You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive - Darrell Scott

[kentuckycats]

Darrell Scott is my distant cousin, I just found out recently. Amazing voice/songwriting skills. Stand up guy from all accounts who just wants to make music from his heart.

[Dulxolf]

@kentuckycats Really?

[rolen85]

this is hands down better than paisley. scott is the life and breath of this song

[rolen85]

amazing song

[MrCanoeShow]

This is a brilliant performance of a beautiful song. Thanks for posting this for us to hear!

[Homertoeclipper]

This is the best rendition of this song I have heard.

Just so very well arranged.

Appreciate Jerry Douglas' skills on the Dobro - it makes the difference in framing this song.

I'm now a Derrell Scott fan.

[CommentsSurvey]

@Homertoeclipper : Darrell Scott wrote the song. Probably why it's the "best rendition." Agree 100%. Darrell Scott is an incredible story teller / songwriter. And you're right about the other instruments adding so much to the rendition. Love it, just love it.

[MrSmiley1978]

(((d(--__--)b))) great song

[CommentsSurvey]

One of the most moving pieces of music I have ever heard, from a master story-teller. Thank you Darrell.

[gshifter23]

@CommentsSurvey hell yeh

[teroberts4gospel]

Thanks for the post. I saw D.S. at Merlefest in 2003, I think, playing with Rob Ickes at one of the side stages. Wonderful.

[Yesica1993]

Love this, thanks!

[bigdaddypaddy1]

justified..deep ending

[kadly313]

If you dislike this song, you have no ears

[ericgust82]

good good song!!

[ericgust82]

heard this song on NPR and instantly loved it!

[dcmagnumxe]

Was in Harlan yesterday, requardless of who does or redoes this song-such a deep meaning people need to pay attention to. Everytime a coal truck passed this song went through my head. Have a CD in my van that plays this song on a daily basis. Eastern Kentucky is the place on the earth. Son works in the mining industry. Bravest people in the entire world. My hats off to all of them!

[donpearson61]

Found this in my latest trawling of Transatlantic Sessions. Never heard of Darrell Scott previously. Outstanding.

[jusomeguy]

This must be another from the Transatlantic Sessions...just about the best compilation of music on the planet, ever.

[mcg3400]

I love this song!!!

[roost31]

Was it not brad paisley who sung this originally?

[syncopater999]

@roost31 In the mainstream country world yes but it's Darrell's song and nobody does it better. He is the real deal and so much better than the usual nashville commercial crap.

[Mr334lane1966]

I from Harlan, KY! I miss it! I"ll ALWAYS be a MOUNTAIN MAN! The media (Hollywood/News) makes eastern KY folks look so foolish. But, I've traveled all over America and some of the NICEST folks is from the HILLS OF EASTERN KY! My brothers and brother-n-law still work in the COAL MINES near Harlan, I drove a coal truck for a living in Harlan about 23 years ago. WOW! I miss it just thinking about it!

[TomRAFC]

does anyone know who the dobro player is? if you do can you message me with his name please

[tomtscotland]

@TomRAFC

Dobro player is Jerry Douglas

[propeleaton]

@tomtscotland also known as Flux. He is on a number of great vids on this site, Just search Jerry Douglas

[rainharper62]

@TomRAFC did they tell you it was jerry douglas playing the dobro?he's been playing in nashville for years, at least since the 70's that i know of, he also used to play w/randy waller and the country gentlemen too-he's also a back-up player in sessions & has his own group/band besides playing w/allison krauss & union station-hope this helps?

[MrRatslayer]

@TomRAFC

Jerry Douglas, he probably the best, if not the greatest Dobro player ever. He does stuff on his own. but also players with Alison Krauss and Union Station.

[moonpie129]

@TomRAFC And you cannot get better than Jerry. Course to bad Sam Bush wasnt in one that one 

[rtewing22]

@TomRAFC are you kidding me, thats the best there is. he plays with Union Station. the guy is very unique in technique and only plays with the best

[TheThrasherking]

@TomRAFC the dobro player, is jerry douglas, and he also plays with allison krauss and the union station. and i tell you what, if you want 2 HEAR jerry REALLLY play type in 'THE BOY WHO WOULDNT HOE CORN' !! you wont be sorry :)

[guitarrebel22]

@TomRAFC 99% of the time...Jerry Douglas is the dobro player on ANYTHING. The guy is the top player....PERIOD!!!!

[21mountcarmelroad]

Perhaps not the most cheerful toon ever, but certainly one of my all time favourites. Darrell Scott is uber-talented and here, he has the lovely Karen Matherson from Capercaillie on harmony. Plus the odd jobbing muso or three LOL

[willdanse]

Darrell Scott is an awesome songwriter and Jerry Douglass is no slouch on the dobro either :o).

[CGiordano464]

wow im like getting an orgasim in my ears. pardon me if that disturbs anyone but that is the only word to prperly describe the feeling.

[paintsvillehs]

Its the story of him tracing his family roots.

[7QueenJ]

I love story telling songs!!!!!!!

[EmeraldTriangle14]

The economic situation is the same in the Iron Range of northeastern Minnesota. That is where I'am from, when the iron ore mines began to find less and less ore the economic security of "The Range" was shattered. Iron Ore, timber, and tourism from Minneapolis and St. Paul is all we have for an economy.

[PascalDude]

thanks for making this video available again. I missed it!

[redbirdjazzz]

Great song and great performance! I love seeing Jerry Douglas singing.

[Rob919Gore]

This song gives me chills everytime I hear it!

[SONGMKR]

watch a pretty girl sing Darrell Scott's great song. Her name is Ginny McAfee and she is my daughter. You will like what you see and hear. Give the girl a rating.

[cmahmood]

Legend on the Dobro!

[vireogilvus]

Yeah, but who in the heck was in charge of his hair that day?!?

[cmahmood]

WOW I Love This Acoustic Arrangement.

Legend on the Dobro!

[jacopolago]

awersome

[SONGMKR]

I have watched a number of different video's of Darrell singing this song. He proves time after time that the writer of a song is the only one that delivers with 100 percent of his or her heart the true jist of all his or her words. IMHO....

[vireogilvus]

Not ALWAYS true, but certainly true in Darrell Scott's case. Same for all the ladies that try to cover Patty Griffin's tunes.

[chanchan773]

I live in Leslie county. There isnt much there at all, but in a way thats good because the wilderness isnt as impeded as it would be in developing areas. sure we have strip mining but with the recesion, it isnt going anywhere.

This song reminds me of all the stories I hear from the elderly on how hard things used to be back here. It's so sad and it depresses me about the coal miners that work their lives away.

I think people that are so against our culture need to listen to this song.

[Epilepsy4tw]

I live in Harlan and always have. I'll be the first to admit that there is nothing here and that we have to government supported deadbeats to prove it but this song has alot of meaning when you've always been here. The wilderness is all we have and we use it to our advantage. No matter how much they try to make this place not exist by taking away the need of coal and whatnot, it's not gonna matter because the memories it makes will never be forgotten. This place will never die.

[859burgin4]

i like harlan i wld like to live thier

[blugrastooth]

this is the reason i like darrell scott.every tune is like a story.listening to this tune takes me to that place.i've never been to kentucky in reality but i can imagine exactly what its like by listening to darrell sing about it.I imagine it's a bit like where my family is from (Galax/Fries, VA).small, nothing there really, old general stores, beautiful landscape, nicest people u will ever makes me miss the simpler times and places in life.seems like all i do these days is rush rush rush.

[copperhead29]

I think that most people who are against the culture in ANY small ,hard working town, have no idea what there lives would be like without us. The people who actually work for a living. They drive around in their fancy cars and throw money around like it grows on trees and then make fun of people who are having a hard time getting by these days. I say Shame on them. Live in our shoes one day people you will never be the same...

[CommentsSurvey]

@copperhead29 : You said it just right; couldn't have said it better myself. Good for you!

[tankdogg937]

@copperhead29

Sounds like bitterness to me.

The working class folks seem to harbor hatred for people who were born into money. Yet they forget how those who came before them worked their ass off to make sure their kids and grand kids were set.

[donaldstop]

I watched her. She is incredible! I added her to my favorites. Thanks for the tip!

[SONGMKR]

Thank You donaldstop...she is isn't she...

[PopHorizonScanner]

I just purchased the Transatlantic Sessions 3 and it arrived yesterday. This one REALLY impressed me while watching last night.

[thelessor]

Chillbumpin' soulsnatcher. Thats from a Letcher County boy who's 13 uncles mostly lived/died in the mines. I was in Whitesburg not long ago and had a mammalian pull to get back there and do sumpin

[cookingnotes]

Just unreal what a performance and great voice and Jerry how can you miss .

[Greenbrierlad]

I may not be Harlan born, but I am Harlan bred and proud of it. This song tells a story everyone from Harlan County can be proud of. Everytime I go there to visit family or do research on my family, it's like going home. You are always welcome where ever you go. Just pullup a chair and sit for a spell.

[charitylmc]

I know exactly what you mean. I'm from Knott Co. but we moved to Pulaski when I was 5. There is nothing like heading east on 80 and seeing the mountains get bigger as you go. It is the only place my soul completely at rest. Where I can knock on any door and say who my father or grandfather were, and be welcomed in to dinner. I remember staying the night with distant cousins one night when Mammaw was sick and we just knocked and mom told them who we were and ofcourse we could stay the night.

[CALSACAT]

Yes dude. Exactly over there everybody is like family. I love it. But you live in Pulaski County? no way.

[charitylmc]

Yep. But they keep building it up. Their goal is to be the next Lexington I think, but I just think they are going to make it unrecognizable. Farm land is dwindling quick. Even in a big county like this. Selling out to subdivisions. And new roads going up like crazy. Are you from around this way? By the way, I'm not a dude. LOL. A dudette.

[Greenbrierlad]

This is almost scary, I now live in Pulaski. Just wish I was a bit further east.

[countrycashguitar]

this song is awsome by far the best song i have ever played and hurd

[rockwagers08]

mr scott this is the way god gave you gave this song to you and i think that you have the best version of YOUR song patty and brad murdered it in my opinion but you can really feel the mountian soul in this song and i know mountian soul being the grandson of original coon creek girl dora mae and clawhammer banjoist my self i also have played with larry webster and in the grand ole opry at the age of 16 my hat is off to you and i like the addition of jerry doglas on the dobro keep up the goodwork

[SONGMKR]

My daughter sings this song. Her name is Ginny McAfee if you would like a treat. Every time I am at one of her shows I request this very well written song....kudo's to Mr Scott for his talent.

[razrzedge007]

this is one of my favorite songs ever

[trinastark123]

good version but i still like patty's version

[dionysianitic]

another great mining song done by John Cowan is "Dark as a Dungeon" Merle Travis wrote it but John makes it powerful!

[decesq]

Now this is country music...soooo much better than that slick formula pap we are subjected to on commercial radio.

[teeny6574]

Have been to Harlan may times. Many good, hard working people there. The last time I was there...there were many changes. New business and a new mall. A big new four land highway crosses the mountain. My grandfather, great and great great grandfathers were born there.

[uncledave53]

A beautiful song. A beutiful video. BUT Patty Loveless' is done LIVE and it has an edge that builds to the end. Thanx for that-But Patty's is the best I've seen/heard yet.

[Caal76]

this song hit me like a freight train... and i cant say way... i heard it a while ago, and while i liked it, it never registered, never stuck... but tonight, i was watching an episode of the series Supernatural where and entire town of pagen worshipers get wiped out after having tried to kill Dean and a girl, there was a song in the end that somehow reminded me of this one, so i searched it up again... cant say why really , but for some reason the song struck deep this time...

[molloyx]

An outstanding voice and brilliant players....and all about a strict injustice that lives here still. But, maybe, not for long.

[downanddirtydave]

its a shitty little county that has mine owners who have screwed their employees for years on end with the help of the government and union busters and it still isn't over. sort of like Cape Breton coal miners in my own country. try reading some history

[lbradham]

My dad was a coal miner (strip mining) and it was a filthy, dangerous job. I can't even remember how many men were killed while working in Lynville, Indiana in the mines. God bless them.

[meddetect10]

But the people are good folks.

[JBWicklund]

I first heard this done by Brad Paisley and thought it was great. every version I hear is just as good. It goes to show a Great song is universal.

[SmokeNeckRecords]

This is a great song. I've never been to Harlan, but based on this song, I imagine it's a fine place, with good, honest, hard-working people. It's people like that who make this country great.

[lynnson57]

Great video! Darrell does know how to pen a great song! I saw Patty Loveless do it a few years ago at Merlefest and she did a great job, but the rest of her set was weak in my opinion. I have a version of this song (video) by Darrell alone and acoustic from Merlefest 2007 currently on youtube ... check it out

[shawn9106]

i live in middlesboro which is like a hour from harlan and there is nothing here but coal mines

[zslam]

i live in harlan =D im afraid to leave tho =( jk but i really do live in harlan, ky

[joecoolmccall]

I've hear all the versions of this song. It's just a down right good song...Patty Loveless, although she definately has done her share of commercial stuff has got a voice made for this kinda stuff- I recall her doing harmonies with Ralph Stanley on some bluegrass special- powerful voice.

But I love hearing the original writer :) Good times!

[ariadiscordia6]

I just saw him yesterday at our family reunion. I only get to see him a few times a year because we live a few hours away, but still in KY. And I think the original writer's version of a song IS the best, because that's just how that person meant it to be. How it's meant to be is the way it's supposed to be. Darrell sings it and several others at the reunions every year, and it's wonderful. He sings it with the a lot of our family.

[trkrjim]

Kathy Mattea has just put this tune on a record about coal.

[ellisbrad007]

Brad Paisley covered this song. It is a little more "bluegrassy" than this one. The three versions I have heard are all good in my mind.

[slicknicktheprick]

i am born and raised in harlan county kentucky. there is noting here but coal mines. if u r not a miner you are on welfare or a drug dealer. its an economic port-o-potty a hillbilly ghetto if u will. god bless my rocky hills and winding vallys I'll never leave harlan alive.

[waynehuff123]

I'm proud of my home here in the mountains of Harlan, Calling it a "port-o-poty" and "hillbilly ghetto" is very offensive and down right low and a lie. If it's so bad why are you still here? go try living in a big city I'm sure you will find all that stuff and more anywhere you go. If you have nothing good to say don't say anything friend. People like you are why we are thought so badly of...God Bless Harlan County and it's great mixture people and traditions!!

[loki116]

i'm from letcher county and yeah its offensive to me, i love eastern kentucky with every thing in me...bigger cities have worse crime rate, worse o.d. rate and everything else along the lines...606 pride

[meddetect10]

I've met people from Harlan and I think I'd like to visit. I assure you I would feel more at home with the folks of Harlan than with the wine-sipping, cocaine sniffing, plastic faced/false toothed bunch of superficial snobs bragging about their "portfolios" and other crap that doesn't make a bit of sense to me! I like people who are sincere and down to earth, and who make sense when they talk. Pass the iced tea, please.

[waynehuff123]

Thanks meddetect10 for the kind comment...May God Bless you and your Family...and don't forget to say a prayer for the coal miners working down in that black hole keeping our country powered up and safe....

[RichardF41230]

i think your comment is offensive to everyone because me and everyone else takes pride in where we live and try to keep it th way it is and allthough you are parcially right about no jobs....there is still the railroad and other jobs .....not everyone is on wellfare if they dont work in one of the mines

[zslam]

im not a coal miner or a drug dealer or on welfare, im about to be a lawyer here

[richardbolin]

Ive'Been all across this land and seen the sufferan,clear feed up i came up with The Last Union!

[GirlFriday1011]

Darrell's version is the best! Here we have a perfect example of how artists can many times turn in a gorgeous rendition of a writer's song, but NO ONE quite does it as good as the writer him/herself! Rock on Darrell!

[messha22]

But other then who sings it the best, does anyone know why it was actually written?

[tomtscotland]

Darrell comes from Kentucky where tobacco and coal mining are prevelant. Essentially it's a song about being trapped "all your days" by economic circumstances with in a coal mining community.

[1unvailableusername]

@tomtscotland He's actually from Gary Indiana, this song is about his grandparents who were from Harlan

[mobeus2001]

As Darrell describes it, he was researching his family tree, searching for a great grandfather and traced him to Harlan County Kentucky. As he learned of his life this song was the result.

[bcleggy]

@messha22 ..It was written by Darrell as a result of looking for Information on his grandfather.. This is a song about his grandfather and life in Harlan County Kentucky..Kind of appropriate today ,just one day after the miners were rescued in Chile..

[johnnybub]

I heard this back in the 70's by the seldom scene,,, didnt know darrel wrote this song,,need to listen to more of his songs,,

[tomtscotland]

Don't think Darrell will be worrying as he collects the royalties from Patty.

Both version's are excellent. Darrell's has more soul - Patty's has heavier harmony vocals and is more "commercial"..

Don't think this version deserves any criticism or negativity - you should be pleased that Darrell wrote such a great song!

[clarkbailey1973]

So true, Darrell's version is much better. I like Patty Loveless and she comes from Pike County not too far up 119 from us here in Harlan County. but Darrell makes it uniquely harlan by using Tillie helton and Catrons Mountain. Patty changes that in her song and makes it less uniquely Harlan in my opinion. Darrell wrote and performs a great song...

[mossyfern]

"So true, Darrell's version is much better"

Darrell Scott could make a train wreck sound good, as long as his voice was narrating.

[rainharper62]

@tomtscotland -Tom i like darrell's version better i don't know why-yeah, its got more soul & darrell is an excellent singer/musician too as well as song-writer i think-he finally did win an award for his latest album-glad someone noticed

[TheBasenjiman]

@tomtscotland Brad Paisley does the song, too. Sometimes only a songwriter can sing a song they wrote, but then sometimes it takes someone else to really make it a hit. Fortunately all 3 people do a great job on it.

[TheFoundersWereRight]

@TheBasenjiman Kind of Like Kris Kristopherson. Sunday Morning Coming Down didn't really pick up till Johny Cash did it, but Kristopherson's version was better.

[nggaplz]

patty loveless's version is so much better

[jimbob1969]

genius

[meddetect10]

Beautiful! I love this song.

[TheBeersCold]

I love this. This song is so true in many ways even today. My fellow Kentuckians are stil in those mines. Finding the original version of this is like hearing the original version s of J.J.Cale's songs. It's like the earth, I'll take what the creator gave me.

[monarchknight13]

fair enough, lol.

[jeff5675]

yea i have heard Brad Paisley's version but Darrell Scott has more soul.

[monarchknight13]

This is a great song. But I love Brad Paisley's version much better. If you haven't heard it yet go check it out, you'll be surprised how well he did it.

[jeff5675]

this song is absolutely amazing!

[schenut]

I find this song to be so incredibly haunting! I haven't been able to get it out of my head for days on end now. Darrell Scott is simply a rare talent. The person who made the comment about people going to Nashville that we never hear about is soooo true! And lets not forget Jerry Douglas as well!

[nevatoo]

I first Darrell play with Sam Bush around 2000, at the Birchmere. My reaction was shock that I hadn't heard of him before then. It gives substance to all the stories about all the talented people who go to Nashville that we never get to hear.

[BooMateriel]

my dads name is darrell scott

[bokeathley]

bothompson

Great song" great singer.

[Brotherman65]

YESSS!!!!! This IS the way the song should be done!! Straight from the CREATOR!!

[sonicmouth]

Deep meaningful song. Absolutely fantastic...gives me chills.

[Rhibjock]

This guys just opened up a new genre for me. Fantastic stuff. You can taste the moonshine.

[potatoehead54]

song to beat all songs

[ellezeebub]

Man, Darrell Scott is a God. Great, great songwriting. I didn't realize he had written this song. Be sure to check out Real Time, with Tim O'Brien.

[DAVARIAMAN]

Wonder who's version Patti Loveless prefers? She's great but somehow I think that this is the way it was intended to be & sung & played, but hell, it's a great song no matter who sings it!!

[bobbles90]

I would have to agree with you. This was the way it was intended to be done. Very powerful.

[valcat9]

Darrell Scott wrote a great song, but he clearly cannot sing well.  So the suggestion that his performance is better than that of Patty Loveless is simply ridiculous.

Vocal range and singing on key matter.

[inane13]

What? Have you ever seen this guy live? Have you heard his albums? His voice is amazing.

[barbaramac]

Either you are tone deaf or do not appreciate the way the song was meant to be sung - by the composer. Thousands of people at Transatlantic Sessions in Glasgow certainly appreciated his singing - according to the ovation he got.

[tomtscotland]

Just saw Darrel in Glasgow yesterday at the Celtic Connections.

He had the homour of singing the last song of this fantastic festival (Shattered Cross).

Anyone who says he can't sing is simply talking utter tripe and not worth listening to - they have probably been brain washed by the formulaic Nashville sound.

Darrell is "real" country - full of emotion and passion!

[syncopater999]

@tomtscotland

His singing is truly outstanding - much better than most "country" stars. He inhabits his songs and it shows.

[rangersRJK]

LOL, sorry! The tears of laughter are still rolling down my face, i thought i just read that Darrell Scott "clearly cannot sing" having seen Darrell perform at transtalantic sessions 2007 and 2008 i have to say your comment is way off the mark. Patty Loveless and Brad Paisley up against Darrell don't even come close when it comes to "You'll never leave Harlan alive".

[nerdyouare1]

darrell scott can sing. having perfect pitch and tone is overratted. you think bob dylan had a perfect voice? come on

[valcat9]

To say that Darrell Scott's voice is reminiscent of Bob Dylan's voice would support my argument.  Thank you.

And to imply that any performance by the original writer is automatically the best (as some have done here) is historically ignorant.

Ignorance is common; perceptive judgment is not.

[GuitarStu]

Patty Loveless is the best version, she truly knows country music.

[woodsheddin]

I think this is the best version I've heard yet.

Also, aside from the obvious quality of the players here....the second best thing is that the video is actually synced with the tune!

[waynehuff123]

No place like home...

[peggypennington99]

Love this song!!!

[Austwill0]

If you liked this song, I will post a song by him called "Do It Or Die Trying" Soon. Just remember Austwill0

[vinceharrisky]

Born and raised in the mountains of Harlan, son of a coal miner that died with black lung. This song always tears my heart out but I love it.

[bulbheadmyass]

Great version of this great song.

[GHOSTUNIT101]

haha my name is Harlan WICKED!

[myspotsrock]

It is so neat to see our family history put to such a poetic melody. The family is proud of you Darrell! You have given us something to give our children...and so on...and so on...

Love,

Jenn (Mary Kay's daughter)

[tomtscotland]

Darrell has been a star of these Transatlantic Sessions - another one to come this weekend.

[DAVARIAMAN]

What I'd give to have been there to watch & listen to these guys record this, god given talent, fire in the belly- respect.

[Legertymusic]

Just...wow. Possibly the greatest song ever written. I never get tired of it. - Zac

[NiftyGriftySwifty]

Saw this on The Transatlantic Sessions on BBC4 a couple of weeks ago, magic! Got it Sky+'ed so can watch it over and over again.

[rickrudd]

best song ever.

[aisling1199]

a gold nugget from Scott.

Mr Peabody cant haul this song away-brilliant-the hot flame of sedition burns in this song.

[Greenestgurl]

i'm a coal miner's daughter and granddaughter and my brother-in-law still works underground even after having a slab the size of VW beetle falling on him & breaking his back four years ago. This is the best coal-mining song I've ever heard.

[bassrockcats]

I must agree this song is amazing! So impressed with Darrell's material bought 2 CD's already. Another coal-mining song you must listen to is 'Darkness & Dirt' by Shawn Byrne who is an American Singer/Songwriter... saw him in January when he supported Kevin Montgomery another Singer/Songwriter from America in his UK Tour along with Al Perkins who is legendary & Danny White. This Song has stayed with me as it is so meaningful!

[banjopickinlady]

Incredible singer, song writer and musician.

[jeanhoel2]

Love that song !!! Fantastic here !!!