Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - I See a Darkness

[@jmack3411]

This song always makes me realize that there are others out there that get it.

[@benhayes9570]

I get it

[@beckjtjt2522]

I don’t come here often but I’m always comforted by this song and the comments. Solidarity to everyone listening.

[@rogergordon9222]

People who get you, so comforting

[@beckjtjt2522]

@@rogergordon9222 100% ❤❤❤❤

[@d.d.8745]

It's amazing how the comments sections of songs can turn into ongoing memorials. Like trees that people carve their initials into, or even headstones, but instead it's marked digitally for millions of people to see and remember. My 30-something brain has trouble conceptualizing shit like the permanence of things in the digital age, but it's still beautiful that we can share it.

[@beckjtjt2522]

Love this ❤️

[@gabrielbrennan4149]

It’s a rare song that can understand and describe depression so well. RIP David, I wish I’d told you I loved you more.

[@dimples4973]

I buried my uncle to this song (the song was not played at the funeral, it was just rattling around my head). I'd first heard of it a few days before he died. Every time i hear it now i can feel that wooden box on my shoulder.

[@JackChiefton]

God damn man...

[@mzerilou2948]

"Boy, you got to carry that weight, carry that weight a long time"

[@brianhueber3683]

Damn

[@scottowen3022]

This song is absolutely stunning. One of the most beautiful expressions of sadness and despair (and indeed hope) ever penned. Truly a song Nick Drake, Morrissey or any other prodigal songwriter would be proud to have written.

[@igod8054]

and yet there is no good cover

[@DoodooSwaggy]

@@igod8054 there's good covers everywhere, you just gotta look

[@josephinerose3775]

Coming back to this song every now and then to remind myself that I’m not alone.

[@nigellambert4738]

Surely one of the greatest songs ever written, a moving help in understanding depression.

[@preciousbodilyfluid1]

I discovered this song through the Johnny Cash Album "Solitary Man". The very first time I heard the Cash version it stopped me in my tracks and hit me really hard. I could feel my heart beating in my chest. Hard to describe with mere words. Then I jump on youtube and hear the original and am absolutely floored. It's nice to be reminded just how powerful words and music can be. This song will live with me for the rest of my days.

[@Shooter51x]

Every time I listen a Johnny Cash cover I love it, then I go and find the original and love it even more. Beautiful song.

[@basti2955]

Shooter51x some of the covers i prefer over the originals (Bridge over troubled water, Heart of Gold for example) But definetly not this. This version here is so good.

[@reejones1713]

"Well I hope that someday buddy We have peace in our lives Together or apart Alone or with our wives And 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" The most beautiful lyrics ever.

[@julienskye7205]

Ree Jones

[@painmorepain5986]

Utophia. Ambitious will grave this world.

[@perrytk1271]

agreed.

[@jackpacheco9186]

what happened?

[@dokustreamsde]

"The most beautiful lyrics ever. " i feel like this for the whole song

[@GideonWallace]

My buddy really pulled me out of a depression, by keeping me busy. This song really makes my thankful for that friend.

[@richsocaplaya]

The song puts me on my knees, has me falling into a void and gets me lifted back up.

[@AdelleRamcharan]

♥

[@fuckcardiff]

Yeah, it'll do that.

[@hoedlhg]

it definitely does so

[@dragonsember]

Thank you, Spike Spaghetti, ruthless booty hunter

[@RaymondMcCarron1]

Magnificent. I keep coming back to this song, year after year. Many times.

[@pensillinn]

same here :)

[@chandapiya2142]

Raymond McCarron Many times indeed...it really is exceptional. If this was the last song I ever heard...PEACE.

[@illuminousbrown333]

Yep

[@mikeschneider1624]

Ryamond .. i have a bunch of songs like this .. its funny if you revisit them on youtube and find years old comments of yourself .. i guess this will become one of these songs for me too

[@urbsinhorto]

Here here. This and I Tried To Stay Healthy For You have been my go-to misery songs for years... Can't be beat.

[@cmarinius]

One of the most heartbreakingly beautiful songs ever written. So dark, so intensly true, so completely human.

[@blakiecakes419]

Alot of people think this song depressing, I find it oddly life affirming....That's kind of how I feel about the whole album. It's dark but there's a resilient strength to it as well.

[@octagon79]

Bonnie Prince Billy is ... I can't even put into words. He transcends genre, sings with the purest of feeling, raw emotion in audio format. A brilliant mind, a beautiful soul. He can bring me to tears in a matter of seconds.

[@leadedbison1997]

At my brother's funeral they played a bunch of eh music. Didn't play the song I picked. Well in between the day we were suggesting songs and the funeral I stumbled across this and cried for awhile. So during the funeral I asked the directors if after everyone left if I could have a few moments alone with him and of course they said yes. I played this song for him. I held his hand and just sang and cried. I miss you so much Ryan. I hope you knew how much you actually meant to me. There were so many little things I did just so I could talk to you, all the bullshit stuff I'd immediately call you and tell you about was just because I missed you or Dad and just wanted to talk to you. I just loved seeing you show your interest in what I had to say. That's why I rambled to you for hours. I realized I only did that for you because I loved talking to you.

[@leadedbison1997]

I just wish this wasn't real. I keep hoping I'll run into you again or see you driving and I can yell at you from across the street. You were too young. And I don't feel any better since you've been gone. It was hard enough missing Dad to go to missing you on top of it.

[@nurselambchop]

my fave bonnie prince billy song of all time...shared with me by my dearest friend Viccus back in 2000, thanks for your beautiful music, it is truly lovely to hear

[@toniromo9487]

As a deeply anxious and depressed person I find this song soothing.

[@henrikibsen6258]

Hope you're doing alright.

[@HannibalOrJustRex]

The way the music brightens up during "I see a darkness". It feels like it's ok and even good to acknowledge that stuff. I think it's good to find comfort in this song. Keep it up, a lot of us are trying to do the same ❤

[@grewebear]

I feel this

[@19toke]

I don’t know you but just know you my boy .. we are outcasts and I’m some way we are one . Love ya bro

[@frankrizzo5155]

Amen!

[@Mr_Orange93]

This song is the best way to say at your best friend how much you love him, because only your best friend can save you from your darkness. Thanks buddy, you really save me, when I was lost you were here

[@m_k_o_]

There's nothing better than hearing Bonnie Billy when you're sad. It gives you peace..

[@Fastolm]

This is such a beautiful song.......so powerful and dark......but so moving as well.

[@MagusMirificus]

I heard this song for the first time today. I had heard Viva Last Blues, and was listening to this whole album in order. I had to stop after this one. Upon first listen, it felt like someone had punched me in the gut, and all I could do was gawk at the raw emotion in this song. But it was the second listen, an hour or two later, the listen when the chorus took on a haunting familiarity, when I could just anticipate every chord change, that made me cry. That's the first time I've ever cried because of a song I just heard that day, it usually takes several months for me to become familiar enough with a song that it makes me that emotional. I've never heard another song that had such an immediate impact on me. I wouldn't go so far as to say this is my favorite song ever, but it made the running list faster than any other piece of music I've ever heard. The last song I heard that had such a tangible sense of sadness was "Two Headed Boy Part 2", and even that took a while to sink in. Probably because that song, like the rest of that extraordinary album, is entrenched in obscurity, and surrealism, and abstract imagery, whereas this song is nakedly, brutally straightforward, while being poetic enough to not be plain. Bottom line is: this is amazing. What an incredible song this is. What a song. What an album. What an artist, this Palace Bonnie Billy 'Prince' Oldham guy.

[@hervekerbrat7015]

You're very right about this song, and thanks for describing and coining why it can have such an impact. I first heard it the year it was released. I was staying abroad, experiencing solitary times; my best friend send me a tape of the album through the mail, and it felt like my friend knew I would identify with the song, simultaneously as the narrator and the addresse of the song. I felt like the song pointed directly to me. Nowadays I'm used to the song and just content to empathize with and admire it, but it is also a reminder of friendship. Of course one should also be aware that the song appeared in the context of an album that is dark and humourous. I would advise you to give a try to these other works by will oldham/bonnie ''prince'' billy/ - ''the letting go'' is an album has a haunting, dark tales quality -''ask forgiveness'' is a covers ep that looks on the brighter side.

[@UntitledKirk]

You pic is very spooky.

[@jamezburgundy]

you should listen to the Johnny Cash version -- incredible. i'm more familiar with Cash's version but both have a special power

[@MagusMirificus]

jamezburgundy I've heard the Johnny Cash version. I like it, but I think it's one of the few instances where the Johnny Cash cover is inferior to the original. This is a rare phenomena, but it does happen.

[@michaelrochelle9803]

MagusMirificus The Mercy Seat as well

[@robertoliver4089]

Always come back here, found this song in last week's of our terminally ill sons life. That was 5 years ago, we have moved on sort off, have another son, but I can't give up this song,

[@emmecee6273]

Robert Oliver I’m so sorry that you had to bury your son. You have a new light, but you don’t have to feel guilty about never dimming the other one. You can have both forever in your heart.

[@RexKristoffer]

Probably one of the greatest bits of songwriting I've ever experienced.

[@letmegoletmego]

Possibly the happiest song I will ever hear. The joy the joy. (proper joy, proper real joy - honest, real)

[@hedgefondheinrich]

Two months off smack, seven days shy of planned exit by twelve gauge, three months since I was rescued from myself, said darkness, by a brother. It`s amazing how you can think you love a song for years and then you realize its true depth, making you really unable to forget a single line. "A drive, a will to live I won`t let go" ....

[@caseyw.6550]

How are you doing?

[@midnightsmiles4237]

Comments here ages old, this decade with a meer 39 days left. I see stories of late family members and fallen friends and it hurts. I hope everyone is doing well and living their best.

[@RozzWilliamGrover]

A genius work of art.

[@JamesBarrett23]

Will Oldham has gone places in his mind that few people have ventured. It is way back and through the heart, down deep, in the darkest parts of the self. He has returned with songs that teach us, more about being human.

[@moemesci8054]

Rip to my late friend Doug, I miss you buddy I wish I would have known how you were feeling, I wish I could have saved you man, goodbye brother

[@nathanielclark1981]

Your comment hit me hard...I have a friend Doug who suffers from depression...I'm gonna call him right now.

[@moemesci8054]

Nat Clark , you can help him buddy, make your friend realize that he is important to this world no matter how rejected he feels, I was too late and I don't want anybody to suffer the consquences of suicide , it honestly makes me hurt inside knowing nice people are suicidal and depressed, and when doug passed away it was tough on all of us , but I still believe he is OK for some reason , because he was such a good person I believe he is at peace now, it's hard to talk about because I just think of his smile, his laugh and now it's gone forever

[@jonathancroft6007]

Tdot heisenberg I can relate to how you feel. 6 months ago, my father took his own life. I was the one who found him. He was in a lot of pain and discomfort physically, and he was also extremely depressed. I will always blame myself. He was my best friend.

[@wingsandash]

+Tdot heisenberg

[@moemesci8054]

cameron dylann simple as that you're a coward, enjoy your fruitless life im done with you punk

[@indycake555]

Such a pure and beautiful song.

[@mic7reaper]

men this song...makes me cry everytime. idont know why. everytime i listen to it , all i can think of is if all of the people i love are dead. beeing alone would be soo hard. espessialy without my mom. they all helped me so much trought my life. i dont want them to be gone...

[@henrygilmour521]

Such a beautiful song. I'm so glad I found it.

[@SKracing]

this song chills the marrow every time. its power is almost paranormal.

[@kenzotopgay4563]

I miss you Krishna this will always be our song especially when things aren't going well right now. The more I try the more I push you away I'll always wish u the best.

[@outlook5]

Billy if you'd ever read this. I'm a struggling writer and I'm in awe of your work. You're the man!

[@damien4208]

RIP to my mother, who died of dementia, 5-2-50 - 3-2-19, I miss you, and I wish I could have helped you through your darkness. :'(

[@jessgrn]

You have brought the light of life to her, since your birth everyday. I'm sure about this 🌠

[@whitexthunder77]

Stay strong mate

[@sophiepritch555]

Sorry to hear this and hope you are okay! Rest in peace to your lovely mother xxxx

[@dominikconlon6251]

úchvatný hlas , nádherné slová, pohladenie duše , Greetings from Slovakia

[@prokopnierostek]

Bratr 🇨🇿🇸🇰

[@spandaumole]

Still one of the best songs in the world.

[@dabannan8158]

This song. I just lost it. So deep, I can barely breath...

[@op_clutcherr]

this album was dedicated to my late brother. it devastating and uplifting to listen to.

[@eduardomota2429]

Best song for a christman's night !

[@christianbecker7846]

Als ich das Lied hörte, ging ich durch den Regen. Noch nie hat sich die Welt für mich, so leise angefühlt.

[@timwatson8505]

"And pull the smiles inside And light it up forever" - wonderful lyric

[@KappaSlappa-t8o]

Story time for me, if you care to read. This was the first song I ever heard from Will Oldham. Its been four or five years now, and about once a year I listen to it thirty times on repeat just to humble myself. I feel like its a treasure, and I don't want to spoil it by listening too much... I was listening to some other folk artist, Mark Kozelek I think, and I saw this in the related tab here on KZbin. I clicked it because the title of the song was cool. That's it. That simple. I wasn't sure if I was gonna like it, the slow build, the awkwardness of Will's voice, but I had a hunch something was waiting. Some sixth sense about it.. then the key change right before the chorus.. from "a drive to live, won't let go" to "but can you see its opposition?" With that it was like a tingle.. like something was coming, like magic.. and the chorus floored me. Absolutely floored me.. I was laying in the dark alone in bed just crying, crying... it was cathartic, like the weight of the world fell off my shoulders, and I'd never even known I was carrying it.. I find it amazing that this song touches so many people, that its so universal. I'm glad we can all share a love for it... Also, I'd like to add that one other song has ever done this to me. Its vastly different, very electronic (which I don't normally like). Idioteque by Radiohead.

[@Delaxin]

Nick Ross for me, How to disappear completely (radiohead) really cuts deep

[@SugarSigur]

Here I sit alone on New Year's Eve...well, Now New Year's Day...it's after midnight...after a series of nights contemplating youknowhat. I would send this to everyone I've ever known...even my enemies. :)

[@heinzgud8464]

The last three lines are just perfect :) as perfect as anything ever written

[@christianbecker8108]

Niemals habe ich ein Song gehört, wo die Welt so still stand

[@princeDinger]

This song has really spoken to me (and many others!), from a place of "this is me". And I see now that, while that darkness is in me, it isn't "me". It's an inner critic, casting judgement and doubt on everything I try to enjoy and towards everyone I care about. It's a trigger from the past that comes back to tell me that "you're not ok", "what you enjoy is dumb and a waste of time." Reflected outwards, as judging others, when someone does something I don't like, I make them the problem, make them responsible for me feeling that dislike. Even though that dislike often stems from an insecurity in me. I see that darkness. What can save us is acceptance. Of ourselves, and of those we love.

[@Rafe383]

It always makes me wonder what he was going through when he wrote this song. Thanks to this, I have peace in my life, my best unbeaten brother.

[@papigringo5692]

I never listened to much Johnny Cash. It was part of my desire to go against the grain, to not do what all the "cool" people were doing. Less than a week ago, I took the plunge and started investigating what all the fuss was about. Fell in love with every Johnny Cash song I found. I stumbled across his cover of this song, and it hit me hard. I had to know everything about it. So then I listened to Bonnie's "upbeat" version, and then this one. Truly it is one of the best songs I've ever heard. Right up there with "Imagine" and "Amor Eterno". It's so cool to go down a rabbit hole and unearth treasures that one never knew of, and to feel one's life being enriched in that moment. To know that your pain and joy and confusion has been felt by others, and expressed with incomparable beauty. Thank you, Mr. Oldham, for reaching out to us with this beautiful song. And thank you to everyone who also appreciates it. I feel a kinship with you. You too are my unbeaten brothers.

[@AveryDaviesMusic]

Such a powerful song, so amazing.

[@PatrickRider]

OMG - the feelings and thinkings on this song.. Bonnie is a true genious!

[@benwiebe2925]

this song is so beautiful, it make me so sad I can cry & so inspired to live and happy all at once.

[@princestips2689]

My best unbeaten brother. I miss you everyday. So much.

[@dansoderburg1854]

A lot of people see this song from the other side, from someone who had darkness that they didn’t come back from: having been on the other side it has helped me, thinking of the pain this song expresses and not wanting to be the one to inflict that upon them. I hope we someday have peace in all our lives:

[@nippichaos]

So true, in my darkest times playing this song has kept me alive, the line "I have a drive to live I won`t let go" keeps me clinging on. It brings hope. And without feeling true darkness we would never see and hear true beauty. Peace be with you brother.

[@PninianPnin]

I love his voice, what a brilliant song.

[@absenceofessence]

wow word. raw feelings brought forth by this type of soul-reaching tune is the truest form of how we really should live.

[@jamesradski9082]

I just balled my f-n eye's out as the pain cut's deep into my soul like heated iron razor blades, as of lately I have never felt so alone.

[@JP-bp1cy]

I feel the same right now in my life... Feel so out of place on this world.... ='(

[@jamesradski9082]

Its very tuff when one is facing death to begin with.

[@tremblaycallum783]

Pussy

[@jamesradski9082]

Pussy must be something "Bad or hurtful" to you Bob Jones? Are you a Homosextual?

[@tremblaycallum783]

James Radski Not necessarily

[@asseroya]

My best unbeaten brother.. Rest in peace :(

[@Elizabeth-zc9nn]

My best friend took her life on April 7th. Christian, I wish I could have saved you from your darkness.

[@tannersack]

this song conveys depression better than anything else I know

[@Putchki]

This is simply one of the most amazing songs I've heard, it describes it to perfection. Johnny Cash covers it too but in my opinion this is the best, the raw emotion simply hits you in the heart.

[@mrPatulas]

my favourite song of all time.

[@Stalksomeoneelse11]

My best friend sent me this song tonight. It further confirms why he is, indeed, my best friend. The darkness. Complicated. Simple.

[@petitnicollas]

Freacking beautiful

[@ianh2101]

This is horribly beautiful. Fucking genius.

[@davidfisher9154]

One of the best things ma ears have heard it's total beautiful noise thanks

[@Brytons_Thoughts]

My favourite song of all time.

[@BradWest96]

Beautiful song. I'm in love with this chord progression and arrangement.

[@markburns84]

Best song ever written.

[@guslawson9943]

wow...was listening to this while doing homework and I just had to stop. An absolutely moving and powerful song. Wish it was available on streaming sites.

[@basti2955]

Gus Lawson Why would you make homework while listening to actually good music? And stop using Streaming sites just buy the Vinyl

[@ORLY911]

I teared up. I truly teared up.

[@the_real_keel]

The comments are just as somber yet hopeful as this song man. It’s beautiful 😢

[@poeticcube5714]

This is one of the most bitter sweet song recommendations of my lifetime. It truthfully, gets harder and harder to listen to. It was recommended to me by someone special. Her name is Molly. In relation, she is my wifes cousin, but in reality, she is my wifes truest friend. These two were inseparable growing up. As the three of us were nearing adulthood, and tackling all the doubts, questions, and worries of what the future holds, she shared this song. Molly's lifelong crush had just passed due to his poor mental health, and she was beside herself. Molly was so full of talent and wildly creative, she could ace any writing or art project imaginable. Its cripping to remember, and this song evokes the memory, that in the wintertime when she was twenty on her way to work, she was in a car accident that left her in a vegetative state. Its been close to five years. She has a family that loves her, cares for her and desperately misses her, even though she's often a few feet away. There are tears often and hopes she will one day recover, though there haven't been any signs of improvement. To mourn someone who is still there, is a terrible thing. We love you, Molly. Thank you for the joy you have brought and continue to bring us.

[@jasonfifi]

this universal feeling of knowing someone for a long time and having a fake relationship you thought was so real and knowing that something maybe is wrong but discovering something really was wrong and knowing you could have done something to save them from dying alone.

[@mzerilou2948]

We are conditioned to hide the darkness within ourselves.

[@jasonfifi]

@@mzerilou2948 hooks said "the first violence patriarchy forces a man to do is unto themselves." that silence we are conditioned to maintain is also violence.

[@mzerilou2948]

@@jasonfifi I like tbis! I acknowledge my privileged opinion... Learning about patriarchy ed me to consider even my every day use of words like light and dark. I was thinking about definitions designed from the invention of racism. But we need both, neither are capable of being better than each other. So I'm embracing dark and black again .

[@jasonfifi]

@@mzerilou2948 absolutely, acknowledging the sources of language bias is great, and using language actively to overcome those old favorings is also great.

[@thewordmadeflesh2508]

Only those that have been to that darkest place and come back can appreciate this piece of musical genius. Sadly many can't stand at the edge and still come back, the temptation to end the pain can be too great. Perhaps being able to get to a place where you can embrace that pain is the answer. Thats still a way off for me.

[@AndreaCasali1]

one of the greatest songs i've ever heard!

[@third_eye_blind7200]

Rest In Peace my friend, I wish you had only known how many people truly cared about you. You left such an impact on everyone you met, I wish we had stayed in touch. I wish I had known you’re struggle, I would have helped as much as I fucking could. The world’s not as bright without you, you were such a light and you’re truly missed.

[@TheTrueCountryGhoul]

This is the best version of this song.

[@bububaer1441]

fuck....best text ever...gets me every time...tears...shivers ...this is one of the best songs ever written

[@deefisher8613]

One of my all time favourite just perfect in so many ways so powerful

[@Kentjones777]

The bass and drums really bring this version home. No bullshit. Love it.

[@jmack3411]

It's as if his voice was actually my heart singing.

[@rogeresposito9675]

How can such a sad song make me feel so happy?

[@doggydude10]

Walktherails this song doesn't make you feel so alone

[@sobInsomniac]

The darkness old

[@GIitchclan12]

Catharsis

[@ahuvaphillips1580]

And he's still fighting - not giving up. If he can, maybe we can too. Hang in there.

[@Nater-The-Hater]

Love this song! and the Johnny Cash cover is awesome too

[@llynnowens]

I don't know what I'm supposed to say, so I'll just sit and feel until the feelings go.

[@nothingsafe84]

third time I'm hearing it...it moves me to tears.....

[@borderlineXI]

I need to find my smile again.

[@tommy1051]

I hope you've found it

[@pickeringpick]

Did you know how much I love you though?

[@110341]

Damn this song is beautiful.

[@Ithidet]

Best part of the Strong Sad playlist right here.

[@funnyandrelatablecommercials]

I thought the fact he didn't know where one song started and the other began with Godspeed You! Black Emperor

[@Alisu91]

This is real art! When i listen to this my whole body aches and i'm in a different world!

[@maclennan73]

When this album came out it totally blew my mind- depressing to some, absolutely life affirming to me!

[@brandywine8154]

Beautiful song. I sometimes need to come down. I don't need drugs, I need Will Oldham.

[@tbsq1114]

brought to you by the guy who photographed slint for their spiderland artwork

[@chathamgal09]

Hauntingly beautiful

[@leadedbison1997]

God I miss my brother so much