Ryan Adams - Oh My Sweet Carolina - Live On Letterman

Ryan Adams performing on "Live On Letterman". Video ripped by GrimFish of the Ryan Adams Archive. To download the whole thing and other RA boots register at ryanadamsarchive.com

[@judsonh1949]

Every saint is a sinner with a past, every sinner is a saint with a future. Keep making your music Ryan Adams ...❤️

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

The thing with Bridgers was unforgivable tho. Love Adam’s music but he’s a bonafide asshole.

[@alfonsorubio2094]

For sure we need him despite of other considerations he's a genius Please come back.

[@ronaldjaybelin520]

Whatever, and I could care even less about the accusations, they’re tactical distraction from this song being not something Ryan wrote..I wrote this and 97% of everything he’s released or not released

[@ronaldjaybelin520]

All a distraction from the deceit de facto

[@judsonh1949]

@@ronaldjaybelin520 Do tell … 😂

[@johnsinclair6170]

One of the greatest live performances by anyone ever. I've listened to this every day, for months.

[@kevinfalkenberg8996]

100%

[@kennethward4985]

I'm 64, grew up with so much amazing music, yet somehow Ryan has worked his way into being my 2nd favorite artist, right after Van Morrison. I cannot pay him a higher compliment than this.

[@ronaldjaybelin520]

Don’t even trip over aligning those two… I wrote this , it derives from nothing Morrison copies

[@jdynorock]

Ryan is, as time will show, one of the greatest writers/performers of our time.

[@JohnVC]

Letterman must be super proud that he's hosted some of Ryan's best live shows. You could probably hear a pin drop in the studio.

[@PapaSmurf11182nd]

The uncanny moment when the live version is better than the recorded one. Astounding.

[@brandonburdick7820]

That's every Ryan Adams performance....

[@fredericstevens086]

Agreed. Beautiful. (Even without Emmilou Harris.)

[@dianwilson4840]

Agreed. I don't think the combination of ELH' voice with Ryan's worked out on the record. This is perfect.

[@GeneSlyman]

Wow is the only word, achingly beautiful. Ryan Adams is the most underrated singer-songwriter of all time. It's insane more people don't know his music. They're loss.

[@johnsinclair6170]

"I ain't never been to Vegas but I've gambled up my life. Buildin' newsprint boats, I raced in sewer mains. I was tryna find me somethin', but I wasn't sure just what. Funny how they say that some things never change." The level of poetic mastery there is fucking unreal, especially in the broader context of the song. Fucking mindblowing. Nobel in literature time.

[@ronaldjaybelin520]

Thankyou , the penning process and the time when I did write it in South Carolina is crystal clear

[@ronaldjaybelin520]

Thankyou albeit we don’t have your credentials.. I wrote this and it’s about S car

[@sdustin7986]

Letterman’s favorite musician was Warren Zevon. He has impeccable taste in music. What a gift he left us. Thanks, Dave.

[@veronicabuda4762]

My daughter introduced me to Ryan Adams when she was in high school. He's awesome!

[@menandmice]

The best living songwriter in the world. By far. This song and "La Cienega just smiled" are his best songs. Pure masterpieces.

[@danielfallon4526]

Mika - if you like Ryan, you should check out his good friend Jason Isbell (if you haven't already). Another incredible songwriter living among us.

[@Russcausier1]

Nobody beats this guy he's untouchable

[@timetowatchstuff3737]

I think you might be onto something there

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

Isbell, Elliott Smith, Moreland, Conor Oberst/Bright Eyes… just to name a few. IMO

[@donlaporte9322]

​@@louieo.blevinsmusic4197Isbell isnt on this level. Just isn't, even with his recent rise. Don't get me wrong. While he is a massive talent, there's only room for a very select few here.

[@CallingBergen]

Ryan Adams´ concert on David Letterman show is one of the best things on the internet. Thank you, Mr. Adams, for making my life easier and better for me.

[@golfball150]

How does Ryan Adams continue to write songs that go straight to my soul?

[@heathermcgill4898]

Michael Pollock he didn't write it

[@noahjamesgose9825]

He absolutely did write this song. What are you thinking?

[@scudmtbuoy]

RYAN WROTE THIS, dumb ass.

[@davidjames81]

thank you, Ryan Adams, for being around in my lifetime

[@patrickmahoney6442]

Hard to put in words how good this is.

[@benjongwalling9093]

Ohhh the beauty of underrated songs and artists. Someday I'll come to hear you sing live, Ryan.

[@sonicfoxxmusic4281]

OK...THAT'S IT...i'm giving up song writing today.....how can anyone compete with this amazing human being??

[@sonicfoxxmusic4281]

Only kidding...i penned the words to MESSIAH by Helena Softley...google it and keep your eye on it.

[@bw5785]

What isn’t there to love. You are extraordinary Ryan Adams. Stay safe

[@gratefulskid]

I recently saw Ryan play solo in Denver and it was one of the best concert experiences of my life! And I have seen hundreds of shows over the last twenty years. He has an amazing gift and it's great to see him happy and healthy. He is also very funny and could make it as a comedian if you wanted to.

[@bryanhunt8375]

i swear his voice is getting better with the years. Cant wait for another tour

[@trugritt]

boulder co in 3 weeks he decided a long time ago live to sings with the sweetest beautiful voice versus the one he used on early studio .. gorgeous

[@MrRondonmon]

Bryan Hunt because he isn't strung out on heroin lol.

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

Perfect. As good as it gets in my opinion. What a talent.

[@bspringsteen]

Will always Love you Ryan, stay strong.

[@vickytaylor9604]

Just the Best ever ! So happy I saw him in Cleveland many years ago ! Needs to be in the Rock Hall !

[@blackhookpress3477]

One of my favourite Ryan Adams songs and one of the best drifter songs ever.

[@devinwebb0]

in all seriousness how the fuck can someone go to this page and click on that dislike button. whoever they are they need a damn hug or something

[@glenharris8563]

Devin Webb damn straight either extremely bad taste or bad drugs id say the man is a genius

[@DougCamfield]

+Devin Webb maybe some people had no idea that ryan adams wrote the song and they thought he was doing a terrible cover of the zac brown band? just a thought because i have no idea other than that.

[@hannahlegrand2611]

agreed!! this is such a beautiful and well written and preformed piece of music!! captivating!!!

[@crobarus]

must have been Hillary or a Hillary moron

[@sonicfoxxmusic4281]

You raise a good valid point Glen Harris. Is this guy a genius. He'd say "NO", if somebody mentions the word to him...but here's the thing, i'd say a big fat POSSIBLY..and that he is in that area but in order to hand out an opinion i need to qualify why i'm saying POSSIBLY . A while back, a few years back, an Aussie decided to get to the very root of what GENIUS means, ACTUALLY MEANS, as it seems to be a term these day banded around and out to anybody with some talent. The Aussie interviewed many, many folk, thought of/regarded as genius and one main thing floated to the top of his question lists...one word. OBSESSION or practice in a single area(10,000 hours of it..he states). If my memory serves me correctly he actually referenced Chinese pianists who start out at two or three on a piano and by the age of 14 they are blowing folk's minds on a stage somewhere in the world...and being labelled as ...GENIUS. It seems to come down also to DEDICATION, to that one thing. In Ryan's case, he seems to have an ability to knock up and out song after song, after song. An opinion at this point. I think Brandon Flowers is the same. When THE KILLERS took a break recently and Brandon was interviewed about why he carried on solo he said the same thing at every interview. He needed somewhere for his creation to go. IT SEEMS VERY MUCH ABOUT BEING AND STAYING RECEPTIVE AND OPEN. It seems very likely that it's also more about something that Ryan stated in his interviews. Neil Young has quoted the same....as have many more who write to excess and that is this. When a writer/artist opens themselves up for ideas to manifest through them..it's damned hard to stop those ideas coming through. Some will understand what i'm droning on about here..many won't get it. So, how can i prove my point?...very easy. For the last eleven years i've lived with everything i've mentioned above(except RYAN). Let's refer to it as extreme writing. For years most folk i knew would have a conversation with me and afterwards they'd come out with something like "YOU DON'T HALF TALK A LOT" or "DO YOU EVER SHUT UP" or "ARE YOU MANIC?" and a 1001 other questions..but eventually i realised they all led to the same place. Becoming a writer/lyricist was the perfect channel. SO I DID...and have never looked back. Recently i even heard that word genius banded around about myself(yehright!!). I LAUGHED OUT LOUD and for good reason. It's NOT genius in how most people view genius..but it's more about cold hard dedication and practice, practice, practice.....then more dedication..and way more practice. I, like Ryan, have written thousands of lyrics, in my case..and whole songs..every lyric on every song on SONIC FOXX MUSIC(Think PRACTICE again here) Here's a final thought though. I don't play guitar, i don't write music, i barely sing(for demos every now and then..if somebody doesn't turn up) and i've never been in a band...and i used to push a mop around floors for a living. So, how, pray tell me, have i managed to collaborate and co-write a song called THE CHILD by URBAN SEASCAPE which just had the following review from a former top critic who seems intent on hedging his bets??(for full review go to youtube and tap in THE CHILD by URBAN SEASCAPE). THE CHILD by URBAN SEASCAPE(Critique by John LaStrada) " "....the child that once, was me"...COMPELLING. This is a winner. I wish you luck with this. Far, far better than the fluff offered by radio and commercial music hawkers. CHALK THIS ONE UP TO THE WIN COLUMN SONIC FOXX UK" Maybe John LaStrada knows or senses something...the song is flying at the early stage. Enjoy, SONIC FOXX, SONIC FOXX MUSIC......."because lyrics matter"

[@menandmice]

Incredible response from crowd! 100% deserved.

[@Badmoodboy]

Another GREAT American story teller. He'll make you cry and make you smile - but you ain't gonna be left emotionally untouched. Thanks for this fab post. I had not seen it before and I love RA.

[@rjb-nc8rh]

This guy is such an incredible artist. This music continues to touch my soul every time. What a wonderful gift.

[@menandmice]

He knows which song to perform! This is his masterpiece.

[@golfball150]

I it's more like he knows how to write music and lyrics, since he does most of his own material.

[@menandmice]

Either way. "La Cienega just smiled" and "Come pick me up" are also masterpieces. Ryan Adams is best the contemporary songwriter.

[@Tod7763]

jeffphillipsacoustic, you said it. It's the emotions he invokes with the purity of voice and amazing lyrics. RA is a gem of a musician that needs to be savored. He's one of the singer-songwriter greats that deserves to be in the same league as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon et al

[@lanag9318]

He sings like an angel here on earth ,one of Gods precious gifts of love to us.

[@geoffreyvanvugt6227]

Tears in my eyes, So beautiful, Thank you Ryan for this song

[@tkcarr1969]

I came here because he's been in the news and had never heard him. A fierce talent and I'll listen to more. Also, I had a guitar once that looked just like his. A Grammer Ace that was made in Nashville.

[@springheeledjack165]

Ignore the news, this guy is a lot more than just the latest metoo witch.

[@14wAYNE]

Never tire of this. Sublime.

[@MrInnis2]

Ryan will go down as one of the greats, if not the greatest to those who actually enjoy music and artistry. He is getting better if thats possible and his live performances bring out the best in his amazing songs, especially recently. 20 more years please Mr Adams.

[@frankhibbert1831]

You don't need to be a southern boy to love this one, just American.

[@paulmatschull1923]

Frank Hibbert You don't even need to be American my friend.

[@marcuswall3857]

You don't even need to be that

[@demisfoster10]

I'm a Brit, and it hits

[@SPONSONBY]

Can I be English and like it?

[@slackjack4]

amazing......this guy is in the zone always when on stage.

[@rhadastanfield8010]

That Harmonica?! Is right out of heaven!!!!! Love me the Ryan.

[@vickieg9326]

the performance of this song is truly amazing. why minimize it with trivial comments regarding hair and dress? seriously! i've listened to this song over and over today.

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

It doesn’t get better than this

[@menandmice]

A brilliant song.

[@glennathea]

OMG! Goosebumps hearing you sing and play this❤️

[@codeyes1982]

incredible Ryan, best on the planet. long may it continue.

[@emerckx53]

Like him or despise him Ryan Adams shits talent...

[@jamesreber8068]

Greatest song writer of all time

[@fisherman356]

one of my favorite artists for a reason, great performance.

[@crobarus]

Real good country music. (real)

[@DANLEO5]

..sweetest winds blow across the South

[@deniserenard1777]

So beautiful

[@lodonog]

Fabulous song & Ryan really reaches the soul

[@lanag9318]

He is the best singer songwriter in tbe world .His music is so heartbreakingly beautiful I have so many memories from it. I just love him.Sing to me beautiful music man.I love the way you melt my heart.

[@co94]

Ridiculously good

[@vickytaylor9604]

The year I saw him. I am still stunned.

[@bgierat]

I think it’s his best work

[@123juneau]

Its been decades since I have been moved like I am by this song and this man and his guitar. Neil Young and Dylan back in the 70's were the artists who came close.

[@rowdyhoo]

Beautiful, haunting song.

[@lanag9318]

I agree with you .his music. is hauntingly beautiful.

[@timetowatchstuff3737]

So fucking beautiful it's ridiculous!

[@skyefawn]

will there ever be a time when this song doesn't make me cry...

[@14wAYNE]

The best performance of his finest song?

[@rquan61]

I really like the version he done on Colbert it was fantastic also

[@dblazter1]

our modern day Dylan

[@fredericstevens086]

I love this guy.

[@alexd2227]

Just incredible…

[@tconnarn]

"The sweetest winds; They blow across the South" ♫♪♫

[@lanag9318]

Your music goes straight to my heart.

[@user-cg3hb6kw9b]

Well I went down to Houston and I stopped in San Antone I passed up the station for the bus Was trying to find me something but I wasn't sure just what I ended up with pockets full of dust So I went on to Cleveland and ended up insane Bought a borrowed suit and learned to dance I was spending money like the way it likes to rain And I ended up with pockets full of 'caine Oh my sweet Carolina What compels me to go? Oh my sweet disposition May you one day carry me home I ain't never been to Vegas but I gambled up my life Building news print boats I raced in sewer mains I was trying to find me something but I wasn't sure just what Funny how they say that some things never change Oh my sweet Carolina What compels me to go? Oh my sweet disposition May you one day carry me home Up here in the city it feels like things are closing in The sunset's just my light bulb burning out I miss Kentucky and I miss my family All the sweetest winds they blow across the south Oh my sweet Carolina What compels me to go? Oh my sweet disposition May you one day carry me home May you one day carry me home

[@Karkar82]

i love this man!!!

[@brotherleejr4550]

beautiful sound

[@adamkane8175]

im sorry...not really my style of music...just kind of stumbled here but holy shit!.....this dude is a on a whole other level...ive never seen anyone so into it...fuckin amazing

[@matthewmclaughlin4787]

Fantastic song. Timeless. Was lucky enough to catch him in concert in Tokyo in November 2016 during his first ever tour of Japan. My mother had suddenly passed away two months previous to that concert and this certainly put a few bandaids on my soul..................He is like a modern-day Dylan in some ways. Fantastic songwriter, better singer than Dylan (I know I will get tomato-ed by Dylan fans for saying that but it's true), better guitarist too. However, nobody can beat Dylan in terms of the quality of his lyrics, or I should say, to be more accurate, the quality of his POETRY. As Dylan really is a poet, not just a singer and musician. Ryan Adams gives me hope that there still are some good songwriters around. In fact, I'm sure there are plenty of them around - the problem is the mediocre pop market drowns out all the good music with its crappy noise. The line where Ryan sings "I was spending money like the way it likes to rain" reminds me of the line "she spends my money like water falls" from a Townes Van Zandt song.

[@billymiller2643]

A true genius a very talented man..

[@johnbyrne8735]

This is fantastic

[@charlesdonahue133]

It's not a song, it's an anthem.

[@wrightsmith2051]

So nice and wonderful.

[@andrewisdizzy]

Hot fire. Listening here in Oct 2017

[@fadinboy]

Or maybe he's seething with pain again and wants to relive it. When I saw him (just before this performance) he played this on piano and dedicated it to his Grandma, who had just passed away. It was beautiful but he seemed real down in the dumps about it.

[@dsroaddogg]

Ryan is pain. Pain is Ryan.

[@tinasturgeon4730]

Absolutely Amazing! Thanks so very much! 🧡 Much Love!

[@TheCarter1979]

dude this shit is epic

[@Zag3381]

He reminds me a lot of Neil Young. Wonderful.

[@keiterbrich]

Tonight’s the night

[@keiterbrich]

Tonight’s the night it’s going to be alright

[@fredrickmayo6271]

Awesome.

[@lanag9318]

What a beautiful soul to sing music like this.

[@thesimple6264]

www.google.com/amp/s/www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ryan-adams-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-emotional-abuse-by-seven-women-794117/amp/

[@matheusceara1]

Congrats I love your song

[@johnnycampana3002]

he has a sweet disposition

[@JoseHernandez-tn1qx]

wigga i aint even from carolina and this is soul touching..

[@hinoo__1031]

my favourite song ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@gflong2010]

A genius of the human soul.

[@crystalballgazers]

🙌🏼

[@erichaheidrich4593]

Truly amazing..

[@lanag9318]

Sing to me beautiful music man I just love you.

[@reveddro319]

I support R.A.

[@tamas11safar]

best version of the song, especially the harp

[@linasakuragi6726]

a waiting for this man.........

[@jpanicacci]

Oh my sweet Ryan. If we weren't both married..... :)

[@Hamandcheesemuffins]

i

[@mordred612]

bona-fide badass

[@darrenwilsonV2]

hard to argue with that!

[@stickiepants1]

setlist: Oh My Sweet Carolina Ashes & Fire If I Am A Stranger Dirty Rain New York, New York (piano) Do I Wait (talking about what if KISS was playing this Letterman gig, convincing the audience that he normally has pyrotechnics for his solo acoustic shows) Lucky Now Jacksonville Skyline Black Sheets of Rain (Bob Mould cover) English Girls Approximately (talking to the audience about "Moonlighting" television show) 16 Days

[@kristopherd.carroll5851]

amazing singer/songwriter chillin like Dylan

[@gregbatters1390]

Poet