For sure I must have accidentally changed my subscription preferences on this channel cuz I never got a notification for this one but I'm stoked I just found it by happenstance! Ben is the best of the best! 👌
I’m so happy Ben cleaned himself up and is thriving vs surviving now. He’s born for this and just hands down one of the very best, most authentic artists to ever walk planet earth.
Didn't know that one, but like it! Great recording as per usual with everyone involved! Chords and lyrics below, have fun playing! Intro Am C D G / Am C G Verse 1,3 Am C / D G / Am C G / Am C / D G / Am C G Verse 2,4 Am C / D G / Am C G / Am C / D G / Am C D Chorus Em A7 / Em A7 / Em A7 / F C Am / G F C / C C/B Am / G F C / C C/B Am [Intro] [Verse 1] Spider John is my name, friends Between freights and I sure would be obliged If I could share your company I'm on my way to nowhere I've been running from my past Running from the things I used to be [Verse 2] And I know my words sound strange to you But if you wait till my song is sung and my story's told You might come to understand Why I'm old and bent and devil-spent And I'm running out of time When not long ago, boys, I held a royal flush in my hand [Chorus] Oh, I was a supermarket fool, I was a roll-the-bank, stool pigeon Robbing my hometown I thought I'd paid my dues, Lord I thought I'd lost my blues I thought I'd found the life to suit my style Spider John, the robber man Long, tall and handsome Spider John with the loaded hand Taking ransom [Verse 3] Then one day I met Diamond Lil She was the prettiest thing, I declare That the summer wind had ever blown my way Lily had no idea Of my illustrious occupation She thought I was a saint, not a sinner gone astray [Verse 4] Spider, he loved his Lily so much He could not confess his sins, for he knew if he did She'd surely take her leave But you know that the word got around and Lily left town And he never saw her again Tossing and turning, causing his heart to grieve [Chorus] And I was a supermarket fool, I was a roll-the-bank, stool pigeon Robbing my hometown I thought I'd paid my dues, Lord I thought I'd lost my blues I thought I'd found the life to suit my style Spider John, the robber man Long, tall and handsome Spider John with the loaded hand Taking ransom [Verse 5] That is all my story It's been at least thirty years since I took to the road To find my precious jewel one Oh and if you see my Lily Won't you give her my regards Tell her old Spider got tangled in the black web that he spun Just tell her that old Spider got tangled in the black web that he spun
He really takes a song and makes it his own. His covers often provoke something different inside even more than the original. This, the mountain, and even his cover of waiting around to die makes the hairs on your back of your neck stand up.
There is nothing worse than some musician taking a seminal song and making it wrong. Benjamin Tod has truly breathed new life into a brilliant piece of Americana. It's so refreshing to see an artist put his own stamp on a song, but to also honour the intentions of the songwriter. This man truly has a gift. I will be checking out more of his material. Thanks Mr. Tod.
You're the reason I found this song, someone recorded a video of Lost Dog playing this at a show a long time ago and I must've watched it a million times. I love this song. Thank you Ben for a beautiful cover.
A large part of me still being here today is because of this man. Thank you. Each day is a battle but your lyrics have changed my perspective at the bottom of some of the worst times.
Four or five years ago, I was going mad with stress and grief while caring for my wife on her journey with dementia. I was alone and although it was far too much and although I was vaguely aware it was killing me, I was unwilling to "give up" and find a place for her that could take better care of her. I was in terrible shape and failing to care for her in loving, devoted ways, as I so desperately wanted to. Then, one day I stumbled on the documentary Heartworn Highways, which introduced me to the spiritual grandparents of Benjamin Tod, and so many others in his cohort currently. Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Steve Earl, and lots of others are in it, and their music spoke to me as nothing had before. In exploring their music, I was led naturally to Benjamin and others, and without a doubt, it saved my life, discovering them all. As you say, it's still a battle inside me, but I have music that speaks directly to me, both present and past, and that is not only comforting, but it's also a handhold for me when I lose my bearings and feel like I'll go spinning off into space from the intensity of my physical/mental experiences. I'm so grateful. Peace, my friend. I wish you all good things.
When I saw the title, I thought it had to be an ode to Spider John Koerner. Having heard the song - well, it might be. Doesn't matter. It's an excellent song (IMO) and a great performance. Thanks for sharing.
Always putting out great songs between country and folk music. Always crafting a new Americana .The magic of the hobo and tramp still call us.Because rambling is freedom and freedom is human
As a 40 year old man who spent his life being essentially what is now known as an oogle and then in an act of desperation enlisting when he was 27. To now trying to convey why I feel weird shame about my past in conjunction with my upbringing. Anyway, I know the correlation inst direct but hearing this made my soul weep. Thank you, friend.
Sometime last year, late at night after watching an episode of a Western series on t.v., I unexpectedly began to talk out loud to myself. I had no idea what I was going to say, I just said it. "It isn't my shame, it's his." "How could I possibly have known?" "I couldn't know!" "He did it to me, it's his shame to carry!" And then, "I was undiagnosed, I didn't know. All my life, I didn't know." "I tried so hard, but I didn't know how, so no wonder I failed." "I thought I was someone I wasn't, how could I know?" "It wasn't my fault!" "I did my very best in my ignorance." "I tried! Every goddamn moment of every day, I tried!" "How could I know?" And as I continued, with more and more emphasis and force, I came to this soft, peaceful place inside where it all fell away. In that moment, I put aside my self-hatred, self-blame, judgment, and incredibly, the shame that along with the rest had filled every moment of every day and colored my entire perspective of myself and my place in the world. That self-hatred and shame and my absolute conviction that I was broken, were foundational aspects of my very Self. I never even considered what life might be like without them. It would have been like imagining life without breathing or my heart beating, they were so ingrained in me. I never thought I'd become an elephant either, it was that unimaginable. But that night, I had the strangely gentle and not-at-all earth-shattering realization that they no longer made any sense to hold onto. After speaking all that out loud, seeing the truth of it, and really believing it, I saw that none of it served me and it wasn't reality. So I just gently set it down, as I would a too-heavy backpack on the trail, and I walked away. Just like that, with no fanfare and no big declarations or promises to myself. I just walked down the path and left it all behind. It's been nearly a year and I've grown sure they're gone for real. The months since have been all about learning how to live life without them and how to look back at my life without all that self-judgment and shame, but instead with compassion and love. What a trip! Looking back over my life I see the insane things I did that hurt me and others, the outrageous risks I took with my life and the lives of so many innocent others, and all the chaos and failures that ran through it all. I see so clearly now, that those were all things I did when I didn't know myself or how to live in the world. I was flailing around so much because I was trying to be the person everyone said to be when I couldn't. I'm not structurally able to, it's not possible. I thought it was a character flaw but it's not, it's just that I need to learn who I really am and act according to that, not whatever "normal people" do. Everybody says you should do that, but much of the time, they really don't like it when you actually live your true self and life. I have to make peace with knowing I'm automatically alienating a huge swath of society by being myself. I'm learning that's okay, that they aren't people I'm interested in anyway. They're looking for someone I'm not and that's fine. Anyway, here I am, almost 60 years old, and finally I'm slowly learning what it is to live in truth and honesty and as myself. Each day I discard more and more of the beliefs and judgments I took in from society and other people, and more and more I learn what my own beliefs are and how to embrace and live them. I wrote all that just to say that I hope so much that you can have a taste of the deep pervading peace that can fill the space that formerly contained all that shame and self-hatred. If nothing else, I can tell you there's something on the other side of shame, and it's pretty fucking cool. It can happen. If hoping is too much for you (as it's too much for me these days), perhaps just the knowledge it's possible can sit in the back of your mind, so you can see it when it comes, and grab it with both hands. I wish you all good things, and an end to shame. Peace
I love a lot of songwriters and singers but Benjamin hits me the deepest even when he does covers he connects on a deep deep level to quote Bill Monroe “that’s powerful powerful stuff”
Man, this is the stuff that gets you through the hard times. For all my brothers and sisters burying your stuff way down just remember we're all doing it. Hang in there!
I'd really dig Ben and Hunter Flynn song. Both from gems on VHS I think. I'm really grateful I found Ben and lost dog right when using again was released. Literally the spark that got me sober. Dude saved me. Wild.
Iv been loving this boys music for a diffucult amount of years, I'm amazed iv only just stumbled on his cover of this epic tale, his tone nails it, iv a new favourite version of one of my favourite ballads
There are alot of us that are like minded to you, Benjamin Sir, than you think...It's probably because there are alot more of us on the planet than ever before...You and the Mrs. create the music that, is the music of the land, remember also that its easier to be closed and hard than, to be accepting and open to the lyrics, and music that comes through you, not necessarily from you...But either is just an electric switch away...Thank You for all you are, and the music is phukcen amazing, it keeps us all alive, and always looking to the horizon...
I love all of your music! Hits home to me. I wish I knew more people that felt the same way, because I wanna tell people how it makes me feel and have them understand.
There are lots of us who do my friend... Thing is we all get caught up in our own little webs and turn inward instead of outward causing us to live a life of solitude, feeling we are the only ones who understand how we feel. Just know that you are not alone.
Anyday with a new Benjamin Tod video is a great day. I absolutely love this dude.
Never a new song. Just a new moment in time captured of ben in the wild.
Yup I never cared to click on new videos from other artists but I know Ben will not disappoint tho.
For sure I must have accidentally changed my subscription preferences on this channel cuz I never got a notification for this one but I'm stoked I just found it by happenstance! Ben is the best of the best! 👌
Took the words right out of my heart
Good call. Same here.
I’m so happy Ben cleaned himself up and is thriving vs surviving now. He’s born for this and just hands down one of the very best, most authentic artists to ever walk planet earth.
This man deserves the world.
Didn't know that one, but like it! Great recording as per usual with everyone involved!
Chords and lyrics below, have fun playing!
Intro Am C D G / Am C G
Verse 1,3 Am C / D G / Am C G / Am C / D G / Am C G
Verse 2,4 Am C / D G / Am C G / Am C / D G / Am C D
Chorus Em A7 / Em A7 / Em A7 / F C Am / G F C / C C/B Am / G F C / C C/B Am
[Intro]
[Verse 1]
Spider John is my name, friends
Between freights and I sure would be obliged
If I could share your company
I'm on my way to nowhere
I've been running from my past
Running from the things I used to be
[Verse 2]
And I know my words sound strange to you
But if you wait till my song is sung and my story's told
You might come to understand
Why I'm old and bent and devil-spent
And I'm running out of time
When not long ago, boys, I held a royal flush in my hand
[Chorus]
Oh, I was a supermarket fool, I was a roll-the-bank, stool pigeon
Robbing my hometown
I thought I'd paid my dues, Lord I thought I'd lost my blues
I thought I'd found the life to suit my style
Spider John, the robber man
Long, tall and handsome
Spider John with the loaded hand
Taking ransom
[Verse 3]
Then one day I met Diamond Lil
She was the prettiest thing, I declare
That the summer wind had ever blown my way
Lily had no idea
Of my illustrious occupation
She thought I was a saint, not a sinner gone astray
[Verse 4]
Spider, he loved his Lily so much
He could not confess his sins, for he knew if he did
She'd surely take her leave
But you know that the word got around and Lily left town
And he never saw her again
Tossing and turning, causing his heart to grieve
[Chorus]
And I was a supermarket fool, I was a roll-the-bank, stool pigeon
Robbing my hometown
I thought I'd paid my dues, Lord I thought I'd lost my blues
I thought I'd found the life to suit my style
Spider John, the robber man
Long, tall and handsome
Spider John with the loaded hand
Taking ransom
[Verse 5]
That is all my story
It's been at least thirty years since I took to the road
To find my precious jewel one
Oh and if you see my Lily
Won't you give her my regards
Tell her old Spider got tangled in the black web that he spun
Just tell her that old Spider got tangled in the black web that he spun
I would listen to Benjamin Tod sing literally anything.
Consistently putting out master piece after master piece
The sorrow in his voice is something we can all connect with. Huge fan
He really takes a song and makes it his own. His covers often provoke something different inside even more than the original. This, the mountain, and even his cover of waiting around to die makes the hairs on your back of your neck stand up.
Everything he gives us is a masterpiece. Thanks Willis Alan Ramsey for the song.
There is nothing worse than some musician taking a seminal song and making it wrong. Benjamin Tod has truly breathed new life into a brilliant piece of Americana. It's so refreshing to see an artist put his own stamp on a song, but to also honour the intentions of the songwriter. This man truly has a gift. I will be checking out more of his material. Thanks Mr. Tod.
You're the reason I found this song, someone recorded a video of Lost Dog playing this at a show a long time ago and I must've watched it a million times. I love this song. Thank you Ben for a beautiful cover.
Yup !!! Used to listen to that video all the time
one of my absolute favourite songs ever written. 😭
good taste amigo
A large part of me still being here today is because of this man. Thank you. Each day is a battle but your lyrics have changed my perspective at the bottom of some of the worst times.
Four or five years ago, I was going mad with stress and grief while caring for my wife on her journey with dementia. I was alone and although it was far too much and although I was vaguely aware it was killing me, I was unwilling to "give up" and find a place for her that could take better care of her. I was in terrible shape and failing to care for her in loving, devoted ways, as I so desperately wanted to.
Then, one day I stumbled on the documentary Heartworn Highways, which introduced me to the spiritual grandparents of Benjamin Tod, and so many others in his cohort currently. Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Steve Earl, and lots of others are in it, and their music spoke to me as nothing had before. In exploring their music, I was led naturally to Benjamin and others, and without a doubt, it saved my life, discovering them all.
As you say, it's still a battle inside me, but I have music that speaks directly to me, both present and past, and that is not only comforting, but it's also a handhold for me when I lose my bearings and feel like I'll go spinning off into space from the intensity of my physical/mental experiences. I'm so grateful.
Peace, my friend. I wish you all good things.
I feel the same way. Stay strong and don’t forget you ain’t alone ❤
Great version and big respect to Willis Alan Ramsey.
Western AF = Best UA-cam Channel Ever Created.
Benjamin Tod amazing on all levels.
He’s looking so good, so healthy. God bless you, brother.
Perfectly done and gives new momentum to a masterpiece of Americana.
Any time a new Ben Tod video drops, you can guarantee: 1) it is going to be good and 2) it is going to hurt.
Benjamin Tod is the kind of man you want to just sit next to you in silence through times of need. Very admirable.
I listen to this several times a day. Beautiful and authentic soul.
Masterpiece of a song. Willis Alan Ramsey is a monster song writer. Ben did it beautifully.
Ben is such a great and complete artist! Love this guy!
Can’t stand the thought of where’d I’d be without the cold, sorrowful tunes he plays. Spider John lives on
This is what I needed today, Benjamin is the best!
salute
BABE WAKE UP WESTERN AF POSTED A NEW BENJAMIN TOD VIDEO
I absolutely love this version, but Willis Alan Ramsey's version is my favorite.
Time will always run out when you need it most.
Willis Alan Ramsey! That album is pure greatness. Every song.
When I saw the title, I thought it had to be an ode to Spider John Koerner. Having heard the song - well, it might be. Doesn't matter. It's an excellent song (IMO) and a great performance. Thanks for sharing.
Always putting out great songs between country and folk music. Always crafting a new Americana .The magic of the hobo and tramp still call us.Because rambling is freedom and freedom is human
As a 40 year old man who spent his life being essentially what is now known as an oogle and then in an act of desperation enlisting when he was 27. To now trying to convey why I feel weird shame about my past in conjunction with my upbringing. Anyway, I know the correlation inst direct but hearing this made my soul weep. Thank you, friend.
Sometime last year, late at night after watching an episode of a Western series on t.v., I unexpectedly began to talk out loud to myself. I had no idea what I was going to say, I just said it. "It isn't my shame, it's his."
"How could I possibly have known?"
"I couldn't know!"
"He did it to me, it's his shame to carry!"
And then, "I was undiagnosed, I didn't know. All my life, I didn't know."
"I tried so hard, but I didn't know how, so no wonder I failed."
"I thought I was someone I wasn't, how could I know?"
"It wasn't my fault!"
"I did my very best in my ignorance."
"I tried! Every goddamn moment of every day, I tried!"
"How could I know?"
And as I continued, with more and more emphasis and force, I came to this soft, peaceful place inside where it all fell away. In that moment, I put aside my self-hatred, self-blame, judgment, and incredibly, the shame that along with the rest had filled every moment of every day and colored my entire perspective of myself and my place in the world. That self-hatred and shame and my absolute conviction that I was broken, were foundational aspects of my very Self. I never even considered what life might be like without them. It would have been like imagining life without breathing or my heart beating, they were so ingrained in me. I never thought I'd become an elephant either, it was that unimaginable.
But that night, I had the strangely gentle and not-at-all earth-shattering realization that they no longer made any sense to hold onto. After speaking all that out loud, seeing the truth of it, and really believing it, I saw that none of it served me and it wasn't reality. So I just gently set it down, as I would a too-heavy backpack on the trail, and I walked away. Just like that, with no fanfare and no big declarations or promises to myself. I just walked down the path and left it all behind.
It's been nearly a year and I've grown sure they're gone for real. The months since have been all about learning how to live life without them and how to look back at my life without all that self-judgment and shame, but instead with compassion and love. What a trip!
Looking back over my life I see the insane things I did that hurt me and others, the outrageous risks I took with my life and the lives of so many innocent others, and all the chaos and failures that ran through it all. I see so clearly now, that those were all things I did when I didn't know myself or how to live in the world. I was flailing around so much because I was trying to be the person everyone said to be when I couldn't. I'm not structurally able to, it's not possible. I thought it was a character flaw but it's not, it's just that I need to learn who I really am and act according to that, not whatever "normal people" do. Everybody says you should do that, but much of the time, they really don't like it when you actually live your true self and life. I have to make peace with knowing I'm automatically alienating a huge swath of society by being myself. I'm learning that's okay, that they aren't people I'm interested in anyway. They're looking for someone I'm not and that's fine.
Anyway, here I am, almost 60 years old, and finally I'm slowly learning what it is to live in truth and honesty and as myself. Each day I discard more and more of the beliefs and judgments I took in from society and other people, and more and more I learn what my own beliefs are and how to embrace and live them.
I wrote all that just to say that I hope so much that you can have a taste of the deep pervading peace that can fill the space that formerly contained all that shame and self-hatred.
If nothing else, I can tell you there's something on the other side of shame, and it's pretty fucking cool. It can happen. If hoping is too much for you (as it's too much for me these days), perhaps just the knowledge it's possible can sit in the back of your mind, so you can see it when it comes, and grab it with both hands.
I wish you all good things, and an end to shame. Peace
I love a lot of songwriters and singers but Benjamin hits me the deepest even when he does covers he connects on a deep deep level to quote Bill Monroe “that’s powerful powerful stuff”
Yes exactly what I need.
YES!!! I fucking loved their cover I saw in concert, I'm so glad Ben did an official recording of this song!
I have always loved this song. Seeing Ben doing it just blew my mind all over again.
Didn't even hear the whole song before I liked it.
Also dropping a comment.. for the algo
Always here for Benjamin Tod
Thanks, y'all 🙏🏻
Great song, and great job capturing this rendition. Mr. Tod's voice cuts through, and the words reach deep.
Stay you & Stay True... These Western AF Pieces are some of your best work.
Great cover
Willis Allen Ramsey wrote this song. The entire album is absolutely immaculate. Check it out.
this is my first time hearing this man sing this song however I vividly remember hearing this as a kid in my dad's shop as he worked on our tractors
I was drinking a beer at the bar the first time I heard this song at his concert. Very soothing.
I will listen to ANYTHING he puts out. Just kicks the shit out of my heart with every song and I love it
I always forget Bens almost half my age his music is so well written.
Once Again Thank you Benjamin! 😊 🥰
Always happy to see the King of the Hounds
Man, this is the stuff that gets you through the hard times. For all my brothers and sisters burying your stuff way down just remember we're all doing it. Hang in there!
Been jumping back and for from y’all and gems on vhs waiting for some more from Ben and can’t wait to hear some more from LDS
Thank you WAF and Ben. It is beautiful and good.
Been listening to him for a long time now
New fan for life brother!
You need to release this on spotify! 🤠
Damn Tod, once again you never cease to amaze. Thank you for your music.
my dad plays this song. awesome
Thanks ben
Wasn't aware of this tune, thought it was about Spider John Koerner for a minute. Lovingly done, expected no less!
It's better live can't believe it it's hard to be better live that's real talent
Beautiful as always Ben
Incredible
The GOAT
I love his music it’s timeless. Much respect
for me the best version of this song!
F***in’ Beautiful, he does what most cannot, solicit emotion with language.
I've been listening to this song for about 45 years (first heard Buffett's version) but Ben made is fresh as the morning dew.
Buffett introduced me to this song also. RIP Jimmy
On repeat
between freights... thanks buddy. awesome.
GOLD as always!!!
Love everything these to do
Never gets old
I’ve heard it live several times -. Can’t get enough
Heartfelt and wonderfully done!
Thank you for this Gem of a song!
I'd really dig Ben and Hunter Flynn song. Both from gems on VHS I think. I'm really grateful I found Ben and lost dog right when using again was released. Literally the spark that got me sober. Dude saved me. Wild.
Ben pls upload it to Spotify I need this on ma playlist, just incredible 🤠👌🏻😊
High praise from Benjamin Tod is praise worth noting.
In my opinion, this rendition is easily as good as the original.
What an incredible start to my day
So happy to have an official recording❤ loved his cover of this song since I’ve seen it in concert!
This version used to be on youtube and was taken down. Glad its back up ! Love his version of this ramsey song.
I have been diggin this song alot. Thanks Ben and WesternAF for such great stuff.
Iv been loving this boys music for a diffucult amount of years, I'm amazed iv only just stumbled on his cover of this epic tale, his tone nails it, iv a new favourite version of one of my favourite ballads
There are alot of us that are like minded to you, Benjamin Sir, than you think...It's probably because there are alot more of us on the planet than ever before...You and the Mrs. create the music that, is the music of the land, remember also that its easier to be closed and hard than, to be accepting and open to the lyrics, and music that comes through you, not necessarily from you...But either is just an electric switch away...Thank You for all you are, and the music is phukcen amazing, it keeps us all alive, and always looking to the horizon...
I hope one day I get to meet you and hear you play
Wow! A wonderful version. I plum wore out Willis's LP with this song on it. Thanks for keeping it going🎸🎶.
The year slips my mind but I did see Willis perform in Austin Tx this is a great tribute thanks Ben
This is a country classic
Thank you Ben.
Another instant add to my Playlist. Ben... your a blessing sir.
King Tod takes his place and begins to serenade the masses of loyal followers.
Sing on master….sing on.
The original version of this song is amazing, Benjamin does a nice rendition, but the original is absolute 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Love you guys💜 thank you for sharing your stories with us.
Love every new song that he makes
Can see in BT’s eyes this song takes him somewhere he’s been before. Hope we cross paths one day
Absolute phenomenal version. Love ya Ben
Who else is long gone.
I love all of your music! Hits home to me. I wish I knew more people that felt the same way, because I wanna tell people how it makes me feel and have them understand.
There are lots of us who do my friend... Thing is we all get caught up in our own little webs and turn inward instead of outward causing us to live a life of solitude, feeling we are the only ones who understand how we feel.
Just know that you are not alone.
So good
Absolutely perfect, Ben!
Yesss
I love this WAR song thanks for covering it!
What you talking bout Willis?