The Steeldrivers - Can You Run (Official Audio)

[@TheTennessyean]

My ancestor, Greene B. Gunter, was a half Cherokee man, a freeman born in Tennessee. At the age of 43, he enlisted in the 50th Colored Infantry Regiment, A Co, and fought against an oppression he’d never known as a freeman in the south. Though he was a privileged man, though still seen as less than his father, a white man of Bavarian decent, he chose to fight for the freedom and the rights of his fellow colored man. He died, in 1876, a multimillionaire after establishing the Nashville Steel Company, in a country that once considered him 3/5 a person. Today, I look nothing like him. My skin is fair, my eyes are blue, and my hair a dirty blonde. But I wear a uniform that bears a resemblance to his. I take pride in that. We both decided to stand for something bigger than us, and I’m proud of that. I listen to this song and think of that. What he was willing to sacrifice for what he knew to be a greater good. God bless you all, and may the world soon know peace.

[@joekraft8694]

Sounds like a hell of a man, a real man, next shot to him and his legacy, cheers brother!

[@UncleRunt86]

Yeah but the Civil War wasn't fought because of oppression it was fought over taxes.

[@lynnhunley7597]

@@UncleRunt86 thank you for letting them know. When your children are starving because the north wanted 80 percent of your income . It was called the war of Northern aggression . You folks need to know. This was a rebel running from the north.

[@crainfamily9494]

@@UncleRunt86 shut.

[@RobHowell1]

@@UncleRunt86 yeah the emancipation proclamation tax code? 😂 stfu . The first Republican Party was all black and by abolitionist who wanted to end slavery. I’m sure the 620,000 people died who fighting for tax credits 😂

[@DC-jt9py]

I'm a strong man and I never get emotional espically from music but the story this song tells is beautiful. "Chase the taste of bondage from my tongue..." Now this is a unifying song our country needs.

[@tylersnider1846]

D Cowboys Agree 100%

[@danielbearden5964]

Vomit, from my tounge, are the words,, fear of the northern soldiers guns

[@danielbearden5964]

Vomit from my tounge, are the words, conveying fear for his family, knowing he would die.. defending them from the northern soldiers

[@tylersnider1846]

Daniel Bearden What history book did you read?

[@davegoldsmith173]

D Cowboys I get ya

[@randygreen007]

I was born in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina in ‘64. Bluegrass music coming from family instruments during gatherings was the first music I remember hearing. This music takes me back to the summers of my youth. Bluegrass forever!

[@teodorais4621]

AMIN .BROTHER .

[@michaelvanbuskirk8845]

Amen brother! I was born in '61 here in Crapifornia unfortunately but am retiring to the Appalachian area of north east Tennessee near Middlesboro Kentucky in a few years. I learned 5-string banjo when I was 14 years old and haven't played in years but still love bluegrass. Earl Scruggs was my hero as a kid. Wished I had been born in the south as that's where I belong.

[@VikCalo]

I come from war, this song has an element of sadness that reminds me of our journey. Many sad days back then but I am happy today and very grateful for the small things like - silence. Bye everyone - take care

[@laurawright6616]

So sorry you experienced that.

[@jwf1964]

Just when I think I have my Chris Stapleton addiction in check, I find this song. . . . Genius, soul, heart, compassion, empathy. . . .and an incredibly catchy tune. He is the musical craftsman of our time, maybe of all time.

[@Nobodyimportant85]

I firmly believe that this is one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful pieces of music ever recorded.

[@amandabuttrey4603]

Your comment made me stay to listen only after the sounds got me.

[@StoneTheCr0w]

And southern folks still fly the battle flag that would've kept the slave economy going if it had won. That's the most haunting part of all, white folks don't change

[@caribrainerd9377]

You're are absolutely correct. He paints such a picture with words. Sticks that made Thunder is beautiful as well!

[@nicholasunderwood1032]

Just heard it about a month ago and can't stop playing it. It's really the perfect song

[@GregariousAntithesis]

Damn just love this song, the gals harmony is so sweet. There is nothing like traditional music with acoustic instruments. It is like food for my soul.

[@davegoldsmith173]

Gregarious Antithesis nothing is better

[@samguernsey6003]

Amen

[@lynnklein1214]

Amen baby that is so true

[@gloriaworthington7974]

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[@kingfedrick4698]

My Grandfather's Granfather Jackson Fedrick escaped slavery and joined Gen Shermans Pioniers in 1864 and was later mustered into the new 135th Reg USCT at Goldsboro N.C. at 25 years old and 5 feet 3in tall.

[@pirkelliott275]

If this doesn't hit you in the soul you may not have one.

[@ApLemon]

"I've got to stand up tall before I'm done.." My fav part .. best phrase ever!!!

[@rustyhenderson2042]

WORD!

[@jeanie6279]

This song is about a brave and beautiful soul. It makes me have the chills. I think it's sung from the point of view of a slave, to his wife, and they are going to run for freedom and stand up for what is right. Come what may. It is incredible. Chills right now.

[@kclayb2]

Yes, exactly my thoughts too. Or possibly a freed slave that has started a life... and is willing to leave it all behind (taking nothing with me) and run to the line and to have the chance to fight back and “chase the taste of bondage from his tongue.” Ive thought about it both ways. Makes sense either way.

[@Bad_At_Parties]

I think what adds an even more emotional layer to the song is that, despite being freed and being able to get out of his situation and leave his troubles behind, the slave takes it upon himself to join the fight so that his fellow brothers in chains may be avenged and/or freed as well. So he very selflessly picks up a gun and marches towards the gunfire and beating drums of war, leaving his wife/lover behind so that she may flee to safety not truly knowing if he'll ever see her again. It's such a stirring song that has stayed with me from the very first time I heard it.

[@sleepy7forty]

this is a very eye-opening and powerful viewpoint for this song. cant say ill ever hear it the same. thank you.

[@barbarastewart603]

It is a powerful, very moving song. Wish it had broader exposure!

[@brianflemingmusic9884]

Agreed

[@c.coleman2979]

Another great Civil War themed song by a stellar Bluegrass group.

[@lauraharlen2067]

C. Coleman recommend any others?

[@chadallen9643]

Roots never change but the branches usually form new sights. Blue grass it seems however surviving and growing even as the mainstream and underground fall. Must be gaining a new following

[@StandWatie1862]

I prefer I'm a good ol rebel

[@dawgrogers]

The musicianship of every player here is incredible. Gets the serotonin flowing

[@JayWisco]

feels like this song has a soul it's so good

[@kegtappereiu]

Can you run to freedom line of the Lincoln soldiers, where contraband can be a man! This hit hard! There are very few country songs that depict the civil war through the eyes of former slaves turned soldiers (if any). Reminds me of the movie Glory (If you haven't seen it you need to) and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment the second black regiment made created during the civil war. Thank You for the post!

[@adambell9188]

Absolutely love this song for that reason. As a Civil War historian, this is one of the most important tales to tell of the war,. lovely to hear it in song

[@chadrowe8452]

Was it really the second regiment? Does that include black confederate regiments like in Louisiana?

[@andrewlong8398]

Amazing song about the human spirit and the thirst we all have for freedom! Song brought tears to my eyes. Imagine the desperation, the hope, the fear. It's all relayed through the lyrics.

[@bobsaget0429]

I keep coming back to this song. the rawness of life portrayed, in such a pretty way. something about this song conveys so much emotion on the subject that the listener can't help but empathize with the story. knowing what the song is about makes it so much better. they did this with a lot of songs. they are beautiful and so bitter sweet they make you want to cry. I just found them a while ago and gosh I was missing out.

[@bonzaia.1599]

Same

[@Sttonkeoj]

First time I heard this song it reminded me of the movie Glory about the 54th Mass Infantry.

[@sethshroyer8932]

Sttonkeoj That's a great movie!

[@jamekrab7341]

Agree, the monument to the 54th was destroyed by the mob. They were brave men and their memory should be honored

[@linnicearnic8044]

I'm totally consumed by this song, can't stop singing it, Jesus help me!!! very addictive!! 😁😁😘

[@troyelkins1438]

Mix great acoustics, harmony, and history and you have my eternal love. This will be a lifelong favorite.

[@Rlogsdon100]

there are things worth standing for folks. remember that.

[@artifactman660]

Damn right!

[@jahrojasexqsys5238]

As much as it pains me to say, i think the day is fast approaching when a lot of people are going to be reminded of this fact.

[@cowboy1772]

Rick Logsdon That line at Disney land for the tea cups was NOT worth it. Freaking lies.

[@cfox2787]

That just proves how lazy you are, also you would probably give up a fight to a fence post and your hair color is a lie

[@davidroberts1702]

Like a unified country? Like freedom from a slavery-based economy? Too late, that war was fought and lost, just yesterday, for all of us.

[@poloreacts27]

Just discovered this amazing story one in which you can feel that is not of love or heartbreak... But fear. Which is a rare emotion in music.

[@jodiescookin1]

I am obsessed with this beautiful song....

[@burakorhan9575]

jodiescookin1 what is the beautifull ?

[@mpaxton8991]

Burak Orhan What is your point?

[@sarahtaylor4264]

I know this is a Civil War themed song, but I think it asks two timeless questions: What are you willing to fight for? How much are you willing to give up in that fight?

[@TheLoneDragoon]

Very well said Ma'am.

[@Sea.Garcia13]

Fuck yes!

[@sambear159]

Please explain more by what you mean by that I’m genuinely interested

[@jeremiahkennedy1683]

Im willing to give up all I have for the Constitution of the United States of America. I chose to stand my ground and defend it with my life.

[@fredreb3181]

I chose family and homeland in my opinion

[@2222Volvo]

I love civil war songs. This and carry me back to Virginia (OCMS)are my favorites.

[@stonewallj.6419]

@Christopher Bingham they're from Tennessee

[@ReaperDan88]

Listen to johnny boys bones by colter wall

[@50TNCSA]

Listen to Josephine by cory and rory

[@davegoldsmith173]

Drunk and crying just passed noon. Thanks Chris.

[@alan4sure]

Have another--- or four.

[@BeautifulBelleGardening]

all their songs are amazing and have a lot of heart

[@aloftoft8403]

Hell ya chris 2020

[@alainawojtyszyn8665]

yes this song especially has a great message

[@i-love-comountains3850]

*Lyrics* There's smoke down by the river Hear the cannon and the drum I've got one thing to ask you honey Can you run? You know I hate to ask so late But the moment's finally come And there won't be time to change your mind Can you run? Can you run, to the freedom line of the Lincoln soldiers? Where the contraband can be a man With a musket on his shoulder I've got to stand up tall before I'm done Wrap these hands of mine around a gun And chase the taste of bondage from my tongue Can you run? Can you run? I'm takin nothin with me We've just got time to beat the sun And the boys in gray are never far away Can you run? Can you run, to the freedom line of the Lincoln soldiers? Where the contraband can be a man With a musket on his shoulder I've got to stand up tall before I'm done Wrap these hands of mine around a gun And chase the taste of bondage from my tongue Can you run? Can you run? There's smoke down by the river Hear the cannon and the drum And even if I die, I've got to try Can you run? Can you run, to the freedom line of the Lincoln soldiers? Where the contraband can be a man With a musket on his shoulder I've got to stand up tall before I'm done Wrap these hands of mine around a gun And chase the taste of bondage from my tongue Can you run? Can you run? Can you run? Can you run? Written by Chris Stapleton, Mike Henderson • Copyright © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Spirit Music Group

[@mpaxton8991]

A shame Mr. Lincoln couldn't have heard this. I think he would have liked it.

[@PeterKramden]

✊😥

[@StandWatie1862]

@@mpaxton8991 Sic Semper Tyrannis!!

[@wadesage9732]

Great song hahaha now I'm playing it with my violin

[@StandWatie1862]

@@wadesage9732 Lincoln and freedom in the same sentence??? American understanding of their own history is pathetic.

[@christinepease8120]

No bondage to your tongue Mr. Stapleton, nor your instruments...SteelDrivers! Bluegrass music is the real deal.

[@richriver5336]

Why haven’t I heard of this band sooner?! Oh well, I finally found them and happy now.

[@c.m.cordero1772]

Great liberation song. A slave escaping to fight for his freedom.

[@lorahamilton397]

I'm not running but I know a few people who should run faster than the storm that I conjured up for them. Family and freedom over all!!! Love always wins 🏆❤

[@ericpugh8972]

Great song and what was a great band.

[@TacoCatGolf]

As a white male in 2022 this song breaks my heart every time I listen to it I cry. My ancestors are primarily Irish and Cherokee Indian, I don’t feel the same pain as African Americans. But I do hurt for them and for the atrocities that their ancestors faced. We all breathe, we all bleed red and we are all human we should love each other regardless or race, religion and creed. One day I hope we find that place.

[@quinnlane7257]

Our ancestors have been through our own kind of pain. Everyone has been through pain no one's f****** special. F*** anyone who thinks they are special

[@clyde38]

Amen

[@KateHikes1933]

Why don't you feel bad about what blacks are currently doing to your people? We're living in the consequences of unleashing blacks upon society.

[@denisewittman975]

This song means so much to me. It inspires me always.

[@milesclark9798]

This is GREAT,one of the very best and can you run

[@SaxtonEB]

That banjo ❤️

[@appalachianqueen8369]

This lyrically beautiful song set to the emotion evoking bluegrass tones is still one of my top 5 favorite songs of all time.

[@muddthekingofnothing6249]

My great grandfather was a full blooded Cherokee Somehow this song pulls at my blood 😮

[@mikecox7243]

Dont find many bands this tight. Incredible music, incredible writing, incredible musicians.!! Every single song.!!! This band is very very good.!!! Looking for tickets rite now.!!!

[@whiskeyjohnson3964]

Mike Cox just FYI, Chris Stapleton doesn’t sing for them anymore since he went on his solo career. They have a new singer..

[@davidbuckallew6988]

@@whiskeyjohnson3964 .

[@davidchilders3574]

Everyone should listen to more Steeldrivers!

[@eddamundsen4490]

Old cowboy from Norway just discovered Chris. Great songer and great lyrics!

[@Bad_At_Parties]

I think what adds an even more emotional layer to the song is that, despite being freed and being able to get out of his situation and leave his troubles behind, the slave takes it upon himself to join the fight so that his fellow brothers in chains may be avenged and/or freed as well. So he very selflessly picks up a gun and marches towards the gunfire and beating drums of war, leaving his wife/lover behind so that she may flee to safety not truly knowing if he'll ever see her again. It's such a stirring song that has stayed with me from the very first time I heard it.

[@MsHillbilly24]

My favourite on this fantastic album . Chris Stapleton is simply amazing .

[@ricksouthernrebelatheart5138]

The download button instantly.Any thing with Chris doing it is outstanding 👍

[@jonestherambler8807]

No one leaves a battlefield righteous, No matter how righteous your cause may be.

[@thitsugaya1224]

Well put, everyone dies in war, some just manage to keep living afterwards.

[@riobenson6873]

@@thitsugaya1224 True, but are you actually alive, and how many of your brothers did it take to make it so?

[@Whiskeybuisness]

Beautiful song about life and the Underground Railroad.......The ones who dislike this must be lacking in taste of fine played music...

[@phantomofdixie7834]

Whiskeybuisness it's about the civil war

[@thomaskorin9083]

Voice of Chris Stapleton soul of the lord and fingers of the devil.

[@amishmafia3339]

Can you imagine being a black slave down south and running for the freedom line…My family fought on both sides…

[@jdcasebeer4358]

This is 1 of my favorite songs.

[@davegoldsmith173]

The river of tears I my eyes...

[@lkayrigby5214]

Such a sweet romantic song ! Another awesome , timeless Steeldrivers work of art !

[@Invisible40442]

Obsessed with this song I listen to it atleast 5 times a day recently.! Great music!

[@briancoffey9748]

I am quickly falling in love with bluegrass.

[@wesfain3173]

Listen to The Sticks That Made Thunder. Another banger by them about the civil war.

[@brandonw656]

I hear so much Chris Stapleton in this song it’s no surprise he wrote it

[@theshovster8505]

I’m a huge rock and roll and Stones fan but I think the steeldrivers with C S are probably the best band I’ve ever heard

[@larrylabargejr8458]

Damn this whole cd kicks the ass

[@derrincalk9579]

On repeat for those harmonies and melodies. Such a gorgeous band and album and especially this song.

[@jessibriggs9394]

Beautiful song !! Love it!! Recently heard of these guys great band!!

[@kaosreigns2k]

I just heard this song 2 weeks ago, I love it, so sad. Sadly it is relevant today in ways.

[@lynthomas106]

Very, very, very bestesssss in modern Bluegrass.. Can you run? And check out River Runs Red.. Awesome harmony, like which I've only heard back home.

[@crumpingtons]

omg where have been? i am not just aquainted with this awesome band.. more, more

[@popeagleclaw6696]

Love this song and the singer's !! We had all better "CHASE THE TASTE OF BONDAGE FROM OUR TONGUES "

[@ossomatthew953]

Been runnin all my life and ain't shit changin but the weather. Chase the taste of bondage from my tongue.

[@Nick-nm8om]

Can't decide between this song and stick that made thunder. Which one is my favorite ? Oh, what the hell they're all good.

[@tommynorton8973]

These folks really are a blessing. Actually real music which is rare today!

[@joelpeterson1731]

The vibes that come through my headphones from this song never get old.

[@LoneRanger_420]

My 3 great paw paw was in the 33 rd regiment Mississippi infantry long live the south

[@Noblesavage77]

Folks been trying to make things right for a very long time. We can't forget that.

[@timmydawes5492]

Just got back from Dover Tennessee, stewart county tween the rivers. After the visit to fort donaldson. What i learned was there was suffering on both sides. Some were men and some just boys told to fight for a idea and some for there home. As i walked through the area i played on my phone civil war battles sounds and then i froze looking at a area 2 minutes before thinking its nice here then after playing battle sounds and looking over the cumbeland i realized this at one point was hell gor evryone there . Lets not forget our history people

[@ronaldmoore2336]

My God this is good.

[@masonjohnson4310]

I wrote about this song for a essay once, where I had to write about what my favourite song makes me think of. I imagined a grizzled old man with a rifle guiding a group of slaves from the Confederacy northwards through the woods.

[@StandWatie1862]

So you believe in a fantasy because that's no where near what happened. Sherman would have had his men run a train on slave women.

[@sheep9546]

@@StandWatie1862 we all need fantasies to make us better men.

[@StandWatie1862]

@@sheep9546 That doesn't make you a better man. That makes you delusional. Did you read that out of a fortune cookie?

[@lorahamilton397]

We belong here and wherever we want. Freedom

[@davidtaylor1384]

137 people can't realize how desperate the situation was at the time.

[@chadallen9643]

I actually like that you stated that cuz you make a really good point and in the line or he says Standing Tall the situation is so desperate at the time that the soldiers if they were underage let's say I think you had to be 13 to enlist in the war at the time was it 13 or 10 I would like I can't remember they were taking kids and so they would basically stay are you over 13 you have 11 year old trying to sign up if it was 13 or I think it was even sixteen by CI doesn't matter anyways I would ask him are you over so and so are you over this much of age and they would say yes and in order to get around the LIE they would have had that much amount of money underneath their shoe like inside the bottom between the shoe in the hill so it was so desperate it was if they had a 10 underneath their heal the the commander was asking are you over 10 and then go yes and it's so the loophole the idea of a lie they would walk away and then take the 10 out the $10 bill and I'd be like here you out you know I wasn't lying that was over ten so I thought that was kind of cool but yeah definitely a desperate situation

[@chasewindham6333]

amazing song

[@fallschirmjager1]

I love this song. It makes me think of my parents fleeing the oppression of the Soviet Union.

[@michaeltaylor5638]

Universal suffrage

[@zacht1217]

Ivantheterrible666 your right the United States didnt kill 50 million lmao go look it up

[@con3154]

Bryguy children were kid nap’d for food by common people in the Soviet Union your children were at risk of being stolen for a meal by your neighbor learn some history boy

[@DixieRiverRat]

Bryguy You should try knowing what you’re talking about before posting.

[@ryderbynum]

Bryguy were you in slaved ? Stop bitching and stfu and live your free life just like everybody else

[@catherinematthews5284]

This song is about a slave and his wife running from the boys in Gray ... It's history back then ... This song is sad

[@mpaxton8991]

Yes, very haunting, and you can almost feel the fright and the urgency they felt thinking about possible freedom. Gives me chills!

[@USCisgay]

And some people think we have it rough today

[@jaredhawkins294]

Beautiful

[@scissorella]

I've got to stand up tall before I'm done 🇺🇲 🎆

[@turbocummins5795]

Perfect song.

[@stevensmith3914]

Just love this tune!

[@naturespipes5718]

Every time I hear this song I can't help but wonder if the slave man survived and got to see his lover.

[@MidratsSnack]

Where contraband can be a man, with a musket on his shoulder! Yes sir!

[@deeanntuckett8764]

Wish chris stapleton was still with the steel drivers.

[@davegoldsmith173]

#metoo

[@ispybutterfly]

I agree!!

[@jeffscott8323]

Hes doin good so are the Steel Drivers. Both great. Even without Chris

[@kristofferharper2004]

Honestly, I love a lot of his solo music but yeah I feel most of his steel drivers vocals had so much more carry let alone the lyrics

[@SGR_NYYU]

Kristoffer Harper I think it’s the folk genre. I’ve never heard a band master it, or at least what I love most about folk as consistently as the Stapleton led Steeldrivers.

[@bonzaia.1599]

"Where contraband can be a man...". Damn.

[@banjoeypicks]

don't get any better than this !!!!

[@HarleyQuinn-th9kq]

This is what u call staight picking old school love it

[@matthewcrowson4397]

i think its a great song.Really takes you back

[@artifactman660]

Yes it does, all the way back to 1862

[@denisebewley3582]

We're all in financial slavery today. No one is free. This song sounds like freedom though.

[@blackjack5908]

Do it again Uncle Billy!

[@levikroeker560]

i keep thinking i'm listening to chris stapleton lol just found these guys. love it

[@McHagis1234]

Chris Stapleton is the singer of Steel Drivers I’m pretty sure

[@litriark]

Congratulations !! thanks

[@beatpros]

There's smoke down by the river Hear the cannon and the drum I've got one thing to ask you honey Can you run? You know I hate to ask so late But the moment's finally come And there won't be time to change your mind Can you run? Can you run, to the freedom line of the Lincoln soldiers? Where the contraband can be a man With a musket on his shoulder I've got to stand up tall before I'm done Wrap these hands of mine around a gun And chase the taste of bondage from my tongue Can you run? Can you run? I'm takin nothin with me We've just got time to beat the sun And the boys in gray are never far away Can you run? Can you run, to the freedom line of the Lincoln soldiers? Where the contraband can be a man With a musket on his shoulder I've got to stand up tall before I'm done Wrap these hands of mine around a gun And chase the taste of bondage from my tongue Can you run? Can you run? There's smoke down by the river Hear the cannon and the drum And even if I die, I've got to try Can you run? Can you run, to the freedom line of the Lincoln soldiers? Where the contraband can be a man With a musket on his shoulder I've got to stand up tall before I'm done Wrap these hands of mine around a gun And chase the taste of bondage from my tongue Can you run? Can you run? Can you run? Can you run?

[@jesuspiceno4615]

Thank you .. so much. I really do understand the meaning of this song now. Wow

[@bonnieblue222]

Such a great song! Really hits the heart. Sad that only slaves in Confederate territory were considered "contraband" and were deemed as freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, which in Lincoln's words was a "fit and necessary war measure meant to "weaken the moral and physical forces of the rebellion.” Those slaves in slave states that had remained loyal to the Union were not freed anytime during the war. Folks forget there were slave states on both sides.

[@Depp601]

Love everything they do ---- never get tired of listening ------- :) :) :)

[@michaelharrigan4764]

Robert Smalls- American Hero, this is your song sir.

[@score7chick12]

They played at the cheat fest in west Virginia a few years back

[@southernpride1653]

This is one of the greatest songs in the world

[@mws755]

You haven't heard many songs hahahaha

[@alan4sure]

@@mws755 He's heard 3 now.

[@bonnierobbins9928]

The banjos started and that fat squirrel on the bird feeder sat right up, looked around and skeedaddled. Too funny. Are the steeldrivers the new anti squirrel weapon? Oh yeah.