Clifton Hicks - I'm Dying, Mother

[@cameroncapps3302]

Clifton Hicks is the reason I now have a banjo addiction

[@mikeb3603]

I get an urge to pick a banjo up everytime I watch one of your videos

[@Sam_the_Butcher]

I went and bought one for the same reason.

[@hobeone1192]

It's fun...really really fun.

[@scottjones8977]

A hicks video is about 1,000 times more enjoyable than any Hollywood production. LOVE IT!!

[@PotterPossum1989]

O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU notwithstanding. That helped to reignite the spark for the new generation, but I was a fan long before then, and generally don't like the culture going mainstream.

[@vinsamson8061]

I couldn’t agree more! I’d rather watch Clifton all night then crap on tv! KZbin rules🎶🤘

[@shotgunhobo1776]

Hollywood is infested with PDF files and infectious human waste.

[@youtubedude09]

@@vinsamson8061 I agree tv ain't been good since the office ended :/

[@YourLocalR3NecK]

@@youtubedude09I honestly feel that man, most of the time will whip out old DVDs of westerns or old war movies cause the shit on TV be that bad. It’s so political and divided to, like what happened to the days of turning on the tv everyday at 7:30 to watch king of the hill? I miss them days 😕

[@GurtinTheDistance]

It's been a few years since I checked you out Clifton. You have a very ethereal way with the music you make. Whenever I dip back to ya page, it's like listening to a tree singing about the bones buried beneath its roots. Amen dude.

[@colin7443]

Got a hard 9 months of deployment ahead of me. If I ain't ever the wiser to reply to this in the future, it was just meant to be. Lotta thanks to ya

[@PothocketsFPV]

Sitrep?

[@mcav1399]

@@colin7443 i hope you made it home. Prayers for you and those you love, may God watch over your soul.

[@pasta-la-vista_]

This reminds me of my old man. He passed back in july, but i been listening to this song well before he passed. Though i love this song now because it is such a strange reminder of all the good times bad times and all the memories in between, i had made with him. Thanks for the cover of this song, clifton.

[@lordylordy886]

Thank you,,,from backwoods Canada,,reminds e of my grandfathers fav Hank Williams,,,I can see him now in the old house,,smokin his pipe in an old arm chair ,,tuning into am on an old radio,,

[@chris9l913]

man that banjo sounds good

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I really want a wound bass string. Not happy with "nylgut" bass. And the humidity! It's alternated here for weeks now between either too wet or too windy to record. Oh well. I think this banjo would sound pretty damn good with a wound bass and a plastic hide.

[@dog7881]

This is my favorite channel on KZbin. Your music is great.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@dog7881]

@ No man, thank you.

[@sethmountain]

A painfully gorgeous take. Hurts the heart in a good way.

[@888Winkler]

Amen. Thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Today is the day of salvation.

[@farcamp]

He’s back…and not a minute too soon. Good start to the dawning day. Thanks.

[@omgmanineedaname]

One of the many Hicks renditions that inspired me to pick up a banjo. Between your clawhammer video and Mr. Hare's original, I've probably heard this a thousand times or more. It never gets old. Thanks Cliff, the two-finger is just another flavor of an all-time personal favorite.

[@TheeMikeForce]

It’s the sabbath and I’m smoking Reefer while sitting in the living room on a dining room chair listening to this. What a great day. Thanks God.

[@kalwallingford7039]

You'll be begging him not to cast you into hellfire too if you think that you should thank him for your devilishness

[@kalwallingford7039]

I promise you he does not approve of this

[@TheeMikeForce]

@@kalwallingford7039 you’re not the first person to call me a devil and you’re probably not gonna be the last but I will tell you this: you can judge me all you want you can judge others all you like, but it’s not your place to judge me… but hey, thanks for reminding me that people like you are out there continually passing judgment. I’m doing the job that isn’t theirs thanks. I truly hope you have a good day. Stay real.

[@TheeMikeForce]

@@kalwallingford7039 if by ”this” you mean my comment well just getting in line with all the others I could care less anyways if you mean, the critique of my comment was cool. Either way doesn’t matter to me because I mind my own business.

[@TheSorcerer1]

@@kalwallingford7039 You couldn't possibly know if he approves or not, and to claim you do would be blasphemy. Besides, I'd wager he approves of "devilishness" since he's doing fuck all to make the world HE MADE a better place.

[@lordfordification]

Another tune for the soundtrack of my life.

[@StinkyParadox]

I've been singing, "After this I'll get converted, and have me a Christian bride" I misheard it on the last last recording and now I don't think I can part with it. I thought it was a decent enough reason to get converted.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

It works. I actually don't know what Bert Hare sang on the recording for that part.

[@StinkyParadox]

​@@CliftonHicksbanjo I just saw your comments on the Bert Hare recording. I agree with you that he probably sings, "Christian bright." I don't think that the lyrics would transfer from the masculine to the feminine perspective for that one line.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Jesus refers to himself several times as "the bridegroom," so it could be a reference to that.

[@StinkyParadox]

@Clifton Hicks That concept brings me to whole speculatory can of worms, looking for things to mean more than they probably do. It's too complicated to explain fully but I have found the bridegroom in reference to either Jesus as a groom to be literal, metaphorical as he is a groom to humanity, or mythological/celestial as he is the twin god and goddess. An androgynous God that could be known to an individual coming from a certain religious demographic that would could convert to Christianity. Particularly the kind that would convert from one messianic religion to another. Anyway it's a stretch. I have the same thing going on with Hiram Hubbard, since there is no record of the case, I'm going to make association with Hiram Abiff and his lynching in the masonic legend. Also I did find quite a few upper level scottish-rite fraternity members with the surname Hubbard in the 18th and 19th century.

[@StinkyParadox]

Forgot to mention that bridegroom is also mentioned in the gospels with the temple of the nymphs, a sort of ritual harem. Still a stretch but interesting.

[@ggail6]

That's some cracking no-nonsense picking. I am sure Dock and Charlie approve from the great beyond.

[@ateosedm5690]

One day you're gonna be famous. They'll make a statue for you, for you are an American hero. Your music, your soul, and your amazing service to our beautiful nation makes you elite. You deserve public notarity. You're a f***ing American icon in my eyes. 🇺🇸❤🤜💥🤛❤🇺🇸

[@dylanpottery]

Yeah Clif!!

[@danielthompson6207]

I was born in Millington, Tennessee. I was brought into this world by a doctor at the now decommissioned hospital on the Navy base there, and left the state when I was 8 years old. Going back to live is not in my cards, but listening to you play the banjo makes me feel like those hundreds of miles are no longer separating me from my loving home. Thank you, Clifton, for letting your light shine in this world.

[@ScarletRebel96]

Missed ya buddy glad to see ya around tge parts again

[@s.d.davidson9144]

My husband picked up another 38 lug 5 string from eBay. The aim is to get it fired up again. It's got the original hardware and violin style tuners. It even got some old timely strings with the fuzzies down by the tailpiece. Should be here Monday. Good luck to you and keep up the good work you keep my old man inspired at the age of 70. God bless!

[@jasonvarney9146]

I will pick and sing this one before I go to the Lord. Thanks so much for posting lessons and all the real music. Blessings be with you 🙏🏼

[@sicksour7791]

Favorite living musician

[@thepennsylvanian9280]

My lord is that Wonderful!! 🙏

[@PHIL-ts8si]

Almost like saw the man at the close of day, but with more thumb jawn. Excellent playing 👏

[@Yallquietendown]

I love this one and listen to it over and over. Thank you! So much better than the crap in the current culture. When I learn it I will add another verse at the end where the young man gets right with God, because it’s never too late if we’re still breathing. The regret and despair is so real though

[@danktalltrees3090]

Hopefully spring is treating you better down there then up here in northern Michigan where we still have a few inches of snow on the ground. Amazing music as always thanks for showing us so much

[@jeo1557]

Your music is keeping me going. Thanks, Clifton. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have your prestigious music. You do so much for history, and I believe you are helping people be more open-minded. Thanks, again.

[@rondelby2482]

Love your singing. Wish I could come visit and sit in that house and watch you sing a hundred songs

[@fly_speck_cafe]

Such a pure voice.

[@rerecycled7507]

Powerful. I've never heard this song before, that goes on the to-learn list for sure.

[@markduffield8110]

Wow could listen to y’all all day well done

[@dwaingibbs93]

I love this song when you sing it. I was singing one the verses as you played it the first time

[@KarmasBite]

Got recommended a version of this song that Lachlann Mullin played and It sent me down a rabbit hole I'm enjoying

[@Popcorn_Kernel]

Looks like this banjo is a keeper I wouldn't blame you it's a beautiful banjo

[@easternkentuckyoutdoors8092]

Great picking and singing. I love that old finger guard

[@JazzyUnderscoreTrumpeter]

I really enjoy this

[@rymcdonakew6516]

you straight up give banjo a new sound of meaning to me ik why but the touch to it...

[@c-ronos]

Love it man. Those popular singers can't sing without autotune. You're better.

[@christopherbennett4559]

Simply beautiful sound. The radio stations should play this kind of music. This is the way music should be. Heart and Soul. 100%Real!!!! Thanks for sharing 👍 😊

[@markusbartell9611]

Awesome. Love this song!

[@lornebain3831]

Two thumbs-up....

[@christophereustache3017]

I'm brand new to the banjo and I just want to thank you for all the songs you play

[@myname7914]

Love the Salvation song! Thanks

[@fuchsiasaville]

Got a Banjo heritage hoodie coming next week ❤😊🎉😊❤

[@markosterman419]

A very interesting combination with that particular banjo and strung with nylon strings.

[@RuthlessDJs]

Superb. 👍🏻

[@kemui696]

got to get the tablature for this song, its so amazing on banjo. thanks for sharing it with us and thank you for being an inspiration. been learning banjo for about a moth now at the time of this comment and hearing you play always makes me want to pick up my five string and play.

[@johnnieowings7996]

You make it look so easy!! Not so easy for this beginner 😏

[@peterrandall9523]

Great stuff Mr Hicks. Keeping us all happy. Yea 😊

[@digitaldemocracyai-rob]

I miss your Weymann.

[@marshallmarvin1369]

❤

[@CRuf-qw4yv]

Clifton. Seems to have the same beat and tempo as "East Virginia". Love the old time banjo.

[@ll-zg8kj]

Absolutely beautiful thank you

[@jasonbrogdon8841]

Very very good 👍👍👍👍

[@brofist8696]

Wow. Just fucking wow.

[@Gmack29]

Please put this on Spotify with some of your other stuff

[@michealdefeo2451]

Great one!...You got a fan in Maine!!

[@johannesbroborn]

Amazing!

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

If you appreciate what I do, please support my work via one of these links 👇 Patreon: patreon.com/CliftonHicks SubscribeStar: www.subscribestar.com/cliftonhicks Banjo heritage online course: BanjoHeritage.com Banjo Heritage merch: www.banjoheritage.org/ Bandcamp: cliftonhicks.bandcamp.com/ KZbin membership: kzbin.info/door/0fRKB_T-2yrNajqoz9VWAgjoin PayPal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/cliftonhicksbanjo Venmo: account.venmo.com/u/cliftonhicksbanjo Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/7fQxc3ZY6LTVWkfxvsEPUV Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/artist/clifton-hicks/1437321931

[@TheeMikeForce]

I’d buy you a hamburger if yer in the neighborhood

[@BobWarnerBarn]

Nice..:)

[@cannab-al9582]

Great song, thanks brother. God bless!

[@moffphc9864]

Love this cliff :D

[@beercrawlerrc]

Awesome as always Clifton 🍻🍻🍻

[@kyleaylward6678]

that thing is slick man

[@jamesc.e.s.4551]

HELL YEAH!

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

Sounding great Clifton and that's a beautiful banjo!

[@milemarker_oscar_mike]

Banjo's got a nice rugged , beefy build. Built to survive centurys of pickin' tunes around the camp fire....

[@malgremor85]

Inspires me to practice my smallpipes.

[@98Kentuckian]

Beautiful song. It's been a long time since i've picked up my banjo, maybe it's about time i blow the dust off and try to learn a new tune

[@redlinemando]

Awesome song & banjo!!!!!!! I love the old Bacon banjos!!!!!!! I used to have an old 5-string Bacon Belmont, but the fingerboard was very narrow & the strings were too close together. It was hard for me to play Scruggs style on it & I don't know how to play clawhammer, so I traded it off like a goof. lol The Bacon's have a very unique & even haunting tone as you have demonstrated excellently. I have two Bacon tenors from the 30's that I'm going to keep as original as possible, but convert both into 5-strings. One is a lower end, non tone ring "Pitt Brand", made by Bacon. The other is a high end "Bacon Silver Bell Serenader", completely original with the "Jos. Rogers/Daisy Brand" hide head, original full weight, no hole, flat head tone ring, old Grover pancakes, Ottinger 4-string tailpiece & fully functioning knee mute. The old hide head still has good tension on it & looks to be in excellent condition. I have lots of experience with working on banjos, but I've never dealt with hide heads before. I want to take it off & put a standard head on it, but I'm afraid that it could be one of those situations where taking it off could render it unuseable. I want to preserve the old head & make sure it goes to someone who will use it & appreciate it. I wish I could send you some pictures & maybe you could advise me on what the best course of action would be.

[@rattyfingers8621]

Well thought id chime in. A hide head is usually a one time mount, as it soaked to a raw state then pulled very tight and allowed to dry. Then the excess is trimmed off, so there wouldnt be anything left to grab and pull on if used again unless it was installed on a smaller diameter head. A reason to not use a hide head is playing outdoors in damp. They do add a special layer to the sound for sure.

[@redlinemando]

@@rattyfingers8621 Thank you for "chiming in"!!!!!!! Even if it's not necessarily the information I was hoping for, I'm learning something & I appreciate any & all information that I can get!!!!!!! It makes sense that they were made & fitted up that way. I would have thought that the more prominent makers may have found a way to make them multi use, barring a tear or separation from the stretcher band. With it's condition, I was really hoping there were some way to take it off without rendering it useless. I've already got a 5-string neck to go on the banjo. I don't think it would have the right tone for standard bluegrass to leave the hide head on & play it as a 5-string, but who knows. Earl did it with Monroe back in the day, but honestly, that man could have played a banjo in almost any configuration & made it work!!!!!!!

[@kylebushey4590]

Real slick

[@tfodthogtmfof7644]

I have to get my antique supertone to a luthier and back in playable condition. So I can learn some of these.

[@beezusondabeats8504]

"Head Noddin" tune this is!

[@leighcecil3322]

Alcoholism my brother died from... learning banjo it's healing 🇦🇺🍻

[@dog7881]

My condolences

[@TheeMikeForce]

After this, I will get inverted

[@ethan5985]

I would love to see records (vinyls) of your music!

[@mrchildgrownold3852]

Damn I wish I could do that, got my toe bone tapping anyhow

[@KenneyCmusic]

Sounds great Clifton. I might upgrade from my Goldtone Ac-1 to a Bacon Belmont. They're under a $1000.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Try not to pay more than $700 tops. These were going for nothing a few years ago.

[@KenneyCmusic]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo Thanks for the tip Clifton, Planning on joining your patreon, Im getting more serious about my banjo playing

[@steveosharrette2170]

Hall y'all yeppers

[@eggstu]

👏👏

[@bobroberts4294]

All variables considered - temp, humidity, facing sun, facing east or south or west, moon 🌙 phase, recording technology, etc, I really like 👍 how The Belmont is sounding here - the bass tones are organic, not harsh - but then maybe it’s just playing in real good 😊 do you love ❤️ it yet?

[@sierranvbanjo]

Absolutely agreed. It doesn’t have that metallic twangy sound that a lot of resonators have.

[@antoniotabboterrorist5992]

Clifton, do you ever come or plan to come to play in the CRAPPY UK??

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I'd love to. Have no plans to, though.

[@antoniotabboterrorist5992]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo suppose I'll try to come to USA then, do you have gig dates on a site or anything?

[@Inhumane-official]

i feel like im the only teen here

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

The bulk of this channel's audience is between the ages of 18 and 34.

[@Inhumane-official]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo i love your stuff man, sucks kids now a days dont listen to this stuff

[@hadrianford6144]

hey man i am aswell! i know how you mean, most of our age are too distracted to find beauty

[@blllllllllllllllllllrlrlrl7059]

No u aren't

[@puffinthefish]

nope i am here too

[@leighcecil3322]

Nylon strings..?.. what tuneing 🇦🇺🍻👍

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Yes, nylon tuned a couple frets south of gDGBD. Tab available at Patreon.com/CliftonHicks

[@leighcecil3322]

Thanks... like your work..bro 🇦🇺🍻.. keeps me leaning banjo... Wild Scotsman country.. Oz​@@CliftonHicksbanjo

[@leighcecil3322]

Can I put nygut Aquila stings on a normal banjo.?.. the guy in the music shop said I couldn't..bc there made for Steel ..🤔.. cheers 🍻🪕

[@scottduvall5469]

Brother you and Charley Crockett need to get together. Yall both appreciate the old sound... totally different areas of music but the same soul

[@Bordo430]

La Bella nylon strings?

[@adamnilsson4417]

What do you feel about going down to the minor chord at the "dying" in "I'm surely dying"? Maybe it's too modern..?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Eh it'd be fine. I know what you mean it would sound a bit bluegrassy or something.

[@tmmorrison]

Can you please post the actually tuning?

[@larrybreuer4495]

👍👍❤️

[@idahoduckhunter]

Must be the lack of tone ring that mellows it out nicely for your style Clifton. Sounds great as a complement to your other great banjos.

[@bryandovbergman5654]

Why the pick guard?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

No particular reason. It's a pre-WW2 Gibson pick guard (finger rest) given to me by a friend in Philadelphia. It's a rare antique, but doesn't do a whole lot for me.

[@bryandovbergman5654]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo neat. Great song too BTW

[@mynameisallenbruh1158]

Watching your videos inspires me to learn the banjo, where would you recommend I buy a banjo?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

www.Smakula.com

[@hadrianford6144]

anyone know the tuning hes in?

[@sheetmusic5949]

hey clifton! is swing generally not used in all these really old banjo songs?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

"Swing?"

[@shotgunhobo1776]

💪🪕👍

[@WJTFilm]

Very similar to drunkards doom no? Just got that one down, now onto this one lol

[@ThisCreaturesFeatures]

He definitely got himself a pistol and that hip behind the banjo, beware.

[@paddek666]

Also sick.