Steve Winwood // Traffic - John Barleycorn (Must Die)

[@lenaquittberg5738]

Once upon a time I was twenty years old and loved listen to this man and his music... now I’m 73 and still love listen

[@giovanna722]

Me, too.

[@darcyperron3929]

I am not far behind you and I concur most heartily, the man is a Master...

[@luvwings]

My age too

[@robert5414]

68

[@michaelleckie525]

Ditto 71 and still rocking"

[@susanisaacs7487]

Sir Steve I'm 65yrs old, recently retired nurse, now i still enjoy your songs, your voice since teenager. You're an amazing singer🙌🙌🙌🙌All my Blessings from Cape Town ❤South Africa ❤❤❤❤

[@ThomasG--]

Greetings to Cape Town, from Newport, Oregon, USA!

[@susanisaacs7487]

@@ThomasG-- Thanks greetings and my blessings to you🌺💐♥️

[@delendacarthago2474]

❤

[@robcig]

Hello Capetown and Newport from Sydney, Australia.

[@williamsocha]

Hello Capetown, Newport and Sydney from Warren, R.I. (the smallest town in the smallest county of the smallest state in U.S.A.

[@d.michaelpratt5987]

Is there anyone who doesn't think this is one of the greatest folk songs you have ever heard? Outstanding!

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I just uploaded a video about John Barleycorn on my channel which includes several historical recordings of the song, including one from 1908! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fl7MZHx6gsmlmJI

[@richardsanislo1686]

It is! Did you ever hear “Benjamin Bowmanere”?!? Exquisite!! R

[@davemullin7838]

For sure!

[@russcoleman2338]

Very old song...... dating back to the 17C ....As old as Shakespeare

[@PleaseNThankYou]

Reminds me of my early teens. Lots of stuff you can't put in print.

[@markrothkopf1704]

How does a man sit down on a chair with just a guitar and his voice and sound this good AND create music like this? You do if you are Steve Winwood, one of the most talented men who ever walked on this planet

[@MarkHumphrey-b4u]

Ask bruxe springsteen

[@delendacarthago2474]

Totally agree👏👏👏

[@francoislappas2904]

Greatest voice and personality ❤

[@julief7090]

I was having an existential crisis this week, and the whole John Barleycorn album and this solo helped re-set my faith in humanity. Thank you!

[@nivek4316]

Music is the greatest therapy...And dogs

[@veritas41photo]

Wonderful voice, great guitar accompaniment! All by one man... Steve Winwood is a treasure for the ages!

[@toowindytoskydive]

I am genuinely curious about the 572 people who have given this the thumbs down treatment. what were they expecting when they came here to listen to it? Justin Bieber, Tupac Shakur, Madonna, the massed pipe bands of the Scottish infantry battalions?

[@jacobsnel398]

Just know, it’s enough.

[@BillBourg-bq5cs]

It's my favorite Traffic song because it's about life not alcohol, people who had given that response either don't understand what the song means or should not have bothered to listen

[@jolbere]

Sowing & reaping, chopping down, the grinding between wheels of stone, the solemn vow: “John Barleycorn must die” , necessary steps leading to fermentation and then distillation, and inebriation, and your telling us this isn’t about the alcohol? Really Billy? Ok then, is it a metaphorical description of a sociological process of people as corn, of grinding them down to a distilled purity, parallel to as another great lyric “we’re just an old lump of coal, but we’ll be a diamond someday”? (I’ve been wondering about this mesmerizing song’s meaning for quite a long spell of time:)))

[@danlafrance4107]

@@jolbereyou have to understand this was written many many years before the “drank the koolaide“ analogy came to light following the Jonestown fiasco. Or - the old “what goes around, comes around.”

[@kitwalker520]

They lack the knowledge and education to discern a jewel from a piece of glass

[@TheClyde-v3f]

They don't grow talent like this gentleman anymore. Holy moly...

[@Andrew-dg8se]

Steve is a class act. Just 1 man and his guitar,infused with the spirit of God.His music has always helped me overcome the hard times and be strong.

[@bobchurch6175]

It's so hard to believe that I'm hearing only one guitar. If it wasn't for the video I'd assume two or three.

[@kenhabeeb]

One of the greatest musicians of our generation. Consummate is a word that comes to mind.

[@okrafeet]

Yes indeed

[@m.a.c.8366]

yes and his music and lyrical leanings have propelled so many other artists on their own paths....

[@giovanna722]

Always one of my absolutely favourite performers. Thank you for uploading this.

[@alienair1748]

He was incredible live. A true musical mind who was never in it for the fame but for the art.

[@centrejoisir]

I'd have done anything to consumate him 😍😃😃😃😃😃

[@susangross-b5x]

Fabulous! Always loved Steve Winwood. I'm 68 now, and never tire of listening to him or marvelling at his skill.

[@taosholly]

Same at 73. So grateful to grow up with all these legends.

[@susangross-b5x]

@@taosholly I remember Steve Winwood in The Spencer Davis Group when I was a child. His older brother, 'Muff' Winwood was also a member. Steve went on to join Traffic and Muff moved to the States to become a record producer. I'm glad I grew up in the UK with all those musical influences. I loved him later in the seventies (at university); it was only when I studied English Literature that I realised that 'John Barleycorn' was from the fascinating tradition of ancient English and Scottish ballads (originally from oral tradition and passed down in families/regions). The earliest written example was a Scottish ballad from around 1520. The English versions followed (one of which is Steve's version), all slightly different, depending on which part of England the story was from. Robert Burns put the words down from his part of Scotland. And still kept alive by talented musicians!

[@RocRizzo]

I am a 69 year old guy who cannot remember when I first started listening to Steve Winwood, in his bands. It has to go back to the days of the Spencer Davis Group. I have literally listened to this sort of music for most of my life. I have even learned to play some of them. Thanks for everything. I guess you aren't "Little" Steve Winwood any more.

[@pamcfall58]

No one these days has the talent of these older artists, no one. Just a man and his guitar, just beautiful.

[@denises.9508]

The Spirit of Old Souls is hard to find

[@flxdcatbruce9416]

Sure they do, they just use it differently. Older guitar music usually had a message of some sort, newer guitar music is usually to show off how loud and fast they can go. Rock and Roll went from having fun to being a competitive sport in the early 80s and may never recover. I would much rather sip a beer and listen to Fire and Rain by James Taylor than have nervous convulsions listening to Steve Vai playing crossroads, but that's just me. Though as obnoxious as newer music is to the ears of us elders, it is still talent.

[@_TaylorRenee_]

@@flxdcatbruce9416 I completely agree with you!

[@mhagnew]

Kids these days just aren't writing music as good as they did 300 years ago.

[@annachesson4075]

@@mhagnew yeah ! I so did love the great plague folk songs ! what a time it was.

[@pollyhairell1319]

I am 65 years old and listened to this classic album 45 years ago as good as ever,

[@frankcalero3559]

I'm 68 now Polly and I saw him twice with Traffic and later Blind Faith. He was special then, and still is

[@lopezb]

me too. i love this.

[@margietalk]

65 here. how nice to know it doesn't get old. what a great amazing discovery! there is a God, you can find him in the music.

[@jrowanhenry]

Yes, I am your age and my dad owned the Traffick album, so I heard it many times. I love this acoustic version.

[@phoebecatgirl933]

I'm 68 and saw Traffic while in college - still love this music!

[@diryde1023]

Rediscovering old music now that I am bound to the house....I forgot how much in love I was with this music. Never to be forgotten again!

[@raypadgett6569]

Yep! With all the extra time at home for lockdown I listened to forgotten music and watched alot of favorite movies...

[@heavnnnsent]

Yes loved this song and almost forgot it....old songs are never lost....just temporarily misplaced!

[@alexandermuir3119]

That's the shot.thanks mr W

[@Seventeen_Syllables]

“It is foolishness to think that you can leave a place your heart never left.” ― Craig D. Lounsbrough

[@themistermax]

Me, too. This was my favorite Traffic LP, spent a lot of time on my Dual 1229.

[@MrChetanG]

The best Rock/Folk version of John Barleycorn (Must Die) was done by Traffic back in the day. This version is fantastic. Got to love Steve Winwood!

[@BluesDivinity]

Who else performed this song?

[@myk602010]

Yeah, he was in Traffic.

[@gabcocozza]

@@BluesDivinity Jethro Tull also performed this song, but in a more progressive-rock version. I prefere the Traffic one, but both are great rendition of the song!

[@thewheelieguy]

​@@BluesDivinitythe electric folk band Steeleye Span did the first version I ever heard, it's from the early 1970s (as is Traffic's version)

[@richardwilson2574]

Fairport Convention do a version based on the tune for the Hymn ‘we plough the fields”

[@sugarmaven]

Sounds clear as a bell. So very impressive. All respect to Steve Winwood and his musical excellence.

[@stevewinwoodvideos]

So happy you enjoyed and thank you for your comments

[@paulrupright4694]

It’s definitely the 3 highly expensive microphones and Steve’s awesome singing voice. 🎤🎸

[@brankogelencir6753]

I'm 65 and still like to listen Dear Mister Fantasy, Steve, so nicely calming voice and music

[@josefbruckner7154]

That solo acoustic version is simply a masterpiece of English folk-music. Awesome.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I just uploaded a video about John Barleycorn on my channel which includes several historical recordings of the song, including one from 1908! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fl7MZHx6gsmlmJI

[@leschetty572]

Simply the best. Makes me cry.

[@woofytwoshoes7711]

Can you recommend any others along these lines? English folk-music such as this is amazing.

[@christinamagnuson7612]

Oh my God!!! Steve Winwood is so freaking fantastic That I am blasted out of my brain!!!!!!!!!!!

[@johntomlinson-j6x]

@@woofytwoshoes7711 JETHRO TULL most amazing Flute Driven 70's rock , with some Acoustic thrown into the mix Aqua Lung was my favorite album back in the day Bouree great fuedal type song also known as Green Sleaves

[@104thDIVTimberwolf]

Amazing how a simple arrangement of a 14th century poem can be so perfect and timeless.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

indeed it's almost same like straight out of the Bible how Pete Seeger took to everything turn turn turn there is a season that across the byrds would ride straight up the charts back in

[@roybean7166]

14 th century ? Is it that old ?

[@roybean7166]

@Mitch Wild from what I have since heard, there are many versions of this song.

[@roybean7166]

@Mitch Wild oh, thanks for the info. Will do some more research myself. Thanks.

[@annajohnson2306]

@Mitch Wild well I'm from Somerset and there's a big culture about cider making the drink in question is made from apples while this is barley

[@timtim36457]

Wow. Fifty years ago I sat in my room playing this over and over. Words fail me. Pure joy.

[@Oldschooldan1]

30 years ago I did the same.. His music is timeless. Hopefully someone is hearing this for the first time and playing it over and over,

[@blindtoby8967]

I knew a Tim Tracy . I can't imagine him listening to this when he was ten.

[@Atom-56]

Me too. 😉

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I just uploaded a video about John Barleycorn on my channel which includes several historical recordings of the song, including one from 1908! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fl7MZHx6gsmlmJI

[@tom.brady7]

When something works you stick with it. Apparently load of people (myself too) continue to listen to this and won't stop either.

[@joeordinary1890]

Such a gifted, natural talent, no pretense or affectations.

[@jackhaugh]

Joe Ordinary you should see him play Dear Mr Fantasy frying on LSD!

[@rrozoff1]

You've described him exactly. Not a thing insincere, artificial or striving for effect. That is why we love him as we do.

[@timothyparsons8327]

He graced our TV sets when with the Spencer Davies Group with Gimme Some Lovin’ I was eleven and intrigued by the musical quality. Steve would have been around 18 or 19 then.

[@calum66]

@@timothyparsons8327 He was 14 when he joined the Spencer Davis Group ( according to Wiki)

[@karenholliday2703]

Winwood is one of the most talented musicians on Earth! Love his music is still relevant

[@bobbycox9541]

There’s precious guys like Steve Winwood and Mark Knopfler then there’s every one else. So gifted and such gifts to us!

[@proschoolaudio]

Incredible performance... Still so brilliant he is. The late 60's - early 70's. What a time in to grow up. Music was so real and deep.

[@boydruud3096]

you are so right on ! there will never be a time like that in music again !

[@petermoodie4647]

Imagine, if you will, a person that will be heard and touch masses yet again. Soonish, I pray. Sincerely, Me.

[@ryderlayne6178]

Lived it and drank deep of the day Now just a memory who pops up periodically but still grips my soul tight..

[@scuukum]

stevie winwood resurrects the old english song to a new life and higher level . of inspiration Im blown away .............just as i was many years back yes Rick its me T

[@jimmorgan6213]

The best version of this I've ever heard. Made my hair stand on end.

[@spencerbeales8965]

Me too. Look up can't find my way home , also amazing.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I just uploaded a video about John Barleycorn on my channel which includes several historical recordings of the song, including one from 1908! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fl7MZHx6gsmlmJI

[@samimukhopadhyay771]

You bet!

[@woofytwoshoes7711]

Can you recommend any other "covers" of old/ancient folk songs?

[@ericwagner1824]

This is perfect

[@DaveVelo1]

So many years have past but the truth still rings clear and bright. We miss those days of peace, love and a sense of belonging with a purpose, that we failed to bring to fruition in the future. Blind Faith lives on in our memory.

[@jenniferbolton9019]

Dear Sir Winword....you have no idea how you keep peace in my life. I need my evening fix of you!! You are my therapy. Thank you

[@markmoore2439]

very true good for mind all his music

[@bertibear1300]

Love this one.Steve has to be one of our finest musical talents.I have enjoyed his music for decades and still do.Hope he can do more and keep going.God speed to him.

[@bradlaue1718]

For those of us that have reached a certain age there is an almost overwhelming time arc in this performance. Also, the Martin acoustic sound is in our DNA so much that when you hear it in this type of context it just seems so perfect. No tinkly Taylors for our Stevie.

[@80neptune]

I remember first hearing this on WNEW in New York back in the 60's when they had good radio stations. I fell in love with this song. Winwood sings it so beautifully!!!

[@denises.9508]

Aah - WNEW- just talking w/someone the other day about then - Jonathan; Alison; Roscoe - it was the best - none since then - I remember hearing it on there too - and then getting the album as part of my introductory pkg. from Capital records. "Those were the days my friend..."

[@robertmayott5835]

Vince and Scott were top notch, too.

[@dixonjazzy56]

When FM radio was great!I grew up in the 60's&70's in Long Island , NY. The music we got to hear will NEVER happen again sadly.I just turned 66years old, we were lucky in that way but the Vietnam War what is a real bummer to say the least. I was too young for Woodstock but went to a big concert in Watkins Glen New York if you don't know what it was look it up it was pretty big.

[@80neptune]

@@dixonjazzy56 I'm turning 66 - grew up in Stamford Connecticut. Was a great time for music! I'm glad we could experience it.

[@dixonjazzy56]

@@80neptune I'm glad too! Have a nice day it's spring time and that's means a new beginning. Great to share memories, Have a birthday!

[@wadepage5823]

I keep coming back to this version. I wish I could keep giving likes to this outstanding performance!

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

Have you heard any traditional versions of the song? I just uploaded a video about John Barleycorn on my channel which includes several historical recordings of the song, including one from 1908! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fl7MZHx6gsmlmJI

[@MystiKissler]

Better now than ever Steve. Folk is brilliant and true to your spirit. Thanks for you.

[@fek2000]

Agreed-and it's pretty obvious years later that he was the brains and the brawn behind this Traffic original.

[@TheFutureFossil]

Aye,Traffic's 'tis my favourite version of this song, oft recorded. Might I suggest a listen to Steeleyespan's songs. "Bedlam Boys," & "Fighting For Strangers."I'm pretty much a purist when it comes to British, Gaelic, Scottish & Breton folk music, but I also love a bit of psychedelia when it works. I, a proper Goth before that word was in usage, used to sing this song, doing a pretty fair approximation of Mr Winwood's voice & phrasing, along with "Bedlam Boys" & 3 songs I wrote the lyrics for & worked out the melodies with a mate - who can play any stringed & fretted instrument & sing his heart out, as well as clarinet, penny whistles and recorders- at San Francisco's "Dickens Fair," an X-Mess themed enterprise (a strange place to perform for an ethnically Jewish Atheist, but give me a soapbox & I'll gladly take it).& any Dame should appreciate The Silly Sister's (Steeleye's Maddy Prior & the great June Tabor) "My Husband's Got No Courage In Him." Cheers !

[@33Birchmoor]

This is one of the most popular folk songs,and deservedly so.I used to attend a folk club,and Steve Winwood would be able to go to a club like that as a floor singer,as Ralph McTell used to,in Kings Heath,Birmingham.Yet this man led one of the most influential bands of the 60's and 70's.That is a true legend.Long may he run

[@gravelox99]

Last waltz

[@seekandfind5005]

Mysti Kissler well said.

[@videomaniac108]

We owe you deeply for the wonderful music you've given us, speaking so memorably and with such meaning. You will live in our hearts forever, thank you.

[@jeffgaumond4250]

He was a child prodigy at 15, he is no less amazing at 70. Real genius persists. He was an amazing organist, never seemed to get the credit he deserved as a great guitarist.

[@RickTransit]

And that's not even mentioning his voice! He's quite unfairly talented. I saw him at Hyde Park a few years ago and couldn't understand why they werren't showing the bass player on the big screen - and then I realised that he was playing bass on the organ pedals, as well as singing and playing brilliantly at the same time. And then he came to the front and tore off a superb guitar solo as well!

[@roybean7166]

@@RickTransit must have been incredible.

[@33Birchmoor]

I'm sure he was only17 wen he recorded Traffic's masterpiece,No Face,No Name and No Number,my favourite Traffic song.

[@esque1954]

RickTransit They don’t or can’t make people or music in today’s society to even dare I say compare? Technology has advanced as man has seemed to de evolve, When this world brings me down I watch this or other great songs from the late 60’s and very early 70’s!

[@RickTransit]

@@esque1954 yes. that's my era too!

[@jacquidenton-stickel3627]

Your voice is just as beautiful as I remember from when I was a teenager and I am 65 now.

[@lyleanderson8160]

Same here

[@gailharris4013]

I always liked him. I'm 64

[@johnlindsey6412]

60 here. Steve is the best

[@garylongden]

@@johnlindsey6412 63 here, his brilliance endures

[@BigWaveZoombie]

This could easily be the best song ever written and performed by a singer/songwriter... You can tell he wrote it it's that heart felt...

[@MegaTubescreamer]

A voice i never get tired of is Mr winwoods, from the 1965 cover of keep on running, through `can`t find my way home, here comes a man, awesome ,what a guy !! 👌

[@Pete-wx4pk]

This is the best version I've heard❤

[@BJBee]

Beautiful man. Beautiful soul. Beautiful music. Just...beauty. 70? He's still so handsome.

[@orlandodawn246]

I'm 67 and loved this song from high school on...Thanks Steve !

[@Thetruthisstrangerthanfiction]

Steve Winwood I first heard sing this song on a cassette tape living off grid at ten thousand feet in 1983.. always loved this song and now struggling to play it on guitar. Capo on 7th fret. I listen to this video every day. Thank you Sir Steve Winwood!

[@YuChiGongG]

This is probably the greatest video I have ever seen on KZbin.

[@rallabhandiprabhakar4750]

there is a companion piece by SW to this song- Can't find my way home- just as good

[@shadowyoshi2597]

Dear Steve, I love the way you performe this beautiful and pure musik, always did. It means so much to me. Lot's of thanks and love from Holland!

[@brötzmannsax]

The Legendary Steve Winwood singing this great classic song solo is priceless. I saw Traffic at the Fillmore East on June 10, 1970 and remember him and Jim Capaldi standing up front singing this song together, still gives me goose bumps.

[@djangodunn5968]

I was at that show also. What great musicians writers and vocalists.

[@DMF716]

Brings back memories from the US ARMY....THANK YOU STEVE WINWOOD. HAVENT HEARD THIS SONG OR FREEDOM RIDER IN GENERATIONS... WE NAMED OUR TANK, FREEDOM RIDER, AFTER YOUR SONG! That was a GREAT ALBUM! LOVED EVERY SONG.

[@richdt]

I'm sixty one years old and have always been a Steve Winwood / Traffic fan since the first album. Thanks to Steve for great music over all the years.

[@davidrauh8118]

I can hear the flute part in my head. Always loved Steve's music, and still do. A real treasure.

[@noelsalisbury7448]

I loved Chris Wood's counterpoint flute on this song. Deep feeling. Yeees, we know, Stevie.

[@davidmaschak528]

Saw Mr. Winwood this summer with the Doobie Btothers. It was an excellent concert with Steve as the opening act. It was great to see the talent he has playing piano, organ, guitar and mandolin. A once in a lifetime show.

[@Boviss1Bovis]

I first heard this as a teenager, tripping on acid. It freaked me right out. I wept. And later I perked up and looked at the stars. Never forget it. Changed my world forever.

[@adrianpeterspeters6149]

Boviss1 hello there,get your comment,it never changed you,it made it all clear for you,well done there,it was just waiting for you to know, and appreciate,the light bulb went on,....

[@bandicoot5412]

Yep

[@grokeffer6226]

Those were the good old days.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

Have you heard any traditional versions of the song? I just uploaded a video about John Barleycorn on my channel which includes several historical recordings of the song, including one from 1908! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fl7MZHx6gsmlmJI

[@johnkratz2554]

I find it totally amazing that someone can write a song about the simple process of growing and harvesting barley in such a way you don't even realize that is the topic of the song!

[@darlyp7310]

I'm so glad I grew up on songs like these.

[@azul8811]

Agreed.

[@kerryguzman8263]

I 1st saw Traffic sing this in 1971 or 1972 and the last time they toured in 1994 always loved the song

[@curtism7409]

A man and an acoustic guitar! No electronic bs! Mesmerizing!

[@Aviv52]

As much as i loved Traffics version...there is something about Steve Winwood doing this as a solo piece that amazes me.

[@theresaengman7144]

Steve Winwood and the acoustic guitar - Perfect Match for this song. The extra instruments sometimes cover the true depth of a song./Joe Engman

[@bigbrent1319]

yes

[@larryagrapides9790]

Steve Winwood is a jem.

[@jeffschroeder357]

And so amazed us all.

[@bigbrent1319]

NICE

[@amitamukerjee8195]

I swear Steve Winwood is an ancient Celtic bard. His unbelievable talent and this song (with its beautiful deep pagan origins) just prove it for me.

[@denises.9508]

And so it is - Blessed Be!!!!!

[@wendyberger8892]

He is Irish?

[@mick1406]

Why is he a 'Celtic Bard'? Winwood is English and the song is British! So, a true 'British Minstrel' would be a far more fitting description!

[@flxdcatbruce9416]

@@mick1406 Lol, maybe you should do a little research.

[@mick1406]

@@flxdcatbruce9416 LOL. Research what exactly? No way can Winwood be described as a 'Celtic bard'! He's English! Or are you saying Winwood is not English? Or that the song which, granted, takes us back to the oral tradition, is not most famously associated with Britain (Scotland and England)? If so, show me your evidence. Lol!!

[@noneovyerbusiness4909]

Steve Winwood and Traffic were in a musical class of their own. I didn't really start investigating their music until the 1990s and then I was hooked.

[@sarapinsky315]

This is absolutely fantastic!! I bought the Traffic album in 1970, and loved the song then, but love it even more now. This version is just sublime!!

[@adairmooresattely1946]

+Sara Pinsky I so agree with you.. even better now that we are older and know the value of his music :)

[@hughbo52]

I love the use of "sublime"; it is so fitting.

[@rdlewis3616]

Mr. Winwood is supremely talented and one of my early favorites.

[@DrustIV]

Great English folk song, superb solo version here. The sound of that guitar is fabulous!

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I just uploaded a video about John Barleycorn on my channel which includes several historical recordings of the song, including one from 1908! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fl7MZHx6gsmlmJI

[@Doones51]

i looked some history on this song. It is from around the 1700's in the UK. It personifies in a metaphor. John Barleycorn was their slang name for booze, similar to cannabis being called Mary Jane ( marijuana in Spanish). The song is about planting, harvesting, milling and finally drinking the finished product. They plant "him" in the first first verse, in the second "he sprung up his head" (the plant sprouts). Barley looks pale when ripe. It also is also called bearded barley at this stage. In the third verse they harvest the plant and load it on a cart to be brought to the barn in verse 4., where it is ultimately ground in a mill. In the last verse, it has become a potent alcoholic beverage (strongest man at last). I play this song in my set, mindful of the fact that one of my ancestors, another John Didsbury, lived in Worksop, Nottingham, UK at that time. I sometimes wonder if he played lute or something, and might have performed this song also.

[@bretmiller317]

John Didsbury Try 1500s

[@roncarpenter7240]

IMO it's much older. It likely has pagan roots and reflects the death and resurrection cycle and death . . . ., much like Easter. I believe Robert Burns adapted a poem from which the Traffic version was, in turn, adapted.

[@rickmanley767]

Cool, thanks for sharing that

[@murattaner7384]

More than cool....Thanks for sharing :)))

[@TeenageMutantNeckTurtle]

Barleycorona

[@jfm215]

Absolutely Beautiful!! I'm sure my Grandfather from Cavan (Dad) and Great Grandfathther from Cork (Mom) would have cried on this one!! i say that cause they gave me the crying gene!! all good!

[@motherrhoyne9367]

Widowed. Sobbing. Thank you.🌹

[@davidjoel5606]

That just made my night! One of the magnificent rockers from the 60s who has maintained his musicality, integrity and musical tools. A true gem! We just love you Steve!

[@VickiWalker-fd7ou]

Absolutely fantastic! I can't give him enough praise!✌️

[@duncanmatheson7583]

that is flat out drop dead simply an epic classic.I am 63 and listened and liked it back in the day, and Steve stepped it up. As if it could be any better! Gee thanks Mr Fantasy. You get better with age-so keep on

[@duncanmatheson7583]

Hey! Good one Mr. Mcdonald. Bye the way, my brother's name is Donald....Cheers!!!

[@farhadnawab1672]

Duncan Matheson ki

[@hughbo52]

Oooh, Dr. Mr. Fantasy, what a song. Just hearing the opening melts me.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I just uploaded a video about John Barleycorn on my channel which includes several historical recordings of the song, including one from 1908! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fl7MZHx6gsmlmJI

[@michaeltouchette8156]

how lucky we are to live during the same time as someone so gifted.....

[@williamkostecke5295]

The most Professional and astute musician of all of my years.

[@kolohe0782]

And a very humble man....

[@Winkkin]

Flawless. Every intonation just as I've heard it a thousand times.

[@Gilyslas]

OMG!!!!! Absolute genius. A legend of Rock and Roll and a musician's musician.

[@connierobinson3878]

Bless the music makers that touch peoples souls with their gift of lyrics and harmony.

[@rrozoff1]

Amen. I saw him and Capaldi sing this in 1970. A landmark in my long life.

[@Deathinappalachia]

Still gives me chills... Absolutely brilliant.

[@harrymurphey2634]

... I remember listening to folk music on FM Stations, late at night in the 60-70's ... and Traffic ... was one of the best ... and I do have this in my vinyl album collection ...

[@BamBamdjs]

One of my favorite songs, my older brother introduced me…keep coming back to it

[@thanasisb6527]

Mr Winwood,you are amazing.From the past years me and my friends around fireplace used to drink and play with our guitars that beautiful song.Greetings from Greece!

[@montanalrl6622]

Winwood said this is some of his best stuff. Darned good guitar playing.

[@dikbozo]

The simplicity of this approach shows us all the power of talent and quality meeting. 12 years this has awaited my presence. Or so it would seem. The algorithm works in mysterious ways.

[@frederickthompson8686]

I never get tired of hearing this, Steve, and you playing it solo is just inspirational. As a side note, my 16 year old grandson asked me the other day whether I'd heard of Traffic! His fave? John Barleycorn, of course!

[@terrymccullough6758]

Thanks Stevie A total musician on guitar or keyboards with a voice which was its own precious instrument. Stevie!

[@steverollins7591]

Young man was raised right.

[@richardmorton4762]

Dear Mr Winwood, play us a tune. Something to make us all happy.

[@cornfusedatbest6693]

... he's doing it, look at the top, it's amazing.

[@bernardogarcia4528]

This is eppic!

[@risumotus]

He already played his tune for us, many years ago and kept on doing that, over and over again. A true ceative musician.

[@alantjs5]

He IS the man,,,none better,,even clapton is 2 nd best and its not even Steves chosen instrument.

[@kenhabeeb]

Well said! Thank you.

[@raymondfryar1533]

Such a great video and a privilege to watch.

[@carolstanek7074]

Steve was and still is such a talented artist. I have loved Traffic's music and have followed Steve Winwood through his entire music career and he has "never ever" disappointed me. Thank you Steve Winwood!

[@mikeshort130]

That, is how it’s done. That is why we were in the second row center at the Hollywood Bowl a few years back to witness greatness and why we have our tickets for 2021 at the same venue. Timeless

[@antonelloschiano5815]

Io stravedo per Steve ..per me uno dei più grandi musicisti e compositori rock di tutti i tempi. Pensare grazie alla rete di suonare insieme a lui...è un sogno. Mi dispiace che non riesco da italiano a cantare questo brano in Inglese...bene. la musica folk Inglese, Irlandese, ecc. è stupenda. Grazie di aver pubblicato questo capolavoro ❤ I adore Steve...for me one of the greatest rock musicians and composers of all time. Thinking about playing with him thanks to the network... it's a dream. I'm sorry that as an Italian I can't sing this song in English...good. English, Irish folk music, etc. is beautiful. Thank you for publishing this masterpiece ❤

[@gilafunk]

Such a musical genius. So glad to live in a time where I've been able to hear his music.

[@samsmith4216]

I love your talent Mr Winwood since I first heard of you back in the early 70's. Such a pure musical genius with a purely original and unmistakable voice.

[@robertocorradino8602]

💙🐚Thanks

[@drinajgb2437]

Wait. No computer enhancements, studio voice dubbing, etc. ?.Real music. Real talent. How refreshingly beautiful.

[@sixties76]

This man is a musical genius!!

[@maureenj.odonnell4438]

He is a god!

[@Spectre-wd9dl]

Jesse Hale understatement

[@avalondreaming1433]

And, think of how young he was when he became famous, 14, I think?

[@SeanMurphyNY1]

Amazing how powerful a single talented voice and acoustic guitar can be.

[@terrydon6263]

Best song I ever heard in my 450 concerts.Standing under Jim,while him and Steve sing this,nothing better,thanks guys ❤🎶

[@stevenm.krupinski9925]

Brilliant as ever Steve Winwood, such a natural talent....God Bless you!

[@stephenmarcus2825]

I have been steeped in music since around 8 years old; I’m now in my 70s. I’ve been very fortunate to see in concert most of my favorite singers and bands. ( Not the Beatles sadly). This man, Steve, once Stevie Winwood, in my humble opinion is the greatest artist of my lifetime. He does everything, sings like no other white man, writes and produces his music, plays the electric guitar and Hammond organ like few others and plays basically plays all instruments, as needed. He has a marvelous catalogue of songs, writing since age 15 for his first group, Spencer Davis group, Gimme Some Lovin’ and I’m a Man, two of rock’s enduring songs still played and covered by many. A genius comes along very rarely, but Mr. Winwood is my generation’s consummate music genius.

[@sghutner]

I read he played all the instruments on "arc of a diver"

[@quadropheniapaf1690]

Absolutely effortless wonderful version of a traditional English Song, Steve Winwood makes it his own, the most unassuming underrated singer songwriters ever ! The lad from Kingstanding Brum is a genius

[@edwinlogan7374]

Love it, Steve! Thanks for all the music you've given us! Please don't ever stop!

[@paulstubbs3357]

Edwin Logan q

[@alisonoloff6786]

I love this song and can listen to it over & over. Its actually an old British folk song.

[@squinkque]

Time stands still. Sounds as good, if not better, than when he originally recorded it in 1970. Amazing. What a rare talent.

[@dougpotosky4102]

Could Stevie Winwood just mite be greatest musician to come out of the sixties! The voice! The songwriting! The guitar playing! The keyboards! Thank you! STEVIE!!!

[@m06een00]

Probably the most versatile musician. And of course a fabulous keyboard player.

[@yazzy394]

If Only those New Generations Understand the prosperities those Folklore Brought back on The Land Field . We need bring back folklore Spirits Words in the heart of uk ASAP too .Really love it 😍

[@sassyna58]

Dear mr Winwood your music and your voice are a great emotion for me, I can fly in the skies...thank you❣️❣️❣️

[@pattutty6977]

Beautiful a work of art

[@alexisulrich9217]

John Barlycorn gives me a desire to learn guitar. I love this video best in all Steve Winwood's spectacular musical career. I love you Steve Winwood

[@davidconnellchicago]

WOW. This is sooooooo cool. To watch "the man himself" play this great tune. One of the best.......Thank you very much!!