This song is largely autobiographical. St. Florian is a community right outside of Florence, AL. It's between Florence and Green Hill where Jason is from. Kendale refers to the Kendale Gardens subdivision here in town. I've met Jason's dad and he's a salt of the earth type of guy. If this wasn't actual advice he gave his son then it easily could have been.
This is one of four excellent songs that Jason Isbell wrote when he was a member of Drive-by Truckers, all worthy of a reaction. The other three is Decoration Day, Danko/Manuel and Goddamn Lonely Love.
This is my favorite song; thank your for reviewing it, but I think you missed the point. The father sees his son blowing it, making some of the same mistakes he made. This is the first time the dad reveals, to the son, that he has regrets. The dad sees his own life as a cautionary tale that he hopes his son can avoid. The key line is "Don't let me catch you in Kendale with a bucket of wealthy man's paint." Up to this "talk," the son has no idea that his father has any regrets, or that he wishes better for his son than he had. The dad wishes he had more to offer, but he earnestly gives what he has.
Great explanation, John. Since I'm listening to most of the songs for the first time there's a lot to take in. Some of the expressions are new to me, and while I'm trying to figure out one lyric the other ones progress, and it's easy to miss specifics and sometimes miss the overall picture. The comments typically clear up what I miss, and yours definitely did just that. Thanks for that!
I’ll throw a recommendation at ya. It’s hard to pick one Isbell song, but The Songs That She Sang in the Shower is one of my favorites. He flexes his pipes in that one. Good writing of course.
Love all your Jason isbell songs you have done. I’m from Alabama and been following Jason for almost 10 years. Please go back to his old stuff. Please try “tour of duty” “cigarettes and wine” “sunstroke” “dress blues” and my all time favorite “streetlights”
Jason wrote this when he was like 21 years old, about a conversation with his father that took place after he joined the Drive-by Truckers. It was featured on the Truckers album "Decoration Day", also the name of Isbell's other contribution to the record (check out a live version of that song that has Jason's wife Amanda on the fiddle). In a discography full of terrible fathers this one is as lovely a song about father-son relationships as they come, and its so real
Linda is 100% right, and because he wrote it so young he has gone on record saying that he was a little naive about telling the family history to the masses. He jokingly says that this song is why his family doesn't tell him stories anymore for fear it will end up in a song.
God I love your comments on fatherhood and how men have to show up. My son is almost 12 going into sixth grade next year in a new place because we’re moving to the country they’re building my wife and my house as I type this. He called me earlier because his two best friends have for the second time turned on him because they’re girlfriend started picking on him because he’s not trying to be older than he is and to be honest they’re not the best influence. That said his feelings are hurt and though he knows they aren’t good friends he now doesn’t have really any friends his age except cousins. So I talked to him and told him some of my bullied anecdotes and mainly told him I know there’s nothing I can say to make it not hurt but I said in text after I talked on the phone with him “I want you to knowI love you and I’m proud you’re not like those boys. The fact that you’re not letting them and their peer pressure or bullying cause you to be anything but the strong caring empathetic friend and son that you’ve always been.” He texted back saying, “Thank you Dad that really means something to me I love you and good night.” Made my year to read that and just be here for him. Hope all is well Mr Don.
Kids don’t do what they hear, they do what they see. I wish people would remember to criticize the bad thing a child is doing, instead of criticizing the child. There is a world of difference between the two.
"Don't call what you're wearing an outfit." This fits with the theme of the song. It speaks against frivolity and putting on airs. The song puts a high value on honor and parental self sacrifice. It makes the mundane day to day grind seem epic. Good song.
👍 Anything by Isbell is poignant, and gets deeper, layer by layer. I like your analysis, Don... You mentioned ‘Simple Man’, and equated both songs to parental advice. You might want to check out ‘Hey Mama’, by Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats.. Mama gives some Hard advice.
@An Old Man Named dave Thank you for the kind words! As for Nathaniel's songs, I reacted to "S.O.B" a couple months ago, and it was blocked. I may have to wait a bit longer since newer songs tend to get blocked more often than ones that have been out for a year or two.
It might not be country but listen to Travis - sing or why does it always rain on me by Travis. It probably won't make a video but it's as close to modern Scottish country so let me know what you think
great song and lyrics - he only wants the best for his family but many families dont care - so good to hear a great song with all that advice in it - backing rocky at times but good song - would love to go to one of his shows too - bet he does a great concert - loved your reaction for the child getting all the love and reason and as you say not Uni and things like that - that comes later= totally agree with all you say - liked your high rating - wow!!xxx
@@RockN2Country I am fine now thanks - hope all good with you - no news here really - just cold and miserable weather -oh gosh me speaking about weather - thats bad - speak again soon xxx
![Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit -- Outfit [REACTION/RATING]](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
