One of the greatest singer/songwriters of his or any generation. See him in person if you can; his live performances are deep celebrations of our common humanity and music that touches the heart, and makes it laugh, cry, and soar.
You said it. You don't hear music this good on the radio unless they have a program and special guest Thanks for posting these clips of him performing.
It’s 2021 and I’ve only discovered Chris Smither this year! My sister included his version of Killing the Blues on a play list for me. And my journey started then. He is stunning. I must’ve listened to this 100 times already. And I cannot wait for an opportunity to use those words ... I’m not a passenger, I am the ride! 😉
I first heard this song one morning while on my way to work. The song ended and the station launched into another song, so it took me a while to find out who did it and its title. There isn't a week goes by I do not play this song. When I do play it, often it's two or three times, as I find it so prophetic, I never seem to tire of it.
same in 2022. the poetry of this song... i mean i live by the words, i have for a while now. but it is nice to hear somebody put it into words like this.
have you heard his song, called something like “i’ve got no love today”? its really really great, go and youtube that one if you have not heard it. several versions but do the long one as he explains the whole story about it before singing it. its a similar beat and sound but even better than this one.
For a guy who doesn't seem to know exactly what he thinks when it comes to religions and the spiritual side of life, Chris writes songs with a mystical quality to them that surpasses nearly everything else out there.
If I could only put on here how much stuff his music has gotten me through. It's beautifully amazing! On point, so powerful with so much meaning behind every word. It's a shame that this kind of music is not recognized more often in this day and age of music.
@Evan Hodge Who invited you to the party? Go away. This whole thought process in today's world that people can't feel the same thing is a virus. Kinda how I imagine you in real life, a virus. What's to say that 10 years ago I felt this song like no other and to me it was "on point". More than ever now I miss music like this and hate people even more that are like you. Go back to your mumble rap and settle down.
wow, thats an old video and he is much younger looking there. hubby and i love this man, he is so good and humble. heard him on the radio one day, got his cd’s and then saw him at Wolf Trap in Va a number of years ago. was a blast.
Brilliant musician. Sort of glad he is still under radar. Makes me feel he is my gem. I know it's selfish. Just like big star was my band, but they sort of exploded. Still love them though.
Chris Smither's lyrics are greater than the sum of their parts. It's like he knows more about the words he chooses than just their spelling and definitions. There is so much meaning behind each line, and it shouldn't be possible to be that deep, that when you understand, you cry. The life he has lived must have been adventurous.
@richardcorysghost You know, I think Chris is pretty happy with how it's been working out for him. I've had the singular pleasure of talking to him after some of his gigs in Ireland - especially when he'd come down to play a pub in a wee village the night before playing a much larger venue in Dublin - and he's such a down-to-earth gentleman. He's said that he only writes and records so he can hit the road and play to his audience. Legend.
I'm grateful to a wonderful friend who has excellent and eclectic musical tastes for giving me this link. I wasn't familiar with Chris before, and now I'm ready to check out more of his music. Thanks for sharing this video, BristolRon. Happy New Year!
My wife and I planned our honeymoon around Chris's tour schedule in 1995. It was the first of 2 shows at the Left Bank Cafe in Blue Hill Maine on August 9 where, chatting with with Chris before the show, we first learned that Jerry Garcia had passed away that morning. (Our other favorite guitar player.) We suggested he dedicate a song during his set and "I Am the Ride" is what he played and, damn, did he nail it. I still often weep when I hear it and will take the memory of that evening to my grave.
Forms are loosely fitting Jury still are sitting Sense of duty keeps us all in motion Prison sirens wailing That security is failing Do not inspire a lifetime of devotion No one will sympathize No one really tries They need a faith that leads them like a drum And I can hear it pounding down among the ruins Sad to say, I don't think I'm the only one. I awoke and someone spoke They asked me in a whisper If all my dreams and visions had been answered And I don't know what to say I never even pray I just feel the pulse of universal dancers They'll waltz me till I die They'll never tell me why I never stop to ask them where we're going Yes, but the holy, the profane Are all helplessly insane Wishful, hopeful, never even knowing. And they asked if I believe And do the angels really grieve Or is it all a comforting invention? It's just like gravity, I said It's not a product of my head It doesn't speak, but nonetheless commands attention And I don't care what it means Or who decorates the scenes The problem is more with my sense of pride Because it keeps me thinking "me" Instead of what it is to be I'm not a passenger, I am the ride I'm not a passenger I am the ride
Es usted un excelente músico, la primera vez que lo escuche estaba frete a una fogata y tuve la oportunidad de escucharlo, es usted de esos artistas que cantan con el corazón y llegan a las personas en momentos especiales, dios le bendiga Mr. Smither. You are an excellent musician, the first time I heard you I was going to a campfire and I had the opportunity to listen to you, you are one of those artists who sing with their hearts and reach people in special moments, God bless Mr. Smither. Hernan Barona F. Veracruz. México.
Worldhiker,You're spot on! But the masses don't know about this artist, and that's fine. Personally, I don't want him playing massive venues, charging four/five times what we pay now, and having to shove my way through packed stadia and not be able to hear a lot of his guitar playing cause some idiot behind is nattering the whole way through the show! Every success short of mainstream Chris! Fans love you the way you are!
And Drake earns multi millions , SMH. What a shame . Chris Smither , profound lyrics , outstanding guitar work . 😢I marvel every time I hear this song.
One of the greatest singer/songwriters of his or any generation. See him in person if you can; his live performances are deep celebrations of our common humanity and music that touches the heart, and makes it laugh, cry, and soar.
You said it. You don't hear music this good on the radio unless they have a program and special guest Thanks for posting these clips of him performing.
Lol, I was thinking the same thing in my head before I clicked on the comments .
It's 2023 and still love this man
It’s 2021 and I’ve only discovered Chris Smither this year! My sister included his version of Killing the Blues on a play list for me. And my journey started then. He is stunning. I must’ve listened to this 100 times already. And I cannot wait for an opportunity to use those words ... I’m not a passenger, I am the ride! 😉
I first heard this song one morning while on my way to work. The song ended and the station launched into another song, so it took me a while to find out who did it and its title. There isn't a week goes by I do not play this song. When I do play it, often it's two or three times, as I find it so prophetic, I never seem to tire of it.
same in 2022. the poetry of this song... i mean i live by the words, i have for a while now. but it is nice to hear somebody put it into words like this.
have you heard his song, called something like “i’ve got no love today”? its really really great, go and youtube that one if you have not heard it. several versions but do the long one as he explains the whole story about it before singing it. its a similar beat and sound but even better than this one.
I discovered this song, what....15, 20 years ago. I liked it then, periodically binge play it and think it is so prophetic. BHE
For a guy who doesn't seem to know exactly what he thinks when it comes to religions and the spiritual side of life, Chris writes songs with a mystical quality to them that surpasses nearly everything else out there.
+St. Hugh Well said
I would say it borders on the metaphysical nuances that so many people notice, and feel, but can't quite put their finger on.
Chris is one of the best musicians I've heard. Not only is his guitar exceptional, but also his lyrics powerful. This song proves the point.
Simply profound.This man is a gift.
If I could only put on here how much stuff his music has gotten me through. It's beautifully amazing! On point, so powerful with so much meaning behind every word. It's a shame that this kind of music is not recognized more often in this day and age of music.
@Evan Hodge Who invited you to the party? Go away. This whole thought process in today's world that people can't feel the same thing is a virus. Kinda how I imagine you in real life, a virus. What's to say that 10 years ago I felt this song like no other and to me it was "on point". More than ever now I miss music like this and hate people even more that are like you. Go back to your mumble rap and settle down.
Wow. How is this guy not more well known?
I love this type of art
wow, thats an old video and he is much younger looking there. hubby and i love this man, he is so good and humble. heard him on the radio one day, got his cd’s and then saw him at Wolf Trap in Va a number of years ago. was a blast.
His signature song. Perfection. Superb.
Simply - profound. Great Musician and Superb Wordsmith.
Wow, he is amazing. There ain't no other like Chris smither!!
"I'm not a passenger, I am the ride" Woah man this guy can write lyrics like nobody's business!
exactly my thought ... wanted to quote here some part of this poem, but it is just the thing as a whole that is magical.
Brilliant musician. Sort of glad he is still under radar. Makes me feel he is my gem. I know it's selfish. Just like big star was my band, but they sort of exploded. Still love them though.
Astounding song. No better lyricist than Chris.
Have to agree, but Tom Waits is a tie lyrically
Chris Smither's lyrics are greater than the sum of their parts. It's like he knows more about the words he chooses than just their spelling and definitions. There is so much meaning behind each line, and it shouldn't be possible to be that deep, that when you understand, you cry.
The life he has lived must have been adventurous.
What a talented artist! Thank you for posting
HOW COULD SIX PEOPLE NOT LIKE....?
AMAZING.
Only answer I can think of is video quality , only logical thing it could be
In any group you will always find some who will not like a particular song, but THAT'S alright....Leaves more for me!
Great ...First time I have seen him Play "I am the Ride"....Thanks Ron
Respect to one of my best Inspirer.
Because it keeps me thinking "me"
Instead of what it is to be
M.ibrahim Shatshat agenda chris smither
Frans Weseman Sorry i didn't get exactly what you mean, at the moment my English language is kind of rusty . Thanks for your comments
@richardcorysghost You know, I think Chris is pretty happy with how it's been working out for him. I've had the singular pleasure of talking to him after some of his gigs in Ireland - especially when he'd come down to play a pub in a wee village the night before playing a much larger venue in Dublin - and he's such a down-to-earth gentleman. He's said that he only writes and records so he can hit the road and play to his audience. Legend.
I'm grateful to a wonderful friend who has excellent and eclectic musical tastes for giving me this link. I wasn't familiar with Chris before, and now I'm ready to check out more of his music. Thanks for sharing this video, BristolRon. Happy New Year!
Damn, and I thought I was the one. ;-)
My wife and I planned our honeymoon around Chris's tour schedule in 1995. It was the first of 2 shows at the Left Bank Cafe in Blue Hill Maine on August 9 where, chatting with with Chris before the show, we first learned that Jerry Garcia had passed away that morning. (Our other favorite guitar player.) We suggested he dedicate a song during his set and "I Am the Ride" is what he played and, damn, did he nail it. I still often weep when I hear it and will take the memory of that evening to my grave.
Forms are loosely fitting
Jury still are sitting
Sense of duty keeps us all in motion
Prison sirens wailing
That security is failing
Do not inspire a lifetime of devotion
No one will sympathize
No one really tries
They need a faith that leads them like a drum
And I can hear it pounding down among the ruins
Sad to say, I don't think I'm the only one.
I awoke and someone spoke
They asked me in a whisper
If all my dreams and visions had been answered
And I don't know what to say
I never even pray
I just feel the pulse of universal dancers
They'll waltz me till I die
They'll never tell me why
I never stop to ask them where we're going
Yes, but the holy, the profane
Are all helplessly insane
Wishful, hopeful, never even knowing.
And they asked if I believe
And do the angels really grieve
Or is it all a comforting invention?
It's just like gravity, I said
It's not a product of my head
It doesn't speak, but nonetheless commands attention
And I don't care what it means
Or who decorates the scenes
The problem is more with my sense of pride
Because it keeps me thinking "me"
Instead of what it is to be
I'm not a passenger, I am the ride
I'm not a passenger
I am the ride
Es usted un excelente músico, la primera vez que lo escuche estaba frete a una fogata y tuve la oportunidad de escucharlo, es usted de esos artistas que cantan con el corazón y llegan a las personas en momentos especiales, dios le bendiga Mr. Smither.
You are an excellent musician, the first time I heard you I was going to a campfire and I had the opportunity to listen to you, you are one of those artists who sing with their hearts and reach people in special moments, God bless Mr. Smither.
Hernan Barona F.
Veracruz. México.
Love Chrii!
Legend.
cool, brought myself a yairi yd88 the other week, that's how to play the thing
Great picker!
Worldhiker,You're spot on! But the masses don't know about this artist, and that's fine. Personally, I don't want him playing massive venues, charging four/five times what we pay now, and having to shove my way through packed stadia and not be able to hear a lot of his guitar playing cause some idiot behind is nattering the whole way through the show! Every success short of mainstream Chris! Fans love you the way you are!
How apropos to our current social unrest.
FYI fans, he will be in St Louis at The Focal Point in Oct...
Very Nick Drake... But that isn't a criticism. It's wonderful. :-D
And Drake earns multi millions , SMH. What a shame . Chris Smither , profound lyrics , outstanding guitar work . 😢I marvel every time I hear this song.
I miss seeing him playing his trademark blue alvarez even though the collings sounds better.
Absolutely lovely. Here is a 2020 version recorded a couple of days ago.
czcams.com/video/k6o93qKqTxU/video.html
Be safe
as good a writer as Dylan imo
Great picker!