Bonnie "Prince" Billy - I See A Darkness (Live on KEXP)

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  • Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
  • Bonnie "Prince" Billy performs "I See A Darkness" live in the KEXP studio. Recorded on June 13, 2012.
    Host: DJ El Toro
    Audio Engineer: Jackson Long
    Cameras: Jim Beckmann & Scott Holpainen
    Editing: Jim Beckmann
    www.kexp.org/
    www.bonnieprinc...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 351

  • @malcolmlee2561
    @malcolmlee2561 6 років тому +789

    Was a time I was homeless and the only thing I had was my MP3 player and this album, still remember being in a bush to these words

    • @sineadconran4964
      @sineadconran4964 6 років тому +25

      Love from Eire, keep up the fight

    • @MrMarioGaio
      @MrMarioGaio 6 років тому +25

      A big hug from Italy, bro

    • @justwinfelipe6495
      @justwinfelipe6495 5 років тому +3

    • @StreetShots79
      @StreetShots79 5 років тому +26

      Jesus that's a great story. Hope you came through that rough patch. I was on a bus in Ireland heading into the country, thousands of miles from home and I was listening to this and tears flowed. Not a sadness but a special moment of awareness.

    • @justwinfelipe6495
      @justwinfelipe6495 5 років тому +14

      @@StreetShots79 Seems like a lot of us have felt this song in our core.
      The up beat version of it, is also as moving:)

  • @andrewwabik5125
    @andrewwabik5125 Рік тому +36

    Usually this sort of soul is in a body that’s beaten itself into oblivion. Luckily, this man is very much still with us. Very thankful.

  • @wulyf4lyf
    @wulyf4lyf 5 років тому +165

    Such an incredibly weird, raw , brilliant performance. From the flat, sound of his guitar to the way he delivers the vocals in such a weird timing, he just seems completely in the moment, and it’s absolutely haunting and perfect.Dude is definitely one of a kind.

    • @neliz2k
      @neliz2k 3 роки тому +4

      This version is closer to Johnny Cash' cover than his original, as if it was a tribute to Cash

    • @GaetanGMusic
      @GaetanGMusic 2 роки тому +3

      Have you ever heard Damien Rice, I guess you'd appreciate.

    • @Scoupe400
      @Scoupe400 2 роки тому

      Definitely a J Cash cover. Really nice similarity to the original.

    • @danieljpars
      @danieljpars Рік тому +3

      @@Scoupe400 Not a Cash Cover. Cash covered his song, not the other way around

    • @mediagorillaproduction9128
      @mediagorillaproduction9128 Рік тому

      This version is horrible. Cash did it much better. Here is to much crying

  • @MrTearyOne
    @MrTearyOne Рік тому +26

    I've listened to probably half a dozen versions of this, and I just love that every version has a completely different feel. That's how you know Oldham is a true artist: he doesn't just sing the 'song' - he sings what's in his soul at any given time!

    • @omg143143
      @omg143143 8 місяців тому

      you put into words what I couldn't. what a song and what a performer.

  • @hilarymcmahon6901
    @hilarymcmahon6901 4 роки тому +41

    probably the most important song i have ever heard. and he plays it so well. not alot of people sing about our darkness. and the joy that eludes us ... thank you Mr Prince .. cause you have saved us from some darkness

    • @serkanozfidan1140
      @serkanozfidan1140 3 роки тому

      Youre right.We live in darkness somehow but thats why we have the light(Like this song).

    • @jcmangan
      @jcmangan 6 днів тому

      Please give a listen to Crossriads by Calvin Russell

  • @fraserbailey6347
    @fraserbailey6347 2 роки тому +10

    Probably the best song to be written in the last 30 years.

  • @omg143143
    @omg143143 8 місяців тому +8

    I don't know that any song or performance has ever moved me this much. A song I've listened to hundreds of times and still it fills me with melancholy, nostalgia, happiness, loss, hope, regret, love and sadness, all at the same time.

  • @eccentricexploringape1246
    @eccentricexploringape1246 5 років тому +37

    One of the best songs ever written

  • @182roadwarrior
    @182roadwarrior 5 років тому +54

    A few years back I lost a buddy to suicide. Every time I listen to this song, it reminds me of our last few conversations. He had a beautiful soul.

    • @SJDurrant
      @SJDurrant Рік тому +2

      Responding four years on but same situation. Reminds me of my late friend who got me into Bonnie Prince Billy (as well as other great music) and sadly took his own life back in 2009. I find this song terribly sad and comforting at the same time.

    • @spookymyers2919
      @spookymyers2919 Рік тому +1

      I curated the playlist for background music for my dad’s visitation. I put Johnny Cash’s cover of this song - they’re both beautiful and amazing but JC fit my soul when putting it together. He died by suicide.

    • @sebastianwaukazoo104
      @sebastianwaukazoo104 8 місяців тому +1

      Yeah lost my best bud 6yrs ago the same way fuckn tragic :/ but songs like these remind me of him and the beauty that was his existence

  • @DaunHijauku
    @DaunHijauku 9 років тому +117

    I like every version and style of this song. Billy is the best

  • @fortiesukmusic
    @fortiesukmusic 4 роки тому +28

    Will Oldham's voice is timeless. It aches so much.

  • @jnananinja7436
    @jnananinja7436 4 роки тому +14

    This guys music changed my life

  • @jokerman0000
    @jokerman0000 7 років тому +30

    There is something so very haunting about this song. A strange beauty.

  • @JasonLankow
    @JasonLankow Рік тому +3

    This song is so powerful. Every version takes on a different dimension. It’s like the winding journey of a lifetime in one song, the dreams and the downfall and deep friendship’s role in getting through it all.

  • @Ngwmusic
    @Ngwmusic 11 років тому +48

    this song is so haunting, one of the best ever written.

  • @Mil-Homens
    @Mil-Homens 8 років тому +60

    A few years ago, I heard johnny cash's version and it just hit me in the heart. 2 days ago, after years without listen to it, the music appeared in my feed, so I thought about looking up the original. Been listening to his stuff every since then. Just pure poetry.

  • @dont_talk2me
    @dont_talk2me 12 років тому +23

    It might sound weird but my eyes teared up half way through the song, just looking at this genius perform, not because I am sad or depressed but just the pure pleasure of music and darkness.

  • @justaces75
    @justaces75 4 місяці тому +2

    This is absolute perfection.

  • @danielswaim5566
    @danielswaim5566 11 років тому +29

    This song makes me cry inside for my passed brother-in-law (and best friend).

  • @thomaskleiszmantatis28
    @thomaskleiszmantatis28 3 роки тому +3

    Danke für diese wundervolle Musik! Danke fürs Hochladen!

  • @natejurgensen
    @natejurgensen 5 років тому +10

    Over all the years I always come back to this version.

  • @coconuts4596
    @coconuts4596 4 роки тому +28

    I am so lonely. I am the darkness that only Sweet Bonnie can see.

    • @hilarymcmahon6901
      @hilarymcmahon6901 3 роки тому +5

      well you have all of us who share the darkness :) feel better

  • @benvanwessel1984
    @benvanwessel1984 Рік тому +2

    bloody hell it's even more tearjerking like this, beautifull

  • @megan12314_
    @megan12314_ 4 місяці тому +1

    My favourite song of all time, Richy this one is for you rest in peace my friend ❤x

  • @drudow
    @drudow 12 років тому +12

    This is one of the most powerful songs I have heard. I was pleasantly surprised to hear Cash cover this song, with his own signature sound imposed on it.

  • @TheLeotLion
    @TheLeotLion 4 роки тому +2

    I am SO 9 years behind the times, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy.... Absolutely fantastic !!

    • @itsverynice
      @itsverynice 3 роки тому +1

      timeless :) and yes, magical

  • @purplmnTTns
    @purplmnTTns Рік тому +1

    weeping over here ... poetic bonnie prince billy performance

  • @dilligaf1009
    @dilligaf1009 3 роки тому

    Holy shit, after this ad I get to see this in person? Thank you God.

  • @humbertofrancelino1562
    @humbertofrancelino1562 6 місяців тому +1

    Muito impactante são as palavras e esta versão de Bonnie Prince Billy. Não há como ouví-las sem chorar. Saudações do Brasil.

  • @dalereed2014
    @dalereed2014 8 років тому +37

    This song helped me more than most of you can imagine. Thank God for this great band.

  • @alexj89
    @alexj89 12 років тому +10

    I love how he can take his song that I'm sure he's performed many, many times over the years and always make it new and interesting. One of a kind. God bless Will Oldham, and all those who sail with him.

  • @lalala65628
    @lalala65628 12 років тому +14

    im pretty sure the interviewer has tears in eyes at the end of this song. i know i do. everytime i hear it.

  • @darktowersl
    @darktowersl 12 років тому +13

    enigma. nothing less.
    thank you KEXP. for this and so many others

  • @albertopimenta3560
    @albertopimenta3560 Рік тому +3

    A clareza da voz, o despojamento e a simplicidade torna esta música perfeita.
    É impossível pedir mais.
    Espero que um dia consigamos Ultrapassar a escuridão e sentir a luz para realmente iluminar o nosso caminho e darmos um sentido a cada dia.

  • @mattjohnson6227
    @mattjohnson6227 2 роки тому +5

    So much emotion in his voice.

  • @mikigiacomelli2870
    @mikigiacomelli2870 11 місяців тому

    This Song is extremly beautiful

  • @mbu09a
    @mbu09a 11 років тому +22

    I love how the DJ is crying at the end of this. This song is just beautiful

  • @mjf8897
    @mjf8897 4 роки тому +5

    this might be the peak version of this song.
    wish I could buy this on bandcamp or something - I just bought this song twice on there
    I need this version

    • @premadonna
      @premadonna 7 місяців тому

      Same. Every time I want to listen I have to open UA-cam. Best version!

  • @magpiemediaoz
    @magpiemediaoz 5 років тому +13

    Makes my heart sing. Is this guy a genius or what?

    • @aaa0780
      @aaa0780 5 років тому +2

      Al Harris He is

  • @cardiffunplugged7304
    @cardiffunplugged7304 10 років тому +14

    This is brilliant in so many ways. Love the work by KEXP on the video and love Bonnie Prince Billy's performance, so much honesty in that man's voice.

  • @mortalflower1
    @mortalflower1 7 років тому +5

    Wow! What a courageous song!

  • @ramborocky4027
    @ramborocky4027 4 роки тому +5

    Absolutely beautiful.

  • @mrpunch9842
    @mrpunch9842 10 років тому +6

    Stille untouched as the very best and most honest song in recent years. Bonnie knows.

  • @letmegoletmego
    @letmegoletmego 7 місяців тому +4

    I used to think I was singing this song. I realise now he was singing this song for me. I've missed the fucking bus.

  • @epicrapbattlesofherstory
    @epicrapbattlesofherstory 10 років тому +79

    You gotta love this weird bastard. That was a tasty performance, as always.

    • @andyking7621
      @andyking7621 4 місяці тому

      my favourite comment ... my take on these matters

  • @eriktiedgen9442
    @eriktiedgen9442 3 роки тому +4

    This guy is a genius. Period

  • @darktowersl
    @darktowersl 12 років тому +4

    those lights. those eyes. those nails.
    did anyone else think the shade of nail polish added to this video experience?
    the shade is so serene and cloud like, peaceful.

  • @saintmartinez6512
    @saintmartinez6512 9 років тому +4

    wow... this a beautiful song...

  • @Ben_Mdws
    @Ben_Mdws 8 років тому +34

    Dude never blinks.

    • @marcjacobs5988
      @marcjacobs5988 5 років тому +2

      That's because he's in a certain space, like Osho; Look up some Osho videos as well.

  • @-elijahriggs-
    @-elijahriggs- Рік тому

    i’m seeing him tomorrow. been hoping to for years.

  • @laureknowles5452
    @laureknowles5452 Рік тому

    Such a brilliant talent. So admire him!

  • @paulopipouf
    @paulopipouf 9 років тому +2

    this Bonnie's (not Tyler) live on KEXP is just perfect, so touching !.. moment of amazing grace.. whipped and this one are so good on it !
    this live show "KEXP" is a great place given to music ! !

  • @jannesalokoski5427
    @jannesalokoski5427 5 років тому +4

    I love both this version and Johnnys. Both have their amount of real feelings. Personally the uptempo version with Bonnie is best!!!

  • @ZachByrd
    @ZachByrd 7 років тому +5

    There are about 20 live performances I've found on youtube over the years that I come back to at least once a month. This is a weekly pit stop.

  • @obourneo
    @obourneo 9 років тому +72

    It hurts my eyes at the end to see a beardless man after such glory

  • @studman575
    @studman575 5 років тому +1

    Great version!

  • @Burning_.
    @Burning_. 2 роки тому +3

    Un tema brutal en manos de Bonnie, que gran voz tiene este hombre.

  • @karlclarke
    @karlclarke 8 років тому +10

    pure genius this song

  • @reggiepollock4669
    @reggiepollock4669 7 років тому +39

    Always gonna appreciate a dude who can rock a beard and nail polish

  • @minusv.singhs
    @minusv.singhs 12 років тому +3

    So much soul...that was beautiful :')

  • @MatthewNewman-f9c
    @MatthewNewman-f9c 10 місяців тому

    U can hear the pain in this mans voice
    In my opion thise are the best kinds of songs cuz hes not just singing hes spilling his heart and soul crying out for help

  • @Jobby1975
    @Jobby1975 3 роки тому

    Have a Like, nine years later. Incredible.

  • @horsezanthus5040
    @horsezanthus5040 Рік тому

    Hands down, the best 4 and a half minutes I’ve ever wasted.

  • @idleuwi
    @idleuwi Рік тому

    If this doesn't move you, you don't like music, Will sings so purely from the heart.

  • @onyachamp
    @onyachamp 3 роки тому +4

    It's a story of two mates.
    One going through tough times and the other growing a massive, all encompassing eyebrow hair.

  • @naranara1690
    @naranara1690 Рік тому +1

    4:06 pierced me through the heart

  • @MarkofThorn
    @MarkofThorn 11 років тому +16

    I feel like this everyday.

  • @andyampersand
    @andyampersand 11 років тому +4

    What a great songwriter. Viva Will Oldham's blues!

  • @UndecidedAdrian
    @UndecidedAdrian 3 роки тому

    This is the best thing in the world

  • @charfrenchman5222
    @charfrenchman5222 4 роки тому

    Saw 'Palace' advertised in an off beat newspaper when I lived in Minneapolis. I'll be damned: Will Oldham at The Entry. The room was packed and not a peep. Everyone was mesmerized.

  • @MmmKayHuuNay
    @MmmKayHuuNay 6 років тому +1

    Gorgeous guitar case.

  • @supplechap5429
    @supplechap5429 6 років тому +18

    I love that his nails are painted.

  • @altamir____
    @altamir____ Місяць тому

    SO RAW!

  • @notchairmk
    @notchairmk 12 років тому +3

    Love Will Oldham so much, especially the fact that he doesn't need a mic screen.....

  • @joebaxter6811
    @joebaxter6811 12 років тому +5

    What a superb artist. People like J.J. Cale do a less is more trick. Will does less is much more. A one of.

    • @crescentfreshbret
      @crescentfreshbret 5 років тому

      His Palace Brothers album, Days In the Wake, is pretty much the definition of “less is much more.” 90% of it just Will and his acoustic guitar, playing the most rudimentary chords and recorded with no polish whatsoever, and it’s one of the most powerful albums I’ve ever heard.

  • @thewaytruthlife1230
    @thewaytruthlife1230 3 роки тому

    Nothing short of powerful.
    PEACE.

  • @lopezlatino
    @lopezlatino 5 років тому +3

    I discovered this song because of Rosalia's cover (I'm Spanish, what did you expect?), but thank God, this is magic

  • @justwinfelipe6495
    @justwinfelipe6495 5 років тому +1

    Beautiful

  • @karlclarke
    @karlclarke 11 років тому +3

    bonnie prince billy smashed it big time respect to him

  • @jamesdoolan8040
    @jamesdoolan8040 5 років тому +6

    This song is so well written. In order to write something like this, he must have done some serious soul searching and been in some really dark places.

  • @betterthancrabpeople
    @betterthancrabpeople 3 місяці тому +1

    Ita the best cash cover ive everheard! Its like staring into Johnnys soul!

    • @Ddth2
      @Ddth2 3 місяці тому +6

      This is not a cover, this is the original song. Johnny's song was the cover.

  • @MdV1989
    @MdV1989 8 місяців тому +1

    😢 this song

  • @williambeesley7677
    @williambeesley7677 2 роки тому

    There is no better performed song ever

  • @colinmcghee8730
    @colinmcghee8730 3 роки тому

    Will did the video for this in Glasgow, just a few miles from me, and it's stunning....but I prefer this.

  • @jeetjewee
    @jeetjewee 2 роки тому

    Best song ever!

  • @talltree42
    @talltree42 12 років тому +1

    hes a true legend.

  • @justinlove7036
    @justinlove7036 6 років тому +1

    Awesome real music!

  • @danjonesdj
    @danjonesdj 2 роки тому +1

    Did you know how much I love you
    is a hope
    that somehow you
    would save me from this darkness

  • @lagouni
    @lagouni 2 роки тому +1

    LYRICS
    Well, you're my friend
    It's what you told me
    But can you see what 's inside of me?
    Many times, we've been out drinking
    And many times we shared our thoughts
    But did you ever, ever notice
    The kind of thoughts I got?
    Cause you know I have a love
    For everyone I know
    And you've seen I have this drive
    To live, I won't let go
    But could you see its opposition
    As it comes rising up sometimes?
    Sure, you must see it
    Comes blacking in my mind?
    See, I see a darkness
    And I see a darkness
    I see a darkness I see a darkness
    Did you know how much I love you?
    Here's a hope that somehow you
    Will save me from this darkness
    Well, I hope someday, buddy
    We have peace in our lives
    Together or apart
    Alone or with our wives
    That we'll 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
    Did you know how much I love you
    Has been a hope that somehow you
    Would save me from this darkness

  • @senatorkennedy3450
    @senatorkennedy3450 5 років тому +2

    ...always transcends!

  • @MontyMunford
    @MontyMunford 11 років тому +72

    Unfuckingbelievably beautiful...

  • @folknblues1
    @folknblues1 5 років тому +1

    Genius.

  • @thebailey67
    @thebailey67 11 років тому +1

    magical.

  • @iainrobertson381
    @iainrobertson381 Рік тому

    Beautiful. That is all.

  • @rjpaws
    @rjpaws 8 років тому +1

    Nice version

  • @marcjacobs5988
    @marcjacobs5988 6 років тому +12

    Spiritual lyrics. Hooked on Will since the 90's, especially with ''Palace Songs' '' ''Werner's Last Blues To Blokbuster'' and the great ''Agnes, Queen Of Sorrow''; please check them out!

    • @supergirl0526
      @supergirl0526 3 роки тому +1

      Thank you. I've been trying to remember his album that I loved in the 90s and it's palace songs

  • @brilgandspowegg
    @brilgandspowegg 5 років тому +231

    Just once in my life I'd like to see Will Oldham struggling to eat soup.

  • @fabiovezzi4999
    @fabiovezzi4999 4 роки тому +3

    I heard only prog metal, death metal, thrash metal.
    And than i ask for myself: "Why I'm hearding this song?"
    "Simply because it's a masterpiece"

  • @jasonchastain9826
    @jasonchastain9826 10 років тому +4

    Matewan brought me here for this inspired performance.

  • @donnygong1
    @donnygong1 12 років тому +4

    Favorite version of a favorite song.
    Damn, I love that weido...