Darrell Scott - You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive

Darrell Scott performs on Mountain Stage the Bristol Sessions recorded in July 2006 at the historic Paramount Center for the Arts in Bristol, TN/VA.

[@iantakaoka8664]

I love that there's no two versions of this song that sound the same. Talk about range.

[@rangeruno]

My dad didn't make it out of Harlan either. He is buried with Mom just outside of Harlan, having passed after working 27 years in the mines. God rest his soul and the ones who suffered with him.

[@bevbailey1]

Tears & Chills!!!! I was born and raised in Harlan County KY.

[@Kolonihaven]

I´m sitting here in raining Denmark....actuallly getting ready to continue recording a new song.... Finding this masterpiece puts everything in perspective...its all in the heart....listening to all the feelings....makes me to try to to do my music simple and pure...but for me I now have new standards in simple honest pure music...Darrell Scott is my role model!

[@bevbailey1]

I was born and raised in Harlan Co. Husband survived rock fall in coal mine, know others who didn't make it out alive. Feel every word of this song with shivers down my spine.

[@SirLoinOfsteak85]

Darrell Scott has such a beautiful voice. Fantastic musician. Really takes me there.

[@dandrol]

This is one of the most powerful songs I've ever heard. I used to be a music director in country radio, and this one grabs you from the beginning, and doesn't let go... Riveting!

[@beoracha]

When we were finally able to buy a house the realtor showed us a place up a local holler. Heavily wooded and no sun. It was gloomy dark at 4PM. We ended up living on a hill but the ridges still block some morning sun. Great song by the way. Saw Patty sing it a few years back. I play it on the whistle. I think Darrell played again in Bristol a week or two ago. It's near here.

[@Geo76er]

I'm from Leslie co., I have alot of family from Harlan, and Bell counties. I'm SO proud to be from this area. We get looked down upon and stereotyped so much, that it isn't funny...but, this is home, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in this poor old world. The way I see it....everyone else is missing out!

[@thejoeyz]

It don't get any better than this....

[@papasquat355]

You can hear the sounds of the Cherokee and Irish mountain men in his music. Amazing in this era of canned music.

[@jeffcmo1957]

Goosebumps every time.

[@kerrykrishna]

His guitar playing is nothing short of amazing. Timing, partial chords, volume, tone , I cant even put it into words. What an amazing artist. And the songwriting? No words can say. I wanna be him when I grow up. I've been playing acoustic guitar going on 30 years, and I can not hold a candle to this master.....

[@wandamundy1759]

And he also plays pedal steel, dobro, fretless banjo - and piano like a conert pianist. He is the whole thing.

[@BluegrassPhil]

This song kicks ass ! Darrell's probably one of the best songwriters in America today.

[@rpm4565]

Some ten years ago an unknown Darrell played backup for Guy Clark on a show in Fort Worth. In mid-show Clark introduced Darrell to do a couple of songs and told the crowd "You'll be amazed." Darrell then did this song (without the cheesy extra voice) and we were all stunned. Amazing pure talent. Hard to settle for Clark for the remainder of that show, but credit to him for showcasing Scott.

[@anneharpen]

Wow, I have been performing this song for 4 months and never even heard the REAL version. Thank you so much for posting. I have goosebumps.

[@Luckette27]

Darrell is a brilliant musician. Somehow, I hadn't heard him perform untill recently with the Band of Joy. He does it all sings, writes songs, and plays multiple instruments.

[@SuperMIKEFREE]

It makes you shutter to think what our Grandparents did, my Grandfather broke horses during W.W.1 he served in France, he was a great horseman. He's brother died in that war so did thousands, my Grandfather returned to Ireland without a penny/dime. So this great song that Darrell has wrote keeps alive our history, this one song is worth a thousand songs, WELL DONE SIR!

[@GRACEAZ317]

This song is so potent. I can see my Grandma as a girl, washing the clothes outback on the scrub board. Chilling song.

[@ItalicAlec]

Darrell's music is unlike most I've heard. His lyrics and melodies and chord choices and licks have a way of really touching the core of the listener. Well, it touched the core of this listener anyways. I met him once at Joe's Pub in New York city on a random gig he did there. I know I must have looked like an idiot singing along to all the songs word for word. This was right about the time he released Invisible Man , which is still my favorite album.

[@Erinin]

Wow, this is so good. I'm just stunned.

[@birgitsrlie6273]

You did a great job on this version!! The lyrics are such a great story also. I usually listen to Patty Loveless version but I also love yours!

[@ronaldtiracchia2017]

What a powerful song. I prefer Patty's version. But since he wrote it and to hear the the different lyrics it's more personal. Patty's version makes you feel it. Amazing. My wife always asks are you crying. Lol.

[@bokeathley]

Great song by a great singer.Nobody could do it any better. Bo.

[@TheMantisBoxer]

why did i just hear of this guy?! he's amazing

[@dshall27]

Reminds me of good ol wv. This is soulful artwork very impressive

[@123hello456]

Best of all versions out there. My newest favorite artist. Loved it....

[@A.MikaelKihlman]

Could not be done better! Maybe only by Darrel Scott himself, it´s a great song, wonderful guitar playing (try to play that!), timing, singing and performance. Darrel Scott has become one of the absolutely best live performers in his style of country music, he is nearly as close as you can come to be complete. I just love it! Listen and learn!

[@lucycooper9475]

Thank you , Darrell Scott, for writing this. I'm from Winston-Salem N.C. and my upbringing was more among the owners, but I jumped ship around 17. Drive through Ky. 2x per year on the way back home since 1973 and always stop in Harlan and try to walk around the actual town. And have bonded with the lady at the local Hardees. To the other posters here - all the versions are fine, if they get the story out. That's what is so important. People that care about what is going on can't afford to be purists.

[@saycarl5438]

Sweet post, Miz Cooper

[@greeneyelady56]

+Lucy Cooper I agree

[@ausednes]

Thank you Darrell Scott and Brewhead

[@pduvallsr]

Every time I have heard Darrell do this song it is just a little different, but I have to say I am very, very impressed with this version. To think, this is 16 years ago and this song has made the rounds with some great artists.

[@OlafRonald]

Great song..I just heard it on the Sugar Hll 4 cd retrospective,I had the chance to spend a summer in Viper KY,i wish I did and were able to meet Jean Ritchie.

[@glendaclark1440]

My family is from Bell County Kentucky. Grandpa and Dad were Coal Miners. Yes I am a coal miners daughter. All that's left is us kids and the grand kids , and we still own our Coal Mine. Black Dreams covered our dirty faces. With a wish to escape the death that awaited us. God Bless the Coal Miners.

[@L43063]

I was born and raised in Harlan kentucky...And I am still here..I relate to this song in everyway...my family are coal miners so i know when he wrote this he knew exactly the words to put into the song because this is a way of life no one understands unless its in your blood....

[@johnwoods8042]

Amen and amen bro

[@jaggy-snake]

played one in a shop in Denmark street London...blew me away as did the £4,000 price tag :)

[@robertinoferro7506]

Muy conmovedora... Una maravilla!!! La música, la letra, la interpretación... GENIAL!

[@raceyjones]

Just saw him play at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass #9 at GG Park in San Fran., it was early morning and I'm glad I made it to see his show. I also appreciate all the kind words, y'all have to say, makes me happy to know you're around

[@RuggedZach]

Holy Shit...this guy's good.

[@carlnoe2]

Yeah, my parents moved away, but I’ve made many a trip to Harlan. We buried my dad on a hilltop looking over the town. Edna, my great aunt, kept the graveyard on Pine Mountain above Dione and the Poor Fork of the Cumberland River until she passed a couple of years ago. Princess Louanna lived in Louisville. Great Uncle John let me use his ‘sang hoe to explore the hollows, and he faithfully kept Sam Lewis’ secret. My niece, Donna took my sister (born in Pineville or was it Pikeville?) Barbara home about a year ago for a drop-in visit. Barbara gave me Pearl’s secret recipes for the Barbeque he had in Harlan during the Great Depression; she loved the lights of the slot machines. Pearl competed with Col. Sanders from Corbin.

[@daisylouise726]

I've been enjoying Brad's version for a long time, definitely was not getting the full experience, this is perfect. You said it perfectly.

[@atripp62]

Holy Hell, got here from the JUSTIFIED website, and Paisley ain't got got spit on this guy! Never heard of this cat before but I do like it. Reminds me of Monty Montgomery and Warren Haynes. Peace Ya'll Old Ass*&%$ From SE Ohio ;~]

[@ShadowRidgeHernando]

Awesome version from the man who wrote this great song. Thank you for putting this up on youtube.

[@garretmckinley952]

Just everything he does man, he's the guy

[@carrietaylor4527]

It just doesn't get better than this.

[@anibalvasilchuk5318]

Una exelente interpretación,es lo que siente un habitante de pueblo chico ,soñando con marcharse a otro lugar mejos,pero destinado a morir ahí,y un homenaje a los que mueren en las minas,en todo el mundo es igual,gracias por esta obra maestra!

[@kara19902816]

what a fuckin' guitar player. and singing? WHOA.

[@lindatheobald7789]

unreal---bass and sweet treble at the same time ---makes a lot of pickers feel silly--a true master

[@dlmullins9054]

Damn! Blew me away!

[@karffiol]

I admire your strength and I love this song... but I'll never could feel it like you

[@alistairewen7005]

beautiful

[@catalystvoxco]

I love this version

[@smmadr]

Love you Darrell..ALWAYS!!

[@MrA259]

Darrell at his finest here.

[@NickLandess]

*This* is epic. Nothing against Allison Krauss or Union Station, but there are lots of other great musicians out there working in this alt-country, alt-folk genre. Darrell Scott isn't as easy on the eyes as Ms. Krauss, and has not been featured on the soundtrack of a cool movie; he is every bit as significant, musically, as Ms. Krauss and Union Station.

[@clarkbailey1973]

Born and raised there too.

[@JenLawsonMusic]

This is BADASS!

[@jsetser99]

Great!

[@mlgav]

i was there for this show. On December 2, 2008, Odetta died from heart disease in New York City

[@qrptedmac]

I love that Taylor Koa. Its not made anymore,it sounds great. Darrells latest CD is really good if anyone wishes to get it.

[@pshack74]

Beautiful. As for those who have covered this, I've only heard two versions: Patty Loveless and Brad Paisley. Both are great covers, and I like all 3 versions.

[@hankjohnson4616]

Brad Paisley already made it a hit guys...and I bet Darrell likes the checks! I'd pay more and work harder to get to see Darrell do it.

[@foxy663]

DAMN!!!!!!

[@dharleyfan1]

I wonder if he still has that Koa wood Taylor guitar. That is one of the most beautiful guitars I've ever heard. Of course he is an amazing guitar player, singer song writer too. Just in a league by himself.

[@mikedubb15192025]

Who in their right mind gave this a thumbs down?!?! Grow up, Dude!

[@Freakster1970]

People who worked in coal mines can relate to this song from Scotland to China.

[@TheBlockDog]

The lovely Suzi Ragsdale on bgv and squeezey thing.

[@rushwb]

If You can get a hold of the Festival link (sorry for the unintentional plug) Cowan, Scott and Flynn Wintergrass 2007 (FEB 23) version. With John Cowan singing background vocals you won't be sorry.

[@awjs74]

Darrell Scott wrote that (the man in the video). It's off his record "Aloha from Nashville".

[@theflash1952shodan]

When I first heard this song, I was thinking the same thing, BUT, as much as i love Alison (one L in Alison), and Union Station, I'd be afraid that it would be "too pretty" if she covered it, and it's a soulful song, not a pretty one. Then again, Alison can do almost anything, so I'd still like to hear it!

[@freetickeys]

@cknightfan Aha! Our mutual interest in good Kentucky music has led our paths to cross again. Peace

[@farmersdaughter1928]

kk. thanks!!

[@tpalmen]

Haunting..just so haunting. Can here the souls in his voice.

[@barimando]

None taken. But Patty Loveless kills it as well. I personally like Darrell's more than any other version but thats just me.

[@nathan61984]

"It's becasue the hollows (hollers) are so deep between the steep hills that the sun has trouble penetrating until it's high overhead. Makes for short days even in summer." I'm pretty sure that this is later interpreted to mean the shifts they worked in the mine. Just my opinion....

[@atripp62]

@nightwingdg Holy Crap Man - I saw them live about 2 yrs ago - and You Are Correct Sir! I am going to hammer Krauss's website. Actually, considering where she's from I'm surprised she hasn't done it!? Peace ;~}

[@vireogilvus]

Does anybody know if you can buy a CD or DVD of this Mountain Stage special? I've looked online, and through their archives, etc. Nothing. I sure would love a copy of this recording!

[@vireogilvus]

I use Audio Hijack for that sort of thing, but I was willing to buy the recording to support the artists and Mountain Stage.

[@sbnewman4817]

How did 10 people dislike this?

[@greeneyelady56]

+SB Newman unbelievable such a great song

[@stanleyg64]

Beats me great song and fantastic performance

[@vireogilvus]

I recommend to all interested in this subject matter, albeit from a more recent generation, to run out and rent Harlan County, USA. Crazy documentary!!!!!!

[@juzagirlntheroom2692]

Didn’t even know that existed, but I’ll definitely find it.

[@MrJDFrog]

@wongsecang Folks rarely do a song as well, or with as much emotion, as the songwriter does it. (I've actually heard Scott do this more like Paisley and Loveless, but he also 'plays' with it more.)

[@needhamdunn]

im sorry, but brad paisley will never be able to compete with the soul that this song has when darrell sings it

[@Shinnbone13]

he writes a TON of songs that have made it to nashville...many of which make fun of nashville style country

[@rowgly1]

mine too buddy

[@DatPicksburghGuy]

2 people left Harlan alive.

[@bloodydager]

@Hylandra Amen

[@jakerocksheckyes]

I think it's interesting listening to him after listening to Brad Paisley or Patty Loveless singing this song. It sounds a lot more jazzy and soulfull coming from him...it's almost a blues song. hmmm...

[@MrAlbertbobby]

beautiful shoud a have been the last song on justified

[@farmersdaughter1928]

who originally recorded this song?? this is the 3rd person ive heard of that sang it. can nebody help me out on this 1?

[@rockinredneck57]

Darrell wrote it. I'm not sure who had the first recording of it. Either him or Patty Loveless.

[@garytalley]

That's Suzi Ragsdale accompanying him.

[@robertbaker2882]

Patty Loveless did the go-to version.

[@DrummerBoyJason]

Who is that playing with Darrell?

[@alistairewen7005]

try transatlantic sessions

[@TheChameleon1973]

9 people live sad lives...

[@MalcolmTodd1966]

wow I LOVE this life version! Brad Paisley and Patty Loveless need to quit!

[@BigBWolf90]

We dug coal together

[@passinItOn]

He's not allowed in Harlan anymore, and folks on copperhead road don't like Steve Earle.. Te he heeee... See KinFlicks....

[@seanb6109]

It's raw but Paisley did him right.

[@josephbrewer1101]

creepy.....

[@avamonkey2008]

not to bad but I like the brad paisley version waaayyy better no offense

[@thommybrauny77]

no offense but ithink brad's was better

[@bloodydager]

@Hylandra Amen