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Iron & Wine — Free Until They Cut Me Down
Album: Our Endless Numbered Days
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3088









Released: 2004
Length: 4:29
Plays (last 30 days): 2
When the men take me to the devil tree
I will be free and shining like before
Papa, don't tell me what I should have done
She's the one, she's the one who begged me

Take me
Take me home

When the wind wraps me like the reaper's hand
I will swing free until they cut me down
Papa, don't tell me what I could have done
She's the one, she's the one who begged me

Take me
Take me home

When the sea takes me like my mother's arms
I will breathe free as any word of God
Papa, don't tell me what you would have done
She's the one, she's the one who begged me

Take me
Take me home
Comments (284)add comment
The riff reminds me a bit of Vetiver - You may be blue
Wow, the intro made me think this was Depeche Mode’s  Personal Jesus.
 Stefen wrote:

Who is this "she" of whom you speak?


... the one who begged him.
Who is this "she" of whom you speak?
Ugh. First thought that this is Robert Plant (who I don't like). Anyway: skip.
 alux wrote:

Preposterous.  Song is perfectly awesome as is.  


I think AgntOrang3 might be on to something... Someone with a different musical version could ALSO make this song kick ass for an audience that might not tune into Mr. Beam.  That doesn't take away from the original. Saw Beam perform this live, and he does kick ass!
 MilSF1 wrote:

A beautiful song about a disgusting part of our (U.S.) history. I may be reading a touch into this, but the banjo and other aspects makes me think the main character is about to be a "strange fruit". Not sure if he was referencing anyone in particular (there were hundreds or more - take your pick), or just the practice in general.

Oh, it's definitely about about a lynching. The imagery is spot-on.

Boy meets Girl, trouble ensues. Story as old as time.
c.

This was one of the first songs I heard on RP years ago and the very first time I said, Who is this?
And what is this station I’m listening to?
Both questions have been answered.
Much to my delight.
So much great music that you’d never hear anywhere else.
Thanks to Bill and Rebbeca.
A beautiful song about a disgusting part of our (U.S.) history. I may be reading a touch into this, but the banjo and other aspects makes me think the main character is about to be a "strange fruit". Not sure if he was referencing anyone in particular (there were hundreds or more - take your pick), or just the practice in general.
 crogers wrote:

Some folks seem to be missing the point entirely.  Iron and Wine isn't a group or a band or a money-making machine.  It's one guy with an expressive voice and some stories to tell.  Aggressive vocal approaches and more electric guitars are not, at all, what he's about.  If you don't get the message, that's cool, but blindly forming opinions out of ignorance just isn't.  Don't diss the messenger without learning a little something about him.  Geez.
 



Well said.
hi class


Yee haw, ma'am! 
Love Iron and Wine and this is a lovely song, but as it's playing right now just after The Alman Bros cover of Stormy Monday, I'm imagining what The Allman Bro's take on this song might sound like: some Hammond organ, electric guitar instead of banjo, blues inflections everywhere...
When discussing musical genres with my son, who was about ten years old at the time, this song came on, and he gave it the genre of "Wicked Cool"
He was right, you know... 
Take me Home! Another great one by this Artist!
  dew34 wrote:

Doesn't make it any less awesome!
 
I didn't mean to suggest that; I was responding to a post which seemed to make an accusation of this song plagiarizing another, and pointing out that the opening riff is a common  musical vamp.
To me, the song is a 6, but that banjo lick bumps it to a 7!
Is this dude really as cute as in his videos and that pic to our right? You'd think I'd know stuff like this, also being from SC. But the 1 time I saw Iron & Wine live it was in Atlanta, and being the home town for the past 30 years or so by now, I had bidness to take care of out in the lobby-insiders' area, so I wasn't paying much attention to dudes on stages. 
 dew34 wrote:

Doesn't make it any less awesome!
 
I wasn't knocking it; I meant to point out that it is not plagiarism to use such a lick, it's a pretty standard one and it's often awesome.
Image result for home is where the heart is
 Proclivities wrote:

Really, there must be thousands of songs with that Open-E-to-G lick written over the last hundred years.

 
Doesn't make it any less awesome!
 Ag3nt0rang3 wrote:
This needs more electric guitar and a more aggressive vocal approach. This could be an awesome, slinky, nasty, dirty song. Instead it's bean dip.

 
Preposterous.  Song is perfectly awesome as is.  
 Skydog wrote:

a ton of blues/rock songs open with the same riff

 
Really, there must be thousands of songs with that Open-E-to-G lick written over the last hundred years.
 Well said !!!!    crogers wrote:
Some folks seem to be missing the point entirely.  Iron and Wine isn't a group or a band or a money-making machine.  It's one guy with an expressive voice and some stories to tell.  Aggressive vocal approaches and more electric guitars are not, at all, what he's about.  If you don't get the message, that's cool, but blindly forming opinions out of ignorance just isn't.  Don't diss the messenger without learning a little something about him.  Geez.
 

 


NEVER would have heard of Iron & Wine, if it wasn't for RP.  thanks again Bill and Rebecca.  I know I have said this, like, a million times already, but you guys Rock My World !!!  :-)
Sounds like Depeche Mode , Personal Jesus.  
 kingart wrote:
This song opens like that recent Norah Jones tune. Almost indistinguishable. 

 
a ton of blues/rock songs open with the same riff
No matter how many people are in this band, this song still sucks
 crogers wrote:
Some folks seem to be missing the point entirely.  Iron and Wine isn't a group or a band or a money-making machine.  It's one guy with an expressive voice and some stories to tell.  Aggressive vocal approaches and more electric guitars are not, at all, what he's about.  If you don't get the message, that's cool, but blindly forming opinions out of ignorance just isn't.  Don't diss the messenger without learning a little something about him.  Geez.
 

 
I've grown to really enjoy this.  Very impressive it is one guy.  Check the wiki....
 crogers wrote:
Some folks seem to be missing the point entirely.  Iron and Wine isn't a group or a band or a money-making machine.  It's one guy with an expressive voice and some stories to tell.  Aggressive vocal approaches and more electric guitars are not, at all, what he's about.  If you don't get the message, that's cool, but blindly forming opinions out of ignorance just isn't.  Don't diss the messenger without learning a little something about him.  Geez.
 

 
He made me think of Aztec Two Step, which may be a bit of a stretch. They were two guys, after all. I tend to like "hangin' songs". 8.
When I check into the Double Tree
I will be eating chocolate chip cookies that are freeeeee! 
porcupine wearing Santa hat and eating Christmas cookie

Perfect cookie-eating music. 

Season's Greetings!  
Some folks seem to be missing the point entirely.  Iron and Wine isn't a group or a band or a money-making machine.  It's one guy with an expressive voice and some stories to tell.  Aggressive vocal approaches and more electric guitars are not, at all, what he's about.  If you don't get the message, that's cool, but blindly forming opinions out of ignorance just isn't.  Don't diss the messenger without learning a little something about him.  Geez.
 
Ironic swine!
FINE MUSIC INDEED!
Why do so many people like these guys? I mean I'm not trying to be nasty, but seriously, every song has the same guitar, vocals, and the same harmony. I mean EVERY song. Bores me to tears.
 Link84 wrote:
Sounds like 'Personal Jesus' just try and sing along!

 
I'm not the first that noticed I see now...
Sounds like 'Personal Jesus' just try and sing along!
 Ag3nt0rang3 wrote:
This needs more electric guitar and a more aggressive vocal approach. This could be an awesome, slinky, nasty, dirty song. Instead it's bean dip.

 
i love bean dip...it marries nicely with sharp cheddar and corn chips..
.i do not know who will represent cheddar and corn...

this got me wondering what band would anonymously play a less mainstream radio friendly version of themselves?
any suggestions? 
This needs more electric guitar and a more aggressive vocal approach. This could be an awesome, slinky, nasty, dirty song. Instead it's bean dip.
Pretty amazing banjo...
Is that Earl Scruggs by chance? 
The more I hear from this group, the more I wonder why I haven't yet bought any.
Yiiii -haaa!!! And the horse keep going.Boring song. Boring artist.
 helgigermany wrote:
Not bad

 
Nope, utter annoying dreck!
Not bad
 RedTruk wrote:
An unpretentious thoughtful calming song. Really like the way it rolls along with a feeling of anticipation.

 
kinda creepy lyric, though
{#Dance}

This song is just so groovy
An unpretentious thoughtful calming song. Really like the way it rolls along with a feeling of anticipation.
 leafmold wrote:
I love the mandolin on this song. Is that what it is?

 
or a banjo? sorry.
I love the mandolin on this song. Is that what it is?
LOVELY
The introduction of all these new artists and songs is what makes me a listener. I am constantly surprised at what I can hear. It's what underground radio yearned to be and in some instances was. But what Bill does is take music from all genres and make it accessible to those of us without the time or money to be able to enjoy the vast array of talent both from the past (where I'm from) to the present which has given me countless hours of first-class entertainment. Hats off to you both! What a great service you do!     {#Bananapiano}{#Bananajam}{#Drummer}  
 Xstar wrote:

I don't always write well thought out, intelligent, pithy comments on line, but when I do I make them at Radio Paradise.  Radio Paradise will make your ears smarter and seem far more interesting then ears that listen to those other sources of music you've been listening too.  Radio Paradise.  What I listen too.
 
Excellent!
This song opens like that recent Norah Jones tune. Almost indistinguishable. 
 Xstar wrote:

I don't always write well thought out, intelligent, pithy comments on line, but when I do I make them at Radio Paradise.  Radio Paradise will make your ears smarter and seem far more interesting then ears that listen to those other sources of music you've been listening too.  Radio Paradise.  What I listen too.
 


Hah! Good one!
 mcullers wrote:
Cover art reminds me of the most interesting man in the world.
 
 
I don't always write well thought out, intelligent, pithy comments on line, but when I do I make them at Radio Paradise.  Radio Paradise will make your ears smarter and seem far more interesting then ears that listen to those other sources of music you've been listening too.  Radio Paradise.  What I listen too.
Cover art reminds me of the most interesting man in the world.
 
I like it !  Lovely, lovely ...
first class banjo'n
Somebody got a banjo for Christmas...
 ziakut wrote:
I'm liking all the Iron and Wine I've heard recently. Is this album a worthy purchase? Anyone have an opinion of such? Let me know...I'm very curious what people think.
 
I really like his latest "Kiss Each Other Clean".  Also I&W w/ Calexico "In The Reins".  I would imagine there are many other gems that I have not had a chance to explore yet.
your own...

personal...

I'll buy a capital "J" for $200
I'm liking all the Iron and Wine I've heard recently. Is this album a worthy purchase? Anyone have an opinion of such? Let me know...I'm very curious what people think.
 lkovathana wrote:

There's a time and place for everything.

 
Yep, and the time and place for Iron & Wine is midnight in bed, as they sing some great lullabies, more effective than a bottle of Dreamy Sleepy Nighty Snoozy-Snooze {#Sleep}
 ubuntourist wrote:

Ditto. (Well, I wasn't thinking Johnny Cash.  So, Half-ditto?) I'm kind of hoping "Personal Jesus" follows.
 
Or maybe "Rusty Cage".,,

One of the few reasons why I like human beings. One can utterly love something and someone else can just hate it passionately.

btw I like it. Neither love nor hate. like. quite. 

This would be so much better if he were wailin' instead of whispering.

There's a time and place for everything.  The bass line is infectious.


Expecting Johnny Cash to deliver me a Personal Jesus in this one{#Bounce}




Solid.

9. 
Sounds  a bit like Los Lobos "Don't Worry Baby"
Just not as rockin
Yea, this is a good song in danger of being ruined. RP has an enormous library, it is ok to use it!{#Wink}
 sirdroseph wrote:
One of the songs I love from this hit and miss band!{#Clap} Funny, didn't even realize until I heard a couple of months ago that he  was a hometown boy!

 
Funny, Sam Beam doesn't look Japanese! {#Nyah}
I love it especially the banjo riff, good stuff!{#Smile}
How many bearded guys in a row- I wonder?
It's already a 9
simply awful. the voice alone gives me an headache, and the music is more than boring. it´s ..... sucking.
Always loved this song — was surprised I had never rated it before!  gets a 9 from me — never gets old.  I really like the subtle use of banjo here MUCH better than the all out wild banjo playing used on other songs (ie: Mumford & Sons).
 sqqqrly wrote:
Does anything on rp 'suck'?   If not, why did Bill create a 'Sucko-Barfo' rating?

Some songs clearly do (subjectively) suck.  Yes those that suck can (subjectively) be loved by others, and rightly so.

I love this song though - easy 8.
  It's amazing to me, some of the comments about songs I love dearly. And some I can hardly stand. But that's the beauty of RP: if you don't like what's on, just wait a couple minutes, you're likely to hear something you like.

I've noticed my song ratings tend to match the RP average. Although I admit I do not rate the songs I do not like: I think my lowest rating is a 6. Plus I try to find something to like about most songs, and of course Bill does not play anything truly dreadful.


 superfido wrote:

I thought it was the johnny cash version of personal jesus
{#Bananajam}
 
Ditto. (Well, I wasn't thinking Johnny Cash.  So, Half-ditto?) I'm kind of hoping "Personal Jesus" follows.
Getting a little worn
 fredriley wrote:
For a moment I thought from the intro that this was the theme tune to True Blood, but was disillusioned when yer man started droning. An auto-rate Ho-Hum from the Nottingham jury.
 
I thought it was the johnny cash version of personal jesus
{#Bananajam}

For a moment I thought from the intro that this was the theme tune to True Blood, but was disillusioned when yer man started droning. An auto-rate Ho-Hum from the Nottingham jury.
Great CD. I don't feel like I need to rush out and buy more of their (his?) stuff but this one is excellent.
Love the way the banjo can alternately sound jaunty in one piece then sinister in another.
Remember Zep's Gallows Pole. Same goes for the mandolin. Must be the precussive nature
of the string plucking.

Better than Horse Feathers but I can't say this group really moves me.  Don't plan on buying any of their stuff any time soon.
Love this. Anyone who likes Iron and Wine should check out the latest CD: Around the Well.
{#Bananajam}
This is a pitiful lament. Wish they'd take their monotony somewhere else.
 prickelpit96 wrote:
Too much 'Personal Jesus' from D.Mode inside.
 
Oh, unfair comparison! Depeche Mode used a LOT of bass and slam - this is more subtle. but then comes the banjo! So NOT DP... (I love Depeche Mode, and you're right - same "Personal Jesus" rhythm, but I think this song stands on its own. Everyone rips someone off at one point or another. At least if they're using DP as a base, they've got class, right? {#Wink}
ANTIQCOOL wrote:
V. good song he's starting to grow on me. Some people have compared our music to Iron and Wine....can't see it myself but I'm not complaining, he's very good :-) judge for yourself https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=656132090&v=app_2405167945&ref=profile
I appreciate the musicians who post comments on RP, and wish you luck in a hard business - but cutting and pasting the same remark into every Iron and Wine song is just spam. Be creative and add value, we'll give a listen. Spam the boards? You can do better.

Too much 'Personal Jesus' from D.Mode inside.
V. good song he's starting to grow on me. Some people have compared our music to Iron and Wine....can't see it myself but I'm not complaining, he's very good :-) judge for yourself https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=656132090&v=app_2405167945&ref=profile
One of the songs I love from this hit and miss band!{#Clap} Funny, didn't even realize until I heard a couple of months ago that he  was a hometown boy!

 badstudent wrote:
Can Iron & Wine do no wrong?

*Shudder of joy*
 
Yes. It's wrong of him not to put out a new album every year. We have needs, dammit. 
Can Iron & Wine do no wrong?

*Shudder of joy*

Got this song on an "Americana" compilation disc from a magazine.  Love it! 
Reminds me of cruising on long highway trips... lots of sun and open country.  {#High-five}
I hope some listener will be good enough to upload some stuff from the most recent album (Around the Well).  Sam Beam returns to his slower groove.
I love Iron and Wine.  This entire album is outstanding!
 martinc wrote:
I always think this Plant/Krause. 
 
yes, they played the one you're thinking about a few songs before and it was similar—-i like this sound.

 paulmack wrote:


Remember, though, that just because you don't get them doesn't translate to 'they suck'. Haven't you ever recognized the talent of a group who's music you didn't particularly care for? I freely admit that Frank Zappa was a genius and a brilliant guitarist - but I found much of his music unlistenable. And lots and lots and lots of folks I admire had a completely different reaction.
 
Does anything on rp 'suck'?   If not, why did Bill create a 'Sucko-Barfo' rating?

Some songs clearly do (subjectively) suck.  Yes those that suck can (subjectively) be loved by others, and rightly so.

I love this song though - easy 8.

 paulmack wrote:


Remember, though, that just because you don't get them doesn't translate to 'they suck'. Haven't you ever recognized the talent of a group who's music you didn't particularly care for? I freely admit that Frank Zappa was a genius and a brilliant guitarist - but I found much of his music unlistenable. And lots and lots and lots of folks I admire had a completely different reaction.
 
I never stated "they suck", but I would rather not listen to it.  Also I did rate it a 2...but that is what RP is all about different strokes for different folks. 

I am sure there is plenty on RP that I enjoy. That someone else loathes. AC/DC right after Beethoven is the flavor of life.

Great music and lyrics!
Listening to a lot of Sam lately.  Great poetry.
 Decoy wrote:

I don't get these guys...I love RP and 95% of the stuff RP plays, but this is the same as Dengue Fever to me....
(ducks and runs for cover)


 

Remember, though, that just because you don't get them doesn't translate to 'they suck'. Haven't you ever recognized the talent of a group who's music you didn't particularly care for? I freely admit that Frank Zappa was a genius and a brilliant guitarist - but I found much of his music unlistenable. And lots and lots and lots of folks I admire had a completely different reaction.

I don't get these guys...I love RP and 95% of the stuff RP plays, but this is the same as Dengue Fever to me....
(ducks and runs for cover)


 OCDHG wrote:
Is it possible to like a band, but to simultaneously want to kick their asses?
 
{#Lol} Yes! I'll hold 'em up while you hit 'em. We'll listen to this CD on the way home. {#Roflol}
I always think this Plant/Krause. 
Is it possible to like a band, but to simultaneously want to kick their asses?


This song reminded me of Brenda Kahn, in style. How come ya don't have any Brenda Kahn, Bill? We NEED it on RP!
the song sucks...they seem to be stuck in the same riff, what a waste of time
 Ag3nt0rang3 wrote:
Depeche Mode's acoustic version of Personal Jesus predates Johnny Cash's by a lot (I think it was on a Personal Jesus Maxi-single) and the two sound very similar (which probably isn't that surprising).
 
ok just checking if anyone else heard Personal Jesus too. good.

it's amazing how similar this song sounds to 'meet me in the city'.. by gomez (i think that's what it's called)..  especially following a new gomez song in the playlist..  cool..
{#Dancingbanana_2}
This is growing on me....

$Disgruntled_Listener wrote: Oh RP, please stop playing $song_x.

$random_witty_comment.

Let's hear some more $band_y, $band_z, $band_aa, etc.

And inevitably

$Ecstatic_Listener wrote: Oh no! I love $song_x!

Your opinion $random_insult!

Keep playing $song_x Bill! and everything else by band($song_x) too!!!!11!!!!


{#Lol}



 andrewmi wrote:
Looking forward to seeing Iron & Wine in concert in four days....
 

They're fantastic live! I saw them with Calexico in 2005.  If you get the chance to see them, go. You will not regret it.
Looking forward to seeing Iron & Wine in concert in four days....
 rtrudeau wrote:


Almost as tired as I am of your endless bitching. As another poster said just below me, can't you find anything positive to say about any song?

 
Thank you, I haven't heard a song yet that's as irritating as Excelsior and his endless crabbing. If you don't like whats played, there are thousands of other streams to listen to.

as far as the song goes 7- moving towards an eight