"Surrounded by her family, I saw that she was dying alone" might be the most poignant line of lyrics ever written.

This guy says more in 4 minutes than most will their whole careers...

I see why John Mayer says Jason Isbell is the best lyricist he's ever known

When you are happy you enjoy the music. But when you are sad you understand the lyrics.

Saw Jason live in November sitting beside my wife with her bandana covering her head due to cancer, really hit me hard

A 43 year old man shouldn’t be sitting on his kitchen floor wiping his eyes to clear the tears from a song, but this does it, even though I’ve heard it 100 times and know it by heart. Best songwriter out there right now, period.

A baseball bat straight to the heart...this one really hurts. I miss you Christine.

Ther is not a wasted word in this song. It is the most efficient imagery I have ever heard. This is poetry at its best!

Holy mother of God. I loathe country music, but this, this is poetry; this is literature. This speaks to me like nothing I have heard in years, although I'm not sure I would have understood what he meant by elephant a few years back. Sadly, I do now.

If you don't appreciate this song you have no soul.

Listening to this is like having the wind knocked out of you,but in a good way.

Truly amazing. I was a hospice nurse for 5 years. This song is more true than anything I've ever heard. I'm in tears.

I'm a two time cancer survivor. Those scars run deep, and it's hard not to get emotional every time I hear this. Jason, I don't know how you did it, but you really captured and encapsulated many of the realities if that journey. Thanks for doing what you do.

There are very few perfect songs. This is one of them.

True story: my wife got diagnosed with cancer in 2013. I didn't know this song was on the album--I was listening to Southeastern in my car for the first time and it came on as I sat at a traffic light. The time was right in the middle of her whole cancer journey. I sat there at the light, blown away, tears just rolling down my face like parallel waterfalls. Not looking around, of course, 'cause that ain't tough and I didn't want anyone to notice. :-) It's a vivid memory still today, because the emotions this song evokes, captures, and reflects are so visceral, and so absolutely accurate--never more so than hearing it the first time, that day. Bottom line: I don't know if Jason has first hand experience or not, but this song nails the whole experience of being with someone going through cancer. Nails it. There aren't a lot of truly important songs in the world. This is one of them. Jason, if you ever read these comments: thank you. This song was cathartic for me, ridiculously emotional for me, and something I clung to going through hell. If you ever wonder if the songs that you write matter, or if they make a real difference in people's lives--they do.

Damn that's real at the speed of light.

Dear god there needs to be some kind of warning before the start of this song. I feel like someone just walked up to me and yanked a knife out of my chest that somehow I had forgotten was there. As perfectly as this song is written I get a sense of relief when it finally ends. It's like I have survived some terrible trauma and finally have a moment to try to catch my breath.

Man, I'm telling you. There just isn't another songwriter right now I have to brace myself for listening to. If he doesn't go down as one of the best songwriters in history, there's just no hope left in the world.

There's so much truth in this guy's songs. He's a storyteller, talking about universal themes like love, hurt, loss, the poor man's everyday struggle for survival. I lost both my father and a close friend from cancer three years ago and every time I listen to this beauty of a song my heart is filled with memories. And sadness... No wander I'm from Athens, Greece and still feel I can relate to this stuff from this dude from Alabama...

He might just be the most gifted writer of this young century. The young man writes fantastic songs.

I have been sick; I tried to ignore the elephant. It is hard to keep the sickness from taking over but you fight to keep it at arms length and not discuss it. Just live like you have a real life. THank you Jason for making this struggle real .

Having lost my wife two months ago, this one hits home. Pretty much hit the nail on the head from my perspective.

I don't know how but he knew my sister jessica. I heard it while listening to NPR delivering Chrismas cheer and had to pull over. I can't drive while under water. I miss her

It should be illegal for anyone to write a song this good.

Jason Isbell told Uncut magazine about this defiant and intimate witnessing of a loved one dying of cancer, whose inspiration dates back to before he met his wife, songwriter/fiddler Amanda Shires: "I was living above this bar in Sheffield, Alabama, for a long time before I moved to Nashville with Amanda and I was dating this girl that worked at the bar," he recalled. "I told her she couldn't get too attached to the people sitting around the bar because they're all gonna disappear, and sure enough - within a couple of years, half the regulars were gone. It's hard for me to get through it some nights. It's a sad song."

Unfortunately I have lived this song. I have never heard anyone put these emotions to words. "There is one thing that is clear to me, no-one dies with dignity. " powerful song

Don't think I'll ever hear a song in my life again with this type of grit and beauty

Man, this song just hits me, it's my favorite right now.

This is one of the greatest songs ever written

Have probably listened to this fifty times since I first heard it Sunday, in an empty house w/ hardwood floors. The silence afterward scared me. It's hard to try to learn to sing something when you're crying, or trying not to. I'm doing it on piano, but the tears will have to subside first. Isbell is a national treasure.

I'm sure almost all of us have seen cancer take a loved one from us but being intimately close while it's happening is another level of sadness. Watching their mind and body fail and them realizing it the whole time. The meds and the weed only do so much to help them escape the inevitable. Jason put a finger in that exact emotion like few can. Amazing artist.

I used to perform this song a lot,now it´s me with stage 4 cancer ....and it´s a wholly different and deeper understanding of the lyrics,spot on,great song

People seriously have a problem with the word F word? It's a song about someone you love dying from cancer, you jag offs. It's a song about one of the worst things anyone can go through, and it is expressed in a beautiful way. Honest, and beautiful. Have a problem with one word? You don't deserve to hear such beauty, then. Period.

Sad thing is this guy is fighting for a music career meanwhile florida Georgia line is selling out stadiums...

I've been able to Jason Isbell too many times to count and every time he plays Elephant the place goes dead quiet. This songs moves people on so many levels. Do yourself a favor and go see Jason & the 400 Unit, well worth the effort.

My wife was going through breast cancer when this song came out by Jason truth lies within the lyrics of all of his music. But this song truly broke my heart. I will always be a fan of this man.

Me story hit home run my wife passed away with cancer cried all the way through it

Jason is one of the few out there that is willing to probe the depths of pain and then tell the truth about it...I am glad he does what he does...

I've heard this song many times. Its always heavy. My friend Rune passed from cancer recentlty and it's even harder to listen to now. We need songs that capture those kind of feelings sometimes, so we both remember, and don't forget.

Every musical Genre will eventually have an innovator who enhances a complete musical genre. Jason Isbell is a musical genius, who even on his knees, stands taller, truer and sweeter that the people who came before him.

One of the greatest songs ever written. Idk how he doesn't choke up singing it. You can feel the emotion. His songs are incredible

If anyone ever gets the chance to see him live do it. The amount of emotion in his words and the music. There isn't any way to describe it

He’s a rarity these days. A true story teller

Jason Isbell is my favorite songwriter. I like to sip on bourbon with my friends by a campfire and play his songs. I usually cover Decoration Day, Outfit and more recently, Elephant. It takes a special person to pack so much emotion into a 3-4 minute song. Most people "hear" music while some "listen" to it. Jason's songs take you to a different place. If you truly listen, then you will know exactly what I'm talking about.

Jason is an enigma, stay with him. He will teach us all

Just was part of a group of friends seeing a friend through the last two weeks of her dying from colon, liver and lung cancer. A friend helped her by blowing dope smoke in her face. It gave her a little peace. She died peacefully.

It's rough to watch someone slowly slipping away. Lost my mom and a few really good friends to cancer so this hits real hard. I just thank him for even writing a song like this. Helps more than he will ever know.

One of our best Southern poets...

Absolutely amazing. Im so lucky to have seen Jason and the 400 Unit at the bottom work their way to the top.

This song hit me like a kick to the throat. Your a master writer awesome guitar player and haunting singer

Stunningly powerful stuff. Jason Isbell is the Neil Young of the American South.

If this isn't the saddest song ever, I don't know what is. Awesome lyrics

I can somehow manage to hold back being choked up most of the song, but when he he says the line "she don't have a voice to sing with anymore", it gets me everytime.

So since I heard this song the first time I can't stop listening to it. It.just kind of ate at me....I was moved to reach out to a friend who had struggled with cancer...I hadn't talked to her in a while...you know to damn busy...I sent her a text....later that day I received a text back...it was her daughter responding on her moms phone....telling me she died a little over a week ago....so take the time and reach out to your friends be they healthy or sick

I don’t think I’ve ever gotten through this entire song without getting emotional

This song hooked me 2 yrs ago and I still find I hold my breath until he says "try to ignore the elephant somehow.." the first time"

God damn.

I can't hear this without tearing up

Jason Isbell always will be the best.

Just found out about this genius of an artist and learning how much he has impacted the industry without being popular and it’s mind boggling

Should have gotten a grammy nomination

Man, when Jason Isbell sings, I stop everything I'm doing just to listen. He's one of the most amazing artists alive today. I love all kinds of music, but this is really, really special.

I literally pulled this song up randomly from Apple Beats curator function (pretty damn good tool). Immediately rose to the top of my list of the Saddest Songs Ever.

best song written of our generation every song is like a movie really paints a picture

It's funny how I always come back to the same songs. The songs that make me cry. The songs that I feel like nobody else understands. The lyrics. The emotion. The tears.

Southeastern is one of my favorite albums this year.

Ernest Hemingway said just write one true sentence. This song is a testament to that.

"I've buried her a thousand times, given up my place in line. " Damn that hits hard

I am so thankful that i finally became aware of Jason....wow, what a writer ans performer. Jason and John Fullbright are both carrying on the tradition of great american songwriters following John Prine, townes van zandt, guy clark, steve goodman, and many other greats.....so excited to hear them and look forward to following them

this guy is just awesome. that is all.

This is the best song I`ve heard in years, so beautiful and amazingly emotional. Makes me cry.

This guy is one of the most important artists in music

There are plenty of songwriters I love, but none of them move me like Jason Isbell.

RIP to the love of my life, I will fly with you soon

2018 and Jason wrote Maybe It's Time (A Star Is Born). Dude is a GOAT.

So powerful! Such a talented song writer.

This may very well be the saddest song I've ever heard in my life.

I've been hoping millions have been introduced to this man due his music being on the series "Yellowstone." What a tragic/heart felt song this one is. Just discovered it. Love y'all. P.S. the song from Yellowstone is called "Last of My Kind."

Lucky to have caught one of his live shows. He is on another level with his songwriting and the 400 unit is talented AF. There’s a story in every song and in some way we can all relate to varying degrees - sometimes to the bone. I’ve never had an artist make me cry as much as Jason has with his music.

An amazing song!! This song will tear you up if you've been touched by cancer!! What a great artist!!

One of my favorite songs of the past two years. Powerful.

I love this live acoustic version more than what on the album.

I don't even know what to say, this song is just beyond words ... not even sure how he makes it through singing this one ... all of it, but the "sharecropper eyes and her hair almost gone" hits SO hard

Jason Isabell is way better than he is getting credit for.

Best use of the "F" word in music history, IMO beating out RATM's Killing In The Name Of. Elephant is a masterpiece.

Best songwriter out there today. Truth aint always pretty, but Jason has written a beautiful song about the ugly truth of life and you can't get anymore real than that. He also puts on a damn good show. One of the greatest talents alive today.

I’m 37 and my dad is 66. After fighting for 6 years he’s getting down to the nitty gritty and it won’t be long now. Dammit if this song doesn’t resonate. Fuck cancer.

Came here from the Daily Show tonight....this guys needs to be seen and heard. This one is a keeper.

Just stumbled across this song, never heard of it or Jason before here in the UK. Amazing song.

The best song I've ever heard about cancer. Brilliant and true. No compromises. This is what art should be and do.

This is the second song of his to reduce me to tears. Just as sad as "Dress Blues". What a powerful songwriter.

So beautiful and sad at the same time it makes me cry

great knowing real music is still being made

Pure singer/songwriter heaven!

Jason Isbell is the greatest Songwriter so far In the 21 century bar none, simple.

simply the best songwriter workin

Thank you Marc Maron for turning me on to this. Would not have heard it.

no one dies with dignity...

Southeastern, one of the best albums I've ever heard. This song is so heartfelt and human, he's demonstrates true experience

My late wife and I did morning news radio and music radio together. Young Mr. Isbell's lyrics are pretty close to how it was for us, these last years. I didn't need this spear through my chest, but over time it will be for the best - if I live that long.