Jason Isbell "Relatively Easy"

[@ozymandias4988]

47 years old black man from Washington dc projects grew up listening to my father playing Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Neil Young, Merle Haggard etc southern rock and blue grass I listened to r&b & hip hop. But there is something that touches my heart and soul about classic country/rock/blue grass/reggae that reminds me of my father and my youth growing up on the Potomac with little to nothing but still happy and Jason Isbell is one of the best in many years its real music with real content and I absolutely love & appreciate it. 💗 keep going Jason the world is in bad shape and music like this is rare and desperately needed.👍🙏💪👏👏👏👏

[@treavorwilliams9553]

I implore you to invest a bit of time listening to War. They were a multi racial, multi cultural influence during times our country experienced racial uprising that was long overdue, shedding much needed light and education to those who were wise enough in that hour to be opened minded and offered a ear to the knowledge spread throughout their artwork. Start off with “four cornered room” and venture into their catalogue of artistic pieces. Soak up each instrument utilizing the much needed layer of sound at the most precise measure. Funkadelic “Maggot Brain” as well. Bill Withers “Grandmas Hands and Use Me” Parliament Funk “Red Hot Mama” The Meters “Rejuvination lp” Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and a few other Staxx record artist like the Staple singers and Macis Staples solo work. Coming from a 46 year old white boy from rural Alabama, these musical gifts have expanded my knowledge and compassion. To all my fellow brethren. Be blessed and give and receive One Love, my brother. Treavor

[@ronaldjaybelin520]

And this means what to a 48 year old nidra ..?

[@johnmurray9871]

Touching comment from a black man. Great writing can come from any race.

[@richardtaylor6341]

As a white man who grew up about an hour from Jason at almost exactly the same time, I wanna thank you for this comment. This is a two way street in a lot of ways and we should all recognize our similarities and learn to love one another. I can listen to Otis Redding, love Sam Cooke, especially " a change is gonna come," and was just praising God with Mississippi John Hurt as he sang "walk that lonesome valley." Music is from the soul, and it has no color. I can't wait for the day when we live up to Dr Kings' dream, and the color of our skin matters no more than the color of our eyes our hair. Then, we can truly judge only by the content of someone's character.

[@raen9740]

Couldnt agree more Sir. Me as well.

[@dbrjaxfl]

The line "baseball in his right hand, nothing but the blue sky in his eyes" always gets me..,

[@samh4127]

Same

[@andrewkling9530]

+Dan Richmond a vandal's smile, who else can't paint such a picture with so few words?

[@theholtster9990]

I can admit that I teared up

[@thehauntedfisherman1792]

sure enough.

[@john9516]

Dan Richmond, same

[@bcar2303]

The nice thing about arriving late to the party is a decades worth of wonderful old tracks that are all new to me. Its like someone was composing the background music to some of my worst and best times and im just now hearing the soundtrack.

[@jw6180]

Yes!!! 😊👍

[@MISNM0]

Perfectly said!

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

Sometimes it can be too late tho I.E. finding Elliott Smith circa 2005.

[@TheRaymiltier]

welcome, enjoy!

[@bobbyl22074]

Absolutely.. so disappointed in radio.

[@rickroybal7022]

I've known no obsession with any artist as Jason Isbell since Stevie Ray Vaughan. I just can't get enough of this guy.

[@jornalparamamae]

don't even tell me, this obsession is just getting worse haha

[@devinsparks1523]

We’d get along lol

[@tatummcgowan5574]

I JUST discovered him last night and I was up all night obsessing and playing every song I could find and reading every comment on every song!

[@andrewcharles1881]

Agreed!

[@jania2fangrrl]

Same. Woke up with this melody in my head and couldn't remember the words. Hummed it, whistled it, operatically sang it, still could remember only phrases. Now I'll be listening all day to the rest. His words are perfect, but his melodies are haunting. So grateful he's younger than I am, may he live long and shine on.

[@pauljohnson8847]

I now live near Nashville and have passed up a couple chances to see him play live. I don't want to weep in public but know that would happen. I should probably just let it happen. I'm sure I wouldn't be alone.

[@henrymiller3237]

Live is the best. I rode to Birmingham to see him at Avondale Brewing and it felt like a family reunion where I was the long lost relative - the crowds at his smaller shows are phenomenal.

[@paulsmith7425]

65 y.o. grown man and this song still makes my cry.

[@melissahudson5182]

All of these comments are so pure. I love that there is so much appreciation for music. It is a gift! I absolutely love Jason Isbell!! Epic songwriting abilities. Amanda Shires is such a good fiddle player. Everything about this video is awesome.❤

[@Robbo57]

Fabulous song. The verse about his friend is amazing.

[@cmbadass]

This track still has the best line of the last 10 years in it. "Is your brother on a church kick, seems like just another kind of dope sick"

[@ericholdsworth6611]

+Christopher Barrett that is a great line

[@BIGJOHNSHVAC]

I am a Christian and that line doesn't offend me at all.... I see it all the time.

[@jimmybeam1045]

+Christopher Bennet, anyone who can rhyme "the deep end" with klonopin is a genius.

[@chrishall8188]

I can understand what he is getting at but Jason's different kind of dope sick he speaks of is his yern and need for music... I get lost in my church and John prine and Jason isbell all in one and I don't plan on kicking either habit lol.

[@shinkador]

Yep! I always quote this line. It is the best of all time

[@benjaminotto127]

Y’all, we are lucky to have this in our world. Close your eyes, soak it in. Enjoy.

[@BarneyDavey]

Every line is a story and I could not love this more than I do.

[@randokuruza]

If he can make another release as good as southeastern he’ll go down as one of the all time greats IMO...

[@jonbradley2920]

I think something more than free was just as good

[@daveb673]

WOW!!! I could listen to every song on this album over and over again and still be moved each and every time! NOBODY ELSE is making music like this!! God Bless you Jason Isbell for doing what your doing. As though someone magically combined Steve Young with The Beatles and Townes Van Zandt into one person and then taught that person to play screaming lead guitar like Dickey Betts!! (BTW... I really dig Jason Isbell's music)

[@zaneridings3789]

I'm with you, Jason has made a huge impact on country music in the last 20 years.

[@TheElvis156]

Poignant lyrics, dont care political affiliation,religious background,social status. This song touches all of us....amazing songwriter who can do that.

[@rizdog2]

This is scary good in so many ways. Amanda's use of space is poetic; from the mike, him, five minutes of pure art.

[@Tycoca3]

This is beyond ... you don't find many artist anymore. So lucky when you stumble upon one

[@angelamayberry9521]

Wow- this whole session is simply killer, if you respect a simple song and how it is delivered with such grace and balance. Amanda is just so beautiful- and makes Jason complete- just look at how she smiles each time she glances at him- that is deep love if I ever saw it. So happy for Jason- he was kinda lost there, for a while after DBT, but no longer... he is the REAL DEAL. I know for a fact they are having the times of their lives, these days... Much respect and love for you both- you have both come a long way to be on the journey you are now on.

[@micajahchristie4561]

I've met them both and they're just so genuine. I love when each will back up the other. They just fade into the background and let whoever's leading shine. You can tell how much the love each other.

[@MISNM0]

Your post makes me so happy after reading it. Love the recognition to Amanda!

[@johndee1493]

This is my favorite song from Isbell... Right now.. lol "a vandle smile" wow... He takes you to the place he's singing about... Awesome... Thanks for doing this jason Isbell.

[@Baldowl]

This song always makes me cry.

[@TheVCRTimeMachine]

When a song this great is the last track on an album, boy ,you know it's a great album.

[@flyinmanatee118]

My favorite song of his. Then again every time I put one of his on the mighty Tube 10 to 20 more are always to follow.

[@anoldmannameddave7455]

Great song. Love the beautiful Amanda, and her beautiful violin! 😊❤️✌️

[@jasoness]

It's so good that it's hard to listen all the way through. So Beautiful. god damn.

[@peacetrain3320]

Thanks to WNCW!

[@jennburris77]

He's amazing! I can't get enough of this song 💜

[@georgejung6393]

Isn't this guy the most beautiful soul you ever heard sing

[@noelblackwell8935]

Pure magic 🖤 isbell writes my soul

[@mikegrier2829]

How often does one see truth as well as Jason does? He’s able to confront truth, embrace truth and then somehow express it. I sense that I fear it too much to do so.

[@devinmccune9052]

Best song on this album, glad I found this video.

[@GreyStages]

Beautiful stuff.

[@bgbreakdown]

Feeling this song... So real.

[@johnzutic3834]

beautiful song, beautiful message, poignant and thoughtful. just art. from an artist, art.

[@chriscocks3670]

I just love this.

[@markkickmark]

I also think it is the best song on a really great album.

[@JoeDoakes1015]

+mark alan G. Honestly, choosing a "best" song on an album like "Southeastern" is something I could never do.

[@1ajtg]

Massive talent! Beautiful couple.

[@thesociableloner6165]

Quite the lyricist..unreal performance of an emotional song

[@KD-fs5lq]

Just brilliant music

[@raek8940]

Her playing is so cool

[@JoeDoakes1015]

Jason Isbell is absolutely amazing.

[@chrishall-fc6fp]

great song .thanks for posting.

[@garyadamson5877]

stirs lots of emotions..brilliant.

[@DavidH1]

Still my favorite Jason Isbell song

[@smarroy]

Coming in at the end of Southeastern it was a reminder that things get better, and for 10 years now whenever I've gone through some bad stuff I've listened to this song to remind myself that it'll wind up working out

[@scurt420]

what a great song

[@coachms282]

Just found out about this guy from watching Off Camera with Sam Jones on Directv. It was a great interview and since then I've been finding and enjoying the music I've found from what I think is a great artist. Not anyone like him out there today. Modern day Jim Croce with better music writing skills.

[@PatMeruseye]

Come on.. HOW CAN YOU DISLIKE THIS !?!??

[@andrewkling9530]

+Pat Meruseye Some peoples souls are dead and they don't even know it. Trust me on this one.

[@lincolnmaceachern2410]

Morons

[@notabot3375]

Not long enough.

[@traceykhalife2986]

This is a beautiful song, it’s so powerful ❤️

[@GreyStages]

Pure class.

[@jimrussell8962]

Simply excellent

[@andrewkling9530]

This song has so many layers. At first I thought the line "Is your brother on a church kick" was Jason mocking people getting clean and finding God, it's not. It's showing a man's contempt of someone doing that only before his own life unravels and he realizes what he's lost.

[@michaelwilliams2212]

Not trolling you. Just curious. I think you had it right the first time. What makes you think he came back around on religion in this song? He didn't as I see it. Are you religious? Maybe you are assuming that when someone's life falls apart they look back and consider god. As an atheist, I am not likely to go there in my head. Just curious, as a writer and consumer of music. Obviously this has made us both think. Good stuff. I bet we agree on that.

[@LittleHughie]

Michael Williams i think the reference is quite literal. in that the fear of dependance on God looks like the pain of dependance on chemicals. ...follows suit with the other obvious refrences to recovery from alcoholism and addiction on album and in his life while writing the material for the work. he got sober so bet your ass he found God

[@ezraalexander4823]

I'd like to take a moment to recognize that as of yet, we are having a theological discussion in a reasonable and polite manner, so congratulations all. In my opinion- and I certainly don't claim to know what he was thinking- I don't think Isbell, at least in this song, was in the frame of mind of turning to God. At the same time, I don't necessarily think he was comparing faith to drugs; but rather that he was commenting on people who use the church, or religious activities, as a crutch without being actually committed to God. Just my two cents. Thank you all for this incredibly rare opportunity to exchange thoughts in a calm and friendly manner. ~Ezra (obviously)

[@tuffknuckles]

Screw you Ezra!!! I hate your opinion and disagree even though I don't really even understand it or give it my full attention when I read it! (just kidding...). I love this conversation (and the song), Karl Marx said ""Die Religion ... ist das Opium des Volkes"" which in freedom language means "religion is the opioid of the people". So, so true. (source: grew up in very strict religious household...now agnostic/skeptical) (tommy)

[@andrewkling9530]

No, but I know the context in his life when he wrote this song. He was in rehab getting sober. I also know that one of the 12 steps in AA is "Surrendering to a higher power", a phrase used to help people make peace with God knowing that their in their background the word "God" is probably not synonymous with peace. The song is about different points in a man's life on his way to hitting bottom, so in the first verse when he sees someone suddenly turning to faith he sneers at it. By the end of the song I take it as he's locked up and seeing things from a different perspective. It's not about being christian or atheist, it's about getting sober.

[@bethhalpain5749]

That's beautiful 💕

[@peacefrog454]

Nobody working today puts lyrics to music as well as this man.

[@willbigelow472]

You should check out Darrell Scott. He's amazing, too!

[@markrowlands3469]

beautiful

[@grassflats2]

Are you having a long day Everyone you meet rubs you the wrong way Dirty city streets smell like an ashtray Morning bells are ringing in your ear Is your brother on a church kick Seems like just a different kind of dope sick Better off to teach a dog a card trick And try to have a point and make it clear You should know compared To people on a global scale Our kind has had it relatively easy And here with you there's always Something to look forward to Our angry heart beats relatively easy I lost a good friend Christmas time when folks go off the deep end His woman took the kids and he took klonopin Enough to kill a man of twice his size Not for me to understand Remember him when he was still a proud man A vandals smile a baseball in his right hand Nothing but the blue sky in his eye Still compared to those A stones throw away from you Our lives have both been relatively easy Take the(a) year and make a break There ain't that much at stake The answers could be relatively easy Watch that lucky man walk to work again He may not have a friend left in the world See him walking home again to sleep alone Or step into a shop to buy a postcard for a girl I broke the law boys Shooting out the windows of my loft boys When they picked me up I made a big noise Everything to blame except my mind I should say I keep your picture with me everyday The evenings now are relatively easy Here with you there's always Something to look forward to My lonely heart beats relatively easy My lonely heart beats relatively easy

[@DougWittrock]

I'd love to write lyrics like this.

[@rimmelewood2637]

Love this song and this recording! Aught to put Amanda Shires' name somewhere on it though, hey?

[@davidstewart1743]

love this song, but does it remind anyone of Skyway by The Replacements? :-)

[@extramurous]

Same key and chord structure.

[@timoakes450]

NOTHING COULD-EVER TOMMY27

[@bcar2303]

Yes!!!! Immediately felt that.

[@brianstere]

great song to end the album with. Brings tears to my eyes....not sure why. Wow she is smokin hot!!

[@ComradeLeonTrotsky]

His wife. Amanda Squires (?)

[@williamknell864]

+Ryan Smith Shires

[@thesidedeck-gamingcafe8679]

Someone want to explain the final verse of this song to me? One of my favorite songs, but then it loses me :(

[@damotheman4196]

Sure man, I can at least give it a try.. from my understanding he either ends up in jail or rehab (I think jail) "I broke the law boys, shooting out the windows of my loft boys" "I should say I keep your picture with me every day"-- you know like prisoners have pics of their partners or pics with their mates on the wall inside? Imo he's harking back to the second verse the friend who overdosed on klonopin.. Hope that helps bro. Any specifics, just ask.. I'll always try give ya my take. 👍

[@cathyanderson4645]

Mighty sweet

[@stephaneroy8415]

relatively perfect

[@danielfuller4129]

Maybe his best written song?

[@kdemasi]

Wow...

[@thehauntedfisherman1792]

yep...

[@XxJustinxx88]

First time hearing this song and damnit man... It got me. Christmas time when folks go off the deep end. His woman took the kids, he took klonopin enough to kill a man twice his size. My wife walked off and left me the day after Christmas and took my son. I'm not taking any drugs though.

[@damotheman4196]

Shiit man. That sucks. (apart from the drugs part obviously) has anything changed since you posted this if you don't mind me asking?

[@XxJustinxx88]

@@damotheman4196 Absolutely! We haven't gotten back together If that's what you're asking BUT the bright side? I've taken these last 8 months to work through my Issues, found a better job, new car and for the first time In my life I have my own place that I can't be kicked out of lol. Thanks for asking. How's things your way?

[@damotheman4196]

@@XxJustinxx88 That's great to hear man, I just stumbled upon your comment and i listen to this version of this song at least twice a week and couldn't believe I hadn't seen it before. Seemed like a perfect time to ask also being a few months since it happened. Sounds like your winning fella and I don't mean this to be disrespectful to the missus but women, hell, sometimes even marriages come and go! But as I'm sure you already know its the one with your son that matters and any son/daughter who sees their parent happy (even if not together) in my opinion at least, that's all a kid really needs..so long as you two stay tight that's what matters most... Lol. Look at me wafflin! Things are good my end brother sitting down with the guitar and singing along with a bit of Isbell. Life is good.. And all puns intended, relatively easy. At least for tonight anyways! 😂 I'll prolly hate life again 2moro but it's life and its always swings and roundabouts. All the best to you and yours man. 👌

[@XxJustinxx88]

@@damotheman4196 Thank you. My son and I are close. Jason Isbell and the way he writes Is just pure genius. I can play almost anything but I never could learn to play a guitar so I'm jealous lol. Happy to hear life Is good your way brother. You can always find something to be grateful for even on a bad day. Take care brother.

[@georom]

41 people do not have it easy when it comes to judging music

[@franklong4720]

Can't say it the right way. All of his lyrics hit home.

[@Stranger0712]

I wish I could play, sing, and write like Jason......oh, and have Amanda..... :)

[@14wAYNE]

You and many others I imagine. I'd be happy to have written one of his songs.

[@blackrabbitbiz]

This is a relatively amazing song...

[@mikethomas4678]

Goddamn that's good

[@leighveronica6495]

what kind of mic is that on his guitar?

[@dennisjones583]

Avenson STO-2 to a Great River Preamp to dBx 166 comp. Graham Blythe EQ.

[@dalelucas8663]

Tell me that the line "Our hearts beat relatively easy " doesn't relate to us all of us?

[@Pandy.666]

17 people have bieber fever.

[@bcisbell]

Make that 19....

[@tmf9556]

Amanda Haefner 23

[@leapsplashafrog]

Verse 2,is the natural man before women screw them up. For the guitarists it’s dropped d tuning capo 4 = F#

[@AmilB29]

Enough Klonopin to kill a man twice his size. That hit me hard. Benzos are terrible.

[@nathanday9949]

COVID-19 brought me here.

[@myrealtornick]

John Prine vibes. Unlikely American dude with songwriting in his blood

[@vialudovicosette]

KRasser Schitt

[@bradriter7228]

33 (THIRTY-THREE!) people found this video and were like "Nah, thumbs down."

[@grilledspaghetti]

You could absolutely replace the word "church" with Trump and have the same relevance, just political.

[@jimrussell8962]

Simply superb