Sawyer Brown -- All These Years [REACTION]

[@TripletDad3]

My interpretation, and I could be wrong, because everyone looks at lyrics through the prism of their own experiences. He caught her in bed with another man, and realized that over the course of many years he was so focused on work that he neglected her. She starts to try to explain, and says; "you're not the man you used to be". He counters with; "and neither is this guy", because the guy she is cheating on him with is nothing like man he was when they got married. She doesn't try to make any more excuses. She tells him that for all these years she felt like just a housekeeper and mother of his kids, and was missing something in her life, but she is confused because she suddenly realizes the high price she's about to pay for her actions. Based on the video, they split up. This song hits home for me because I lived it. Thanks for doing this one.

[@ShinkleGunDog]

I think she feels guilty and is begging him to stay, saying she finally sees what she stands to lose.

[@planojag595]

You nailed it Kurt!

[@LonelyFarmerScythe]

I’m sorry you had to live this song. It must have been horrible. However, I would like to thank you for the eloquent interpretation. That is how I have interpreted the song, but you stated it better than I. From my standpoint, I never met the person I wanted to spend my life with, but I can see both sides of this song. If I had met the person who was the love of my life, gave him the kids I desperately wanted, but felt so neglected, or found out he had cheated on me, I have no idea whether I could forgive or feel worthy of being forgiven (whichever the case may be).

[@VancouverMagic]

I still sing 'Betty's Bein' Bad' after all these years. Great band.

[@patrickheffernan7798]

She said you're not the man you used to be And he said neither is this guy ... Great line

[@geneaustin5151]

Extraordinary line. So much depth there.

[@planojag595]

Thanks Don for this one. This is the song that changed my mind about Country music. I went from hating it to trying it out to accepting it to liking it to loving it, all because of this song I heard by accident on the radio in 1994. Mark Miller has such a rich baritone voice and I saw Sawyer Brown for the first time last year when they opened for Clint Black. They were so good that they made Clint Black’s performance forgettable and all I remember is Sawyer Brown. I love this song particularly because of the painful truth in it. She may have gotten married to get out of the house or other wrong reasons, she blinks and she has two kids to raise and a husband that’s working a lot, maybe too much. She feels left behind, forgotten, and maybe lost and confused so she finds some sense of worth in the arms of another man. Instead of the husband flying off the handle at catching them in bed together they both begin to reflect on mistakes they’ve both made, how they’ve both taken each other for granted, and while they may be at a crossroads what’s at stake is the kids, the family unit, and the realization that the time and effort they’ve put in all these years cannot be replaced nor returned. The coolest thing about Country Music is how they take real-life issues that everyone can relate to on some level and put it to music with well-crafted lyrics. Each song is a mini PSB.

[@stevenrogers4906]

I agree with you Plano Jag. I grew up on Country Music, but Country Music is life. Everyday life. The struggles and the joy, and the pain. That is what the Pop music of today lacks. There isn't the real life in it. It is mostly surface feel good stuff

[@gabadboy2987]

So love this song another good by Sawyer Brown is The Walk

[@carlahuff4307]

Yes, that's my favorite song by them. Add it to your list, Don.

[@death1510]

Definitely that song is my favorite also

[@jamesc1891]

Yes The Walk needs to be done.

[@mickie-fielden5629]

My family and I watched them win Star Search back in the 80's. They sound just as good now as when they started... Amazing story tellers...

[@jasper_north]

It is nice to hear that both look at themselves and do not blame the other...

[@nate18268]

This song is incredibly deep. A lot of people can surely relate to it. It really makes you think.

[@dub16100]

Yes, she got caught cheating. You nailed it.

[@robertbarnhouse1677]

You missed the line you’re not the man you used to be, he said neither is this guy

[@sotnec1596]

“You’re not the man you used to be and he said neither is this guy” This guy being the guy she was in bed with, this guy isn’t what she said her husband used to be. 90’s country was so great. The lyrics usually told a great story, some more complex than others so you have to listen closely

[@aubrygarrison4435]

Apopka, very close to the home of the Bellamy Brothers, also a great old school band to react to !!!

[@warrenburlingame7087]

Sawyer Brown is the name of a road they found in a phone book. They won Star Search to get they're start

[@sabbyvk424]

Great song & great band!! They remind me of the band Shenandoah. Also brings the song "Chiseled In Stone" by Verne Gosdin to mind. Here's what I take from it.... The song is coming from the point of view of the Husband. He knows his wife is cheating on him, and he walks in on them. Instead of getting upset, he tells her how he feels and turns the light off. He knows he wasn't really trying or giving her much of him. Hes saying "I went down the road to work and back again, but I'm still here. I know I'm not the guy you want/need me to be (his old self) ... But neither is this guy (guy in the bed with his wife)" Then her response is telling him how she feels about the "dead relationship". She's saying "I was here for you with dinner made each day, trying to be the good and raised your children, but you gave me nothing more. But I'm still here." They both know the relationship is dead and yet they still stay together... But Why?? The calmness, dead flowers and empty house symbolizes them splitting up. Which makes them truly "finnaly see how much they have to loose ...All These Years" together/family.

[@RockN2Country]

@Sabrina King I'll take the lady's word for it on this one, and you are that lady. :-)

[@sabbyvk424]

@@RockN2Country 🤣🤣🤣 I'll take that!! 😉🥰😄

[@cowtowncustoms2110]

Great band that had a good run of hits and fantastic entertainers! Very good song about how life happens and the emotions. Like many others I have been there too but I met a GREAT lady and have been married now almost 24 years. Ups and downs but we are always committed to each other and staying together, and it keeps getting better!

[@kylemanahan3682]

U got Apopka right! I live here! Great job

[@Chaosdog17]

You had it right Don. My interpretation is... He came home to find her in bed with another man. They both admit that they missed along the way. She said she can finally see what she stands to lose. My take is that he left her after seeing her with the man that he referenced as "this guy" earlier in the song.

[@LonelyFarmerScythe]

She said “You’re not the man you used to be.” And, he said “Neither is this guy”. Which is so true, but kind of misses the point. That only makes sense to point out that the guy she is cheating with isn’t the same as he used to be would be if she had known that guy for as long as she knew her husband. She has watched her husband change. This guy is who she has seen him, hasn’t changed in front of her eyes, even though her husband’s response is true. I like that she points out that while he was working, she was making and raising the children. I love that she says that, confronted in this way, she is confused, but now sees how much she might lose. Which may be a case of too little too late. I love this song. The music behind it is just haunting enough to really make the words impactful (not that the words really needed help). I recommend by Sawyer Brown, Cafe on the Corner, The Walk, Thank God for You, Some Girls Do, and This Night Won’t Last Forever. You know, just for starters. I’m fine if you don’t react, but the songs are great and, I think, under-appreciated.

[@toddhodges4405]

I went to a concert in Tifton Ga. when they were first starting out and Mark came out with a broken leg and put on a hell of a concert and had to have emergency surgery right after the show, almost lost his leg

[@RockN2Country]

Dayam, that's dedication. I saw Jewel about 20 years ago and she had a broken collar bone, maybe from riding bulls or broncs with her ex-husband Ty (somebody), who was a champion on the PBR circuit and rodeo things.

[@stevenrogers4906]

Jewel was married to Ty Murray. Not only was he a bull rider, but he was all around cowboy 8 times I believe. He is s a legend amongst cowboy folk.

[@saremile]

They still put on an amazing show....

[@countrygirl9046]

He comes home catches her cheating. They both finally realize how much they stand to loose in the other and dont know how to go forward with it

[@dannyroberts5056]

Hey Don she was lying with a guy when he came home. In that line it goes( She said your not the man you use to be and he said neither is this guy.) Your not an idiot ,I had to listen to this song a few times to. Earlier it says he turned on the light and turned it off again. Seeing the guy lying there beside him was why he turned it off again. I'm dyslexic so I have to listen to a song or read something several times. A lot of songs I didnt understand until I had lived as an adult for awhile. I always love your reaction videos they are never staged.

[@RockN2Country]

@Danny Roberts Good stuff right there--thank you for all the insight and kind words. Thanks especially for noticing that the reactions aren't staged--I'd rather look clueless than fake, any time. :-)

[@tommyward7471]

Man I haven't heard them in a while!!! I remember watching them on Star search!! I love their version of George Jones the Race is On, and their version of 6 days on the road

[@Courdorygirl]

I love The Race is On (both version) and 6 days is my brother's favorite country song (which makes sense he's an otr driver)

[@tommyward7471]

@@Courdorygirl I love both versions as well and I love both version of 6 days on the road also

[@mulberryman1305]

there is also the expression "wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then" which I guess is kind of along the same vein as "ignorance is bliss" although given the choice i'd rather know because blissful ignorance is still ignorance

[@YachtMaestro]

She said "You're not the man you used to be" And he said "Neither is THIS GUY" Yeah, this was a cheatin' situation. The video is a depiction of the singer singin' in a destroyed household (I read the making-of-the-video on this one)

[@dustinpomeroy8817]

He came home from work ,caught a dude in bed with another man,he's saying he's been a good man and she's saying she's been a good wife,he admits he's not fed her emotionally and she admits that she hasn't fed his either.Your getting hung up on the lyrics ,the supper and your daughter and your son means she's been a good wife to him.Theres no infinite end to the song ,but he's said he's not leaving and she's confused as to why she did it and how they will ever be right again.Youre also reading to much into the empty house ,it was just to give the listener the feeling it invokes as it did by your reaction .When you hear people say Country isn't country anymore this song is a prime example of why .At one point in time you couldn't play a song on t he radio without it being relatable,telling a story and making you get in your own head for a while.Modern country ,altho I do enjoy it is just bubblegum music with no feeling or emotion.Anyways glad to see you got to experience the difference and such a wonderful piece and performance like this one here.Having an open mind is one of the most valubable things a person can have.Great video ,keep doing these.

[@zdcyclops1lickley190]

The song needs another verse. She said I'm sorry but I had to know. If our love was still alive. If you want I'll pack my things and go She said as tears fell from her eyes. He just shook his head and slowly turned away Then said the one thing he could say All these years I've loved you so Woman I'd die before I'd ever tell you go I can't understand this thing you've done You're the woman that I love the only one For all these years.

[@joybilliot1484]

That would be the perfect ending to this song!

[@jbs2763]

Another song that remembers when

[@bleuskye8124]

That's the correct way of saying Apopka. I hear it all the time .Sunshine State!

[@rodconner9079]

Don, really enjoy your reactions --- the ones I've seen anyway!! Yeah, at first (or for me, even longer) this song can be very confusing -- although it points out specifics it's not clear on result... nearly leaving one to draw their own conclusion. Others here have cleared things up a bit..... thank you(s) for that. Damn Don --- you were no help at all here, lol (sarcasm). Guess I's a bit shallow on this one, never really could get a handle on it --- all over the place and in a few different directions with it. LOL --- So good to have "closure" on this one....... what a relief! :)

[@RockN2Country]

@Rod Conner That's a perfect summary of my sense of doing the song--was all over the place and it took folks commenting to clear it up!!

[@gordonpearson7494]

Discovered the channel just recently. Really enjoy the videos. Would love to hear your reactions to some of my favorite Willie Nelson songs: Hands on the Wheel, Can I Sleep in Your Arms, Me and Paul, Angel Flying too Close to the ground, Bloody Mary Morning, Me and Paul. Really, any of these or any song by Willie. He is a treasure who we will not have for all that much longer

[@bleuskye8124]

Gordon Pearson. Willie Nelson on the cover of Rolling Stone. Weed Saved My Life. Very Dope! On stands now check it out.

[@craigmanthie8134]

Sawyer brown is awesome band. This is one of there greats. Should check out more u won't be dissapointed. Great band live too. I seen them twice. Treat her right is one my favorites, also boys and me, the race is on, some girls do, and thank God for u. If u want band with lots of emotion need check out Blackhawk.

[@JoeHaynie_VJ]

Blast from the past. Thanks.

[@RockN2Country]

@Joe Haynie You're welcome!

[@darealist5412]

My Dad loved these guys. I've seen them many times growing up Since you're somewhat of a Nebraska football guy now, you should do "The Nebraska Song by Sawyer Brown. A tribute to Brooke Berringer. A Nebraska quarterback who lost his life in a plane crash in 1996. An NFL prospect and a great guy. A great song that really pays homage to Brooke

[@RockN2Country]

@Da Realist Good stuff, dude! And check out the beginning of tomorrow's vid for my 'Sker fandom. :-)

[@darealist5412]

@@RockN2Country you bet!

[@harveyjones1955]

There is no happy ending in this song.

[@phyllisb4634]

Love Sawyer Brown.

[@saremile]

The song is about a husband coming home to his wife in bed with another man....and he's resigned to it....and so is she

[@RockN2Country]

And did she leave with the kids?

[@saremile]

@@RockN2Country They didn't get that far it was just the initial reaction....we will never know if they worked it out or not....but judging by the imagery in the video of an abandoned house I'm guessing they didn't work it out...

[@RockN2Country]

That was my sense after you said she was caught with another guy, but I didn't hear him say that. So maybe that was just to be assumed and I missed it.

[@planojag595]

Please check out my other favorites from this great band: The Walk, This Night Won’t Last Forever, Cafe on the Corner, Some Girls Do, and Dirt Road.

[@thomasbaker7727]

She was!

[@princessoffire1107]

LOL you said the name of the town right !

[@tompitts8525]

My friend, I think you did a good job...but I'm not too sure if I can quantify your "reaction" to the song/video as a reaction. To be honest, I'm not sure I'm qualified to question your reaction to this song. However, I go way back to "when country wasn't cool", to give you the validity of the timeframe Barbra Mandrel described in her song. Whereas, just a single-digit midget, I listened to my dad spin his collection of country, dating back to Hank Williams...Sr and Jimmie Rodgers days,. that gave me the appreciation to not only enjoy the music and lyrics but also to appreciate the songwriter's talent for conveying a story in ballads like this one. Oh, you did pronounce "Apopka" correctly. I live in Apopka, FL.

[@lenafairbrother2527]

You pronounced Apopka correctly. I grew up there. John Anderson is also from there

[@brendaisajiw3417]

I didn't get it at first either...We all see and hear things differently. Great Country group!

[@pamela1144]

Hi Don, you know I know you are not, I can't even say it😥 This song, by the way has been so dear to my heart since it came out. I love the chords, his voice and the story. Yes absolutely you have to listen to songs more than once sometimes to understand them. Sometimes I never do. Some artists want it that way. I know as deep and thoughtful you are, that when you listen again you will understand. I can identify with it but still can't justify it. Vows mean vows, as hard as it gets a lot of times. Forgiveness...yes hard one to deal with too when you or your loved one gets wounded. Love your honesty Don! Have a good evening 😊 Blessins,Pam

[@RockN2Country]

@Pamela Hammons I love your comments!! Thanks you for the sweetness and thoughtfulness with which you write you sentiments. As for the thing you know I'm not, okay, spill the beans--what is it!! I can be slow on the uptake sometimes--it's a condition I live with and probably is due to me laughing so much that I miss some things. :-)

[@pamela1144]

@@RockN2Country You said maybe you were an idiot. You are lightyears away from ever being that!!! I am sorry you were hurt 25 years ago... And you are so right; we want to KNOW WHY! Cause and effect, let us analyze things till we catch our hair on fire. 😀 Sometimes you just have to just put a fence around it and move on... 👍🎸

[@wilmaneely4334]

Please play Sawyer Brown Mission Temple Fireworks Stand. It will make you jump out of your chair.

[@RockN2Country]

@Wilma Neely Just added it to the list---thanks for the rec!

[@thelastcowboyfaue256]

Bobby Pinson " Man Like Me "

[@0952Rick]

Thank you Don another great song is Lonestar - Amazed I love old country and can give you a long list lol

[@RockN2Country]

We might have to have a convention of the subscribers so we can talk about all the stuff we know about different bands. So many bands and so many songs....

[@0952Rick]

@@RockN2CountrySomeone few remember is like Bob Luman Lonely Women they remember Steve Warner's version but not Bob's which is great. Nor do most remember Freddie Weller wrote it and his first hit Games People Play written by Joe South.

[@kevinbeazy]

Two parts of this song that are legendary lines in country music to me. First, she tells him that he’s not the man he used to be and he says well that guy you’re in the bed with isn’t me either. Then the part where she says I made you’re supper and your daughter and your son. That’s always stuck with me.

[@sandyfloyd9632]

To me it's a song about two people growing apart and not talking to each other not talking about life and things going on in your life well as the saying goes comucation keep a marriage healthy and happy

[@stevehoward2819]

They've grown apart. He doesn't see it. They've gotten so busy with life that they haven't taken care of each other and it is destroying their marriage. Common them these days. If you dont take care of your partner your partner will find what they need elsewhere. There is more to a relationship than just taking care of chores and bills.

[@edwardcook2973]

Don, you have to react to another song by Sawyer Brown! The Walk.

[@mulberryman1305]

please check out *Some Girls Do* by *Sawyer Brown* one of my top 5 favorite songs *of all time*

[@brucetitus4866]

How about 16th Avenue By Lacy Dalton.

[@LifeasaLEOWife]

It looked like you caught that she was in bed with another guy at first. You said, "Uh oh," with a cringe face, but they somehow the words after hat changed the meaning for you. I guess b/c he didn't go after her or the man it changed the meaning for you. I don't think my husband could remain calm & have a conversation with me while I'm still in bed with the other man. The lyrics, "She said you're not the man you used to be/He said neither is this guy." I can just picture the man there just, "Well neither the heck is this dude. He's certainly not ME!" I actually think he left her b/c he said "I'm still here until I'm gone, don't you rub it in too hard that I've been wrong all these years." So that's why the house is empty. I heard this song for the first time since I was in kindergarten, but I remembered it & I was singing along. The meaning hit me as I was singing, & I was like holy crap! Dude was calm & she was brave doing that! I've been looking for reactions since then. I've only found 3. This is the 2nd, & both have not gotten the song. I have hopes for the 3rd!! You said ppl think you're an idiot when you don't get it, but I certainly don't! Sometimes it takes several listens!

[@sethking1573]

Check out the song "David" by Cody Jinks

[@RockN2Country]

@Adam Carter's Dad Welcome to the club! As for your rec, here ya go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nl7SqqSdeb2FpM0

[@sethking1573]

Thanks great channel and Great review.

[@JR_1400]

Can you react to Pete drake forever

[@reverandglenn]

I think it's pretty obvious that she is lying on the bed with a guy, because he turned on the light and turned it off again. She said you're not the man you used to be, "He said Neither Is This Guy!" , as in the guy laying next to her!!!! Are you listening to the song at all? ;) This song is about a marriage that got a little dull after a long time. The husband focused on work too much and wife was a housewife. She decided to cheat. He said this is some bullshit, I've been to work every day and home. I could have walked away as well but I didn't and you rub it in my face that staying was a bad decision for me. The wife says she is confused, felt like a housewife and needed more. There is blame on both sides, but ultimately, this man ends the marriage... ergo the empty house and open windows. You will get better, but first you have to actually listen to the song.

[@RockN2Country]

@reverandglenn It's quite a leap you made there in even coming close to intimating that I'm not listening to the song. You're familiar with the song, I am hearing it for the very first time. There's a lot more going on in a song than you are considering, and assuming I'm not listening is so far off base, to put it mildly. Merely because something that you've heard before is obvious to you doesn't mean others will gain instant understanding. I can pretty much guarantee that no song was instantly obvious on your, or on anyone's, first listen. Look at the number of words required for you top explain the lyrics, and then tell me that you would have known all of that the first time hearing it, all while considering the instruments and when they were coming in and out. And then consider that songs also evoke memories from my own experience, primarily because I AM LISTENING so intently.

[@reverandglenn]

@@RockN2Country I'm just busting you're balls a bit. I like your show!

[@davidemswiler4351]

What a sad song! Sounds like a case of trying to unravel the ironies of the cognitive dissonance created by a relationship poisoned by selfishness. Never got into Sawyer Brown...too 90's pop sound for me.

[@RockN2Country]

Could be. Those disconnects between what we believe, or what we want to believe, and what is really happening can take a lot of energy.

[@llemmon]

She was cheating