If this speaks to you, check out Scott's org: The Phoenix: thephoenix.org/

Ray Lamontagne needs more recognition. Thank you for sharing his music with others!

This song is THE reason I first picked up the guitar. Thank you for celebrating this masterpiece and the man who made it.

geez it's about time Ray gets a little love. His first three albums took me to places music never has. I miss the days of him with the Pariah Dogs. Such a great band. Something about the emotion that comes through his lyrics and voice is the best I have ever heard or felt.

The first time I heard this song I felt my soul had been ripped out and exposed to the world. I didn't have substance abuse issues but loads of personal demons that I was trying to escape. 13 years later this song still triggers. I am self-destructive, like an addict, and have been homeless and desperate. Estranged at one point from my family (for a decade). I'm always waiting for me to f***everything up. I absolutely love how Ray writes simple lyrics in an amazing way that blows me away.

I have 22 years of sobriety, and this song brings me right back to where I could be and where I’ve been. Jolene reminds me that I’m one drink/high from being in the “gutter”… this helps me celebrate that I am not there and pray for those who are, unfortunately, there.

One of my all time fav songs - and “got a picture of you holding a picture of me in the pocket of my blue jeans” might be my fav lyric ever😌

I loved this man’s voice the second I first heard it. Been years, still love it. Just the right amount of grit.

I had to quit drinking this year too not necessarily because I drink too much, but because when alcohol mixes with the other parts of my life I wasn't going to be here anymore. If you're just barely able to keep the walls up you can't have moments of weakness brought on by alcohol. Everybody going through their own challenges has my love and support

Love the perspective on recovery. My struggle and my past self who is still a part of me was not substance abuse, but depression and suicidal ideation. In my mental health journey I've come to find joy and hope in knowing that recovery doesn't mean losing or fixing a part of me, but accepting and loving that part with the flaws. I'll never be "fixed", but I will be ok, and I'll love all of me no matter what. Sending love to all of us who've put out the immeasurable effort to care for ourselves, and love to all of us who are not there yet.

Such a GREAT song! It’s been on my Everyday playlist since it came out. So good. Speaks to me. 💛🙌

One of your best episodes Michael. Great song, amazing artist, but what you do to bring greater meaning and perspective to a song we've listened to hundreds of times is a true gift. Thank you

I’ve always loved this song and never really understood why. It might sound short sighted on my part, but your deep dive here really helped me understand the WHY behind my connection and love for this song. Thanks as always Michael

This is one of the best video essays I've ever seen on this platform, and it is entirely unscripted and unintentionally delivered as such, which makes it all the more special.

Amazing emotional narration. Gives me chills. Thank you for using your time on educating others..

This is one of my all-time favorite songs And this version is my favorite version! I found myself mainly watching your reaction because you could tell from your eyes that it's full of love, heartache, and sorrow for you. Congratulations on becoming sober. Truly a remarkable feat. Keep on keepin' on!

Powerful words Michael. That’s what keeps me coming back here. Have known to many’s of my friends children and my kids friends who have gone down this road. Some gone forever, some not strong enough to turn around. Give them peace.

I've played this song on stage a couple times and it always is my best reaction. Ray is a man that has his finger on my heart strings. Can't wait to hear what you have to say about it! *unpauses video*

Love Ray... This song has been one of my favs to sing and play for a long while now. Glad to see you appreciate this song. Good stuff man.

I love Ray LaMontagne and have since I bought Trouble in 2004. Considering how many videos like this I watch, and have watched this is the first time I’ve ever seen anyone do anything by Ray. Thank you. More please.

I love how genuine you are. Started following you when you first got into The Dead. Spotify put Jolene in a mix last year, and the song took my breathe away, literally, transcends the powerful message his soul needs to share. I appreciate YOUR messages you shared in this video, thank you.

Awesome 🎉song & your honest heart felt run thru is so important to everyone out there- on either side of the dilemna of loving themselves or not and those watching and hoping…

Yes, another video. A little treat before the New Year. It's been hard...have a big hole missing. RIP Jason. I hope he's watching with me. Love you, Michael. You are the best of us. I have been struggling lately with some issues I won't get into. Just know I will always support your content.

Thanks!! Always has been a favorite powerful song. I work with folks struggling and hear their stories and try to support them even if it’s a little way.

Thank you for your passion to help and guide others through music❤

Literally my favorite song ever, can’t believe you’re covering this

Another outstanding video. I always appreciate your reflections.

Omg man how you worded it out. I'm all tears.

One of the very first songs I learned to play and sing. So powerful. Been a fan of Ray since high school.

So amped for this! An all-time favorite song (and artist of mine). His debut album Trouble came out when I was in high school and I listened to it on repeat (still do). P.S. This is one of your best videos. Fantastic stuff, Michael.

I remember listening to this album in 2004 when it came out. I was blown away by the emotion and still am 20 years later. Great breakdown Michael.

Happy New Year Michael. Thank you for another yr of killer vids bro!!!

Amazing song by an amazing artist. "Winter Birds" is one of my all time favorites.

Thanks for bringing up the past love this guys voice so underrated

Man this brings me back to circa 2004 when this album came out. His first four albums, for that matter, are filled with songs like this. Even though I havent liked his more recent albums as much, he will always be an all-time favorite singer songwriter for his unique, soulful voice and absolute poetry in his lyrics. So. Dang. Good.

After searching for a teacher for a while, I signed up for your lessons this week. This video just made me absolutely positive that this is the right place for me. Thank you for being real.

Michael, love how you are so open and honest with us. First version i heard was zac brown's, awesome song. This one hits with more emotion. Wishing you and all who struggle with addiction and mental illness God's love and grace. Another song The High cost of Living ain't nothing like the cost of living high by Jamey Johnson. I know you are a fan of his. God Bless you and everyone else who is battling and fighting the good fight! Happy New Year Brother!

9 months sober here, had to count, that's a good sign. We want you to stick around and be happy.

I felt a tremendous connection to his music back in 2004. Saw him play in Seattle with David Gray. He’s super gifted and so special! Love this song! Thanks for your review! ❤️

Thanks for this, Michael. So powerful.

I desperately wish I could remember when I stumbled upon Ray Lamontagne. I was in my 20s still learning how to be me and learning my musical taste and, now looking back, I always had a song/artist/sound in my head that I could not put my finger on. It was Ray Lamontagne. It was like I heard him all my (although relatively short existence) life and I had never heard him before. To say I was ecstatic to see you do this song would be an understatement. As singers (I'm just a casual one) we learn from other artist that you start off with singing like the artist you like but have to find your own but Mr. Lamontagne is who I would have like to have been given the choice. Cheers Mr. Palmisano. Please do more of him and if I may humble suggest, Trouble by him. It truly is the sound in head. Blues, rock, folk, americana, bluegrass, country, story-telling all rolled into one. Keep up the good work.

Thanks for that beautiful breakdown of this amazing song sir.

Goddamn. I can relate so much. And your thoughts at the end…beautiful. Thx man

I'm struggling too, good to hear your thoughts. Be strong, love yourself

Love this song. It’s one of my favorite songs ever.

man, I don't ever comment on videos. but I have to comment here. I'm sorry you were uncomfortable with making this video, but I am grateful for your positive and kind words. such an amazing message on this video. thank you very much. keep rocking.

This song is amazing!…. Thankyou for having a look at this….

Came for my favorite musician being spoken about by my favorite teacher. Instead I had my eyes involuntarily drained. You nailed it man, thank you.

Thank you for this. I needed it

Man, you are so good at these reaction videos. You make me want to learn how to play guitar and listen to some Ray.

Thanks Michael. Amazing song that resinates with me regarding my brother. His demons eventually won the battle. Zack Brown does a wonderful version of Jolene as well. Safe and Happy New year all.

Michael, I'm not sure if there's still a way for those of us who aren't subscribed to recommend a song, but I don't believe you've ever checked out Wilco. And you need to. There's a live cut from a sound check of "Ashes of American Flags" (from the Ashes of American Flags DVD) on KZfaq that is just a masterclass on band dynamic, emotive guitar work, and thoughtful lyricism, all by a band that just clicks on stage and in studio every single time. I'm not sure I've ever heard a better band live. They're all meant for each other. That song from that sound check never fails to bring a tear to my eye. It's just so damn beautiful. You'd love it, and I know this community would too.

“Empty” is another Ray tune that cuts deep

Jeez, I came here for music and found a really deep conversation. Such a beautiful song. Glorious light against shade, well - darkness more than shade.

Love to you bro! and again! and again! you have it and you know! ONE LOVE.

You’re a real one, Michael Palmisano. Keep on keeping on. We’ll be there with you. ❤

You ended 2023 on an extraordinary note. I've always known Ray Lamontagne to be a powerful singer, but my gosh, that was amazing. Thank you.

I've been playing this song in my live sets now for a couple years. So powerful. One of my favorites.

Oh it spoke to me. Thank you.

Rick Rubin has an excellent passage in his creativity manifesto about how folks who make music, face dysregulated emotions, and have addiction issues are the most sensitive of all humans. The creative act is an exorcism, the substance use a numbing, so they can have short lived peace even when they understand it's damaging.

One of my favorite songs to cover!

I have Ray LaMontagne's "We'll Make It Through" on my Favorite Songs playlist here on KZfaq from 3 years ago. It was a song that popped into my feed during one of the hardest times in my life and it just resonated. I can feel that song in my bones.

When you know love is sacrificial and you can't sacrifice what you're ashamed of, you don't know love in a tangible way. This is a beautifully artistic lament.

Can't believe it took so long for this song to make it to your channel. Lovely video....

to hold you in my arms one Time ❤️ I believe that it can be changed so love this man his voice is breathtaking as you feel it move through your heart and body so beautiful, 🥰❣️🎼💯💡🌹⚡🌌🌠💞🌹🥰

A beautifully erudite summary of one of my most favourite songs.

Amen!!! I am bawling right now

To add to the strength of an individual battling addiction is the empathy and understanding they/we have older others. When you put yourself in that ditch and live with the pain, regret, and shame of that you can see someone else going through something similar and see the potential that person has, the good in that persons heart. I won’t completely generalize but our ability to understand someone’s else’s pain secondary to addiction only goes so far when you haven’t been there yourself. People battling through addiction are some of the most empathetic loving and caring people I’ve ever met

Saw him at Ascend in Nashville a few years back, and it was one of my favorite shows I've been to. Something about his sound soothes my soul.

This song weighs so heavy on me. Great, insightful review...music saves lives...I'm sure of it. Thank you Mike.

10 years sober in may. This song is the marrow in my bones.

Man damn this video hit thanks for it

“Empty” by ray is my song for recovery

My first experience with Ray was live at The Gorge, WA back in 2005 at Sasquatch Festival. Ray was on the main stage and my buddy said that we needed to get down there to see him (I had no idea who he was). There was a single acoustic guitar on a stand at center stage, and that was it. Dude walks out like you see him in this video and started strumming, and at first I thought he was a sound tech. Then he started singing and I was instantly memorized like a snake charmer. I've been fortunate to have seen him live 7x since that summer and would recommend anyone to go see him live if you get the opportunity to do so. Few artist can connect with you emotionally like Ray can.

Oh, you’re doing Prince and LaMontagne breakdowns. This channel is amazing!

Amazing, Thank You

Even though Ray uses simple open chords, he packs so much variety and style making an amazingly complex strum pattern. For example, gripping the pick tightly to rake the strings on the first down strum, but other times holding the pick lightly for a soft sound.

Came here for the song, stayed for the philosophy. Excellent as always!

Ray’s first 3 albums are soul crushing in the best worst way. I love all his music but those early records evoke such depths of emotion that hurts so good

Such a great song by such a great artist. Really loved your take on this song, Michael! Would love you see you do "Empty" by Ray sometime. The BBC Four Session is a pretty good version.

I named my daughter for this song after I was introduced to it through the Zac Brown cover. The longing, and pain, and realization that he will never get straight, will never be enough to deserve her. Every time he cries her name it haunts me and I cannot hear this song without my world stopping. I still don't know what love means.

Thank you Michael

Thank you Michael.

The most powerful video on this channel for sure.

I was a drinker for many yrs and honestly had a problem. I'm proud to say I haven't had a drink in almost 10 yrs.

This one hits hard family

This one was an instant favorite back when I first heard it. Zac Brown Band’s covers of this one are always fantastic.

Best gig ever - seeing Ray and Pariah Dogs

I feel like there's a whole heck of a lot more power behind the words "Held you once in my arms, then lost you all the same." I feel like he's also saying how that moment made him feel human, for the first time in his life, and while he's all messed up, that moment is the thing he holds on to, though it's slipping away, like a moment down a drain. It's a memory that makes him feel human, and he thinks of it, while his life is slipping away, and doing that all too common thing of "I'll do this last hit, then get back to that", while also knowing that it's just slipping away, further and further. I can imagine it so clearly...

4:26 cracked me UP. Ray’s face 😮. It’s like Ray couldn’t believe Michael stopped it right there in the middle of his jam lolol

Banger!!!

Love Ray LaMontagne… He records all the parts, on some albums.. pretty sure on this album too.

Well done MP

When you start listening to more Ray LaMontagne, listen to his vocal melody and vocal rhythm. I don't believe there is anyone on earth who uses pauses in his delivery with more dramatic effect than Ray LaMontagne. He's the BB King of singing. Less is more. Greatness.

As with many, it’s in my top 10 all time songs. He’s sooo good in concert as well. Between Ray L and David Gray, they combine for my two favorite singer songwriters of all time

"My heart is like paper, yours is like a flame"...

I want to make more videos to promote my music but I suck at video making and I really don’t enjoy it…all the setup, lights, editing etc. it’s like you have to make a Hollywood movie these days! I love that you just sit down in front of your camera and start talking…junk in the background, one light etc. To me, it’s exactly what KZfaq was always supposed to be. I’m going to take your approach :) Also, what a fantastic song and amazing singer!

“Their brain, their mind, their mental fortitude is so strong that they’ve chosen to destroy this [heart, life] instead of feel it. And how much work that must be.” As always Michael, you articulate what is often inarticulable. Perfectly said. Self-destruction needs deep feeling, deep pain, and a deep commitment. Alexi Murdoch, succinctly: “Sometimes my mind is too strong, too strong to carry up. Too strong to carry up.” Best recovery line, from the Wire, Steve Earle’s ex-addict character Walon on why he’s helping other addicts recover: “Service to others is the only thing that keeps the self-loathing to a minimum.” The self loathing never goes away, completely. From memory, hope I got it about right.

Ray LaMontagne has a once in a million voice

Hoped you do this one some day.