Couple's Heartfelt reaction to Don Williams - Good Ole Boys Like Me

[@tomseidel2992]

This song is so deep. From the opening line it is about the contradictory and confusing messages that shaped kids, particularly in the south,at that time. Uncle Remus,a fictional former slave, and Stonewall Jackson a defender of the confederacy, both were held in high esteem. And then he gave other examples of the upbringing that made him who he was . The dilemma he faced was that there was so much that he loved about his childhood that even though he rejected parts of it, the good parts still pulled at him. But, as the Thomas Wolfe reference implies, "you can't go home again ". So where does that leave a good old boy like him?

[@evilgenius4213]

You nailed it.

[@sharona7309]

I couldn’t have said it better. As he talked about the influences throughout his life and he realized that he wanted to learn so much more about the world, but he still loved those that were never able to grow beyond their set ways. I still remember hearing Wolfman Jack on the radio. Sadly, not many remember that gravelly voiced DJ.

[@Rocker1983]

Well put.

[@sherylstone8804]

Your reply is amazing.

[@SingleMalt77005]

@@evilgenius4213 He did indeed.

[@darrellwood3913]

He is known as the Gentle Giant.I grew up listening to Don Williams.Amazing artist.Thanks for taking me back.

[@adamhonestyanddecency5054]

Yep-Gentle Giant. And in interviews with him, you can tell that he was deeply sensitive.

[@cclapew]

He sure was the Gentle Giant.... at a time where performers where adding big light shows and everyone was making there shows louder and flashier he would perform on stage with just a bar stool and still he captivated his audience

[@janetnwonderland]

Everytime I hear this song it takes me right back to my childhood. We didn't have the smell of jasmine coming through the window screen, it was the smell of honeysuckle, the smells of spring and summer and fall. I can still remember all the elder men and my father laughing and talking out on the sleeping porch with the fragrance of jasmine and hummingbirds flying all around. I would sit silently just so I could hear the stories and not be sent away. I can't get those memories from my head, and all of those people, father included, are gone now. I used to have a little transistor radio and I would sneak it into bed with me and I could just tune in Wolfman Jack's radio show as it crackled beneath the sheets and I would have to keep one ear alert to the sounds of my mom and dad coming to check on us girls. I would have gotten in so much trouble if they had known I was still up. I had to share a bedroom with my three sisters. I lived out in the country. And this song simply takes me back there. The wind through the oaks and woods was such an amazing sound. I can still hear it all, smell it all, and feel it all. The song makes me miss my father so much. I cry when I hear this song because it takes me back to a beautiful place and time. And it's gone but still a part of me. What do you do with good ole boys, in my case girls, like me?

[@ericthomas5500]

Hello beautiful Don fan hope you are OK and enjoying his tracks??

[@ialone7487]

Love them. Good ol' boys and girls are a dying breed. So love them and take in their history.

[@smyers6211]

I can absolutely relate to your story right down to the smell of the honeysuckle that still grows along the fence line of my childhood home. Mom has passed but I still have dad and a houseful of memories that are all very much alive.

[@gunnerblankenship4132]

It makes me cry too

[@pamspead9090]

Don Williams I believe in you you will enjoy this one

[@TheKeenwanda]

Don Williams You're My Best Friend is another great song of his. His nickname given by Country fans is the 'Gentle Giant'

[@ericthomas5500]

Hello beautiful Don fan hope you are OK and enjoying his tracks??

[@Daetalus67]

Im 53 and Don Williams has been calming my soul for 50 of those years =)

[@richardbailey7472]

Don Williams is awesome

[@dennis2966]

This is my favorite Don Williams song.

[@rongabrieljr.8784]

Probably my favorite Country song ever.

[@evilgenius4213]

Don Williams' "Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good" is one of my favorites, Mac Davis' "Hard to Be Humble", and Bobby Bear's " The Winner" are also great tunes.

[@stevefriery9086]

Gotta throw Jerry Jeff Walker "London Homesick Blues," BJ Thomas "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" in for good measure.

[@stevenm.6886]

I’ve listened to Don Williams since the early 70’s, something about his laid back regular guy style just suits me. Sad we lost him. RIP Don

[@janetdear6429]

Love don Williams, great video thanks 💖😁

[@ericthomas5500]

Hello beautiful Don fan hope you are OK and enjoying his tracks??

[@LeannWebb61]

I saw him in concert. He was nothing flashy. He came out with his guitar, sat on a stool, and sang all his songs. Calm, soothing voice. At the end of his set he said, “I thank y’all for coming.” And that was it. All his songs are calming like this.

[@candi1698]

I remember laying in the backseat of the car late one night when I was about 7, listening to the words of this song. I started listening because I liked his voice. Momma was partying a lot, and it wasn't a good time for me. She had picked me up from the babysitters, and I was miserable. Him talking about choice made a huge impact on me. I started looking at adults I wanted to follow. 40 years later, it's amazing to me how many of the phrases take me back to childhood, & things I heard Grampa say. Boys were called "Little Man", often in connection with teaching them responsibility for family. He listened to Tennessee Williams & Hank Williams Senior records. My sister loved the Wolfman Jack radio show. Every Sunday at church we sang of being washed in the blood. My life took a very different path than it could have. I'm thousands of miles away in a very different culture from where I was raised. I relate to to her comments about visiting home & seeing folks that took a hard path. Like her comments, it was never about judgement for me, but it was sad to see some brilliant and wonderful people struggle due to poor choices. I listen to this to remind me of the good that there was, and things that were so common to me then, that I haven't heard in decades. Things like "winda (window) screen"

[@usaf379]

love your story and insights Candace...I too was soothed as a young man by my Don Williams records. I got odd looks from siblings and neighborhood friends for my taste...they were all into hard rock or r and B...I didn't argue...just said someday maybe you'll get it and went up to my room. Just curious,,,what place and culture did you seek out? I went from bad Detroit neighborhood to town of 3000 people by a Great Lake after some Air Force time...take care...Johnny

[@sarahschatzrussellrealty688]

Didn’t even listen yet and already liked this. Love don Williams

[@ericthomas5500]

Hello beautiful Don fan hope you are OK and enjoying his tracks??

[@xtraflo]

This is my #1 Country Singer of all time !!! Don's got a variety of songs too - a lot of good stuff!!

[@pnwcruiser]

Thoughtful discussion regarding where the Gentle Giant, Don Williams, was coming from. Thanks for sharing!

[@ericmorgan7210]

This song resonates with a lot of folks that were born and raised in a rural setting, myself included, and not just those from the South.

[@atgdcommish608]

I loved this song as a kid (still do). It speaks to anyone who grew up in a small town and went out in the world to (try to) make something of themselves.

[@oldmachinist9236]

Don Williams had so many hits, great voice

[@kandyturner6854]

And he allowed room for even his father to be who he was. Imperfections and all!! I LOVE Don Williams!!!!

[@richardmodglin3900]

Don Williams was loved by many in India. He would go over and perform. They loved his voice.... they loved his deep rich tranquil vocals that have an immediate calming affect. Great reaction!

[@mikerobertson4041]

This song never fails to bring some tears. Maybe it's so relatable, being a Southerner through and through!

[@deploribusrex4480]

You are such a wonderful couple. I wish only the best for your relationship and your family.

[@kristihardin-smith3515]

Don Williams has been one of my all time favorite country singers since I was a little girl. One of the most underrated County singers of the seventies and eighties.

[@CountryMusicMann]

So many of Don Williams' songs I have on my iPhone under a playlist for listening to when I go to bed, because they're so softly sung. You ought to listen to "Lord I Hope This Day Is Good" by him as well.

[@jeffreytroublefield4265]

Was his best teacher feel bit so hard to choose. Have memories of my mom dancing around the house when I was kid and this was on the radio. Miss her.

[@NLBrown-gz2qe]

Same. A lot of his stuff strikes a lot of emotions.

[@brianhespe5082]

This song always reminds me of when I was aboutv9 years old, living in and old house with my mom and two of my brothers. The wind at night would whistle through the big elm tree right outside my bedroom window. And when the moon was full in the winter you'd have shadows dancing across the floor. Entire house was heated with a wood stove.... truly do miss those days.

[@EarthWalker2023]

Pure heaven to the ears

[@danieldonovan6244]

Those Williams BOYS mean alot to me Hank and Tennesee and Don Williams

[@garyblevins3532]

He was called the gentle giant. He was pure and simple.

[@TexasMagnolia]

Oh boy. Just Don Williams voice will make you emotional.

[@shanecowan9667]

Smooth describes his voice perfectly.

[@moosetruck66]

Thanks for reacting to Don Williams. He's one of the All-time Country Greats.

[@satterfieldelectric5504]

MAN YOU ARE BLESSED,SHE IS RIGHT ON TARGET.GREAT SHOW.

[@trebreh1100]

She has such a tender heart

[@rebeccawarmack2572]

I have always loved this song. Don Williams is always Orth a listen.

[@donbonser]

I recently discovered this song and it is absolutely wonderful...Don Williams' rendition of it is sublime. And I loved your analysis of it and of Don's voice. Thank you for this!

[@StudeSteve62]

You like Don, you two would enjoy Keith Whitley and Vern Gosdin, too. Keith: "Don't Close Your Eyes" or the sweetly happy "Miami, My Amy"; Vern: "Chiseled In Stone"...

[@BC25citizen]

Keith Whitley's 'It Ain't Nothin' is a good one too.

[@GaOutlawVinyl]

Don Williams voice never changed as he got older. I highly recommend his song Infinity. It was on his next to last album & one of his best.

[@cards1985]

Don was a great singer. Many hits.

[@zweetvoeten]

To honor my father i have a "Gentle Giant" tattoo on my leg. He was a huge Don Williams fan. Nice to see you react to him.

[@pamagnolia]

I’ve never heard that song. It was wonderful. I love your after talks. So revealing showing what nice folks you are. 😄

[@onewxrldmusic7303]

Everything this guy did was legendary. He went for a concert in Harare, Zimbabwe and how they adored him and knew all his songs. He was passing through a street and a blind man was singing his song....

[@onewxrldmusic7303]

Excerpt of the blind singer in Zimbabwe then Don Williams and the Zimbabwean audience kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKPJf3-Ld5qUpck

[@bettyvan1213]

One can get out of the situation they were in as a kid, but it will still leave it's mark in the form of both warm and painful memories.

[@chadolson9078]

I love that people still remember Don Williams, my mom played his songs all the time and they're on my playlists to this day, thank you for requesting it and thank you so much for you two for reacting to him.

[@bigdaddyj452]

The gentle giant. He was fantastic

[@johnparker8588]

I am a southern boy who grew up in the 50’s and 60’s. But I have a picture of him living in a small shotgun house with trees in the yard. The windows are up and you can hear the night sounds that I seldom hear now because I live in a city. However, many of us my age know people who grew up poor. His dad drank too much but he still loved his family. Basically he still thinks a lot about his childhood and in ways would like to go back. But he got out of there for his own good but the impact of his upbringing will never leave him. I think that’s true with all of us.

[@jbs2763]

One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite artists

[@williamblankenship4800]

Smoothest voice in country music.

[@Troy_nov1965]

I love this song , its one of my all time favorites !

[@tonymeehan7859]

Don was such a great story teller. Has such a great voice, still miss him a lot

[@cindystroud2814]

Don Williams concerts were so different. Back in the 80's he came out on stage with a bar stool and a guitar and played like you were the only 2 in the room.

[@richwilson8658]

you can spend a day reacting to him and enjoy every song he did

[@suet6950]

Ya'll are amazing, love ya'll so much and your reactions and the way you feel about the song's ...your favorite fan from South Carolina ...

[@ericthomas5500]

Hello beautiful Don fan hope you are OK and enjoying his tracks??

[@tomfelkins3528]

Thank you so much. This song always reminds me of my dad. I miss him. You guys are great.

[@deploribusrex4480]

Glad that another set of good folks are enjoying Don Williams.

[@Butterflyandhearts95]

Ahhhh Don Williams Called the gentle giant. Smooth voice.

[@soonertee]

Best voice in country or just about anything to me. Can listen to him all day. Very humble man also.

[@jamesaritchie1]

One of my all time favorite singers. He has many songs I love, but I relate to this song on a personal level that very, very few songs have reached. This song could easily have been written about my life growing up. It's deep, it's meaningful, and it's incredibly well performed by Don Williams.

[@chrissnow3564]

When I'm on my two hour drive to my mom's I throw on Don George or Hank Sr. Unbelievable voices. This is truly classic country.

[@foggymountainman9138]

One of this old man's favorites. TY guys 🙏👍

[@ab34e]

One of my favorite songs when raising our kids in East Texas ... We had Live Oak trees all over our place & "daddy'd come in & kiss his little man. Gin (sometimes) on (my) breath (but always) a bible in my hand .... " Love y'all's reaction to this.

[@ralphengquist9732]

Ralph 6/16/23 I’m 71 years old. Totally enjoyed your content. You are both very sweet and insightful. This song came over my KZbin quite by accident. I am born and raised in Detroit, so I’m pretty into the Motown sound, but very much enjoyed your insights and hope to catch more of them.

[@bobbyscott5162]

His Love song called Amanda is a haunting ballad that Shot to number 1 and is still popular today.

[@blakewestwood8096]

Yes, his is my favorite version. Just ahead of Chris Stapleton's version

[@bobbyscott5162]

@@blakewestwood8096 I don't care for his version at all. Sorry.

[@garyevans3421]

Several have covered it, including Waylon Jennings, but Don was first and my favorite!

[@ashrimpcalledhank]

Don Williams is in my top 10 all time favorites. And I´m just a country boy Money have I none But I´ve got silver in the stars Gold in the mornin´ sun I grew up in a rual cotton town in Az during the 70's and 80's

[@armandchargois5733]

The very best mellow voice that I have ever heard in music… So what do you do, with good old boys like me? RIP Don!

[@trevorfillmore698]

I used to sing this to my son the put him to sleep when he was a baby. Don has a lot of good songs.

[@EgbertWilliams]

Love this song. Had his greatest hits years ago. What a voice.

[@lelandc9763]

So glad I had a family who instilled this type of music in me

[@marybaird514]

He has a smooth voice

[@757optim]

Don's voice is smooth as silk. "Washed in the blood" is a poignant line for this Good Friday. The day the blood of the Lamb was shed for us all.

[@bettyvan1213]

Washed in the blood is a "born again" Christian.

[@unnecessaryapostrophe4047]

@@bettyvan1213 It's an expression that's familiar to most Christians, including Catholics.

[@kosiroley1375]

He was an elder in the Churches of Christ ... so he was immersed in baptism ... washed in the blood...

[@thebassbat7882]

Hello from Ireland. Don came here often. one of his last concerts was here in Ireland. we loved him so much. he was loved around the world. he was big even in south Africa.

[@terryduncan31]

I think she nailed it!

[@JPDillon]

A lot of folks suggestion many different Don Williams songs. He had so many hits in the 80s. This is a rabbit hole ya'll would definitely enjoy. We all would be happy to tag along!

[@duaneford8875]

Love Don Williams.

[@marcynelson8561]

Being a girl growing up when this song first came out. In 1980 i was 18, and hearing this song and being a country girl at heart, even being raised in SoCal, I got so much from this song back then, and still do every time i hear it still. Like you Tasha. My roots come from the deep south. My dads family comes from Speedwell Tenn. I can remember clearly the trips we took to grandma and grandpa's home, and seeing people like you recall, sitting on their porches with water, tea or lemonaid and their radios playing while they relaxed after working all day, and how they would wave and say hello when you passed...life was so simple then, and most everyone was just so laid back....Its so sad that most kids today, dont get to experience this like we did....And T. you are so right, his voice is so soothing and relaxing to hear, It is so very wonderful that these songs survived all these years, and that they can still get the reaction from other people who hear them. Thank you fo sharing this song and for the memories it brought back.....HUGGS to you both, keep up the great old songs.....Marcy

[@casparvonsader4505]

Don was the very first concert I ever went to, waaay back in '74 or '75. I was 9 or 10, & my (step) dad & I drove for a couple of hours in his old, beat-up white Ford Escort van, the smell of our dogs on the blanket I used to cover myself as the heating was broken, to a town on the south coast of England (Brighton) where he was playing. I grew up listening to his country 8 tracks when we went "on adventures" in his van or lorry (he drove long distance for work, well, as 'long distance' as you can go on a small island) with Johnny, Willie, Kris, Merle & so many others, keeping us company as we drove. Don was his favourite though, & we'd sing along at the top of our voices, so lost in the music & happiness of sharing special moments together, that the miles would fly by, & suddenly we'd arrive at our destination, hundreds of miles on the clock that seemed to have passed in minutes. 'I recall a Gypset Woman' was his favourite track, & 'Amanda', was mine; a few years later, when this song was released, it joined 'Amanda' as my favourite (although tbh, I think they're all my favourite, just depending on how I'm feeling at the time). That was a long time ago, but the memories we made, with Don as our singing companion, are as fresh today as if they were yesterday. His deep, resonant voice made everything sound beautiful, & I can still sing so many of his songs word for word. 'You're My Best Friend', 'Tulsa Time', 'Atta Way to Go', 'Lay Down Beside Me' & so, so many more, are perfect examples of how one doesn't need brash, slick lyrics or flashy, over-produced vocal gymnastics to make a perfect song, just a voice, warm as velvet, uncomplicated, sincere lyrics & simple, heartfelt delivery. The 'gentle Giant' was a master storyteller & a gentleman through & through, & he is greatly missed still. Such a great reaction, thank you so much, you never fail to brighten my days with your reactions. UK friendship & appreciation. Peace.

[@barbaradalziel9421]

Don Williams music is so great, we grew up listening to him.

[@celinelovell4725]

One of my all time fave country singers. He a singer not a performer he sits on a stool with his guitar and just sings at his concerts

[@ericthomas5500]

Hello beautiful Don fan hope you are OK and enjoying his tracks??

[@dlmullins9054]

Smooth beautiful voice and a deep message.

[@WandaJ21]

Love it!!

[@ericthomas5500]

Hello beautiful Don fan hope you are OK and enjoying his tracks??

[@ronaldmay8447]

Don Williams was the consummate entertainer. He wasn't pretentious or ego driven at all. He was just a "good ol boy" from Texas who was given a beautiful gift from God. He had the ability to paint a picture in your mind like no one else. I have many, many favorite songs and artists, but this is probably my all time favorite song. I was fortunate enough to see him live in Macon shortly before he passed away, and Im so grateful!!!!

[@wadedwigans442]

This song has always had meaning for me, born in Indiana but transplanted to Texas at age 6. I'm a Texan through and through. . Small town background. I've always felt he was saying that no matter how long or how far away he goes, that small town, mayberry, country tradition is who he is and it's less and less compatible with our changing world. People arent as friendly or trusting as we perceive they used to be. Its more dangerous and less accepting of people from our older generations . I feel as he does. What do you do as just a good old boy who still lives by those wholesome values while the world slowly rejects them

[@deannasisson5751]

To use a word made famous by 'the Fonz', "Exactamundo!" I grew up hanging out with relatives a generation older than I, because my parents had and she went home to her family. You can't go home again as Thomas Wolfe may have said, but only while we live. Those you loved will be waiting for you, 'Upstairs'. God bless you all!

[@jamesaritchie1]

I was born in Indiana, but spent many, most, of my young life in Kentucy and Tennessee, and then South Carolina. I hit the road when I was only fourteen, but despite all the traveling I did, I never stopped being what my childhood made me. I still remember the smells, and the sound of the wind in the live oak trees. I had a big, stand-up radio in my rook as a kid. Ironically, Stonewall Jackson was one of my favorite country singers when I was a kid. Anyway, yeah, who do you do with good ol' boys like us?

[@Yowza78]

Aww .. A shout out to Tennessee Williams in a country song. Gotta love it!

[@roseyanchak886]

I have every song he ever made .love it

[@waltobringer2928]

This has been one of my favorite songs for a VERY long time. There is only one Don Williams and He's the best!

[@madeinAmericasince-rz9cp]

Ooooohhhhh man I love don Williams

[@alanh1508]

Nice reaction to a great song. It nice to see that Tasha isn't on this country journey by herself.

[@Almcingrid3663]

I grew up listening to Don Williams

[@Tsukamaki]

Love Is On A Roll is another great tune from the late, great Mr. Williams.

[@rlh125]

I love Don Williams' voice.

[@incantation521]

My favorite Don Williams song is, then it's love. It's got a swing feel and horns.

[@markmyers6472]

one of my all time favorite country songs... Don Williams had a voice of butter... and this song has so much reference and imagery.... it paints a tapestry of memories for me...

[@usaf379]

paints a tapestry of memories....you my friend have a songwiter in you

[@markmyers6472]

@@usaf379 Thank you... reality is I have fond memories of having grown up and raised in the south... I say 'Bama born, Texas raised.... and this song invokes the memories of gentle summer breezes, breathing in the intoxicating scent of jasmine and honeysuckle, barefoot in the cool green grass, front porch sitting, waving and speaking to neighbors and strangers... I have been blessed, but lament the slow death of those times, choked out by the cancer of hate, anger and indifference for all. But I truly appreciate your immense compliment... lyricists and poets are heroes for a diminishing time.

[@kderekgoodwin]

Really enjoy listening to Don. Side note: Jasper County Ga has some lovely countryside with rolling hills and lots of cows…

[@Tuesdays_Gone]

“The Gentle Giant” definitely has a calm voice. I didn’t really like Country as a kid, but always loved him. I’m about 60 miles north of Atlanta, and we still speak to everyone.

[@ericthomas5500]

Hello beautiful Don fan hope you are OK and enjoying his tracks??

[@nolantomlinson7554]

I saw Don Williams in concert. He came out, sat on a stool and played his guitar and sang. Occasionally chatted with the audience a little. Nothing flashy, no dancing around, just good music.

[@UseByDate-Expired]

One of my favorite songs I ever covered. Probably because my granddaughter loves my version..

[@tyronmegawatts6580]

Don was awesome.

[@lj8248]

You 2 are awesome

[@2299jsimon]

He was very popular in Africa... music from the heart.

[@tomfisher44]

This song was written to be so specific to the singer's formative years but it is relatable to a lot of people.