The Civil Wars // I Want You Back

[@lupuslongevitus]

There is a distance between them in this video that I hadn't seen before. It's like she's trying to connect with him, begging for eye contact, and he's holding back, retreating inside the music rather than reaching out. It's sad.

[@riverreasteve]

Great Observation

[@joleeg356]

This still breaks my heart. We want you back.

[@dukdukguus]

RIP, Deke Richards, co-author of this and many great Jackson Five and Motown songs, (April 8, 1944 - March 24, 2013).

[@dabear2438]

I want you back, too.... 💔

[@monethismoemoo]

This feels like seeing a couple in the brink of ending their relationship. That exact moment they know that whatever they have will end. You can feel the sadness and anguish in their voices. The subtle look they gabe each other but not entirely making eye contact is what it makes it even more sad. The song is sung like, "I want you back" but they both know they can't have it back.

[@pastorstephen999]

I think they gave the world something more then beautiful music. They gave actual God given talent, not engineered trash. Whatever reason they broke up, I'm thankful for what short shining moment in time that they shared their gifts.

[@pilotjim60]

And when I say "we"....it's the world. You two were about to kick the world's butt,,,,What ever happened can be heeled. You can have the best of both worlds. Peace.

[@Anne91093]

What I love about them: EVERYTHING. My favorite part: Artists can sing sure, but NOBODY in the business uses their voices as instruments as craftily as Joy and John Paul do. Awe-inspiring.

[@jeffreydenger-huff4668]

God it’s so effing interesting watching all their live videos knowing ( or at least thinking you know) what they went through during these years. This band had so many layers and I think a century from now they will be seen for how brilliant they were, but also with a hint of lore. The best thing is that no matter what the story actually is, In the end they will be together. Their music will still be played on KZbin 100 years from now when we are all dead, and they’ll have outlasted us all. 💜 (I swear I’m not stoned)

[@jennafarrell4755]

We want you back

[@Mausmr]

i see tension and anguish in their faces.. i guess at that point they were around their apex before breaking up. So beautiful and sad at the same time. That was Civil Wars.

[@iamsultana]

It doesn't really matter if there was anything romantic between them. The point is, they performed as if they were in love, it showed and it connected with people. Many people have compared their live performances as two soulmates making love, that's the level of intimacy this duo managed to create. When things got sour behind the curtains, their performances in late autumn of 2012 were also heavily affected: you can feel distance, anxiety, trouble, even some anger, all amidst mutual love/respect for one another. Watching this specific performance is like watching a couple on the verge of a break up making love. They both know the end is near, that it's bound to happen and there is no way back, but there is also still love and many amazing memories so it's incredibly bittersweet and almost tragic.

[@rainerwinz2138]

The way JP ignored Joy at the Grammy Award 55 with Taylor Swift and deliberately insulted her at the Award 56, thanking the plumber and not even mentioning her, shows me that there was an abrupt personal break and not slow fatigue.

[@johnreagan]

@@rainerwinz2138 You're totally on the right track. We've all had bad experiences, relationships and otherwise so this isn't that hard to figure out. Whatever happened was intense, extreme, and devastating. You don't behave the way that John Paul did unless you're extremely hurt and miserable, or completely immature and vindictive. And although it's possible, I refuse to believe that a married man with children in his 40s could receive a Grammy award and not mention much less think about his band mate. The end was war, and together they burned "it" down. There is no repairing that which is why this is over. The band needed better professional management, including somebody with the intellectual sense to call in a councelor or mediator before things turned south. It's just too bad, such a loss for everyone who appreciates their art.

[@rainerwinz2138]

@@johnreagan DearJohn, although it's totally sad, I have to agree with you. I was a particular admirer of this duo, and I had their version of "Dance me to the end of love" as the entrance song to my wedding. I even wrote Eddie Owen of Eddie's Attic, who was a personal friend of the duo, to see if he could resolve the obvious personal conflict with a personal speech among friends. No success. However, it remains incomprehensible to me why 2 people who worked so closely together for years and were so successful in the process do not realize that borders are being violated for the other partner. I would have thought Joy to have more empathy, more sensitivity, because obviously John was so badly hurt that he burned all bridges publicly. Again, the question remains: why. There probably won't be an answer to that. But is the reactivation of their Homepage a sign of hope for a reunion?

[@johnreagan]

@@rainerwinz2138 I don't regularly monitor their homepage to know when it has been active or inactive. Obviously is still makes enough money for JP and Joy to keep it running. I don't personally ever expect to see them perform together again. And you know, that's probably for the best. A majority of their appeal was the chemistry and comradery in their stage performance. You can't fake that. It wouldn't be the same. This band has turned down tons of money over the past 10 years to figure out their differences, but no amount of money can buy authenticity. They would be a shell of their former selves. Hard to fathom or root for.

[@rainerwinz2138]

@@johnreagan Dear John, you're right, this thing is over, the ships are burnt, and once you've lost your authenticity, you can't regain it. Nevertheless, the dissolution of the duo remains inexplicable to me. Here, 2 previously unsuccessful musicians met at a workshop, played themselves with their songs and their show within 3 years into the group of top earners (Adele, Taylor Swift), and suddenly throw it all away. Okay, also the Beatles have disbanded, but they have then successfully continued the acquired legacy and also their solo careers. As a soloist, I see JPW regaining his footing on a much smaller scale, but Joy's live performances seem rather helpless in my eyes. Without their previous fame, both would be much further down.

[@WIDBAU]

Coming back. Still. I miss them.

[@glennf6401]

It is heartbreaking that they broke up a few months after this recording. They shared an amazing chemistry that is so rare in music (or in the real world honestly) After being their fan for years, this is by far my favorite recording of them. Espero....

[@morpheusNI]

i often just laugh to myself at just how good these two are together,their voices & harmonies are mind blowing.even though music is subjective,if their were 40 million views,i'd still be surprised that their were 17 people who gave it the thumbs down.

[@placeclevertitlehere]

I think my heart just bled a little... They are the epitome of all the extremely painful aspects of love. Definitely opens up some old wounds of mine...

[@catesounds]

ughhh that was musically satisfying and frustrating at the same time. That was too good.

[@NightChemcial]

Nothing is better than listening to a song and falling in love with every sound, every word the escapes the lips of these two very talented people.

[@dalihalle]

Oh, her voice. Hypnotizing

[@VickiFourie1]

When I had you to myself I didn't want you around Those pretty faces always made you stand out in a crowd But someone picked you from the bunch One glance was all it took Now it's much too late for me to go and take a second look Oh baby give me one more chance Won't you please let me in your heart Oh darling I was blind to let you go Now that I see you in his arms I want you back I want you back I want you back Trying to live without your love Is like one long sleepless night Let me show you boy That I really know, I know wrong from right Cause every street you're walking on You leave tear stains on the ground Follow boy, I didn't even want Didn't even want you around Oh baby give me one more chance To show you I love you Won't you please let me in your heart Oh darling I was blind to let you go Let you go baby Now that I see you in his arms Oh now that I see you in his arms I want you back I want you back I want you back

[@kriscrocker1]

Joy + JP + this song = bittersweet. Such incredible talent.

[@yvettevielmas]

I seriously got the chills once Joy opened her mouth :D Since Barton Hollow appeared on MTV, which was wayyyyy back then. I have unconditionally loved The Civil Wars!!

[@paulrowan1501]

One of the best, if not the best, vocal duos of the 21st century, in any genre. They read each other so extraordinarily well. Liquid gold in the making.

[@BekahBeaver111]

This is pure beauty. Joy's voice is gorgeous. John Paul's guitar skills are flawless. I am in love with all of their music!!!!

[@zaria9071]

I'm serious when I say this, it makes me cry listening to their music and knowing that they are not together. We want you ..back. please.

[@pamelabenson3034]

I’m waiting for you Jim Lawrence I want you back and have for years. I love you

[@Shikiwolf]

Their voices work so well together

[@goodtaste0505]

Their harmonies are untouchable!! Nashville loves u!

[@TheBigtiny214]

I listen to hardcore rap. But even I can appreciate the powerful music that you two make together. You have opened my eyes.

[@pilotjim60]

Please....get back together.....we need you two....

[@charitzia]

Their voices come out so naturally...

[@jamillastone3141]

wow...simply by changing the way the song is sung.....magic

[@KjWa13]

seriously this just gives me chills. a pair like these two is a rare thing to find. wow

[@gustafson2016]

after many moons... i'm still so in love this song.

[@manda17891]

I will never stop being blown away by their talent and amazing harmonies. Joy is so adorable :)

[@theresaast7049]

There has been a sadness, a shadow in my life since you separated. I miss the music you have yet to write and sing for us .... meanwhile I keep listening to the incredible stripped down, beautifully harmonized work you have done. Please make the effort - you have many fans and music lovers who appreciate what you do. Please and thank you.

[@bettyling8481]

I think that is the major attraction, it's them and a guitar!! No frills, simple pleasure!

[@goodtaste0505]

Best duo ever!! Hands down!!

[@AdriGoddess]

GOOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!!!! There is not a song they sing that doesn't melt me and/or break my heart (in a good way)!! LOOOOVE them!

[@sblazen]

Beautiful. Nothing better than to see artists with just an acoustic guitar and their voices. Loved it!

[@xoxojulia1]

Had such a horrible day, but coming home to this has nearly fixed it completely

[@kristenold]

Suuuuch a beautiful rendition!!

[@aliveandconnected]

What a beautiful interpretation! I had a portable record player when I was kid and must've played this record 1,000 times. But this is exquisite

[@rogueisfrench]

Joy's husband is the luckiest man alive. Imagine someone singing love songs to you with that voice. I'd melt.

[@paulrowan1501]

And now they're apart.

[@MrRighthookmusic]

I am so glad to have discovered you two, I heard you today on "Prairie Home Companion" and was blown away, the Everly Brothers broke up for many years, and you sound as if you "picked up" where they left off... that's an incredible compliment, and the good news was that they began to perform again, many years later- don't make the same mistake, please!

[@SweetTexas26]

I adore this video. I didn't even recognize the song. They completely owned it and made it their own.

[@lizziepancho8860]

love this cover. I love them.

[@MrVirileAgitur]

I find myself coming back time and time again to this video... I can't get enough of Joy's facial expressions

[@racheluncles8790]

They way she looks at him tells a story. Beautiful music

[@SomethingSortaFishy]

Wow! So glad I somehow stumbled across this. I have always loved this song and love love LOVE what they've done with it.

[@itslucygooseyy]

they're so amazing! I was blessed the day I discovered them

[@vincentnguyen3650]

We want you guys back :(

[@tors14]

Please don't break up :( You're music is just too good to be without

[@lurevanschalkwyk2560]

No !!! You two are sooooo GOOD together ... We want you back !!! :(

[@sydtscott]

Just lovely.

[@daregill10]

I can't breathe... I literally have no words. I am in heaven.

[@rach2252]

my heart is so heavy right now . we want you back :(

[@ou82kitkats]

I play music and just love the talent!! If you don't like these two together then you just don't get it.....

[@catherinedeutch7464]

I am so glad to have discovered you guys through The Edge of Never.

[@jmacie]

You guys + Allister Ann = Heavenly Gifts!

[@SartaySimon]

there is just so much musical chemistry between the two its so hard to ignore!! it makes the music produced all the more better :)

[@akacj7]

the second half of this song just melts my heart and my ears and my brain.

[@JaesarDunaGella]

Why can't I have her voice?????;( And a guy like him to sing with? Their voices melt together so beautifully

[@ninaadam746]

just so you know. we're here if you wanna make up and make music together again

[@tinylilmonster28]

I second that!

[@littlelifeguides]

Us too x

[@goodsababu]

We want you back. Together.

[@tinylilmonster28]

Agreed!

[@showmeagoodtime]

Still here as well... waiting ❤️❤️❤️

[@lisaricketson1727]

I was introduced to them about a week ago & I am so inlove. They are absolutely beautiful together and their voices, Wow!

[@masterofthegame408]

We want you back....Thank you for blowing my mind

[@amanismith3740]

i love how much they are into it and are so in sync

[@shannonluzchris]

I love you guys!!!!!!!!

[@moody_247]

BEAUTIFUL

[@samiam372]

MORE MORE MORE!!!

[@ahohey]

i love you two, joy and john. Perfect combination ever!

[@GMarine13]

Beautiful...would love to see these two live.

[@Animefreakd97]

So sweet

[@TheBellaTenenbaum]

My favorite band!

[@charlotte0527]

They're both so perfect

[@TeriDrayton]

beautiful

[@dedehedge7870]

cold shivers!

[@TheSazy08]

this is actually very beautiful

[@kibakhan]

my favorite by the civil wars :)

[@louwinter5765]

So beautiful

[@osheasis]

So amazingly unbelievebly astoundedly beautiful..the world is a better place with the CW :)

[@Ambzmusic]

this is such a beautiful song it made me cry :')

[@sobali3]

your voices intertwine perfectly. thank you Joy and John Paul :-)

[@Beanvibes94]

yes!!!!!!!!!!!! So GOOD

[@FionaComendador]

Beautiful.

[@janefvl]

talent and chemistry, just wow

[@dudewheresmycarpet]

Joy's voice is so calming and exciting at the same time.

[@horse4you]

Just wonderful. I'm so happy for their successes both professional and personal. True talents.

[@roxy7cn]

love you both. you are beyond amazing

[@DoRayMeFa]

Class.

[@TheCullyT]

How do I love this?? It too good!!

[@cuteduke540]

I just love them!!

[@ArianneWinslow]

I JUST LOVE THEM!!!! x

[@z0meg0x]

ahhh I'm going to see them then as well. So exciting!

[@halliegott8855]

Beautiful

[@MissMouseEst1988]

OHHH my goodness they are incredible

[@isa6bella]

oh my god...so perfect

[@byAnArgentinian]

I really enjoy this kind of music you make. Sounds excellent.

[@zaria9071]

great version of the song! love it

[@MayGao]

Wow. This is amazing.