If you want to know what this country is really all about ,James's perspective and what he writes about In your face view of this country. He tells it like it is . So talented
Each of his songs have a phrase that just cuts to your soul. "I never thought they'd ever doubt my words, I guess they were just too tired to care I'd point to the horizon to the dust of the herds still hovering in the air somebody said it ain't any such. Man you wish so hard you're scaring me and those are combines kicking up that dust, but I guess you can see what you want to see"
The next line is the one that always gets me; "But man they were here. They were here I swear. Not just these bleachin' bones stretchin' across the plains".
Someone from a usenet group (alt.slack) uploaded Choctaw Bingo way back in the 90s. I liked it but figured it was a one off, novelty song. Then, years later, Terri Gross featured him on her NPR show. I went home and looked him up and was instantly a fan. Later that week, she interviewed Hayes Carll. I looked him up and discovered he was playing in my town that weekend! NPR opened up a whole musical world that I was not aware of.
If you've ever been out on the plains of eastern Colorado; if you ever was a musician trying to make it, a beer salesman, a UPS driver, A FedEx driver, a postal worker, an insurance salesman. .. you know what he's talkin' about. You witness it but sooner or later you gotta pack it in
He is the BEST! What do you think this song is really about? I saw HIM in Missoula August 10th, 2019 His lack of commercial success was prevalent in his dialogue. I think this whole song is about His career,band(best of friends),,, He's a songwriting genius.
I more or less thought as you do about this song but, wanting confirmation, I asked James about it as he hung around outside after a show in Portland, Oregon a few years ago, approachable man that he is, specifically referencing his loss of his major-label record deal ("No more rodeo - no more noise; take my Cadillac ... park it out in back - Momma's calling [i.e.responsibility] - put away the toys...."); he looked at me with a slightly startled expression and said "Nope", that that wasn't it. Not wanting to expose my cluelessness nor offend him any further, I didn't ask him more about it and he didn't offer anything further, and I pretty much shut up. But previously he'd told me that he didn't make any money from his major-label deal, so it's not difficult to imagine that no longer having such a deal didn't fill him with much regret. So I can tell you precisely what the song isn't about, but I can't tell you what it is about. I still gotta think I wasn't that far off. I find it's a mistake to imagine that James in his lyrics is singing about himself, and in this song he may be giving his impression of the thoughts of someone else he knows who's given up on a career in music.
@@ph00xy Long time fan, well over 20 years. Was at the live in aught 3 shows at the long defunct but classic Zephyr Club in SLC in 2003. Don't know how many times I've listened to this song driving around the west and shed tears. To me, Mama is Mother Nature. She's calling, telling humanity to put away the toys - Cadillacs, Sprinter Vans - giant Land Whales - ATVs - Side by Sides, etc. She's mourning the loss of the dust of the herds. It's a song about all we've lost as the American West has been trashed by development.
Got my wish. James is coming to England in February. Ticket booked and hotel sorted. Cannot wait, he paints pictures and puts you in the middle of them.
@@1hamshank probably hosted by the Cosmic American guys. They used to use the Maze a lot before it closed for artists like Chuck, Escovedo and Richmond Fontaine. Really incredible small music venue in Mansfield Road.
Fantastic song and superb recording. Would have loved to have been there in person. Such a talented musician yet comparatively little following over here in the UK.
Man, would love to see McMurtry, and Charley Crockett tour around together, and with Tami Neilson. Now that would be a million dollar traveling show. Or, if there schedules dont allow get all three of them on that Telluride Stage and Ill scrape the money together to go see them.
James McMurtry is a western mans', and gals', Bruce Cockburn or Lou Reed. Sitting astride a horse squinting thru the dribble of smoke coming off his hand-rolled cigarette, at the sun setting in the west on all that he has ever loved.. Thinking his thoughts and watching the sky spin 'round Times come. Times go. You live your life on the in-between. And once it's done it's done. There is no going back. So it goes. John~ American Net'Zen
I just love Mr. McMurtry! HIs witty complex lyrics and melodic guitar riffs squeeze my heart. When listening here, I thought.. I bet he and John Lennon would have been comrades! I would love to engage in battle of wit! Those brains are far and few between these days! Okay! Peace out! Be love, see love; live love. 🤍
I can't fathom how this video only has 62000 views. An amazing singer, and amazing band, and enormous talent. I have a video of me and my stupid Friends riding ATVs that's cleared nearly two million views. I just don't understand why. This is the good stuff, please keep it coming. Thanks
McMurtry has taken to political discourse, not in lyrics but in writings and posts criticizing his fans who support the current President. The fans that are correct in the political ideals (agree with McMurtry) somehow believe his songs are protest songs. That leaves me a bit in doubt about the intelligence of those people. And I have never been known to listen music based on what the writer thinks about politically and prefer they keep pontificating to the level of ZERO. When I voiced my opinion on this to his people and in a courteous manner I was dropped from the mailing list etc. Kind of sad really when to think I was friends with Rick Danko at one time and also a songwriter who has been a guest of Joe Diffie backstage twice so I do know how too conduct myself properly. I also was talking with Tim Holt the last time the band played here and we discovered we had a longtime mutual friend in common! I am not alone in this and if one looks it up they would find David Crosby's firing from The Byrds was based on his failure to just shut up and perform music rather than carry on about government and "conspiracies".
@@cravinbob I have no idea who you listen to then because every true artist that I can think of has been very vocal about their politics. James is no different than Dylan or Neil Young or Woody Guthrie and the list could go on and on. He's one of the best songwriters ever and certainly one of the best from Texas. We're very proud he still calls Texas Home and still lives here in my home town of Austin. What he writes on social media is his privilege and if others don't like it they should not tune in. Scroll on by, as they say. The intelligence that you have your doubts about is owned by those who get their panties all in a wad when he expresses views in conflict with theirs. It's his right and his freedom. Only a moron would believe that what is happening in government today is OK. And that's the sad part of this story. People actually do believe what their being fed by government or Fox News. But I also don't agree with you being dropped from the mailing list for expressing your opinion, provided you did it in a civil manner, as you did here. That's your right too. That's the thing; freedom goes both ways.
There are writers such as this who transcend the masses comprised mostly of the lowest common denominator of intellect. So he, like others, sadly do not receive the exposure they are worthy of.
james ,cornbread and holt understand live music as well as anyone else alive. go to the Continental in Austin TX and see them. THEN tell me when u've seen a better performance... so I can go see it too
I don't know about better but the only comparable performers I know are The Bottle Rockets. Saw James and them together one night. Nearly 4 hours of the best songwriting and rockin' music has ever known.
I remember James speaking about playing in Austin where Robert Plant and I'm assuming Patty Griffith came to watch..James mentioned Plant looked bored but I really doubt that was true, James is talent that Mr. Plant would appreciate!
I'm so glad Holt gets to play more these days. I remember when he only got to play on Wasteland. The guy is awesome at all he does keeping James sounding good. I saw him take over the sound board in a tough room to make sound good. I'd heard the house guy ruin the sound every time. Holt moved in and by 2.5 songs you could here the drums, guitar and vocals at the same time for the first time there. Never heard the place sound as good since. Anybody know if he's related to the Holt that played with Joe Ely?
Also would like to hear Boz Scaggs doing some of these.- Texans have this indefinable yet palpable quality in their delivery - maybe it's space, that takes songs to another place.
It’s hard to say bad things about Dylan because of his impact and fame, but I think Joni Mitchell was right about him. He’s a fraud, not a genius. I really don’t hear greatness in his writing. James is an amazing songwriter
To me this song is saying let go of all those things that aren’t meant for you. Quit swimming up stream. Acknowledge some things aren’t what they used to be
ONE OF THE GREATEST SONG WRITERS AROUND.
ron sexton no argument here
And I'll stand on Steve Earle's bootrack and say that!
ron sexton definitely👍
Gives me chills every time... this should be our national anthem.
A masterclass in songwriting.
If you want to know what this country is really all about ,James's perspective and what he writes about In your face view of this country. He tells it like it is . So talented
Agreed indeed
Agreed inderd
Each of his songs have a phrase that just cuts to your soul.
"I never thought they'd ever doubt my words, I guess they were just too tired to care
I'd point to the horizon to the dust of the herds still hovering in the air
somebody said it ain't any such. Man you wish so hard you're scaring me
and those are combines kicking up that dust, but I guess you can see what you want to see"
But man they were here. They were here I swear! Not just these bleachin' bones, spreading across the plains.
Looking out through the bugs on the windshield, somebody said to me.
The next line is the one that always gets me; "But man they were here. They were here I swear. Not just these bleachin' bones stretchin' across the plains".
@@larrygallaway4224it’s so good it hurts. What a throw away world we live in
Kinda gives one hope that American culture still lives
Had the pleasure of catching McMurtry last night at The Magic Bag in Ferndale, Michigan
What a great performance.. Thank you Music City Roots for some high end sound and camera work.
Nearly half a century on this earth before I discovered this amazing song writer.
I can beat that! 52 now and only just climbed on the McMurtry express!
Someone from a usenet group (alt.slack) uploaded Choctaw Bingo way back in the 90s. I liked it but figured it was a one off, novelty song. Then, years later, Terri Gross featured him on her NPR show. I went home and looked him up and was instantly a fan. Later that week, she interviewed Hayes Carll. I looked him up and discovered he was playing in my town that weekend! NPR opened up a whole musical world that I was not aware of.
NPR is great! I love the tiny desk concerts!
This a beautifully played and crafted song! JM is a song crafter at another level to me.
What a master. Shame he's not appreciated more. Doing it for the craft not just the money and chicks.
I agree.
Absolute class, just discovered this. Hopefully he gets over to England soon.
Getting my McMurtry fix tonight in H-town, TX....love him LIVE! Only 1 HIM!
James writes such amazing songs. Thanks for sharing this, MCR!
If you've ever been out on the plains of eastern Colorado; if you ever was a musician trying to make it, a beer salesman, a UPS driver, A FedEx driver, a postal worker, an insurance salesman. .. you know what he's talkin' about. You witness it but sooner or later you gotta pack it in
Lamar...I have no fond memories of that particular place!
man is fantastic brilliant lyrics
What a fantastic performance of one of my favorite tunes
He is the BEST! What do you think this song is really about? I saw HIM in Missoula August 10th, 2019 His lack of commercial success was prevalent in his dialogue. I think this whole song is about His career,band(best of friends),,, He's a songwriting genius.
I more or less thought as you do about this song but, wanting confirmation, I asked James about it as he hung around outside after a show in Portland, Oregon a few years ago, approachable man that he is, specifically referencing his loss of his major-label record deal ("No more rodeo - no more noise; take my Cadillac ... park it out in back - Momma's calling [i.e.responsibility] - put away the toys...."); he looked at me with a slightly startled expression and said "Nope", that that wasn't it. Not wanting to expose my cluelessness nor offend him any further, I didn't ask him more about it and he didn't offer anything further, and I pretty much shut up. But previously he'd told me that he didn't make any money from his major-label deal, so it's not difficult to imagine that no longer having such a deal didn't fill him with much regret.
So I can tell you precisely what the song isn't about, but I can't tell you what it is about. I still gotta think I wasn't that far off. I find it's a mistake to imagine that James in his lyrics is singing about himself, and in this song he may be giving his impression of the thoughts of someone else he knows who's given up on a career in music.
@@eduardothelizardman9327 I thought it was just about the old ways passing away and being replaced by something not as good.
@@ph00xy Long time fan, well over 20 years. Was at the live in aught 3 shows at the long defunct but classic Zephyr Club in SLC in 2003. Don't know how many times I've listened to this song driving around the west and shed tears. To me, Mama is Mother Nature. She's calling, telling humanity to put away the toys - Cadillacs, Sprinter Vans - giant Land Whales - ATVs - Side by Sides, etc. She's mourning the loss of the dust of the herds. It's a song about all we've lost as the American West has been trashed by development.
Got my wish. James is coming to England in February. Ticket booked and hotel sorted. Cannot wait, he paints pictures and puts you in the middle of them.
Time flies. Nearly 2 years ago. Perfection in a back room of a pub in Nottingham. Deserves to be a superstar.
@@1hamshank the Maze?
@@MilkyJoe954 Nottingham. Little boozer. Should be massive but amazing to be so close to the whole band.
@@1hamshank probably hosted by the Cosmic American guys. They used to use the Maze a lot before it closed for artists like Chuck, Escovedo and Richmond Fontaine. Really incredible small music venue in Mansfield Road.
Can't wait to see James on 6-19-24 at the Alladin Theater in Portland, oregon!
Fantastic song and superb recording. Would have loved to have been there in person. Such a talented musician yet comparatively little following over here in the UK.
Man, would love to see McMurtry, and Charley Crockett tour around together, and with Tami Neilson. Now that would be a million dollar traveling show. Or, if there schedules dont allow get all three of them on that Telluride Stage and Ill scrape the money together to go see them.
Found from Jason Isbell. Where have you been all my life!
I met James, fed him dead critter and bread on his way out of Indy. Wise story singer.
James McMurtry is a western mans', and gals', Bruce Cockburn or Lou Reed.
Sitting astride a horse squinting thru the dribble of smoke coming off his hand-rolled cigarette, at the sun setting in the west on all that he has ever loved..
Thinking his thoughts and watching the sky spin 'round
Times come. Times go. You live your life on the in-between. And once it's done it's done. There is no going back.
So it goes.
John~
American Net'Zen
Really beautiful John thank you
i love james mcmurtry
It Had To Happen...what can I say..the man is brilliant..with Ron and the others backing him you won't find any better anywhere!!
Got tix for James this weekend!
I just love Mr. McMurtry! HIs witty complex lyrics and melodic guitar riffs squeeze my heart. When listening here, I thought.. I bet he and John Lennon would have been comrades! I would love to engage in battle of wit! Those brains are far and few between these days! Okay! Peace out! Be love, see love; live love. 🤍
Excellent musicianship.
I can't fathom how this video only has 62000 views. An amazing singer, and amazing band, and enormous talent. I have a video of me and my stupid Friends riding ATVs that's cleared nearly two million views. I just don't understand why. This is the good stuff, please keep it coming. Thanks
TheSnowman44077 we are in the US of a. Not Prague
McMurtry has taken to political discourse, not in lyrics but in writings and posts criticizing his fans who support the current President. The fans that are correct in the political ideals (agree with McMurtry) somehow believe his songs are protest songs. That leaves me a bit in doubt about the intelligence of those people. And I have never been known to listen music based on what the writer thinks about politically and prefer they keep pontificating to the level of ZERO.
When I voiced my opinion on this to his people and in a courteous manner I was dropped from the mailing list etc. Kind of sad really when to think I was friends with Rick Danko at one time and also a songwriter who has been a guest of Joe Diffie backstage twice so I do know how too conduct myself properly. I also was talking with Tim Holt the last time the band played here and we discovered we had a longtime mutual friend in common!
I am not alone in this and if one looks it up they would find David Crosby's firing from The Byrds was based on his failure to just shut up and perform music rather than carry on about government and "conspiracies".
As you say, keep the politics out of a true American Icon and Troubador of our times.
@@cravinbob I have no idea who you listen to then because every true artist that I can think of has been very vocal about their politics. James is no different than Dylan or Neil Young or Woody Guthrie and the list could go on and on. He's one of the best songwriters ever and certainly one of the best from Texas. We're very proud he still calls Texas Home and still lives here in my home town of Austin. What he writes on social media is his privilege and if others don't like it they should not tune in. Scroll on by, as they say. The intelligence that you have your doubts about is owned by those who get their panties all in a wad when he expresses views in conflict with theirs. It's his right and his freedom. Only a moron would believe that what is happening in government today is OK. And that's the sad part of this story. People actually do believe what their being fed by government or Fox News. But I also don't agree with you being dropped from the mailing list for expressing your opinion, provided you did it in a civil manner, as you did here. That's your right too. That's the thing; freedom goes both ways.
There are writers such as this who transcend the masses comprised mostly of the lowest common denominator of intellect. So he, like others, sadly do not receive the exposure they are worthy of.
Greatest. Living. Songwriter.
Great vocals on this one. And a passionate performance by the whole band.
I am from Brazil and like very much James MCmurtry. 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🙏🙏🙏
beautiful.
Just saw him last nite! AWESOME!
james ,cornbread and holt understand live music as well as anyone else alive. go to the Continental in Austin TX and see them. THEN tell me when u've seen a better performance... so I can go see it too
lucky you!!! ive seen A LOT of concerts in my life and James is as good as Ive ever seen. His guitar playing blows me away
I don't know about better but the only comparable performers I know are The Bottle Rockets. Saw James and them together one night. Nearly 4 hours of the best songwriting and rockin' music has ever known.
He is a God………an ABSOLUTE and TRUE songwriter to the BONE! ⭐️✌🏼⭐️🎸
Invaluable lessons to reflect on!
A masterpiece.
Seriously underrated
Way underrated
Beautiful piece of music just love it!
I remember James speaking about playing in Austin where Robert Plant and I'm assuming Patty Griffith came to watch..James mentioned Plant looked bored but I really doubt that was true, James is talent that Mr. Plant would appreciate!
About his country in music, just as his dad, in literature.
I'm so glad Holt gets to play more these days. I remember when he only got to play on Wasteland. The guy is awesome at all he does keeping James sounding good. I saw him take over the sound board in a tough room to make sound good. I'd heard the house guy ruin the sound every time. Holt moved in and by 2.5 songs you could here the drums, guitar and vocals at the same time for the first time there. Never heard the place sound as good since. Anybody know if he's related to the Holt that played with Joe Ely?
Man, I want that gig!!
Great music
I love this song, really fucking good mate!
3.30 . That is some shit hot musicianship
Ever hear of James McMurtry?
How can't you love this , I guess it's not zip it t do da
great tune, better than most , K
There are presious few of these guys left its like countrys brother guys like guy clark john prine james mcmurtry are in a class of there own
Id like to meet a woman who likes this music
Also would like to hear Boz Scaggs doing some of these.- Texans have this indefinable yet palpable quality in their delivery - maybe it's space, that takes songs to another place.
Great performance!
The song has a nice feel, also thx to Otis Taylor
Hairyblues Otis Taylor? I know Otis, but that's not him on stage.....are you saying this is an Otis song????
Yeah you're right, I thought it was him.
Now is my question, who is he? he sounds pretty good!
For the love of the song.
great stuff
Sounds like a great Springsteen song
I'd love to hear Bruce cover this one
☮️
Nearly as good as master Dylan in lyrics-waaay under rated and under the radar
Dylan's got nothing on J. McMurtry
Solid comment. Vastly underrated.
Comparing McMurtry and Dylan is comparing apples and oranges. Neither one can do what the other one does. IMHO
It’s hard to say bad things about Dylan because of his impact and fame, but I think Joni Mitchell was right about him. He’s a fraud, not a genius. I really don’t hear greatness in his writing. James is an amazing songwriter
Très grand talent
I'd like to have heard Townes Van Zandt have a run at this.
This is sad so g happy to me
they were here I swear
Here because of Sarah Jarosz.
Staying because...well...
Point out the obvious STILL today, McMurtry
To me this song is saying let go of all those things that aren’t meant for you. Quit swimming up stream. Acknowledge some things aren’t what they used to be
oNLY jim
best
✌🏽🇺🇦🙏
I am praying for the sacred buffalo
No guitar is complete without some duct tape.
tru
All his songs are aural novels.
Is dad could write a bit ! lol
smoke
momas callin build some toys in usa
this fucking hack ruined S.E.T.I. frequencies BOINC screensaver with this kind of crap !: .... didn't log in as guest... :(~
Music does not get any finer. Case closed
some u win some u loose some you throw away we knew card were stacked I guess they were to tired to care
me
Seems the sjw,s in the corner didn't hear the song.
☮️
Thank you
☮️
Sorry, redundant, but heartfelt