Songwriter Reacts: Gregory Alan Isakov - She Always Takes It Black

[@SongwriterReacts]

What’s the next song of his I should check out?

[@Musesnightmare]

Saint Valentine is one of my favs of his!

[@beefstroganoff1774]

Saint Valentine, The Stable Song, and Was I Just Another One are some of my favourites: )

[@chadyoder4041]

If I go, I’m goin’… and the stable song. Both fantastic.

[@mathewhutchins2539]

The Stable Song or his cover of The Trapeze Swinger

[@cade2277]

o city lights is great and so is san luis.

[@lachlanneville7138]

Big Black Car, The Stable Song, Light Year, San Luis, That Moon Song, Words, Idaho... this man has so many masterpieces...

[@NVGTR-tl6lq]

Amsterdam is good too!

[@struckus]

dude is amazing..feel it took too long for me to go down that rabbit hole..shit hits different

[@kylebrown7968]

I love his music so much. He needs to be a bigger name

[@timewastetv7019]

Only time will tell

[@grantm2303]

all shades of blue >

[@mihir495]

"You search the world for the milk of the pearl, but she always takes it black" : he is using coffee as a metaphor, he goes out of the way to find the milk of the pearl for her, but she just always takes it black(without the milk).. no matter how much effort you put into love, it's worthless if it's not reciprocated. But you can't change the way you feel.. so you still "love her till it all goes dark.. and you love her even after that..."

[@zanewilkie3524]

I know I’m 8 months late, but with GAI, he uses such…beautiful metaphors that they hit you hard, and are left up for interpretation. “Was I Just Another One” is another great example of this.

[@FRFvckYT]

Deserves more visibility, some of us non-native speakers require a bit of extra help with such literary figures.

[@lukula2934]

I'd say you nailed it @mihir495...hats off

[@joyceventuroli2811]

great clarity

[@Carlyfirestone]

Coffee... the darkest night... the shadow of the psyche and self ... our darkest memories... or our tendency to be bleak and sit in our darker aspects... it is not beginning nor ending with coffee... coffee is simply a starting point to the symbology to lead us to understand that a woman of substance leans fully into the darkest night... takes it black... childbirth... a woman’s cross to bear... we take it black. For it is our nature. For to know this, is to truly understand a Woman.

[@mandysadlo]

The fact that Gregory isn't more popular is baffling. He is amazing.

[@struckus]

dude is unreal..his stuff hits really hard in your soul..it's a shame most people don't know who he is

[@vladtheimpaler7878]

The singular line: “I’d never say I love you dear, just to hear you say it back.” Bro is on a whole floor above what he said. Basically he’s saying his love is unconditional and that’s beautiful. Absolutely beautiful, but I’m looking forward to the other lines.

[@joellebrooke42]

To me, the core of this song is such a beautiful understanding of Perception vs. Reality and boundaries. One's self may view life differently than another would, view someone differently than who they might be, or even themselves. This is a philosophy I think about all the time. Yet, it's rare for me to see this treated with kindness and respect. A phrase I say often to people when I'm meeting them for the first time or after a long while is, "I cannot wait to see the person you've become and who you will be." "You search the world for the milk of the pearl, she always takes it black, but you'll love her till it all goes dark, you'll love her even after that", gives space for honesty in understanding that not all truths are real. That doesn't mean you can't find the wonder and delight in trying. And within all that, why this drives home so hard is found in the previous verse. "Walking proud and lonesome now, oh I'm yearning for the pack, but I'd never say 'I love you, dear' just to hear you say it back." The purest form of love is to see that love, know that it's there, and allow it to be, without needing anything in return. Letting it be, knowing its existence is enough. Either that, or it's the 2am insomnia talking.

[@marialynnedesigns]

I believe Gregory is beyond artists years with his song writing...absolutely mindblowing...I pick up something new every single time I listen to his songs...

[@lucci9854]

Gregory Alan Isakov is one beautiful singer, and literally one of the best poets in the world, you can just read his lyrics and feel them just as much

[@28happenstance]

Isakov is, and has been for a over a decade, one of the best out there. And that voice! Another great vid Burt. Keep knocking them out of the park!

[@SongwriterReacts]

Thanks buddy!

[@texashookem22]

Somebody is actually reacting to the genius of GAI??? Wow, subscribed!

[@SongwriterReacts]

Thanks so much for subbing Alan!

[@mdbrewer]

i just saw him live. crazy good concert. the lyrics, the band, the harmony. Amazing.

[@mallorystevens1388]

I've been listening to him for probably a decade now. He is one of my absolute favorites. My all time favorite of his is That Moon Song. Living Proof, The Stable Song, Light Year, This Empty Northern Hemisphere, and Berth are some of the absolute delights.

[@SongwriterReacts]

Thanks for these recs Mallory! Will definitely check them out.

[@lucci9854]

@@SongwriterReacts definitely recommend the stable song and master and a hound, the lyrics are stunning in those two

[@jared4267]

Search the world for the milk…. He’s saying in such an elegant and profound way that two people and their worldviews, their perspectives, their ideas of what’s “good” or palatable, needed, necessary - could not be more different from one another BUT you love her, and you ALWAYS will. This is Such a deep understanding of love and what it can grow into. Beautiful.

[@jonwesley1885]

Greg's fantastic My favorite artist in the last few years. Looking forward to his next album 🤞

[@mathewhutchins2539]

Gregory is just so damn good man. So so good.

[@mxnny_r5002]

I find this song to be poetic, divine, and at its utmost, haunting. Something about it, just isn’t in anything else.

[@michaelNXT1]

“I don’t know what that means but it sounds profound” That’s me listening to every GAI song ❤

[@greenquartz]

Same! But they always paint a picture for me, even when I don't fully understand what he's saying. Kind of surreal. Lol!

[@crotchetqueen]

All of his music is gold!!

[@TheVampireLily]

"You search the world for the milk of the pearl....but she always takes it black." You'd give her everything in your possession...but she doesn't need you. I'm both happy that people are discovering Greg and grappling with my grief at having to share him.

[@ChrisWeil]

saw him several years ago in a barn in Woodstock NY front row with Steve and it was truly amazing.

[@evewhitaker8520]

I love your reaction to his lyrics. I first heard his song Second Chances and was blown away with his lyrics. "Me, I'm mumbling in kitchen for the sun to pay up. Lonely is a ring on a cold coffee cup. // I'm waiting in the wings for the trees to undress. Cupping my ear to hear the wind confess. I MEAN.... he weaves words and imagery together with the finest strings of thought. I can't even... have been a fan for a long time.

[@beefstroganoff1774]

I like that you pause the song at an appropriate time, and you don't seem to interrupt a lyric. You don't chat too much during the song, and when you do, it's insightful. You, kind sir, have gained another subscriber :) Also, you should definitely check out more of GAI; he's a lyrical genius.

[@SongwriterReacts]

Well thank you for being so kind. So glad to have you apart of our little family here!

[@28happenstance]

Burt's one of the best! The man understands timing. 🙌

[@whitlong4486]

You ask what we think the milk of the pearl line meant? She always takes it black… seems to me that the man would go to the ends of the earth to try and make her happy but it’s to no avail, she just wants what she wants and has no care for his efforts but even after the loves run cold on her side, he can’t shake his love he had for her… I could be wrong but I just lived a story like that so that’s what it spoke to in me. Great video Burt, thanks for all you do!

[@SongwriterReacts]

I think that’s a fantastic interpretation. Thanks for that Whit!

[@texashookem22]

Spot on, that was my exact interpretation also, as I was involved with a women that this song was almost prophetic about lol, and that was the exact case.

[@PoetClbrown]

Gregory is a gut punch master. The man is a poet losing his way through music. This somng happens to be my favorite of his. God only knows how many of my poems I've written listening to him over the years

[@lindabrown6001]

I am a new listener to Gregory from Heartland where in real time the actor died (accidental death) and Second chances played on one of his last scenes. Gregorys lyrics hit such poetic marks from someone who travels in the emotions, past and present in relationships. The stars and the scars. With wisdom of the years. " I'll never say I love you dear. just to hear you say it back." I am 66 and so jaded with love but Gregorys' words have me repeating them back as i sing along, in his songs, again and again.So great. Second Chances is still one of my all time faves. He is a real master of words strung together to create poetry.

[@jr4chargers]

Gregory Alan Isakov's lyrics are very poetic. Good video!

[@thetrailorman1]

Love this! I'm over here laughing because I so relate to your experience listening to this song. In those few lines, I like that Gregory plays with language from the coffee world, mentioning the "milk" of the pearl and that she always "takes it black." I think searching for "the milk of the pearl" is akin to searching for meaning in this world. But she [the world] always takes it black: bitter and hard hitting, no frills or sweetener. We want to soften our experience with milk (i.e. meaning) but the world likes it black. We nevertheless love her. We'll love her even after death.

[@SongwriterReacts]

That is a hell of an explanation. Makes perfect sense!

[@ChrisRstep]

I found greg when i was in the Navy dudes writing is incredible.

[@stevebarber8501]

This guy gets played daily. Sings my life it seems.

[@thebalancerseye5765]

I'd say either Big Black Car, Dandelion Wine, or Master & A Hound (all off of his 2nd album "This Empty Northern Hemisphere")

[@RedSoxFan701]

Gregory Alan Isakov has so many gems. You couldn’t do wrong with any of his songs but I’d suggest Idaho, Virginia May, Amsterdam, and the Stable Song, in no particular order. Great video as usual.

[@28happenstance]

💯

[@SongwriterReacts]

Thanks so much!

[@mikigamba]

Best folk musician of our generation

[@NamelessProof]

For me I think the milk of the pearl line is referring to coffee. You'll put so much effort and work into something that doesn't exist(pearl milk) for her, and on the impossible chance you do find it, she'll just throw all that work away by taking straight black coffee instead of with milk. And despite her throwing away all the work you've put in, you'll still love her to the end

[@ethandavis7331]

I love the whole album with the Colorado symphony.

[@JohnPaulSaylor]

Reacted the exact same way when I first heard that line. Had to stop it and just sit back and breathe.

[@LissaAnja]

the hint on the cul de sac makes totally sense: he tries to add milk to her coffee but she drinks it black. meaning: what he thinks is good for her, what HE THINKS means to love her, that is not neccessarily what SHE considers the right way of being loved. She wants her coffee black. But he either doesnt know that or he doesnt understand that and tries everyday to put milk in the coffee. he goes so deep into this one thing that he is even going pearl diving. but that is just where he is totally on the wrong route. he is trying to reach her heart, but his map shows him the wrong way. it is totally common for us people being in a relationship: if he or she just would listen to us, things would be so much better. but it is difficult. we have never really learned to even know, let alone say what we want. and if we say it, we often dont say it with love. because were just not able to. but even if we say what we want in love, it takes the other to receive and understand. and it takes so much openness and work for the other to listen, receive, understand and act accordingly. it is a neverending quest in a relationship. because we are humans. we live in a different body. we have different outlooks. So this is where they are in a cul de sac. there is no one-way-truth when it comes to love. there is only accepting that she wants her coffee black. there is no: why do you drink your coffee black? because this is just how she is. it is about getting to know the other person. and not about to judge that person because of her taste. eventually, we will find the path to the others heart, just so the next say, we can learn again: oh, theres another cul de sac, another new thing about my partner that i didnt know. its great! :)

[@Ingo97SJ]

One of my favourite songs of all time!

[@SongwriterReacts]

It’s so damn good!

[@MrLknewell]

This guy does a great cover of In Tall Buildings by John Hartford. That was how I heard him for the first time.

[@adamcarty9702]

Clearly, you need to check out all of Greg's work. You will not be disappointed. I love your reaction to this one. Cheers

[@Chris-qv3nj]

We just saw him in Asheville NC and it was epic!

[@kidnamedfinger516]

I love gregory

[@carrollcopeland]

Poetry, love Gregory man

[@canefan17]

His new album is amazing. Appaloosa Bones.

[@FrogWizard64]

For me I think the “you search the world for the milk of the pearl, but she always takes it black. You’ll love her til it all goes dark, you’ll lover her even after that” shows a true unconditional love. He strives to find and be the best things and person for her, but she doesn’t want the fancy pearls, just how he is organically

[@dannychance1828]

Love Gregory’s music. Been listening to him for a couple years. The Stable Song will forever be my number 1 song of his. San Luis is another, but my god, Burt, you gotta do The Stable Song. It’s a must.

[@harryheawood4854]

Always thought that Greg was referring to searching the world for the milk of the Pearl (or truth) while others take it black (without the milk) because others don't seem to be interested in what's true. Great vid 👍

[@kimtalbot9703]

New record out now. ‘Appaloosa Bones’. Don’t miss it.. stunningly beautiful.

[@Angiebobangie16]

I am truly in love with his music, it's really all very poetic and feeling evoking. Takes me to my simple places I've left behind but will always long for. "He searched the world for the milk of the pearl but she always takes it black, you'll love her till it all goes dark you'll love her even after that" maybe he searches for ways to please her or win her affections but gets it wrong. Maybe the warmth of the relationship is slipping away but he will continue to love her long after she has left. 🤷‍♀️

[@milesbaigent4534]

Best current singer songwriter around. Appaloosa Bones, his new album is so brilliant, and you all need to catch his latest tour. Mesmorisingly brilliant!

[@karlabenson416]

San Luis, Amsterdam (churches & trains), Liars, and If I go, I’m Going 🦢🙌🏼🔔 Saw him in Vancouver in summer 2023❤

[@vladtheimpaler7878]

Love is often a curse.

[@greenquartz]

Lyrics from Amsterdam: Churches and trains, they all look the same to me now, they shoot you some place, but you ache to go home somehow.

[@lukefarwell5008]

Please react to more of him!!! He’s so amazing

[@Bedlech]

San Luis!!! By Gregory Alan Isakov

[@vladtheimpaler7878]

He’s saying that he does everything he can to provide her with happiness and anything that she could want. But she always takes it black, ie she doesn’t need that, and he realizes this and will love her till it all goes and even after that.

[@greenquartz]

Anything of his you listen to will be amazing. Thos guy got me through lockdowns and some hard times still sane! His songs are kind of surreal. They paint pictures, but they could mean so many things to different people.❤ Songs: Time will tell, Unwritable Girl, If I Go I'm Going, Master and a hound, Amsterdam, That Sea the Gambler, Morning Lady. Just all of it! I do slightly prefer the version of this that he did on Before the Winter Fires. Lol! I think there are only 3 or 4 songs that I ever skip on his cds, and its not because they're bad songs, just not quite my taste

[@RackemDawg]

He’s talking about life and love man. Amsterdam is harder for me to nail down conceptually, but the motif is world class. I recommend the entire album with the Colorado Symphony. Good vid

[@markcarpenter1507]

Very interesting Burt....wondering if "milk of the Pearl" refers to the substance(Nacre) that forms Pearls which often has a milky/White color?? "She always likes it Black" could refer to Tahitian or Black Pearls which some think represents Eternal Love or Wisdom/Knowledge and are more rarer than normal pearls........Just some thoughts. Thanks for introducing me to this guy!!!

[@SongwriterReacts]

Interesting thoughts!

[@texashookem22]

You need to listen to If I Go, I’m Goin by him (along with about 20 other tunes lol), but talk about the personification of a house, it’s soooo true. Brilliant writer and musician!

[@CyberCowboy7777]

The voice reminds me of Ray LaMontagne. Amazing song writing. Pearl snap game is strong.

[@RedneckViking]

Amsterdam it's poetic bliss

[@mcdonols]

Dawes has some great songs about “truth.” One of my favorite lyrics ever is actually from their latest album, Misadventures of Doomscroller: “I think I found something in common / with nothingness and God / you stare at either in the face too long / they’ll do each other’s job”

[@drewandcharlie7583]

The best lyric isnt the one about the road to every truth being a dead end. Its searching the world for the milk of the pearl but she always takes it black. Meaning you try to give her everything. All the additions. To try and want for everything but in the end just you is what she wants.

[@johndavenport8843]

Gregory doesnt write songs, he writes poetry...The Stale Song is his best

[@discoveryman59]

Try Noah Gundersen, Peter Bradley Adams, Ray LaMontagne, Joshua Hyslop, City and Colour, Rose Cousins.

[@jasongrothe9695]

Good reaction. One of the things I don't think listeners really appreciate about this song (especially the first time through) is that it's essentially AAAA rhyme scheme. It's a series of couplets that all (more or less) rhyme with "black." I don't think it's hard to write a decent but mostly meaningless set of lyrics on a scheme like that, but it's gotta be tough putting together something profound AND follow a semi-gimmicky rhyme scheme.....One of the reasons this guy's been my fave for years. To echo other comments--"Stable Song" and "Liars" from the symphony album are excellent, and "Master and a Hound" is a great one for a songwriter to analyze.

[@ellenpage1329]

Dandelion wine ........ tissues required

[@bigc6886]

Great reaction. I would love to see you do an Intuitive Compass reaction. A fun one to start with would be Field Rd Blues

[@SongwriterReacts]

Never heard of em. Thanks Cordon!

[@bigc6886]

@@SongwriterReacts The Lead singer is Jason Dea West he has done a song or two with Benjamin Todd

[@timothymcneely7869]

Stable Song

[@allisonfisher9304]

If you haven’t already, you might check out Baloney Again by Mark Knopfler. As far as songwriting goes, he is also a genius. GAI is amazing, I love great lyricists.🩵

[@canefan17]

Great review

[@john-rs7jl]

Do Sweet Heat Lightning off his new album!

[@celestewarlick6301]

If you want another gut punch song- listen to his cover of The Trapeze Swinger. It's got heavy religious connotations that'll get to you too. It's actually my funeral song. Listen to it and let me know what you think please. It's totally worth it

[@chrys77cross]

Big Black Car

[@SongwriterReacts]

Been meaning to do that one!

[@stella6516]

You're great.

[@SongwriterReacts]

Well thanks!

[@Aaron1401plough]

You search the world for the milk of the peal but she black. You do your best to provide more than just the standard and she's always takes the standard over anything else

[@greenquartz]

Check out his cover of The Trapeze Swinger by Iron and Wine. It will transport you and rip out your guts and put them back where they're supposed to be by the end of it. 😂

[@yancywest]

Pearls of wisdom Wisdom is milked from life. She lives on the dark side of life.

[@joegarland6445]

@bert Chemicals or Stable Song are some of the best songs ever written. I feel like all of my comments to have you listen to that boy Greg lead you here!! Give them joints a spin man!! Or living proof with the Colorado symphony orchestra - or any or the songs he did with the Colorado symphony

[@joegarland6445]

Chemicals is like listening to poetry

[@benhall3888]

I’m hoping you don’t ultimately leave the Lord for the mistakes man has made in the church. Lord knows man can’t fulfill you, but the Lord can and will

[@voiceofmanywaters3720]

G.A.I is the best! Look at his lyrics for the song: If I go I'm goin ~ so great!