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Gregory Alan Isakov — The Stable Song
Album: That Sea, the Gambler
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3001









Released: 2007
Length: 5:56
Plays (last 30 days): 4
Remember when our songs were just like prayers.
Like gospel hymns that you called in the air.
Come down come down sweet reverence,
Unto my simple house and ring...
And ring

Ring like silver, ring like gold
Ring out those ghosts on the Ohio
Ring like clear day wedding bells
Were we the belly of the beast or the sword that fell...
We'll never tell

Come to me clear and cold on some sea
Watch the world spinning waves, like that machine

Now I've been crazy couldn't you tell
I threw stones at the stars, but the whole sky fell
Now I'm covered up in straw, belly up on the table
Well I drank and sang, and passed in the stable.

That tall grass grows high and brown,
Well I dragged you straight in the muddy ground
And you sent me back to where I roam
Well I cursed and I cried, but now i know...
now I know

And I ran back to that hollow again
The moon was just a sliver back then
And I ached for my heart like some tin man
When it came oh it beat and it boiled and it rang...
oh it's ringing

Ring like crazy, ring like hell
Turn me back into that wild haired gale
Ring like silver, ring like gold
Turn these diamonds straight back into coal.
Comments (197)add comment
Until recently I didn't really "know" Isakov. Then a Ben Folds concert was cancelled and a friend of mine convinced me to buy a ticket for Isakov... excellent concert!!!

Great to meet him again on Radioparadise!
Wonderful lyrics from GAI.
 Randomax wrote:

Where else would you go from Garbage to Isakov?  Love it!!


Today it was Bob Dylan - bit harsh on Bob, but he's an acquired taste for sure
Steve Varney...  he plays and sings on this.  He is amazing.  Has his own band also, named Kid Reverie . 
     ~ ~ ~   Gorgeous   ~ ~ ~   
 skuzzfud wrote:

Seems he's Way over Yonder in a Minor Key.



Exactly what I thought! (And obviously many others)
I love this song.  Steve Varney does an excellent job on the banjo.
For some reason I am getting FarCry5 vibes with this song --
Oh the magic of banjo :o)
Just went to The Gorge Amphitheatre just to watch him open. His voice is THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME to my ears and heart. Didn't play this unfortunately.
 coloradojohn wrote:

Incredible! Yesterday afternoon I drove up the gnarly mountain roads to the fabulous old Gold Hill Inn, where a band was playing a free concert in the outdoor Beer Garden. The trees were turning and though the sun was blazing, you could feel the temperature drop as it set. The wildfire smoke had cleared, and for the first time in a long time, we could clearly see Long's Peak, and the Indian Peaks seemed close enough to be able to reach out and touch them. I went up Main Street to the General Store for some carrot cake and a shot of Fernet. The bartender joined me, as he had done the last time I enacted the ritual. When I went down to the old log-cabin saloon to score myself a pint of O'Dell's IPA, I heard an extended playlist of all of Mr. Isakov's songs being played over the sound system. Though the line was long, everyone was smiling and nodding and tapping, and it was all perfect. We are all indeed blessed to be here, and I am truly very grateful. RP and Gregory Alan Isakov are a big part of that feeling.


It sounds like one of those singular days in a special place where your world is at peace. I'm also really fixating on carrot cake and frenet(?) at the bar. It sounds like a worthy tradition. 
GENIUS
 skuzzfud wrote:

Seems he's Way over Yonder in a Minor Key.



Only an RP listener could appreciate this comment LOL!
 joejennings wrote:

Good Tune! I never heard of him before. Thanx RP!




Same here!
Good Tune! I never heard of him before. Thanx RP!
just saw him with Patty Griffin - wish the show was outdoors as old theaters have seats made for folks with short legs. He was amazing and Patty G did well. Loved that they sang some favorite B.S. songs at the end - wonderful to see live music!
Incredible! Yesterday afternoon I drove up the gnarly mountain roads to the fabulous old Gold Hill Inn, where a band was playing a free concert in the outdoor Beer Garden. The trees were turning and though the sun was blazing, you could feel the temperature drop as it set. The wildfire smoke had cleared, and for the first time in a long time, we could clearly see Long's Peak, and the Indian Peaks seemed close enough to be able to reach out and touch them. I went up Main Street to the General Store for some carrot cake and a shot of Fernet. The bartender joined me, as he had done the last time I enacted the ritual. I went down to the old log-cabin saloon to score myself a pint of O'Dell's IPA. This and an extended playlist of Mr. Isakov's songs was played over the excellent sound system. Though the line was long, everyone was smiling and nodding and tapping, and it was all perfect. I think that we are all indeed blessed to be here, and I am truly grateful. RP and Gregory Alan Isakov are very much a big part of that feeling.
What a blessing to have him based here in Boulder during these strange and uncertain times! His songwriting and musical virtuosity are sorely needed and much appreciated. His magical music moves and soothes my soul. I can't wait to hear what he does next...
 Matt_Maurer wrote:

Kingart, it’s a play on the ‘brave new world’ of 1932, as explored by author Aldous Huxley. In that book he conveyed “After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” And to quote from www.sparknotes.com ... Brave New World warns of the dangers of giving the state control over new and powerful technologies. One illustration of this theme is the rigid control of reproduction through technological and medical intervention, including the surgical removal of ovaries, the Bokanovsky Process, and hypnopaedic conditioning. We can reflect on that perhaps. I see the modern world as it slowly gobbles itself up as decadence, consumption and disposal replace notions of living within our means and actively striving to live more sustainably. Profits and unnecessary growth should not be viewed as optimum goals. But constraint, respect, diligence and getting in touch with our living environments is essential to survival.



Wow...profound stuff...was sort of more expecting a song comment, but okay, I like where you are coming from....and this song too, btw...
 Proclivities wrote:

{#Lol}  I'll have to use this laughing emoji since I can't physically laugh out loud today - I slept in the stable and woke up a little hoarse.
 
Perhaps it's mare-ly a sore throat? Hope you're not catching a colt....
 Matt_Maurer wrote:
...... But constraint, respect, diligence and getting in touch with our living environments is essential to survival.
 

Your last sentence brings to mind the virtue ethics of the ancient Greeks - Moderation, Justice, Courage and Wisdom - that the life-well-lived is defined not by material things, but by the cultivation of what is good in ourselves.   Despite technology, the roots of many of our present problems are nothing new. We just periodically forget what we need to deal with them.   Often it takes a crisis to remind us.
 skuzzfud wrote:
Seems he's Way over Yonder in a Minor Key.
 
That's Billy Bragg!
 alexandersmcmillan wrote:
That wild-haired what?
 
That wild-haired gale. Reference to strong wind in the hair.
Kingart, it’s a play on the ‘brave new world’ of 1932, as explored by author Aldous Huxley. In that book he conveyed “After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” And to quote from www.sparknotes.com ... Brave New World warns of the dangers of giving the state control over new and powerful technologies. One illustration of this theme is the rigid control of reproduction through technological and medical intervention, including the surgical removal of ovaries, the Bokanovsky Process, and hypnopaedic conditioning. We can reflect on that perhaps. I see the modern world as it slowly gobbles itself up as decadence, consumption and disposal replace notions of living within our means and actively striving to live more sustainably. Profits and unnecessary growth should not be viewed as optimum goals. But constraint, respect, diligence and getting in touch with our living environments is essential to survival.
 joshtime wrote:
i hear some Billy Bragg/Woody Guthrie strains in there... nice.
 
I believe "Way down yonder in a minor key" agrees. Listen to Broom Bezzums
That wild-haired what?
I've been enjoying this man's music during this current lockdown quite a bit. A very peaceful and uplifting vibe from a very talented artist.
 Matt_Maurer wrote:
Have to rate this track up from 10 - possibly a 12 in my view. Xx Stay tuned folks, a new brave order is developing. Strive for peace, but be alert to any fair weather friends. Stay grounded....
 
It is a splendid happy wistful thoughtful track.  
Pls define what you allude to by 'new brave order' and 'fair weather friends'.  
Have to rate this track up from 10 - possibly a 12 in my view. Xx Stay tuned folks, a new brave order is developing. Strive for peace, but be alert to any fair weather friends. Stay grounded....
 skuzzfud wrote:
Seems he's Way over Yonder in a Minor Key.
 
Not that that's a bad thing  
Wow, two rare 10s in a row for me here. The last song being the completely different vibe of Close to the Edge. Not whole lot of 10s left for me here, but smiling now and looking forward to the next song. knowing it could be literally anything. Damn I love this station.
The Paul Simon of our time....
Great Song. Nice for working from home. RP never fails me!     
Yay! A fellow South African! 
What a great segue - Dylan to Isakov.  Both artists have great lyrics. . . and one of them is pleasing to the ear.
Hey, he shares my birthday! Love seeing the background info on the artists.
 Randomax wrote:
Where else would you go from Garbage to Isakov?  Love it!!
 
No where but Paradise my fellow listener. Hope Bill has a long life and career because I'm spoiled here.

And I have to up this simple little tune to a rare 10... it just gets in my soul like very few songs can do. If I had more time I'd share a story about this song and some fungus and a guitar playing friend.
 osbyec wrote:


...are you strong enough to be my man?...
 
Yes; it's a pretty common chord progression in the verse: I-IV-vi-V.
Seems he's Way over Yonder in a Minor Key.
 Randomax wrote:
Where else would you go from Garbage to Isakov?  Love it!!
 
I wish all my garbage could be so sweet as 'Visions of Johanna'
Where else would you go from Garbage to Isakov?  Love it!!
 Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
Music and lyrics work so well together on this. Instrumentation is just right. 

 
Great live as well.
 osbyec wrote:


...are you strong enough to be my man?...
 

Hehe, on 2018-08-27 clever RP played Sheryl Crow's "Strong Enough" immediately next in the stream after this song.
 Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
Music and lyrics work so well together on this. Instrumentation is just right. 

 
Agreed. 
smoke weed everyday
Music and lyrics work so well together on this. Instrumentation is just right. 
 Hannio wrote:
Why did the stableman's son decide to follow in his footsteps?  Because his father knew where to step.
 
{#Lol}  I'll have to use this laughing emoji since I can't physically laugh out loud today - I slept in the stable and woke up a little hoarse.
Just saw Gregory recently in a small (packed) club.
Absolutely amazing show.
This song was the encore.
I will be seeing him with Blind Pilot at the Portland Zoo amphitheater in August. Discovered both through RP. Thanks!
Beautiful, ain't it.
Why did the stableman's son decide to follow in his footsteps?  Because his father knew where to step.
Baby even the looooooooooosers
get lucky sometimes!
She was only a stableman's daughter but all the horse manure.
A songwriter and player of enviable talent.
 Peter_Bradshaw wrote:

...... x 2 :))
 
That's the spirit :)))
This sounds a lot like Slaid Cleaves.
Love the song, but I'm not sure what he's trying so say.

A few people have taken a swing at it here. Pretty deep stuff (like most of what RP plays, and what make RP great Thx Bill).

Edit: It apparently is a song about everything according to Gregory in this BING Lounge session (sadly missing the banjo though).
ah... beautiful evocative banjo and tune. play it again bill!
thank you, thank you, thank you
i have had bits of this in my head for the last 3 days
now i finally know who and what it is
i feel so happy right now
 Bobert_ParkCity wrote:
People are doing killer work with the Banjo these days...

 
I love the subtle Banjo work. Seems to be a trend as of late. One I enjoy.

 laozilover wrote:
Haven't yet paid attention to the words but I really like the way this one sounds!
 
Pay attention to the words. You'll be rewarded.
Druid Peak... Loved the movie, the scenery and music!

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2027091/ 
 laozilover wrote:
Haven't yet paid attention to the words but I really like the way this one sounds!
 
I finally read the lyrics tonight and this 
A very nice work. I love the skng in all respects. 
Thanks RP for the lyrics button and all that you do for your audience. This station is Paridise!
Haven't yet paid attention to the words but I really like the way this one sounds!
Just at that sweet spot nexus of wistful and uplifting. And an addictive melody for my whistling ear worm collection. 
People are doing killer work with the Banjo these days...
Never thought I could be mesmerized by someone plucking on a banjo, but this always leaves me daydreaming...
To early for a nap, Bill and Rebecca.
This has a pleasant, lilting groove. Just feels good to listen.

beautiful instrumentals


coolpeople & moodfood{#Cool}
Well, nice song, but I'd like to hear it w/piano instead of a banjo playing the signature. 'Course, that would change the sound...radically!
 TerryS wrote: interesting...same 3 set today...just as good 


Love this.  

I can appreciate the guy's talent, but the song is putting me to sleep.

{#Sleep}


Pure classic from RP.  I never would of heard of him cept for RP.
 Spiderwoman wrote:
10 X 10 = 100

 
...... x 2 :))
sweet ear candy  {#Yes}
 RabbitEars wrote:
what is it about this song? every time it's on, it grabs my attention and I have to stop everything. The pure essence of something... 

 

It's about grabbing your rabbit ears and making them enjoy someting beautiful and simple for a short time in your day.
Saw him with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, incredible show.
what is it about this song? every time it's on, it grabs my attention and I have to stop everything. The pure essence of something... 
First time I've given a nine on first hearing.
Going to see Gregory in San Diego this month!  Can't wait to hear the new album "The Weatherman"!
The song sounds like the song "Mary" by Lou Barlow... if you were to play it i would love it

His new album out tomorrow!
Love this song.  Thank you RP.
Just a very nice song!
10 X 10 = 100
I love this song!!
 
From a 7 to an 8. That was easy.
S*U*P*R*E*M*E 
My dear Sweetpea is in the other room not feeling well. Trying to have some soft, comforting sounds gently drifting to her ears. This song is perfect. Rest well sweet girl. I'd take all your pain on myself if I could. 
Watched him perform this live. The music was so beautiful - made me swoon. This album is one of my favorites of all time.
It's ringing!
 
I'll give it an 8.
..neverending song......boring....a solid 2....good night
Very stable...nice.
This song is so soothing.  Everytime I hear it I instantly relax.  So beautiful!
{#Meditate}
 neuticle wrote:
RP..you're putting us to sleep this afternoon..
 
''Just relax it wont hurt neuticle''......... and being in the UK I have found the past  hour so relaxing just what I needed after a heavy day. Thanks Bill & Rebecca.
Pretty awesome
9.5 just can't give any more. I love it. :-)
RP..you're putting us to sleep this afternoon..
Love it.  The gentle banjo is the icing on the cake.

This one's going on the Buy list.  Thanks Bill & Rebecca!

A more than passing resemblance to the longing, evocative and bittersweet songs from circa the Civil War. 

 
The chorus makes me think of a nice, easy horseback ride.  On the way back to The Stable, I guess.....
I wish this song went on longer.  A true poetic masterpiece.
Glad to see this melancholy gem is still in rotation.
long but very good {#Angel}
nicey........7 to an 8............
Ear Therapy....snazzy

 jhorton wrote:
Gave this a rare 8 on first listen, and the more I hear this guy, the more impressed I am!
 
Same here! {#Good-vibes}
 bluematrix wrote:
Mmmm, this is tasty. Like someone whispering a story at a campfire on a warm summer night.
 
We live in the same neck of the woods. This is beautiful & lyrical. I could do with a bit less finger picking, perhaps. But it's good, strong songwriting. 8


Thank you RP. :)
Gave this a rare 8 on first listen, and the more I hear this guy, the more impressed I am!
Great soft tune

Something about this song makes me feel so safe, wherever I am.
8>9
7 > 8