Iron & Wine performing "The Trapeze Swinger" Live on KCRW

Watch / Listen to the full session here: www.kcrw.com/mu...
Beast Epic is the sixth album from Sam Beam under the moniker Iron & Wine. Everything was recorded live with minimal overdubbing, giving the songs a distinct vulnerability and, as always, honesty. He returns to our studio for a live set.
www.kcrw.com
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[@abbyratliff7378]

My boyfriend found this song in a "rabbit hole" on youtube over a year ago. I thought it was beautiful then. He passed away suddenly two weeks after his 44th birthday. Now this song hits me even more. I think it's an absolute masterpiece. I really listen and take in ever word. It's ironic really, it almost soothes my pain sometimes. He introduced me to such a beautiful song they helps me cope with him being gone.

[@ibraheem6619]

i found this in a youtube rabbit hole a year ago too!

[@regalshot.2423]

I'm so sorry for your loss

[@wagalashi]

I wish you'd two never have had to depart but I'm glad you both had each other for the time you did

[@staciamcclure7480]

May his memory be a blessing

[@regalshot.2423]

So very sorry for your loss

[@Rottingboards]

To my sister in law that fought cancer. You were incredible.

[@rupakjain7291]

I truly truly hope everybody who listens to this song gets to recieve a hug right after. We need it.

[@LKRaider]

Social distance rule says no :(

[@anamitraroy1681]

:")

[@Ligierthegreensun]

I honestly love this song but never listen to it because it puts me in such a sad mood.

[@happeningwalks8499]

Absolutely 🙌

[@starseternals8185]

This makes me miss someone I’ve never met

[@keychan8056]

Haha same 😂😂

[@valeriejewell2015]

Just because we've never met, doesn't mean I'm not close!!

[@valeriejewell2015]

Please don't miss me, I'm right here in your neighborhood....

[@bennadin3566]

I still haven't had my fill of this and I've been listening to it a couple times a week for the last three years. It's just a beautiful, beautiful masterpiece.

[@alexzumwalt1151]

Totally

[@mikecyim]

Indeed, it is. The ending is hypnotic.

[@annettefranklin1453]

Ditto

[@bluejack644]

Everything is just vibrating particles at the quantum level. Musical vibrations can help us to achieve a harmonic resonance that balances our frequency with that of nature, each other, our emotions, our health and our reality. It's a beautiful thing to twirl and spin in the ocean that is this cornucopia of life. God bless the troubadour's and poets who play for us as we dance in this mysterious medium.

[@mrcreeperman13]

@@bluejack644 damn, didn't expect to see such a deep comment on youtube ever 😂👌 but i feel you, keep on dancing my fellow bunch of vibrating particles

[@frederickburkle1629]

It makes me cry every time

[@Rottingboards]

I know! Every time.

[@GrahamHancock-i1e]

I play a version of this at all my friends' funerals. God, I hope those days are over. If not, I'll play it again. I hope someone knows me well enough to to play it it at mine

[@herodotus53]

I’m gonna go ahead and say it- Sam is the greatest and most imaginative lyricist since Paul Simon. This song in particular breaks me, and puts me back together again.

[@Whatdaballllllllllio]

I’ve never thought of it, but your comparison to Paul Simon is spot on! And I love both.

[@charleseich7796]

That's exactly what just happened to me the past 9 minutes

[@mikecyim]

Robert Zimmerman wasn’t too bad either, but I’m hearing you. This song is magical, the full band and backup vocalists are amazing. The last 2 minutes, wow.

[@BillGuy]

It took me years to realize that Bob Dylan is the best. That said, Sam Beam is amongst the greatest.

[@IAmHoTSHoTzz]

@@BillGuy I don't think there is a "best", I just think there's the "greatest". Writers, all, either in a league of their own, or in the same spectrum of quality, yet all different.

[@melsenger84]

I love this song so much I have "Who the hell can see forever" tattooed prominently on my forearm

[@sunesnigel]

Is it time stamped at 5:01? 😄 Cool idea, I wish I was braver like that.

[@multiplayermadness9315]

Almost got “In you I see further, can it last forever” tattooed on my arm. Tempted to get that on one and this on the other now 😅

[@DarthJaynus]

This is hands down the most wholesome comment section that exists on KZbin. Cheers, everybody.

[@tacticaltuna1019]

Love always wins

[@danielorloski3784]

This is the greatest song I've ever heard

[@RottenSkull]

Hats off to the bassist. Not only that he is still rocking it, but that he is still bleeding notes and music. You can really see at 4:35 how he is inside this wave of emotions.

[@carlohenley4044]

This is the greatest live performance of any song I've ever seen or heard.

[@okyouknowwhatever]

It's a little silly though that he can't actually be faithful to the original song and sing "fuck the man" but instead "hmm the man" with a dorky laugh on top of it.

[@mariahanover9335]

The first time I heard this song I wept uncontrollably through the entire song. My mind has to hold a lot back just to cope with reality. This song is a beautiful reminder that life is equal parts a cold nightmare and heartbreakingly beautiful.

[@paullaurenson5109]

I've finally found the song for my funeral and my wedding and my divorce and my love for my friends and family and my insecurities and my passions and my vulnerabilities and my memories and my existence

[@quiettimegaming3642]

Lol, I literally feel the same. I want this song to represent every significant milestone I have henceforth, both positive and negative. This song covers every emotion a person could have...

[@Banksy100]

Yh, possibly one of the best songs ever!?x

[@jasonmiradoli8900]

I am a 52-yr-old father of three adult children, a man that all who know me tell me I have a positive energy about me, and an empathetic outlook as I try to make my small corner of the world a slightly better place. And yet, ever since I discovered this and the other live stripped-down versions of this song two nights ago, I have listened to them and played them on my keyboard repeatedly. And it has brought me to my knees... every... time...

[@johnedward8352]

Jason you gotta listen to the Gregory Alan Isakov cover of this

[@jasonmiradoli8900]

@@johnedward8352 I have. I love it. That actually led me to the original. But the emotion here gets me much more.

[@johnedward8352]

@@jasonmiradoli8900 Nice! Iron and Wine is a great find. First 2 or 3 albums are amazing.

[@TheFlamingBridges]

yep

[@patdarish6777]

The first time I heard this and listened to the story, I was literally reduced to tears- it seemed to open my heart. I have been a fan and attended several concerts since. Some folks just have the magic, Sam has it. I hope he knows how much the fans love what he does.

[@erickornberg4571]

Im dying... and I just asked that this song be played at my memorial -- It is my life in song. Thank you for that.

[@ezekiel7771]

Blessings to you and those who love you.

[@zacharyjohnson5569]

If you are still around to see this I hope you are as strong in your passing as you have been in life.

[@justinthyme7275]

I did the same. I have the perfect version if you're interested.

[@erickornberg4571]

@@justinthyme7275 Better than this?

[@erickornberg4571]

@@ezekiel7771 Thank you -- I have a heart condition and if it goes into arrest again the chances of me pulling out of it are slim. Thank God I have a chance to say goodbye to those I love.

[@AlexMalone-m7e]

My new goodbye song .At 72 I know it will be soon enough.We all need our music.

[@user-fq8dl1fm6u]

God's glory🙏

[@Alex-n2t4h]

Amen Sam Bean thanks you

[@Alex-n2t4h]

@iron&wine already goodbye song

[@chrisb1358]

You've got a good decade plus to go, brother.

[@LoganHankins]

May your final stretch in life be the most fulfilling without regret that you ever have

[@Cassandra-f3l]

I literally discovered this song because it was mentioned in one of the most obscure books ever and it's become one of my favorite songs ever! Thanks to whoever wrote that book and decided to include a song that sounds like how chocolate tastes

[@kevinscrb]

I’ve sung my baby girl to sleep with this song several times a day everyday for two years. Passes out every time. and I never get tired of singing it to her.

[@Jacob32905]

This song is just so beautiful. The older I get the more I appreciate the memory of those little details in every moment that make life worth living that are so easy to overlook or not appreciate and man do they pass away so fast. Life is such a gift. Stay in the present and don't miss the magic. Man, what a song!

[@novalinnhe]

Thank you for your beautiful comment ^^

[@Sunmoonstars976]

Beautiful! This song makes me think of a few people from my younger days. Two of them are gone now. I will always remember them fondly, especially while listening to this song.

[@raybackx]

❤🧡💛💙

[@freezinginhere]

💕💕💕💕

[@daryl7277]

I've literally listened to this song for an hour straight.

[@whythesadface]

You need faster internet.

[@jaksaradisic3714]

@Daryl C that's cute ;)

[@azcomeazgo]

One of his greatest songs ever! I wish I could meet Sam just one time and tell him how talented and amazing he is. And thank him for all of the songs that have made my life better.

[@thegreatsalaam]

i had the rare opportunity to do just that. practice your lines carefully. our eyes met, my brain melted, and then there were noises. great beard.

[@Bulbophile]

sounds like Great Heights to me?

[@thegreatsalaam]

i'm sure Sam has fully recovered from the incident. obviously i remain in the clouds.

[@ShanDiggies]

We met at Newport Folk festival a few years back. He was just hanging with his friends taking selfies with everyone around. No one else noticed him. He introduced me to his friends and we talked for 20 min or so. It was surreal for us both and he kept saying how grateful he was to meet me. Humble beyond belief.

[@backadahand]

I must have sang Bitter Truth a thousand times. It's one of those songs that everyone has written in their heads. I suppose everyone knows everything, artists just explain the world as it is.

[@anasnaciri1577]

I suddenly feel the need to be the king of the universe and force everyone to listen to this at least once a day like a prayer! Thanks for the good music! Thanks a lot !

[@Slamitdownhard]

Life is temporary. The journey ahead is forever. Love encompasses all.

[@jgoodnight1]

Wow, this came out of nowhere. Haven't seen a good live version of this in a while. Just a perfect performance. Especially with the magnificent backing vocals. Love the little sly giggle he does when he doesn't sing "F the man"

[@joshuavo7049]

Gregory Alan Isakov does a pretty good cover on this.

[@fritz0424]

Disagree, the gigle and the f the man kinda destroys the rhythm, too distracting.

[@dangantman5474]

bet he’s laughing at the irony of being limited in his language by the man

[@akechi77]

It's like life, you can't expect to know what to say and when to say it all of the time. Sometimes you have to adjust what you say to who you're talking to.

[@remmilayne6153]

@@dangantman5474 Exactly what I thought. 😊

[@MrPittsSox]

The drummer is awesome!

[@IamAvidity]

I love that so many of his songs are like witchcraft, where hes casting a spell that briefly transports you to some summer childhood memory.

[@smo891]

The best recording of this song

[@rosalynw2520]

Agreed

[@jamesgoddard9341]

The last 3 minutes are some of the best live music ever recorded.

[@EDarien]

Not only is this one of my favorite songs, but I'd never heard this version before. This might be the best version I've ever heard. Wow ....

[@kaytomascom]

This is, honestly, the best song Ive ever heard.

[@tp722219]

I just can’t stress how beautiful this song is. It makes me happy and sad at the same time.

[@dylanutley2819]

My wife and I cry and smile for all of the 8 minutes and we can’t say why. Neither of us. It breathes deep emotion on what ever thought might be passing through. It’s seems to speak to everything that it means to be a feeling human.

[@PaperBrainZombie]

I feel this exactly. It feels like if life had a soundtrack, it would be this

[@innessgray5365]

Ive been coming back to this version for years now. And i think i always will

[@BreaCMoore]

Some people make wedding songs... I want this played at my funeral. In the best way possible.

[@MarkMaysey]

Me too!

[@adamjohnson4624]

We played this at my older brothers' funeral. It's a song that encapsulates life -- such as the obscure references throughout it that we all still somehow relate to. Anyone can turn this song on and replay memories

[@sarahneczwid366]

Right!!! My wife always tells me I love "sad songs" and I try to tell her they're "emotional songs'. Apparently it's "funeral songs" that I love. I no joke fell in love with this song the night before I had to put my 14 year old dog Caesar to sleep. We stayed up all night listening to music while I cried and drank beer. This song will always make me think of that sweet furry boy.

[@bkmartinez123]

Same!

[@wescollins2981]

Me to . This WILL be played at my funeral or damnit I'm not going

[@wadehampton3161]

I can't stop crying ... and the tears keep falling.

[@Grannygamer2024]

Absolutely the single most beautiful song I’ve ever heard ❤

[@furkanaydogmus96]

One of the most underrated band ever. :( they are really good.

[@DirtCheapFU]

Not actually a band to be rated.

[@ruthe.graham3391]

the best things in life have gone and always will go unnoticed by most ;-)

[@indiaalphanovember8217]

It's not often I say that a song is timeless. This is timeless. Spread the word.

[@justinmoreno9616]

This version is even better than the one I have heard 1000 times before! I love it.

[@briancassidy4205]

Wow - just 'discovered' this... Crazy that this live version is WAY better than studio one. Goosebumps AND tears. Beautiful song, 7 mins of reminiscent contemplation - perfection B-)

[@lollol-wl4jv]

"..and hmmm the man" gets me every time. Beautiful song!

[@49dwalin55]

You will struggle to find a song more beautifully written than this

[@MyKingAndTheClown]

I found this song at the perfect time for me a few years ago. I was in a dark place. It broke my heart and fixed it all in one. It will forever be so important to me. This version is so incredible. Thank you. X

[@YukonMik]

Hands down one of my favourite songs by an incredible song writer. This version is unbelievably beautiful.

[@Spectacurl]

This will be an amazing song to say goodbye forever...

[@alvakrus]

He’s amazing. One of very few singers who actually sound just as good, or better, performing live. He can sing for real.

[@spencerwells1328]

My ex said the exact opposite, she wont go to his show again.

[@richardblockchain8505]

Never heard anything like it. Sublime

[@gainesp2003gainesp]

This band merges love and death better than any other. This heartbreaking song and the happy "Naked as We Came" are both masterpieces.

[@dfarrell1792]

This is perfect. I'm pissed at myself that I haven't heard this before. This is what I will hear in Heaven.

[@kirilpeychev]

No matter it reminded me of my deepest depression times, I still love this song and this performance. One of my favourites ever.

[@CatherineSTodd]

Love this acoustic rendition and duet with the wonderful woman playing drums and singing. Perfect pairing!

[@realroadrunnr]

No matter what live version I listen to, they’re all very different from each other but equally great as well. Be it a performance that was uploaded almost 14 years ago in crappy sound quality or this one or … Every single one is great and I never make it through the whole of the song without tears in my eyes.

[@pokitaneone]

This is the best version...this song haved diferent stages...until this time...it's perfect...beauty... Gracias Sam ...greetings from Spain...

[@Mcmozz]

I was privalaged enough to witness iron & wine at the Manchester bridgewater hall as a surprise, hands down the best bar none live music I have ever been fortunate enough to hear, beautiful.

[@MsOscara]

Heard this song tonight. It was the closing number for the "Homecoming" series which is on Amazon Prime. Beautiful music!

[@davidoffbeat]

Got chills when I heard it at the end of Homecoming.

[@heidisummer1]

This song is what music is all about. Perfect lyrics, moving music. Still moves me just as it did the first time I heard it. Thank you for this song.

[@erikkegelmann8312]

God why do I cry every damn time I hear this song, am I the only one??

[@sarahneczwid366]

Nah dude. Same.

[@edgeofoctober]

No sir, you are not!

[@stephengarrison9572]

Not every time. Only when I'm my better self.

[@bkmartinez123]

No sir, you're not

[@dylanutley2819]

No, you are not. Every time.

[@katharinew4218]

Why does he make me cry so much

[@rafiulalam2390]

This version is so pristine I just can't get over it !!

[@LordRandal1990]

Just got to know this through the Gregory Alan Isakov cover, which I loved immediately, came to see the original and it's so beautiful too, I'm so grateful to have stumbled on this!

[@mikedoecke]

GAI's cover is pretty special, but this is version re-takes the crown as my favourite version now. The original is great, but I love most of the live versions more.

[@jaxareback311]

Yes...nothing beats “finding a gem” by accident i.e. G A I’s interpretation of this one in a billion gem......makes it kinda personal...!!

[@sniffableandirresistble]

There are single seconds in this performance that are songs unto themselves ❤

[@kissthesky40]

omg that was beyond masterful. I’m BALLING. thank you guys, sincerely.

[@dawntreader007]

Wonderful song! And impressive that he remembers all the lyrics :)

[@jene2210]

That's it. In my next life, I'm coming back as a musician. I grew up in the 80s with all that pop-synth stuff; fair enough, but watching this come together is *transcendent*. I can't even imagine being able to draw that kind of magic out of my mind... it's beautiful.

[@quiettimegaming3642]

Je Ne well, you can either wait until the next lifetime, and I hope you come back as a person, and On top of that hope that next time you come back as a person... and not a tree or an armadillo. And also hope that you have same desires that you have in this lifetime. Or, you could spend the rest of *this* lifetime being a musician. It’s never too late. Until it is.

[@CrustyWhiteBread]

It's never too late to start..

[@alparonuzzi9233]

All the insane quality of this artist! Amazing.

[@aicMadSeason]

Isakov did a great cover of this song but you can never beat the original artist. Simply because this existed first within their head. It sprouted up from one word and one note and flourished into a full ensemble of beauty. With falling and rising emotions. All this created from a first beginning emotion.

[@timothyamaraobrien]

Heartbreaking, as sung poems can sometimes be. Thank you.

[@gauravjoshi7011]

I have so much to say about this and how i feel when i listen to this every now and then. Something's are just best unsaid and unspoken i guess!

[@angeladudley1211]

Best ever. With a cherry on top.

[@benjilafurie]

It's incredible how Sam rearrange each songs when playing live. I remember a live in Geneva where I discovered a new face of each and every songs he made. An this one... Jeez it's a masterpiece.

[@mmhodler5753]

This song is magical

[@ashdefpot]

Holy shit the vocal mix here is incredible. His voice is so crisp and clear with just a touch of echo to make it sound really full. The backing vocals are clear as well. I do wish the guitar and cello were a bit more clear/louder though.

[@rachelderbyshire26]

This is amazing on every level x

[@blaindorsamy9119]

Both nostalgic and heart-warming👌🏾... amazing... The Drummer’s multi-tasking is a thing of beauty...

[@hollyparsons8082]

Seeing him live last night was one of the most beautiful experience I've had. Forever grateful for your wonderful music Sam!

[@winderhughes4881]

Yes he’s my fave artist now and his lyrics cross the best of Dylan and Paul Simon.

[@dadamosky6894]

I now count at least 7 differing versions of this song from him. That it a remarkable achievement.

[@artguymckay]

So beautiful. I watch this incredible performance several times a month. What a treasure!

[@fischernilsen6864]

Might just be my favorite version

[@dv4497]

I always debate if i like this version more or Gregrory's version...i think Gregs but its a close call

[@fischernilsen6864]

For sure.. Greg's voice just drives this tune home brother

[@naiflaloq2476]

this is so beautiful

[@lancerooney1785]

One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard ... and I'm nearly 60. Thankyou 💕💕💕

[@dilligaf2818]

this isthe best version ever of this song luv his work.

[@garrettorpin6584]

Good grief, the best rendition of this song I've ever heard.

[@bacmaj]

I think these may be the best lyrics, from start to finish, that I've ever heard in a song. Another fantastic one from one of my favorite singer-songwriters.

[@michellesweet6913]

This song is absolutely beautiful!

[@jonfreeman9911]

THE LYRICS Please, remember me happily By the rosebush laughing With bruises on my chin The time when we counted every black car passing Your house beneath the hill and up until Someone caught us in the kitchen With maps, a mountain range, a piggy bank A vision too removed to mention But please, remember me fondly I heard from someone you're still pretty And then they went on to say that the pearly gates Had some eloquent graffiti Like "We'll meet again" and "Fuck the man" And "Tell my mother not to worry" And angels with their gray handshakes Were always done in such a hurry And please, remember me at Halloween Making fools of all the neighbors Our faces painted white by midnight We'd forgotten one another And when the morning came, I was ashamed Only now it seems so silly That season left the world and then returned But now you're lit up by the city So please, remember me mistakenly In the window of the tallest tower call Then pass us by but much too high To see the empty road at happy hour Gleam and resonate just like the gates Around the holy kingdom With words like "Lost and found" and "Don't look down" And "Someone save temptation" And please, remember me as in the dream We had as rug-burned babies Among the fallen trees and fast asleep Beside the lions and the ladies That called you what you like and even might Give a gift for your behavior A fleeting chance to see a trapeze Swinger high as any savior But please, remember me, my misery And how it lost me all I wanted Those dogs that love the rain and chasing trains The colored birds above their running In circles 'round the well and where it spells On the wall behind St. Peter's So bright on cinder gray and spray paint "Who the hell can see forever?" And please, remember me seldomly In the car behind the carnival My hand between your knees, you turn from me And said the trapeze act was wonderful But never meant to last, the clowns that passed Saw me just come up with anger When it filled with circus dogs, the parking lot Had an element of danger So please, remember me, finally And all my uphill clawing, my dear But if I make the pearly gates Do my best to make a drawing Of God and Lucifer, a boy and girl An angel kissing on a sinner A monkey and a man, a marching band All around the frightened trapeze swingers Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na, na-na-na-na-na Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na, na-na-na-na-na Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na, na-na-na-na-na Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na, na-na-na-na-na

[@AidenBradley95]

I was lucky enough to make it out to one of the shows on Sam's Australian tour. This was the opener and it blew me away.

[@TheZucchini-4204real]

Love this.

[@rogerduffey1428]

I'm 68 and only three or four times has any group or singers in my life where I liked every song on an album!! Kiss each other clean!!! A very unique sound!!

[@caroleannewhelan9669]

Classic. Sam Beam at his best. Understated, Glorious

[@wanakaband]

This version of this amazing song is unbeatable!

[@craigholliday]

this is too good.

[@joek1121]

Still the best song ive ever heard.

[@geared2cre8]

This version is so much more soulful and natural sounding Outstanding job, beautiful song and great tone ❤ Cherished song

[@timspry5721]

Amazing version. One of the few performers who's even better live.

[@MdeMariettasanchez]

My soul melts and aches at the same time

[@jeremyburdsall2827]

Reminds Me Of My Late Best Friend, Bo! He Used To Play This Song Every Time I'd Go Hang Out With Him.... Hard To Believe ALMOST 1 Year Ago, I Found Him Dead.... Miss U Bo! Love U Like A Bro! God Speed!

[@FromTheNard]

i close my eyes listening to this and 7 minutes dissolve away...beautiful.

[@chrisnavarre6759]

When people ask you what kind of music you listen to. This. My favorite song.

[@FromTheNard]

this just pushed gillian welch / dave rawlings ‘revelator’ off my #1 spot for favorites.

[@johnedward8352]

So good. Check out Gregory Alan Isakov cover this song, it rivals this which says a lot because this is so incredibly flawless and beautiful and haunting and nostalgic. I literally cry listening to this when I let myself.