I've been doing a once a week radio show for 30 some odd years. On Christmas Eve 2009, I knew through the network that Vic was closing in on the end of his life and was about to die. I was on the air that night and finished my show with "See You Around." On Christmas morning I received the news that his life was over. There's that 'thing' about music and art and poetry when one can, through the words of others, fly close to that bright and frightening source of all that is...the beauty and horror of life on earth. In a quiet way, I think Vic showed us how to fly closer to the light and not melt our wings. I'm very grateful for what he gave us!
It is a very strange feeling to realise how fragile living really is. And it can be difficult for us to think about it. I think this life is not about us and our existence is not what we want it to be. But even tho no one can proof what life is really meant for, i am happy to be here. And i am happy to be able to experience my pain because it gives the good things meaning.. It is very possible that my life experiences are worth nothing and will be forgotten when im gone. ( luckily i have shared some of them here on the for ever existing internet ) This subject is probably just hard to think about because we as humans want to have reasons for everything to make our struggles seem like there not for nothing. But what if life is not about anything at all? What if its all just in your head? If that is the case, just enjoy whatever your life is because it truly only matters to you until your gone.
Rest in peace Vic, I hope it was a sweet release...just discovered your music. So you aren't really dead... You only truely die when the last person don't speak your name out anymore,i believe you still have a lot of time in our hearts
Was für eine Stimme! Ich habe ihn für mich entdeckt durch Howe Gelb. Ey wie geil ist das denn? So tolle Lyrics die einem eine Gänsehaut über den Rücken jagen. Ruhe in Frieden Vic Chesnutt, die Besten gehen zu früh. Ich bin ein paar Monate älter als Du und sehe dem Rollstuhl entgegen auf Grund einer Rückenmarkserkrankung.
Yeah, killed himself cos he was so in debt from medical bills. God bless 'Murica, where people look out for each oth...ooops.....themselves. Societal Murder. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vic_Chesnutt#Death
Released in September '09 this song about not being ready to kill himself, and then he killed himself Christmas day '09. I cried and cried that Christmas. Ugly crying.
Wow once in a life time performance. So tragic that he is passed. He kind of reminds me Daniel Johnston...the every man...the guy next door singer song writer. I love you Vic thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your music and story helped me when 2 of my bro-in laws each suffered traumatic brain injuries months apart. One from a car wreck, the second from multiple brainstem strokes. They are not as mobile or independent as Vic in this video but they are fighting! Thank you Vic for giving me hope. RIP God Bless You Vic Chesnutt
Wow, with him being gone, what added meaning to such a hauntingly honest and beautiful song on one of the hardest aspects we come to face in the amazing gift of life but a gift that doesn’t come without deep tragedy and hard felt sorrow.
I didn't know about VIc Chestnut until I heard the Terry Gross interview in December 2009, and was blown away by this song. The shock came soon after. Every time I listen to this song it reminds me that life is fragile, and so are people. Still, in some way the song is very empowering. Hope you found peace. Thank you.
I also found out about him from that interview. I got that album for Christmas that year. It was probably a year later that I found out he died on the day I received and listened to my first album of his.
Its a crime that Vic isnt better known here in the UK. I first heard this song while post-seizural and immediately mail ordered a copy. I got two by accident! I was unaware of the video- but recommended VIc to my psychologist, who when I next saw him, told ME about it. It took me weeks to work up the courage to watch it. Transcendent. I gave my extra CD to my psychologist. We should all do our best to make others aware of his work.
That is a VERY interesting observation. It made me go search the lyrics on a few sites and covers and sure enough, every other version I can find ends, as you say, with "...Oh death, oh death, oh death. Clearly I'm not ready." This performance and his legacy have stuck with me (I was there operating a camera and share 'directing' and producer credits with John Mills). I know I never noticed that before and I don't recall John long time fan and the reason we shot the Vic show (I think we 'stole it' from Amigos locally, with their consent and cooperation) mentioning it. Food for thought.
When you hear it and suddenly you know, you are not alone ... this song is full of life and yet kind of embracing the death. You know, there are coming better times.
It's pointless to try to explain a monumental song like this, immortal in every detail. Smiling and waving at dear Mr Chesnutt. May I compliment the production team as well, who have shot and edited the performance to perfection.
Absolutely beautiful performance. Amazing song and amazing writer. (And what an amazing surprise to see the great Guy Picciotto playing alongside Vic on this, that smooth e-bow on the Rickenbacker. And if you're not familiar with Guy's work, check it out, your life is about to change...)
Thank you for sharing this performance. I had the great fortune and privilege to see him at Hull Adelphi UK in “94. I can’t watch this performance without tears rolling. Taken from this cruel world much to soon. May there be peace in your sleep now.
Late October. One a.m. The gray days before the time change. I played this song because I liked "Everything I Say." I was expecting a ballad to some fat chick at the bar. Instead I find Vic singing the soundtrack to my life. Incredible song. Righteous performance. Thanks Vic and the neighbors dog. JfromOH
Of the many beautiful songs of vic chesnutt this one is desperatingly sublime I love you so much Vic wherever your sweet and demanding soul is wandering.
So wait...I got Death Cab for Cutie's, The Georgia EP, and liked the next from the last song on there. Listened to it a few times. I just hopped on RUclips, to share the song onto my FB, and the video underneath Death Cab's version is one by Bright Eyes, so I go ok cool Ben and company must be covering a Bright Eyes song, not surprising since they also covered TLC's Waterfalls on that project. I read comments, under Bright Eye's video, and they're giving praise to a Mr. Chesnutt. I go wait, so I head over to Wikipedia and skim the Bright Eyes band and there's no mention of a Vic Chesnutt in that band. I go back to RUclips, scroll down a second and what would you know, this video is right there. I say all that to say both Bright Eyes and DCFC covered this beautiful song. Talent knows talent.
hadn't known about Vic, truly sounds like an amazing artist who I will definitely be checking out now. reading his wikipedia page on his death, seems even more tragic. he apparently was in great debt and had medical problems that he could not afford to take care of, from what i can tell. :(
Intentamos olvidar cada día que la muerte nos acompaña antes incluso de repasar la agenda. Perderle el miedo, no el respeto, es un trabajo duro, considerando las ideas religiosas y sociales que recibimos en nuestra educación. Y sigue estando allí, como la única certeza absoluta de toda nuestra existencia. Integrarla, amarla como a una hermana, no es sino aprender a valorar la vida, a no aceptar vivir a cualquier costo, en cualquier condición. A defender eso, que depende de nosotros, nuestra felicidad consciente cada segundo que nuestra hermana nos regala. Y finalizar agradecidos de esta experiencia humana en el suspiro final.
Leí tu observación con solemne gratitud. Hermosa y profunda expresión. Gracias. Te recomiendo la nueva canción de MGMT, Loss of Life. Tiene mucha similitud a tu mensaje. Saludos.
@@nateb70226 Muchísimas gracias por este regalo, aprecio mucho tu gesto, y me ha gustado mucho la canción. También me permito recomendarte escuchar el álbum homónimo de Mark Hollis, que tiene destellos acerca del mismo tema. Saludos!
Can anyone verify the location where this was filmed? It looks like Gusto House in the East Village NYC. This version of his masterpiece song is perhaps the best I’ve heard. At once hopeful and hopeless, Vic comforts and disturbs us in equal measure simultaneously. He was brilliant.
The way he doesn't say I'm not ready at the end in this gets me every time
One the greatest songs written in the last 20 years.
Total agree.
Criminally underrated.
Easily...easily.
Stunner.
I've been doing a once a week radio show for 30 some odd years. On Christmas Eve 2009, I knew through the network that Vic was closing in on the end of his life and was about to die. I was on the air that night and finished my show with "See You Around." On Christmas morning I received the news that his life was over. There's that 'thing' about music and art and poetry when one can, through the words of others, fly close to that bright and frightening source of all that is...the beauty and horror of life on earth. In a quiet way, I think Vic showed us how to fly closer to the light and not melt our wings.
I'm very grateful for what he gave us!
Merriment
Just randomly read your lovely words and get the same feeling every time I listen to Vic
@@monnesanno Thanks Paul. I wrote that in a momentary spasm of emotional inspiration! Cheers!
@@sarahmobius5808 A pleasure Sarah! Thank you!
It is a very strange feeling to realise how fragile living really is. And it can be difficult for us to think about it.
I think this life is not about us and our existence is not what we want it to be.
But even tho no one can proof what life is really meant for, i am happy to be here. And i am happy to be able to experience my pain because it gives the good things meaning..
It is very possible that my life experiences are worth nothing and will be forgotten when im gone.
( luckily i have shared some of them here on the for ever existing internet )
This subject is probably just hard to think about because we as humans want to have reasons for everything to make our struggles seem like there not for nothing.
But what if life is not about anything at all? What if its all just in your head?
If that is the case, just enjoy whatever your life is because it truly only matters to you until your gone.
Rest in peace Vic, I hope it was a sweet release...just discovered your music.
So you aren't really dead... You only truely die when the last person don't speak your name out anymore,i believe you still have a lot of time in our hearts
hey mr chill time to let you know it's come out his death was caused by health insurers. Do with that what you will.
@Folsomdsf2 i know, its sad
What a beautiful song, Vic deserves so much more recognition of his talent.
I think of him every Christmas.
Me too, me too
yes indeed
Me too. He was special
Me too.
This is surely one of the best songs of the last century
one of the most beautiful songs written......
Thank you bright eyes for introducing me to this masterpiece
🖤♥️
same
Vic is great; I’d encourage you to check out some of his stuff. I had no idea Bright Eyes covered this song until just now.
This network of musicians is insane....like a gold mine of human expression
You found it on your own, friend. You've found it on your own.
It's insane how perfect this is.
29 yrs of existence and i m discovering this genius of a singer and songwriter today..shame on me !! RIP Vic n thank u reddit..!
..and I have just discovered him now too. I missed something incredible while he was with us!
Was für eine Stimme! Ich habe ihn für mich entdeckt durch Howe Gelb. Ey wie geil ist das denn? So tolle Lyrics die einem eine Gänsehaut über den Rücken jagen. Ruhe in Frieden Vic Chesnutt, die Besten gehen zu früh. Ich bin ein paar Monate älter als Du und sehe dem Rollstuhl entgegen auf Grund einer Rückenmarkserkrankung.
One of the saddest songs ever...Rest in peace Vic.
Yeah, killed himself cos he was so in debt from medical bills. God bless 'Murica, where people look out for each oth...ooops.....themselves. Societal Murder. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vic_Chesnutt#Death
Released in September '09 this song about not being ready to kill himself, and then he killed himself Christmas day '09. I cried and cried that Christmas. Ugly crying.
I find it to be comforting. But yes it is indeed sad. What a great artist.
Wow once in a life time performance. So tragic that he is passed. He kind of reminds me Daniel Johnston...the every man...the guy next door singer song writer. I love you Vic thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your music and story helped me when 2 of my bro-in laws each suffered traumatic brain injuries months apart. One from a car wreck, the second from multiple brainstem strokes. They are not as mobile or independent as Vic in this video but they are fighting!
Thank you Vic for giving me hope. RIP God Bless You
Vic Chesnutt
Wow, with him being gone, what added meaning to such a hauntingly honest and beautiful song on one of the hardest aspects we come to face in the amazing gift of life but a gift that doesn’t come without deep tragedy and hard felt sorrow.
I didn't know about VIc Chestnut until I heard the Terry Gross interview in December 2009, and was blown away by this song. The shock came soon after. Every time I listen to this song it reminds me that life is fragile, and so are people. Still, in some way the song is very empowering. Hope you found peace. Thank you.
I also found out about him from that interview. I got that album for Christmas that year. It was probably a year later that I found out he died on the day I received and listened to my first album of his.
"If the audience isn't into it I feel like I suck. But if the audience is into it..."
Truer words never before spoken
Since 2006-7ish I’ve been discovering more of your music. I hated hearing of your death, but I haven’t quit searching you to this day…
This song is always so rough. RIP Vic.
Its a crime that Vic isnt better known here in the UK. I first heard this song while post-seizural and immediately mail ordered a copy. I got two by accident! I was unaware of the video- but recommended VIc to my psychologist, who when I next saw him, told ME about it. It took me weeks to work up the courage to watch it. Transcendent.
I gave my extra CD to my psychologist. We should all do our best to make others aware of his work.
I was lucky enough to see him once
I’m crying after watching this
God damn do I miss you, Vic.
He didn't even say the "i'm not ready" at the end in this performance.. he was ready. RIP
That is a VERY interesting observation. It made me go search the lyrics on a few sites and covers and sure enough, every other version I can find ends, as you say, with "...Oh death, oh death, oh death. Clearly I'm not ready." This performance and his legacy have stuck with me (I was there operating a camera and share 'directing' and producer credits with John Mills). I know I never noticed that before and I don't recall John long time fan and the reason we shot the Vic show (I think we 'stole it' from Amigos locally, with their consent and cooperation) mentioning it. Food for thought.
I love you Vic, wherever you are.
Some of the best live shows of my life included Vic. Thank goodness. 🎉
When you hear it and suddenly you know, you are not alone ... this song is full of life and yet kind of embracing the death. You know, there are coming better times.
Absolutely floored by this. Humans are remarkable.
It has been an honor to play that man's music on the radio.
Sadly, one time he was ready. Thank you for the music, Vic.-
Worthwhile to be sure. I cry anytime I listen. A beautiful person.
Will i be 80 years old at 7am on my back porch screaming this song.
I will come to see you screaming at that time..
I'm sure I can learn the chords for this by then in case u want a backing track
Thank you!
-buys enormous ear trumpet-
Bought
how is this not the most famous song in the world
Literaly everyone will relate to this in time.
It's pointless to try to explain a monumental song like this, immortal in every detail. Smiling and waving at dear Mr Chesnutt.
May I compliment the production team as well, who have shot and edited the performance to perfection.
I love sad songs and ballads 😢 like this: but they have to be true. And I love my own tears for the singer.
Probably one of the immensely sad and heartbreaking songs ever written. Sadly he was an underrated artist who passed away.
Wow , Im crying just introduced through a jason isbell song he covered ...Beautiful . Rest in peace brother ...Run with the ancestors
Bright Eyes - Flirted with you all my life is such a great tribute to this great human being! Tears is my eyes.
Met Mr. VIC Chessnut Twice. Love all his Songs Especially Merriment
watched all the covers and finally watched this and I'm not sure I was given an emotion that would explain how this hit me. Damn.
Great song!
we all miss Vic. what a wonderful artist
Absolutely beautiful performance. Amazing song and amazing writer. (And what an amazing surprise to see the great Guy Picciotto playing alongside Vic on this, that smooth e-bow on the Rickenbacker. And if you're not familiar with Guy's work, check it out, your life is about to change...)
A truly poignant and beautiful song
Thank you for sharing this performance. I had the great fortune and privilege to see him at Hull Adelphi UK in “94. I can’t watch this performance without tears rolling. Taken from this cruel world much to soon. May there be peace in your sleep now.
I would love to have this played at my funeral
I play this song for my mom and she’s made me promise to play it at hers. Not sure I’ll be able to get through it, but I’ll certainly try for her.
Such soul in this whole performance. More valuable than perfection!
This song hit home for me. I love Vics music. I think this may be one of my favorite songs ever.
I am so happy I got to see you 3 times and gave you my heart hoping you would know your music was blowing minds all around us
My treasured undercover Buddhist,Mr Vic Chesnutt
Late October. One a.m. The gray days before the time change. I played this song because I liked "Everything I Say." I was expecting a ballad to some fat chick at the bar. Instead I find Vic singing the soundtrack to my life. Incredible song. Righteous performance. Thanks Vic and the neighbors dog. JfromOH
Turned onto this guy by Ed Brubaker, a great writer who mentions him in a fantastic graphic novel called "All My Heroes Are Junkies." R. I. P. Vic
Vic... you express our emotions for us.
Of the many beautiful songs of vic chesnutt this one is desperatingly sublime I love you so much Vic wherever your sweet and demanding soul is wandering.
Have just worked backwards through Death Cab for Cutie, to David Bazan, to this. What a song. Chills.
I went from death cab to bright eyes to this
One of the most moving songs I have ever heard.
Miss you, Vic ♥️
Vic, you are greatly missed, such a talent, such a songwriter, a singer, what a voice!
Why has the rest of creation not heard of him?/
Masterpiece
Miss this guy a lot
Beautiful human being
Merci Vic. I love this song!
Finally! A new performance of mr Chesnutt! Thank you!
One of the best. I hope he's making awesome music somewhere with Mark Linkous.
Oh, Vic...
Thanks NG!
Me about to listen to this song: I’m definitely not going to cry this time.
Me 2 minutes in: Fuck.
Yeah absolutely weeping intermittently thruout
So wait...I got Death Cab for Cutie's, The Georgia EP, and liked the next from the last song on there. Listened to it a few times. I just hopped on RUclips, to share the song onto my FB, and the video underneath Death Cab's version is one by Bright Eyes, so I go ok cool Ben and company must be covering a Bright Eyes song, not surprising since they also covered TLC's Waterfalls on that project.
I read comments, under Bright Eye's video, and they're giving praise to a Mr. Chesnutt. I go wait, so I head over to Wikipedia and skim the Bright Eyes band and there's no mention of a Vic Chesnutt in that band. I go back to RUclips, scroll down a second and what would you know, this video is right there.
I say all that to say both Bright Eyes and DCFC covered this beautiful song. Talent knows talent.
He wrote songs for a lot of bands. I remember he wrote a lot for Widespread Panic.
hadn't known about Vic, truly sounds like an amazing artist who I will definitely be checking out now. reading his wikipedia page on his death, seems even more tragic. he apparently was in great debt and had medical problems that he could not afford to take care of, from what i can tell. :(
Came here from a Cowboy Junkies cover of Vic's song. I feel like you either love Vic, or leave him alone.
i love you, vic ❤
.. In loving memory...
Saw him in Winnipeg the day before this gig.
what a great great song..
I love you brother.
LIVE ON VIC TILL VALHALLA 💐 💐 💐
Thank you for uploading this. I needed a good cry.
Guy Picciotto is in the band, in case you did not notice. Beautiful and touching song. Rest in Peace sweet soul.
Thanks :)
God bless you Vic
OH JESSUS I AM READY.
Amazing song and crew
Que lindo, gracias por compartir.
Miss you Vic
"I feel like yarrhhh" ♡
Un pezzo musicale di geniale Tristesse sublime ciao pino e margherita
Please God be easy on his soul.
So so good.
Yeah we are into it
Como no amar a Vic...
Thanks, Vic❤
I feel this song was written to me; powerful and almost like a mantra of resistance cause living is that.
He made everyone in the room uncomfortable. Bravo. Good job Vic.
That was dope
Intentamos olvidar cada día que la muerte nos acompaña antes incluso de repasar la agenda. Perderle el miedo, no el respeto, es un trabajo duro, considerando las ideas religiosas y sociales que recibimos en nuestra educación. Y sigue estando allí, como la única certeza absoluta de toda nuestra existencia. Integrarla, amarla como a una hermana, no es sino aprender a valorar la vida, a no aceptar vivir a cualquier costo, en cualquier condición. A defender eso, que depende de nosotros, nuestra felicidad consciente cada segundo que nuestra hermana nos regala. Y finalizar agradecidos de esta experiencia humana en el suspiro final.
Leí tu observación con solemne gratitud. Hermosa y profunda expresión. Gracias. Te recomiendo la nueva canción de MGMT, Loss of Life. Tiene mucha similitud a tu mensaje. Saludos.
@@nateb70226 Muchísimas gracias por este regalo, aprecio mucho tu gesto, y me ha gustado mucho la canción. También me permito recomendarte escuchar el álbum homónimo de Mark Hollis, que tiene destellos acerca del mismo tema. Saludos!
Not crying you are
I hate that you decided that you were ready, because your fans were not. So much emotion in your music. Thank you for what you left us with,Vic.
About as honest as one can be..
Maaaaaaaaaaan 🙌🏻
Grande
Can anyone verify the location where this was filmed? It looks like Gusto House in the East Village NYC. This version of his masterpiece song is perhaps the best I’ve heard. At once hopeful and hopeless, Vic comforts and disturbs us in equal measure simultaneously. He was brilliant.
Copland Crescent house, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada
But u made her beg for it... very sad and very true
loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee descansa em paz