Jamie Cullum on writing Gran Torino with Clint Eastwood - at Music Matters 2009

[@eliasfvaldes]

This song should have won the Oscar that year. The snobs would have never given it to a Clint Eastwood movie, but Jamie really deserved it. So fitting for the movie, so fitting for a lot of our lives.

[@olbigdik]

Jamie, I don't think even you understand just how amazing this is. Maybe many years from now you will pull it out, play it, and understand that this is one of the best scores that has ever been recorded! Great movie, and you wrapped it up in such a smooth and real song. Keep it up, Kid!!!

[@paulacreman5342]

This is so true. It is such an under played gem 💎

[@timomarieshely]

@@paulacreman5342 EXACTLY have you got to understand the deep sens of the lyrics.... I don’t want to tell to much but it shudders my skin!

[@Sihnistra]

“World is nothing more than all the tiny things you’ve left behind” this is a masterpiece line ill tattoo this cause this moved me and I know moved peeps everywhere

[@serzhan222]

hey are u alive mate? those years were best, i wonder if u well being?>

[@akizmetkat999]

I sit here 20 min. after playing the song and tears are still rolling down my face. The melody haunts me. It brings up in me emotions that feel like Sunday afternoons, neatly mowed lawns and wonderfully bittersweet moments of childhood memories frozen in time and of the longing to feel them once again. I tip my hat to you, Clint, for going out with such grace and to you, Jamie, for your humility and compassion. The world is nothing more than all the tiny things you've left behind. Thank you.

[@Nancy-xg9nc]

Yes..exactly!

[@miriamvega1541]

I see the movie 3 times ..i loved.. Bud this song is touching my soul..God bless this guy

[@metalbitchrockatansky]

He is not a racist dude

[@Sihnistra]

Amem

[@brendawarner2485]

Jamie you have the most beautiful voice!! Clint knew what he was doing when he asked you to write this!! I so love your voice!!

[@magpiesx5]

This song is truly an undiscovered gem. It can be our little secret, people.

[@robobrien7656]

If you can't cry when you hear something as glorious as this , i suggest someone should send your headstone back , for clearly you have been dead for way too long .

[@RoadKing187]

One of the most excellent songs ever written I absolutely love this song

[@keithmacdonald173]

One of the songs you listen to that bring up whispers of memories you don't think you had but wish you did.

[@JimTurnerTech]

Clint Eastwood is an American treasure and one of the last, true, red-blooded Americans alive today. Gran Torino is one of my all time favorite movies, and this song is a big part of it.

[@johanlotigiers]

One of the most beautifull songs ever written

[@Ubovethclouds]

Ever written.

[@cyeber2004]

A truly beautiful song to a truly beautiful movie!!

[@twiladavidson8417]

I literally cry like a pussy every time I hear this song!!! This is true artistry!! Jamie, you're beyond gifted. 😘 Amazing. Huge fan!!!!! And great movie Mr. Eastwood!!

[@wayne90079]

me too. every time crying. something spiritual going on here

[@das908kind]

Gran Torino is a true classic, and this song fits it beautifully; watch the movie again, and listen to how the theme and melody is established early one, so that when the final credits come, it's already subconsciously engrained.

[@rocky01ist]

I never leave this song or the movie

[@sdschlegs]

Stunning song, simply beautiful in every way. I love Jamie Cullum's unique voice. What a talent. Thank you for uploading this gem.

[@kellygalloway4458]

I think the story was much more complex than the main character being racist. He was going through many things, loss of wife, cancer, massive changes to his neighborhood, family not understanding what he was experiencing. I thought he was someone looking for the ideals he grew up learning. Honor, integrity, compassion.

[@NaZReD]

he not racist... he traditionalist...

[@___axg96___63]

I agree 100% Kelly. I'm glad someone else figured that out. The racial slurs and various insults were a defense mechanism to keep people away from him given all the pain he carries. Detachment from his family, loss of his wife, the inevitable end of his own life, and the burdens of war. Notice that after he gains respect for someone, he stops insulting them.

[@stuarthay1]

Think yous are missing the point of the story. Its not about the racism/traditionasm . Its about the writing of Grand Torino.

[@MiguelMilicio]

«Honor, integrity, compassion.»

[@jracerichards]

I totally loved the movie. It ranks to me as one of his top 3 You have to give large respect to the character Clint created that eventually sacrificed himself for a young man that he didn't care for when they first met I think Clint's character sa w a lot of himself in the young man when he was that age and it created a connection

[@elaineculbert8594]

One of my favorite songs and movie, reminds me of my late brother who was born in Detroit, same generation as Eastwood, has served two times US Army, and was saddened by certain changes he saw in his birthplace. Thanks to Clint and Jamie for this tender song!

[@brettymike]

And what a wonderful Beautiful song it is,what a dream come true to co-write this music at Clint's house! I bet Clint is over the moon with Jamie performing this. Thankyou so much for posting .

[@original79cougar]

Amazing & haunting song, amazing movie, wonderful choice of car to represent the autoworkers of the past. Totally captured a lost generation of Detrioters. Clint is a class act. The movie was a class act as well.

[@glennlevy1896]

what a brilliant artist, to capture a movies feeling so perfectly in a song

[@patwilliams800]

Totally agree Glenn Levy, long while ago but simply perfect, what a wonderfully talented young man. Very touching movie, just watched again, shed more than a few tears.

[@Ganther100]

Was just remembering all the people that have passed recently. Jeff Beck, David Crosby, Barbara Walters and others. I recently watched the movie Gran Torino and realized that Clint Eastwood is 92 years old. Sometimes (through a feeling realization) an artist’s work contains within it an eternal quality. Especially when created in a higher state of consciousness. Because of this we tend to forget that all things in the world of form are ephemeral/fleeting. Yet a great work of art has the potential to suggest that something more profound is unfolding. A shift in consciousness that is happening now. This includes the world of form. Which is only a small part of the totality that is primordial to the unfolding of the universe. The movie Gran Torino is poignant in suggesting a different view of racism, systemic, xenophobia and atheism as a byproduct of circumstance. The character played by Clint Eastwood (Walt Kowalski) in the movie’s conclusion ends with him saving someone’s life. By way of the ultimate sacrifice. This gives us pause for reflection. A cluster of dissonance caused by intertwining life situations that are diametrically opposed. It brings to life a Ying and Yang possibility that…….even a good person can fall prey to circumstance. The movie theme song is said to be “perfect“ by the producer himself. Which is true. The song encapsulates every aspect of the essence or story of this film in miniature. I can’t imagine the marriage of lyric to melody being any stronger. Very simple yet extremely powerful. To that end the Gran Torino becomes a symbol of solace, forgiveness, and grace that beckons a surrender to all things in the suchness of life. It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that this song has been earmarked as a tribute to Clint’s life. He does sing the song at the end. His film feels like a gift to the world.

[@CHaas-bn3xi]

This brought tears to my eyes such amazing human experience between two wonderful men.

[@CHaas-bn3xi]

Jamie is brilliant songwriter along with a masterful voice and piano player. To be able to write such a beautiful masterpiece from the script of a very deep movie on so many different levels.

[@kathycat2604]

Seriously great movie and Jaimie a seriously great singer!

[@robobrien7656]

If music got to pick one song to play all night long in heaven , then this would do , you can't go wrong . Thank God it's only five to seven .

[@chrislampshire6879]

Perfect song for the end of this movie, everything about it. Perfect.

[@randydowell3902]

Watched the movie on a plane from Atlanta to St Thomas. Those flight was coming to a end just as I listened to the song as the credits rolled. Then the flight attendants started blaring instructions in my headphones. I had an amazing time there and never really thought much about the movie until tonight about a month later after hearing the song a second time. I suddenly fought back the tears. I remembered this powerful film with such a deep complex message. What an amazing script and such great acting performances and direction by Eastwood. He is an American master. He will live on and on through his work. This is of the all time best movies. And listening to this song captured all the feelings that I experienced in the movie. The song is incredible and what a way to end an amazing film.

[@tomjohnson1252]

One of my favorite tunes of all time. I love your tenderness with this tune. It should have won an Oscar. I don't know what they were thinking. The melody is great to me. God bless you if you see this. Thanks

[@jonathanherbert7139]

This song gave hope, thank you

[@glipzik]

I had a brand new metallic blue 1972 Grand Torino. It turned heads and got comments everywhere I drove. Best looking car Ford ever made.

[@lammy41]

Amazing talent 👊👍👌

[@RickMahoney2013]

I love this song I play it all the time and watch the movie as I am doing now. AAAAA+++++

[@ginalopez4621]

LOVE HIS VOICE N THE SONG N THE MOVIE .

[@frankgunner8967]

great film great song !

[@BDCvideos]

This song is very deep and moves me...I play it over and over and find new meaning each time. Thank you for posting this interview...as it validates Jamie's character as a good soul and a gentle heart.

[@Milestonemonger]

Clint Eastwood, a badass at 78. God, he's such a legend.

[@ryanjd93]

Fantastic. I love this song and that movie was so good. Of course I cried. If you say you didn't, you're a liar. (:

[@judithcampbell1705]

Bravo!!! This is perfection. Thank you for sharing your talents with the world!

[@stratsamelting]

The amount of musical genius that has just unfolded here is breathtaking. You are magical my friend. Amazing

[@OnlyChild68]

This was the first film i saw at the movies after the birth of my only child. Have listened to this track ever since. And have just finished watching the film for the first time since… with my 15 year old who didn’t move the entire way through.

[@Edman910]

Saw the film --heard the song & I wept , beautiful - - such a wonderful piece of work , thankyou xxx

[@MaMa-kh7xh]

I love the song.

[@bannerspot]

Wow... What an artist. Great songwriter...great movie...and GREAT song. Perfect song for one of the most powerful movies I've ever seen. Truly magical. Thanks guys...

[@LVPAcharn]

How Beautiful is that ,,,

[@tobibledsoe5447]

That story is just as amazing as the song is. That was fantastic and so was the movie.

[@clonmore819]

Beautiful song.

[@auburntiger8]

I love this song. Everytime I go to Detroit, I think of this song and driving up Jefferson Ave (aka Lakeshore)..

[@frank66302]

At the end of the movie when they play this song they are driving on Belle Isle a great place on the Detroit river where I have fomd memories and this song only makes them fonder

[@akizmetkat999]

I'm so glad that scene means something special to you too.

[@robobrien7656]

Life is a small thank you note to an ever patient eternity and I hope to hear this song regularly until I sign that note.

[@akizmetkat999]

You know what Mr. Rob O'Brien? I'm beginning to think you're a poet...

[@sird4376]

Great film.

[@scottieTbone]

What's great about this guy is he is a genuine artist! Composes his own music, sings fantastic live, plays his own accompaniment and has infused fragments of other style into his own and he is just unique!

[@brentweddington8912]

Watched Gran Torino on AMC tonight. They cut the song out to show ads of shows. The song is one of the most parts of the movie. So I went on KZbin and watched and listened.

[@FoxFanFla2]

I like finding new stuff here about Jamie, he's amazing and I wish I could get to see him in concert.....Fantastic talent!

[@richardjames5843]

Magical indeed!

[@chrissupport]

Great story. This IS a perfect song for the movie. Incredible as host said to get a 'thread' and turn it into such a powerful song. Is one of my top five favorite movies. And I'm a GM guy, but have a thing for that year, style, and color of Gran Torino.

[@ChrisLawley43]

this movie was truly amazing and so is this guys singing

[@manoftheword1992]

this song is the most dramatic song that i have heard... so great...

[@Sihnistra]

“World is nothing more than all the tiny things you’ve left behind.”

[@jszlauko]

Yeah, I keep trying to get that line locked into my mind and can never get it right. But that's it, and I love it!

[@Sihnistra]

@@jszlauko i have it clearly i dont if it is im a musician too but…! Good luck

[@jszlauko]

@@Sihnistra - Just missed the first two words, as it's "Your world is nothing more than all the tiny things you've left behind." Regardless, it's a great song!

[@Sihnistra]

@@jszlauko its not about it it’s feeling we r musicians but thanks anyway

[@essbee69]

Jamie Cullum is a great musician and a star in the old fashioned sense. ie. he is not just a face without any talent. If you ever get a chance to see him live, just do it. He will go down as one of the greats with Sinatra, Bassie, McCartney, and a few more.

[@chiarapedrinelli3485]

Che emozione questa storia.Mio padre era così. GRATA A QUEST'UOMO PER AVERLO RICORDATO ❤❤❤

[@aaronchidley7102]

Just amazing 👏

[@manni62]

How can you not like this guy? Cool dude.

[@MunirBandali]

Beautiful song... very talented guy!! Thanks for posting.

[@ShockL0ver]

I couldn't have said it better. This song is a treasure.

[@jordi0508]

Jamie Cullum is one seriously fantastic act and if you have not seen his DVD Live you are missing something big time

[@ELVINKNOX]

@frank66302 Thanks Frank. I only hear bad things about Detroit but this beautiful song coupled with that movie scene and your comments give me a different perspective.

[@vol108um]

Thanks Jamie, just close your eyes and be transported!

[@dianamorcos8441]

Me encanta la cancion Gran torino, la podría escuchar todo el dia.Te amo Clint.

[@poloflaith9993]

Stunning piece of work.

[@passionfly1]

thank you Clint for helping me discover this amazing Jazz musician!

[@jjjooommm222]

I once made a song like this. I put it in my movie and the movie did really well.

[@garypeet9888]

Clients movies always have a lovely tune.....he's a special guy cllint

[@OUTOBRIGHTON1234]

Love this song!!! And! What hearing it does to me!

[@robobrien7656]

One flew over the cuckoo's nest and seven were told not to try . Just sit there and have a nice rest; no heaven for you, you can't fly, but this damn song sure can !

[@OsvaldodanielPerrone]

Clint Eastwood es el mejor director de cine de la historia de Estados Unidos. Cada película suya es inolvidable

[@mrbrownization]

Well, I have to say that I actually had to see the movie to hear Jamie for the first time - never heard before. But fantastic song; now isn't it ?

[@robheinink]

I'm an old hippie, graduated H.S in 1969. seen and heard everyone from The Beatles to Miles Davis and I must say that Jamie Cullum is the present and the future of great music.

[@GrammyTapDancing]

Love the song. Plus my fav movie of Clint next to Dirty Harry

[@1Twila1]

He is brilliant! I love it and him!

[@pc7usn31]

Proud of U Jamie yeah the premise of the score is u Jamie ty... Sir

[@deskpot1]

amazing song, brillently sung.

[@amsedelm]

Great, just great. Love it. Fascinating story, too.

[@105744sh]

True brilliance!

[@Milestonemonger]

"Play it like you're in a nightclub and there are only two people left in the room and one of them is a half broad" This is why we love Clint Eastwood. He is a soulful, visionary artist.

[@stevetournay3731]

Jamie forgot which war Walt fought in...but who cares. What a wondrous song. Saw Jamie play this live at Toronto's historic Massey Hall when the song was still a new piece. Riveting every time I hear it.

[@PhilSet-10]

He said Walt fought in the Korean War which is correct. He said the Hmong were from Korea which isn't correct.

[@Striker1973666]

Your amazing,....what a song...what a very talented young man,,,and he's ENGLISH.......love ya Jamie XXX

[@ezequielgarcia4447]

Exelente y sin autotoune, 👏👏👏👏👏

[@niloh96]

great song,wouldnt be as good without clint eastwoods voice at the start.

[@nickydodd5819]

brilliant

[@pc7usn31]

MOnterey, CA, even Jamie will roll

[@SaveCetaceansNOW]

I whole heartedly agree with olbigdik 's comment. It is an exciting thought what we might have in store for us all from this wonder kid Jamie !

[@user-kf2wi1ou2w]

Amazing talent.

[@117Madness]

an amazing song and an amazing film

[@vol108um]

a great song to go along with a great film!

[@guilhermemacedopedrosa5591]

I can`t understand how some people just don`t enjoy it!

[@drugocisca5320]

Incredibile..

[@willcathell]

this song is awesome

[@regprofant6984]

Kelly I think you really have it right. That was my favorite film of his.

[@TanburaS]

beautiful

[@johnrietveld4242]

Great.....

[@angelocareyPE]

beautiful melody .. it always remind me my bebito Adam