The Tallest Man On Earth - Where Do My Bluebird Fly (Live on KEXP)

The Tallest Man On Earth performs "Where Do My Bluebird Fly" live on KEXP. Recorded 12/30/2008.

[@nicolenicolerson5200]

My son loved this song. He died when he was 17, and I played this at his funeral. This was in Texas with very Christian people and I don't think anyone understood the song, my friend told me later that people looked confused. But it made sense to me and my daughter, who chose it. Still devastates me to hear this, but today I decided to power through it and listen again.

[@sisyr5615]

So sorry to hear that. Its a beautiful song though, hopefully it will give you joy one day instead like it did your son.

[@nakenmil]

My sincere condolances. You did right by your son, for what it's worth.

[@NewMatildaDotCom]

I’m sorry for your loss. ❤

[@flakaflakaadoo]

Doesn’t sound like they were very Christ like. 🤷‍♂️

[@alexcarrasco7491]

Made me cry brother.... God bless ur heart and ur sons.. u will see him again ❤

[@marcusmerkit66]

Hi 2019 person here, listen to this song about ten years ago and I keep finding myself back here through good and bad times. Just... thank you

[@Blodcola]

same here

[@thebox-lancasterboxingclub251]

Yes brother. Same same

[@hannahnyx122]

Me too.. I have a bluebird tattoo on my wrist for this song and my interpretation of it. X

[@nicktarrier6861]

2020

[@dylanc760]

he's incredible.

[@pablosantaella280]

This is legit one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard in my entire life

[@81dsend]

I concur, it's ok to cry.

[@joestebbing2464]

8on

[@madurosfinancialadvisor1360]

It's a shame it's not a legit recording

[@DnB_Purist.]

Got to see him live in his American tour and omg it was amazing

[@DnB_Purist.]

@@81dsend lol amen

[@humancircuitry]

There is something harsh, endearing, beautiful, and heartbreaking about the way he sings. It makes me want to wrap him in a nice bear hug.

[@todddominoes9862]

It's sad that talent like this will never get the recognition it deserves. I came back to listen to this as I have many times since 2009 just stunning.

[@zwartzaad4879]

The only music allowed to succeed these days is pretty people and auto tune.

[@UlrichBeinert]

He's on KEXP, that's some of the highest recognition I know.

[@iseeghosts6692]

The lack of recognition is also a badge of honor. The other option is to grow in popularity, become a fad, lose his soul and eventually put out a single with Miley Cyrus.

[@i_eat_soap792]

@@zwartzaad4879 I wouldn't say that considering he's making a living playing his music, sure he's never going to at Drakes level of success since he isn't commercializing his music, but we live in a great time when these solo artists can spread naturally and usually that doesn't lead to the biggest popularity boosts but allows them to thrive.

[@cloudlight5363]

Put this on streaming platforms please

[@duvalmf]

This guy is amazing. The more you listen to him, the more you love him.

[@samayitakhan]

oh man, the KEXP women who's interviewing Kristian is just as much in love with him as all the other girls who will ever come across this.

[@johnmacpherson3789]

And boys

[@gussagaming6909]

@@johnmacpherson3789 and the men

[@fishyzz9729]

Oh, well I know you stroke the set-up, baby Of all the leaves up in the ground And I know our song is old but heavy As I see dry leaves fallin' down, oh-oh With all this fever in my mind I could drown in your kerosene eyes Oh, you're just a riddle in the sky Oh, where do my bluebirds fly? And as the early sigh of dawn will thunder I see you stir the fog around And when you find the voice and gears of sunset We'll hear that high and lonesome sound, oh-oh And I will question every wind If they gone through the glow of your eyes Oh, you're just a riddle in the sky Oh, where do my bluebirds fly? I say where do my bluebirds fly? Oh, well I know you stroke your feathers baby Upon the ghosts along my trail And I know well I was sold and buried Before I knew it was for sale, oh-oh With all this fever in my mind I could aim for your kerosene eyes Oh, you're just a target in the sky I say where do my bluebirds fly? I say where do my bluebirds fly?

[@Martel4]

Not many people can perform like this. Mad props yo.

[@xXxLax4LifexXx]

I wish the itunes version was this brilliant:(

[@albertoskytwins3527]

LYRICS: Oh, well I knew you shook the set-up baby, of all the leaves up in the ground And I know our song is over and heavy as I see dry leaves fallin' down, oh With all this fever in my mind, I could drown in your kerosene eyes Oh, you're just a riddle in the sky Oh, where do my bluebirds fly? And as the early sign of dawn of thunder I see you stir the fog around And when you find the boys and gears of sunset we'll hear that high and lonesome sound, oh And I will question every wind if they gone through the glow of your eyes Oh, you're just a riddle in the sky Oh, where do my bluebirds fly? I say where do my bluebirds fly? Oh, well I know you soak your feathers baby upon the ghosts along my trail And I know well I was sole and buried before I knew it was for sale, oh With all this fever in my mind I could aim for your kerosene eyes Oh, you're just a target in the sky I say where do my bluebirds fly? I say where do my bluebirds fly?

[@stl4kt]

I wish I had his finger plucking skills. not just this song but all of his

[@noahmcdx1]

Just gotta learn it dude. No joke, I'd been playing for 6 months when I first started learning his songs. Within a few months I could play probably 10 songs of his without much flaw.

[@franciscomaia6096]

Noah McDaniel Bullshit.

[@noahmcdx1]

***** Do you have a snapchat or instagram? I could dm you or snapchat you videos of me playing. I even have old videos of me playing some of them back when I truly had only been playing for about 6-12 months. Now I've been playing for 2 and half years. I'm not trying to say i'm some protege i'm just saying you have to actually learn it and can't just sit back and say wow that's so cool I could never do that. The first time I heard a Tallest Man on Earth song it was Wind and Walls on KEXP and I was absolutely captivated, I knew I had to learn it no matter what it took. That was maybe after about 4 months of playing. So i started drilling that song and eventually I could play it without flaw. Then I learned my first real fingerpicking one with Love is All, and from there I learned a lot of others. ie. Where Do my Bluebird Fly, Leading Me Now, I Won't Be Found, The Gardener, 1904, and even Revelation Blues, though I eventually gave up on Revelation Blues without getting it completely down. I could probably get it right now. That was over a year ago. Same thing happened to me with Ben Howard, and that's sort of when I stopped learning and obsessing over TMOE, though I still have special place in my heart for his music. Once you get into this kind of playing, and you commit yourself to learning a new style, you really take off. It's the initial attempt that's the most difficult. It was easier for me to try to pick up Revelation Blues after 10 months of playing than it was to pick up Love is All after 6 months of playing, though Revelation Blues is a 10x harder song. Love is All was a good one to start with too, because it's not too difficult.

[@BanthamLegend]

I agree completely, although for me it was Ben howard first, then TMOE.

[@disco451revival]

I'm attempting to learn this song right now and I didn't realize what a monster it is... I thought I was good at finger picking now I'm thinking I need another hand.

[@annanilsen5833]

This guy is from the same rural ass swedish town as me, always wild to think about

[@quantumastrologer5599]

Damn all you talented scandinavians. edit: j/k

[@jacobpenrod4450]

Been listening for 8 years now. Still gets me every time.

[@daraotl5187]

This song in particular is hauntingly beautiful. They're all beautiful but this one has a darkness to it. Different class

[@christinabird1814]

Me too!!!

[@13zen]

Same here

[@celinestgeorge]

Same...

[@BarbaraZa_23]

❤

[@seagers_studio]

'talented' seems an understatement.. beautiful song

[@ALLIDOISNGUYEN]

When it's quiet and night and all my roommates are sound asleep I put on my headphones and listen to this. I can feel it hitting me to my core.

[@gonzalezlesly03]

Doing this right now. While sipping on some spirits ;)

[@zerati973]

I cant stop listening to this, this melody is so sweet... thanks for that!...

[@martinpetrik1660]

extellent version, just perfect

[@elStrauno]

two words. hauntingly beautiful

[@HT-yc6kh]

Wow... Just simply wow. It's amazing how powerful a man and his guitar can be.

[@dariusjones3558]

***** ^ that was the most beautiful comment ive ever read in my life

[@smokedoutstoners]

Appreciation for this music should be a given. Completely original and finally an artist who puts heat into there music.

[@candyspine]

Oh, well I know you shook the set-up baby, of all the leaves up in the ground And I know our song is over and heavy as I see dry leaves fallin' down, oh With all this fever in my mind, I could drown in your kerosene eyes Oh, you're just a riddle in the sky Oh, where do my bluebirds fly? And as the early sign of dawn of thunder I see you stir the fog around And when you find the voice and gears of sunset we'll hear that high and lonesome sound, oh And I will question every wind if they gone through the glow of your eyes Oh, you're just a riddle in the sky Oh, where do my bluebirds fly? I say where do my bluebirds fly? Oh, well I know you soak your feathers baby upon the ghosts along my trail And I know well I was sole and buried before I knew it was for sale, oh With all this fever in my mind I should aim for your kerosene eyes Oh, you're just a target in the sky I say where do my bluebirds fly? I say where do my bluebirds fly?

[@bagodouches1]

I remember months ago drunk as hell and just skimming through some of his songs and when i came to this i bawled my eyes... ever since the song has developed an extra haunting appeal

[@Fakiecowgirl]

I have a two year old who I haven't seen in over a year. his mother refuses to let me see him. we are going to court soon. the thing is, when she was pregnant with him we always saw blue jays everywhere. we left 'babies r us' and as we pulled away a blue Jay flew right out from under our car. I didn't think much of it. we drove to my mother's house (15+ miles) my mother's car is always in the driveway so we usually park in the yard in front of the fance on the side of the house. we parked and a blue Jay flys in and lands right on the fence directly in front of us. it starts singing and bobbing his head up and down making sure we saw him. after that, I figured it meant something. I don't recall seeing another blue Jay till a few days after he was born. after we split up, she refused to be civil in any way shape or form. when I heard this song I started crying. the whole song resembles how she refuses to let me see him and how I never knew where he was. Kai (my son) is that blue bird.

[@powerpeople100]

+Terry Kraus I'm feeling you. Your words, whatever that may mean to you, are beautiful.

[@ArchStantonify]

+Terry Kraus I don't know where you are from but I know in Ireland the courts tend to favor the mother in most cases seemingly regardless of how good the father is. I'm sure you are a pretty decent guy though, no bad guy listens to this song then leaves a comment like yours. Keep your chin up my friend and keep listening to music. I hope things work out for you and you get to see your child as you should do.

[@drawmafreak]

What happened until now?

[@nosuchthing4789]

Your heart will be full and warm again... :)

[@hunterpybus825]

Terry Kraus My daughters are the reason I keep living. It's a struggle without seeing them for a few days, but I can't imagine the pain of not seeing them for a year. It would take a stronger person than myself to deal with that. I hope by now you've reached some sort of resolution. My wish for you is joy and memories with your bluebird. Because of your comment, I will always hear this song differently. Thank you.

[@pauldube88]

Height is measured from shoulder and all there is above, amazing song! Excellent chanson, j'adore.

[@benb3112]

I love the tension at the end of this song... it just leaves so much to be desired, but it's cut off at the perfect time.... It send shivers down my back every time.... also, am I crazy in that I equate this to a thunderstorm? Like... I can't put it into words, but the emotion and execution like... Does anyone else see this?

[@dasilveirapacheco]

This guy is amazing!

[@VladimirMotchoulski]

"wow... I'm speechless" great observation by the lucky person fortunate to be there... in the presence of this Artist...

[@MrJaysun37]

Hauntingly beautiful! Some of the best lyrics I've ever heard.. One can't help thinking of Dylan.

[@TheDKdanish]

Sublime finger picking technique

[@mnazz89]

Sublime sucks. Really?

[@danmeadowsmusic]

+mnazz89 Sublime means majestic or unreal. yeh fuckin dope

[@mnazz89]

Sublime.....the band......sucks

[@bjorn1355]

+mnazz89 real cringe-worthy shit here

[@efraz445]

no they don't, it's easy to appreciate the two

[@DesireeDuarteVera]

Thank you Katey Seagal for this treasure.

[@Yellowbellytuna]

I feel like he wrote this song while watching a storm roll in

[@jzonkel]

who cares it sounds cool

[@jamieholmes5443]

It's those open chords :)

[@jacoblee1719]

that storm rolling in was an ex lover

[@Jdjsucbebakzicufbr]

@@jzonkel that wasn't a criticism of the song, he's saying it evokes emotion

[@jzonkel]

@@Jdjsucbebakzicufbr I dont know what state of mind i was in when i made that comment but i know that lol. Not sure why i got 5 likes

[@connorbridgetschiff8667]

this may possibly be the greatest thing ever.

[@crowseye6672]

I first heard It will follow the rain on a car commercial when I was in prison.i got out,and immediately put the lyrics that I kept hearing on the commercial into the search box for KZbin,and presto! I've been listening ever since.his music has helped me stay clean and sober.thank you for making music that is therapeutic

[@chainsawteddybear]

That’s so cool, I’m so glad you found it and hope you are doing well!

[@cookiedestroyer19]

Keep up the sobriety brother! I’m on the same path

[@peterthemophead]

Yeah, seriously the lyrics he writes are amazing. Truly a great folk musician. Plus he is a great singer and he is great at the guitar.

[@rayssapinheirol]

my ears...they're so happy now!

[@SpikeWorsley]

Hypnotic.....I'm entranced. True talent. Gobsmacked in fact.

[@BaranYuce]

131 people disliked because they liked this song to bad that they needed to cut their ears and they didn't like that fact

[@leeeeuwtje]

This song always haunts me after listening to it. But especially when it's this version of it.

[@sgandrew]

The way he says kerosene gets me every time

[@Yakushii]

Could have this song on repeat for months.

[@rossheathorn121]

This song is epic. I love the picking at the start. It makes me happy sad, gives me a mixture of emotions. He nails the tune live much respect love people peace x

[@davidmichaellong]

What a voice.... and what a stache! Great song and performance

[@kiwiotatts]

Give that man a fucking cigar!

[@TuscanKreuzer]

I'm so in love with this song!

[@ryuktimo6517]

15 years later it still the most beautiful song i've ever heard.

[@alrachid2]

Such an emotionally filled song. This is true art, something thats lost in much modern music.

[@Berrahhh]

Holy shit this is actually amazing.

[@dom1ne]

dude gave me chills

[@RaphaaelHenrique]

Gente do céu, onde eu estava esse tempo todo que não conhecia essa obra de arte? MEU DEEEEEEEUS.

[@Zenophage]

me finding this wonderful artist is exactly why i love Last FM

[@SuburbanFlames97]

He's such a good guitarist. Not necessarily in the sense that what he plays is very complex, but rather just the fact that it feels as if the guitar is a being of its own that just does what it does (which is playing...). TTMOE is, in my opinion, the one singer/songwriter or really artist overall who comes the closest to the greatness of Nick Drake.

[@nohface9999]

it's very subjective of course, but i really do put him on the same level of nick drake and early bob dylan, of just man+guitar+voice+songwriting that is insanely potent and beautiful.

[@disco451revival]

Okay but it actually is quite complex and it still looks effortless

[@yaboioof3229]

Ben Howard too

[@leonmulder4889]

Trust me it IS complex lol

[@OllieBriggsProject]

just been doing my usual browsing on kexp and just wanna say that there is no other place i can go, to get this level of good music and if there comes a point when kexp is no more... i will truly fear for good music being put out there. I know this has been said before many times but whatever

[@Azrael442]

this is my favourite version of this song

[@azatmingalimov]

Nope. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnjMpqpraNdleLM

[@randytorres1471]

Nope again open.spotify.com/track/67HnMLeJz5eITmprytHOZ0?si=dRZA1szgQom6rOL_JUv37w

[@killyouwithfire]

Randy Torres you are out of your mind sir

[@redikurti8334]

Yea bro this is the best version but this Song played on a electric guitar will give chills to ur bones go take a look of one of his lives

[@Azrael442]

Yeah, still my favourite version of this song

[@r8a8f8a69]

when i first watch this video, years ago, i fell in love with this in a second, back then it had no more than 2000 views, so awesome to see how much you have done. Lots of respect from Chile

[@boxofcans]

phenomenal guitarist... original vocal style and gripping, meaningful lyrics that read like a solid work of poetry without the music... and then combined in a tender and gorgeously evocative performance. what more can you ask of a musician?

[@ArjanLoeve]

What a voice and nice strumming on his guitar too!

[@sanctionedtaco2109]

It takes me to my childhood with a transient fusion of feelings to the present day with my worries and stress. Ethereal.

[@gavinstringer5443]

Very authentic, props to you, sir.

[@connorcondict]

i want that flow so bad

[@MightyRodz]

His voice sound much better in these kexp versions, he should sing like this more often

[@uricli]

The ITunes version is not this great :(

[@mindxcircus]

NCR Veteran Ranger Agreed! He always play his music live better..somehow more emotional depths when he plays them life. And thumbs up for #vaultkids everywhere :P

[@astronautpoptart4571]

mindxcircus the recording isn't great

[@silasmoon]

Coming back to this song after ten years and realizing that KEXP and Cheryl Waters have been here this whole time.

[@andrewatterbury5698]

You can kind of see after 2:33 when he sings, "And I know our light was sold and buried before I knew it was for sale." His expression turns solemn as if recalling a truly heartbreaking time. He then gains traction and bursts, "I should shoot for your kerosene eyes," knowing he won't fall for her tricks anymore. There is memory in his eyes. Pretty cool.

[@tomassousa3607]

It hits hard to see his emotions coming back for a second

[@diemamamosht]

A friend showed me this video and therefore I totally fell In love with his music, especially with this song. Yesterday I've seen him in concert and before I never thought I could be more impressed by anything than this song... but I was: When he and Amanda sang "Thrown Right At Me" there was just pure sung and lived LOVE... actually indescribable. (Maybe you might get a clue of what I mean if you look up here for "Thrown Right At Me @ Le Guess Who Tivoli (5/5)")

[@aakanshthapa7407]

This song is so beautiful that it hurts me, stabs me on the back and twists the knife. It doesn't give me a bit of ease but just pain. And still I love the pain.

[@d3m0nc1aw]

This music may have changed my life.

[@lrolandmusic]

to date, my favorite song by him

[@ll-sz9fl]

So talented 💫

[@AddictionToWords]

Tbh I could drown myself in his fucking beautiful voice.

[@Nativegirl1985]

Saaaaaaaaame 😍

[@firexfilms]

I like this song !

[@ilando918]

I remember listening to that song over a decade ago, being just a silly teenager... why tf that man never got any real recognition ?

[@daveprice5911]

Have you checked out the rest of his music? It explains a lot.

[@ilando918]

@@daveprice5911 yes. What's wrong with it ? I think it's in the same spirit

[@durbansurfmadness]

i like when people like you have a decent insightful reply to a comment without swearing and ignorant behavior. Yeah you're pretty much spot on though!

[@vitorcosta4443]

This song is a f**ing masterpiece, I just can't get tired of listening to it!! It would be fantastic if you could ever come to Brazil for a concert, a tour!

[@torpakwastaken]

you'r just a riddle in the sky...

[@reb3lle]

i have no words

[@stevefoxy]

This is one of my favourite songs of all time. So well played and sung, and the lyrics have a depth that no modern pop/rock could ever come near. Genius

[@Jorran87]

He makes me proud to be a swede

[@juliatheyouthful]

in my eyes he is the tallest man on earth. simply beautiul

[@yaboioof3229]

Someone told me to watch this video like two years ago and I did and loved it and then forgot who did it and what it was. Then like 6 months ago, I started listening to this guy and now I'm back here. This is great.

[@simec2404]

that babyyyy sounds so good:))

[@Mandy3141]

Masterpiece

[@audiochris78]

Fantastic.

[@finscontingencyplan7005]

One of my favourite ever songs. The chords are so beautiful and Mattison plays them with such skillful fingerstyle. Eternal.

[@PhunkadelicPhish]

this guy 20 years from now should be one of the artists people listen to and say "fuck i was born in the wrong generation i wish a kid in the 00's" xD

[@tyemcivor1194]

“All that fever in my mind” me in March 2020- “ that’s that real music man”

[@johnmacpherson9791]

I just love this. x

[@DavideGomesShikai]

2 699 573 views out of 2 699 574 are mine

[@temporarymomentary]

The voice with charisma !

[@LastSong]

We need to make this man lose more things, so he can write more songs. That's right...I want to feed off your sadness.

[@jobapache]

Really amzing

[@violettisade4611]

What an extraordinary voice!

[@xoSiNgInGiNtHeRaInox]

this is SO inspiring

[@higo7020]

Anyone listening in 2018? Very good this S2

[@Aninhaamd]

Mas que voz! Essa cara é bom!

[@lolazinnerman9363]

JUST WHAT I'VE BEEN LISTENING FOR ALL MY LIFE ❤💋

[@miaowkitty8430]

enchanting

[@randomthoughts1001]

Thank You Infinity 🤗 It started my journey here in 2019

[@joshuabarnes6570]

Good luck my friend

[@vipelere]

Maybe... but don't you know that simple things are the most beautiful ?