhat firm grasp of psychology and especially psychiatry. I'm a former medical student + 1 year with a psychologist until last summer after release on D-Day 2019 (June 6) from the 11 weeks in the closed psych ward (diagnosis was depression, no crazy stuff or hearing voices like some weirdo fellow inmates, I mean, patients, after the cops at 4 am interrupted my attempt at vacating my meat suit. Strong heartfelt advice: cultivate and work real hard to overcome distances, and whatever else, to maintain close friendships with genuinely good people. No one can predict the future and this song will forever make me think fondly, in a weird melancholic way, of my much loved friend since 6th grade (drinking, whoring etc. age 17-23). No one ever fully realized "the kind of thoughts I got" (boys and men, sadly, tend not to turn their soul inside out, hence suicide statistics for us guys. When someone, without hints or encouragement, calls you up like weekly or every other week (back then), seemingly out of the blue, out of concern, just to talk for 1-2 hours, well, let's just say that he does at least now know how much I fucking love him and always will. "Did you know how much I love you? Here's a hope that somehow you Can save me from this darkness." 3 other great guys did something similar as well, despite us having rarely talked or met (distance) in years. My ex-wife, the 2 legged antithesis of loyalty, family values and integrity means parental alienation and, on account of her now court facilitated de facto kidnapping and brainwashing having resulted in me not having seen, or even talked to, my beloved now 12 year-old daughter for 2 years and counting. Maybe I'll see her in 6 years, but by then I'll no longer care. She lied her ąšś off in family court, but hey, that's life with a Y chromosome. Join the club. Besides gender, appearances matter in court (statistical analysis shows pretty = fewer charges, fewer convictions and shorter sentences. She's a somewhat attractive lady (by rational evaluation compared to the abysmally low average here in Denmark even excluding the overweight ones) at least once all the fakeup has been skillfully applied plus she's just 5 feet with a kinda girly face despite being so old, thus looks quite innocuous and very skilled at putting on the "woe me, vulnerable, big sad Bambi eyes face" coupled with the prerequisite childlike upwards voice pitch change. To the judge, may he one day soon forever roast in the fiery pits of Hell, if Hell actually existed. I wish MLK's great "content of their character" was reality, but alas, it never will be. Judge's (and other's) opinion: She's self-evidently, being a woman, plus above-mentioned leveling up, incapable of lying about anything and also unthinkable even considering the possibility that she might have ulterior motived. I daily utilized my 146 IQ and extensive educational background and, courtesy of my conservative parents, very high diligence and work ethics to make her excel at school, especially in math and languages, but hey, we can't all go into STEM or whatever, so that will inevitably be her lifelong loss brought upon herself. Enough waffling. In short, if your life gets nuked, loyal true (male) friends are actually not their weight worth in gold, but worth whatever you weigh at the time when you, hopefully not, end up itching to see the inside of an urn. BS not scientifically supported lockdown🤬 Can I, pretty, pretty please🙏😇 emigrate to Florida from Denmark like yesterday? Lockdown = now unemployed for a year and counting. That ain't exactly doing wonders for my mental health either, but those 4 life-saving wonder boys will, just like the sun will always set in the west, continue having my back like I will always have theirs as needed. My 42nd birthday is in 2 days, April 27. April 26 (2019) I was "admitted" 🙄 40th birthday spent in (hospital) "jail", in stitches and a wheelchair, very out of breath and constantly lightheaded (blood loss), alone apart from the crazies. That's likely why I'm now ever so slightly "happy" these days. Good thing is that from rock bottom the only way is up (or 6 feet down, for the most unfortunate) 🤔 but that's what friends are (or should be) for. Yay, I managed to end this damn novel on an upbeat, non-depressing, non-semi-zooicidal note. 😁 Focus, observe, remember. Pay attention. If a friend or relative stops posting, writing, calling, whatever, know that social withdrawal is a key early warning sign and much more alarming is a sudden happy, content, or calm state of mind for no apparent reason, which is caused by them finding inner piece of sorts having finally decided to punch their own ticket. Basically like "Oh, it's all good, I just have to live thru a few more days before I'm finally free." Happy people are worse at spotting signs of depression (unless they've tried real unhappiness previously). Give your loved ones a hug from me and tell them it was just from some kind-hearted Danish weirdo who's way too obsessed with Johhny Cash. 🤪 🤗 PS: Listen to the Cash version or you'll sadly force me to put a curse on you. 😜
Forgot to give some great musical advice. Listen to the stellar and haunting song "The Balcony" by The Rumour Said Fire (unknown internationally, afaik, Danish band) and the original version of Blues Run The Game by Jackson C. Frank. (almost everyone only know the Simon and Garfunkel cover version). He's the guy singing "My Name is Carneval" gem of a song used in Joker.
Lyrics/ Letra Lyrics Well you're my friend (It's what you told me) And can you see (What's inside of me?) Many times We've been out drinking And many times We've shared our thoughts But did you ever, ever notice The kind of thoughts I got? Well you know I have a love A love for everyone I know And you know I have a drive To live I won't let go But could you see it's opposition Comes a-rising up sometimes That it's dreadful and position Comes blacking in my mind And that I see a darkness And that I see a darkness And that I see a darkness And that I see a darkness And did you know how much I love you (and that I see a darkness) Is a hope that somehow you (and that I see a darkness) Can save me from this darkness? Well I hope that someday, buddy We have peace in our lives Together or apart Alone or with our wives That we can stop our whoring And pull the smiles inside And light it up forever And never go to sleep My best unbeaten brother This isn't all I see Oh no, I see a darkness Oh no, I see a darkness Oh no, I see a darkness Oh no, I see a darkness And did you know how much I love you (and that I see a darkness) Is a hope that somehow you, you (and that I see a darkness) Can save me from this darkness? Letra Bueno tu eres mi amigo (Es lo que me dijiste ) Y puedes ver (Que hay dentro de mi? ) Muchas veces hemos estado afuera bebiendo Y muchas veces hemos compartido nuestros pensamientos Pero tu alguna vez te diste cuenta El tipo de pensamientos que tengo? Bueno tu sabes que tengo un amor Un amor por todos a quien conozco Y sabes que tengo que recorrer Para vivir, no lo dejare ir Podrías ver su oposición Viene saliendo a veces Que es terrible y posición Viene a oscurecer mi mente Y que veo una oscuridad Y que veo una oscuridad Y que veo una oscuridad Y que veo una oscuridad Y sabias cuanto te amo Es una esperanza que de alguna forma tu Puedes salvarme de esta oscuridad? Bueno espero que algún día, amigo Tengamos paz en nuestras vidas Juntos o aparte Solos o con nuestras esposas Para que podamos parar nuestra infidelidad Y sacar las sonrisas dentro Y encenderla por siempre Y nunca ir a dormir Mi mejor hermano invicto Esto no es todo lo que veo Y que veo una oscuridad Y que veo una oscuridad Y que veo una oscuridad Y que veo una oscuridad Y sabias cuanto te amo Es una esperanza que de alguna forma tu Puedes salvarme de esta oscuridad? Aquí va la letra Charlie, Dano y para mi tata
By far my favorite version of this song. Sometimes when the darkness is so heavy and thick the only thing it leaves to do - the only thing left to do is sing out, clueless as to your singing a dirge or a testimonial just sing out and start moving ignoring you don't know forwards from backways, and hope you don't wind up taking a spill at the edge of the cliff's face. You just gotta hope that if you do, some noble little hardscrabble tree growing out of the cracks is both willing and able to catch and carry you a moment.
What I love about this song is it's about how important friendship is for these two guys as they deal with depression, addiction, loss, whatever. Seriously, is there any other song that deals with this theme so well?
"is there any other song that deals with this theme so well?" ...or at all? I could name a couple, except one of the friends there is a cat (who meant a lot to the songwriter, obviously). But if we are talking humans-only, I am at a loss.
I discovered this song a few months ago. A short time after I started listening to it, a close friend of mine passed away unexpectedly. This song doesnt make me sad, but rather makes me happy and appreciate all the good times we had together albeit in a melancholy kind of way.
Okay, here's the deal: The original version of this song was released in 1999, by Bonnie 'Prince' Billy. It was very slow and melancholy. Some time later, Johnny Cash released a slow, melancholy cover. Some time after that, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy re-recorded it, as this more up-tempo version. In my opinion, the original is the best. Go check out that one. This is in response to all the misinformed people saying "Why did he make that great, slow Johnny Cash song so bouncy?" or "Johnny Cash made it way better by slowing it down".
waaaaay late to your response...i fell in love with this song when cash sang it, just the tone and tempo hits a chord with where im at in my life but i did enjoy this. going to check the "original" out now to really judge you and maybe make angry/happy comments at you on youtube
No way,. You guys crazy! The rank officially goes: this one; then the Cash; then the original. Will only really got into his prime in later years, IMHO. From a native Louis-villain that remembers Will-with-Hair playing the downtown shows and lanky-legged Will tooling around his bike by Bardstown Rd.... Seriously though, I just dig the up-tempo stuff. The slower is good, too--just too much depression out there...
Not fair? Honestly, either version isn't going to lock itself in the bedroom if you prefer the other...that's not how it works with songs! Say what you think. It's just shooting the breeze about music. Personally, i dont understand this version. It only exists as an opposite musically of the original...it would never have been written this way in the first instance. So, yeah, it's a bit of fun but the original is the genuine statement. Happy for you all to disagree. Either way is fair!
That “other guy” is one of the best guitarists in LA, Emmett Kelly. He founded the project, The Cairo Gang. Also plays guitar with Ty Segall’s Freedom Band (along with the guy on the far left of the three walking singers, keyboard player Ben Boye). This foursome (including Angel Olsen) are seriously a gift to this earth. Insanely talented and soulful beings.
I lost my playlist when I switched accounts two years ago, but I thought I'd gotten most of it back on the new account. This morning I'm watching an interview with "Stephen Wilson Jr." and he just mentions the name "Billy". The picture of Bonnie "Prince" Billy with a face full of flour or pancake makup or whatever it is popped into my head and I said, man, when is the last time he came up on my playlist? I somehow forgot to add him back despite a bunch of these songs being on repeat through the pandemic? How could I have missed these?
Essa música é boa em qualquer versão. Essa não tem a carga dramática incrível que o Mr. Cash pôs, mas tem um humor, uma leveza de quem vê as coisas por um viés mais descolado, despropositado. Valeu Mr. Cash por ter me apresentado mais essa composição e mais um artista bacana. Que o senhor esteja em bom lugar.
I think this is the first song that I know that to me to managed to combine the dark and upbeat (or the other way around, a seemingly "happy" lyrics with melancholic melody, like Lou Reed's Perfect day) in a way that seems completely natural to me. It's not just juxtaposition simply for the sake of "somethng's not right here", it's a combination the way it appears just in the real life. Someone else said it here, your life can be generally happy and you can still have a large gaping hole inside. Like the song says, we've been drinking countless times, but despite my happy demeanor and love for everyone around me, have you ever noticed something's killing me? It's both. The darkness leaks out sometimes, but you want to live and be happy and everyone else to be happy. Perhaps it's because the song sings both about the mostly hidden darkness and love and hope and doesn't rely only on "happy melody, sad text". The lyrics is about seeing the good and the bad in life.
Jesse -- i am becoming kinda obsessed with this one too .. the background singing (youtube "Angel Olsen") .. and the sentimental, hypnotic voice of Bonnie.
@@gabrielbrennan4149 Hehe, I think this kind of songs are mostly helpfull, because they give validation. To me it's like being understood implicitely by some random stranger who just so happens to have found the word I couldn't, so i am not alone, and sometimes, that is all that matters -- some sense of belonging, even if you otherwise know nothing about each other.
Some 25 years ago I promoted a lot of shows in a quite small town in Bavaria, Germany cos there was quite a vivid cool music scene at that time. Including artists like Poison Idea, Moe Tucker, Giant Sand, Kramer, Alice Donut, Helmet, Tortoise…you see, quite eclectic style. But one gig I remember very often was by Will Oldham cos he was such a beautiful and friendly person you won‘t meet very often. One of my heroes!
I love this version and I also love the original version. The original is the one you listened to while depressed and lonesome while this is the version you listen to while you're confident and happy.
''This isnt all i see'' thats where it hits me (See that smile from Bonnie?).For me this is the best version, complex and giving you mixed emotions and this contrast in this song is making it a real beauty. It might make you cry and/or give you a shining smile at the same time. Let me write 'ART' here...
still smashes my heart every time ,this one is for the ones lucky enough to have mates in a world cold an for the lonely ,a friend is waiting for you to have a beer that u never even met,to neil an mo!
I like this version even more than the original. Somehow the lighter arrangement makes everything about the song seem more ambiguous. It just has an amazing happy/sad vibe to it now which I love. And the video is just ......well I'm speechless. Job very well done all round.
right? actually incredible. I've definitely been out drinking and spilled out those dark thoughts along with my assertions that we can't give up "will to live I won't let go"
I love this version of the song. I don't think it in any way trivializes the powerful content of the lyrics. If anything the contrast highlights it. It's a wonderful balance of mournful and hopeful.
Lyrics: Well you're my friend (It's what you told me) And can you see (What's inside of me) Many times We've been out drinking And many times We've shared our thoughts But did you ever, ever notice The kind of thoughts I got Well you know I have a love A love for everyone I know And you know I have a drive To live I won't let go But can you see it's opposition Comes a-rising up sometimes That it's dreadful and position Comes blacking in my mind And that I see a darkness And that I see a darkness And that I see a darkness And that I see a darkness And did you know how much I love you Is a hope that somehow you you Can save me from this darkness Well I hope that someday, buddy We have peace in our lives Together or apart Alone or with our wives That we can stop our whoring And pull the smiles inside And light it up forever And never go to sleep My best unbeaten brother This isn't all I see Oh no I see a darkness Oh no I see a darkness Oh no I see a darkness Oh no I see a darkness And did you know how much I love you Is a hope that somehow you you Can save me from this darkness
a song that never grows old. Play it when you're born, play it on your birthday, play it if you get married, have kids, your parents ,brothers ,sisters , lovers die. Play it when you die. And I hope at least one person dances. Not out of mischief, but because of the glory of this song
This is such a goddamn beautiful song. I've had it on repeat ever since David Chang used some of the lyrics to memorialize Anthony Bourdain. I love it. I need to listen to more of Bonnie "Prince" Billy. Only just now became exposed, ironically because of the most awful circumstance...
I found this version first, and this one strikes me as the "original." I know it isn't, but every time I listen to the slower version I feel like it's a stripped down coffee house cover, and this one is the true version, the blood-pumping full-band experience. This is the song/video that turned me on to Bonnie 'Prince' Billy. I think he has a really good sense of how to keep his music relevant. It doesn't matter how the song sounded before, because what matters is how it sounds right now. He is always thinking about how he can keep his music relatable and accessible for today's audience, while still having fun making music the way he wants to.
My father showed me this song & video when I was 16. A couple months later he went missing. I didn’t recognize the underlying layers of what he might’ve been sharing with me at the time; these lyrics and vocals a medium of expression.
He wasn't the best at communicating, and I feel like I barely knew him. Though these lyrics were some of the realest, and last words he’d ever shared with me. That was 10 years ago.
I’ve returned to this artwork from Bonnie Prince Billy over the years. In this last week I've connected deeper with this song than I ever have, and I’ve grieved harder than I ever have.
It’s healing, and I am grateful for it.
This song will always be harrowing for me. It reminds me to share my truth, my heart, my pain, and to LOVE my closest relations and strangers alike without bounds. We all hurt, we all have darkness - may we be there for one another, to face the darkness together.
So, thank you Bonnie for this reflection of life you have given
Paz Q
Salt Spring Island, Salish Sea, Canada
Hope you find some peace bro
Never forget how strong you are, even if the dark side of feelings seems stronger.
All the love brother, it’s all going to be alright.
50 50
I hope your father's story found an ending after so many years. Apart from that I can only send you love. Hope that helps.
@Pazq I am just responding because to this post is one of the most moving things I've read this week.
There's something special about this more "upbeat" version of the song: the positive lyrics have the chance to swing even harder than they did before
To me it emphasizes the idea of having a friend you laugh with and love without ever knowing the pits of their soul
Astounding in every way. My wife went to high school with Will Oldham. She's always said he's way beyond cool. I just thought she had a crush on him. Turns out, I can't blame her.
So maybe you two could pursue something special with old Willy ?!
@@Theouterrim77 You're invited too, old Gerry.
@@stevensmith6019 lol. You seem cool. You’re wife’s lucky enough with you, bud.
@@Cogitavi Who? Will Oldham?
@@Cogitavi Are you sure? Is your shop in Louisville?
THIS VERSION IS SO GREAT!!!!! LOVE IT!
Man the part where the friend says "and light it up forever" gives me goosebumps
This is such a great song!
And never go to sleep
Really an absolutely miraculous reimagining of one of the bleakest songs ever written, just by upping the tempo, adding some drums and a couple backing vocals. What before was the distilled essence of forlorn and lonely has been transubstantiated into divinely hopeful, warm and redemptive.
It's really absolutely none of the latter. The entire song is reminiscent of Poe's "Alone". It's just as dark as the original and despite the upbeat tempo it managed to sacrifice nothing. That is its brilliance.
@@christophert320 I loved the original one. And please, don't tell me that I "don't get it".
The original is bleak as you mentioned. I just struggle to see how an upbeat tempo makes this warm and redemptive. It just isn't.
Ah I'm sorry I thought you were the OP. Liking the original is fine. There's nothing wrong with having that preference.
I'm not entirely sure what transubstantiated means, but I'm with you all the way.
why does this song make me feel so sad but also overwhelmingly joyful?
I love this song and I used to live right around the corner from where much of this was filmed in Glasgow, Scotland. How cool!
I love every version of this song that I've heard
I love this version. The juxtaposition of the theme and the feeling of the music.
I’ve never heard 3 versions of the same song that were equally amazing.
this the best
@@hbecker123 I agree with you. All great but this is the one I come back to.
Which versions?
@@amyy801 1. The original sad Version of Billy Prince
2. The sad Cover of Johnny Cash.
3. And this Happier Version.
@@hbecker123 i see thank u :)
I love all the different versions of this song equally because they make me feel completely different emotions even with the exact same lyrics. The original is raw and melancholy, like you're in the darkness with him, and i love Johnny's version because of the finality, its a man who has faced darkness his whole life and is stronger for it and is saying goodbye, and this version makes me feel hopeful because even when the darkness returns hopefully theres that one person or thing that you can come back to get through, even if sometimes its just this song. Fuck Im grateful for this song and all its versions
billy is the best dad dancer of all time!
I prefer this version to the original for the very fact that it's upbeat yet about something so deep and bruising and painful. A reminder to us all to be kind to yourself and love yourself deeply else you lose yourself and that's one more beautiful soul gone from the world without ever having shone with the tremendous light and love that's in every one of us and that's a sad thing when that happens.
This may be the best music video I've ever seen
I think this version needs to exist next to the original one. When you're upbeat it doesn't mean your depression is gone. The same goes for this song. Even if it's upbeat, the depression (and need to talk about it with a friend) is still there. It may be even harder to talk about your depression if you feel good, because you don't want to ruin the moment.
"the original one"??
Is not this the original version? (if there is another version, it would have to be BLOODY good to be better than this)
I have heard Johnny Cash's version, and as much as I love Cash, his version is not a patch on BPB's version.
Agreed. I've felt that way about it too, the original is stuck in the depression and can't shake it. In this one, he's more optimistic and feeling better. He knows its gonna come back sooner or later but right now he's celebrating the reprieve at least.
@@nevillebowden4948ua-cam.com/video/YmFynsUrSz0/v-deo.htmlsi=58aRknE5nLVjf-GL
There you go, my friend
@nevillebowden4948 the original is from his 1999 record "i see a darkness", personally my favorite album of his
This song is the most relevant song in my life right now. Life imitates art imitates life...
I almost threw up from pure joy and happiness when I saw this. How witty. Just when I think he has put me to the top he just surprises me and puts me higher. Two weeks ago I did a Love Bonnie Prince Billy concert this song included the sadder version. I have to watch it every day for a while now.
This song is so beautiful. Its like I'm feeling music for the first time.
Possibly my new favourite video in all the world.
Somehow this version slipped past me for years and I only discovered it a few weeks ago. I can't stop listening to it...
Never too late to discover masterpieces of art.
[Added preface: unintentionally long heartfelt anecdote but hopefully useful to someone.] I only heard this song today, oddly enough. Found it when looking up the lyrics to practice singing (my voice is eerily similar to Johhny Cash according to my buddies). Odd I never found out about this song before now.
A little sunshine and rainbows 🤪anecdote to hopefully make you, or whoever else might stumble upon this likely incoherent ramble, feel a tiny bit better about their life, at least for a short while, you know, silver lining and such.
It will exemplify what music can mean to some humans (with empathy). As a reference, first half of the movie Joker felt eerily like looking in the mirror back then, minus all the delusions and crazy, but the asking for more medication bit was 100% my life.
Since release of the song I've treasured dearly Johhny Cash's hauntingly beautiful and equally intense version of it that perfectly mirrors the darkness I've been struggling and cursed with since my late teens some 26 years ago.
Darkness alleviated pretty successfully by good times for a long long while (never ever marry btw, divorce might literally kill you - if you're a man with kids) and had I been a Yank with easy access to guns (or a hunting license giving head to a shotgun like Cobain) 2 years ago I wouldn't be here now to type this rambling whatever this is.
The darkness was always dormant (and forever will be, at best 🤞) with 2 exceptions, latter one resulting in me ending up 4 viscous red pints lighter than before) deep beneath the surface.
Like a volcano that's been inactive for decades or centuries, but it'll always be there no matter what you do. Ignore and hope it won't erupt again? Prepare actions if it's about to? Who knows?
I'd personally recommend trying therapy (no harm in at least trying antidepressants to see if it works for you). I now have a somewhat firm grasp of psychology and especially psychiatry. I'm a former medical student + 1 year with a psychologist until last summer after release on D-Day 2019 (June 6) from the 11 weeks in the closed psych ward (diagnosis was depression, no crazy stuff or hearing voices like some weirdo fellow inmates, I mean, patients, after the cops at 4 am interrupted my attempt at vacating my meat suit.
Strong heartfelt advice: cultivate and work real hard to overcome distances, and whatever else, to maintain close friendships with genuinely good people.
No one can predict the future and this song will forever make me think fondly, in a weird melancholic way, of my much loved friend since 6th grade (drinking, whoring etc. age 17-23). No one ever fully realized "the kind of thoughts I got" (boys and men, sadly, tend not to turn their soul inside out, hence suicide statistics for us guys.
When someone, without hints or encouragement, calls you up like weekly or every other week (back then), seemingly out of the blue, out of concern, just to talk for 1-2 hours, well, let's just say that he does at least now know how much I fucking love him and always will.
"Did you know how much I love you?
Here's a hope that somehow you
Can save me from this darkness." 3 other great guys did something similar as well, despite us having rarely talked or met (distance) in years.
My ex-wife, the 2 legged antithesis of loyalty, family values and integrity means parental alienation and, on account of her now court facilitated de facto kidnapping and brainwashing having resulted in me not having seen, or even talked to, my beloved now 12 year-old daughter for 2 years and counting. Maybe I'll see her in 6 years, but by then I'll no longer care.
She lied her ąšś off in family court, but hey, that's life with a Y chromosome. Join the club.
Besides gender, appearances matter in court (statistical analysis shows pretty = fewer charges, fewer convictions and shorter sentences. She's a somewhat attractive lady (by rational evaluation compared to the abysmally low average here in Denmark even excluding the overweight ones) at least once all the fakeup has been skillfully applied plus she's just 5 feet with a kinda girly face despite being so old, thus looks quite innocuous and very skilled at putting on the "woe me, vulnerable, big sad Bambi eyes face" coupled with the prerequisite childlike upwards voice pitch change. To the judge, may he one day soon forever roast in the fiery pits of Hell, if Hell actually existed. I wish MLK's great "content of their character" was reality, but alas, it never will be. Judge's (and other's) opinion: She's self-evidently, being a woman, plus above-mentioned leveling up, incapable of lying about anything and also unthinkable even considering the possibility that she might have ulterior motived. I daily utilized my 146 IQ and extensive educational background and, courtesy of my conservative parents, very high diligence and work ethics to make her excel at school, especially in math and languages, but hey, we can't all go into STEM or whatever, so that will inevitably be her lifelong loss brought upon herself.
Enough waffling. In short, if your life gets nuked, loyal true (male) friends are actually not their weight worth in gold, but worth whatever you weigh at the time when you, hopefully not, end up itching to see the inside of an urn.
BS not scientifically supported lockdown🤬
Can I, pretty, pretty please🙏😇 emigrate to Florida from Denmark like yesterday? Lockdown = now unemployed for a year and counting. That ain't exactly doing wonders for my mental health either, but those 4 life-saving wonder boys will, just like the sun will always set in the west, continue having my back like I will always have theirs as needed.
My 42nd birthday is in 2 days, April 27. April 26 (2019) I was "admitted" 🙄
40th birthday spent in (hospital) "jail", in stitches and a wheelchair, very out of breath and constantly lightheaded (blood loss), alone apart from the crazies.
That's likely why I'm now ever so slightly "happy" these days.
Good thing is that from rock bottom the only way is up (or 6 feet down, for the most unfortunate) 🤔 but that's what friends are (or should be) for.
Yay, I managed to end this damn novel on an upbeat, non-depressing, non-semi-zooicidal note. 😁
Focus, observe, remember. Pay attention. If a friend or relative stops posting, writing, calling, whatever, know that social withdrawal is a key early warning sign and much more alarming is a sudden happy, content, or calm state of mind for no apparent reason, which is caused by them finding inner piece of sorts having finally decided to punch their own ticket. Basically like "Oh, it's all good, I just have to live thru a few more days before I'm finally free." Happy people are worse at spotting signs of depression (unless they've tried real unhappiness previously).
Give your loved ones a hug from me and tell them it was just from some kind-hearted Danish weirdo who's way too obsessed with Johhny Cash. 🤪 🤗
PS: Listen to the Cash version or you'll sadly force me to put a curse on you. 😜
Forgot to give some great musical advice. Listen to the stellar and haunting song "The Balcony" by The Rumour Said Fire (unknown internationally, afaik, Danish band) and the original version of Blues Run The Game by Jackson C. Frank. (almost everyone only know the Simon and Garfunkel cover version). He's the guy singing "My Name is Carneval" gem of a song used in Joker.
Dame here, just heard a live version last week and it's been in my head all week
@@4shitsandgiggles122 i hope you are okay
Bonnie Prince Billy, in St John's at Hackney, best gig I can remember. What a star.
Lyrics/ Letra
Lyrics
Well you're my friend
(It's what you told me)
And can you see
(What's inside of me?)
Many times
We've been out drinking
And many times
We've shared our thoughts
But did you ever, ever notice
The kind of thoughts I got?
Well you know I have a love
A love for everyone I know
And you know I have a drive
To live I won't let go
But could you see it's opposition
Comes a-rising up sometimes
That it's dreadful and position
Comes blacking in my mind
And that I see a darkness
And that I see a darkness
And that I see a darkness
And that I see a darkness
And did you know how much I love you (and that I see a darkness)
Is a hope that somehow you (and that I see a darkness)
Can save me from this darkness?
Well I hope that someday, buddy
We have peace in our lives
Together or apart
Alone or with our wives
That we can stop our whoring
And pull the smiles inside
And light it up forever
And never go to sleep
My best unbeaten brother
This isn't all I see
Oh no, I see a darkness
Oh no, I see a darkness
Oh no, I see a darkness
Oh no, I see a darkness
And did you know how much I love you (and that I see a darkness)
Is a hope that somehow you, you (and that I see a darkness)
Can save me from this darkness?
Letra
Bueno tu eres mi amigo
(Es lo que me dijiste
)
Y puedes ver
(Que hay dentro de mi?
)
Muchas veces hemos estado afuera bebiendo
Y muchas veces hemos compartido nuestros pensamientos
Pero tu alguna vez te diste cuenta
El tipo de pensamientos que tengo?
Bueno tu sabes que tengo un amor
Un amor por todos a quien conozco
Y sabes que tengo que recorrer
Para vivir, no lo dejare ir
Podrías ver su oposición
Viene saliendo a veces
Que es terrible y posición
Viene a oscurecer mi mente
Y que veo una oscuridad
Y que veo una oscuridad
Y que veo una oscuridad
Y que veo una oscuridad
Y sabias cuanto te amo
Es una esperanza que de alguna forma tu
Puedes salvarme de esta oscuridad?
Bueno espero que algún día, amigo
Tengamos paz en nuestras vidas
Juntos o aparte
Solos o con nuestras esposas
Para que podamos parar nuestra infidelidad
Y sacar las sonrisas dentro
Y encenderla por siempre
Y nunca ir a dormir
Mi mejor hermano invicto
Esto no es todo lo que veo
Y que veo una oscuridad
Y que veo una oscuridad
Y que veo una oscuridad
Y que veo una oscuridad
Y sabias cuanto te amo
Es una esperanza que de alguna forma tu
Puedes salvarme de esta oscuridad?
Aquí va la letra Charlie, Dano y para mi tata
This is just a stunning bit of stuff.
Good god. I'm speechless. First time I heard Oldham's version. What a writer. That's as good as it gets.
This isn't his original version, try the one off the album "I see a darkness" that's the one Johnny cash covered, not this version
Liam Coppedge
Cash did it better, faster than the original, but not inappropriately upbeat like this.
*****
Some people like hash?
By far my favorite version of this song. Sometimes when the darkness is so heavy and thick the only thing it leaves to do - the only thing left to do is sing out, clueless as to your singing a dirge or a testimonial just sing out and start moving ignoring you don't know forwards from backways, and hope you don't wind up taking a spill at the edge of the cliff's face. You just gotta hope that if you do, some noble little hardscrabble tree growing out of the cracks is both willing and able to catch and carry you a moment.
What I love about this song is it's about how important friendship is for these two guys as they deal with depression, addiction, loss, whatever.
Seriously, is there any other song that deals with this theme so well?
limnificant and whores.
@gramme parsons
limnificant is the original poster. The guy you’re responding to was saying “and whores” as in, the song’s about whores as well.
"is there any other song that deals with this theme so well?"
...or at all?
I could name a couple, except one of the friends there is a cat (who meant a lot to the songwriter, obviously). But if we are talking humans-only, I am at a loss.
@@schwarzeseis4031 smelly cat?
"Did you know how much I love you is a hope that somehow you can save me from this darkness?" That's a bloody amazing line.
Thank you Jill Aimes for the gift of this song. Love you always xx
I discovered this song a few months ago. A short time after I started listening to it, a close friend of mine passed away unexpectedly. This song doesnt make me sad, but rather makes me happy and appreciate all the good times we had together albeit in a melancholy kind of way.
This version is so bittersweet. ONe of the greatest modern songwriters.
Okay, here's the deal: The original version of this song was released in 1999, by Bonnie 'Prince' Billy. It was very slow and melancholy. Some time later, Johnny Cash released a slow, melancholy cover. Some time after that, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy re-recorded it, as this more up-tempo version. In my opinion, the original is the best. Go check out that one. This is in response to all the misinformed people saying "Why did he make that great, slow Johnny Cash song so bouncy?" or "Johnny Cash made it way better by slowing it down".
***** Weird, I love both versions, this one just has a different vibe but it's still good.
MagusMirificus Wow, thanks for the information.
waaaaay late to your response...i fell in love with this song when cash sang it, just the tone and tempo hits a chord with where im at in my life but i did enjoy this. going to check the "original" out now to really judge you and maybe make angry/happy comments at you on youtube
No way,. You guys crazy!
The rank officially goes: this one; then the Cash; then the original. Will only really got into his prime in later years, IMHO. From a native Louis-villain that remembers Will-with-Hair playing the downtown shows and lanky-legged Will tooling around his bike by Bardstown Rd....
Seriously though, I just dig the up-tempo stuff. The slower is good, too--just too much depression out there...
Cash was always making covers of great songs.
This video fits this song sooo well! I can't stop watching it and bobbing along to the tune.
I've heard both of his versions of the song - honestly, they're both amazing, but for different reasons. I think comparing them isn't really fair.
+Nathan Byer Exactly my reaction. I love both versions.
I couldn't agree more.... The original, is classic bpb, fighting human condition, (that's not accurate), the second this one is a revelation.
Nothing is fair
+Nathan Byer
You nailed it in one, really. I love 'em both but it kinda depends on my mood when it comes to a version I wanna listen to.
Not fair? Honestly, either version isn't going to lock itself in the bedroom if you prefer the other...that's not how it works with songs! Say what you think. It's just shooting the breeze about music. Personally, i dont understand this version. It only exists as an opposite musically of the original...it would never have been written this way in the first instance. So, yeah, it's a bit of fun but the original is the genuine statement. Happy for you all to disagree. Either way is fair!
the background singers are terrific!
Angel Olsen is one of them, she's a powerhouse
Love the happy version of this song.
One of my favorite songs ever, particularly this version. Thanks Will
Please put this back on streaming!
Beautiful
I thing that this is the best music video ever
I can see why he's the artist's artist.
The clarity of vision and message and the absolutely soul-warming music. Thanks, buddy.
Jesus, i thought the original was good. this is amazing. love this new EP
pulls piano and bass together into a masterful, surprisingly uplifting composition.
2:00 I love the way he looks at the other guy
Pissjugable I am obsessed with that part. It’s almost like a real moment and not planned
That “other guy” is one of the best guitarists in LA, Emmett Kelly. He founded the project, The Cairo Gang. Also plays guitar with Ty Segall’s Freedom Band (along with the guy on the far left of the three walking singers, keyboard player Ben Boye). This foursome (including Angel Olsen) are seriously a gift to this earth. Insanely talented and soulful beings.
A magic song - works "funny" and "sad"! Sensational!
I lost my playlist when I switched accounts two years ago, but I thought I'd gotten most of it back on the new account. This morning I'm watching an interview with "Stephen Wilson Jr." and he just mentions the name "Billy". The picture of Bonnie "Prince" Billy with a face full of flour or pancake makup or whatever it is popped into my head and I said, man, when is the last time he came up on my playlist? I somehow forgot to add him back despite a bunch of these songs being on repeat through the pandemic? How could I have missed these?
Love this song so much! ❤
Essa música é boa em qualquer versão. Essa não tem a carga dramática incrível que o Mr. Cash pôs, mas tem um humor, uma leveza de quem vê as coisas por um viés mais descolado, despropositado. Valeu Mr. Cash por ter me apresentado mais essa composição e mais um artista bacana. Que o senhor esteja em bom lugar.
The live version on KEXP really hits hard, but I'm glad he did this version too - the song works for both moods.
I was so depressed....suicidal like.....now im just watching this video.....thanks Bonnie
Pull the smiles inside mate... Life is short anyways!
wtf
Ah so you see a darkness too. I do too. It's all right though
How ya doing Paul? Be well!
I honestly relate more to this than to anything other. Youre not alone. I think we all see a little bit darkness...
Beautiful. Just Beautiful... Thanks
I think this is the first song that I know that to me to managed to combine the dark and upbeat (or the other way around, a seemingly "happy" lyrics with melancholic melody, like Lou Reed's Perfect day) in a way that seems completely natural to me.
It's not just juxtaposition simply for the sake of "somethng's not right here", it's a combination the way it appears just in the real life. Someone else said it here, your life can be generally happy and you can still have a large gaping hole inside. Like the song says, we've been drinking countless times, but despite my happy demeanor and love for everyone around me, have you ever noticed something's killing me?
It's both. The darkness leaks out sometimes, but you want to live and be happy and everyone else to be happy. Perhaps it's because the song sings both about the mostly hidden darkness and love and hope and doesn't rely only on "happy melody, sad text". The lyrics is about seeing the good and the bad in life.
As an Australian,I see this as beautiful song that makes me feel better every time I hear it.
no angel olsen mentions in the comments? i weirdly just discovered this version and her presence was a welcomed second surprise.
ok so that was her?! thats awesome!
So many musical journeys lead me back to Angel Olsen. Thanks Will!
I thought that too. Pretty sure it is her....
yeah, like 4 years ago
she used to play and sing on will's band at the time.
I keep coming back to this. So much so that youtube has it set to play for me. Thanks to all involved.
This is my favourite version of this track.
Jesse -- i am becoming kinda obsessed with this one too .. the background singing (youtube "Angel Olsen") .. and the sentimental, hypnotic voice of Bonnie.
Mike Schneider I did not realize that was Angel Olsen lol
Brilliant in every way but very true !!
I was sad and I can't tell whether this song made me sadder or helped.
+Sander L No matter. I've just fallen in love with this guy and his smile in 2:14
+Sander L It kinda creeped me out
Wow that sums this song up so well
@@gabrielbrennan4149 Hehe, I think this kind of songs are mostly helpfull, because they give validation. To me it's like being understood implicitely by some random stranger who just so happens to have found the word I couldn't, so i am not alone, and sometimes, that is all that matters -- some sense of belonging, even if you otherwise know nothing about each other.
What really matters: You're not alone.
Some 25 years ago I promoted a lot of shows in a quite small town in Bavaria, Germany cos there was quite a vivid cool music scene at that time. Including artists like Poison Idea, Moe Tucker, Giant Sand, Kramer, Alice Donut, Helmet, Tortoise…you see, quite eclectic style. But one gig I remember very often was by Will Oldham cos he was such a beautiful and friendly person you won‘t meet very often. One of my heroes!
I cannot find this version of the song in Spotify. Whyyyy??
Only clowns use Spotify 😂
I love this version and I also love the original version. The original is the one you listened to while depressed and lonesome while this is the version you listen to while you're confident and happy.
The best version.
this is a song that brings hope when things seem shit a beautiful weapon for me and those i love xxx
''This isnt all i see'' thats where it hits me (See that smile from Bonnie?).For me this is the best version, complex and giving you mixed emotions and this contrast in this song is making it a real beauty. It might make you cry and/or give you a shining smile at the same time. Let me write 'ART' here...
Awesome song, love that angel's on this too
still smashes my heart every time ,this one is for the ones lucky enough to have mates in a world cold an for the lonely ,a friend is waiting for you to have a beer that u never even met,to neil an mo!
❤️ I like you ❤️
@@anima6035 massive love xbless
I love this man's music. Thank you for existing.. And Scout too. Brilliant! I sell them everywhere I can.
I love listening to all three of them, in chronological order, love it
I just heard this song for the first time in my life and I don’t want to hear another song as long as I live
I like this version even more than the original. Somehow the lighter arrangement makes everything about the song seem more ambiguous. It just has an amazing happy/sad vibe to it now which I love. And the video is just ......well I'm speechless. Job very well done all round.
You wrote this ten years ago, you should listen to it today!
beautiful
I fucking love this man
just love for this guy.
The original version is classic, but I love this one! It's such a fun rendition of a bittersweet song.
Okay, these lyrics are great.
right? actually incredible. I've definitely been out drinking and spilled out those dark thoughts along with my assertions that we can't give up "will to live I won't let go"
I love this version of the song. I don't think it in any way trivializes the powerful content of the lyrics. If anything the contrast highlights it. It's a wonderful balance of mournful and hopeful.
the smile is the bit i love.thanks.
Glasgow, whey!!
One off my favorite vid/song combo's. BPB is a master artist of the subtle lifts and troughs of the human psyche
That suit + that walk = why life is worth living.
Absolutely superb!!!
Is that Angel Olson singing backing vocals? Her track "Sister" is wonderful!
MightyCondorman it is indeed, if you enjoyed Sister I highly recommend you look up her live performance of Creator Destroyer
i think she would've been about 15 here so probably not
Yes she is. She's also in the video
Wonderful Tune!!
Lyrics:
Well you're my friend
(It's what you told me)
And can you see
(What's inside of me)
Many times
We've been out drinking
And many times
We've shared our thoughts
But did you ever, ever notice
The kind of thoughts I got
Well you know I have a love
A love for everyone I know
And you know I have a drive
To live I won't let go
But can you see it's opposition
Comes a-rising up sometimes
That it's dreadful and position
Comes blacking in my mind
And that I see a darkness
And that I see a darkness
And that I see a darkness
And that I see a darkness
And did you know how much I love you
Is a hope that somehow you you
Can save me from this darkness
Well I hope that someday, buddy
We have peace in our lives
Together or apart
Alone or with our wives
That we can stop our whoring
And pull the smiles inside
And light it up forever
And never go to sleep
My best unbeaten brother
This isn't all I see
Oh no I see a darkness
Oh no I see a darkness
Oh no I see a darkness
Oh no I see a darkness
And did you know how much I love you
Is a hope that somehow you you
Can save me from this darkness
Superb
A typical lazy copy and paste that doesn't match the song
BLOODY AMAZING !
a song that never grows old. Play it when you're born, play it on your birthday, play it if you get married, have kids, your parents ,brothers ,sisters , lovers die. Play it when you die. And I hope at least one person dances. Not out of mischief, but because of the glory of this song
Every time I come back here I have to listen to this several times in a row.
This is such a goddamn beautiful song. I've had it on repeat ever since David Chang used some of the lyrics to memorialize Anthony Bourdain. I love it. I need to listen to more of Bonnie "Prince" Billy. Only just now became exposed, ironically because of the most awful circumstance...
every time i learn something new about david chang, i love him more
I love this
not on spotify
=(
It's better that way.
Blown away !
Anyone know if this is on Spotify? Can’t find it
Best cover I seen love that guy love them all love the cover love the band
I had no idea Mr. Noodle was capable of such emotional depth
hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!
MAGNIFIQUE
Wee Bonnie Prince! I can't stop moving my feet and smiling listening to this version. Love the shots of the west end of Glasgow.
Beautiful.
Wow, that was different. I've only heard the album version before.
Loved version!
I love how the lyrics are these emotionally devastating lines, and the visuals is just will dancing like a massive goofball.
I found this version first, and this one strikes me as the "original." I know it isn't, but every time I listen to the slower version I feel like it's a stripped down coffee house cover, and this one is the true version, the blood-pumping full-band experience. This is the song/video that turned me on to Bonnie 'Prince' Billy. I think he has a really good sense of how to keep his music relevant. It doesn't matter how the song sounded before, because what matters is how it sounds right now. He is always thinking about how he can keep his music relatable and accessible for today's audience, while still having fun making music the way he wants to.