O Death... How you speak to me! Am I as bad as that you see! Oh I try to be as good as all God's children's should... O Death! As here you come, I wish that I could turn and run... O Death, please dont' take me, I'm not ready as you can see...
@greer101607 "tucky tradition"? Maybe so, but Hickatucky also has produced a huge amount of dumbasses and inbred hillbillys. Whole place can burn and no one would notice.
Oh! Death to Nancy What is this that I can see Cold icy hands taking hold of me for Death has come, you all can see. Hell has open it's gate to trick me. Oh! Death, Oh! Death, can't you spare me, over for another year! I'll stuff your jaws till you can't talk. I'll bind your leg's till you can't walk. I'll tie your hands till you can't make a stand. And finally I'll close your eyes so you can't see. I'll bring sexual death unto you for me. B.T.K.
@zipster53 no shit, hes was 82 years old dumb ass. He Made an entire genre of music famous and put out over 70 albums. Maybe he forgot one or two lyrics
I was raised in a time of horrible music...minus Nirvana and some metal bands...rap and pop music is a foul stench of rotten spoiled children forever suckling the teat of ignorance...heavy metal, death metal, gore metal, hard rock, classic rock, Johnny cash style country, classical, orchestral...these are good genres...Rap, techno, dubstep, and today's pop music (as well as most alternative rock) are the shit-stains of music.
After my fathers death I came to be somewhat self aware of my own mortality, and Ralph Stanley's o death just captivated the mortal mind. And instead of explaining my worried mind to my spouse I played her Stanley's interpitation of o death.
And her response was something like:" Do you like this type of music"?!
My lord... I've seen Ralph like 8 times at the Bean blossom music festival out here in Indiana and my god, everytime he would sing this, it would give me goosebumps..... I was right in front of him everytime he performed, I'm friends with his grandson who plays mandolin for Ralph Stanely the second. And me, him and Ralph senior would always just hangout and talk by a camp fire and Ralph sang this for me right in front of me.. .One of the greatest moments in my life...
I wrote a version where the narrator is asking Death to take him, but Death will not. I thought it was an interesting change to the theme, and one that most people could relate to at certain times in their lives. Check "Rosetta West - Oh Death," for a live version. Not the greatest camera work unfortunately, but the sound is clear enough.
@mikebrown1156 There is o need to insult people who happen to be gay just to pay someone else a compliment. Some of us who are gay also like bluegrass music, by the way.
@LegalEagleX Homo-actually has NOTHING to do with GAY, by the way Homo--could mean homosapien---it doesn't, but it could....homo doesn't ALWAYS mean homosexual. If you would take time and stop smoking crank and penis for a second you'd know that. Now see I am straight and I would NEVER suck a dick, now id hold it in my mouth for a second but id never ever suck one....
@mikebrown1156 Actually you are confusing Latin and Greek. Homo in Latin means "man" or mankind. Homo in Greek means "same" and is the opposite of hetero, which means "different". The word "homosexual" is uses the Greek prefix, while Homo sapiens is in Latin.
@mikebrown1156 No you guys, you don't understand. Maynard's actually gay. I heard it on good authority from a drunk stumbling Tool fan at Rabobank arena in 2006. We were standing by the Slurpee Concession. Well, I was standing, he was sort of sloppily leaning, but he kept saying it clear as day: "Maynard's a homo! Maynard's a homo." Later on when some piece of Bakersfield trash began screaming "I Have Maynard's Baby!" during Rosetta Stoned I began to question his sexuality though.
@mikebrown1156 Haha I'm beginning to think you're at least marginally retarded. If it wasn't the spelling errors it was definitely attacking the only person on here who had your back. Look, if you're embarrassed about the time we hooked up, that's fine, but I want the world to know what we did. Remember when you said you'd always love me then we went to Hardee's for breakfast??
@EvolveSticker Look, i told you that night---your money is on the dresser. After, I come - its time for YOU to go. Thanks for everything, but I aint in love and our business is now finished. Leave me your contact info and i may holla at ya again in the future---BUT if you keep acting like a kook stalkerish little twat, then imma haft drop kick ya out of my life for good......
I love this - the echos of the Scottish Highlands and the sweet green hills of ancient Ireland permeate this song. This is part of my heritage, the music, and the wars and the death that comes to all.
"It is irrational to fear an event, if when that event occurs, we are not in existence. And since, when death is, we are not. And when we are, death is not. Then it's irrational to fear death. One might just as well fear birth."
Just beautiful. "O! Death" is a combination between a song, a prayer, and a dialogue between a dying man and the Angel of Death. This is by far my favorite track on the O! Brother soundtrack; and Stanley's a cappella version is my favorite version of the song.
wow...that's all I can really say about this song. I had no idea that it has a Scots~Irish/ Native American background. Thanks for teaching me something new! And starr522 is right... it's sad that younger people don't know how to appreciate there heritage; WHAT EVER IT MAY BE!
I love Ralph's voice, have since I was little. I may be a rocker chick, but at heart my soul still thrives on the old songs of Appalachia that I was raised on. Be it old time or traditional bluegrass, I love it all. Thank you, @wolf914 , for posting this.
Ralph Stanly is my grandpas uncle i am just 13 but am going to try to become famous like him i hav started to play electric guitar but am going to play country instead and hopefully i will become famous like him:)
If a young person tried to sing this (like in that other version) it would sound stupid. His old, haggard-ish voice and the addition of no music makes for imagination and creepiness
My God what a performance and work of art. Sorry the young ins don t get it. The rap thing and Gaga bullshit you know. To nicelydone13, how disrespectful. Bet your parents are really proud of you. No need to reply, it will be bad language and disrespect. This is art. A pice of american music.
@starr522 Not all the youngins. I grew up on rock music but learned to appreciate this type of music. It's part of our(Scots-Irish) cultural heritage and when it's gone, so is part of our identity. I'm sorry some young people are so stupid that they just don't get it. This song is hundreds of years old from Appalachia and probably before that in Ulster and Scotland. It sends chills down my spine.
@MrRatlicker funny you should say that because my grandparents on both sides are from ireland moved here in the 1930's-40's when they were younger to the blue ridge mountains area and i remember my grandfather singing this song (in gaelic once) before o brother where art thou? came out. it is a well know fact scotts-irish are the ones who made moonshining and country music a part of american history
@MrRatlicker Growing up, I was ashamed of where I was from and the culture I was raised in. Who could love something so backwater and ignorant? I wasn't alone in my thinking: mainstream media and many others were just as quick to spit on and mock Appalachia, but as I grew up, I began to really look at it, and appreciate it, and embrace it. I love Appalachia and all the great values it instilled in me, and that includes the haunting high and lonely sound that characterizes its music.
When I was a firefighter,I always said that my "Mayday" call if I was ever trapped would be me singing this song.The other guys swore they'd do anything to avoid hearing me butcher yet another good song so I knew that they'd be coming after me should anything happen on a fireground.
I never heard this song until recently. I 1st read it lyrics in book on Medieval Christian culture in England; called "The Stripping of The Alters," Eamon Duffy. A very ancient song. The remembrance of death, & being ready (spiritually) for its approach being a major concern of Medieval Christians. A great book, many jems like this in it. The Appallachians preserved many aspect of a more ancient English culture that would be lost to all but professional antiquarians.
He does this tune in "O Brother, Where Art Thou?". If you like this music, see that movie. T-Bone Burnett directed the music, and like "Walk the Line", he chose well.
@haitipi: I saw the movie, not one of the Coen brothers better efforts. The ending was especially hokey. My point was that I had read the words of this song years b/f I heard it. If you can, you should go look at the book Stripping of the Alters. This is truly Medieval (& not in the colloquial sense). It is astonishing that it was preserved in popular form here in Appallachia. A song like this was actually intended to remind the then Catholic English to remain in a state grace for death.
WOW, after 50 you tube messages, you are the first person to offer an intelligent and qualified messages. For that, I thank you. I will also take up your suggestions, I am intrigued. Thanks again!
The supernatural version sucks ass, it comes no where close to the feeling you get when you watch O Brother Where Art Thou for the first time and hear that song...
@TheGhov Well,actuallyhmmmm,like over 20kk people think that the Supernatural version is epic,and i kinda am one of them.But enough about that.How the hell is this comment except the very smart "sucks ass" related to the video or song?Hmm,bud this isnt about comparing one song with another.I think u got the wrong video here.Worst comment ever.
I have seen a story where he talks about the song. It was taught to him by his dad. Many songs like this were sung mainly in the depression era and have powerful meanings behind them. You just have to listen closely. However; when death is talk about all will pay attention. Even in the song it sounds like the old man and Death are having a conversation. This is a fact Death has no biased to ANYONE!. All he see's is a soul to usher over to heaven or hell.
@DaughterOfTexas1 Well,that is your opinnion.Frankly,when talking to a force more primordial and powerful than God,i doubt this would be the way to "chat" and that they would have such a conversation.
@CricketSayWhat That would be a matter of opinion on which one is better. An opinion thats wrong on your part you bieber jack off fan. Also, Why the fuck did you click it and listen to the whole thing then genius? The final question would be, how do you know hes a redneck, or are you just speaking from ignorance? By your comments, I would have to go with your ignorance.
This song did for Ralph Stanley's career what "Hurt" did for Johnny Cash's career. It gave them a revitalization. Both of these songs are haunting pieces of lyrical genius, and the men who sang them have actually lived the words of these songs. I wish there were more songs like these around nowadays. I hope Death "Spares Ralph over for another year...." Can I get an amen?
IT came as a whisper cutting short my whimper. MADE me say hello ,I just wanted IT to go.
No formal introduction ,No title for IT'S function. Does IT need a reason ? Not sure but it may be teasing. I LOVE the warning it often leaves me mourning. Admire IT'S freedom ,IT'S range ,IT'S ABILITY to change. I crave air,IT let me forget ,that's not fair. I read the verses,but IT reminds me rules are for fools.
Sometimes it sits softly ,never revealing IT'S function. Then maybe a Tic a twitch ,A revelation that IT is near. IT is always angry with me,a twist ,a twirl,a clinch with a fist. Sometimes I smile ,IT has power how can I resist. Do I get to prepare, a soft bed or just a cold stare? Like a 1,000 anvils the weight, we try but the power is great. A BIG whoosh and a SLAM a reminder to beware. Angry growl,deafening howl,spit,blood, IT does not hide IT DOES NOT CARE!
@ToMBRoBBeRBaKuRa You mean contingency, also you are correcting someone who was being facetious and quoting it the way he pronounces it. Congratulations, you fail twice.
Pretty sad that a hollywood movie lead to so many douche bags into liking bluegrass. Course leave it to hollywood to make something "cool" enough for the other lemmings to listen to without seeming too "uncool".
@whisner2004 o.O i'm an idiot.. because i like certain music? lol :p fireflies is one of my fav's because of the happy memories tied to it. Odeath has many more memories tied to it :s not all of them happy.
@morganfinley3 :/ if thats your opinion lol, i really dont care to be honest.
and if you are against talking about owlcity/ the song fireflies on a raplh stanley video.. I'm not alone in this XP your the one saying it in all caps :p You made a big deal about something irrelevent. Congrats :D!
to both of the dipshits who judge me for my likeing of a song :p!
@TheFrozenDesert I'd say u are wrong in so many ways.First of all,the sound in the background is supposed to make your blood chill in your veins,it's like u can almost feel the cold presence of Death,and that your time is over.Second,the version singed by Jen Titus is easier to remember,alot more enjoyable than a old man singing something that sounds like a indian ritual with a country voice.Last but not least,the video from the Supernatural version is the best vid ever about Death and this song
Personally, I disagree. I like the Jen Titus version better, and that's the version I plan on using in my final music vid for my media class. The pure atmosphere that her version offers is so damn frightening, that I can't help but be creatively drawn in by it.
But on the same token, I can respect that you would find this version preferable. It's an opinion thing, and your is just as valid as mine, and vise versa.
@TheFrozenDesert This version will never be scary.And frankly,while talking about a higher than God power here i doubt that a old man singing is up for discussion in fear factor.Kind of curious that your "advance company dance" would chose this version with like you said "NO MUSIC IN BACKGROUND" and no ritm what so ever made for dance.And since when do "advanced dance companies" want "scary"(my ass) songs with no music in background?
Ridiculous. I'm 18 and I hate modern country, but this is incredible. Literally sends chills down my spine.
imanor420 1 week ago 2
O Death... How you speak to me! Am I as bad as that you see! Oh I try to be as good as all God's children's should... O Death! As here you come, I wish that I could turn and run... O Death, please dont' take me, I'm not ready as you can see...
RamJamable 1 week ago
Gives me chills!! Love Ralph. God Bless
lenny73able 2 weeks ago
I'm 19 years old and I LOVE this kind of music
mbirabent 3 weeks ago 9
Great push.
millicentbistander 3 weeks ago
wtf r u serious gin357, this man is brilliant, this is ol tucky tradition, u can laugh all u want...we don't
greer101607 3 weeks ago 2
@greer101607 "tucky tradition"? Maybe so, but Hickatucky also has produced a huge amount of dumbasses and inbred hillbillys. Whole place can burn and no one would notice.
texiban001 1 week ago
love this song he sing so good
moonchuly 1 month ago
GonnaSin 1 month ago
god help
fruitymom26 1 month ago in playlist Favorite videos
Nigga be usin' a teleprompter or somethin', ya'll. I seen it in his eyes!
zipster53 1 month ago
@zipster53 no shit, hes was 82 years old dumb ass. He Made an entire genre of music famous and put out over 70 albums. Maybe he forgot one or two lyrics
gim357 4 weeks ago 4
@zipster53 wtf listen to the music you dumbass and dont comment for no reason on something clearly have no knowledge of.
Theconfusedkooppas 2 weeks ago
@zipster53 first of all he's not a "Nigga".....far from it
emorygal 1 week ago
im young also, i listen to all kind of music execpt that rap shit they call "music"
projectspillman2 1 month ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Ralph Stanley 6
Im young. And I still dig this shit.
deneco4 1 month ago 5
What a song!!!
b69maddox 1 month ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Ralph Stanley
I love the Jen Titus version as well.
hnoss13 1 month ago
I was raised in a time of horrible music...minus Nirvana and some metal bands...rap and pop music is a foul stench of rotten spoiled children forever suckling the teat of ignorance...heavy metal, death metal, gore metal, hard rock, classic rock, Johnny cash style country, classical, orchestral...these are good genres...Rap, techno, dubstep, and today's pop music (as well as most alternative rock) are the shit-stains of music.
Huscarlavery 1 month ago
this is a hair raiser
brenttisepic2010 1 month ago 2
After my fathers death I came to be somewhat self aware of my own mortality, and Ralph Stanley's o death just captivated the mortal mind. And instead of explaining my worried mind to my spouse I played her Stanley's interpitation of o death.
And her response was something like:" Do you like this type of music"?!
Olebull93 1 month ago 2
@Olebull93
and you reply was ..........
thepartsbox 1 month ago
My lord... I've seen Ralph like 8 times at the Bean blossom music festival out here in Indiana and my god, everytime he would sing this, it would give me goosebumps..... I was right in front of him everytime he performed, I'm friends with his grandson who plays mandolin for Ralph Stanely the second. And me, him and Ralph senior would always just hangout and talk by a camp fire and Ralph sang this for me right in front of me.. .One of the greatest moments in my life...
Timeconsumer9 2 months ago
I wrote a version where the narrator is asking Death to take him, but Death will not. I thought it was an interesting change to the theme, and one that most people could relate to at certain times in their lives. Check "Rosetta West - Oh Death," for a live version. Not the greatest camera work unfortunately, but the sound is clear enough.
mielazul 2 months ago
Supernatural
1said21 2 months ago
This is beautiful...haunting and beautiful
andipoetic 2 months ago
Satellite Internet is Dodo. What every you do, DO NOT get Hughes Net! It sucks!
MegaAnonymousme 2 months ago
Buff! Buff! Buff faster you P.O.S. Sat. Internet! BUFF Bagwell!
MegaAnonymousme 2 months ago
I CAN SING THIS SONG GREAT
Redneck3141 3 months ago
I sing this song every year when Flu Season starts.
promodo 3 months ago 6
13 people fear death.
ahz123 3 months ago
This sent chills down my spine. How great is the American music?
ffsf739 3 months ago 21
oh that was chilling
hoouos2 3 months ago
genuine music great singer
drtyTruck 3 months ago
His voice is one of the most beautiful I have heard.
mjstbnsn 3 months ago
Amamzing voice, makes maynard look like a homo
mikebrown1156 3 months ago
@mikebrown1156 There is o need to insult people who happen to be gay just to pay someone else a compliment. Some of us who are gay also like bluegrass music, by the way.
LegalEagleX 3 months ago in playlist RR&E
@LegalEagleX Homo-actually has NOTHING to do with GAY, by the way Homo--could mean homosapien---it doesn't, but it could....homo doesn't ALWAYS mean homosexual. If you would take time and stop smoking crank and penis for a second you'd know that. Now see I am straight and I would NEVER suck a dick, now id hold it in my mouth for a second but id never ever suck one....
mikebrown1156 3 months ago
@mikebrown1156 Wow...I really did waste my time trying to school a moron like you. Bye-bye.
LegalEagleX 3 months ago
@mikebrown1156 Actually you are confusing Latin and Greek. Homo in Latin means "man" or mankind. Homo in Greek means "same" and is the opposite of hetero, which means "different". The word "homosexual" is uses the Greek prefix, while Homo sapiens is in Latin.
TacticusPrime 3 months ago
@mikebrown1156 No you guys, you don't understand. Maynard's actually gay. I heard it on good authority from a drunk stumbling Tool fan at Rabobank arena in 2006. We were standing by the Slurpee Concession. Well, I was standing, he was sort of sloppily leaning, but he kept saying it clear as day: "Maynard's a homo! Maynard's a homo." Later on when some piece of Bakersfield trash began screaming "I Have Maynard's Baby!" during Rosetta Stoned I began to question his sexuality though.
EvolveSticker 3 months ago
@EvolveSticker I knoe i understand THIS: you may not have actually "sucked a cock" but you have held at least one in your mouth for a few moments....
mikebrown1156 3 months ago 2
@mikebrown1156 Haha I'm beginning to think you're at least marginally retarded. If it wasn't the spelling errors it was definitely attacking the only person on here who had your back. Look, if you're embarrassed about the time we hooked up, that's fine, but I want the world to know what we did. Remember when you said you'd always love me then we went to Hardee's for breakfast??
EvolveSticker 3 months ago
@EvolveSticker Look, i told you that night---your money is on the dresser. After, I come - its time for YOU to go. Thanks for everything, but I aint in love and our business is now finished. Leave me your contact info and i may holla at ya again in the future---BUT if you keep acting like a kook stalkerish little twat, then imma haft drop kick ya out of my life for good......
mikebrown1156 3 months ago
@mikebrown1156 You said I could use your wireless!
EvolveSticker 3 months ago
god bless Dr.Sanley
vassilli19910666 4 months ago
I love this - the echos of the Scottish Highlands and the sweet green hills of ancient Ireland permeate this song. This is part of my heritage, the music, and the wars and the death that comes to all.
leland61 4 months ago
As Epicurise once formulated:
"It is irrational to fear an event, if when that event occurs, we are not in existence. And since, when death is, we are not. And when we are, death is not. Then it's irrational to fear death. One might just as well fear birth."
Olebull93 4 months ago
to all those whom think t started with the the O brother where art thou peice......nope ralph is an artists ......look it up
swashbuckler691 4 months ago
Just beautiful. "O! Death" is a combination between a song, a prayer, and a dialogue between a dying man and the Angel of Death. This is by far my favorite track on the O! Brother soundtrack; and Stanley's a cappella version is my favorite version of the song.
Bogdan1939 4 months ago
theo! ♥
DiamondGlow97 5 months ago
well I am death no one can tell, I'll open the gates to heaven or hell
megamanthehitman 5 months ago
Comment removed
blueeyedsoldier100 5 months ago
This is from the concert after they finished shooting Oh Brother Where art thou
13812671 5 months ago
wow...that's all I can really say about this song. I had no idea that it has a Scots~Irish/ Native American background. Thanks for teaching me something new! And starr522 is right... it's sad that younger people don't know how to appreciate there heritage; WHAT EVER IT MAY BE!
picklesmom1027 5 months ago
Is this performance from the 2002 grammys?
Looter246 5 months ago
@Looter246 no. it is here: /watch?v=R-C_HVoiJpY&feature=related
jhnb12876 5 months ago
GEORGEUS sorry my motherlangued is not english
w118wolf28 5 months ago
true soul!
bjy47 5 months ago
I love Ralph's voice, have since I was little. I may be a rocker chick, but at heart my soul still thrives on the old songs of Appalachia that I was raised on. Be it old time or traditional bluegrass, I love it all. Thank you, @wolf914 , for posting this.
halliedemon 5 months ago 5
love it!!!!......comin' from a wayne county west virginian!!!
CaseyMichaela1 5 months ago
i going to see Ricky Skaggs on aug 25 at watseka theatre watseka illinois.
rocmaven 5 months ago
Ralph Stanly is my grandpas uncle i am just 13 but am going to try to become famous like him i hav started to play electric guitar but am going to play country instead and hopefully i will become famous like him:)
MeGaPaPaRoAcHFaN 6 months ago
dang he is just by him self thats so sick!!!!
RatFaceJohnny 6 months ago
it's some kind of cover of the "Death, have mercy" by Vera Hall.. But I think I prefer slightly this version :)
taurtue 6 months ago
@taurtue
This is an old sort of hymn. Very...old lol
DrStrangefate 6 months ago
I am a young person and I appreciate and love this music !!! Of course I am a country boy to.....
redrooster311 6 months ago
If a young person tried to sing this (like in that other version) it would sound stupid. His old, haggard-ish voice and the addition of no music makes for imagination and creepiness
ChandlerMathers123 6 months ago
death has no remorse or pity !!!! life is a test of your soul , what are you going to tell the spirit when you see him and its your time.........
SkullFace890 6 months ago
My God what a performance and work of art. Sorry the young ins don t get it. The rap thing and Gaga bullshit you know. To nicelydone13, how disrespectful. Bet your parents are really proud of you. No need to reply, it will be bad language and disrespect. This is art. A pice of american music.
starr522 6 months ago
@starr522 Not all the youngins. I grew up on rock music but learned to appreciate this type of music. It's part of our(Scots-Irish) cultural heritage and when it's gone, so is part of our identity. I'm sorry some young people are so stupid that they just don't get it. This song is hundreds of years old from Appalachia and probably before that in Ulster and Scotland. It sends chills down my spine.
MrRatlicker 6 months ago 72
@MrRatlicker i love this kind of music i was raised on rock 2 and i wish i hurd more of this
TAZZ200060 6 months ago
@MrRatlicker I'm Native American on my Mom's side.. and Scots-Irish on my Dad's side.. I understand..
lightsuperlink 5 months ago
@MrRatlicker funny you should say that because my grandparents on both sides are from ireland moved here in the 1930's-40's when they were younger to the blue ridge mountains area and i remember my grandfather singing this song (in gaelic once) before o brother where art thou? came out. it is a well know fact scotts-irish are the ones who made moonshining and country music a part of american history
MrGillby 3 months ago
@MrRatlicker Well said.
SaintPsyclon 2 months ago
@MrRatlicker
I've about had it with my sisters b.s. rap
beritbe 2 months ago
@beritbe ill bet she'd suck my dick
fartchunk 2 months ago
@MrRatlicker Growing up, I was ashamed of where I was from and the culture I was raised in. Who could love something so backwater and ignorant? I wasn't alone in my thinking: mainstream media and many others were just as quick to spit on and mock Appalachia, but as I grew up, I began to really look at it, and appreciate it, and embrace it. I love Appalachia and all the great values it instilled in me, and that includes the haunting high and lonely sound that characterizes its music.
Lolyoucrackers 2 months ago 2
@Lolyoucrackers I totaly feel the same way. I grew up in WV and hated it when I was young, but love it and see it as part of our heritage now.
genericxanex 1 month ago
@MrRatlicker Made me weep.
ViolareAngelus 1 month ago
@MrRatlicker What do you have against the idea that hillbillies could make their own music?
NoirUMC 1 month ago 3
awesome!!
bjy47 6 months ago
my bad !!!! this guy is awesome , scary as shit though !! love it !!
nicelydone13 6 months ago
@nicelydone13 are you bipolar?
Brujo2595 6 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
what a piece a shit old fuck
nicelydone13 6 months ago
@nicelydone13 You're going to be old.
wasp9 6 months ago
This is fantastic...The Supernatural version is my favorite though:)
KerryLautner 6 months ago
Glad to have Ralph and Two as neighbors! Play on!
killerwolfize 7 months ago
When I was a firefighter,I always said that my "Mayday" call if I was ever trapped would be me singing this song.The other guys swore they'd do anything to avoid hearing me butcher yet another good song so I knew that they'd be coming after me should anything happen on a fireground.
doughesson 7 months ago 4
man this guy put chills downs my back
Joeyal123 7 months ago
I never heard this song until recently. I 1st read it lyrics in book on Medieval Christian culture in England; called "The Stripping of The Alters," Eamon Duffy. A very ancient song. The remembrance of death, & being ready (spiritually) for its approach being a major concern of Medieval Christians. A great book, many jems like this in it. The Appallachians preserved many aspect of a more ancient English culture that would be lost to all but professional antiquarians.
VictorLepanto 7 months ago
@VictorLepanto
He does this tune in "O Brother, Where Art Thou?". If you like this music, see that movie. T-Bone Burnett directed the music, and like "Walk the Line", he chose well.
haitipi 6 months ago
@haitipi: I saw the movie, not one of the Coen brothers better efforts. The ending was especially hokey. My point was that I had read the words of this song years b/f I heard it. If you can, you should go look at the book Stripping of the Alters. This is truly Medieval (& not in the colloquial sense). It is astonishing that it was preserved in popular form here in Appallachia. A song like this was actually intended to remind the then Catholic English to remain in a state grace for death.
VictorLepanto 6 months ago
@VictorLepanto
WOW, after 50 you tube messages, you are the first person to offer an intelligent and qualified messages. For that, I thank you. I will also take up your suggestions, I am intrigued. Thanks again!
haitipi 5 months ago
What a voice!! Amazing.
MsRedkitty1 7 months ago
HOW DO YA TURN THESE DAMN U TUBE COMMERCIALS OFF !!!
ophus94 7 months ago 36
@ophus94 Get Firefox. Get the AsBlock Plus addon. I haven't watched a YouTube commercial. Ever.
032125 5 months ago 2
@ophus94 Move in another country
eddiee121 4 months ago
@ophus94 Show them a picture of your Wife or Mommy
mikebrown1156 2 months ago
@ophus94 adblock, on google chrome-its free
AshSaini7 2 months ago
@ophus94 Get firefox with adblock plus
TheScienceFoundation 2 months ago
@ophus94 Use Google Chrome, add the Google anti commercial plug in.
not2b8b4u 2 months ago
A great song sang by a great man.
chefjustin24601 7 months ago
God Damn... Makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up...
vanglaurent 7 months ago
i miss theo。。
nishizawahanabi 7 months ago 2
i miss theo。。
nishizawahanabi 7 months ago
"You Can't Run From Time."
MegaAnonymousme 7 months ago
9 people are Dead
Yannick20 7 months ago
I'm a guitarist at heart, but to this I'll have to take a bow and say: He didn't need it.
simplethunder 7 months ago
The supernatural version sucks ass, it comes no where close to the feeling you get when you watch O Brother Where Art Thou for the first time and hear that song...
TheGhov 7 months ago
@TheGhov Well,actuallyhmmmm,like over 20kk people think that the Supernatural version is epic,and i kinda am one of them.But enough about that.How the hell is this comment except the very smart "sucks ass" related to the video or song?Hmm,bud this isnt about comparing one song with another.I think u got the wrong video here.Worst comment ever.
MrAnderson8002 7 months ago
I have seen a story where he talks about the song. It was taught to him by his dad. Many songs like this were sung mainly in the depression era and have powerful meanings behind them. You just have to listen closely. However; when death is talk about all will pay attention. Even in the song it sounds like the old man and Death are having a conversation. This is a fact Death has no biased to ANYONE!. All he see's is a soul to usher over to heaven or hell.
DaughterOfTexas1 7 months ago
@DaughterOfTexas1 Well,that is your opinnion.Frankly,when talking to a force more primordial and powerful than God,i doubt this would be the way to "chat" and that they would have such a conversation.
MrAnderson8002 7 months ago
666 people liked this video
diownt 7 months ago 2
The echo you could hear in the "house" when the camera panned to the audience is simply haunting, bone chilling. Absolutely fantastic!
zippy47710 7 months ago
this the guy from o brother where art thou?
kingdomheartsfreak75 7 months ago
people on YT would argue the color of shit. damn yall(it's usually brown)let the man sing or go on!
3642130 8 months ago
my wealth is at your command if you will just remove your icy hand..haunting song and haunting voice...love this version
mhartonthego 8 months ago
Too bad that the most voted comments are bullshit.Best version for like 5kk viewers is the one from Supernatural singed by Jen Titus.
MrAnderson8002 8 months ago
@MrAnderson8002
Honestly, I agree with you. There is nothing even remotely creepy/frightening about this man singing this song.
wierdcarrot 8 months ago
@wierdcarrot He's not supposed to look haunting the song itself is
MrNumber1ukfan 7 months ago
im scared
txtrkdrv41 8 months ago
"did u know i dont give a fuck"
neoprower777 8 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
hit it ageein. yup, redneck to the bone. Stop yodeling you senile old coot!
CricketSayWhat 8 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
In the beginning he sounds like a howling dog. Actually, the whole song sounds like that, LMAO!! Aooooooo
CricketSayWhat 8 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
This is crap!!
The supernatural version is way better!
CricketSayWhat 8 months ago
@CricketSayWhat
its the original and its the best. Do us a favor and go piss death off so he can claim you early.
PremiumBlank 8 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
@PremiumBlank
Apparently in this case the remake is better than the original!!! Come on I dont wanna hear some yodling old redneck!
CricketSayWhat 8 months ago
@CricketSayWhat That would be a matter of opinion on which one is better. An opinion thats wrong on your part you bieber jack off fan. Also, Why the fuck did you click it and listen to the whole thing then genius? The final question would be, how do you know hes a redneck, or are you just speaking from ignorance? By your comments, I would have to go with your ignorance.
PremiumBlank 8 months ago 2
Fuck off asshole. You don't know music.
tetrisclock 8 months ago
Very powerful, death is always around esp when you get old. Ralph Stanley is the greatest.
Maryloohoo2 8 months ago
WOW!, TALK ABOUT GOOSEBUMPS!
jcriss2003 8 months ago 2
Ralph Stanley WOW! WE LOVE YOU!!!
itsmeagain492 9 months ago
Death didn't give 8 people another year
kingofthering24 9 months ago 2
@kingofthering24 from the otherworld
kingofthering24 8 months ago
this and Jen Titus versions are both fantastic in their own right. ^_^
kingofthering24 9 months ago 3
this song is also on oh brother where art tho
highangeljustin 9 months ago 2
Comment removed
BlueDragonOfUNA 9 months ago
This goes powerfully with "Oh, Fortuna" by Carl Orff.
MathLessonsForFree 9 months ago
who the hell clicked the dislike button on this????
FlCracker83 9 months ago
This song did for Ralph Stanley's career what "Hurt" did for Johnny Cash's career. It gave them a revitalization. Both of these songs are haunting pieces of lyrical genius, and the men who sang them have actually lived the words of these songs. I wish there were more songs like these around nowadays. I hope Death "Spares Ralph over for another year...." Can I get an amen?
joshuabrooks21 9 months ago 5
@joshuabrooks21 Just asking, You do know Hurt was Writtin by Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails , Not Johnny Cash.
shogran 9 months ago
@shogran Yes, and I personally think Johnny did a better job with it than Trent did.
joshuabrooks21 9 months ago 2
IT came as a whisper cutting short my whimper. MADE me say hello ,I just wanted IT to go.
No formal introduction ,No title for IT'S function. Does IT need a reason ? Not sure but it may be teasing. I LOVE the warning it often leaves me mourning. Admire IT'S freedom ,IT'S range ,IT'S ABILITY to change. I crave air,IT let me forget ,that's not fair. I read the verses,but IT reminds me rules are for fools.
wichitarick 9 months ago 2
Sometimes it sits softly ,never revealing IT'S function. Then maybe a Tic a twitch ,A revelation that IT is near. IT is always angry with me,a twist ,a twirl,a clinch with a fist. Sometimes I smile ,IT has power how can I resist. Do I get to prepare, a soft bed or just a cold stare? Like a 1,000 anvils the weight, we try but the power is great. A BIG whoosh and a SLAM a reminder to beware. Angry growl,deafening howl,spit,blood, IT does not hide IT DOES NOT CARE!
wichitarick 9 months ago 3
...................... *Soil pants*
Stranglethroat 9 months ago
soggy mountain bottom boys!!!
mickieftw 9 months ago
@mickieftw haha, lol. u. . . r. . . awesome. :/
TheBrocksporka 9 months ago
oh my'
kbressl 10 months ago
"Is you is or is you ain't my constituents?"
MultiMrsmiley 10 months ago
@MultiMrsmiley Noooo, "Is you is or is you ain't my constichensy?" ;)
tjones9008 10 months ago
@tjones9008 He says "constituency." "Constichency" has to do with a possible event in the future that may or may not happen.
ToMBRoBBeRBaKuRa 10 months ago
@ToMBRoBBeRBaKuRa
Lol... It's his accent, that's why I spelled it "sy" and not "cy", it's a joke.
tjones9008 10 months ago
@ToMBRoBBeRBaKuRa You mean contingency, also you are correcting someone who was being facetious and quoting it the way he pronounces it. Congratulations, you fail twice.
aztecsaxwarrior 9 months ago
i think its funny that some people think the jen titus version is the orgional
MrNumber1ukfan 10 months ago
beautiful
MAROTTMAN6 10 months ago
u ppl should hear the jen titus version way creepyer
deathdealer2u 11 months ago
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. STANLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
crustyHO 11 months ago
Pretty sad that a hollywood movie lead to so many douche bags into liking bluegrass. Course leave it to hollywood to make something "cool" enough for the other lemmings to listen to without seeming too "uncool".
crustyHO 11 months ago
@crustyHO As opposed to "cool" stuff like Michael Jackson - no lemming-like adulation there a'tall, a'course. . . .
TheAzov 11 months ago
First heard this song in oh brother where art thou and it creeped me out when i bought the album!
IrishZombie77 11 months ago
:P stanley is a banjer' pickin genious ^^
i hardly ever see him on the banjo anymore tho :c
o'death is prob'ly my favorite song ^^ (other then fireflies by owlcity)
TheHuskyDax 11 months ago
@TheHuskyDax your an idiot.. that shit that you like is just that shit.. dr. stanley stands out above all. find another idiot to try fool
whisner2004 11 months ago
@whisner2004 o.O i'm an idiot.. because i like certain music? lol :p fireflies is one of my fav's because of the happy memories tied to it. Odeath has many more memories tied to it :s not all of them happy.
TheHuskyDax 10 months ago
@TheHuskyDax I happen to LOVE this type of music, so you are in good company; because MY taste is IMPECCABLE! ;)
LMAO
OldCorpBLT13 10 months ago
@TheHuskyDax OWLCITY ARE A BUNCH OF FAGGOTS. THAT SONG IS A FAGGOT IN ITSELF. HOW DARE YOU EVEN SAY THAT ON A RALPH STANLEY VIDEO.
morganfinley3 11 months ago
@morganfinley3 :/ if thats your opinion lol, i really dont care to be honest.
and if you are against talking about owlcity/ the song fireflies on a raplh stanley video.. I'm not alone in this XP your the one saying it in all caps :p You made a big deal about something irrelevent. Congrats :D!
to both of the dipshits who judge me for my likeing of a song :p!
please give them an applaud ;D
TheHuskyDax 10 months ago
@morganfinley3 jeez calm down... he didnt say anything about ralph stanley being bad or anything........he's probably just an 11 year old
asgreenasthesky1304 10 months ago
not half as creepy as the others versions. not scary and really boring. didn t like
goldknit94 11 months ago
Tears, goosebumps.
Oceanmachine27 11 months ago
The version of O' Death with music in the background is like a dumb horror movie. I'm in advanced company dance, and we chose this version.
Why did we choose this version? Because him singing a capella with his bluesy-sounding voice is what makes this version so scary.
TheFrozenDesert 11 months ago 34
@TheFrozenDesert Sorry but I like both versions ;\
Still thumbed you up, I understand what your trying to say here :)
heehebjehemdaar 11 months ago
@TheFrozenDesert I'd say u are wrong in so many ways.First of all,the sound in the background is supposed to make your blood chill in your veins,it's like u can almost feel the cold presence of Death,and that your time is over.Second,the version singed by Jen Titus is easier to remember,alot more enjoyable than a old man singing something that sounds like a indian ritual with a country voice.Last but not least,the video from the Supernatural version is the best vid ever about Death and this song
MrAnderson8002 9 months ago
@TheFrozenDesert
Personally, I disagree. I like the Jen Titus version better, and that's the version I plan on using in my final music vid for my media class. The pure atmosphere that her version offers is so damn frightening, that I can't help but be creatively drawn in by it.
But on the same token, I can respect that you would find this version preferable. It's an opinion thing, and your is just as valid as mine, and vise versa.
AndrewDeLong 9 months ago
@TheFrozenDesert This version will never be scary.And frankly,while talking about a higher than God power here i doubt that a old man singing is up for discussion in fear factor.Kind of curious that your "advance company dance" would chose this version with like you said "NO MUSIC IN BACKGROUND" and no ritm what so ever made for dance.And since when do "advanced dance companies" want "scary"(my ass) songs with no music in background?
MrAnderson8002 7 months ago
Jesus.....
didgNdrums 11 months ago
And you could hear a pin drop. As you should've been able to.
McKJudo 1 year ago 50