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Gillian Welch — Tear My Stillhouse Down
Album: Revival
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 317









Released: 1996
Length: 4:28
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Put no stone at my head, no flowers on my tomb
No gold plated sign in a marble pillared room
The one thing I want when they lay me in the ground
When I die tear my stillhouse down
Oh tear my stillhouse down, let it go to rust
Don't leave no trace of the hiding place
Where I made that evil stuff
For all my time and money no profit did I see
That old copper kettle was the death of me
When I was a child way back in the hills
I laughed at the men who tended those stills
But that old mountain shine, it caught me somehow
When I die tear my stillhouse down
Oh tear my stillhouse down, let it go to rust
Don't leave no trace of the hiding place
Where I made that evil stuff
For all my time and money no profit did I see
That old copper kettle was the death of me
Oh tell all your children that Hell ain't no dream
'Cause Satan he lives in my whisky machine
And in my time of dying I know where I'm bound
So when I die tear my stillhouse down
Oh tear my stillhouse down, let it go to rust
Don't leave no trace of the hiding place
Where I made that evil stuff
For all my time and money no profit did I see
That old copper kettle was the death of me
Comments (78)add comment
Great song from a great album!  (er, CD)
Posted 14 years ago by aflanigan    [ Reply ]
Wow this caught me by surprise....me likey ...8
Posted 14 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]

Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch, Alison Krauss - "Go To Sleep You Little Baby" Live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94h2L9oBOHM
Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]

Gillian Welch on Harmonica by ~JohannaStudios
Kieran John Delaney ©2009-2010 ~JohannaStudios

Newport Folk Festival 2009


Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
When I worked for a rum distillery (small, high end, doomed) we played this in the barrel room often. When the lyric

"for all my time and money, no profit did I see"

came up, you could count on every soul in the place joining in.

BTW, chanchu & wally42, in O Brother, Where Art Thou the Sirens were Mia Tate, Musetta Vander and Christy Taylor. Gillian Welch cameoed (in addition to sharing music coordinator credits with T-Bone Burnett and providing part of the soundtrack) as the record store customer asking for a copy of Man of Constant Sorrow.

Posted 14 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
Another American Legend that fits right in here.  Way to go you guys and girls!
Posted 14 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
One of the Sirens in 'O Brother Where Art Thou?'

'Caleb Meyer' is another excellent song by her. {#Cheers} 
Posted 15 years ago by chanchu    [ Reply ]
 MiketheKnife wrote:
I worked for a country radio station in a small town in VA (circa 1991) & actually got in trouble for playing k.d. lang on the air- (and I come from a line of moonshiners in case I need any dirt road cred)- if this track was in the studio then, I would have played it 3x/day. There is good & bad. Formlaic Nashville pop is crap- but here is still good Americana out there that redeems the rest.
Bless Gillian Welch.
 
Really? Where?

I've got to get some more GW.

Posted 15 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
 caregiver wrote:
I love David Rawlings' guitar playing.  His acoustic stuff is phenomenal.  His style, one-of-a-kind.  And Gillian's voice, well yeah, there's that.
 

Improves it.
Posted 15 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
I love David Rawlings' guitar playing.  His acoustic stuff is phenomenal.  His style, one-of-a-kind.  And Gillian's voice, well yeah, there's that.
Posted 16 years ago by caregiver    [ Reply ]
MiketheKnife wrote:
I worked for a country radio station in a small town in VA (circa 1991) & actually got in trouble for playing k.d. lang on the air- (and I come from a line of moonshiners in case I need any dirt road cred)- if this track was in the studio then, I would have played it 3x/day. There is good & bad. Formlaic Nashville pop is crap- but here is still good Americana out there that redeems the rest. Bless Gillian Welch.
Yeah, the soulless Nashville machine has turned a lot of people off of traditional-flavored music. Oh well.
Posted 16 years ago by Odyzzeuz    [ Reply ]
I love Gillian. And the guitar licks on this song. To me her voice just sounds heartfelt. Got this cd, and must get some more.
Posted 16 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
I love this. Gillian Welch is a great southern-twisted siren. Reminds me of the best of the O Brother soundtrack.
Posted 16 years ago by Odyzzeuz    [ Reply ]
dixiedeb wrote:
Well said. She is a real American treasure.
Cheers Deb- Many Thanks.
Posted 16 years ago by MiketheKnife    [ Reply ]
Good, good song.
Posted 16 years ago by TexasAggies    [ Reply ]
MiketheKnife wrote:
I worked for a country radio station in a small town in VA (circa 1991) & actually got in trouble for playing k.d. lang on the air- (and I come from a line of moonshiners in case I need any dirt road cred)- if this track was in the studio then, I would have played it 3x/day. There is good & bad. Formlaic Nashville pop is crap- but here is still good Americana out there that redeems the rest. Bless Gillian Welch.
Well said. She is a real American treasure.
Posted 16 years ago by dixiedeb    [ Reply ]
This is a first for me. I'm really liking the sound. Thank you.
Posted 16 years ago by Ericac    [ Reply ]
This album can also be found on eMusic. Not sure if that helps our red assed friends to the North or not, but it's an option. I'm also not sure how to get RP a commission from eMusic.
Posted 16 years ago by smdeeg    [ Reply ]
Yeah!! sweet voice makes me tingle all over...but give that lady some proper nutrition...
Posted 16 years ago by grimmel    [ Reply ]
Her sweet voice makes me weak in the knees. Ouch. Damn, she can write and play, too. Cool, cool woman.
Posted 16 years ago by joshfm    [ Reply ]
This is a lovely album. I clicked through on Amazon to purchase this as an MP3, but alas, it is restricted to the US only. Amazon can kiss my red Canadian ass. (what's up with the smileys? it feels like 1999 in here)
Posted 17 years ago by subVorkian    [ Reply ]
One of the finest. Play more, please.
Posted 17 years ago by lissen    [ Reply ]
I worked for a country radio station in a small town in VA (circa 1991) & actually got in trouble for playing k.d. lang on the air- (and I come from a line of moonshiners in case I need any dirt road cred)- if this track was in the studio then, I would have played it 3x/day. There is good & bad. Formlaic Nashville pop is crap- but here is still good Americana out there that redeems the rest. Bless Gillian Welch.
Posted 17 years ago by MiketheKnife    [ Reply ]
I do not like country music therefore I do not like this music, I do not like country music therefore I do not like this music..........damnit it's not working. I don't mind this at all.
Posted 17 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Guess I'm a country boy at heart. Love this stuff.
Posted 17 years ago by Teko    [ Reply ]
Sorry, I just don't like country music.
Posted 17 years ago by onlylynne    [ Reply ]
unbelievable! i was just thinking how similar gillian and ben harper could sound in their homages. right on!
Posted 17 years ago by C57BL6    [ Reply ]
Is she related to Neil Young!!
Posted 17 years ago by stsman    [ Reply ]
Wisecrowe wrote:
I'm in love with her, completely taken by her. She's the best!
Posted 17 years ago by cosinus    [ Reply ]
wally42 wrote:
I see that the small minds have been posting comment to this song. Gillian is one of the most highly admired and respected songwriters of our time. Her style is rootsy and pure. She was one of the sirens in Oh Brother. Her live perfomances with David Rawlins are a treasure. What is wrong with you people? FYI The Nashville Bluegrass Band does a great version of this. FYI She was one of the sirens in Oh Brother along with Emmy Lou Harris and Allisoun Krauss
As someone who just gave this song a one, I have to say "Lay off" people. It may not be your thang (it sure isn't mine) but some seem to be pretty passionate about it. Mutual respect. That said: "small minds?" WTF friend? Just because slide guitar and twang give me the willies doesn't mean you have to get all personal about it. MUTUAL respect.
Posted 17 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
blech! C&W on RP. Neyt! No! Nada!
Posted 17 years ago by tnt_thomas    [ Reply ]
Shesdifferent wrote:
There is too much of this style of country on RP
Any country is too much country...
Posted 17 years ago by thatch    [ Reply ]
kmh wrote:
too twangy for me

It may be a bit twangy, but genuine.  I like it.
Posted 17 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
too twangy for me
Posted 17 years ago by KMH    [ Reply ]
Love her. Love this song! More please.
Posted 17 years ago by dixiedeb    [ Reply ]
Sounds like country music to me, the ultimate oxymoron.
Posted 17 years ago by LizDeines    [ Reply ]
Bizzarefall wrote:
Agreed... I am going to shed a tear in my beer if the end of the song 'aint near... (in my best twangy old timey country voice)
Its actually just bad. I believe its the third time I've ever muted RP.
Posted 17 years ago by okobojicat    [ Reply ]
Mmmm...... oh my yes.......
Posted 17 years ago by eman    [ Reply ]
I'm in love with her, completely taken by her. She's the best!
Posted 17 years ago by Wisecrowe    [ Reply ]
madaxeman wrote:
Fantastic.She just keeps getting it right.More please.
I'm with you, and all those who appreciate Gillian Welch. Great stuff!
Posted 17 years ago by meloman    [ Reply ]
Fantastic.She just keeps getting it right.More please.
Posted 17 years ago by madaxeman    [ Reply ]
I see that the small minds have been posting comment to this song. Gillian is one of the most highly admired and respected songwriters of our time. Her style is rootsy and pure. She was one of the sirens in Oh Brother. Her live perfomances with David Rawlins are a treasure. What is wrong with you people? FYI The Nashville Bluegrass Band does a great version of this. FYI She was one of the sirens in Oh Brother along with Emmy Lou Harris and Allisoun Krauss
Posted 17 years ago by wally42    [ Reply ]
tangent wrote:
icky!!!! This is an unhealthy mix of country and old fleetwood mac stylings. I don't like it whatsoever.
Agreed... I am going to shed a tear in my beer if the end of the song 'aint near... (in my best twangy old timey country voice)
Posted 18 years ago by Bizzarefall    [ Reply ]
Mindreading playlist strikes again! I had this song in my head this morning!
Posted 18 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
Shesdifferent wrote:
There is too much of this style of country on RP
I love this music!!
Posted 18 years ago by grotegutj    [ Reply ]
I like this. Sort of modern country. Good stuff. ">
Posted 18 years ago by brellim    [ Reply ]
This is cool. Nothing wrong with music with traditional influence.
Posted 18 years ago by malamute69    [ Reply ]
icky!!!! This is an unhealthy mix of country and old fleetwood mac stylings. I don't like it whatsoever.
Posted 18 years ago by tangent    [ Reply ]
Shesdifferent wrote:
There is too much of this style of country on RP
No! Not enough . . . this is the good stuff.
Posted 18 years ago by gillespp    [ Reply ]
There is too much of this style of country on RP
Posted 18 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
snurfer wrote:
oh no... no country please...
Ditto.
Posted 18 years ago by master_betty    [ Reply ]
oh no... no country please...
Posted 18 years ago by snurfer    [ Reply ]
dddenver wrote:
I uploaded it about a year ago, but it was rejected by Sir Bill (this was prior to the LRC). Perhaps we could get him to put it on the LRC to see how it does. I think it's a great tune as well.
Well, ddd, thanks for trying! Come 'on, Bill: give it another try?
Posted 18 years ago by Rockabobbie    [ Reply ]
The song isn't too country either. Not with that groove. Turn it way up. Patrick wrote:
You mean that the song is way too country for your taste. Gillian's from Manhattan. Not Kansas. Turn it up.
Posted 18 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
Dave Rawlings is da man.
Posted 18 years ago by thehamburgerpimp    [ Reply ]
netdiver wrote:
She is way too country for my taste
You mean that the song is way too country for your taste. Gillian's from Manhattan. Not Kansas. Turn it up.
Posted 19 years ago by Patrick    [ Reply ]
She is way too country for my taste
Posted 19 years ago by netdiver    [ Reply ]
Rockabobbie wrote:
What a talent. Got to see her a few timjes at the Cat's Cradle when I liven in Chapel Hill, NC. Nice to hear her on the RP rotation. Say, can anyone upload her tune with David Rawlings, "ELVIS PRESLEY BLUES?" Saw her do it a few times, then caught it on back porch music (local NPR show). All y'all RPers would D-I-G that cut.
I uploaded it about a year ago, but it was rejected by Sir Bill (this was prior to the LRC). Perhaps we could get him to put it on the LRC to see how it does. I think it's a great tune as well.
Posted 19 years ago by dddenver    [ Reply ]
What a talent. Got to see her a few timjes at the Cat's Cradle when I liven in Chapel Hill, NC. Nice to hear her on the RP rotation. Say, can anyone upload her tune with David Rawlings, "ELVIS PRESLEY BLUES?" Saw her do it a few times, then caught it on back porch music (local NPR show). All y'all RPers would D-I-G that cut.
Posted 20 years ago by Rockabobbie    [ Reply ]
MORE GILLIAN! YAY!
Posted 20 years ago by guitarwhisperer    [ Reply ]
What a clear, strong production this is! Just what great songwriting, singing and playing deserves of course.
Posted 20 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
man this chick is a tenor. but this are all right fer country music.
Posted 20 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]
Oh, sister where art thou? Nothin' like that good ol' timey music!
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Patrick wrote:
I loves it when the womenfolk set to a-singin' through their nose-holes...
aaaaahhh.... you bastard.... I sent coffee a-flyin' through my nose-holes!
Posted 20 years ago by Nuance    [ Reply ]
Just saw Gillian and David at a festival. They did a cover of Radiohead's Black Star that was unbelievable. If anyone has a recording of her doing this song (don't know if it's on her newer albums or not) PLEASE upload it!
Posted 20 years ago by DownHomeGirl    [ Reply ]
Ugh! No more country, please!
Posted 20 years ago by gntlemanartist    [ Reply ]
I've been waiting for months to hear some Gillian. Thanks.
Posted 20 years ago by peeplee    [ Reply ]
I loves it when the womenfolk set to a-singin' through their nose-holes...
Posted 20 years ago by Patrick    [ Reply ]
this kind of deversity makes this station great. keep it coming.
Posted 20 years ago by dhostetler    [ Reply ]
It's only English folk songs, Irish laments, black blues, mountain music, country, rock & roll - hell it's all the same and I like it!
Posted 20 years ago by Spliff    [ Reply ]
The only classifications in music that count: Good and Bad. This rests comfotably in the former.
Posted 20 years ago by Typesbad    [ Reply ]
God, I love it when folks commence to a-singin' through their noses.
Posted 21 years ago by Patrick    [ Reply ]
See - this type of mix makes RP great. More surprises like this great stuff.
Posted 21 years ago by ottonorse    [ Reply ]
Railee^!^ wrote:
Damn, that's almost country music Bill,.....BRAVO! When the rest of you kids grow-up you'll enjoy a little George Jones every now and then.
Posted 21 years ago by DownHomeGirl    [ Reply ]
Yeeee Ha. Give her the gong.
Posted 22 years ago by jamhen    [ Reply ]
Gillain Welch is great. She has an incredible voice. Railee sees this as almost country music, and I think it's more along the lines of old time bluegrass music with some modern instruments added. Whatever, it's great music.
Posted 22 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]