Steve Earle - Mercenary Song

It seems like he's 20 years old only. really love this song...

[@oneillj33]

No shit. No shine. No record company. Just pure talent...in every seat at the table.

[@miahvg85]

I wish sessions like this were still happening in today's, FLAT , fu ked up , & backwards EARTH, We living on

[@joakimanderson]

@@miahvg85 They're happening, it's up to you to be there.

[@WarrenVincenzo]

​@@miahvg85Zank you.

[@heypistolero]

@@miahvg85 I've had some amazing sessions with plenty of musicians, especially at music fests around the fire. The thing is, no one takes the time to record those moments when you're all playing and into the moment. None of the musical talent pictured here would have thought to record this either, we need other people with other talents to document this kinda stuff

[@juliemuller3045]

This was shot around Christmas time in 1975, so Steve is just shy of 21. Awesome song, especially for such a "youngster".

[@Kiralyviktormusic-1]

Hello How are things on your end? Your comments mean a lot to me I'm thrilled to have crossed paths with you here

[@philfitzgibbons]

Love this song recommended it to my son and his specops buddies

[@MattMonk]

Definitely fit in with the old folks!

[@StephenHollowellRealEstate]

When Guy Clark says "listen to this song", you know it's a good one!

[@michaeldelvalle106]

Exactly 💯

[@teabaggervance8]

Amen

[@johnnyreamage]

Yeah. He also just noticed the camera pointing at him,. While he's rolling a joint and told the camera to look over there

[@teabaggervance8]

@@johnnyreamage Guy didnt care if you painted him rolling a joint.

[@johnnyreamage]

@@teabaggervance8 well he and his wife seemed to be a little concerned about what was being hidden under their hands. Another guy said it was his cocaine ... I think he's right.

[@whitebluesky6932]

"Listen to that song, listen to that song." Guy Clark knew what he was talking about didn't he?

[@chuckwilliam4746]

Goddamn right

[@light_and_sound]

He's so cute calling out requests at the end. He was so stoked on Earle.

[@charmicarmicat2981]

I didn’t even realize that was him. They all are so young in this video!

[@robertdevirgilio444]

And did you hear him say, “did you hear the verses?”....like “wow”....and shaking his head....

[@k.g.alatore355]

Given that Steve was 20 years old here and freshly into the Nashville scene, Guy must've been nothing short of mesmerized by the raw talent Steve held at that time. The Earles seem to have a thing for finding their gifts very young and perfecting them almost immediately, including his sister Stacey and his late son Justin.

[@charmicarmicat2981]

This is one of the greatest videos ever recorded in the history of time

[@wafflestomper6958]

Lightning in a bottle. Legendary.

[@turin1494]

Crowell’s “Boy, that’s a really good one” gets me every time haha

[@dlevass2003]

It does, cracked me up the first time I heard that.

[@JoSmotherman]

This song showed an amazing level of maturity. And to have this quality of an historical record is certainly a gift to us. I have heard Steve talk about hitchhiking to Houston just for this purpose. To be in Guy's and Susanna's kitchen.

[@lynneozuna1753]

Steve Earle, one of God's greatest gifts to the world.

[@jcorkable]

TBH I can’t stand Copperhead Road and I have trouble finding recordings I actually like from his discography, but I can’t get enough of these live versions from Heartworn Highways

[@pktdbgnzwl]

skinny kid !

[@lowellcalavera6045]

Just ask him.

[@daviddawson1718]

@lowellcalavera6045 no reason for a bitch like you to take shots at a fine artist. I live in Nacogdoches TX, and don't cotton to cheap shots from "not Texas."

[@jessicamcfarland2706]

I hope 🦵

[@mobryan4164]

It's such a little thing, but I love hearing Susanna's voice coming in at the end. She really was the glue that held together that band of misfits. RIP Guy and Susanna...

[@shawncovell3953]

I hear a females voice most of the time

[@user-qu6ij5sl1v]

How did they die

[@donjohnson5172]

I think Suzanna died first, but they lived pretty long. She died at 73 and Guy went a few more years.

[@rosehickey8483]

@@user-qu6ij5sl1v cancer

[@JoSmotherman]

I think you are absolutely right. Guy was the Alpha male in that group. And he could actually be a bit of an A-hole, if that was not acknowledged all the time. Susanna recognized that, and was quick to pull situations away from the fire, and smooth things over. Not to mention that everyone of those guys really loved her, and would have done anything for her. She held a lot of charm.

[@brentargue]

One of the ultimate “ good ole ole boy “ songs eve. Fucking beautiful!

[@nilradem]

This is a pretty talented group, and I think they recognized the talent they were witnessing in the young Steve. Certainly Guy recognized it.

[@mikexom]

The recognition of talent by legends is so impressive.

[@SspaceB]

He let him play bass in his band so I’d say so

[@mdogg1604]

Please, science, find a way for me to go back in time so I can sit at that table!!!

[@fortuenti]

hey, we can thank science and technology for the apparatus used to record it :)

[@martinlowe4441]

matt zehentner how awesome would that have been, drinking smoking partying with these legends

[@KerouacsAccomplice]

you're already at that table my friend

[@nash0089]

Thank everything for this video. Try lucid dreaming

[@chuckHart70]

Nahhh... get a guitar and some friends. Never too late or too hard to try.

[@Khumbu0609]

Just saw "Without Getting Killed or Caught," a documentary about Guy and Susanna and Townes with Rodney and Steve. Like this video, there's lots of footage from back in the day. So glad I found this. Love these guys!

[@amynielsen3466]

Where can I watch it???

[@Khumbu0609]

@@amynielsen3466 Did you go to their website or Google it?

[@amynielsen3466]

@@Khumbu0609 No, I’m in the dark, do you have a link?

[@davecooke7868]

That’s what I call jamming, drinking, smoking and having a good time with friends

[@Lana-y1k3g]

Yep my dad use to do it on the weekends when he was home from driving truck

[@michaelkearns8499]

Guy Clark really hyping up his boy here, just outstanding. And a great song, terrific!!!

[@actlloyd]

If Guy Clark tells you to listen, well, you better listen. Great song!

[@lostsidewalk]

I can only imagine what it must feel like to have people join in on a song you wrote, especially when it seemed like it was the first time that most of them had heard it...Rodney Crowell "man that's a good one" wow

[@FaqueGoogle-wo6ip]

Holy shit that era produced some fantastic musicians.

[@1970351c]

Holy crap! That songs 20 years older than I thought. Pretty awesome storytelling for such a youngster.

[@darlincommitme]

He recorded "Train A Comin'" within a couple months of getting clean. He had written only a couple songs, one of which was Angel is the Devil, when his addiction was at its worst. Most of the songs on that album were songs he had written in his late teens and twenties. Goodbye and Mystery Train were brand new, but this, Ben McCulloch, Hometown Blues, Sometimes She Forgets, Tom Ames, and Nothing Without You were all older. You can find versions of most of these on youtube from the 70s. An old friend of his posted several early recordings from the 70s - look up Sosume100's channel.

[@silivandalco.1896]

Exactly storytelling which is nonexistant in today's music it's frustrating looking for actual good music but I'm not into that noise lol

[@jumpingeezus5080]

Teddy Gonzalez Where are you looking? Look harder. We are here.

[@Weaksauce1234]

This song gives me chills every time I listen to it... The lyrics (and guitar) are just incredible.

[@ceylonmooney]

god the amount of talent in that room

[@neumansown]

Mind blowing isn’t it

[@NeilGregoryJohnson00]

fuck man.. this blows my mind how good the whole scene.. the fun lovin whiskey group vocals, the level of passion for a life of songwriting all in one room.. beautiful..

[@missbritt288]

What i like most about this is how unpretentious it all is ... Its truly just a group of friend swapping songs , and they all think each others work is the greatest thing they ever heard .. Its the essence of what real music is . Organic , honest and inspired by life ... beyond this documentary (that ive been obsessed with for some years now) i havent listened to much else of these artist present day work, i just like the time capsule of these moments too much maybe ... It showed the scene of music in Austin at the time

[@nilradem]

To be fair, they ARE some of the greatest ever. Apparently Guy could be pretty blunt if he did not think a song was good.

[@Kiralyviktormusic-1]

Hey there How's everything in your world? Your words are truly appreciated I'm grateful for the chance to connect with you here

[@langstongrandma]

This song - think of the age of the writer - so damn young - yes, Guy and Rodney both realized what they were seeing.

[@TheChurchIsLikenUntoTheMoon]

Martha Langston Amen

[@imad9279]

Heartworn Highways came out in 1976, so Steve couldn't have been older than 21. Just amazing

[@jimbanda]

Never knew Steve ran with these cats , lucky him.

[@lincolnmaceachern2410]

Oh god , Guy Clark ( and Townes Van Zandt, probably in the room ) were Steve's 2 main influences.

[@darlincommitme]

@@lincolnmaceachern2410 Townes was living in Texas at the time, so is not in the room... but certainly they were his mentors

[@markcyburt7015]

Love it! Absolutely love it! Saw Steve just recently in Grand Rapids, been listening to him for almost 40 years! A lot of talent there!

[@Bobbo63]

Wow, I like how 8 years ago i posted a reply, and im still listening in 2017

[@silivandalco.1896]

Damn skippy

[@princessofhesse]

That man is Steve Earle, 64 yrs old now, still incredible

[@lastnamefirst4035]

Do you agree w your old post?

[@Wickedgames2001]

2021

[@1313RickyBobby]

I love Steve Earle his music has spoke volumes to me just like Johnny Thunders!

[@Jalapenogoesintight]

Thunders?

[@artpatten1279]

​@@Jalapenogoesintight Right? I don't think this song was stolen from DeeDee Ramone. 😂

[@cahg3871]

They were all so young and feeling the music.Guy and Susanna’s house was a regular meeting place of music loving people. Rodney Crowell and had such a distinctive speaking voice,you knew it was him the moment he began to talk. What a marvellous time it would of been to sit around that table and hear this music.👍

[@stephenjohnson223]

I think this was a Christmas eve at Guy and Susanna's house. From "Heartworn Highways"

[@georgewashington6225]

It is

[@imad9279]

Guy Clark's mind is blown by this song.

[@michellenierling9089]

This man doesn't sing one bad song nor write one for that

[@Kiralyviktormusic-1]

Hey How's your day going Your comments are a source of inspiration I'm genuinely happy to be interacting with you here

[@martinoneal316]

There is a small part of the world that understands this song..ands that's ok... this will be played at my wake...

[@Lana-y1k3g]

I love his music reminds me of all the weekend parties at my house

[@hankworden3850]

I'm sure your parties are extremely lame.

[@Lana-y1k3g]

Doubt that because I did the same thing people drank and played music they good parties . Best time ever😂

[@Lana-y1k3g]

@hankworden3850 I always had fun at my parties nothing lame about it alot of friends some booze for me and pot whoever did that LOL great music.

[@rayquigley1327]

By god that looks like a good time.

[@96cutlas]

+Ray Quigley love to be a fly on the wall

[@SasaNW]

+Ray Quigley This is so nostalgic to me. My parents parties looked like when I was a child. It was awesome!!! I joked, and all the kids are in a back bedroom kicking it.

[@pamelablake3358]

Ray Quigley That's what my parties was like at the same years just in Atlanta. it was fucking amazing. time machine please.

[@mountnhome]

I miss those nights also..Spent hundreds of nights just like this, or around a fire, taking turns picking tunes, and passing the jug and..other stuff.. Ah, impetuous youth..

[@fivecitydirttracker4776]

@@SasaNW Yes Sir.

[@lilbugler]

The description says, “it seems as if he’s 20 years old...” That’s because he literally was 20 years old here. Such young, raw talent.

[@alicelelean5867]

21.

[@delboyrams363]

Steve one of greatest ever just a Master

[@prisprescko2555]

Need more these jam sessions,just came across it, amazing, !!

[@YvesB1]

Even at that young age you were already a genious, Mr. Earle!!

[@timhensley1297]

As they look back, bet this was one of the best times in all their lives. Reminded me of mine.

[@sherp2u1]

a few good ole boys throwing down some tracks! beats all the sold out arenas and the fake vocals anyday!!

[@quittenpedigo7847]

Amen

[@rickybateman898]

A country artist today should record this song, would make Steve millions……

[@stevenherbert662]

Hes an awesome talent. Saw him at Colston Hall Bristol 15 years ago with The Dukes. Fantastic evening 😎

[@craighubbard8818]

That's a treasure. Would've loved to hear the next song!

[@SuperPepzz]

what an line up.piece of history right there awesome

[@Roelles]

LYRICS Me and Bill there we both come from Georgia Met Hank out in New Mexico We're bound for Duranqo to join Pancho Villa We hear that he's payin' in gold I guess a man's got to do what he's best at Ain't found nothin' better so far Been called mercenaries and men with no country Just soldiers in search of a war And we're bound for the border We're soldiers of fortune And we'll fight for no country but we'll die for good pay Under the flag of of the greenback dollar Or the peso down Mexico way When this war is over might go back to Georgia And settle down quiet some where I'll most likely pack up and head south for Chile Heard tell there's some trouble down there

[@shirleyforrest6897]

Yes brilliant thankyou.xx

[@light_and_sound]

Wow. Looking at a young Steve...I can see Justin in that young face.

[@mrs117firewife8]

In my soul I'm at this party.

[@Kiralyviktormusic-1]

Hello How are things on your end? Your comments mean a lot to me I'm thrilled to have crossed paths with you here

[@tweedy151]

this is my first ever thumbs down comment - but really, two people somehow found this yet didn't like it? wow! this is ace. God bless america.

[@magneto44]

God bless everyone, everywhere

[@leecrampton8544]

Love the early stuff. Shows Steve's talent was always there.

[@theoctagonjones]

This might be my favorite performance on the entire project which is really, REALLY saying something

[@Metallic-ym6rw]

This is amazing!

[@cahg3871]

Its so hard to believe that is Steve Earle-time surely does take its toll on a body when you live hard. I’m glad Steve cleaned up-I hope he stays that way.

[@mmmmmmmk]

so beautiful, i wish there were more verses and it was x3 longer, i keep having to hit replay so frequently

[@Raptskelleon]

if this helps, you can right-click on the video itself and the first option should be "loop". that way you can listen without worrying bout that. if you're not on a computer i'm not sure if the option's there

[@mmmmmmmk]

@@Raptskelleon i had no idea! tysm

[@ulrichfriehe3459]

Happy birthday, Steve.

[@hedjester7006]

Steve had more talent in his pinky finger than everyone who uses auto tone combined, period.

[@steveconn]

Steve just keeps unreeling constant talent...

Amazing that it took him 20 years to find a home for this one on a record. Even Neil Young's jaw would drop at a gestation period that long.

[@grippinglipsfishing5671]

This is how I feel when I am sitting around drinking and smoking with my friends, except were listening to amazing music instead of playing it!

[@markchaney3257]

Steve Earle was 18 years old there.Ived Followed his musi since Guitar town..He is the only artist toDay That Still writes his own songs. and records them.

[@darlincommitme]

I am a huge fan of Earle's, but it is ridiculous to say he is the only artist out there who writes and records his own songs. There are many talented singer-songwriters out there. Not all have his level of success, but some do. Jason Isbell and Ryan Adams are just two, and Steve's son Justin is another. There are even people who are more mainstream that do - Taylor Swift for example, though I am not a fan. For roots artists similar to Steve, look at nodepression.com as a start.

[@rockinredneck57]

20 I think. He's a year older than me.

[@grassic]

That's a great song, only just discovered it, love early Earle (and later Earle)

[@mcpauldjrickmusicmaker4504]

The man's is a myth,& a legend. ...hard core man!!!!!

[@gregstroud8169]

Just saw Earle in Florence SC, been one o my favorites since the 80s.Damn me and him both were young when this was recorded.

[@al1976-v7m]

Fun to see such a young Steve Earle.

[@outerbanks854]

Love this song....takes me back to a time in the 80s when I would listen to Windjammer at the Ocean Deck.. Nice work Laree

[@princessofhesse]

so cool to see them just talking and being "regular folk." a young rodney crowell, too! wow, this makes me feel old...Steve, just a shadow of what was to come...

[@Darry4645]

Steve was a baby then. Thankful someone had the sense to record him

[@Kiralyviktormusic-1]

Hi How are things going for you? Your comments mean so much I'm truly excited to be connecting with you here

[@rochelledaniel7473]

I am amazed that in the world we are in this labelling generation there are NO real songs.

[@darlincommitme]

That is just not true. There are plenty of good young writers- if you look

[@paysonterhune290]

Would have loved to have seen Steve Earle and Warren Zevon collaborate, preferably with Ry Cooper on guitar....

[@michaeldelvalle106]

That would be tough! Great writers 👏

[@ThunderboltWisdom]

Yeh ..and singing a Townes Van Zant song!

[@daisytenponies9954]

Absolutely the best video on youtube!

[@CampfireCowboy]

A lot of people don't know that it was Rodney Crowell who wrote Bob Seger's hit "Blame It On Midnight". ...for what it's worth. Man, this is a good song!

[@SaobTtirb]

*Shame On The Moon

[@evmanbutts]

Just found Steve Earl's incredible music, after indulging heavily in some good whiskey and "AHEM" some other unnamed vices about a week before a multi day hiking trip. I am amazed Ive never heard any of his tunes being heavy into folk and such. Know what Im gonna be listening to, whisling and mumblin along to while trekkin.

[@jeaniebradley6936]

We just saw him in Nashville at the Ryman. He’s amazing

[@jl5464]

I would recommend youtube rabbit holes before diving into his catalog. you get a real definition of Steve and his style, that you can't get from albums alone. Happy trails, my friend ☮❤🅰️

[@shanek6582]

Why do we have to get old!

[@shrapmagnet]

A favorite tune when I was a contractor in afg.

[@TheDadsDaughter]

Incredible then.. incredible now x

[@the-lonely-ous1767]

so catchy. love it.

[@hughhill]

WOW Time machine to amazing music

[@chig9357]

to the 44 who gave this a thumbs down,i salute you with my middle finger!!!

[@carolquick7529]

🌻 I truly appreciate your opinion

[@princessofhesse]

ha! i reckon there were a lot of joints being passed in those days....what a little honey though, even if he could have used a few pounds..been a fan for years and years...Steve Earle just got better and better...love this version on "Train A'Comin." better and better...yep..

[@nickn4135]

Watching this now, it's just - damn, the talent gathered around there, holy damn, boy!

[@stephgreen1]

Feels like just a random house party. Get the guitars out after supper type of thing

[@thaddeusodonnell3986]

Rodney saying "boy that's really a good one" can be translated in songwriter speak to "shit I gotta write something that good".

[@eilishoshea3349]

Wow, Steve looks so young! What a talent.

[@Kiralyviktormusic-1]

Hi How's life at your end? Your comments bring so much joy, I'm really glad our paths have crossed here

[@herbertquain6875]

30 thumbs down??? Impossible. Those were fat fingered or defective bots or something. Best clip on youtube, but music documentary ever.

[@arkvadik8578]

If Guy Clark says "listen to that song", listen to that song damn it...

[@sudfac]

Always loved this song. But I did not expect that it would become relevant for Ukraine today.

[@princessofhesse]

steve was raised mostly in Texas, near San Antonio, actually not far from where i grew up...yep, he was incredible then...and what a doll, too!

[@truthseeker8249]

yeeeehawwwww!!! I love it!!!!! Reminds me of home in Tejas!

[@MrWiredawg]

Man, he was just a kid. He got better with age. I still like this video.

[@ImWithTheTide]

This is truly most awesome thanks! As well as the heartworn info as well, was intending to see it, and just accelerated my "want to" on that front, seeing this clip

[@468David]

Damn, this made my night!

[@oliverermine967]

Guy Clark says it like dad's Command "LISTEN TO THAT !

[@darlincommitme]

It is a documentary called Heartworn Highways - filmed 1975-76. This is a Christmas Eve party at GuyClark's in 1975.

[@leatherwulf]

Thanks for posting this song. LW.

[@MrFelix002]

What great rendition

[@winstonrocco1981]

What it must have been like sitting amongst them what talent

[@darlincommitme]

It is from a documentary called Heartworn Highways. There are portions posted here, though this is from the DVD extras, so if you can find a copy, it is worth buying.

[@tylerpaplaczyk8811]

to the people all excited oooo they are passing a joint around, big fucking deal... Listen to the music

[@montanahovatter5746]

+Tyler Paplaczyk Wow, much angst.

[@CatherineSTodd]

tyler: right! LOL

[@hmcgoo]

this song is from the movie"heartworn highway"...just released on DVD about ayear ago....it is a wonderful,beautiful documentary the same for 'Darlin' commit me'

[@thelocalfbi7140]

Fun fact, this video was posted on my birthday. April 20th, 2007