Patty Griffin - Up To The Mountain (MLK Tribute)

[1023Coyote]

what do you see? just a computer monitor? the wall behind it? the street behind that? the city and highways, beaches, mountains, and maybe oceans beyond it. ? that's what this song is about.

[CommentsSurvey]

Thank you so much for posting this and thank you Patty Griffin for writing, recording and performing this all important song. It's a hymn, really, and a goal for us all. We need more inspiration like this in the world... Songs like this remind me that I have such a long way to go. But we keep trying. If MLK could, I can too.

[emilee2u]

good one Patti. Music is also beautifully played

[Sissyfin59]

Josh did it.......I love you!

[UsedToBeAwesome]

josh krajcik sang that beautifully but nicole lawrence nailed it

[cahayabulanmenusukku]

Josh Krajcik brought me here..



[XF4evr]

Absolutely beautiful...I have listened to it on repeat for the last hour.....incredible. I love this song...this voice. PERFECT!

[BlkPrtoRcn]

Beautiful

[jimbahan1]

Beautiful.

[iWillPlayMusic]

I'm in Middle School, and we are singing this song for our fall concert <3

[theroxors19]

@iWillPlayMusic SO AM I!!!!! I MAY KNOW YOU!

[czamanap]

This is what I call an artistic work. Just beautiful. Thank you, Patty.

[SquishedButterfly]

not just a tribute to MLK, but a nod in the direction of Frank Zappa by the sound of the intro (see Sofa No1 if you're wondering what I'm on about)

[srff24]

amazing....and I don't have anything else to say....I'm speachless...

[ERaZR]

well done peter griffin.. o i mean patty!

[tnekax]

I'm just baffled that I have missed this amazing and gorgeous singer before, She's heavenly and I have now noticed that she is touring with Robert Plant and Buddy Miller. Shows their good taste. Hope they turn up i Europe as well.

[diamondeyez42]

Love love love patty!!!

[asdisciple18]

Disliking a song like this is like disliking all that is good in this life.

[westiracer]

awesome Patty !

[SirsRose]

the video doesnt match the vocals

[FRANCECHILD]

MAY GODS MUSIC SHINE FOREVER. AMEN

[kevindlinc]

It's called soul and this woman is tapped in!!!

[grantholder]

I like Kelly's cover of the song better. She's good tho

[wiblettone]

Lexie Stobie does a great version of this. A record company needs to snap her up!

[jcacka18]

if u people like this song u should listen to "fat old sun" by Pink Floyd. its also a really pretty song.

[BadFluffy]

Beautiful song, perfect performance. Too bad the audio is screwed up.

[pezcrow]

Wow this song is truly amazing. Every time I hear it I know it comes from a special place. It feels like a little piece of heaven but at the same time pain too. It makes me almost cry every time I hear it especially knowing it was inspired by MLK. Patty Griffin has a true pure talent. I feel like I've been given an amazing gift each time I listen to this song.

[koyunbaba73]

I saw her in concert tonight with Robert Plant and the Band of Joy. She's wonderful!

[jcacka18]

@koyunbaba73 robert plant waS WWWAAAYYYY BETTER IN LED ZEPPELIN. IM NOT TRYING TO BRE A JERK. IM JUST SAYIN. AND IF ANYONE SAYS ZEPPELIN DIDNT DO ANY PRETTY SOFT SONGS, THEY DId. THEY SURE DId. ANYWAYS YA. SHES A GREAT SINGER. sorry caps lock.

[MsJasper00]

she is so unrecognised ," why" shes amazing more poeple should hear her beautiful voice amazing xx

[69christine711]

Healing song, respect for that wonderful woman! Her voice creates peace and harmony. God bless Patty!

[SusannTx]

This is great, too bad it's so out of sync.

[4rainbowed]

OMG! The pianist is Ian McLagan formerlu of the Small Faces and the Faces bands!!

[ForeverCharmedX]

hey i love this song so much! I would apreciate it if you checked out my page to see my video of me singing this and give me your feedback!!!! :)

[aboo00oode992]

respect for writing a song like this !!!

and hearing it by amazing singer like kelly clarkson make it even so much better !!

i loved to hear songs that actully tell a story ... not that lady gaga's shit !!

[jcacka18]

@aboo00oode992 crystal bowersozx also did a good version. i know what ur saying all this new crap sucks. i personally like to listen to led zeppelin and pink floyd.

[mudpony2u]

Anything she does you feel it. As always Patty... unbelievable! Breathless...

[Chris201076]

I hate all this bullshit coming from people who slate people for liking other versions of this song by more 'commercial' artists. I loveeeee hearing different versions of this song. And I am a BIG patty griffin fan- i have to order her CDs off Amazon because they don't sell them in the UK- but i'm also a kelly clarkson fan, so I don't see why so many people position those two against eachother. It's total BS. Patty is a better songwriter, granted, but Clarkson can sing the SHIT out of this song.

[Sunny725414]

my audio doesn't sync to the video, on this one as well as others from the Live from the Artist's Den performance. However, this is a stunning vocalist and songwriter and I hope more find her music. If you can keep a dry eye while listening to her sing You Are Not Alone.....Also check out her new collaboration with Robert Plant.

[graceflyer1]

I love her voice and the fact that she is not trying to be some, sexy diva. She is being herself and that makes her a sexy, diva of a real caliber.  Keep up the awesome singing Patty!

[MirandaFsJones]

this song's been covered by many, but nobody sings it like patty. she has a raw, honest, soulful delivery and you know that this is her song.

[TheElmapa]

outstanding!!!

[antonyorme]

I have just come across this song whilst watching an episode of Grey's Anatomy. It's a stunning song, by a lady with a stunning voice, someone whom again, I had never heard of before seeing the show.

I will look into more of Patty's music.

[mrbnman55]

truly amazin aritst and song

[MrEllenwork]

She looks like Elaine from Seinfeld here!

[holiviaartist]

my GOD WOW i heard kelly and crystal didnt see the orginal but damn i know now

[Starlightlovesongs27]

I thank MLK, the Man of the century whose dream is not there yet, but it will be. oh yes, it will be. ALL PEOPLE

[KMLY75]

Thank you Dr. King for your vision, determination and courage. You keep us walking "up to the mountain" in the face of prejudice, discrimination and hatred.

[Starlightlovesongs27]

Have you been to the mountain? I have. And that has made all the difference.

[DaiIyBuzz]

I've been a Patty Griffin fan for a long time (since before the "no shirt, no shoes = no service" rule went into effect). I've seen countless barefoot no-names cover her songs in small pubs. I'm not sure why a top notch vocalist like Kelly Clarkson gets ridiculed if she wants to cover a Griffin song. Nobody bashed Johnny Cash for covering NIN and Soundgarden. Seems kinda hypocritical.

[karengurl101]

Although Patty's version is far superior, Crystal and Kelly's aren't bad at all. Their versions are also soulful, no need to insult each other.

[karengurl101]

Patty's version speaks to my soul more than any other version. It's a hard climb up to the mountain, but I will get there someday...

[motownismagic]

@karengurl101 ....its the difference between girls and a woman...Patty has had many more life experiences than 2 young girls have put together, it is as simple as that

[LitZena]

@darglord I am not kidding. Crystal sounds extremely professional and like she is feeling it completely, I think Crystal's vocals and version are by far the best of anyone's including Patty Griffin. It isn't just because of Idol that her song is getting so many hits on Youtube, Lee's is way behind Crystal's. It's because Crystal's is beautiful. Just because you don't agree with me doesn't mean I don't have the right ot my own opinion and millions more who'd agree with me.

[LitZena]

@lainyhead Crystal did BREATHE LIFE into the song; I give Patty HUGE CREDIT for writing this amazing song however her version is almost haunting and quite depressing. Crystal is anything but an amateur; she sang it flawlessly and professionally! Crystal's voice was not grating or slipping, it was pitch perfect, seamlessly beautiful, vocals smooth and soft then powerful just at the perfect times! This song has 95,190 hits and Crystal's has over 500,000 hits; Crystal's version=the best by far!!

[darqlord]

@LitZena

you must be kidding. listen to the lyrics. they're supposed to be haunting and sad. And I'm sorry, but Crystal's version seems inexperienced--as though she doesn't understand the lyrics. Listen to Patty--the song is hers in more than name, but understanding. Crystal is singing something she doesn't feel.

and the over 500,000 hits comes from fans who watch Idol. I'll bet Brittney Spears has more than both. Does that mean Brittney is more talented? Hint: Nope.

[ninjacombat11]

Lainyhead seriously? Just because crystal was on American idol dosent make her a "American idol" singer and just because she didn't write the song or ain't the original artist dosent mean you have too say her singing was bad, geez crystal did it justice....

[LitZena]

Crystal breathed LIFE into this song; while Patty wrote this amazing song and I give her huge credit for that; she sings it almost hauntingly (much better than Kelly's version which lacks emotion) & when Crystal sang this song it was inspirational; Crystal was feeling it and it showed; plus Crystal has by far the best vocals of any version of this song including Patty's. I think Patty should be glad Crystal did it on Idol to give the song the recognition it deserves. It's a beautiful song!

[lainyhead]

@LitZena Seriously? I watched that Crystal version of the song and had to shut it off before t finished. She's slipping all over the place and her voice is grating. It's great that you enjoy it, but no American Idol singer has ever done a better version of the original song, especially not this one. I feel like people have lost the ability to recognise really beautiful music because of soulless over processed over done and amateurish vocal acrobatics inserted into every song.

[lainyhead]

the video and audio were out of sync for me on this, but I love this song (and Patty) so thank you for uploading!

[Deliapple]

the song is phenomenal!

[Sidslotm]

@gcbfolk

yeah, but it's still an exceptional song and that no one can hide

[NoAngel416]

I loved this song when Kelly Clarkson did it. I thought Crystal Bowersox did it even more brilliantly than Kelly. But listening to this, the original blows them both out of the water!

[darqlord]

@NoAngel416 agreed.  and i'm a huge KC fan. they just don't get the meaning like Patty.

[whisperhopestbls]

I didn't know she existed until today while listening to the version of Susan Boyle. Wow!! talk about soul music!!

[CamFlame18]

Man alive. I heard Kelly's version, and while still being incedible, this woman literally kept goose pimples on my skin, and made me tear up the whole time. i gotta say, she's just about the most incredible voice i've ever freakin heard.

[Jimiimij]

WOW!!!! Amazing.

[TRISAND]

Kelly Clarkson touched me on this and so did this original artist.

[sudio]

One of my favorite singers ever. A singer's singer with a pure, clear voice.

[coffeefor1]

I absolutely did not know of this singer until I watched a movie Rails and Trails starring Kevin Bacon and the credits rolled and she was singing a song at the end. I waited to see her name and obviously researched her. When I found that she had written Up to the Mountain, which Crystal Bowersox sang on American Idol this year I was interested to hear her version. She is absolutely awesome and the song is inspirational.

[walkinghills]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written. Patty does an amazing job singing it. So does Crystal Bowersox and so does Kelly Clarkson. They're all different but still very beautiful in their own way.

[jimzhenzhang]

She is great. that's why original is always the best. Just like "Hallelujah" from Leonard Cohen, there are many versions of it, of course Leo's original is the best, then 2nd best I love is John Bon-Jovi's acoustic version. For this "Up to the Mountain", the 2nd best I love is still Crystal's version. Kelly's version is too "churchy" for me, kinda like Maria Cary. I am the person more likes rawer songs. Iggy Pop, 4-non blonds, Curt Cobain are my tastes.

[kestech1]

I did not know this song existed until Crystal did it on Idol. Patty is a fantastic song writer and Crystal did a terrific job on the song. I hope Patty gets more notoriety from this song being out there. Just lovely and so soulful.

[tataialuzdosoll]

amazing

I always get emotional when I hear this song

this incredible voice...OMG, i love so much this song

[tataialuzdosoll]

amazing

I always get emotional when I hear this song

this incredible voice...OMG, i love so much this song

[nyv527]

God, I really think she may be the greatest songwriter on the planet right now.

[razmataz13drums]

wow she sings with such honesty its scary. the whole thing sounded quite tiring though. im not sure whether this is what it usually, sorry for my ignorance. i heard kelly's version and wanted to hear the original. patty's got amazing vocals but its lacking something. im not saying she should have lights and showy stuff i hate all that. but i dunno maybe i just prefer kelly's. sorry

[21gramsofsoul]

@razmataz13drums When you find your soul then you'll understand.....

[careerful]

Utterly amazing! I dedicate it to my mother, with love. XOXOXOXO

[covara63]

Patty Griffin is an amazing singer and songwriter. This isn't just her rendition, it's her song!! ;-) And a tribute that so many other singers have covered this (including Kelly Clarkson, Susan Boyle, and most recently on 2010 Idol (for better or worse) Crystal Bowersox.

[34jlta]

This how this song should be sung - leaves everyone else in the dust.

[harryandthephoenix]

This song is for you Tess. It was written by Patty Griffin as a tribute to Martin Luther King. xxooxx

[theblueangel28]

sublime. truly inspired.

man.

[nyonghulaliu]

amazin song

[XenoMiang]

I love this, so so so wonderful and soulful ... love Patti! Okay I did love Kelly's version of this but that's because with Kelly she actually got the tone of this song, she just got it and with her herself being such a soulful and powerful singer I think it really was a really great song for Kelly to sing.

[cfqpa]

there is no one better, more honest, true, passionate and original today than Patty.

She is proof that the masses arent interested in music anymore, they are interested in tabloids, corn sugar and overtime.

[Rosannasfriend]

by the way, I also love Kelly's rendition. We can appreciate ppl's different contributions to a song, right? :)

[Rosannasfriend]

wonderful rendition!!! She doesn't put any power notes into it, yes, but you don't always need that to deliver a "powerful" performance. I like her subtle soul, and she reminds you you don't have to try too hard. Just feel and let go.

[franklymideer]

Beautiful is all that I can say!

[ggmarie39]

This song means a lot to me. I played it for my mom one day while we were in my car and it touched her and made her cry. A few months later I had it played at her funeral as one last tribute to her. Every time I hear it, I think of my wonderful mom and how much I love and miss her.

[godsmuzic]

UGH! this is just beautiful...my first time hearing this...def. a fav from this point on...

[keenanboyd1]

patty griffin is the shittttttt love this

[davidmarie]

this is as close to a religious experience that i have had in my life..

[smoothsailing07]

God is real, strong, He is love and is exciting when we pursue Him and His face and not men,men fail, but He does not fail, always remember: when there's a false there's a true! Love&Peace Smooth

[madderthanalex]

I'm Amazed I've never heard of Patti before today.

I heard her on radio. Gods Grace that I found her

singing Heavenly Day.

[5WDFREE]

Just got into Patty Griffin. Now I can't quit listening her. She is AWESOME.

[isalmnop23]

just did this song for choir

fell in love with it

going to redo it for my utube

check it out:)

[TabithaPrejean2006]

I love this song. No matter what mood I am in, this song makes everything seem less important if even for a second. I love her voice she is amazing.

[blockrockK]

simply beautiful

compelling and inspiring

I think everyone can relate to the lyrics and passion of this song

[NatalieGelman]

Amazing! My favorite singer/songwriter of all time!

[passionatecutie]

I believe Jesus works in mysteriouz ways....

ABOVE ALL ELSE HE IS NON-PARTISAN....HE IS LOVE FOR ALL PEOPLE....Life is a circle....Great song!!

VOTE FOR GOD!!!

[OceanBeach9]

What a song, and what a day to play this song! Happy MLK Jr. Day! Patty has fulfilled my life with compassion and a reason to water my garden just by listening to a song. Thanks for this! What talent.

[landsharkable]

Just takes my heart away Patty. Patty does own this one in every way.... no comp Kelly.

[j1train]

Patty is great, Kelly is great. They both interpret this song is amazingly emotional ways. I'm a sucker for Clarkson's power though.

[righteousbabebg]

Kelly may have been good, really good actually..But Patty's voice is so much more organic and this version weakens my knees.

[weaver1969]

What a beautiful song! I love it so very much. And of course it sounds best by the lady who wrote it and knows what emotions are behind it. The first time I heard this song it made me cry. I have a very close, dear friend that I would love to hear sing this song. So soulful and just pitch perfect! Hurray for Patty Griffin. I am proud of you !

[ekaram03]

I felt that Kelly Clarkson put more emotions in this song.

[SkeeterNYC]

You must have a very lame record collection.

[blackmanorigins]

Oh came on man!!!!!!!!!

[NotYourATM]

Thank God for artists like Patty in the age of commercial pop crap. I'm glad Patty can make money off of Kelly Clarkson and The Dixie Chicks singing her songs but she is HARDLY "slogging along" - ha! She has real fans who love REAL music (and real songwriters and real musicians). These fans have been fans for years and are grateful she would never sell-out.

Don't worry "The MusiCaller" - you're not mean to be a fan - ha!

[willafilla]

Patty Griffin is peaking with this song! Some people do not know music period. Patty is incredible singing, composing. One of the greats of our time. This song tears at your heart, it is done with the emotion only Patty can do, because she wrote this. WOW!

[TheTURKTUNES]

Patty Griffin WOW, This performance for me is Just incredible. so very glad I found this!, Thank You for posting and introducing me to this artist. Rates for sure!! Peace & Love

[josquin88]

Patty Griffin is a goddess. She knows more about how to sing a song than most. There is so much more to an emotional performance than vocal technique (any Tom Waits fans out there?). Nothing against Kelly Clarkson, I think she sings the tar out of it. And I can't believe I'm saying this, but Susan Boyle does a respectable (and respectful) job as well. My only gripe is the stupid edit. If you're going to sing the song, sing the song. Kelly cuts the last verse. Boyle does the same edit. Not cool.

[Homeschooler7]

Patty owns this song on every level. Kelly needs to hang it up for good on this one.

[Matty3Mite3]

Patty herself said Kelly's performance of this song on Idol Gives Back made her cry and said she 'sung it better than I ever could' , now dont get me wrong , I prefer Patty's version , but lets not insult a beyond incredible cover.

[Alyviathesinger]

were singing this for our show choir!!!! :):):)

[TheMusiCaller]

Patty Griffin has a lot of potential, but she needs a good voice coach. She embellishes too much and pushes her voice through her nose. The result is too scattered, too whiney, and soon becomes tiresome. With a little help, she could be fantastic. Really first rate. As it is, she's slogging along and most people have never heard of her.

[G0iPpJ]

It's unfortunate that you miss the spirit of Patty Griffin. "Most people" aren't looking for the artistry and honesty she has to offer. I have a feeling I'm not alone in saying I'd rather listen to her push a raw, soulful, self-written melody out her nose than listen to a coached pop princess ace the cold technicalities of a meaningless lyric written by a stranger to feed, not the heart, but the machine.

[smoothsailing07]

@G0iPpJ Good word! Smooth

[Drawshot100]

@G0iPpJ oh well said.....hat's off!!

[kitfoxjunky]

You nailed that comment. I listen to what my kids listen to, and the difference between what is being pumped out today and this kind of music is...well...disappointing. Then again, my Dad said the same with I was listening to music by classic rock artists so long ago. SIgh.

[Aseldaar]

@G0iPpJ I hope you aren't referring to Kelly Clarkson, because she is anything but a "coached pop princess." She's one of the few down to earth young female singers with natural talent and soul left today. Her rendition of the song was absolutely beautiful, deep, and full of soul. It was a beautiful rendition of a beautiful song written by an amazing singer/songwriter. No need to put down on KC.

[TreasureOne]

Absolutely right. As for being coached, don't be fooled. Every singer out there receives coaching. Many hide this fact, because the public is impressed by believing it's all "natural." Virtually the only famous singer who didn't receive coaching was Whitney Houston. She paid the price for her ego. Her vocal anatomy was WEAKENED by drugs, but was ultimately ruined because she was a very tense singer who refused to seek help. Watch her old vids and look at the tension in her throat/jaw. Scary.

[jsharp1701]

@TreasureOne Exactly. Why should there be any shame in voice coaching? That's like saying you should be ashamed of guitar or piano lessons. The voice is an instrument and a fragile one at that. If you're going to use it for fifty-odd years to make a living, you must learn the best techniques to keep from destroying it.

[NickJonas990]

@G0iPpJ hear hear!

[EcleptoFunkAmericana]

@G0iPpJ say it, brother

[TheRichardScout]

@G0iPpJ Well said.

[speedbmp]

@G0iPpJ One of the best comments I've ever seen on the Internet.

[Sarttimi]

@G0iPpJ unfortunately, very true.

[blackmanorigins]

Are you fucking sick she is one of the best singer the world has ever seen.And who the hell are you to tell whos gona get coaches!

[follepourchevaux]

Patty owns this song. I really tried to like Kelly Clarkson's version, but she's just singing someone else's song and struggling to put her own spin on it. When Patty sings, you hear her own history in her voice, but you also hear the history of others who have wrestled with burdens and with faith. What an artist!

[hellmeister1]

god she is fantastic!!!!

[k4rimac9]

i am actualy gutted that susan boyle is goin to record this.....people are goin to hear susan singing it and not even know who patty is which i think is a real shame...noone will ever do this better than patty herself.

[jimdivax]

Patty will make a mint from Susan Boyle's version...which may then become a classic covered by many, each one sending money into Patty's bank account...I bet she's dancing for joy! at the thought!

[daddy10]

Kelly Clarkson kileed this song (in a good way) back in 2007. I cant picture anyone singing like Kelly's version

[aboo00oode992]

after i hear kelly clarkson's versione , i dont wanna hear onother one .

even susan boyle (sorry to her fans ) but kelly naild it and she showed how much talent she got .

[AllagashSinclair]

That's the most soulful white chick on earth

[elowe2]

This song touches a part of me that I can't describe. Her voice is truly just meant for every lyric and every musical movement. It is also the song I sang to my father on his death bed. He was unable to speak yet had tears falling down his cheeks. A song that was truly inspired...no way around it. Bless you Patty.

[DocRobbie314]

A great song. A wonderful, moving performance. I know that Susan Boyle will do Patty and MLK proud in her rendition of this song on her upcoming album.

[caitlynsorox]

i didn't know that!

[tuburagui]

she is genious! that song is soooooooooooooooooo beautyfull!

[JingeBelle]

This is a beautiful song!!! Can't wait to hear Susan Boyle's rendition.

[Gimmer3]

This is very moving! Thanks!

[GarthHickling]

Lady Susan Boyle has recorded this on her Album.

I bet she will revolutionize the take on it, just as she did with "Wild Horses".

[toobusywriting]

No offense, but Susan Boyle has not been made a Lady. You probably don't know this, but using the term for a British subject inappropriately is offensive to Brits, who place a lot of value on the term.

[GarthHickling]

Non taken.

But no It isn't offensive at all, on the contrary it is a name of esteem for any women to be called a lady over here. You have been wrongly informed..

And I was born here in Britain nearly 65 years ago.

Regards Garth.

[kali902000]

oh my god, this song... there are no words. seriously

[sas2206]

just stumbled on this song and i can't believe it. Its sensational. One of the best. Never heard of it before or patty.

[bumblywumblybee]

Just ordered Living With Ghosts off Amazon

they dont seem to sell her CD's in Ireland?

such a shame...the quality of her songs are unbelievable

[carolinelandiss]

i'm crying right now, Literally.....Thank you Jesus.....thank you Patty bc i was blind but now i c...... ;)

[katjushka7]

beautiful, beautiful song...

[caitlynsorox]

she is one of the most talented singers. its sad that she isnt very known but her fans love her and thats all that maters.

[franklymideer]

@caitlynsorox ... I posted her on FB... just because music like this needs to be heard.... Rain is another one of my favorite songs.... Her lyrics are real!!! .... Her voice... can't be described.... other than just 'beautiful'!

[caitlynsorox]

I agree with you! But her newest album has been doing really well and i am glad for that! Thanks for putting this up :)

[SpaghettiWstrnGrl]

@caitlynsorox People always have to dig to find the gold :-) Not a lot of people want to take the time to do so. Me, I'd dig forever to find one piece of gold.

[caitlynsorox]

@SpaghettiWstrnGrl its good to know that people do know good music out there :)

[tammyjammy1]

I really don't think Patti looks old at all. This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.

[joeburton77]

patty looks old because she has lived a thousand lives of emotion through her music

[Patsrule3481]

A truly great song,

[acolborn]

Just saw Patty Griffin tonight with Emmy Lou, Buddy Miller, and Shaun Colvin at the Birchmere, for their "Three Girls and Their Buddy" show... Griffin sang this and it was the most beautiful piece (and you couldn't beat her backup crew).

[nllleonard]

An amazing and inspired song. Truly appreciate the share, Ginger.

[yourfiredd]

What a beautiful song...

[rosie2600]

Une des plus belles versions entendues en spectacle.