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

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3276









Released: 2007
Length: 5:57
Plays (last 30 days): 5
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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 (205)add comment
Absolutely beautiful.
Posted 2 days ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
This is one of his best songs!
Posted 3 weeks ago by lynnefredricksen    [ Reply ]
9 >>>>> 10 Awesome!!!
Posted 1 month ago by gregskrtic    [ Reply ]
Before you can sing about:  "Ring out those ghosts on the Ohio"...

you should try swimming in it before it merges with the Mississippi at Cairo.

But watch out for them wakes from the barges.  That's crazy stuff.  And  don't swallow any river water.

Posted 5 months ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
botox pensacola
Posted 5 months ago by carrington3    [ Reply ]
Had the privilege of seeing GAI in Providence last week. Absolutely amazing concert, one of the best I’ve ever been to. The musicianship and the harmonies of the band combined with the acoustics and the sound system of the theatre made for a breathtaking show. He didn’t play this song though!
Posted 5 months ago by carricknab    [ Reply ]
Pretty good story telling, but somebody nailed that guitar sound to perfection.  No room for improvement from me.  Really terrific.
Posted 6 months ago by liveaudio608    [ Reply ]
Seems like everyday this song is played. Next.
Posted 7 months ago by coyote620    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 10 months ago by trogel    [ Reply ]
Wonderful lyrics from GAI.
Posted 1 year ago by iloveradio    [ Reply ]
 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
Posted 1 year ago by meanderer    [ Reply ]
Steve Varney...  he plays and sings on this.  He is amazing.  Has his own band also, named Kid Reverie . 
Posted 1 year ago by waterwench21    [ Reply ]
     ~ ~ ~   Gorgeous   ~ ~ ~   
Posted 1 year ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 skuzzfud wrote:

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



Exactly what I thought! (And obviously many others)
Posted 1 year ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
I love this song.  Steve Varney does an excellent job on the banjo.
Posted 2 years ago by waterwench21    [ Reply ]
For some reason I am getting FarCry5 vibes with this song --
Oh the magic of banjo :o)
Posted 2 years ago by corydon    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 2 years ago by Spiderwoman    [ Reply ]
 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. 
Posted 2 years ago by pshand    [ Reply ]
GENIUS
Posted 2 years ago by Spiderwoman    [ Reply ]
 skuzzfud wrote:

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



Only an RP listener could appreciate this comment LOL!
Posted 2 years ago by drewd    [ Reply ]
 joejennings wrote:

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




Same here!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
Good Tune! I never heard of him before. Thanx RP!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 3 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
Incredible! Yesterday afternoon I drove up the gnarly mountain roads to the fabulous old Gold Hill Inn, where a band was about to play a free concert in the outdoor Beer Garden. The trees were turning shades of orange and yellow, and though the sun was blazing, you could feel the temperature dropping by the minute once it began to set. The wildfire smoke had cleared, and for the first time in a while, the Indian Peaks seemed close enough to reach. I went up Main Street to The General Store for some carrot cake and a shot of Fernet. The bartender joined me, exactly as he had done the last time I enacted the ritual, the year -- or maybe two? before. Well, Covid had ravaged the Earth since, and perhaps we felt lucky just to be alive. He mentioned that he was jealous of my new Thievery Corporation concert T-shirt I'd snagged when they'd played Levitt Pavilion a few weeks ago. The first major concert after the shut-down, and the first no-mask required public gathering I'd been to! I petted Stella, the splendidly friendly old resident golden retriever, then we raised another toast, and I wandered down the dirt street to the old log-cabin saloon to score myself a pint of O'Dell's IPA and take in the ambience of the 1870s that still rules the place. This enrapturing song and an extended playlist of Mr. Isakov was played while the band warmed up. Though the line for drinks was long, everyone was smiling and nodding and tapping, and it was all quite 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.
Posted 3 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 3 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 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...
Posted 3 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
 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....
Posted 3 years ago by mattenuttall    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 3 years ago by woodchuk    [ Reply ]
 skuzzfud wrote:
Seems he's Way over Yonder in a Minor Key.
 
That's Billy Bragg!
Posted 4 years ago by cyoungdelmar    [ Reply ]
 alexandersmcmillan wrote:
That wild-haired what?
 
That wild-haired gale. Reference to strong wind in the hair.
Posted 4 years ago by 2Hawks    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 4 years ago by Matt_Maurer    [ Reply ]
 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
Posted 4 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
That wild-haired what?
Posted 4 years ago by alexandersmcmillan    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 4 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
 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'.  
Posted 4 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
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....
Posted 4 years ago by Matt_Maurer    [ Reply ]
 skuzzfud wrote:
Seems he's Way over Yonder in a Minor Key.
 
Not that that's a bad thing  
Posted 4 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 4 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
The Paul Simon of our time....
Posted 4 years ago by frank8    [ Reply ]
Great Song. Nice for working from home. RP never fails me!     
Posted 4 years ago by rjkidder1    [ Reply ]
Yay! A fellow South African! 
Posted 5 years ago by pietersen.jb1    [ Reply ]
What a great segue - Dylan to Isakov.  Both artists have great lyrics. . . and one of them is pleasing to the ear.
Posted 5 years ago by dandueck07    [ Reply ]
Hey, he shares my birthday! Love seeing the background info on the artists.
Posted 5 years ago by Lenora    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 5 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 5 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Seems he's Way over Yonder in a Minor Key.
Posted 5 years ago by skuzzfud    [ Reply ]
 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'
Posted 5 years ago by Canadese    [ Reply ]
Isakov: "It's a poem about everything"
Posted 5 years ago by easmann    [ Reply ]
Where else would you go from Garbage to Isakov?  Love it!!
Posted 5 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
 Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
Music and lyrics work so well together on this. Instrumentation is just right. 

 
Great live as well.
Posted 6 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 6 years ago by k3rmit    [ Reply ]
 Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
Music and lyrics work so well together on this. Instrumentation is just right. 

 
Agreed. 
Posted 6 years ago by Duc1098    [ Reply ]
smoke weed everyday
Posted 6 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
Music and lyrics work so well together on this. Instrumentation is just right. 
Posted 7 years ago by Ahnyer_Keester    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Just saw Gregory recently in a small (packed) club.
Absolutely amazing show.
This beautiful song was the encore.
Posted 7 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I will be seeing him with Blind Pilot at the Portland Zoo amphitheater in August. Discovered both through RP. Thanks!
Posted 7 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
Beautiful, ain't it.
Posted 8 years ago by old_shep    [ Reply ]
Why did the stableman's son decide to follow in his footsteps?  Because his father knew where to step.
Posted 8 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Baby even the looooooooooosers
get lucky sometimes!
Posted 8 years ago by thatslongformud    [ Reply ]
She was only a stableman's daughter but all the horse manure.
Posted 8 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
A songwriter and player of enviable talent.
Posted 8 years ago by zedstation    [ Reply ]
 Peter_Bradshaw wrote:

...... x 2 :))
 
That's the spirit :)))
Posted 8 years ago by Spiderwoman    [ Reply ]
This sounds a lot like Slaid Cleaves.
Posted 8 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
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).
Posted 8 years ago by FrankRizzo    [ Reply ]
ah... beautiful evocative banjo and tune. play it again bill!
Posted 8 years ago by steven88    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 8 years ago by FrankRizzo    [ Reply ]

Posted 8 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 9 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Druid Peak... Loved the movie, the scenery and music!

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2027091/ 
Posted 9 years ago by eeke    [ Reply ]
 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!
Posted 9 years ago by jimtyrrell    [ Reply ]
Haven't yet paid attention to the words but I really like the way this one sounds!
Posted 9 years ago by laozilover    [ Reply ]
Just at that sweet spot nexus of wistful and uplifting. And an addictive melody for my whistling ear worm collection. 
Posted 9 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
People are doing killer work with the Banjo these days...
Posted 9 years ago by Bobert_ParkCity    [ Reply ]
Never thought I could be mesmerized by someone plucking on a banjo, but this always leaves me daydreaming...
Posted 9 years ago by seageek    [ Reply ]
To early for a nap, Bill and Rebecca.
Posted 9 years ago by p1d1s1    [ Reply ]
This has a pleasant, lilting groove. Just feels good to listen.
Posted 9 years ago by Ahnyer_Keester    [ Reply ]

beautiful instrumentals


Posted 10 years ago by steven88    [ Reply ]
coolpeople & moodfood{#Cool}
Posted 10 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 10 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
 TerryS wrote: interesting...same 3 set today...just as good
Superset me Bill!

6:51 pmGregory Alan Isakov
The Stable SongThat Sea, the Gambler (2007)7.2 6:49 pmRachel Podger
Vivaldi - Allegro, Concerto in G Major, Op 4 No 3La Stravaganza (2003)8.7 6:47 pmThe Beatles
Eleanor RigbyRevolver (1966)9 6:42 pmIron & Wine and Calexico
Burn That Broken BedIn the Reins (2005)7.5 6:38 pmDougie MacLean
Ready For The StormCraigie Dhu (1982)7 6:34 pmDoc Watson & David Grisman
Summertime

 


Posted 10 years ago by Weave    [ Reply ]
Love this.  
Posted 10 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]

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

{#Sleep}


Posted 10 years ago by ginniet    [ Reply ]
Pure classic from RP.  I never would of heard of him cept for RP.
Posted 10 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 Spiderwoman wrote:
10 X 10 = 100

 
...... x 2 :))
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
sweet ear candy  {#Yes}
Posted 10 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 10 years ago by coolpeople_rule    [ Reply ]
Saw him with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, incredible show.
Posted 11 years ago by denbear    [ Reply ]
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... 
Posted 11 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
First time I've given a nine on first hearing.
Posted 11 years ago by owchita    [ Reply ]
Going to see Gregory in San Diego this month!  Can't wait to hear the new album "The Weatherman"!
Posted 11 years ago by Tuesday1    [ Reply ]
The song sounds like the song "Mary" by Lou Barlow... if you were to play it i would love it

Posted 11 years ago by jrichartz    [ Reply ]
His new album out tomorrow!
Posted 11 years ago by anaguma    [ Reply ]
Love this song.  Thank you RP.
Posted 11 years ago by anaguma    [ Reply ]
Just a very nice song!
Posted 11 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
10 X 10 = 100
Posted 11 years ago by Spiderwoman    [ Reply ]
I love this song!!
 
Posted 11 years ago by pfemar    [ Reply ]
From a 7 to an 8. That was easy.
Posted 11 years ago by PDXDude    [ Reply ]
S*U*P*R*E*M*E 
Posted 12 years ago by Spiderwoman    [ Reply ]
Superset me Bill!

6:51 pmGregory Alan Isakov
The Stable Song		That Sea, the Gambler (2007)7.2
 
6:49 pmRachel Podger
Vivaldi - Allegro, Concerto in G Major, Op 4 No 3		La Stravaganza (2003)8.7
 
6:47 pmThe Beatles
Eleanor Rigby		Revolver (1966)9
 
6:42 pmIron & Wine and Calexico
Burn That Broken Bed		In the Reins (2005)7.5
 
6:38 pmDougie MacLean
Ready For The Storm		Craigie Dhu (1982)7
 
6:34 pmDoc Watson & David Grisman
Summertime

Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
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. 
Posted 12 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
Watched him perform this live. The music was so beautiful - made me swoon. This album is one of my favorites of all time.
Posted 12 years ago by Spiderwoman    [ Reply ]
It's ringing!
 
Posted 12 years ago by dsd    [ Reply ]
I'll give it an 8.
Posted 12 years ago by Keef    [ Reply ]
..neverending song......boring....a solid 2....good night
Posted 12 years ago by rockpommel16    [ Reply ]
Very stable...nice.
Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
This song is so soothing.  Everytime I hear it I instantly relax.  So beautiful!
Posted 12 years ago by Tuesday1    [ Reply ]
{#Meditate}
Posted 12 years ago by sajitjacob    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 12 years ago by Toke    [ Reply ]
Pretty awesome
Posted 12 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
9.5 just can't give any more. I love it. :-)
Posted 12 years ago by dachter1love    [ Reply ]
RP..you're putting us to sleep this afternoon..
Posted 12 years ago by neuticle    [ Reply ]
Love it.  The gentle banjo is the icing on the cake.

This one's going on the Buy list.  Thanks Bill & Rebecca!
Posted 12 years ago by auburntigerrich    [ Reply ]
A more than passing resemblance to the longing, evocative and bittersweet songs from circa the Civil War. 

 
Posted 12 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
The chorus makes me think of a nice, easy horseback ride.  On the way back to The Stable, I guess.....
Posted 12 years ago by eswiley2    [ Reply ]
I wish this song went on longer.  A true poetic masterpiece.
Posted 12 years ago by Tuesday1    [ Reply ]
Glad to see this melancholy gem is still in rotation.
Posted 12 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
long but very good {#Angel}
Posted 12 years ago by Snoopy2    [ Reply ]
nicey........7 to an 8............
Posted 12 years ago by Jazbo    [ Reply ]