@@dianeduvall6907 both are superb poets, Dylan had a universal reach but couldn’t sing for shit, Steve Earle is for the men who have had the rough of life and as a male that falls into the latter, Mr Earle will always be the greatest songwriter and singer of his genre. Dylan fans shop at wal mart, Earle fans shop at Salvation army
I have read so many comments, and I am just so very grateful that people listen to stuff like this. I heard this song a long time ago and still love it. My thoughts on this song are that of my own, but thank all of those who listen to real country music.And thank you Steve Earl for such deep lyrics, with great instrumentals.
Leave it to Steve! Personal life of pain and heartbreak yet he marches on... One of the most prolific songwriters of our generation! God bless the man....
About 6 years ago now, my Dad showed me this song when Copperhead Road showed up on the radio. He told me that true folk music is about telling the story of a man most wouldn't give a second thought to, but who lived a life that any of us could have lived, if we made a few more mistakes. He told me that men of the working class love Copperhead Road because it's an anthem about giving a middle finger to the lawgivers and jackboots who try to tell ordinary men what to do, but most of them never see the other side of the coin, or hear the quiet desperation of the man who wasn't lucky, who didn't make the cut, who couldn't handle the suffering, who wasn't made hard by his experiences, who only looked for a way to stay alive, until one day he looked for a way out. We need to think more about the Billy Austins of the world; who sat with 27 men in their final days, before joining the legions of other unlucky ordinary men who fell on the wrong side of the powers that be. We need to remember that John Lee Pettimore would die like his granddaddy did, burning in a big black dodge, or like Billy Austin, with 10 000 volts in a steel chair.
Back in the 90's, I can't remember the exact year, On a friends recommendation, I went to see a solo Steve Earle at the 'old' Riverside music venue (behind the now long gone Tyne-Tees TV studios) in Newcastle upon Tyne, N.E. England. I didn't know any of his songs at the time (I am now a big fan and have seen him and the band on many occasions). I was very impressed with his songs and enjoyed a good night. This the song that stood out for me, remember I had never heard S.E. before. I stood 6 feet away from him when he sang this song with such emotion and sincerity I was just mesmerised. I will remember that night and the sentiment of the song for ever.
Saw Steve Earle live with my dad probably around 1990 this song was so powerful and emotional I had to get up from the show and go to the bathroom had me weeping in public
Last day of been been 29. I always remembered this song cuz my family played it growing up. The whole time I’ve been 29 this song hits my mind, from now on it might hit different, feel like I’m getting old lol. But naw this song will always hold a spot in my heart
Saw Steve last night, solo acoustic set in Wellington, New Zealand; stand up crowd in a bar. Man's a musician not a rock star. Got to be said, the bar bar was jam packed.
This could've been me last year. Deep in my alcohol and heroin addiction. I've robbed and stolen. But last year in Reno an Angel came to save me from doing worse than I could've done. I'm 14 months clean now
Brilliant! One of the greats in my book! This one still gives me goose bumps. Saw him at Poor David's Pub in Dallas, '91. Brilliant! (Will T. Massey opened, not too shabby himself.)
The greatest writer ever. The most important writer of our time. He IS our Dylan. The world is a better place because of him. What a fuckin great song. Peace to you Steve!!!!!!
Steve was always the underdog in the music industry and perpetually underestimated time and time again , He was used to hard knox and had many demons he overcame though his songwriting stands as a testament to his incredible genius and devil may give a shit attitude ! You either love him or hate him either way he will show them up every time !
I'm a 52yr old rock & metal addict but still remember the first time i bought this cassette, just blew me away how it made me think about the stupidity of decisions made , regretted & payback time for your actions.
Whenever I am asked who my favorite artist is of all time his name pops up immediately every time, however, I refrain from saying it out loud because I love and respect so many but at the core of me it is him. I love Townes, Clark, and all his mentors as well and the only groupie thing I ever did was go to his office on music row and pose as an intern for a friend in the business to pick up product for a fictitious festival booking and as I walked into the receptionists' office to pick up the cds he walked in and said hello and nodded, I thought my knees would buckle when my eyes looked into his but I played it cool and said hello back, stated to the secretary why I was there and she handed the product to me and I left. I'll never forget it as long as I live as it made my day, my week, my year to meet a living legend so casually. The man who set me up to meet him in this manner took his own life last year and I wish I could have thanked him one last time for this opportunity...May you rest in peace Rusty.
LYRICS My name is Billy Austin I'm twenty-nine years old I was born in Oklahoma Quarter Cherokee I'm told Don't remember Oklahoma It's been so long since I left home Seems like I've always been in prison Like I've always been alone Didn't mean to hurt nobody Never thought I'd cross that line I held up a filling station Like I'd done a hundred times The kid done like I told him He lay face down on the floor Guess I'll never know what made me Turn and walk back through that door The shot rang out like thunder My ears rang like a bell No one came running And so I called the cops myself Took their time to get there And I guess I could'a run I knew I should be feeling something But I never shed tear one I didn't even make the papers Because I only killed one man But my trial was over quickly And then the long hard wait began Court appointed lawyer Couldn't look me in the eye He just stood up and closed his briefcase When they sentenced me to die And now my waiting's over As the final hour drags by I ain't about to tell you That I don't deserve to die There's twenty-seven men here Mostly black and brown and poor And most of 'em are guilty And who are you to say for sure? So when the preacher comes to get me And they shave off all my hair Could you take that long walk with me Knowing Hell's waiting there? Could you pull that switch yourself, sir With a sure and steady hand? Could you still tell yourself, sir That you're better than I am? [Outro] My name is Billy Austin I'm twenty-nine years old I was born in Oklahoma Quarter Cherokee I'm told
When I was doing hard time in Arizona's super max prison, I finally got to work a job as a porter on Death Row. It opened my eyes. I began to realize just how lucky I was. Three years earlier I was involved in a shooting in South Scottsdale. Were it not for two dedicated paramedics and the miracle of modern medicine, I could have easily ended up on "The Row". Every time I hear "Billy Austin" I think "But for the grace of God"....................................
if u can look up a song called "one second chance" cant remember the man who sang it , but its based on his true story of rebuilding his life after prison. edit : its by Jeff Bates the 10 minute one has his full story as a voice over. the 5 minute one should be just the song
His openness about his addiction ect ,his insight ,his losses of loved ones. His integrity and humanity add to his / of perhaps are his genius. I'd love to find an Australian song written like him. The late Archie Roach and perhaps Kasey Chambers are some where up there.
It's a powerful song but my weeping is for the kid senselessly murdered, who was a worker trying to make a living. It's hard to shed tears for the armed robber turned murderer character who's the subject of the story. He put himself on death row by his action.
@@MisterMikeTexas Hi mate! I'm Frank and I'm french. I've known this song for so long. When I was about twelve, I did read a report in a famous french magazine, Paris Match. The first six or seven first pages were devoted to a reporter writing about an execution in the US. This made me sick but I read it throughout. This has marked my life forever. When I first heard Billy Austin it made immediate echo to the deep unease I had felt from reading of this execution ( on the electric chair). I was sad and at the same time, I felt happy from a US songwriter to talk about how horrible it is for a man to die that way. I think you have a problem there with violence in America. It's about time you start putting your guns down. Otherwise, you will never be free. Great song, lyrics and music. Steve Earle right up there with the best.
learned this song on my guitar last week... promise I made to my father in-law that said I'd never do it.. BTW; dad.. I taught myself to play the guitar.........
+Anthony Gioviannia good for you T ,gotta show them father-in-laws that their daughters made the right choice ,, even knowing this song shows me she made the right choice ,, strum on brother
Shot i am 39 and have been listening to steve earle since i was 13. And he is the bom i love his music always and forever. Billy Austin is a wild song to be honest but its one.of my favorites. We love ya Steve music is awesome and great
i love the fact that Steve never hit the mainstream in a wanky way. True poet , every tune hits me somewhere, and i actually like shedding a tear to this. Genius 👊❤️🔥✌️
his songs have gotten me through the heartbrek of two divorces but i have sadly followed his foot steps of addiction that has wasted the better part of my life and now here i am twenty years later white knuckle sober wondering which direction to run.
Been a fan of Earle since his first single Someday in 1986. Been a fan of Springsteen since I saw the river tour in 1981. Both have the ability to captivate you with their stories. Scottish born Austrailian Eric Bogle is another one of these gifted souls.
@@donknight2832 It's a shame he got into drugs so badly. I think he's got way more talent than Springsteen, Dylan, Tom Petty, or any of those 'Americana' writers. I can't stop listening to Steve Earle, but I can't sit and listen to those guys much.
@@americanpig-dog7051 Some of his best songs were written in jail, an experience he may not have had access to without the heroine addiction, which he seems to have kicked. I love that he has done his own thing regardless of what the critics had to say. In Canada he has been too country for rock and too rock for country. He is one of the best story tellers of our generation.
This is true country,not some hip-hop stage act,it brings out the truth about life & living,she's a cruel mistress but we have to play the cards we're delt,nothing more,nothing less.
I picked up on Earle with Coppertown Road, backpedaled to Guitar Town and Exit 0 until he released The Hard Way and followed him until Transcendental Blues. After that, I paid attention sporadically. Copperhead and The Hard Way, however, remain closest to me thanks to tracks like Billy Austin and his harder rockin' ways. Earle can certainly tell a story and write a lyric as Billy Austin, a spiritual heir to Springsteen's Johnny 99, exemplifies. Listening to this cut reminds me it's time to queue up some Earle.
Yes will never be no other Steve Earle and the dukes music come from the heart got listen more once. I love video middle part true. I alway picture his I hear him singing in concert. A plus song. Steve Earle music will live forever. I believe in him front second record I love first record. Music I love hear. My brother Steve use take my tapes I always buy new ones. Greatest all record and music sings god bless him and the first Dukes .
Love this song copper head rd. 3;20am gotta hear it.first maybe six before my brother died at 61 we both all types of music never could on music. Stations thank who ever put music to us who where not in the know about steve earl. I have been reading all post about this song. Ya' all seem. To be from. The mtns. Thats cool & i seem alittle older im totaly. Down with believing. In what vou got with m.shine. check the "band" last waltz. Rick danko also plays mandolin.
There has always been bad pop music, even if it is more abundant today... but there has also always been an undercurrent of great music. If you are not looking for and supporting lesser known talented artists today, you are part of the problem. There are some great folks out there, and I find even folks who normally don't seek out good music like it if you introduce them to it.
I've been listening to this song since it was first released and I stumbled upon it by accident on one a CASSETTE TAPE, however, this is the first video that I have ever seen for it. When was it made? This is a great, emotional song and I'm pleased to see that someone has finally attempted to create a meaningful video. Earle never received the acclaim that he should have for this masterpiece of a song.
@barrj2007 You must have missed the line that reads "I'm not about to say I don't deserve to die." This song is about the experience of a death row inmate and capital punishment and nowhere implies there shouldn't be prisons. The song is intended to present an alternate viewpoint on the issue and get people to think- in some cases getting people to think is far too much to ask.
+wheelmanstan yeah, but understand Steve Earle went PC Communist Leftist Lib - just to appeal to the NYC/Hollywood media elites that hate the South. It's called taking the "30 pieces of silver" Steve Earle is a traitor to our people.... but his best music from the 80s is really, really great.
yeah but the guy just walked back in and shot the kid who was face down on the floor, I'm not saying he deserved the chair, but it doesn't sound like much of an accident, he murdered that kid, he might not deserve the death penalty as he did turn himself in, but quite a few really need to leave this planet and I'll never understand why some people want to end the death penalty
Jim Holroyd well it's not like they're hanging them in the town square which I bet would help lower the murder rate, the more violent areas have the more violent people, the death penalty isn't about scaring violent offender, many would rather die than serve life in prison, it's about keeping murders from ever getting the opportunity to do it again
Brantley Gilbert is prolly the closest thing we have to the great Steve Earle nowadays..how he's hit the scene this past year..that man will be a legend in 20 years..just like this guy
WarNinGX25 ummm...Brantley Gilbert doesn't even walk in the same realm of existence as Steve Earle. BG has some catchy tunes but there's no greatness about him. Steve Earle is an artist, BG is a performer. There's a big difference.
Really great storyteller Steve Earl is. Disclaimer: We in the comment section apologize to the really good music lovers for Lady Gaga's face being wrongly posted on left hand side while real music is playing. Please not that we in the comment section take no responsibility for thise tragic mishap.
Steve desde Euskal Herria ánimo. Soy muy pesado te sigo escuchando. No siempre no te pases... También a johon hiatt, emmylou harris, dwight yoakam, kevin welch, jimmy barnes😂
My name is Billy Austin I'm Twenty-Nine years old I was born in Oklahoma Quarter Cherokee I'm told Don't remember Oklahoma Been so long since I left home Seems like I've always been in prison Like I've always been alone Didn't mean to hurt nobody Never thought I'd cross that line I held up a filling station Like I'd done a hundred times The kid done like I told him He lay face down on the floor Guess I'll never know what made me Turn and walk back through that door The shot rang out like thunder My ears rang like a bell No one came runnin' So I called the cops myself Took their time to get there And I guess I could'a run I knew I should be feeling something But I never shed tear one I didn't even make the papers 'Cause I only killed one man But my trial was over quickly And then the long hard wait began Court appointed lawyer Couldn't look me in the eye He just stood up and closed his briefcase When they sentenced me to die Now my waitin's over As the final hour drags by I ain't about to tell you That I don't deserve to die But there's twenty-seven men here Mostly black, brown and poor Most of em are guilty Who are you to say for sure? So when the preacher comes to get me And they shave off all my hair Could you take that long walk with me Knowing hell is waitin' there Could you pull that switch yourself sir With a sure and steady hand Could you still tell youself That you're better than I am My name is Billy Austin I'm twenty-nine years old I was born in Oklahoma Quarter Cherokee I'm told Songwriters: Steve Earle
Problems123 prison works as a strong enough deterrent in Europe. Killing prisoners also has consequences for example sometimes you get the wrong person.
i'll stand on bob dylans coffe table in my cowboy boots and i'll tell him that steve earle is the best song writer ever!
dylan sold his soul, steve earle is just great
I'm curious about your opinion of Bruce Springsteen's album Nebraska
Steve Earle is good but Bob Dylan is awesome and he is the best of the Best hello
You've always been a risk taker
@@dianeduvall6907 both are superb poets, Dylan had a universal reach but couldn’t sing for shit, Steve Earle is for the men who have had the rough of life and as a male that falls into the latter, Mr Earle will always be the greatest songwriter and singer of his genre. Dylan fans shop at wal mart, Earle fans shop at Salvation army
I have read so many comments, and I am just so very grateful that people listen to stuff like this. I heard this song a long time ago and still love it. My thoughts on this song are that of my own, but thank all of those who listen to real country music.And thank you Steve Earl for such deep lyrics, with great instrumentals.
🤘🤘🤘
The best in the business as a songwriter....song is almost 30 years old now and as powerful as ever
Leave it to Steve! Personal life of pain and heartbreak yet he marches on... One of the most prolific songwriters of our generation! God bless the man....
I would also say prolific pain and heartbreak!
He's always had the ability to make me cry and laugh and rage and barn dance - amazing artist
More than any other song I have known this one makes me stop and listen. Not a wasted word in it.
It blew my mind first time I heard it..."Seems like I've always been in prison, seems like I've always been alone"
This is hands down my favorite Steve Earle song
Me to my fave song to drive along too aswell
Same here. Love Chris Knights Down the River too
Mine too 🙏
@Donna Dudek. This hands down is my greatest song, how are you doing, can we be friends
Indeed
About 6 years ago now, my Dad showed me this song when Copperhead Road showed up on the radio. He told me that true folk music is about telling the story of a man most wouldn't give a second thought to, but who lived a life that any of us could have lived, if we made a few more mistakes. He told me that men of the working class love Copperhead Road because it's an anthem about giving a middle finger to the lawgivers and jackboots who try to tell ordinary men what to do, but most of them never see the other side of the coin, or hear the quiet desperation of the man who wasn't lucky, who didn't make the cut, who couldn't handle the suffering, who wasn't made hard by his experiences, who only looked for a way to stay alive, until one day he looked for a way out.
We need to think more about the Billy Austins of the world; who sat with 27 men in their final days, before joining the legions of other unlucky ordinary men who fell on the wrong side of the powers that be. We need to remember that John Lee Pettimore would die like his granddaddy did, burning in a big black dodge, or like Billy Austin, with 10 000 volts in a steel chair.
Unfortunate Observer - Your father is a very wise man.
This song means so much to me like on down the road so many of his songs ring true to me
well said .
Beautifully put, thank you for that!
your father was wise well said I love this story also this is true musicianship and I wish there was more people like ur father and steve
Back in the 90's, I can't remember the exact year, On a friends recommendation, I went to see a solo Steve Earle at the 'old' Riverside music venue (behind the now long gone Tyne-Tees TV studios) in Newcastle upon Tyne, N.E. England. I didn't know any of his songs at the time (I am now a big fan and have seen him and the band on many occasions). I was very impressed with his songs and enjoyed a good night. This the song that stood out for me, remember I had never heard S.E. before. I stood 6 feet away from him when he sang this song with such emotion and sincerity I was just mesmerised. I will remember that night and the sentiment of the song for ever.
You have to respect his story telling ability, always enjoyed listening to Steve.
Saw Steve Earle live with my dad probably around 1990 this song was so powerful and emotional I had to get up from the show and go to the bathroom had me weeping in public
Last day of been been 29. I always remembered this song cuz my family played it growing up. The whole time I’ve been 29 this song hits my mind, from now on it might hit different, feel like I’m getting old lol. But naw this song will always hold a spot in my heart
Beautiful song about ugly truth... I'll leave everyone else to "solve the worlds justice problems" ... I just came here to listen to a good song...
A lot of songwriters make you dance or tap your toes. Steve makes you think.
right on
Saw Steve last night, solo acoustic set in Wellington, New Zealand; stand up crowd in a bar. Man's a musician not a rock star. Got to be said, the bar bar was jam packed.
A marine stationed at Tindall AFB in Oklahoma City........ Drinking beer and listening to Essential Steve Earle
This could've been me last year. Deep in my alcohol and heroin addiction. I've robbed and stolen. But last year in Reno an Angel came to save me from doing worse than I could've done. I'm 14 months clean now
Much respect 🙏
Brilliant! One of the greats in my book! This one still gives me goose bumps. Saw him at Poor David's Pub in Dallas, '91. Brilliant! (Will T. Massey opened, not too shabby himself.)
The greatest writer ever. The most important writer of our time. He IS our Dylan. The world is a better place because of him. What a fuckin great song. Peace to you Steve!!!!!!
Steve was always the underdog in the music industry and perpetually underestimated time and time again , He was used to hard knox and had many demons he overcame though his songwriting stands as a testament to his incredible genius and devil may give a shit attitude ! You either love him or hate him either way he will show them up every time !
Holden Blackcreek no one can say he isn’t honest and real about his troubles too! Real like most could never be.
@@scottcole2465 ...👍
Steve Earle is and always will be at the top of my list! A heart of gold, period. 💕
Nobody get's to the nub of it quite like Steve Earle. Oldie by goodie!
I'm a 52yr old rock & metal addict but still remember the first time i bought this cassette, just blew me away how it made me think about the stupidity of decisions made , regretted & payback time for your actions.
Whenever I am asked who my favorite artist is of all time his name pops up immediately every time, however, I refrain from saying it out loud because I love and respect so many but at the core of me it is him. I love Townes, Clark, and all his mentors as well and the only groupie thing I ever did was go to his office on music row and pose as an intern for a friend in the business to pick up product for a fictitious festival booking and as I walked into the receptionists' office to pick up the cds he walked in and said hello and nodded, I thought my knees would buckle when my eyes looked into his but I played it cool and said hello back, stated to the secretary why I was there and she handed the product to me and I left. I'll never forget it as long as I live as it made my day, my week, my year to meet a living legend so casually. The man who set me up to meet him in this manner took his own life last year and I wish I could have thanked him one last time for this opportunity...May you rest in peace Rusty.
You should check out his son. Remarkable talent as well.
@@noahmcdaniel4920Hell yes, Justin Townes Earle is a phenomenal talent as well! I love his Yuma and Harlem River Blues albums.
This has to be one of my favourite songs of all time. Certainly my favourite of Mr Earle's.
One of my fav Steve Earle songs..a blessing to hear.
Sends chills down the spine everytime.
what a great song, really simple just acoustic guitar vocals and some strings but yet again it is really powerful, just a true classic
LYRICS
My name is Billy Austin
I'm twenty-nine years old
I was born in Oklahoma
Quarter Cherokee I'm told
Don't remember Oklahoma
It's been so long since I left home
Seems like I've always been in prison
Like I've always been alone
Didn't mean to hurt nobody
Never thought I'd cross that line
I held up a filling station
Like I'd done a hundred times
The kid done like I told him
He lay face down on the floor
Guess I'll never know what made me
Turn and walk back through that door
The shot rang out like thunder
My ears rang like a bell
No one came running
And so I called the cops myself
Took their time to get there
And I guess I could'a run
I knew I should be feeling something
But I never shed tear one
I didn't even make the papers
Because I only killed one man
But my trial was over quickly
And then the long hard wait began
Court appointed lawyer
Couldn't look me in the eye
He just stood up and closed his briefcase
When they sentenced me to die
And now my waiting's over
As the final hour drags by
I ain't about to tell you
That I don't deserve to die
There's twenty-seven men here
Mostly black and brown and poor
And most of 'em are guilty
And who are you to say for sure?
So when the preacher comes to get me
And they shave off all my hair
Could you take that long walk with me
Knowing Hell's waiting there?
Could you pull that switch yourself, sir
With a sure and steady hand?
Could you still tell yourself, sir
That you're better than I am?
[Outro]
My name is Billy Austin
I'm twenty-nine years old
I was born in Oklahoma
Quarter Cherokee I'm told
When I was doing hard time in Arizona's super max prison, I finally got to work a job as a porter on Death Row. It opened my eyes. I began to realize just how lucky I was. Three years earlier I was involved in a shooting in South Scottsdale. Were it not for two dedicated paramedics and the miracle of modern medicine, I could have easily ended up on "The Row". Every time I hear "Billy Austin" I think "But for the grace of God"....................................
Just came home from doing twelve years in prison from 17 to 29 this song means a lot to me
if u can look up a song called
"one second chance"
cant remember the man who sang it , but its based on his true story of rebuilding his life after prison.
edit : its by Jeff Bates
the 10 minute one has his full story as a voice over.
the 5 minute one should be just the song
I hope you never go back and that you find some love and peace in the next chapter of your life.
His openness about his addiction ect ,his insight ,his losses of loved ones. His integrity and humanity add to his / of perhaps are his genius. I'd love to find an Australian song written like him. The late Archie Roach and perhaps Kasey Chambers are some where up there.
This man has always been my favorite. I hope to see him one day and thank him for his years of great music!❤
Stunningly tragic video to one of Steve's greatest songs. Can you watch it and not shed a tear??
awesome song.
I usually don't cry over songs. This one ekes a tear.
If you do not have tears in your eyes listening to this, then you are not paying attention.
It's a powerful song but my weeping is for the kid senselessly murdered, who was a worker trying to make a living. It's hard to shed tears for the armed robber turned murderer character who's the subject of the story. He put himself on death row by his action.
@@MisterMikeTexas Hi mate! I'm Frank and I'm french. I've known this song for so long. When I was about twelve, I did read a report in a famous french magazine, Paris Match. The first six or seven first pages were devoted to a reporter writing about an execution in the US. This made me sick but I read it throughout. This has marked my life forever. When I first heard Billy Austin it made immediate echo to the deep unease I had felt from reading of this execution ( on the electric chair). I was sad and at the same time, I felt happy from a US songwriter to talk about how horrible it is for a man to die that way. I think you have a problem there with violence in America. It's about time you start putting your guns down. Otherwise, you will never be free. Great song, lyrics and music. Steve Earle right up there with the best.
@@francoisrougepullon3512 And when we put our guns down, only Billy Austins, Antifas, and BLMs will have guns.
@@MisterMikeTexas This sounds like an ad from The Riffle Association.
@Auntie Carol. Tears running down my eyes listing to this song always. How are you, can we be friends
The sound of his voice with his powerful lyrics makes him one of my favorite artists of all time
learned this song on my guitar last week... promise I made to my father in-law that said I'd never do it.. BTW; dad.. I taught myself to play the guitar.........
+Anthony Gioviannia good for you T ,gotta show them father-in-laws that their daughters made the right choice ,, even knowing this song shows me she made the right choice ,, strum on brother
Yes, I've always liked his story songs, too. He makes me feel like I'm there, no matter what the story may be.
Shot i am 39 and have been listening to steve earle since i was 13. And he is the bom i love his music always and forever. Billy Austin is a wild song to be honest but its one.of my favorites. We love ya Steve music is awesome and great
best song ive heard shivers everytime i hear it
What a profound sad song ! It was written after a young black man was put to death! I love this guy! ❤
love ya Steve!! refined through the fire you are!! SOLID GOLD!!!
ive always pictured this story in my head. nice to have a video to relate to, face and visualize it externally. very inspiring
i love the fact that Steve never hit the mainstream in a wanky way. True poet , every tune hits me somewhere, and i actually like shedding a tear to this. Genius 👊❤️🔥✌️
What gives us the right to take another's life?
Grow up
If it's a relative of mine then I have the right !
i love this man and his music
got to best the song I've heard reminds me granda he learnt me all the words xxx
this is a new one on me, not the song, but the video...what can you say? Steve never fails, now or then, or whatever....
I love the verse i dont deserve to die
Yes
Like I've always been in prison
Like I've always been alone
There will never be another Steve! Earle and the Dukes at their best!
his songs have gotten me through the heartbrek of two divorces but i have sadly followed his foot steps of addiction that has wasted the better part of my life and now here i am twenty years later white knuckle sober wondering which direction to run.
just heard of steve about a year ago, i'm. 73 , where the F have i been, to much rock and roll , this guy is fantastic, hay dude the boss sucks
Nebraska was the only good record he ever made
Park Yoo. Bullshit.
Been a fan of Earle since his first single Someday in 1986. Been a fan of Springsteen since I saw the river tour in 1981. Both have the ability to captivate you with their stories. Scottish born Austrailian Eric Bogle is another one of these gifted souls.
@@donknight2832 It's a shame he got into drugs so badly. I think he's got way more talent than Springsteen, Dylan, Tom Petty, or any of those 'Americana' writers. I can't stop listening to Steve Earle, but I can't sit and listen to those guys much.
@@americanpig-dog7051 Some of his best songs were written in jail, an experience he may not have had access to without the heroine addiction, which he seems to have kicked. I love that he has done his own thing regardless of what the critics had to say. In Canada he has been too country for rock and too rock for country. He is one of the best story tellers of our generation.
Beautiful. Much love for you and your music.
This is true country,not some hip-hop stage act,it brings out the truth about life & living,she's a cruel mistress but we have to play the cards we're delt,nothing more,nothing less.
I picked up on Earle with Coppertown Road, backpedaled to Guitar Town and Exit 0 until he released The Hard Way and followed him until Transcendental Blues. After that, I paid attention sporadically. Copperhead and The Hard Way, however, remain closest to me thanks to tracks like Billy Austin and his harder rockin' ways. Earle can certainly tell a story and write a lyric as Billy Austin, a spiritual heir to Springsteen's Johnny 99, exemplifies. Listening to this cut reminds me it's time to queue up some Earle.
Yes will never be no other Steve Earle and the dukes music come from the heart got listen more once. I love video middle part true. I alway picture his I hear him singing in concert. A plus song. Steve Earle music will live forever. I believe in him front second record I love first record. Music I love hear. My brother Steve use take my tapes I always buy new ones. Greatest all record and music sings god bless him and the first Dukes .
@Jullie brtek. Steve Earle is the greatest of all I can listing to his songs every day, how are you doing, can we be friends
Any am I always so late..... Great voice
great hard song
Had to listen for school project at paw schools lol
Same
Great song and great video editing at 5:55
Wow thats all i can say, this was my first time hearing this song, what a wonderful piece, its like an older version of eric churchs lightning.
Love this song copper head rd.
3;20am gotta hear it.first maybe six before my brother died at 61 we both all types of music never could on music. Stations thank who ever put music to us who where not in the know about steve earl. I have been reading all post about this song. Ya' all seem. To be from. The mtns. Thats cool & i seem alittle older im totaly. Down with believing. In what vou got with m.shine. check the "band" last waltz. Rick danko also plays mandolin.
Give it a rest. This song has an incredible backstory if you took a minute to study the career of Steve Earle. This isn't a black/white issue.
There has always been bad pop music, even if it is more abundant today... but there has also always been an undercurrent of great music. If you are not looking for and supporting lesser known talented artists today, you are part of the problem. There are some great folks out there, and I find even folks who normally don't seek out good music like it if you introduce them to it.
The best song ever my fave along with few others by Steve earle my dad got into him from very young age
Such a god damn powerful song.
Classic Earle !!!
Omg love it
I,,,too,,have always been alone,,,,except when I had my sons. Then thr died thru the years ,,now I’m alone again. :(
Steve Earle = God
brilliant!
beautiful fucing tune,,,, gets ya right in the feels !!!
How in the fuck is this man not Nationally recognized!?!?!?
I've been listening to this song since it was first released and I stumbled upon it by accident on one a CASSETTE TAPE, however, this is the first video that I have ever seen for it. When was it made?
This is a great, emotional song and I'm pleased to see that someone has finally attempted to create a meaningful video.
Earle never received the acclaim that he should have for this masterpiece of a song.
Thanks a bunch. :)
if this doesn't get you thinking nothing will.
thank you for getting me off my arse Steve.
If you can you're better than I am.
Such a good one
This song i coukd listen tooooo Robert. Pray for me I HAVE to start going to bed by 9:30. THAKS a whike for me to brush my teeth ect.
Car cooking hard.
@barrj2007 You must have missed the line that reads "I'm not about to say I don't deserve to die." This song is about the experience of a death row inmate and capital punishment and nowhere implies there shouldn't be prisons. The song is intended to present an alternate viewpoint on the issue and get people to think- in some cases getting people to think is far too much to ask.
This song hits different in your 14th b day 😔
good tune. the best song springsteen never wrote.
+Phil Hilliard lol
Have you listened to Nebraska?
his best song
beautiful song, but some folks gotta be put down, you can't let serial killers remain on this planet
+wheelmanstan yeah, but understand Steve Earle went PC Communist Leftist Lib - just to appeal to the NYC/Hollywood media elites that hate the South.
It's called taking the "30 pieces of silver" Steve Earle is a traitor to our people.... but his best music from the 80s is really, really great.
+wheelmanstan Billy Austin is no serial killer he only killed one man...
yeah but the guy just walked back in and shot the kid who was face down on the floor, I'm not saying he deserved the chair, but it doesn't sound like much of an accident, he murdered that kid, he might not deserve the death penalty as he did turn himself in, but quite a few really need to leave this planet and I'll never understand why some people want to end the death penalty
states with the death penalty have higher murder rates than those without on average...check the figures...
Jim Holroyd
well it's not like they're hanging them in the town square which I bet would help lower the murder rate, the more violent areas have the more violent people, the death penalty isn't about scaring violent offender, many would rather die than serve life in prison, it's about keeping murders from ever getting the opportunity to do it again
A pry bar atop ny can opener!
Brantley Gilbert is prolly the closest thing we have to the great Steve Earle nowadays..how he's hit the scene this past year..that man will be a legend in 20 years..just like this guy
WarNinGX25 ummm...Brantley Gilbert doesn't even walk in the same realm of existence as Steve Earle. BG has some catchy tunes but there's no greatness about him. Steve Earle is an artist, BG is a performer. There's a big difference.
Really great storyteller Steve Earl is. Disclaimer: We in the comment section apologize to the really good music lovers for Lady Gaga's face being wrongly posted on left hand side while real music is playing. Please not that we in the comment section take no responsibility for thise tragic mishap.
What a sad song.
yelling YEEHAW N' WHISTLIN DIXIE CUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve desde Euskal Herria ánimo. Soy muy pesado te sigo escuchando. No siempre no te pases... También a johon hiatt, emmylou harris, dwight yoakam, kevin welch, jimmy barnes😂
My name is Billy Austin
I'm Twenty-Nine years old
I was born in Oklahoma
Quarter Cherokee I'm told
Don't remember Oklahoma
Been so long since I left home
Seems like I've always been in prison
Like I've always been alone
Didn't mean to hurt nobody
Never thought I'd cross that line
I held up a filling station
Like I'd done a hundred times
The kid done like I told him
He lay face down on the floor
Guess I'll never know what made me
Turn and walk back through that door
The shot rang out like thunder
My ears rang like a bell
No one came runnin'
So I called the cops myself
Took their time to get there
And I guess I could'a run
I knew I should be feeling something
But I never shed tear one
I didn't even make the papers
'Cause I only killed one man
But my trial was over quickly
And then the long hard wait began
Court appointed lawyer
Couldn't look me in the eye
He just stood up and closed his briefcase
When they sentenced me to die
Now my waitin's over
As the final hour drags by
I ain't about to tell you
That I don't deserve to die
But there's twenty-seven men here
Mostly black, brown and poor
Most of em are guilty
Who are you to say for sure?
So when the preacher comes to get me
And they shave off all my hair
Could you take that long walk with me
Knowing hell is waitin' there
Could you pull that switch yourself sir
With a sure and steady hand
Could you still tell youself
That you're better than I am
My name is Billy Austin
I'm twenty-nine years old
I was born in Oklahoma
Quarter Cherokee I'm told
Songwriters: Steve Earle
I could definitely pull the switch, boy.
Then you are no better than he is just another killer. Eye for an eye leaves everyone blind.
It's not about being better, its about consequences
Problems123 prison works as a strong enough deterrent in Europe. Killing prisoners also has consequences for example sometimes you get the wrong person.
☮️
tough one!
A god. Hands down
Yeah, that's my name
God forgive us