Benjamin Tod, "We Ain’t Even Kin," // GemsOnVHS™

We traveled to rural Kentucky to find Benjamin Tod, who had a collection of songs to share from his new solo record, "A Heart of Gold is Hard to Find,". We recorded on the porch of his grandfather's home. These days, it has been great to see Ben really come into his own, comfortable with who he is and where he comes from. There's a maturity to this record that reflects his own growing up, songs with angles of him I haven't seen before.
This song in particular is a departure from the usual internal dialogue, or narrative song. Here Ben writes personally, about his paternal relationship with a man he calls his grandfather, despite, as the song says, them not being kin by blood. It's relatable subject matter in the 21st century, so many of us coming from non traditional homes.
Those of you paying attention might find a fitting connection in a song off of Lost Dogs early album. I can only think of one song where he has addressed family, and the tone of that one was very different. Those who know, know.
It really seems Benjamin has come full circle, a coming home and healing.
You can pre-order Benjamin Tod's new album, "A Heart of Gold is Hard to Find" here;
www.indiegogo.com/projects/be...
Find more of their music here;
www.Benjamintodmusic.com
www.Lostdogstreetband.com
www.Lostdognashville.bandcamp...
www.Benjamintodmusic.bandcamp...
Find them/us on Instagram.
@benjamintodmusic
@lostdogstreetband
@gemsonvhs
Big thanks to VJ Arizpe and Richard Harmon for making this episode possible.
Want to learn how to play this song? Check out these tabs: tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/...
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GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love.
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[@GemsOnVHS]

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[@thyland726]

Unreal, this man has "IT!" Fuck me this is good.

[@johnnygoforth8563]

My fiance is a super fan. We have been to multiple shows in Lexington ky. She refuses to miss out on seeing lost dog. She even got her 58 yr old mother to listen to one song and she was hooked so she had to see for herself ..... the venue didn't hold that many people. Not saying that an artist is required to meet and greet the fans, but we waited after every show for hrs.. she wanted her mom to meet this inspiring artist who's music had pulled them both through such terrible news. About three months later she passed away from liver cancer.. would have been nice if the band could have found time to meet at least some fans ....

[@odinspride545]

You sir are absolutely a great singer your lyrics touch a spot inside that few who sing have ever done it

[@maryschuler979]

I love your music Ben you're a lovely soul

[@dylanblake3461]

When you make it just keep telling your story . Because that kind of music we all can relate too. Seen to many good musician blow up and change . Remember where you came from but don't forget where your going . Keep up the good work .

[@UnkleRonnie]

I’m nearly 40 years old. When I was 18 my grandfather intervened in my reckless living situation and asked me to live with him. Little did he realize I was heavy into drugs and the bad decisions that come with that. I stole money from my grandfather. Lots of it. And I saw my grandfather cry as the police took me away. It took a few years for me to get over my pride and mend the relationship. And even then I was too afraid to ever talk about it. 2 years ago my grandfather had a heart attack and only had days to live. He was heavily medicated on a morphine drip but by the grace of god he somehow woke up and was conscious when I came to see him. And I apologized. And my grandfather, on his deathbed, remembered every detail of my childhood with him...almost like he was reading from a book. I hugged him because I knew it was the last time I’d see him alive. And he passed the next day. I’m forever thankful that God allowed me to have those last moments of redemption with my grandfather. RIP Pap

[@robertthompson7878]

Thank you for sharing... from those that relate

[@souslesbombes]

Good on you man. I loved mine. I have no father. He was everything to me. I never got that bedside farewell. He died of a long painful alzheimer disease. I never got to say a proper goodbye because when I realized he was leaving us, his mind was already gone. Thats when i realized you can't take nothing for granted in this world.

[@isaacmarshall8783]

You made me cry like a baby sir, I just hope I have this redemption with my grandmother

[@00xyq]

❤❤❤

[@stevesnodgrass7434]

Peace my friend

[@mitchellb.2476]

This one goes out to everyone missing their Grandpa. 🍺

[@cmfoy19891]

Miss him every day. RIP pops.

[@mitchellb.2476]

@@cmfoy19891 same buddy, same. So much.

[@dleonexj]

Fuck yea man this song seams as it was written about my grandfather that wasnt blood to me... hits home. Men that were incredibly influential to our lives.

[@trajanfidelis1532]

I love mine so much, I dread the day the lord calls him home

[@jaycanizaro4999]

Cheers man 🍻

[@nesterperiwinkle]

Ben is one of those “once in a lifetime musicians”. He can do more with a worn guitar and a front porch then 99% of top paid musicians can do with fancy recording studio equipment. Awesome talent!

[@Switcharoo12]

Word

[@jacobuponthestone9093]

Agreed

[@jeremiahguy32]

I concur Good Sir

[@danedonovan5787]

love this jam. Ben Tod is the man. I am such a big fan. I also like this guy Brett McDaniel. So much talent out there kzbin.info/www/bejne/rofPp5-Lm86NaZY

[@scottfennell6568]

Facts

[@timmycash1]

Man, this one got me before he ever sang a word. That exhale. That’s the exhale you let out before you undertake something trying. And the way he looked around as he played the first few chords. You could see him seeing his past growing up there. Keep this stuff coming our way, it’s unrivaled. Thank you for the music.

[@davidbell9159]

I rewound the sigh 3x one day lol

[@ericnease1972]

Yes! 💯

[@Truesday2011]

tim golick well put sir

[@Peppersfirst]

Good eye Brother

[@seandangerrhodes.7924]

second that..

[@giveiteverything8390]

His voice makes me feel the pain of every mistake I’ve made in my life while experiencing the hope of redemption at the very same time.

[@leopoldkennedy]

Well said.

[@randall7853]

Absofuckinglutely

[@nelsonryan5]

Exactly

[@jasonmckee8145]

Nice.

[@breehashtheband1388]

Couldn't have said it any better!

[@holynickskates]

It's a good day when we get a new benjamin tod song from gemsonvhs

[@richardstacey4394]

Damn right it is, I was ecstatic when I saw it. Watching again

[@The_dude94]

That's exactly what I was thinking.. It's been a while but we'll worth the wait!

[@swaggercat]

More please

[@chrismcdaniel7901]

I mean to tell ya man. His songs hit home everytime

[@holynickskates]

@@chrismcdaniel7901 whether its addiction, mental illness, or just growing up, anything you're going through his music hits hard in my opinion

[@paintballbiggie]

"And I count the days and watch as the haze fills his eyes. But I won't complain, it's a privilege to live and die." Such a poignant, yet beautiful way of looking at mortality. Absolutely gutted me.

[@Truesday2011]

Jeremiah Grady that’s a deep quote man. A lot of truth.

[@danedonovan5787]

love this jam. Ben Tod is the man. I am such a big fan. I also like this guy Brett McDaniel. So much talent out there kzbin.info/www/bejne/rofPp5-Lm86NaZY

[@MsAesthete]

Still the line that gets me every time. I make everything in the room stop moving and making sound so I can soak it up properly.

[@travisladymon9498]

@@danedonovan5787 xo1-@

[@misfitcrow3350]

Having been raised by my great grandparents who were in their 60's when I was born, I watched those 2 old people which it took some time to come to grips with them not being the saints I thought that they were. Just more of layers of lies which I became aware of at age 11 but not realizing it's depth of the lie and everything else it revealed if one can remove the rose colored glasses and accept the world as it is, sadly, truly. Incest, rape, and disowning the victim to save face against the scandal. I don't know why post this here. But there is that.

[@hunternorth8817]

Damnit Ben, if you're reading this, you just made me cry. My Grandparents raised me, and Grandpa was the most important person in my life. I lost my mind when he passed. Thanks man. Street kid to street kid, I don't even know you, and we ain't even kin, but I love you, man.

[@GODT1TAN]

I know exactly how you feel man really hurts to lose your hero

[@hunternorth8817]

@@GODT1TAN that he was, too.

[@VikasKumar-et3fk]

​@@hunternorth8817ho❤😊zjdk. Aqq aqpxqqqqqqqs 😅😅o sa opp.0😊 x92

[@eyes2c..519]

He has yt page ❤

[@GemsOnVHS]

Thumbs up if you love ur grandpa. Find Ben on Instagram @benjamintodmusic and we're @gemsonvhs

[@35GetSome]

GemsOnVHS my grandpa also wasn’t blood but he sure raised a man that raised me right and I’m proud to call him my grandpa❤️ RIP Gordon Simberg

[@GemsOnVHS]

@josh major it rly wasn't me bud. theres lots of youtube comments, some of them slip through. all love tho. death and old age can be a scary thing. i hope i go swiftly!

[@TheWolfElder]

Whatever I do in this world, I want to tell Ben thanks for doing this. You have no idea how much we relate. My granddad wasn't blood related, but he married my grandma and they lived six blocks away. When things got bad here they'd let me come down for the night. Get me away from the fighting. As I grew up, he was diagnosed with dementia when I got into high school. In my senior year it got to where I was spending weekends and after school nights taking care of him and helping where I could. The last nine months he barely remembered anything and was put on hospice care. He died a week after I graduated. Buried him three days later. I still visit him from time to time.

[@cadengraves1956]

Is this coming out on iTunes!!! Like please 😭😭

[@TouchOfMaddness]

You can just feel the emotion in everything he does

[@The31st]

"It's a privilege to live and die" is a great line that says alot with only a few words

[@BigNateOG]

Lost my grandpa to cancer 2 years ago..... We weren't blood but He basically raised me, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him....... I love and miss you big J... Till I see you again, take care of yourself....

[@anthonywallace8135]

Made Kentucky proud with this one.

[@jordanb9161]

It’s not often you come across someone who puts this much soul and love and pain in every single song. But Benjamin Tod and Ashley Mae are heavyweights in the world of music is my eyes. Thank god for them in this generation where music has lost the soul that the great American troubadours once gave it. When it’s all over, Tod will be mentioned in conversations alongside the Zandts and Clarks of history and he deserves nothing less.

[@ryandonavon7451]

I found Ben with the song Using Again, I'm not an addict but my brother is struggling with addiction, and that song helped me understand my brother a whole lot better with what he was going through and I appreciate it. I mostly listen to rock or metal music but I also like others and my grand father was in a bluegrass band so I grew up around it. Now I find myself putting Ben in the search tab and listening all day at work. I could never think of the lyrics he writes but it seems like they come from myself sometimes. Thanks for the great music Ben I hope you have found peace in what you do because you bring peace to others.

[@commentingisawasteoftime7195]

Hey, there's a bigger range of emotions than what is contained in the album, Vulgar Display of Power.

[@ryandonavon7451]

@@commentingisawasteoftime7195 yeah I saw Pantera in VA in 97 I think after Great Southern Trendkill was released, greatest concert in my life! Anthrax and Coal Chamber was there too! But yeah Phil is a great lyricist which is why I'm a huge Down fan! 🤘

[@travishatcher1115]

I found using again and it made me sit back and realize that I was going down the wrong road. I honestly feel like if it wasn’t for his music I wouldn’t be here breathing today. His music saved me

[@ryandonavon7451]

@@travishatcher1115 Glad your here brother 👊

[@bobstone1746]

@@ryandonavon7451 I saw Panthers at ozzfest 2001? In VA beach. Saw coal chamber at the boathouse in norfolk.....idk where your from but ya know dez (singer from coal chamber) new band devil driver is coming to norva with dope

[@valentinogarza7684]

my grandpa just passed. hes my best friend, I lived with him and we spent nearly every day together. got his ashes back today. funerals sat. gotta put these photos in the album. man its hard. I miss you grandpa. I love you. ps. the dogs are missing you heavy, they love you too. we all do. also I road the chopper up north we just picked up. im glad you heard that engine running before you passed. I love you oldman.

[@ethanmorton7122]

"We're not concerned cause there's nothing to learn from resentment" Best lyric I've heard in years.

[@jerryshaffer7978]

Amen

[@graceglory5thwheel43]

I’m 42 and I STILL struggle with this at times. The line before that: “But now I’m sure if I’m better or worse for the distance” gave me chills.

[@elunico97]

We definitely need a documentary on this man. The soul he emits from his music is amazing. Add Ashley Mae to that and bam! The beautiful Lost Dog Street Band

[@michellehonyumptewa8434]

Amen

[@justindavenport9182]

I don't understand why everyone thinks a documentary will conclude their emotions. Just appreciate the music he produces and leave it at that. Damn

[@justindavenport9182]

@meefking8404 I agree 100%. Weird how everyone thinks a documentary will make anything better lol just listen and learn from his music.

[@danedonovan5787]

love this jam. Ben Tod is the man. I am such a big fan. I also like this guy Brett McDaniel. He isn't as well known though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rofPp5-Lm86NaZY

[@isaacolmsted7425]

But we’re not concerned cuz there’s nothing to learn from resentment (I love that)

[@The_dude94]

His song writing is nothing short of remarkable!

[@teamlamedetroit8407]

That jawn immediately hit me.

[@CodyMitts95]

I unliked this comment 2 months later to like it again

[@LargemouthLenny]

i was raised by my grandfather that wasn't blood to me, and this song speaks so much to me that i can't get through the first verse without choking up. when he passes i will play this song at his funeral..

[@Regal1936]

I'm a grandfather raising my grandson, and he's not even blood, but I love him and he'll be mine until I die. Thanks for the song, it means the world to me.

[@treyporter7735]

Shoutout Kentucky. Love all my people

[@billhogue9523]

My father's side of the family is from the hollers of Allen County. Thankful my roots are from Tennessee and Kentucky.

[@fercampos4161]

People say I look like my grandfather, And I begin to explain we ain't even kin, He'll interupt with "why bother?" And saunter away with a sideways grin, Cause we both understand, not giving a damn, about feeling, Why in the hell try and tell folks what you are living? Life is defined by decisions, And you may burn Bridges you ain't got time to mend, You're too old to be in this condition, You're too young for the Lord to take in. He'd read me the Bible til midnight, And he'd tan my hide when he caught me in lies, When I dropped out of school we did fight, And we lost some years in darn foolish pride, And now Im not sure if I'm better or worse for the distance, But we're not concerned cause there's nothing to learn from resentment. Life is defined by decisions, And you may burn Bridges you ain't got time to mend, You're too old to be in this condition, You're too young for the Lord to take in. He'd cheers with the television, Hoping this year Kentucky will win, And I'd give a yell from the kitchen, And I wear it with it pride that I'm close to him, And I count the days and watch as the haze fills his eyes, But I won't complain it's a privilege to live and die. Life is defined by decisions, And you may burn Bridges you ain't got time to mend, You're too old to be in this condition, You're too young for the Lord to take in. You're too young for the Lord to take in.

[@FallinFromTheSkyy]

Thank you

[@billybishop9]

*He'd tan my hide *Our foolish pride

[@bsdnfraje]

Thanks, great job. But 'sonter' should be 'saunter'.

[@fercampos4161]

Thanks for the help guys, I was actually just jotting it down for me, and once I had it, decided to post seeing as nobody else had taken a shot at them. Will add your input asap.

[@ashleyshires6688]

Thank you friend ♡♡♡

[@JcP3737]

My best friend in the whole world is my brother in law. He is adopted... As soon as I heard this song I showed it to him. I saw tears in his eye and I told him "life is defined by decisions" I love you Justin

[@AnonymousPersona]

This makes me think of my stepfather. I miss him dearly. I hope he's proud of who I've become.

[@delaneybell1978]

He writes his songs so that people who have experienced the same as him have a comfortable place to purge the darkness being inside his stories.. his soul..I have a man in my life just like that. Thank God for the ones who are daddies and mentors when they don’t have to be.

[@fercampos4161]

I feel the same way, it's not gonna fit the masses, but the ones that these words do fit into, they fit like a glove. Every single word. And it's comforting that not only someone else has felt it too, but that it's been put perfectly into words.

[@danedonovan5787]

I dig this jam. Ben Tod is the man. I am such a big fan. I also like this guy Brett McDaniel. He isn't as well known though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rofPp5-Lm86NaZY

[@brandonsergeon5915]

My wife and I have a similar story to Ben and Ashley so a lot of it hits real close to home for us.

[@jbellis11]

My grandpa raised me. I always wished I had a different life, but looking back I’d never change a thing.

[@BBoardman81]

I'm nearly 42. The only male role model I've ever had in my entire life was my step-dad. From the age of 3 to 41 he was it. He was the most beautiful and yet flawed man I've ever met. He blessed me with the chance to learn from the things he did right AND the things he did wrong. And we ain't even kin. Rest in Peace. Mark Shane Flanigan.

[@joelkerr1951]

"why even tell people what you were livin?" I feel this shit everyday

[@fallenchief15]

All hail the broken family.

[@GemsOnVHS]

A fan we have here

[@danielc2874]

Great song

[@DIRTYSANCHEZ1995]

Coming from a broken family, and now creating a broken family, that song hits me like a ton of lead.

[@morganbrothers3898]

Third Position I grew in a broken home, it also happened to me, I prey that my love and guidance allows my son to find the love he deserves

[@spacecat86]

@@DIRTYSANCHEZ1995 it should. and instead of listening to sad songs on youtube to validate your feelings you should be fighting.

[@jadefire2817]

PawPaw, I miss you. 20 years now, you've gone and left us. I try to remember what you told me, "Any day on this side of the flowerbed is a good one. "

[@whilomforge3402]

I lost my stepfather in may of 2019. We didn’t look anything like one another, but he’d always introduce us as father and son. You have to imagine seeing a 6’5” Anglo, and a 5’7” Italian standing next to one another and claiming to be father and son. It was very funny! Unfortunately, he died unexpectedly at 57. I miss that man more than anyone I’ve ever lost, and I realize now that he taught me more than anyone I’ve ever known. I love him and miss him more than I can say, and this song reminds me of him. Thanks, Ben!

[@jessiehenderson44]

I'm 43 and theres a man that I call Grandpa even though I didn't meet him until I was 30. He's the best man I've ever met and the world will be a little less bright when he's gone.😢 I love you Lee paw.

[@norcalnate3342]

Lyrically amazing and song with pure talent. He can make you emotional over a folgers commercial if he sang it. Amazing song!

[@ericthompson881]

I agree. Nor cal here as well, Nevada City!!

[@jeffbarnett7704]

Well said. Love the way you put it

[@angstgaming7582]

Genuinely don't understand how some one can be so talented, and not be super famous. Love from England! Great lyrics as always!

[@starlameadows9536]

Our grandson Brad text me at 2:43 in the morning asking if we could play this song at his Papi's funeral his Poppy stood here crying listening to it him and his poppies been real tight all of Brad's life is Poppy loves him with all of his heart so thank you for playing that song and Bradley thank you for listening poppy loves you.

[@chrisbaker7583]

It took me a couple of times to make it all the way through this song. I was raised by my grandparents, and had a falling out with my grandfather, where we didn’t talk for 6 years. He died suddenly last year and now I have to live with those years we wasted on our pride. Thank you for your music, Benjamin.

[@Graggster80]

Wow amazing man u paint such a picture man with the lyrics you belt out

[@nolanwilder5130]

god i love Benjamin Tod. Just what i needed today. Stay Blessed

[@xfallofmanx]

Man. I heard this song 3 years ago and it hits harder today. Squeezing lemons.

[@Yobigjake]

That line. “I count the days and watch as the haze fills his eyes” I think of the time lost with my father as he approaches senior citizenry

[@champion_of_fuckups4500]

Now is the first time I've been able to listen to this song without crying since my grandad passing, and that in and of itself made me sad. I love you grandad I wish I could've learned more from you.

[@downforanything1265]

You’ll continue learning lessons from your Grandad even after his passing.

[@chrisclements4511]

this makes me think of my stepdad..naw f##* that, he's my Dad ..

[@TheAdiaz0126]

Amen brother

[@hurley467718]

Same...

[@bobstone1746]

Damn that was nice bro. I am a step dad to a teenage girl and it's not always easy and leaves one feeling unappreciated alot. I'd love to hear her call me dad one day.

[@TWR_Creations]

Damn right man

[@stdavis22]

@@bobstone1746 it takes a MUCH bigger person to raise someone else's child than their own

[@Oorlich95]

My grandad did the same for me. Wasn't my blood, but treated me like he was. 6 days on the road every week driving truck just to come home to spend time with me. I was always by his side, as was my father when he was a kid. I miss that man often, dementia and lung disease took him before he should've gone, and all the while I was lost in drug addiction. I love you, Pappy. I wish I could take it all back.

[@darinbarfield8738]

This young man is an extremely talented musician, His music is full of past generations of pain & joy, love & tears.

[@nealhardin6869]

This man has a talent that is unsurpassed by noone. Every song is like a beautiful walk down a treacherous road. I'm so grateful that Ben is around to tell his story. God bless you sir.

[@westcoastogee585]

im a simple man. i see ben tod/ lost dog...i click like.

[@thomasmarchese2808]

If I had to choose a song to show someone from another country what true, good, quality American music is, it would be this. This is what I would want to represent the music of true Americans. Beautiful.

[@tyrbaldur5317]

Today, I made amends with a friend of 10 plus years. I'm 29. We hadn't talked in over 2 years. Then somebody sent this to me. Now I'm sending it to the friend. Couldn't help but to tear up.

[@isaacolmsted7425]

Even better than anticipated! Absolutely amazing work and I am very happy that grandpa got a feature in the video, keep it up!

[@jessehurtmusic]

this dude is simply fucking genious. thats what happens out of the darkness of chaos......beautiful simplicity.

[@SquatchTactical]

This song hits so fucking hard cause me and my mother were dealt the world shittiest hand her father shot her up with heroin when she was 6 and she got taken away and her aunt and uncle adopted her and they took care of her for her whole life until she hopped a train outta town shortly after my dad left so they raised me too and they put up with both of us being bats out of hell but last valentines day my grandfather passed and ever since I've been living off of beer cigarettes and your music your music heals my soul and I'm thankful for everything you have done for me

[@907kevin1]

I lost both my grandpa and great grandpa in the past few years. Neither of them were related to me by blood, but they were both huge parts of my life. Especially growing up without a dad, and a step dad i never really have bonded with. They were both fishermen in western Alaska. They were both incredibly patient and hard working men. Lately I’ve been seeing less and less of them in me. Every time someone manages to set me off, my fuse gets just a little shorter. I don’t know when i started holding onto all this negativity. It’s been a hard few years. The point of my ramblings is that I really appreciate your music. This song puts me in a very sad, but introspective place.

[@amysharpe698]

Anthony your description about Benjamin made me tear up. The way you write about him, it's impossible to not see not only your admiration for him but how strong your friendship is. You are to thank for giving LDSB and Ben this platform and I can't thank you enjoy for sharing.

[@theresasquirestheresa]

All I can simply say is: "Boy u speak from the very depths of my broken soul"... And I humbly thank u 💚

[@nighttrain7702]

this is roots country. the country i was raised on. ben is keeping true blue americana alive. thank you for this amazing music

[@wolfthehunter3]

Circumstances were different for me and him, we always had a good relationship, but my pap married my Gram years after my grandfather died, I never knew my mother's father. Pap wasn't blood but damn it if that man wasn't family. He died yesterday at the ripe old age of 94, but that doesn't make it hurt any less. Thank you gems and thank you Ben for bringing this song here. Especially for those of us who know what means to have family closer than kin. ❤

[@LesBlackwell]

One if the most heartfelt songs I've ever heard and I instantly related to because I'm currently losing my grandmother.

[@codyclark6779]

Sorry to hear your going through that man.

[@isaacolmsted7425]

I went through the same thing a little while back, my hear is with you friend

[@marendesmond3249]

Man i would love nothing more to do music with him. So much passion in his songs. Heartache i know all too well.

[@williamsnyder8264]

Truth

[@travismitchell210]

Funny timing I found this today... just came home to say my final goodbyes to my Grandpa on his 90th bday today. I don't know how I'm gonna do it but I'm certainly sure I'm tired of seeing this man suffer like he has been. That older generation of men seem to be the only ones that understand me and how I operate and now they're all gone. It's gonna be hard to be strong today but I'm gonna have to figure it out. Just hope to see you in another life.

[@greyxwind]

2024 still crushing this song

[@dad_moose]

I used this song to get closer to my dad. It had a way of bridging the gap that a simple conversation couldnt. And for that Ben, I can't thank you enough

[@user-qv9dw1kq3q]

Benjamin Todd! No better sound! Never heard music sound so good to a story I understand! Would love to meet this guy and tell him what his songs have done to my life! Peace out brother

[@notsure2312]

“You may burn bridges you ain’t got time to mend.” True that….

[@nathanbrintnall7597]

I've always said that my family isn't broken, it just got a lot bigger. Just because we aint blood doesn't mean we aint family.

[@johntstanley1]

Towns Vanzant would be impressed with your ability to reach others and the free way you live. I'm a follower of your efforts. And I enjoy every moment.

[@judecaplin1860]

John Stanley Took the words out of my mouth. Everytime i recommend Bens music to someone i always say he's our generations Townes Van Zant

[@crazyg6219]

Towns Vanzant.................man

[@fondestdiamond]

"People say I look like my grandfather I begin to explain we ain’t even kin He’ll interrupt with why bother And saunter away with a sideways grin We both understand not giving a damn about feeling And why in the hell try and tell folks what you are living Life is defined by decisions You may burn bridges you ain’t got time to mend You’re too old to be in this condition You’re too young for the lord to take in He’d read me the bible ‘til midnight And he’d tan my hide when he caught me in lies When I dropped out of school we did fight And we lost some years in our foolish pride Now I'm not sure if I'm better or worse for the Distance But we’re not concerned cause there’s nothing to learn from resentment Life is defined by decisions You may burn bridges you ain’t got time to mend You’re too old to be in this condition You’re too young for the lord to take in He cheers with the television Hoping this year Kentucky will win I give a yell from the kitchen I wear it with pride that I'm close to him I count the days and watch as the haze fills his eyes I won’t complain it’s a privilege to live and die Life is defined by decisions You may burn bridges you ain’t got time to mend You’re too old to be in this condition You’re too young for the lord to take in"

[@longgone696]

Lifelong heroin addict. 47 years old with a few years clean. Ben's music is my new addiction. I can't stop breaking my poor heart over and over with each song. Townes would approve of Ben I have zero doubt.

[@christashaw7306]

This reminds me of my Stepdad, Tom Kendrick ❤️. He’s was with me through the roughest years, and passed before he got to see me make my way out. I still hear the things he’d say, and the remember the wisdom in his eyes. He did for me when he didn’t have to, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without him. Thanks for making great music from the guts of what life really is. You were made to write good songs, and I’m glad I get to listen❤️

[@asiadawn5509]

Reminds me of my grandpa who was my dad sacrificed a lot to raise me miss him like hell thank you for this honest music 🙏🏾

[@garciahenry63]

Hope you see this brov. I was at your show in Charlottesville, VA within the past year. My granddaddy passed away 5 days before it. The song was on repeat, and hearing it in person was another level. It is spot on. This song and many of yours has gotten me through a lot. Thank you so much. I wish I could share this with him. I appreciate you and the crew. ❤️

[@gsxrdrama9025]

I got a great grandpa who wasnt blood, but him and my great grandma took me in when i was 5 months old. Thank you.

[@JWhite7]

My grandpa was and will always be the best man I've ever known, this song hits me on so many levels. Thank you Benjamin Tod for it

[@Whatup779]

Love your music Benjamin. Just sittin’ here waitin’ for you to come back to Asheville. See you when you get here.

[@jimpreece3291]

We're raising my wife's cousins son that o.d. in 2014, we've had him since he was two months old. He's eleven now and doesn't know we aren't his biological parents. It doesn't matter, every kid needs someone to raise and love them. He's constantly pointing out our similarities and I'm tickled to death when he does. This song means the world to me, be glad that someone loved you like this in this world.

[@stephanieburns3339]

I lost my father this weekend. He wasn't biological but loved me the same. This song is one of the only ones that explain how it feels.

[@cemeterydollie]

This song makes me think of my stepdad. Took me in like his own when I was little, taught me so much. I got my sense of humor from him, so much of my moral code as an adult. We’ve had our spats when I was little and he still drank, got a smack upside the mouth (earned it though). He’s not my blood, but he’s my father. He’s taught me so much more than my biological father did. He was patient and understanding when I couldn’t hit a ball, didn’t scream at me like I was worthless (like my bio dad did). He paid for my education and taught me to be a good person

[@coopsexperience]

This song has given me goosebumps from head to toe at this stage in life

[@teddyonthekill]

My mom just passed away before Thanksgiving and this song has helped me so much, I love you guys!!

[@MrBigpoe]

ill tell ya what now thats a real tune right there bud hits me in many ways. GO CATS

[@benmorse]

What a fabulous song, and so great to see Ben looking so healthy. Can't wait for the record.

[@jom706]

Anything I see from Ben makes me proud as hell. It's truly awesome, in the most literal sense of the word, to see what he's done.

[@disappearlikethemorning8220]

Yes. Hell yes! Thanks for this stuff. Love you guys.

[@randall7853]

R.I.P. to both of my grandfather's. Best men I will ever know..

[@JoLoneyMusic]

My grandpa wasn’t blood to me either. He passed back in the mid 90’s when I was just a kid. My real grandfather passed before I was born. The man I mentioned previous was more than a grandfather could ever be. My time with him was short, but I remember him loving me and spoiling me as much as my own parents. I will never forget a moment with him. RIP Grandpa Donnie. Can’t wait to see you again ❤️

[@LorelaiOnPawz]

Absolutely stunning as always. Your music makes life better ❤️

[@FirstLast-gk6lg]

“The great Gaels of Ireland are the men that God made mad, For all their wars are merry, and all their songs are sad.” ― G.K. Chesterton, The Ballad of the White Horse just passing on this awesome quote i saw from another song.

[@celenabarclay1488]

The Irish blessings or curse? Either way, we are stronger for sure 🤟🏽🤗

[@Danny-eg8gu]

I don't care how famous Ben ends up being because he's a legend in my mind with the way he writes and the way he sings period. I am so glad I found his music I can relate to alot of his songs and I love them all.keep on keeping on my brother

[@bryce7285]

Life isnt easy. Good people and great music make it better. Best to you all.

[@pmcdecorglasgow7271]

Love from Glasgow, Scotland ❤ this guy is amazing

[@danielthomas8958]

The amount of emotion in your voice in this song is truly moving. You can tell these aren't words for you but are memories instead.

[@jamesderosa2041]

I’m a 41-one-year-old orphan. No grandparents. Two dead siblings. Dead dad. And me and my mom were estranged. We came to some terms, but she had cancer, and it was too late. COVID came, and I wasn’t allowed to visit her because she was immune-compromised. My last contact with her was here she saying “It’s OK” over the phone. Point is, don’t burn those bridges, mend the fences and there is absolutely nothing to gain from resentment. There’s much more to be gained from patience and humility. It’s only gonna hurt worse if you don’t. Only a song like this can articulate that kind of pain.

[@turdferguson3263]

As organic and authentic as they come. Thank you for giving Kentuckians one more thing to be proud of...

[@ElijahBrisley]

“It is a privilege to live and die” amen brother.

[@tinaratliff8334]

Glad I ran across this young man he is awesome beyond words.

[@jerrodlarkins9606]

Ran into Benjamin today at the dmv in my hometown. Madisonville ky. He let me get a quick selfie with him. Super cool dude.

[@themanintheshadows2748]

Son... Kin lives in your heart. Your livin shows you who your kin is; It may be your brother,sister or even another mother of father,but it's those who give their heart to you that matters. keep on livin and keep on lovin.

[@BossCat42]

Every once in awhile you hear a voice. A voice that on its own tells the story. A voice that through its depth, it’s honesty can connect you to a song. Connect you in a way that transcends music genres and Top 40 playlists. That’s what we have here. Thank you sir for this gift.

[@benrhysf]

you can hear the pain and suffer in his voice and the way he projects it is amazinv

[@Msnataliegilbert]

This is one of the songs that will always be burned in my head. I’ll never forget it. Singing at 5:40am Georgia

[@Thunderball.Mcgillicutty]

i found you, 2 years before mom and dad died.....now i welcome your voice like a brother.....