Bang the Drum Slowly ~ Emmylou Harris

Recorded at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, under a full moon, next to the rose garden. 6/25/2010
Emmylou's song, written for her father.
THis one's uploaded for my friend Guy (oldnrone), a great admirer of Guy Clark, Emmylou's co-writer for this exquisite song. She is joined here by her band, the Red Dirt Boys.

[@melanielemaster496]

My dad George V Mikkelsen knew your dad. They called him “Mick,” or it later became Mike. My dad was also a World I and Korean veteran, a pilot. We visited your families a few times. I remember you were in high school and played the guitar. I was about 13, and went home and bought Peter, Paul, and Mary and the singing Nun. You had an impact on me.

[@raybrettman9618]

Wonderful story Melanie. Deep respect to you and your Dad

[@terryholt4129]

This isn't folk. This isn't country. It is just music. What I came for!!

[@JimXultra]

Listening to my dad's playlist after losing him last week. Amazing how much it means to hear his songs . Especially when it's this song and he was a combat veteran. Just amazing. Love you dad...edit: he was a Marine in Alpha 1 1 second platoon at the beginning of the tet offensive in Vietnam. His picture and some quotes of his are in a book titled Marines under Fire by Kenneth Jordan for anyone interested.

[@dunexapa1016]

I recently learned that Emmylou's Father was a U.S. Marine. I am sure this is part of the reason why her music speaks to my heart, and to the hearts of others as well. When you are the child of a United States Marine, your upbringing is a bit different, and I would not trade my upbringing for anything in the world. God Bless, and I cannot end without saying please, if you have not already, please read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Those are the first four Books of the New Testament and they have all the instructions that Jesus gives people to live by. The Book of Proverbs is enjoyable to read and is filled with good, everyday practical advice. Adieu! (To God!)

[@garypatrick7817]

True that…from a former Marine…

[@rosemarydaughter]

Thank You... Miss Emmy Lou* Our Dad went to again be at the side of our Mom in March of 2020. Dad..adored listening to your Tunes. I even took him to a concert you had in a small bar on the Riverfront of the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri. i think it may have been Mississippi Nights*. This would have been in the late 80s- maybe early 90s. We had such a nice time. I can't listen to any of your tunes ...without thinking sweet Memories of our own Dad*... Joe Koval. Rest in Peace..Dad* And again...Thank You...Miss Emmy Lou*

[@dhhifl]

For all of us who lost parents and wish we would have said more!! Thanks ELH for a great song!!

[@brianwade879]

I wish I had said more. Me Mum, in April. Two days before she died, I spoke with her. She said she felt okay, she just felt really lonely. She lived alone, assisted living. For the medical care. Up north, in Minnesota. Some 800 miles. I had planned to get some repair on my cardiopulmonary system, then take a train and a bus, and see her on Mother's Day, as a surprise. She was from Scotland. So I had been trying to learn Flower of Scotland, on the piano and harmonica. But, one day later, my big Sis sent me a text, said, Mum is in the hospital again. Pneumonia and blood clots...then the next afternoon, me Mum is better. Then about 8:34 pm, me big Sis called to say, Mum's gone. I had been desperately trying to reach me Mum , I never did. The pain and grief and guilt, and loss, and Anger ! At times, it really grabbed me, and dragged me down, to dispair. Then I'd rest. For some reason, I'd sleep well after experiencing those emotions. I awaken, with the tendrils of pleasant dreams floating through my consciousness, the anger, dissolved. And some weight lifted. My Sis had POA-H and had our Mum cremated, within days. No service. No anything. "You can, do your own thing, wherever you are" ! Full stop. My children, didn't speak to me Mum at all. It seems so heatless. 💔 In seek of release, I come to YT, for music 🎵 therepy. And I read about your father, Ooh Rah !:✊🇺🇸 A soldier who served our country honorably, and a daughter, listening to his favorite songs, taking him, in. That's so cool. So great. I thank you, for your Father's service ! And May Peace Be With You 🕊️✨

[@raybrettman9618]

Deepest respect to Emmy's Dad. With me from the following generation who had to do NO fighting, privileged to be in the luckiest generation in the history of the United States. And to have left us a gift like Emmylou Harris.....staggering.

[@sylviabrightwell5348]

Her singing is timeless...❤ brought tears to my eyes... I have thought this many times about my dad...

[@andrewjackson6103]

Been in love with Emmylou since the 70's. She's an angelic beauty both in voice and appearance.

[@kingdonald5308]

Amen to this Terry. She is one in a million as has shared her talent so generously, Your fans love youi dearly Emmylou.

[@brucecurtis3079]

I too fell in love with her. .. Voice and the angelic beauty... She reminds me of an example of God's Angels singing praise in Heaven! Thanks Emmylou!

[@ulrichwill496]

@@brucecurtis3079 👏👏👍👍❤️❤️🇨🇭🇨🇭

[@markirsik2009]

I agree totally with you a great singer and a beautiful lady

[@markirsik2009]

My favorite female vocalist

[@JohnKorvell]

She had my eyes wet on the first note. Don't forget the veterans, whether our parents or some one you meet out and about.

[@Andraste77]

My dad was also a WWII vet and died recently. I could never get through listening to this song without choking up - I don't know HOW Emmlylou gets through singing it. I'd be a puddle if I tried. She IS a true professional, and a goddess.

[@kirstenlogan5175]

We remember Thank you Mom & Dada, for your service ! You taught me many memorable  lessons One that stays with me to this day Freedom is not Free SEMPER’ FIDELIS’

[@lrwiersum]

My Dad was a green beret,I barely knew him.A lifetime that didn't happen. He was a warrior and so am I.

[@kenzeier2943]

lrwiersum I am sorry

[@BJane58]

She’s not only an amazing singer but a brilliant songwriter as well. As much as she is loved and revered by so many, I still don’t think she gets all the accolades she deserves,

[@davidparnell1893]

An anthem sung by an angel for a hero father...an honor to hear Emmylou's respect for her parent...a lesson for generations...freedom, family, mothers and fathers protect this country, grow old but NOT forgotten. What another beautiful song by Emmylou Harris...songs to live by and songs to see the better views of this country life...

[@afonso-vr9gw]

Angels are silent. Now Emmylou sings !!!

[@eugenehoron4312]

if emmy lou is on earth there must be an angel missing in heaven

[@josephsede954]

Just found this song. Brings tears to my eyes. Makes me think of my Dad.

[@ulrichwill496]

❤️❤️❤️👌

[@MrIndyjoe]

What a beautiful tribute to her father. More people should hear this song ... very touching. Emmylou is superb.

[@mlwtennessee322]

The sweetest, purest voice this side of heaven.

[@katewinthrop5819]

I agree. This song strikes a chord so to speak deep within me.

[@Ken-mu3dc]

Her voice is so pure and this song is so beautiful. What a talent she is.

[@stevesullivan8705]

Either side of Heaven.

[@madeleine7]

Listen to Ofra Haza, singing "Kaddish.!" Both are wonderful ladies and voices.

[@johnmudd6453]

Her and Joan Baez

[@hdsailman8100]

Was there that night at the Botanical Garden just to see Emmy Lou. Benn a fan for decades and what a treat to witness her music that night!

[@zakksmith9448]

She will always be the best for me. Her music is so meaningful, and her voice... gosh, that voice. I just cannot find the words to express how much her music means to me. Thank you, Emmylou.

[@afonso-vr9gw]

Zakk Smith I also think that, Zakk. Follow Emmylou since the 70s, when she was singing with Gram Parsons and I have a great affection for her. It is as if she were my sister. His voice is something perfect.It looks like an angel. I have great affection for her.I listen to your music every day.

[@katewinthrop5819]

Yes. This song is so beautiful It “strikes a chord”

[@Susan1Minnie]

Zakk Smith, Emmylou’s voice transports me the most exquisite place I have ever been. Zakk, just wanted you to know you are not alone in your admiration for “my songbird,” Emmylou. 💕❤️

[@paragon3309]

I used to run boats out of Morgan City, La. I often remember sitting in the dark, steering the course with only the orange glow of the compas for illumination and Emmylou singing on the Sterio. She reminded of my wife in Idaho.

[@Scanjoon]

Emmylou's father (Walter Harris) was a WW2 and Korean war fighter pilot. He was shot down in Korea and spent almost a year in a North Korean POW camp. He has been described of having been one of the most kind and principled person you would ever meet.

[@terriehoughton6336]

782Gear I

[@walterjoly1952]

@@terriehoughton6336 . Pop o OK.

[@soeharsonosoedjono2339]

Sorry I do not that 🙏

[@georgezink6338]

782Gear GOD BE WITH THIS GREAT SOLDIER..WITH OUT OUR PILOTS, I WOULD NOT BE HERE. THANK YOU ALL.WHO COVERED US, FROM ABOVE. retired army Sgt.g.s.z. vietnam 67/69 combat wounded

[@georgezink6338]

782Gear as a combat wounded VIETNAM war veteran.. it the 70s. this was the one LADY. I LISTENED,TO CONSTANTLY.. GOD BLESS YOUR FATHER .A TRUE AMERICAN HERO..

[@davidparnell1893]

No need for eye drops...as long as I can hear this song...Oh Emmylou, what a gift you are!

[@dawnmonroe5399]

David Parnell, SO TRUE....

[@richardwilson1234]

"I meant to ask you...." Ask. Don't leave it too late. Beautiful song. Thanks.

[@billwilson5341]

When I ask he tell's me to shut up. He tells me I'm stupid. It was too late before I was born.

[@amarforest]

Yeah, Bill, some of us just survive our fathers. We must then honor the person who has put us through pain and hell and that we have survived. And that's it...some distance also maybe? But certainly no heartfelt funeral eulogies such as this. So I relate with you.

[@dunexapa1016]

Emmylou, I love you and I have learned now one reason why your music resonates with me so much, and that is we both had a United States Marine as a Father and that is one bond you would just have to have had a United States Marine as a Father yourself to understand. My Father came from Canada to join the United States Marines and served in the Pacific theater during WWII. I am U.S. Army Regular 67-70. Currently U.S. Army *IRREGULAR,* spc5 plymth , cmnd prvlgs Serving *GOD FIRST* so I can serve my country, The United States of America the best. Emmylou, May the Good Lord take a liking to you, but not real soon. You are among those people that have made the journey in this world easier to bear. God Bless my beautiful friend. When I pass from this world, I am expecting to hear the voice of Emmylou Harris in the next.

[@josephkenny77]

There are two kinds of people in this world -- those who love Emmylou Harris, and those who have never met her. (Willie Nelson)

[@leedillon6569]

There are a few people Willie that a person falls in love with as soon as you see them and she is one of them.

[@irishsiri100]

And what about people like me who've never been lucky enough to meet her but love her anyway.

[@robertcooper3491]

Amen to that mate 👍

[@malday50]

A beautiful tribute to her father, a sad , but beautiful song . A voice, heart, and sentiment from heaven. She is an American treasure.

[@auditor05]

"but the songs of my life will still be sung by the light of the moon you hung" Of all her great songs....one of the best song lines...

[@lindamckinney1731]

Happy Veterans Day 2020 .Thank you for your service . Fly the, Red, White and Blue .......

[@amarforest]

Yes, there is peace in Arlington tonight because men such as this have made it. Our recognition. Thank you for your music.

[@michaelmccauley648]

There are three songs from Emmylou’s “Red Dirt Girl” album that have reduced me to tears on multiple occasions.... Bang the Drum Slowly, Michelangelo and the title song. All are written or co-written by Emmylou and reach a level of beauty I rarely find on a single album. I encourage anyone to seek them out.

[@melodiefrances3898]

Yes. The whole album is awesome, but those 3 songs ...

[@stevesullivan8705]

This song doesn't reduce me to tears, it elevates me to them.

[@vmguy1]

@@stevesullivan8705 That's beautiful! I may have shed a few over this song myself, and that's just fine with me.

[@duanewagner6220]

Been in love with her and her voice. For many years. She Emmy Lou is the best. Duane

[@eugenehoron4312]

l do not know much but l know l love emmy lou and that may be all l need to know

[@paulstewart7529]

Im with you on that one Duane met emmy and albert lee after a show in cornwall back in the seventies still in mt world todat

[@lisakendallconsultingllc1818]

I work with Elders and have been privileged to know many men and women of "The Greatest Generation." I love this song (it's on my "Red Dirt Girl" album), and appreciate Emmylou's tribute to her Father. With gratitude to all vets on this Veteran's Day, and a special hug for Emmylou.

[@rmyrick1957]

This song reminded me of my father. He was born November 11, 1918 and fought in WW2.

[@sevans840]

Senovio Howard Martinez (October 30, 1919 - July 09, 2021) proudly served & protected our beautiful country in WWII as a soldier in the US Army. Uncle Penny outlived a lot of my family, including my Mom, to the ripe age of 101! Thank you Uncle!

[@benguiry616]

Sometimes a little magic appears and we have it here.

[@afonso-zd8cg]

I have great affection for Emmylou. Your music, your voice, your very peculiar way is like a balm to my soul. Listening to her reassures me and gives me the certainty that beauty exists. Emmylou, unique and wonderful.

[@ronalddunne3413]

Amen to that sentiment! She has, and is, a true gift to humanity...

[@wadecollier4757]

very well said. i ve always loved her voice and soul.

[@gregkleinschmidt8856]

No angel in heaven can have a sweeter voice than this lady.

[@epcerne]

I have always loved Emmy Lou and could never decide who I loved more, her or Linda Rondstadt, and then they both showed up at MerleFest, a bluegrass music festival in memory of Doc Watson's son. At that point, I decided that was the best memory life would ever give me.

[@VenitaSheppard]

No one can sing like this song bird.. Loved her for years..😍😀

[@scottcobbley1189]

And once more I am moved to tears by this incredible lady. I never see it commin’ but I’m never surprised. Thanks again.

[@MrWholeman]

I love that Emy plays, sings and writes and she is easy on the eyes as well.

[@cliffordbygrave4740]

sport on martin

[@regmuir2872]

Easy on the eyes is an understatement.

[@dgrichmondbc]

How can one not love Emmylou? She's a musical treasure. To the 118 down-thumbers - re-evaluate your life.

[@afonso70110]

Emmylou has the sweetest voice I ever heard. I can hear it indefinitely. Sing please sing Emmylou ...

[@zakksmith9448]

afonso70110 I feel exactly the same. I just can't get enough of Emmylou... My favourite singer without any shade of doubt, she inspires me to no end.

[@afonso-vr9gw]

Zakk Smith Yes, Zakk. When Emmylou sings, download a great peace about me.

[@phillipmaasdorp9491]

We probably all have questions that we would have wanted to ask our late fathers. This song brings up the emotions that you will always have for the rest of your life. Long live all the magnificent fathers.

[@conniemcmurry9589]

When I hear Emmy Lou sing....I hear the echoes of the long ago mountain people singing.....ah, such a treasured echo.

[@garywhitt98]

That was beautifully and truly said.

[@amarforest]

What a beautiful tribute to a father. May I one day deserve a similar honor from my daughter.

[@johnmorello1164]

first time i have seen this, i am in tears ....

[@geebud1880]

Very delicate..love of father...with a deep Scot layer...

[@g.stephens263]

Sheesh! My Dad has been gone more than 20 years, and this brought me to tears. Nuff said!

[@craigmcintosh7241]

Most beautiful song. Always brings me to tears.

[@jimdickson251]

Craig McIntosh m

[@jimdickson251]

Brilliant

[@albertbuksnis5167]

A Beautiful Song. Wonderful as Always. Thank You.

[@JuanLorenZerimar]

Peace, love and light for such a beautiful song and performance!

[@Watchdog1953]

Beautiful. Heartfelt. Thanks for sharing

[@deanbolyard5345]

Great tribute to a hero(her dad)! Thanks for his service!

[@suuzzee5]

Always elegant and soulful and beautiful. Thanks, Nancy!

[@johnhoubopedersen1295]

It must be a blessing to have such a beatiful song performed 4u ,after u passed away!

[@About2Rain]

Wow... Pure heaven to my ears..;) Emmy is shining brightly here, Thank you for the wonderful gift...

[@tomtorrell8019]

Emmylou is a one of a kind woman. Such a beautiful person in both body and soul. She was lucky to have a Mom and Dad like she had, and she always mentioned it. She once said they told her they wanted her to do whatever made her happy, and she chose music instead of Drama. She dedicated her first album (after Gram Parsons died) to her mom and dad. It's on the back cover of her album titled "Pieces of the Sky" Dedicated to Walter Harris and Eugenia Harris.

[@nickdsylva9950]

I wonder how Emmy Lou feels about telling this heart felt song about her father who flew Vought Corsairs, that fought the pilots as much as the Japanese. And without saying a thing she knew he suffered from PTSD before it even had a name. And how "country singers like the Dixie Chicks can do him so much dishonor. Semper Fi Mr. Harris.

[@johnludgate1820]

What are you saying exactly and what do the Dixie Chicks have to do with anything?. Cheap shot I'd say. why not stick to this amazing song by an incredible singer and songwriter

[@tomtorrell8019]

Walter Harris knew the military code of conduct while a prisoner. He gave no quarter to the enemy and came back wounded but alive. The Dixie Chicks saw no problem with their disgraceful conduct in disparaging President Bush, our Commander in Chief while touring in a foreign country. Thankfully, country music shunned them.

[@frankvantiel4986]

Recently discovered, late, but never too late. My dad could not fix a car, but played the violin. I never asked him how he could. He may have answered "why not try ?" Emmylou Harris is a great one.

[@freudensammler]

Wonderful! Thanks!

[@SLUFloader]

Never heard the song until just now. It got to me very quickly and made me teary-eyed, thinking of all the war veterans I've known, and all their suffering and of how they have been changed forever by what they have been through.

[@teddanyluk4602]

SLUFloader I will to say the studio sounds better... Bang The Drum Slowy!🦅🇺🇸✌️👏👏👏👏Beautiful Man... sent a chill up the spine!!

[@suzanhyndman4045]

I just lost my 90-year-old Pop too. He was also a World War II and Korea Vet who was only 18 years when he faced forwarded and saluted our flag as he and 35.000 other sailors and military airmen and airwomen were nuked at Bikini Atoll at Operation Crossroads 73 years ago. Thank you, Emmylou for this beautiful song honoring your father as I honor mine and please know that you and your voice are heaven sent.

[@jugnutgut]

a beautiful sadness, there's no beauty quite the same, thank you Nancy

[@larciabella]

Beautiful!Goosebumps.Thanx

[@sighkickchick1]

Thanks Dad .. I had never heard this song .. thanks for putting it in my Head I miss you !!

[@josieemery8093]

I've heard Emmy Lou up close and Ive heard Guy Clark up close and I loved the song on the album, but Id never connected the two before.. Sad to know Guy's gone. A great song-writer. Thank you for this.

[@invista4134]

Liquid gold...! What a voice.

[@normanevans7430]

So many emotions can surface from the words of this song sung so heartfelt by Emmylou.

[@normanevans7430]

@@sharpenflat6002 maybe that's on you.

[@cmichaelhoover8432]

Emmy, You are singularly the most beautiful lady to have ever sung a song. I have loved and ill continue to love your singing till I die. I pray that I go before you, (we are the same age), as I couldn't bear it if I was told that you were gone. Trust that I will listen to you with great love till I am gone.

[@rupertrozells5816]

Awesome voice, a very sentimental, touching, full of emotion. Emmy Lou has a very perfect pitch, diction was crystal clear, just an amazing woman & she is a beautiful woman

[@CatherineSTodd]

Thank you for uploading this wonderful performance!

[@nllleonard]

You are most welcome.

[@mcallistermm]

As a soldier this song tears at my heart

[@bleubell222]

Thank you for serving our country. God bless you beyond imagination. Emmylou has the voice of an angel

[@teddanyluk4602]

marilyn mcallister mine also "bestowed onto my soul...for what I believe in my soul born Rhineland Germany 1950 2 tours to the of & hell!

[@ulrichwill496]

❤️❤️❤️❤️🇨🇭🇨🇭

[@Wayne208.]

I love to hear Emmalou Harris as a old friend of my got in to her songs.

[@hansvanderheijden153]

Een van de aller aller mooiste en gevoeligste liedjes van Emmylou. Schitterend!!!

[@tilahalbe8626]

How very beautiful, and like so many of her songs, touching...

[@hansvanderheijden153]

Hier wordt ik dus helemaal koud en emotioneel van. Schitterend!!!

[@RickarooCarew]

thanks for sharing... Walter Harris sounds like my dad's favorite drinking buddy... when I repeated one of my uncle's favorite words at the dinner table I was told army officer's kids don't use that kind of language.. air force guys were exempt ... not civilized enough to know that or something... I finally figured out my infantry father had nothing but respect for a man who would climb in one of those old planes and let people shoot at him... the survival rate was pretty low... blessings on your family Ms Harris... you too 😸 Peace ✌️🤠🙏♾️🙏 when I last saw uncle Paul he was flying smoke jumpers in to fires around the Oregon and Idaho area... some uncles are really cool 😎.. I have some shades on today just like he was wearing the first time I met him... he was awesome

[@deirdrephillips5548]

Beautiful lady and a amazing song. ❤️❤️

[@Raysboat]

Awesome song by an Awesome lady for an Awesome US HERO. Thanks for putting it in here and FLSHBK1, thank you for the BIO on Bucky. GOD bless him.

[@1339LARS]

One of her greatest songs !!

[@earldeanpowell]

Good Lord! How wonderful is she????

[@melodydent1074]

I play this on mandolin my mom taught it to me love this music and song

[@davidparnell1893]

Oh how you stood there...and sung of your Dad... a daughter's recollection of life with her father...a testament of deep love...of such respect for his example in life...you have the same steel of your birth to such an exemplary man...such a lovely song of a heroic man...I now can understand...

[@craigbosel7887]

Wonderful ... thankyou EmmyLou ...11/10

[@JoMoMoss]

Great song, by a great musician & what a subject .... & the last couple of bars!

[@peggymiller313]

Wonderful. Such good clear sound. Kudos to whoever recorded this.

[@eugenehoron4312]

emmy lou's face and body are a wonderland

[@michealc8606]

September 2nd will be the moment that I get to see her perform.... what a voice that gets it right every time....

[@VenitaSheppard]

Micheal C ..My daddys b-day.😘

[@musicfan1935]

the song of my life will still be song by the light that you hung. Just Beautiful words to Honor a Love a One.

[@inandaround4667]

So much of my life is narrated with Emmylou's work. So many memories, many tears, many a drive up 71 to Austin to see a pretty little girl. I was so young, now I just smile remembering.

[@chaunezkalk9822]

God bless Emmylou! Such honesty. Balance where has been lost, added, omitted? Feelings are so very alive today. I ask , if you never felt if, nobody told you, how do you really know?

[@h2oboater]

Absolutely Beautiful ..👍 💜💖💙💚

[@deborahrohl7690]

Incredibly talented hauntingly beautiful song voice like no other moves you to tears

[@mattthompson9826]

God bless you Emmylou. Thank you.

[@123must]

Beautiful song ! Thanks

[@philippeclement5279]

The most fantastic voice and beautiful lady . I love

[@davidc4801]

Always the best female voice in country. So respectful and beautiful.

[@philholloway4424]

The definition of lady: Emmylou Harris ❤️♥️💖

[@JamesPNagle]

Earl, you are so right about her, she is an Angel...thanks for the share on this Earl, I now need to get busy and talk to my father before it might be too late...Hope all is well Earl...James

[@oldnrone]

Much appreciated Nancy.....I love this....great sound on the recording too! Cheers Nancy!