Benjamin Tod | "Ballad of Spider John" | Western AF

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Комментарии • 199

  • @viracocha03
    @viracocha03 Год назад +187

    Anyday with a new Benjamin Tod video is a great day. I absolutely love this dude.

    • @Thatnativeson
      @Thatnativeson Год назад +6

      Never a new song. Just a new moment in time captured of ben in the wild.

    • @brandocomando797
      @brandocomando797 Год назад +7

      Yup I never cared to click on new videos from other artists but I know Ben will not disappoint tho.

    • @dakotalowe1194
      @dakotalowe1194 Год назад +2

      For sure I must have accidentally changed my subscription preferences on this channel cuz I never got a notification for this one but I'm stoked I just found it by happenstance! Ben is the best of the best! 👌

    • @tahkonajones2733
      @tahkonajones2733 Год назад +1

      Took the words right out of my heart

    • @MJCenac76
      @MJCenac76 Год назад +1

      Good call. Same here.

  • @laddjm
    @laddjm 6 месяцев назад +12

    This man deserves the world.

  • @christianoliver434
    @christianoliver434 Год назад +46

    He really takes a song and makes it his own. His covers often provoke something different inside even more than the original. This, the mountain, and even his cover of waiting around to die makes the hairs on your back of your neck stand up.

  • @mreichard838
    @mreichard838 Год назад +28

    I would listen to Benjamin Tod sing literally anything.

  • @ericayers5690
    @ericayers5690 Год назад +51

    I’m so happy Ben cleaned himself up and is thriving vs surviving now. He’s born for this and just hands down one of the very best, most authentic artists to ever walk planet earth.

  • @duckblind8761
    @duckblind8761 3 месяца назад +4

    The sorrow in his voice is something we can all connect with. Huge fan

  • @RElliottSmith
    @RElliottSmith Год назад +20

    Everything he gives us is a masterpiece. Thanks Willis Alan Ramsey for the song.

  • @tobeygun
    @tobeygun Год назад +30

    one of my absolute favourite songs ever written. 😭

  • @cedarriver
    @cedarriver Год назад +26

    Didn't know that one, but like it! Great recording as per usual with everyone involved!
    Chords and lyrics below, have fun playing!
    Intro Am C D G / Am C G
    Verse 1,3 Am C / D G / Am C G / Am C / D G / Am C G
    Verse 2,4 Am C / D G / Am C G / Am C / D G / Am C D
    Chorus Em A7 / Em A7 / Em A7 / F C Am / G F C / C C/B Am / G F C / C C/B Am
    [Intro]
    [Verse 1]
    Spider John is my name, friends
    Between freights and I sure would be obliged
    If I could share your company
    I'm on my way to nowhere
    I've been running from my past
    Running from the things I used to be
    [Verse 2]
    And I know my words sound strange to you
    But if you wait till my song is sung and my story's told
    You might come to understand
    Why I'm old and bent and devil-spent
    And I'm running out of time
    When not long ago, boys, I held a royal flush in my hand
    [Chorus]
    Oh, I was a supermarket fool, I was a roll-the-bank, stool pigeon
    Robbing my hometown
    I thought I'd paid my dues, Lord I thought I'd lost my blues
    I thought I'd found the life to suit my style
    Spider John, the robber man
    Long, tall and handsome
    Spider John with the loaded hand
    Taking ransom
    [Verse 3]
    Then one day I met Diamond Lil
    She was the prettiest thing, I declare
    That the summer wind had ever blown my way
    Lily had no idea
    Of my illustrious occupation
    She thought I was a saint, not a sinner gone astray
    [Verse 4]
    Spider, he loved his Lily so much
    He could not confess his sins, for he knew if he did
    She'd surely take her leave
    But you know that the word got around and Lily left town
    And he never saw her again
    Tossing and turning, causing his heart to grieve
    [Chorus]
    And I was a supermarket fool, I was a roll-the-bank, stool pigeon
    Robbing my hometown
    I thought I'd paid my dues, Lord I thought I'd lost my blues
    I thought I'd found the life to suit my style
    Spider John, the robber man
    Long, tall and handsome
    Spider John with the loaded hand
    Taking ransom
    [Verse 5]
    That is all my story
    It's been at least thirty years since I took to the road
    To find my precious jewel one
    Oh and if you see my Lily
    Won't you give her my regards
    Tell her old Spider got tangled in the black web that he spun
    Just tell her that old Spider got tangled in the black web that he spun

  • @alexanderabdskyy
    @alexanderabdskyy Год назад +48

    Consistently putting out master piece after master piece

  • @eliwebster509
    @eliwebster509 Год назад +37

    You're the reason I found this song, someone recorded a video of Lost Dog playing this at a show a long time ago and I must've watched it a million times. I love this song. Thank you Ben for a beautiful cover.

    • @MontanaCamp
      @MontanaCamp Год назад

      Yup !!! Used to listen to that video all the time

  • @travis5984
    @travis5984 Год назад +22

    A large part of me still being here today is because of this man. Thank you. Each day is a battle but your lyrics have changed my perspective at the bottom of some of the worst times.

    • @pocketlama
      @pocketlama 5 месяцев назад

      Four or five years ago, I was going mad with stress and grief while caring for my wife on her journey with dementia. I was alone and although it was far too much and although I was vaguely aware it was killing me, I was unwilling to "give up" and find a place for her that could take better care of her. I was in terrible shape and failing to care for her in loving, devoted ways, as I so desperately wanted to.
      Then, one day I stumbled on the documentary Heartworn Highways, which introduced me to the spiritual grandparents of Benjamin Tod, and so many others in his cohort currently. Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Steve Earl, and lots of others are in it, and their music spoke to me as nothing had before. In exploring their music, I was led naturally to Benjamin and others, and without a doubt, it saved my life, discovering them all.
      As you say, it's still a battle inside me, but I have music that speaks directly to me, both present and past, and that is not only comforting, but it's also a handhold for me when I lose my bearings and feel like I'll go spinning off into space from the intensity of my physical/mental experiences. I'm so grateful.
      Peace, my friend. I wish you all good things.

  • @danparker9551
    @danparker9551 Год назад +6

    I listen to this several times a day. Beautiful and authentic soul.

  • @2dollarsaday
    @2dollarsaday Год назад +11

    Great version and big respect to Willis Alan Ramsey.

  • @robertmcmanus9185
    @robertmcmanus9185 Год назад +5

    There is nothing worse than some musician taking a seminal song and making it wrong. Benjamin Tod has truly breathed new life into a brilliant piece of Americana. It's so refreshing to see an artist put his own stamp on a song, but to also honour the intentions of the songwriter. This man truly has a gift. I will be checking out more of his material. Thanks Mr. Tod.

  • @joshferguson9703
    @joshferguson9703 Год назад +7

    I love a lot of songwriters and singers but Benjamin hits me the deepest even when he does covers he connects on a deep deep level to quote Bill Monroe “that’s powerful powerful stuff”

  • @talleyhernandez2176
    @talleyhernandez2176 Год назад +1

    I have always loved this song. Seeing Ben doing it just blew my mind all over again.

  • @joaomedeiros56
    @joaomedeiros56 Год назад +7

    Ben is such a great and complete artist! Love this guy!

  • @scottkidwellmusic9175
    @scottkidwellmusic9175 Год назад +4

    Thanks, y'all 🙏🏻
    Great song, and great job capturing this rendition. Mr. Tod's voice cuts through, and the words reach deep.

  • @threestackable3655
    @threestackable3655 Год назад +1

    I will listen to ANYTHING he puts out. Just kicks the shit out of my heart with every song and I love it

  • @bandjolyn
    @bandjolyn Год назад +2

    Masterpiece of a song. Willis Alan Ramsey is a monster song writer. Ben did it beautifully.

  • @user-kb3kr1td9s
    @user-kb3kr1td9s Год назад +1

    Man, this is the stuff that gets you through the hard times. For all my brothers and sisters burying your stuff way down just remember we're all doing it. Hang in there!

  • @GusteeGaming
    @GusteeGaming Год назад +2

    Benjamin Tod is the kind of man you want to just sit next to you in silence through times of need. Very admirable.

  • @douglove2412
    @douglove2412 Год назад +2

    Willis Alan Ramsey! That album is pure greatness. Every song.

  • @chancesavina9754
    @chancesavina9754 Год назад +1

    Can’t stand the thought of where’d I’d be without the cold, sorrowful tunes he plays. Spider John lives on

  • @isaiahbasaldua924
    @isaiahbasaldua924 Год назад +1

    Always putting out great songs between country and folk music. Always crafting a new Americana .The magic of the hobo and tramp still call us.Because rambling is freedom and freedom is human

  • @thebonuslevel
    @thebonuslevel Год назад +4

    As a 40 year old man who spent his life being essentially what is now known as an oogle and then in an act of desperation enlisting when he was 27. To now trying to convey why I feel weird shame about my past in conjunction with my upbringing. Anyway, I know the correlation inst direct but hearing this made my soul weep. Thank you, friend.

    • @pocketlama
      @pocketlama 5 месяцев назад

      Sometime last year, late at night after watching an episode of a Western series on t.v., I unexpectedly began to talk out loud to myself. I had no idea what I was going to say, I just said it. "It isn't my shame, it's his."
      "How could I possibly have known?"
      "I couldn't know!"
      "He did it to me, it's his shame to carry!"
      And then, "I was undiagnosed, I didn't know. All my life, I didn't know."
      "I tried so hard, but I didn't know how, so no wonder I failed."
      "I thought I was someone I wasn't, how could I know?"
      "It wasn't my fault!"
      "I did my very best in my ignorance."
      "I tried! Every goddamn moment of every day, I tried!"
      "How could I know?"
      And as I continued, with more and more emphasis and force, I came to this soft, peaceful place inside where it all fell away. In that moment, I put aside my self-hatred, self-blame, judgment, and incredibly, the shame that along with the rest had filled every moment of every day and colored my entire perspective of myself and my place in the world. That self-hatred and shame and my absolute conviction that I was broken, were foundational aspects of my very Self. I never even considered what life might be like without them. It would have been like imagining life without breathing or my heart beating, they were so ingrained in me. I never thought I'd become an elephant either, it was that unimaginable.
      But that night, I had the strangely gentle and not-at-all earth-shattering realization that they no longer made any sense to hold onto. After speaking all that out loud, seeing the truth of it, and really believing it, I saw that none of it served me and it wasn't reality. So I just gently set it down, as I would a too-heavy backpack on the trail, and I walked away. Just like that, with no fanfare and no big declarations or promises to myself. I just walked down the path and left it all behind.
      It's been nearly a year and I've grown sure they're gone for real. The months since have been all about learning how to live life without them and how to look back at my life without all that self-judgment and shame, but instead with compassion and love. What a trip!
      Looking back over my life I see the insane things I did that hurt me and others, the outrageous risks I took with my life and the lives of so many innocent others, and all the chaos and failures that ran through it all. I see so clearly now, that those were all things I did when I didn't know myself or how to live in the world. I was flailing around so much because I was trying to be the person everyone said to be when I couldn't. I'm not structurally able to, it's not possible. I thought it was a character flaw but it's not, it's just that I need to learn who I really am and act according to that, not whatever "normal people" do. Everybody says you should do that, but much of the time, they really don't like it when you actually live your true self and life. I have to make peace with knowing I'm automatically alienating a huge swath of society by being myself. I'm learning that's okay, that they aren't people I'm interested in anyway. They're looking for someone I'm not and that's fine.
      Anyway, here I am, almost 60 years old, and finally I'm slowly learning what it is to live in truth and honesty and as myself. Each day I discard more and more of the beliefs and judgments I took in from society and other people, and more and more I learn what my own beliefs are and how to embrace and live them.
      I wrote all that just to say that I hope so much that you can have a taste of the deep pervading peace that can fill the space that formerly contained all that shame and self-hatred.
      If nothing else, I can tell you there's something on the other side of shame, and it's pretty fucking cool. It can happen. If hoping is too much for you (as it's too much for me these days), perhaps just the knowledge it's possible can sit in the back of your mind, so you can see it when it comes, and grab it with both hands.
      I wish you all good things, and an end to shame. Peace

  • @haddanward9287
    @haddanward9287 Год назад +12

    This is what I needed today, Benjamin is the best!

  • @olchevy7983
    @olchevy7983 Год назад +2

    Time will always run out when you need it most.

  • @calebking4638
    @calebking4638 Год назад +2

    Willis Allen Ramsey wrote this song. The entire album is absolutely immaculate. Check it out.

  • @hanskloss1331
    @hanskloss1331 7 месяцев назад

    this is my first time hearing this man sing this song however I vividly remember hearing this as a kid in my dad's shop as he worked on our tractors

  • @Beefyhorchata
    @Beefyhorchata Год назад +3

    Western AF = Best RUclips Channel Ever Created.

  • @yeshuaisking8422
    @yeshuaisking8422 Год назад

    Stay you & Stay True... These Western AF Pieces are some of your best work.

  • @lukecollett5944
    @lukecollett5944 Год назад

    Iv been loving this boys music for a diffucult amount of years, I'm amazed iv only just stumbled on his cover of this epic tale, his tone nails it, iv a new favourite version of one of my favourite ballads

  • @dalephillips4879
    @dalephillips4879 Год назад +1

    I always forget Bens almost half my age his music is so well written.

  • @davidhanks1109
    @davidhanks1109 Год назад +2

    Benjamin Tod amazing on all levels.

  • @Cheech45acp
    @Cheech45acp Год назад +2

    Been jumping back and for from y’all and gems on vhs waiting for some more from Ben and can’t wait to hear some more from LDS

  • @brianbaldwin6745
    @brianbaldwin6745 Год назад

    He’s looking so good, so healthy. God bless you, brother.

  • @anthonylattanzio-lamont6059
    @anthonylattanzio-lamont6059 Год назад

    Never gets old
    I’ve heard it live several times -. Can’t get enough

  • @forrestclark6069
    @forrestclark6069 Год назад +4

    YES!!! I fucking loved their cover I saw in concert, I'm so glad Ben did an official recording of this song!

  • @chucknoris7648
    @chucknoris7648 Год назад +1

    I love his music it’s timeless. Much respect

  • @urbangorilla33
    @urbangorilla33 Год назад +2

    I've been listening to this song for about 45 years (first heard Buffett's version) but Ben made is fresh as the morning dew.

    • @randalwhite1336
      @randalwhite1336 Год назад +1

      Buffett introduced me to this song also. RIP Jimmy

  • @johnford7847
    @johnford7847 Год назад +1

    When I saw the title, I thought it had to be an ode to Spider John Koerner. Having heard the song - well, it might be. Doesn't matter. It's an excellent song (IMO) and a great performance. Thanks for sharing.

  • @adamw4469
    @adamw4469 Год назад +4

    Any time a new Ben Tod video drops, you can guarantee: 1) it is going to be good and 2) it is going to hurt.

  • @ajurado800
    @ajurado800 16 дней назад

    I absolutely love this version, but Willis Alan Ramsey's version is my favorite.

  • @gringofett3944
    @gringofett3944 Год назад +2

    Thank you WAF and Ben. It is beautiful and good.

  • @coils1945
    @coils1945 Год назад +1

    Damn Tod, once again you never cease to amaze. Thank you for your music.

  • @Hunterlikesraggeddiesels
    @Hunterlikesraggeddiesels Год назад +1

    Been listening to him for a long time now

  • @elijahwilson1422
    @elijahwilson1422 2 месяца назад

    Perfectly done and gives new momentum to a masterpiece of Americana.

  • @mirandag.3277
    @mirandag.3277 Год назад +5

    BABE WAKE UP WESTERN AF POSTED A NEW BENJAMIN TOD VIDEO

  • @brendonleary
    @brendonleary Год назад +1

    High praise from Benjamin Tod is praise worth noting.
    In my opinion, this rendition is easily as good as the original.

  • @tomcanderson
    @tomcanderson Год назад +5

    Always happy to see the King of the Hounds

  • @jolenedesjardin7414
    @jolenedesjardin7414 Год назад +2

    Once Again Thank you Benjamin! 😊 🥰

  • @jigsawpulse1139
    @jigsawpulse1139 Год назад +1

    Always here for Benjamin Tod

  • @Jon_And307
    @Jon_And307 Год назад +3

    Yes exactly what I need.

  • @gabbypostma3580
    @gabbypostma3580 Год назад

    So happy to have an official recording❤ loved his cover of this song since I’ve seen it in concert!

  • @santsi7306
    @santsi7306 Год назад

    Love you guys💜 thank you for sharing your stories with us.

  • @MattStrom
    @MattStrom Год назад

    I have been diggin this song alot. Thanks Ben and WesternAF for such great stuff.

  • @raccoonlittlebear6476
    @raccoonlittlebear6476 Год назад

    Wow! A wonderful version. I plum wore out Willis's LP with this song on it. Thanks for keeping it going🎸🎶.

  • @matthewcampbell1291
    @matthewcampbell1291 Год назад

    I was drinking a beer at the bar the first time I heard this song at his concert. Very soothing.

  • @mikeweir3680
    @mikeweir3680 Год назад

    There are alot of us that are like minded to you, Benjamin Sir, than you think...It's probably because there are alot more of us on the planet than ever before...You and the Mrs. create the music that, is the music of the land, remember also that its easier to be closed and hard than, to be accepting and open to the lyrics, and music that comes through you, not necessarily from you...But either is just an electric switch away...Thank You for all you are, and the music is phukcen amazing, it keeps us all alive, and always looking to the horizon...

  • @nicholasvogt2524
    @nicholasvogt2524 Год назад +3

    He’s made it his song

  • @6dogs729
    @6dogs729 Год назад +3

    Great cover

  • @jimiclawson8532
    @jimiclawson8532 Год назад +2

    Heartfelt and wonderfully done!

  • @op8388
    @op8388 Год назад +1

    Wasn't aware of this tune, thought it was about Spider John Koerner for a minute. Lovingly done, expected no less!

  • @mv2719
    @mv2719 Год назад +1

    Ben pls upload it to Spotify I need this on ma playlist, just incredible 🤠👌🏻😊

  • @pray4metimmyd
    @pray4metimmyd Год назад

    I love all of your music! Hits home to me. I wish I knew more people that felt the same way, because I wanna tell people how it makes me feel and have them understand.

    • @Bar-Buryin
      @Bar-Buryin 10 месяцев назад

      There are lots of us who do my friend... Thing is we all get caught up in our own little webs and turn inward instead of outward causing us to live a life of solitude, feeling we are the only ones who understand how we feel.
      Just know that you are not alone.

  • @MontanaCamp
    @MontanaCamp Год назад

    This version used to be on youtube and was taken down. Glad its back up ! Love his version of this ramsey song.

  • @brianstearskingnothing
    @brianstearskingnothing Год назад

    It's better live can't believe it it's hard to be better live that's real talent

  • @Rowdy_Dude
    @Rowdy_Dude Год назад +2

    RUclips slacking and showed me this late. Really dug this song, glad artists like Ben are around keeping the soul of country music alive. Much respect to Ben, Western AF and GemsOnVHS. 07

  • @andrewhart2146
    @andrewhart2146 Год назад

    The year slips my mind but I did see Willis perform in Austin Tx this is a great tribute thanks Ben

  • @adamrinder645
    @adamrinder645 Год назад

    Another instant add to my Playlist. Ben... your a blessing sir.

  • @kevinbertele8649
    @kevinbertele8649 Год назад

    The original version of this song is amazing, Benjamin does a nice rendition, but the original is absolute 🔥🔥🔥🔥

  • @kronicbarbie1874
    @kronicbarbie1874 Год назад +2

    Beautiful as always Ben

  • @michaelcrosby6955
    @michaelcrosby6955 Год назад

    Can see in BT’s eyes this song takes him somewhere he’s been before. Hope we cross paths one day

  • @amosanon3274
    @amosanon3274 Год назад

    I'd really dig Ben and Hunter Flynn song. Both from gems on VHS I think. I'm really grateful I found Ben and lost dog right when using again was released. Literally the spark that got me sober. Dude saved me. Wild.

  • @emilyiwuc6161
    @emilyiwuc6161 Год назад

    What an incredible start to my day

  • @joshuafolsom4110
    @joshuafolsom4110 Год назад

    F***in’ Beautiful, he does what most cannot, solicit emotion with language.

  • @tomstevens1272
    @tomstevens1272 7 месяцев назад

    You need to release this on spotify! 🤠

  • @chilote66
    @chilote66 Год назад +1

    Didn't even hear the whole song before I liked it.
    Also dropping a comment.. for the algo

  • @heidihemore7812
    @heidihemore7812 Год назад

    Oh my Lanta. This cat is phenomenal. UPDATE: I'm Using Again, after the green eyed and auburn haired virtue that I once held turned into a September Dove and has ever since been Long Gone.
    Keep your pipes clean, Ben Ha Meen. Much, much love from me to you.

  • @NathanErtznerMusic
    @NathanErtznerMusic Год назад

    Needed this lately, feel very trapped. Trying to run from something. I feel lately I am very pinned and chained under the weight of it all, thank you Ben.

  • @mravacadoman323
    @mravacadoman323 Год назад

    Love every new song that he makes

  • @rugger8787
    @rugger8787 Год назад

    by far the best version of this song found but thankyou David Allen ramsay for this amazing song

    • @cbwr4444
      @cbwr4444 10 месяцев назад

      Willis Alan Ramsey, David Allan Coe

    • @rugger8787
      @rugger8787 10 месяцев назад

      @@cbwr4444 oops

  • @alexgray8804
    @alexgray8804 Год назад

    one of my favorite modern american tramp songs is about addiction and lost friends and its called
    'spunions lament" by GFE. pure poetry and truth. i dig this too, but that song summed up my travelling days chillingly well.

  • @jordanyates769
    @jordanyates769 18 дней назад

    New fan for life brother!

  • @martincarbine_man4917
    @martincarbine_man4917 Год назад

    Thank you for this Gem of a song!

  • @brianstearskingnothing
    @brianstearskingnothing Год назад

    Love everything these to do

  • @MJCenac76
    @MJCenac76 Год назад

    Absolute phenomenal version. Love ya Ben

  • @jakewinchell3396
    @jakewinchell3396 Год назад +5

    Time to add a crisp 1,000 views easy to this video

  • @jblock2490
    @jblock2490 6 месяцев назад

    my dad plays this song. awesome

  • @davidhamilton7628
    @davidhamilton7628 Год назад +2

    Thanks ben

  • @dillonmundy3185
    @dillonmundy3185 Год назад

    Saw you perform this song in kansas city at the riot room. Wish you'd make another stop through.

  • @davidhaag716
    @davidhaag716 Год назад +1

    GOLD as always!!!

  • @musicalmind6
    @musicalmind6 Год назад

    Thank you Ben.

  • @joannechristofferson5806
    @joannechristofferson5806 Год назад

    Absolutely perfect, Ben!

  • @stv111play
    @stv111play Год назад

    between freights... thanks buddy. awesome.

  • @hinke887
    @hinke887 Год назад +3

    for me the best version of this song!

  • @jamesgibson5876
    @jamesgibson5876 Год назад

    I first heard this song .. 1980. The Acadian motel ..Lafayette louisiana was 18 years old ... .. several lifetimes ago ... darnn..the next song that hit me was 4 years later .. Euless Texas Sam stone ... by John prine ... there have been many since .... . Going on 45 years and more than a few million miles... .. damn it man.... the song playing at this moment ? .. the one left in the chamber... . Ought to do... corb Lund... the one that was a long shot .. the one that kept me guessing the one I couldn't lose .. and I lost it any way .. old memories have me fumbling thru the drawer again... the one i.took for granted and it up and disappeared.. the one I took to much from .. and all the shit I couldn't take ... the one that kept me waiting .. until it cost to much to play.... the one that wouldn't listen the one I couldn't hear .. the one left in the chamber Ought to do..

  • @germanicusternus1982
    @germanicusternus1982 Год назад +2

    The GOAT