The average person really doesn't get how great he is. He is a master songwriter. His raw and edgy delivery and kentucky accent make his music brilliant. I got to meet him and hang out with him and Birmingham Alabama at Workplay theater. He's just a real guy loaded with Talent. I told him he was the reason I started songwriting and pursue my career in music. He was very humbled. He wished me the best and that meant a lot.
Still listen to this song a lot. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to this in my car in tears sipping down a beer before I go inside and pretend I’m fine
Chris Knight is a raw powerhouse singer, song writer, story teller, performer, talented guitar player all rolled into one man. Perhaps one of Country Music's best ever ! He does his thing with or without Nashville's approval, blessing, or endorsements. He has earned my respect for that and is a real deal dude of a man ! Thank you Chris Knight for sharing your Music sir !
To all the people who get up every day, make an honest living doing a hard job for low pay, while loving and providing for your family, walking that line for them, all while trying to figure out how to get a sliver of your own dreams to come true, you are heroes in this pathetic materialistic corrupt empty barrel society. Don’t ever forget that no matter what.
I have almost all of his albums,great stuff! He's too good for country radio. Comparing him to Jason Aldean is like having a seven course meal next to a lunchable. Chris Knight is the seven course meal,the real deal.
Edward Nethery, The stories are not so short. It's just that he manages to tell them in a 4 minute song to get them into your ear. And then the rest of them unfold themselves inside your head.
I'm ashamed to say that until recently I didn't know anything about chris knight. And this guys been around for a long time apparently. I grew up and live in Kentucky and come from a country family but I disregarded country music a long time ago, thinking it was little more than pop music with shiny boots and a manufactured southern drawl. I have rarely heard as soulful a singer or better songwriter/storyteller. Thank you chris for renewing my faith in country music!
My great grandmother was a host at the women’s prison in peewee valley for 25 years after killing her husband! So my family is familiar with being locked up In LaGrange!!!!!
This is the song that really made me pick up a pen and paper and guitar. The man is ranked up in the upper echelons of song writing history. He writes so close to millions of Americans life’s and relates to the Americana soul in such a unique and charismatic way. I’ll be going to see him live tonight for the 4th time. Each time, after every show, he goes down and meets his fans and signs his memorabilia for them.
This is what country music is supposed to be. It's truly sad that you won't hear this guy or anything like this on country radio. Speaking of country radio, listen to AM Country Heaven, it's about the truth :)
Danielle Watson Also listen to WDVX-FM which streams their station at www.wdvx.com It is a great, totally independent station in the Knoxville, TN area playing mostly Americana music, but also other sorts of independent, "alt music." A great station---"East Tennessee's Own----WDVX……." Give it a try…..
I do believe that Chris knight is one of the best song writers of all time... When I head him sing about my home town it blew me away.. This in turn inspired me to start writing music.. So thanks Chris knight
I've come back to this every once in a while over the years. I've actually forgotten his name a few times and had to search. Such a great song and such a great performance.
I grew up near where Chris is from (Webster County, KY.) and have those people who "work for the city, county " in my history. After all my years in the US military, this still hits home .
HUGE talent, HUGE talent. I swear to god Chris is the most underrated song writer of the past 50 years. He is my second favorite song writer, first being Jason Isbell. If you have never heard of Jason Isbell, do yourself a favor and go check him out cause you in for a treat man!
what if performances and writting in country music was this good all the time? There are so many drones out there all sounding like "nothing". How is this guy not been more played?
It's just too damn bad that country music radio don't play stuff like this, Hank III, and Whitey Morgan. They are too damn good to not have the recognition that they deserve. One hell of a song, one hell of an artist. What a shame.
Chris Knight is an awesome storyteller! BTW, is it bad that we find his music so dear to our hearts, here in Kentucky, we cannot resist the urge to sing along, very loudly! Great singer songwriter with a voice as gritty as some of the folks who find themselves in his character studies. He is also generous with his time and kind to his fans.
All great music is soul music. I’m so thankful to have spent many late knights at Chris’ shows. From New Braunfels to Nashville, full band to solo, opener to headliner...pure soul. Thank you to all artists willing to bare it.
Obviously much better than radio country. Radio country is built for drunk girls and guys to sing at the bar. The content of Mr. Knight's songs are not so easily palpable for the uncultured music listener. There's no cliche here, just heart wrenching life experience. Ive met Chris for a brief moment, he's the real deal.
Jesse Renfrew Yeah--Chris Knight writes REAL MUSIC that reflects the REAL LIVES of REAL PEOPLE, with all the messiness that entails, especially in these "times gone mean.' No empty flag waving, boys in their hats and their spanking new, raised up Chevy Silverados going to party with the Daisy Duke wearing "country honey" booty girls in their mid riff baring flannel shirts and cowboy boots who are all hotter than hell giving pouty poses and shaking their booties,( as good as they might look)---that is not the reality of most people who are "country." These days out in the hinter lands, many of those people are lucky they have a pot to piss in and they are even at an early age, getting heavy because they can only afford to eat "cheap food" and if the guy is lucky enough to have a truck--its not a new fancy one---it is a 1999 beater Chevy, Ford or Dodge, being held together with "duct tape and bailing wire." Chris Knight sings songs about people who live in places like "an oil patch town" not the rich 'burbs of cities like Louisville, Charlotte, Nashville, etc.
I heard "Rita's Only Fault" about 5 months ago on the Campus Radio Station in Raleigh NC and it was such a PILE DRIVER that I pulled off the road to listen to it. I thought "who IS this guy?" Fortunately WKNC has an online component and you can get the playlist. I have since become a huge huge fan.
I love Chris Knight and his music---back in mid-April I saw him do a show solo at a cool but appropriately, "divey" venue called Oddbody's in Dayton, Ohio. He had four or five guitars with him on the stage----but in that roughly two hours he played---he only used two of his acoustic Gibsons, tuning them up or down, putting Capos on as needed to play each song and other than (for a time) some assholes who were there more to socialize with the rest of those at their tables, he just didn't pay a lick of attention and just played through many of the songs in his songbook. Once the rude idiots gave up and either left or went to the back of the bar, it was great. There were maybe a hundred people, who got close to the stage and we all just watched and listened to Chris go play his music. After the show---I did ask him if he was working on any new material for a new release and he said that he has some songs he is working on, hoping to get into the studio either later this year or early next to cut another "album." I sure hope that this is true. While I love all of Chris' past work, I am ready for some new stuff--my god there has been some great new music coming out by artists of all sorts and new people coming on the scene playing "Americana/Outlaw Music" lately.
I do love "Down the River" as does my sister and me Mam. All of us are from Lancashire in the North West of England and we really wish he'd come to England for just one gig. In the meantime we're saving to travel to the U.S. purely to listen to the guy.
Just saw him for the 1st time in Kansas City >>>shout out 2 KNUCKLEHEADS for having him play there he is simple and AMAZING !! a brilliant mind could only kick out these songs ....
I was able to hangout with him before and after one of his concerts. One of the nicest and genuine person I've ever met. His songs are stories and they are about as good as you can get.
Thank God for alternative music. I would never found him any other way. Country music sold out a long time ago and It's a shame. How will the next generation of singer songwriters come along? Oh yea, they will have to go back two or more generations to be inspired. I hate to see what will become of country when this trend continues.
Chris and his guitar player were both totally cool guys they hung around and ate and drink beer till the wee hours of the morning and I drove him back to the hotel I bought for them. I found him last year before the pandemic at city winery to talk to but he was on his way to New York and couldn't hang.
I wanted to brush up on the meaning of not having enough rope he’s talking about not losing anything or even himself over the dreams that he never got wrapped into... the first time heard this song however many years ago it went over my head but I got it. Much respect.
I agree with all these comments Chris Knight is an immense talent and an incredible songwriter. Shouldn't enough to be able to hire him for a benefit at my home in Boston and it was one of the highlights of my wife. You know how you are always at concerts and thinking wow I wish you could play in my living room? Well that fucking happened 🤯
Almost a hundred accidental downvotes by some fellers that were drunk or crying at the time -- or both. Easy to do when a song hits real close to home like this one. And a belated thanks for posting the video. I've watched it hundreds of times over the years, and it never gets old.
chris knight is keeping us real.seen him 12-29-07 in a tiny bar in lex,ky. he writes about stuff we all know, or we know someone who's been there. words are just words to some,but chris weaves a tapestry that only a master can do.
I just love to listen to this old boy. He's from my part of the world, and he reminds me of several folks I grew up with. He always writes from the heart. Thanks for posting this.
Chris is the man. One of the greatest song writers of out time. He`s just announced some more tour dates , check out his website, he might be coming to a town near you.
The average person really doesn't get how great he is. He is a master songwriter. His raw and edgy delivery and kentucky accent make his music brilliant. I got to meet him and hang out with him and Birmingham Alabama at Workplay theater. He's just a real guy loaded with Talent. I told him he was the reason I started songwriting and pursue my career in music. He was very humbled. He wished me the best and that meant a lot.
Congratulations on the song "Never You"! What an inspiration and amazing story. Great Job! 👊 👏👏
I was there too! Definitely improved my taste in Music!
Real people are his first priority and he is a great refreshing badass
He is in fact,the greatest poet laureate in America today!
He is in a category of his own. ❤
Chris Knight is the most underrated songwriter in America!
16 years later, I think this is still true.
Still listen to this song a lot. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to this in my car in tears sipping down a beer before I go inside and pretend I’m fine
Fuck me. Dis comment hit different.
Not alone
I'm with you brother
Chris Knight is a raw powerhouse singer, song writer, story teller, performer, talented guitar player all rolled into one man. Perhaps one of Country Music's best ever ! He does his thing with or without Nashville's approval, blessing, or endorsements. He has earned my respect for that and is a real deal dude of a man ! Thank you Chris Knight for sharing your Music sir !
To all the people who get up every day, make an honest living doing a hard job for low pay, while loving and providing for your family, walking that line for them, all while trying to figure out how to get a sliver of your own dreams to come true, you are heroes in this pathetic materialistic corrupt empty barrel society. Don’t ever forget that no matter what.
Amen
One of the few Chris Knight songs where nobody dies.
I’ll bet Chris is laughing at this. They were making a joke about this on a recent podcast.
That’s a Good Thang
...only because there was not enough rope.
I'm thankful for the things I have AND ALL THE THINGS I DON'T.......AMEN!!!!!
this guy should be at the top of the charts sings about real life-he is one of a kind
Most people who claim themselves as “musical artist’s” couldn’t see Chris Knight with a magnifying glass. RAW talent.
I have almost all of his albums,great stuff! He's too good for country radio. Comparing him to Jason Aldean is like having a seven course meal next to a lunchable. Chris Knight is the seven course meal,the real deal.
hey don’t hate on my man jason like that he’s the best one in the radio lmao chris is still better tho 😂
Closer to Isbell than Aldean.
Member lunchables deluxe with mustard and a andies mint? I member
Jason aldean is as country as my balls are clean
One of the great "unknowns" of country music. It don't get much better than Chris.
CK writes 4 minute short stories.
Edward Nethery,
The stories are not so short. It's just that he manages to tell them in a 4 minute song to get them into your ear. And then the rest of them unfold themselves inside your head.
I'm ashamed to say that until recently I didn't know anything about chris knight. And this guys been around for a long time apparently. I grew up and live in Kentucky and come from a country family but I disregarded country music a long time ago, thinking it was little more than pop music with shiny boots and a manufactured southern drawl. I have rarely heard as soulful a singer or better songwriter/storyteller. Thank you chris for renewing my faith in country music!
loratta lynn is from butcher holler KY
This song, down the river , and North Dakota , damn what great songs
Try “It ain’t Easy Being Me.” My favorite.
It’s a damn shame Luke Bryan gets more airtime than Chris... Nashville must be proud
Yes it is
Kentucky in the house..Chris is one of the best. I've seen this guy play stadiums and then play bars...a real working musician.
My great grandmother was a host at the women’s prison in peewee valley for 25 years after killing her husband! So my family is familiar with being locked up In LaGrange!!!!!
This is the song that really made me pick up a pen and paper and guitar. The man is ranked up in the upper echelons of song writing history. He writes so close to millions of Americans life’s and relates to the Americana soul in such a unique and charismatic way. I’ll be going to see him live tonight for the 4th time. Each time, after every show, he goes down and meets his fans and signs his memorabilia for them.
This is what country music is supposed to be. It's truly sad that you won't hear this guy or anything like this on country radio. Speaking of country radio, listen to AM Country Heaven, it's about the truth :)
Danielle Watson Also listen to WDVX-FM which streams their station at www.wdvx.com It is a great, totally independent station in the Knoxville, TN area playing mostly Americana music, but also other sorts of independent, "alt music." A great station---"East Tennessee's Own----WDVX……." Give it a try…..
Michael Garrity
Caught onto this station when I worked in Knoxville. Love it
I love Jason Eady. He recently played a show near me that I regret having missed
I miss this type of country
There's always Pandora...
What?! Chris Knight wrote a slow song in "G"? Shocking :) Love Chris Knight. Living proof that all you need is "3 chords and the truth".
It’s all about the words when you can write like that
I do believe that Chris knight is one of the best song writers of all time... When I head him sing about my home town it blew me away.. This in turn inspired me to start writing music.. So thanks Chris knight
I've come back to this every once in a while over the years. I've actually forgotten his name a few times and had to search. Such a great song and such a great performance.
Prolific songwriter...Tremendous talent.
Fantastic Song!
Wish more stuff like this would get radio time!
Chris Knight is fuckin amazing period
I grew up near where Chris is from (Webster County, KY.) and have those people who "work for the city, county " in my history. After all my years in the US military, this still hits home .
Wow. Got that when it came out and have been listening to it of late, 12 years later. It’s timeless. Thanks Chris Knight.
I watch this on the regular. ❤
HUGE talent, HUGE talent. I swear to god Chris is the most underrated song writer of the past 50 years. He is my second favorite song writer, first being Jason Isbell. If you have never heard of Jason Isbell, do yourself a favor and go check him out cause you in for a treat man!
Thanks for the recommendation of Jason Isbell! Loving what I'm hearing so far....
Jason’s too busy crying these days.
what if performances and writting in country music was this good all the time?
There are so many drones out there all sounding like "nothing". How is this guy not been more played?
It's just too damn bad that country music radio don't play stuff like this, Hank III, and Whitey Morgan. They are too damn good to not have the recognition that they deserve. One hell of a song, one hell of an artist. What a shame.
Every time I hear Chris it makes me proud to be a Kentuckian!
Chris Knight is an awesome storyteller! BTW, is it bad that we find his music so dear to our hearts, here in Kentucky, we cannot resist the urge to sing along, very loudly! Great singer songwriter with a voice as gritty as some of the folks who find themselves in his character studies. He is also generous with his time and kind to his fans.
The voice, the lyrics. Dude is amazing. Chris Knight forever.
Chris Knight has made some incredible music. So much repect for this guy.
All great music is soul music. I’m so thankful to have spent many late knights at Chris’ shows. From New Braunfels to Nashville, full band to solo, opener to headliner...pure soul.
Thank you to all artists willing to bare it.
Thank you Chris you will never know what you did for me. I lost my father and he passed on your music
Wow that’s same with me my daddy loved him when he passed I got all his cds my emotional support his songs touch heart
how is this guy not huge! been listening for years. Easily as good or better than anything on the radio.
Obviously much better than radio country. Radio country is built for drunk girls and guys to sing at the bar. The content of Mr. Knight's songs are not so easily palpable for the uncultured music listener. There's no cliche here, just heart wrenching life experience. Ive met Chris for a brief moment, he's the real deal.
Jesse Renfrew Yeah--Chris Knight writes REAL MUSIC that reflects the REAL LIVES of REAL PEOPLE, with all the messiness that entails, especially in these "times gone mean.' No empty flag waving, boys in their hats and their spanking new, raised up Chevy Silverados going to party with the Daisy Duke wearing "country honey" booty girls in their mid riff baring flannel shirts and cowboy boots who are all hotter than hell giving pouty poses and shaking their booties,( as good as they might look)---that is not the reality of most people who are "country." These days out in the hinter lands, many of those people are lucky they have a pot to piss in and they are even at an early age, getting heavy because they can only afford to eat "cheap food" and if the guy is lucky enough to have a truck--its not a new fancy one---it is a 1999 beater Chevy, Ford or Dodge, being held together with "duct tape and bailing wire." Chris Knight sings songs about people who live in places like "an oil patch town" not the rich 'burbs of cities like Louisville, Charlotte, Nashville, etc.
STOP THE PRESS, this guys is like no other! a true badd ass.
Another good Ole boy from KY
This is pure talent
Amen brother. Just seen him live for the frst time. Pure Greatness!!!!!!
Im surprised this song dont have millions of views
This is the perfect country song.
By far, my favorite artist. Can't wait to see him live.
Love to hear him. He speaks like folks in our region. What a blessing to get to hear him every time I get on the computer.
I heard "Rita's Only Fault" about 5 months ago on the Campus Radio Station in Raleigh NC and it was such a PILE DRIVER that I pulled off the road to listen to it. I thought "who IS this guy?" Fortunately WKNC has an online component and you can get the playlist. I have since become a huge huge fan.
tanstaafl72555 he will be in Raleigh at Lincoln in October
rita’s only fault is the greatest country song of all time
I love Chris Knight and his music---back in mid-April I saw him do a show solo at a cool but appropriately, "divey" venue called Oddbody's in Dayton, Ohio. He had four or five guitars with him on the stage----but in that roughly two hours he played---he only used two of his acoustic Gibsons, tuning them up or down, putting Capos on as needed to play each song and other than (for a time) some assholes who were there more to socialize with the rest of those at their tables, he just didn't pay a lick of attention and just played through many of the songs in his songbook. Once the rude idiots gave up and either left or went to the back of the bar, it was great. There were maybe a hundred people, who got close to the stage and we all just watched and listened to Chris go play his music. After the show---I did ask him if he was working on any new material for a new release and he said that he has some songs he is working on, hoping to get into the studio either later this year or early next to cut another "album." I sure hope that this is true. While I love all of Chris' past work, I am ready for some new stuff--my god there has been some great new music coming out by artists of all sorts and new people coming on the scene playing "Americana/Outlaw Music" lately.
🤙✌️🌏🌎🌍🤞🤯💨💨💨😤🤪🙃👌🤘🙄😁🥶🌬️🌨️❄️☃️👽🏂🐐 from Lakes of the North, Michigan 💚💚💚
Chris knight is still the king 👑 in 2020.
I do love "Down the River" as does my sister and me Mam.
All of us are from Lancashire in the North West of England and we really wish he'd come to England for just one gig. In the meantime we're saving to travel to the U.S. purely to listen to the guy.
11 years later...did you ever make it?
Just saw him for the 1st time in Kansas City >>>shout out 2 KNUCKLEHEADS for having him play there he is simple and AMAZING !! a brilliant mind could only kick out these songs ....
I was able to hangout with him before and after one of his concerts. One of the nicest and genuine person I've ever met. His songs are stories and they are about as good as you can get.
Chris is my favorite songwriter of all time...
definitely my favorite artist and never get tired of replaying his songs everyday.keep being true chris.
You can't hear him or the band in Kentucky, cause the fans drown them out singing along. Chris is the best singer/songwriter that ever lived.
Thank God for alternative music. I would never found him any other way. Country music sold out a long time ago and It's a shame. How will the next generation of singer songwriters come along? Oh yea, they will have to go back two or more generations to be inspired. I hate to see what will become of country when this trend continues.
America's greatest song writing talent! Awesome live, and if the full band is with, even better.
I love Chris but have you heard Fred Eaglesmith or Walt Wilkins. Two other powerhouses of Americana/Country songwriting. Check 'em out!
Thanks. I will. Always on the lookout for great music.
The get on with my life part just tears me up inside. We all feel this way sometimes.
What a great storyteller, like Guy Clark
Chris and his guitar player were both totally cool guys they hung around and ate and drink beer till the wee hours of the morning and I drove him back to the hotel I bought for them. I found him last year before the pandemic at city winery to talk to but he was on his way to New York and couldn't hang.
Why is this dude not the biggest country star in the world?
I wanted to brush up on the meaning of not having enough rope he’s talking about not losing anything or even himself over the dreams that he never got wrapped into... the first time heard this song however many years ago it went over my head but I got it. Much respect.
Manager: "What song are you gonna sing to a National audience Chris?"
Chris: "Enough Rope. You know, that one about being too poor to hang myself."
It’s not about being poor. I’m assuming the subject is poor, but that’s not the point.
Anthony Lucio a man after my own heart
Manager: sob, I am in!
He changed the music I listen to, changed my life
I agree with all these comments Chris Knight is an immense talent and an incredible songwriter. Shouldn't enough to be able to hire him for a benefit at my home in Boston and it was one of the highlights of my wife. You know how you are always at concerts and thinking wow I wish you could play in my living room? Well that fucking happened 🤯
Dude is brilliant
One of the other thangs that's makes me proud to be a kentuckian!
Almost a hundred accidental downvotes by some fellers that were drunk or crying at the time -- or both. Easy to do when a song hits real close to home like this one.
And a belated thanks for posting the video. I've watched it hundreds of times over the years, and it never gets old.
I Just got into Chris Knight. gives me hope for country music. This guy is great.
Just came across Chris. Converted....proper music.
From day one! this guy rocks
This song hits me every time 💯
Chris Knight, THANK YOU!
chris knight is keeping us real.seen him 12-29-07 in a tiny bar in lex,ky. he writes about stuff we all know, or we know someone who's been there. words are just words to some,but chris weaves a tapestry that only a master can do.
One of the best song writers there is
Most dont understand let alone appreciate. Thank you Chris.
Anybody here about 6 months after Larry covered it? Thanks Chris.
Legend
amazing song about all of us working stiffs who work a thankless job and try to make sense of it all
I just love to listen to this old boy. He's from my part of the world, and he reminds me of several folks I grew up with. He always writes from the heart.
Thanks for posting this.
Much love from Texas...Love Chris knight. And have for the past 12 years
Seems like he’s always playing in Texas somewhere these days.
@@bdsjr32 I don't even go out anymore, getting to old 🤣 last time I seen him play was at TMR southfork ranch
@@cornbread2418 Best of luck and enjoy the music however you can!
How can one not like this guy?
Maybe he is a little different but differnt can be so good if one gives it a chance.
I'll buy 10 never get burned out listening to this guy Awsome
Chris, Excellent 👍!
Come back to this one every so often. Thanks Chris
❤❤❤ love this song and covered it for years
One the of the best songwriters...dead or alive. KILLER!
This Man is a Ky Legend...
One of my favorites!!!
i looked forward to watching this show back in the day... if and when I got GAC during my travels here n' there.
How come they don't play this stuff on the radio? Great Song!
good song thanks for writing it
This ain't on the edge of country , it's smack dab in the heart of it.
First time hearing this. Was looking for recordings with a j-45 recorded. But boy what a treat I stumble upon. What a song. Much appreciated’
Good god. What a songwriter
hell yea such a good song
chris knights so awesome
he's just a good ole simple country boy
the 20 people that disliked this video need to take a refresher course in what an underground singer song writer is supposed to be
Chris is the man. One of the greatest song writers of out time.
He`s just announced some more tour dates , check out his website, he might be coming to a town near you.
gotta see him live someday
Chris sure talks like a country boy, just discovered him and I love it...something different
Chris knight .......... dont get any better... enough said.