This is one of the best songs I've ever heard.

[@kevincz99]

Come here for the music, stay for the therapy. Thanks Michael. I know I'm not alone when I say that you have a special way of communicating with your audience.

[@Guitargate]

Thx kevin. I appreciate you very much

[@angonorato1770]

Agree, agree!

[@jmichael82]

Amen.

[@seanc.5310]

💯

[@ryanseanmusicandlove]

I totally agree . im legally blind i dont work or drive. Channels like this help me feel a sense of community through emotion amd music. It means the world to me

[@bigisnomis]

My father had first shown me this song about 5 months ago, he always told him how it made him tear up because of how true it was. he passed away less than a month ago. i never understood what this song meant until he passed. this song will always mean the world to me, i miss him so much. Rest in peace dad 1963-2023♥

[@jamess3509]

It blows me away to hear a song in my ears that I've been listening to in my heart for years.

[@Guitargate]

Now THATS A LINE!!

Wow! Just wow, exactly that!

[@waden404]

Thought i was done crying.....until i read this comment. Its all good tho.

[@austinblack6702]

I was looking for the words. You nailed it.

[@kalania14]

Well said, Sir. I turned my backroads into highways long ago on my way to making a mountain from little hills

[@petestottsberry1133]

Man… my favorite time of day. I’m a trucker, guitarist, husband, father. When I shut this rig down at night, I always go straight to your KZbin. I travel with my Gibson CL-50, break it out and watch your stuff. Your soul touches my soul. Thanks!

[@Guitargate]

Love it Pete!! Thanks so much! Be safe out there.

[@jimcramer7189]

Who is the singer

[@alexandrachapman5134]

Soul to soul... the only way to go!❤

[@wheatthinnsguy01]

“The one that holds the grudge carries the burden” Wow that’s one of the realest things I’ve heard in a while

[@Guitargate]

Real talk brother!

[@cmatte82]

I realized that lesson a while back. But I couldn’t have put it so eloquently. Love it.

[@waden404]

Michael.....ive spent 10yrs carrying that grudge over my divorce. I said things that i truly regret. The lyrics in the song.....spot on. What u said...spot on. This video is, IMO, your best EVER!!! Probably because its home with me. Thnk u. PS: as an over the road truck driver, your comment about the highways.....so true. This job has been both a blessing and somewhat of a curse.

[@Thystonius]

Yes, I relate a lot to the background story of Michael regarding my dad... including building my life around my family as good as I can

[@KarlOlofsson]

Well, sometimes it's all you can get from a bad situation, and then it might be worth it. For a while. Letting go is usually hard, after all.

[@lowcountryfossilhunter]

“The one who carry’s the grudge, carry’s the burden” wow Michael, incredible.

[@garysandifer9169]

sounds like a great lyric.

[@James-qt9dj]

Gotta love them for who they are not who you want them to be… healthy boundaries…. In the same boat here… it’s sad but it is what it is.

[@daviddubinsky868]

What an interesting guy. This is the quote on Travis' homepage. An orphan who turned into a preacher, A preacher who turned into a songwriter, A songwriter that turned into a drunk, A drunk that is learning to be a human

[@osanakoma366]

What a beauty, learning to be human... Growth never stops.

[@customgtrs]

He is the man...check out his song Old Ghost

[@Guitargate]

Holy shit.

[@jimpowell7536]

@@Guitargate Travis has a pretty impressive list of song credits but nobody can perform them better than him because they come from an honest place.

[@bobbyraney4936]

Dayum what a way with words this man has

[@repem2004]

Watched this last night before bed, woke up and watched it again. Powerful stuff, I’m a 17 year old kid and have been going through it a little bit with my parents, haven’t been my best to say the least. You’ve really convinced me that picking up my guitar beats getting in trouble when I need to get away from it all. The true fight is within indeed. Thanks again Michael.

[@redstateforever]

Good on ya. Some advice, learned the hard way…think before you act. It’s crazy how something you do when you’re young and dumb can literally affect the REST of your life, not in a good way. Life is short, but it can seem really long when you’re living with bad decisions. God bless you, bubba, keep your chin up.

[@hotramen5952]

if i could go back to the time in my life you are experiencing now... id say to myself "stop smoking, lay off the weed, and start lifting weights 5 days a week." hope your sitch is getting better since you posted.

[@jamiebroglin7395]

good luck to you bud, it doesn't get any easier.

[@scottray1237]

Reid, I am a 56 year old man and father of six kids. Trust me when I tell you, your parents love you more than you will ever know until you have a child. Hang in there young man, your life’s journey is just beginning. Whatever the issues are with your parents, work it out. All of my kids are grown and out of the house, and after losing their mother years ago I would give everything to do it all again. Cheers

[@travisnorman7947]

You’re streets ahead of your contemporaries.

[@chrishannon3689]

“Building a life around my family instead of building my family around my life”. Thats a quote i will not forget. Indirectly we have a lot in common. I started playing at 9, went off the rails a few times. But, yes, I built my life around my family. Loved my Dad more than words can say. Thanks Michael for this particular video. Chris

[@christopherbaione5963]

Wow- started guitar at 9. Been through a lot of valleys as well. Love my pops too... My names Chris... ❤️✌🏼

[@Guitargate]

Love you brother :)

[@tracynourse8407]

"Going away isn't the solution..." Wise words. Wherever you go, there you are.

[@timfulton3819]

I only just realized Dad is the only man who broke my heart. Thank you, Travis Meadows. Healing is good.

[@dongorth9102]

I just watched a video he did explaining what his inspiration was to write this song...He talked a lot about you and this video..He said because of this video his You tube site blew up...He thanked you for that...This is a great song and your evaluation of it is also great...

[@davidroynewby]

That is awesome. Thanks for sharing this, Don! 👏🏼

[@benjigault9043]

My lord what an incredible tune. This is why I love this channel. I would have never stumbled upon this tune without you.

[@customgtrs]

Here is another one.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqmcZWiFir6qqLM

[@rebeccaryland5945]

Thank you! Nice piece of music! Rebecca Ryland. So beautiful!

[@MartinLindholm]

This is one of the greatest guitar lessons out there! Consists of 98% of what’s important in life, and 2 chords! ❤️

[@Guitargate]

Correct.

[@JNoble-cq7bt]

My dad was a truck driver he did what he had to do for the family. I understood that even as child. My dad is 80 now and he is my best friend. Not sure what I'll do when he's gone but I'm not wasting time with rhat rite now. Love your people we are only here for a little while. ❤

[@freds9464]

This is fred !! Thank you Music binds, connects and heals I don't know you personally, but I know people like us....... ......

[@jimpowell7536]

Thanks for introducing our friend on this account! I've been following Travis for several years now and he's simply amazing. He's having some health issues right now and needs the support. Hopefully he'll be back soon. If you've never heard him live, you should really treat yourself. It's like going to church.

[@freds9464]

@@jimpowell7536 my prayers are with one of my favorite artists and clearly an angel . Thank you

[@ernestochefujara2709]

"the roads and the highways won't get you there". As someone who's been relocating for years trying to find some peace...I gotta say I am stunned after watching this video. I came here to enjoy music and find new artists, not face my demons, Michael. Kidding aside, thanks for what you do and I wish you all the best. Your kids are lucky to have you as their father.

[@sendasantiguasgiddings]

Wow sideways has some hauntingly beautiful lyrics….. From the opening line “If I could buy my self a conscience that wasn’t broken” to the heart stopping “I have moments when I act just like my father, the only man that ever broke my heart” Wow, this is a songwriter that has been seasoned with pain and hurt, and his words cut beneath the layers of our onion heart to get to the center !!! God Bless this man with Peace

[@Guitargate]

Correct.

[@richardsims4779]

That line about his father hit real close to home and it gutted me.

[@adambell3615]

My old man has got a terminal illness and he’s asleep in his chair. Watching this and watching him and appreciating the life he’s help build for me has been a powerful moment. Thanks to you Michael and to this fucking saint Travis . I’m diving into his music asap

[@stirlinghowe]

Hit me in the gut bright and early at 6am hahaha. It was fantastic and I'm gonna spend the day listening to this guy. Thanks for doing this one Michael -- appreciate the honesty about your family.

[@Guitargate]

Always brother.

[@customgtrs]

He doesn't have a bad song...check.out Old Ghost

[@calebgrant2701]

I opened for Travis in Hutto Tx at little bar a couple of years ago. There was maybe 12 people there but they were from all over the country and it was one of the top 5 concerts I’ve ever seen. Travis is freakin incredible y’all.

[@conor6440]

people have a lot more shared experiences than they realize. we're a lot more alike than we are different

[@Guitargate]

Fact. Thx brother

[@beenice9867]

This should have some with a warning. It broke my heart and made me smile. It made me cry and forgive my father. Thanks Michael. You’re a man with heart.

[@scootarooda4064]

Man, I needed that point about forgiveness . Been a really hard couple of weeks

[@Guitargate]

Yeah man. It’s true :)

[@DanielHernandez-gb2rx]

Thanks to whoever brought this to Michael's attention. Michael you said something that you should use as a lyric. "All alone on the road. Driving to keep moving to find something to care about. To find something to get away from. But going away isn't the solution. You have to go towards something."

[@onlyapilgrim]

sir i don’t know who you are, i’ve never seen your videos before, but as a young guitarist and a kid with a difficult relationship with my father, this video found me at a good time. my dad’s birthday is this month too. your insights about this song, music and life really affected me today. i don’t know if you’ll ever see this, but i’ve gotta say thank you. kudos to you sir

[@Guitargate]

Love you brother. Thank you :)

[@Waltz505]

He’s been my favorite songwriters for a long time. I got to see him in VA at a very small cafe and it was unbelievable. Nobody in there new what greatness they were witnessing. He signed my guitar too. Lol. Travis is the man.

[@JeffBostick222]

Word! I sat and cried watching him perform in California. Maybe it was a culmination of things, taking my girlfriend to a place I had lived as a teenager through a young man, the wine, and the music. Became an instant fan.

[@brandonralphs9280]

“Going away isn’t the solution. You have to go TOWARDS something; because you can be an object in motion, but it doesn’t mean that you’re going to a place that will change what you’re bringing with you.” That’s not bad English, sir. As a man who always seems to be on the run, it’s some of the truest words I’ve ever heard.

[@Guitargate]

Love you sir. Love you.

[@MrPaul985]

Jesus… I’ve never heard of Travis Meadows before but this song spoke to me on such a deep level. I’m definitely looking into him

[@swstrat]

Ran into Travis in Nashville in the early days of my recovery. Got a lot of strength from his songs and a few intense conversations....he's about as real as it gets.

[@Guitargate]

I bet. I can feel that from him.

[@geirgerhardsen5813]

"unlearn the things I wish I never knew" had my eyes water abit 🥰

[@kenneththomas1062]

WOW JUST FREAKIN WOW. So, I started playing at 5 because I wanted to be like my dad then I discovered Neal Schon then EVH and finally Eric Johnson then wouldn't you know it, my dad died in 87 2 weeks after my 16th birthday and I went so far off the rails. I put 1,593,000 miles on the road at a job I didn't want. This song has my world written all over it. Hard to watch but simply perfect. Thanks for sharing

[@Guitargate]

1.593M is a huge number. Holy shit.

[@GitarmanBob]

@@Guitargate 1.6M …. Not an uncommon mileage for truck drivers. Think how many solitary hours that represents.

[@christophervii]

Well Jesus Christ, what an emotional episode. I needed this today. Michael, thank you for your wisdom here. S/O to Fred for this one

[@MrCause666]

Never commented before …. But watched for a long time … I think it’s awesome how honest you are about your thoughts and not afraid to share your feelings . Inspirational . Thanks 🙏 🇦🇺

[@reggiedunlop2222]

As a son that’s losing his dad to cancer this song brought me to tears

[@mitchweiner]

This guy sounds like no one in country music except maybe Chris Stapleton… He deserves to be a huge star! This was an unexpectedly poignant episode,MP!

[@Guitargate]

Thx!!

[@Donnybrook10]

Why? Fame ruins the greats.

[@donhancock1721]

That song came from a lifetime of struggle and pain and he makes you feel it and connect. That's what makes it a great song.

[@peterbrown2112]

This is so powerful! Lost my pops ten years ago and still miss him every day. I didn't cry for over a year, and this was very troubling to me, I thought "what the hell is wrong with me?" It turns out that I was just a lot like pops, hard to show emotion because to show emotion I always thought that leaves me vulnerable. And it does, but that's all a part of it too. I think it is when you're most vulnerable, that's when you find out what you are really made of. Anyway, I can go on all day with this, but I just want to say thank you! I am crying now and I think it's exactly what I needed right now, actually been needing it for a long time, and this is the first real release of grief I've had since I lost my little brother Jason. I miss playing with them both. It took me almost two years before I could even look at my guitar, Just too painful to lose the most important person in my life. Not only was Jason my little brother, he was also my best friend, and the one who always pushed me to play more. It's funny. I taught him how to play, well, I showed him a few chords, and he took off like a rocket!!! Within two months he had blown way past my abilities, phenomenal to watch him play, and to learn from him. THANK YOU MICHAEL!!! Also the guy that sent this to you!! What a great song.

[@ElyJaffeMusic]

"going away isn't the solution, you gotta go towards something" dayummmmmm Michael that hit home 🙏

[@guyfyffe5920]

As an alcoholic in recovery myself, this man Travis did the work. Just...wow.

[@DominicAJames]

Going away isn't the solution... so true ... Man when Travis sings "like my father the only man ghat broke my heart" it gets you back home straight away...

[@iamgates7679]

Michael - been following you since some of your first guitar lessons back in the day. You’re offering something that almost no one in this genre (reaction videos, guitartube, etc) is offering: humanity. It’s a good reminder that all the technicalities in the music means nothing if the humanity is lost in it. Keep doing you man. You’re creating something special here :) Cheers!

[@Guitargate]

Thanks my friend. I know you, sir :)

[@monicaroland9515]

Never heard of this guy until today!!! How have I missed him??!!?? LOVE, LOVE, LOVE his voice!! And playing!

[@NitaKerns]

The one who holds the grudge is the one who carries the burden. I needed to hear that. Ive been heart-broken by a man and I still feel horrible about it, but I dont want to anymore. He's fine, living his life. I want that too.

[@TheOakster]

Haven't stopped listening to him since I heard this. What a great artist. Inspirational guitar and some amazing songs that just ring true in so many ways. I love these recommendations.

[@BenBigelow3]

Same here brother. Been sharing with my friends and family.

[@Whooooooops]

"Going away isn't the solution, you have to go towards something" Damn i really needed to hear that, thank you

[@handsdownnailstudio]

Ugh. "The Only Man Who Ever Broke My heart " Incredible song. Thanks for sharing.

[@lynnhuddleston3199]

“The one that holds the grudge carries the burden. “ ❤ Made me cry. You’re killing me this morning!

[@str3tchakers965]

Thanks for always being there for me without ever knowing your were! Thank you Michael

[@hunterboutwell6081]

I really needed this today more then you know. I recently lost someone very close to me and have been struggling day to day. I have felt like a lot of my insecurities from my past and past experiences have been dictating my life recently. Everyday isn’t suppose to be roses and chocolates, but it is good to be reminded to keep pushing towards something better. Thanks man, much love 🙏

[@allguitar3349]

Right on man. You got this ..

[@Guitargate]

My pleasure brother. We're all in this together.

[@amusicment4829]

Beautiful song by Travis Meadows, beautiful tearful reaction and analysis from you, thank you so much-and thanks to the subscriber Fred S for suggesting this special song.

[@MrHercules222]

Shortly after my son was born I quit over the road trucking. My dad laid into me like never before. Told me I would never be able to "provide for my family". Here we are 10 years later, I'm doing just fine financially and I am home every night by 6:00. Maybe my definition of "providing for my family" is a little different from his.

[@damianutano8542]

Oh man, I’m 60 years old, musician from Australia, and this song is the story of my life! Thanks for sharing

[@joshuawaterman1804]

Travis Meadows is such an unbelievable talent. So glad to see you do a video on one of his songs!

[@juliebanks7686]

Everywhere you go, there you are.

[@waynebagwell6156]

His entire catalog is this good. I'm so glad you did this!! Thank you!

[@rebeccaryland5945]

I agree, a great piece of music! Thank you! - Rebecca Ryland, Davis, California

[@patrickriggenbach3127]

Thanks to your father, you found out what kind of father you want to be. Be thankful for this, it‘s the way the world works. It‘s all part of a plan!

[@doom_n_boom9939]

I lost my father just over a year ago. Rocky relationship, our anger was disguised in fear. He lost a son during covid and I lost a brother, my best friend. We kindled our relationship over time and I'm glad we made peace long before he passed. You say so much without saying much at all and it's powerful. My brother who was a guitarist, would've loved your channel and I'm grateful to have found it. His soul resonates with your passion for music, and for that...I thank you. Keep up the good work. I'm just saddened I've just come across this video now. None the less...You've got a long time follower.

[@timguthrie8682]

“Absolutely unbelievable”. This song reminds me of so much of my life as I’m sure it does many more of you. I don’t want this artist to change, but he deserves to be heard!

[@_Tyler-G]

as a father, this is a wake up call. i've always strived to be better for my kids but I neeeeeeed to do more and be their peace, as well as their present challenge supporter. God blesss

[@dpaine6405]

If you have not spoken a single word, I would have understood. Priceless interpretation and I felt every bit as much as you did.

[@russelljackman1413]

That was great! Pulled my heartstrings, too...

[@hsmith633]

Your emotion rivals the emotion of the song. Made my day to see this-loving what you do my man.

[@susanrussell3001]

I love his lyrics and the truthful way he delivers them I would put him in the category of john prine and Hank williams SR. Followed by your own comments which were in the same framing as the man you praise truthful and heart felt thanks don't ever change

[@wiggleroom3039]

This is like the music I loved from the 'sixties, straight from the artist. A singer and a guitar. About time it comes around again. It can feed a lot of hungry hearts.

[@rebeccaryland5945]

You are right- This was great! I enjoyed this very much!

[@btheriault2015]

Love the Colter Wall hat! Songs like these are what music was meant for, in my opinion, and I’m glad you appreciate them! Thank you for all these videos, it’s so refreshing to listen to a true music fan love and appreciate all of my favorite tunes! More Lost Dog Street Band and Tyler Childers I hope! Keep Killin’ it, Man, I appreciate you so much, I get lost in your videos every night while unwinding after a long day at work! 🤙🏻

[@TheJourneyman2012]

Best 'impromptu' therapy session I've had in long time.. Thank you Michael, this felt very honest and personal.

[@thedeltabohemian]

Travis is a treasure! A gem! So glad you discovered him. Delve in to all his music. You won’t regret it! I’m thankful Travis turned me in to you, Michael. 💛🙏

[@Benry1]

“Really shows forgiveness is the most powerful human trait……. Aaaanyway that was A, Bm,…” haha I came for the guitar lessons and stayed for the life lessons ❤️

[@JohnnieVIII]

The steel player is my old buddy Jack Untz. We used to play together in Dawn Beyer’s band. He left Nashville last year. Miss you Jack. Hope you’re doing well pal. Travis hope you’re well too. Thanks for covering this

[@Guitargate]

Right on Johnny!

[@smltkl1572]

beautiful words... deep, emotional and 'real'....

[@fenderbender8132]

I found Travis when I was searching out people to inspire me to get back into writing songs. He has a song about a divorce I ended up hearing it in the middle of a breakup with a girl I love dearly. His song helped me so much during some tough times.. This guy is a monster song writer. I suggest finding all his stuff and sinking into it. Such a master with melody and words. He writes for alot of popular people.

[@gbone82]

This song was written about my life it's almost like I was lead here just to here it and to hear you explain it I've played and performed over 45yrs and never has a song broke my heart like this. I'm messed up with unwanted tears but thank you so much for sharing this. Love what you do

[@ish474]

there is so much more common ground between our life experiences that if we were sitting at a bar together music might not even come up! Killer tune that's a bullseye for me.

[@setecastronomy53]

First time I've ever heard this gentleman or this song. I really love music that gets me misty. Man, this is timeless beauty. Thanks so much for sharing this and for your great comments and insights.

[@crashjunipero]

duuude, you are sooooo wise beyond your years! I came here for a guitar lesson and ended up getting and sharing life lessons! absolutely amazing in all that we're going thru we can find gems like this when we need it! btw, that pedal steel is sooo damn tasty. my dad showed me to listen to it. soooo underrated!

[@Ziggy7278]

Speechless. Vocals are spectacular and lyricism is nothing short of perfection.

[@mtouhey229]

Well, I'm back after about 3 hours. I had to pause and go listen to and read the lyrics to everything I could find from this man. Incredible! Thank you for introducing him to me.

[@BelovedChatter]

Like Jackson Browne said “No matter how fast I run I can never seem to get away from me”

[@abgnbd3294]

randomly came across this today, and it's my dads birthday today fr. songs amazing (like somone else said, the song starts and its like "shut up and listen"). and what you said - the one who holds the grudge carries the burden. means a lot boss. thank you thank you thank you. im gonna call my dad.

[@MisterSausage1]

Your channel has opened me up to all sorts of artists I’ve never heard of. It’s inspiring to pick the guitar up after watching one of your vids. Thank you for that!

[@prime-mate]

Only man who ever broke my heart....

[@randomjokers7185]

Wow! This guy writes powerful songs. He has another one Learning how to live alone (acoustic) which is amazing as well. Thank you for using your platform to connect people with music, I don't know if I ever would have come across him other wise.

[@hernandomadronero4833]

Fantastic video!!!

[@FlyingJustToFall]

Awesome video Michael. One of the best you've ever done.

[@rudbel88]

a simply amazing track..

[@lorielundgren7169]

Amen! THE most powerful and the most difficult...AND the most valuable lesson in human life. Forgiveness. It is the key to everything. Absolutely beautiful song and story!

[@andreasknuppertz5899]

Man, that´s music. man, your words are the truth.

[@JackEdgren]

This was just mesmerizing. Identifying and empathizing all coagulating into a mellow feeling of acceptance that washes away undercurrents of denial - It helps you let it out.

[@Guitargate]

Yes brother. Watch those roads.

[@wilfreddufresne9488]

This video hit home. So many can relate to the lyrics but his voice is so good. Thank you I watched this 10 times lol.

[@michaellee2652]

Holy shit!! I have never heard of Travis Meadows?! So glad I stumble on this today. Just downloaded 3 of his albums....AMAZING!!

[@customgtrs]

He is so good..you will be stuck for a while on him...I've built 2 guitars for him

[@michaellee2652]

@@customgtrs Very nice! The quality of the guitar tone combined with Travis's voice and phrasing is haunting.

[@billywebb9464]

Sometimes God puts things in our path. This video and you were in my path tonight! Though it is subtle, the truth you are pontificating truly resonated with me tonight!!! Subscribed, and thank you!

[@Guitargate]

Thanks and love billy!

[@coltgibson8257]

You MUST listen to “Riser”. It ended up being an album cut for Dierks Bentley but Travis wrote it about all the things he’s struggled with throughout his life. From losing his brother at a young age, to getting cancer as a teenager, to being in and out of rehab/jail, and then having to support his fiancée through her breast cancer. He has a way of speaking his words right into your soul. They don’t make many like him!

[@stephentyler4352]

Thank you for this recommendation. ⚡️

[@coltgibson8257]

Stephen Tyler absolutely!! He has an extended intro version where he tells the stories to everything I mention! Give it a shot. I think you’ll enjoy that!

[@davidcanales975]

One of those tunes with the truthful lyrics that just disintegrate all your hearts lifelong walls. Jeez. Just exceptional

[@allieandbo]

I would LOVE to hear you play along with that entire track and just lay down the accents wherever and whenever you feel.

[@mattgrimmett6067]

Thank you Michael. Thank you

[@theraspful]

The one who holds the grudge,carries the burden!