Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit -- Streetlights [REACTION/GIFT REQUEST] 

I like how he left in "I think I blocked just a park away" surely for I'm not as think as you drunk I am effect

Love this song - One of my all time favorite Isbell songs out there. I remember the first time I discovered it, I probably listened to it 20 times that same day. He's got a few that are like that.

Thanks Don. One of the reasons I requested this one (apart from being a great song) is I read an amazing interpretation once of a connection between this, "Songs That She Sang in the Shower," and "Cover Me Up" (both of which you have also reacted to) Listen to "Streetlights", then "Songs That She Sang in the Shower" and finally "Cover Me Up". Those three songs makes an amazing trilogy, They tell a story of addiction, that probably only could be told by someone who has been through all those motions. In "Streetlights" the protagonist is living an unsatisfiyng life, Drinking is more and more the way he numbs the hurt of his existential pain. While at the bar he observes people that's further down the line than himself (Marc/Little Em). The streetlights symbolize there's a way out, but light's too faint - he hasn't got the tools/means to break out of the decline. He blames lifes complications (girl gone, dad idle, life in fast-lane), but are unable to adress that changing his own mindset is the only viable way out. "Songs That She Sang in the Shower" is the protagonist hitting rock bottom. He's getting into a fight, alienating those around him, losing another girl. Focusing on that he's on his own, and what has been (Yesterday's Wine), he can't see that he needs help and emphasize the possibilities of what may be ahead. "Cover Me Up" is obviously about redemption - how the protagonist now see how his previous mindset was so damaging. Now he's gotten help, and understanding that focusing on others, not himself, has given him the incentive to change his life, and the tools to do so. He's found that there's use for him. For good... Also to answer your question, this actually is to be one of his older songs, from back in 2009.

This is super early Jason.

Fantastic request, thanks Matt. One my Jason faves. Thanks Don for the terrific reaction.

Always love this as an amazing deep cut. Makes me sad of course. I always feel like he can't put himself in a place to play the songs from that part of his life anymore which has always been unfortunate to me but I could understand. Even one like the magician

Hey Don, if you haven't seen the video of Jason and Sadler doing Tour of Duty as an encore to a concert at Red rocks check it out. Its fantastic!

Not for the channel, but you might be interested in a new HBO documentary on Jason entitled "Running With Our Eyes Closed." I believe it premiers April 7, 2023 (could be off a day or two). It is supposed to follow him through the process of making the Reunions album. He has a new album that is out soon, and I think the release of this documentary is timed so as to provide a push for sales on the new album. Not that he necessarily needs it.

This is one of my favorite songs by him. With such amazing storytelling, you can visualize the whole thing. I love the line "I think I blocked just a park away" at one point he has said that it is his least favorite line he has written in the past. However, that was quickly followed up by him saying that John Prine liked it so it must not be that bad. Thank for reacting!

Love this song..first time hearing it. Don I have a request that I'd like you to consider please. It's Doctor Hook and the song is "Cookie and Lila" it's a great tune...thanks.

This is good but it feels a bit over-produced. There’s a live version where it’s just him and a guitar which is absolutely incredible.

For some reason, I not only get a Byrds feel to this, but a Pearl Jam vine here. Thanks for sharing this reaction video. Cheers! ✌️

The angel with dirty knees (little Em) is his daughter. The song is written from the perspective of a small time touring musician and touches on the loneliness and sadness of a life on the road, playing a different bar every night. My guess is the comment about dad not answering the phone means that he still lives with his dad and his daughter is back there while he is on the road. Once I put that framing together, this song hit a lot harder. Standard Isbell depth and a gut gut punch you have to dig a little to earn.