Boulder to Birmingham

[JackSkylightFLASH]

I've loved her for 33 years.

A beautiful human being. 

[TheQueposfan]

Somewhere between an angel and a Goddess. Somewhere between truth and beauty. Somewhere between the heart and mind lies perfection. I love everything she has ever done.

[danskheste]

Her tribute to Gram parsons . . .

[YYOREME]

well a long time ago i loved one person in this way i still love that memory ...no matter what if you feel love once a time in the life

[MissJeanieMarie]

I just love her so much..... I sing alot of her songs at Karaoke,and the crowd loves all of her songs. I get requests to sing her songs all the time . You are an amazing talent and thankyou Emmylou for sharing it with us!

[ipascolidelcielo]

Questa è per me una delle più belle canzoni che conosca, interpretata con un trasporto del cuore ed una devozione d'amore che ne fanno quasi una preghiera struggente ed accorata ricordando la persona amata che non è più qui

[29north]

WOW

[thebeauhooligan]

Emmylou supposedly wrote this to mourn the passing of Gram Parsons; a great talent lost too soon. I often wonder how Emmylou's career have been different if Parson's had lived, and got clean and sober. I love Emmylou. She is a treasure of the World, not just he USA. I'd drive from Boulder to Birmingham, or do a number of surprising things, If I could see my late wife one more time. RIP Mary Ann

[YYOREME]

@thebeauhooligan let me tell you something im a mexican in love whit emmylou voice and thats its true she is a treasure for all the people that love the love...grettings from mexico amigo!!

[coopercity1]

This song is about Harris mentor Gram Parsons and his passing.

[aprairiemorning]

I love the sincerity in her voice.

[0906661074]

What a great heartfelt song .... Romeo and Juliet had nothing on EmmyLou and Gram Parsons ....

[stillilllife]

I can't help it, but in the studio version of this song it sounds like she's singing "I would rock my asshole" in the beginning of the chorus.

[stillilllife]

@54MURAI Mouhahaha, nope...I want to share it, with you all!

[Reddirtgirl55Again]

RIP Daddy, died 7th August 2011. Emmylou you have said it all for me

[TerrySleeper]

Gorgeous.

Saw her and her band (The Red Dirt Boys) in England recently - fabulous.

Long live EMH!

[Jimshadyx]

to petroniussatyricon69: What's the gripe? Considering it is 40 years later, Emmylou Harris is still a beautiful woman who has aged more than gracefully....

[Reddirtgirl55Again]

last time I felt like this..........................­..

well you really got me this time, and the hardest part is knowing I will survive.

Daddy I will, but how hard it will be. Love you with all my heart forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[r0nng]

what a superb version of this classic song. been listening to it for close on 30 years & it still moves me to tears. thanks for posting...

[ColdOasisU2]

she wrote it for gram parsons....

[TheBigDelicious]

Thank you, Emmylou. Thank you, Gram.

God, let us all rest in the bosom of Abraham.

[vlopezterrill]

How long should one mourn? I didn't realize that you could quantify grief. And her looks? Just listen to the music, appreciate the talent, the artistry. Of course you should probably be blindfolded so that her looks don't distract you. And maybe experience a dose of reality that would tell you that we love who we love, imperfections and all. And if that isn't enough, then maybe you shouldn't listen at all.

[PetroniusSatyricon69]

She was beautiful then, no doubt. That was the 1970s. The picture is not so pretty now, but still a great musician without the range to hit the high notes. How long should one mourn a dead junkie that died of a self inflicted wound?

[hannjenn]

@PetroniusSatyricon69 Maybe as long as Hickory Wind is a great song.

[Jethro719]

".... Well you really got me this time And the hardest part is knowing I'll survive. I have come to listen for the sound Of the trucks as they move down Out on ninety five And pretend that it's the ocean coming down to wash me clean, to wash me clean Baby do you know what I mean ... I would rock my soul in the bosom of Abraham I would hold my life in his saving grace. I would walk all the way from Boulder to Birmingham If I thought I could see, I could see your face."

[tortuga3030]

If there was ever a song that the high lonely sound of a pedal steel suits perfectly it would be this...If you don't get just a bit misty eyed at the sound of the steel's clear high sound along with Emmy Lou Harris' other worldly voice, well I don't know...

[tortuga3030]

If there was ever a song that the high lonely sound of a pedal steel suits perfectly it would be this...If you dont get just a bit misty eyed at the sound of the steel's clear high sound along with Emmy Lou Harris' other worldly voice, well I don't know...

[ANNEAVES]

I had a boyfriend killed in a race car accident and this song always reminded me of how I felt about him.

[wingseclipsed]

Star-Crossed Lovers. SIGH.

[KelwinDicks666]

Respond to this video...



[LongLiveOx]

Ugh, when you know the background of what this song's about, it's just wrenching. One of the saddest songs, ever.

[fittergal]

Very Pretty song!

[slownoman]

It's hard to find another song that has this same distillation of beauty and sorrow, love and heartbreak. Her voice is purity itself.

[traua20]

She is so freaking beautiful.

[54MURAI]

This lady kills me every time she opens her mouth...

[SaratogaBrown]

I have always enjoyed her music. IMO she's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen - and all of it natural.

[Mike82ARP]

My favorite ELH song. Thanks for posting this!

[Mayfaireful]

.....and pretend that it's the ocean.."

John M., thank you for helping me to cope with all those bone rattling awful windy nights, may you rest in peace.

[1888gp]

this must be what it sounds like when u get to heaven

[greivisangel]

Thanks

[NeonPegasus]

The hardest part is knowing I'll survive.

[jasong1212]

When I watch this video I thank the Universe that I have eyes to see and ears to hear...

[bosse641]

The one and only! :-)

[rfloydb]

Loved it on All The Roadrunning Live with Mark Knopfler. Had to see an early version. Thanks for the post... bobbyb

[TheGuitarjerry1126]

Absolutely beautiful!!  Nice post of a beautiful song! Thank you, Jerry

[rosesredvioletsblue]

I absolutely love this song! Beautiful lyrics and artist. 

10*

[CARLDBIRMAN]

This is my 1st hear of the original artist version. Grew up on the Joan Baez cover from her live compilation, "From Every Stage." This is a bit slower and sadder, but just as sweet.

[WEIR4EVER]

If it's your fave then i have to watch this! I definitely trust YOUR taste! hahaha

Hey.... almost a year i adopted Maui, be a year on.... August.... 24th

Didn't do it on purpose...

[rgadave]

Great to see the unapproachable Albert Lee supporting this tremendous artist.

[greivisangel]

Her Best.

[liverpooljim7]

Poignant, beautiful and unforgettable classic.

[seaexpat]

Heart breaking........the more so having heard "the rest of the story". Did Emmylou ever again sing with the joy and swagger that comes out on the Gram Parsons "Live 73" album? "Country Baptizing"...........what a hoot that song was!

[2c4u22]

Gotta' love Alabama....

[Mygrassisblue01]

she wrote this song morning the death of Gram Parsons....I miss grams music myself, he was a genius and Emmylou and Gram together were magic

[Mystifier122]

I'd like to think she's singing about me because this song is astonishing. It's about the late great Gram Parsons though and that's very cool.

[cecelia333]

I love this song more than I can put into words.

[daniebeth]

OMG-Emmylou Harris is so pretty then and today.

[dsta123]

If this song doesn't reach way down into the greatest depths of your soul.....then I guess you just don't have a soul. And that my friend is very sad for you.

[czech698]

the papers of the extreme Right had raved at him had called him an ape, also a hyena, two creatures it would weem rather difficult to combine,m even in a metaphor

[jaqmart]

I don't want to hear a sad story

Full of heartbreak and desire

The last time I felt like this

I was in the wilderness -

And the canyon was on fire -

Sums the song up really - we just heard a love song

[HenryChinaski405]

Ive been "around" in my years. military combat veteran, drug/booze abuse, the very very low life and the real good money high life. Ive seen alot of shit. But this song, every time makes me tear up. Its incredible. There is a duet on YouTube with Emmy Lou and Steve Earle singing "Goodbye" together that literally makes me shake because I swear Ive LIVED that song. Both songs are an emotional experience. What a beautiful and talented lady. An American GREAT.

[marci1966]

@HenryChinaski405 you are so right. I love that song and I love both of their versions!

[dawnjakeleah]

@HenryChinaski405 I just looked up that song. I never heard it before. It is a real tearjerker for sure. If it weren't for you, I would still never have heard it. I have been a fan of both Emmy and Steve Earle. Thanks for writing that.

[XOkie]

She always sings this song like she's singing directly to Gram. Tears my heart every time

[vosinddieandere69]

First Emmy song I ever heardand it still floors me all these years later x

[byarbor]

This must be what it will be like in heaven for Emmylou certainly has the voice of an angel.

[leggs33]

I couldn't not say this is just sweet! The pedal steel is awesome!

[cuzinkevin]

Beautiful song sung by one of the most beautiful women with the backing of a great band, just fantastic.

[tangogirl100]

This is another of a song that only Emmy Lou can sing, she still has that heartbreak in her voice after all these years, her love for Gram still shines through...

[JannoKlufs]

Sings amazing, looks amazing...

[StephanMoyes]

Written from her heart, for Gram ... as like most her songs ...... :-)

[danskheste]

It always makes me cry, this one, all these years after hearing it the first time.

[yianpap]

God, oh God, please make every woman in this world like Emmylou Harris

[DiegoElArbol]

A vision of Paradise

[lacouerfairy]

"I would walk all the way from Boulder to Birmingham if I thought I could see your face."

That's grief right there. I think anyone that's lost someone close to them knows the lengths they would go to see their loved ones again.

[mdryden02]

Is this the group they call the hot band? With Rodney Crowell, and all?

[curbshoppin]

I heard Todd Snider sing a song in which the lyrics go....i dont know what is or isnt true but i bet when the angels sing they sound like Emmylou......id agree

[ShadowsOracle]

Such a beautiful, moving song and a great peformance. =)

[whisky2roxy]

What an incredible singer and song.

There is simply no comparison to the noisy shit they call "country music" today.

[tmrsclenanna]

This is my favorite song recorded by the Starland Vocal Band.

[deheckler]

according to wikipedia. Emmylou was from alabama, but she started playing coffee houses in the DC area round this time!

[MRTONY50]

Actually, she's from Blacksburg VA. The neighbors thought she was weird in her H.S. days.

[jpbrake]

She went to Garfield High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, a bit south of DC

[gosling1512]

Yeah but where are they now?

[jellyjukebox]

I know Emmylou has'nt written many songs but for me this is one of the greatest by anyone. What a longing, sad rememberence of a lost friend, makes you wonder what Gram and Emmylou could have gone on to record together.

[4rainbowed]

She is however, one of the most highly regarded duet partners anywhere in the world. And a beautiful person, in and out. Rodney Crowell admitted to staying in her band as long as he did because he fell in love with her. Gram was really her first love, and her true love, and you can see, she's never gotten over him.

[DaMuttzNutz]

I first heard this song done by Joan Baez (From Every Stage). A very beautifully done version. Only later did I hear it from Emmylou. I won't listen to any other version now.

[ShadowsOracle]

I discovered this the same way -- I still enjoy Joan Baez's version it's very beautiful--, but I'll agree that it's Harris' song and noone, not even Baez can match her here.

[RossM3838]

Written with Bill Danoff who also wrote Country Roads. What makes Emmylou's rendition so special is her total emotional involvement. Gram took his own life before she could tell him that she loved him. 35 years later and she still loses herself with this song. Baez's is beautiful but has a kind of aloofness.

[4rainbowed]

I would not word it that "Gram took his own life". He and Emmylou had just completing his first album, which was supposed to have the 2 of them riding motorcycles on the back with shit-eating grins. He loved life!

[RossM3838]

Gram took enough tequila and heroin to kill a horse. A combination he must have known would be fatal. If you watch the video Fallen Angel you will see that his entire live plays like a Southern gothic tragedy. Clinical depression and alcoholism ran through and destroyed his family and Gram himself. I believe that Gram deliberately commited suicide.

[dagmarbakken]

This song was written in the sorrow for one of here best friends dead, Gram Parson, who was the one who got here in the limelight.She was living in Boulder,Colorado and Bimingham,Alabama,at that time.

But what a GOODESS!!!!!!!

[Mattjf]

What a goodess indeed.

[RealBigR]

I not sure if she was living in B'ham at the time, but I know she was born there.

[4rainbowed]

She was on the road, and her parents lived in Maryland, which would have been her home. Also, Interstate 1-95, (which is part of the song) runs right through Maryland, near the [Atlantic] Ocean.

[signman7070]

The first time I heard this song I was sittin'

in Tipton MO's prison facilities. It was one of the few times I felt free while I was in there. It's truly a song that moves my heart like no other song ever has, I love that Emmylou, a voice like no other.

[GeoStratocaster]

This is from 1977 I'd say. The biggest regret I have in life is not asking Emmylou to marry me! :) I saw her do this number with this very band in '77 and met her afterwards. She is truly beautiful and a great singer and writer. I rate this song as the greatest ever written, and performed by the best singer on the planet. I get so emotional watching this again. Ah, the old days! How great they were.

Keep on rockin my soul Emmylou!

[FSoftie]

Hey Geo, and just what makes you think she'd have you then? lol.

[GeoStratocaster]

Hi Fred, well, she sang a song about me once. It was called 'Sweet Dreams'! LOL!!

Yeah, what a sweet dream that would've been eh? Well, at least we all still have our dreams...'how sweet! :-)

Geo Luvin' Emmylou! Haha!

[katiegrill]

is that Albert Lee on 2nd guitar?

[FloatingGrin]

It is indeed!

[naughtyhorse]

Yes that's Albert. Checkout the personel for the 'hot band' in the late 70's it reads like who's who. Absolutlely fantastic.

[winterelaxation]

wow! esta esta preciosa!!...gracias!

[greivisangel]

It is all about gram's death.

[gregwyatt46]

Just a great piece of music, perfectly performed. There's no waiting for 'the good bit', because it's all good. In fact, it's too short: should be at least a three-verse song with a double chorus at the end.

[JannoKlufs]

I think Emmy never been more pretty, and she's about the only one that can hold they rythm between rodney and albert... I know I wouldnt :)

[labguyingeorgia]

This song breaks my heart, and gives me tears, every time I hear Emmylou sing it, which must be going on a thousand, or so.

BEAUTIFUL SONG, BEAUTIFUL LADY, BEAUTIFUL PERFORMANCE!

[popguppie]

Still one of my favorite Emmylou songs. This song i so special and I can cry every time I visit a concert and she sings this wonderful song. Even after more than 30 years it still moves me to tears.

[SusannTx]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I love this version of her song. Thanks for posting.

[jeanhoel]

... sure , one of EMMYLOU'S BIGEST !!! ... a tribute she did to Gram and their very , very dear frienship , and so creative collaboration ... this one , has to be here ( and ... stay , as possible ; ) Thank you for posting ! : )