BLAZE FOLEY - IF I COULD ONLY FLY

[@PeteD1884]

Somehow the apparently inattentive audience makes the sadness of this song even more heart breaking.

[@ElisonJackson]

the live album 'at the austin outhouse' is the same way... he's playing to a chattering room of 20 people and absolutely slaying it. what a hero

[@cozmo5294]

It lends it something doesn't it? Pretty remarkable. If I could sing one song the rest of my life this is the song. I love the drunk lady she's obliterated but right in the moment, some how. Dubya dubya dubya threeeeeeee

[@johnsteele5264]

it's like their indifference magnifies how he is "alone in this song" *thank God for "the Duct tape messiah"

[@peterschancel7223]

@@johnsteele5264 You couldn't script a movie with the best actor to replicate this . Thank you for your gifts BLAZE

[@majorpwner241]

Makes the solitude all the more profound. This might be the best version of the song that got recorded.

[@dueyramone]

God damn. This version, with everyone else in the background not even listening, not giving a flying shart, really nails it. But he just keeps on bleeding all over them. Goddammed gem.

[@Maggie5846]

I was just saying that out loud as I listened. Would they have really been listening had they known Blaze was not long for this world? Had they been able to see the beauty? Probably not. We have so much beauty in front of us every day that we overlook. It's a shame. I thank Blaze for his words and lasting beauty. 63 now and appreciating more and more the gifts of people like Blaze.

[@keithmoyle4929]

Came to listen to this very late on in my life I have no words left he used them all

[@drb000]

"Bleeding all over them" is perfectly true. Blaze's heart is on tray...

[@DaveGreeneramblingcarpenter]

Exactly what I think, amazing guy

[@jerryw6699]

and that little kid immitating Blaze, priceless.

[@daveh9655]

I wonder if anyone there realized they were witnessing greatness

[@docilecare9981]

Not a damn bit. Mundane bitches

[@lucyloose2841]

You are not wrong there... one of the greatest writers of a well balanced song that's ever lived... and then he sings and it just gets better.. I wish he could fly back to us..

[@jaspersheridan1710]

People having a great time but clearly need to shut the fuck up and listen

[@mrchildgrownold3852]

@@jaspersheridan1710 yup

[@catatonic9216]

Probably not brother

[@babykanga101]

Once I heard this song I thought of my father who is 90 years old and how he misses my my Mom who passed away around 21 years earlier. He was my Hero and my brother and sisters. Well he passed away and has gone to be with my Mom where he can get up and fly with her, no more lonely nights R.I.P. Dad

[@lazrd355]

This is the best country song ever written hands down

[@James_is_nobody]

I can’t disagree one bit. I don’t think I’ve heard this song a single time without shedding a tear for my late mother.

[@markriker9276]

no its not

[@Frank-sm9yl]

I think " pineola " is better.

[@markatr6]

another example of how it matters not, to be internationally famous, wealthy and on the charts to be a poetic & musical treasure, thanks for posting !

[@DougGurley-vv4pt]

This is the song I told my kids I want played when I pass away.

[@FugStatus]

I think the Old Violin is a good farewell song for a funeral.

[@mopacmedia]

Glad you like it! This video is from Sharon and Lew Andre Mathews, recorded at their wedding party in 1985. I believe in Austin.

[@mechcavandy986]

S.T. Coleridge, the wedding guests.

[@apk4891]

Please preserve that footage. Get it to Gurf Morlix if possible.

[@apk4891]

Would love to know the story of how Blaze got to play there!

[@JwGacey1]

They still together?

[@weegledorfer]

I hope their kid is named Blaze

[@vitaquasus1120]

I've been trucking so long I still call it long haul. This song always has reminded me of my wife when I begin my 5,400 mile rounder. 10 days gone, "if I could only fly" May God bless all who are away from loved ones.

[@PorchHonkey]

Thanks,trucker! God bless you too old boy.

[@cozmo5294]

Imagine you're at some crummy wedding getting drunk in some crummy backyard and blaze foley walks out to play a few tunes and swill some beer. How cool would that be. All time Cool.

[@jojosusu9662]

That wouldn't be cool man. It would be legendary. Lol

[@mattbegley2875]

yeah but id tell my friends shut up Blaze is singin

[@leebuck571]

wow

[@smwrbd]

@@mattbegley2875 me too...

[@Jay-ft3xh]

Imagine youre some douchebag who thinks a backyard wedding means crummy... douchebag

[@elijackson5814]

what a legend

[@blackflagdanny]

Blaze Foley - just like Townes, his music reaches down hits a nerve in your soul, and sometimes, makes you cry like a damn baby.. If you've really lived, you cant help but connect with this music. This is the real stuff folks, happy to see others still love this man man and this music.

[@HardRockMiner]

Some of us heard you then, and we still hear you now, Blaze. You're missed, buddy.

[@davidh1249]

As close to Hank Williams as there ever was,Blaze Foley was the real deal,he lived it,walked it and talked it. R.I.P Blaze,You are sorely missed.

[@DougGurley-vv4pt]

Can't believe this crowd talked through this iconic song.

[@debraminervino7036]

It was a wedding …

[@gheester60]

@@debraminervino7036I do t care what it was. They have a famous singer singing a beautiful song he’s written and their drunk asses are blabbing about trivial crap. So rude. 😮

[@johnnyp8979]

BLAZE was invited to a wedding, he is/was part of the celebration and there are children and probably drunk person or two ..

[@Mahhahbone]

@@johnnyp8979Odds are Blaze wasn’t exactly sober during this performance .

[@clifftheplanteddvd6330]

@@gheester60he wasn’t famous though

[@dy95dy95]

Such raw, unbridled sorrow for one man to bear...

[@stevewilliamson8526]

used his song sung by waylen to get me thrue the long haul driving ,rest well Mr Foley

[@Roger_Ramjet]

Bare...

[@justinmercer3147]

Big Irish Yeti no, it is bear. As in, to bear a weight. Bare means uncovered, naked, etc. Look it up.

[@di4352]

He made the sadness into beauty, even someone was singing in the end

[@jocampken]

Ive watched this a thousand times.....tear up every time

[@butterfly9918]

John Campbell me too, it hits me hard...i just keep crying!

[@debbiemcwilliams2789]

My first time with this particular video... actually enjoy the audience participation 😁

[@Jebus805]

Guilty

[@jayvarner1305]

me two

[@weegledorfer]

Wonder what I oughta do

[@zenphil]

If this song dont make you cry then your already dead! Sing it to the angels.

[@GraceNichols-n6w]

So lonely and the crowd seems to ignore him and his genius. Thank you Blaze for being real and for keeping on playing to the rest of us.

[@robertguinn5863]

A Gem that wasn't discovered soon enough. What a voice the man had. RIP Blaze...

[@melanienichols4756]

God bless whoever taped this. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@mopacmedia]

Sadly, that's all there is, I think they forgot to start the camera. I'll try to upload more from this tape, there is a good version of "Faded Love" on it. Thanks for commenting!

[@1jonque]

"Dismal thinking on a dismal day" !!! What a great line among a great song full of great lines!

[@odtuckero7999]

Just hearing his banter at the end almost makes me tear up. It’s so obvious how genuine of a man Blaze was. A terrific songwriter, a captivating presence, and a man who sang how he lived. Im not a religious man, but I hope Blaze is still out there seeing how loved he is by so many.

[@murph5438]

Might be the greatest country song ever written

[@jonw12]

a world class musician, playing to a crowd that didn't know he was their. love the little things. love everything

[@langstongrandma]

A forever thank you to Kevin Triplett for preserving this precious song for all of us.

[@gstevens50]

I can’t believe it took me so long to discover Blaze Foley. The first time I heard him perform his music it cut right to my heart. Folks here are not even listening to this genius performing and it’s so sad.

[@filuferru]

I'm still thankin' the TV show "The Mentalist" that allowed me to discover Blaze from here in Italy two years ago. Otherwise I would never know about him.

[@mattgodwin9023]

This is when I wish I had a time machine

[@carlengland2300]

Still loving him in 2023

[@baxwest]

I love the intimacy of this clip, and how you can hear others carrying on their chit chat in the background, oblivious. The noise lessens towards the end as people start to catch on to the quality and sincerity of the performer.

[@Jay-ft3xh]

What a moron you are. These are friends. This is a party. They are enjoying themselves as their friend plays a song theyve heard 100 times. Fukin morons.

[@peteypickles7209]

So glad this moment was captured.

[@gcvincent3989]

Blaze Foley playing at a backyard party. These folks had no idea of the greatness before them.

[@justin81011776]

This just rips my heart out.

[@richardmcdermott5795]

The saddest part is when he says "You don't want to gamble with me, I ain't got no money" Breaks your heart, doesn't it?

[@keithclark486]

Heartless

[@Mike-e9o]

People were not aware there was greatness in their midst. Wow. So much raw emotion in this song. I tear up every time I hear it.

[@Sayiwont15]

It hurts like hell relating to this song. I’m sorry if u know how it feels.

[@debbiemcwilliams2789]

Praise the Lord we have these videos to look back on..I do often

[@zazenbo]

I miss my wife

[@joeysalas5541]

Hang in there brother

[@joeyneason9371]

It’s going to be okay man, hang in there and make her proud brother

[@saustin151]

Good LORD!!!!!!! I was at Townes VanZandt's B'day bash at The Cactus last night...so many good stories of Balze and Townes. Our Duct Tape Messiah...truly missed.

[@mamaluigi911]

dang this is good. idk why but I almost always think youtube live versions/session recordings are much better than overproduced album versions.

[@billlee1227]

Probably my single favorite video on this app. What a world

[@annamunninger8296]

My dad just cried

[@wovokanarchy]

If a word truley captures it's essence then I would be so humble to utter the word... authentic.. where so many strive and yet fail.

[@kevinl1717]

No words.. Genius perhaps …God Bless always Blaze 🙏🏼

[@gregrussell5374]

Just listening to this made me immensely sad in the moment.

[@ChristopherNihil]

Tears in my eyes.

[@douglasbowman1955]

My wife, Nancy and I've become "friends" with Lew Andre and Sharon since moving to Texas in 2015. A more gracious couple Nancy and I have never met. Hey, Lew Andre and Sharon, thank you for your valued friendship and for music we've shared along the way! May God continue to bless!

[@MrCryptic55]

I like to imagine I was in this yard, gazing on with my beer and reflecting on life. I had a chance to be in a yard like this and listen to country music like this and it was amazing and life changing though not at a wedding but this is a perfect song accompanied by a perfect feeling

[@robertmiller4993]

He shakes his head back and forth before starting singing, after a 30 second guitar piece in which he doesn't look at his hands and has his eyes closed...damn...

[@aaronromano2109]

i lost my father some time ago and have nightmares about seeng him and my own struggless ,,, needess to say to say i love this song❤️❤️

[@TyrellaMusic]

I love this. Blaze was just an incredible songwriter and performer and his talent refuses to just fade away.

[@Skybluewarrior]

One of the best songs ever written/played. A true legend.

[@garydaltonolecountrymusic2711]

Blaze you were a King amongst men. Merle Haggard made a major hit with your song. Thankyou my friend. I hope some day Ill have the privilege of singing this song with you in heaven. Rip my friend. 💙

[@margaretwilson1539]

Such a brilliant song!!! 🙂🎤🎻🪕🎼👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@lucyloose2841]

In the presence of greatness

[@jonw12]

This is art. And an artists.

[@lumaz71]

i would marry too, if Blaze could sing at my wedding. How lucky.

[@CDSarahMillward]

Such a great song, and performance, as always with Blaze.

[@johntheball]

This song tears up my soft Irish heart...anyone who has ever felt lost will know...think i will go give my wife a kiss she made me new...

[@antoniomanaserian3838]

Somehow the apparently inattentive audience makes the sadness of this song even more heart breaking.

[@TheBuilderguy1]

Blaze use to play at a bar I worked at in 1983-84. This song has been very hard to find since then, as I have moved back to my home of Ky. He had a way with music. Havent heard from him, since then, till the advent of youtube. Thanks for posting.

[@analyzethisish]

We need Blaze today. Gone way too soon

[@Week3nd-Warrior]

I just discovered blaze from watching tales from the tour bus by Mike judge and I am totally hooked and can’t believe more people haven’t heard of him. His songs really tug at my heart strings. And some are actually hilarious. RIP blaze I wish I had heard of you sooner.

[@raymondcarroll3876]

This video shows the Loneliness some of us souls have. The world chats and moves along and we feel like no one hears us or understands.

[@jayvarner1305]

thank you so much

[@Vpain90009]

The world didnt deserve this man.

[@emmysawvel]

I was very young when he was all the rage on the local music scene. Just a true loyal loving fan of Blaze Foley. May he rest in peace.

[@ShawnWhiteley]

I can't imagine getting this genius to play in my yard.

[@musicherb1540]

thank you Sharon, thank you Lew, thank you Kevin, and thank you KZbin, for preserving this piece of GREAT music history, oh and thank you Blaze R.I.P.

[@drucula3]

Still think this is the best version of the best love song of all time... RIP Blaze...

[@dozer1642]

Even under these truly horrible circumstances, our dear Blaze performs a heart wrenching rendition of an amazing song. God bless you blaze.

[@hinamauka]

This man sings some of the most achingly beautiful music I've ever heard. Sure wish I had known of him before his unfortunate death. RIP, Blaze.

[@DeeMoback]

Yup ..... Merle did a great job with this song

[@nashvilleslim]

Such a sad place to sing a beautiful song

[@di4352]

couldn't agree more

[@jambrasvo]

A perfect example of boiling down lyrics to the pure emotion. Beautiful song.

[@roncerosky6258]

You have to wonder what Blaze could of accomplished if his life wasn't cut short. He was a mess but a beautiful soul.

[@kalanetics]

I almost felt you touchin me just now I wish I knew which way to turn and go I feel so good and I feel so bad Wonder what I oughta do If I could only fly If I could only fly Id bid this place goodbye To come and be with you But I can hardly stand Got nowhere to run Another sinkin sun One more lonely night The wind keeps blowin somewhere every day They tell me things get better somewhere up the way Just dismal thinkin on a dismal day Sad songs for us to bear

[@JonWhitexas]

Merle Haggard did this great song so well for so many years. Now he and Blaze can sing it together.

[@joeearlmason4290]

wavygr In Heaven.

[@mattrameaux]

Someday I hope to see Blaze, Merle and the late John Prine pickin together.

[@ianburry5629]

As good as all the other people who sang this song there is no competition...they sang a song...Blaze was singing his life..

[@dlbstl]

Carson McKee brought me to Blaze Foley. He has an excellent version on his channel. Beautiful song. So heartfelt singing by Blaze. I almost want to 😢

[@oskarjohnson5848]

Thank you @mopacmedia and Kevin Tripplet for sharing this and the doc about Blaze. Oskar from Sweden

[@inanortherntown]

this is great..sums up how I feel with everyone going on about there lives while I feel like I'm unable to comprehend the days anymore

[@MichaelSeeger]

thank You for posting this rare juwel. What a beautyful sadness in his voice, the sky is crying

[@jonw12]

Such a great artist and song

[@Frank-sm9yl]

Lucinda Williams song " drunkin angel " is about Blaze.

[@michaelray3200]

this guy is (was) amazing! glad I found his art...

[@joureynewell7800]

Such a class act, not only a very talented musician but someone with a deflated ego, and a very warm personality. A wonderful human being!

[@WilliesWarriorPoets]

It doesn't get any better than this.

[@mtunpleasant]

This is a precious and authentic document of a singular talent all the more poignant for his short fiery transverse of the heavens above the sad old world here below. Merle loved this song.

[@huckcrash7839]

.... and sad songs for us to bare

[@Skybluewarrior]

Keep coming back and i have no words..

[@jeanettesmith765]

I would have loved to have been in that back yard listening to the late, great Blaze Foley.

[@jasonprice6094]

Amazing that Blaze sounds better with acoustic guitar in the backyard singing over noise than performers today sound with electric bands and sound stages. Talent maybe?

[@peanutbutterrobot]

this is the best version of country

[@peterschancel7223]

@@peanutbutterrobot Speechless

[@lawdawgdirtmonkey]

and then imagine yourself yelling shut the hell up to whoever is still talking while that man is singing

[@rickyhenry4958]

Watching this gets me every single time for so many reasons.

[@shan9759]

❤ And a legend he became !!! the first time i heard Blaze sing this...the hairs on my arms stood up.. absolutely breathtaking.

[@carystemle6570]

Tremendous document of a great, fleeting moment.

[@Seanybiker]

Holy moly. amazing. Such a loss :( Absolute legend.

[@mp-3429]

Kings of Leon's song The Reverend was written about this man and brought me here.. Never heard him tell tonight but he is Amazing... I heard Townes years ago and can't believe I never stumbled across Blaze..

[@badtux]

Strips the song down to its bones, and what gorgeous and sad bones those be. Genius.

[@di4352]

good ol' sad bones

[@taylerswenson5890]

I just heard of this guy a week ago and I feel like an ass because of not recognizing his music through "famous" country singers voices. This poor guy really lived it and got the shaft. Show some respect

[@TheRudysadler]

They guy that introduced me to this song and rendition saved my life. I’m now listening to this and sharing it with my beautiful partner when we’ve to spend mights apart due to to work commitments

[@hagblay]

BLAZE--WOW--WHAT A JOB--5 STARS FOR YOU--AND 5 STARS FOR THE GUY WHO TOLD ME TO CHECK YOU OUT-THATS MR BOB MOORE--THIS IS A LONG SONG--BUT YOU TORE IT UP MY FRIEND--THANKS FOR DOING THIS MERLE HAGGARD CLASSIC--TY JOHN