Nick Shoulders ⍛ Snakes & Waterfalls

Subscribe to Nick Shoulders' channel! / @neckshoulders
nickshoulders.bandcamp.com/
@neckshoulders
August 2018 | Arkansas | recorded by @nickfutch.makes
Love me some Nick Shoulders. We've been buds since 2012, when his band Thunderlizards was playing at JR's, and we shared the stage as I backed him on drums in Ghost Hollers. Nowadays, Shoulders uses his vocal gifts to share with us modern folks the history and context of ole-timey music.
Nick walked me through his childhood stomping grounds and sang us a tune inspired by his love for this little corner of Arkansas. He told about the folklore which gave Ghost Holler its name and showed us ruins from the Civil War that used to run right up to his back yard. I set up the field recorder and let Nick do his thing with nothing but a guitar, a Moose, and droning cicadas.
See more from Nick Shoulders:
nickshoulders.bandcamp.com/
@neckshoulders
@some._.dark._.holler
Second camera operated by Anna Tran.
Shot and edited by Nick Futch
@nickfutch.makes
LYRICS (by Nick Shoulders):
Porch lights, on distant ridges dark.
Rock lined valleys, ringing with every bark.
From flat water bottom to wind blown timber tall.
Its my land, of snakes and waterfalls.
16 score and 7 years my blood’s called home.
To all the crimson clay and the old roads that I roam.
This place might be curse’d after all.
But its my land, of snakes and waterfalls.
And I know, that when a distant shore’s before me
Oh how my poor heart aches, for every hollow that I forsake
I’ve been trying to run since I could crawl
But I’m bound, to snakes and waterfalls.
Blue cave water and canebrakes forever call, me on home, to snakes and waterfalls.

[@agonisecharterer4131]

When he went oooooOOOOoooOOoOOOOoooooo I felt that

[@dakotabruce7773]

Shit you ain't kiddin!

[@silver_lines]

🥰🥰🥰

[@ridesandreels2890]

Sounded liked a fiddle fr

[@Ensoniqdude]

The dog is like “Yeah......I take him along on hikes for the entertainment....he’s a pretty good boy”.

[@soulrape06]

🥰

[@vincentlittrell7743]

I wanna be that dog. Just chillin and then hearing toons

[@jeremylavender8085]

Legit thought it was a bear at first haha

[@mikaelramirez5520]

Meaningless milk, That dog is living the dream

[@cerium2728]

Jeremy Lavender same lmao

[@hunterchunko5332]

My 21 year old brother passed away last night and hidden deep in his notes he had requested if something were to happen to him to play this song. I wish we’d of found you together but he loved your music, I’m a listener for life

[@Emma-vl2gh]

Love and peace brother ❤️

[@christianpatrickdouglass4810]

Hope you’re doing ok ❤️

[@chasingforeverbb]

love

[@riotgrrrl5924]

I have been there. Peace be witu you.

[@alexeilizano9267]

Love brother

[@sinbadk.7667]

Oh God bless any music that doesn’t sound like modern country

[@dakotarayparkermusic]

Hahaha! Amen!!!!

[@LeskoBrandon2x]

Or rap

[@dismasmagfionnghaile5030]

Amen Brother. Charley Crockett, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, and Nick and real deal!

[@Eagle9567]

Ur just thinkin of radio country. Folk is the past, present and future.

[@boomthebunny]

@@Eagle9567 right? People need to broaden their selections and stop listening to the Top Billboard Bullshit.

[@Ticklehug]

I am deeply drunk and this truly speaks to me

[@juice2620]

That quarantine drunk.

[@therealjulez7886]

got bless u brother

[@TheGeneralHobbiest]

Redditbro thank you for this comment

[@Essentialmindalchemy]

Similar mission...

[@STUPIDstutz5]

That’s what’s up

[@Treble777]

Once in a while KZbin throws something like this up, and suddenly I become aware of a huge world out there, treasures like this that I’m still yet to discover.

[@montkruz4424]

I agree

[@klaytonwhite149]

Y'all come on down to Arkansas, ya hear?

[@wturnbo76]

An t mad at it

[@latenightcake5881]

I feel the same way but then I think... but they would probably not like me being gay , so I calm down

[@klaytonwhite149]

@@latenightcake5881 nobody cares if you're gay bruh.

[@TayoTheVikingGaming]

He whistles like a Disney princess. And he's the best Disney princess of all times

[@sweetdudeicecream]

LMFAO 😂😹

[@Kris-kk8wv]

Bhahahahahahaha!!!! Lovely, but hella manly and attractive all at the same time.

[@TheYammerHammer]

ha ha ha ha

[@ceterfo]

Disney board meeting: sir Star wars isn't going as well as we hoped turns out it can be ruined. No worries you blathering idiot we'll make the best Disney princess of all, mullets and mustaches that's our secret. Sir... I said a Disney princess with a mullet in a mustache, now do it damn it.

[@tysauce1986]

Not what I was expecting! What a talent!

[@savchil]

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, he started whistling

[@xNYRmike]

Nick and Colter Wall have like complete opposite voices, but I just can’t help thinking that they’d make something special together

[@brentmoore5568]

They need a duet album, just like colter and Tyler's needs one!

[@brentmoore5568]

Tyler childers.. sorry auto correct

[@xNYRmike]

Brent Moore Couldn’t agree more! I don’t think they’ll do an entire album, but I’d love to see some more collabs between Colter and Tyler. Fraulein is one of my favorite songs haha

[@bradfordcustoms7588]

xNYRmike my exact thoughts!

[@xNYRmike]

Nick and Colter, pay heed. The people have spoken, you can’t deny our wishes... All uh, 72 of us 😂

[@westonmalone3205]

Mullet, moustache, badass dog, shit kicker boots with the mudflaps. This dude rocks

[@vincentanderson1079]

Mud flaps, my dude, yes! Lmao

[@ethanlowe1845]

what boots is he wearing?

[@westonmalone3205]

@@ethanlowe1845 look like walmart brahmas. Could be wrong

[@YoungNative12345]

It’s actually a brush guard so sticks don’t get caught up in the laces and they look like Carolina boots

[@DonnieDarko1]

❤

[@kevonlevon7350]

“When he whistled, I felt that.” -A Good Boy

[@zachclark1883]

I’m the Music Director for a small radio station in Texas. We’ll be playing this regularly for a little while ❤️

[@danielcastillo9209]

From Texas much love and respect

[@jon112384]

What’s the station? Texan here.

[@cpt_boogie3843]

his song Rather Low slaps, son

[@sarahcruz2103]

Texas♡ Station pls

[@gxtmfa]

Good call!

[@paulgrenier2279]

If I ever hop a train I hope this dude is singing in the boxcar

[@AldensAntlers]

HAhahahahahha

[@scummyguy8561]

Ahahhahaha! Dude!!!!

[@therealjulez7886]

hahaha fuck ya man i'm with u homie!

[@jazzbojackson]

He's off trains and making money now.

[@simeonbarnett9145]

You cant hear shit in a boxcar

[@camodown]

Only thing missing is that vinyl crackle.

[@codyhynes2906]

Casey camodown no lies here

[@conservat1vepatr1ot]

Casey camodown You are spectacularly correct. However, this right here sounded great anyhow.

[@deemooutdoorvlogs4024]

Lol this comment literally gave me chills. No bullshit.

[@leodi4169]

Came down here to make that exact comment.. I was late but thanks tho!

[@bbarie7591]

Straight up

[@jourdanrolland522]

I hope that one day I’ll be hiking through the forest, and find him singing this song.

[@dtay5966]

yepppp

[@ocean4307]

!

[@shavonne4831]

I all of a sudden feel like hiking all of Arkansas lol

[@sanchito59]

I absolutely CANNOT stop listening to this

[@Jen_Is_Outside]

Same, man. It's crazy good.

[@nipnap55madi38]

Seriously...

[@kaceylanning8564]

I can't either it's so addictive!!!!!

[@anthonycampos2634]

I work 14 hr days. Just heard it for the first time today. Had it on repeat for literal hrs. Long enough to learn the words and sing along in my 740B

[@crowley5125]

I really want to pet the good boy perched up on that boulder just watching.

[@silasmoon]

His name is Moose!

[@knowbuddy0]

I've been watching for 2 minutes and didnt even notice the dog sitting up there until o read yiur comment lol

[@pu-FP]

vlad impalay THE GOODEST BOY

[@ianyoung7077]

I wasn't sure if it was a dog or a bear. Would have been cool as fuck if it was the latter.

[@bobshoulders]

Moose died a few weeks ago. He was Nick's best friend for ten years.

[@jamiethomas5012]

He reminds me of Snow White, I totally expect small woodland creatures to come out of the bushes, sit on the rock, and start singing along with him.

[@darthmusturd9526]

Snow hwhwhwhwhite was a lady

[@joeschaffran8019]

My daughter said the same thing. Said his whistling reminds her of the birds in Disney cartoons.

[@AnthonyPardiMusic]

this is impeccably accurate and the bro's can't handle it lol

[@fredmichaels418]

You can't see them but with the Magic of the Herb Nick can see them !! Tennessee May "Shine" but Arkansas Hollers are prime for Herbal Remedies ! 🤪

[@sarawhitfield5415]

This dude so good even the birds and crickets are singin' with him

[@feech2]

Fallout New Vegas called they want you to come play a gig

[@Peachmallard77]

I did feel a FO:NV vibe especially around the word forsake,the high notes,and the whistling

[@jackisoverthere]

Shoulda been used in the show

[@nickdash1682]

Heard the howl and immediately hit the like lol

[@zarekmichalski4995]

nick dash right. Same.

[@augustwest7292]

Yup.. great minds

[@bradfordcustoms7588]

nick dash same lol

[@burliegroves5106]

Immediately sent it to my Dad

[@burliegroves5106]

And smashed the like button of course

[@SuperEvilC]

When I hit the lotto I will hire this guy to follow 10-20' behind me wherever I go.

[@erickebel2130]

Great thought 👍🏻

[@MidnightPolaris800]

😂🤣🤣🤣

[@ioodyssey3740]

Yeah! Love it!

[@TheVeek192]

Who says he'd want to?

[@robhenry4197]

Coming back a couple years later to say that this song and this recording in particular changed my life, no exaggeration. Pure magic here, im incredibly grateful

[@cama.3335]

Yeah Robbie boy!! we love to hear it 💯

[@os4708]

Aye I’m with you there pal, I’m a few thousand miles away from where he’s singing of yet the fondness for home I hear reminds me of my own. Belter stuff

[@slowpokebr549]

I can remember my Uncle Neal calling up the hogs. He had a whole long holler he'd do. The sows would come running. He and my Grandpa used to get drunk and yodel. This singer got me all misty eyed. I'd love to hear him yodel.

[@75egcg]

I hope everybody, including this guy, knows that when people say “America has no culture” you can point them here

[@hamburgerdan101]

Who on earth says that shit there is no place richer or diverse in culture

[@harveymilne1684]

John Jacob Jingle Heimer Schmitt not all culture. Take folk music for example. Each country has its own distinct style of folk music. Neighbouring countries may have similar styles and instruments but one of them had to be the first to do it. It can’t have just materialised from thin air.

[@harveymilne1684]

Me the alt centrist I think London’s already won that award.

[@thatonehead]

Me the alt centrist diverse but not richer. A lot of white people don’t know what type of European they are, black people in america have a separate culture from their ancestors, only immigrants or 1-2nd gens keep their culture. America has a weak ass culture, but at the same time a strong culture for a country less than 250 years old.

[@MissSchnickfitzel]

@John Jacob Jingle Heimer Schmitt european culture is american culture. Cowboy, western culture is american culture. I wouldn't say that is stolen, if they are white

[@JahRasta01]

wish i came across this in the woods

[@hollynwould]

My infant daughter gets a big pouty lip and Precious Moments eyes when I sing along to this song. You are striking chords in the heart of a baby raised far from her hillbilly mother's homeland 💜

[@ChristinaFromYoutube]

I love this

[@bruceflee3117]

Porch lights, on distant ridges dark Rock lined valleys singing with every bark From flat water bottom to wind blown timber tall It's my land Of snakes and waterfalls 16 score and 7 years my blood's called home To all the crimson clay and the old roads that I roam This place might be curse'd after all But its my land, of snakes and waterfalls And I know That when a distant shore's before me Oh how my poor heart aches For every hollow that I forsake I've been trying to run since I could crawl But I'm bound To snakes and waterfalls And I know That when a distant shore's before me Oh how my poor heart aches For every hollow that I forsake Blue cave water and canebrakes forever call Me on home to snakes and waterfalls

[@johnjuandemarco]

Beautiful

[@jeffpenn3394]

Thank you

[@underdoggy404]

Thanks dawg

[@subssflores7285]

His mullet was the clickbait for me , but goddam this mans voice.

[@douglasbrumble7258]

100% one bad ass mullet, a bunch of bad ass singing lol

[@bigd8028]

This western Af is starting to fill the shoes george jones speaks of

[@blindhowlingdrunk]

Setting this as my wake up alarm. Just makes me feel good.

[@uzi4u182]

But if you set that as your alarm, you'll eventually hate it over time :(

[@co20ca05]

1:17 you can hear the bird he imitates in his whistling at 2:56!!

[@meesterchreester5589]

Give this man a NPR Tiny Desk concert!! Nick you certainly gained a fan in me! LOVE this track!

[@andrewhill1362]

Nick should be featured on GemsOnVHS. Though this video was shot very well.

[@ThePhotographicDream]

Andrew Hill I thought it was a gems on vhs at first

[@mmburp6320]

it happened bois

[@andrewhill1362]

chamoy rivers ｎｉｃｅ

[@jordanowens6253]

@@mmburp6320 n🧊

[@bennettstone656]

the amount of joy it brings me that people are still making timeless music. this is amazing

[@thomasrosta7867]

I have this downloaded on my phone, and whenever I used to go up to work, the road was next to a ravine with a creek running down the mountain through it, I would always put this on and sing it to my fullest. During the summertime, when the leaves are just the right amount of green, I think of that and this song and smile till my face can't take it anymore. Thanks Nick!

[@adamburgins441]

Sweet❤

[@justinsmith386]

Man, his howl at the beginning always catches me off guard - too good!

[@andrewhill1362]

This is my 3yr old son’s favorite song. One of my favorites as well.

[@jenniferyocum7582]

My 11 month old grandson is mesmerised by this video. He even tries to whistle!

[@riotgrrrl5924]

After working hard all morning, I sip my espresso and listen to this song and really appreciate life. ✌stay beautiful yall

[@tmo7984]

I've always said, there is no way I will ever like country. Not that it's bad music, it's just never been my flavor.... Then this dude with a mullet and a shady stash comes along and completely opens up a whole new world of music. Thanks!

[@bl0ss0mshum4n]

Holy crap i didn't even know that was his voice til like 10 seconds in

[@dariusdribbles.3981]

Seriously

[@bl0ss0mshum4n]

@BENJAMIN LEVY wow ur so smart can i hav ur autograph xD

[@monoyamono]

Some friends in New Orleans took me to a gig where Nick was playing. One of the best gigs I've ever been to. Such charm, charisma, talent, and feeling. A true American hero.

[@MrDcwisdom]

In Kentucky fishing at the creek drinking when came across this . Hell yeah , always will belong next to snakes and waterfalls .. maybe a weed field or two also

[@barrageuk6061]

Greetings from Middlesboro brotha

[@MysteryGrey]

Sometimes I wake up with this song in my mind, and I know it's gonna be a good day.

[@joebourne5431]

First time I've heard a man yodel whistle

[@MrVoswald]

rather bird whistling I feel

[@joebourne5431]

@@MrVoswald if that's how you do it that's fine

[@pm8278]

yeah same time for me too, he s amazing !

[@noah-burkhardt7703]

I can tell this man truly understands music he sings through the pain and loneliness and brings himself to happiness as well as others I hope to meet him someday

[@anthonyquiroz8783]

Thank you KZbin for recommend this.

[@ams_1046]

A song that makes life feel like everything could be okay. Its beautiful!

[@MrSalsa1995]

I lived in NE Arkansas for 6 months about 5 years ago. I wasn't making much money, but I found some good people, and we spent most of our time hiking and swimming. It was some good times.

[@smillpupstick4323]

His yodeling is like my ancestors singing to me in a summer nights dream.

[@mjc4890]

Idk how you came up with this but you are right

[@mackdaddy3414]

This was my best friends favorite song. He was more than my best friend he was my hero. This is the only thing keeping me together through his passing. 19 years old.

[@MountainManHomestead]

I was born and raised in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. Currently reside on land that’s been in the family 5 generations. This song speaks to me.

[@7550375503]

Opening act for Billy Strings

[@fishermanjoe7866]

No matter how far. No matter how expensive. I would be there.

[@monkeyman7048]

Billy strings needs to be his opening act. He’s way better than billy

[@fishermanjoe7866]

German Hunter not a chance

[@bubbaslaughter8379]

@@monkeyman7048 not at all he's good though

[@monkeyman7048]

Fisherman Joe and Bubba Slaughter. That’s just my opinion. I know a bunch of people who think billy is better than nick. Nicks just my preference. Billy is still really good though

[@brewster9235]

I’m obsessed with his falsetto and whistle, holy hell

[@irreverentreverend]

When I was a young'n I used to listen to people like Hank Snow, Marvin Rainwater, Eddy Arnold, Bob Wills, Kitty Wells, Patsy Cline and many others. It's refreshing to hear new artists bring a new twist to the old, traditional sounds. Wonderful stuff!

[@GoofysBandit]

The way he taps his feet as they dangle at 1:35 👌🏼💯 Like some sort of Appalachian cartoon character

[@em_bro_dery]

I'm a little bit obsessed with Nick at the moment, everything about this video is my favourite.

[@sputniksmom3593]

Jimmie Rodgers, part 2. Glad to see young people carrying on the tradition. Good job.

[@innpeasea5121]

This guy helped me change my oil once.

[@SuperThatguylol]

Never knew why I didn't like modern country til Nick and Billy brought me back. Brings a tear to my eye.

[@cocoanerd17.-.]

Oh man if you don't know Colter Wall yet you gotta look into him. Bob Fudge, Ballad of a Law Abiding Sophisticate, and Transcendent Ramblin Railroad Blues are some pretty good starting points, gives you a good feel for his music. Lots of honky tonk and darker stuff like Johnny Cash and Marty Robins

[@josephgrant757]

Anybody else get a a Jimmie Rodgers feel?

[@georgewashington6225]

Yup

[@keithhernandez4083]

Slim Whitman

[@TheSchmuel]

first thing i thought of! I grew up listening to Jimmie Rodgers records with my Dad

[@YourBestPapa]

@@keithhernandez4083 100% Slim

[@rodgagibson346]

Yes dude I'm not the only one

[@erinreutebuch5427]

This man makes my heart flutter with his voice.

[@candicestevens2389]

Wow,Erin is hot!

[@jik9550]

Dang, Nick is goooooood! STELLAR setting. Give me more sweet, sweetness

[@jamesjohansen8328]

I don't think it matters where you come from, we all have this place deep in our hearts

[@Tropicalpisces]

Tunes like this are SO healing. Bless you sir.

[@jasonwalker9808]

A man and his dog God bless this country.

[@markgunter8847]

The kind of music I miss during this day and age. Beautiful, no question.

[@noah7329]

His voice is magic, he reminds me of Hank Williams

[@voodoosoup2479]

I've listened to this song 100 times today. It gets better eveytime.

[@billyhatson2276]

You always get my son to stop crying. So thankyou for that.

[@will.iamvice]

This guy came to my school and sung this to my class last year😁👍

[@swamp_cabbage]

Everything about this makes me happy. This is absolute gold.

[@FIIux]

This made me cry and then I shit my pants

[@barmouthbridge8772]

another day in the us senate basically

[@zl4719]

Dealing with my dog being old listening to this, thank you

[@ben4735]

Hope your doggie is still around. We see ours starting to slow down a bit.

[@zl4719]

@@ben4735 passed 6 days ago still listening in her honor

[@sammi388]

This man whistles like the most beautiful songbird and it makes me melt!

[@MrVoswald]

2:37 man knows the sound of his woods

[@tylerjacob3299]

He looks just like my dad, he passed away almost 4 years ago, I watch this and see my dad's face, almost brings a year to my eye. Thank you for helping me never forget his face.

[@alanj1986]

That’s cool man. God bless

[@chasemcpherson3014]

This dude captured the entire essence of the Ozarks in this vid... the sound, the look, the vibe, EVERY fucking thing. Phenomenal!

[@astrokitegunner61]

and lets not forget about the beautiful dog too....love his music too...!!!!!!!

[@lyndsieannette957]

Good God...he's channeling the Sons of the Pioneers and I'm now in love with him. Thanks a lot.

[@stevenrtrent9921]

The ghosts of the greats like Jimmie Rodgers and Slim Whitman are smiling down from heaven in joy at this beautiful masterpiece

[@rangoduke3792]

Cheers from Upstate NY.

[@alexm2833]

this is old very very very old school goodness, thank you!

[@maxbigboyb7260]

His voice reminds me of those old country songs. Im so in love😍

[@matador483]

I appreciate this man’s expert whistling and Jimmie Rogers- esque yodel

[@ericibarra123]

Almost gave me Roger Miller vibes with the whistling

[@Redsquirrel1495]

This song is just so relatable we all have our own snakes and waterfalls

[@jjs9672]

The intro has massive Cattle Call feels. Love it

[@marcusaurelius5652]

Sounds like some of the dusty vinyl treasures in the milk crates. I’ll be listening to this guy some more.

[@daylethmarie4008]

Okay, but this is speaking to my soul 🥺♥️

[@SuperMrHiggins]

I come from a land of fields and possums, but god damnit I love it only slihtly more than this song. MUCH LOVE NICK

[@westernbigfootexploration]

Bigfooting music! Had this tune stuck in my head the entire trip in the middle of nowhere camping in humbolt. Everytime I hear it, it takes me to being there. My land, of snakes and waterfalls.

[@zachhogan7865]

This is my 28th time watching this today and I'm planning on 28 more before the days out. Be safe out there everyone.

[@34blunn]

That's the best thing I've seen this week.

[@ivantacalo8802]

When he whistles better than you can .. sing ..... Panty dropper fursure . We need more of your kind . Fellow musician saying Keep it up and live it up before you get old . ✝️🙏🤠

[@H00v3r]

Appalachian opera!!! I completely love everything about this

[@klaytonvonkluge4905]

Nick voice reminds me of old timey music, from way back , before my day even, I like it

[@PinetopJackson]

Love that old Harmony Stella!

[@ivett314]

I'm crying watching this. I'm physically/ mentally exhausted from the grind of work + school. I live alone and sometimes I feel like I don't have the energy to keep going. But it's music like this that gives me life again. Thank you for this, the peace and stillness. I'ma o glad I found your music sir 🤍

[@adamburgins441]

🙏🙆✌️👍🥰🤠

[@mishavu]

Your voice makes me smile 🙂.

[@rockofagesusa7942]

This is good stuff that ya just don’t hear anymore 👍🏻🦅🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸