'She needed killin' is a legit defense in Appalachia. The end of the first verse states "... for you did murder Kate McCannon", though it sounds like Colter says 'didn't'.
Saving a quarter of his pay working in a coal mine? That's some rough living. For you to sacrifice your own needs and comfort for a woman who cheats on you in return, that's putting you in a tough spot.
Take a listen to some Tyler Childers “Nose On The Grindstone”, Feathered Indians”, “Follow You To Virgie”, and many more! Colter Wall has a song called “Frauleine” ft. Tyler Childers!
They said at the begging when he’s saying I didn’t kill her he’s talking to the raven his conscious. I think you guys should react to nose on the grindstone by Tyler Childers
I always wondered about that too, but the other day I was listening to Mr Mudd and Mr Gold by Townes Van Zandt and he uses that same line. I know Colter is a Townes fan so I'm thinking that's where it came from.
Like I said when you reacted to Gordon Lightfoot, I really like songs telling a story. P.S. If he were a U.S. citizen, not a Canadian, his extreme reaction would make total sense as women in the U.S. are 21 times more likely to be killed with a gun than women in other high-income countries.
You two are so far removed from the story he told, no appreciation. You pretty much faked laughed your way through it and put judgement on him for dealing with it in the way he did. It was totally about you...I guess thats what this is about ...your reaction, but hey next time put a bit more appreciation and thought into the actual artist and the picture he just painted for us. BTW Im not a country music fan either but I know a good performance and a good story when I see one.