Steve Earle (David Letterman 1988) - Copperhead Road

Steve Earle (David Letterman1988) - Copperhead Road

[@artiewilson1075]

When late night television was great

[@tjbummer200]

30 years later and still gives me the chills!!!’

[@bigmikeyD740]

35 years ago you mean haha

[@higgsbosongirl]

There's that Scotch Irish thang going -- bagpipes -- the Rebel Yell -- all those elements reaching out from the mind and genius of Steve Earle.

[@mistabone3899]

Scot/Irish/Welsh roots, miners and shiners.

[@jonathankenton7182]

I was 17 when I first heard this song on my way to work. I instantly knew it would be a hit even if it didn’t make it to #1. It’s still a classic all these years later.

[@TEM14411]

​. ❤️🕊🕊❤️🕊 Ulster Scotch Irish refugees....first to settle in the deepest parts of Appalachia. No one else dared!

[@USLethal]

"I learned a thing or two from Charlie" is such an overlooked line

[@ThePanamaCollection1-lv5po]

One of the best songs ever written - really great story......

[@Danger-Dave]

Steve was one of the 1st songwriters I met when I first moved to "NashVeagas" back in the early 80s. He's written so many great songs. Thats my buddy Zip Gibson in the back playing the white Les Paul, Miss you Zipper!

[@Simon-talks]

I met Steve while I was in Carter Vintage Guitars one day. Steve was there dropping off some of his old guitars to sell.

[@mjuhanil]

What happened to Zip

[@Danger-Dave]

@@mjuhanil I don't know, I got busy with studio work, family and house payments & we kind if lost touch. He moved back to Texas with his brother and cousin, all very talented musicians who had formed The Zip Gibson band and had put out a few songs on a blues compilation record called Good Whiskey Blues which is on U-tube. 1 or 2 that we recorded at Quad Studios where I worked.

[@garthleadon8483]

Is it somewhat cool that I first knew of this awesome dude watching HBO tv show The Wire? I had a feeling that the dude probably played music as well & even assume that the theme song used in the shows final season probably was song by the same person. Eventually found out that all of my assumptions were true than even crazier than that my uncle is a huge fan of Steve Earle and growing up he own a few of his albums. I actually first heard of this song listening to CoasttoCoastam with George Noory. Now I know about Townes Van Zandt because of Steve Earle. Amazing stuff indeed.

[@domading2759]

Name drop much?

[@andyinoregon]

Best badass song ever written about America's underground economy.

[@TCgirl]

100% true story. One of the best songs ever

[@enochbenicio4208]

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[@dwaynecollin4669]

@Enoch Benicio Instablaster :)

[@enochbenicio4208]

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[@enochbenicio4208]

@Dwayne Collin It worked and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my ass!

[@thenightmare92]

In my opinion, there best live performance of this song. They were all on point & Steve’s voice literally sounds like the studio version here. Such a solid track.

[@willkeen5010]

Agreed! I’ve been watching his different versions as of late (we’re all getting older) and I joy them all but yes, this it at the top of his game for this song.

[@dtcdtc8328]

Wate 6 on your side is the channel Ijust watched it on, he just performed this on the Tennessee House Floor, they made it their State song if you've not seen /heard. Pretty cool

[@djtimemasheen7585]

Yeh, I tend to agree. Even with the VHS recording!

[@danielgerald4551]

*they’re*

[@TodManning-wh6ce]

Ur lying

[@oxyfee6486]

Saw him five times, once in Kitchener Ontario Canada. Four rows in front of us were full of Satan’s Choice, he had them there to sing Justice In Ontario. Awesome concert!

[@psalwasser]

amazing fact: this guy is still recording and performing. of course, fm radio wont touch him - you gotta buy the cd, tickets and seek his shows. he's a national treasure in the same breath as a ray charles, bonnie raitt and johnny cash.

[@rdw2457]

YES

[@jamesjackson7878]

Hey where do you live I live in Australia in Victoria the only Steve Earle song I've heard on the radio is Copperhead Road

[@jamesjackson7878]

On FM radio Triple M

[@learningPolish]

Feel so privileged to have seen him perform live (Birmingham, UK c 15 years ago)

[@user-wm1js2no9x]

RADIO SUCKS ALL OVER😢

[@danpinchok5247]

This song would have made a great movie.

[@jerrykinnin7941]

Look up Robert Mitchum in Thunder Road. Its an old black and white. I think Robert wrote directed and starred in it.

[@dwhunter8904]

Try "Lawless"....purty darn close.

[@matthewelliott5625]

See a movie named Lawless with Tom Hardy excellent movie about moon shining

[@fenderguitarratman]

@@jerrykinnin7941 Great movie.

[@xScooterAZx]

Thunder Road

[@MattsBaseballWorld]

Saw this live in a 50 person bar, along with the back story from Steve himself... what a hoot that was.

[@raywalsh9152]

WOW! Great memory! Thanks for sharing. I can't imagine. I always thought it would've been awesome to see The Boss at The Stone Pony just as he was breaking out. I'll add seeing Steve Earle in a dive bar singing Copperhead Road to that fantasy list. You're a lucky guy.

[@michaelabbott8248]

Awesome ‼️👍

[@philipreid2542]

​@@raywalsh9152Beatles at the Cavern Club would've been great

[@jonathankenton7182]

Song is about East Tennessee moonshine runnin’. My family roots are in west Tennessee and you best believe they did their share on running shine. They were poor sharecroppers and that was the only thing more profitable than chopping cotton. My dad was drafted the Vietnam era or my dumb but would be in prison with my cousins. Thankfully I joined the Air Force in 1989 and escaped what would’ve been a disastrous life. Say what you will but the military changed the course of my family’s future. I have an engineer and production manager as sons. The cycle was was broken and I thank God every day.

[@dsanders5142]

Appalachian here and oh yes brother plenty of that mountain dew from early 1900s to 1940s. Most moved to Indiana then north. I joined the navy in 1988.

[@Old_Sailor85]

My in-laws escaped Appalachia in the early 50s. He joined the Air Force when he was 17. 22 years, retired an E8. It worked out for them. Three tours in Viet Nam in those 22 years.

[@Simon-talks]

my brother and I both broke the cycle of family poverty by joining the Army. I went on to become a doctor and he became an engineer after.

[@jonathankenton7182]

@@Simon-talks My Lord, I’m so thankful for you!

[@jonathankenton7182]

@@Simon-talks you don’t really know unless you know:

[@AlanaBananaCanada]

Steve Earle is so underrated, he has so many good songs besides this one

[@PhantomPanic]

And there it is ladies and gentlemen. The KZbin underrated comment...

[@mountianfolks]

How was this big star underrated?

[@AlanaBananaCanada]

Idk, maybe just in canada then

[@natev1956]

​​@@PhantomPanichis one is actually legit if you do your research asshole. How many times do you just throw that comment out although I see where you're coming from because I do get sick of people saying that myself but in this case this man was actually underrated for the talent that He had.

[@natev1956]

​@@mountianfolksbigstar how many people know Steve Earle.... He was a talent that is underrated and written so many songs told so many amazing stories and his songs and yet Nicki Minaj and cardi b and girls with big asses rule the radio waves

[@reedzkee]

dang look at his eyes. now i know what i looked like in my early 20's. glad you're still with us steve! you're an inspiration to all us former junkies!

[@Simon-talks]

it sucks that Steve lost is son to it. ;(

[@paulhardiek7881]

Steve Earle is Mr country. He writes the best songs he is the man. I country line dance at my cousin wedding. Huge fan.

[@bethepperson5363]

My Mom played the piano and the mandolin in the 40's through the 60's. It has always been one of my favorite instruments And yes my family were hillbillies from the Appalachian Mountains. And yes my Dad's family were coal miners and moonshiners. Proud of my roots.....

[@mistabone3899]

Same here, WbgVa and SE Ohio.

[@BigMike1925]

Saw Steve and his band at a small (160 seat) venue in Tomball, TX. When they played "Copperhead" the entire place came alive. Great song by a great artist.

[@dustincathcart2089]

Saw him in 2006 he's still got it. Amazing mandolin player!!

[@williamjesse8357]

I agree this is by far the best I've ever heard this sung .. fantastic !

[@randypayne3998]

After all these years I still listen to this song

[@chrismckenzie9322]

Saw him live on this tour. Kamloops BC Canada. One of the best concerts I've seen. I was 12 years old

[@Jakexx01]

I can't imagine a song this real and straight from the soul being accepted by people in 2023. What a shame. I'm grateful Steve found the guts to do what he needed to do to still be with us.

[@metalmanchrisx]

Masterpiece. Steve Earle is a savage!! Massive artist. 🔥💯🤠

[@boise2Talay7886]

Steve has posted numerous videos providing educational background info for his rather extensive guitar and mandolin collection. They are very entertaining to watch because in addition to discovering the history later in the videos he includes a song. His level of knowledge of guitars is off the charts and as others have mentioned, he's a very talented songwriter and musician.

[@dianeduquette6368]

Love this song ❤️❤️

[@dave434]

I still remember that rumbling sound !

[@SSGERDMV3382]

Whoa. What a performance!

[@dennisramoska6462]

Timeless song. Still amazing!!!

[@okrajoe]

Shout out to David Letterman - he always had cool musical guests!

[@shawnuel]

Boy, he sure did. He had a favorite of mine, Nanci Griffith, on 19 times.

[@darthlundgren8442]

I just watched Tracy Chapman doing Stand By Me on Letterman ❤

[@shawnuel]

@@darthlundgren8442 That was the last time she performed publicly before last week, on the Grammy broadcast!

[@tomgribbin9531]

The coolest ; Warren Zevon , Tom Waits , Capt . Beefheart . Where else on television would that happen ?

[@brooktrout1477]

I sure do miss Dave , the guy that took over sucks

[@Dan-wy4gj]

Damn that was badass stuff

[@ronaldwalsh6246]

I did two tours in Vietnam and I came back with a different plan…too!

[@dennismetzger9287]

This band introduced a lot of us to a great portion of music

[@marcelmallory2761]

Incredible song!

[@marktaylor7125]

Uk thrash metal fan here appreciating this amazing song. Wow

[@DougSmileyVirgo]

Steve Earle will be a saint to the Scots-Irish.

[@andrewwaters9928]

What a badass performance. I can't even imagine seeing something like that on live TV these days. Would love to hear Dave's interview:)

[@CraigKostelecky]

This video has both the performance and the entire interview after: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHLSqqaCiK2BidEsi=0MNZq_KgMLrXYtvu

[@terrasculp]

The vid was like a movie - I loved it.

[@olysasquatch]

Awesome

[@shawnbeck2303]

Steve was stoned out of his mind! He kept it together for this show. He still did amazing job! Just love this song and the Mandolin. Shawn

[@koDaffi]

Steve could have been way bigger than he was if it wasn't for the heroin. He had the looks and the talent to go very far. You can tell how hard he was going just from the music video and this performance released within the same year.

[@mr.m325]

Don't be an idiot.....he was sober.....maybe watch the interview before you spew off ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHLSqqaCiK2BidE

[@Say_No-2_Animal-Abuse_]

His teeth even looked different. I know, teeth "age" but I believe he was in deep with the dope.

[@BuffaloNickel9]

@@Say_No-2_Animal-Abuse_ Just enjoy! this is one of the most badass rock songs ever written still gives me chills everytime I listen to it. What good musician in that day wasn't high.... enjoy the song, it's a classic

[@Ryan-su2qk]

I was thinking the same thing. No question he was high here..especially if you saw his interview w/ Letterman after his performance. Glad he got sober. Phenomenal songwriter. Total Communist.

[@karenedwards6713]

Lists of my kinfolk run whisky and was chased by the law. This song hits home for me.

[@scotthayes1210]

I live in mtns of NC, a huge part of my family history

[@markdunigan805]

Nice job guys, that whole album is tops I always play it start to finish.

[@royreynolds1535]

This takes me back to when u was 7 maybe 8 best thing on radio good good times running deer dogs with dad and loving life

[@levialston518]

This song takes me back to the day my brother stumble upon my great uncle stash he thought it was water only 5 at the time got sick as a dog

[@billsimmons5186]

And That's how you do it !!! Killer Song !!! Steve Earl so underrated!!! Need more of this please!!!

[@viccaylor3128]

I start every day listening to Steve Earle

[@mcrystal1383]

Same

[@xScooterAZx]

That's me with the Sex Pistols.

[@fourn7wenty]

grandad was gangsta af.

[@evanperryman8727]

Whole family generation of badasses

[@Forgvn.Adventures]

I can't say I'm from Tennessee, I'm from South Jersey, but my Dad has his share of big block Dodges, and I voted at the Mason's Lodge for a few years. It has since closed, Dad passed on, but this is one of my all time favorite songs! Oh, and I still have Dad's 331, 392 & 426 hemi in his shop as well as his 440 Superbird

[@joshuabunkers1494]

My goodness that is a giant CD David Letterman has!

[@lizajane7877]

Lmao,

[@jerrykinnin7941]

A vinyl record. When music was GREAT.

[@RayRayJr.]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤘🤘

[@richardclark.]

@@jerrykinnin7941 thank goodness! i thought someone ran over the 8-track!

[@joannehack7588]

Just got back from Amsterdam

[@joannehack7588]

I gotta’ brand new plan

[@markdunigan805]

This was my 80's music.

[@ashleyhockenberry2187]

Letterman and his audience were not ready for this

[@Lisa-mw6te]

How badass is an electric mandolin? This song is a masterpiece.

[@user-nh9xp8vj4l]

Great song I listen to it every chance I get

[@musicmore9167]

I just noticed that except for the guitarist right behind Steve, that was Letterman's "House Band" playing.

[@Bill89p3]

One of my favorites to sing at karaoke. Lots of soul

[@rickwilliamson9248]

The line about 'the revenue man wanted grandaddy bad' always gets me. He didn't care that grandaddy was making moonshine. He DID care, however, that grandaddy wasn't paying taxes on the moonshine. He was an IRS agent, which is why they were referred to as revenuers.

[@williamshrader272]

Should be a movie, great song good story

[@waterskqhstaceyapw3610]

watching this ... someone is outta tune The actual definition of America . Who's the punk that disliked this? I start every day listening to Steve Earle

[@Mazalinda]

One of the truly great songs with top class production.

[@iorranbmx061091]

One bad badass player and singer. SUPERB!! This song kills! Perfect I start every day listening to Steve Earle THIS IS A VERY GOOD SONG THANK YOU GOOD JOB ROCK AN ROLL MY FRIEND 👍

[@davidfettig4015]

Love this song.

[@davidarroyo6801]

I am from Chicago. I was raised on DooWop, and Motown. So, I am new to the immense talent of Steve Earle. Like my life partner said , it's never to late to Discover the Brilliant writing talents of such a complicated man I am here to say Steve Earle is the Shit, the real Deal, God Bless u Steve, u will be with your Son again please accept my Condolences Brother.

[@zalapski9399]

What’s a Life Partner

[@erasedfromgenepool.4845]

His lover is a fellow male!

[@1888gp]

steve high as a kite for a change lol ...amazing song !!

[@joeohhboy5384]

This is the embodiment of COOL !

[@XxBrandonXxOsbornXx]

watching this ... someone is outta tune I start every day listening to Steve Earle The actual definition of America .

[@jerryhummelhummel1465]

The Lead guitar player is definitely out of tune, it's very noticeable, to the point of not wanting to listen to it, I only made it halfway through the second half.

[@mikeloftis7616]

Pure fucking Gold

[@steveconn]

Just saw him in Santa Fe. The master.

[@marcusee1234nation]

One bad badass player and singer.

[@davido3497]

Looks like we got criss angel on the guitar 🎸 Probably The best live performance of the song ever

[@tmmyjay]

IT'S A FRIGGIN MASTERPIECE!

[@marcoceccarelli6415]

The last decade when America was America the 80s

[@Hunter_Stonestreet]

@Shad Rock BLM started in the 90s

[@Chris-fd9sg]

Whatever that means.

[@rosematt3850]

If this country music Count me in !!! Waaaaay better then any of that useless crap today in 2021

[@alanrichardson9449]

Tyler Childers

[@braedonplasztan5710]

How good is this it a masterpiece

[@leefreed2060]

He is absolutely amazing

[@Vishangro]

What a great song.

[@user-vk5xi7kx2o]

That is a really good live performance

[@jimcarson372]

Perfect

[@KingofKernen]

fantastic

[@glassface9162]

Perfect One bad badass player and singer.

[@markrogers6833]

Power...punk...pow... classic

[@allrightnow3653]

who would ever thought this would be Tennessee's state song? I know Steve was so proud

[@jeremymorgan-li5ey]

I'm from mountains in NC 20 miles from East Tennessee. This song is still on point and Rockin'. #Trump 🚂!!!!

[@Anthony-kv5uk]

SUPERB!!

[@bigorange000]

That was a damn good performance. Thanks for the upload.

[@phildirt3]

Earle is so cool

[@bsbsfshvshshbahsgjsjsjdj9398]

My goodness that is a giant CD David Letterman has! SUPERB!! watching this ... someone is outta tune

[@theccpisaparasite8813]

I think so, Steve's mandolin and the high strings on the lead are out by as much as a half a step

[@BuffaloNickel9]

Hi strings, Lo strings, who gives a sh*t! -Happy Gilmore probably

[@SebastianHalfpenny]

Drumming is wicked!!

[@jamesdarnell8568]

Anton Figg is awesome!

[@SebastianHalfpenny]

@@jamesdarnell8568 He sure is! This version sounds tighter than the studio version. If only that Les Paul was tuned! Lol.

[@roydishman351]

THIS IS A VERY GOOD SONG THANK YOU GOOD JOB ROCK AN ROLL MY FRIEND 👍

[@kevincorbin6273]

That’s the real deal right there!

[@noahiverson7181]

The actual definition of America

[@timscroggins2345]

Great song

[@JamesVandevanter]

I missed this then but I was on this song quik,still play it. 😊🎸

[@BeLyndaSmith]

That's Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band, right there. :-) NBC sucked when they wouldn't let the band keep the name after Dave took his show to CBS.

[@whotwo]

BeLynda Smith thanks, l didn't recognize the guys until I saw your comment

[@bradleymonroe6443]

I first heard this song when I started line dancing.

[@Shelly-zs8vy]

Hi Steve 😊❤

[@stephensmith6888]

One tight band

[@patriciajrs46]

Love me some Steve Earle!! Copperhead road for sure. I prefer really good peach pie!!

[@MamaJoyce]

So fine. ❤

[@timothyoneil5447]

hell yes