Casimir Pulaski Day Sufjan Stevens cover .

[@Yountica]

This guy knows the secret to a song that will break anyone’s heart: no tension in the right hand, tone over attack, and most importantly sung honest and true. Perfection.

[@Galdring]

Tone over attack, what does that mean? Taking notes, here!

[@Yountica]

@@Galdring Depending on how one plays/records a guitar, you can get either go for a really crisp, articulated “attack” (especially true when playing with a pick), or you can go for a sound that emphasizes the tone and body of the guitar (eg. Playing softer or with your fingers). The producer T Bone Burnett is a good example of bringing out the tone of the instruments in his recordings.

[@Galdring]

@@Yountica Ahh, alright. Cheers, man. Appreciate the explanation.

[@Cekoz]

Ha! You fool, now I know the secret too! ... now I only need to learn to play guitar.

[@m.matkovich4376]

Sleepy puppy makes this an 11/10 for me!

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thanks ,he is my live audience .

[@Nik4711]

@@FrankWatkinson He seems to quite enjoy this one! He stuck around for the whole performance.

[@FrankWatkinson]

@@Nik4711 I drugged his food lol.

[@maggiemazzy9469]

Me to!!

[@mirandazanca5519]

@@FrankWatkinson HAHAHHAHAHAH WHAT

[@leoswanson2513]

Your voice is actually perfect for acoustic mellow songs. If Sufjan saw this he'd be proud, I'm sure.

[@frederickborgemenke2214]

This is hauntingly beautiful. The way your voice starts to break toward the end really brings it home. I'm on the verge of tears.

[@FrankWatkinson]

It is a song that i can relate to , thanks.

[@earthoven]

@@FrankWatkinson It feels like this song was written for you somehow.

[@FrankWatkinson]

@@earthoven Wish i could write like that.

[@norahorphzinger6721]

@@FrankWatkinson It is fitting for those who have known writings and songs to not rewrite them, but sing and enjoy.

[@Ms3abden]

I did cry. Wow. A truly powerful version of an already heart-wrenching song.

[@karsonmeckeler1111]

this is the only Sufjan cover I've ever truly liked. Fantastic emotional quality

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thank you .

[@papalosopher]

Have you seen Heather Hammers cover John Wayne Gacy?

[@amvobsessed94]

One of the sincerest videos on KZbin. wishing more corners of the internet made me feel like this

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thank you ,

[@ekoms108]

I really like older people playing songs from my generation. You did it so well.

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thank you ,i'm only old in body lol.

[@ekoms108]

@@FrankWatkinson I'm the opposite. Sometimes you can get discouraged. I try to let whatever resentments I have go.

[@Prasanth631]

I found you by accident at my lowest and now I can cry even if it hurts

[@FrankWatkinson]

Good to cry.

[@jamiemoon6737]

Lost my daughter and I cannot express how grateful I am for your rendition, soothing words and old world love. Thank you so very much for putting your heart into such a beautiful song.

[@FrankWatkinson]

I'm so sorry to hear that i can't imagine how that hurts.

[@michele21auntiem]

I am very sorry for your loss. I lost a baby to stillbirth. I will never know why. But this song comforts.

[@kevinwolf6418]

love the shaggy dog just hanging out on top of the couch

[@singsangsungable]

'And he takes and he takes and he takes...' My beloved friend was taken away 4 months ago, I'm crying and missing him everyday. Thank you for your cover, my friend encouraged me to play guitar, if i could ever play a song like this, he'd be proud...

[@FrankWatkinson]

You will.

[@Luna-rd6fs]

My Grandma passed from cancer on March 1st a few years ago. This song always makes me think of her and my grandpa. Hearing this version makes it that much more powerful. Thank you so much.

[@DCEagle97]

This is one of my favorite Sufjan songs! Thank you so much for doing it justice! Could you give "Between the Bars" by Elliott Smith a try? Thanks again!

[@FrankWatkinson]

I will have to find it first a listen to it i have never heard of it.

[@hamishmcallister2503]

Fantastic recommendation my friend, that's one of my personal favorites from Elliot Smith.

[@maconovercast802]

One of my favorite Sufjan songs too... “we lifted our hands and prayed over your body, but nothing ever happened” … proceeds to fall in love 😭☺️

[@pbakai182]

@@FrankWatkinson Elliott Smith can be difficult to cover due to his songs' often complicated strumming and picking. His song Needle in the Hay, though, is so easy that even a frog can play it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqrLnqqleNKAb8U :D

[@wolvesetc]

Awesome suggestion for this dude

[@donaldhagen6151]

This is a great cover! Keep it up! Your voice reminds me of Johnny Cash

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thank you.

[@chaiinspace2]

I thought the same. Like on how he did the cover of One

[@sammamoni]

I don’t think I can ever listen to this song ever again without thinking about you. Thank you sir. This is beautiful x

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thank you ,

[@baphomick]

I'm so glad I asked. Thank you so much sir. Absolutely gorgeous.

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thank you ,i did a few takes and this one had less mistakes lol.

[@baphomick]

@@FrankWatkinson I thought the picking was perfect, and once again your voice and emotion gave me chills the whole way through. So glad to have found you.

[@FrankWatkinson]

@@baphomick Thank you again.

[@THEYOGAFACE]

@@baphomick chills all the way

[@StonepostInstitute]

Thank you, Mr. Watkinson. I greatly appreciate this version. Your guitar playing in particular is incredibly steady, despite your vocals sounding as though they’re on the verge of a complete and utter breakdown. Which is kinda where I am at the moment. Thank you again for this version. It helps so much.

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thanks i hope everything works out for you.

[@MrCaptaindorkface]

Hi Frank, I pretty much never comment on anything on the internet, but this is a special song for me and your rendition was amazing. Soulful, gentle, vulnerable. It truly moved me. I can’t wait to go through the rest of your recordings. Thank you for sharing, I truly appreciate it.

[@Lleimzjames]

This sounds like if Johnny Cash played this great song for his álbum series " American " It's wonderful.

[@noaht8592]

seems like your dog adores this cover as much as we do

[@alvarocamino238]

Let your soul keep singin, it’s really beautiful.

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thank you i will.

[@call_me_cooper]

My. Freaking. Goodness! Incredible! I hope Sufjan sees this. I’m convinced you would make him proud.

[@localindiangirl3716]

I have been having a really bad depressive episode in college lately. I am studying to become a doctor and I feel like I am doing nothing right lately and feeling nothing. Thank you for this video, it helped me feel again. This song always calms me. I miss my grandfathers. I am all alone in college.

[@GooberPlatoon]

Dont be alone. Dont be afraid to ask for company. Prayers to you

[@seyamrahman8481]

I wish you all the happiness in the world sir.

[@Cameron-pp1pr]

I don't know how I stumbled upon your page, but it is the best thing that has happened to me in a while. Thank you so much for giving yourself a platform and being such a positive presence.

[@LoadReloadDownload]

Oh this is just too beautiful. A serious favourite, reimagined exquisitely.

[@sameckman3110]

The amount of emotion you portray through this is mind blowing! Excellent job!

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thank you ,

[@joeyduff6087]

My grandfather just passed from cancer. I know this is written from the perspective of young lovers, but it still rings true all the same. Loss is hard but I'm glad i found this rendition. You played it wonderfully, sir.

[@frndlystrangr]

It's so nice to harmonize too.

[@jamesclark5058]

As a casual guitar player seeing this makes me so happy for retirement, knowing I'll still have the dexterity to play music like this and all the free time to learn new songs.

[@AnamCara1967]

Frank, I hope you are well. I'll keep coming back, listening. Makes me feel alive. Sorry for my Tears. Love from Germany

[@Mothermaedoula]

I wish your covers were on Spotify! haha so good! Thank you for doing this

[@FrankWatkinson]

Maybe one day!

[@nickdoyle7477]

I dare say this is even better than the original, especially in emotional resonance. Just amazing.

[@obscurity_films]

Just discovered Frank who covers all my favorite songs and now I'm gonna listen all day. ❤️

[@LalaLizzie23]

This version let me experience one of my favorite songs in a completely new and beautiful way- thank you

[@m-is-toast]

This is my favorite Sufjan Stevens song you did it so much justice especially towards the end

[@97daco97]

Damn my education I can't find the words to say how perfect this is.

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thanks ,that'l do.

[@skateruwu]

Found out today is Casimir Pulaski Day. Many many many years after first hearing this song, this is my first time realizing it's an actual holiday

[@freedomspeck]

My mother likes your version the best. Thank you for enabling us to bond over the same song ❤

[@SayfMunir]

Nearly breaking down in tears while singing a song is absolutely otherworldly to see. Well done!!!

[@Hollowsmith]

What I love about Frank's delivery on his songs, is that his singing style is so understated that it makes the actual lyrics stand out more. It's almost conversational. I appreciate the lyrical quality of great songs like this MORE THAN THE ORIGINALS, when I hear Frank sing them.

[@gaiabedini5309]

Your voice is able to tell stories in such a gentle and rare way. What an artist! I really love listening to your covers, please keep doing what you're doing.

[@sillybuttons925]

wow this is absolutely amazing

[@irissayshi]

The original of this song makes me cry everytime I listen to it. I'm two minutes in and the tears are flowing. This is beautiful, I love your version. Thank you.

[@moykeyr]

Wow, Frank. Love this so much. Thank you!

[@juanivelazquez1944]

this must be the best cover i’ve ever heard in my life. thank you for blessing my ears, im in heaven❤️

[@jamieengland3908]

you should have the camera on your guitar and hands as well Frank, I would love to see how you are picking that...sounds great.

[@FrankWatkinson]

I usually do but sometimes i lean forward too much.

[@michele21auntiem]

Jaime he uses a modified travis picking pattern. It is here on youtube.

[@GatileoGatilei]

The emotion you have with this song, and your beautiful rendition, makes this an incredibly touching video, thank you

[@callum7081]

You know a covers good when it is just as worth listening to as the album version in its own ways. Well done.

[@gertrude574]

Frank, why'd you leave these chopped onions all over the place!! Great cover, love you.

[@VIRGINIAB0RNANDBRED]

Hard to describe how perfect this is and how badly I needed this in my life right now.

[@JMizzlin]

Wonderful cover, Frank. Thank you for this :)

[@atlasabsentee3426]

I was deeply touched by your wonderful cover of this beautiful song. Great work, Frank.

[@BardicheOverhead]

Literally every single time I hear an emotional song that I love, and I think to myself "damn this would sound awesome if Mr. Watkinson covered it", I fucking find out HE ALREADY HAVE! I vibe with this man so much.

[@glimmo43]

Wow…. Bless you Frank. 🙏🏼❤️

[@youdbettertube]

I hope Sufjan has heard this.

[@PolyphonicSpr33]

Did you ever imagine at your age that your music would have such a big audience on the internet? 🥰 I'm so glad your talent is so appreciated!

[@FrankWatkinson]

I still can't believe it.

[@hannaaxelsson3687]

30 seconds in and I already have tears in my eyes. Such a great cover of a great song - achingly beautiful!

[@sercanakgul486]

im hypnotised and i find myself crying... with love

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thank you.

[@kaylorkarlin790]

Great rendition! Authentic, unique, great phrasing!

[@marcmt4171]

tune to the heart and a tear in my eye. well done. thank you

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thanks.

[@paigecopenhaver7667]

soooo lovely, once again. if you like covering sufjan's songs, could you possibly do romulus? it's quite beautiful, and I think you would sound amazing covering it

[@FrankWatkinson]

Last week someone requested the 4th of July by him so i tried it but before then i hadn't heard any of his stuff ,so will have to do some serious listening.

[@luisenriqueaguilera7319]

@@FrankWatkinson Romulus deserves your cover

[@FrankWatkinson]

@@luisenriqueaguilera7319 I have covered it ,

[@rubbadubdub6543]

Just gorgeous mate.

[@AmandaAlves-yg2he]

you are awesome!! I'm thrilled

[@zandder]

Fantastic cover. Touching, truly.

[@AndromedaHadoukenbreakherlegs]

i've heard so many covers of this song... this is the first to blow me away. Just wow. The level of emotion in your voice made me tear up. So painful. Especially the audible despair and frustration in that final line... Incredible. Truly.

[@KawaiiKittyKat79]

Another perfect cover done by Frank Watkinson. I love how you put your heart, and soul into every song you do. I have been a fan of Sufjan Stevens for a few years, and you just made me really happy.

[@JURASSIC_JACK1]

So much emotion! Gives me goosebumps:)

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thank you.

[@elsesoon]

I haven't cried in honest, in a long while. Thank you for reminding me.

[@All-ze9cl]

I've seen this man on my recommended channel, and I've heard some of his popular videos but I wasn't very interested. I saw that he did one of my favorite songs ever and I had to listen. thank you for covering this beautiful song

[@shellyverma4600]

This gives me hope ,hope for a peaceful senile process.

[@johnnymnemonic2002]

I am listening to your covers while doing my homework, my first year living away from home. This song always makes me tear up, when I was little my dad would play music from his Pandora station when we cleaned the house. Casimir Pulaski Day was always in the song rotation. This song makes me homesick and nostalgic and so, so, sad. Your cover captures all of those emotions, but at the same time is somehow comforting. Thank you for the music

[@thomasjenks659]

Those final lyrics always get me, the juxtaposition between self-sacrifice and the pain that still remains. I'm not sure what I believe in, but I hope that there is something out there, and that all this taking amounts to something in the end.

[@evanhopkins5526]

brought me to tears. this is absolutely incredible. thank you

[@the_light_writer]

Why hasn't Frank made me cry yet?? 😐🥺

[@beowont]

as a long-time sufjan stevens fan (or as long-time a fan of something you can be at my age, anyway)... this is so beautiful. it feels different from the original but in such a good way, kind of like a johnny cash cover i suppose? it's like you give the song a different perspective. this genuinely made me tear up, it's just so good :')

[@MeatyPeach]

Your version has hit me in a way that Sufjan’s hasn’t been able to in awhile. So much feeling in your covers. Thank you.

[@valenirvana]

Your videos are moving, please keep sharing your emotions that feel so real and human

[@cmessi]

Thank you Mr. Watkinson for these beautiful 5 minutes. Better than 99% of all Voice of Holland, USA, etc.. performances. Grts from Holland 🇳🇱

[@RobJL01]

This hits me more than Sufjans version, absolutely beautiful ❤

[@danielleandrews8487]

you are awesome!!! this cover is absolutely beautiful

[@janetjago-lee129]

Such emotion. Such beautiful playing. The singing so clear, well and lovely diction. It shows doesn’t it we can be any age and sing as we wish. I really love this man. To me he is very special. Terribly terribly talented but what’s more here is rare genuine emotion. This performance gave me an ooh. And that lovely dog there in the back of the sofa. xx

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thank you from me and Marshall .

[@BabaG]

beautiful.. thank you sir.. i have heard Sufjian & company sing it.. you have a nice rendition soulful & warm.. thank you the song brings tears to my eyes no connection to any memories etc just the lyrics I guess...

[@deepikaram4230]

Frank, if you're reading this comment, I want you to know that this is just so pure and beautiful! :)

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thank you!

[@maya25891]

I'm so glad KZbin recommended your videos. This is so beautiful it touches the soul

[@KnobCreekBandit]

How did I just see this. Jesus. It just hit me so hard.

[@swollenshut]

this made me cry in appreciation

[@kurrs177]

Lovely rendition. The humming is such a soothing touch.

[@LauraMorby]

Here from TikTok listening to one of my favorite songs sung by a new favorite.

[@thomasbabcock5174]

You are just what i needed at this point in my life. Thank you Frank, you are truly a Godsend. Much Love from OHIO❤

[@amaryllisflower]

This is so amazing and meaningful

[@Governayle333]

Beautiful job, Frank. Brought me back to the lyrics, and their emotions.

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thank you.

[@mattheweddymusic]

This cover is profoundly beautiful. Excellent job, sir!

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thank you.

[@lorandliszkai7084]

Holy shit that was so beautiful, glad I found your channel.

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thank you.

[@penelope9788]

you have done this amazing song incredible justice. what a beautiful cover, thank you.

[@jacobzingery]

I'm so glad KZbin recommended this to me. What a beautiful cover of one of my favorites from Sufjan.

[@MichaelCortese1]

Thank you for sharing this. This is incredibly sincere. I hope you are doing well!

[@FrankWatkinson]

Thank you

[@stoneage2725]

Can't seem to make it away from here and I don't mind at all!!!

[@DoctorMeatDic]

I've watched this so many times. It is heartbreaking.

[@BardicheOverhead]

It happened with this song, and with "fade into you - mazzy star", and with "Hero - family of the year". You've covered fucking everything. It's like when I want to hear a cover, I can always come here because this legend has already made it. Bless this man.

[@juliapagan3522]

so glad youtube recommended your channel. this is one of my favorite songs