Steve Earle - Back To The Wall

Music video by Steve Earle performing Back To The Wall. (C) 1988 UMG Recordings, Inc.

[@princessofhesse]

To call Steve Earle Anti-American proves you know nothing about him. He sings of injustive and hate and how he wishes things were the way they should be, you just have to listen. Which is what I advise you to do with his music. He speaks the truth.

[@nancyb8421]

💯 truth

[@gsquared38]

One of the greatest songwriters of our time! !WAKE UP HATERS

[@cliftonmatchett9426]

Bailing hay in 88 had a cassette player in tractor I was 11

[@MarkBoyd]

Steve Earle was wayyyyyy ahead of his time and this song is just one of many examples. First song of his that I ever heard as a metalhead back in the day. Still a metalhead and still a SE fan to this day. I think Waylon and Willie would both approve. Willie has.

[@chasinseashells8571]

I forget the song name, but I thought I saw Waylon in one of Steve's videos. It will be Steve Earle & The Dukes. In this particular video, they throw their guitars into a fire. A guy with a cowboy hat on reminds me of Waylon, whether it's actually him or not I don't know.

[@mcrystal1383]

​@@chasinseashells8571You're Correct. It's I ain't ever Satisfied.

[@chasinseashells8571]

@@mcrystal1383 thanks, I just watched it again and it definitely looks like Waylon without a doubt.

[@debhabian2010]

Anyone can be just a step or two from homelessness. This song is a message to all to help your fellow man. I volunteer helping the homeless in my hometown. God Bless you, Steve Earle for this song & video!

[@jessicabonanno4496]

Genuinely kind...

[@laurykristensen6239]

You go girl! More power to you and all of us who help with gusto!...Never turn a blind eye!

[@rheniformer]

Saw a young fella standing by a traffic light on a bitter cold winter day. He was holding a cardboard sign. I parked my car and walked back to him, shook his hand and gave him a few bucks, talked a minute and walked away feeling really really down. He was about the age of my son. Some people have really shit lives, nobody is there because they feel great and want to live like that, absolutely nobody. My son is 18, occasionally when he is with me I give him a few bucks and send him over to give it to someone, then we talk about it. So sad.

[@jaypoland9430]

I'm an American Veteran USAF & left my late wife because of Domestic Violence Abuse. I had to leave to save myself . RIP: Mary I have forgiven you God Bless you my beautiful wife I really do miss you. I'm so sorry for all those troubled time's we had in our 26 year marriage. 😱😡🌹💋🥰💔

[@debrahabian361]

@@jaypoland9430 bless your heart you forgiven the woman that you loved even though she did you wrong sometimes life just tells us we have to play the hand that were dealt and the dice that we rolled

[@markboyd1696]

My fave song from the criminally underrated Copperhead Road album. Willie Nelson once said about Steve Earle: "He don't write no bad songs." \m/

[@nobodysbaby5048]

Wow, that's amazing praise from an American legend.

[@redshaftedflicker]

Steve Earle: America's treasure of a country rock n' roll bluesy outlaw badass.

[@susangabrielleTheStageCoach]

+redshaftedflicker perfect description

[@kandylangford5886]

Definitely...been listening to him since "Guitar Town".

[@markdeansgimpysbushcamp193]

Good to know people have heard more than Copperhead road.

[@tranz2deep]

+Mark Dean Weird thing is, this is the last track on the Copperhead Road CD. Really, people should have seen.

[@galenarnett2991]

its actually #3 on te copperhead road alblum

[@1963RRT]

It's a fantastic album, one of my favorites.

[@paulanikki1]

I found a book of his poetry in a 2nd hand story about 20yrs ago, was amazing.

[@Schmoople]

Steve Earle is amazing; I first heard "Someday" in the mid-80s in a town where I used to live, and that song just blew me away. All his music is equally amazing.

[@JordanBlahnikCPACMA]

Steve Earle at his best. His slower songs, "My old friend the blues" and "Goodbye" are still my favourite, but this is DYNAMITE!!

[@panagiotakonstantopoulou962]

Copperhead Road was the first country music album I bought in 1989.

[@beninnit4071]

America's last true songwriter. . Thank you for sharing your talents Mr. Earle.

[@nilradem]

I love Steve, but there are some great younger singer-songwriters out there - Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, Lindi Ortega, John Moreland, Sturgill Simpson, Colter Wall, Valerie June.... and more, including Steve's son Justin Townes Earle.

[@beastbee0118]

@@nilradem eddie vedder

[@blotmaster1]

Steve could teach today's kids what real music is all about!

[@MissDistarr60]

What an amazing songwriter this man is. Every song has a message woven in the lyrics. Some are very profound. Plus the music is freaking amazing!

[@Jason_Abadi]

As a musician and singer/songwriter I don't understand why we can't do it like Steve did back then. Why do you have to be a pretty boy singing someone else's songs or be in a band playing a bunch of covers to make any money? Why can't a guy with solid songs and a solid band catch a break and make some damn money?

[@nilradem]

+Jason Scott They can... Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton have been getting a lot of press. The question now and in the 80s is how that trickles down to other artists.

[@poobyrooh07]

Kaleo did, they are worth listening to, can't wait for more of theirs

[@poobyrooh07]

His music never hit New Zealand until it came with line dancing in the late 90s. We were always the last to keep up with things from over seas till the late 90s when internet brought us up to date.

[@nilradem]

Ruby - That surprises me, since I know he toured NZ and Australia in the 80s. Must have been some fans there.

[@AnnieBoBannie421]

He doesn't want that! Doesn't want a record company owning him - he said that like 20 yrs ago, and I think he meant it

[@karendarcy4178]

Love Steve ! Over 35 years now! He never disappoints ❤️

[@aussiebloke62]

saw Steve Earle and the Dukes when they came out here back in the day...still up there as one of my favourite concerts...fantastic musicians, great songs, commitment and energy...amazing how relevant his songs are today...words to this one are spot on...

[@craiger9313]

Even still in 2023

[@BlueSkyThunder2]

Just discovered this guy! Where's he been all my life??? Loving the music.

[@valverdista]

Listen well, Steve Earle is the real and honest America, how I wish in my country have a singer like him, you're a very lucky people.

[@Daughter-of-an-outlaw]

AWESOME!!!! STEVES SONGS NEVER GET OLD. I'VE LISTENED TO HIM DAILY EVER SINCE I CAN REMEMBER ❤😎😁😈☠🤘🏻🤟🏻👍🏻

[@281shaker]

22 year old video makes just as much sense today. Awesome!

[@journeythruthepast]

Amazingly enough, Steve Earle did end up homeless for periods of his life between 1992-94 when he was basically a non-functioning drug addict for the most part- mainly abusing crack once he ran out of money to afford regular heroin purchases and having to go to the slums and crack dens of Nashville to do so. He at least had a few cheques come in once in a while from his career while having family to crash with. Not many others on the streets can say that. He always has been able to side with the underdog and maybe he had a premonition he could easily become like one of them if his addictions got worse. And of course they did.

[@moragmacgregor6792]

journeythruthepast ~ Interesting insight and I believe you're right.

[@jadedstar3682]

I discovered Steve Earle a couple of years ago, while at a bar trying to dance to Copper Head Road. Why didn't I know about him earlier??

[@k.g.alatore355]

The country music establishment likes to pretend he doesn't exist because he's a devout socialist who's critical of the military and police and has virtually always been further left than his peers

[@leecrampton8544]

Thanks for this song dedicated to the less fortunate. We forget how lucky we are.

[@craiger9313]

You said it , you don’t have to look very far to see somebody else a whole lot worse off

[@aidenbear3289]

Very cool song makes you think how good some people have it and the less fortunate are forgotten so in a way it’s a tribute to them and all the struggles they face on a daily basis stay safe and humble

[@sudoku5982]

For sure!

[@carolynbaggs6827]

See this guy when he kicked off Copper Head Rd, I was so lucky, only a kid, never forget it, best concert in my life time, coming at you from St. John’s, NFLD. Canada. Bless him.

[@blaine1710]

The man always has a message

[@daveytrain6494]

Man this gives me chills!

[@kaymad143]

First time I have ever head this song - I cannot believe I never heard him before! I will be buying some new CDS! What a voice and what a songwriter! Love the outlaw singers!

[@MegaDicey]

+Jerilyn Duefrene He is the Man,bn fan from jump .he is amazing.

[@martinlowe4441]

He's changed his style some, not as electrified nowadays!!

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

+diane howard My last name is Howard . Ancient old hippy wishing you Peace - Love and Good Vibes . Lefty

[@willyledbetter2974]

Who is playing the solo guitar? I0s he part of the band or is he a studio guitar player?

[@kathyraymelles.80]

He's a rebel! ❤

[@robertgibson4062]

My yuonger brother Dewayne is playing the lead

[@scmorson]

It warming up

[@cathystruska1558]

You best be proud. Where you from if I ask. I was from coal mining people way down Southern Illinois 24 miles from Kentucky.😜 Tj

[@sickofliberals9403]

When I was doing heavy drugs I use to ride around listening to Steve Earle all the time, been clean for about 10 years now but still love Steve's music

[@claytomcooper]

One of my all time favorite songs , Steve , you have skillz

[@dustinh4937]

I hope anyone never gets on the streets and back to the wall, but always hold on to the belief and reality that you can do good...

[@blaine1710]

Straight out of the army 11 bravo and listening to this

[@cliftonmatchett9426]

Very proud of this man . i was born in 78 andu understand him in 86 i was six years old when Mr Steve Eearl touch my ❤

[@fivestring65ify]

Been a long time since I heard this one. Another gem.

[@sarahskars_well3360]

Steve Earle is the shit! Long live good music.

[@tranishockley3060]

Always wanted to play a cover of this tune.

[@cityzen2717]

Well sometimes in the evenings I start to get that feeling Like I'm empty inside I know I'm doin' good now but tonight I'm headed downtown Down by the riverside I sit underneath the freeway with an old friend from the old days And a bottle of wine Well he used to call me "Big Time", and he knew someday that I'd shine Said he'd seen all the signs He said . . "Keep yourself to yourself Keep your bedroll dry And boy you never can tell What the shadows hide Keep ene eve on the ground Pick up whatever you find 'Cause you've got no place to fall When your back's to the wall" He's gettin' old and it's showin' when I asked him how it's goin' He said "I've seen better I guess I've been rained on, I've been frozen, but this here's the life I've chosen If it just wasn't for the loneliness" Now this river suits me to a T. but if you're trying to raise a family It ain't no place to be There's a kid down by the dump there, ought to be in grade school somewhere Now he hangs out with me And I told him . . ." Well we finished off the bottle and I told him,"Joe I think I ought to Be headed uptown" Well it was late, and I'd been drinkin', drivin' home I got to thinkin' 'Bout what's been going down Cause they're nervous down on Wall Street, but they're trying to keep it upbeat Or maybe they just don't care But down at the river eyes are burnin' cause they feel the tables turnin' So if you wind up down there...

[@leecrampton8544]

It rings true. Keep your back to the wall.

[@timspears-tj1po]

I been steve earle fan since 86or 87,seen him several times from Louisville ky to Ashland ky an points in between....luv his music,can't wait till he returns to my.

[@benniesweat9848]

I first saw Steve Earle do a song by Towns Van Zant, "Ft Worth Blues" made me a fan of his for life. \

[@mearle59]

Fort Worth Blues was written by Steve as a tribute to Towns Van Zandt after he died.

[@jb6319]

​@@mearle59...lol

[@NancyJConner]

I live in Nashville...I love this song...it tells the story.

[@Candy-of2hq]

So handsome.

[@troyweldon6029]

Been there...hell, Still there!

[@hunterparmer4437]

still one of his best

[@Dan-wi3mq]

Tonight at 1am while going through ashtrays at a bar, i realised i have been raised to learn how to survive and get by, but not to thrive. Great skills to have but its not enough to get ahead. As soon as i realised this i thought if this song

[@michellecantrell7455]

❤ KEEP YOUR SELF TO YOUR SELF ❤

[@Candy-of2hq]

This mark you made on me can never be erased.

[@03Mach1dmb]

I just came across this guy, really good music

[@dannydesrochers4185]

03Mach1dmb eagles eagles

[@03Mach1dmb]

danny desrochers Huh?

[@michaelc.6593]

It is a Terrible tragedy some of these people can be saved!!! I lost a good friend to homelessness I didn't know till 3 years after she lost it all house, child, car, then her sanity. I give her a ride to a homeless shelter dropped her off haven't seen her since!! I now know that I hauled her off, just like a stray dog has left a scar on me!!

[@oakron]

i get goosebumps. Omg this was the shit and still is !!!!!!

[@oakron]

Steve was peaked out during this time

[@princessofhesse]

yeah, but he beat his demons and has been sober a long time, andcoming to Minneapolis June 8 and i got tickets in my hot little hands.

[@1blkgsd]

Joanna Backman Let us know how the show was!

[@princessofhesse]

***** just got home after Steve's Minneapolis show. it was the best show I had ever seen, he played for over three hours, just incredible, well worth the 50.00 ticket, if you get a chance get over and see him wherever you can. I got a new picture to put up, am going to put a lot of pictures on my facebook page. great man, wonderful!

[@1blkgsd]

Joanna Backman Good for you Joanna, I'm glad you enjoyed the show, if he ever comes to Pa. I'll be sure to see him . He is a great songwriter and musical talent for sure.

[@princessofhesse]

***** yeah, the show was his best, or at least of the last 7-8 times I've seen him!! you really do need to get to his show when he is in the area, he never fails to give 100% of his energy, heart and talent for his fans.

[@karlsborgwi.jewell9919]

It’ll wash you away but it ain’t never enough!! Ya can’t say it any better than that…..

[@ianswing]

never heard him before,, bloody ace.. fantastic....love it

[@thomasjones4932]

All we have can go any minute. Friends, family, and health, without these you have nothing

[@kandylangford5886]

Damned, but he was gorgeous...but then we all looked better back then.

[@jedibill111]

Boys you know he ain't lye'n Women are the least of our worry's.

[@Daughter-of-an-outlaw]

I listen to every Steve Earle song, and every song I love

[@jbmurdock5264]

This is the best music video I ever saw. Awesome. I love Steve Earle for this contibution.

[@paulrosebush9137]

July 8th!! See you there, Sir

[@mobilepsycho]

Just a kick ass song.

[@shirleyjennings5787]

Awesome Tune!

[@jasonatkins8755]

Love this dude now I’ve got a little to listen with

[@chicklets4ever51]

Great stuff. I'm just discovering Steve.

[@justmadeit2]

He's like a mixture of John cougar Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen

[@marthalittle3781]

HE IS AWESOME

[@michellecantrell3777]

KEEP YOURSELF TO YOURSELF

[@manysons]

Nothing more American than speaking out on this issue. Go Steve!

[@kayfoster6504]

Love this man

[@kathyraymelles.80]

Keep yourself to yourself. Long time fan.

[@ronjeffers5133]

I got my back to the wall. Dad taught me that see who coming .lol

[@spiehole]

Raising awareness is a part of the process of change.

[@LauraBlair-lv6jy]

Whoooooooo🎵🎶🎵🎼🎵🎶🎵

[@ErickTosar]

yes, build that wall!

[@theresaluchsinger4488]

Rock On Steve

[@МехриШепетяк]

Очень проникновенно, и эксклюзивно. Талант от бога!

[@Klaudiart]

He is a Bob Dylan fan also =, It's why I like him even more.. He is the continuum of an era.

[@angelbone4132]

Back when Steve Earle was good. I'm just saying what we all are think. This period he is my favorite artist of all times. Train a coming was the beginning of the end

[@darlincommitme]

We all think you have poor taste in music. Steve only got better after Train.

[@angelbone4132]

@@darlincommitme if we wanted to hear communist babble and ultra liberal social decay we can watch CNN. I'm like the majority we listen escape that kind of bs. Yes he has always had a touch of politics in his music. But least it was before he started out of tempo muttering

[@darlincommitme]

So it is not really about the music, it is about his politics. In any case, you do not speak for his fans, the majority of whom are left of center.

[@angelbone4132]

@@darlincommitme no its about more politics than music and his off tempo babbling. You obviously no nothing about steve earle. He has always been a left wing nut job , but he kept the majority to himself

[@darlincommitme]

@@angelbone4132 Were you drunk when you wrote that incoherent comment? I am well aware that his politics have always been to the left, and probably know his work better than you do.

[@troyweldon6029]

Love this! I think my Brother's will too.

[@bluestarlighting29]

Fantastic song this song for my only brother Steve. Awesome.

[@shaeleneyazzie9808]

like the tune an the beat to this song Hell yeah Steve!!!!

[@littleBearcanoes]

Best older song ever.. Steve ROCKS

[@kerryropiha1233]

Steve Earl. A musical wonder!!!!

[@allmytinywondersnursery180]

This is. About to be set out.

[@strixq]

Great brillie!! I've seen Steve 3 times - love his music!

[@scmorson]

No cookies! Dammit

[@derekgartshore8845]

Steve ....come full circle brother...get Bucky and the boyz back together for one more.....Pleeeeez.. Still remember the night in TO when you let loose with the Mandoblaster.....were not too old man... LW

[@brandonreeves3726]

check his book out too!!! its a great read!

[@fastcars327]

my favorite singer, and song!!!

[@stihldavebergen3469]

Words ring more true every day

[@johnwjr7]

First time I heard this one and I liked it.

[@buterflyapr]

really makes me feel good good song

[@dugout01]

Steve ROCKS!!!

[@pamelablake3358]

True , can't really find out much about this song. I am just crazy about. it.

[@laurafuller3545]

Love it rovk on🎉🎉❤

[@laurafuller3545]

Rock n Roll sorry peeps❤

[@countrynuno]

Steve Earle Is great!!!

[@audreybird2105]

Awesome song..hell yeah

[@scmorson]

I rubbed pain goop in my eye

[@michellecantrell7455]

❤❤❤❤bad ass ❤❤❤❤

[@scmorson]

Gonna poke my eye again