Iris Dement performs in Lancaster, PA -Justice Rolls Like Water- Feb. 6 & 7, 2015

The Lancaster Roots and Blues Festival - 8 venues with over 60 different artists!! We took the Amtrak over from Pittsburgh and walked everywhere once we got to the hotel. A BEAUTIFUL city, NICE people, a well-run festival and a GREAT line up. I shot 37 videos from a dozen or so artists. WORTH EVERY PENNY AND WE'LL BE BACK NEXT YEAR. This is amateur video. I do not monetize or profit in any way from it. I post it to promote the artist and the live music venues. If the artist or anyone appearing disapproves, PLEASE contact me via KZbin and I will make accommodations. Tim

[@krpbdp]

No one sings like Iris! What a gift. Glad I was in the audience.

[@robtdj]

My My, to rediscover Iris from nearly 40 years ago...still the honest, sweet soul she ever was.

[@MatthewjeffersonTodd]

I always fancied Iris,,so beautiful,when she sung with John Prine..i thought she was magical...luckily she is not just beautiful with great musical talent,she has outstanding morals !

[@jimkolberg9500]

This is just the most amazing performance. Wow !! What a voice, what talent. It's Epic!

[@kathleenfinney4566]

I love you 😍

[@MatthewjeffersonTodd]

She is so wonderful...to quote... Let the Mystery Be

[@stellamoore2494]

I am loving Iris .First time I have heard her..what a fine.

[@tomfox3422]

I love your songs iris love your sweet voice

[@AmericanaBarTVUK]

The wonderful Iris Dement, must see more of her here in the UK, please....... TUKAB

[@holistic_radical]

Justice Rolls Like Water - Iris Dement Someone asked a question once, of Martin Luther King How long do you stay the course and dream the dream When it seems evil’s won and greed is on the throne And you feel like a silenced voice in the wilderness all alone Oh, how long, how long? He said, ‘till justice rolls down like water 'Till justice rolls down like water 'Till justice rolls down like water And righteousness starts flowing like a mighty stream A little boy ‘bout ten years old sits watching his TV He’s alone ‘most every night ‘till two or three 'Though his mama works two jobs, she still can’t make ends meet And sees the fat cats lie and steal but they always go scot free He says how long, how long? Till that justice rolls down like water…… Power greed and profit, they won't ever feed the soul These three shovels have dug us a deep dark hole Compassion, understanding, and living one for all And all for one is what it’s gonna take for us to break this fall Oh how long, how long? 'Till that justice rolls down like water……. --------------------------------------- Pretty awsome, yes?

[@kerryevans1562]

Indeed Thank you Greetings from Dublin Ireland brother and sisters

[@almaburns6562]

Appreciate the video very much, Tim. How lucky you are to get to hear Iris DeMent in person!

[@gregharstone7599]

Nice to have kind people who want change in your country and can so well !

[@jamesturnbaugh9364]

Angel right there !

[@jkb1O5]

Iris DeMent: "that can change"

[@holistic_radical]

This musically amazing, and spiritually and politically profound, song deserves wide recognition, but there is vertually nothing online about it, other than this and one other video of lesser fidelity. I'm learning to play it (it's quite a challenge to hear it correctly and figure it out, with no help from other's instruction) and will perform it at local open mics.

[@johnnybx3254]

Sad! God Bless us all!

[@karinberryman7970]

Well, Iris is a new discovery for me, and why it's taken so long is a huge pity! A great musician, singer and composer! And yet here in Australia our radio stations are taken up with something like 90% trash!

[@franbazos4718]

How have I missed this great woman? Love her music and her message

[@ComeOnPeopleThink]

only 90%

[@SuperDavey33]

Great stuff

[@megwheelerbarnes]

Iris I wish this were the campaign song. I just found this. You're so amazing. I sent it to Kamala suggested she get your permission to use this in some ads... (a little late!) LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@holistic_radical]

The corporate Democrats betray the call for economic (and other) justice called for by this song, at every turn. They are not worthy.

[@TheDwstewart]

WOW - I truely love Iris - I want her for President she speaks for everyone - much better than Trump or Biden..

[@countofla]

I always love it when I pay good money to see a singer and end up getting a lecture on politics or economics. But I've been a fan of Iris' music for decades.

[@rd350c]

Back when musicians were expected to have a shred of integrity, it was the musicians who took the lead on our political struggles. The Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement and government oppression were all subjects that were broached head-on by the popular artists of my day. Iris writes songs that decry the social situation today - that is who she is. We need more artists like her.

[@justinshively9530]

rd350c well said

[@countofla]

It's pretty arrogant for a singer to be so convinced he or she knows better than everyone else and therefore has the right to scold the captive audience that paid to hear songs, not politics.

[@rd350c]

It's pretty stupid for a person to pay money to see someone who put out "Wasteland of the Free" and countless other political songs, and who has recorded with John Prine and countess other "activist" singers and then not expect to hear a political message.

[@countofla]

rd350c Well, Countess, I've seen her more than a dozen times live, all without political diatribes.

[@gjmaztr7]

Country Music is 'about complaining and critiquing the wrongs' dont forget Woody Guthrie, Waylon Jennings, Lefty, and whole lot more singers.

[@victoriafreudenthal4528]

Ammazing!

[@peterturner714]

Just treat Iris as a brilliant, unique artist and listen to her soul through the music. Forget the politics. Peter Turner, Old England.

[@atombomb31458]

tell iris that as well...cripe she was droning on. i have her music and ive seen her in concert.

[@barrylitchfield8357]

Peter, There is a New England here in the USA, but it's so dang liberal it's not worth mentioning! I'll stick with your Old England version!

[@Kershekm]

I am glad she made the political/social comment at the beginning of the song. We need more artists speaking out.

[@atombomb31458]

maybe they could tax you more

[@kennymartin3416]

There is a time and place for everything.a musical concert is not any one of those things.

[@holistic_radical]

How is she doing that on the piano? Sounds like a carnival,. She's reminding me of a John. Elton or Dr. Awesome.

[@couerleroi1]

Reminds me of Dylan

[@holistic_radical]

Just as I was really working on getting a good feel for playing this song, I discovered this slower version that was just posted: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y32yopmQnq2abs0 It's from three years after this 2015 version. It's really interesting that you can see Iris tending to increase the tempo and then forcing herself to slow it down. Just as I have been doing in learning it myself.

[@toneman335]

The piano is too loud in the mix.

[@bobb3099]

Turn the piano down

[@saml2043]

No shit and the vocal UP

[@blueticecho5690]

Please.. Iris little less of that hippie chatter and more of that fantastic voice. singing..

[@michaelduncan2375]

Y hrrtyii

[@Northyorkspaul]

not my fault Iris! did not get to the song,dont want lecture from Millionaire.

[@4orrcountry]

Iris is NOT a millionaire.

[@jaypino2642]

Please stop the preaching!

[@barbaratarbell9897]

Less philosophizing. Please. I just want to hear her sing, all new to me.

[@TheGrasspond]

I guess no need for individual responsibility. That woman obviously had no role in her own circumstances. Don't get me wrong, I have no tolerance for gluttony' of the rich. But Ms. Dement is wrong if she thinks we can hand money out to fix the problem. Side note, how does a 55 year old women look and act 30 years older?

[@marthacraven1343]

When you pay to see a performer and the politics start - that’s not what you came to hear. We get that daily where ever we turn. Just remember we know what’s going on and we just want to get away from it for a little while. Can you blame us ?

[@rickswift4268]

Yes I can blame you

[@jastewar8830]

Martha Craven I can’t blame you you came to be entertained not listening to her political views

[@jysmtl]

With Iris, this is part of what you get. Her views, her passions are part of the package.

[@LuckyGuu]

Long live President Donald Trump!

[@peterturner714]

Trump is a disgrace to the good name of America. Please find a peaceful way to remove his odious way of life from public view. Peter Turner

[@my81lowrider]

I'm waiting for hi, m to say.' Im not a president I just play one on tv@@peterturner714

[@bryansheehan9672]

ESADIAF, dipstick! Benedict Donald has claimed to love the poorly educated, and you're stupid enough to lick his tiny poisonous mushroom, deplorable shytehead!

[@rabokarabekian409]

Indeed, I fervently hope he lives long enough to whisper, "Rosebud."

[@stephanielee9407]

Gods bless and keep donald trump…far away from me.

[@trj1955]

When will these performers learn to keep their political views to their selves.

[@TryhardFailson]

trj1955 When they stop writing, composing, and performing. She's not a short order cook. You don't own her.

[@TheKASOT]

Because becoming a performer does not require that you give up your right to freedom of speech. No one is forced to listen. Sometimes it is an enriching experience for people, for instance, to do some listening. If we live in the world of athiests, cynics. right wingers, and hate mongering "entertainers" it is a grand relief to hear from gentle, loving voices. It is my belief that Iris does more than you ever will for people who are disadvantaged. Furthermore, she didn't sell out to "Nashville", she and other folk singers never did, Their voices and their very beings are a delightful relief from the gymnasts who perform at "The Grand Ole Opry" Iris DeMent is genuine. To me that is worth my money....just sayin" If your aganda was not fascistic, you'd be much happier.

[@davidbowman5105]

just shut up and dribble mentality.

[@georgemcelroy3058]

Everyone had a right to speak their mind, even you.

[@bobb3099]

Leave your politics and moral judgments at home and just Sing to entertain

[@holistic_radical]

So, what do you want her to do? Not sing words, just la la la, 'cuz words are usually about something. Most pleople like songs with words that are about life, and include feelings and passion as well as wisdom and knowlege. Is it ok if music is soulful? About important issues? Most great music is. Iris's first song was a bittersweet lament about the lost life of an abandoned town. This is a very beautiful articstic, spiritual, and yes politial expression from an amazing artist. You must be threated somehow by that beauty. What is your freaking problem?

[@jysmtl]

That’s Iris.

[@MsJoybird1]

When musicians become politicians it is sad! I liked her until she gives us this rant! Changes my entire view!

[@ckuehncnwhsyt]

Make you a bit uncomfortable because you know in your heart she's right?

[@KSMike1]

I love her and her music (especially her earlier work), but there’s no such thing as “50% of the wealth.” Go out and make it; they’ll print more. And no, minimum wage was never meant to raise a family on.

[@ckuehncnwhsyt]

@@KSMike1 Neither was minimum wage ever intended to expand to where it represents as large a portion of the economy's payroll as it now does. Grow up.

[@KSMike1]

Charles Kuehn I’m grown up enough to have graduated from college and built a successful IT career over 32 years. Why did I do that? Because once upon a time I had minimum wage jobs, like most teenagers, and knew I was not about to spend the rest of my life doing that. Try a little growing up yourself.

[@ckuehncnwhsyt]

@@KSMike1 Way ahead of you in the growing up department my friend. I served my time in college. Then I got smart and spent forty years as a union ironworker. I am now retired with a golden pension. I doubt you or any of your ilk would have lasted past coffee break on your first day at my trade. You people demonstrate with every utterance how little you know of real labor. But I digress. The real value of labor is what it costs a human being (and his dependents) to live during the period in which said labor is performed. As with any business, there's a minimum cost of operation which must be met. Anything beyond that may be largely determined by your almighty free market. The argument that minimum wage was not meant to be family-supporting is dead-on. But again, neither was it intended to expand into the pervasive part of our economy it now occupies. Iris is right and a big chunk of America agrees with her. Deal with it.

[@kennymartin3416]

I love Iris , but I go to a concert to be entertained and , for two hours or so , forget about the outside world and it's many problems. The last thing I want to hear is a political speech. This is the way the whole world is, we all know it..

[@rd350c]

if you know Iris well enough to "love" her and you're disappointed because she injects social justice themes into her music, the disconnect starts somewhere in your brain, not her's

[@kennymartin3416]

@@rd350c and who asked your opinion.?? I cannot see Iris endorsing your nasty little tripe.

[@thegolem797]

Martin Kenny putting your opinion on social media is an open invitation for replies. We have few enough artists expressing their social conscience and I would be happy to sit through an evening of Iris’ music and song.

[@kennymartin3416]

@@thegolem797 I buy tickets to be entertained, not to hear a bunch of meaningless political bullshit. If I want to listen to bullshit I'll turn on CNN or fox . What u do with your time is up to u ", me" I write songs and play my music, I do not preach from a stage.

[@4orrcountry]

@@kennymartin3416 By giving YOUR opinion, Martin, YOU automatically invite others to give theirs.

[@mikem8497]

Iris would do better if she avoided politics.

[@TheKASOT]

It's her gig, Kim, she is doing what she loves and what she is.....that is why she shunned the big time....she does not sell herself to the highest bidder.

[@rd350c]

Back when musicians were expected to have a shred of integrity, it was the musicians who took the lead on our political struggles. The Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement and government oppression were all subjects that were broached head-on by the popular artists of my day. Iris writes songs that decry the social situation today - that is who she is. We need more artists like her.

[@jofape1]

What a stupid comment.

[@richarddugal3213]

Well Iris , donate to these poor , pull out your wallet! Take enough to live on and help! When your asking government to do it, it cost more because its government!

[@davidbowman5105]

They said the same thing to Woodie Guthrie.

[@tombristowe846]

At the 2min 50 sec mark and I'm wondering ...is she ever going to sing instead of mumbling into the mike. I can't stand celebs who virtue signal. Of course she's entitled to her opinion but if I had paid to hear her sing I would not want to listen to her take on social justice. Fact; extreme poverty has been reduced in the world by a factor of three times since year 2000. (It's now 2019)(World Bank statistics) That's not a bad effort. Of course much remains to be done but how about a bit of credit where it's due rather than the endless social justice whinge. Love her voice though.

[@holistic_radical]

Tom Bristow She is not mumbleing, she's speaking sofly and clearly. So, I guess you would rather she sing her pretty tune with her pretty voice with nonsense syllables instead of having a heartfelt message about the state of our world? You sound like an emotional and intellectual coward who wants to stay in denial about economic inequality and its consequences. Nothing in your comment shows that you really considered anything she said or sang. Whatever is going on with those statistics you refer to doesn't change the reality iris is talking about. Or the relevance and beauty of her final verse: Power greed and profit will never feed the soul These three shovels have dug us a deep dark hole Passion understanding and living one for all And all for one is what it's going to take to right this wrong

[@rabokarabekian409]

Yep, sleep on. Pottersville is ok.