Since no one asked for it, here is my opinion. Shires is a great musician. She is not a great songwriter and while she can hit the notes, her voice isn't great either. Isbell has a unique voice and is one of the greatest songwriters of his generation. I can see that being a big strain on a relationship. There doesn't necessarily have to be other factors to their split, but what the hell do I know?
I always took it as a song of guilt and regret how his actions affected their friendship since Jason probably caused a lot of problems with it in his drunken days.
It’s one of those situations where things could have been handled better, but I also see both points of view. just because friendships are estranged, doesn’t mean you don’t think about the other person. Certainly their history can still have strong emotive responses too, especially in light of his tragic death. it sucks that the song hurts her, but Jason’s medium is songs, and he’s doing himself a disservice if he doesn’t write what he feels.
This is the most well reasoned take. I'll add that his family is still hurting and traumatized by his death and there's probably a lot of mis-assigned anger and hurt surrounding it. The healing process is not quick or easy.
Listening to the song again after reading her comments.. that second verse is pretty rough. Also he probably should have responded to her early on.
it's not the first time he's wrote a song about an estranged friend who he did not tell them it was coming out. He should have told her that he wrote a song about JTE's passing and it's graphic. I dont think he should have allowed her to listen to the song before it was released, cause she would have wanted it removed from the record and would have done this exact thing before the record was out. Wonder how much Amanda was involved in the editing process of this one due to her and JTE's past and the fact that JTE was in love with her and she chose Jason.
Was he on the bathroom floor? Or in his bed, or couch? Does it really matter for what we're arguing about? I'd say the details of his death in the public are rather disturbing well beyond which room he was in when he died. https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/...ath-ruled-accidental-overdose-family-reveals/ https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2020/08/25/justin-townes-earle-cause-death/5631099002/
Shameless request- the GF really enjoys strong singing and songwriting so I mentioned that she should give Jason Isbell a try and offered up "If We Were Vampires". She thought it was sad but liked it overall. I am not well versed in his music but enjoy the songs I have heard (though it's been a while). Any suggestions on entry songs of his to share? Was also going to listen back through some of the DBT tunes and share those with her as well since she had never heard of Jason Isbell or DBT.
24 Frames Alabama Pines Flying Over Water Codeine Those songs are what originally hooked me in years ago. all of his songs are sad but those are at least fast paced songs that have catchy choruses and/or guitar hooks. Cover Me Up and Elephant are two slow songs on his best record that are probably the most popular. If you are playing his DBT songs i would recommend God Damn Lonely Love and Decoration Day. Two of his best songs that no human has any business writing in their early 20s.
He wasn't on the bathroom floor. https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/...ow-clarifies-concerns-with-jason-isbell-song/
I’m sorry, but a 6 year old doesn’t know that song is about her dad and isbell, especially since she was 2 when it happened
Oh, and to the guy above, tell her to listen to king of Oklahoma -> strawberry woman -> middle of the morning to get a good listen. Rocking guitar with a great story/imagery, softer song with characters you can relate to, then mellow guitar with soul vocals that tell another great story; bonus points for the roses showing up in two different visions.
First dbt song I ever heard was the day John Henry died. Still a favorite. I think Cast Iron skillet is his best lateley and one of his best ever.
Overlooked song, “River.” Some great lines and delivery in there. Think the piano and vocals were recorded in one take. Isbell wasn’t confident in piano playing but did it anyway.