Hate to say it here, but he kind of looks like Chewbacca here. That said, I'm a classic rock fan first and foremost, but this is probably my favorite country song ever.
Every once in while I watch this video and it's amazing: no matter how often I hear this song, it always touches me again. To me, it is an elegiac song.
What a shame you cut the guitar out of the shot. I would've loved to see the notes. Hal Ketchum is such a great story teller. I just love to hear his songs.
I saw Hal in The Woodlands, Tx, he told the story of going into a bar started talking with a patron. This is the story he came away with and turned it into I Miss My Mary. He said this guy also saved him from getting a pool stick over his head. :) Two guys were playing pool and they left the table with the game half played. He went over and cleared the table to start a new game. The men came back and weren't happy. The "I Miss My Mary" guy stepped in and saved him.
The most astute comment I've ever read on on this site. He's an incredible songsmith. He easily holds his own against my other favorite; Jackson Browne. Sometimes it's NOT what you say, it's how you say it.
I love the phrase "A threadbare alibi" - the words mesh together so beautifully. Hal is perfection. His phrasing is impeccable, and his singing seems so effortless. This man was born to sing, no doubt about it. Gorgeous!
I tear up when I hear this song. Thanks Hal for being so honest with yourself, makes people such as myself who have a hard time expressing emotion able to truly feel. This song could have been written about me. Cheers.
I've got to say I noticed him in the 90s...well, his songwriter. 15 years later; he's electric. Something about where he is- who he is. eh. can't verbalize it.
Hal is a great artist,got the chance to see him live was amasing.His voice is so strong and it just comes so easily for him.He was realy down to earth.I dont understeand why hes not more popular either.
Hal Ketchum is one of the greatest country singers to come out of Music City. The album "Past the Point of Rescue" is really really underrated but most importantly really really good.
This guy is a member of the Grand Ol Opry for alot of reasons you all discussed. He is a friendly guy, I have met him, his songs are sung with emotion, and his voice ain't half bad for a Yankee.
My whole family grew up on and loves Hal, He should be the biggest star in country music today. Big an Rich, Tim Mcgraw, Keith Urban, They don't even belong in the same room as Hal, He's got real talent.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
he was very popular in the early 90s-then drugs-cocaine I believe-took him away-never really made it back to the commercial level he was at. Kind of like the rougher image and voice...
Because "todays country music" is based on looks, sex appeal and youth rather than talent. Hal had his first hit at age 37, that doesn't happen too often any more. With "Pro Tools" and computers, very average singers can be made to sound much better. Hal's latest CD "Father Time" was cut without Pro Tools or overdubbing, live to 2 track in 2 days. It's a gem.
Hate to say it here, but he kind of looks like Chewbacca here. That said, I'm a classic rock fan first and foremost, but this is probably my favorite country song ever.
WaryBuck1 2 months ago
The single best singer song writer to grace the hearing of many a man...
MrScymon 5 months ago
i would like to drop him off at the cozy inn pet resort for a good grooming.
MrHappyebby 9 months ago
The best song ever!!!
markbbow 1 year ago
Interviewed Hal in the '90s a couple times. Intelligent man, incredible artist. Never get tired of hearing him.
llrjour 1 year ago
Every once in while I watch this video and it's amazing: no matter how often I hear this song, it always touches me again. To me, it is an elegiac song.
CrackSpeed1 1 year ago
Going to see Hal in San Juan Capistrano CA tonight 08-29-10. Yeah I'm excited!
BerrysJSRD 1 year ago
I have a tattoo of the headstock of my Martin J-40..and underneath it reads 'I miss my Mary'..
jimincairns 1 year ago 4
What a shame you cut the guitar out of the shot. I would've loved to see the notes. Hal Ketchum is such a great story teller. I just love to hear his songs.
mikechga 2 years ago
Thank you so very much for sharing this video. He's brilliant!
zeninvention 2 years ago
"this one says US Navy and this one says darling Mary..."
rainkinggw 2 years ago
accirt
salvatore86203 2 years ago
I LOVE this song!!! Thanks for sharing it!
countrygal0831 2 years ago
have always loved this song! and this was far bettter in concert that just a plain ole cassette of it!
marcie99 2 years ago
I saw Hal in The Woodlands, Tx, he told the story of going into a bar started talking with a patron. This is the story he came away with and turned it into I Miss My Mary. He said this guy also saved him from getting a pool stick over his head. :) Two guys were playing pool and they left the table with the game half played. He went over and cleared the table to start a new game. The men came back and weren't happy. The "I Miss My Mary" guy stepped in and saved him.
vision61 2 years ago 2
Ouch.
sickosandsuch 2 years ago
"I will never fear, for I will never feel"... wow. What level of hell does THAT qualify for? UNBELIEVABLY good performance; thanks for the post!
BrushApe66 2 years ago
The most astute comment I've ever read on on this site. He's an incredible songsmith. He easily holds his own against my other favorite; Jackson Browne. Sometimes it's NOT what you say, it's how you say it.
HazCheezburger 2 years ago 2
I love the phrase "A threadbare alibi" - the words mesh together so beautifully. Hal is perfection. His phrasing is impeccable, and his singing seems so effortless. This man was born to sing, no doubt about it. Gorgeous!
tylermeatball 2 years ago
yes, one of America's great artists, caught him at Birchmere, Alex, va , he's the real deal!
TheDaharbin 2 years ago
Buy his latest "Father Time"
1223dave 3 years ago
Hereditary disease??? I love his music: what has happened to him? Can someone tell me?
stunned1 3 years ago
one of hals best songs,i miss my mary.bodeysnacher
bodeysnacher 3 years ago
My favorite performer of the 1990's.
Let's keep hearing from you Hal
prosim85 3 years ago
I tear up when I hear this song. Thanks Hal for being so honest with yourself, makes people such as myself who have a hard time expressing emotion able to truly feel. This song could have been written about me. Cheers.
LifesADisease 3 years ago 2
I've played this for years, but can't match your voice and phrasing... Wonderful job.
2guitarme 3 years ago
I've got to say I noticed him in the 90s...well, his songwriter. 15 years later; he's electric. Something about where he is- who he is. eh. can't verbalize it.
HazCheezburger 3 years ago
His hereditary diesase sure took its toll on him; he had to learn to walk and talk all over again.
jimincairns 3 years ago
Saw him last month. I will be a fan for life. Amazing voice. Great to talk to in person.
Winosrule18 3 years ago
Lovely tune well played. Good performance.
patchuss 3 years ago
Such raw emotion...Hal never ceases to move me with the sheer power of his voice.
tylermeatball 3 years ago 2
His native canadian/indian heritage made him very popular in europe and he spent a lot of time there in the 90's. He's a very great artist!
Turboflute 3 years ago
Sounds amazing acoustic...
rainkinggw 3 years ago
wow.......i've seen him a bunch of times and he never fails to amaze me!!!
wvu1987 3 years ago 2
Hal is a great artist,got the chance to see him live was amasing.His voice is so strong and it just comes so easily for him.He was realy down to earth.I dont understeand why hes not more popular either.
Dannysboyes 4 years ago 2
Hal Ketchum is one of the greatest country singers to come out of Music City. The album "Past the Point of Rescue" is really really underrated but most importantly really really good.
moody2801 4 years ago
This guy is a member of the Grand Ol Opry for alot of reasons you all discussed. He is a friendly guy, I have met him, his songs are sung with emotion, and his voice ain't half bad for a Yankee.
md5104champion 4 years ago
Hal's the BEST... and to barbyyoung, Hal was diagnosed with MS. He was NOT MIA due to drugs as you post. Get it right!
IrishBlueEyes3 4 years ago
My whole family grew up on and loves Hal, He should be the biggest star in country music today. Big an Rich, Tim Mcgraw, Keith Urban, They don't even belong in the same room as Hal, He's got real talent.
Deltarockets 4 years ago
An outstanding country voice.....half ruined by dime store song writing.
dinnerbucket9 4 years ago
You're just jealous!
meddetect10 3 years ago
His first album was, is a classic! He is simply COOL!
lillyinthebelly 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
he was very popular in the early 90s-then drugs-cocaine I believe-took him away-never really made it back to the commercial level he was at. Kind of like the rougher image and voice...
barbyyoung 4 years ago
@barbyyoung Before you flap your gums about a subject, junior, learn the facts.
jimincairns 1 year ago
thats an EXCELLENT question. I've been a huge fan since I was a kid.
thibodeauxfly 4 years ago
why isnt this guy more popular? He blows away alot of people I know!
cedriclovesaaron 4 years ago
Because "todays country music" is based on looks, sex appeal and youth rather than talent. Hal had his first hit at age 37, that doesn't happen too often any more. With "Pro Tools" and computers, very average singers can be made to sound much better. Hal's latest CD "Father Time" was cut without Pro Tools or overdubbing, live to 2 track in 2 days. It's a gem.
wbakervideo 2 years ago
classic
cedriclovesaaron 4 years ago