Max Gomez, "Tall Buildings" by John Hartford // GemsOnVHS™

[@GemsOnVHS]

Howdy, folks! If you're enjoyin' these recordings, please consider becoming a Patron to keep us going. For the price of a slice of pizza every month, you can help us bring you new stories and songs. We'll return the favor with plenty of digital downloads, CDs, behind-the-scenes takes, giveaways, and more! www.patreon.com/gemsonvhs

[@sarahbytheway4057]

5$ buys a whole pizza at little Caesars

[@49dwalin55]

She ain't wrong

[@SofaKingShit]

Dude I'm broke, proudly living in a house with no electricity or water. For some reason l have to help lost animals. Fifteen of them here. I tell you what I'll give my stupidest dog a bone instead and everyone will be happy 😊

[@GemsOnVHS]

@@sarahbytheway4057 even better. for the cost of an entire fucking pizza once a month you can keep us recording.

[@Angryjiujitsuguyoffical]

Can we get max, colter, charley and everyone on an album with these acoustic covers? And just the acoustic covers? Cuz I’d buy the heck outta it

[@MatthewCastro]

When I was approaching 30 I felt I needed to do something different with this new chapter of my life, so I quit my job and traveled Colombia, the land of my father. I learned so much about myself, and learned how to play guitar, harmonica, and sing. Best decision I’ve ever made.

[@Badm00nrRising]

Very awesome

[@bodyboardpro]

People always say someone like Max is an "old soul" but I believe every generation has a limited number of people like Max. He's not an old soul, just a good soul of our generation. That gives me hope.

[@kenbarbaraboone1418]

In 1973 I saw John Hartford perform this song in person. He would be proud of your rendition.

[@AndrewStevenKnight]

this is honestly the best version of this song out there

[@eggshell1501]

This and the one done by Gregory Alan Isakov is really great. You should check that out too.

[@stevensaunders6018]

I was also going to mention, Gregory's version ,but someone beat me to it,yes.i got to see Hartford perform 4 different times

[@Chris.laracy]

I went 25 years not enjoying country music. This channel changed that, and for that I say thank you.

[@Garyj1784]

Sounds like you found real country music instead of that garbage that's been played on the radio forever. Welcome brother.

[@ghostfox4]

Amazing what real country music can do for the soul. Welcome home, friend.

[@Sirmenonottwo]

This isn't really a country song. It's a folk song.

[@0110-q6n]

@@Sirmenonottwo Folk is country that still has soul.

[@annaleigh7813]

This song means more to me than anything. It was the song that I sang to my grandpa before he passed away the next morning. He was the only man that really cared about me and how I felt. If I could explain how much I missed him I’d be a mess. Everytime I get sad or miss him this is the song I’ll always put on because the meaning we had behind it, along with anything Chet Atkins. I’m currently sadder than I could ever explain, this is the only song that makes me feel better about the way I feel for some reason.

[@clintharward9942]

My heart goes out to you. I know your comment is 2 years old and all but I hope you have continued to find happiness when shit got ruff. My relationship with my Grandfather was quite the same. He was the only person to always be there, no matter the miles, no matter what uncomfortable situation he'd willingly put himself in to help me and my brothers so we can have some happiness... always had the best advice and had a great way of telling me I had my head up my ass without making me feel like less of a person. He passed a year ago. Still tear up about it. Wish he was here to help guide my selfishness and help me get over how difficult life is without him.

[@hollymerkel8632]

To both of you know my soul is hugging you ...find nature...I left So Cal 9 yrs ago and everything in my life has changed dramatically... I live in the middle of nowhere on the Colorado River..."It's always a good day on the river," and I don't live in a fancy way, I basically live in a small trailer, and wake up happy everyday, no phone...just exploring, fishing and hanging out with my pups! I finally have learned how to be a truly involved dog companion and that is also unconditionally rewarding and healing. Keep your eyes on the horizon guys and dare to leap even if you think you cant! Its usually rewarding...thanks for touching my heart.

[@jackshaver1568]

This dude is so underrated. Old souls like this aren’t easy to find, but they are so precious. Great job Max and Anthony!

[@GemsOnVHS]

thanks jack!

[@damiondavisdead]

This is very nice , so is the original . Like em both

[@AmberHarrison13]

1:47 for the addicts . . Ive had this on repeat for like 2 weeks now

[@kevinflowers1084]

I’ve come back to this song so many times that even months later I remember. Lol.

[@brewyou45]

You're doing the lord's work

[@Alistplay]

Its in my head

[@Metalalbumreviewers]

This is such a pure moment. A beautiful, sweet, simple interpretation of a true American folk classic. It floors me that this isn't one of the most popular uploads from this channel. It's a true gem of a moment and performance. My family has been playing this song for two generations in some form or another, and this is the version I will play for my children, nieces, and nephews.

[@claymore4496]

John Hartford. The true heartbeat of America. Excellent cover!

[@loganarowland]

Love the lyrical, melodic way he talks while he’s playing his guitar at the beginning. What a way to introduce the song.

[@Tito_Mikko]

This song still hits me. I've been listening to this for months now.

[@longgone696]

Thank you for Gems on VHS for exposing all these amazing storytellers and songwriters. Since finding this channel I listen to little else.

[@GemsOnVHS]

Glad you like them!

[@Will-of-all-trades]

I could listen to him talk for hours!

[@laurenhardy2577]

I’m actually speechless. And awestruck. And in love. Thank you higher powers for allowing this discovery.

[@rickramoscreative]

Jesus loves you!!

[@trapjudas1631]

Something about that picking in the first few bars of his rendition of this song continues to draw me back to this video. Such an indescribably beautiful performance of an immeasurable song.

[@PennyWiley]

This song is amazing. So glad I found his version! It’s just heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. That’s great music.

[@GoInfluenceyourself]

Honestly, the storytelling in the beginning is the best part of this

[@songnotes]

so glad I found your channel - this is all so great

[@SofaKingShit]

AMAZING.

[@seanfleming2936]

Been having ahead time lately. I come back to this song because it resonates with me. Something about the story telling and ease of chord transitions. Then the meaning of the song hits me and tears me down, makes me look at myself. Pretty much humbles me. Couldn’t even put into words what this video means to me.

[@seanfleming2936]

I can’t put enough likes in this video. I love this video in particular more than anything when I get to feeling a certain way, story tells truth, song tells truth, and the melody is something that puts me back in my seat.

[@MrColejacobs]

This is the cutest video ever. I can't quite put a finger on what exactly this touches inside of me, but It's enough to make me cry everytime I listen to this cover. I'm so thankful for this channel. Introduced me to Lost Dog Street Band as well.

[@jonhelmer8591]

Oh, what a sweet comment, and I'm a cynical bastard!

[@charleshorton9768]

Max Gomez is one of my favorite musicians, saw him live in a barn, and unlike other live performances, he is just as awesome in person!

[@BsideArchive]

John Hartford is one of my favorite musicians. So criminally unknown.

[@im-already-tired-tomorrow]

see Otis Gibbs' Channel,recent Hartford episode,and more u might like.

[@brendonleary]

I keep coming back to listen to Max's songs on this channel. He has crept his way in the back door and taken up residency in my kitchen. I like that.

[@GemsOnVHS]

tryna get him on another one!

[@andyrew03]

Listened to the original because a wncw radio station had shared it and i liked the lyrics. This was the next song to pop up and his story telling just grabbed my attention and the care he has for the song kept me listening with intent.

[@1Rockbilly]

John Hartford had more style and class and talent in one finger than most of what you see today. He was a true ENTERTAINER

[@Dr.Catacus]

I remember when this old folk song came out. Apparently, I’m an old folk. 🎶🎶🤠

[@marshmellowboy323]

honestly this channel, these artists, all you wonderful people have been getting this soul through some hard times. keep up the amazing work, subbing to the patreon as we speak

[@orn47]

I grew up listening to John Hartford. One of the best performers ever.

[@LewisPugh777]

Bloody brilliant that

[@summers_shelves]

I just found your channel and I adore you. What a fun, natural, bright light of a person.

[@TaylorSmith-nr9vd]

You sir have inspired me. Thank you, for being so genuine. I can literally hear your soul. Don't stop being you my friend. 😁

[@trisket53]

God my KZbin algorithm is fantastic right now.

[@andrewz8552]

I know I got on this channel and became obsessed

[@mufasao6776]

trisket53 listen to colter wall

[@AClayton172]

Heard of shakey graves?

[@trisket53]

@@AClayton172 yes dude! Im from Austin!

[@10293847569428]

Give it a week, itll be recommending crap again in no time....

[@Joogsy4560]

One of my favourite songs and favourite artists! Never stop making these badass tunes!

[@plainpat1990]

Great recording. This is my favorite cover of this song, and there are many!

[@gregtaylor8327]

Beautiful singing and picking.

[@ddkeifer]

Killer gem. Is that jimmy Fallon's lost twin brother?

[@bradadrianwilliams9399]

😂

[@joshua38096]

And aesop rock lol there's three of them

[@avalondreaming1433]

I was thinking he was a cross between Jimmy Fallon and John Hader. He's cute though.

[@velixzeen]

No.

[@mohannedhamza4495]

Listen to Gregory alan isakov's version

[@izaculartiscool]

This song makes me want to either quit my job or jump off the top floor. Beautiful

[@sidforbrains6552]

early 70's John Hartford would do a free outdoor concert at Cal State Fullerton. He always brought talented artists from all over with him, but could be a one man band very comfortably. Good ol' days....thanks for the great rendering

[@DreamLife_1996]

I'm playing your song every morning in everyday. god! I love your music.

[@hannahstarbacher2681]

I agree, storytelling at the start was just great! what a great singer too. Andrew Hibbard is a young songwriter who would be great for your series! He is based in Ohio! Best series on KZbin

[@christophertheeliteody3634]

Ohio native here so I just had to comment when I seen ohio!. Lol

[@wvonelovechick1]

I love John Hartford, great choice for a touching cover song

[@613kc]

“Old folk song”, you make me feel old Max. Bless the Holy One @ 61 I don't feel old (Most of the time). So enjoy it when someone Nails a cover of a favorite artists! thanks so much; so well done! thanks KXCI For the air time today - shout out to American traditions!

[@GemsOnVHS]

you're 61 years young in my book buddy

[@mickeyunderwood4309]

This song is beautiful

[@shawnwatts3884]

I love the tone of his guitar.

[@gregtaylor8327]

What a great song.

[@fester5583]

Y'all are sleepin on this guy! gonna be huge one day

[@nomanslee1]

One of my favorite songs to revisit as of lately. Such a soothing intro leading into a gorgeous cover.

[@NeilGregoryJohnson00]

watching this over and over again.. awesome.

[@folksongpreacher2255]

I wish I could like this song more than once! Love it so much..

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

Thank you for this. Stumbling through the WAF archives. I chose a different path, but I've worked on a few of those tall buildings as an electrician over my ~25 years in the trade. Thankfully, I haven't had to wear a suit. It looks like I have a song to learn, and a few more musicians to research and learn about. Be good to you 🤍

[@ThrashingCas]

Hits even harder now then when I first found this song. I needed this today, thank you

[@johndunnahoo2365]

I love John Hartford's music. Max you did honor hm so in this cover. Damn I like this. Thank you for sharing.

[@rick-zw2vh]

The best version has its own wonderful story!

[@samuraikitten]

Found this song & I love it. Just today I saw an ad for a line of kids clothes, all blazers & ties. Specifically for little boys & girls to dress for success.

[@Gravitycrazy]

I stopped treating my job as my whole life, now im getting ready to start my own little family, my first daughter is almost here. And ill strive to give good memories for her

[@close2cmusicmusic575]

I love the artist that you share thank you so much for giving us real music with real musicians

[@shivamshrotriy]

This is the best version of this song.

[@MrBenjaminMurphy]

I’ve been following gems for a short while now. I want to say I have been really enjoying what you are creating where Anthony! It’s a two way street with the musicians making these moments but I’m glad you are capturing them! Thanks, Ben.

[@billbarker4907]

Thank you guys so much for making this happen and sharing it with the world.

[@wazzuptrey]

Thanks for the story and song Jimmy Fallon. Really tugged on the heart strings there.

[@humanonearth1]

Love how clean these vocals are, and not post mastered very much at all. Makes a big diff.

[@dariusdribbles.3981]

There something very moving and honest about his voice.

[@kurtj98]

Thank you Max. Great version of such a prophetic song.

[@DarrenRayYagle]

This is so great. My favorite version of this tune. Great job! Great story!!

[@DarrenRayYagle]

I do a version of this tune on my channel. Not nearly as purdy but. I love this tune bub. Means a lot to me.

[@longjohn2155]

Everybody who down voted this lovely rendition must work in a tall building and not appreciate what else exists in life. I'm still discovering. God bless you Max...

[@jccoffey23]

i freaking love you doing this cover brother thank you for such a beautiful performance

[@Bad__Scooter]

I saw Max open for James McMurtry maybe 5 or 6 years ago in this small little coffee shop. When he played this the whole dang room was silent. Everyone there knew at that exact moment that he was the real deal. He also introduced himself as "Not Jimmy Fallon" which has always stuck with me.

[@tomokra]

good job, and what a lovely old Martin ...

[@mufasao6776]

Wow, I cried, had to excuse myself to sit outside in the sun, and had to talk about God with my father to get through what this song just put me through. I've worked hard to take care of my education to try and deserve it ... guess it's time to pick up my pencil again and again for the next about 45 years...

[@aj3198]

Don’t let it be that way. Get out and see the world. I’m 22 and had so many dreams that I was chasing and giving my heart and soul to them. I felt like I was getting close but started to lose my grasp and what exactly I was chasing them for. I dropped out of college to help my family. I realized that everything that I was chasing my dreams for didn’t matter. Money, cars, clothes, and status. So I humbled my self thanks to God and working a normal job for the time being. I started investing almost a year ago and it really helped me realize that money is fake. I made amounts that I’ve never seen before but I recently lost it all. And it was the most freeing experience yet. I wasn’t sad about it. So now I’m chasing bigger things. Such as Gods love and adventure. The world is waiting for you to see it. Never trap yourself for objects that will never love you back.

[@ole_limberlegs]

Fantastic

[@poopymcface9792]

I just love this song and this channel. I first found Gems on VHS through Lost Dog Street Band, and I quickly found all the great content.

[@mavvrick]

Same here and so glad I did.

[@PennyWiley]

I saw Lost Dog play. I’m so happy I found all this, as well.

[@AquariusCrystalwave]

such a beautiful song ❤️

[@bigjr9004]

This is so good, and you're correct Gems - Hartford is very much a hidden treasure.

[@bsmith8943]

So much truth is his words. Wonderful song.

[@j.dlawhon4473]

Max Gomez is amazing

[@ianshortall3356]

Love this tune, performed so well...

[@ZackHarold]

This song makes me want to quit my job.

[@madhatter785]

save some money, travel to a place that makes you shudder, and play music friend. then can the job

[@peytonreagan6237]

Ive never felt a comment as true as Mr. Harold's

[@richman117]

hans meier yeah that sounds nice and all but that’s hard when you already have children relying on you to live. have to work at finding a way of income that brings you joy

[@rick-zw2vh]

Zack Harold then just do it!

[@mufasao6776]

Zack Harold Wow ... 3 months after this comment, from the looks of your channel you indeed quit your job and produced your own cover of this song. How has life changed since then, Zack? Are you still happy with your marriage and education and life?

[@whateverhappens1140]

A friend sent me to this link. Thanks for posting this performance.

[@pwonk95]

Great intro. Love hearing Max Gomez finger pickin. He starts playing at 1:50

[@sazon860]

Dont be having people skip the contextual story! It's the best part lol!

[@pwonk95]

@@sazon860 oh trust me I want people to hear the intro too! But if you're like me and listen to this 100 times a day, I just want to hear the music

[@PF-Fly]

One of my favorite songs of all time and Max does an amazing job with it. Has anyone else out there drawn comparisons between “In Tall Buildings” and the song “Murder in The City” by the Avett Brothers? First time I heard Murder in The city 10+ years ago I immediately thought of this song.

[@sanctionedtaco2109]

I can't wait to be on this. I will be one day soon.

[@byrampatrik5396]

Absolutely outstanding. Perfection.

[@jkattravels]

I love this story

[@druidfromthewest7258]

Im from new mexico and i love this song.

[@hxcnoel]

Pleasantly surprised by the shout out to Taos, NM, one of the chillest places on planet earth. Greetings from Albuquerque, NM

[@thekill1197]

Truly fantastic!

[@joannabowen635]

Fast becoming a fan o'Max. One of my favorite songs by JH. And don't let it happen to you, kids!

[@thebluumarlinletstakeadive3111]

you make such incredible lyrics on such easy notes look simple. i will do that.

[@-elijahriggs-]

Max Gomez, I doubt you are reading the Gems comment section and I know you are out in the south west, but if you ever come to north Florida you got a place to stay. A comfortable house in a safe, but not gated, neighborhood. I'd love to pick with ya. Are styles are very similar. I learned the Hartford version of this, then the Gregory Alan Isakov version. Your take is the one I'm stealin'. I got everything anyone would need. Hi fi stereo, high quality vinyl, bottle "caps", whiskey and sunrise. I'll keep my eye out for you touring this way.

[@mixermanbear.4002]

I’m 50 years old. I’ve never worn a suit. I’ve been a trucker for the last 32 years. I’ve passed countless tall buildings but never walked into any of them. My back is broken.

[@donnope4414]

But if you spent 32 years working in those tall buildings, it’s your soul that would be broken. We all start to break down in some way, at some point. But you sir, being a trucker, have probably done us people a bigger service than the corporate suits. Tonight I have a drink in your honor!

[@mixermanbear.4002]

Don Nope Thank you so much for your kind words sir! I truly appreciate them!👍😎

[@DrChaunceyBlevins]

My grandpa isn’t kin but he raised me on a trucker’s pay and taught me how to work. My hats off to you and him, sir, and thanks for pulling the load.

[@florida321]

@@DrChaunceyBlevins Benjamin Tod - we aint even kin

[@Tanner731]

truckers are the people who keep this country going, without you delivering food, fuel, and other stuff this country would grind to a halt. I know many people dont recognize it and its probably a thankless job but I appreciate it so I try to give truckers a wave or be extra polite giving them some space on the highway to move over and pass or whatever I can do. I sure as hell know i couldn't drive a truck that big with all the jerks on the road these days so I really respect those who do

[@josephduncan4408]

Excellent performance

[@lovrboy670]

This song is incredible

[@johnnysykes6367]

Amazing song.

[@nickjoseph9853]

Just moved into a place in Taos county today, up in the mountains. Was unpacking my bags feeling some kind of solitude when Max said he started playing this song in Taos, New Mexico. Didn't know that's where he's from. Hit me hard. Funny how coincidence works...

[@alexpresent8907]

I wish may would record this. It’s so good!

[@sashanealand8315]

Someday my baby, when I am a man, and others have taught me the best that they can they'll sell me a suit they'll cut off my hair and send me to work in tall buildings So it's goodbye to the sunshine goodbye to the dew goodbye to the flowers and goodbye to you I'm off to the subway I must not be late I'm going to work in tall buildings When I'm retired My life is my own I made all the payments it's time to go home and wonder what happened betwixt and between when I went to work in tall buildings So it's goodbye to the sunshine goodbye to the dew goodbye to the flowers and goodbye to you I'm off to the subway I must not be late I'm going to work in tall buildings So it's goodbye to the sunshine goodbye to the dew goodbye to the flowers and goodbye to you I'm off to the subway I must not be late I'm going to work in tall buildings

[@1Rockbilly]

I can hear John Hartford singing that... thanks writing out the lyrics. Warmed my heart to read them. This young mam Max Gomez will be a popular troubadour soon. He will carry the news in his songs. Wow powerful young man...

[@imtichangkiri7171]

Thanks for the lyrics

[@wadehwallace]

These lyrics are so sad, because they're not exaggerating at all. We've built a society that alienates us from nature, and alienates us from one another. We place so much value on objects, and so little value on life.

[@maartenbouwmeester2951]

Deserves more likes...

[@ZacharySandoval-x4d]

I don’t think that guys an asshole I just think he’s teaching his son the best he knows. Love and reality of growing up