Darrell Scott - You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive

[RuggedZach]

Holy Shit...this guy's good.

[QuicDra]

He reminds me of Rooster Cogburn haha great song!

[MalcolmTodd1966]

wow I LOVE this life version! Brad Paisley and Patty Loveless need to quit!

[dshall27]

Reminds me of good ol wv. This is soulful artwork very impressive

[mlgav]

i was there for this show. On December 2, 2008, Odetta died from heart disease in New York City

[rainharper62]

i think darrell is a great songwriter & singer-way underrated-thanks for posting this!!

[garytalley]

That's Suzi Ragsdale accompanying him.

[jeannie1renee2]

Listen to Kappa Danielson's version, done with her twin sister Kristi Starr and her two young daughters. They've got a terrific little family band goin, even the daughters who are young. Kappa and her sister have awesome voices that blend the way only family can---the girls do some great hamony work with their mom on some of their songs, as well.

[bokeathley]

Great song by a great singer.Nobody could do it any better. Bo.

[dgboston]

I've got people in Harlan, Letcher, Martin & Pike Co. KY & Mingo, Wayne, Boone & Cabell Co. WV & I absolutely love this song & some of us do get out but we always remember those that haven't (did my undergrad in NC & am off to NY for grad school)

[mystratplaysforme]

@dgboston where did you do your undergrad?

[MrJDFrog]

@wongsecang

Folks rarely do a song as well, or with as much emotion, as the songwriter does it. (I've actually heard Scott do this more like Paisley and Loveless, but he also 'plays' with it more.)

[Geo76er]

I'm from Leslie co., I have alot of family from Harlan, and Bell counties. I'm SO proud to be from this area. We get looked down upon and stereotyped so much, that it isn't funny...but, this is home, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in this poor old world. The way I see it....everyone else is missing out!

[TheHeatwole]

my dad was from bell co but he work in the mines in Harlan and thats were he died in the mines rip dad

[atripp62]

Holy Hell, got here from the JUSTIFIED website, and Paisley ain't got got

spit on this guy!

Never heard of this cat before but I do like it.

Reminds me of Monty Montgomery and Warren Haynes.

Peace Ya'll

Old Ass*&%$ From SE Ohio ;~]

[111Phyl]

Love this version as well and Brad's and Pattty's. This is such a soulful song...love it.

[MrAlbertbobby]

beautiful shoud a have been the last song on justified

[PartyJL]

This is BADASS!

[123hello456]

Best of all versions out there. My newest favorite artist. Loved it....

[cheshta99]

I've heard all three versions of this song and I love all three but this is by far the best.

[ABbatboy]

That was Awesome!! 

[bluegrassjunkie100]

I feel like he's flipping me off...

[TraceyLeaHarry]

Oh my! It is always good to see how the writer of the song sings it. Wow! I like all the ways I've heard it sung, but Oh boy! This is Great!

[bloodydager]

@Hylandra Amen

[bloodydager]

@Hylandra Amen

[DatPicksburghGuy]

2 people left Harlan alive.

[Chuck111485]

Not from Harlan, but have friends from there, though the song is about Harlan specifically, it is applicable to most of the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky, as well as West "By God" Virginia.

p.s. Can we get Allison Krauss to cover this song?

[nightwingdg]

@Chuck111485 I would love to hear Allison Krauss and Union Station sing this song! It would be epic!!

[atripp62]

@nightwingdg

Holy Crap Man - I saw them live about 2 yrs ago - and You Are Correct Sir!

I am going to hammer Krauss's website.

Actually, considering where she's from I'm surprised she hasn't done it!?

Peace ;~}

[Hylandra]

I was born and raised in Harlan kentucky...And I am still here..I relate to this song in everyway...my family are coal miners so i know when he wrote this he knew exactly the words to put into the song because this is a way of life no one understands unless its in your blood....

[BluegrassPhil]

This song kicks ass ! Darrell's probably one of the best songwriters in America today.

[TNREBEL100]

My family setteled Harlan County Ky. I have alot of kin buried there.

[mtnmanFORD]

If you can watch this video and not get chill-bumps, you don't like music.

[mikedubb15192025]

Who in their right mind gave this a thumbs down?!?! Grow up, Dude!

[ThePauseMenu]

THIS is music

[passinItOn]

He's not allowed in Harlan anymore, and folks on copperhead road don't like Steve Earle.. Te he heeee... See KinFlicks....

[TheMantisBoxer]

why did i just hear of this guy?! he's amazing

[scapegoat1969]

@TheMantisBoxer

I agree this is new to me, and I love this

[bevbailey1]

I was born and raised in Harlan Co.

Husband survived rock fall in coal mine, know others who didn't make it out alive.

Feel every word of this song with shivers down my spine.

[sleepingboar]

Question: Be it resolved - Is Darrell Scott a genius of the guitar who also happens to be a brilliant vocalist or is he a brilliant vocalist who just happens to also be a genius of the guitar?

Answer: Yes.

[rushwb]

If You can get a hold of the Festival link (sorry for the unintentional plug) Cowan, Scott and Flynn Wintergrass 2007 (FEB 23) version. With John Cowan singing background vocals you won't be sorry.

[bevbailey1]

Tears & Chills!!!!

I was born and raised in Harlan County KY.

[daw162]

@sleepytomnc you're totally out of your fucking gourd, dude. Way out.

[nixtyvideo]

@daw162

he certainly is. wtf.

[kara19902816]

what a fuckin' guitar player. and singing? WHOA.

[amanda101jo]

such a powerful song! i grew up in west virginia... lots of coal mines... and this song is sooo beautiful. i am learning it now. it deffiantly gives you a feeling of those who have lost their lives in the coal industry, or at least the families who have lost loved ones in those deep dark hills. may god be with those who are still there and those who have lost there lives in the dark. peace love and happiness where it is due.

[Luckette27]

Darrell is a brilliant musician. Somehow, I hadn't heard him perform untill recently with the Band of Joy. He does it all sings, writes songs, and plays multiple instruments.

[amanda101jo]

beautiful



[kerrykrishna]

His guitar playing is nothing short of amazing. Timing, partial chords, volume, tone , I cant even put it into words. What an amazing artist. And the songwriting? No words can say. I wanna be him when I grow up. I've been playing acoustic guitar going on 30 years, and I can not hold a candle to this master.....

[paintsvillehs]

Epic.

[frumplen]

was my first real job. minnin coal in harlan county three years then i joined the USMC. still wana go back down there one day

[rounder355]

You can hear the sounds of the Cherokee and Irish mountain men in his music. Amazing in this era of canned music.

[martinpicker77]

as a guitarst myself i must say he puts so much heart into this verson, much better than brad paisleys version if you ask me.

[filbert427]

holy cow...

this guy is incredible....

[MuddyDaisy]

I live in harlan and I love in the song how moving twenty miles to pinville right on the border is making it out, the sad thing is it's still considered making it out

[EagleVendetta]

Burecrates and politicans get the credit, while the commoners suffer through hell.

[Bubbabuzz]

Saw him @ Bluegrass Underground May 23rd. He's an incredible singer/songwriter, with a soulful intent that not many others have been able to wrangle much less pen.

[127LoLo]

Brad Paisley will never have soul like Darrell Scott...

[ibekickinback]

today this songs message is affirmed in blood. morn the dead and fight like hell for the living

[DrummerBoyJason]

Who is that playing with Darrell?

[dallascowboy80]

I like Brad Paisleys version best

[DreaminofIreland]

Oh my goodness...my family are also from Harlan County, KY (and we are also Scott's). This song tears me up every time I listen to it. I just think of my Grandpa who mined and farmed but thankfully he did leave Harlan alive. My Grandpa mined for several coal companies but the only one I can remember off of the top of my head was Blue Diamond.

[vireogilvus]

I recommend to all interested in this subject matter, albeit from a more recent generation, to run out and rent Harlan County, USA. Crazy documentary!!!!!!

[dandrol]

This is one of the most powerful songs I've ever heard. I used to be a music director in country radio, and this one grabs you from the beginning, and doesn't let go...

Riveting!

[anneharpen]

Wow, I have been performing this song for 4 months and never even heard the REAL version. Thank you so much for posting. I have goosebumps.

[Pfranklin28]

This man is a National Treasure. One can only imagine the suffering those dear people endured. Haunting ,yet sadly true.

[rangeruno]

My dad didn't make it out of Harlan either. He is buried with Mom just outside of Harlan, having passed after working 27 years in the mines. God rest his soul and the ones who suffered with him.

[CoffeeAddictLove]

@rangeruno I know people in those mines today. They work of Harlan coal because it pays more then their previous contracting job (where I met them). I pray every night for the men in those mines and the men who were lost in them in the past. I'll pray for your father too.

[SONGMKR]

Listen to a pretty girl sing Darrells awesome song. Her name is Ginny McAfee. I am her mama and you will enjoy her.

[rowgly1]

mine too buddy

[SirLoinOfsteak85]

Darrell Scott has such a beautiful voice. Fantastic musician. Really takes me there.

[kdehuff]

Thank you to this artist for protraying real human emotion and a piece of american heritage in the struggles to survive.

[nevatoo]

Doesn't get any better than Darrell Scott

[vireogilvus]

Does anybody know if you can buy a CD or DVD of this Mountain Stage special? I've looked online, and through their archives, etc. Nothing. I sure would love a copy of this recording!

[bewren]

@vireogilvus Just put your little old cassette player and a tape next to it and voila! You've got a free recording. That's what I do. If you are a techie, you can then transfer it to a CD.

[vireogilvus]

I use Audio Hijack for that sort of thing, but I was willing to buy the recording to support the artists and Mountain Stage.

[bewren]

I like to buy recordings too..I prefer to support the artist. Once in a while, however, it just seems impossible to find a recording so I resort to low tech solutions!

[raceyjones]

Just saw him play at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass #9 at GG Park in San Fran., it was early morning and I'm glad I made it to see his show. I also appreciate all the kind words, y'all have to say, makes me happy to know you're around

[bking4224]

First heard this on Brad Paisley's first album...this is so perfect...I wondered who wrote it...hauntingly good...I'm going to get a beer and listen to this over and over!!!!

[rpm4565]

Some ten years ago an unknown Darrell played backup for Guy Clark on a show in Fort Worth. In mid-show Clark introduced Darrell to do a couple of songs and told the crowd "You'll be amazed." Darrell then did this song (without the cheesy extra voice) and we were all stunned. Amazing pure talent. Hard to settle for Clark for the remainder of that show, but credit to him for showcasing Scott.

[ctjim1025]

Darrell Scott is so freakin good. Imagine being able to say "I wrote this song" anytime brad's or patty's version came on. Also, he played dobro and banjo on Patty's version. Very Cool. His version has so much soul. *****

[Kolonihaven]

I´m sitting here in raining Denmark....actuallly getting ready to continue recording a new song....

Finding this masterpiece puts everything in perspective...its all in the heart....listening to all the feelings....makes me to try to to do my music simple and pure...but for me I now have new standards in simple honest pure music...Darrell Scott is my role model!

[blugrastooth]

well said friend.

[Erinin]

Wow, this is so good. I'm just stunned.

[avamonkey2008]

not to bad but I like the brad paisley version waaayyy better

no offense

[barimando]

None taken. But Patty Loveless kills it as well. I personally like Darrell's more than any other version but thats just me.

[deewee4054]

Darrell, I can help you with your blood line. I am from Harlan County, Kentucky. I have done research on the Scott's...

[rockwagers08]

dude your roots show through and the mountian tradition will never die as long as people write about the hard times and the truth about life that is what makes appalachain music so special it comes from the soul the simplicity is key patty loveless and brad paisly put to much nashville on this song but you have mountian roots to all you haters i say listen closley to kentucky mountian soul true soul at its finest

[SONGMKR]

My daughter sings this song and I have always loved it. Her name is Ginny McAfee if you would like a treat type in her name and enjoy.

Darrell, your lyrics are honest and captivating. Your performing is honest and captivating too...nuff said

[1Lawman104]

them ol coal miners are tough..

[cknightfan]

When you live in a holler down deep between the mountains the sun doesn't shine in the hollers till late in the day..and it sets early over the rim of the mountain..I am from Leslie County KY and this song beautiful!!

[freetickeys]

@cknightfan Aha! Our mutual interest in good Kentucky music has led our paths to cross again. Peace

[nathan61984]

"It's becasue the hollows (hollers) are so deep between the steep hills that the sun has trouble penetrating until it's high overhead. Makes for short days even in summer."

I'm pretty sure that this is later interpreted to mean the shifts they worked in the mine. Just my opinion....

[NCDESTINY]

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[hagtar12]

I love that Taylor Koa. Its not made anymore,it sounds great. Darrells latest CD is really good if anyone wishes to get it.

[jimbob1969]

played one in a shop in Denmark street London...blew me away as did the £4,000 price tag :)

[beoracha]

When we were finally able to buy a house the realtor showed us a place up a local holler. Heavily wooded and no sun. It was gloomy dark at 4PM. We ended up living on a hill but the ridges still block some morning sun. Great song by the way. Saw Patty sing it a few years back. I play it on the whistle. I think Darrell played again in Bristol a week or two ago. It's near here.

[akbamg]

Dear rbroadster-thank you so much for your explanation. It was driving me crazy and now I understand. Very cool!

[akbamg]

Thanks so much for posting this great version-very different though he seems to change his own tunes up quite a bit. Can you help me on this one? Anyone know why "the sun comes up at 10 in the morning" and goes down "at 3 in the day?". I just can't really understand this line. Anyone-maybe has to do more with the mines than with Harlan itself? Thanks again.

[rbroadster]

It's becasue the hollows (hollers) are so deep between the steep hills that the sun has trouble penetrating until it's high overhead. Makes for short days even in summer.

[vcfd08]

They say they have to Pump sunshine in...its the truth.

[elvicars]

Amazing song writer and performer!

Does anyone know the name of the lady singing backup?

Thanks!

[jakerocksheckyes]

I think it's interesting listening to him after listening to Brad Paisley or Patty Loveless singing this song. It sounds a lot more jazzy and soulfull coming from him...it's almost a blues song. hmmm...

[lynchchick]

I live here in Harlan County and I thank Darrell for this song, though the first I heard this song was Brad Paisley's version..Harlangirl

[Shinnbone13]

he writes a TON of songs that have made it to nashville...many of which make fun of nashville style country

[farmersdaughter1928]

who originally recorded this song?? this is the 3rd person ive heard of that sang it. can nebody help me out on this 1?

[awjs74]

Darrell Scott wrote that (the man in the video). It's off his record "Aloha from Nashville".

[farmersdaughter1928]

kk. thanks!!

[millarg70]

Great song, saw Darrell as part of the Transatlantic Sessions concert at the Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow. He was the standout performance of a great concert.

[catalystvoxco]

I love this version