Jason Isbell — If We Were Vampires
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It's not the long flowing dress that you're in
Or the light coming off of your skin
The fragile heart you protected for so long
Or the mercy in your sense of right and wrong
It's not your hands, searching slow in the dark
Or your nails leaving love's watermark
It's not the way you talk me off the roof
Your questions like directions to the truth
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone or one day you'll be gone
If we were vampires and death was a joke
We'd go out on the sidewalk and smoke
And laugh at all the lovers and their plans
I wouldn't feel the need to hold your hand
Maybe time running out is a gift
I'll work hard 'til the end of my shift
And give you every second I can find
And hope it isn't me who's left behind
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone or one day you'll be gone
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone or one day you'll be gone
Or the light coming off of your skin
The fragile heart you protected for so long
Or the mercy in your sense of right and wrong
It's not your hands, searching slow in the dark
Or your nails leaving love's watermark
It's not the way you talk me off the roof
Your questions like directions to the truth
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone or one day you'll be gone
If we were vampires and death was a joke
We'd go out on the sidewalk and smoke
And laugh at all the lovers and their plans
I wouldn't feel the need to hold your hand
Maybe time running out is a gift
I'll work hard 'til the end of my shift
And give you every second I can find
And hope it isn't me who's left behind
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone or one day you'll be gone
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone or one day you'll be gone
Comments (140)add comment
breaks my heart he and Amanda Shires split. Relationships and love are tough Great tune
Yeah, can't listen too closely to these lyrics either at work. I'm not crying, you're crying.
The love of my life and I have been together for 20 years, married for 16. Neither of us wants to ever be without the other. Because of an age difference, I am preparing her for someday.
freddyfender wrote:
What part of your idiotic comment is a pun? And if there is a pun somewhere in there, and you didn't intend it, why didn't you just not post it?
My guess is the "white guilt" wasn't a true pun, just mocking the pale skin of vampires.
What part of your idiotic comment is a pun? And if there is a pun somewhere in there, and you didn't intend it, why didn't you just not post it?
My guess is the "white guilt" wasn't a true pun, just mocking the pale skin of vampires.
Some of the most honest and beautiful comments for any song that I’ve read. The fact that his song and several others from Jason can hit so hard is a testament to who, I believe, is the best songwriter under the age of 80 today (do yourself a favor and listen to the album “Southeastern”- also, the newest album “Weathervanes”). Thank you, Jason, for this song and thank you, listeners, for your comments.
brianlj wrote:
Sorry for your loss.
I believe the greatest act of love is to outlive your partner - but few of us have a choice in this.
I hope we can go together.
My wife died a year ago.
We had just 50 years together.
We knew the end was coming. and this song mattered.
We couldn't choose it for her funeral though 'cos, she said, "It's *too* sad. Too many people of our age will be there".
She chose, amongst others, 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes' (Fairport) and 'With a Little Help From My Friends' (Joe Cocker)
Part of the dedication (which she wrote!) included, "After so many years together, I'm sorry to be the one to go first." She knew exactly why. She didn't want to leave me behind alone. Same for me. It's called love.
It's been a year.
I still love her, but she's gone.
She wanted me to be happy, and so I've moved on and I am happy.
In part, I'm happy 'cos I was with her and I loved her. The other part is my new love.
Sorry for your loss.
I believe the greatest act of love is to outlive your partner - but few of us have a choice in this.
I hope we can go together.
Damnit - now going to go find my love before she falls asleep - rather than listening longer here.
Beautiful song and beautiful comments by listeners
naomin wrote:
In fact sad songs show empathy. Anyone considering suicide needs that in spades.
I would also submit that this is not really a sad song.
It is a song of hope and love and devotion, a reminder to treat important people as important.
Or so it seems to me.
YMMV.
In fact sad songs show empathy. Anyone considering suicide needs that in spades.
I would also submit that this is not really a sad song.
It is a song of hope and love and devotion, a reminder to treat important people as important.
Or so it seems to me.
YMMV.
Finally playing this gem again.
Nice song, but overplayed. This song needs to take a break for a while.
dwlangham wrote:
oh, please. Speaking from my experience, it's not sad songs that push a depressed person toward suicidal ideation. It's the happy songs to which the depressed person can't relate that does that trick.
In fact sad songs show empathy. Anyone considering suicide needs that in spades.
oh, please. Speaking from my experience, it's not sad songs that push a depressed person toward suicidal ideation. It's the happy songs to which the depressed person can't relate that does that trick.
In fact sad songs show empathy. Anyone considering suicide needs that in spades.
There are good guys in Alabama!
brianlj wrote:
This is so moving and I feel so blessed you shared it. I'm glad you're happy.
Beautiful x
My wife died a year ago.
We had just 50 years together.
We knew the end was coming. and this song mattered.
We couldn't choose it for her funeral though 'cos, she said, "It's *too* sad. Too many people of our age will be there".
She chose, amongst others, 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes' (Fairport) and 'With a Little Help From My Friends' (Joe Cocker)
Part of the dedication (which she wrote!) included, "After so many years together, I'm sorry to be the one to go first." She knew exactly why. She didn't want to leave me behind alone. Same for me. It's called love.
It's been a year.
I still love her, but she's gone.
She wanted me to be happy, and so I've moved on and I am happy.
In part, I'm happy 'cos I was with her and I loved her. The other part is my new love.
This is so moving and I feel so blessed you shared it. I'm glad you're happy.
Beautiful x
Kaisersosay wrote:
This is beautiful, no matter what anyone's beliefs are.
An amazing song for those who are lucky and brave enough to think long and hard about such things. Like all stories, they all have to have an ending. After knowing the person I share lives with for 34 years, married for 27, in this world, I have no issue with being first moving on to the next world.
It only means, I'll have an empty beach chair next to me for a bit, watching a distant sea, feeling it wash upon my feet, until she catches up, sits next to me, again, like she has done so many times before. In this life and the last.
This is beautiful, no matter what anyone's beliefs are.
easmann wrote:
Undoubtedly, his songwriting is a real gift to us. Been following him since he was with Drive-By Truckers. Amazing live performer and wonderful 400 Unit band.
”It's not the way you talk me off the roof
Your questions like directions to the truth
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone or one day you'll be gone
(…)
Maybe time running out is a gift
I'll work hard 'til the end of my shift
And give you every second I can find
And hope it isn't me who's left behind”
— Jason Isbell, If We Were Vampires
One of this generation’s greatest songwriters, I predict.
Undoubtedly, his songwriting is a real gift to us. Been following him since he was with Drive-By Truckers. Amazing live performer and wonderful 400 Unit band.
Bill played this after I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab For Cutie.
Fantastic love song.
Then this. Not really an Isbell fan but, this is a very solid love song. And duet.
Not Richard and Linda Thompson good. But, well, pretty F'n good.
Fantastic love song.
Then this. Not really an Isbell fan but, this is a very solid love song. And duet.
Not Richard and Linda Thompson good. But, well, pretty F'n good.
I've been with my current spouse for, nigh on, 22 years. We probably not get 40 years together, I'm 64 and he's 69. We both wondered a bit till our lives became one.
This song does move my emotions thinking of the day when one of us walks alone, age points to me being the solo traveler, but I really want to be the first. I guess that could be construed as self-centered, but I just don't know if I want deal with his death and all that goes with it. We will see. Right now I just want to work the remaining year, quit, and have some years where we can enjoy each other company and do things together whenever.
Best wishes to all who travel this world with our soulmate.
This song does move my emotions thinking of the day when one of us walks alone, age points to me being the solo traveler, but I really want to be the first. I guess that could be construed as self-centered, but I just don't know if I want deal with his death and all that goes with it. We will see. Right now I just want to work the remaining year, quit, and have some years where we can enjoy each other company and do things together whenever.
Best wishes to all who travel this world with our soulmate.
radioparadise9 wrote:
The "crappy situation" is called Life.
Enjoy it while you can ... This is It
Just passing through.
The "crappy situation" is called Life.
Enjoy it while you can ... This is It
Just passing through.
jambo wrote:
The "crappy situation" is called Life.
Enjoy it while you can ... This is It
amazing song. i don't think it's that sentimental. just matter of fact in the face of a crappy situation. jason is very underrated by some. the poetic lyrics fit the melody = great song.
The "crappy situation" is called Life.
Enjoy it while you can ... This is It
brian.gass77551 wrote:
"One thing you can't hide is when you're crippled inside" J Lennon
Thanks Bill for giving us the skip function so I can avoid listening to this morose mess without switching stations.
"One thing you can't hide is when you're crippled inside" J Lennon
I'm 74, my wife of 10 years is 58.
Our life is comfortable, we have more than enough money, we live in a gorgeous environment (hint: SW Western Australia)
We are atheists ... there is no pie in the sky
This is real for us.
We live each day, cherishing the delight in our friendship.
Lots of laughing but in the background the understanding of mortality. Each day is precious.
I put it this way ... if there is a heaven I will be waiting for you at the gate.
As Michael Jackson said "this is it"
Our life is comfortable, we have more than enough money, we live in a gorgeous environment (hint: SW Western Australia)
We are atheists ... there is no pie in the sky
This is real for us.
We live each day, cherishing the delight in our friendship.
Lots of laughing but in the background the understanding of mortality. Each day is precious.
I put it this way ... if there is a heaven I will be waiting for you at the gate.
As Michael Jackson said "this is it"
alvivino wrote:
Just PSD. I rate this an 8 personally.
Please…. Enough of this song already . Not all of us had that kind of marriage. Kinda rubs it in the wounds. And it’s not really not that great of a song. Certainly not nearly his best.
Just PSD. I rate this an 8 personally.
WannabeBanned wrote:
What part of your idiotic comment is a pun? And if there is a pun somewhere in there, and you didn't intend it, why didn't you just not post it?
Whatever..., I can't listen to this guy after his white guilt song, sorry. Oops, no pun intended. ;-)
What part of your idiotic comment is a pun? And if there is a pun somewhere in there, and you didn't intend it, why didn't you just not post it?
”It's not the way you talk me off the roof
Your questions like directions to the truth
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone or one day you'll be gone
(…)
Maybe time running out is a gift
I'll work hard 'til the end of my shift
And give you every second I can find
And hope it isn't me who's left behind”
— Jason Isbell, If We Were Vampires
One of this generation’s greatest songwriters, I predict.
Your questions like directions to the truth
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone or one day you'll be gone
(…)
Maybe time running out is a gift
I'll work hard 'til the end of my shift
And give you every second I can find
And hope it isn't me who's left behind”
— Jason Isbell, If We Were Vampires
One of this generation’s greatest songwriters, I predict.
Please…. Enough of this song already . Not all of us had that kind of marriage. Kinda rubs it in the wounds. And it’s not really not that great of a song. Certainly not nearly his best.
This song hits really close to home for me.
Great songwriting and presentation, very refreshing.
scrubbrush wrote:
Beautiful story.
Literally brought tears to my eyes.
She said: "Of all the love stories in the world, ours was my favorite"
Beautiful story.
Literally brought tears to my eyes.
She said: "Of all the love stories in the world, ours was my favorite"
Bill, Everything OK? This last 3 song set has been....uh thematically dark!
Here are the tabs if you want to play along or learn this song.
brianlj wrote:
Beautiful story.
Literally brought tears to my eyes.
My wife died a year ago.
We had just 50 years together.
We knew the end was coming. and this song mattered.
We couldn't choose it for her funeral though 'cos, she said, "It's *too* sad. Too many people of our age will be there".
She chose, amongst others, 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes' (Fairport) and 'With a Little Help From My Friends' (Joe Cocker)
Part of the dedication (which she wrote!) included, "After so many years together, I'm sorry to be the one to go first." She knew exactly why. She didn't want to leave me behind alone. Same for me. It's called love.
It's been a year.
I still love her, but she's gone.
She wanted me to be happy, and so I've moved on and I am happy.
In part, I'm happy 'cos I was with her and I loved her. The other part is my new love.
Beautiful story.
Literally brought tears to my eyes.
What a sad but lovely song. Wish I had the same happiness too.
Love Jason Isbell. Thanks, Bill.
brian.gass77551 wrote:
I wouldn't call it a morose mess--it's quite beautiful. I deployed skip to save myself from sinking into depression.
Thanks Bill for giving us the skip function so I can avoid listening to this morose mess without switching stations.
I wouldn't call it a morose mess--it's quite beautiful. I deployed skip to save myself from sinking into depression.
My mental health obliged me to deploy a "skip" on this one...
albert11 wrote:
Ditto; maybe even Three , or Four?
Such a beautiful song. Always reminds me of at least one that got away :(
Ditto; maybe even Three , or Four?
After a certain age this speaks to what we are thinking
Such a beautiful song. Always reminds me of at least one that got away :(
Thanks Bill for giving us the skip function so I can avoid listening to this morose mess without switching stations.
Cripes Bill. Hallelujah, Follow You in to the Dark and now this? Are you TRYING to make my wife cry?
oh man.....
I love how real and comfortable his sound is.
I really don't like this guy's work but, I have to say, I think he nailed with this one.
GeorgeMWoods wrote:
Sentimental, yes, but sappy as in overflowing with maudlin sentiment, cloying sweetness, not so much, IMHO.
Sappy
Sentimental, yes, but sappy as in overflowing with maudlin sentiment, cloying sweetness, not so much, IMHO.
mermansf wrote:
oh, please. Speaking from my experience, it's not sad songs that push a depressed person toward suicidal ideation. It's the happy songs to which the depressed person can't relate that does that trick.
This music is not for the suicidal. Likely to put them over the top..
oh, please. Speaking from my experience, it's not sad songs that push a depressed person toward suicidal ideation. It's the happy songs to which the depressed person can't relate that does that trick.
This music is not for the suicidal. Likely to put them over the top..
It is so nice to hear true finger-picking like our band used to play in the 60's
For some reason, I just cannot stand Jason Isbell. His melodies just grate on me. And his lyrics are to0 insipid to inspire anything but annoyance in me. Thankfully, I can always skip forward to the next track. Thanks to RP for that feature!
I like this guy a as song writer, but he seems to tug on some obvious heart strings. Whether it's white guilt, or inevitable death, he's got you covered.
Sappy
It’s like a musical version of Ricky Gervais’ Afterlife on Netflix.
Jason can write lyrics! Beautiful.
My wife died a year ago.
We had just 50 years together.
We knew the end was coming. and this song mattered.
We couldn't choose it for her funeral though 'cos, she said, "It's *too* sad. Too many people of our age will be there".
She chose, amongst others, 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes' (Fairport) and 'With a Little Help From My Friends' (Joe Cocker)
Part of the dedication (which she wrote!) included, "After so many years together, I'm sorry to be the one to go first." She knew exactly why. She didn't want to leave me behind alone. Same for me. It's called love.
It's been a year.
I still love her, but she's gone.
She wanted me to be happy, and so I've moved on and I am happy.
In part, I'm happy 'cos I was with her and I loved her. The other part is my new love.
We had just 50 years together.
We knew the end was coming. and this song mattered.
We couldn't choose it for her funeral though 'cos, she said, "It's *too* sad. Too many people of our age will be there".
She chose, amongst others, 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes' (Fairport) and 'With a Little Help From My Friends' (Joe Cocker)
Part of the dedication (which she wrote!) included, "After so many years together, I'm sorry to be the one to go first." She knew exactly why. She didn't want to leave me behind alone. Same for me. It's called love.
It's been a year.
I still love her, but she's gone.
She wanted me to be happy, and so I've moved on and I am happy.
In part, I'm happy 'cos I was with her and I loved her. The other part is my new love.
renton wrote:
They are. Absolutely.
These lyrics mess me up every time. As a 28-year-old in a relatively new relationship, is it better to not settle down and spend my days alone? Not sure if the years together are worth saying goodbye
They are. Absolutely.
Good grief this is prescient in the era of Covid-19...
nottheusualkind wrote:
That's exactly how I came to like him.
I remember seeing some live footage of Isbell and it was obvious to see that he was a talented guitarist and singer/ songwriter but I wasn't wowed by him. The more I hear of him, though, the more I wonder to myself ....what on earth was I thinking?
That's exactly how I came to like him.
I'm a bit older than Mr. Isbell, married for a long time ... this song hits hard.
i love it
but so sad,
wonderful
and true
love
is
but so sad,
wonderful
and true
love
is
Turn it up!
My personal choice for best album of 2017. This song, along with the entire album, hits deep and shows that Isbell is a gifted writer of thought provoking lyrics that establish him as anything but another country artist. The rest of the album rocks and the songs hit hard at social injustice, relationships, and the state of our Union. His wife and writing partner, Amanda Shires only adds to the greatness. Epically good stuff.
izycrzy wrote:
Thanks for making me laugh after crying through this song!
I always say to my wife "We're going to live to be 95 then the car will break down on some railroad tracks and we'll get clobbered by a big train in a blaze of glory." Then she says "I don't want to do that."
Thanks for making me laugh after crying through this song!
Bill played Death Cab for Cutie’s “I’ll follow you into the dark” followed by this tune.
Both are excellent tunes... but something tells me it’s a love letter to his wife and a subconscious reminder of our own inevitable end.
I remember seeing some live footage of Isbell and it was obvious to see that he was a talented guitarist and singer/ songwriter but I wasn't wowed by him. The more I hear from him, though, the more I wonder to myself, what on earth was I thinking? This is fantastic!
lizardking wrote:
I've grown rather fond of this track, it's gone 6 to 9 at some point. Long Live RP and all the "sappy" songs that BillG plays ;-)
first time hearing this, wanting it to pick up the pace a bit...oh great add a female vocalist.....uggg..too sappy for me right now.. 6.1
I've grown rather fond of this track, it's gone 6 to 9 at some point. Long Live RP and all the "sappy" songs that BillG plays ;-)
Laptopdog wrote:
Unfortunately the fans are part of the deal. I've never been to a Jason Isbell concert, don't know what the crowd is like. But I've been to a bunch of John Prine concerts. It takes a special kind of idiot to whoop in the middle of "Sam Stone". I'm sure it goes the same way with Jason.
It takes all kinds to fill the freeways.
Isn't he basically known as a country artist? I have a hard time imagining him singing this in concert and a bunch of cowboys cheering a song about vampires.
Unfortunately the fans are part of the deal. I've never been to a Jason Isbell concert, don't know what the crowd is like. But I've been to a bunch of John Prine concerts. It takes a special kind of idiot to whoop in the middle of "Sam Stone". I'm sure it goes the same way with Jason.
It takes all kinds to fill the freeways.
dwaynejarrell wrote:
I sang it at my wedding and upped the # of years with each chorus, 40 to 60 to 80. :-)
We just hit 41 years and yes, we need a lot more time!!!
I sang it at my wedding and upped the # of years with each chorus, 40 to 60 to 80. :-)
We just hit 41 years and yes, we need a lot more time!!!
drjimmy wrote:
I sang it at my wedding and upped the # of years with each chorus, 40 to 60 to 80. :-)
My experience with this song seems to be the consensus here. My wife cried when we saw Jason and Amanda perform it in concert a few weeks ago. She and I have 35 years together as of now, and 40 years is way too short.
I sang it at my wedding and upped the # of years with each chorus, 40 to 60 to 80. :-)
"I'll Follow You Into The Dark" followed by "If We Were Vampires" is the most perfect segue. This is why we listen. Keep up the great work!
This song is nice enough, I suppose, but I keep wishing he could still write songs of the quality of those on Southeastern.
On behalf of the Society for the Preservation of the Subjunctive in English, I give kudos to the band for the use of 'were' in the title :)
Love this song
This song is only a couple of years old but it seems that it has always been around. I guess it's the message. And the older I get the harder it hits me. Great song. 8 to 9 for now because of the lyrics. Probably gonna be a ten soon.
Heard this on 'This is Us' recently, reminded me what a great tune it is. Fitted perfectly with the montage.
In fact there are a lot of tunes on RP rotation played in that TV programme. I wondered whether Bill and Rebecca are fans of the series or whether the makers if the TV series are fans of RP.
In short, watch 'This is Us' and listen to RP for a more fulfilling existence :)
In fact there are a lot of tunes on RP rotation played in that TV programme. I wondered whether Bill and Rebecca are fans of the series or whether the makers if the TV series are fans of RP.
In short, watch 'This is Us' and listen to RP for a more fulfilling existence :)
I'm not crying, you're crying!
izycrzy wrote:
I do!
I always say to my wife "We're going to live to be 95 then the car will break down on some railroad tracks and we'll get clobbered by a big train in a blaze of glory." Then she says "I don't want to do that."
I do!
Kaisersosay wrote:
Thanks for writing this.
An amazing song for those who are lucky and brave enough to think long and hard about such things. Like all stories, they all have to have an ending. After knowing the person I share lives with for 34 years, married for 27, in this world, I have no issue with being first moving on to the next world.
It only means, I'll have an empty beach chair next to me for a bit, watching a distant sea, feeling it wash upon my feet, until she catches up, sits next to me, again, like she has done so many times before. In this life and the last.
It only means, I'll have an empty beach chair next to me for a bit, watching a distant sea, feeling it wash upon my feet, until she catches up, sits next to me, again, like she has done so many times before. In this life and the last.
Thanks for writing this.
Heard this one twice today, 4 hours apart. Once a month or so is about all I can handle. ;-)
This guy is such a great writer. I love his solo stuff as much as with his bands.
Lyndont wrote:
Nice sentiments. I’ve been married for 37 years, together for 40 and feel the same way. Love the song. Bill could have followed it with “I will follow you into the dark” by Death Cab for Cutie.
Maybe too much of a good thing
Bill just preceded it with it ,,, this time around.......
Nice sentiments. I’ve been married for 37 years, together for 40 and feel the same way. Love the song. Bill could have followed it with “I will follow you into the dark” by Death Cab for Cutie.
Maybe too much of a good thing
Bill just preceded it with it ,,, this time around.......
I will follow you into the dark followed by vampires. perfect pairing.
As my wife & I married when I was 51 and she 47, these lyrics just hit me in the gut...
Poignant? Maybe for some, not for me - the words are a bit too obvious for my liking, and I don't like the music that much either.
In fact I have to skip this every time it comes on!
Sorry, just not for me, at all...
In fact I have to skip this every time it comes on!
Sorry, just not for me, at all...
I always say to my wife "We're going to live to be 95 then the car will break down on some railroad tracks and we'll get clobbered by a big train in a blaze of glory." Then she says "I don't want to do that."
"It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone or one day you'll be gone"
Unfortunately, now that I am "older" this reality is more real and more sad than I ever thought it would be. Sad, real truth. Life can be hard and sad. Those words hit hard today.
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone or one day you'll be gone"
Unfortunately, now that I am "older" this reality is more real and more sad than I ever thought it would be. Sad, real truth. Life can be hard and sad. Those words hit hard today.
Yep, people who are young just won't get this......but when you get to middle age with marriage and divorce and children under your belt you'll understand the wisdom of these words....
Laptopdog wrote:
1. This song is not actually about vampires.
2. Alt-country pulls a different crowd than that Nashville corporate country bullshit.
3. Still, you paint a funny picture.
Isn't he basically known as a country artist? I have a hard time imagining him singing this in concert and a bunch of cowboys cheering a song about vampires.
1. This song is not actually about vampires.
2. Alt-country pulls a different crowd than that Nashville corporate country bullshit.
3. Still, you paint a funny picture.
Damn it. Who's peeling onions? This song made me wish I'd worked harder to keep my marriage. I let her walk away too easily. Sigh.
Love this song and almost anything he does or even did with the Drive By Truckers...
There is a wonderful live version of this from Austin City Limits.
Gets me every time. Such beautifully written lyrics. 
Laptopdog wrote:
I think this grossly oversimplifies country music and country music listeners. Try out some Townes Van Zant sometime.
Isn't he basically known as a country artist? I have a hard time imagining him singing this in concert and a bunch of cowboys cheering a song about vampires.
I think this grossly oversimplifies country music and country music listeners. Try out some Townes Van Zant sometime.
The lyrics drive me to dreams. I wished we have 40 years.....
Isn't he basically known as a country artist? I have a hard time imagining him singing this in concert and a bunch of cowboys cheering a song about vampires.
I like Isbell but this song is treacly.
trailhead wrote:
Read the lyrics again. I missed the genius of this line the first few times I listened to the song.
If you were a vampire, you wouldn't have to worry about this.
Ahhh, yes, I see now.
That does change my perspective on this song - thanks.
Read the lyrics again. I missed the genius of this line the first few times I listened to the song.
If you were a vampire, you wouldn't have to worry about this.
Ahhh, yes, I see now.
That does change my perspective on this song - thanks.
Thinkin' about the day I'll be gone, I guess. Some of my friends went ahead, some will follow me, but we're all in line. People who feel this song in somehow "too intimate" must be young and still feel, way down deep, like they can make time stand still, or perhaps become a vampire...
I wonder if Isbell wrote this after watching Only Lovers Left Alive, which is, surprisingly enough, about vampire lovers.
skyguy wrote:
Plays (last 30 days): 6
Thus, once every 5 days.
You, however, get the Troll Who Can't Count Prize
... (a front row seat at 10 Donald Trump performances)
Great song buy waaay overplayed here.
Plays (last 30 days): 6
Thus, once every 5 days.
You, however, get the Troll Who Can't Count Prize
... (a front row seat at 10 Donald Trump performances)
wilcogirl11 wrote:
I know eh? I'm reluctantly liking this song more each time I hear it.
I love/hate this song.
I know eh? I'm reluctantly liking this song more each time I hear it.
I love/hate this song.
Propayne wrote:
Read the lyrics again. I missed the genius of this line the first few times I listened to the song.
If you were a vampire, you wouldn't have to worry about this.
They might get a few more years if they didn't go out on the sidewalk and smoke
Read the lyrics again. I missed the genius of this line the first few times I listened to the song.
If you were a vampire, you wouldn't have to worry about this.
drjimmy wrote:
Similar experience for me. I took my girlfriend of 2 plus years to the show and she hadn't ever heard the song before. We are both widowers so we could relate BIG time. She cried, and I had a little something in my eye as well.
My experience with this song seems to be the consensus here. My wife cried when we saw Jason and Amanda perform it in concert a few weeks ago. She and I have 35 years together as of now, and 40 years is way too short.
Similar experience for me. I took my girlfriend of 2 plus years to the show and she hadn't ever heard the song before. We are both widowers so we could relate BIG time. She cried, and I had a little something in my eye as well.
coyote620 wrote:
The Captain & Tennille are sappy.
This is pretty nice.
Little sappy
The Captain & Tennille are sappy.
This is pretty nice.
So many thinks on this one song! Ultimate conclusion is that it's just too darn intimate, and reminds singles of why it's so bloody tedious hanging with married couples. So much so that I almost said "Alexa skip this song." So yeah, when you can't say anything nice, pull out the snark shaker. This is a song Lyle Lovett wishes he'd have written but his big fat Texan's ego just kept getting in the way. At least an Alabamian male is slightly more humble.
This is such a beautiful love song....
They might get a few more years if they didn't go out on the sidewalk and smoke
Enough. I love Isbell's writing... and this song... the first gazillion times I heard it. 
DocStrangelove wrote:
Mine neither! Just dust in my eyes. Dammit.
they
are
NOT
tears
Mine neither! Just dust in my eyes. Dammit.
skyguy wrote:
Great song buy waaay overplayed here.
Maybe the song, but the message repeats forever.
Death and taxes.
Well up a bit every time. Much love.
Whatever..., I can't listen to this guy after his white guilt song, sorry. Oops, no pun intended. ;-)
Kaisersosay wrote:
Nice sentiments. I’ve been married for 37 years, together for 40 and feel the same way. Love the song. Bill could have followed it with “I will follow you into the dark” by Death Cab for Cutie.
Maybe too much of a good thing
An amazing song for those who are lucky and brave enough to think long and hard about such things. Like all stories, they all have to have an ending. After knowing the person I share lives with for 34 years, married for 27, in this world, I have no issue with being first moving on to the next world.
It only means, I'll have an empty beach chair next to me for a bit, watching a distant sea, feeling it wash upon my feet, until she catches up, sits next to me, again, like she has done so many times before. In this life and the last.
It only means, I'll have an empty beach chair next to me for a bit, watching a distant sea, feeling it wash upon my feet, until she catches up, sits next to me, again, like she has done so many times before. In this life and the last.
Nice sentiments. I’ve been married for 37 years, together for 40 and feel the same way. Love the song. Bill could have followed it with “I will follow you into the dark” by Death Cab for Cutie.
Maybe too much of a good thing
Man, this guy can craft some poignant lyrics. And pleasant guitar work too.
amazing song. i don't think it's that sentimental. just matter of fact in the face of a crappy situation. jason is very underrated by some. the poetic lyrics fit the melody = great song.
they
are
NOT
tears
This song is one for the longterm marriage people for sure. Clearly Mr. Bill loves it, as he always comments about it when he chooses it. I'm not all that crazy about it because it makes me think about giving marriage another try. And some people are meant to never be married. Better off just hooking up with some vampire dude when next in NOLA.