Willie Watson, "Always Lift Him Up and Never Knock Him Down," // GemsOnVHS™

Willie Watson is modest and humble almost to a fault, which I suppose at his level of talent and folk-fame, you have to be. An amazing guitar player, banjo picker, singer and traditional music enthusiast, Watson has been on my radar for years. He has recorded two albums of folk songs which have worn deep grooves in my mind and my car stereo. Such a fan as I am, i've tried for some time to record him. I met him briefly at a coffee shop in Nashville, and he graciously let me shake his hand and tell him about GemsOnVHS in my star-struck manner. Then, at Woody Guthrie Festival with Josh Okeefe, we met again. He was on a quest for some fast food after a long day of travel when I ambushed him outside the motel we were staying at. Again, he was a perfect gentleman.
Finally enough emails were exchanged with the various middle people and we've met in my friend Timmy Findlen's garage in Nashville to talk folk songs and hear some tunes. A bit of a dream come true for me, and i'm sure you all.
He's in Europe right now on tour, so if you're out and about that way, please do check him out and catch a show. Fans of American traditional music won't regret it.
“Always Lift Him Up and Never Knock Him Down” appears on Willie’s album Folksinger Vol. 2. Listen here: smarturl.it/folksingervol2
For more of everything Willie, check him out here;
www.williewatson.com
williewatsongs
williewatson
williewatsongs
Big thanks to VJ Arizpe and Richard Harmon for making this episode possible.
Consider becoming a Patreon contributor to help sustain this project. For the price of a cup of coffee every month, you let us continue finding and filming amazing artists.
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GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love.
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[@GemsOnVHS]

Howdy, folks! If you're enjoyin' these recordings, please consider becoming a Patron to keep us going. For the price of a slice of pizza every month, you can help us bring you new stories and songs. We'll return the favor with plenty of digital downloads, CDs, behind-the-scenes takes, giveaways, and more! www.patreon.com/gemsonvhs

[@jamesmitchell7120]

It's my birthday in a few days I'll be sure to donate my friends :) keep doing what y'all do. I'd love to come on the show myself personally as a musician and I'd be more than willing to send you a demo!

[@griffinc9071]

"Just remember he's some mother's precious darlin'." Something we all need to remember..powerful stuff.

[@looking4afix]

Watson is a legend of modern folk. Holy shiiiiit I love it

[@ironsmith9769]

define "legend"

[@looking4afix]

@@ironsmith9769 the guy has been around for a while, playing good old songs, and making new songs, he has been around for quite a while and has an amazing career

[@looking4afix]

I mean, old crow medicine show is love

[@anonymousaccordionist3326]

This is the first I have heard of his music, but I find it interesting that his _folk_ songs are somehow more country than modern country is. I'm still a young'un myself, but even *I* "miss" the time when people would simply sing.

[@benpalance8816]

Holy smokes!!! Willie on gems??? Is it my birthday??

[@GemsOnVHS]

happy birthday!

[@Blankvr218]

What a beautiful song

[@lucageistbeck7400]

He sings just 3 Words and i am crying!! Love from Germany

[@jarbubba]

I find myself falling into the darkness. This song brings tears and emotions to me. Life is brutal some days and most people feel lonely traveling through it. Love this song and they way he sings it.

[@NeptuneXVI]

Once in a while you find a video that you know you will play over and over for the next few months. Yup, this is the one.

[@GemsOnVHS]

please do

[@NeptuneXVI]

@@GemsOnVHS Totally doing it!

[@jeffj318]

That is so true. I play this nearly every day. I play it so much that I have an ear worm and can hear Willie singing it in my sleep.

[@andrewbrowning1166]

I just had the blessing of becoming a father. My son’s name is Colt. This song speaks to me so deeply. The realization that I won’t always be able to protect him hits very hard. This song gives me hope that even when I can’t protect or guide him, someone can. And there is still humanity in the world. Thank you, Willie. Your music literally brings me peace.

[@petterbossum4716]

It is a timeless story, that always repeats. Parents wanting a good society, because a good society is the only way for the son or daughter to be sure to meet good people. And meet people they will.

[@alanroberts6663]

Scares me about my daughter's. But they'll Forever know I'm always just a click or a call away. I'll walk thro7gh hells fire just to make sure they are safe and taken care of. I will Never allow anyone to treat them as I've been treated, by my own family. It's sad, ridiculous, and completely uncool in many MANY ways.

[@fungusandthebanjo9249]

Great artist, a real inspiration, The old crow medicine show have never been the same since he left in late 2011.

[@SamBosworthMusic]

GemsonVHS x Willie Watson. Not sure this day could get any better.

[@gerrymcarthur3869]

OCMS are one of my favourite bands but they are not the same without this guy. What a voice!!!

[@kneestothechin]

absolutely

[@jamescampbell5161]

not even close to the same band

[@1nvisible1]

*Unsaddle my pony, he'll be itching to roam...*

[@MrArtaque]

This man's a national treasure

[@soloblue01]

Willie is an angel and we're so lucky to hear him play.

[@wwcj0000]

Willie can sure feel that one.

[@JaredP1976]

Beautiful song and beautiful hat.

[@toochadams9311]

This is good ass folk music

[@jonasmackenzie7842]

I absolutely love this song. Everytime I hear it I put it on repeat.

[@jeffj318]

Me too, my friend. And repeat and repeat and repeat . . .

[@Wellos_Speed]

I was severely drunk when I heard this and made me sad as shit. Never cried so much

[@HazeGreyAndUnderway]

I've been sober plenty times and cried to this song just as well. Willie Watson is a real one.

[@stevesmith7843]

May God bless you and keep you my brother :)

[@tobiasoellers146]

Wow. I think this Song has the best Lyrics I ever heard. Thankfully to have guys to pick me up when I‘m down. I admire Willies Songs. Fantastic.

[@jaygoldenmusic]

I can't get enough of this song.

[@Woopigdippers]

This was always one of my favorite songs. Love you Willie.

[@vjarizpe]

Willie. F’ing Watson. Good job brother.

[@justagoodolboy95]

I love Willie thank you to the ballad of buster Scruggs for introducing me to him

[@danielscott8867]

Jesus.. what a beautifully written song.

[@wittberg95]

This is amazing. Willie is a rare talent. A legend. Love the guy!

[@chauncypeppertooth997]

This song makes me want to give everyone in sight a high five ✋ what a talented man, please keep on making these beautiful jams for us to listen too 🔥

[@pipbeale]

Saw Willie in Birmingham, UK. Best vocal performance I've ever heard live, it was perfect. I'd love Willie to team up with Sierra Ferrell either writing or a song.

[@mharri3677]

I was fortunate to see Sierra in Oxford when she played in an old Church, she was phenomenal! Her and Willie would be a great combination.

[@scapegoatbear6503]

Willie Watson got me into bluegrass back with Old crows original album. This is one of my favorite songs of his and I'll always appreciate his music for the dark times it helped me through. Always will be the best in my opinion.

[@jeffj318]

This GEMS version is better than the one Willie has on Folksinger 2.

[@maxrwhite1]

I have always been drawn to this song. I first heard it from Ry Cooder. Great to see Willie giving this song what it deserves. Looks like life is treating you well!

[@pwn3426]

Willie is certainly a Gem that is for sure!

[@adamw4469]

YES GEMS! The first show I ever attended at a local venue was Willie Watson. The stage is pretty small so when he did the standard "walk off stage before the encore" he just turned around and ducked behind a tiny plant like a kid playing hide-n-seek, haha. Powerful musician, would love to see him again.

[@baphomick]

The world always needs more Willie, thanks

[@rudycantfail4220]

Gems I’m happy your channel is growing this big, willie is a testament to your growth. Keep doing what your doing and bringing great music to great people

[@GemsOnVHS]

thanks rudy, it's a long time coming. the real folks know what it's all about - collecting the best folk music of the 21st century. it's just a matter of convincing all the middle people/labels when it comes to the big artists.

[@bastiaangoudkamp3644]

ahhah you said big willie

[@dotChrollo]

Haven't ever heard of Willie before and goddamn I was not expecting that voice! Such a wonderful performer

[@dariusdribbles.3981]

Me either. Just angelic

[@jbtallullah7009]

That's a good song and a nice woodshop.

[@raltrt4098]

A gem, indeed. Ry Cooder did this on his terrific 1976 album 'Chicken Skin Music' (obviously made in different times based on the album cover and the difference in the 1st verse lyric). Somehow this song, and thinking of hidden gems, brings Richard Rabbit Brown's 'James Alley Blues' to mind. Willie Watson does a great version of that one, too, but my favorite version is David Johansen's.

[@bammer150]

YESSSSSSSSSS OH MY GOD HOPE WE HAVE MORE OF HIM!!

[@GemsOnVHS]

we do! we will!

[@brianstearskingnothing]

True American music

[@polyclot1976]

an ode to our sons. I love you, baby boy

[@MorganMoses1]

This is one of my favorites I love him and all of his music it would be amazing to see him live one day

[@jeffj318]

I agree. I wish he would do a larger tour and come to more cities and towns.

[@chrisraybruce7185]

Gotta love Willie!!! Thanks so much for having him on

[@specificpacifica2260]

Beautiful song and message.

[@karal902]

Lovely voice

[@disappearlikethemorning8220]

Legend. Love this man!

[@kapitolking]

When it comes to folk music or music in general, Willie Watson is one the greats.

[@JM-pf2of]

Mr watson your sir are the realest

[@victorl707]

OMG Gran canción, buena voz, me encanta. Ánimo y mucho éxito

[@stephencrook3348]

Wow. Willie! Legend for real! Sounds great here.

[@taylorhills6357]

New Willie Watson! love it

[@mikestefano1861]

I'm instantly hooked

[@kofY84]

thank you for this song, Willie

[@colinhanrath5351]

10/10 voice

[@chrissadler4583]

I ❤️ GemsOnVHS

[@gregdylan]

love it. amazing song

[@matts.6848]

A day to be waited, love Watson

[@justintime5252]

Wow can’t believe I’ve never heard of guy. I have now

[@PRRrailfan]

I love Willie so much. So glad to see him on here!

[@PripyatVeteran]

Incredible stuff as always. Never stop, either one of you.

[@carterbrown9294]

Always loved Willie Watson, a hell of an artist. Chance McCoy is also, a hell of n artist if any one here hasnt heard him too. Keep up the good work fellas, all of yous!

[@pizza_tapes]

Willie is a true gem. Perfect for this channel. Thanks for capturing these performances and putting them out for us to see.

[@carlosfuentes_95]

Goodness gracious this is good!

[@PheonixNine]

WILLIE!

[@Jacob-mo7yw]

Incredible lyrics; compassioned and moving. Great song

[@GemsOnVHS]

we're @gemsonvhs on Instagram if y'all wanna follow along the journey. cheers and thanks for being the big family you are! thanks to y'all songhunters we can reach out to folks like Willie and sit down for a conversation and some songs.

[@WesBurnhamPhotography]

I had a very similar meet in with Mr. Watson. Except mine was in a coffee shop in a very small town in Virginia! Ever since that his music has been a big part of my life!

[@jeffj318]

I have listened to this fantastic song by Willie Watson until I hear it in my sleep. I sing or hum it as I walk around in life. Willie has taken his studio version which was good and made it into this fantastic and stripped down melodic version. The way he finger picks on his worn guitar and his harmonica playing is fantastic. Throw in his stubble beard and the hat and Willie is something to behold. I have listened to Blind Alfred Reed's version and it is incredible how Willie took that and made the song his own. The words are sentiments that we need in today's world. God bless, Willie Watson!

[@ItsMe-iy2zw]

Damn boi! You are one hell of musician! Beautiful song!

[@Orthodoxi]

The revival revival! Awesome!!

[@tristindalton4238]

Hell yeah that song is powerful 🤘 I love it man

[@PheonixNine]

So glad he went solo.

[@RebelRitchieMusic]

One of my favorites. Beautiful recording. Intimate, soulful, amazing!

[@jeffwarner4225]

Sounds great, I really enjoyed this song. Thank you guys for sharing!

[@bluestogreen1693]

This song has more meaning than ANY Pop song! Can I get a amen! This was made for my best friend that is homeless😢

[@TheFIREFLAME53]

Saw Willie at Grassroots NY and inspired me to pick up the banjo. Legend.

[@yvesorvoen1096]

Hey!!! love that song .Thank you Willie. Hope to see you in Chapel Hill at the cat cradle soon .

[@brianstearskingnothing]

Its good

[@buaboy]

Just what I needed today, Thank you!

[@davidduarte6344]

Wow i needed this balled of life.

[@idkididntgotocollege]

How did I miss this!!! This is great!

[@Brad_Bowden]

This is so good!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@jennyconner6047]

Sniff.. nope! I'm not cryin U are...sniff..❤

[@waldemargoliasz4963]

SUPER !!!!

[@galacticpostman9177]

This is Beautiful! Thanks Gems! 🖤

[@swvaoutlaw]

So glad to see Willie making his own way so well, so glad to see him on Gemsonvhs along with my other favorite artists 😬

[@mrmikeydee88]

First time hearing you.... instantly a fan. The Lost Dog Street Band and Sierra Ferrell brought me here and I'm in love.

[@Zero_motivation517]

Getting tired of lifting people up when I feel so low

[@SeanSikes_]

Beautiful and powerful song....

[@clarkkc11]

I love this song. Try playing it here n there...

[@mattr5213]

Whoa! Nice catch gems. I was lucky enough to see Willie play with Dave Rawlings and Gillian Welch at Lincoln Theatre; 4 encores, they just couldn't quit :) Keep up the great work.

[@TaggalongMTB247]

Yes.

[@concars1234]

Hell yes Willie Watson is incredible. Check out his albums Folksinger vol 1 and 2, just excellent folk playing and singing, classic songs I'd have never heard otherwise

[@dariusdribbles.3981]

One of the best you have had GEMS. Thanks.

[@klippdachs]

Thanks so much for posting!

[@coolguy54life99]

Lordy jeezus that's my dude!

[@wolfcreekboys7353]

Solid

[@robertmorici8605]

This is great Willie! Start writing new music again too! Always love your original songs

[@nickbloom6861]

"If he stays out late at night because he's troubled, or because is home is not what it should be" ... This hits close

[@koonachota]

It's back! Couldn't find this for a while for some reason, so thankful it's back!

[@Watrmalon]

That was beautiful!!

[@brandonl7396]

Willie is the man