First Time Hearing | Steve Earle | Copperhead Road |REACTION VIDEO

[@shawnj1966]

There is an unwritten rule that this song must be played at least once a night in every dive bar across the country. LOVE IT!

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

I live in East Tennessee, there are places here (I'm sure it's the same everywhere else, too) that the locals know to avoid. Mama told me and I told my kids, don't go back in that 'holler' that's old man Green's operation...

[@poosala8821]

Much of the Appalachian mountains was settled by Scottish ancestry. It is reflected in this song.

[@Amber-mv8wz]

Do whatever feels best to you my friend. They did a really nice job of giving this song a bit of a Scots-Irish flair in honor of the heritage of the people of that region.

[@masyelraf]

His backup band here is the Pogues. They did this after booting Shane McGowan from his own band.

[@masyelraf]

I think that that scream at 6:40 was a tribute to Shane. That was his thing.

[@williammiles2221]

Def some Celtic influence! Mountain music!!

[@CN-uc6py]

I have loved this song since I was a kid. Steve Earle has never really been mainstream and has his own sound. Your comment about listening to a song that has a clear story brought one to my mind. It is by Gordon Lightfoot. He is an incredible songwriter/storyteller. I think you may enjoy the song titled "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald". His lyrics almost place you in the song. Great review. I just stumbled onto your channel and am glad I did. Cheers from Canada.

[@marshakey6304]

I second that request about Gordon Lightfoot. 'Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald' was a great one based on a real event. Somebody mentioned you could always look up info on songs after listening, but I say go with what ever way you like best. We're here to see your reaction and I always love your take on things.

[@mrtoad8585]

Definitely agree he would dig the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

[@deel2621]

Steve Earle is a country artist. Back in the day when this song was released, country stations would not play it.. too rock n roll.

[@brittanylamote3665]

And now today it seems they rarely play true country artists lol. Of course I am not out driving as much anymore. So could be different now. But I feel even today’s artists who stick more to the tradition sounding country. Like Scotty McCreery. I didn’t hear him often as much it seems. Cause they always play more Jason Andean, Luke Bryan.. I like the songs. but I just don’t consider those country.

[@funecheeseofficial3576]

The only reason i found this song is cause the played it on a rock station the other day Fun fact it was played on Knoxville’s Classic Rock, very fitting!

[@christylarue8013]

I live here in East Tennessee in the Appalachian mountains and I remember going on moonshine buys with my dad in the 70’s I was very young (born in 72) but I remember them lighting it on fire to test it. Moonshine provided income for the mountain people because jobs were so scarce.

[@alanadair7169]

The Devil’s right hand is a must from Steve my friend 👍

[@hurricane7479]

As is Johnnie Come Lately

[@garylindsey5174]

Webb Wilder did a great cover of that one!

[@bobbyjacobs8446]

Steve Earle is the greatest songwriter in American history, and I’ll stand on Dylan’s coffee table in my cowboy boots and scream that at him.

[@michael35889]

The music flow throughout the song is generational. Talking about his grand daddy its bagpipes with light accompaniment, then talking about his dad they add in the mandolin and other folk elements. When 'Johnny' talks about himself and Vietnam in the 60s-70s it becomes a classic rockabilly rocker. Moonshine is unregulated illegal corn liquor. The Mexican and Colombian seeds become marijuana crops that he has trapped and is willing to defend (from the Drug Enforcement Agency) using the skills he learns from Vietnam/Charlie.

[@SickGirlRocks]

Copperhead Road is actually in Mountain City Tennessee. The road is now unmarked because so many people kept stealing the sign. They even changed the name to copper head hollow road and people stole that sign too.

[@patdonnelly9392]

I love this song. I Love Steve Earle!! I'm from Jersey, and I discovered him on my own in the 90's. He is the epitome of a great story teller with a great voice and serious musical talent. What a brilliant talent he is!!!

[@RinniePere]

My mom and aunt new him back in high school. As soon as Guitar Town was released, we all got the cassette. He is an incredible songwriter and storyteller. He tells the stories of the working class, and the underserved. Listen to Billy Austin off of Shut Up and Die Like an Aviator. Stark, stark truths.

[@warrenburlingame7087]

Steve is so under appreciated

[@patticriss2238]

My favorite Steve Earle is still guitar town. The guy rocks.

[@michaelmabrey6969]

Yep. The Hard Way is my #2

[@davebeach2343]

This man has written many songs that tell stories in a compelling style that draws the listener into the story, much like any well written book can do. His music catalogue deserves more attention than most. Truly an American treasure.

[@TheRobreed3]

I know this has been out a while. I wanted to say, Steve Earle is from the line of songwriters like Bob Dylan. He has very intelligently written songs, but are easy to understand. And he's not afraid to talk about any and every topic. One of my all time favorites.

[@devonvergiels5185]

I love this song and I really appreciate that you put front and foremost the videos. Makes a huge difference in the experience. Thanks so much!!

[@awbeaudry]

The beauty of played instruments!!

[@darumadad5611]

First, let me say thanks for doing one of my favorites. Its great to see something other than the same old stuff. Personally, I like "cold turkey" reactions,without knowing the back story. They generate more discussion. Thanks.

[@vickystanley8853]

Copperhead road is a real road. They had to change the name to Copperhead Hollow Rd. to keep people from stealing the rd. signs. Love the bagpipes.

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

glad to see that you liked my story.

[@pjsleepwalker3010]

It was an actual place. My father and uncle ran moonshine. They got caught and the judge made my dad choose between the Navy or jail lol.

[@nikkiplatt316]

Country party song right here.. when this comes on, everybody goes nuts.

[@teresadean1995]

Gotta tell you, this song reminds so much of my grandpa and my daddy ,doing the same in Eastern mountains part of Kentucky I think they drank as much as they made. Just change the name of copperhead to Pikeville, Kentucky. My grandpa made it my daddy ran it. 'True story". Those seeds were planted between tobacco plants that my family also grew not the pot but the tabacco and cut including the jobs they worked in the coal mines in Ky.

[@danehannon9658]

Loved this song since I was a kid. I always think of my grandpa's moonshine stories. RIP grandpa. It also makes me think about some of the back roads from my old stompin grounds where a few Vietnam vets from Kentucky grew some really good skunk they brought up to Michigan with them.

[@thedude72387]

I can appreciate the subtle point the song makes, that marijuana prohibition has been just as illogical as alcohol prohibition, and bred just as much unnecessary illegal activity.

[@drew65sep]

Had a very wise old man tell me almost fifty years ago that, "discovery only happens once, so sit back and enjoy." Sage advice, that I've tried to keep in mind over my fifty-five years of life.

[@griffinwiegert527]

If you really like to listen to songs who really make you think and tell a story. Definitely check out the wreck of the edmund fitzgerald by Gordon lightfoot. Seriously a powerful song who tells a tragic story

[@mookie7688]

As far as doing the homework up front, I can go either way. It's your channel. A little context can be helpful for a story song like this, but it's also entertaining sometimes to see reactors completely miss the point of a song like Lola by the Kinks. XD

[@kenwelch198]

I'm in the group that thinks it's better if you go in blind. That said, sometimes you hear about a song before you hear the song. That's life.

[@loupi4bama]

Thanks for the fond memory. Haven't heard that in a very long time.

[@sandihiggins2631]

Yes Sir it is a road in TN, about 40 minutes from where I live. There's all kinds of roads like this in the Appalachian Mountains with stories like this coming with them. I came from a monnshining family my great grandfather made it, my husband's family ran moonshine too!!😉

[@jeffdetmer4681]

Steve is a really talented writer. A couple of my faves are Devil's Right Hand , The Week of Living Dangerously and Guitar Town. Worth a listen. Copperhead Road is a real road, though I understand they have changed the name because they got tired of replacing road signs which were constantly being stolen. Steve taught himself to play mandolin for this song, and was inspired to add the bagpipes in the intro and outro also. Stay safe and well.

[@volbeatrules6528]

Guitar Town was my introduction to Steve Earle. Talented and underrated artist! I like the Rockabilly vibe, probably why I enjoy several Volbeat songs so much!

[@danielsjohnnie2000]

One of my favorites. Thanks for the review.

[@mikennem9077]

LOVE this song!

[@dsusan17]

You do it the way you like. That is what makes it interesting. I like you being surprised.

[@stpnwlf9]

A true master singer-songwriter and storyteller. Steve Earle has lived more life than a dozen schmoes like me and he writes the greatest songs about it.

[@shirleymongold9491]

One of my all time, very best, all time favorites. Could've been my family in western North Carolina

[@bigrig4177]

I was just in that area 2 weeks ago. We love visiting the Smoky Mountains in the fall when the leaves are changing and the colors are bursting. There are many curvy roads in the area named after animals with the most famous being the Tail of the Dragon. There is one named Copperhead Loop and I've ridden my motorcycle down it.

[@MsAmericanMaid]

I like hearing the song first and then if you have more info do it after your take on the song. Kind of like a little info on the artists if you have it. First time watching and enjoyed your comment so much had to replay it. Keep up the good work and keep Rock and Country ALIVE.

[@quiltie1774]

Love this song. Steve is so original in his sound. You wouldn’t ever think he would be a mandolin player. I love it!

[@darlincommitme]

When he wrote it he only knew a couple chords on mandolin!

[@itsallgood4093]

Always been a favorite of mine. Being from Kentucky this kind of resonates without past. Not that it takes place in KY, but the imagery is spot on.

[@mikeadams2677]

I know exactly where that road is he talking about. It's in Butler, Tennessee. And just across the hill from the end of the Copperhead Road he's singing about is Bristol International Raceway, in Bristol Tennessee. I live about 30 minutes from there.

[@jonathanc8560]

Steve's a cool ass dude. spent a month with his son in 1996 and didn't even realize who his dad was till he came to visit on a weekend. very cool guy. dude's got some stories to tell too. his son Justin was musically talented as well. not sure what happened with after that month, but was a very memorable experience. found out a few days ago that Justin died from and accidental overdose August 2020.

[@fatcoyote2]

If you ever check out more of this guy, check out "Galway Girl." Great song.

[@sunnycalico6643]

Love the live version with Sharon Shannon kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWiQgYCVacaYe5Y

[@cndngranma8436]

Great concert!!!

[@itmightbme]

Great choice! I've always loved this for the words and my ear hears Irish music! ❤

[@nkywhiskersandscales516]

It was a way of life back in the day, great depiction of how things went and what people risked!

[@theoriginalpublicnewsense]

Did anyone mention that they had to add a word to the actual copperhead road sign cuz it kept getting stolen thanks to this song? 😄

[@ObvPhotography]

I just discovered you’re channel and loved the reaction. Steve is creating a new album out January 4. His son, Justin Townes Earle, recently passed away in late august. The new album is filled with covers of his sons songs. The single Harlem River Blues” is out now. I know you probably won’t see this but if you so happen to it’s worth a listen.

[@ameliacharles2284]

Loved this track from the first day I heard it around its release. Classic

[@buffy377]

Bristol Drag Way was built up all around Copperhead Road in Bristol Tennessee. Good homegrown southern rock. This Knoxville girl will never tire of it, feels like to me the history of us all around here.

[@AzaDio]

This is a southern outlaws anthem lol..I have net people who grew up o copperhead road. When you play this they stop what they are doing and you can see that it holds a deep meaning to their culture. I plan to go there for moonshine tasting riding harleys from here to Kentucky with a good guide whose family lived at the end of the run. It was the start of NASCAR, standing up against the man, and making a living in a place where there wasn't much else. One road towns where they look out for strange traffic. A part of american outlaw history and this song sort of sums it up.

[@estes67]

We used to jam to this!! Thanks for the smile!s

[@ronnie5129]

Drama, ya Steve is the real Deal, he named his son, justin townes earle, after the songwriter, townes van zant, Steve had struggled with substance abuse himself , but got Straight, unfortunatly justin died from a drug overdose in nashville, on august 20 2020, my condolences go out to Steve and his family, Now a days Nashville has been renamed Stashville due to the Drugs availeable to the musicians, It is a Majior Dealers city now, Justin was a great songwriter and singer Musician in his own Right, may he R.I.P., Cousin Figel

[@jamestate5059]

Another good story song is Johnny Van Zant - Brickyard Road. Its a tribute to the life of Ronnie Van Zant. Skynyrd lives forever

[@michellechase4753]

Steve Earle is a real story teller.

[@markmilner842]

Such a great song. Brilliant writing.

[@paysonbenefield1983]

I agree with those who say “It’s your channel. You decide”. I’ll add you should trust your gut. You’re a pro - what do your instincts tell you? Of course, you can do some of each until the decision becomes more clear to you.

[@scotsirish1970]

i play this live all the time and peeps love it!

[@brianwilson9206]

Learned a few things from Charlie...

[@pjdaboss_tbh4755]

Charlie or vc is talkin about the vietnamese during Nam about how they set Bobby traps

[@joshuahershberger4120]

Guerilla warfare

[@jansummerford1050]

One of my favorite songs ever!❤️🇺🇸

[@RayfordRaySiegel]

Steve Earle is considered "Americana", but he's close to Country, but not quite regular County. You should definitely hear these songs of his: Billy Austin Ellis Unit One Johnny Come Lately My Old The Blues Fearless Heart The Other Kind The Devil's Right Hand ...

[@realbser1956]

First time hearing his music. Liked it a lot. I think you should do the reactions cold so that you have no preconceived notions. Makes it more fun, IMO. 👍

[@armandopatane5343]

I love your reaction very genuine= thank you for breaking it down= just a great song from Jacksonville Florida

[@patriciacope6533]

In my earlier days i drank illegal moonshine...loved it...boy did it burn going down.

[@jasonbyassee3158]

I couldn’t get enough of that song back in the day.

[@volbeatrules6528]

Would love to see you react to Sad Mans Tongue by Volbeat. A Danish band’s version of Rockabilly. Lead singer was a huge fan of Elvis and Johnny Cash, and metal growing up. He sort of fused them together and it works!

[@jbc_8110]

Someday is another great Steve Earle song

[@henrymullins4592]

Hillbilly highway too

[@JAMESMOORE-gq4vv]

What Up DS, I heard this song for 30 years before I knew the content, it made it better once I knew, legendary country song, but I agree with you, I'd rather figure it out for myself, that's a lot of the Joy.

[@Hurricaneintheroom]

That big black Dodge was a Sheriff's car. No wonder the guy could go fast. Charlie during the Viet Nam war taught him how to set up booby traps.

[@brandymccoyslone700]

Yes love this song and I dont live far from copperhead 💞💞

[@mikerichardson8983]

I live about 15 mins from copperhead road. Copperhead road runs right through downtown knoxville and the graystone lodge is still there.

[@darlincommitme]

The one in the song is up in Mountain City.

[@appalachianman1940]

I grew up about 45 minutes from Johnson county where copperhead road is located. I can go get me some white lighting today if I need some.

[@mikethornhill2481]

Thanx Drama.Also loike the screen set up😎

[@bugvswindshield]

man, you're on a roll of some of my fave 90's stuff. My bucking years.

[@jerryjustice8026]

In Appalachia they produce 2 things very well Moonshine and Marijuana

[@Mickey-gn4lz]

There's s fun line dance to this song!

[@smittyboy13]

Didn't understand all the lyrics. Then I listened to it on You Tube with the lyrics being shown & really loved it. I suggest if you're the same everyone do the same. It's great!

[@dolasfudge705]

Good reaction there DramaSyd! Another song that has Viet Nam references that is really good is "Still In Saigon" sung by Charlie Daniels. Can't subscribe again, or I would! LOL

[@pattyyoung2103]

My grandad ran shine it was just life and times we're hard .

[@tst4783]

New sub here, hello from Australia. Thanks for this, really enjoyed it. I would love to see you react to Devil's Right Hand, Galway Girl or Delta Mama.

[@frndofbear]

This is at the TOP of my playlist according to the logarithm on my car stereo. I am 55. LOl

[@artnickel1664]

The shine from Copperhead Road was some fine sipping whiskey.

[@kellyforinger2783]

If you would like to react to a Bluegrass song that's topic related, here's The Osborne Brothers doing Rocky Top. I think you'll love it!

[@alanreynolds7307]

Way of life here in bloody harlan ky

[@pattyyoung2103]

I like it better when you don't know then your reaction is how you really feel IMO

[@davidlincoln78240]

You're comments about having knowledge of the song beforehand or not, makes a lot of sense. I can see both sides, but I think not having any expectations may be better when first listening. Then afterwards, maybe look up the meaning if not clear. Either way, I like your reactions.

[@wgj4everlong426]

been a Steve Earle fan since his debut MCA album Guitartown,but think his best stuff has been as an independant.his song It's About Blood from his newest album,is maybe his best yet.It's a tribute song,won't tell you a tribute to what so you can decide on your own,but please do it

[@regularguy8110]

When these pipes play the dance floor fills up. It's law in at least three states.

[@misch2k]

Did you watch The Wire? Steve plays Waylon the addict helping bubbles

[@brendablevins4577]

I know were this Road is. Spent alot of time in that area when I was younger.

[@coolasbeans]

Why dont you print off the knowledge then read it after the reaction. Best of both worlds

[@markziff7234]

This is the song that made me want to learn the Mandolin.

[@mceazycash6726]

My grandfather was wounded at the Ardennes Counteroffensive.. he fought against Hitler's 5th Panzer division and was wounded.. when he came home he was broke and he and his best friend ran moonshine in the hills of Bryson City , NC until law enforcement locked them up .. life is never fair .. lol

[@craiglee8574]

Mike....you killer you.....😎😎

[@karenmandeville7116]

any of the songs on this album are really good! Devil's Right Hand is a great song;.