Benjamin Tod, "What Keeps Me Up Now" // GemsOnVHS™

Up to Kentucky again, to visit with our friends Benjamin Tod and Ashley Mae. This time around, a gust of wind catches the old barn on the property on fire. The local fire department comes, blasting their hoses while smoking Marlboros. They weren't able to save the barn, but I don't think anyone minded. Meanwhile, in the other barn, Benjamin plays us a new song.
He had this to say about the song here;
I wrote this song after having a mental breakdown and buying a one way ticket to Alaska. I really wanted rehab, but most rehabs nowadays are insurance scams. I couldn’t go anywhere else in the United States because my previous experience anywhere would lead me to use or drink.
I hitchhiked as far north as Talkeetna and as far south as Homer on that journey. I managed to stay sober the entire time. I ran into some people that lifted my spirit the way sticking out your thumb in a new frontier only can. It gave me strength and peace for many months after.
This song touches on what a lot of people go through. A crippling anxiety that keeps your mind racing all night and trapped in a cycle of restless fog. It is so incredibly hard to come to terms with your past, get what you need in the present and find inspiration to drive your destiny forward.
The barn on fire is actually the barn that “Lazy Moonshiner” was filmed. It’s such a stroke of luck that these last shots of the barn got captured thanks to Anthony and Tim from Gems.
-Benjamin Tod
Special thank you to VJ Arizpe, Josh and Beth Collins, Edward Siple, Kenny Schmidt, Aaron Brown, Drew, Brady Jones and Richard for making this episode possible.
Consider becoming a Patreon contributor to help sustain this project. For the price of a cup of coffee every month, you let us continue finding and filming amazing artists.
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GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love.
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[@user-qv9dw1kq3q]

I got drunk to your music...these days I'm getting sober to it! I'm right there with every word...you've been at the heart of my worst times and the best, always playing...you've done more for me than you will ever know!

[@kevmoful]

I’m with you . Trying to lay off the gin and get my shit together myself

[@torvilasulvstle362]

@@garystevenson6582 I like to drink to his music, but beeing 70+ makes me drink just a few beers afternoons on Fridays! Love this guy.

[@psnbausme]

That part!

[@samscharn558]

Fight that good fight brother

[@damionrodriguez5]

Couldn’t have said it better

[@danielscott8867]

We’re watching a legend in the making. Prolific songwriter you see a couple times in a generation. We’re all lucky to have found this music.

[@taylorwrightjustadudeonear3146]

100%

[@justintime5252]

Thanks gems

[@jbcurdog72]

😆

[@lynntyler8682]

It's a shame singers like him cannot get a big contract , but let some punk with God looks come through the door and there signed

[@JazenAdams]

Saw him I’m Memphis with my Dad. Was pretty special

[@BigGame12]

I'm really thrilled about how healthy he's looking! I know I don't know him personally, but he's done so much more for me than he realizes and I'm happy he's belting out tunes like these while looking great!!

[@ptuffgong8504]

Me too man. He's looking great and figuring himself out. We should all so be so fortunate.

[@t-tn93s95]

Well said

[@Lynq-Oro]

Amen to that.

[@lopres]

He does look good. Eyes clear!!!

[@markoleary7214]

He looks a bit more colorful, but he's also getting way more post-production now. They use LUTS and other color adjustment if not..

[@JoLoneyMusic]

This guy is the only artist I click on without hesitation. From never say surrender, barefoot surrender, lost dog, and anything else he’s been apart of. I haven’t found a single bad song out of any of it.

[@ZombieLife]

Same here. Found lost dog street a few yrs ago and am still blown away.

[@noelbob1157]

Thank you for the info, going to look up these bands now!

[@JoLoneyMusic]

Noel Bob Give Spitshine a listen too. The other guy in the band (Nicholas Ridout) was a hell of a singer/writer as well.

[@loganharrison9563]

I Hear Banjos this guy knows i think its only on band camp

[@kelseystanley7012]

Never say surrender was awesome still by far my favorite stuff he's done, but not many know about it

[@christopherwescott551]

I swear there's no better musician then Ben. He's 100% pure in all the words he sings. You can feel him sing everything.

[@mattsallows5896]

i agree ive loved a lot of artists music but none like lost dogs and Bens truly music of the soul

[@bronsonstephens5799]

Absolutely love singing to his music. It always just feels so real to me if that makes sense.

[@Twelvegagesage]

Christopher Wescott than*

[@christopherwescott551]

@@Twelvegagesage you must be an English teacher if you feel the need to correct my writing. Lol

[@jleo2707]

Agreed. He’s on the level, if not higher, than any song smith that we’ve heard.

[@lachlandeller6891]

"But it hung on my brain like a fresh coat of paint. And I fled on a train headed south. And in New Orleans I wiped my mind on the town." 🔥🔥

[@STRESSLEVELCHAOS]

I don’t know god but I heard he is dead, if I am wrong in judgement I’ll stand, I will not repent cause I don’t give a damn, you can send me to hell with the rest of my friends. I wish I was who I appear Cause I despise the man in the mirror

[@stevecloum8967]

Most powerful lyrics In history. " I used the dope where I couldn't be found. I burned through a wall of petty cash and bank accounts, with nothing else but w guitar and belt I hawked it and swore off the sound. The belt was a nouse when I came to on the ground.". He is talking about shooting dope as an escape from pain, life. Benjamin Tod has saved and changed more lives through music than anyone ever.

[@ryanbusche1458]

Was not expecting this today, going through one of the rougher times. And Benjamins songs always his so close to home.

[@Krowl18]

You're gonna make it through! It truly hits hard sometimes, but at the same time it's somehow healing.

[@gavinjohnston8156]

Hang in there. I know it’s an uphill battle, but you’re gonna reach the top

[@calebchihasz5025]

Always

[@johnboatman6127]

I feel you buddy. It must be in the air because I'm in a pretty low place myself. Gotta get through these trials or may end up loosing everything and everyone I have that means the most to me.

[@ethanvotra6151]

You are not alone brother 💙

[@shelbycriswellart]

This man's music always makes me weep like a fucking baby. I'm head over heels for every word he ever speaks or sings. I appreciate his such brutal honesty, it forces us all to do the same: be honest with ourselves and face our own demons

[@l.bolton3598]

This one got me too. Nothing more real. God bless a man who can cry over a good thing.

[@fluffnstuph85]

A fucking men. As a straight white male I'll admit I have a man-crush on him. He's real with himself, real with the world. A throwback to when country music was good, imo. A true singer/songwriter. I first heard Using Again fresh out of rehab, and it hit like a 20lb sledgehammer. Five years later, sober, and that song still makes me cry like a child. Hope this finds you and yours well. Couldn't agree more.

[@brycemanagement6462]

@@fluffnstuph85 just want us all to pour our energy into our children in these difficult times How does that SOUND? kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJaVqWeAh8dlmtE This song is for our kids I'll carry you on my Shoulders How does That SOUND?

[@MonkeyBarsEveryday]

Yeah, I cry to a lot of his songs. They cut deep.

[@jsherrill88]

That is because his songs cut deep to the soul. Not only that, but a lot of the people here commenting can relate to his music! I wont lie, his music makes me cry too!

[@whargoul8890]

Is it sappy that damn near every song this man sings make a grown man cry? Jesus this guy can shake a soul to the core!

[@mixermanbear.4002]

The personality and lifestyle of those who connect to this mans music is anything but sappy.

[@twillison8824]

One thumbs down already? Must be a luke Bryan fan that accidentally found real music and couldn't handle it!

[@ethanlane7496]

I go to the comment section for like-minded people

[@chasesux5137]

Likewise

[@brycemanagement6462]

just want us all to pour our energy into our children in these difficult times How does that SOUND? kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJaVqWeAh8dlmtE This song is for our kids I'll carry you on my Shoulders How does That SOUND?

[@barefootcolby]

Their opinion on any subject is valueless but we got to let everyone in and hope one of the seeds stuck & sprouy

[@brycemanagement6462]

@@ptuffgong8504 y'all can I share something encouraging with you today, how about a new song to help remind us of what matters? How does that SOUND? kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3O6aaqKebpjh6s

[@LovelyLadyLauraC]

When I hear your voice, I remember, This is the right time, the right place and I am supposed to be here. Thank you for sharing your light

[@francispoivre8903]

Maybe you're supposed to be elsewhere at a further date. Keep the doors open.

[@alexbethune3876]

Couldn't have said it better myself👍👍

[@cedarriver]

Lyrics and chords below folks, correct me if I'm wrong here and there No Capo, Standard Tuning, 3/4 time Em7 020000 Intro: G Verses: G C G / Em D G / C D G G/F# Em Em7 / D C D G Chorus: C D G G/F# Em Em7 / D C D G [Verse 1] Do I have what it takes to make it somehow What if I fall on my face in front of the crowd And all my mistakes are reflected it shapes That appear like a self-loathing shroud And as I recede in the charm of my grief I am bound What keeps me up now [Chorus] And let nightmares control you and daylight expose you When the blood in your head starts to pound Its 20 til 3 and you've got a cliff to climb down What keeps me up now [Verse 2] Remember the time you first called me out I laughed to pretend not to know what came out of your mouth But it clung on my brain like a fresh coat of paint And I fled on a train headed south And in New Orleans I wiped my mind on the town What keeps me up now [Chorus] And let nightmares control you and daylight expose you When the blood in your head starts to pound Its 20 til 3 and you've got a cliff to climb down What keeps me up now [Verse 3] And I used the dope to escape where I couldn't be found And I burnt through all petty cash and bank accounts And with nothing else but a guitar and belt I hocked it and swore off the sound The belt was a noose when I came to on the ground What keeps me up now [Chorus] And let nightmares control you and daylight expose you When the blood in your head starts to pound Its 20 til 3 and you've got a cliff to climb down What keeps me up now

[@TheLiquidCanvas]

I dont care the tune, if someone takes the time to do this (less than 2hrs btw) I always learn it for them. You sir, are awesome.

[@unknonind9607]

Thanks going to try this later

[@BabyJesus66]

Not all heroes wear capes.

[@zacchcanavan5390]

Love ya for this

[@121mobman]

Think it's hocked not hugged

[@01360brown]

Listening in the Gambia West Africa, but from Scotland 🇬🇲🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@november8039]

Groovy

[@craigmc9048]

Also Scottish 👍

[@silentm999]

Everyone around Appalachia are descendants of Scots/Irish.

[@danedonovan5787]

I dig this song. I also like this guy Brett McDaniel. He isn't as well known. So much talent out there. This guy Brett should open for Ben. That would be sweet. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rofPp5-Lm86NaZY

[@florida321]

Do I have what it takes to make it somehow What if I fall on my face in front of the crowd And all my mistakes are reflected in shapes that appear like self loathing shroud And as I recede in the charm of my grief I am bound What keeps me up now And let nightmares control you and daylight expose you when the blood in your head starts to pound It's twenty till three and you've got a cliff to climb down What keeps me up now Remember the time when you first called me out I laughed to pretend not to know what came out of your mouth But it clung on my brain like a fresh coat of paint and I fled on a train headed south And in New Orleans I wiped my mind on the town What keeps me up now And let nightmares control you and daylight expose you when the blood in your head starts to pound It's twenty till three and you've got a cliff to climb down What keeps me up now And I used the dope to escape where I couldn't be found And I burned thru all petty cash and bank accounts And with nothing else but a guitar and belt I hawked it and swore of the sound The belt was a noose when I came to on the ground What keeps me up now And let nightmares control you and daylight expose you when the blood in your head starts to pound It's twenty till three and you've got a cliff to climb down What keeps me up now

[@that1guy899]

No notification on KZbin makes me more excited than a Benjamin Tod on gems on vhs! 👍

[@jeremy9349]

agreed friend

[@joshclarkson6921]

I used to be addicted to heroin, I was suicidal, things were dark and not looking good. I’d listen to them whenever I was feeling down, which was all the time. There song terrible and true made me feel so guilty bout the life I was living, until one day I decided to get clean. That 5 day detox was hell, and their music is the only reason I stick with it. Thanks for saving my life LDSB🙌

[@Krowl18]

And you will stay clean! I truly believe in you, man! :)

[@danedonovan5787]

I dig this song. I also like this guy Brett McDaniel. He isn't as well known. So much talent out there. This guy Brett should open for Ben. That would be sweet. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rofPp5-Lm86NaZY glad you got better josh

[@hobbitmansstash]

Same

[@timj3974]

No matter what you got this. Keep it up!!

[@tacoman864]

Thats some serious shit to come off of. I can relate keep ur head up buddy.

[@greyhoundTex]

I see Benjamin Tod...I click and blast the volume without even thinking about it!

[@TouchOfMaddness]

He never disappoints

[@samsimonson1170]

Hell yea!

[@mikecarter8378]

Ben. I will request many of your songs played at my funeral. Morbid I know but seriously real talk.

[@SkunkdMonk]

Is there any other way?

[@t-tn93s95]

Well said...same

[@jennyl.3742]

I never clicked on something so quickly.

[@bluemoondisciple]

Ditto, he's awesome right. Much love from England.

[@kendow-vw1mf]

Agreed

[@liquid_hotdog1011]

Same actually

[@michaelbohan7083]

Indeed

[@ericbrend2613]

Hes the man!

[@abigailsmith2318]

When you’re going through a lot and stumble across this song. Damn. Bless this man

[@nateandtara1]

Hey Ben. Straight up don't know if you'll ever see or read this but this song and Using Again gave me honestly no shit the courage to go see a therapist about my PTSD. Keep doin you man. 11030.

[@BlaziingSaddles]

Good for you bro. Keep that shit up.

[@kenneththomas7582]

Right there with ya, keep it up brother.. In the words of Marcus Lutrell, "Never quit!". That it, we just got to keep stepping forward.

[@sbates1549]

@Nate....I'm proud of you...I wish everyone struggling only knew it is ok to talk.....but understand....I almost checked out early twice after oxy addiction...you got this...talking about how you feel is the best feeling once you can accept doing it...xo

[@aprylbetteridge8919]

Same

[@theritz886]

me to brother, well all get through this shit, one day at a time, on our own like we always have, i hope theres still a human on the other side of this message two years after you posted it, stay strong my brother, pain sees pain and hurt people hurt people

[@harrisonzuno6322]

I look around my Grandpas house without him here now, I look within myself at all of things eating me alive, I look at my gun and then I turn on your music and don't feel as alone. I hope it really does all get better like people have been telling me for the last 14 years since the time I failed at giving up. Your words are powerful, and make me feel like I'm not alone in all this. Thank you

[@connordempsey6551]

As I sit here broken and lost. At 3:30am listen to Benjamin. I know I’m not alone. Your words make us okay. And I thank you for that. Stay well everybody❤️

[@STRESSLEVELCHAOS]

I am here with you. Lost, bitter, lonely, and brokenhearted. Hold fast to hope, no matter how tired and lonely, beaten and damned- you are not alone. We are all here with you.

[@austinh1763]

God bless

[@austinreed341]

you too friend

[@nicke1903]

Hang tough my friend, lord there's so much going on that stokes harsh feelings among ppl but I hope everyone struggling gets to hear Ben belting his tunes in better times...The duality is unexplainable, it's something special...hold what you got, and try to make up some ground.

[@Chinook__]

Errr 🤙🏼

[@michaelkennedy8270]

I first discovered Benjamin Tod on this very channel performing a version of Steve Earle's The Mountain a number of years back. I was totally blown away by it; I still am. I don't think Gems had more than a couple of thousand subscribers at that point. So good to see this incredible musician and Gems still collaborating so strongly and both reputations growing year on year. They both deserve to be huge.

[@laurahoyle4893]

Same here... And from that moment forward..every song he has song I listen without hesitation. Lyrical genius.. one of those artist you feel like you've known the better part of your life..

[@katieled8909]

That's where I first found him too. Back in 2016 or 2017 I think. Obsessed ever since

[@tippytscafe6337]

Katie led obsessed is what I was too :)

[@daphcliche1584]

Your absolutly right 👌

[@FadedJuggalo010]

I saw him play with the devil makes three in Detroit a few years ago and havent stop looking forward to new music since. Thank you!

[@TouchOfMaddness]

Im jealous I love both of them

[@godwarrior3403]

That would have been a dream

[@carlnelson2425]

Saw the same tour in nc. Ldsb stole the show imo.

[@carlnelson2425]

Tbh, theyre who sold the show for me. I had no clue who the devil makes 3 was prior

[@mysticm1736]

I saw them also open in Georgia for them great show !

[@jaybay1120]

I believe in each and every one of you random people. Keep doing you. Much love

[@ericmoore2718]

Ben has what it takes but this world doesn’t know what it has... A modern Tom T Hall. Old souled poet

[@MayberryMafia]

This music plucks at my heart like he plucks that guitar 🎸 As a recovered addict and a man who fights the war inside me for the better! Thank you Ben Todd and your lady friend too!!!

[@christinabennett9687]

Hail n blessings to a beautiful Ashley Todd. You complete the beautiful story and music that fills our souls

[@Krowl18]

There is no way (for me at least) to put into words how you and your music impacted my life. The best part ist that two good friends are just as ecstatic about your (and LDSB's) music as I am. You are an important part of our lives, even though we never met and probably never will. Like that childhood friend supporting you through every hardship no matter what... Benjamin, Ashley and also GemsOnVHS ease every pain there is. From the bottom of my heart: Thank you for always being there for us! Much love from southern Bavaria!

[@twillison8824]

Damn, Bavaria? Y'all have good taste in music over there.

[@asawestcott1242]

Bavaria! That's awesome.

[@Krowl18]

@@twillison8824 We're hoping that Benjamin will someday play in Europe, Germany or even Bavaria! Otherwise we practically HAVE to come over to the states! ;)

[@ThisCreaturesFeatures]

Salutations from a black cloud covered burning California

[@edwardlove8929]

Fastest response to a youtube notification in the history of maybe ever Thank you Benjamin Todd

[@totallynotalpharius2283]

I sense it * Sniffs air* They posted Benjamin Todd

[@danedonovan5787]

I dig this song. I also like this guy Brett McDaniel. He isn't as well known. So much talent out there. This guy Brett should open for Ben. That would be sweet. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rofPp5-Lm86NaZY

[@jeremiahprice2906]

I'm a 39 year old male balling his eyes to this man. Please never stop Ben!

[@robertriley9272]

Benjamin paints such a vivid picture with his words.

[@lindabarber1718]

The clarity of that voice could cut diamonds

[@doodmonkey]

Very glad the KZbin algorithm worked and brought me to Benjamin Todd

[@nicklawre8317]

I get exicted when I see a notification from gems but get really excited when it is bejamin todd

[@socoden2732]

About this time 56th to 100 idk how many times I've played this specific song & it still hits harder then any drink I've consumed any drug I've done God bless you ben I've been listening since.. mannn listening was

[@socoden2732]

🤣🤣

[@DanielDennison-wb2hy]

Going through some hard times; wife and best friend ghosted me. Turns out she was tired of my stupid antics and I got strung out on speed. This music speaks volumes to me, as it always has. I need you more than ever brother.. thank you for stickin around Ben.

[@robertbelanger8219]

Hang in their brother man you got this 👊

[@SawyerDarrell]

I found this amazing poet in a Spotify playlist of my fathers, I listened to that one song “I will rise” all night, I haven’t stopped listening and I doubt I ever will

[@timallbritton7329]

He’s got the blues, deep down inside. I feel for what this man must have been through.

[@zachwarren8844]

Benjamin todd never gets old.been listening to your stuff for years everyday and it's still not old.

[@adl42598]

I hope one day you’re able to come across this Ben, I want to thank you because your music has kept me going strong and staying clean. Today marks 30 days sober, I relate so much to your songs to the point I tear up. Thank you brother, hopefully one day I can come to a show of yours and meet you

[@hobbitmansstash]

Your music really helped me while I was getting off of opiates I feel like a new person getting better every day your music is more than enjoyable to listen to thank you for putting it out there into the world. 🙏👍😊☝ Ps. My mom just moved from Michigan to Kentucky I plan to find work down there sometime soon as well. It'd be really cool to see you live or if not catch an autograph or something. It'd be more than okay with me though maybe sit down and talk in the bar or something but who knows only time will tell.

[@cyprianofantioch]

Great job getting off opiates 🙏 Freedom from being gripped by substances is a great feeling that is priceless. Love your life and be grateful for this beautiful creation in which we are blessed to experience. May God bless you. 🙏

[@moderatepain2003]

One of the FEW musicians in ANY genre of music who’s live show is actually better then his recorded and edited music. You can feel the energy of his tunes in everything that gems has recorded. Truly amazing.

[@jasonfain4691]

Musical therapy. Man I feel his music in my bones! I just picked up 8 years clean on Halloween from a 20 year addiction.

[@vitamind1200]

Just found him and lost dog and can't stop listening. I remember the pain of my time dealing with addiction in his music. Loving his voice

[@wdbrisky8858]

Always happy to see some more of Ben, he's looking healthy nowadays

[@thetruth166]

At 3:39 it's like he's reliving the verse he's singing. He sings with such passion. Rock on Ben!

[@THEDIRTYDANGGLER]

Your music is keeping me closer to God and sobriety thank you

[@shanehenkelman1673]

Restores my faith in music. Straight from the heart.

[@ladygeorge505]

This guys lyrics has helped me through the hardest month Ive ever experienced. I sincerely thank you for that.

[@ComplexSkepsisvehementalbeats]

Not. Well. Heard the resounding oscillations of deep feeling within syllabic rhythm. Its heavy but got damn I needed this. Im sharing to the point people are ignoring me lol this song and others. THANK YOU. I needed this but I know of many that need it as well. just....thanks to all of the people on the channel. thank you times a million. .. even that doesn't seem to be enough for how much it helps the soul....

[@meredithgrubb7027]

This man is a rare gem. That voice just flows thru ur soul as u listen. Everything he's singing about is so damn relatable. This man is singing live in an old barn and sounds like absolute perfection. This is the definition of beauty.

[@katlyncoyl3155]

I remember being high on meth playing guitar in my garage watching my brother pul out his belt before I started shooting, before I got to heroin, feeling the last of my days smoking coming to an end no longer able to get high. It was dark in the garage a dim light with tools and projects everywhere as if my soul was on its last grip to ahold onto something before I fell to the needle. This song captures so much of what I felt and its a heavy love I have for your music. I'm grateful for your talent your magic of capture the beautiful light that is the darkness before the dawn. I got 2 years sober now from alcohol, from meth, from heroin, from pot physcodelics and any mind altering substance thanks for helping me bare the pain and surface it. Much loves.

[@clee975]

who else loves Ben ??? such an amazing soul touching voice !

[@fendikitty4032]

Thanks! Ahsley and Ben Are my aunt and uncle

[@letitgrow122]

Dude you keep getting better and better. You and Timmy Ty are the Real face of country music. Thank you for doing what you do. I’ll be seeing you guys on your tour ASAP muchos tiempos.

[@MrHabitat009]

Ben reminds me so much of my older brother.

[@brandonaide4493]

Benjamin Todd you help my wife and I stay sober your music is amazing and life changing!

[@stonesmith3524]

You are an absolutely lovely human Benjamin. You words bring quiet comfort to a struggling heroin addict who just can’t seem to get there. Thank you for all your help you’ve unknowingly given me through this journey into terrified sobriety.

[@xaviermccants7047]

As a meth addict I'm just as terrified brother we'll find a way back home I know we will ;)

[@TouchOfMaddness]

Good luck man. I haven't kicked my habits yet but god knows I'm trying

[@vernonbrown9193]

We will all get there I hope y'all are safe wherever y'all are

[@dominiquemcclelland7585]

You guys have got this. Always remember you are never as alone as you may feel and you are so much stronger than you believe you are! Stay safe!Much love from one junkie/addict (in recovery) to another!💛💛

[@Thyme_rl]

Benjamin Tod is so talented.

[@Squatch34]

All of his songs cut right to my core and bring tears to me eyes haunting me of my ever lurking past, but it’s necessary to stay on the tracks... maybe one day these memories will be a distant... one day at a time

[@caleb5196]

Ben has helped me get through a really rough time in my life. This music heals me

[@clarkkc11]

Another beautiful song. Hope to spin this one on vinyl someday. Love the torn apart structure. Beautiful location.

[@taylorgraves2862]

He's looking healthier all the time. Love it. I've been thru the same shit. I was like 125 pounds at 6' 3" once upon a time now I'm like 230 and 6'1" lol. Gotta love this music. It's all I've been listening to for like two years now

[@davidmcgill5851]

As I set and listen to this I can't help but think about the pain the man must have endured to be able to write a song that just grabs you the way this does

[@arronbaumgarden3005]

Mr Todd, if you had any idea how many people you touch every day. It would blow your mind my friend! I have always been a music lover. And I have not claimed any particular genre to be my favorite over the rest. But with the likes of Jason dea West, Arlo McKinley, the Hill country devil, and Benjamin Todd. I never would have thought that folk music would impact me so very much, in my life on a daily. And I have to say. It's people like the above mentioned, that are the true American heroes of our modern time. And you guys are where the rubber meets the road as they say. You all have helped me through my worst of times in life. As well as help me appreciate the great times as well. I will never be able to hear your music, without it burning right to the very core of who I am, as as well as singing it at the top of my lungs. And I know that each and every one of you have made such a great impact on me. I can never thank you enough. And as far as I'm concerned you have saved my life. Please don't stop making truly inspiring music. Much love to all of you! God bless.

[@jeremiahhernandez43]

Really happy I came across his music, he’s been heavy on my music rotation. I hope I get to see him live one day.

[@ptuffgong8504]

This hits home on so many levels.

[@sonnyjones9618]

Ill take Mr Todd over every. Every. New country fling. This is heart felt. Broke beaten music. Real. Pure and amazing

[@matthewcatchpole9216]

Absolute unreal lyricist .every song I’ve heard from him

[@KineticMind89]

Nightmares do control me and the daylight does expose me. It's a tough life.

[@ShittinTrains]

This man knows. Fantastic as always.

[@shanegebora2710]

THANK YOU Ben, the blood in my head is pounding a little less after this dose of medicine to my soul...

Benjamin Tod, is a rare talent, greetings from Brazil.

[@TheDezdan]

Another deep song, thank you sir.

[@teresaleonard9215]

Do you do tours some where man? My husband feels your music so deep. It gives me a good understanding of the battles he fights inside and has made us a better couple. I would love to take him to see you live some where.

[@munky871]

Still one of the most talented musicians ive ever heard...its impossible to listen to any of his songs without feeling something

[@nomanslee1]

I need a hat like his, this man is steezy.

[@spinblackcircles]

Literally any thrift store or estate sale lol.

[@DA-yb4qf]

A rap term used in Outlaw Folk. Congratulations Nolan, that's a first.

[@ianallen9330]

A Winchester hat at any estate sale ? U must be high

[@spinblackcircles]

Ian Allen well my roommate has gotten a Winchester hat, wall hanging, and a cup like thing he puts his toothbrushes in. And he got them all at estate sales. Winchester stuff is like part of the hipster uniform in 2020. At least where I live (Nashville)

[@thealaskanforever]

Speaking of Alaska.... hello from Fairbanks Alaska!!! Saw you in Louisville Kentucky right before the covid cancelled the rest of the tour. Was an amazing experience!

[@kilo-watt]

We were supposed to see them in Newport two nights after that Louisville show, the gig got canceled the day of because the whole world shut down. Get to see them twice this month, it’s fitting that they’re first live show I get to see since then.

[@Kainebadonmusic]

“The belt was a noose, when I came to on the ground.” RIP Georgie, love ya bud. Wish you would’ve came to…. Gonna miss ya forever

[@KBFalin0027]

The scarred knuckles. This a beauty of humanity. His expressions and lyrics are unchained.

[@vjarizpe]

I was wondering what would come of those shots we saw of Ben in that Barn.

[@caseybuentello]

Then I run into you here too. Small internet aint it, brother? Haha

[@joshuapaulcollins1]

Casey Buentello very small. Haha

[@eoghancallaghy9254]

"The belt was a noose but I came to on the ground" Jesus Benjamin, that is heavy.

[@chrisadams7774]

I think it is actually “the belt was noose when I came to on the ground”. I think he is referencing using the belt to shoot dope into his arm using the money he got from hocking his guitar. Absolutely heavy nonetheless.

[@eoghancallaghy9254]

@@chrisadams7774 you are probably right. I didn't think about that and I am an ex user myself. Still very heavy.

[@christopherholder0713]

Mr.Tod Thank you for wonderful heartfelt music. You're a true GIFT from the creator. You and your story of struggle and hardship plus the music you create has kept me from saying goodbye more than once. Hearing your songs is like church for me. Deeply grateful to you. Please come to Florida to perform. I will be there for ANYTHING I can help with or just to be in the presence of your music. Much love from 1 vagabond to another 🚂 💯

[@joeybeaulieu8123]

Damn that guitar has got a life of its own! the story and age it has! Love its sound

[@TommyBoyHustle]

It’s 20 to 3 and you’ve got a cliff to climb down.

[@pm8278]

next song "holes on the roof" and "the rain fall on me"

[@jerryallen6680]

This dude literally saved my life so many times, goin though the similar stuff at the same time. Thank u Benjamin ur the man

[@30FramesJames]

One of the few men who can still get right to your soul, in just a few words from life.

[@lilt1282]

One of the few artists I feel is genuinely incapable of producing poor content. So sad I'm not gonna see him in NC in October.

[@williamedwards8493]

I’m from London ky and this man’s music really speaks volume to the life here and what so many live everyday. God bless you for representing us.

[@brianglynn7568]

every time I reach a new milestone in dealing with my own thoughts and worries a new Benjamin song hits KZbin

[@tintedferrari5150]

He looks healthier everyday. Couldn’t be happier, he here and able to bless us with some of the greatest song writing of our time

[@bonbondolly]

This guy genuinely IS the voice of the soul of America. Simply amazing...

[@joeokonski3679]

I've been growing with this music, just as his music grows with him.

[@unknonind9607]

He puts it all out there and I love it

[@philthompson549]

I feel my brother on this song. My 2 yr old son keeps me up now. Way jetter than what kept me up in the past! The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire!!

[@travishatch4303]

First time listeing to this track, and It's 20 till 3, and I needed to hear this.

[@EdibleRebel]

I would give everything i own to jump ahead 10 years and hear the music he comes out with 🤩❤

[@Meeko_117]

Last night I almost blew my brains out. I had your music on repeat. Despite my best efforts I am still alive the following day. For years I thought I was the only one that felt this way. Hearing your music made me realize I am not the only one. I truly believe I can get thru this. But even as I am typing I am thinking I'd be better off dead. I truly believe its the most selfish thing a person could do, but how fucking long does this shit last. My beautiful Wife and kids are the only thing that keeps me from squeezing off a round.

[@timcundiff3761]

Absolutely deep real lyrics . Amazing artist amazing human and story . I have a lot of loss alot of pain like everyone else . This guy makes you appreciate the moving forward the feeling . The man

[@teamlysergic42]

I want to say thank you although I'm not clean right now you're music is guiding me there so thank you brother and to anyone else struggling keep your head up and you are not alone