Bonnie "Prince" Billy - I See A Darkness (Live on KEXP)

[@malcolmlee2561]

Was a time I was homeless and the only thing I had was my MP3 player and this album, still remember being in a bush to these words

[@sineadconran4964]

Love from Eire, keep up the fight

[@MrMarioGaio]

A big hug from Italy, bro

[@justwinfelipe6495]

[@StreetShots79]

Jesus that's a great story. Hope you came through that rough patch. I was on a bus in Ireland heading into the country, thousands of miles from home and I was listening to this and tears flowed. Not a sadness but a special moment of awareness.

[@justwinfelipe6495]

@@StreetShots79 Seems like a lot of us have felt this song in our core. The up beat version of it, is also as moving:)

[@andrewwabik5125]

Usually this sort of soul is in a body that’s beaten itself into oblivion. Luckily, this man is very much still with us. Very thankful.

[@MrTearyOne]

I've listened to probably half a dozen versions of this, and I just love that every version has a completely different feel. That's how you know Oldham is a true artist: he doesn't just sing the 'song' - he sings what's in his soul at any given time!

[@omg143143]

you put into words what I couldn't. what a song and what a performer.

[@wulyf4lyf]

Such an incredibly weird, raw , brilliant performance. From the flat, sound of his guitar to the way he delivers the vocals in such a weird timing, he just seems completely in the moment, and it’s absolutely haunting and perfect.Dude is definitely one of a kind.

[@neliz2k]

This version is closer to Johnny Cash' cover than his original, as if it was a tribute to Cash

[@GaetanGMusic]

Have you ever heard Damien Rice, I guess you'd appreciate.

[@Scoupe400]

Definitely a J Cash cover. Really nice similarity to the original.

[@danieljpars]

@@Scoupe400 Not a Cash Cover. Cash covered his song, not the other way around

[@mediagorillaproduction9128]

This version is horrible. Cash did it much better. Here is to much crying

[@eccentricexploringape1246]

One of the best songs ever written

[@omg143143]

I don't know that any song or performance has ever moved me this much. A song I've listened to hundreds of times and still it fills me with melancholy, nostalgia, happiness, loss, hope, regret, love and sadness, all at the same time.

[@fraserbailey6347]

Probably the best song to be written in the last 30 years.

[@hilarymcmahon6901]

probably the most important song i have ever heard. and he plays it so well. not alot of people sing about our darkness. and the joy that eludes us ... thank you Mr Prince .. cause you have saved us from some darkness

[@serkanozfidan1140]

Youre right.We live in darkness somehow but thats why we have the light(Like this song).

[@jnananinja7436]

This guys music changed my life

[@JasonLankow]

This song is so powerful. Every version takes on a different dimension. It’s like the winding journey of a lifetime in one song, the dreams and the downfall and deep friendship’s role in getting through it all.

[@DaunHijauku]

I like every version and style of this song. Billy is the best

[@robertlee3416]

100% agree friend

[@mediagorillaproduction9128]

No. I hate this.

[@182roadwarrior]

A few years back I lost a buddy to suicide. Every time I listen to this song, it reminds me of our last few conversations. He had a beautiful soul.

[@SJDurrant]

Responding four years on but same situation. Reminds me of my late friend who got me into Bonnie Prince Billy (as well as other great music) and sadly took his own life back in 2009. I find this song terribly sad and comforting at the same time.

[@spookymyers2919]

I curated the playlist for background music for my dad’s visitation. I put Johnny Cash’s cover of this song - they’re both beautiful and amazing but JC fit my soul when putting it together. He died by suicide.

[@sebastianwaukazoo104]

Yeah lost my best bud 6yrs ago the same way fuckn tragic :/ but songs like these remind me of him and the beauty that was his existence

[@Ngwmusic]

this song is so haunting, one of the best ever written.

[@coconuts4596]

I am so lonely. I am the darkness that only Sweet Bonnie can see.

[@hilarymcmahon6901]

well you have all of us who share the darkness :) feel better

[@fortiesukmusic]

Will Oldham's voice is timeless. It aches so much.

[@jokerman0000]

There is something so very haunting about this song. A strange beauty.

[@benvanwessel1984]

bloody hell it's even more tearjerking like this, beautifull

[@natejurgensen]

Over all the years I always come back to this version.

[@thomaskleiszmantatis28]

Danke für diese wundervolle Musik! Danke fürs Hochladen!

[@Mil-Homens]

A few years ago, I heard johnny cash's version and it just hit me in the heart. 2 days ago, after years without listen to it, the music appeared in my feed, so I thought about looking up the original. Been listening to his stuff every since then. Just pure poetry.

[@mikeschneider1624]

Shaun .. read his comment again ..

[@mikeschneider1624]

thousand .. you and me both!

[@weaktearecords]

He obviously approved of Johnny Cash's version since he sang backing vocals

[@joodlemcdoodle]

@@weaktearecords right

[@justaces75]

This is absolute perfection.

[@danielswaim5566]

This song makes me cry inside for my passed brother-in-law (and best friend).

[@karlclarke]

[@billyIiberty]

Love and kindness to you, years later.

[@epicrapbattlesofherstory]

You gotta love this weird bastard. That was a tasty performance, as always.

[@andyking7621]

my favourite comment ... my take on these matters

[@TheLeotLion]

I am SO 9 years behind the times, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy.... Absolutely fantastic !!

[@itsverynice]

timeless :) and yes, magical

[@dont_talk2me]

It might sound weird but my eyes teared up half way through the song, just looking at this genius perform, not because I am sad or depressed but just the pure pleasure of music and darkness.

[@darktowersl]

enigma. nothing less. thank you KEXP. for this and so many others

[@purplmnTTns]

weeping over here ... poetic bonnie prince billy performance

[@albertopimenta3560]

A clareza da voz, o despojamento e a simplicidade torna esta música perfeita. É impossível pedir mais. Espero que um dia consigamos Ultrapassar a escuridão e sentir a luz para realmente iluminar o nosso caminho e darmos um sentido a cada dia.

[@mattjohnson6227]

So much emotion in his voice.

[@dalereed2014]

This song helped me more than most of you can imagine. Thank God for this great band.

[@drudow]

This is one of the most powerful songs I have heard. I was pleasantly surprised to hear Cash cover this song, with his own signature sound imposed on it.

[@dilligaf1009]

Holy shit, after this ad I get to see this in person? Thank you God.

[@cardiffunplugged7304]

This is brilliant in so many ways. Love the work by KEXP on the video and love Bonnie Prince Billy's performance, so much honesty in that man's voice.

[@ramborocky4027]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@megan12314_]

My favourite song of all time, Richy this one is for you rest in peace my friend ❤x

[@mbu09a]

I love how the DJ is crying at the end of this. This song is just beautiful

[@silentm999]

That's a mole, not a tear.

[@reggiepollock4669]

Always gonna appreciate a dude who can rock a beard and nail polish

[@obourneo]

It hurts my eyes at the end to see a beardless man after such glory

[@betterthancrabpeople]

Ita the best cash cover ive everheard! Its like staring into Johnnys soul!

[@Ddth2]

This is not a cover, this is the original song. Johnny's song was the cover.

[@lalala65628]

im pretty sure the interviewer has tears in eyes at the end of this song. i know i do. everytime i hear it.

[@mrpunch9842]

Stille untouched as the very best and most honest song in recent years. Bonnie knows.

[@alexj89]

I love how he can take his song that I'm sure he's performed many, many times over the years and always make it new and interesting. One of a kind. God bless Will Oldham, and all those who sail with him.

[@mikigiacomelli2870]

This Song is extremly beautiful

[@mjf8897]

this might be the peak version of this song. wish I could buy this on bandcamp or something - I just bought this song twice on there I need this version

[@premadonna]

Same. Every time I want to listen I have to open KZbin. Best version!

[@magpiemediaoz]

Makes my heart sing. Is this guy a genius or what?

[@aaa0780]

Al Harris He is

[@mortalflower1]

Wow! What a courageous song!

[@idleuwi]

If this doesn't move you, you don't like music, Will sings so purely from the heart.

[@darktowersl]

those lights. those eyes. those nails. did anyone else think the shade of nail polish added to this video experience? the shade is so serene and cloud like, peaceful.

[@paulopipouf]

this Bonnie's (not Tyler) live on KEXP is just perfect, so touching !.. moment of amazing grace.. whipped and this one are so good on it ! this live show "KEXP" is a great place given to music ! !

[@ZachByrd]

There are about 20 live performances I've found on youtube over the years that I come back to at least once a month. This is a weekly pit stop.

[@jannesalokoski5427]

I love both this version and Johnnys. Both have their amount of real feelings. Personally the uptempo version with Bonnie is best!!!

[@eriktiedgen9442]

This guy is a genius. Period

[@Burning_.]

Un tema brutal en manos de Bonnie, que gran voz tiene este hombre.

[@saintmartinez6512]

wow... this a beautiful song...

[@MatthewNewman-f9c]

U can hear the pain in this mans voice In my opion thise are the best kinds of songs cuz hes not just singing hes spilling his heart and soul crying out for help

[@Ben_Mdws]

Dude never blinks.

[@marcjacobs5988]

That's because he's in a certain space, like Osho; Look up some Osho videos as well.

[@Jobby1975]

Have a Like, nine years later. Incredible.

[@humbertofrancelino1562]

Muito impactante são as palavras e esta versão de Bonnie Prince Billy. Não há como ouví-las sem chorar. Saudações do Brasil.

[@laureknowles5452]

Such a brilliant talent. So admire him!

[@supplechap5429]

I love that his nails are painted.

[@minusv.singhs]

So much soul...that was beautiful :')

[@onyachamp]

It's a story of two mates. One going through tough times and the other growing a massive, all encompassing eyebrow hair.

[@horsezanthus5040]

Hands down, the best 4 and a half minutes I’ve ever wasted.

[@notchairmk]

Love Will Oldham so much, especially the fact that he doesn't need a mic screen.....

[@-elijahriggs-]

i’m seeing him tomorrow. been hoping to for years.

[@karlclarke]

pure genius this song

[@lopezlatino]

I discovered this song because of Rosalia's cover (I'm Spanish, what did you expect?), but thank God, this is magic

[@danjonesdj]

Did you know how much I love you is a hope that somehow you would save me from this darkness

[@brilgandspowegg]

Just once in my life I'd like to see Will Oldham struggling to eat soup.

[@joshgriffin5623]

😂😂😂

[@shoegazer1298]

Priceless 😂😂😂

[@blahblahblahblahbla2705]

He's just use a napkin...every bite.

[@j.sherwoodowl4826]

I'm a little surprised he hasn't made a music video of just that for 4 minutes.

[@ferrarired1422]

@brilig or a creamy Guinness

[@OpeAaron]

I had to watch this because of his face in the thumbnail

[@karlclarke]

bonnie prince billy smashed it big time respect to him

[@jamesdoolan8040]

This song is so well written. In order to write something like this, he must have done some serious soul searching and been in some really dark places.

[@charfrenchman5222]

Saw 'Palace' advertised in an off beat newspaper when I lived in Minneapolis. I'll be damned: Will Oldham at The Entry. The room was packed and not a peep. Everyone was mesmerized.

[@studman575]

Great version!

[@colinmcghee8730]

Will did the video for this in Glasgow, just a few miles from me, and it's stunning....but I prefer this.

[@MontyMunford]

Unfuckingbelievably beautiful...

[@thewaytruthlife1230]

Nothing short of powerful. PEACE.

[@lagouni]

LYRICS Well, you're my friend It's what you told me But can you see what 's inside of me? Many times, we've been out drinking And many times we shared our thoughts But did you ever, ever notice The kind of thoughts I got? Cause you know I have a love For everyone I know And you've seen I have this drive To live, I won't let go But could you see its opposition As it comes rising up sometimes? Sure, you must see it Comes blacking in my mind? See, I see a darkness And I see a darkness I see a darkness I see a darkness Did you know how much I love you? Here's a hope that somehow you Will save me from this darkness Well, I hope someday, buddy We have peace in our lives Together or apart Alone or with our wives That we'll stop our whoring And pull the smiles inside And light it up forever And never go to sleep My best unbeaten brother This isn't all I see Oh no, I see a darkness Oh no, I see a darkness Oh no, I see a darkness Oh no, I see a darkness Did you know how much I love you Has been a hope that somehow you Would save me from this darkness

[@MarkofThorn]

I feel like this everyday.

[@raphaeld.2303]

I hope you're better now

[@letmegoletmego]

I used to think I was singing this song. I realise now he was singing this song for me. I've missed the fucking bus.

[@andyampersand]

What a great songwriter. Viva Will Oldham's blues!

[@joebaxter6811]

What a superb artist. People like J.J. Cale do a less is more trick. Will does less is much more. A one of.

[@crescentfreshbret]

His Palace Brothers album, Days In the Wake, is pretty much the definition of “less is much more.” 90% of it just Will and his acoustic guitar, playing the most rudimentary chords and recorded with no polish whatsoever, and it’s one of the most powerful albums I’ve ever heard.

[@UndecidedAdrian]

This is the best thing in the world

[@marcjacobs5988]

Spiritual lyrics. Hooked on Will since the 90's, especially with ''Palace Songs' '' ''Werner's Last Blues To Blokbuster'' and the great ''Agnes, Queen Of Sorrow''; please check them out!

[@supergirl0526]

Thank you. I've been trying to remember his album that I loved in the 90s and it's palace songs

[@williambeesley7677]

There is no better performed song ever

[@styxcreek]

Would drive me crazy having a moustache that long. He must be stoic

[@karlclarke]

Listening to this for Chester Bennington R.I.P

[@ederdeek]

You can say "Johnny cash, beter" but thuis is his song, and nobody is better than Will oldham

[@miou-miou-]

well even cash was wise enough to include will in this recording... so.. if the legend himself feels he needs to include oldham, you know it is a good song...

[@SecretGerms]

ederdeek “beter”... ?

[@MmmKayHuuNay]

Gorgeous guitar case.

[@justinlove7036]

Awesome real music!

[@dontdothngs]

i was watching a diff version then saw the thumbnail and immediately cut to this one

[@jasonchastain9826]

Matewan brought me here for this inspired performance.

[@fabiovezzi4999]

I heard only prog metal, death metal, thrash metal. And than i ask for myself: "Why I'm hearding this song?" "Simply because it's a masterpiece"

[@Sethduloongo]

His moustache is his mic screen

[@pathuron9781]

this song is very touching and the comment about the mic screen is hilarious

[@jeetjewee]

Best song ever!

[@justwinfelipe6495]

Beautiful

[@hanzofunai4238]

Well you're my friend (It's what you told me, anyway) And can you see (What's inside of me?) [Verse 1] Many times we've been out drinking And many times we've shared our thoughts But did you ever, ever notice The kind of thoughts I got? [Verse 2] Well you know I have a love A love for everyone I know And you know I have a drive To live I won't let go [Pre-Chorus] Could you see its opposition Comes a-rising up sometimes That its dreadful end-position Comes blacking in my mind [Chorus] And that I see a darkness And that I see a darkness And that I see a darkness And that I see a darkness And did you know how much I love you Is a hope that somehow you Can save me from this darkness? [Verse 3] Well I hope that someday, buddy We have peace in our lives Together or apart Alone or with our wives That we can stop our whoring And pull the smiles inside And light it up forever And never go to sleep My best unbeaten brother This isn't all I see You might also like Madeleine Mary Bonnie “Prince” Billy Monsters James Blunt I See a Darkness Johnny Cash [Chorus] Oh no, I see a darkness Oh no, I see a darkness Oh no, I see a darkness Oh no, I see a darkness And did you know how much I love you Is a hope that somehow you, you Can save me from this darkness?

[@lucamarella]

It's 2022 and I haven't listen to Johnny Cash version yet... and I love Johnny Cash

[@naranara1690]

4:06 pierced me through the heart

[@talltree42]

hes a true legend.