The Preacher and the Bear - Billy Strings 

Check out Billy String's channel and take their new album "Renewal" for a spin! ru-vid.com/show-UC7PLUlfQMnPtf4sjZ7N5gXA

Looks like green shirt dude finally went to smoke that cig. Good for him.

I wanna dislike this because my hype man in the background ain't there.

This guy is one of the cleanest pickers I have heard in my 65 years.

It was evident at this time that this kid had an otherworldly talent. Sure enough a handful of years later he has a Grammy, #1 albums, introduced bluegrass to a whole legion of people and will most certainly will go down as the greatest to ever to do it.

“In. A quiet room at a loud party.” That’s always where the best memories happen!

Billy Strings is a natural. I am a bluegrass fan after listening to these homemade videos. Real music doesn’t need big production. All it needs is to be heard.

Still Doin time for dust in the baggie. Luv this Guy ........... Rock on G

For those of you who apparently don't realize how far Billy has come here's a true story: I saw him last month at Carnegie Hall at Bela Fleck's concert and just about all the living legends were there: Sam Bush, Tony Trischka, Chris Thile, Molly, Sierra, Byan Sutton, Jerry Douglas and on and on. Billy was like the tenth player to come onstage about 20 minutes into the concert, with Stuart Duncan, and the whole audience spontaneously leapt to their feet and there was this huge roar 10 times louder than for even when Bela walked out. Billy was so embarrassed, he went to the mic and said, "That's right folks, it's Stuart Duncan!" And he pretty much dominated the night. What a class act too.

This was my favorite song that my Dad (born 1911) played when we were kids. He passed in 1977. Thank you Billy for bringing back this old fun song and the great memories that go with it. You played and sang it perfectly!

All those people upstairs Have no idea history is made right below them.

Billy Strings is up there with Jimi, Stevie, Jimmy Page, Clapton, Vai, etc. There are people who learn to play well, and there are people who were born to play.

Ain't ne' heard no man but my grandpa sing this. It's been more than 20 years. Thank you so much.😢😮😅😊😂

Imagine being in that room just chilling and then some kid starts playing guitar at the highest level.

This ain't my normal type of music but I enjoy this guy.

Love this dude man once in a generation talent

Been rocking billy for years now if only several. Can't believe the ol algorithm has been hiding this one from me.

This song reminded me of a childhood event. Sitting in church on a Sunday morning and my grandpa was the preacher and there wasn’t no back wall up on the church yet in West Virginia Three black bears just walking around outside looking in. Grandpa keep a preaching and we just sat there and listen. Bears just wandered up the mountain side.

The 1st video I ever watched of his was dust in a bag and I have watched ever since this man is going to be a legend

I remember when I was a kid in church, our preacher came in with his arm in a sling. He went on to say that he was bear hunting, and fell out of his tree stand, only to look up and see his gun still perched on a branch. Luckily there were no bears around, but a funny story nonetheless. I haven’t been to church or seen him in years now, but I will never not think of him when I hear this song.

Lost count of the times I’ve watched this video as I’ve used it to write my first guitar tab, I’ve only just noticed the leather waistcoat and bolo tie. Fu*kin love this kid.

Hes sooo cute here. My first introduction was Dust in a Baggie bout 1.5 yrs ago on a Shakey recommend list

This kid is amazing. BTW, when I learned this song there was a third verse: Well, they fought plumb down to the river-- It was terrible fight; That bear was bitin', scratchin', and growlin', But the preacher was doin' all right. He drug that beast into the water--three times in and out; Then the bear got up and limped away, and the preacher began to shout: O Lord, you delivered Daniel from the lions' den You also delivered Jonah from the belly of the whale--AMEN! Now Lord, I know it may not look like much from where You sit up there, But the hardest work I ever done was baptizin' that bear!

Dude,, this kid RIPS!! absolutely love

Didn't know my face could be melted by blue grass....great stuff this guy

holy shit that "it takes alot out of you" made me feel something

Danny: And you guys got that concert for free. I'm pretty sure there are more videos of that basement concert yet to come...This young man is a phenom

This is a good example of what my grandpa says, “today’s music is like gold, you just need to keep digging”

God Blessed US with billy strangs

I love me some Billy Strings. I'd listen to this guy sing the phone book. I'd be really certain he could make it sound good too.

I Wish my Father coulda heard this lol Love You Man'

Been watchin Billy for years = always knew he'd be known in Bluegrass circles but now he's playing with the dead n shit! Awesome! One of the best guitarists ever!

Something makes me think you've got some more gems to release, so I'll just go ahead and subscribe to your channel now. Thx for posting!

This kid is really excellent. That guitar sounds really great.

Crazy to see how billy has evolved with his talent, from the couch to the opry and a grammy! And well deserved at that, stoked to see him next month in Richmond! And thanks for putting this video out there, it's awesome man!

first time I heard this song, wow! coming from British Columbia CANADA we have lots of grizzlies and far too many preachers. thx. again.

A talented young man with an old soul. This gives me hope for a younger generation who should understand their roots in the past.

It was so fun to hear him do this tune on the 13th in Tampa! Billy is a true musician with the most fun vibe. He's better each year. Every person who I have introduced to his music, just falls in love with him. This is mucic that speaks to your soul.

Love your music brother, uncle bubby taught you well. My daddy Ronnie Barker would have been very proud. Take care and God bless cousin

Makes that acoustic rise to its optimum level. Think I'll have to check out the rest of this Premier talent!

Wow sitting in the company of a legend he'll yeah,greetings from Glasgow Scotland 👌

Billy Strings is So Gifted indeed

This song was on a circa '60 New Chritsy Minsterls' album. Thanks for the memories.

Okay i already loved Billy. and now i see this. One of my favorite Jerry Reed songs. (:

Hanging out with friends being themselves wanting the world to hear there friend play and sing hoping that they get some followers ...lol...it definitely did exactly that ..I love this music way too much 😉

Even deaf people can't help but nod their heads and slap their knees when Billy plays! Great tune brother ✌🍀✌

Only recently discovered Billy by accident on another youtube video reacting to Billy's Live performance, about 2 weeks ago, haven't stopped listening to him since......man is he good!

OH MY GOD HELPING THE PREACHER IS THE SIDE QUEST YOU GET FROM GREEN SHIRT GUY

I don't remember how I came across Billy's. it was a long time ago when I was in middle of a meth addiction. Dust in a baggie was my anthem. I eventually got sober and couldn't listen to Dust in a baggie anymore because it brought back bad memories. I've been sober for quite a while now and recently I decided to listen to Dust in a baggie!! Holy shit was suprised to how Big Billy strings has gotten!! well deserved for a truly talented human being!!

Love this, finally another one from this legendary session. Lyrics and chords below in case anyone wants to play along. Verse 1 G C G / G A D7 / G C G / C G E7 A D7 G Interlude 1 G C G C G Verse 2-4 G G7 C G / G A D / G G7 C G / C G E7 A D G Chorus G D G / G A D / G G7 / C G / C G E7 / A D G Interlude 2 G C G / G A D / G C G / C E7 A D G [Verse 1] Well the preacher went out a huntin', it was on one Sunday mornin Although against his religion, he took his gun along He shot himself some mighty fine quail and one old measley hare And on his way returning home, he met a great big grizzly bear [Interlude] [Verse 2] Well the bear dashed out to the middle of the road right up to the preacher and seen The preacher got so excited that he climbed up a big ol tree The bear stepped down upon the ground and the preacher climbed out on a limb He cast his eyes to the northerly skies and these words he said to him [Chorus] "Oh Lord, you delivered Daniel, saved him from the lion's den You also delivered Jonah, from the belly of the whale and then His Hebrew children from the fiery furnace The good books do declare Now lord, if you don't help me, Just don't help that bear" [Interlude] [Verse 3] Well, the preacher stayed up in that tree oh I think it was all night He said "Oh lord if you don't help me, you're gonna see one hell of a fight" About that time, the limb let go, and the preacher come-a tumblin' down You should have seen him get his razor out before he hit the ground [Verse 4] He hit the ground shakin right to left and he put up a pretty good fight Then the bear hugged the preacher, and he squeezed him a little too tight Preacher dropped his razor, man but the bear held on with a grin He cast his eyes to the northerly skies and these words he said to him [Chorus] "Oh Lord, you delivered Daniel, saved him from the lion's den You also delivered Jonah, from the belly of the whale and then His Hebrew children from the fiery furnace The good books do declare Now lord, if you don't help me, Just don't help that bear" Now lordy, if you don't help me Just don't you help that bear

Dude please release this whole night

Dude was frying on some 🍄and was still able to rock the shit outta these songs. All of these videos are fucking crazy good.

I sure love this guy's music ..the best

Keep that sturdy guitar going. Change the face of music all together

May God Bless Billy Strings.

One of the best pickers today.

💜 the old school jamin in the basement!! 💜 Ya Billy

This1 I meen this is amazing. It is difficult to believe this gentleman is capable of producing this music with his mind and hands as we see it., NO Studio, no multytrack, no nothing , Just raw talent and dextaraty. He makes me so envious. Wishing all the success.

I thought this was gonna end like a joke I heard a preacher tell. Started the same way, but when the preacher prays, he was amazed to see the bear kneel down to pray as well, and the bears prayer went something like this, “Lord, thank you for this meal you’ve provided...”

Back when he was just a puppy… What a musical force he and his band have become. Well deserved.

Amazing talent - bluegrass played with passion.

I will never get enough of this truly Beautiful Man that is just what music needed thank you for YOU love always your Sunshine 🔆🔥✨ just love his unique style been all about him for many years an I will never stop

What an amazing journey this young man is on.....unreal talent.

Billy looks like he's from the 1930's dust bowel days. Awesome look, awesome artist!

That's awesome . I definitely haven't heard anyone play that good while singing even better ever!

Sometimes absolute talent is so big it takes over and everyone has to stand back and let it go where it wants.

I love him soooo much!! Got to see him this summer at Boomer stadium. Him and Brian Setzer, Shakey Graves,Jeordie White, Joan Jett and Lita Ford, and Dan Auerbach would be the most killer epic show!They are who keep me plucking. Learnin...

I’ve listened to this song 30 times a day for four days straight, amazing artist !!! You have to make more man your astoundingly amazing and need to be heard.

We need more of these vids, this is how I found out about Billy!

Such a Soulful Voice

In a time off mundane pathetic performers up steps this young gentleman listening for the last three years and still never fails to amaze me

I can’t get this out of my head! 😍

This couch session is simply amazing :) :)

saw billy and band in burlington, vt. this past summer.....with the help of some local cheeba i swear to god i was elevated three feet off the ground. great band.

Good Lord this man on fire on that guitar! 🔥

GodDamn!!! Always Amazed by This Young Man!

Just a random 1-3 year later upload at 7am? I'll take it.

I played this for my dad... he is a preacher! He loved it, wants to play it in church😂 he said that would preach!!

Dude this is awesome Ive heard this song before a long time ago on a Andy Griffith CD Andy Griffith sung this song on it and Billy killed it man this dude I awesome thank you keep plucking brother you sure are one helluva musician and a damn straight legend for keeping good music alive

Good ole Hill billy music love it

I can’t help but think that while Billy is in the dingy basement banging away, Molly is studying with her pals on her scholarships at Berklee. Imagine Billy Strings just dropping in one day off the street and playing a few songs at Berklee and the students just be like w.t.f.

Horrayyyyy Thanks for the great music love. I have been pushing you on my freinds ever since i found dust in the baggie. Thank you for you art and commitment :) luv, Crystal

I took a puff off a joint and listened to every Billy strings video that I could fined lol

Absolutely awesome thanku so much love and God bless x

OMG Billy I just love everything you do. Thank you Terry for mentoring Billy. This is awesome. 🔥🎸🎶❤️

Breath taking!!! Love ,Love this !

I live in Yosemite and I hike around bears all the time, what a great song, thanks, awesome !

We need more from this guy seriously

I'm a Metal head but, I found, a couple of his songs between avenged sevenfold and five finger death Punch. It was totally a by mistake that I clicked your video. Best mistake I ever made💯. You kick ass!! Absolutely a fan..🔉🤘🔊🌹💖🖤

Was that a borrowed guitar?... Billy remarked how good it a sounded,, It was prob never played like that before or since Billy went HAAM on it.

this dude is amazing

good god, this here fella's mighty good

These bluegrass musicians are way more talented than anything coming out of Hollywood or Nashville.

wish this song was on spotify

Good night that boy gets me going every time i hear him play.

This is f%cking brilliant,!!!!! I've watched it far too many times. Thanks for uploading this absolute gem and "dust in the baggie", you witnessed musical history

I remember Jerry Reed doing his version of The Preacher and the Bear. Jerry Reed is gone, but glad Billy Strings was discovered.

Billy Strings can't be beat!

May take a lot out of you billy but look at what you're putting into it. Life man. Just keep livin

Brilliant loved it