He Reached Down - Iris DeMent

Iris Dement - vocals and piano
Joan Osborne - harmony vocals
Bruce Molsky - harmony vocals and fiddle
Sharon Shannon - button accordion
Jerry Douglas - dobro
banjo
Aly Bain - fiddle
Todd Parks - bass

[@tomf429]

The best description of her voice is a single word - pure. When she sings, it's like stepping out of a shower fresh and clean.

[@prestola43170]

I still get chills listening to her sing in 2023. Hope her music continues through the ages. Such an angelic voice.

[@lafayettedad]

Had no plans on crying today until I heard this song.

[@johnsegriff28]

Iris Dement makes me want to be just a kinder, caring and humble person; can't imagine her singing anything or saying something she didn't know was true.This gal could united a nation; I believe today's radio needs to play this gal asmuch as possible, but there are others out there, that are never heard of; I guessmost dogs will eat what we give them; it's a shame, but I bet even Jesus is a big fanof Iris Dement; knows every song too. lol

[@Scanjoon]

A voice that is pure Americana with the subtleness of Appalachia Celctic heritage seeping through. Kudos to those who enjoy her voice and her style; it takes a person having a wide music appreciation and a connection with American history.

[@kylewinter8766]

You can tell how good a musician is by the folks who are willing to accompany them. Iris is GOOD and in GOOD company.

[@carollivelight4914]

Heart and soul of Appalachia! No one can sing this gospel song like Iris Dement. Comes right from her own heart.

[@AoA421]

The Heart and soul of Appalachia... direct from Paragould.... Arkansas.

[@carollivelight4914]

She captured the song and the spirit of a people! She is truly an empath in song ~

[@trogus02]

Till last week i had never heard of Iris. She does sing straight from her heart. And there is Joan Osbourne too.

[@gordonfifield6807]

Carol LiveLight has

[@eddieosullivan4452]

Beautiful , I heard Iris singing this in Vicar Street Dublin on Sat.and it hasn't left my head since ,,,

[@CoffeePot42]

I had this song run through my mind for entire night sleep. The demons took a break. Iris is a National Treasure!

[@terryhennessy4980]

Amen ❤️‍🔥

[@truthsetsyoufree4022]

What a wonderful way to put it!

[@Suggestion_Box_Full]

My grandma passed last night,this song has always brought me peace in times of need,to you mam' I want to thank you if you ever get to read this...

[@johnanthony9313]

There's two women's voices that capture "American" for me...this lovely lady Iris DeMent and my beloved daughter in law Janiva Magness. They are American womanhood singing to my British heart.

[@mcbigham]

If she sang at my church I would never miss a Sunday, I love to hear Iris sing.

[@marklowrie9973]

I get that her voice is not for everyone, I love it myself, has that haunting quality to it. Not religious myself but strangely like songs like this and she does it so well. The musicians are some of the best in the world.

[@martinsnook1061]

Had a Freshman Comp professor who ALWAYS sayed: Avoid the cliche'....What makes Bob Dylan....Neil Young....et al, is they are different sounding and most of all, they're so good that they can pull it off. Everyone appreciates a tribute band, but these guys are ORIGINAL!! AKA....Iris Dement!!

[@alexwardle8108]

Spot on my musical friend 🌞

[@frank1720]

You better recon with the lord JESUS

[@peterbedford380]

Not just her voice but the beautiful musicianship of the group

[@electrojones]

I love her voice. I'm a very recent fan, and I can't get enough of her lately.

[@josephhinkley4692]

+electrojones same here. I never heard ofher until I heard her on The Leftovers (HBO series). Like you I can't get enough of her and I am not big into country music. Iris' songs and her singing is addictive. She is one of the greats IMO.

[@johnnyd4247]

+Joseph Hinkley That's her on the porch singing Pretty Saro" in the movie Songcatcher". KZbin it.

[@johi400]

+Johnny D I did. I saw the film a few years or so ago and had no idea who Iris was. Now I know in spades and I'm glad I finally got introduced to this amazing person and her music..

[@dragmyre]

+electrojones ME,TOO. try "leaning on the everlasting arms"

[@Antlers68]

Same with me. I'm a fan now. Her music touches me.

[@TheBarcud]

The specialist said "You've got to have the operation - this condition never gets better". But people prayed, and He reached down - praise the Name of Jesus!

[@whotoinfinity]

Of all the Jesus stories, have to say the Good Samaritan one is my fave. No doubt because I've been blessed to meet a few.

[@NickLikesToSweepPick]

Her music helped me through some hard times in my life. And I don't think I'll ever be able to put my finger on it, which is strange, but it brought me back to where I should be in my head.

[@johnmulej6328]

Me to brother she is a angel 😇

[@truthsetsyoufree4022]

Jesus helped you, through her music! ❤

[@LouiseKeohane-sk2vn]

I too love her voice and I have her discs. I sit each evening listening on my phone In the day I listen on my Bang & Olufsen

[@melanigaster]

Truth is simple and plain. It's right in front of us. Look....there it is.

[@Trailergroom]

Wonderful song from "Lifeline" - written by Iris DeMent. That albums transcends religion and tells me of values of kindness, community, friendship and hope.

[@RIDETHESUNSHINE]

Psalm 40:1-4 Modern English Version For the Music Director. A Psalm of David. 1 I waited patiently for the Lord, and He turned to me, and heard my cry. 2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet on a rock, and established my steps. 3 He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God; many will see it, and fear, and will trust in the Lord. 4 Blessed is the man who places trust in the Lord, but does not turn toward the proud, nor those falling away to falsehood. Amen!

[@kerryg100]

You look at the faces of Joan Osborne and Sharon Shannon at the end of the song you will see how much respect the have for Iris Says it all really ...yet another gem Thanks

[@RIDETHESUNSHINE]

“Safety comes in our nearness to God, not in our distance from our enemies.” ― Dillon Burroughs, Hunger No More: A 1-Year Devotional Journey Through the Psalms

[@katiehartsock4668]

I heard Iris DeMent play and sing this in August 2024 in Ann Arbor, MI at the Ark, and it made my life better forever.

[@speedypatriot5211]

That is a top of the shelf lineup of musicians right there!

[@jeffhunt2778]

Reminds me of singing on the porch with my buddies way back when. Except for the whole talent issue, of course.

[@JANNE0844]

Our Iris De Ment ..for ever !

[@geoffburke3010]

I recently discovered this wonderful lady when I heard her singing Leaning at the end of True Grit. Such a soulful genuine voice, she sings with feeling and insight, a treasure.

[@MickTheQuickk]

Stunningly beautiful. I'm from NYC, pretty far from Kentucky, but Iris' music does it for me every time.

[@earledavidson880]

+MickTheQuickk she lives in Paragould, Arkansas.

[@tomy5868]

+Earle Davidson think she is from Paragould...lives in Iowa now...

[@billwidner6044]

She was born in Paragould AR. Her family move to California a short time later. That doesn't stop me from being a proud Arkansan because we can lay claim to such a tremendous talent

[@michaelbresciani9428]

So unique! I once got permission to record Iris song "Sweet is the Melody." This is a classic woman, an American treasure.

[@jjkcharlie]

I was raised on this type of music. Just found out about Iris Demint a few years ago, and really enjoy her singing.

[@ruthboykin9873]

Beautiful song, beautiful music, beautiful singer!

[@frankbruun2572]

Iris creates a magic atmosphere when she sings, so pure so beautiful 🥰

[@29473gl]

I want to say how great the band is great strings and back up,so lucky to be with iris you all do each other credit with great sounds

[@maryplaidy6814]

Excellent! Takes me back to my youth in Appalachia.

[@grumpywine]

From a long time Iris admirer, I declare this song,.....nay, her entire repertoire is without pretension. 'O that we could allbenefit from her solace and outlook........

[@Reiffan]

Haunting and yearning voice. Never heard a voice like this!

[@angelroma6974]

Iris is the Balm of Gilead! I Love Iris!

[@ronniegarland8750]

I just cant get enough of her music thanks for the down loads

[@texasbluegrassfan]

This sound is God's answer to rap music, and Iris is surely God's favorite angel!

[@Nonduality]

Real rap music is the answer to most popular rap music. I don't know Iris but I'll bet her appreciation for real rap is no different than her appreciation of anything genuine. Give me real rap to fake country anytime.

[@fukc26]

This is the answer to pop nonsense country

[@LANCSKID]

The much underrated Iris Dement comes to Transatlantic Sessions again ... and rightly so, she is a great singer, a real talent and one to be cherished. This is from Transatlantic Sessions 3 (available on DCD) and repeated ad nauseum on BBC4 (great!)

[@folkneverdies]

FOLKNEVERDIES : WHAT A SINGER WHAT A BAND WHAT A SONG ..i can here this over and over and get touched deep everytime....timeless

[@charleshenry-jm9rd]

Here are the best singers and the best musicians to let us listen pure music. Thank you-

[@jamesoliver5688]

Iris is of course a "Keeper" ! And it just so happens we all are keepers .Every one of us . Because He did reach down and did not fail to save us all 2013 years ago . Enjoy your life , your family and friends for they are yours . I also thoroughly enjoyed Iris and John Prine in their duet "In spite of ourselves " . It is so funny ! I laughed a lot . Makes me smile inside !

[@jd450lh]

This is the first I've heard this song and I loved it from beginning to end. I remember that the story this song tells originated from the Bible & Iris and all the band and singers did a most reverent rendition. If I'm not mistaken, Iris is a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, which only adds to the quality of this song. Thanks for posting this video...I thouroughly enjoyed it. God Bless, Jeff :)

[@richardpentelow655]

I think that you will find that she is a humanist rather than a christian. Not that it matters really, does it?

[@TROGON104]

Iris always appears astounded by both her talent and the wonders of her world.There is an innocence in her interpretations which we should all seek out in this time of pandering to the lowest common denominator.

[@baulan511]

Un coup direct au coeur. Merveilleux !

[@29473gl]

what is there to say she is one of the vary down to earth best I ever listering to

[@slamarine]

I've been a fan of Iris for a long time and knew she played the piano as well as the guitar, but this is the first time I've actually seen her do it. She's so down-home and "real." I agree with Stella Johnson's remark below ... wish I could sit on her porch and listen to them play!

[@paulpost9737]

Dear Iris, thank you for your music, for your character and rightness that shines light into my life each time I listen to work work. Such a blessing to have you here and now and doing such heartfelt honest and humble music. Such an inspiration and gift for my heart. --Paul

[@ken170647]

Love this song. Iris and Joan together! Exciting!

[@jimichk]

no smoke and fireworks needed here... pure sounds from heaven!!!!

[@jimichk]

don't really cry much but the tears flow on this,it hits me hard where i live.

[@ralphreeseart]

Yes this always brings a tear to my eye.... who has not wished for someone to reach down to us and take our pain away?

[@captined]

she makes me feel at peace

[@marvf78]

This is one of the Best songs ever! Awesome message to all of us and sung beautifully and fantastic old-time instruments. thanks a bunch, Iris

[@derrickrendall]

Love this. Iris is a true gem. Hoping she returns with a new album before too long (it's already been too long!).

[@robinmatyjasek7390]

It occurs to me that we are witnessing an absolutely unique event. Not repeatable in this life, and probably, the next either...

[@mandocraz]

what a song one of many Iris brings alive with her voice and passion and her writing .

[@Suggestion_Box_Full]

i love her so...cannot copy true talent,god has truly blessed us with th is gem of a voice to hear

[@marklowrie9973]

So much musical talent here, have seen many of these musicians in other videos. Wish I had learned to play something, so admire these artists.

[@trogus02]

Never too late to learn,even if you drum your hands on the table top. Kinda makes you part of the music.

[@uncatila]

anyone can learn. get a good classical guitar . they have videos on youtube and that take you step by step in any song you want to learn

[@darbydupree4056]

I love both Joan and Iris.

[@clarebannerman]

Very unique and beautiful singing of a lovely song.

[@jimjiminy2001]

Thank you for sharing. That really spoke to my heart. Our Christian radio stations stick to contemporary, pop, rock, and praise and worship. Although they play great music, we miss out on other great music of different genre, such as this one.

[@lloydporter1610]

What an outstanding voice.

[@kirppuntutti]

Exactly! Right on James Oliver! And you are right about that song with John Prine. My husband loves that song now too. I think it might be our anthem, LOL

[@rickwoodward4709]

Jerry Douglas on dobro - amazing talent!

[@abirdynumnum9612]

The "ordinary" is touched and transformed, gloriously! Thank you, Iris.

[@kirppuntutti]

No greater compliment could a music artist receive. Good on ya Nick McLean.

[@CFMD28]

I can't stop listening to it.

[@me42dogs]

a voice of an angel. amazingly super outstandingly out this world, a voice any one would love in my opinion, xxx to Iris

[@VICTORTASSIETIGER]

Brilliant, what a unique voice...

[@waynejett7828]

The first line I heard Iris sing was "My father died a year ago today ..." in her song "No Time To Cry." So honest, direct, unpretentious. That "My Life" album is wonderful. My sister just performed this song in church today. So blessed by such talent.

[@moor710]

Thanks for loading this it is so good to be reminded we all need mercy not judgement ..

[@BobDerrick-o8r]

A very wonderful voice.

[@grahamgh9173]

what can you say but fantastic voice and song.

[@johnhoubopedersen1295]

that brings tears

[@Katy51844]

I was almost afraid to comment that this song made me believe in heaven.

[@rickedwards7276]

She doesn’t

[@enlightenedsoul7145]

I just love her voice💛💜💛

[@tinykoenraads2573]

Bless You Iris……………………Fantastic

[@sandragillespie5126]

I love this music and shes wonderful!

[@Elderwilliam]

Just a brilliant singer

[@tx01cowboy]

Wow just beautiful .

[@johncohechee4729]

each word she sings you feel emotion showing thru. This is real not like the new stuff. Nice to see some people care to keep this music alive for all to hear forever. I love you Iris

[@booth805]

wow........... outstanding!!

[@claudeedgarruest6212]

Super good song woooo!!

[@randyward9745]

Amazing voice and music

[@dinnerbucket9]

Exquisite.

[@molloyx]

Daniel. Thanks for overlooking my choice of words and at the same getting the soul of my appreciation for her music and presence. I am an unashamed agnostic and so find this exquisite lament all the more touching.

[@morganrieder6281]

She's a powerful gal; she can pierce your heart.

[@strollby4800]

what a voice, fantastic

[@1SECRETBILLY]

Thank God for the light house and when Iris Dement sings,

[@alkalitta3427]

what a voice feel good music

[@leonardgoodwin25]

AWESOME SOOTHING TUNE!!THNX FOR UPLOAD!!!!(:-)))))

[@bazthehandyman]

Lovely.......just lovely !

[@valpurves45]

magic!!

[@scottrichard2735]

Absolutely! Is this your favorite song?

[@LadyLegz]

Gosh I love her...always have.. wish I could sit on a front porch with her and just listen to them all sing and play.. sigh..

[@bluewalnuts688]

Beautiful as usual from iris.

[@tinykoenraads2573]

Iris, wat is dit prachtig...........................

[@bazthehandyman]

In the top of my favourites !!

[@stephenhayesuk]

thanks for this, I'm off to Amazon.......