Chris Smither - "Leave the Light On"

[pdalaigh]

....hopefully going to see him next month, brillant, genuine, class, what can one say....

[pauliespeedster]

Fantastic. Love it.

[RMCrecords2012]

Just plain old good ..

[Bry25able]

yes he has been around the block a few times, you dont get that good overnight, i have seen Chris three times now in the uk hes amazing and a very nice guy to boot.

[MrWolverinered]

My friend hipped me too this katt in 2000 and i cant elieve ive missed him with my taste amazing man.............

[AmericaTheRepublic]

Some trues blues from the picking thru the words share some more please

[viddied]

Nice, Chris. It's one of my all time favorites. 

[44year]

as we get older we really understand the lyrics!

[wade184]

Just an amazing guitar player. One of my favorites

[simpler43]

so wonderfu pickin and a,ll ,could listen to you all day long thanks for the posting ,

[Teemingmasses]

It's the kind of song that you tap your toes to, and then realize you're teary for the sadness of living. He nailed it.

[cbsparrow]

I can't remember how I came across this link, as I didn't know of Chris Smither before, but I couldn't count the amount of times I watched this clip over the last year. Thank you!

[milton3298]

What a great tune, Chris is fabulous

[tazio2]

What a genius this man is .. a depth of feeling  and experience in his beautiful music .. and he can make a guitar talk .. i would love to see him play live

[coachdoc49]

Great tune. His usual great performance. Open D I believe DADF#AD, low to high.

[syork1968]

just saw him at stone mountain arts . I cant say enough.

[hannahsfive]

I met Chris a couple years ago and we talked about this song. After he wrote this he didn't think much about it. The first time he played it for an audience was at an outdoor festival somewhere. He said he just stuck it in the middle of a set and sang it. When he finished he got a standing ovation - in the middle of a set! which he said never happens.  He was shocked. He has come to realize it has an "anthemic" quality to it. Chris is a national treasure - spread the word!

[roseartlefty]

Nice!

[45chilli]

What can we add? The guy is an inspiration.....lyrics that are insightful, playing that makes we mortals want to give up........ . great post,and the babbling woman is just a hazard of live performances I guess. Didn't detract from Chris's show though

[PowerInAUnion]

God I love this song. And this is coming from a 20 year old punk from Toronto. Keep it up.

[milton3298]

just an awesome tune, brings moisture to my eyes

[MyChrissyb]

this guy is pure class

his playing of visions of joanna is delightful

thanks Fatharock for this live show great stuff

[TheCactusjack1]

Man, I would have told that bitch to shut up or get the hell out.

[tr3aman]

Did you ever learn about the the story of the guy who heard about you for the first time during a house fire. I heard you first on PBS - Hardly Strictly Festival, Leave the Light On. Played it over and over. One cool song!!

[cheepaw]

thanks for sharing!

[Aaronutic]

A great song, I really enjoyed it!

[crackfarm76]

his music does something to me every time. transports me. a great and thoroughly under-appreciated musician.

[Radioist]

Chris, the penultimate wordsmith. Few have said more with an economy of words seldom matched in prose or verse.

The best version of Chris doing this was from the  (I think) 2007 "Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival."

[generalguyz1]

@Radioist

penultimate means second to last

[yewtubie]

drop d

[MrRdub7162]

I THINK IT'S OPEN -D OR G

[MrRdub7162]

A PERFECT TUNE

[onitram1]

Rating: check

Brief Comment: Chris is good enough that I'll sit through a video with an obnoxious women drowning out the performance. (he's also one of the most approachable, nicest performers I've met, and I've met hundreds)

[Dufour40]

Respond to this video... THE SONG IS IN

OPEN D TUNING

[oneninesevenz]

if anyone has a version without the drunk american lady in it please post it up

[Keeban3]

I love his voice. I really need to start smoking more.

[kohaylan]

Terrific video ! thank you very much . I have the cd with this on but I love to see him play live. Thanks again.

[jwimmer79]

My dad recorded this song at my Birthday dinner in 2008. He was blown away by Mr Smithers, his lyrics and playin touched him very deeply. Dad passed away this morning, leaving behind a wife, 2 daughters and a young grandson who will always miss him and enjoy the music that brings us wonderful memories of him. He was truly amazing.

[anglinthemtns]

Nice playing but voice is too much like other singers- mix of Bruce Springsteen, Dylan and Lyle Lovett- could be more authentic.

[Skookamook]

@anglinthemtns Not so. Chris is as authentic and original as they come. You need to see him live, as I just did two nights ago. He's an honest, warm, witty, brilliant and heartfelt story teller. See him if you can, you won't regret it.

[TyteFystedFolkie]

I've seen Chris Smither (probably) a dozen times....and hope to see him a dozen more. He's simply, 'The Best'.

[seniorjc]

If you like Chris, get his DVD - FANTASTIC!

[chuckhough]

I think open D, man. I'm working out playing it in just drop D, but it's not quite the same. if you'd reeeally like to know. let me know and i'll figure it out.

[Wallyzpal]

Well done fatharock, thanks for capturing this incredible artist!

[petermaynard2]

I just saw Chis do this song on a PBS rebroadcast of acl, and immediately bought it on itunes. Never heard of him before, and time is moving faster...

[carolmbean]

I love this album / this song! That guitar must have a great pick up.

Thanks for posting, but please, use a tripod.

[DictionRedaction]

Chris is undoubtedly the man.  I'm trying to decide whether to spend $1200 to have a 3 day class with him this fall.

[tjclarenov23]

One of the most well written songs I have ever heard. looking forward to May 22 show in Fall River MA.

[Davehenry55]

Open D tuning

[acousticapothecary]

There have been times, many times, when I have listened to this song on repeat for more than 24 hours at a clip. If there is a perfect song in the world, this is it. Chris is the best...

[tjclarenov23]

a truly well written and outstanding song. i have known your music since the 70's and and i thank you for sharing it with us.

[bobhayes1957]

cheep the tuning is open D

D-A-D-F#-A-D

enjoy

[cliomoxie]

the commentary here is an added bonus to the beauty of this guy's music. What did happen with the house fire? We wanna know.

[cheepawful]

curious what tuning the guitar is set at???

[fatharock]

I'm afraid I can't help ya there, cheep. I don't know.

[Taylor510ceL9]

@fatharock

Chris likes open tunings. Usually open D I think, sometimes he uses a capo. He is one of my favorites.

[FrankSnorbans]

His web site says it is open D - DADF#AD

. . . but some tabs show a version that is dropped D (easier but not so colorful)

[dkwarrenjr]

@cheepawful Open D (DADF#AD)

[dkwarrenjr]

@cheepawful Open D

[jackiedoss]

@cheepawful ,,,There's a list of tunings to Chris' songs. at his website under miscellany/guitar-tunings/

[piccolo8344]

@cheepawful sounds like open D to me, but don't quote me on that.

[MrColbrot]

@cheepawful open d

[warragul1946]

@cheepawful i believe it is an open D

[ScottC7187]

@cheepawful it's an open D (D, A, F#, D, A, D)

[daveburnham]

@cheepawful DADGAD

[yewtubie]

@cheepawful looks like a simle drop d......tune your low e string to d

[Ryningd]

@cheepawful It's open D - DADF#AD - bass to treble. If you go to Smither.com, he actually lists the tunings for nearly all of his songs under the "miscellany" tab. He usually uses a capo at the second fret. He uses this tuning for "Killing the Blues" among others.

[daveburnham]

@cheepawful  DADGAD

[zaydex5]

@cheepawful Looks like open D

[Dranfield]

@cheepawful

Open D

Classic tune

[grantdawsonmusic]

@cheepawful Open D

[mcphate]

@cheepawful open D

[MsDomina]

I believe it's called "dropped d tuning"

I love watching his hands when he plays. He's like my husband; his hands are so big he can play bass notes with his thumb.

Lee can't make bar chords like that, though.

[MsDomina]

@cheepawful I believe, it's called dropped D tuning.

[msdomina1]

@cheepawful

I believe it's called Dropped D tuning.

[egodeathwish]

@cheepawful Open D.

[shmizwald]

@cheepawful open d. dadf#ad

[SmoothCriminal8568]

@cheepawful Drop D

[TheCactusjack1]

@cheepawful He is in an open D tuning: DADGAD.

[roodmother]

@cheepawful It appears to be either open D (DADF#AD) or open E (EADG#BE).

[bargainbinman]

@cheepawful The song is in Open D tuning: DADF#AD

[emmabo11]

@cheepawful

Open D

[bigdjindustriez]

@cheepawful Open D. DADF#AD

[lac2nip]

i play it over and over too!!

[Johnfern99]

Great show, but who was talking?

[fatharock]

The woman at the next table. She had enjoyed a few too many brews, and talked too loud all night.

[neilmcgrathDOTCOM]

The first time I heard this was during a house fire.

[fatharock]

I wish you'd come back and tell the story of the house fire and hearing this song! Sounds like it would be worth hearing about.

[RattlesnakeBob]

Awesome ....what a geetar !

[SusanDeerCloud]

A friend of mine just told me about this video ... I like Chris singing this song very much ... something real/rough/beautiful/wistful/t­ender/sad

in all this ... Thank you, Chris Smither.

[jonnwall]

seen him live twice in uk , first in newcastle , great gig up beat bluesy show ,, then in glasgoe and a more sombre show ,, deeper tracks and loved both

[acousticapothecary]

I love this song, I play it on repeat for hours at a time, literally!

[acousticapothecary]

I've seen Chris appear live a half dozen times or so over the past 10 years. As a singer songwriter he is truly a phenom. As a human being, he truly is a once in a lifetime nice guy. You will never be disappointed, on any level...

[garyrs1]

I have been wanting to see him in person for a long time!  He is coming to San Diego!

[ragingbull7]

He's a really talented man and an entertaining singer. This is my favorite of his songs.

[gramhound86]

My new favourite song.

[arlichar11]

amazing song that is greatly underappreciated and kinda obscure! love it ! thanks for post!

[karinablacktie]

A musician who hasn't sold out. I first saw him with Bonnie Raitt, many years ago. Glad he's cleaned himself up and is producing some great stuff.

[DictionRedaction]

Since space and time are bending, there's no finish line.

Remember the old greek philosopher-kings? Chris is the philosopher-king-finger picker.

[atrailmike]

Like someone below, I just heard of Chris Smither on PBS a bit ago. Glad I found him. Thanks for posting this video.

[zywa349]

This is fantasic - this is a musician with all talent and no fluff. Great song - impecable playing - I'm off to Amazon to get more Chris Smither music. THANKS for posting (and for "ssshhhing")

[fatharock]

You're welcome! Thanks for your comment... and enjoy your new new Smither music!

[terambra]

Fabulous ! Just heard of this genius where has he been all of my life !

[bigdjindustriez]

Good lord, when he started singing I said "WOAH, where's Bruce Springsteen, I hear him but he's not there" lol. Hopefully I'm not the only one that hears the simillarity. Great picking, singing and all.

[Galacticplane]

Thank you for sharing this lovely tune from the great country bluesman, Chris Smither...

[DrVonChilla]

Fabulous song!

[comodisc]

Wonderful!

[bluespruce123]

Thanks for a great moment. Gifted, inspired lyrics, humble but bold personality coming through, captivating picking. Just saw a version of this by Smither on PBS and looked up the song. Thanks for making this available.

[defthammer]

As someone who is facing middle age, I find this song to be my new mantra. "I've been left for dead before, but I still fight on", indeed.

[imissizzie]

I absolutely love Chris Smither. Watching him play is one of the most beautiful things to behold. Oh, I guess it's second to hearing him. Thanks for the post.

[Sigma5624]

Awesome. Just went to iTunes and bought his Train Home. Think I'll buy this one too. Heard him on KUNC, 91.5, Colorado Front Range

[damofx]

Just got back from a gig by the man himself. Faultless picking, singing and general cool

[DLMinton]

Chris is simply the nicest man I have ever met.

His writing, singing and playing get better each time I am privileged to see him.

This song is as good as any song can be.

Your video captures the moment perfectly.

Thanks much.

[192gerard]

love it . best song I have heard in a long time

[fatharock]

I recorded this in Roanoke, VA in November of 2007. It was a great evening. Where is SXSW?

[ryanpalbert]

Where was this recorded? Great song! I'm going to see him in November. I saw him perform this song at SXSW a few years back and was really impressed. Great performer.

[nondescript11]

Simply the best! Love it. Tim

[fatharock]

Thanks, Tim! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I must say I enjoyed your cover of this great song very much, too!

[MyHalfRiddenDream]

"I been left for dead before but I still fight on. Don't wait up leave the light on, I'll be home soon." Amen brother!

[bronail]

Inspiring! Thanks for posting. Flying to Ottawa to see him this weekend. Ernie Hawkins there too. Look out!

[remusworldtour]

Thanks for posting this--can't wait to see him again!

[fatharock]

You are all very welcome. I am lookin' forward to seeing him again, too. Thanks for watching!

[photonaxeman]

thanks for posting some chris smither. i just got three of his albums and can't stop listening. i wonder if eddy vedder ever listened to this guy.

[Basso9x13]

This album and song were my introduction to Chris Smither. What a poet! This whole album is really magnificent!

*****

~R

[rolandgladden]

Always great, great musician:)

[Galacticplane]

A real treasure, an American Icon. Great song from the country blues Maestro.

[Custador]

He's Scottish, not American.

[Galacticplane]

I'm sorry my friend, Chris Smither was born Nov. 11, 1944, Miami, Florida

[Custador]

I stand corrected.

[behindthefall]

He was a mythical figure around Philly's Main Line in the 60s, rarely seen but acknowledged even than as a master. Still looking for a song I heard him sing on the radio one night. Recorded it and played it over and over. Lost now, I guess, and the tape would be useless anyway. Lyrics something like "sad/hard(?) and lonely, she's no time for losers", or that's how I remember it. Love to have it back.

[cris53cross]

Saw Chris in Newry N. ireland bout 3 years ago. Blew the audience away with his musical and lyrical genius and his sense of humour. as some one said hes down to earth. Played nearly 3 hours and still had time to talk to the audience. Brilliant !!!!!!!!!

[dubblwide]

I've seen Chris a couple of times in Atlanta--he doesn't come South very much--and he's the best, period!

[defthammer]

What a renewal of purpose..."I've been left for dead before, but I still fight on". Yes!

[soulgamblers]

What a gift! What a song! If I live to be a hundred, I was born in '54, I used to try to write songs, but I don't no more.......

[Kevinsouth]

Great picking, great song, great guy. What else is there?

[brylorbs69]

I saw him recently at the Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River, Mass. and the show was totally memorable. The lyrics are fabulous and I still can't believe how fast he moves his fingers! He's also a really nice person. Unlike most musicians who run into the back room during

intromission, he hung out and talked with people displaying a genuine interest in the people who came to

see him. Never miss a chance to see him play. Also, his

records (oops-CDs) are terrific.

[fatharock]

You sir, have revealed your advanced age with your reference to "records"...lol.

[simpler43]

excellent,needs more exposure

[simpler43]

wonderful could do with more as good,as this needs more exposure

[fatharock]

Thanks for your enthusiastic comment! Of course I totally agree. This song really spoke to my acute awareness of time slippin' away... I found it very poignant in a nostalgic sort of way.

[DictionRedaction]

WE RUN FOR PEACE OF MIND!! AWESOME!!! Chris is THE BEST!! One of the best tunes by the best songwriter going, bar none. Do not miss this guy. Terrific contribution, thanks much man.