Sufjan Stevens - Casimir Pulaski Day

[ClassyPropaganda]

"I have my friend Cher on guitar and vocals, my friend John playing trombone and banjo and singing, my friend Craig plays trumpet and sings, my friend James is playing the drums... And on bass is Jeff."

[llamamuffinpanda95]

I love how refers to every single one them as his friend

[bodeabell]

this song makes me feel that there is so much to life than what we realise

[SChoate11]

3:50 Dude's a time traveler!

[savasoul1999]

i miss u gabby

ur still my best friend

u just have wings

[jeroenamilli]

240 p we meet again

[AREM16137]

This song just breaks my heart. Then mends it within the same 5 minutes.

[fillXinXblankXstares]

I love how he introduces everyone as "my friend." It's so sweet!!

[jjfizzle729]

how could you dislike this?

[evelchef2]

3:47

[evelchef2]

1:48 

[renatajewelry]

So beautiful Sufjan - but when I listened to the words they just made the tears flow and flow -- but I love this song none the less. Bittersweet perhaps.

[Vraya]

Shara

[namelessfire]

This song forces your mind to wander and makes it go to sad places, but by the time it's through, you wake up and you smile, even if your heart is hurting.

[centerforce2]

Right now I am wearing the same shirt Sufjan's band is wearing in this vid.

[TheStephenKent]

@centerforce2 same! but mine's the blue version, illini colors.

[loosegoose919]

Is he religious? Not so clear to me or perhaps a more complex faith. "pray over your body but nothing ever happens..." "and he takes and he takes and he takes". There is a lot more to these lyrics than meets the eye.

[Robusticity]

@loosegoose919 he's a pretty avid christian

[Blackiechan2711]

life goal: make sure that sufjan has children that can sing as good as he can and tour the world with them so that that world never forgets his music and is as inspired as everyone else that listens to sufjan is

[meiandra]

this is one of the few songs that makes me tear up every time. damn, sufjan.

[Elliohow]

3:50 Check that guy out. Woh.

Great song by the way, I stumbled upon Sufjan yesterday when I heard the song "Sleeping Bear, Sault Saint Marie," I just had to listen to more of his songs. He's brilliant.

[Nickisamashingg]

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE SUFJAN!

[eeedeebee]

two legends here: Nic Harcourt and Sufjan Stevens. nice mix.

[japanesegumbum]

I cannot listen to this song without crying. it is so beautiful musically, lyrically, everything asdhfek

[falang78]

"...with my shoes untied". Unforgettable.

[NaturalThingalong]

I consider myself a "manly" guy, but when I listen to this song I cry like a blubbering baby and I will be melancholy all day.

[davidabinns]

beautiful,, is this guy cat stevens kid?

[caet842]

HAPPY CASIMIR PULASKI DAY

[tealfishh]

the most beautiful song ever. period. brings tears to my eyes, every time. :')

[madmax7million]

just one of the most beautiful songs

[MrRyanstadlberger]

he's rockin the Michigan hat real nice.

[jakekvas]

I like how he calls everyone his friend in the introduction

[Jackie012497]

beast

[weareaglitch]

such a good songwriter.... if anyone can check my cover of "to be alone with you" by sufjan, it would be appreciated

[caligirl2191]

This song tells such a story once you really listen to the words. I love it.

[hiniol13]

I got Question For All the people who commented .Does anybody know who was Casimir Pulanski? Huh I give you he was from Poland.Just very happy to celebrate that day every year!!!!!!

[justimaybe]

I MELT

[SingerTina]

And the tears are here

[BriefStarshine]

Definitely loving his choice of clothing. Represent.

[Buhhhrito]

This is easily my favorite song on Illinois. But then again I'm a sucker for anything acoustic.

[zack44ist]

Hey does anyone know a good tab for this song? I now know the chord progression from watching this video, but I want the specifics. If anybody knows of such a tab please tell me.

[DanielleJordan]

Perfect.

[treflip89]

Nothing pisses me off more than artists transposing their own songs. For the love of god, play it how you wrote it!

[donjezza]

@treflip89 how do you know he didn't write it like this and transpose it for recording? anyway as if it matters, it's awesome in any key

[kakaismyhero]

this is amazing... so natural... so perfect... I felt like I was listening to the actual CD track - I love the naturalness of this .... Amazing performance.

[agalloway87]

I hate religion, but I love Sufjan. He's just a damn good musician.

[nathanwarner518]

totally a christian man

[brockroberts1989]

one of my best friends and i used to play a cover of this song a lot back in high school. He just got diagnosed with bone cancer last week. Its so weird thinking of us playing it together being totally healthy.

Love you Rodney, you're gunna fight this shit. Prayin for you always.

[chitchatnation]

@brockroberts1989 You don't know me, but I'm praying for complete healing for your friend as well :) Please tell him that!

[AccordionTheif]

@brockroberts1989 I just read this comment and I see it is 8 months old. Totally not tryin to creep but I'm genuinely curious about your friends condition. Is he ok?

[narf126]

@AccordionTheif I agree!

[brockroberts1989]

@AccordionTheif he is a lot better but not not near finished. strongest kid i know

[AccordionTheif]

@brockroberts1989 Awesome

[narf126]

@brockroberts1989

How'd it work in the end? :(



[Vraya]

@narf126 I do indeed hope that god didn't take and take and take.

[CanYouSayBreezie]

@brockroberts1989 i hope your friend is ok =|

[Vraya]

@brockroberts1989 Bring him goldenrod and the 4-H stones. You guys will have a good cry together.

[Anopholes1]

Sufjan's music is pretty but mournful, i'm not sure what it is but there is quite a high dosage of sadness there. Must be something in his psyche that shows through. He still is a master songwriter though.

[MsHoliday2009]

he's wonderful. what a talented man. His music is never dull. 

[goshdranitalex]

This song makes me cry everytime I hear it. A thing only Sufjan can do !

[nitoo]

15 persons forgot to remove their earplugs

[ScoobyStew82]

I subscribe the the theory that the trumpet player is a demon from the shadow realm. Most likely, this video was his way of sending a message that says, "Just you wait... JUST YOU WAIT!" I also believe that his trumpet gives him magical powers over most forest creatures, with the exception of Big Foot, because he is also a demon.

[noodlehead95]

HE IS SO RIDICULOUSLY GOOD LIVE.

[catarosenbaum]

oh man, SUFJAN COME BACK TO US

[TheBoss2332]

@luigiwilltearusapart Shara Worden

[christianwalker91]

@luigiwilltearusapart She is the lead singer for My Brightest Diamond and sang the part of the Queen in the Decemberists' album, The Hazards of Love.

[ultimatepapelbon]

@luigiwilltearusapart Shara Worden. She is from My Brightest Diamond, has a lot of solo stuff, plus she is part of The Decemberist's album "The Hazards of Love", where she is simply amazing.

[lizzienrose]

@luigiwilltearusapart My brightest Diamond

[sergiomrp]

@luigiwilltearusapart she has a project called my brighest diamond, she´s amazing.

[JohnTheFaun]

@luigiwilltearusapart Also known as My Brightest Diamond.

[Vraya]

@luigiwilltearusapart It's Sufjan's friend, Sharon! Duh...



[jameslisco]

The ones that are bitching. You are bitches. Complaining about things when you've got everything you need. You should be glad you've got music that can move you and make you think you stupid asses. If I saw you I would kick your asses! Enjoy what's good and make the best of it because one day you might have nothing and will be sorry you were bitching!

[spencerandres001]

such a cool voice

[jamescromwellmusic]

seriously don't bitch about sound quality. just enjoy it. buy sufjans album. this is beautiful stuff im glad this is up here.

[hermiesrokmysox]

lovely

[davidgk100]

i love how he refers to his band as "friends".makes them seem much tighter and connected than other bands and singers

[mjm8218]

Sound quality sucks

[TheBoss2332]

@mjm8218 I didn't know what I was doing when I cut up and uploaded these videos. Now I don't have the original files so there isn't anything I can do other than direct you to the KCRW website where you can probably view the original.

[netforce0]

@TheBoss2332 do it direct us bitch

[luilainez]

@mjm8218 i reuploaded this here: youtube.com/watch?v=nARH1hPmNq­8

[SomeMexican4]

AHG! That one note at 3:23 kills me. Otherwise this song is amazing

[GopheReid]

@SomeMexican4 The beauty of live music :)

[ideastospitat]

I do like Sufjan's music, but why does he need the lyrics infront of him, or is that his setlist?

[audioidua]

amazing and inspiring! beautiful melody!

[mpschattle]

Wow

[sctier]

i love this song SO much. my friend and i sing 2-part harmonies to this song in ELA.

[Jennylusss]

Suddenly today when i heard this song I've started crying. Not just because it's a sad story, but the music is incredibly beautiful and touching. I love tou Sufjan!

Come to Sweden and make us all fall in love!

[Innercitylightsband]

How could I have forgotten how much I loved this man...?

[GregorySarovich]

what an amazing song writer

[iharterika]

today is Casimir Pulaski Day. this makes me feel like crying.

[lumberjack923]

check out the Polish High Five on my channel!

[emomusiclover158]

on capo 3 the chords he uses are D, C, Am, G and he does hammer-ons on all of the chords...just to reassure

[roydriver74]

Wish some one would put up his cover of the Iron Maiden song "Number of the Beast".

[chrisutley812]

capo 3

[samiam1432]

He has the capo on 3, but the version on Illinoise uses a capo on the 2nd fret.

[Tonsteroni]

Anyone know the four chords he's playing? :/

[patrickkilgannon]

D C Am G

[Tonsteroni]

@patrickkilgannon he transposed this from the original?

[patrickkilgannon]

@tonsteroni I believe he plays with a capo on the third fret on the album version. Just play those chords relative to the capo.

[samiam1432]

Yes, this version is 1 fret higher.

[phalon4500]

@Tonsteroni :::It looks like C maj, Dmaj E maj, and A min...

[WorldOnWeb84]

I discovered this brilliantly talented singer not too long ago..and I instantly fell in love with the simplicity and honesty of his songs..:)

I love this song..a beautiful sad love song..

Thanks for posting this video..

I really wish i could attend one of his live shows..

[mamamcqueen]

I love this song!!

[trisarahtoppz]

ah!

[lollucid]

oh wow, very nicee

[VisualExample]

i want one of them green illanois shirts.

[TheRydog100]

you live in illinois me to just outside of st louis. on the southern side

[TheRydog100]

Alot of people live just outside of saint louis. just not in 2515 st. street granite city IL. thats not a real place,

[commonwealpanther]

thumbs up for a priceless phonetic spelling of illinois, that still contains the "s"

[bjornothebesto]

Buy one

[xn6]

i think somebody already said this but it's rather cute how he introduces everyone as his friend

[dreamingsleeping]

this song is one of my favorites, this is soooo good!!

[bucketchild749]

i loveeeeee sufjan! sooo much talent. & that lady backup singer is so cute!

[enefoo9]

is that last guy from the piano the head of half handed cloud?

[fudgicles]

Actually, its better to start at 3:49.

[fudgicles]

I don't know if anyone noticed but the trumpet player flashed in and out of existance, momentarily, at 3:50. My theory is that he is a demon entity from the shadow realm.  This would explain why his substance flashed in and out of nothing as his energy connection got weaker for a short period of time. I feel that this demon is slowly building up his status in society so that he can one day become a high authority figure, in order to sweep mankind from this Earth.

Watch out Sufjan!!

[C0smicMonkey]

Holy Jeez! A Youtube comment with grammatically correct sentence structures and a reasoning and logical voice that wasn't offensive

or derogatory is some way?

NOW we know that the world is coming to an end...

[Myrmelie]

You must be right, the lights went out in my room at that very moment!

A coincidence?

[fudgicles]

There are no such thing as coincidences, rather these events are parallels. Although, you do raise a chilling prospect; From what I have discerned from your post, said demon is using this Youtube video as a portal to enter our homes, schools, and offices (don't watch videos, you should be working!), and has access to us!

This is a rather frightening development and demonstrates that we are dealing with an abnormally wicked and cunning entity.

Quickly! Douse your computer with holy water!

[Myrmelie]

:))

At least it wont be working so no demons will enter here from that portal..

[bjornothebesto]

I hope he comes here. The I finally meet a Demon! =D

[RTKaczor]

@fudgicles nah

[sirmichaeloftherocks]

@fudgicles what in the world, your nuts.

[arapsasuga]

@fudgicles LOL

[danielkills]

"militant" atheist? Another hardcore religious nut. Try anti-theism, you.

[ajjmarshall]

hahahahah.

[Cyanide7830]

Love this song. Very brilliant. Love from a non-theist.

[bobjohnson513]

I wish My Brightest Diamond and Sufjan still toured together. Their voices fit together well.

[Courty56]

I think the singer of My Brightest Diamond still plays sets with Sufjan

[bobjohnson513]

Do they? Good. Their voices just sound so perfect together.

[jko1992]

Most beautiful voices: Sufjan Stevens, Samuel Beam, Zach Condon, and Regina Spektor

They all deserve a much larger audience, especially Sufjan.

[MissKilman]

couldn't agree with you more, especially about sufjan and regina.

[castiloe]

Sufjan sets in example of what folk/indie music is all about. We only hope, he keeps it uncorrupted from popular culture.

Much Love from a Scientologist.

[ellojello5896]

im agnostic and love sufjan stevens.

[strikefenix]

definitely one of my favorite songs. There is something so magical and unique about his music that nothing else can match. He puts so much heart and soul into music.

[kleash]

I'm an agnostic and I'm here just for the music, not a jerk circle religion debate.

[spc101791]

medieval art : renaissance art :: christian music : sufjan stevens

i see christian music as that made for the purpose of worshiping god.

sufjan stevens' music offers so much more; it contains religious themes yes, but more importantly it makes you appreciate the beauty and complexity of humanity. his focus remains nonsecular. he uses his spirituality to enhance his music, not dominate it. that's the difference, or at least that's how i see it.

[jake987722]

This is absolutely brilliant... I have to admit that Sufjan had to grow on me before I could appreciate him, but now I see how genius the music is. Although I have to maintain that I could still stand for somewhat more spirited vocals (but not on this particular song!) ;)

[Xinleja]

I find it silly the way YouTube users bicker and moan over religion via comment. Like they are going to achieve something the other would want. The song is his own revelation. The two or three of you that go and preach over YouTube have your eyes pointed in the wrong direction. Don't be ridiculous. Go blog or something. Arrgg

[infalliblle]

thanks inleja. im an atheist but id just rather hear the music thanks.

[zimmawoman]

so pretty

[EverythingSufjan]

very sad story... but he makes anything he touches beautiful in some way..

[franzferdinand345]

Well I'm sorry you can't recognize the striking beauty and complexity of the human condition. I don't know why you would be listening to sufjan stevens as a result. But to each their own. Happy sailing :)

[bigdrunkenfool]

Beautiful melody. The lyrics make me want to cry and cry until crows fly into the sky like my black bleak dreams.

[doxiehouse]

this song is so meloncholic.... while undeniably beautiful... He shows so much empathy which the world needs like water in a desert.... the musicality stays in my head ALL day I f youve ever lost someone to a severe illness, he captures the feeling of horror and yet grace to be human

[hazzy24]

*coughcough* adorable *cough*

[twispious]

his music,discounting all that religious stuff I normally pretend means something else,is beauty personified

[TheBoss2332]

Seems kind of ignorant to pretend the "religious stuff" is something else. I would call myself agnostic right now but I can still appreciate the honesty and passion in his more religiously oriented lyrics.

[livigirl93]

religious or spiritual

[browneyes04047]

@TheBoss2332 one song may hold a different meaning for different people. Its a person's own choice to interpret the music they are listening to I am not a big fan of religion either, and while I respect Sufjan's beliefs Im not going to see the song the same way as a religious person would, nor should I be expected to.

[HeroicVillain775]

@browneyes04047 It's interpretation vs imagination here. It's fine if you see other meaning, but twis said they are imagining it's something else. Like let's have pretend he didn't mean that.

[browneyes04047]

@HeroicVillain775 thats the whole thing though my friend, songs in my opinion are meant to be interpreted by the listener...we often make a song our own because its human nature...I have yet to meet a person who hasnt listened to something as amazing as Sufjan's music and not be able to paint their own picture. I dont like religion, and I dont find religious meaning in songs, that doesnt mean a person lacks respect for Sufjan, it just means they can see past the religion and accept the music

[ian12370]

@TheBoss2332 i kindof agree with twispious - not in the sense that i pretend the religious stuff put there means something else, but that it actually does - sufjan stevens isn't a religious person.

[TheBoss2332]

@ian12370 I suppose it depends on how you define religious. From what I know he is a very religious person, he just isn't the kind of person that makes everyone else know that he is.

[MrDsmalls]

@TheBoss2332 Dude he is VERY religious. Have you ever listened to 'Seven Swans'? The entire album is DEVOTED to religion. Religion permeates almost all his work

[punkerdoodle86]

@ian12370 sufjan stevens is very much so christian and most of his songs have undertones that definitely indicate that. he just happens to have his life as a human in perspective and knows how to broach certain life topics.

[kaddy3232]

@ian12370 he went to a religious school when he was young, and he was named by religious leaders. Read his Wiki profile.

[weswideman]

@ian12370 who cares

[sirmichaeloftherocks]

@ian12370 Sufjan Stevens is a member of the LDS Church. He most definitely is.

[hellomate639]

@sirmichaeloftherocks

Faaaaack.

Well, if he didn't have religion smashed into him he'd be an atheist after what happened to him in this song.

[joeydoit1423]

@ian12370 He claims not to be part a religion just to follow Christ.

[lachie30]

such an emotional song. i can relate to this.

[trisarahtoppz]

his voice is like vanilla

idk how to explain it

[Megen1990]

Just enjoy! Don't cry about religion, atheism or al that crap!

[iphicrates123]

thanks for the uploads but is there any more interview bits besides that other one before john wacy jr?

[TheBoss2332]

I'm pretty sure there was just the one interview from the KCRW visit. I have a lot of other interviews on my channel though if you want to check those out.

[jfwong]

what the hell is up with the auto tune at 1:46??

[TheBoss2332]

I don't hear it.

[goodnaysayer]

you mean the backup vocals?

[jfwong]

listen to the word "through"