I was asked to listen to The SteelDrivers - Can You Run? | First Reactions

[@poloreacts27]

DO NOT have a telegram please don't fall for SPAM IN THE COMMENTS. Thanks for watching! Most of my requests come from here. To support the show www.patreon.com/poloreacts or show your love for the channel by buying me a coffee using this link www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts.

[@shshhsbdbfbf511]

Camouflage by Stan ridgeway you won’t regret

[@charlesm9929]

​@@shshhsbdbfbf511 Also, Mexican Radio.

[@charlesm9929]

Hank Williams Jr. - Dinosaur 🦕

[@LowLight420]

Sorry I'm late to the party, but I noticed you really getting into Return To Forever, and I thought I might help steer you into the tree. These albums should get you started: Chick Corea - The Leprechaun Al DiMeola - Land of the Midnight Sun Stanley Clarke - School Days Lenny White - Present Tense Also, if you are or find yourself on the west coast, in L.A. you should check out The Baked Potato. I've seen many, many artists there. In San Francisco I recommend Yoshi's (Stanley's playing there this month). One of Chick's favorite places to play (RIP). Enjoy, but be careful: the jazz fusion rabbit hole goes deep.

[@charlesm9929]

@@LowLight420 Another great one is Al Di Meola - Tour de Force LIVE. It has an absolutely blistering version of Elegant Gypsy Suite, with Jan Hammer on keyboards and Steve Gadd on drums. The outro of the last 20 seconds or so, will positively melt your face off.

[@andrewdoby3468]

I cant believe somebody requested a Steeldrivers song! That is freakin' awesome! Been listening to them for awhile and everyone I ask say they never heard of them. Dont know what they are missing. Great Bluegrass! And this is coming from me, a Pink Floyd, SRV, Rush, Clapton, Hendrix guy.

[@mitchellwaters0706]

Brother...im from the mountains of north and south carolina...we don't push our music on nobody..keep it to ourselves..but the fact you discovered..and like it..puts a smile on my face..and you are welcome here..for as long as you want...but..shit...it is good..ain't it?...62 year old former marine from south carolina...

[@ginger7044]

Thank you for your service, from an Indiana girl with an Appalachian heart

[@tracymctyer6741]

Love this comment so much. ❤ Thank you for your service, Mitchell 🙏🏽

[@TheBelladonnablue]

They have another song about the Civil War from the perspective of a tree watching a battle. It's called Sticks That Make Thunder...

[@cristiwebb5646]

I was gonna recommend that song also. The fiddle is amazing in that song, Chris is always amazing. I love that it is from the tree's perspective.

[@michaelshaver1714]

Great choice… another favorite of mine from this band👍

[@sunshinespiritmindfulnessa1355]

You are so AUTHENTIC, Polo. Don't change a thing. "Just be you. They'll adjust."

[@mitchellwaters0706]

I'm a southerner..you DO know..the banjo..originated in africa..came over with the slaves..just sayin...62 year old former marine from south carolina..really do love your reactions..there heart felt..not nonchalant..keep em comin..and I'll keep listening..

[@fighthypocrites7036]

Yessir. And Bluegrass has deep roots in the melodies and meter of Scottish folk music...what an incredible meld. And where else could it have happened?

[@DavidEveritt74]

A couple weeks ago in a reaction, you said “sometimes you can say anything, if you say it the right way”, or at least, to that effect. Here goes..I think this works so well because I see bluegrass, as artists like Chris Stapleton or Alison Krause deliver it, as white people’s soul music. It comes from the same places,I.e., the blues, spiritual or inspirational, generational stories set to music. It speaks so often to the pain and hardships of everyday people, just trying to get by. Music has room for everyone.

[@tammydean3003]

Sticks That Made Thunder is another great song that I absolutely love by them. It's great seeing a younger generation be moved by different genres.

[@feralvulcan7955]

That's honestly what I was hoping this was going to be.

[@laurenseabolt9942]

Just a small note, the authenticity of the song is helped by the drop thumb style the banjo player uses on the track. It’s an older style that pre dates Bluegrass and was In use during the civil war, it adds to the haunting quality of the track. Love this one, and your reaction to it.

[@Tbirdhaynes]

The Band’s “The Night They Drove Ol’ Dixie Down”

[@fighthypocrites7036]

A little late, but maybe you'll see this...That song was deemed politically incorrect and The Band stopped performing it. Levon Helm said he regretted ever doing so. That really disappointed me; it told the story of a southern man who had realized it was a rich man's war after he'd lost almost everything. It doesn't glorify the confederacy, secession or slavery...why is it politically incorrect? It's probably one of the most realistic works in our American songbook.

[@Tbirdhaynes]

@@fighthypocrites7036 agreed, it does none of those things. Not to mentioned the southern boys that fought and died in that war didn’t own slaves, they were fighting to literally protect their homes and farms. That war is no different than every other war, started by rich men for their agenda and interests then sent poor people to fight and die for them as they sat on their asses. There’s one line specifically that says everything. “You take what you need and you leave the rest but they should have never taken the very best”. And if any of that hurts someone’s feelings well, I say tough s*^t. Plus I don’t much go in for politically correctness or worrying about someone else’s feelings being hurt or tiptoeing around so as not to disturb …. well, anyone really. It’s a fantastically beautiful song with a message that unfortunately is still relevant today and sadly, likely always will be. Also sadly unfortunate is that the younger generation of today mostly all suffer from tiktok brain and can’t concentrate on something specific past 2 minutes and probably don’t even know what our civil war is, where it was fought, who fought it and who won it.

[@robertlangland3351]

Polo, you're one of the most thoughtful and attentive reactors I've seen on KZbin. Thank you for your candor and intelligent thoughts. It's a deep rabbit hole, but if you go there, blue grass is a. cornucopia of country soul music.... no pretensive runs just honest heartfelt experiential music and song...

[@quintondees4501]

Steel drivers are awesome, this is how Chris got his start....this song puts a lump in your throat.......damn, this whole album is incredible

[@TexasMagnolia]

Bluegrass artists do not get enough praise as Master Musicians. All acoustic instruments & harmonies to produce such a beautiful sound.

[@jp4inthemornin]

Beautiful mandolin, fiddle, and banjo. Picturesque lyrics. Thanks Polo.

[@vintagebrew1057]

We were lucky in our family that my parents loved all genre's of music. We we exposed to all of the jewels. Bluegrass just gets to me as does the Blues. Just love it all. Thanks from London UK🇬🇧

[@GH-qr6vn]

LOVE that you did Steeldrivers. Early Steeldrivers has Chris Stapleton all over it. In keeping with the Civil War try Sticks Like Thunder. Simple amazing writing and story telling from the perspective of a tree. You will love it.

[@lulatodd2147]

I think Chris Stapleton has an IQ of about 500 and an ability to understand lots of different perspectives. He’s unique and very, very special.

[@cchester543]

I am a retired teacher. It’s actually more difficult to get a GED these days than get a high school diploma. Props to you.

[@SammieMaxfield]

The mention of Civil War makes me wanna point you towards THE Civil Wars - they disbanded a while ago now but I think you'll find their harmonies absolutely mesmerising! Anything from the Barton Hollow album would be a good place to start ❤

[@scottdoright7]

Sounds like Oliver Anthony 🤔❤️

[@teresahall4247]

John Paul White does solo albums. His production company just celebrated 10 year. Single Lock Records is putting out great music. If you really like John Paul check Happenings in The Shoals he plays around town several times a year.

[@bigsky7617]

The Civil Wars were absolutely amazing. I recommend their cover of Billie Jean.

[@oldsoulsheart]

It’s clear that this song had a strong effect on you. It’s a great song of sadness with an underlying hope for the future and it is impossible to not share your emotions. Truly beautiful. Always be aware you stand out among your peers in the reactions world because your honesty shows in your words and emotions. Hang on for dear life to that and you will have more and more subscribers. Just wish I had enough money to buy you a cup of coffee. Maybe someday!

[@user-PamWiley123]

I'm a rock n' roll granny but, I love bluegrass which that sounds like. I've never heard of this either, love it.

[@seanh4841]

Beautiful Bango playing, simple yet sophisticated lyrics

[@Gothhippie667]

..to chase the taste of bondage from my tongue... THAT is powerful.

[@RobHowell1]

Brother, I’m a HUGE history buff from the Egyptian period and before and after, prehistoric American mound builders through ww2 , I’d listen to steel drivers for a minute and came across this song I’ve been to hundred of early American war re-enactments and i could literally envision this song play out in my mind. It’s a soul grabbing song that literally puts you IN the couples spot. Since I’ve heard the lyrics it’s Hands down my favorite song… Btw not until when oh brother where art thou came out did I even know I liked this type of music 😅

[@michaelshaver1714]

Love that song, Love the Steeldrivers, Love Chris Stapleton. I wish he would have stayed with them. The first time I heard this, I had many of the same thoughts you expressed. I’m so glad you put this one out. Bluegrass music is so underrated. So many people think it’s a bunch of backwoods hillbilly noise, but the stories told in many of these songs are so hard hitting and meaningful to a backwoods hillbilly like me.

[@carolcampbell2041]

The term The Civil War caught my eye. I am a retired Social Studies teacher after all. Really loved this song. The emotion and elegance of the lyrics were so incredibly stirring. Loved the song so much. Thank you.

[@LoisChisholm]

I'm not a big fan of Country, but so far, I have liked every single Chris Stapleton song I've heard. Thanks for another new favorite, Polo.

[@fortisrisuspater]

Wow! This was powerful. Thank you for sharing.

[@940anthony]

As a white southerner from north ga. I have to say this hits the soul brother. Blacks have an anger i can never understand as i feel a shame yall do not know. To not be racist and know the past is t really does hurt. This song is so beautiful a white man singing frim the black slave perspective with such eloquent poetry and beautiful music that this song transends boundaries. Thanks to Chris and you for this video ive often wonderd what a black person feels listening to this. Thanks again and peace brother

[@danabaldwin544]

I really like you, your perspective on music I really like it, it appears that you love music and probably books to understand things more deeply. Thankyou

[@traypaquette7887]

❤ much love for the song, and your reaction.

[@dfcjr]

I wish i could like this a thousand times!!!

[@leceillebeckmeyer3195]

My first time hearing this too. Had not been for you I would have never experienced it. These lyrics are so fantastic. Thanks for this.

[@brenttuttle7268]

I grew up listening to this type of music. I was lucky enough to see Chris and the Steeldrivers live at a Bluegrass festival.....I think it was about 2008. The Steeldrivers live was freaking awesome.....and that's coming from a guy who has probably been to 40 or 50 Bluegrass festivals over the past 25 years.

[@BOOMNERD51]

Great reation, Polo! I haven't heard this song before!

[@jennyjenny4501]

The Ghost of General Lee by Waylon Jennings is a fantastic song about the civil war.

[@quintondees4501]

You mentioned Ray Charles, he was an American treasure 👏👏👏

[@gregpomeroy2149]

Beautiful reaction

[@squirehobbs6754]

Great reaction Polo very moving, this album is the best, the whole band is great but Tammy Rogers on the fiddle and her vocals are off the charts...got to watch them perform together in that Blue-Grass style.

[@timothybyrom5560]

You are one man that's got it right. Love and respect.

[@jonahtee5889]

Now, can you listen to a song about the other side of this conflict. Rebel Soldier by Jamey Johnson, another great storyteller and country singer. It's definitely worth a listen.

[@stacy4823]

This is one of my favorites that they do. Another one that has a Civil War theme is their song "Sticks That Made Thunder" I read that it is the story of a Civil War battle as seen through the eyes of a tree. It has a beautiful melody.

[@patrickkeenan8109]

One of your best!!! Beautiful backup harmony from his wife. If you ever get a chance to see them perform together someday, I’m positive you won’t be disappointed.

[@brianarenas2147]

I don’t believe that is his wife Morgan. There is another female in the Steeldrivers, not sure of her name.

[@julie-annepoole6859]

Tammy Rodgers on fiddle and singing harmonies, Morgane was never part of the Steeldrivers

[@d3eztrickz]

I love this song.. The Steeldrivers have some very powerful and moving songs! Glad you got to listen to this

[@gk5891]

The live version that's up on YT is really powerful.

[@mwallace2337]

Thank you for honoring the story this song tells. "I've got to stand up tall before I'm done." Chris Stapleton has a great voice and perhaps even greater sensitivity.

[@paxonearth]

Polo, please check out the amazing song, Wildfire, by Mandolin Orange. It's a bluegrass/folksy ballad about the legacy of the Civil War in in the deep South.

[@stevecox3068]

Good stuff cuz, music finds us all, no matter the genre, rock, rap, country, bluegrass,!

[@MizCriz46]

This wonderful song was written by Chris & Mike Henderson, another member of The Steeldrivers. If you haven't been told already, always do Chris live. In this case at the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. You'll see Mike play that mandolin you hear. I've seen this song reviewed 5 other times, all by black people going down the Chris Stapleton rabbithole.. To be fair, none of them were given any context before they heard it but only one person understood what it was about. Sad.

[@user-PamWiley123]

That song is on their Reckless album. I'm gonna buy it.

[@keithcarper8809]

I've been a fan of The Steeldrivers since hearing 'Where Rainbows Never Die'. The song that brought me and my guitar back together after a long separation. The Civil War theme continues in the song 'Sticks That Made Thunder' from the viewpoint of a tree. Worth a listen. Nice reaction, Polo. ☮💜🎶

[@michaelfrieszell6745]

One of your best reactions brotha

[@tracymctyer6741]

This song is why I became a big Chris Stapleton fan. One of my all-time faves. It literally made me cry. I’m black, by the way. Not that it matters, but it got me in all the feels.

[@poloreacts27]

Right!

[@carolmckay9067]

I really didn't think I was going to, But, damn this made me cry!! I love Chris Stapleton!! Such a Powerful song.

[@rogerosterberger4627]

I have not heard this, but the bluegrass genre is there. Thumb's up.

[@micheled6111]

Another one that is written by Stapleton I believe is “ sticks that make thunder’ also about a war from the perspective of a tree on the battlefield.

[@ag-xk6iv]

I never heard this song before and it brings to mind the question of why there are more songs on this topic - the point of view of the American slave. Thanks for this.

[@karenpowell6063]

This is my first time hearing this song... beautiful, moving music ❤🔥🔥

[@chadmote3466]

If you love bluegrass and old- timey music. Then you MUST listen to "The Carolina Chocolate Drops"! They're named Chocolate for a reason.

[@96tears600]

Great reaction. You are very insightful

[@andywalker8064]

The River Runs Red... Steel Drivers. About the battle of Stones River. Badass stuff.

[@SiPnKrindul]

Your reaction and this song pulled one out of me. The lyrics and the scene painted was deep. “Can you run?” We’ve got to go now!

[@mitchellwaters0706]

Yep..he isgood..aint he..shit...can't argue with that..62 year old former marine from south carolina..

[@kylieratliff9617]

The beauty of art is it can take you to the same place it took me (old white lady). I see this movie run through my head every time I hear it and I cry. It’s beautiful and haunting

[@jacqueline4514]

What a great and important song, Polo; thank you, first time I’ve ever heard it as well. And music makes me cry all the time no shame in that. I’ve got a great Civil War song for you; “The Band’s” THE NIGHT THEY DROVE OLD DIXIE DOWN; a beautiful song musically and gives a glimpse into southern civilians’ feelings of defeat. Civil War buff here; Unconditional Surrender Grant could have had that war won and done in less than a year had be initially been the commander of all Union Forces; I blame Union General George McClennan’s continual inaction, disregard for Lincoln’s orders, constant overestimating of the confederate numbers and failure to follow up on Union victories for the war lasting 4 years and hundreds of thousands soldiers needlessly dead.

[@julielong8714]

You got chills reading the lyrics, and I got chills hearing them.🥺

[@steamr0ll]

Bluegrass seems well-suited to evocative stories, but maybe that is more of an overall "folk" thing? Thank you Polo for turning me on to this amazing track!

[@geraldlarghe7179]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6fbamuDarOBpbMsi=uYXn9ZumCuhbvDpw Another from then written from the perspective of an old tree on a civil war battle field. You will appreciate this. Truly enjoy all your reactions.

[@HammockQueen]

For the world's best jazz banjo, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (Victor Wooten on bass). He also plays bluegrass. For some progressive bluegrass, Nickel Creek.

[@BritIronRebel]

Polo, you may be moved by the fact that the bloodiest battle of the Civil War was partially fought on the farm of a freed Black man at Gettysburg, PA. Im proud of the fact that my Great Great Grandfather was an abolishionist who enlisted in 1861 and fought with the 62nd Pennsylvania Infantry. He fought at many battles, including Gettysburg, survived the war and mustered out in Pittsburgh in 1865. Soldiers in the Civil War were just as likeky to die from disease as they were from combat.

[@cynthiaadkins-zj9ut]

Country music, including bluegrass, is ALL about the story. People who hate on country music don't know what they're missing. I grew up in the Appalachian Mountains and heard it all the time. I took it for granted and didn't develop an appreciation for it until I moved out of the mountains and settled in the Carolinas. You should listen to more of the Steel Drivers. Their original stuff with Chris Stapleton. After he left they had several replacement lead singers, but none could touch Chris IMHO.

[@firestarten]

The easy lilt of the song hides the urgency of the lyrics. This was my first time hearing it too. When I'm in that civil war mood, I like Two Soldiers from Jerry Garcia and also Lincoln's funeral train by Greg Graffin.

[@sabrinapeters786]

Next should be “Sticks that made Thunder “ by Steeldrivers. Its from the perspective of a tree

[@ThistleAndSea]

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing. 🙂 If you haven't heard it yet, you might enjoy You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive by Patty Loveless. There's a really nice clip on YT of a live performance from October 27th, 2001. Might have been an Austin City Limits performance? I think you'll love the story it tells of life as a coal miner. Just some really good, soulful bluegrass.

[@ella5319]

I have come back hear this amazing song, the subject of this song is painful, but the human struggle for freedom is a strong need. I like to think him and his love made it to freedom.

[@TheSyncos]

Dude. More Steeldrivers, yes. That album is soo good. just off that album I'd recommend "Where Rainbows Never Die", "The Price", "Midnight on the Mountain" and "Angel of the Night".

[@lisazaccardimeunier8378]

Chris can do no wrong. Another good one by the Steeldrivers is “If it hadn’t been for love”. BTW, this genre is called bluegrass.

[@lindablue5094]

Thats a beautiful song Chris is amazing they all are amazing

[@richardmardis2492]

I usually only listen to you when I know the music- not this time. Now I’m more enlightened for it!

[@conniedean1977]

Chris Stapleton sounds so young! I only have one of their albums, but there are 5 or 6, I think. 🎶❤️⭐️

[@michellefrank8116]

@iampolomars this is a great reaction video. From my perspective, this music is more a combination of folk, Appalachian, and country genres. All 3 tell a story for the common person. People of all colors that have had slavery in their family tree (which includes indentured servitude) can relate. As you're already aware, there are still places where slavery is common place. Many times, it's given another name. Peace.

[@SuperVonKiller]

Check out Steel Driver's Sticks That Made Thunder, a conversation between trees on a hill overlooking a civil war battle

[@AmazinFireMan]

I don’t know how old this is, but, my first time also. Since the gov’t & big biz almost killed music in the late 90’s it’s far & few between of listening to quality. You provide what underground radio once was. A good cut!!

[@d3eztrickz]

This is from ~2008

[@robertjones6971]

You gotta do " sticks that made thunder " Another civil war "the war of northern aggression". By the steeldrivers. From the perspective of the forest. Sad song.

[@nosparex]

I was about to type this and I saw that someone else had the same idea as me. When I saw Civil War I thought of the band "The Civil Wars." They are far from mainstream, so their right up your alley. I would suggest you start with the song "Barton Hollow." Do the official video to get the full effect (if interested).

[@SammieMaxfield]

Great minds!

[@humpy936]

Bluegrass is my favorite genre of music.❤

[@markgallemore8856]

750,000 Americans died on both sides in four years. It’s unimaginable to even think about that. That’s more than all of our foreign wars combined. Joan Baez does a beautiful song call the night they drove old Dixie down. It’s sung from the perspective of a man name Virgil, Cain, and Virgil Cain is a southerner with his family on a farm and it’s from that perspective that the song is song song does not address slavery issue in war addresses how common people get treated during times of conflict. The original studio album version is the best.

[@davepahnke9393]

very powerful!

[@sidhawkins9858]

If you would like a little different perspective on the Civil War and like the Steeldrivers as I do I suggest you listen to The River Runs Red. Chris is not the lead on this but the singer is much like Chris. It shows and laments the tragedy on both sides of this tragedy. I do not know if Chris had a hand in writing but suspect he may have. I do think with your open mind you will appreciate it. Thank you. The Steeldrivers are great.

[@keeyoki1]

Great perspective!

[@liveorexist3661]

I'm getting to this reaction a bit late. Loved it. I recommend Punch Brothers for some more awesome modern bluegrass

[@bigkw1568]

If it hadn't been for Love is another banger

[@justintempus7406]

I hope you, and your audience both understand that escaped slaves were considered "contraband" by the south in the civil war. That line makes me weep with every chorus, and I'm just a random white dude whose ancestors fought on the historically correct side.

[@brianbrekke9500]

Here is an artist that you should check out She considers herself .ore folk than bluegrass. Rhiannon Giddons wrote a song titled Julie, a slave. She also has several other songs about slavery.

[@DaleMontdale-xd1mc]

There's another one in this vein. Wildfire by mandolin orange.

[@lindablue5094]

The name of the Song is Sweet Symphony

[@timothykelley3635]

Check out The Band, The night they drove old Dixie

[@gardnerdan17]

You need to hear Sixteen Horsepower. For some great songs by them check out "American Wheeze", "Black Soul Choir" or "Haw".

[@usmcrn4418]

The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.. Joan Baez version.

[@teddyward458]

Sticks That Made Thunder Steel Drivers with Mr Stapleton.