Guy Clark with Karen Matheson - Dublin Blues

From Transatlantic Sessions series 1 (1995/6)
guitar: Russ Barenberg
dobro: Jerry Douglas
bass: Travis Clark
fiddle: Jay Ungar
percussion: Jim Sutherland

[@davebeach2343]

I think this song rips my heart in half. I lost my wife Mar 23 to the virus. This was my perfect description of her. "I loved you from the git go, and I'll love you til I die" encapsulates my love for her better than I've been able to. Goddamn it

[@lastnamefirst4035]

Im really sorry about your wife

[@davebeach2343]

@@lastnamefirst4035 It's been 9 months since she passed, and I'm still as lost and confused now as I was then. This song still brings tears to my eyes because of the memories of her the lyrics conjure up. People keep telling me that it gets better, that's still a hypothetical in my experience. I thank you for your sympathy, but my fondest wish would be to not be in the position to need it.

[@benkleschinsky]

God bless you Dave. I lost my girlfriend I was about to marry this year. Unrelated to the virus, but keep coming back to this song like you. I miss the people in my life, but hold onto the memories forever.

[@davebeach2343]

@@benkleschinsky I'm not sure which situation would be worse or more painful, losing my wife of 26 years, or your losing your partner before getting married. Both suck. Finding that one person who fulfills the roles of best friend, SO, lover, and companion seems like a once in a lifetime occurrence. At least it felt like that to me. I was 33 when I first met Karen, almost resigned to remaining single. From the first time I laid eyes on her everything changed, life became sweet again instead of a grind. Our time together wasn't always smooth and easy, usually more my fault than her's. But we could always talk to each other about anything, and that kept us together when others fell apart. It's been a year and 14 days since Karen left, and it seems the only difference I've learned in that time is not feeling like I'm carrying a sharp edged blade twisting around in my guts all the day through. Because the death of my wife followed the death of our daughter and my father in the preceding 15 months, losing Karen took away the final piece of our life. I've found that time doesn't necessarily heal all wounds, but it can dull the depth and edges of the everyday pain I carry with me. The hardest experience I've had is filling the time we had with just ourselves, talking about whatever came up, sharing music new to us or recalling music memories we shared. Music was an important daily event in our lives. She had a truly prodigious contralto voice, winning a national contest at age 17 to sing with the national orchestra at Wolftrap. She was a trained opera singer, and had graduated college with a degree in conducting and voice. I on the other hand have no musical ability at all, except for being able to find great music and play DJ on occasion. Karen sang in our local opera company for 16 seasons in the chorus after I insisted she try out. Her first husband couldn't accept that she was talented, and made her stop singing. I wanted to see her happy, and knew making music made her shine from the inside out. I apologize for writing such an extensive reply to your comment. But every day since Karen passed I spend time with our wedding photo, and her wedding dress. We bought her a vintage dress made in an older style with silk and lots of lace overlay. On our wedding day it poured rain during the ceremony, then stopped in time for everyone to go to the reception. I had left open the car windows while we were married, and my car was completely soaked. My mother-in-law was Polish and told us that rain on our wedding day meant that we would have a long and happy marriage. I guess that I must believe in some old world peasant traditions now. Please pardon my random stories here. Over the last year I've used my replies to people's comments as a form of therapy. Taking the time to write out what I'm going through after losing almost everything important in life, has helped me to at least openly examine what happened. Sharing my pain might help others who are dealing with their own loss, and kept me from circling the drain. I hope you found some solace and support to help with your loss. I'm having difficulty moving beyond Karen, and can't really imagine sharing intimate time with another woman, even though I've had periods where I'm almost desperately horny. According to my counselors this is a common response to the loss of a spouse. It still feels weird and somehow wrong towards Karen's memory. If you've actually read this far, I appreciate your taking the time to do so. I seem to have an endless supply of stories and roller coaster emotions available to tell others what my current life has become. Everybody experiences losing family members, I hope that my words help others even I can't help myself. I thank you for sharing your loss and sympathy with me. Peace

[@benkleschinsky]

@@davebeach2343 t helps to talk it out. I choose to believe their spirits live on looking down. Oh yeah, and time will never heal. However, the only thing that healed me was accepting reality. I can't change the past, but I can appreciate every gift that is given to me. Having such losses allowed be to appreciate the small things in life, and be more appreciative towards other people. Now I know what loss feels like, and can be more compassionate to others. I believe everything happens for a reason. You have to or it would make you go insane. Now I just read you lost your daughter and father too. I couldn't imagine that. I've never had kids. My parents are still young. To go through three losses, when even just one loss feels like an entire part of you has been taken away. Literally. Sometimes you ask yourself, why me lord, why me? The hardest part for me for a long time was living in regret. Blaming myself. Believing if I could have done something more, things would have turned out differently. That's the hardest part, when you feel it could have been prevented. I actually pray to her every day. It's helped me a lot overcome my negativity. Whatever the journey is, we can all be here for each other.

[@valverdista]

I´m Portuguese and I´m only 31, but this is the best kind of music that i´ve ever listen.I listen country music since my teens thanks to guys like Guy Clark.

[@KennyJamz]

It still hurts every time I realize that this man is no longer with us. You look up 'legend' in the dictionary and his picture is right there looking back at you. Rest in peace, Guy. You earned it. And thank you for every single note of music that you gave this world. Each one made it a better place.

[@audio_boys]

this is the best recording of the best song ever, ever written.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

Hear hear

[@kevindrago2701]

💯

[@ryanburraston3854]

Definitely my favorite recording of this song.

[@mnbv990]

agreed.

[@mdmxdr]

The fact that the comments range from 15 years ago to just now… means this song is priceless. Guy Clark, you were one of the best. Hope you’re sitting underneath that magnolia tree by mrs. Clark.

[@wwalkerp]

One of the Great writers of our time Period. Horribly underrated! Sits up there with Johnny Prine, Dylan, Haggard etc

[@jeffreylebowski5813]

For real

[@bentonscrivener]

Fukkin A Right!

[@ciatangallaghe2485]

Dylan couldn't shine his shoes.

[@elizabethheyenga9277]

@@ciatangallaghe2485 or Townes!

[@elizabethheyenga9277]

wasn't underrated by his peers which counted to him. And he is in the HOF. He was too good for the labels and he knew enough to skip it after a try

[@yvwic50]

I came here to say goodbye to Guy because this is his song that I carry with me the most. RIP and there is a painter waiting on you somewhere.

[@TheHutch619]

This is just a perfect performance.... blown away

[@deborahkauffman09]

nobody beats Texas singer-songwriters, the only real music out there (almost), love Guy Clark forever...

[@12gizmo16]

"I've loved you from the git go." RIP Mr. Clark

[@faithful827]

i did too... and i never listened to "that kind of music" back in the mid 70s.... but he changed my mind and i never looked back... wish i had found tvz as early as i found guy

[@joemassey2164]

This world will never be quite the same, RIP Mr. Clark, RIP! and Thanks

[@rizdog2]

May be the most honest, subtle rip your heart out song ever. Lordy I miss this man.

[@kevindrago2701]

💯

[@elizabethheyenga9277]

oh yes, it is lovely pain. This version is special

[@jonsouthgen]

A week ago,I stood in the warm sunshine on The Spanish Steps in the magnificent Eternal City and thought of Mr Clark and his wonderful songs.

[@rreganjjohnn]

I met Guy, along with John Prine, in the Ardilaun hotel in Galway Ireland. Some years ago we had copious amounts of red wine and talked of song writing and life!! I'm sure he was influenced to write this song during that tour.Even though the Dublin he sings about is in north west Texas

[@davidhowe5112]

+John Regan you are one lucky dude!!!

[@jussymucky]

What David Said!

[@keithedwards9120]

@@jussymucky I'll 3rd that, Wat the hell that's beyond lucky.

[@AlanMagner]

How could anyone dislike a Guy Clark song???

[@TheOpinionatedGuitarist]

Guy Clark is amazing. Never knew about him 'til a few years ago, changed my life! Such a storyteller!

[@mikequeen4823]

These lyrics make me believe he lived it. Love this song.

[@krspahr]

I just saw Guy this past Saturday night (6/23/07) and sat in awe at this wonderment of a songwriter/poet/performer....I put him next to Kristofferson as the best 2 songwriters ever and Dublin Blues confirms this...

[@wgj4everlong426]

agree absolutely with your comment for me it’s always been Kristofferson then Guy Clark

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

What a complimentary voice Karen had for Guy. Beautiful.

[@areacodine]

Shivers, goosebumps and chills, that's what great songs do.

[@Classof1970]

Favorite line: "I've heard Doc Watson play the Columbus Stockade Blues." That ranks right up there with the David and the Mona Lisa according to Guy and I agree.

[@joemcnair3742]

+Junior Samples The way I see it old Mona was not all that pretty and the David for being 17 feet tall he is pretty poorly endowed. On the other hand Doc never disappointed.

[@joeracer302]

+Joe McNair David was a grower not a shower. Everyone knows that >.

[@rodneypratt4324]

+joeracer302 well said about David sir well said, true fact.

[@rodneypratt4324]

+joeracer302 well said about David sir well said, true fact.

[@courtmanteau3484]

One of my favorite lines in all of music. Brings a tear to the eye. Lucky enough to see them both play live, so it has a special resonance for me. RIP Guy RIP Doc.

[@TomBonnell]

What's not to love? Guy Clark. A King Songwriter!

[@evans5150]

Guy Clark = National TREASURE!!! We need more of him.

[@larryholloway5312]

This song is so amazing, I sing it to myself every day. The stunning Karen, and Jerry Douglas and the other boys are magnificent. I will always love Guy Clark

[@tmertube]

One of his best songs.

[@larryholloway6899]

This is so wonderful, I play it and watch it almost every day. Jerry Douglas, the worlds greatest dobro artist, and that darling Karen Mathnson is the best. Thnaks Guy!

[@andrewmiller4211]

Mr. Clark's stories and his approach in telling them have made me so comfortable throughout the years that I'm just now realizing how spoiled I've become. I can only hope that someone fills this man's great shoes when that time regrettably comes.

[@rbibbe34]

Ryan Bingham

[@willinnewhaven3285]

+Andrew Miller I guess I'm lucky. I will probably go before he does. :-)

[@MorningDove]

Just once I would have loved to sing this song with the "Guy" ~ this one always did get to me 💙

[@calliecox110]

Rest in Peace sir. your music is the greatest!

[@OttieBlue]

So much love whenever this in my head. Amazing! I love this and I truly mean it.

[@tolits18vlog62]

"Dublin Blues" Well, I wished I was in Austin, mmm In the Chili Parlor Bar Drinkin' Mad Dog Margaritas And not carin' where you are But here I sit in Dublin, mmm Just rollin' cigarettes Holdin' back and chokin' back The shakes with every breath So forgive me all my anger Forgive me all my faults There's no need to forgive me For thinkin' what I thought I loved you from the get go And I'll love you till I die I loved you on the Spanish Steps The day you said goodbye I am just a poor boy, mmm Work's my middle name If money was a reason Well, I would not be the same I'll stand up and be counted, mmm I'll face up to the truth I'll walk away from trouble But I can't walk away from you So forgive me all my anger Forgive me all my faults There's no need to forgive me For thinkin' what I thought I loved you from the get go And I'll love you till I die I loved you on the Spanish Steps The day you said goodbye I have been to Fort Worth, mmm And I have been to Spain And I have been too proud To come in out of the rain And I have seen the David, mmm I've seen the Mona Lisa too And I have heard Doc Watson Play Columbus Stockade Blues Forgive me all my anger Forgive me all my faults There's no need to forgive me For thinkin' what I thought I loved you from the get go And I'll love you till I die I loved you on the Spanish Steps The day you said goodbye Well, I wished I was in Austin, mmm In the Chili Parlor Bar Drinkin' Mad Dog Margaritas And not carin' where you are Liverpool, NSW Australia 8.40am Friday 03.15.23

[@jimcunningham5092]

I heard him singing in the Crane Bar in Galway one night nearly 30 years ago. He was in town for a gig in the Great Southern during the Arts Festival and was asked to do a song. A fella beside me asked his mate who the fella singing was. I always remember the reply "Some American, a guy called Clarke"

[@rogernichols3876]

Seen him in Santa Cruz Ca. 1999 I will never forget that night.

[@PaperBrain]

This one's such a classic. But the new Guy Clark album is also fantastic.

[@Dermot-ts5xx]

Rest in peace Blaze Townes,Guy, Steve,j Prine.

[@jussymucky]

Amazing. Guys appreciation for the other musicians around the 3 minute mark is so good to see. Legend. Thanks for posting 😎

[@pnp522]

My new favorite Guy Clark song. You can't have just one.

[@ciatangallaghe2485]

Proper musicians circle that for a proper song. Only getting to Mr Clark now. I'm glad I found him.

[@Guntervoelker]

What excellent musicianship on this recording.

[@BHallBrowser]

What a great version and collaboration! That Irish drum adds such a punch!

[@JW550]

I grew up around Rockport,Texas, where Guy grew up. His Dad was the County Attorney where I was a Deputy Sheriff. I worked with his sister for some years, a finer Texas family you will not find. I am damned proud he is a fellow Texan.

[@williamsallen608]

I love the Transatlantic sessions!

[@jonsouthgen]

Live ! every January in Glasgow ,then on tour. Tickets bought for next year (its a must for us,every year)

[@macklee49]

Great song! Guy Clark is one of the best song writers alive! Karen Matheson is very good, but the best version of this song is the one on the album by the same name with Nanci Griffith doing harmony vocals.

[@kcstoneguy]

what a great verse, "loved you when you said goodbye" , this is the first time I have heard this song...really good

[@allanwyatt9683]

And to think he graced us mere mortals with his presence for too short a time. We aren't worthy...

[@courtmanteau3484]

Love this song. I always think of "When I Paint My Masterpiece" when I hear this. Something about those Spanish Steps... one day I'll make it to Rome.

[@davidskinner6888]

John prine

[@robertguilbault7248]

Saw the Spanish Steps before I heard this song for the first time. Amazing. I love that this song has a worldly view not often expressed in country music. And I suppose I am biased, as I strongly admire all things Guy Clark.

[@suzyharthcock7913]

gorgeous sounds, love you Guy, so, so much. suzy🧖‍♀️🤍🕊️✨🌟

[@user-tk5cw2my5q]

Love you from the get go.what a lovely line

[@cjsb22lr]

The man is a bloody hero--------------go in peace son of the Lone Star

[@Tim22410]

Awesome...sad and poignant lyrics....beautiful and moving. I too, traveled the world trying to find peace and harmony after being 'dumped' by a woman I will always love. Experienced many things, saw things that most people never will, but had no one to share it with.....heartbreak does heal, but it leaves a nasty scar.

[@waterfordrs22]

"I have been to Fort Worth and I have been to Spain- and I have been too proud to come in out of the rain." I have spent the last hour listening to Guy Clark songs. They are so beautifully written with so much heart, every now and again I expect to look over my shoulder and find him sitting there in the room with me. His best stuff certainly can color your way of thinking. Peace Susanna Clark

[@TheLeftyGrove]

How wonderful would it have been to be Doc Watson, hearing this the first time? Awesome song.

[@netw52]

This is perhaps my favorite Guy Clark song ... I'm going to get to see him in a week and can hardly wait to hear this live one more time.

[@cdwoodwi]

One of the songs that changed my life. Guy Clark is the best.

[@jimklym4765]

RIP! One of best! Hope pushes up a lot of "Home Grown Tomatoes"!

[@badgermustelid1203]

LYRICS I wish I was in Austin In the Chili Parlor Bar Drinking Mad Dog Margaritas And not caring where you are But here I sit in Dublin Just rolling cigarettes Holding back and choking back The shakes with every breath [Chorus] Forgive me all my anger Forgive me all my faults There's no need to forgive me For thinking what I thought I loved you from the git go I'll love you till I die I loved you on the Spanish steps The day you said goodbye [Verse 2] I am just a poor boy Work's my middle name If money was a reason I would not be the same I'll stand up and be counted I'll face up to the truth I'll walk away from trouble But I can't walk away from you I have been to Fort Worth I have been to Spain I have been to proud To come in out of the rain I have seen the David I've seen the Mona Lisa too I have heard Doc Watson Play Columbus Stockade Blues [Chorus] [Outro] Well I wished I was in Austin, hmm, in the Chili Parlor Bar Drinking Mad Dog Margaritas and not caring where you are

[@brianmcmillan1925]

what a great love song

[@MyMoppet52]

A national treasure. Sure wish we still had Townes. Thank you so much.

[@brownicb]

Guy Clark is a living legend.

[@joeholman3703]

The memories of past broken relationships floods my mind

[@valverdista]

Yeah Mr. Clark you´ve been in Spain but never in Portugal, what a shame, not for you, but for this damn´ country.

[@lukesloan]

this tune hits me where it counts, no doubt

[@angrylambie]

not many songs can bring water to my eyes

[@ThePorf]

Awesome! Laid back, kicking back, not a care in the world song. Dublin, Tx. Could be he's talking about Dublin, Ireland though with that bodhran he's got playing behind him. No matter! Same difference! Ya'll come back! See you in a Wee bit!

[@Katcrazy7]

I really like this video of this song! He always does it great! It kinda fits anyone that ever lost a real love ! I love songs about real life! LOL Drinkin the cheapest most horrible tasteing drink, in order to forget about someone that you loved , but, craped on you.... gotta love it!

[@Chrismayo1981]

This isn't country... this is just great music...

[@jeffreylebowski5813]

One of the greats. Rip Guy Rip Townes

[@thomasdungl8493]

So much wonderful ... I have written an Viennice slang version of it in May 14 ... Thnx 4 sharin' so much!

[@valverdista]

But at least in your country you have country music festivals, in my the only way of watching and listen this genre of music is goig to youtube... ciao and keep always on country.

[@MacroThomas-kd3ch]

Perfect

[@stratocaster1greg]

just found about him today, will be thanking my buddies for turning me on to this. great music.

[@hitman9900]

BURIED WITHIN THIS GREAT SONG IS A VERSE ABOUT THREE GENIUSES: "I HAVE SEEN THE DAVID (MICHAELANGELO) SEEN THE MONA LISA TOO (DAVINCI) AND I HAVE HEARD DOC WATSON (GREATEST ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYER) PLAY COLUMBUS STOCKADE BLUES!!"

[@Scratch_Monsters_Golf]

hitman9900 very true, however, I’m not sure I’d say they’re buried. No attempt is made to obscure them, nor are any of the three lesser known figures in their fields.

[@atthebridge]

If I'd been watching another channel the night this was on I might never have heard of Guy Clark. So long mate, you still had so much to say.

[@dwightstone2827]

Rest in peace, brother!

[@usercubby11]

Guy Clark is great. These Transatlantic Sessions are remarkable. Thanks for sharing!

[@raggersragnarsson6255]

Check out the Jarrod Dickenson cover who keeps this man's music alive. Jarrod is an amazing texan artist who does this song justice and also his wife sings wonderfully with him.

[@townside_woodcraft]

this tune was the first thing that came to mind earlier today when a friend told me Doc Watson had died....

[@dublinskunkfiend1235]

One of my favorite Guy Clark songs. From Dublin.

[@lowellirish]

Love the bodhran!

[@whipcrack259]

Play this song at my funeral, should I warrant one.

[@louiswilson9433]

Me to brother

[@occasionsphoto]

this was a very productive period for Guy

[@jdsol1938]

1995 , 20 years ago ,time passes fast when you are having fun

[@timgriffin3021]

Guy Clark will always be a class act.

[@hudsontoo1212]

True outlaw Texan. We miss you down here old man.

[@Roadtrip635]

I can't recall The Texas Chili Parlor serving "Mad Dog Margaritas", but they used to serve up $1.00 screwdrivers and bloodymarys around the time this song was written. There was a great sign above the bar that said "NO FOO-FOO DRINKS".

[@darrelllatham6086]

This is what the Truth sounds like. RIP GC.

[@dalelacey5651]

Gets better each time you watch, eh.

[@dalelacey5651]

From the tone of your various comments, you don't seem too happy, Wooden Nickel. Hope you're okay.

[@wwalkerp]

One of the top 3 song writers ever

[@Autarkes]

Guy is right to mention Doc Watson in almost the same breath as the Mona Lisa.

[@Country822]

Absolutely Stunning!!!!

[@rockymountainrose8189]

Love this song.

[@mikejfusa]

we will continue to listen

[@gsquared38]

@5562BigMike THANKS BIG MIKE I bought that cd a few years back ,it is AWESOME! I love the story about the gold tooth!! I am a huge Steve Earle fan, and that cd is how i discovered Guys Music What a great songwriter!!

[@aquaerik]

Now we all go listen to Doc Watson video doing Columbus Stockade Blues right?

[@tazzjp]

awesome.............

[@floafy1]

Must be sumthin in Texas water to have produced so many incredible songwriters; TVZ, Mr. Clark, James McMurtry, Blaze Foley, Rodney Crowell, etc.

[@thomaskline]

Butch Hancock and Billy Joe Shaver need r

[@angrylambie]

Just found out there is an actual Chili Parlor Bar that serves Mad Dog Margaritas in Austin

[@cherrypickerguitars]

I’m a full step away from my idols, Guy and Townes. By that I mean I’ve never met them in person. But I’ve spent some considerable time with their acolyte, Steve Earle, and thru him, I feel I know them. Great vid - thanks

[@kevinconner3112]

If this doesn't get you feeling, I don't know what will.

[@mstupidbritishperson]

he just takes it to the next level, eh?! what a man!

[@wh023]

I've only been to Austin once but if I ever go back, first stop will be the Texas Chili Parlor and I'll make sure to blast this in the car on the way.