I come from a family of wonderful Christian women, salt of the earth kind of women, consistently living quiet beautiful lives of love and service to others. My mother and all her sisters, have been faithful to God for all their lives, and all my life I have heard them sing in this same beautiful way, songs from their hearts that spoke of their faith. How privileged I have been.
I grew up in rural Missouri in the '60s with a father who was a Church of Christ minister on the edge of the Ozark Mountains (the edge of Appalachia). Those people were poor, poor, poor. This was a favorite of all the widows in the Congregations, particularly in the hills. I hadn't heard it in 25 or 30 years until the film came out and I admit I got a little teary. Luckily the theater was dark so my wife and youngest son couldn't see me.
I grew up in the US, Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia. My family came from Ireland 200 years ago. All of the Irish accent has disappeared but my grandmother sounded just like this when she sang. To me, it is beautiful.
I agree wholeheartedly, however I feel like if someone else had done it it would've been interchangeable. Something about Iris' vocals is just captivating.
This version of the movie True Grit was ten times better than the John Wayne film. It followed the book more closely and fleshed out the characters far better. For them to close the movie with that incredible song made it perfect. Thank you for the beauty you gave an already great song Miss Dement, it was stunning.
@@tibbar1000 , agree but then the new movie was better overall as well, other actors also played their roles better (including Jeff Bridges) than those in the original
Both were excellent for different reasons. John Wayne portrayed Rooster Cogburn perfectly and the Arkansa boy, Glen Campbell, though without a lot of acting experience, was better than a slick Matt Damon. And don’t forget Robert Duvall as Ned Pepper, Dennis Hopper as Moon, Strother Martin and Jeff Corey. They round out a powerful cast. Jeff Bridges did a superb job as did Barry Pepper in the 2010 version. Kim Darby had her moments as did Hailee Steinfield. And I will not argue that the 2010 version had slightly more of the book. Plus Iris Dement’s song was icing on the cake. But John Fiedler’s 1969 Jay Noble Daggett was the candles on the cake along with H. W. Gim as Chin Lee. Did you notice that the condemned man at the hanging was played by Jay Silverheels of The Lone Ranger fame? Remember Tonto?
it shat on every vbeloved cliche about the western films, what else did you expect... but to be fair, the movie came out in a year where that categorywas FILLED with masterpieces, like inception, the kings speech, winters bone, black swan... good lord it was an amazing year
I prefer Jeff Bridges' performance - not disrespecting John Wayne, but one is always aware that he is John Wayne, if you follow me, whereas Bridges just disappears into the role. And Hailie Stanfield, absolutely adore her in this role. Sheer perfection.
@@ImsorryAnakin John Wayne should have won for "The Searchers" (clearly his best film), but he was on the outs with Hollywood when it was released in 1956. His Oscar for "True Grit' was more of a lifetime achievement award.
100s of versions of this song have been made. But Iris Dement has finally sung it with the slow, deliberate, emotional melancholy that compliments & does justice to these beautiful heart plucking lyrics.
This is an interesting proverb. As I understand it, this proverb tells us that the wicked’s own conscience has them running even when there is no one to actually chase them down. This proverb is quite profound in very few words. That seems to be the style of the books of wisdom.
@@sheldonberg125yes it bothered me that Hollywood can’t even get one simple verse right. Unless they meant it to have a double meaning for the context of the film. Perhaps Rooster is tormented by his past as well.
I tear up every time I hear this hymn. I'm especially fond of hearing Iris Dement sing it. There is something heavenly about her voice that makes me maudlin in my old age. A great singer with a very interesting voice, she is an even better songwriter with many great and famous bands covering her music.
Takes me back to 1964 when God first revealed Himself in my soul, and I became a new creature in Christ Jesus. This song was sung nearly every Lord's Day by the 40-50 people who gathered at Grace Baptist Church out on the west side of Big Spring, TX, near the [then] Webb AFB, where I was serving out my time back from overseas. I cherish the memory, and have lived for 50 more years serving my gracious Lord Jesus. And all the while, I am truly leaning on the everlasting Arms. I can think of no one who could replicate the sound of the singing of that song better than Iris. She sings unashamedly through that lovely nose, producing that genuine sound that melts the true country/mountain heart. You are the best, Iris. The sadness is that if I am to believe the Wiki page on Iris, she rejected the faith of her parents, and is likely an unbeliever. But the Gospel influence is palpable in her music, if not an abiding faith. My prayer is that God's Word will have its effect in Iris' soul and that I will get to hear her music as eternity rolls on.
+Victor Edwards I think people should disregard religion until they are truly satisfied for what they have done with their lives. Then they can start asking the big questions, weather they believe or not. Maybe not for everyone, but religion really tends to get in the way of goals.
+bailesstrand Its more than two thousand years. Read the psalms and other parts of the scriptures. We who serve the Lord were here first. You and yours came after us. You have to get over yourself because you think you do not need saving. Now that is more than pretentious. It is more like hubris.
This song reminds me of a simpler time , as a child, sitting in a wood frame church house on a hard bench, either sweating and holding a handfan in summer , or freezing in winter, hoping some of that stoves heat would drift my way. That pure music has been lost in most churches of today.
What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on the everlasting arms; What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, Leaning on the everlasting arms. Leaning, leaning, Safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, Leaning on the everlasting arms. Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, Leaning on the everlasting arms; Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day, Leaning on the everlasting arms. Leaning, leaning, Safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, Leaning on the everlasting arms. What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms; I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, Leaning on the everlasting arms. Leaning, leaning, Safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, Leaning on the everlasting arms.
A lovely rendition of this song. Thank you, Iris. It must have been in the late 60s or early 70s when I first heard and sang this in church. Now decades later in 2020, the words have the same meaning they did back then. Except I can look back over a longer experience of the faithfulness of the God whose loving arms have upheld me all along the way. Day in and day out. Moment by moment. Do I ever regret surrendering the rest of my life to the One who sufferred an agonising death by crucifixion, to bear the penalty of my sins 20 centuries ago outside Jerusalem? Do I ever wonder if I've wasted over 50 years, following my Saviour through thick and thin? Are my relationships a wreck and my life empty through putting the Lord Jesus first? Absolutely not! He's proved to be the Friend that sticks closer than a brother, Who the Bible speaks of. Fine for me but not for you? Believe that if you wish. Too good to be true? As much as colour, fresh air, sunsets, newborn babies and true love can't be true. Please. Don't keep refusing this Jesus. He claimed to be "the way, the truth and the life" - and that no-one "comes to the Father except through me". His forgiveness of his enemies while he hung on the cross demonstrates the greatness of his love. His bodily resurrection back to life afterward, as he had fortold, is the pre-eminent evidence. Now, will you still turn away and refuse him or keep trying to fit on that uncomfortable fence? Or will you turn in true repentance and trust to the Saviour who has said "come unto me"?
Hello & I hope Iris Dement is able to view my comment, boy I’m grateful to Jeff Bridges & Matt Damon, I decided to watch the movie True Grit because I like these actors. It was emotional & tearful, when the end of the movie arrived & I heard that voice I didn’t turn off the tv or change the channel…I listened to this beautiful voice. I don’t listen to that type of music normally so I would not have ever heard this song, but I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity thank you Iris Dement. 😁🌸
There's just something magical about Iris DeMent's voice. This song with it's spiritual overtones just seems to really fix the feelings conveyed in her singing. Iris is truly a blessing to all that open their heart's to the lyrics of her songs and let her deep feelings flow into them. I did not realize she participated in the soundtrack for the movie True Grit 2010 Soundtrack. I will have to watch the movie and wait with great anticipation for the part when she sings!
At the end of this lovely film, when the credits start to roll, and this wonderful gospel tune started... I just lost it- teary eyed blubbering old man.... This is what made the film so perfect. Big shout to whoever made the final decision to include this little marvel. And thank you beautiful Iris!
Nick Gregory I agree, elevated the film to another level, especially when I realized that the theme had been playing in the soundtrack through the whole film. Sublime!
+Tsisageya 1 Don't synthesize, just simply FEEL. And, if it provides any comfort or warmth or peace, go ahead and BELIEVE. Me and Iris will not mind in the least : cynic / romantic / human being ...... we're all in it together.
It's part of the filmmakers art, cynical maybe (Titanic anyone?), but the feelings are real. People attach their own experience onto it. Same goes for all art that moves you.
The whole movie had a use of English much different than today. Same way in the Lonesome Dove movie. Not sure if its a whimsical remembrance of a bygone era, but I enjoy it’s more poetic timbre.
Recognized here voice right away. Stunner of a movie, and really hit home when Iris came on for the credits. We used to listen to "No Time To Cry" in the Marines for all the folk we knew who passed... those who served with us, family, anyone. Fond memories.
This is a beautiful song sung by a beautiful woman. My mother who passed a few months ago loved this old hymn. Thank you Iris as my Mom loved your music 🙏🏼
The haunting voice of Iris Dement caused chills to run down my spine. This song inspired to make me choose it for church after hearing the way Iris did it. I'm the part time piano player at my church and the congeragation loved it.
On Czech TV now and I thought it´s Dolly Parton. The same feeling in her voice... now I found the truth and I´m a fan too :-) Great movie, great song, great singer... what else can I say :-)
Should've been watching the popular show "Northern Exposure" when they broke out "Our Town" for the end of the last episode. I cried and I'd hardly watched the damn show.
A most beautiful song at the end of a great movie. I love the original with John Wayne. How could a body not? Not many remakes move me but this one did. Yes, I cried like a baby when I heard Iris sing this. It reminded me of my Grandmother singing this so long ago. I miss you MeMe.
The Cohen Bros hit the nail on the head! When I was growing up I had Aunts and Uncles and cousins galore throughout Kanas, Missouri, and Arkansas. At every family gathering we would gather 'round a piano in the parlor and unite in voice singing "Leaning .." and other dustbowl classics. As far as Iris's voice goes, ya'll ain't never been to the Osarks or the Great Plains or Olathe, or there abouts, huh? The Movie softened the accents a great deal to my ear. Finally "Matty" is the spittin' image of a couple, three or four, of my Scots-Irish cousins ( brown/copper hair - hazel eyes) that's been in that region for over a hundred years and then some. Hell, my great great Grandfather was a boy of 16 asleep upstairs in the hay loft of the family dry goods store in Gardner when Quantral rode in, robbed us, then when on to burn Lawrence to the ground. The Cohens got a lot of it quite right. DeMent was perfection.
What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms; what a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms. Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms. O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, leaning on the everlasting arms; O how bright the path grows from day to day, leaning on the everlasting arms. What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms? I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms. [Refrain]
You should question. God will give us what we want at the moment of death. If we choose God, we can inherit His Kingdom in Heaven, but if we do not choose God, then he won't force us to and there is only one other option. Go to a Catholic Church near you, talk to the Priest, and ask him what you should do. God Bless You.
I remember singing this song as a child at the Chinese Baptist church… I’m San Antonio …TEXAS….ONLY ONE PIANO AND MOST EVERYONE WAS OFF KEY…..I REALLY MISS IT….IT WAS 65 years ago…
I had a homie who got lost in yellowstone and when he was up against one of the stone walls, he just sang this song until he got rescued. They found him dehydrated and badly burned practically unconscious
This was the only song that put me on your trail ever since hearing it. Girl, I just hope you feel as warm in your heart as we do listening to you, thank you Iris
I met this lady years ago. And we and my children and grandchildren sing along years later its astounding. God Bless you . I still play he reached me down .And my kids still play this to their kids. the show still goes on.
I love this song and the way Iris sings it. Pure soul and emotion. If every naysayer in the world hated it, I'd be the last one standing, playing it, over and over.
It's hard for people who didn't grow up with a southern gospel background to understand why we love this song. The lyrics are just so preciously beautiful. In my opinion, she did an amazing job singing it as well.
Possibly because it was truer to the book, and therefore more from Mattie’s perspective, rather than a John Wayne vehicle. Mind you, Wayne was outstanding in the 1969 original😊
@@wm4668 I agree. John Wayne was always John Wayne. He did a great job in the movie but was maybe too familiar because of the many tough guy rouges he had played. Jeff Bridges emerged as an amazing character, a tough and gritty personality who fit the part perfectly. Kudos to both actors. My favorite? Both. Pardon my ambivalence.
It was almost verbatim from the book...awesome look...outstanding costuming...and such contrasts in dialect..ned pepper..matty..rooster..and my fav..the bear man
Did you ever hear the sound of a lone bell ringing off in the distance with the pureness and beauty of a morning sunrise bringing in a new day? This voice seems to capture this warmth and so much more. Such a rare talent blessed with the ability to display it.
The Coens are a modern day equivalent to the late great Hitchcock. This movie ranks right up there with their other American masterpieces Blood Simple, Fargo and No Country for Old Men. Far more than an ordinary western.
I must have watched True Grit [ 2010 ] at least 10 times and each time I find myself crying at the end [ and I'm not the type to cry at films believe me ] - my favourite Western ever .
Itronicall this is for Movide Soundtrack. I used ot sing this in CHurch, and we sang int in the slower, mroe Traditional Style, but if you try to fidn this on an ALbum on Amazon or soemwhere, tis upbeat and "Modernised" crap.
I have heard this song since I was very young. My grandmother and mom used to sing this to me. It tears at me just to remember. This is the best rendition I recall. I have even asked this be played at my funeral when the time comes. I cried at the end of the movie.
I, too, thought the movie was very well done and had a taste of authenticity to it due to their speech lacking contractions. "I do not think I will do that..." instead of "I don't think I'll do that". Having no experience living in that era,I can't vouch for the authenticity in reality, but it seems like a speech pattern that they would use. But my purely emotional and personal response is heart warming and tearful. I have no intellectual response to offer. That would only cheapen the rich flavor of this experience. I love watching Iris when she sings...her eyes drift here and there, up and down, as she seems to float off to a better place when she performs. Lovely woman and voice. Thanks for the treat.
You may be right about the speech patterns of the 19th century. Some years ago, I bought a piece of correspondence written and postmarked January 2, 1863, between a landowner in Dinwiddie County, Va., and his lawyer in Petersburg, Va. concerning a land dispute matter that was to come before the court there soon. In reviewing it just now, I can't find a single contraction in it anywhere.
glad some one saw her eyes, her frowning too, there is also.. turmoil maybe.. and .. haunting melodies, some of them, and voice, and eyes indeed.. also glad that some one have no intellectual response about these things, very.. appropriate.. thanks for the comment
one of the best ending song choices in film history. Its right up there with 'He was a friend of mine' at the end of 'Brokeback Mountain' Bravo Coens! and Bravo Iris Dement!
+My20GUNS You said it ! I stopped in m' tracks and sat back down, although the lights were up and everyone was leaving, when Iris began to sing during the closing credits. Made two friends sit down and listen-they'd never heard her before and now they're as fond and foolish over her as me and thee.
I’m a poet at heart and in mind. I often find myself spontaneously bursting into tears if something really emotionally powerful grazes my soul. This song did that to me. To have felt every jolt as Rooster carried Matty. To understand fully why he never even hesitated to kill himself if needs be to get her to the store. How I personally would have done the exact same. And to hear Iris’s voice paint a picture that could never be truly rendered….
My history teacher in the 8th grade would sing this song on a daily basis. I'm now 34-years old and this song is on my tongue every day and has been ever since then.
I've heard this song a million times and this version in True Grit is most definitely the one that does it for me. Doesn't surprise me that Coen Brothers chose this.
I'm amazed at how many references are made to God and Jesus Christ in a positive way: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men" Titus 2:11
@@pashadyne She's not singing with a "baby voice." Her voice is high-pitched, yes, as are many (Alison Kraus?). but the "baby voice" is not that, it is a regional accent that has been essentially killed off.
@@pashadyne Try listening to some of the Smithsonian's early recordings. Music companies don't record this stuff, it's not commercial. There was some what was called "old style" music in the 1930s, which again, was not recorded much. The Smithsonian recorded real people not performing acts. The accent is particular to some regions of the Ozarks.
@@pashadyne I'm not the one wasting your time, idiot. You commented to me with demands, ignored my reply and then "wasted time" with a several paragraph rant. As I said, look into the Smithsonian Folkways records. Or better yet, just go fuck yourself. The latter is better for lifeless people like you who need to turn every internet interaction into a battle to make up for other inadequaciies.
Been an Iris fan since her first appearance on "A Prairie Home Companion." Thanks, Garrison Keillor for introducing her to many new fans, including me. She grows on listeners. She has on me. I'm drawn to her songs and her singing like a moth to a flame.
+Bev D. Yup....Keillor has uncovered a number of relatively unknown artists and she was one of them, at least for me. She's the Bob Dylan of bluegrass or something related to that, and what Johnny Cash is to country. The bottom line, the common denominator for all of those artists, including Iris, as you point out, is realness! From the heart. Soul.
Song just makes me nostalgic. Oh how I miss those days, Of which I’ve not seen but heard. 3rd great grandfather died at Antietam. so to did 3 of his 2nd/3rd cousins. My greatgreat uncle WW1. My grandma brother in ww2 at Normandy oh how they fought, struggled, built worked. All they did when life was hard, all they gave when life was all. How I wish our country was as it was. I think of all my ancestors hearing this, I pray to meet them in eternal glory. I pray our country returns to its proud past. I pray to the lord for the good and the righteous.
I've never liked cowboy movies much (Clint Eastwood ones are the exception) and was hesitant to see this one. Boy, what a pleasant surprise. The were several inspiring Biblical references here and there that touch your heart. Also, you see the redeeming qualities of the human spirit. The eternal battle of good vs evil and its consequences. Brilliantly done. A five-star movie.
