I love the Handsome Family for creating this song- the words are so beautiful- but I find I like Andrew Bird's voice and style a bit better. Either way, they joined together to make something fantastic in the cover, and I will always respect and admire the original.
I seen the Handsome family several months ago performing in Manchester, England, and they were awesome, so great live. Someone shouted this out and they played it. A classic Handsome family song, haunting and beautiful. I'd like to ask whats the significance of the giant stoning a swan to death though.
@GavDuggan1983 Gav . . . I just discovered this group . . . totally digging this!! I would guess that, as with all great art, the artists themselves couldn't even tell you where it comes from . . . They are touching on something universal . . . beyond them . . . This is part of what makes great music timeless and universal . . . and beautiful
The two boys, the clubbed foot boy and the giant, came across the beautiful sleeping swan. They are both freaks and the swan is beautiful, so they killed it to get even. It's just sad painful imagery.
I am a fan of Andrew Bird and their version of this track, however, I have to disagree with you. Thanks for listening. You need never listen to this again!
lolwut, this original is so much better that Bird's imo.
The string intro of his is beautiful, but once the song kicks in, i think this version blows it out the water.
trofdugweed 1 month ago
I love the Handsome Family for creating this song- the words are so beautiful- but I find I like Andrew Bird's voice and style a bit better. Either way, they joined together to make something fantastic in the cover, and I will always respect and admire the original.
hang1iderswing 1 year ago
Just found out about the Bird cover. I do think this one would be better without any rhythm.
alecjahn 1 year ago
12000 views and 21 likes...
seems like everybody hates country...
check out the cover by SnurlyPiffles.....
linus7106 1 year ago
@linus7106 today it's 16,596 views with 34 likes... unbelievable...
Maybe it's only "us 34" listening : |
1Geronimodeleon 7 months ago
I understand that the "Giant of Illinois" is Robert Wadlow, but is the boy with a club foot an historical figure as well?
hopie974 1 year ago
the original is so much better than bird
Shanniquitie 1 year ago
@Shanniquitie Just listened to the Andrew Bird version - it is a fine version, but, this will always be the one.
terr0rkitten 1 year ago
@terr0rkitten no doubt ;)
Shanniquitie 1 year ago
I seen the Handsome family several months ago performing in Manchester, England, and they were awesome, so great live. Someone shouted this out and they played it. A classic Handsome family song, haunting and beautiful. I'd like to ask whats the significance of the giant stoning a swan to death though.
GavDuggan1983 2 years ago
@GavDuggan1983 Gav . . . I just discovered this group . . . totally digging this!! I would guess that, as with all great art, the artists themselves couldn't even tell you where it comes from . . . They are touching on something universal . . . beyond them . . . This is part of what makes great music timeless and universal . . . and beautiful
jubjub2112 2 years ago
Yeah you're probably right my friend. I cover this one myself on my channel, check it out if you get the chance and let me know what you think.
GavDuggan1983 2 years ago
Will do!
jubjub2112 2 years ago
The two boys, the clubbed foot boy and the giant, came across the beautiful sleeping swan. They are both freaks and the swan is beautiful, so they killed it to get even. It's just sad painful imagery.
fuzzlump 1 year ago
This is just one of their incredibly beautiful pieces. They have about ten albums...all of which are great.
mjmcnult 2 years ago
What's crazy is that it's historically accurate. I'm from near Alton, Illinois and this shit is basically true. I love it.
KingScuzzo 2 years ago
It's funny, but Andrew Bird's cover is so remarkably better than this original.
veggiesoup 2 years ago 5
I am a fan of Andrew Bird and their version of this track, however, I have to disagree with you. Thanks for listening. You need never listen to this again!
terr0rkitten 2 years ago
yeah, you can't replace that Baritone voice
septip123 2 years ago
Guess I'll go listen to find out if that's really so!
Deathsiren 2 years ago
I have to agree. Andrew Bird's almost brings me to tears.
lifesucksdontit 2 years ago
@veggiesoup You're dumb.
casimirpulaskidayxx 1 year ago
@veggiesoup I agree. He takes what is already a really fine song, and turns it into something breathtakingly sad and beautiful.
tamerlano 6 months ago
Good stuff...
66satanas 2 years ago
"And the sky was a woman's arms." Who ever wrote that has been in love.
AwesomeMullet69 2 years ago 13
holy shit.
whoa...what a great song
septip123 2 years ago
Robert Wadlow was indeed a gentle giant and lived a reamarkable but short life!! This song is bad ass!!!
Jwillett86 3 years ago