Tommy Emmanuel - I Still Can't Say Goodbye

[acoustictunes69]

I'm a big fan. TE is a one in a life time phenom. I'm glad he is in my Lifetime.

[66guitaROB]

Mr.Tommy Emmanuel is a real prodigy....no video can tell the true emotion you can feel by listening to him in concert !!! I met him twice, and I can assure you he is a great person...on stage, and in the backstage, too.. So great and so simple.. Amazing !!!

[Hutton2k10]

What a song, saw this in Liverpool. Was absolutely brilliant. Does anyone know if it would be possible to play this song with just the thumb and first finger? Thanks

[mozmal]

I saw Tommy play this in Hull last night, it was absolutely stunning. What an incredible musician he is.

[54v115]

Thank you Tommy - you brought me to a place I'd long buried.  My hearts broken once again, but this time not so much as before - Steve

[Octoguitarian70]

Love ya Tommy, You are the greatest. I try to play Borsalino in your honor.

[brianw793]

I have to leave the room when I hear this.

BigBrian

[DavoCitizen]

Nothing like one man and his guitar belting out an epic song............thats just dust in my eye honest

[fe6eyo]

J'avais mis une traduction personnelle en français des paroles de cette chanson sur la page wikipédia.fr de Chet Atkins ainsi qu'un lien vers la version de Chet.... Dommage que ça a été enlevé.

[biggerbigd]

I have seen him do this live 3 times and it gets me every damn time! You would have to be a non-human to not feel this. It means even more when you know his dad died when he was about 10.

[ricklandor]

@biggerbigd Saw him in February this year (St. Petersburg), there wasn't a single dry eye in the house.

[ehimprovement]

I Love keeping Chet alive through his music, Thank you Tommy

[Labrabob]

If Kyser is good enough for Tommy, its good enough for me! Beautiful version of this song too!

[martingoldfire]

One of his best performences.

[MrSuperleader]

I can't stop crying ....

Beautiful song...

[Oswald325]

His Heart is so big...

4People have no heart....

Love him. <3

[roman14032]

this is so good it hurts, i mean i'm really missing my dad right now and i don't think this is a good thing to do to people,tommy stick to funny your way TOO good at sad

[SOJOURNEERTM]

Saw Tommy perform this in Palo Alto, CA several years ago. Geez, seemed like the entire house was in tears when he finished.

[KillRshred]

hey no offense to anyone, but this is clearly sloppy as all hell. if you want some seriously genious amatuer improvisation i urge you to watch this /watch?v=NIFblN5hgUs

[HotRodSixString]

@KillRshred Tommy is a guitar genius and not sloppy at all .

[padenmtjr]

@KillRshred Another idiot trying to permote their own thing. You don't understand what you are listen to. if you don't know keep your stupid mouth shut.

[LibertyOne001]

Forgot this from the concert I just mentioned: Tommy told the story of the last recording he made with Chet Atkins, "Rocky Mountain Lullaby". Heart wrenching tale about Chet being a five time cancer survivor, had just finished one surgery, was schedule for another after the album he and Tommy were working on. In any case, Tommy dedicated this song to Chet, due to Tommy really being a father to Tommy, as well as friend and mentor.

[pubuman]

@LibertyOne001 Lol .. Tommy was a father to himself? That's pretty cool ... 

[LibertyOne001]

@pubuman Yeah, that was an epic edit fail. :/

[pubuman]

@LibertyOne001 Tee hee :P

[LibertyOne001]

I saw Tommy for the fist time in February in St. Petersburg, Florida. This was one of the songs Tommy did and, I can honestly say, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. That includes me and two of my guitar buddies that I bought tickets for as Christmas presents. Overall, this concert was absolutely amazing. Great guitarist, great showman and very much communicating and interacting with the audience. If you ever get to see Tommy live, you simply must do so. So there. :)

[peanutj13]

My daddy passed 2-2-09 we played music together untill he could no longer hold up his guitar. I miss my daddy,and i am just like him. Vernon "POPS"Robertson was the best friend i had

[Chris51]

@peanutj13 - I'm glad you love your dad and that you played with him, what an incredible blessing.

[6345788]

I lost my Dad when I was ten. He inspired me to play music, and told me to play my best. At times I have left him down, but have always felt that a gifted musician can communicate through to your soul.

Whether or not Tommy Emmanuel is a singer, that is certainly is not the point of him performing this song.

Tommy is laying it on the line, showing you the pain that occurred with the early loss of this father.

An incredible guitarist, no doubt. This song shows the gift of music in his soul.

[badfinger848]

This song is obviously well-written and Emmanuel is obviously one of the world's finest guitarists...however, I must say that the version of this song that Emmanuel did on the ENDLESS ROAD album is just not as good as the live performance in this video. Don't get me wrong though--I still like the studio version, just not as much as this version.

[rarebeast84]

It reminds me how many times I try to be like my father or try to make him proud of me. I don't know if this is right or not (if someone gives some importance), but this is a beautiful song and I think Tommy Emmanuel is a very good interpreter.

So thank you for this video and to have refreshed some very old emotions XD

[BitterMaagic]

:'(

[brandontntbel1]

I lost my Dad 4 years ago, and each time I hear this, the tears roll down from my face each time. Thank you Tommy Emmanuel for the heart, and soul you have put into this song. We'll see you in concert again....

[oldtimtoad]

I wept.

[micmoable]

Tommy really does a nice version of this song--I like Chet Akin's version best but Tommy's version is really nice also

[micmoable]

Tommy is one rally good guitarist---love his playing---Chet Atkins did my favorite version of this but Tommy's is really nice also

[guitarinspired]

chet atkins and tommy share the same bond and feeling where they both lost their dads at a young age. very sad story so he wants to spread this song to the whole world and it is chet atkins' last words before he died of brain cancer. these are all tommy words when he played in malaysia live just recently.

[pngaia]

The Song to be played to our Sons now, that when we're Grans's, they can still say Goodbye.

[1985Shota]

every time I hear this song I shudder, this song is awesome.....

[micmoable]

@1985Shota so sad a song---makes me think about losing my dad someday and I get sad as all get out

[1985Shota]

@micmoable I'm aware what will happen in future, but for now don't wont to think too much for future because we live today who know what will happen tomorrow, only what I plan is to have enough money and watch to be well..

I love to listen Tommy's playing because he enter so much love and energy in his songs sometime i wish to stop time and only listen him...

[micmoable]

@1985Shota I wish I played as well as Tommy--gosh does he play so well

[1985Shota]

@micmoable you are not only one

[norm58]

Great Chet Atkins cover!!!

[gmarcm]

Outstanding version of this song. Very well done.

[Jamez2K9]

My dad died when I was 10 and this song describes exactly how i feel

Tommy Emanuel is a true legend

[tedh754]

My dad died when I was 2 years old, so I can only imagine what it is like to have a father. I'm 56 now, and I love Tommy's music. He's the best.

[7BB79]

HIs Australian accent certainly doesn't hurt him in this song does it.

I still caunt say goodbye.

[djmaxxl]

This is one of the few songs that does something with me.

The song, the lyrics,

Just beautiful. :')

[Eric205gen]

I lestened to this song live..u cannot imagine the feeling he got..makes u cry

[viennabandd]

Talented man, great guitarist. irra

[RaptorJMR]

this makes me cry every time i watch it! we love u tommy!

[Lukas3614]

The melody is great.

Please watch my song. Thx ;)

[brandontntbel1]

To WHQODYSingers. Sorry it took a while to respond to your question. Yes it was quite difficult to hold all my emotions in,while playing this song to my Father's grave. But in time, I managed to imagine him smiling down at me performing for him.

[jamminchris]

Super soul. Tommy is the man. (well, so is Chet)

Three cheers gents

[WHQODJYSingers]

... a beautiful performance. How long it did it take for you to be able to sing that song w/o the tears clenching up your throat? ... truly amazing.

[TheKiRo02]

Just like him, Tommy. Thank you Tommy!

[brandontntbel1]

My father passed away 4yrs ago, and after listening to this version, I loved it sooo much, I managed to learn this on my guitar as well. Now I play this everytime I visit my Dad's grave. Never forgeting him, always missing him.THANK YOU Tommy !!!!!!!!!!!

[Selecter8]

OMG, I can't beleve :D this first video response is great :D u must listen ...uroshcs...great video :D ...beleve me :D

[Grockle1345]

Before he died Tommy promised Chet he would continue to perform this song as long as he breathed...

Tommy lost his father when he was 14...

The song's an emotional monster...

I love both versions and yes they make me cry

[sonnenscheinersetzer]

beautiful!

it makes me sad...

[zougrocks]

Chet Atkins has the better rendition for this song. You can feel it every note from deep down him.. He'll make you damn cry.

[1grayskelton]

There is this expression at 3:20 that speaks tons about this song, this man, Tommy Emmanuel and my first guitar hero, Chet Atkins. That expression as you listen again is someone near the recording device, who has been touched by the emotion of the moment. God bless TE!

[reaperofgenocide]

This is a really beautiful song. It has its mellow yet morbid feel. Its a true emotional work of music.

[haggler21]

for those of you who plan to see tommy perform.

ill have you know that it is an emotional rollercoaster ride.

this song brought me to tears.

[82markyboy]

Well done, but Chet's version makes me cry

[luvcomedy123]

so beautiful...just so beautiful

[bromesko]

This is a tune for Mr Chet Atkins

[JoeLaFigue]

I must say that it feels strange to find myself alone crying in front of my screen ... awesome

[spxyo]

@JoeLaFigue so true...

[gtp754]

You are not alone my friend.

[gtp754]

@JoeLaFigue

You are alone my friend,

[b0rNc0nfuseD]

@JoeLaFigue I would have to agree, it is so emotional.

[1studpostman]

@JoeLaFigue you aught to hear Chet Atkins sing this song he give's you the crying hick ups

[inky960]

@1studpostman Yeah, Chet sang it while wearing an old brown 1940s Fedora hat. When the verse about the "hat like my daddy wore" comes up, jeez -- who can NOT cry? I don't see how Chet (or Tommy) sang/sing it without choking up. Amazing. It perfectly rides that line just shy of sentimentalism, never being a bit too sentimental. This fine line is where some of the best art happens. I think.

[ruddynora]

@inky960 I just got back from seeing Tommy play in Glasgow. He played this song and had a lump in his throat the whole way through. Shared the story of how his Dad died when he was 11 and never really knew him.

I grew up listening to Chet through my Dad and if ever a song gets me it's this one (my Dad passing away when I was 13)!

I like your comment!

[HawkesyBass]

@ruddynora

I'm just back from that same show, my friend and I were in the same boat, pretty much almost in tears from that song.

My first time seeing Tommy and he's the most inspirational person I've ever seen in my life.

He only cemented the fact that I want to play music for a living, all because of his story about meeting Chet Atkins.

[ruddynora]

@HawkesyBass He was/is astonishing. I saw John Williams the night before and can safely say I had a wonderful guitar geek winner. Both were incredible but for me, the energy, charm, style, tongue-in-cheek-ness, technique and charisma, pipped Tommy to the top spot . It seems he can do Classical with flare too, something the 'recital' was missing.

I got full audio of the gig (naughty, considering the lazer pointing RCH Nazi's);-) I'll get to posting some ASAP. Good luck with music!

[micmoable]

@inky960 I totally agree with you--the song grabs at the heart and the sad sinks in immensely

[micmoable]

@JoeLaFigue Don't feel bad, I suspect many folks have felt that way with that old song--it is such a sad song

[ZeBigStrat]

He played this at his gig in quebec city. I almost cried and there was a man in front of me and he removed his glasses to wipe his eyes.

[Johnoooh]

this is one of the few songs that brings tears to my eyes.

[rotory2002]

Chet would be very proud of you Tommy :)

[3439ra]

offcourse he would;P

[inky960]

@rotory2002 Agreed. And Tommy is one of only four players on whom Chet conferred the prestigious degree of "c.g.p." (Certified Guitar Picker). Chet loved Tommy. The other c.g.p. holders were, I think, 1) Chet himself 2) Jerry Reed 3) Tommy Emmanuel, and 4) Steve Wariner (an awesome player, too, though methinks Tommy has an edge...)

[ZEKEZYPT]

I know it, I lost my my father when

I was 9. Now I'm 61 and I missed him every day since that unhappy day. Thank's for bringing me a song for my fellings.

[ArtistInOz]

Beautiful.....

A gorgeous song with lots of emotion performed brilliantly, Tommy's version gets me teary everytime (lost my dad in 2003). Didn't think we'd ever hear Tommy sing, as most of his recordings are instrumental... I first saw Tommy perform in a pub in Sydney in 1984 and have been a fan ever since, and was lucky enough to see him perform again only 2 years ago in Lismore...he was fantastic. Thanks for posting this Musztarda00. Tommy's a legend. Cheers, Chrissie. ; )

[SOJOURNEERTM]

First saw Tommy deliver a sincere and heartfelt performance of this song at Little Fox Theatre in Redwood City, CA. He had the whole room in tears. I've seen him perform it live two other times since then, and those performance significantly different from the first. I then noticed that none of the performances posted on YouTube are the same. You've got to love Tommy's willingness to keep experimenting with the delivery at each stop.

[EquineGrace]

love Tommy and Chet...all the good music is One

[ginastefani]

yeah we are all ONE

[abooboo4u]

i had just watched chet atkins version and saw this and gave it a try.....excellent cover.....i knew of tommy through my aussie friends and have become a fan.....to those who would compare or belittle.....watch both videos + read comments before you make a public display of your ignorance.....if no one can listen to or watch this song without crying.....how would you expect someone to even attempt to perform it ? besides it's very disrespectfull to those of us who have lost thier fathers.....

[stipecountry]

Chet Atkins' version does seem to show more emotion through his voice, but Emmanuel's version is great too!

[caraphyllis]

If by "soulus" you mean "soulless" (without soul), I must respectfully disagree. Tommy Emmanuel is not a singer by trade, he's a guitar player, but the sincerity of his emotion in this song is easy to see and feel, at least to me. If Chet Atkins' version is more moving for you, that's fine. But Tommy Emmanuel without soul? Never.

[AClassOldie]

@caraphyllis I have to agree with you, Tommy is 100% soul! When he played this and Ruby's Eyes live, I was so moved!

[mrdomeright]

This is a great song. The only thing that bugs me about this video is the 2 idiots who talk in the background. They ruin what would otherwise be a great recording.

Tommy rules!

[Chreepo]

My Dad just passed away a month ago...The only thing I wanted of his was his hats...."to be like him"....I miss him

[TheGuitarTheory]

Tommy and Chet were very close friends. The fact anyone would rip on him for playing this piece of music is a travesty.

[jarbycornwallace]

Your an idiot 3439ra. This is not chet's personal song...he didn't write it. He just had a connection with it because of his dad, just like tommy did. They both had similar relationships with their fathers. Chet asked tommy to keep singing this song after he died because it meant a lot to both of them, dick.

[Hammy135]

Chet actually asked Tommy to keep playing it not long before he died

[JonasAtGuitar]

im not gonna argue with you...

but your an idiot

[rotory2002]

The only thing awful is your idiotic comment. Go play on the highway.......

[nacnuddude]

holy crap you are so original! can i quote you on this?

[rotory2002]

YES, You have my full permission to Quote me on this and I am amazed that you had the smarts to ask...

[jimihendrix1888]

Truly a beautiful song that brings tears to my eyes

[adamwushuteam]

This song means so much for everyone... everyone who have heart... My granddad died 4 years ago.. I miss him every time.. and I don't understand till now, why.. why people must die.. for what? It hurts so much, but I'm still full of hope. Thank You Tommy for this arrangement. God bless You, And I dedicate this song for those who are in our heart and those who miss for someone... bless You all. From Poland.

[DonQuixotec]

The good people die, and the bad lives on. That's how I feel after my father died. Doesn't matter how they die. And thinking about my grandmother who had to bury her own son. That must be terrible too. Cancer shouldn't exist :(

[marmacy]

Beautiful Tommy....

[bushmogulmaster]

This is a beautiful arrangement, as was Chet's. But for everyone who thinks that Chet was the original artist, this song was in fact written by Bob Blinn and Jimmy Moore. So while Chet's version was amazing, and clearly emotional, it was also a cover.

[picitup83]

you're right daffydog, he's honoring chet.

GOD BLESS YOU tommy ya i said it GOD BLESS him

i love chet's version also but tommy's me brotha from anudda mudda

[daffydoug]

Tommy was surely trying to honor Chet by doing this cover, and God bless him for that.

But Chet made the song his own, and put such an indelible stamp on it, that anyone else will always be second best.

In my mind it will always be Chet's song.

[thomasranieri]

You HIT the nail on the head, my friend!!!

[Deadeye777]

I don't think it's easy to play a song this pretty poorly, and he does a great job, but I have to say the simplicity in chet atkins voice makes his version touch me like this one can't. Chet Atkins doesn't try to make it pretty, he just tells a story, and you can see in Chet's eyes that it's not easy to sing the song even at his age.

[Anonymchen]

The best performance i have seen of this song.

[thomasranieri]

See Chets version and prepare to eat words my friend, even though both are great, Chet was and will always be THE MEN, case closed.

[LadODell]

Tommy is a great artist, but his is Chet's song. It always will be. I think it's Chet's age and the times he grew up in. He know's what the song is talking about.

[jonzie12]

I agree with you, but Tommy lost his dad in his early age, so I think that this means a lot to Tommy too=)

[sportsguyz]

This is a great song, but sad at the same time. Tommy E really knows how to stir emotions...

[Doox87]

Music is incredible....the way he plays is amazing and the lyrics are really good as well.

Tommy you are really an Arist!

[davytheravy]

What a great song, beautifully performed by The Master.

I did take a look at the Chet Atkins performance, and was just as much blown away!

[zaggazoom]

listen and look people emotions in Chet Atkins virsion of this song.

[amypamphol]

sweet little melody

[StanMertens01]

If it's live, the sound is full, complete... But the sound is always beautiful...

[Honken]

I've seen Tommy perform this song with that amazing female singer with him, and it was hundreds of times better than this version. I cried a little during that song!

[dyball24]

that female is his amazing girl lizzie watkins. she also has a very gifted voice and they have had a long time together and they both really perform well on stage .

[Jik93]

I love the tone at the end of 1:33

[swill1966]

The original Chet version is absolutely perfect (of course!) but I still prefer this live version from Tommy as it just has more REAL emotion... the best - keep it up man!!

[mossyburger]

do check out Chet Atkins' version of this... guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye =)

[gammaray0wn]

such a true statement

[roniki96]

Live is even better than on these videos! :-)

[dyball24]

this is pure love and passion and it has brought tears to my eyes .

such a beautiful song .

good on ya tommy see ya on the gold coast in january

[penruff]

i was there last night too. Tommy is amazing!!! The concert was brilliant, wish he could have done another show here, not often that a swedish audience give a standing ovation!!!!

[ChrisLeeBear]

on 5. he was in germany in bremen. and of course i was there. it was so great, but why didnt he play his beatles medley :x

[penruff]

he played it in göteborg...

[kinding91]

And it was frickin good too :D

[PuttRiiX]

I saw Tommy live yesterday and he played this song, it was so beautiful.

[Harmony764]

I saw Tommy in concert twice! I love his music and he i such a gentlemen! He opened the door for me!! :) My great uncle had a custom jacket made for him and gave it to him in toronto.

[shimmywhale7]

I was there in Bristol too! He can really turn you into an emotional wreck, i was sitting there absolutly frozen with tears streaming down my face. He is truely a beautiful person :)

[edwardgbell]

He came to Bristol!!!!?!?!?!?

I saw him in Windsor at the start of my gap year at 'TOMMYFEST' and he was fantastic. Where did he play at Bristol?!

[Bowlch]

St George's Bristol on 5 Nov 2007.

Was totally amazing!

[Bowlch]

Saw Tommy Live in Bristol last week and he played this...

Was the most beautiful piece of music I have ever heard.

[sall23]

i saw tommy live on monday, this song literally froze me to the spot, i had goosepimples all over. it brought back very happy memories of my dad who died when i was 13. i couldnt stop the tears. this song is truely truely beautiful. he is incredible.

[fretsonfire75]

im the same, but my dad is still alive and is my best friend. but i cry when i see this. all his emotion in it gets at me. my two heroes are my dad and tommy, so the two together is increadibly emotional.sorry about your loss.

[sall23]

has your dad heard this song? it does have a powerful way of making you think about how you're feeling deep inside. I couldnt believe it when he played it, people were actually getting up and walking out of the small venue, not because they were upset, they just wanted to leave! how incredibly rude.

[theriven1]

I am getting into a age that lets me think a lot about where I am from and where I want to get in this life. And while I think of that I touched deep in my soul and heart, because I see what my parents did for me, and more even, what they feel for me. I am very glad that they are alive and I hope I don't mess the times up in which I can tell them how much I love them. greetings

[theriven1]

...and ofc 1000 times thank you to Tommy that inspires a lot.

[zaichata44]

hi,

thx for uploading.

I heard this song live in Berlin. In my opinion was "I still can´t say goodbye" as emotional as "Angelina", when the fiddler from the audience played with him.

[theriven1]

HIJ?

[Starwars83]

I once read somewhere that Chet Atkins could move a crowd to tears when singing this song live, despite that he was not technically a good singer. Well, I think Tommy certainly is like that as well.

Thanks for the upload!

[theriven1]

I guess you are right, it is because they sing it with their heart. Simple and right.