Jason Isbell on Austin City Limits "Cover Me Up"

[@thedudeabodes9322]

I think the best songs can take on different meanings. I'd always loved this song, but it's forever engraved in my heart. I put my old dog down a few months back. After the deed was done and the vet had left the room, my wife was there consoling me as I sat beside him gently petting him one last time and crying. After I'd said my last goodbye to my friend and we were about to leave him, my wife took a blanket the vet had left and covered him up like she was tucking him into bed. I don't think I've ever loved anyone as much as I loved my wife in that moment. It was a final act of kindness to let him know he was still loved and cared for even though he'd left us. My last image of my old friend is him all tucked in, cared for and covered up. I listened to this song on repeat the day we drove to spread his ashes in the mountains. I cried my eyes out on that drive. I think of my old dog every time I hear this song. Bless you, Jason.

[@mle1ravens1]

Man, this one hit me right in the soul.

[@joedonuts13]

@@mle1ravens1 same! My son is a recovering addict, and he has found his soul mate. She is helping cover him. My son recently asked me to play this song on my guitar at his wedding. It will be their first dance. It will be an emotional 5 mins for me!

[@gs65862]

bro really…. you’re killin me here.

[@God_Family_Chicago_Cubs]

Mans best friend. Rip.

[@OriginalPoopMaster5000]

yeah, but this song is about Jason Isbell giving up alcohol after he met his soon to be wife. Sorry about your dog, lol

[@donna3465]

"Home was a dream, one I'd never seen, til you came along". Greatest declaration of love ever.

[@reeds7176sbcglobal]

Yes....so.true. I love this song, just for that one line.i never had a home until I feel in love and had my own children.

[@christiekeaton155]

The love between a man and a woman (when it’s REAL) is bout the greatest thing in the world! Jesus’s love and a Mother’s love for her child/children is the grandest. Thank u Jesus for all your blessings.

[@edwardherrera4873]

ITS NOT BY HIM

[@docfrazier8318]

@@edwardherrera4873 ????

[@gregtucker7182]

@@edwardherrera4873 his soul wrote it and passed it on!

[@martinserrato6486]

Not ashamed to admit that I openly wept as I listened to this. What a national treasure Jason Isbell is.

[@mondoseguendo6113]

You and me both friend.

[@ElanC]

humanities treasure, to be sure.

[@erikarudy1]

Openly cried at his concert last fall. No shame.

[@chez0788]

you and me both.. jeez that was good

[@sakitoby1581]

Yes but also, get out the buckets if you listen to him sing If We Were Vampires...especially if his now former wife Amanda Shires performs it with him. Song breaks your heart anyway, but now knowing they divorced a year ago, it just kills me. And that's not even factoring in my OWN situation. I just cannot NOT cry at that song.

[@drue6360]

The cheering after he sings “I swore off that stuff, forever this time” is what keeps me sober every day.

[@jamesc8563]

I’m just a rando on the internet replying to a comment two years later, but I hope you’re still around and hope you’ve continued to succeed with sobriety. It’s something worth cheering for.

[@drue6360]

@@jamesc8563 I’m alive and kicking ass. Own my own business, live in the wilds of Montana, I’m part of a community, just loving every minute of this life. Best part is I don’t even think about drugs and haven’t for many years now, pretty sure it’s cause I was missing all these things I finally have.

[@AudibleVisibIe]

Hope all is well brother

[@JosephBurkeArts]

3 years later... Just checking in brother... cause we care ya know! Be blessed.

[@drue6360]

@@JosephBurkeArts oh damn you guys I just seen these replies. I’m out here in the wilds of Montana living like a mountain man! I own my own business, I’m part of a small community, I am literally living my best life. I haven’t had a drink in 20yrs as of next month, I’ve been clean from opiates at 8yrs this year. Sadly I think I am the kind of person that needed to go through all the trials and tribulations I did to really be able to appreciate where I am now. I don’t know that I woulda been able to understand why I don’t need drugs and drink in my life without having my life nearly ruined by them. Thanks for checkin in!

[@justinross8720]

This is possibly one of the best songs ever written. The lyrics and imagery are just on another level. This guy exists on a different plane of consciousness.

[@Pisomajado]

Then Morgan ruined it

[@lynnreynolds905]

Only when Morgon sings it.

[@seanbarrycanavan6239]

Amen!

[@sugarfoot3172]

And Morgan Wallen came along and let the entire country know who Jason Isbell is and catapulted this song into fame! Just my thoughts! 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@dman4305]

Yeah I’ve heard both versions and Morgan has way more voice talent than this guy.

[@buckydragon]

When people say they hate country music, it's because they don't know about Jason Isbell. If after listening to this song and you're not moved by the lyrics and emotions pouring out in rhyme, there's something wrong with you.

[@sandraclark2922]

There are some great Country Music musicians, like Alan Jackson (The Older I Get, for instance), Waylon Jennings (Dreaming My Dreams With You), Dwight Yoakum ( all his songs), and many others. Isbell's songs don't neatly fit into Country Music genre...they're more melancholy songs for world-weary travelers.

[@steveotatooed]

Chris Stapleton ​@@sandraclark2922

[@SoFLDawg]

“I sobered up. I swore off that stuff, forever this time” line hits home like a ton of red Georgia bricks.

[@SoFLDawg]

@Mike Seals Nursing another holiday hangover today, I need to listen to more Isbell!

[@bprathe3205]

Clean 35 years

[@1bls]

Love that description. Me too bro, hits home.

[@brandoncorey1660]

Get some

[@largewoodenbadger7195]

16 years for me, this line gets me every time

[@zacharyblanchard8715]

Morgan Wallen brought me here and I am so glad he did!! Isbell is a songwriting treasure!

[@mistascott007]

He's also a damn good vocalist.

[@jonbradley2904]

I’m my opinion he’s the best writer since Dylan and Springsteen. This song is so personal I don’t Think it can be truly covered no matter how good a singer they are.

[@johngalyean]

@@jonbradley2904 well Jon you are dead wrong because Morgan Wallen's version is way better and Isbell doesn't have near the voice of Wallen. Helluva songwriter but that's it!!!

[@awonder20]

@JohnBradley You might also enjoy Tyler Childers. His writing is a bit easier to understand, for me, than Jason's. Both are brilliant at what they do. 🧡

[@jonbradley2904]

Wendy I’m a big Tyler fan, I saw him in Pikevill Ky in December

[@khs2424]

All because of that pretty lady playing violin behind him. ❤

[@erikkibler3466]

A good man just needs a good woman to realize his full potential.i wish the world could still remember this.

[@christsatanatl]

@@erikkibler3466you said it man

[@sergioisthebest1]

They divorced now

[@marytaylor5594]

This guy overcame addiction by finding the love of his life. Does a story get much more lovely than this? What beautiful, soulful, thoughtful song.

[@buckeyenation7247]

I'm waiting for my love.

[@nickshires9537]

yes Amanda Shires

[@joy-115]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@tatianaroveda]

You go thru a physical Hell to get there..But when you look up- you see your future..an undying love, that's seen your best and worst and will last forever..

[@FabricationStation36]

you mean to say .SO FAR he has overcome addiction, love in itself isn't enough you have to want Sobriety in itself to beat that addiction love may have HELPED but not MADE him do anything . Take it from ME I live it DAILY

[@filiper.5479]

i'm here because of john mayer's tweet yesterday saying that jason "is the best lyric writer" of his generation. Thanks John.

[@cgore420]

I'm going to go with Chris Stapleton on that one sir this guy is good though.

[@cgore420]

+Jason White this is true Sturgill is awesome as well but I think Chris's songwriting ability is just beyond anyone in the industry today.

[@ASNnKC913]

+Cody Gore Ehhh Stapleton is my favorite artist, but I don't think he can lyrically even approach Isbell. I don't think anyone can even approach Isbell lyrically. Chris is definitely the closest though. Sturgill is damn good too, reminiscent of Waylon. All 3 of them are bringing back country though, my heart jumped when Chris won album of the year!

[@cgore420]

+ASNnKC913 I'm not sure that you've followed him like me with that comment.

[@ASNnKC913]

+Cody Gore Stapleton?

[@sicsempertyrannis9024]

I want to fall in love with a woman who understands the hell a man must've gone through in his life in order to sit down and write a song like this for her. A song so raw with emotion thanking the love of his life for showing him the mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and grace required to redeem himself for her and her alone.

[@sonyabrau5728]

❤

[@kaikutv5860]

Very very good comment!

[@ryanwilson9183]

Morgan Wallen did it better.

[@sicsempertyrannis9024]

@@ryanwilson9183 You're a tard if you honestly believe that.

[@amydifilippo1483]

They have to be able and willing to open their eyes.

[@expeditionbalancehealingfo3345]

Sweet mother of God. I forgot what I was doing before this song started playing.

[@ddddoc7078]

...it doesn't matter...

[@michaelhulett2298]

Imagine how proud Amanda feels. To know that she’s the muse behind this masterpiece and the motivation behind his sobriety. Every time they perform this song, it’s all because of her.

[@fnbanshee]

To be with him playing fiddle at ACL. Definitely a memory for a life time.

[@0708jklep]

@Doug Murray dude…

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

@Doug Murray You're a clown Dougie

[@khs2424]

@moscowguitarman That song is so beautiful and so sad at the same time.

[@garrettmb181]

@@0708jklep not to mention he said fuck southerners not that long ago said jesus had left em long ago what a self righteous little prick

[@wojohowitz5432]

i am a 54 year old father, husband and construction co. owner. I just got goose bumps. I FELT this throughout my entire body.

[@ashleybrewer7339]

He has a talent for that I think

[@spencerlamb1017]

It always makes me feel really good at 2:36 when he sings the line "I swore off that stuff, forever this time" and people in the crowd cheer. Jason's struggles with addiction and his journey getting sober are a major part of his songs and it is just awesome to hear that part.

[@spencerlamb1017]

Apologies, he actually sings it at 2:27 mark.

[@monkeyboy1971]

I was at one of his shows a week ago, and made the same comment to my girlfriend. Its nice to see him have that positive support and appreciation for his journey.

[@letstalktruecrime01]

I had the wonderful pleasure of seeing him live earlier this year in Kentucky and he still gets the crowd roaring with that line. Every fan is just so glad he got dry and sober and is now giving us this gift of his talent.

[@stanleyjones4321]

Amen brother!

[@JoeDoakes1015]

I would venture to say that "Southeastern" is my absolute favorite album of all time. From start to finish, the album is a true masterpiece. It is 100% flawless. I have it on CD, Digital, Vinyl, and if it were available on Cassette, I'd buy it on Cassette just to fucking have it on Cassette.

[@larsjessen2608]

As a Dutch guy, country ain’t my style that’s familiair to me. Being brought up on (heavy)metal, This shouldn’t be my go-to area. But damn... This song made me humble. This song made me change me life, I kid you not! Next year I’m attending his show in Amsterdam with my girlfriend and kids, and when this song comes up...: Imma pop the question! See any of you guys there, hopefully!

[@josephbarnett6257]

Hell yeah man, hope all goes well!

[@torimiller3110]

that's so CUTE

[@christopherhuffman4245]

He is the original artist that wrote the song, but if you like it this much then you should listen to Morgan Wallen's cover of it. He does it way better.

[@JagoSevatar88]

I'm a huge metal head and only got into country very recently. Gojira, Behemoth, Lamb of God, Slayer etc. But both genres have a publicly facing "mainstream" that detracts from stuff like this, really deep and soulful stuff made by extremely talented musicians. Listen to Cody Jinks, Whiskey Meyers and Tyler Childers, they are what have got me started on this journey. Enjoy.

[@jeremyrhoads6899]

Cause this dude can write the hell out of a song.

[@charliemynatt7793]

"I was so sure what I needed was more tried to shoot out the sun" been there believe me heroine free for 17 months February 6th and this song is spot on do what you do my man I'll be here for all of it

[@neoncake8822]

⭐❤️2 years...on Feb 27... blessings to us❤️⭐

[@changingviewspc]

You fight that fight Charlie! You will look back at your demons like I do 😏. 25yrs. Winners win. 👍👍

[@Jensmilerdh]

Congratulations to all y’all. Very happy and proud of y’all overcoming addiction❤️

[@tmacskoolsu]

One day at a time man

[@tmacskoolsu]

Bless you all

[@fl4ttop]

Man! I love Jason Isbell! For those of you that found your way here because Morgan Wallen covered this, be glad! Morgan performs this song well, but Jason lived this song before he wrote it, and you can feel his heart all the way thru it! There is an amazing amount of very good Country-ish music out there that will never get played on the radio….. Find it! It’s worth it!

[@ecurtiswilley5021]

It’s called Americana

[@David-hs2jo]

Yeah, he’s coming to Red Rocks with Molly Tuttle. What a lineup!

[@FreeNelsonMandelaNow]

How can someone be so good at writing songs, playing guitar and singing? This is like elite company. We are lucky he's around.

[@chadbrantley839]

None of his lyrics are forced poetry. They are all perfectly called for and flow right in time. There are no fillers. Just perfect words in perfect sequence. Most musicians have to plug words in odd places to make the verses rhyme or flow. This man just writes beauty in it's purest form.

[@bearfoot6910]

I think I heard somewhere that John Mayer called Jason Isbell "the best songwriter of our generation". Say what you will about JM, but he is a fan of music and notices greatness when he hears it.

[@bendyrland7213]

He doesn't waste a single word.

[@ollie1464]

It's called talent. He has it. Most don't.

[@johndoppleguard]

A "REAL live song writer. Not a fraudulent copy of someone look closely. So many peeps now are FAF!! isnt that right honey, Snookums, scrumptios? Yea he is awesome all around.

[@allisnotwhatitseems.]

Stumbled across this guy accidentally. His song Vampires upset me deeply so I kept going. He's special

[@maxx8942]

He battled he made it. He's singing about it. I really like this guy. He sings from his heart.❤

[@markhilston2119]

This is seriously one if the most well written songs ive ever heard

[@lyndakoers1389]

Ist song of his I ever heard. Won't be the last.

[@markhilston2119]

@@lyndakoers1389 Hes one of those artists that gets better the more you hear him

[@HoneybeeHollowGardens]

Listen to ya some Townes Van Zandt

[@arinamelsberg]

Can't even touch the heart he puts in

[@Jakfilm]

This is one of the greatest American songs ever written. Unfathomably beautiful.

[@kimberlymarcozzi8891]

There should be a love button for this, not just a like.

[@MegaCountach]

Fantastic comment Kimberly... First time I've heard this guy... love it!

[@infinitejest441]

❤

[@SouthernTeaIntuition]

"Home was a dream, one I'd never seen, till you came along" ❤️

[@Elusive_Pete]

One of the hardest hitting lyrics I've ever heard

[@wayneshuter6511]

Lovely line!

[@dharmainthefalls]

This might be the sexiest song I have ever heard about how a man can be redeemed through love.

[@somenelsons]

Good Lord, yes.

[@mons1359]

Indeed!

[@carisadix4893]

Me too

[@ronaldpettifurd5957]

AMEN! ya know there are some good guys out there who have just been done dirty

[@colorado667]

love saved my life

[@BoognishWhoo]

Jason Isbell is the best songwriter of my generation ( I am 43 ) nobody will ever convince me otherwise.

[@ninaodell7755]

Love this. My husband was an addict & was a few months sober (for the dozenth time) when we met. I've been told I saved him. We named our 2nd daughter Magnolia as well. I'm from the neighboring County where Isbell is from too. Lots of feelings in this song for me ❤

[@Requiredfields2]

Home was a dream, one I'd never seen till you came along. - That gets me.

[@MrLeeroy1129]

It all gets me...

[@avh41082]

Every line of this song gets me. That one, especially. Waiting for the dream of home to come along- whether it's with someone to leave their boots by the bed, or on my own.

[@zombiiesque]

...and know you're enough to use me for good. Yeah, this song really makes me cry like a little girl.

[@jdub12-8]

This might be the best version of the best country song ever.

[@TH-kd1ju]

Have you heard Morgan Wallen sing this song? Here on KZbin on the "Taste of Country" channel he sings live with just his guitar and 1 other guy on guitar, it blows me away!

[@JeffMarkie]

brother, you're not wrong.

[@MarianneMurdock]

Jason Isbell wrote it... that is probably why.

[@leahlykins2647]

Fell in love with his music the first time I heard this song. " I made it through cause somebody knew I was meant for someone", my favorite line. I've heard it a thousand times and still get cold chills

[@RW-B]

That line gets me every time

[@dleoner1]

The last person I would’ve ever expected to listen to country sent me this song with a note that said “love you man”. Amazing music has helped my best friend and I bond over the decade, glad this one is added to a list of amazing songs we have shared.

[@eamonnc96]

Might be one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Love from down under 🇦🇺

[@frankjones4357]

Heavy Metal/Alternative Rock enthusiast here, and even I can appreciate how good Jason's music is.

[@bluesdealer]

Same.

[@dukerufus5334]

Me too

[@WolfvsHammer]

Jepp🤘

[@bellofortis2020]

Good music is good music. It takes all types.

[@kknyrass]

Me too bro.

[@karenedwards3677]

By boyfriend posted this song for me right before he passed away 3 years ago at 40..I play it still almost everyday ..We were planning on going to his concert in Charlotte NC but he died b4 he came ..Saddest day of my life & in my heart forever just like this song..😇❤

[@justinhobgood4312]

karen edwards keep playing. May he Rest In Peace m

[@Oakheart]

Damn and wow

[@brodywood6189]

2 years after you made this comment I hope your life is good and you have happiness in every direction...God bless

[@MyPalJimbo]

I hope you're doing well Karen

[@julieschmautz8607]

I just recently heard the cover of this song, sang by Morgan Wallen, and had to hear the original. (Thank you Morgan for bringing awareness to this song!) This is one of the most beautifully written songs I've ever heard...and the fact that it parallels Jason's life, and is so personal, makes it even more heart wrenchingly poignant. It's raw, sexy, and soul capturing. When the audience claps about Jason's sobriety...it gives me goose bumps...as does the whole song. Everything is brilliant...the writing, the singing, and the band. 🖤

[@ericneely9802]

I've heard both versions also. But Morgan's version does not touch my soul like this. Just my opinion. Some may feel differently

[@sueecavanau]

Julie - Thank your for sharing. Someone else on this page shared that at an Ottowa performance Jason stared straight into Amanda's eyes when he sang the line about sobering up and swearing off alcohol. There is just so much vulnerability to that line being sung live with his wife that I feel exposed and vulnerable myself just hearing it! It gives me chills. Can you answer a question for me? Can you tell me what the line "Girl leave your boots by the bed we ain't leavin' this room" mean? I've heard people say it has to do with Jason going through detox and delerium tremens from alcoholic withdrawal and he didn't leave the room so he wouldn't get a drink of alcohol. His wife would just "cover him up" while he detoxes. Do you know if that's correct? Another interpretation would be he got sober, things were better between them, so they locked themselves into their bedroom for a long period of passion between them. Have you ever thought about this line? What is your interpretation? I'm asking because your comment was so deep and rich with meaning for me. Thanks.

[@robertmoffit1135]

@@ericneely9802 agree

[@robertmoffit1135]

Few artists sound good live. He does

[@paulhopkins1905]

The difference is Morgan Wallen is bro country bullshit that never passes up a cliche or gimmick

[@grandmotherproductions9380]

There's so much emotion. It's brutal. It's sad. It's truly beautiful

[@TyedSoul]

My girlfriend and I were brought to tears when we saw him play this at the Greek Theater in L.A. the other night. Him and his wife would lock themselves in separate rooms everyday to write songs. He wrote this for her, and knew not to take the task lightly. She is also a professional musician, and his love for her was so deep that he did not want to let her down. After hearing his story, this song was so powerful. We were both sobbing...

[@hongchen899]

I drive 7 hours from AZ to Greek Theater to see jason isbell on that day!

[@DougWittrock]

It brings me to tears. This song would make angels cry.

[@pariswalker4907]

always makes me cry

[@hoffer54]

I can fully understand that! I was brought to tears sitting here at my desk in front of my computer! The Greek Theater is such a magical and wonderful place! You are very lucky to have seen him there. He is a very special person, truly sings from the heart. Gives me hope in these trying times!

[@jameselkin4687]

I swear this song just ate me up. Such a powerful song!

[@martindavd]

“Home was a dream, one I’d never seen, until you came along” one of the simplest, most comforting effective lyrics ever written. Imagine somebody writing that about you.

[@HannahGK]

"So girl, leave your boots by the bed we ain't leaving this room / Till someone needs medical help or the magnolias bloom" Damn, boy. What a line. ☺️😍

[@jwilliamr86]

Hannah G-K ♡♡♡

[@williamknell864]

Such a beautiful ultimatum.

[@jania2fangrrl]

Absolutely so freakin beautiful.

[@richardburchett]

Nice. I like the line about 'till Percy Priest breaks open wide, which is an actual dam in Tennessee.

[@debbietwhittington4477]

My my my

[@yaryar1976]

Fell alseep last night with the tv on.mustve rolled over on the remote and changed the channel.Was woke up in the middle of the night to this song.and now ima a fan

[@TMCLIFTON100]

There are no accidents..

[@doncorle2003]

terry clifton definitely no accidents. I randomly changed the radio one saturday night, and settled on NPR and he was on, my life was changed...

[@haroldgene2]

Matthew mccommon his interviews with Terry Gross "Fresh Air" and Marc Maron on "WTF" are incredible, very humble guy glad to be alive after substance abuse issues...

[@fingerbarbara2298]

Gene Kelly aren't we all but I can't sing or write music like that but I can listen. Found him on KNBT 92.1FM Americana station out of New Braunfels, Texas.

[@adammorgan7471]

I went to see a cool guy called Tim Barry in Leeds, UK, and the full Southeastern album was playing. I went to that show with my girlfriend,at the time, we were both incredibly unhappy with each other, and now I'm in the best place of my life, and I probably wouldn't be without Jason Isbell Definetely no accidents when you stumble upon him.

[@claireoconnell5975]

‘Home was a dream, one I’d never seen, till you came along’! WOW. As a fellow recovering addict I SEE you. A lifetime of feeling like I don’t fit, searching for that feeling of home… 💜

[@karenvillanueva1301]

Hope you find that home darlin'.

[@claireoconnell5975]

@@karenvillanueva1301 thank you 💕

[@tbeevers]

Scored some tickets to see Jason Isbell and Chris Stapleton next month. Two of the most talented dudes in music right now. To top it off, it's at The Ryman. Going to be an awesome night.

[@brandonjohn5130]

Well, how was it??

[@angelabiedermann7598]

Two powerhouses! Would love to see them!

[@sandraclark2922]

You lucky dog! I just recently discovered these two great musicians.

[@robertannable9584]

This is the most beautifully performed song I’ve ever heard. Brings tears to my eyes. Morgan doesn’t compete in any way

[@grungemusicfan]

“Cover me up, and know you’re enough to use me for good.” Whoa, just an awesome, perfect line. This is Kristofferson-level writing.

[@mathewhutchins2539]

Jason’s writes lyrics with an eloquence that rivals Dylan. The way he fits certain words into the metre, the vivid, often visceral images, the airtight rhymes. It’s a joy to hear

[@jakemurray8233]

John?

[@aalemap1]

Absolutely....! !

[@heatherv4071]

This is a perfect song. I won't label it a love song or folk song or country song. Just a perfect song. Plain and simple.

[@jonuzzel3051]

"But I sobered up and swore of that stuff... forever this time." Love how some in the crowd applauded after this line. Every song on the album is personal sketch of man who has worked to overcome his demons. Brilliant.

[@eclecticmusica]

We've (most of us anyway) all been there and can relate to that prolific line. :-)

[@wildcatsasswildcatsass5563]

Dan Marino amen brother

[@nofox777]

If there ever was a perfectly written song this is as good as it gets .

[@cornstorm666]

"Cover me up and know you're enough to use me for good " beautiful words Jason...

[@seancrutcher525]

Most people don't understand how deep of a thinker you have to be to write this good.i actually heard Morgan Wallens cover first and fell in love with the song.but man....this dude Jason is probably the best songwriter of our time and I'm just glad I get to witness something so awesome

[@carolynpack9153]

He is absolutely the best songwriter of our time! I have seen him live several times and his wife amanda shires who plays fiddle sometimes with him when she is not touring her own shows. It’s pure magic ..go see live

[@terrafarmer48]

Listen to the Realms album by Blake Berglund. Incredible writers both of them. ❤️🙏🌹

[@douglasholdenjr.45]

Morgan Wallen is a joke

[@anthonyfisher4895]

Chris stapleton has tripled his songs written

[@donaldhartjr3271]

​@@anthonyfisher4895I'll take quality over quantity any day.

[@tylergibson3510]

Isbell is one of the few artists who sounds even better live. You need to be in the room to catch all the resonance of his voice. I'd never even heard of him when I went to see him and Sturgill and the sumbitch brought a tear to my eye when he sang Elephant. He's a generational talent.

[@blainesanders51]

this guy gets it

[@Grave_digger84]

I saw him in Ohio about 5 years ago or so. It's my favorite memory of a concert I've ever had. You can feel what he's singing in your soul. It definitely is a different experience hearing him live. When he performed Anxiety I had the same reaction

[@anthonymayfield2031]

If you can see him at Red Rocks CO it will enlighten you!! SO GOOD!! He's playing at The Greek near my home this summer. I've seen him at Red Rock 3 times too. AMAZING LIVE!!

[@kenjude1]

First time I saw him in London was in St Pancras Old Church singing solo acoustic to 150 people, just around the time South Eastern came out. A one-off show presumably on a flying media visit. His voice in the church there - amazing. I’ve seen him perform the song four times since with the band in bigger venues each time in London. But never has he bettered that solo rendition. I love the band, there as good a rock n roll band as there is right now, but that whole solo show was something else.

[@hope_and_love]

I've been musician all my life, pro for 20+ years. When I heard this I honestly wanted to quit music. Not because I'm bad at it, but because in that moment I felt like what needs to be said has been said.

[@graveltravel2274]

For what it's worth and for music's sake, don't quit, because anyone who hears and understands what needs to be said in the words and melodies of a song was born to be a musician. The world needs musicians for those moments when words aren't enough.

[@jenemerson1223]

Amy Johnson wow. What a statement. Don’t ever quit. You hv an original in there somewhere.

[@MarianneMurdock]

@@datguitarplayer1656Best comment ever.

[@jeffridgeway7474]

It was said in this song

[@1bls]

Damn well said young lady. Well said.

[@rednekf350]

One of Jason's best songs. I am more or less forced to watch the Voice with my wife each week and I usually don't pay attention and fall asleep. I almost fell out of my chair last night when the Voice contestant, Jake Hoot, sang this song. Probably the best song ever selected by an artist on that show.

[@millieyantis1471]

I agree--I was familiar with Jason Isbell, but I had not heard this particular song. It is a stunning song. I thought Jake Hoot did a great rendition of it.

[@christytaylor5554]

It's an amazing song for sure, but I think my all time favorite song from the Voice was when Allisin Porter sang "Blue Bayou", still gives me chills.

[@Barbie39999]

People clap when Jason sings “I swore off that stuff forever this time….” Genuine. Jason lives it; Morgan Wallen sings it with a mic in one hand, beer in the other….

[@michaeljorgensen5351]

After a damn tough life, mostly of my own making. I cane home, got married, and through PTSD she showed me unconditional love, which in turn that love changed me into a different guy. Her Church had doubts, but ill tell you it couldn't stop that unconditional love God showed me. I love this song, because its her. Im not close to perfect, but i feel perfect in her arms!

[@finnmcginn9931]

Good on both of you.

[@michaeljorgensen5351]

Thank you❤❤

[@The.craze.cat23]

These lyrics touch my heart so deeply, it's unreal. The world needs so much more legitimate talent like Jason.

[@ericholdsworth6611]

+Jaime Mclane you have great taste young lady

[@lauramariecantrell7780]

HOME WAS A DREAM ONE ID NEVER SEEN TILL U CAME ALONG

[@josephhummert8756]

I was watching "Yellowstone " one evening, and they used this song to close an episode. I had to look it up to hear the entire thing. I'd been dating a lovely lady for a while, and she coincidentally asked if I thought she "could ever be enough"? I found this song and shared it with her. To understand how poignant this was for us, one needs to understand that we had both been living in parallel hells for almost 2 years. I knew how she felt. I let this song speak for me, and I told her that I wished I had written it. It has become our song. I plan on dancing with her on my front porch and singing it to her every night the rest of my life! Thank you, Jason, for this beautiful gift! You found the words in my heart!

[@Jimmy-c2v]

Now, finally, someone Gets it! Thank You, both for Understanding what this all means. LOVE WINS IN THE END. Love, Piper

[@timobrien1030]

I don't know why but some of his songs will bring tears to my eyes even when they are not necessarily sad songs. He definitely knows how to deliver the emotion!

[@nicholasrogers4554]

Tim Obrien Same here. He’s the only singer who does it to me. There are a handful of his songs that do it. This one, Elephant, If We Were Vampires get me every time. He’s brilliant

[@cbob7]

OMG yes. I saw him do this last night around sunset at Forecastle. Good thing I still had my sunglasses on. The tears were flowing down my face. Sex as redemption with your true love is a beautiful thing. His best work is always about finding meaning within the shadow of mortality.

[@Sunkenballs12]

That’s the idea behinds music,it’s an emotive expression of nature.

[@johndoppleguard]

Airborne my old pal.

[@johndoppleguard]

@@Sunkenballs12 ROTFLMFAO!! Howdy@ lane jones Yes. DUDE IS AN AMAZING writer .

[@MearaKat96]

Can’t believe I ended up back here again. I thought I’d sworn it off forever last time. I hope I can do that again. Jason Isabel is like the home state hero for me as a songwriter and this song has helped me make it through some really hard times. I love him so much

[@wwaldo2525]

Played this for my dad who is a huge BoB D And Neil fan and he was blown away!! Dude is special

[@onthetrail506]

I've never heard this until recently and I find so many songs about a man and a woman try too hard to be clever. This song just says it as it is. No pretenses about eternal love or perfection, just a flawed man who finds salvation through the love of the woman who believes in him. Quite beautiful.

[@c-hud5177]

I had absolutely no idea Morgan Wallen did not write this song. Just found Jason today and I could not be more happy... my goodness this guy is the real deal

[@PickPlay720]

This man is the new voice of Americana music. So GOOD.

[@TMoody]

The greatest country song since He Stopped Loving Her Today.

[@SepticSystem]

A BANGER! Thank You for writing this song!!!

[@peteutube2]

As a child of the 70's I have said a few times that there wasn't much for good new music. Then I run across someone like Jason... Amazing voice, lyrics, singing from the heart. This sound is amazing and will stand the test of time...

[@gypsy4460]

hey as a kid who went to Woodstock,,, 1969 I;m still at it. Love jason isbell,,, can he write a song + sing or What!!!!!! brilliant !!!!! wicked good one!!!!!

[@ThreeChordGuitar]

That voice, those songs, that band... thank you

[@davidwise4925]

this guy is the best song writer of all times

[@chartle2]

YES! Thank You....

[@oppothumbs1]

@CARY FORREST I don't like country rock or country music. But Justin Townes Earle (Not his dad .. he sucks so bad) and Jason are in a tie.

[@madeinmississippi662]

👍

[@MarmaladeSally]

Probably not a popular opinion but I still prefer Jason’s voice and performance of this song more than any of Morgan’s versions as good as they are.

[@aubreyholman1951]

I can't stand the hear the other watered down over compressed version.

[@ddl5856]

You might dig Marc Broussard’s Lonely Night In Georgia…

[@mayewing5040]

It’s Jason’s song and I fell in love with it the first time I heard him sing I will always prefer Jason’s voice

[@joeclemans1415]

Jason's live versions cut straight to my soul,more than any other artist. A national treasure

[@kelltrad6127]

Not unpopular. Morgan has his place, but it’s not very stable

[@sonhopson1]

My husband just told me this was his song to me. I cried.

[@S.Waters.]

I just watched Morgan Wallen's cover (short film) of this song and was bawling by the end.

[@anl2616]

Yes this song awesome 👍

[@safekicker]

That's so sweet ❣️

[@amberbostick6797]

My boyfriend sent this to me Saturday and said he found his song for me and I melted!!

[@MoMoMoMo-gx6ce]

Morgan Wallen's voice makes this song gave more emotions to it

[@angelamcgee9917]

I burst into tears the first time I heard this incredible song.

[@blakefulton7354]

Love Morgan’s Cover. But he can’t hold a candle to the compassion this guys has. Awesome. Wish I’d heard of Jason sooner

[@scottreicheneker1604]

How in the world does he sing those very deep and personal lyrics without his voice even cracking in the slightest. He lived that story, not me and it makes me well up. Such a beautiful an deeply personal song from a gift of an entertainer whom just recently I found. Jason Isbell is a once in a lifetime type talent and I truly hope he gets the huge payday that he deserves and then he is with us for a long time.

[@edk-l744]

Brilliant comment

[@davidellisonmusic9076]

The delicate intricacies of Jason Isbell’s voice break my heart every time

[@starnevaeh777]

This is one of my Favorite songs of all time. I am 43 and have been listening to country since I was a little girl. I have a few that just sticks with me and this is one. Beautifully written and sanged. Tenn girl forever.

[@Dirtywesterner]

a guy covered this song at a bar in carolina beach nc, and I was floored, thought it was an eagles song I hadnt heard before..AWESOME lyrics now I am a fan of Isbell

[@Caveman1003]

Man I hope he did Jason justice with that cover. That task appears VERY hard to achieve. Carolina Beach huh? who woulda thunk?

[@fingerbarbara2298]

Caveman1003 easier if you had never heard Jason

[@GebosGarage]

Well I'll be damned. Seriously, I must live in a box. I've never heard of this guy. Didn't know him until Morgan Whallen covered this song and then I searched for the original version of it. Boom, Jason Isbell. WOW. This guy is amazing! He has made it to my Gebo's Garage playlist. Just WOW!!!!

[@cindywelch2108]

Same here. Jason is a songwriting genius

[@libbydanielowich7934]

I just became a Jason Isbell fan. I've heard of him from my daughter Amy and her guy, Ian. But just never listened until tonight. I knew the song via Morgan Wallen but had no idea it was written by Jason and about his life. I thought I liked it by Morgan. Now I know I LOVE it by Jason. I do Thank Morgan for introducing me to Jason. Best Song Ever Written. Where's his CMA award?

[@j9struwig]

I'm a new Isbell fan. I've spent the last two weeks really diving into his discography. I fall in love with a different song every day. I'm actually afraid I'll never be able to listen to anyone else's music again, even some of my favourite artists because they just don't compare. I might fail the semester too because all I do now is watch Isbell interviews and performances on youtube.

[@calebhubert6391]

Welcome to the club! I first heard about him about a year back from a Joe Rogan tweet and I haven't stopped listening since.

[@singingfedexmanjoshcampbel1614]

There's days I wish I could rediscover him...

[@kendrarickard7886]

Just discovered him yesterday! I'm in deep!!! Love him!

[@MichaelSmith-xk5dg]

Best songwriter of this generation. And, I live in Nashville. Thank you Jason.

[@pwn3426]

You know how every now and then you discover an artist that when they do their thing you simply are in a trance, and you can't speak, can't look away nor think of anything other than what you are witnessing? Well Jason is that artist at the top of that list, simply amazing. His songwriting is second to none, NONE. Possibly the greatest talent I have ever witnessed in my lifetime, and I'll be 40 this august.

[@jessewells6099]

Let's not compare but just be grateful for so many good songs to love in our generation

[@davidmackay6250]

No one paints a picture quite as beautifully and powerfully as Jason.

[@nickrandles1102]

Jason Isbell is my A. A. Thank you so much buddy.

[@benjaminmccubbins8882]

You know the best songs aren't the ones YOU write, they're the ones your LIFE writes!

[@annenau8487]

I start the Big Ugly Cry at the first chord of this song. Every time.

[@kemart537]

Anne Nau lol, it’s ok, it’s a captivating song for sure. Just saw them at the Ryman in Nashville and they blew the roof off

[@danahdk]

Your capitalization of Big Ugly Cry just made me laugh out loud in solidarity. 😂

[@brianallen7445]

Saw him in Augusta,Georgia on Jan 20th...I've got to take my hat off to THE 400 UNIT...his band has gotten so incredibly tight over the past 4 years or so...Isbell has become an intensely focused songwriter and is an immensely talented songwriter and musician...I'm honored to have shared the stage with him...I love the fact that he sells out most every single venue most every single night...well deserved!

[@schuylerbarker9188]

I cried like a baby the first time I heard this. I called and told my husband to listen to it...he told me "that's what I've been trying to say to you this whole time." He'd relapsed into heroin 3 months earlier, he's been clean for over 2 years now. This song played a part in saving him, and our marriage.

[@tim_brantley]

This is as flawlessly honest as it gets.

[@tim_brantley]

@terryq5150 4?

[@emilypaille8704]

No cover touches this His voice is so powerful and raspy and perfectly on pitch Absolute ear porn

[@brandonjohnson4829]

Morgan wallens cover is pretty damn good

[@denton7773]

Check out Morgan wallens. Gives me chills everytime

[@andrewparys]

@@denton7773 no

[@andrewparys]

@@brandonjohnson4829 lol nah

[@denton7773]

@@andrewparys u a noob. It’s ok. Please don’t beat yourself up over it. It’s not worth it.

[@elizabethgudsnuk7508]

This man touches the heart, the soul of anyone, EVERYONE who has fought the good, dirty, soul searching fight. The internal fight for self-love. This song crosses ever boundary.

[@MRMED123]

Wow.... a true country song..... not just the same stuff on the radio refreshing !!!!

[@eclecticmusica]

Exactly! An ironically, Nashville wants nothing to do with him. You have to find him on alt-country stations and places like Austin City Limits.

[@MRMED123]

Why is Nashville so cold to him???

[@RMFTideFan]

mr med Cause nashville is pop music machine making money off of songs about trucks, dirt roads, tight blue jeans, and beer in coolers being drank by creeks at sunset.

[@RMFTideFan]

mr med FWIW, this really isn't country. It's now classified as Americana... I'd call it Soft Southern Rock.... but genres are hard to classify nowadays.

[@MRMED123]

It is country nuff said

[@bobm2368]

This bloke hasn't really become known in the UK but what a voice. He deserves every success.

[@Oakheart]

Not well known in the states either. He prefers to make good music rather than commercial music which is best

[@lindawiner4243]

Make sure he gets known there. He has other songs just as great as this one. He's a brilliant songwriter. Doesn't waste a word. Every lyric is thoughtful and important. The best song writer out there now and in a long time. Speaks to the soul.

[@123luckygirl321]

This is my absolute favorite song!! Not even Morgan Wallen does it enough justice… The emotion Jason puts into this performance just makes me melt!!!

[@britstump3565]

Isbell is one of the best songwriters to ever live. Hands down. Fucking brilliant.

[@TexasJackdaw]

One of the greatest songwriters of this generation. Such talent hasn’t been seen since James Taylor, in my opinion.

[@mattcase9043]

Sir Patrick Stewart's t-shirt while reading Sonnet 89 and 90 on Twitter brought me here. I'm glad I decided to go down the rabbit hole and be introduced to Jason's heartfelt music on the other side.

[@KyleAustinMusic]

I still come back to this song all the time. His lyrics are incredible. There’s so many good covers of this here, but nothing beats the original.