Todd Snider: Songs from the Road - To Beat The Devil (Kris Kristofferson)

Todd Snider performs Kris Kristofferson's "To Beat The Devil" on the tour bus in San Antonio, TX.
Recorded during a Facebook Live Q&A session on January 8th, 2018
Sound and picture by Bret Scheinfeld

[@erickincaid9779]

[@MichaelHatfieldFlowers]

Amen! 🙏

[@quickpick4]

Listening to Todd is what keeps me sane these days

[@cdane7]

It’s hard to beat the devil when the truth is that we are the devil and we refuse to take responsibility. There are good, loving, flawed, but well meaning people in this world and then there are just selfish uncaring assholes. The problem is, the assholes hold all the cards, and the good people can only write songs about it hoping someone’s going to hear. And they do. Good people do. But the assholes don’t. And even if they did they wouldn’t give a shit. It’s a preaching to the congregation sorta thing. I know for an absolute fact that Kristopherson was writing from the point of view of the great unheard. I know this because I am one of those people. And all these years later after he wrote the song, what’s changed for the better? Nothing. It’s only gotten worse. Why? Because people cling to their brainwashing like it’s gold. No one wants to simply stand up and say “yea, you know, I was wrong about that.” Pride. Stupid pride. The good guys should rule the world. But they don’t. We kill the good guys to shut them up.

[@sBaby-yw3zy]

Amen my friend

[@lastnamefirst4035]

@An Illusion keep on meditating. It's the best I have

[@lindasullivan4327]

I'm 74 years old and I've been a devoted fan of ktistofferson for over 50 years. S fan of Todd Snyder for over 20 years. When I get to heaven, I want to start a band starring Kris, John and Tom. I'll also recruit Tom Petty

[@stoneybologna1982]

I was raised on Kris. Didn't get it until I found myself minding the arrows and ignoring the fatal echoes of the clicking of the turnstiles and the rattling of my chains. Bye, Kris. Thanks

[@mojomocker]

showed a 72 year old friend Todd Snider tonight. we watched and listened to a dozen or so of his videos and I sit here still watching and I am pretty sure my friend has gone home to do the same. Music too good not to share.

[@scbret]

I am so happy to see all the love in these comments. Thank you all for watching and sharing in one of the best moments of my life, and endless thanks to Todd and Brian for allowing me to film it. TSR!

[@dylp420]

scbret man what an experience. Priceless

[@Kah0ona]

Man I watched this a dozen times now, didn't really know TS before this, but really dig it. Also made me dust off some Kristoffersson songs. Great stuff! I'm a generation younger than this man, and not from the States, so it's somewhat of a journey to discover all this stuff. Hooray for the internet though!

[@scbret]

@@Kah0ona I strongly suggest that you listen to Todd's live album "Near Truths and Hotel Rooms." You can find most of it on KZbin if you don't have iTunes or Spotify. I think that album is the best introduction to Todd's catalog and his storytelling style. He's brilliant. I hope you get to see him live one day soon!

[@Kah0ona]

@@scbret me too! thanks for replying.

[@longhaulpaulmusic4028]

scbret the sound was great. May I ask what gear you used?

[@nigelgallagherpbp]

Rest in Power Kris ✊

[@Anita-t4x7i]

Perfect homage by Todd to the greatest songwriter ever.

[@stevehassenplug5150]

I've been fortunate to see Todd live 121 times since 1995. There were times when he just felt like playing three, four, five songs by an artist he admired. I've seen him cover Kristofferson, Prine, Jerry Jeff and Hiatt.

[@Bigchurchmusic]

I have added this masterpiece to my Townes Van Zandt playlist. Say no more. 🙂

[@smittsmayhem]

Fukin eh brother 🙏

[@alissabass9328]

There’s nothing better than Todd Snider alone with a guitar. I could listen 24/7

[@JubilentQuiescentGuy]

Alissa Bass unless it’s his pooch there with him.

[@nicoletyson797]

JubilentQuiescentGuy

[@bundydryandlime]

And a harp

[@jonathankalenkoski2259]

“That old man, he was a stranger but I’d heard that song before” gets me every time.

[@gingersnap6183]

This is awesome, one of Kristofferson’s all time best songs, and he really does it justice

[@jonw12]

I've met Tod and Kris. Also many celebrities and other musicians. Tod and Kris were special. They are truly good people.

[@celenabarclay1488]

This is unique as hell and perfect as it was meant to always be. Todd kicks ass!

[@BuchanvanVeen]

I came here via Benjamin Tod and the Lost Dog Street Band. I fell in love with this kind of music. I love the storytelling and this song made me halt everything I was doing to listen to the lyrics.

[@t.j.crichton4944]

Just first heard of Todd Snider right now and I have to say that the world can't have enough of music like this sung by a troubadour like this man right here. I'd give anything and walk through fire to see Todd and Kris on stage together. Amazed and so very thankful for KZbin and their suggestions for helping me find Todd Snider

[@scbret]

T.J. Crichton it absolutely makes my day to see comments like this. Todd is on tour now, so please check his website and see if he’ll be playing near you! Check out his live albums “Near Truths and Hotel Rooms” and “The Storyteller” and you’ll get a great introduction to his catalog and who he is as an artist and human being. Welcome to the club, TJ :)

[@bentolleson8582]

I tip my hat to any man or woman who plays and sings from their heart

[@whereru43]

My God I love Todd and his music. Seen him live so many times and he is always amazing. Saw him tell security to throw a guy out of a concert in Milwaukee. Crowd went crazy. SO AWESOME. But seriously I absolutely love his stories.

[@briano.1503]

I've been a Todd Snider fan since the late 90's. I've seen him several times and partied with him after one show. He's one of a kind and a true artist. I'm a fan for life! ✌💀👍🎸🎵🎶🧠🌌♾⚡❤

[@timothywelch4949]

I've actually never heard a cover of this great song. Mr. Todd , killed it! He did it slower and with a feeling that was true. Kris can write some poetry 😎👍🏻

[@brianh1625]

Thank you KZbin for bringing me here. I needed this.

[@ryanolson2488]

As did I

[@virgiltibbs6971]

Kris Kristofferson is in the top 5 song writers of all time. If not number one.

[@Jim_McFarland]

He's up there for sure!

[@danjohnson4054]

He’s in the conversation for sure.

[@robertjprince1]

an accomplished musician, serious (and often funny) song writer, performer... love his songs about baseball... truly unique... just stumbled upon him.. and frankly, can't get enough of him

[@bwinz2329]

This was never one of my favorite KK songs, but when Todd sings it it jumps to the top of my list of favorite Kris songs.

[@Caperhere]

To Beat The Devil just wraps right around Todd Snider.

[@hundredlux9665]

The ending, " Why are you looking at me like that, did i do something wrong.", without seeing the look of the watcher in my opinion is quite possibly the perfect ending for such a video. With the lyrics of the song being as they are. Many who really FEEL this song will have one of these expressions. All show signs of emotion but emotion through the faces of many. With a quarter of a million views, we've all had our OWN INDIVIDUAL stare for behind this lies how or if we are able to be the ones "that listen to and want to hear".

[@gunstarhero8028]

I had just one line of this stuck in my head all day and couldn't remember what song it was. So glad I found it again.

[@zackbolles359]

glad I ran into this one

[@mikeyeldred1785]

This is my favorite song being played by my favorite musician. I'm happy in a way I can't ever explain. Thank you

[@Beefrodd]

I’ve watched this so many times. I can’t get enough!

[@anitawilkerson8092]

Nailed it! It's on of my favorite Kristofferson's.

[@TheYakimaniac]

ive been listening to Todd for well over 10 years, the fact that a Kris Kristofferson cover is so good when he sings it is a testament to how amazing Todd is and has been over the years. Love you Brother!

[@Caperhere]

I love the line” You been read in’ my mail”.

[@GdThngUrPretty]

I really wanna know what Kris said after Todd played that, because I am speechless at how beautifully Todd plays it. Wow. I've seen this dude live for years, read his book, bought and listened to the CDs... and he still manages to impress me. Wow. Just, wow.

[@MichaelHatfieldFlowers]

I KNOW this song well!!! Beautiful rendition Sir!!!

[@jeremynewmusic]

I like this as much as the original!! Love Todd Snider

[@scarlettskelton446]

Thank you so much , I was lucky to see you last night at Lake Tahoe, I had a wonderful time laughed a few tears blessed be ☮️💜🎼

[@jeraldglodek8913]

Love Todd's emotion in this song. I can feel that he feel it's. Just lost my best friend and drinkin and fightin buddy from Nam. Would love to play this song on guitar for his son as I just just told him some of our stories from back in the day. Change some of the words to fit his Dad as we both got drafted when we didn't believe in the war and suffered from anti war protesters even though we were both 19 year old kids like them. His son didn't know that part of his life. Does anyone know what key harmonica Todd is playing as mine isn't working. Damn, I so miss my Army buddy, and Todd and Kris have touched my soul with both renditions.

[@uncloned1]

Jerald Glodek if you have heard his older live versions he almost chokes up in all of them as well. Love this guy

[@jeraldglodek8913]

Thanks Kevin. I will certainly try to find his older live versions. I choked up too when I heard this version.

[@galu1957]

Key is B

[@WalturdTheCat]

😥❤

[@dirtymotovation]

Thank you for your service.. my father was drafted to Nam as well... hasnt told me anything about it other than his job and how they treated him when he came home. I go out of my way to say thank you to those who served back then especially, not because i want attention.. but because i see how it affected my dad.

[@aleksiyrtti1400]

I've listened this song over and over again and I simply can't stop! You can hear the hard life in his voice and he's singing from his very soul, absolutely beautiful! So glad I stumbled across this one and found Todd Snider, keep on keeping on brother!

[@Caperhere]

Thank you, Todd.

[@TT-gj8kz]

Todd Snider does the best rendition of this song that I have ever heard!!!

[@stefanfrisk9598]

I fuckin hate when people try to interpret the masters but holy shit this is amazing.

[@JubilentQuiescentGuy]

Watched him live in St. Louis and he played this. Had a good story to go with it as expected.

[@DarthLuscious]

Thank you Reverend.

[@Jusamused2]

I can listen to Todd all day..Thank you for recording this....:)🌱

[@rickybobby8226]

Love me some Todd Snyder! In the words of J.J. "roll on" my friend! Love this!

[@bigtimmuh6651]

I asked Todd to play this at a show once, needless to say he didn't disappoint. God I love this song and Todd Snider. Perfection.

[@shaunpatrick72]

I discovered Todd a couple of months ago though my love of John Prine.......I'm obsessed lol. He's not just a troubadour he's almost like a prophet (first agnostic church of hope and wonder) I love this performance and Todd.....he rules✌️😎

[@harrydeanbentzel]

If you know this one you know the rest. Perfect

[@jessejamesburnitt]

Beautiful rendition! You know he feels it just as if he’d written it. Man, I love songs like that, & Artists who can deliver that authenticity. Thank you so much for capturing this great performance from a great Artist. 🖤

[@GondolaSessions]

Beautiful song, beautiful performance, beautifully captured 💯

[@raymondcava4669]

Other than Chris Christofferson‘s version which I love this is beautifully done, glad I heard it thanks to KZbin to bring it to me.

[@whispers_hope5688]

I am impressed!! Been wanting to hear this song for a long time.....Thank you, Todd!

[@richarddix8588]

Never heard of you before now.....MUCH Respect..&...Peace!!

[@davidliles6511]

Man, thank you for this. Found myself smiling through the whole song. Have always loved this song and love that Todd Snider put his voice and style with it. There are still people that want to know.

[@caseydowney5539]

Downright amazing cover of a downright amazing tune Well done sir!

[@RiverRougeSteve]

If our souls ever cross one another, im gonna ask you to sing this.

[@StephenS-2025]

Authentic while paying homage. Great.

[@timemachine2525]

love this version!!

[@mikecarter8764]

Wow, the coolest cat on the planet.

[@existingman3000]

He's one of them for sure

[@erichart2093]

Until he walks in the room with Prine

[@scottieboling6547]

Fleetwood mack

[@scottieboling6547]

Fleetwood mac

[@scottieboling6547]

Fleetwood mac

[@redwolf0849]

I've become a huge Todd fan. Whether it's with Hard Working Americans or solo he's really becoming an American music icon. You go Todd.

[@blakenorman4822]

two kind of people in this world those who can fingerpick and those who cant, yeah im jealous, Love all these awesome songwriters

[@gmajorspresents]

There are 2 different kinds of people in this world. People In show business and people in the circus.

[@charliecantchinchin5829]

@Lord Farquaad i am 3 weeks into learning guitar and lovein finger picken

[@fedbumoz987]

You are the best. Ty

[@mis-ter-bis-kits8428]

This is one of the BEST songs EVER written! PERIOD

[@marffvmarffv5438]

Wow man it goes direct to the heart. Just discover by chance thanks KZbin today.

[@mrsweettater]

Thank goodness Todd and Kris keep fighting the good fight! Every song writer should hear this song just to keep writing, fighting and talkin' 'bout what's wrong!

[@HeraldKVideos]

I second that!

[@jessejamesburnitt]

Agreed!

[@jazzwilson8452]

There’s a little something that leaves me longing to have wonder for this man! You have experienced so much to tell and your story is one to be shared through music! Love this!

[@WalturdTheCat]

His face and eyes tell a story of their own. I love him.

[@glenndouglas6432]

Love Kris and love this version

[@jc2343]

Much respect my brother. Keep on keepin on

[@johnwashington5065]

JT was here 💜 love ya Todd

[@bentolleson2585]

Never heard him before. This brightened my day.

[@sbates1549]

Gorgeous tune buds;) great job pal....

[@dennisperry86]

Dude! This touches my soul so deeply. Thank you for sharing this.

[@tinamintz738]

Todd is one of Americas best. He just put out his concert list for 2021.

[@josht7814]

A meaning that has drove me to be better, being clean is a internal struggle and why waste breath if I cant do it!. Thanks! KRIS AND TODD

[@smittsmayhem]

RIP Kris 🙏

[@shadedandjaded7948]

Didn't get a buzz. And it didn't go platinum. Just gold.

[@Rocker1811]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Rocker1811]

❤️

[@anthonygutierrez2103]

That was awesome

[@annalefebre8448]

Todd Snider Rules!!

[@Jasonwilde605]

This is your best song love it

[@logicMan64]

I discovred Todd 2 days ago, with a a Rollings ston's song, and I asked my self how come I don't know this artist ???? damn,

[@christinehahn4726]

Todd manages to touch my soul....again

[@blakevickrey]

God Bless Todd and Kris

[@RiverRougeSteve]

Thank you!

[@GRBAquatics]

So Awesome Thankyou..

[@HeraldKVideos]

That's definitely one that deserves more singin'. Lots of songwriters been to that place for sure… ...ends on a good notion though... Excellent version. Makes you wanna step into that scene!

[@bradpoppino1878]

Todd played an awesome version of that at Humbrews 2018. You could hear a pin drop. Kristofferson is a helava song writer.

[@wiltturnbach8187]

I could listen to Todd any time any song He truly is the greatest

[@georgedemchak7905]

Awesome Kristofferson song! This is a good version.

[@dane.5772]

Thank you for posting this.

[@WalturdTheCat]

I cant tell you how many times I've listened to this. The guitar playing- oh my heart.

[@jc3834]

God Bless you Todd

[@osababinladen420]

Much justice done to this song written by Kris. Written for singers like Todd Snider. Emotional max.

[@bau6078]

There is something about tod so good lovely to see and hear

[@coreypaynter4011]

Beautiful song

[@TheMooserolls]

Dayum sooo good

[@haroldobrien4322]

Todd ... keeping it real.

[@lawrenceashlock6392]

Todd made me feel inside what Kris and He have felt...I feel it.. let's beat this Hard Times Devil!

[@neilsthepoet]

Thank you brother

[@wh1tehardt]

amazing guitar

[@jeremybarker3140]

Wow, I just listened to this for the first time ever! Speechless. What an amazing song.

[@johnhendrix696]

Sucks we waited so long to hear it