Steve Earle, "The Mountain", performed by Benjamin Tod of Lost Dog Street Band // GemsOnVHS™

A compilation of footage we shot out in Wyoming and South Dakota. The train line is the Union Pacific's overland. The portion taped is between Cheyenne and Green River, Wyoming. This is the first transcontinental railroad in the history of mankind. Ben plays a favorite Steve Earle song in Cheyenne, Wyoming in front of the Chief Washakie statue at the state capitol. The song is not in its original arrangement.
Big thanks to our executive producers, Brad Sirois, Mitchell Davis, Keith McQuillan, David Jameson, Lisa Galvan, Irvin Maddox, Josh Collins, Brady Jones, Julie Nestoroff, and VJ Arizpe for making this thing possible.
You can find Benjamin's tunes on Spotify (open.spotify.c...) and catch him on tour with Lost Dog Street Band this summer. You can find the tour dates at www.lostdogstr....
Consider becoming a Patreon contributor to help sustain this project. For the price of a cup of coffee every month, you let us continue finding and filming amazing artists.
/ gemsonvhs
GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love. If you'd like to be featured or know someone that should be, or have a venue you'd like an artist to play, or just about anything, drop us an email. [e-mail]
We're on instagram, @gemsonvhs, or my personal @anthonysimpkins
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shot/edited by Anthony Simpkins
[e-mail]

[@coletoncook4201]

I met Ben on the glen highway I happened to pull over to pick up a hitch hiker on my way out to homer Alaska. It was him. I already knew his music at that point and he wasn't to well known. I feel like he's one of the greatest country singers in our generation and actually brings credibility back to the genre in a way he reminds me of Waylon Jennings. We sang every word Hank Williams ever wrote on that car ride. Ben is a man that carries himself with honor and stands by his word for that he has my respect. Good luck to you brother.

[@oFLUXo680]

Ben is my good friend, just asked him about this and he said he doesn't remember such a thing

[@connormcbrangus2835]

folk singer?

[@27walker27]

@@oFLUXo680 Ben is with my right now, iv just asked him, he doesn’t know you

[@FEEFS.]

@@27walker27 lies. Ben is my brother, he said he’s never heard of any of you or your made up stories

[@27walker27]

@@FEEFS. 😅

[@davidhasselhoff6332]

I showed this to my grandfather. His father died in a mine when he was just a boy. He appreciated this work of art and said that it’s one of the greatest tributes to the Appalachia’s that he’s ever heard. I wish we had more music like this

[@hamburgerdan101]

Seems like you gotta go there to find it but I would like the convenience of digital stuff too

[@iDoItLikeNike1]

Steve Earle recorded this a long time ago, surprised he never heard it until recent.

[@merrittdavid8318]

We are still making it a life style!

[@BlackKnight-ll8qh]

Damn. That’s real

[@GeorgeSmith-em4nf]

I wish we had more of your grandad's generation around. I miss mine.

[@DaraSheahan]

I must be responsible for about a thousand of these views at this stage. Cracking version.

[@MrCircus177]

Same here, I listen to this at least 3 times a day! Lol

[@flayarddog88]

Same

[@frankielove31]

I would not be far behind you mate

[@Johnnyhobo96]

Yes sir

[@PaulNicholas420]

Same 😂👍

[@garymct6860]

One night I lay down and woke up to find that my childhood was over and I went down in the mine

[@TizzmantineUK]

I got a banjo because of this song, I've nearly got it down now, god bless Benjamin Todd and all his friends and family, he doesn't have a fraction of the recognition that he deserves

[@gabrielmcdaniel990]

What’s the chord progression?

[@alundavies8402]

Bits really good innit

[@docstevenamp]

Please post and show us.

[@SlickJim2]

Me too! Inspired me to sing as well. Chords can be found on youtube.

[@m225809c]

Damn good thing he’s still going!!!

[@user-qg1wj2yx5o]

The only song that settles my 5 week old daughter down,thank you for the beautiful music from Scotland

[@GhostofNr9]

Although I am no miner, this song resonates strangly within me. I live on the countryside of Austria, not far off from our capitol Vienna. When I was young I stretched out to people of my age I considered full of potential. Potential regarding intellect, potential regarding humanity and potential regarding character. They followed the call of the city, just like I did. Most of us went to university. The difference: I neglected the importance of an academic title and I still do. Virtue and experience seemed like it was enough for itself. So I cancelled university and returned. Now I work in a gas station, like a gem common people do perceive me, they respect my character, yet, I feel like I lost my social roots. I have new friends and they enrich my life, don`t get me wrong. Nevertheless Somehow I feel left alone, a stranger in a familiar place. I roam the forests up the hills beyond the paths, I hike up the mountains. I confronted wild goats, I explored caves, I walked alongside forest creeks, which are so peaceful, no words can tell, I invaded ruins of castles from the Middle Ages, I stood on top of a plateau, underneath me an endless sea of clouds. I am 35 now and I feel alone with the conscious connectivity I have with my home area. I will die on these mountains, they are my home.

[@fletchergrey2973]

Then explore them with someone no, yeah? That might change. That might change.

[@fixedrider5912]

Well spoken. I'm a retired teacher, many years on the front lines with the youth of America. Have always loved this song. Our country is now fragmented and outraged, injustice and bitterness everywhere in the streets of our cities and towns, and in the media. The mountain, the river, and the prairie continue to be my salvation.

[@dragon291000]

GhostofNr9 as I read this i read it as the words of a great song you just need someone to make the melody for it . but doesn't a great story always make a song ✌

[@timothyjohnson1238]

"Happiness is only real, when shared."- (Chris mcCandless) This quote has resonated with me ever since reading the book.

[@IEmIM]

Beautifully written my friend. We are kindred spirits - brethren in soul perhaps.

[@jonathanehle2691]

I'm two generations removed from being "born on this mountain" of rural Appalachia but I can almost feel my heritage in my blood hearing a song like this.

[@Renagadebait]

This is in anyone's heritage that grew up on a mountain, long as your nit a flat lander this songs for you

[@Oorlich95]

Two generations removed doesn’t mean a thing. Just sounds like you need to come home.

[@kjuarez3654]

I feel the same!! Took me back to my last summer spent there as a teen…shin digs on the green. I was born there, then at the age of two, I was raised inSo Cal

[@jonyates3918]

@@Renagadebait I was born in nky, have lived in Central IN for 32 years. Its flat. Yet I still enjoy this and tins of other music about areas I'll never see. ✌️

[@Renagadebait]

@@jonyates3918 I live in some epic mountain ranges , even though the song isn't about my mountains in the west and not coal mountains in the east , same shit you don't have to have a mountain you just have to have some kind of wild nature that you make your mountain.

[@charlesbrown4483]

There's no sound on Earth more beautiful than a banjo and a mountain voice.

[@MinuMat]

I ain't even a miner, not even from the u.s. but I grew up in the bush in Australia and boy does this song mean something to me

[@jodyhorton2431]

we played this song at my dad's funeral. it reminds me so much of him, growing up in northeast tennessee.

[@victoriatipton5083]

Artisanal Violence my pappaw was a miner in East Tennessee, we were one of the first settlers in Cades Cove and our family is a long line of miners/hillbillies. This song moves me to tears every time I hear it because I think of my pap. You have a beautiful angel looking over you, as do I. Many blessings to you🤙🏻

[@jasongause7347]

good stuff brother.

[@brandonlittle5377]

I'm doing all the utility line maintenance in cades cove and Townsend area right now like literally this minute and I'm a hillbilly of many generations myself I used to think coal fed my family and myself but daddy corrected me just this past weekend we rode down to Savannah Georgia to visit family and just me and the ol man runnin round together, but on the ride back home I always feel a WAY I can't explain when my feet get back above sea level when this song came on I noticed my haggard ol man was a little teary and it made....well ya know but either way he then let me know how important the mountains are to people like us and it's what gives us the life we live not the coal. Sorry for carrying on had to get that out some how, thanks folks. I love all y'all

[@jasongause7347]

Brandon Little I live in Savannah !

[@kevinjohnston6300]

Love TN I lived in oak ridge the gap and Knox. Great people there. I'm a Kentucky boy

[@kerocali5337]

Everything Ben touches is overwhelming I'd hate to lose that feeling you get with little known artist, like they belong to you, but if society has any taste left he deserves to be as big as Dylan.

[@Bediwyn]

Mark Kapsalis if i could clip bob Dylan's vocal chords i would. Pure poetry though.

[@mikesivcovich]

Lol if you love them let them go! Just discovered him and very glad I did. Don’t worry - secret’s safe! ...for now!

[@reeeems]

I know what you mean. But there are 15 year olds right now discovering Led Zeppelin like it was the first time anyone had ever heard it before.

[@awsomehobbies]

Hateful Tens hipster

[@txgunguy2766]

The only reason dylan got big was because it was the 60s and the people listening to him were doing drugs. By the time most of them stopped the drugs, his ill-deserved popularity had already been established. Otherwise he would have made it as a song writer ONLY. I can sing better than bob dylan, my momma said so.

[@codywebb8752]

Been a while since a song brought me to tears...1:30 AM lot of beer...sad cowboy hours

[@concars1234]

yee haw brother

[@ffxiarcadius]

I was too until I got sober, drinking and jamming to music, crying and laughing and forgetting not a pleasant existence

[@grekygrek]

​@@ffxiarcadiushorrible existence. Quiet desperation hidden behind others soundtracks.

[@crooksidewood]

I grew up listening to rap and heavy metal, along with a few other genres….except country. I don’t know how I came across this, but I was instantly a fan!! This song and “Using Again” speak to my soul!! Thank God for GOOD MUSIC!! Like Bob Marley said “one good thing about music is, when it hits you feel no pain”!!

[@DonFabiox69x]

Facts

[@thesumeriangod5421]

Check out Ryan Bingham, Chris Knight, Robert Earl King, Greensky Bluegrass, Dalton Domino, Steve Earle, Zach Bryan, The Wood Brothers, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Charlie Robison, The Great Divide.

[@crooksidewood]

@@thesumeriangod5421 I will, Some of them sound familiar. Thanks!!

[@birdmadgrrrl]

The stuff the radio and most folks call country just isn’t. It’s a pop culture bastardization dumbed down for the masses. True “country” speaks to everyone because it’s an honest expression of the human experience.

[@whitey0o5]

Amen bro

[@jediday6664]

This will always be one of the best covers ever done. He took a great song and not only made it his own but greatly improved on it. It wakes something up deep inside and brings it to the surface to breathe fresh air.

[@justingravel5228]

Jedi Day great version, but it is not his own. It still belongs to Steve and Del

[@zackmccurdy8144]

Wow, that's a great way to put it. Most cover songs (any genre) just don't serve the nickel like they should, but rest assured, Ben here absolutely hit the nail on the head with this one. A wonderful, beautiful take on a great tune. God bless you and your loved ones. Spread love onward 🙏❤

[@Bob-ij3lq]

Hear Levon Helm sing it. Seriously.

[@shaneduggan7901]

Ya great rendition

[@gasbaroni]

This is a great cover but it doesn't have anything on the original.

[@rickwright9468]

This kid is ridiculous... Everything that he's involved in on here is utterly amazing. I have a trainhopping buddy that turned me on, and the shit's so good, so pervasive... such that I am waking up in the middle of the night with his tunes in my head.

[@kuchikopi6670]

Rick Wright me too

[@richardwright1120]

Rick Wright u are spot on as if you are me. Which blows my mind cause my name is Rick wright too

[@kingladelldonaldson3728]

Rick Wright fa

[@kicktherancor3217]

Rick Wright you don't know what it's like to mine? he never got to. he's a tramp. just like me, but I'm in a mine for two years

[@thispersonsdad7247]

Train hopping guys turn you on?

[@joshstout7173]

Amazing. I love benjamin man... His music has helped me throught getting off the needle.

[@CjtheDJ1789]

Same brother

[@frozemoments7873]

What’s up brother him and maintenance medicine has helped me also. God bless you. I know how strong you are. I will pray for you.

[@bospiker2812]

Good on ya keep up the good fight

[@BusschLatte]

Atta boy, Josh! I know we don't know each other, but I am proud of you.

[@eliteinctimmy]

Keep going Josh. One day at a time.

[@fattymcfatterson25]

My daddy loved this. That's the finest god damn compliment I could muster.

[@breakerrythangallday]

As fine a compliment as could be asked of anyone. To your daddy!

[@joepearson3111]

Lana Del Ayyyye Damm straight

[@joshpointoh]

Big fan of the banner

[@mistersynystyr]

Benjamin is something truly unique and I hope he feels appreciated.

[@AGardella]

Just saw Benjamin and Lost Dog Street Band in Portland Maine. This song played live made my night.

[@jakeowen3692]

bens music is what I want played at my funeral

[@Fendernocaster109]

I want tom waits rossie to be the last song before wat ever

[@danielcote8862]

i want them to play gism - nih nightmare to be played on repeat... why? cause ive got a very low iq and i want it to be reflected in death as much as it did while i was alive

[@mikehickman3635]

amen 2 tht

[@jimmyalamo839]

singers that actually sing of the old days, the land, and the people, are what country needs back, this was beautiful, the pioneers and settlers would be proud.

[@travismaniagigglebush247]

Oh dad as I sit in this old abandoned house I took over after u died here on this off grid Mesa where only the strong survive but to come here at 83 u knew it was over soon for u but saw this was my place to live as we Ben homless since I was born

[@matthewrhule870]

Legend, I promise you. He moves your very core. I've sat on the feet of the devil and bartered for my soul. Addictions are the purist form of test to find out what you're truly made of.

[@northerntimberdesignsllc]

Im born and raised Long Island… still very thankful for my father taking me up to the Catskills.. in my head “this mountain is my home” is my concepts, morals & values. God bless guys

[@kennyg.7153]

I worked in the deep nickel mines in northern Ontario and man the way Ben plays this, i just have any words to describe it.

[@roostercogburn597]

This guy is one of a kind I can’t see anyone imitating him in no way at all. He makes me feel that I’m right there living every word in that song .

[@lkfjlfadad797]

Oliver Anthony does a pretty decent job at it

[@redhicks]

"I will die on this mountain, this mountains my home" currently a sailor, but I am longing to get back to my mountains soon

[@bluewatersnipe2227]

Same, stationed 8000 miles away from my mountain.

[@redhicks]

@@bluewatersnipe2227 Cheers man, stay safe

[@samthesaxon3918]

12 years in. I feel ya, shipmate.

[@bentuck743]

Looking to leave my mountain to join the navy here soon. Stay safe.

[@paulstoker47]

Amen

[@philliplassor9138]

This is without doubt the greatest version of this song ever recorded. Thank you gems and thank you Benjamin. I’ve always been a rock guy but I heard a charley Crockett song one day and it set me on a country journey. I’ve discovered so many amazing artist from sierra farrell, the hill country devil, Ian noe, and the lost dog street band. I can’t even begin to say what all of this music means to me. It’s like something has been missing in my soul all along and now I’ve found it. I cannot express how much I love this real and true country music, none of this lifted trucks and mud boggin bullshit that’s called country now but the real thing. I wish this is what was on the CMT awards because every single artist on gems and western AF deserves so much more than any “country” artist on the radio.

[@derdoktor206]

Add Matt Heckler to that list if he isn't already on it

[@matthewdennis1739]

Idk, I've always been partial to Levon Helm's version...more haunting..

[@davidedens3278]

357 string band; black river blues is what got me down a path to this song.

[@gautreauxsm]

As much as I love Steve and his music, this is my favorite version of this song. Without question.

[@matthewdennis1739]

It's a close second to Levon Helm for me. His version is just pure perfection.

[@dillonyoung456]

I will be the #1 listener to this recoding this year

[@chadpattishall2849]

19 days clean and just hit full blown withdrawals. Only thing that gets me out of my head and this fucking bed is your words. I'm a thousand miles from the mountains this flat land has no healing like the porch of my birth home. Thank you Ben for your gift of healing.

[@benthriftin7284]

Hang in there brother. We were put here to suffer and to blossom. Sometimes a little sometimes a lot. 19 days is huge. Keep pushing.

[@AquariusCrystalwave]

"...and there are ghosts in the tunnels the company sealed..." such powerful lyrics. Powerfully sung. Definitely my favorite version ❤️

[@christinamiller3363]

❤ yes there are...

[@matthewdennis1739]

Have you heard Levon Helm's version? Ben's is amazing, but Levon's is just pure perfection. Sounds like it's being sung by an old-timer who spent his whole life mining coal in West Virginia.

[@JesterPester48]

I’m an Irish French man and I wish my pap was alive to hear this Benjamin i was addicted to drugs and alcohol and in feel his pain in his music

[@CountryBuddyCulture]

This song has not gotten old since I've been listening to it five years ago. At least once a month I'll listen to the song.

[@Tokinjester]

he has another version, kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIvZdoVteq6opZY ...just in case you haven't seen it yet 👍

[@stevenbernhardt9477]

I wish I had someone in my life that loves this music as much as myself...

[@jovonrosen8417]

We're all here with you bud, don't worry if no one around you is into it. Be happy you get to feel something as real as this song and carry it around with you like a warm secret in your heart.

[@nicogiammaatteo5514]

Yeah dude we feel you

[@jonathonwhiteley3818]

Were here man we love you too brother man!

[@mautesius]

i wrote in my tinder profile: would love to share country music with you but that didnt work

[@michaelurlacher4277]

Same..

[@ericrockfish1028]

Love to hear this dude sing. There's a great lot to be said of someone who doesn't pretend to be something that their not. Pure gold

[@Jack-ye7gs]

Eric Ramsey well said

[@robertreynolds561]

You were the music that me, my brother, and his pops listened to. Til his pops died and we split for college and haven’t really seen each other since. But your music. It brings back to when we were all together. It’s nice. I don’t drink to it anymore though.

[@Chevelle602]

This is a POWERFUL song! Why have I never heard of this man before?!!!!

[@neiltannis]

Jesus Christ I didn't know there was music this beautiful. Between the songwriter and the performer this is absolutely astounding.

[@neiltannis]

I played this for my black roommate and he asked if it was racist, bahahahahahahah

[@r.l.strange1897]

What’s wrong? He can’t hear?

[@miguelmarquez4192]

@@neiltannis probably cuz there was a banjo. Tell him the banjo came from africa and to be open to broadening his musical vocabulary.

[@JT-bc5cd]

@@neiltanniswhen it comes to blacks constantly seeing themselves as a victim it is all so tiresome

[@thebesttastingbleach6915]

I'm absolutely loving the Lost Dog Street Band. Everything about them. Beautiful.

[@BlackKnight-ll8qh]

Man I love this. I'm a grown man and it moves me to tears. Killing the vocals. You pour so much emotion and heart into this.

[@wesleycooper7159]

BlackKnight 0814 I am a 50 year old man and feel the same. He is one of a kind.

[@caelanwilliamson4284]

i back that up. every single time man.

[@tonyd3266]

I totally agree! This song fits with my religion and my heritage. No matter where I roam or live, when I return to the WV mountains that is exactly how I feel. my mom and my brother feel the same way. Settlers for over 200 years spanning a few mountains - our DNA lives in the plants, animals, and trees.

[@I_AmTheArm]

I agree with you're comment 100 percent man. Just found this video today and I'm already in love with Benjamin Tod. This song especially, done by him, moves me tears.

[@rudolphrictor5167]

I'm 27, me too.

[@dougpotosky4102]

I am now 100% postive the new wave in Music. Is Country & Bluegrass not Rock anymore! Bring it on home everyone!

[@burmy1552]

Rock lost touch with the every day working person long ago. Some country and most bluegrass still keeps that connection.

[@gabe1ist]

Family comes from appleachia originally. I’ve heard the stories but never lived there. This song makes me nostalgic for a life I never lived.

[@veritas3683]

Hiraeth

[@nudgeunit]

@@veritas3683 that's the word i was looking for

[@robotspartan9351]

5th time in a row. I cant stop

[@emmajanecreate2019]

bro 5000th

[@wreckedjohnson8662]

Right there with you brother

[@christianc6421]

same

[@420dredog]

Couple years deep of 3-5 times a day. Has a special place in my empty ass heart.

[@FrigginDeadly]

Being a coal miner, this song hits different. Gets better every time I hear it.

[@benjamynbuchanan1700]

This man should be considered a national treasure. The girl who does his violin, a national idol. Both of them together are keeping something sweet and nostalgic about America both current and pure.

[@twistedbydesign8831]

His wife

[@damonbaesler3149]

Viddle

[@Grom-rl8bm]

I'm from the plains, only been to an actual mountain once in my life yet this comforts me in a way not much else does

[@derekday5338]

I would be truly pressed to think of a song that Ben sings that I don't like , he's truly talented to the core ❤

[@untitledenjoymentunlimited3090]

They are going to tear out the pines near my home, where my trapline is. The construction of a bridge caused the drowning of my fathers wildrice patch... Soon the uranium mines (Where i once worked underground for Boartlong year) which house tailings ponds leak and contaminate the wildlife. That river raised my grandfather, father & me, thats my home. Breaks my heart

[@johndough8219]

The unfortunate cost of "progress" and economic development. Companies only care about profits not what they do to people's lives and the environment.

[@loganschubert6781]

You my friend need to bring on the boogaloo. Don't let tyrants strip what's yours

[@codyclark6779]

@@loganschubert6781 Yikes. Bet you believe the Confederate flag is "heritage".

[@malibularry3023]

Cody Clark Bet you’re a book burner.

[@hailyjeanne9607]

Burn their equipment. Sabatoge them. Dont go quiet

[@joshdaly159]

This song always reminds me of where I grew up, generator, well water, garden, being out in the cuts, on the land I grew up on. 8 miles from the nearest town has humbled me over the years. Santa Cruz mountains for life!

[@thebutcher307]

I’ve literally listened to this song hundreds of times while KZbin was in the background. Today is the first time I happened to glance at the video and I was like “Hey, I know that place! Hey, that’s the Wyoming State capital!” I’m originally from Cheyenne, Wyoming. So, seeing this was filmed all around my hometown made me happy and home sick all at once. I think I’ve watched the video like 5 times today!

[@nomadvintageclothingonetsy4416]

I either cry or sing my soul out every time I listen to this.

[@GHST995]

Till one nigh I lay down and woke up to find that my childhood was over and went down the mine. Hits us all, the loss of innocence.

[@sam_s_]

It is amazing how a song can make your soul hurt for a time and place you have never known.

[@twiztidbrainkiller2977]

incredible, I can feel your pain and emotions in your eyes Benjamin. never stop spreading your music, people will be ugly and ungrateful anywhere you roam, but there is always someone who appreciates you. your a beautiful soul my friend, I wish you the best.

[@icarusburning2208]

I love this song very much. I grew up in Lebanon, PA which is in-between the blue ridge and Appalachian spine. It was a 20 minute drive north or south to get into the mountains where I spent a lot of time in my youth. 10 years later I live in NE Minnesota where we have a few mountains, but more lake, swamp, and rolling hills. I miss the eastern mountains alot but I still feel it in my bones living up here.

[@mikeknepp2507]

Don't you miss the bologna?!

[@steppenwolfe73]

How rare it is to find a cover that deems the original unlistenable. From the dark, hand dug, depths of that well which is my heart, I thank you Mr. Tod.

[@cdabcdefg12345]

nazis dont have a heart, fuck you

[@that_boyzac4908]

@@cdabcdefg12345 hey fuck you too jackass😃

[@that_boyzac4908]

@Edward Wallin man you shouldn't talk about yourself like that. I see those arrows pointing towards your profile name. Chin up kid.

[@caseymaupin8387]

“It only gets worse, ain’t nowhere to run. Tomorrow starts to feel like a loaded gun.” I felt that. I felt the whole song. Thanks for sharing sir.

[@ricklyons6125]

what is that from?

[@OperatorObey]

Both grandfathers of mine were coal miners, and one then became a trucker. This song pulls something of my heritage out of me. Some people just won't experience having "a mountain"

[@ethanerzinger9854]

Been years since I stumbled upon this Diamond but it still reminds me of Home. Being a boy running through the trees and brambles in some unknown stranger's patch of woods with a brother I've lost since then.

[@IRISHFIRE87]

I keep coming back for more. This hits me hard.

[@jodilynnsbabby]

Started a playlist for my newborn at night. Now at 3 weeks old we have to play this song and September doves before she will go to sleep and it’s almost immediate! Craziest thing I’ve ever seen. She already has a favorite artist.

[@elizabethkaseroff4245]

I hope with all my heart that my son(RIP Jacob)can see and hear song. He would've love it! I also think its absolutely beautiful.

[@brazenlilhussy5975]

I'm sure he can Elizabeth, I truly believe music resides inside our spirit it's one of the things we can carry on to the next part of our journey. R.I.P Jacob. I hope you and yours manage to find some healing and solace. From Ireland with love.😬

[@07jmclark]

I was born on this mountain A long time ago Before they knocked down the timber And strip-mined the coal When you rose in the mornin' Before it was light To go down in that dark hole And come back up at night I was born on this mountain This mountain's my home She holds me and keeps me From worry and woe Well, they took everything that she gave Now they're gone But I'll die on this mountain This mountain's my home I was young on this mountain But now I am old And I knew every holler Every cool swimmin' hole 'Til one night I lay down And woke up to find That my childhood was over And I went down in the mine I was born on this mountain This mountain's my home She holds me and keeps me From worry and woe Well, they took everything that she gave Now they're gone But I'll die on this mountain This mountain's my home There's a hole in this mountain It's dark and it's deep And God only knows All the secrets it keeps There's a chill in the air Only miners can feel There're ghosts in the tunnels That the company sealed I was born on this mountain This mountain's my home She holds me and keeps me From worry and woe Well, they took everything that she gave Now they're gone But I'll die on this mountain This mountain's my home

[@eddiemcguire6213]

Its like Ben punches through my chest and pulls my heart out with every song he's ever played or wrote. This guy changed my life at 46

[@GemsOnVHS]

Howdy, folks! If you're enjoyin' these recordings, please consider becoming a Patron to keep us going. For the price of a cup of coffee every month, you can help us bring you new stories and songs. We'll return the favor with plenty of digital downloads, CDs, behind-the-scenes takes, giveaways, and more! www.patreon.com/gemsonvhs

[@JWheeler331]

Benjamin Tod is new to me and wow!!!! Guy is amazing.

[@ayleonzttv9066]

Welcome brother. Another great song is "using again". Dude is one of a kind.

[@JWheeler331]

Wesley Simpson Thanks. I have heard that one too. Great stuff. Story telling is missing in music these days.

[@justinbrew483]

Same here ...he's awesome tho ..this is great performed by him

[@JWheeler331]

justin brew Seen them twice in concert and they are just as great in person. So is Casper Allen.

[@NobodyJones]

I live in Florida as a adult. This song always reminds me of my days of being a child in the hills of Pennsylvania when the world seemed simpler.

[@zoeelovee2]

aww no. i understand what you mean but this is tennessee through and through

[@jonathonwhiteley3818]

I've literally listened to this song 30 times today and it's made me cry evenrytime. I'm not a miner but when he talks about the mountain I replace the meaning with the love of my life. Every time hes says it it breaks me down to my soul...this song is my stone rn while I cant be with her. Makes me think of all of our good times and times to come. Thank you for this song. I felt lost till I found it.

[@Toxicqueen9826]

When he sings I feel at home. From Scotland x

[@MrEvilsurpent]

he sounds scottish to me too but thats just our southern twang

[@lachlannmullin]

I'm frae the Cairngorms, this song resonates with me.

[@ianemery3375]

This song touches every single Appalachian. Honestly tears me up

[@lewp5214]

I’ve been listening to this for 5 year. One of the best covers I’ve ever heard

[@thecounsellor7454]

Driven around the Dublin Wicklow mountains working today and this beautiful song just made me feel free at peace I could of died rite there with no regrets 🙌🏼🇺🇸🇮🇪❤✌

[@jeremythetitleguy86]

This Benjamin Tod is one talented man. This song hits home for anyone with a soul.

[@ajeje1996]

Chilling performance... my heart breaks a little every time I hear it

[@relax.yourmind4202]

Lyrics: I was born on this mountain A long time ago Before they knocked down the timber And strip-mined the coal When you rose in the mornin' Before it was light To go down in that dark hole And come back up at night I was born on this mountain This mountain's my home She holds me and keeps me From worry and woe Well, they took everything that she gave Now they're gone But I'll die on this mountain This mountain's my home I was young on this mountain But now I am old And I knew every holler Every cool swimmin' hole 'Til one night I lay down And woke up to find That my childhood was over And I went down in the mine I was born on this mountain This mountain's my home She holds me and keeps me From worry and woe Well, they took everything that she gave Now they're gone But I'll die on this mountain This mountain's my home There's a hole in this mountain It's dark and it's deep And God only knows All the secrets it keeps There's a chill in the air Only miners can feel There're ghosts in the tunnels That the company sealed I was born on this mountain This mountain's my home She holds me and keeps me From worry and woe Well, they took everything that she gave Now they're gone But I'll die on this mountain This mountain's my home

[@robertdriscoll84]

I absolutely adore this music, I always feel like I am on the outside looking in as I live in England but I strangely feel it in my bones and it spurs me on to play the banjo regardless. Such a soulful rendition.

[@sontejaahj6392]

Thank ALL of you for the Authenticity. All of your music is amazing! It can make me feel whole even in the most questionable of times.. Your music kept me going! Thank you for being YOU and dont ever stop!!!

[@CollinMcCullough]

'And I knew every holler, every swimmin' hole' - beautiful writing and inflection

[@justingravel5228]

Written by Steve Earle

[@A_Goat]

*LYRICS*, *Steve Earle* and the *Del McCoury Band* - *The Mountain* performed by *Benjamin Tod* of *Lost Dog* street band. Enjoy. *V. V. V. V.* *&I was born on this mountain a long time ago.* *Before they knocked down the timber and strip-mined the coal.* *And you woke up in the mornin' before it was light.* *And you go down in that dark hole and come back at night.* *&I was born on this mountain, this mountain's my home.* *And she holds me and keeps me from worry and woe.* *And now they took everything that she gave, now they're gone.* *But I will die on this mountain, this mountain's my home.* *And I was young on this mountain but now I am old.* *And I knew every holler, and cool swimmin' hole.* *'til one night I lay down and woke up to find.* *That my childhood was over and went down in the mine.* *&I was born on this mountain, this mountain's my home.* *And she holds me and keeps me from worry and woe.* *And now they took everything that she gave, now they're gone.* *But I will die on this mountain, this mountain's my home.* *&There's a hole in this mountain, it's dark and it's deep.* *Oh the lord only knows all the secrets it keeps.* *There's a chill in the air only miners can feel.* *&There are ghosts in the tunnels that the company sealed.* *&I was born on this mountain, this mountain's my home.* *And she holds me and keeps me from worry and woe.* *And now they took everything that she gave, now they're gone.* *But I will die on this mountain, this mountain's my home.*

[@victorg1557]

I'M HAPPY :)

[@torvilasulvstle362]

@Industrial Prostitute He is the best best voice on this side of Tom Russell!!

[@Barak911777]

Chords??

[@ianalderson5133]

@@Barak911777 4 counts of G then Em then 1 count of G Am(walk up) C and end on 4 of Em

[@jesselewis5699]

I cannot thank Benjamin enough for his ability and willingness to share his story... no matter who you are, there is something to be said and learned from his story... this is real music; raw and honest. Do yourself a favor and listen.

[@raepexton6447]

I seriously can't stop listening to these guys. Also....he is standing in front of the Wyoming State Capitol building which Cheyenne happens to be my home! ❤

[@307jevans]

Rae Pexton Hey! Me too!

[@miriampeleau7562]

The land are for everything!

[@teamenemy.]

Me too...

[@juliand2709]

Ben Todd and Colter Wall are holding the torch for dozens of older country musicians…let’s acknowledge these treasures

[@jonmcmillan3261]

HELL YEAH BROTHER ❤️

[@FirstLast-gk6lg]

Just tuned my banjo, plucking it for the first time right now. I am young on this mountain :) One day I'll be old

[@stephenmcdonald1800]

This was my top KZbin song of 2022. 54 plays! Wow. Perfection

[@drewolson1009]

I love the South Dakota, Wyoming footage. It is a beautiful countryside that most people would never know about

[@brianfriend262]

He made it way more Appalachia than Steve Earls versions...

[@henrykpodbielski2223]

Brian Friend yup

[@patrickarakelian7709]

appalachia is home and I dont mind it slightly

[@miguelmarquez4192]

Definitely. As a colorado kid i identify with this even though we dont have the same type of mines and our mining history and conditions and cultures differed a mountain home is a mountain home. Tennessee Kentucky or Colorado :0)

[@PGTRegard]

@@miguelmarquez4192 Oh I don't know, the Coalfield War seems like it could be at home in Appalachia despite the fact it happened in Las Animas County.

[@miguelmarquez4192]

@@PGTRegard i was trying to tread lightly, not keep score, and not cite our struggles, as they had far more ocurrences than we did, simply because they had more mines and more companies, but in doing so i still offended. Sorry to those who suffered at the hands of mining industry, regardless of where theyre at.

[@lostdoggy6965]

This songs awesome. Not to mention I just noticed Ben missed a spot shaving now I can't unsee it lol.

[@mrlandencarter]

Tensa I wasn't the only one who noticed this

[@skunx8600]

omg I couldn't stop seeing it, and the songs so beautiful and I was like "STOP NOTICING IT"

[@mrlandencarter]

Haha I've done it a few times but this one is pretty bad Ben. But when ya drinkin whiskers and hoppin steal it's whatever.

[@nicho392]

Lost Doggy damn it now i see it

[@docwitch9969]

Lost Doggy I think it's part of the look... seems like it to me

[@montbrehain]

Sitting here in England .... and .. I cant stop playing this .. and .... Love the belt buckle ;-)

[@dubthing181]

Hauntingly beautiful...

[@peboblank2786]

I wonder how many people my age I was born in 73 on 50-years-old had the experience of hey look the Copperhead road guy has a bunch of other good songs and he's actually an intellectual and he's a really good person and a really neat guy and then through that found a whole bunch of stuff like this

[@victoriatipton5083]

Every time I hear this I can't help but to think of my papaw. He worked as a minor almost all his life, and when he got too old to mine he became a security guard for the mine entrance. He passed away two years ago in early January due to many health problems caused from working in the mines. Every time I go to see him/his gravestone I sing this to him. I miss him everyday. Thank you to LDSB for doing such an amazing cover of this song, it brings me a lot of closure.

[@GemsOnVHS]

thank you for the story

[@TheEknaian]

RIP to your pop. I appreciate people like him!

[@PresumptuousPrick]

On a train, in the rain. Where ever I may be. I hope I’m who I wished I’d be!

[@ZuEs4-vEcToR6]

It's good to know that even though I lost almost everything, Benjamin Todd is still here to guide me through. Found my music again

[@seanwilliams151]

One of the best songs I've ever heard. Thank you Benjamin

[@justingravel5228]

Sean williams thank Steve Earle

[@jckinney9362]

I’m from the redwoods of California and this song hits hard. They clear cut all the old growth timber and it’s just gone some regions

[@yourebelscum3912]

This hits home. I live in Appalachia and live in a small rust belt town nestled in the mountains. We had potteries, lumber mills, coal mines and steel mills and now it’s gone. Business come in and take from the land and don’t give back, but the land and the mountain bounced back on their own. This version of the song is a beautiful version snd so much better than Steve Earles

[@dueyramone]

Damn, gld I stumbled upon this. 2 folk that belong in the songwriting Hall of fame. I said it, and I fkn mean it. Only time will tell.

[@willwillhunt]

I don’t know why this song makes me cry. Well done Benjamin Tod

[@markusa5521]

It hits the soul

[@truthhunter7807]

Masterpiece