"How long can they keep you in the ICU? See the veins through the skin like a faded tattoo. " Jesus, the man can boil down a hard stretch of life into two sentences.
Or just that first line: She said "it's none of my business, but it breaks my heart". Only a small town person could have written that. And to start a song off in the middle of an unidentified conversation amongst unidentified characters?? More please.
+John Carmack Folk should be WAY more known than it is...these people have some talent, and i mean more talent than the artists like Justin Bieber or Nicki Minajand such, and people don't even know they exist....
+John Carmack Hopefully all this success on the last 2 (or 3 here we rest was great as well) will get people to dig back to the Drive by Truckers days and listen to the most talented band of my generation the 2001-2006 lineup of DBT.
This lyric is pure poetry. Maybe it's because when you're raised in the same culture that he's describing here, you understand the frustration and the need to leave, no matter what. But he captures it perfectly. Incredible song from an incredible songwriter.
Julio Arguello or maybe it’s about there being nothing to let go of, after one by one everything of value left. I see it as the realization that you held onto a shadow of what you saw, and letting go of the illusion. Either way, Isbell is a genius
A very underrated part of Jason's songwriting for sure... He barely wastes a word and KNOWS when the song is over however short/long. Imo Justin Townes Earle had a lot of the same characteristics. R. I. P.
I saw him in Indianapolis a couple months ago and, except for four or five yayhoos in the back, it was like a church all night. No one talking or screwing around. The whole room was hanging on every word, every note. I've never seen anything like it.
Saw him at the Taft on the 2nd night in Cincy last month, same thing. It was like you said, church. I saw what I went to see, a legend in his prime and got all of that and more. I guess everybody else there did too.
You could teach a full college literature course on this one song. So many layers. The only other song that compares in terms of painting such a vivid and hauntingly beautiful picture is Prine’s Angel From Montgomery.
How this guy has remained out of the spotlight for the most part within the music industry is one of the greatest travesties of our time. Unparalleled talent
@@lorrivhs I’m from Muscle Shoals, I grew up listening to DBT. lol. I’m just saying this dude is one of the greatest song writers of our time. He never seems to miss
I see this as a story of crossroads. I lived this story, just not in the same manner as the song writer did. The result was leaving boyhood behind too young and donning manhood and the spine God meant for men to have. At the time, it seemed as if I was in Hell. Nearly 50 years have past. Looking back, I hazard to think what kind of man I would be had I not lived thru it all. Thank you, Jason, for taking me back. Some of these memories are painful to be sure. I wouldn't change one damn thing though! If you are going thru hell right now, know that there is the other side waiting! It's just seems a thousand miles away!
We are lucky to have such heart-breakingly wonderful talents as Jadon working in the midst of so much strife, misery & chaos- it lets you feel lees alone, makes you remember that ‘home’ is a place we all share deep inside- thank you so much, Jason, these songs will live forever
I saw Jason Isbell in Huber heights Ohio (pretty sure it was there) a few years ago and half the seats were empty. They played like it was a sold out crowd. Almost everyone there sang every single word to every song, myself included. I consider myself one of the lucky ones to have stumbled on his music through TH-cam about 5 years ago. Definitely one of the best singer/ songwriters of our day.
Jason really is the best songwriter we have. To say that the man has a gift for words/melody is a great understatement. For me Speed Trap Town may just be his best song. And that's a ridiculous statement to make.
I say that about every song of his I hear. "Oh no, this is the best...no wait, Decoration Day, no wait Live Oak, no I meant Yvette" Dude is just to amazing to be captured in one song or one album
Just fell upon him tonight glad I did. Truly an artist. These songs are true stories about life. All I can say is Beautiful!!! I would love to see him in concert.
Jason's words always feel in between something good and fulfilling you've eaten and a swift kick in the nuts. Probably because I've been here and there with him. All of my heros are dead, most of my loved ones gone, and our family divided. He helps me keep it all rolling
Lost my Mom in January and she spent her last 3 weeks in critical care. "Veins through the skin like a faded tattoo" reduces me to a weeping mess every single time. She always wanted us to travel and live our lives but we never left because we didn't know how much longer we had with her. This is any amazing piece of poetry. Grew up in a 1A, but same life..
My dad died a year and a half ago, moving away from my hometown in the next couple months because there's nothing here that can't be left behind. Love this guys work
My Dad died a year ago to the day October 27th... it sucks, this is town he raised me in. I know and feel all these thing. I miss just shaking my Dads hand...
@@robertsutphin8753 2 weeks shy of a year since we lost Daddy to a 3 year battle with cancer, after being given 3 months when first diagnosed. "But the holidays are over and hes still here" is the line that gets me. I keep realizing there's no one left to ask if I'm alright, and the only thing to leave behind is Mama, by brothers, and their kids. I pray you made it out of your speed trap town and you're doing better. I'll get out of this one, someday.
Jason has unique gifted voice, and thank God, finally Country Music has a real country voice! This singer makes me want to come back to country music! Thanks Jason!
Dude, underrated lyric "it's a boy's first dream and a man's first loss" People who didn't play football as kids don't really get it. That is like...your shit. Football is your thing. Until your last game. Then you take off your pads and turn them in and you'll never play another real game again. You can play pick-up basketball or soccer until you physically can't. You can play baseball or softball forever. Once you take off those shoulder pads for the last time. In high school..it really is like...your little kid dreams are over and that little fantasy you had as making this your career is dead. Boy's first dream and a man's first loss.
As someone who moved to Utah from TN at 12, I can tell ya most everyone in UT, ID, WY & CO can relate to a speedtrap town, and watching their hometown play a 5 A school
I went to Pleasant Grove High... 3A School when I was there. We payed bigger 4A schools that would run complicated offensive plays... I totally get that line!
3A here, Casey County, Ky. 30+ years of losing football teams, roster of 15 to 22 average, but hard working LOYAL warriors. Finally had a winning season, then a concerted effort of 15 years of improving little league, sacrifice, getting folks on the same page. Now back to back seasons with 1 loss regular seasons, and new records every game and record runs in the playoffs. Leaving out the politics and just speaking of the football side of it, in that measure our little town has improved leaps and bounds. Still a lot of wholesome good folks. The drug influence is reaching all these towns, unfortunately. But still, 90% good, 10%...not bad, but lost their way. Great song. And a salute to all you 1A to 6A schools, except, screw you privatized Catholic/Christian school pricks. :-)
Left home long ago, living across the country away from everything I love. Walked away with my heart so, so broken. I feel exactly what he’s feeling in this one.
This man lives 3,000 miles from my speed trap town and he nails it. Great to see such talent coming from the good ole US. Just gradually writing his way in to the greats. Can't wait to see him in the Autumn (Fall oops sorry)
She said it's none of my business but it breaks my heart Dropped a dozen cheap roses in my shopping cart Made it out to the truck without breaking down Everybody knows you in a speed trap town It's a Thursday night but theres a high school game Sneak a bottle up the bleachers and forget my name These 5a bastards run a shallow cross It's a boys last dream and a man's first loss And it never did occur to me to leave til tonight There's no one left to ask if i'm alright I'll sleep untill im straight enough to drive And decide If there's anything that can't be left behind The doctor said daddy wouldn't make it a year But the holidays are over and he's still here How long can they keep you in the I.C.U Veins through the skin like a faded tattoo Was a tough state trooper til' a decade back When that girl who wasn't momma caused his heart attack He didn't care about us when he was walkin around Just pullin' women over in a speed trap town But it never did occur to me to leave Til Tonight When I realised he'll never be alright Sign my name and say my last goodbye Then decide There's nothin' here that can't be left behind Instrumental Road got blurry when the sun came up So I slept a couple hours in the pickup truck Drank a cup of coffee by an Indian man A thousand miles away from that speed trap town A thousand miles away from that speed trap town
This song brings back so many memories of leaving home, my mom and dad divorcing because of his infidelity. I left at seventeen "signed my name and said my last good bye", "there's nothing here that can't be left behind". How poignant for me.
This is absolutely bloody first class. Not a word wasted, every one perfectly chosen. Gorgeous melody. Understated but / and excellent guitar playing. I second the remark about this Comments thread being really good, too.
Best song I've heard in a long time. Really great - you can really feel it - not the same but the honesty of the song reminds me a little of Chris Knight's love and a 45 - yeah... the slide thought it was gonna be a Tele, Gibson SG I was way off! When you can listen to a record beginning to end over and over and then come back to it and still love it, that's a record! Wow!
![Jason Isbell - "Elephant" [Live @ SiriusXM] | Outlaw Country](/img/n.gif)
I feel like I just read an excellent novel in four and a half minutes.
"How long can they keep you in the ICU?
See the veins through the skin like a faded tattoo. "
Jesus, the man can boil down a hard stretch of life into two sentences.
"It's a boy's last dream and a man's first loss.'
might just be one of the best songs ever written?
It's a boys last dream and a man's first loss....
damn
+Greg Hawes Really hits you, doesn't it?
Or just that first line: She said "it's none of my business, but it breaks my heart". Only a small town person could have written that. And to start a song off in the middle of an unidentified conversation amongst unidentified characters?? More please.
Finally someone who feels the same!! Lol. This is one of my favourite lyrics.
One of the best lines I've ever heard
I absolutely love this line
Townes would be proud to have written this. It's perfect.
This is one of the only comment threads on youtube that makes you feel good when you read it. Love to all of you.
Thank You and much LOVE to YOU 😘♥️🎶...
When that girl who wasn’t mama caused his heart attack…. What a wildly talented poet and artist
He’s amazing. This line never fails to captivate my mind.
This guy is making music history and most people don't even know it!
+John Carmack thank the stars we do...
+John Carmack Folk should be WAY more known than it is...these people have some talent, and i mean more talent than the artists like Justin Bieber or Nicki Minajand such, and people don't even know they exist....
+John Carmack Hopefully all this success on the last 2 (or 3 here we rest was great as well) will get people to dig back to the Drive by Truckers days and listen to the most talented band of my generation the 2001-2006 lineup of DBT.
+frizzij It's about music vs entertainment. These guys write stories, the other people you were talking about write cheques.
True, true...The stories, in my opinion make for better songs
Jason is the last of the hard-core troubadours.
This lyric is pure poetry. Maybe it's because when you're raised in the same culture that he's describing here, you understand the frustration and the need to leave, no matter what. But he captures it perfectly. Incredible song from an incredible songwriter.
verblegherulous1 couldn't have said it any better
I always listen to this after I hear "someday" by Steve Earle and vice versa as a kid who left a small town in the rear view as fast as I could
These five A bastards run a shallow cross. Could you please explain what that means? I’m guessing it’s about football.
I love that line about a boy's last dream is a man's first loss.... Damn, Jason!
If you were out on that field, you know.
It's a song about letting go when you need to. About facing the reality of your situation and doing what needs to be done. cathartic as hell.
Julio Arguello or maybe it’s about there being nothing to let go of, after one by one everything of value left. I see it as the realization that you held onto a shadow of what you saw, and letting go of the illusion. Either way, Isbell is a genius
Wow! Not one wasted word, this song grabs you and holds you until the very last note. Exceptional
A very underrated part of Jason's songwriting for sure... He barely wastes a word and KNOWS when the song is over however short/long. Imo Justin Townes Earle had a lot of the same characteristics. R. I. P.
I saw him in Indianapolis a couple months ago and, except for four or five yayhoos in the back, it was like a church all night. No one talking or screwing around. The whole room was hanging on every word, every note. I've never seen anything like it.
Saw him at the Taft on the 2nd night in Cincy last month, same thing. It was like you said, church. I saw what I went to see, a legend in his prime and got all of that and more. I guess everybody else there did too.
Same experience at the Ryman Auditorium Nashville
Try that at an Aaron Lewis concert 😂
Jason Isbell is one of the only artists where I prefer his live stuff
Ill take it anyway I can get it. I love him live. Going to see him at the Mother Church Oct 14!!
True
With a talented artist live is always better, always.
"A dozen cheap roses." What a fucking phrase. He's from where it's at. I'm proud to be alive in the same time as him.
😃😃😃
You could teach a full college literature course on this one song. So many layers. The only other song that compares in terms of painting such a vivid and hauntingly beautiful picture is Prine’s Angel From Montgomery.
Jason Isbell is the modern day Bob Dylan. Love this!
He is a far better guitar player and singer ...and every bit his equal as a songwriter over the past decade...A legend in the making.
Except his songs don't have to be performed by someone else for anyone to want to listen to them. He's far surpassed Dylan in my very humble opinion.
@@jameade well Justin it seems your humble opinion is completely wrong 🤣
@@jameade That is a horrific take
Jason is pure gold but there’s no way he’s writing visions or Johanna, it’s alright ma, desolation row etc
God was showing off when he created Jason
Jason Isbell is a fucking genius, i'm telling youtube right now. He will go down as the greatest song writer of our time, mark my words.
Him and Sturgill are bringing real...great country...hell music in general back!
I have seen alot of talented songwriters in my life but this man is a genius ---- We are witness to a true legend in our midst !!!!
Just heard this song on This American Life. Couldn't keep from crying. A gem of a song. Thanks, Jason.
Which episode??
How this guy has remained out of the spotlight for the most part within the music industry is one of the greatest travesties of our time. Unparalleled talent
You just haven't been listening. He was writing some of the DBT's biggest hits in his early 20's 😉
@@lorrivhs I’m from Muscle Shoals, I grew up listening to DBT. lol. I’m just saying this dude is one of the greatest song writers of our time. He never seems to miss
Him and John Moreland are by far the best 2 modern songwriters
One of the best songwriters ever!
Thanks so much for posting.
See the veins through the skin like a faded tattoo.great lyrics
I see this as a story of crossroads. I lived this story, just not in the same manner as the song writer did. The result was leaving boyhood behind too young and donning manhood and the spine God meant for men to have.
At the time, it seemed as if I was in Hell. Nearly 50 years have past. Looking back, I hazard to think what kind of man I would be had I not lived thru it all. Thank you, Jason, for taking me back. Some of these memories are painful to be sure. I wouldn't change one damn thing though! If you are going thru hell right now, know that there is the other side waiting! It's just seems a thousand miles away!
Got a chance to see him with Willie Nelson in Dallas awesome show
I thought Southeastern couldn't be topped and then here we are...
and now That Nashville Sound is just 'wow'.
What a beautiful record
We are lucky to have such heart-breakingly wonderful talents as Jadon working in the midst of so much strife, misery & chaos- it lets you feel lees alone, makes you remember that ‘home’ is a place we all share deep inside- thank you so much, Jason, these songs will live forever
Jason
I saw Jason Isbell in Huber heights Ohio (pretty sure it was there) a few years ago and half the seats were empty. They played like it was a sold out crowd. Almost everyone there sang every single word to every song, myself included. I consider myself one of the lucky ones to have stumbled on his music through TH-cam about 5 years ago. Definitely one of the best singer/ songwriters of our day.
Jason really is the best songwriter we have. To say that the man has a gift for words/melody is a great understatement. For me Speed Trap Town may just be his best song. And that's a ridiculous statement to make.
Him and Chris Stapleton are the best.
I say that about every song of his I hear. "Oh no, this is the best...no wait, Decoration Day, no wait Live Oak, no I meant Yvette" Dude is just to amazing to be captured in one song or one album
@@kimworley9488 Children of Children? Stunningly beautiful
This song hits so close to home that it hurts. Thank You Jason.
Just fell upon him tonight glad I did. Truly an artist. These songs are true stories about life. All I can say is Beautiful!!! I would love to see him in concert.
Addiction beautifully written about. Brutal. From a knowing heart
Belongs on 'Nebraska'. Just beautiful.
Jason's words always feel in between something good and fulfilling you've eaten and a swift kick in the nuts. Probably because I've been here and there with him. All of my heros are dead, most of my loved ones gone, and our family divided. He helps me keep it all rolling
This version just kills--literally takes my breath away. Thanks, Isbell, for this musical poetry.
Joe Mama god bless you. I hope you are doing well brother.
Thanks, man. Best to you as well!
Yesssssssssssss this is so sad.😭😭
Soul music country style.......GOOD TO THE LAST DROP 💝
Jason Isbell is about as good as any music can be in these weird times. He has come a long way since the days he was with The DPTs.
This , and children of children just two of his wonderful creations
Lost my Mom in January and she spent her last 3 weeks in critical care. "Veins through the skin like a faded tattoo" reduces me to a weeping mess every single time. She always wanted us to travel and live our lives but we never left because we didn't know how much longer we had with her. This is any amazing piece of poetry. Grew up in a 1A, but same life..
My dad died a year and a half ago, moving away from my hometown in the next couple months because there's nothing here that can't be left behind. Love this guys work
Paul Scannapieco sorry for your loss. God bless you brother
My Dad died a year ago to the day October 27th... it sucks, this is town he raised me in. I know and feel all these thing. I miss just shaking my Dads hand...
@@robertsutphin8753 2 weeks shy of a year since we lost Daddy to a 3 year battle with cancer, after being given 3 months when first diagnosed. "But the holidays are over and hes still here" is the line that gets me. I keep realizing there's no one left to ask if I'm alright, and the only thing to leave behind is Mama, by brothers, and their kids. I pray you made it out of your speed trap town and you're doing better. I'll get out of this one, someday.
this song is everything to me
Jason has unique gifted voice, and thank God, finally Country Music has a real country voice! This singer makes me want to come back to country music! Thanks Jason!
Great song. Love his writing. The slide guitar...just really compliments the mood of the tune so well. I love the synergy of this band as a whole.
+Ben Broom Have you heard the album version? The slide on that just kills me every time.
I know what you mean. Just pulls all the emotion needed for that part of the story. Genius.
My word, and the words, oh my.
Just throwing this out. sadler vaden is also amazing and has a couple CD's out.
The Ranch brought me here
I would pay 200 easy to see him in concert. fantastic talent with real music that hits you hard.
Most excellent! The Dude Abides
Lucky enough to see Jason and the 400 Unit a couple of times
in Glasgow - wonderful singer and wonderful songs - come back
soon Jason 🎵
Dude, underrated lyric "it's a boy's first dream and a man's first loss"
People who didn't play football as kids don't really get it. That is like...your shit. Football is your thing. Until your last game. Then you take off your pads and turn them in and you'll never play another real game again. You can play pick-up basketball or soccer until you physically can't. You can play baseball or softball forever.
Once you take off those shoulder pads for the last time. In high school..it really is like...your little kid dreams are over and that little fantasy you had as making this your career is dead.
Boy's first dream and a man's first loss.
Think this was the first tune to reel me in...of course I could be wrong...So many beauties....A huge thanks from Canada....
Best song I've heard in 10 years and I know what the fuck I'm talking about.
Everybody in the South knows a little town just like this. And what a "5A" school is.
okrajoe in Virginia it s the way they group schools from single a with lowest number of students. double a more students etc
As someone who moved to Utah from TN at 12, I can tell ya most everyone in UT, ID, WY & CO can relate to a speedtrap town, and watching their hometown play a 5 A school
From the rural midwest and now living down South and yeah, these lyrics sound awfully familiar.
I went to Pleasant Grove High... 3A School when I was there. We payed bigger 4A schools that would run complicated offensive plays... I totally get that line!
3A here, Casey County, Ky. 30+ years of losing football teams, roster of 15 to 22 average, but hard working LOYAL warriors. Finally had a winning season, then a concerted effort of 15 years of improving little league, sacrifice, getting folks on the same page. Now back to back seasons with 1 loss regular seasons, and new records every game and record runs in the playoffs. Leaving out the politics and just speaking of the football side of it, in that measure our little town has improved leaps and bounds. Still a lot of wholesome good folks. The drug influence is reaching all these towns, unfortunately. But still, 90% good, 10%...not bad, but lost their way. Great song. And a salute to all you 1A to 6A schools, except, screw you privatized Catholic/Christian school pricks. :-)
rarely are there perfect things. this is a perfect thing. good lord
How does he sound THE SAME as his album
oh my god I love him
Because his album isn't over-produced.
and I just saw him outdoors in Cincy and he STILL sounded the same if not BETTER. AMAZING
Because he relies on talent instead of studio effects
I just saw him in Charlotte he is fantastic, Sadler is also
...his talent + the talent of guys whose names you'll never know...
Left home long ago, living across the country away from everything I love. Walked away with my heart so, so broken. I feel exactly what he’s feeling in this one.
I adore this song
This guy is the real deal.
Wow! Beautiful song. Just when I think he can't get any better- Isbell proves me wrong.
I LOVE COUNTRY MUSIC ‼️
What crazy genius. What more can there be to ask of someone. One day at a time.
First time I heard him was 2 days ago doing a live on BBC radio 2 with Whispering Bob Harris.
I was literally breathtaken by this songs beauty.
Heard this on CBC radio when I was about to leave the grocery store. Just sat and listened and cried.
He's so good ... best man out there right now. Just awesome ..
...if you lived it you would know! That's what makes this dude great.
I purchased a ticket to see Jason when he comes to NYC in February 2016! I can't wait!!
This song... What a story. Reminds me of when I left home years ago. Thanks Jason - this song is unbelievable.
This man lives 3,000 miles from my speed trap town and he nails it. Great to see such talent coming from the good ole US. Just gradually writing his way in to the greats. Can't wait to see him in the Autumn (Fall oops sorry)
I love his voice and his songs!
Ron Swanson said that crying is only acceptable at funerals and the Grand Canyon. Ron Swanson clearly never heard this song.
A modern classic. Move over Bruce.
He loves Bruce and Bruce admires him very much.
I was pleased to hear this as the closing song on "This American Life" Podcast
mcbigham I caught that too. Had the segment about the speed trap town in it.
She said it's none of my business but it breaks my heart
Dropped a dozen cheap roses in my shopping cart
Made it out to the truck without breaking down
Everybody knows you in a speed trap town
It's a Thursday night but theres a high school game
Sneak a bottle up the bleachers and forget my name
These 5a bastards run a shallow cross
It's a boys last dream and a man's first loss
And it never did occur to me to leave til tonight
There's no one left to ask if i'm alright
I'll sleep untill im straight enough to drive
And decide
If there's anything that can't be left behind
The doctor said daddy wouldn't make it a year
But the holidays are over and he's still here
How long can they keep you in the I.C.U
Veins through the skin like a faded tattoo
Was a tough state trooper til' a decade back
When that girl who wasn't momma caused his heart attack
He didn't care about us when he was walkin around
Just pullin' women over in a speed trap town
But it never did occur to me to leave
Til Tonight
When I realised he'll never be alright
Sign my name and say my last goodbye
Then decide
There's nothin' here that can't be left behind
Instrumental
Road got blurry when the sun came up
So I slept a couple hours in the pickup truck
Drank a cup of coffee by an Indian man
A thousand miles away from that speed trap town
A thousand miles away from that speed trap town
found Jason on TH-cam about a year ago. Was brought up on country! This fella and his amazing lyrics is amazing. Hope Jason visits the UK! Fantastic 👍
love this guys music. keeps giving me a reason to play my guitar as well
Probably my favorite song of his!
This song brings back so many memories of leaving home, my mom and dad divorcing because of his infidelity. I left at seventeen "signed my name and said my last good bye", "there's nothing here that can't be left behind". How poignant for me.
This sounds amazing
this man is a genius.
Sooooooo friggin awesome! Love all of you!
All the best from Germany
Serious Bruce Springsteen 'Nebraska' vibes
The whole album 'southeastern' always reminded me of 'Nebraska' you're not alone brotha.
Great music, by any measure.
love this Jason-------------------- happy I've loved your music five years now..
Unbelievable no one’s really close
This song is perfect
This is absolutely bloody first class. Not a word wasted, every one perfectly chosen. Gorgeous melody. Understated but / and excellent guitar playing.
I second the remark about this Comments thread being really good, too.
Tom Greeves you’re a great guy. God bless you and your family Tom
How kind. Right back at ya!
Wow
Fuck I love this song
I've seen Jason play a couple of times. Absolutely amazing. You get the chance, go see him.
G Reed you aren’t wrong. God bless you. I hope your family is well and you love the lord.
Best song I've heard in a long time. Really great - you can really feel it - not the same but the honesty of the song reminds me a little of Chris Knight's love and a 45 - yeah... the slide thought it was gonna be a Tele, Gibson SG I was way off! When you can listen to a record beginning to end over and over and then come back to it and still love it, that's a record! Wow!
Love this song
It’s perfect
Wow
just incredible
Awesome
Damn great song!