Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit on Austin City Limits "If We Were Vampires"

[@chadandrew5386]

You wouldn't necessarily think a song called "If we were vampires" would be one of the most beautifully written love songs ever, but in my opinion it damn sure is just that.

[@joshuamccrea4791]

It just literally broke me and im going let him know on Twitter

[@GodseyKnives]

I love this too check out broken window serenade by Whiskey Myers Its a good one

[@crackerbarrelkid5540]

Listened to this song for the first time this morning. I recently discovered Jason Isbell & had I no seen his name I would have probably just fast forwarded through it with a title like that. Honestly on of the most beautiful love songs I've ever heard.

[@christinetriplett2235]

Absolutely positively YES!

[@fine1fine1]

It's the brevity of life that makes the love story so much more beautiful.

[@randywhite-tj9wy]

Such God given talent this song haunts me to sleep most nights, lost my wife of 41 years how hard it is to be the one left behind😇

[@nikkiterrizzi8385]

It's so hard to be the one left behind.

[@chrismartin500]

I can't imagine living without my wife. My thoughts and prayers to you sir.

[@gregoryfortenberry741]

Prayers for you my brothers 🙏

[@damian2k1]

Prayers and thoughts to you

[@grantpotter7986]

God bless you sir

[@lauraquigley1548]

My parents were together almost 60 years when my mom died. It was so hard for my dad…he was so lonely without her. They are together again.

[@tomandjerry45]

I sang this to the love of my life as he passed. We had 45 years. I never thought I would be the one left behind.

[@lisaeverett4967]

Wishing you peace this Thanksgiving. I know it’s hard. May your many memories comfort you.💙

[@gypsyfiresign1064]

Lifting you up in prayer!! You WILL see them again, my friend. I tell my SO, “love ya til my last breath & then…Meet ya in the ether”!❤

[@wnewfmer]

Sorry for your loss...

[@brianrouff477]

I'm a short timer. This song has endless layers of meaning to me.

[@fjborg6978]

I'm 75 and I've been with my wife for 57 years, married 54. I'm at the age where this song really has undeniable reality for me. I still love my Eugenia with all my heart and as much as I don't want her to go and leave me alone, I can't bear the idea of her having to be alone. I pray I have the strength to go on without her so that she doesn't have to live through another loss of a loved one again. She's seen plenty of that. This song is a really meaningful expression of my love for her and I know she feels the same about me. Thank you Isbell.

[@lisadee1623]

You are the sweetest, sending ❤ to you and Eugenia, I wish you many more years of happiness together.

[@lamealchemist5320]

This was my wife and I's first dance song at our wedding and hardly anyone had heard it but everyone was blown away by how beautiful it was

[@christophermichaud]

If I had to sing this with my wife, there's no way I wouldn't breakdown into tears. I can't even listen to this without doing so.

[@JessJoyCollins]

Yeah I’m the same. We have chosen this for our wedding song and I’m desperately trying to listen to it enough that I can perform it without crying. Omg it’s so hard.

[@joshhansen763]

oh good im not the only one, thought i was going thru a mid-life crisis for a minute lol

[@rickroybal7022]

This song is so beautiful and so hard to hear. After 40 yrs I got left behind. I miss my beautiful wife so much. Love hurts.

[@TheComfortInStatic_Official]

Likewise.

[@christophermichaud]

@@rickroybal7022 This hurts so much to read, Rick. I'm so sorry for your loss. All the love and light to you.

[@danakindle388]

Lost my husband in 2018 after 17 years. Our daughters were 10, 9, and 7. I’ve just discovered this song. It’s one of the most personal, beautiful songs I’ve ever heard.

[@daniellerogers1352]

I'm so sorry for your loss. My parents were married for almost 40 years before my dad suddenly passed in 2018. The hardest part was seeing the loneliness, the void my mom was left with. Hope that you're doing well. ❤

[@amyflinn364]

Praying for you, Dana. We are all in this together. Love never dies. Blessings on you and the girls.

[@ramseydaugherty5515]

My beloved wife collapsed in my arms on March 16th of 2017, shortly after collapsing into my arms she died. We were together for ten years, her death damn near killed me it devastated me so bad. For some reason this song helps me so much. I close my eyes and my beloved Heather is sitting right next to me

[@Kelleyp]

I'm so sorry. 😢Hope you are doing well now.

[@sakitoby1581]

@@ramseydaugherty5515 So very sorry for your loss, sir. How are you doing?

[@briangilley634]

I get choked up every time I listen to this song. I battled stage IV cancer starting in 2017. I am in remission at the moment. But this song reminds me so much of my wife... she loves vampire novels and movies. So the song spoke to me the first time I heard it. The pain from the thoughts of dying is too much some days -- just knowing that she would be left here without me and I think of all of the precious years with her I would lose. I remember years ago the feelings of being young and immortal. The reality is that we are never guaranteed tomorrow. being so close to death has given me a new perspective of loving my wife and family. This song is the epitome of those thoughts.

[@chasesavvy918]

Hey Brian, i just wanted to say i love you and i hope you're still in remission. Sending aloha

[@briangilley634]

@@chasesavvy918 Thank you! Very appreciated.

[@sakitoby1581]

How are you doing today? I hope you are healthy and happy. My beloved sister passed from cancer 12 days ago. I worry about her husband. 😭😭💔💔

[@briangilley634]

​@@sakitoby1581 I am so very sorry for your loss. I am always saddened to hear of another soul lost to cancer. I hope somehow, someway, your sister's husband can find solace during the weeks, months, and years ahead. I am still in remission, so I'm very blessed to be in that spot currently. However, my wife is going through radiation herself for a second recurrence of breast cancer. 2 of 33 total radiation treatments. She got breast cancer a couple of years prior to my diagnosis. So, we know cancer all too well in my household unfortunately. 😥 Thank you for reaching out. It means a lot. Prayers for you and your family. 🙏

[@lisadee1623]

For decades my favorite songwriters have been John Lennon, Neil Young, Stephen Stills, James Taylor, Van Morrison….but Jason Isbell’s lyrics hit me in a very profound way. He is so unbelievably talented and I wish him all the success he deserves.

[@dipthongthathongthongthong9691]

I marvel at their ability to look at each other while performing this and not be overwhelmed with emotion.

[@GeeGee-iw9fq]

Was married to my wife for 6 years, for 3 of those she battled breast cancer, a fight she lost. It's been 16 years, she left behind a 4 year old daughter and me. We've missed her every second, of every year.

[@HeyaLulu]

❤😢😢😢

[@Irishnfire]

"Nails leaving loves watermark" what a line 👏

[@northhallbabe13]

Seriously !!!! so poetic and beautiful.

[@mattrushing7010]

One of the best songs ever written.

[@northhallbabe13]

Most definitely

[@Kelleyp]

This song. THIS SONG. Hits hard. This version with their eye contact omg. Dead. 😭

[@ericaexplainsitall2135]

And they are getting divorced!!! 😢

[@khs2424]

Can’t listen to this song without tearing up, thinking about my wife. Can’t even begin to imagine trying to sing it with her.

[@mickeypetty2410]

Lost my wife of 37 years, then dated a couple years later. Found someone I want to be with for whatever days I have left. This song is a haunting reminder that loss is inevitable. But also a reminder that I could lose another, yet the love I have found is worth the pain awaiting should that occur. Love this song.

[@SandiaDelaval-ib5ky]

A man who has a realistic view and truth he sings. Anyone's lucky to have 40 years together. Someone always leaves.

[@Dano-MX5]

Amazing songwriting! The John Prine of his generation...

[@Georgiaboy43]

More like the Bob Dylan of my generation!

[@craigestlinbaum5188]

More like the Jason Isbell of my generation.

[@bluekestral8316]

I love how a great songwriter is said to be the John Prine of their era

[@marymem9864]

💝John Prine💝

[@marymem9864]

A dear friend has terminal cancer. This song will always be my "Stacey Song" ❤

[@michaeld80]

Think about your lives folks, it is much more important than a few likes on Facebook. This is a great song.

[@deeh6200]

Man this guy can write some lyrics. I’m would be blown away by just hearing the spoken words but to have those words set to music is a blessing.

[@IamRipplehead]

Was listening to this tonight and broke down. It speaks so deeply.

[@MikeInABQ]

Sometimes, that's why I come here.

[@ilizhof]

The way they look at each other while singing together. Chills!!

[@TheSoxygirl]

Just when you think he couldn’t top “Cover Me Up” as the best love song with lyrics like “home was just a dream, one I’d never seen, till you came along” and then he knocks your socks off with this one. Years after it’s release and it’s still in my head. A great reminder to be intentional with your partner.

[@IronGin201]

Well in that case I'm sockless listening to him and the band.

[@sethie_shots]

I find myself humming it almost daily. Dusting off my rusty strings again to try and learn it, again.

[@Kelleyp]

Right??? Yes yes yes. 🙌

[@shellsssinner]

My dad lost my mom during COVID. She needed an organ transplant and COVID prohibited visitors. We were called to say our goodbyes. Her body was done, but I vividly remember feeling her presence in the corner of the room. Their love was like something I hope we can all experience. They lived and loved and were so good together. I don't know how he's making it through, but he is. This is the song he told me about that happened to play one day.

[@MsLW8]

😪so sorry about it

[@davidkaminsky4464]

It brings tears to my eyes the way he sings this to her and he really means every word. I believe him that he'll work hard to the end of his shift. I really do.

[@marcieotto8600]

He definitely means it

[@hordman]

Without a doubt, this live version is the best of this song. I've listened to the studio recording and it doesn't capture the feeling or essence of the songwriting that this live version does. Truly a remarkable song.

[@puttfordoughdiscgolf9361]

I come to tears every time I listen to this song and try to cover it. Jason has a pure knack of writing heartfelt lyrics.

[@sethie_shots]

I never get over the way he looks at her. I want to look at someone like that, nothing else will do ❤️

[@daniellerogers1352]

I want someone to look at me that way too. 💙

[@sethie_shots]

@@daniellerogers1352 ❤

[@robbiepetch7768]

Isbell is the best of our generation without shadow of a doubt

[@walrus105]

The ultimate love song to his wife. I know just how he feels.

[@folkfollower86]

Just lost my 92 year-old grandfather yesterday, and my brother (ever my musical guru) directed me to this beautiful song. My grandfather and grandmother were married four over 67 years, and have always been my example to which I aspire in a marriage-- ever constant, deep and abiding love for one another. My grandmother is now struggling with the exact premise of this song, which is so poignant. Thank God for music to help one through all of life, especially our losses. 💙

[@mattsharpe3989]

Lost my grandfather 2 months ago, my grandparents were married 64 years...seeing her alone now is harder than losing him

[@ThePeytonsplace2001]

Lost my husband of 22 years in 2015...this song hits home...

[@jacobrussell1313]

My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer this winter. My mom and him just celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. This song reminds me of their love for each other... and almost makes it hurt less when I am coming to terms with my dads mortality.

[@tacomalife5205]

Sorry for your dad's pain. Stay strong. Prayers.

[@gregoryfortenberry741]

Love, remember it is a most precious gift, it’s an emotion that stirs us all to think and or rethink our lives , and people in it. Hold them close , be there for each other.

[@ddddoc7078]

bless you and your dad

[@texasplumr]

My best friend passed away yesterday morning, with his loving wife by his bedside holding his hand. She called me on his phone to tell me the sad news, between sobs I kept thinking of this song. It shocked me because when last we talked he was expected to recover and go home soon. She called me from his phone because she saw unanswered text messages and missed phone calls. Life is short so remember to tell those that you love how much they mean to you, every time you get the chance because one day they'll be gone.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Imagine knowing your possibly the greatest song writer to ever live ? What a life.

[@pboyd18]

Lost one of my best friends of over 40 years today. RIP Dax.

[@Jillamed]

❤️

[@tmacskoolsu]

Sorry for your loss. Love and light to you.

[@SethStrickland-hf5mp]

It was an honor and a privilege to be at this show

[@paulfly3121]

My wife and I celebrated our 40th about 6 months ago. The reality of that didn't really sink in until last saturday night watching the Austin City Limits show this video came from. I haven't been able to get this song out of my head since then. What an incredibly powerful performance!

[@inspirationworks8357]

I hope you shared your thoughts and your heart with your wife afterward. Bless you both. 💗

[@LoneWolfRehab]

There isn't a time when i've listened to this song and not been moved by it... Sad and beauty.. great song writing

[@kaykelso8075]

I love this song, and adore the way he looks over at his wife as he sings it. Isbell is the best singer songwriter since John Prine.

[@smallmouthkayakingfishing2325]

Simply a great song, sung by a wonderful vocalist/guitarist.

[@darrylbrooks3361]

My wife and I have been together 40 years. This is a very hard song to listen to.

[@Robbo57]

Great atmospheric version of a fabulous song from a guy who writes lyrics like a screenplay. Marvellous songwriting.

[@Myfairmaiden]

The most beautifulist song I have ever heard ❤

[@kirkruss3172]

Beautifully written, absolutely love this song

[@DanG6996]

One of the most beautiful songs I have ever listened to hands down.

[@jamesshapkauski3602]

Haunting and beautiful. What a great song.

[@BrendanMacWade]

One of the greatest, saddest love songs I've ever heard. Makes me cry every time I hear it.

[@Tane_Colt45]

The greatest and truest love song ever.

[@bizfix11]

Hes as good as anyone who ever wrote a song....period

[@hunterotails2015]

"I'll work hard til the end of my shift" always gets me. I didn't and lost my better half 😢

[@terrycallahan8349]

Believe me there’s life after the death and divorce….on my third marriage at age 77…married to a great woman 39 years now…love this music….

[@865Ryan]

Holy shit, this song is a trip. The truest expression of the human experience I have ever heard by far.

[@sainsburmcmanus]

I’m fortunate enough to still be with my other half, 12 years in now and this song reminds me how lucky I am. One of the most outrageously chilling yet beautiful love songs ever written. Thank you Jason.

[@mcraft2240]

This is such a unique love song. So many great love songs over the years, but there is something deep about this song. The mortality aspect that usually doesn’t get brought up with most songs. Fantastic writing in my opinion.

[@bungdilly6333]

Man, I've listened to this song for the better part of a year and it STILL chokes me up. An honest love song, reminds me of my mom and dad's love, my grandma, people I've loved that are gone now. Just plain good songwriting.

[@alexandrovics5779]

How can Amanda and Jason play this song without bursting out crying? I love the song and I appreciate the sentiment but I don't think I'd ever be able to perform it on stage and hold it together, even more so with my partner

[@paullevine1813]

Alex , Can't say anything from Amanda's perspective, though you can feel & see it in her face but if Jason can get through singing Elephant without wet eyes he can make it through this. Singing about real things and life, he's got it down big time.

[@russellallen7036]

Every camera angle shows pure talent.

[@LeslieHarkerMusic]

if i ever saw this live i would cry so hard

[@mohnjayer]

Such a heavy song, but damn, it’s so beautiful

[@sail49525]

I just turned 60. This song haunts me...

[@txcrebel4388]

Just closing your eyes in a quiet place from 2:30 on is so magical. It all comes together so perfectly without even having rhythm

[@Gauchedevil5150]

Lived this one, as so many others have. Being the one left behind pretty much blows.

[@R4lee444]

I am crying to discover this music from Korea...thank you.

[@josephstewart1562]

Fantastic artist. That man lives in pain and he makes you feel every bit of it in his music. Thats why anyone else who sings his songs will never make it completely their own; unless they are willing to carry that pain in their own life. I am grateful for someone who is willing to live with such discomfort for the sake of writing music that speaks to some very deep places in people’s souls. It’s a gift from God. Not an easy gift, but a gift nonetheless. Thank you, Mr. Isbell, for carrying such a weight and expressing the inexpressible like few people can. May the Lord reward you for speaking for so many people.

[@nbn33]

I literally cannot make it through minute of this without 😭

[@mmsmith61894]

There are some songs that just wreck you completely, hit you right in your very soul. This is one of them. I want it played at my funeral.

[@klausdaus8010]

One of the greatest love songs ever written! Easy top ten in my books!

[@tattoojack1969]

My Mama & Dad married in 1968. He was almost 18 and she was almost 16. Dad was the one left behind. After 49 years together my Mama got cancer and after fighting for 9 months she went to Heaven. Dad waited impatiently for over 6 years. On July 9, 2024 Mama came back for him, and my Father went with her. I am broken hearted for me but I’m happy for them.

[@lisadee1623]

I’m so sorry, sending you hugs and much ❤

[@soflaav8r]

Good lord that song hits me every time.

[@delewan]

No kidding. Best/Saddest love song ever written?

[@mcdigs]

...ditto!👍

[@shaybe7462]

It’s soo sad and beautiful, all in one.♥️

[@bartup65]

Chills every time I hear Jason and Amanda sing this song! Such beautiful writing and singing.

[@kokoyseverino1570]

This song is really hitting me right now. I haven't seen them since last November. Please help me pray that they'll be alright until the next time I can come home, whenever that may be...

[@crackerbarrelkid5540]

Jason has such an amazing tone to his voice. Like satin as it drifts along the sharp edge of a knife.

[@alauram.6416]

I have binge listened to this song and I still cry! It is such a heartfelt song that is sung by beautiful voices.

[@tinareads8992]

Lost for words... it doesn't get any more beautiful than this..

[@johnschroeter9743]

It's not the long flowing dress that your in Or the light coming off of yourskin The fragile heart you protected for so long Or the mercy in your sense of right and wrong It's not your hands searching slow in the dark Or your nails leaving love's watermark It's not the way you talk me off the roof Your questions like directions to the truth It's knowing that this can't go on forever Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone Maybe we'll get forty years together But one day I'll be gone Or one day you'll be gone If we were vampires and death was a joke We'd go out on the sidewalk and smoke And laugh at all the lovers and their plans I wouldn't feel the need to hold your hand Maybe time running out is a gift I'll work hard 'til the end of my shift And give you every second I can find And hope it isn't me who's left behind It's knowing that this can't go on forever Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone Maybe we'll get forty years together But one day I'll be gone Or one day you'll be gone It's knowing that this can't go on forever Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone Maybe we'll get forty years together But one day I'll be gone One day you'll be gone

[@davidkaminsky4464]

This was so helpful. Thanks so much for writing this out. Now I'm really crying.

[@madwithhats]

Man, a friend just shared this song with me. I love it. Hit me right in the feels. Love it.

[@ramseydaugherty5515]

Wow absolutely just absolutely a fantastic song. This song in invoked so much emotion, to me that's the mark of a great song. I don't imagine I'm the only one that feels this way either

[@Garcoxsingsstuff]

I'm not sure how or why, but that song reminds me of a party I was at in an apartment in Paris in 1992, Hoboing around, something in that song hits the same note.

[@DavidAdams-u1j]

The talent they bought out of one another ❤

[@jshowen1]

This song left me speechless! It hit me right in the heart on how much you need the one you love. I bought the LP album and I play it a lot! Jason and his band are hope for great music in these times of not so great!

[@onsomeoneelsesdream]

What a beautiful, lyrical song.

[@RonTuriello]

It looks like he's playing a dobro here. When my oldest (now 16) was 2 we walked past a busker and she said "dad! look how nice his dobro is!" The musician was blown away.

[@MindOfBerg]

Quality toddler parenting there!

[@inspirationworks8357]

Sweet hounddog! 😁

[@sethie_shots]

This is the dobros cousin. A resonator guitar :)

[@danmacon1208]

This the part of my wedding vows I didn’t fully comprehend

[@talister106]

Superb, thank you.

[@urIncorrect]

Lord! Pure art!

[@JakeFields92]

one of the deepest songs ive ever felt.

[@paulkubic786]

Stunning,as usual! Hope the Unit stays together,they are so tight! Wonderful choice of instruments for this Grammy winner!

[@davidrockett5789]

such a fine song...thanks for the work Jason

[@timbrengle4263]

How does this not have 1M views?

[@thFence]

Thank you, Jason.

[@AlisongsLA]

His words are messages that let me know we are here for a reason and it's going to be okay.

[@brettmiller1775]

This was my brother’s wedding song. Totally baller move.

[@catietruscello7784]

Will always be one of favorites ❤️

[@anitamclaughlin327]

I could only wish I'd find the love they've found

[@jeffcow28]

In a million years would not have guessed you are the john muir of music

[@SteveChick02]

Just beautiful