Steve Earle and Emmylou Harris - Goodbye

[@tamarasheen159]

My Husband passed away recently, he had been a junkie in his youth and survived . When he was in Hospital for a liver transplant, Steve signed and gave me his Covers of Townes CD for him ! A good Man ! And the most beautiful heartbreaking Song sung by him and Emmylou , the greatest harmony singer ever !

[@DaveyHotrod]

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. My best friend Greg died a month ago by accident. He lived in China so I rarely spent time with him so this song had me in tears when I heard he'd passed. I hope you're doing ok...x

[@gurlsingerfan]

There is something heart wrenching about this duet...surely Emmylou must have seen and felt the echo of Gramm Parsons and Townes Van Zandt in Steve Earle's persona at that time in his life, and wondered how long he would be with us, Sometimes there seems to be a fascinating element to Emmylou's personality...she seems fascinated by those men who are her polar opposite, she the clean living angelic artist, they the self destructive downward spiraling uncontrolled poetic rebels. Fascinating.

[@margaretross9150]

She seems to be a very compassionate person.

[@leogolbourn9800]

Thank God she is clean living and not gone down the path with her polar opposites or we would not have her here to ease our pain.

[@willscoggins5237]

Insightful and accurate. Though you wrote this note 12 years ago, the truth and love of your note still shines.

[@wlgj1341]

Why, it may fit his images but it’s my storyline and hardly about rehab or getting out of prison: tske the one passage to Mexico, for instance…that’s about how trips to Cozumel somehow trumped the 60’s 70’s passions

[@kendrawilton6914]

There truly is something heart wrenching about these two amazingly talented people. I followed both of them and I have everything they’ve ever sang on my playlists!

[@raleighsquare]

She is absolutely untouchable in any genre. Put her with any artist, any song, and she absolutely shines. What a gift we have in Emmylou.

[@k.abrahamsossou2744]

True

[@dougpage1271]

Yeah ... I am in love with Emmy.

[@wandavaughan8673]

Yes

[@MosesDeLaRoses]

Amen

[@brianwade879]

It's funny, Barney Fife, Andy Griffith show. His gal was Emy Loo 💙 Black and white days. What a song. See, Barney's love for his Emy Loo..was that old fashioned, true love. One woman, one love. True ❤️ And it's true in real life, that I can't remember, if I said goodbye 💕

[@freeheeler09]

This is the saddest song I know. And yet, when Emmylou sings...well the beauty of her voice mixed with the sadness and Steve's growl are sublime!

[@ingridfraser8277]

I think "But I can't remember if we said goodbye," is one of the saddest lines ever written.

[@tonymatejko8844]

Amen!

[@torvilasulvstle362]

I swear, she is getting prettier the older she becomes!

[@brianwade879]

​@@torvilasulvstle362 Yes.

[@IsabelVela-en1nj]

I believe it has to be the saddest song i've ever Heard, But also one My favorite I get chills when I hear this song

[@beachdog67]

This is one of those songs that, about 2/3 of the way through, I suddenly realize I've been holding my breath for the whole thing.

[@brianwade879]

Yeah ! Holding the pain...

[@frankleasure9588]

I'm almost 73 ..and this lyric doesn't really relate to my relationship...but I'm cryin' like a child just listening to it ..Bravo , Steve and Emmylou ..and thank you !!

This must be one of the greatest songs ever written. And to hear it with the two of them together .. .well it's really hard not to cry ... sheer beauty. Steve; thanks for so many, many heartbreaking, thoughtful, intelligent and caring songs.

[@brianwade879]

I'm thankful for them 💞

[@keegan343]

i was just thinking that. it certainly is one of the best songs written.

[@ingridfraser8277]

One of the saddest lines ever written, “And I can’t remember if we said goodbye. “

[@joeguillen1833]

Agreed , I was too busy praying for a sign , normal breathing, anything to give me Hope , She was Going Home and nothing could stop That 🙏😢 We Never Got To Say Goodbye💔

[@normancrew2739]

Songs aren't really songs until the persons singing them truly believe and understand what they are singing about. Isn't this a perfect example of a song? It does not get much better.

[@brianwade879]

Yes.

[@werquantum]

Just beautiful. This song always makes me feel sad for something I can't quite grasp.

[@starryhearth5218]

His writing reaches the core because that’s where he writes from, he is able to articulate the pain and the beauty and all the mist between , with his writing but also his delivery

[@tam-tam1only]

BEAUTIFULLY SAID... TAKE CARE STAY SAFE AND GOD ✝️ BLESS 🕊️

[@keegan343]

his delivery is understated yet remarkable.

[@ryantennyson7562]

Steve's songs and Emmylou's voice have saved so many times. Their duet is priceless.

[@micorazonagitado]

how can regret and pain sound this profoundly beautiful?

[@ckramos]

This song always brings me back to all the regrets I have in life. Maybe the sadness is payback.

[@TheYankeefly26]

Right there with you. Couldn’t have said it better. ♥️

[@sanpatricio9490]

Or the payoff.

[@brianwade879]

Maybe a reckoning. But not payback. Don't cling to that thought. It opens up a crack in your soul, and that's where the light gets in. Don't punish yourself. Let it flow through you. Peace to you. 🕊️

[@kirkgibson9146]

Maybe the sadness is a "mule Kick" for all of us that have regrets, regerts, and stories from our past. My only adder is that i listen to this song and many others as motivational tools as i drive forward. Maybe it will help others as well. If you are ever looking for another "mule kick" check out Dylan Earl's (no relation) version of Blaze Foley's "if I could only Fly". -Regards!

[@jonnylag]

Steve Earle ,John Prine, Neil Young and Lowell George. These are my heroes. I treasure them all.

[@k.abrahamsossou2744]

And don willias

[@k.abrahamsossou2744]

And Don williams

[@lindacole7393]

Its impossible to describe the mountains of emotion that they have all described for us, and moved within us. THAT is why we love them, ironically, more than words can say : ))

[@brianwade879]

Right with you on each of them.💙🎵

[@brianwade879]

​@@lindacole7393 💙🎵

[@davismillard3822]

Pulls the breath right out of me. Don’t know why these old posts keep popping up but so glad they do! Steve Earle... legend. Emmy Lou? Complete Angel. Amazing song.

[@bluerivergirl]

Writing a song sober, that hits close to the heart. I have always loved this song.

[@MichaelDrake-b7r]

Y'all are even better in this set you and Emmylou belong together

[@rickmiller7870]

This version of this song just makes my heart bleed of sadness. Emmylou is a Angel and Steve is a soultin of soul. God bless these two.

[@brianwade879]

💙✨

[@peaceprayers]

I started listening to him over 25 years ago. Probably longer, I was totally amazed. I'm still totally amazed, darn, he's great

[@frem7006]

one of America's great singer song writers guitar players..and Emmylou timeless talent beauty & voice of an Angel..great duo

[@DebbieW1965]

I absolutely agree! She has the voice of an angel 😇 and very lovely as well!

[@lynnsaoirse]

This is one of the most beautiful songs ever; love the versions by each of them on their own, but this brings it to a whole 'nother level. And don't diss the Lanois! I love the beautiful textures his playing brings. Room for all the versions friends. It's just a killer of a song anyway it's done, but these two are two of our best singers alive today and together they're pure magic.

[@mdsftx]

Wow!! Had never heard this before. Strong and soft at the same time. I could listen to Emmylou all day and every day. The quintessential female country voice. This is an awesome duet.

[@brianwade879]

She carries the love of all those I've lost...in her voice. Reaching deep down in to my heart ! 💙

[@rsthebestbandever]

Great song, thanks for sharing it. Steve Earle has never gotten the recognition he deserves, not much doubt about it. Emmylou Harris is the best female singer in the world, bar none.

[@2253glen]

One of the most effective and affecting love songs I have ever heard. The chemistry, and the talent.

[@RagMama123]

OMG this is so moving! There is so much irony in this song. "I can't even remember if we said goodby or not." For something like this. When I had to say goodbye to my closest friend it took two years before I could let go. If you think that life goes on forever - it doesn't. What a beautiful song. Steve and Emmylou are both brilliant. What a blessing to be able to see them together. Rick

[@puppydog12000]

I didnt say goodbye to my one true love and I said you know I do too when He said I love you then he killed himself later that night with a gun

[@puppydog12000]

or something like that

[@brianwade879]

🙏🎶💞

[@brianwade879]

​@@puppydog12000 I share your pain. My friend, best man at my wedding... took his head off, with a shotgun. Christmas Day. Years ago, now. One thing I'm glad for, .... when I love, I love wholely. I have to believe, he felt that. Those in my life, felt that. As Bob Seger sang about, in Real Love. Carry on Jeanine Garner. May Peace Be With You 🕊️✨

[@brianwade879]

​@@puppydog12000 💙

[@stevemelling9438]

Discovered this song last night and I've been listening to it time and time again. The lyrics are wonderful, the melody is sublime.

[@gerardmcclafferty5435]

What is it about human beings that makes us keep listening to songs that tear our hearts out?

[@lthrry]

L'amour, la mélancolie, la tristesse et surtout le souvenir des êtres qui ne sont plus et que nous aimons toujours et que nous aimerons jusqu"à notre dernier jour. voilà. Bien à toi.

[@smwrbd]

I know, right?

[@TheOBOM]

Because it is sweet pain, pain that makes you want to be alive and to feel again.

[@dgrichmondbc]

@@ringostarwars4155 It makes us simply feel. Music moves us like no other art form can, in my opinion.

[@kilimanjarno]

they seat our hearts.

[@FreeBirdRVZ]

Steve Earle is amazing... I've seen him live twice, and he just keeps getting better. :)

[@dollyclayton5308]

feeling every word of this song coming upto 2 years since i lost my husband of 45 years you keep up good work steve hope u get all the support u need xx

[@spmoses1]

THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SONG I HAVE EVER HEARD. I WORKED AT THE OPRY AND HAVE HEARD THE BEST IN THE WORLD AND MAYBE EVEN THE MOON. THANK YOU STEVE AND EMMY YOU HAVE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VOICE I'VE EVER HEARD. STEVIE NICKS IS NUMBER 2, YOU ARE NUMBER 1. THAT'S IN MY BOOK. I'M NOT HITTIN ON YOU BUT YOU ARE FANTASTIC.

[@peterkay7458]

all CAPS is totally justified in this comment :P

[@shgp1956]

Emmylou you have no Peers.... You are Supreme....

[@subratachatterjee3916]

Such a beautiful song ... so much pain in the voice

[@stephaniehayes1912]

Her voice still can give me goosebumps.

[@cekiya752]

This song is my all time favorite....absolutely breaks my heart

[@emilboccio5228]

Tender Steve. The feel and gentle sound . MMM, Ain't it a blessing to listen to such a beautiful song.

[@rebeccapeet7097]

this performance rips my guts out

[@c.s.mcleod7383]

Emmylou may not have been able to have saved Gram,but she helped Steve pay some bills recording this song. She's an angel.

[@MichaelDrake-b7r]

Damn beautiful

[@daniesmall7878]

Emmylou Harris Is an "all time " great . what a lady ! 🤗

[@willemveurink5693]

Danie Small rollingstones

[@kayanderson3984]

Willem Veurink

[@woodyjade9097]

this will tear your heart out every time

[@sertitham]

heartbreakingly gorgeous... I really feel this song. it's just perfection.

[@jaqmart]

Daniel Lanois doing a beautiful job, and all the backing crew.

[@gp3256]

bamm!

[@jimparker7778]

I've played it today for the first time (and my fingers hurt I worked it so hard).

[@jaqmart]

@@jimparker7778 It's the real deal!

[@davidroga6508]

Emmy’s voice breaks your heart in this version. It’s brilliant but she brings such richness to this version that I am riveted till the end.

[@dennissleigh7865]

Saw Steve perform shortly after "Guitar Town" charted in Derby U.K. at Assembly Rooms & purchased his book "Doghouse Roses." He never played "Guitar Town!" However, It was a great to see him do a solo performance and his songwriting and song delivery are superb, as we know. Emmylou is pure magic, as usual, and this song is delivered wonderfully with brilliant backing musicians who do not 'tread on the toes' of the vocalists as they sing their story. The musical arrangements are amazing with very little being played but done so superbly. I LOVE this song and am so grateful to all those musicians involved in it's delivery. Thanks for posting it!

[@brianwade879]

Well said. Your words become mine too.

[@exacerbatedtaboo]

I love this song...I think this is one of his best songs ever.

[@rattchett7895]

As close to perfect as anything I've ever known.

[@k2hsharpe]

how can this possibly only have 6.2K likes?

[@MichaelDrake-b7r]

Two great singer's and poets I really love them. Two of my favorite masters of there Music ❤ I could listen to y'all for ever. I just fuckin love y'all's sweet as honey It's a dream come true. Damn beautiful voices I just can't r was I hi yes I'm I been up a while I just can't remember if we said Steve I know you are hi

[@MichaelDrake-b7r]

I just can't remember if we said goodbye.❤ Emmylou I Thank I really love youl. ❤ I just can't remember if we said goodbye. Was I off some where was I just off some where or ware maybe just to hi ❤ good bye 🎉

[@ilikezappa]

Steve Earle never got the recognition ? You sure? He is a legend

[@jaslinc3371]

Too Real. Siimply afraid to tilt at their Windmills run on spent fuel

[@davidrich27]

Most people only know him for Copperhead Road.

[@stacymuise1]

Saw him at the Guinness Fleadh on Randall’s Island in 95 or 96…..(3 days of depraved debauchery so I can’t exactly recall). I’d only known him then for copperhead road. My Irish companion straightened me out that SE went wayyyyyy beyond that slice. He was absolutely unbelivable. I’ve pined away to see him again ever since. He played amongst absolute music royalty at that festival…..Van Morrison, John Prine, Paul Brady, Shane mc Gowan, Richard Thompson and on and on. And he blew my mind!

[@olliebear2]

Amazing version of a great song. Emmy lou adds even more emotion than I can imagine to this song. The phrase at 2.28 gets me everytime I hear it....I become a sobbing, withering wreck ! Wonderful ..this is therapy music !

[@brianwade879]

Absolutely. 💙🎵

[@jimjackson7878]

Great job Steve. You shared the stage with Emmylou with class.

[@visionthing88]

Incredible song, incredible version... 2 stars at their best

[@antoniodepadua1128]

Beautiful music, beautiful interpetractions! Longing to see Steve and Emmylou together, with these beautiful voices! Where are you??!!

[@noelmaher460]

3 weeks ago,I saw Steve in Melbourne,Australia. 2nd row,middle,with Steve probably 10 feet away.And his version that night of "Goodbye" was simply wonderful.My two sons and I were blown away with his performance.We were in Heaven that night and will never forget it. A wonderful songwriter,a wonderful singer.Had he sung only the one song,"Goodbye",the night would still have been unforgettable. Thanks for posting.

[@annabellefritz3647]

I remember holdin on to you All them long and lonely nights I put you through Somewhere in there I'm sure I made you cry But I can't remember if we said goodbye But I recall all them nights down in Mexico One place I may never go In my life again Was I just off somewhere Or just too high But I can't remember if we said goodbye I only miss you every now and then Like the soft breeze blowin up from the Caribbean Most Novembers I break down and cry ‘Cause I can't remember If we said goodbye But I recall all of them nights down in Mexico That’s one place I‘ll never go In my life again Was I off somewhere - Maybe just too high But I can't remember if we said goodbye But I can’t remember If we said goodbye Goodbye Goodbye Goodbye ✨🙏🏼♥️🙏🏼♥️🙏🏼♥️🙏🏼✨

[@Bigio1980]

Thanks for this marvellous song sung by two great singers ....

[@Rashoop]

What an absolutely tragic, yet beautiful song. Steve Earle can pen such simple poetry. I thought NO one should EVER cover this classic, until I heard how Daniel Lanois arranged it for Emmy. Two incredible recordings. I'd loved to have heard this concert. A close second though was going to hear Daniel Lanois at The Coach House in Southern California. Midway through the set, Emmylou stepped out for a couple songs. WOW, what a treat.

[@davidroga6508]

This is a raw and vulnerable version. Very simple instruments and music, yet the emotion is like an open, gaping wound. Steve and Emmy harmonise to create a gut-wrenching musical masterpiece. Ethereal and unique.

[@hippydippy]

Absolutely Heartbreakingly Beautiful...

[@frankcorrenti5941]

Love this duet so soft and sweet as it is. Steve has a style on any instrument which he imprints. Emmylou has been blessed with the Blues and she has shown her gospel coming through.

[@andrzejczechowski8207]

can't find words to express my feelings, moist memories, moist eyes...

[@Linda-pw8gx]

Emily Lou is an angel🙏 but there is something so special about Steve Earle

[@veldmuis70]

Most novembers i break down and cry. I can,t remember if i said goodbye to my mom. This song is so sad. But very beautiful.

[@smwrbd]

Same here. Im sorry.

[@TahoeLegend]

I think this is Steve's greatest song. It is one of the great love songs of all time. "...each November, I break down and cry..." Emmylou has a fabulous version on her Wrecking Ball album that I think is the best version ever done, but I enjoy seeing these two together.

[@jeaniebradley6936]

Stunning beautiful

[@gregwalker1913]

When is Emmylou getting the Kennedy Centre Honors? She has been enriching us with her vocals and her brilliant, beautiful presence for 50 years now. She has made many a great singer/songwriter's work reach that timeless quality, as she does here. Steve is perhaps her greatest foil. Because he survived and continues to work.

[@brianwade879]

Bruce Springsteen was just awarded the honor. I'd say, yes, Emy Lou Harris, deserves it too. To be sure.💙🙏

[@princessofhesse]

this was a long time back, but Steve keeps getting better and better...i've seen him twice now on the Townes tour, and three times last year, and grew up spittin' distance from him in Texas....been a fan for a long time.....

[@QueenKatz8]

I love Steve Earle, he's one of my all time favorite singers of all time. Awesome the way he can write a song like "Goodbye" which tears at the heart strings, and in the very next song, get down dirty with the aggression and rawness of "Copperhead Road and "West Nashville Boogie". Hell, these, as with most of Steve's songs, tell stories - one could base films on most all his stuff! Sensational entertainer; I have most of his albums - "Train a Comin' '" and "Shut Up and Die Like an Aviator" are my faves. I've never had the pleasure of seeing Steve perform live, but I did see his son, Justin Townes Earle, live a few years ago. Justin is also a wonderful performer with a great personality - a real 'chip off of the old block'. I'd love to see them perform together. Emmy Lou Harris - what more can I say! This lady has been brilliant for, it seems, most of my life.

[@margaretross9150]

And now sadly Justin is gone.

[@peggyhumes-hein4530]

The way he sings just draws me in.

[@stevefletcher9861]

Train A Coming was the first Steve Earle Album I purchased. This song always grabbed me. Not until now did I realize that it was the first song that he wrote sober and I believe wrote this in the treatmen center. The emotion in the song does remind me of those early days in recovery.

[@brianwade879]

I didn't know that.

[@brianwade879]

But early recovery, yes. Raw ! And everything has caught up with you. Head clear, heart breaking.

[@tigergirl906]

Amazing. Beautiful. I can see why this man growled so many women into marrying him!

[@justmusic8166]

Very good, no skips she is an angel I can recognize . I guess the skipping starts after you save the song

[@MiqueCapel]

Thanks to songs like this , the big goodbye that the pandemic is bringing everywhere is bearable

[@brianwade879]

Yes.

[@jamsim67]

My favorite version, Steve Earle and Emmylou. Doesn't get any better.

[@christinesullivan1229]

Thanks for posting, gorgeous X

[@rafhenlow]

Doesn't get much better than this folks.

[@danieldavis4494]

O M G ! she made me cry again!

[@tomnee8631]

what a great song and duet by two great artists. I just love this song.

[@erniecrosby8315]

Emmylou Harris is absolutely untouchable as a musical artist and singer who touches the heart.

[@Dougkeil]

There is more feeling in this single performance, voices and music, that all the reality TV crap put together - stunning!

[@savamac]

Superb !

[@richardduggan724]

It took a long time to find this, so so glad I never gave up, heartfelt and wonderful.

[@thelpirot5073]

searching for it for a long time too

[@adandap]

I only miss you every now and then Like the soft wind blowin' up from the Caribbean That's some quality songwriting right there folks.

[@peterkay7458]

Lmao so strue..I only miss you every night....now knowing earth is a naked singularity so time has essentially stopped here means "being on the edge of forever" is a very long time :P

[@valverdista]

I don't know why, but from the first time I see this amazing performance in Latter with Jools Holland on BBC, I feel that the spirit of Townes Van Zandt was somehere in this room.

[@richardwallace6313]

Later with...

[@patblackwell1]

Emmylou does a magnificient version of this fantastic song. These two would definitely make my fantasy pub session

[@62waylon]

Ihave been a steve earle for many years.i tell you he played 3 hours none stop best concert i have seen in a long time.rock on charlie.

[@ronwood1411]

Went to Hardly Strictly in Golden Gate park.. many years. Steve was the finish on saturday. Emmy Ended the weekend on Sunday. Always great. This......is so......amazing. There's ' music" not worth my time.. and then stuff like THIS. Oh My gosh.

[@aaronmillartodd9783]

Ron Wood

[@anniedavis4569]

So so beautiful

[@bottomfeeder73]

This song is what music should be. Emotion brought out in song. So beautiful, yet tear jerking. Heartbreak, regret, and fond memories. Brilliant!!!

[@peterschmitzberger3604]

BEAUTIFULLY 👏🙏🌹

[@jennabayliss1942]

This is truly beautiful

[@terribletimthepirate]

Thanks enterfeldment. This song means so much to to us that have lost someone.

[@anniedavis4569]

This song is so so beautiful and it makes me cry as I love Emmy Lou and Steve.

[@vincentbaca790]

It's always a woman that breaks our hearts and souls..

[@peggyhumes-hein4530]

He is such an amazing artist!

[@Luskanagh]

I love this song. Huge fan of both. Thanks to my father I am a fan of Emmylou Harris since I was a thirteen year old country boy from Co. Kilkenny, Ireland.

[@brianwade879]

Hello Ireland. My cousins. From the United States. March 27, 2023. May Peace Be With You 🕊️ 🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇫🇮🇨🇦🇬🇧🇨🇮🛡️🙏

[@gunlokman]

A simple thank you, thank you so much for uploading this. It really has mad my day - and year probably! Real gold.

[@steelydan133]

The Emmylou Version from Wrecking Ball produced by the magician Danial Lanois, is the best version I have heard of this song. Very heartfelt and yes tears your heart out.

[@aunatural007]

Such a wonderful song but so sad at the same time. The kind of song I would want to hear on my dying bed 🙏

[@judithkirby8669]

Beautiful..glad to be able to see some of these tunes...