Jason Isbell - Hope The High Road Lyrics

I went to school with Jimbo Hart and our dad's worked together for many years in the Automotive Service business in the Shoals.  If at all possible, PLEASE let him know, and all you guys, how extremely proud of you all we are!!!  I have to agree that Jason may very be the best songwriter of my lifetime and can bring out any emotion with the stroke of his pen and the strum of his pick.  As a matter of fact, I was born an Isbell and grew up, in  my early years, in Spring Valley.  I never knew my biological father but have been told that I am related to Jason.  I don't know but I would love to have some help with a few questions about the Isbell's, as my mother hasn't had contact with them in 43 years (my age), because they divorced while she was pregnant with me.  Anyway, I know there is no way you guys have time to help me out, but I did think its very interesting and if Jimbo has anything to do with the youtube page, maybe he can remember me and my adoptive father and maybe help me out with putting some of this together.  If any way this can possibly be put together, a simple reply would be good and we could set up something a bit more private.  But that said, even if no time or no interest in my Isbell family history, I understand.  I just always wanted to get a sec and see if Jason would know.  I haven't a clue but as I get older, I have become more interested and don't have any other way or reaching out, as I have never met another Isbell that could help me out.  However, you guys are my favorite and the content, depth, intelligence, rhythm, melodies, you name it, is unmatched today and as a pure lyrical mastermind, Jason is as good as they get.  I hope to hear from the production team, Jimbo or Jason.  But, if not, I'll def be a show here soon!!!!!!!!!!!

This guy!!! Is. Simply. Amazing. He puts on a great live show, too!

"I used to want to be a real man. I don't know what that even means."

G.I. Joe

💓🙏😊

Momo is

Everybody is saying this is a political song, and I don't know about you all, but I don't see it. This sounds like an anthem for people struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, etc. I love how upbeat it is; I like the message at the end as well. There are people who would literally ride the ship down dumping buckets to try to save a friend from these things mentioned. Don't think about what other people say; there are more people who love you than otherwise, as he says. This is my workout song right now. It should be motivation for a lot of people.

I agree absolutely

"I've heard enough of the white man's blues
I've sang enough about myself
So if you're looking for some bad news
You can find it somewhere else"


Fuck yeah, Jason.

What I don't get is how this was published in 2017. I first heard this song in early 2016 on Xponential Radio. And no I'm not buying into the Quantem (Mandela) Effect.

🤟🏻

2016 really was a sonofabitch.

For me too it was.

You’re wife’s black son will never respect you

who else is here from rhea butcher

Jumbo is my cusom

This is fucking awesome! I doubt it was the intention but for me, this is basically kicking a racist straight in the teath, and to that, I can say *fuck yes* fuck you bastards! You think this will sympathetic? Aww look *you are likely retarded* that shit was dumb as fuck.now just let me chan to my truck as I ride from Texas to Canada.

Thank you Jason and Amanda
.. truly an inspiration.

Jason is one of the best singer songwriters there has ever been period!!

everyone is entitled to an opinion, i just wish people could leave it out of their works. Still a top notch artist in which i will enjoy forever, Just tired of the politics in literally everything these days. I need something to escape the politics and bullshit, something like like damn good music.

Why has this song NOT blown up?!?! Its a travesty

I get the feeling that, somewhere, Tom Petty is smiling...

Last year was a SOB for everyone we know. Amen!

sure not original, sounds like 9000 other bar bands

A bar band that sounded like this, wouldn't be a bar band. Get real.

I use to wanna be a real man
I don't know what that even means

Love that line

Just stumbled across this. Tom Petty mixed with Manchester Orchestra. Great song and production

Based on the comments here, I think there might actually be more of them than us. :(

176 people are idiots. Worse yet yankees.

I really like this song. A lot. That is all.

Isbell's great and all but this BAND is HOT!!

SJW dancehall shit.

Meh, sounds like all the other country, not country I hear today. I do like what he has to say, I just don't like the sound, too bland. I liked it better when Dwight, Garth, Tim, Clint, Toby, and Alan were making country sound like country again. Now it sounds like pop with a twang.

Just heard this song. In light of the events in Las Vegas last night this song seems exceptionally relevant. Like another commenter said the line "There can't be more of them than us" is powerful and full of hope. There is good in the world we just need to band together.

He's like a country Frank Turner. In fact, I think both of them on the same bill would be amazing.

Today's Bob Dylan

Great song-- boy do these lyrics speak for me and *almost* everyone I know.

This song was written for many of the people in these comments, and it seems to have gone right over their heads.

is this a MAGA theme?

quite the opposite

Wow.. with music this good upon the WXRT Mother Theresa or Mom ~ morning stream, I think that I'll create a no wake zone sign to display near the Olive Garden and Dicks here on Richmond Road in McHenry.  This way all the young nymphs can gather to witness and take account of the Supernumerary nipple statue which I am manifesting of Sarah Bergstrom.  Imagine a Accessory Beast Buy with Ephesus on her milky nozzle.  I'll adorn this creation with eggs, grapes, acorns, and even bull testes.  Behold a Polythelia daughter Ben Roethig!

Bought the album, listened to and like the song but watching this video I now get it. This is his post election depression song. On the brink of a breakdown, tired, can't sleep, uninspired, mad as hell. Last year was a son of a bitch for him and his party but they'll ride the democrat party down, bailing with buckets as it sinks to the bottom while lamenting "There cant be more of them than us". Maybe he is starting to accept the outcome and isn't going to fight in the ditches over it. Hopefully we can all meet on the high road. Might as well.

A stunner of a tune....... Great band too !

I'm on the Isbell bandwagon; just excellent songwriting.

I see people talking right and left like this was a leftist anthem. I personally don't care because I'm too busy being a father and making money but the left unanimously ran away with the low road trophy. I felt this was just an anthem to stop acting childish and hateful.

Officially Offensive why do you say that man? I'm not trying to start an argument. I just feel like it was all around ugly and bad for the country at the end of the day.

I am so taken by your music, heard you today on CBS, fucking awesome !!!

heard this song yesterday after work on german radio for the first time. great feeling

I liked it!

new stuff is a little poppy...

I like J. I. but, is it just me or is the playing really sloppy in the start? Sounds like someone is off time.

Perfect... just a perfect song for the past year. Thanks guys!

Fucking awesome. Came across this band when looking for bands like Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, St Paul and the Broken Bones, Paulo Nutini and Tab Benoit.

It's too bad that so many comments here focus on political perspective. This song is the opposite of political; It is a song about reconciliation DESPITE our differences. Anyone who interprets that as an offensive political statement seriously needs to reconsider their own politics.

Couldn't agree more, It's so much broader than a simple stupid political statement.

Wrong so wrong. One he went on record for the political message. Second "There can't be more of them than us" this and many more all point to politics. Don't make stuff up just because he doesn't agree with your politics.

In interviews he says it's political. And f Trump

LUV IT!!!

This sounds like a Stater Brothers commercial.

What kind of person thumb downs this video? Or any other Isbell video....

Reminds me of "New York New York" by Ryan Adams

Calm down, people. When you turn to alcoholics and drug addicts for political guidance, you've already lost.

A bit too political for my taste. And a bit mediocre and generic compared to his other stuff.

Does he say "tired of the white mans wars"? By that logic it makes it your war...........Please tell me I'm wrong.

Yeah, get hung up on that

Yes. You are wrong. Did you watch the video? It has the lyrics right there on the screen.

DANG! This solid gold, Jason. Sharing the living shit out of it

I don't get the hype over this guy.. not bluesy enough. Sturgil and Chris are outlaw country, this guy is like when Zac brown band came out. :/

bloody hell, that's just a bit good. Got my ticket ready and waiting for when you get to Manchester Jason.

You probably don't read these but I want you to know how much your music means to some of us. A lot!

I've shared "High Road" with a lot of my friends. they love the lyrics and it got a lot of them to pay attention yo your earlier songs. I played "Elephant" to a friend of mine going through treatment, and it meant a lot to her.

Man, I don't sleep well... but 've played this nonstop for 3 days.
I saw you with the truckers in 2005 and you've come such a long way. I also saw you in Atlanta at the Fox, great show man, I hope you know you've helped some of us more than you could ever know.

This record is gonna be weak. Jason's too pissed to think clearly about what he's writing. He's more concerned with his message than with the quality of the songs, and it's obvious. These lyrics aren't as great as they're being talked up in these comments. It's just that the people doing that agree with him. It's like Christians who love those shitty Christian movies because the message is good. It might be, but that doesn't mean they're not still bad movies.

Same concept applies.

Wyatt Isrite, eat shit.

^Now THIS is some real, legitimate criticism. I think there's a big push in modern society to always join your own camp and attack the other camp on every issue, even every song! I happen to agree with Isbell's message here, but that doesn't make it a good song. I think it's just okay musically. It's not a great song.

Just my opinion though, and I think Wyatt is correct.

Anyone who dislikes this has absolutely no taste in music at all

Well, theoretically, they might have great taste in music but for one reason or another, they just can't stand the dumbass liberal message this song is sending out. You've obviously never thought of that possibility, huh?

+Webb Ride Isbell and the truckers have been political for years. If you don't like the "liberal message" maybe you shouldn't listen. Conservative talking.

TheDavidcapossela Yeah...he became liberal once he got married. Good try though

+Webb Ride I think I'll let the lyrics make my response for me. ENJOY!

I'd call them cross between Bruce Springsteen and  Toby Keith

the only thing he has in common with that POS Toby Keith is they're both carbon based life forms.

George Soros funded this song

Careful when you go to sleep tonight; George Soros is hiding in your closet and Al Gore is under your bed. Boo!

Lol. Says a Russian truther. Putin says hello.

ATTENTION ALL: PEOPLE THAT DISAGREE WITH YOU ARE NOT NECESSARILY PAID SHILLS OF AN EVIL CONSPIRACY.

it should be great, but it just isn't.

92 people are assholes

can....not.....wait

Damn, if I could just get one more album like sirens in ditch. I would die a happy man.

Southeastern and Something More Than Free have confirmed him as a great singer, song writer and lyricist, this track suggests he might get what he's due as a guitarist. Long may he reign.

I imagine you just started listening to him when Southeastern came out and know nothing of his previous work or live shows. He's always been a fantastic guitarist. In the past sometimes the booze had him playing a bit sloppy on stage, but the skills have always been there.

Been a fan since Dirty South, saw him with DBT and solo (sirens tour in a bar with maybe 20 other people). My point is that he has always been a great guitarist and that he might get some credit for it now.

Gotcha, sorry I misunderstood. I guess I wasn't aware people didn't give him credit for being a badass guitar player. Funny, The Dirty South was when I found DBT and Jason as well. I like how Patterson used to introduce him on stage as "almost famous" Jason Isbell. Long may he reign indeed!

Good shit, Jason. Thanks!

Going to see him at the Beacon Theatre in NYC (again) in June! Can't wait!

lot's of guitar porn. Freaking gearheads. :)

it's catchy as hell, but in a good way.

Amen Jason Isbell!

If you're reading this Jason, please take Brother Hawk from Atlanta on tour and sign them. They're the most underrated band out there!

This is the best year for music. Holy fuck!

too bad country radio wont be playing this guy anytime soon :(

That's exactly why I've never listen to or liked the majority of "country" radio/music. If music like this was the standard for country, my opinion would greatly change. But I love this album so much.

It's growing on me well.

...and what a slide guitar solo - damn!

way too political. makes me sad

pretty uninspired and likely mad as hell I waited this long to see he's writing cheesy political crap now, apparently. sounds like a parody song on Southpark tbh.

blane johnson Ok awesome, more for us then. Bye 👋

Great song! Slightly political, but not overbearingly on one side or the other. Can't wait to hear the rest of the album, and see them June 27th in Boston!

Awesome! You have to come to the UK! We've a spare room! 😉

I love this song and the thinly veiled messaging.  He is truly a great songwriter.  I also like the  "nasty women" reference.   It is time for all good men and women to WAKE UP, STAND UP and SPEAK UP.   Write the songs.  Tell the story.

Ikee song to me
Love you

BANGER.

Brilliant new tune...thanks Jason

The more I listen to this song, the more I love it.

Got to the game late. Wasn't a DBT fan. Read about him in Rolling Stone. Southeastern and Something More Than Free are incredible, along with Sirens in the Ditch. Can't wait to get the new one and see him on tour. What a phenomenal talent!

I don't think it would be possible for me to be ANY more excited about this record!! Jason and his band of spectacular musicians may well be the best there is in this world at making the music they make. No doubt this record will be a soaring success just like all the ones they made before it! I also was so excited to hear they were chosen to commemorate the 125th Anniversary at the Ryman later in the year... sounds like the kind of honor tat would be reserved only for the likes of Hank, Sr. or Johnny back in the day.

YAAAAS!!!

He singing to Hilliary Clinton.. Haha

jeffy isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer

Dee Hughes calm down.. liberals are so uptight. Your gonna make it thru buddy, I promise

"There can't be more of them than us" - I love Jason but this is not a wise line at all. 'Them' and 'us'? Very divisive at a time where that's the last thing this country needs. We seriously need to learn to disagree without bringing it to 'them' and 'us'. Them and us is not taking the high road. Still love Jason though.

What's divisive about hoping there are more people who take the high road vs the low road?

Most important pair of lines in the song:

"But I ain't fighting with you down in a ditch
I'll meet you up here on the road"

Right on!

I also like to think its a response to the pop country music stars.

how fucking sensitive are you? Because he referenced the current tension between people, even family members, over politics, you say it creates more devisiveness? the inability of people to work together to actually achieve progress for everyone's sake creates more devisiveness. the video shows a battered, torn United States flag, barely hanging onto that fucking pole, but all that more majestic because it made it through that storm. Its true..last year fucking sucked, everybody posting their stupid opinions (on both sides, not biased) on facebook, then getting worked up in comment battles with fake profiles. The people standing below that flagpole arguing about their differences instead of looking up at the current situation, of a torn flag & society, and evaluating options to create solutions together. Try finding ways to help maybe one person you meet, so that you can discover that we are all in this fight, this world, together. The line about "we'll ride this ship down, dumping buckets overboard. There can't be more of them than us, there cant be more.", at least to me, means we're going to drown together if people keep blaming each other for how the ship (symbolizing America) got leaks. You grab a bucket, I'll grab one too, let's work together to save both our asses. We have more in common than what keeps us apart, there simply cannot be more differences between us all than similarities.

"how fucking sensitive are you?"

He's a white dude so, "maximum" ?

Turn the sound up and take it all in! "There can't be more of them than us. There can't be more." Thank you, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.

fmfleming how do you interpret that? I'm curious

I can't stop listening. New Isbell makes me a happy man

Springsteen influence shines through but it's a sound that's distinctly Jason Isbell yet at the same time it doesn't sound like anything I've heard from him before... Can tell he hasn't gotten lazy as a songwriter as some greats often do, I really like this and I'm really excited to hear the rest of this album

Love love love. Love this.

me and my dad love him but he says he finds this song as a political song but I don't I find it as him trying to say he hates all this political drama and hes saying this is just saying love america in genral