The man is a genius. He has the rare talent to put on paper (and set to music) our most private thoughts and gut wrenching emotions. I know, I was widowed after 30 years of marriage. This song tears me up every single time I hear it, but I listen because the truth he sings is that powerful.
Matt Bennett I’m so sorry for your loss. This is such a beautiful song. He’s the greatest American singer/songwriter today. Your description of him and his music is %100 right
Shawn Pistey Thank you for your kind words. I discovered Jason Isbell after my wife passed away. So many of his songs have touched me, Vampires in particular.
This song has been, and continues to be instrumental on my journey after I became a widow. Jason got it. I wish my husband and I had heard this song before he passed. We might have worked a little harder until the end of the shift. I still have co-travelers on this journey. I will love a little harder and with a lot more intention. Thank you Jason.
So glad to hear he couldn't play it without crying! I had to learn to play it so I could even listen to it without breaking down. Just a brilliant song.
Its so cool to hear Jason Isbell talk about how he knew what he had. For someone with such a prolific career, its awesome that he knew right away this one was special.
I'm so thankful that he doesn't nonchalantly shrug off creating a song and that he unashamedly shares his joy about it. I feel like so many artists, when they're asked about their songwriting process, just balk at it. "Oh that thing? Yeah I dunno, just was sorta messing around and the pieces fell in place." But Jason was like "Hey! I made this! I like it and I'm so excited!"That's really cool.
Yo, him saying "even if it is the cat" and crying while singing man. I can't describe the feeling of writing a good song man you freak out. Thanks for this song because the world is better with it.
Been with my husband 22years. This song hits the heart , it’s so deep. I think the people who are truly in love, maybe they found their soulmate kinda love, will really feel this song the most. Thank you for such a beautiful song😘
Jason Isbell seems like a great guy. Very inspiring. Actually when he sings ‘hope it isn’t me that’s left behind’ seems to be tearing up on the recorded version. Lovely song.
Jason is such a thoughtful, honest, sincere, and down to earth man and musician. I am just getting to know his music, and am impressed with each new song I hear. When I read that he is a big fan of Neil Young, I liked him even more.
This guy was not on my map before this. Thank you for the exposure. He's got an amazingly concise view on shit. If only we weren't so bored all the time . . .
e g Jason is an amazing songwriter. His album Southereastern is pure gold and before then he was in Drive By Truckers. Check out Decoration Day, Elephant, and children of children to name a few of my favorites of his.
Instant gratification. It is one of the best feelellings in finish work. If you frame houses you can be proud of your work, but you will never see the finished work. That is one of the reasons I loved doing remodels. When your done, you see the finished product. You see the things many people have put so much work into. It's a feeling many never get.
Heard this song on an episode of the show ‘Instinct.’ I just lost my husband of 42 years and it was if he were singing to me. I’m the one who has to spend some days alone.
He has a way of finding the unsettling heart of the matter in his music. I hope it may help those around you to see what is true and what matters, and I hope you don’t feel alone after losing part of who you are. Best wishes from a random guy who can’t sleep :)
This is, in my opinion, Jason Isbell's best song. To me, it is the most brutally beautiful love song ever written. Or, at the least, its tied with Benjamin Todds' End With You. Which is alsona brutally beautiful love song - and if you've never heard it, do yourself a favor and go check it out. It's a heartwreching song in the same vein as If We Were Vampires.
I love this guy. He’s modest but not falsely modest. It’s a heartbreakingly wonderful song and he’d have looked like a right twat if he’d pretended otherwise.
Every time I hear this song I think of Bertrand Russell saying: "Happiness is nonetheless true happiness because it must come to an end, nor do thought and love lose their value because they are not ever lasting."
when my wife passed away from Cystic Fibrosis complications, I sat with this song many many times. We only got 20 some years, she was diagnosed at 3 with a prognosis she wouldn't survive her teens. We met at 20, fell in at 25, married 4 years later, nearly 16 years of marriage. This and 'Elephant'
This guy is so fucking talented. For a lot of performers, just writing a truly great song might be enough. Or just performing it with flourish and style. Or just arranging it. But Jason Isbell does all three, plus probably acts as band leader too. And he is a devoted and faithful husband to a strikingly beautiful and talented performer: the lovely Amanda Shires. Some guys get all the breaks.
It took me two weeks befor I could play it without crying. Still can't play it directly to her. I covered it on my channel though. Great song. Powerful lyrics.
Mr Isbell how do you get around writing a new song you love and doing a quick demo video maybe and when oooo you show it to your friends on social media and no one likes it? haha happens all the time to me so so sad:( aaaaah I just sing it at open mic anyway!.....love your songs.....:)
"...well this is it, this is all we get, this time on Earth, and then, that's it. We don't know what's next, if anything." It's so refreshing not to have to hear the arrogant and nonsensical Christian perspective.
It's up there with the greatest love song's ever written.
The man is a genius. He has the rare talent to put on paper (and set to music) our most private thoughts and gut wrenching emotions. I know, I was widowed after 30 years of marriage. This song tears me up every single time I hear it, but I listen because the truth he sings is that powerful.
Matt Bennett I’m so sorry for your loss. This is such a beautiful song. He’s the greatest American singer/songwriter today. Your description of him and his music is %100 right
Shawn Pistey Thank you for your kind words. I discovered Jason Isbell after my wife passed away. So many of his songs have touched me, Vampires in particular.
I was widowed after 40 years together. Matt, you are right, this truth is powerful.
Shawn Pistey If you haven’t already, listen to Gregory Alan Isakov. He’s another songwriter who’s a brilliant lyricist.
This song has been, and continues to be instrumental on my journey after I became a widow. Jason got it. I wish my husband and I had heard this song before he passed. We might have worked a little harder until the end of the shift. I still have co-travelers on this journey. I will love a little harder and with a lot more intention. Thank you Jason.
So glad to hear he couldn't play it without crying! I had to learn to play it so I could even listen to it without breaking down. Just a brilliant song.
Its so cool to hear Jason Isbell talk about how he knew what he had. For someone with such a prolific career, its awesome that he knew right away this one was special.
Wow. This song kills me every time I hear it, but to listen to Jason talk about its origins makes it even more powerful. Thanks.
Thelegendhaha I just love hearing the man speak😂
I'm so thankful that he doesn't nonchalantly shrug off creating a song and that he unashamedly shares his joy about it. I feel like so many artists, when they're asked about their songwriting process, just balk at it. "Oh that thing? Yeah I dunno, just was sorta messing around and the pieces fell in place." But Jason was like "Hey! I made this! I like it and I'm so excited!"That's really cool.
Yo, him saying "even if it is the cat" and crying while singing man. I can't describe the feeling of writing a good song man you freak out. Thanks for this song because the world is better with it.
This is the most beautiful song I've heard in a long, long time. Hits me in a place I cannot describe and wish I still could.
Been with my husband 22years. This song hits the heart , it’s so deep. I think the people who are truly in love, maybe they found their soulmate kinda love, will really feel this song the most. Thank you for such a beautiful song😘
Jason Isbell seems like a great guy. Very inspiring. Actually when he sings ‘hope it isn’t me that’s left behind’ seems to be tearing up on the recorded version. Lovely song.
I’ve noticed that part too where his voice breaks. Making that particular recording that much better. Reminds me of Conor Oberst’s style of singing.
Other versions of this song say “Hoping it’s me that’s left behind “
Jason is such a thoughtful, honest, sincere, and down to earth man and musician. I am just getting to know his music, and am impressed with each new song I hear. When I read that he is a big fan of Neil Young, I liked him even more.
Songwriting genius. I agree with all those who have said it. I love his work.
This guy was not on my map before this. Thank you for the exposure. He's got an amazingly concise view on shit. If only we weren't so bored all the time . . .
e g Jason is an amazing songwriter. His album Southereastern is pure gold and before then he was in Drive By Truckers. Check out Decoration Day, Elephant, and children of children to name a few of my favorites of his.
bacmrl I’ve seen Him twice in concert and I love him😂😍
i never would have imagined "like a dog with a dead animal" would be a super positive reflection on songwriting but here we are
Instant gratification. It is one of the best feelellings in finish work. If you frame houses you can be proud of your work, but you will never see the finished work. That is one of the reasons I loved doing remodels. When your done, you see the finished product. You see the things many people have put so much work into. It's a feeling many never get.
Heard this song on an episode of the show ‘Instinct.’ I just lost my husband of 42 years and it was if he were singing to me. I’m the one who has to spend some days alone.
He has a way of finding the unsettling heart of the matter in his music. I hope it may help those around you to see what is true and what matters, and I hope you don’t feel alone after losing part of who you are. Best wishes from a random guy who can’t sleep :)
This is, in my opinion, Jason Isbell's best song. To me, it is the most brutally beautiful love song ever written. Or, at the least, its tied with Benjamin Todds' End With You. Which is alsona brutally beautiful love song - and if you've never heard it, do yourself a favor and go check it out. It's a heartwreching song in the same vein as If We Were Vampires.
I love this guy. He’s modest but not falsely modest. It’s a heartbreakingly wonderful song and he’d have looked like a right twat if he’d pretended otherwise.
Every time I hear this song I think of Bertrand Russell saying: "Happiness is nonetheless true happiness because it must come to an end, nor do thought and love lose their value because they are not ever lasting."
zachary Ruffner I might have to read me some Bertrand Russell.
“I killed this bird... and I want you to have it.” 😂😂😂. Yep. What finishing a good song feels like. 😂😂❤️ nailed it.
That man has perspective, love his work ❤️
Jason, it made me cry too. It is soo true. The message is so clear buddy.
This song makes me tear up every time...
when my wife passed away from Cystic Fibrosis complications, I sat with this song many many times. We only got 20 some years, she was diagnosed at 3 with a prognosis she wouldn't survive her teens. We met at 20, fell in at 25, married 4 years later, nearly 16 years of marriage. This and 'Elephant'
AUTHENTIC
‘A love song to death itself’...wow.
Stott, I actually was thinking to myself, I know I'd cry playing this. Now I feel normal knowing I am not alone. Wow. What an artist. What a tune.
This guy. Just incredible
Jason Isbell fucking rules in every way imaginable.
I have never been in a relationship like the one the song describes but every time I hear it I get kinda emotional
I fucking love this man.
So good
What an amazing man.
Getting insight on his thoughts of this beautiful piece of music is just great. Thank you so much!
This guy is so fucking talented. For a lot of performers, just writing a truly great song might be enough. Or just performing it with flourish and style. Or just arranging it. But Jason Isbell does all three, plus probably acts as band leader too. And he is a devoted and faithful husband to a strikingly beautiful and talented performer: the lovely Amanda Shires. Some guys get all the breaks.
My God what he had to go through to get there…..Many would only be a puddle not an ocean of talent.
It took me two weeks befor I could play it without crying. Still can't play it directly to her. I covered it on my channel though. Great song. Powerful lyrics.
That is great song writing to say the least😮😮
Love your show concept and presentation. Bravo.
A modern American icon.
From Alabama, the state the whole country loves to hate.
Favorite track on the new record
I like this interviewer.
What an interview! Beautiful insight and I take the same approach to my writing/life.
I’ve tried to cover this song and I swear I can’t understand how he can play it without tearing up
Jason could make macaroni sculptures that make you cry.
You said it.
Thank you for the dead bird, we got a lot of use for it
You’re the man. This is great (thank you)
Part two because everyone had to mop up their eyes in the break.
I've wondered how singers can sing sad songs with all of that feeling and not get choked up; especially if they wrote it.
Its ironic people say. I love you forever.
Mr Isbell how do you get around writing a new song you love and doing a quick demo video maybe and when oooo you show it to your friends on social media and no one likes it? haha happens all the time to me so so sad:( aaaaah I just sing it at open mic anyway!.....love your songs.....:)
I’d pay a lot to chat with Jason
Walker Jason Rodriguez Maria Garcia George
Love skinny Louie Anderson.
"...well this is it, this is all we get, this time on Earth, and then, that's it. We don't know what's next, if anything." It's so refreshing not to have to hear the arrogant and nonsensical Christian perspective.