When A Cowboy Trades His Spurs For Wings - Official Lyric Video - The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

Take a listen to "When A Cowboy Trades His Spurs For Wings" from The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and sing along with the lyrics!
"When A Cowboy Trades His Spurs For Wings" was written by David Rawlings and Gillian Welch. It was performed by Willie Watson and Tim Blake Nelson for the Coen Brother's film "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs".
Performed by Willie Watson & Time Blake Nelson
Written by Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
From the soundtrack album to “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”

[@taylerisu2668]

For those wondering why Buster died so fast: *That’s the point of the story.* Cowboys run and gun till it catches up with them, and someone always has a faster hand. Buster had cleverness, skill, and plenty of moxie, but there’d always be someone who’s just better. Even if the man in black won the duel, he sings this song to show that he understands that he too “can’t be top dog forever”.

[@roflguy114]

Plus he kicked dirt on him to show respect.

[@masamune2984]

We know. Everyone knows. But thanks anyways for explaining still. 🙂

[@gamerstheater1187]

It’s kinda badass that Buster accepted his fate

[@Drelam]

Good lesson, there's always someone whos better at everything, even at the top you're only best for a very very short period of time.

[@tsyf]

As the last lines in the book say: "That will be a different story, yet still the same"

[@laser7925]

The kicking of dirt onto your fallen enemy is a sign of respect. It gives the fallen cowboys spirit to leave the body. It's like a funeral

[@BillyraycyrusIII]

Had no idea, thank you.

[@E3ECO]

Uh, it is? That seems unlikely.

[@arthanis07]

​@@E3ECO in the cowboy/gunslingers lore, it is.

[@nordic_gamer_1438]

It's supposed to symbolically represent throwing the first shovelful of dirt on their grave, which is a respect thing.

[@sky9high611]

​@@E3ECO you have brain damage

[@MrHalohunter24]

It's ironic that kicking dust on someone seems incredibly disrespectful but is actually one of the most respectful things a gunslinger can do for someone he just bested.

[@SteamCheese1]

Cowboy funeral. It's a shortened version of "ashes to ashes and dirt to dirt" you're symbolically burying him. Very honorable.

[@cjhartnest4066]

Kick dirt on somebody alive Yu might not like the outcome, but even pouring dirt on a casket is the same gesture

[@someguywhousesyoutubelikee1376]

@@cjhartnest4066 well to be fair, kicking dirt on someome practically says they're a dead person

[@bigdiccmarty9335]

@@someguywhousesyoutubelikee1376 to be fair, buster's skull was overly ventilated, so it all checks out

[@derpasoruswrecks2773]

"From the dust we all came, and to the dust we shall return. I commend you to the earth brother" Kinda like that

[@tethryss5001]

"Unsaddle my pony, she'll be itching to roam; I'll be halfway to heaven, under horsepower of my own!" Is such an amazing line.

[@nirmalkrish4113]

Yes loved it, an encapsulated message to say death is not the end!

[@santiago950]

Totally!

[@T0pFr0g]

I thing trading spurs for wings was also very deep

[@rjahdali]

its literally true he was the death angel

[@alexharrington5060]

Ya got good taste partner...😅

[@77AbleArcher]

According to gunslinger lore, kicking dust at the feet of a fallen opponent was the ultimate sign of respect, and a means of releasing their souls to eternity. It was a beautiful scene, very well written and portrayed.

[@torpedohippo8493]

Where you getting that from?

[@HusseinMSAAlsalahi71]

Kicking dust is like spitting.

[@Lorgar64]

@@HusseinMSAAlsalahi71 It's like tossing dirt on a coffin. His soul doesn't rise to heaven until it happens.

[@Yukmoufwolf]

It's also where the phrase, "Dusting his dick..." comes from.

[@tonger7018]

@@HusseinMSAAlsalahi71 not in the old west

[@alixander41]

The one person who was able to kill Buster Scruggs, was the only man who respected and admired him.

[@amenthegreat3761]

There's some poetic justice there

[@Jomster777]

And Scruggs underestimated him by thinking he was another smuck to add to his kill count. Poetic Justice indeed

[@gabriellastogner434]

so true :(

[@teaCupkk]

"You make a sweet noise there partner". There was love..

[@dnsmithnc]

Very insightful observation. Thanks.

[@katmaw5910]

The Kid knew he sealed his fate. Not only did he sing to his predecessor of the "faster gun" but to himself - this is the rest of his legendary, brief life. Until the next "faster gun" makes their entrance. He knows that.

[@trckster4617]

His death felt rushed to me and why would they name it afyer him if the movie isnt centered on him

[@ibiaan]

@@trckster4617 there are many stories on the film. I do agreed a more general name would have describe the film better

[@mrod8578]

@@ibiaan Buster Scruggs is an absurd symbol of the Wild West and is not meant to be taken literally the way the other stories were (aside from the last one where you had death come for people from all walks of life). The song, the dance, his prose and use of words is art imitating a cartoonish version of western life. If Buster Scruggs had a stand alone movie it would basically be a full blown dark musical.

[@lawrencerutkowski1205]

@@mrod8578 You say that like it's a problem lol

[@mrod8578]

@@lawrencerutkowski1205 no I appreciated it. It was dark but highly entertaining. The fact he also doesn't consider himself a misanthrope because he is realistic and you can't expect anything other than humans being nasty in nature is both darkly humorous and at the same time tragic.

[@Lpreilly72]

My favorite line from the book at the end, “We give him to you, as he gave you so many. We give him to you, Lord, and humbly ask that you never give him back.”

[@caiquesilva2752]

😂

[@abhishekparmar6702]

its kind, its gentle, its respectful and yet it betrays his true nature, that is of a murderer.

[@bigtoe7934]

@@abhishekparmar6702 Murderer? When did he kill anyone that wasn't self-defense?

[@abhishekparmar6702]

@@bigtoe7934 oh you people. 🤦🏽‍♂️ 1. He killed most people before they drew the gun. 2. Even in self defence it's still considered homicide (justifiable). 3 the fact that he is an outlaw on the basic fact that he's a gunslinger even in USA even in old West such things weren't legal. 4. It's a movie, stop getting so touchy about made up shit. Please don't tag me any further i do not wish to have a lengthy internet argument about made up shit. I've said all i had to.

[@bigtoe7934]

​@@abhishekparmar6702 The Cantina - Scene was threatended, and everyone was reaching for their guns. (Self Defense, not muder) Bar Scene - He pulled a gun on him and made it clear he was going to shot him. (Self Defense, not murder) First Duel - He shot his gun hand fingers off and he still tried to reach for his gun with the other hand. (Self Defense, not murder) If you cant wrap your head around self defense I'm just going to assume your a liberal who would rather virtual signal then remain safe.

[@bonidle726]

Buster is a character that deserves his own movie. Tim Blake Nelson is a very under rated and under used actor.

[@liluziturd7061]

he was fantastic in o brother where art thou as well

[@sgray001]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIvGZYOMi8lgZtk Here's a little somethin' for ya. Ifen ya haven't seen it already, that is.

[@ZonnexNecton]

If Marvel/Disney was smart, they can bring him to reprise his The Incredible Hulk as the now mutated Leader. But then again it is MCU, and he probably doesn't want a big publicity especially since he can nail his acting ability as Hulk's archenemy.

[@kell_checks_in]

And singer! Who knew he had such a great singing voice!?

[@SeraphusInferis]

He's America; he's us in every way.

[@Broncoboy-ti1qk]

1:12 I love how "The Kid" looks up slightly and hears Buster singing and smiles knowingly.

[@faustolozano4319]

Don't forget the nod at the end

[@marcatkinson5187]

Yeah, that's great film-making. Subtle.

[@itaintrocketscience3828]

@@faustolozano4319 Yep, the ever-so-slight nod at 1:18. Such a fantastic detail. If you're not looking for it, you'd miss it. Once you see it, you'll never NOT notice it. Can't ever get over how incredible the Coen bros are...

[@teamvlcn6820]

It's also the only time you can hear the 'distance' in Buster's voice.

[@loficonnoisseur3995]

Couldn’t help but crack a smile after seeing that

[@koshka215]

2 years ago my dad asked me to make sure they played this song at his funeral I never would have thought the time would come so soon

[@Albatross0913]

I'm so sorry for your loss. We can never really be ready for it. I hope you honored his wish, I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

[@TAU_2005]

man

[@marcatkinson5187]

The onions are bothering my eyes.

[@TheSometimeAfter]

sure buddy, sure

[@yassine1806]

رحمه الله. 🤝

[@mazzith]

I would pay $100 to see a full length movie of his life. One of my favorite characters lately. Was so frustrated when he died off that quickly.

[@daakrolb]

It was a heart dropper when he died….

[@HOTD108_]

The fact he died so quickly is kind of the whole point. It would undermine the story if Buster had lived longer.

[@mazzith]

@@HOTD108_ I get that it’s a short story but they could have created a full money about him starting from an earlier point in his life and still ended the same I just love the character and wanted to see him explored more.

[@koop-xcie7715]

100$ ? You're not very motivated, are you ?

[@vegetablackpotato4700]

​@koop-xcie7715 paying to watch not produce it. I wouldn't pay 100$ to Watch most movies

[@RhenishHelm]

I love what's written in the book about Buster's death: "We give him to you as he gave you so many. We give him to you, Lord, and humbly ask that you never give him back."

[@spankystar9316]

Yippie ki yai yay!

[@lenny_1369]

_yippie Ki yai yay_

[@MagneticDonut]

Am I the missing K here?

[@LuisSierra42]

It's a great film

[@mathieushifera135]

Damn

[@gavinardo]

“We can shake our heads at all the meanness, in the used-to-be.” I love that line.

[@Werewolf.with.Internet.Access]

At the used to be, mate. As in this world. But I like the sentiment like you all the same.

[@asc_missions3080]

Wouldn't hurt to shake our heads at it now.

[@sandraclowdus6549]

we'all will someday,,,just used ta be's. say yer prawers and sleep tight. See yaw'all in the bright daylight.😊💋💐💐💐🎅🎃🎂🎆🎇🎌💒☀✴✳❄✨☀🌟🌅

[@nomenestomen3452]

lol i tought he said "at all the meme's.."

[@Masterche18]

Ooo and what the future holds. WW1 and WW2 haven't happened yet...

[@nightangelx1513]

I love how there’s no hard feelings, only admiration and respect for one another.

[@Sir_knight_trooper]

True warriors

[@Elthenar]

I wanted more of Buster, but man did they tell a create a great character and give him an even better send off in like 15 minutes. This scene is magic.

[@Albatross0913]

A lot of movies nowadays have trouble building deep and memorable characters in 2 and a half to 3 hours. The writers here did it 6 times with 6 15-minutes films. I got more attached to all of these characters than I have with a lot of movie characters this year. The Tedious Man, Alice, Knapp, and Arthur, the Prospector, the Hanged Man, the dramatic reader, and of course Buster Scruggs himself all were so memorable and their stories all had great lessons to teach us. You dont get this level of quality very often.

[@CD-vb9fi]

@@Albatross0913 Indeed, every minute was packed with entertainment. Being able to do this for a feature length film is not easy either. But it can be and has been done. I would really like to see a full Buster Scruggs Movie. The wind in my sails died when Buster was shot... I was both laughing and sad when he was shot using the same gimmicks he had pulled on others. Wonderful from start to end!

[@PULVERIZER01]

It's funny how we got attached to this character in under 30 min, and were all equally sad when he died.... That's an example of good writing right there. Create a character, get him killed, and get everyone to feel sad, all in under what like 40 min? Maybe less

[@TheGodKing]

@Chris Ridgeway Yeah i was gonna say try 10-15 mins lol, triple the cred

[@Ralph_Sandwich]

Don't forget not just amazing writing but truly talented acting from Tim Blake Nelson. You believe him. He is Buster. Not some no talent hack with a pretty face. Tim's incredible acting and the insanely good writing is why we were able to attach ourselves to him basically right after the whiskey bar scene.

[@Tom_Van_Zandt]

@@Ralph_Sandwich And plus, he's a fan of Oklahoma football! So...you know...that makes him even cooler! Go Sooners!

[@n2bfw884]

@@Ralph_Sandwich You got that right! I liked him in Oh Brother Where Art Thou, but this scene was amazing. He's just perfect for this perfect scene.

[@chknoodle2324]

*Finding Nemo had entered the chat* *Up had entered the chat*

[@Askharr]

This sounds like a song that should be played on one of the Fallout radio stations. I love this.

[@aceofcheems7685]

This would definitely be in New Vegas

[@talscorner3696]

Yes.

[@reventon4547]

Also, the end of Red Dead. Pretty sure the main character dies heroically.

[@makani9004]

@@reventon4547 The music in Red Dead is so good, I filled up so much of my hard drive with Red Dead 2 recordings.

[@hidan407]

​@@aceofcheems7685 after texas red finally met his match

[@PM-fc5zs]

So poetic. I love the way the kid pays his respects by nodding up as Buster sings in the sky, covers his hat as he 'overtakes' Buster then nods down a final payment of respect as he acknowledges his own mortality. An amazing set of stories.

[@jennbamboo]

It was all in all a great movie!

[@jacer445u5]

May I also add the kicking of dirt? Sure it MAY like disrespecting your fallen opponent, but in cowboy days it was the biggest respectful move you could do.

[@oliverm376]

Shout out to the few who watched this and knew it was Willie Watson. Incredible musician and a really fun cameo. He nailed the song as well.

[@dfromwv]

Willie is amazing

[@pickett47]

Yeh he is.. didn’t he sing the Lemmiwinks song from south park?

[@fosterhart2013]

Had to google it ! Sounded familiar but couldn’t place it !

[@astrokitegunner61]

never heard of him until now..and now hugh fan..ty

[@fosterhart2013]

@@astrokitegunner61 check out Wagon Wheel, Old Crow medicine Show .

[@odinvik7821]

he yeed his last haw

[@RoyCampbell61]

I don't know why this made me laugh so much.

[@booya2953]

Spn reference?

[@odinvik7821]

@@booya2953 spn?

[@booya2953]

@@odinvik7821 supernatural. Theres a scene where they say that

[@odinvik7821]

@@booya2953 oh, no, can't remeber where I first heard it

[@Stand_By_For_Mind_Control]

The beauty of this scene is that Buster holds no ill will towards his killer. He even sings a duet with him as he ascends into the heavens as if to say 'You're the man now, dawg!'. He got beat fair & square and the great opera continues. Such a f'n great movie.

[@pepethefrog6809]

Also good to note that only his killer showed him respect out of all the people he met in his story.

[@ritalinuserX]

Not to mention the man in black kicking the dirt over Buster, ultimate sign of respect towards gunslingers.

[@Ichigoeki]

An interesting point that I haven't seen anyone else mention too, Buster looks slightly confused right after he start singing, then basically just shrugs and accepts the harp. Seems like he really wasn't expecting such respect towards himself.

[@chriscoleman5238]

Anyone notice that when Buster included himself in the song the rival gunslinger was subtly surprised by his voice, allowed him to finish, and gave a very brief nod to his vocals before finishing the song. Epic scene!!!

[@billyboblillybob344]

He acknowledged Buster as the Songbird of San Saba when every prior meeting he was treated rudely with mocking names.

[@hoodio]

that nod made the scene

[@theunnaturalformula]

"Shake our heads in all the meanness that used to be" That's part brought a tear.

[@blackrooster455]

You said it cowboy

[@GoldenGyroBalls]

I honestly found this bit at the end tremendously uplifting.

[@jackvankirk8552]

That choir though

[@digge2210]

Life metaphore

[@MrZiva82]

Sad and yet full of hope in human soul

[@everready19373]

Death comes for us all.

[@henriducard2198]

"There's just gotta' be a place a'head where men aren't low-down and pokers played fair. If there weren't what're all the songs about? I'll see ya'll there! And we can sang together...And shake our heads over all the meanness in the used to be. " I love how positive and polite he is yet so badass and deadly at the same time.

[@MrCharliethepyro23]

304 in case anyone is counting...

[@MrZiva82]

So positive outlook on life

[@cockeyedoptimista]

"And poker's played fah-yar."

[@MrZiva82]

A true optimist, fantastic character

[@aperson7303]

You gotta be

[@DakotaRawson]

Such a beautiful song "unsaddle my pony, she'll be itchin to roam" I love that verse

[@jeaux42069]

“And we can sing together, and shake our heads over all the meanness. In the used to be.” Idk why but I love that line

[@larrybarnes3920]

It's a beauty.

[@TheHannahcast]

Why couldn't the entire film be about Buster Scruggs? This segment was amazing! Like... it's CALLED The Ballad of Buster Scruggs!

[@eaglehuang4511]

Buster should have his own solo movie! Ha!

[@jecsquish]

possibly we think that way because it was cut too short? Honestly, I was like ugh what!?! Now James Whoco....boooo

[@jecsquish]

JK Franco

[@WildwoodClaire1]

I liked the others as well.

[@BigSam63]

James francos segment and the old gold miner segment were both excellent as well, and the wagon train segment was also very good.

[@bryanjamesdawson3220]

This has been nominated for best original song and I’m so fucken pleased

[@benbob4038]

Bryan Dawson I hope it wins

[@cianfarrell9992]

it won't win lad. star is born will get it sadly

[@bobmartin8377]

@@cianfarrell9992 you are right!

[@bobmartin8377]

@@benbob4038 I'm sorry but it didn't win. Sorry.

[@jslasher1]

Why the crude language?

[@crazypantz3492]

The essence of warrior culture. You can be great, but you'll be beaten eventually, and when it happens, you aren't sad it happened, you are glad you were a challenge to be overcome.

[@nogasoline]

Everytime I hear this song, I'm reminded of my older brother who passed away a year ago because of a stroke. Buster reminded me so much of my brother, he was short guy but he was full of life and not one to be messed with. R.I.P boeta Gavin. Miss you everyday.

[@Albatross0913]

I'm sorry for your loss man

[@picklesdinkles3523]

Yeah you know what I miss Boeta Gavin too R.I.P

[@varrickace465]

R.I.P Boeta Gavin

[@callofseiiki]

Sorry for your lost sir

[@spookydonutghosthouse8483]

I am so sorry for your loss RIP to our brother

[@brenden9758]

Shoulda won the Oscar.

[@barbaro267]

I definitely agree!! I'm just happy it was nominated! Netflix deserves more recognition for their work :)

[@rustedcoin9341]

barbaro267 Netflix don’t do shit, most of their movies and series suck. The movie’s good only because the Coen Brothers directed it.

[@gabes5548]

Rusted Coin Still, it’s nice their giving great directors like Alfonso Cuaron, Paul Thomas Anderson, The Coens, and Martin Scorcese places to distribute their work so it won’t go completely unnoticed by the Superhero obsessed Hollywood.

[@rustedcoin9341]

Gabriel Sison I agree, i love netflix since they give liberty to their directors for the better and the worse but still, they aren’t responsible for the quality of their movies

[@gabes5548]

Rusted Coin I know, it’s just nice to see talented people being supported financially by a major production studio, and for that I have to give them a little credit. It’s also pretty obvious they give their creators a lot of creative freedom.

[@RashaKahn]

I thought it was weird that the kid was disrespecting Buster by kicking dirt on his body, it looked like they respected each other. But someone else commented it in another video, when the kid in black kicks dirt on Buster it's actually a form of respect, like putting a handful of dirt on his grave, that's why Buster's soul was able to start to ascend. This made more sense and makes the video even better.

[@ryansghost22]

thank you, i'm glad I didn't have to ask

[@the_original_Bilb_Ono]

Yes, I thought everyone knew this. It's a sign of "goodbye, let me start your burial" it has actually been done throughout history. Pouring dirt on a body, putting gold coins over the eyes, there are a lot of ways people would show their final respects.

[@RashaKahn]

Bilb Ono yeah but kicking dirt onto a body can appear more of a disrespect, just clarifying that this wasn't the case.

[@the_original_Bilb_Ono]

@@RashaKahn not where im from...

[@gabrielschake6259]

Or like the Indian tradition of eating the heart of a great warrior as a sign of respect.

[@sethmachetedemeter]

Genuinely, I think this has to be my favorite cowboy song ever. There’s just something so beautiful about it. That fact that Buster Scruggs openly accepts that he can’t be top dog forever and ascends towards the heavens, doing what he did best, singing beautifully, but this time together with the Kid.

[@spacecadetmcgee7349]

And Buster was just getting started being the best cowboy character for the last 30 years too. Damn you Kid.

[@SergeantG18C]

Was bound to happen. Wanting Buster to live undermines the point the writers were trying to make. Nobody can be top dog forever

[@smithfenner5652]

I loved Buster’s optimism. It made me sad went he had to realize that his optimism couldn’t save him.

[@hang_kentang6709]

judging by his final monologue, he stays optimist till the end and way until he ascended. what a guy.

[@Joawlisdoingfine]

@@hang_kentang6709 As a cynical bitch I respect anyone who is optimistic

[@cowgod1945]

I think he acknowledged that he was bound to lose eventually but is still happy that the winner was humble and respectful giving him a proper goodbye in song that was bittersweet and honest He acknowledged busters ghosts gave it a nod goodbye...like the torch was passed and he was top dog now but that it wouldn’t last forever...I like to think when the young man trades his spurs for wings buster would greet him with open arms and they’d sing about the good old days and like he said, shake their heads at all the mean behavior and play poker fair

[@chuckschillingvideos]

I think Buster understood that everyone has it coming eventually - nobody truly gets saved. So why get upset about it?

[@jazzymcclazzy4216]

I just like how his last words was "well that's not good" Cuz man, I'd probably say the same thing

[@archangemon1]

is it just me or at 1:12 the dude hears buster sing and is like well all right then, give a little smile and continues as if it was a duet

[@grantjones4862]

I saw it

[@davidhollingsworth864]

That WAS cool - The way the Man in Black seemed to hear Buster start singing, then smiled and continued like he knew the rest was going to be a duet.

[@Grim_X98]

I think that's pretty obvious...

[@Mellowcanuck33]

They had their shootout. Now they are having a sing out. It's only proper.

[@foxstar612]

“I came looking for you, since you’re the one to beat, singing and slinging iron.” He earned the duet.

[@loiloi8030]

I love how they pictured duels without any hatred or hard feelings it was feel like simple daily calm clash in sport.

[@thebighurt2495]

What I've read about Gunfighters, most of them were borderline sociopaths. Killing each other for sport/the challenge was par for the course. One time, two guys met up for dinner. The first guy (Chunk Colbert) tried to pull a Han Solo, but fired early and his shot went into the table. The other dude then plugged him. John Wesley Hardin shot a dude in the hotel room over for snoring, then booked it. The Marshal in town was Wild Bill Hickock. Hardin said Hickock would've killed him just to add to his reputation. Both Hickock and Hardin were later shot in the back by guys that did to add to their own reputations.

[@imgladiquitdestiny2401]

For how funny and serious this movie can be, this scene is a perfect balance of comedy and seriousness. Such a great message 🙏

[@LonelyHearts.Co24]

What was the message?

[@mimimaxxing]

@@LonelyHearts.Co24 For this scene, it's that soon, there will always be someone greater than you like how Buster states "You can't be top-dog forever". I love the scene because it seems even the kid who kills Buster Scruggs acknowledges that one day someone will outdo him

[@HonnojiYuri]

"We give you Buster Scruggs. He was a famous man, but we know you laugh at man's fame. He was a skilled man, but we know our skills are nothing as to yours. We give him to you as he gave you so many. We give him to you, Lord, and humbly ask that you never give him back." R.I.P Buster Scruggs

[@ryanphelan895]

Amen.

[@hussannaif396]

Amen

[@ColtonWalker073]

Amen

[@SaintCola9408]

Amen

[@lorenzodelarosa5659]

Amen

[@Drelam]

I had no expectations when I watched this movie on Netflix didn't even know it was a Coen brother movie, but when I was done It was absolutely one of the greatest movies I've seen so much that I watched it all over again after the first viewing.

[@brickmissing8295]

Drelam Yup - it was special. Enjoyed every story. All different but all thought provoking.

[@skiprichardson2105]

That's the Coen brothers for ya. Watch one of their movies, you'll want to watch them all. Very well written.

[@rafam.1442]

@@brickmissing8295 only one i didnt like was the one where they're conversing in the carriage

[@andrewsuryali8540]

@@rafam.1442 Same for me, but probably for a different reason. When the sequence started, I figured out the ending right away. I love the stories and the conversations. It's just that there was that nagging feeling of "fake"-ness hanging over the entire scene because the "twist" at the end was too easy to guess.

[@streganona198]

www.imdb.com/name/nm0625789/ Tim Blake Nelson is AMAZING !!!!

[@mmus13898]

“I shoulda seen this comin’. Can’t be top dog forever”. And that there is the message of the legend of Buster Scruggs

[@SuwinTzi]

"We give him to you as he gave you so many. We give him to you, Lord, and humbly ask that you never give him back."

[@Ralph_Sandwich]

I'm a 35 year old man and cried like a baby when Buster's soul lifted up and he had the wings and harp like in the old cartoons I would watch with my Grandfather. It was like it wasn't my first time seeing this. It was surreal. Instantaneously a classic. Seeing him rising into the clouds literally took the chemicals in my brain back in time to being a child and the wonder came back with it for a fleeting moment. The entire movie is absolutely amazing. But boy, that last scene with Buster touched me deep.

[@DavidSmith-fj6fx]

yep, same here and I'm in my 60s.

[@newjerseygreaser5007]

Both of you, stop consuming soy...

[@DavidSmith-fj6fx]

@@newjerseygreaser5007 Well, I guess I had that coming. Thanks for the laugh, Greaser.😆

[@USN1985dos]

How do grown men cry like this? I'll admit, I get a little teary-eyed in some situations, but usually it's in real-life tragedy. But the last time I cried was probably when I was 12.

[@1337penguinman]

Buster was basically Bugs Bunny. Makes sense this is how they show his death.

[@benbob4038]

I thought Buster Scruggs would be the person telling the different stories... I was wrong

[@gimmedataids]

I didn't even know it was an anthology. Then good ol' Buster just goes and dies on me.

[@dontknow7319]

When he died i was like Noooooooo!!!

[@GiacoC]

well...he didn't count with things turning this way either....that's the magic cowboah :D

[@WhiteTiger950]

I think someone mentioned something that got me thinking, another way they could have done it, is have the story then follow that won against Buster, and then, when he dies, in whatever way he dies, have the story follow another individual, either who killed him, or was somehow associated with him, and so on. That could have been another interesting way of doing things, I think.

[@kevinbaconwasntinfootloose1742]

I wish he would have narrated.

[@frischeluft8985]

I am not a country-fan, but this is such lovely...

[@NotThatUser]

This isn’t country, it’s western which is *technically* a separate thing.

[@bicnarok]

@@NotThatUser there´s always a smart ass answer to be made.

[@NotThatUser]

@@bicnarok Except I wasn’t being a smartass, but whatever.

[@bicnarok]

@@NotThatUser saying it isn´t country on a "technicality"..that is the definition of smart assery :) You obviously know your stuff though, any modern country music you could recommend?

[@VinEllis]

This is folk, not country.

[@estebanpineros9409]

This is a beautiful ending. Scruggs accepts his fate, because he knew it was inevitable. I also think The Kid wasn't singing just for Scruggs, but for himself, because by becoming "the best", he's just sealed his fate like his predecessor. In a way, he's already in black for his OWN funeral, his own ticket's just been punched, and the only thing he doesn't know is who has the bullet with his name on it, only that it's now out there, waiting for him.

[@dollyparton1800]

the bad guy is always in black, not to be contrarian. all art interpretation is valid.

[@ripbeni6198]

I don’t doubt for one minute that this was running through the Coen’ns heads as artists. Well put.

[@monsoonman8585]

It's truly a shame some people missed so much... Buster has been one of the best gun fighters throughout his life. He has been in so many duels he has absolutely ZERO fear of anyone. To him it's more of a quick inconvenience that he laughs about to himself because it's normal for him to simply kill people daily for whatever situation presents itself. People are at such a disadvantage against him he blows it off as comical. Throughout his life, and countless duels he has manifested an understanding of human nature, and lives his life carefree. If you noticed, he was provoked each time. He never looked for it.. when he sat down to play poker, he had the "deadmans hand" aces and 8's, which was a hint death was coming for me... and that's who took him. Kicking dirt on him was respect, and freed his soul to go to heaven. Such an awesome skit.

[@kogee9725]

O shit that is also why the other COWBOY had Black on. He was Death or the New Beginning

[@macggnore]

I think it's more that he's a kind and polite person but wherever he goes, people meet him with violence. It never surprises him and he accepts this as part of world he lives in. When he's finally gunned down by a guy who used his own tactics against him, he flies off hoping that wherever he goes people aren't so rotten.

[@13Gangland]

I thought deamans hand consisted of a 2 of clubs and 7 of diamonds?

[@TheAKgunner]

@@13Gangland The Dead Man’s Hand consists of an Ace of Spades, an Ace of Clubs, an Eight of Spades, and an Eight of Clubs. It was the hand Wild Bill Hickok was holding when he was shot in the back of the head.

[@Pmooli]

I knew he was dead when the man in the black sereneded him with that sweet noise.

[@basedbattledroid3507]

He really should've asked for a count.

[@normanchodrick2630]

And who does the count? And when they say three, do you draw at the first of the long thhhhreeee or at the end? Just toss a rock into the air and draw when it hits the earth. Or the 3 o'clock clock chime in 'Butch and Sundance: The Early Days' which really happened. Don't believe me? As Buster would likely say, you don't have to.

[@the_original_Bilb_Ono]

*Na sir*

[@harryhoudini714]

would have made no difference. Cant be top dog forever!

[@ocan1033]

@@harryhoudini714 Shoulda seen this comin'

[@cameronphenix2096]

Hmmm. I feel like that was the point. We had literally just seen him kill a man who didn't ask for a count, a man who was very panicked and upset. Both had replied to the question on autopilot, and both mightve had a chance had they asked for one. Buster got overconfident. Buster didn't even draw his gun because he hadn't expected the shooting to even start. Had he asked for a count, likely both would have died because buster still lived the shot for a few seconds, and really with how fast they were, there could've just been a few millisecond difference 'tween them.

[@fupamongoopa640]

It makes me tear up every time i watch this scene. I feel as though Buster was an old friend who died beautifully and taught me not to be afraid. It's such a powerful moment.

[@nikovincenzoferrantello6919]

He'll be waiting to play with you

[@_Clayton.Bigsby_]

Absolutely blown away at how good of a singer Johnny Ringo is

[@Original-Yellow]

Lolol

[@BassManStrikes]

The huckleberry 😅

[@ahmadillo4959]

“We can sing together and shake our heads over all the meanness in the used-to-be.”

[@taylorj6177]

Now that's a whicha-why...

[@LPChipi]

Said the guy who executed 6 people in 17 minutes. Gotta love the Coen's dark humor.

[@LuisSierra42]

@@LPChipi The best kind of humor

[@sfm_master1441]

Choir: “when a cowboy trades...his spurs for wings...

[@nikolakaravida9670]

@@LPChipi He didn't "execute" anyone. Buster's fair, he never shot unarmed innocents. He didn't even start confrontations.

[@frankiebebop4300]

Welcome to life ... You can't win forever . There's always a faster gun eventually.... Welcome to life

[@warungcalik5640]

Goddamn right..

[@alternator7893]

Can't be too dog forever

[@saul326]

Frankie Bebop Coen Brothers are able to portray that in such a fascinating way.

[@cappuccinogoodfinger]

Either a faster gun appears or your gun becomes slower and slower...

[@jonathanross149]

The book at the end says there is another Kid to replace the Kid that beat Buster.

[@scottwinstanley4436]

This is just cinematic excellence. Humour, morals, sadness, joy. Homage to the original westerns, just wow. Great way to end a fantastic 20 min story, I love the script writing, especially the whiskey scene and the cards scene. Perfect mini film. Beautiful to look at, clever, funny, musical, brutal in parts. Fantastic cinema

[@TheJMBon]

This is one of the songs I'd want played at my funeral.

[@Ajaws]

Me: “every director has a specific style and usually a genre that they master” The Coen Brothers: *Watch this*

[@LootGoblin3000]

Never mind that, There's another settlement that needs your help

[@LuisSierra42]

These guys are GENIUS bro, every single movie is sooo different yet so original

[@ZonnexNecton]

That is the wholesome ending to Buster Scruggs. Their respect to one another is just amazing. I also love the fact that the dude acknowledges Buster's singing as he walk.

[@Arctic9000]

Buster Scruggs was such a looney-tunes character, even his death is very much looney-tunes inspired, with his spirit popping out of his body with tiny angel wings whilst holding harp as he ascends into heaven. Gotta love it.

[@stephenh5944]

This episode was basically a live action cartoon. The Coen's did the same with Raising Arizona.

[@theradioactiveplayer3461]

A whole lot of people talk about how Buster was in the film for altogether too little - but I think it's much more fair to say he was present for the _perfect_ amount of time: enough to get to know him, but not enough to get tired of him. Perfect character placement.

[@lycanpaws]

I think what makes him so great is that he meshes well with the other stories in the movie which, except for the last one, have much more emotional undertones especially the 3rd one that follows this

[@nagabackyardkitchen]

Theres just something magical about old country songs

[@resmarted]

way better than the crap they call country today

[@klinerfan69]

@@resmarted more like themed pop music

[@user-xs9ou3pz7o]

One of the best Western movie i ever watched

[@ajs96350]

Agreed.

[@i5565]

The way how the character you're so attached to dies after a few minutes of storytelling makes this one of the best parts of the movie.

[@SoggySandwich80]

This song pops up randomly in my head at least once a week

[@tanemane4582]

I love his last line “There’s just got to be some place where men ain’t low down and pokers played fair, if there weren’t what are all the songs about. I’ll see y’all there and we can sing and shake our heads at all the meanes in the used to be.”

[@shapirolsosa3697]

Me too

[@jaytonhawkins2872]

The "Man in Black" is Willie Watson. He's a country singer, and his best song by far is "Gallows Pole." I recommend it hugely.

[@davidhollingsworth864]

Jayton Hawkins The actor that shot Buster is James Franco. He played in more than one segment of the movie.

[@jaytonhawkins2872]

@@davidhollingsworth864 I'm 100% certain that the actor in the first segment is Willie Watson, and that James Franco only played in "Near Algodones"

[@davidhollingsworth864]

Jayton Hawkins You're right, Jayton. He does sort of resemble James Franco though who I saw in the other segment and made the assumption it was the same actor. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

[@MrWhiterunGuard]

You’re wrong that is not his best song...

[@skankhunt-zh8ky]

He aint no country singer he a straight wine and twine folk singer.. most of his song including gallows pole have been around for more then one hundred years..

[@theauditor3224]

I love how he took a moment to make sure Buster got his verse in. the little nod gave it in like he could hear him

[@czotheghostgmail]

When you realize cowboys were just as deep as samurais the old days was truly a different time

[@TheJusting650]

What a gem this song is

[@daakrolb]

It is. Bittersweet. Buster deserved better…. But you can’t be top dog forever.

[@hesstonclement4933]

Willie Watson deserves a lot more credit for this scene and song. Reminded me of classic country western music long forgotten. Wish the whole movie was about the both of them.

[@candykanefpv98]

He didn't wrote the song. It's just performed by him.

[@hesstonclement4933]

@@candykanefpv98 yeah and? I didn't say he wrote it, but it's still sang like a 60s western tune and he did a Damn fine job.

[@candykanefpv98]

@@hesstonclement4933 "willie watson deserves a lot more credit for this song" ... if he didn't write it... then he doesn't deserve credit for it, dipshit.

[@hesstonclement4933]

@@candykanefpv98 I was talking about the job he did doing it dipshit. Jealousy is a bitch bud. Seriously gonna argue with someone for saying somebody did a good job? Fuck off. I didn't say he deserved credit for the master piece of a song he wrote yah damn loser.

[@ExoLeo]

@@candykanefpv98 dipshit

[@rotcivgaleano3704]

Its such a beautiful song it brings me back to memories of my dad who passed away and loved country music and I used to listen to it with him i miss him and hope he is playing with the others and shaking his head over all the meanness in the use to be RIP Victor Galeano we miss you

[@corbinshepheard8395]

He traded his spurs for wings partner and is singing this song up there

[@commanderstarstrider7176]

I watched this today and imediately bought this song. Ive listened to it like 30 times already. INcredible. I was disapointed this awesome character ate is so quick, I was ready to watch 2 hours of Buster.

[@onewingedangel2479]

Commander Starstrider as much as I would also love to see a full 2 hours of Buster, I feel like part of what makes him so great is that we only get to see a little bit of him y’know?

[@jonnybgood9162]

Absolutely it was mesmerising the whole scene actually .

[@tomschaffner9704]

3 hour movie. I wouldn’t get up for popcorn

[@stressfulprick1409]

Commander Starstrider And I guess during listening to the song you must be thinking about this scene that whole time eh ?

[@theginganinja1524]

This song is beautiful, the guy in black reminds me of Willie Nelson by voice and I wanna hear willie cover this

[@dunkenhunter167]

"can't be topdog forever." true

[@captaincough2326]

"If there weren't, what're all the songs about?" My dad's favorite line from this movie.

[@ajmiller6052]

Tim Blake Nelson is a phenomenal actor, vastly under rated.

[@bigbear7076]

Probably the best series of westerns I've ever seen. This movie is criminally underrated.

[@GREENDAYalltheWAY077]

Remember he picked up the Dead Man's Hand. Also, kicking up the dust is a gunfighter's ultimate sign of respect.

[@oskoosko5490]

Whats the dead man's hand?

[@bobsmith3735]

@@oskoosko5490 it is described as a two-pair poker hand consisting of the black aces and black eights. The pair of aces and eights, along with an unknown hole card, were reportedly held by Old West folk hero, lawman and gunfighter, Wild Bill Hickok when he was murdered while playing a game.

[@The_Heisenberg861]

Seeing Buster fly into the sky, singing with the kid makes me calm for some reason

[@ChanceSavvy]

I really wish the first part of the film was longer, TBN has such a perfect country voice

[@nickbuckley4371]

Rest In Peace Arthur Morgan and John marston the cowboys who traded their spurs for wings

[@gdtsgsbsbeh]

From rdr2

[@fleezuschrist2188]

Damn right

[@julianhart2247]

Dutchhhhh!

[@Saladass-kc1hh]

They didn't have Faith

[@masao2922]

After watching this movie, i noticed how unwestern both those games were, my favorites nonetheless

[@achabotte]

They really got the perfect guy for Buster Scruggs, and wardrobe really nailed the outfit. Fits him so well.

[@bugcatcher8989]

My favourite Cowboy song by far, always brings a tear to my eye when I sing it too.

[@ErokLobotomist]

The whole, "No more jingle jangle" part hits me right in the New Vegas.

[@bananafanafoferry6970]

I loved this first story. Is absolutely beautiful. Death is predictable. We will all experience it. Death is unpredictable. We don’t know the moment it will come for us. We shouldn’t fear it, though. It’s a part of life’s experience. 💐

[@TheMusicLauncher]

Actually it's fascinating that Buster knew deaht was coming for him. When he sat at the poker table he picked up the dead man's hand, an omen that death will come to the holder. He refused to play them

[@st33lze]

When I die, I want this played at my funeral

[@LetsGoCatchUsSomeFISH]

Same.

[@larrygreen9083]

Ditto!

[@Kitchdmn3]

Beautiful

[@afirdaus068]

Ya need a count?

[@greenpenguin0763]

Bro you still okay or...

[@erickruckenberg8716]

What an absolutely perfect display of rivalry. Two gunslingers, equal in skill one happen to be quicker than the other. No ill will intended and nothing but respect. There’s a lot of moral lessons in this one small snippet that many a generation today are failing and sorely lacking.

[@graffitimaniac]

I'm convinced this will become a cult classic in time, like one of the best/funny/dramatic/well told, westerns of of the 21st century. I'm not joking, watch the entire anthology, all of the stories are amazing.. well for the patient anyway haha.

[@gabrielhoward2250]

You are completely right and I thought the same exact thing, so many stories and lessons, funny moment And hardships just like life we get too see it all in this movie. And I think when it can hit all of those notes and hit all of your emotions then it’s one you will always remember!

[@jchandlersabeast]

This segment alone was better than “a million ways to die in the west”

[@maxb2021]

You are comparing a comedy to this.......

[@jchandlersabeast]

Max Bassanini this had way better laughs

[@tentringer4065]

That is setting the bar pretty low.

[@tsarnicholasii274]

@@maxb2021 This definitely has elements of comedy.

[@croz8603]

Max Bassanini what do you think this was?

[@kirktoufor5991]

This song stuck in my head for weeks. I was humming and singing it everywhere

[@hunter19709]

I know where your coming from its still in there somewhere 👍

[@sarahshields5964]

Yep I keep finding myself singing it over and over. But I wouldn’t change that

[@KrissyBunnieGaming]

What I would give for a full-length Western album with Tim Blake Nelson as the vocals...

[@Arklight.]

I wish the whole movie was about him, he was the best segment by far

[@TheCheeseMovesSideways]

Everything about him is just perfect. The actor, outfit, character, down to the writing instantly makes him so charming and endearing. Just wish that they'd make a standalone movie featuring his older exploits and young uprising

[@klauspudding1242]

My history teacher showed us this film in class around the time it was new and I’ve absolutely loved it since

[@eszterantal5231]

I could watch 3 hours of Buster Scruggs

[@Sundawg17]

This scene is the embodiment of the word respect.

[@larrygreen9083]

Who else gets this song stuck in their heads?.. 🙋

[@cowgod1945]

There’s always a younger man ready and able to defeat an old one but that doesn’t mean it has to be done without respect between them...it’s passing the torch from one gunslinger to another Buster ain’t angry that he lost but I guarantee he respects the man that beat him hence the bittersweet duet where the victor seems to not only acknowledge his ghost but gives him a respectful goodbye in his own way and acknowledged it will eventually happen to him as well

[@joshuaarroyo7235]

Bittersweet indeed but a beautiful way of showing the natural progress of life. Someone will always outshoot you in the end.

[@cowgod1945]

Joshua Arroyo in time when the young man is beaten him and buster will play poker fair and shake their heads over all the meanness in the used to be

[@joshuaarroyo7235]

@@cowgod1945 Amen my Bubba

[@roflguy114]

When the kid kicked dirt on him. Ot was showing it as a sign of respect to buster scruggs. As a way of laying dirt on him so he can ascend.

[@domenicoscorrano7309]

Can anyone tell me the title of the film or are they episodes?

[@HappyPurple]

i wish they published the book the movie was based on. I would enjoy reading something like that

[@michaelthomsen1797]

Only two of the stories are based on existing short stories. The other four the Coens made up themselves. WIKI: "All Gold Canyon" was based on a Jack London story.[11] "The Gal Who Got Rattled" was inspired by a story by Stewart Edward White....

[@rosswebster7877]

That would be a great Criterion Collection packaging feature.

[@baburao87]

@@michaelthomsen1797 Those two were my most favourite. Others were great too though.

[@evanaukeman4527]

that would be the only book I would ever read, good idea mate.

[@jacksonrabon4817]

Fucking nerd

[@thomasmartin5503]

The kid is the embodiment of death. His song when he comes in sounds just like death's whistle from puss n boots, and he's able to hear and sing with spirits.

[@gregorystoltz6754]

Tim Blake Nelson always liked him ever since I first saw him in the Lonesome Dove mini series Dead Man's Walk.

[@KIRA-EL]

The cool and messed up thing about this was how not personal it was after the kid killed Buster he was polite enough to kick dirt on them and based on Buster's comments he doesn't hold it against him being shot it was just a hey this was bound to happen eventually and it's going to happen to him too one day sort of thing.

[@nicolasbernardini3413]

It was just his turn. That was the point of the whole thing. You can never be the best. Even as a cartoonishly good gunslinger doing ridiculously over the top things, "there's a faster gun" always. It was like a lesson of the west. In the whole west there can only be one best. What are the odds it's you. The kid knows it's probably not him