Come here for the music, stay for the therapy. Thanks Michael. I know I'm not alone when I say that you have a special way of communicating with your audience.

What an interesting guy. This is the quote on Travis' homepage. An orphan who turned into a preacher, A preacher who turned into a songwriter, A songwriter that turned into a drunk, A drunk that is learning to be a human

“The one who carry’s the grudge, carry’s the burden” wow Michael, incredible.

Man… my favorite time of day. I’m a trucker, guitarist, husband, father. When I shut this rig down at night, I always go straight to your KZfaq. I travel with my Gibson CL-50, break it out and watch your stuff. Your soul touches my soul. Thanks!

It blows me away to hear a song in my ears that I've been listening to in my heart for years.

“The one that holds the grudge carries the burden” Wow that’s one of the realest things I’ve heard in a while

"Going away isn't the solution..." Wise words. Wherever you go, there you are.

Watched this last night before bed, woke up and watched it again. Powerful stuff, I’m a 17 year old kid and have been going through it a little bit with my parents, haven’t been my best to say the least. You’ve really convinced me that picking up my guitar beats getting in trouble when I need to get away from it all. The true fight is within indeed. Thanks again Michael.

Thanks to your father, you found out what kind of father you want to be. Be thankful for this, it‘s the way the world works. It‘s all part of a plan!

I just watched a video he did explaining what his inspiration was to write this song...He talked a lot about you and this video..He said because of this video his You tube site blew up...He thanked you for that...This is a great song and your evaluation of it is also great...

Like Jackson Browne said “No matter how fast I run I can never seem to get away from me”

Thanks to whoever brought this to Michael's attention. Michael you said something that you should use as a lyric. "All alone on the road. Driving to keep moving to find something to care about. To find something to get away from. But going away isn't the solution. You have to go towards something."

“Building a life around my family instead of building my family around my life”. Thats a quote i will not forget. Indirectly we have a lot in common. I started playing at 9, went off the rails a few times. But, yes, I built my life around my family. Loved my Dad more than words can say. Thanks Michael for this particular video. Chris

people have a lot more shared experiences than they realize. we're a lot more alike than we are different

My dad was a truck driver he did what he had to do for the family. I understood that even as child. My dad is 80 now and he is my best friend. Not sure what I'll do when he's gone but I'm not wasting time with rhat rite now. Love your people we are only here for a little while. ❤

My old man has got a terminal illness and he’s asleep in his chair. Watching this and watching him and appreciating the life he’s help build for me has been a powerful moment. Thanks to you Michael and to this fucking saint Travis . I’m diving into his music asap

This is fred !! Thank you Music binds, connects and heals I don't know you personally, but I know people like us....... ......

His entire catalog is this good. I'm so glad you did this!! Thank you!

“Absolutely unbelievable”. This song reminds me of so much of my life as I’m sure it does many more of you. I don’t want this artist to change, but he deserves to be heard!

Shortly after my son was born I quit over the road trucking. My dad laid into me like never before. Told me I would never be able to "provide for my family". Here we are 10 years later, I'm doing just fine financially and I am home every night by 6:00. Maybe my definition of "providing for my family" is a little different from his.

Your channel has opened me up to all sorts of artists I’ve never heard of. It’s inspiring to pick the guitar up after watching one of your vids. Thank you for that!

This is one of the greatest guitar lessons out there! Consists of 98% of what’s important in life, and 2 chords! ❤️

This one plus your interpretation of it made me tear up a little.. I have a difficult relationship with my father as well, partly because he lost his at a young age. It's amazing how much we learn about our parents after we get over ourselves and grow up a little. Now I'm just glad I get to have him in my life in any form, and i know why he acts the way he does now, he never had that complete family bond like he does now, and doesn't really know how to handle it all the time. Love your channel and now this song, thank you man!

After a year this is still amazing. This video and your interview with Travis have lead me down one of the best rabbit holes of my life. Thanks to both of you

Hi Michael! I have to go on here again and say that you are amazing! The tune itself is wonderful, just like you say, but even more so, you are. The way you dig in to it with respect, knowledge and humbleness. Sharing your thoughts, pain and wisdom. All in the context of music. Beautiful. Thank you!

Your emotion rivals the emotion of the song. Made my day to see this-loving what you do my man.

really appreciate you sharing a little of your insides. this was my favorite episode of yours cuz your heart touched mine. all the love and respect to you and gosh darn music for poking us in the tender places :).

This is very emotional to me ..... Almost broke down in tears listening to this song. Thanks for being genuine and bring this song to our attention.

Michael - been following you since some of your first guitar lessons back in the day. You’re offering something that almost no one in this genre (reaction videos, guitartube, etc) is offering: humanity. It’s a good reminder that all the technicalities in the music means nothing if the humanity is lost in it. Keep doing you man. You’re creating something special here :) Cheers!

This should have some with a warning. It broke my heart and made me smile. It made me cry and forgive my father. Thanks Michael. You’re a man with heart.

Love how you relate so many lyrics to your own life. That's what music is all about and why we all appreciate this genre (as well as many others) so much. Love your channel ❤

I love your channel so much. I'm so impacted watching someone else be so impacted by music that is so impactful. It feels like I'm being heard. You articulate so well the meaning of music in our lives, no matter the genre.

"the roads and the highways won't get you there". As someone who's been relocating for years trying to find some peace...I gotta say I am stunned after watching this video. I came here to enjoy music and find new artists, not face my demons, Michael. Kidding aside, thanks for what you do and I wish you all the best. Your kids are lucky to have you as their father.

sir i don’t know who you are, i’ve never seen your videos before, but as a young guitarist and a kid with a difficult relationship with my father, this video found me at a good time. my dad’s birthday is this month too. your insights about this song, music and life really affected me today. i don’t know if you’ll ever see this, but i’ve gotta say thank you. kudos to you sir

You are right- This was great! I enjoyed this very much!

Humbled, Grateful, Tearful and Thankful......Thanks for the music and the powerful words. Aw man. You made me cry.

I opened for Travis in Hutto Tx at little bar a couple of years ago. There was maybe 12 people there but they were from all over the country and it was one of the top 5 concerts I’ve ever seen. Travis is freakin incredible y’all.

Travis is a treasure! A gem! So glad you discovered him. Delve in to all his music. You won’t regret it! I’m thankful Travis turned me in to you, Michael. 💛🙏

Man. Michael, huge respect for being honest and vulnerable here. I'm starting to have the realizationed that you've reached, and trying to hurt my Dad the way he hurt me only causes more maddening pain to myself. Spending a long time alone will eventually bring this realization to fruition. Thankyou for sharing, I've been a subscriber of yours for quite awhile now, now I know I'm a true fan for life.

Well done brother… I really appreciate your genuine nature when listening to and evaluating these songs

Michael: thank you for this. I would argue that this definitely WAS meant to be for the channel, because I certainly needed this song today. And imagine some other folks did as well.

“The one that holds the grudge carries the burden. “ ❤ Made me cry. You’re killing me this morning!

This channel introduces me to music I would never gravitate towards on my own and I’m grateful for it. I came here to learn some guitar stuff but walk away with so much more each time. Thank you!

It so was for this channel and thank you for reviewing it and opening your heart to us all. What a beautiful song I love the words also the "slide guitar" I don't know what it is called but it tweaks my heart. ❤️

As an alcoholic in recovery myself, this man Travis did the work. Just...wow.

That song came from a lifetime of struggle and pain and he makes you feel it and connect. That's what makes it a great song.

Great song!! I was brought to tears by the both of you. Not because of how I understand how you had it, but how fortunate I am to have a great father. I’m not learning to play the guitar but love music and what your doing. God bless you and your family. I real enjoy your channel. Thanks

This video hit home. So many can relate to the lyrics but his voice is so good. Thank you I watched this 10 times lol.

Hit me in the gut bright and early at 6am hahaha. It was fantastic and I'm gonna spend the day listening to this guy. Thanks for doing this one Michael -- appreciate the honesty about your family.

Oh man, I’m 60 years old, musician from Australia, and this song is the story of my life! Thanks for sharing

Never heard of this guy until today!!! How have I missed him??!!?? LOVE, LOVE, LOVE his voice!! And playing!

This episode was really beautiful! Thanks for being vulnerable with us, and brave in sharing about how it resonated with you. Also thanks to the guy who suggested this one, it really is a gorgeous song!

As a son that’s losing his dad to cancer this song brought me to tears

Ugh. "The Only Man Who Ever Broke My heart " Incredible song. Thanks for sharing.

This was a necessary listen for me right now. Thank you so much for sharing and showing strength in transparency. This was strikingly beautiful, and you are a gifted communicator!

That was great! Pulled my heartstrings, too...

This is so powerful! Lost my pops ten years ago and still miss him every day. I didn't cry for over a year, and this was very troubling to me, I thought "what the hell is wrong with me?" It turns out that I was just a lot like pops, hard to show emotion because to show emotion I always thought that leaves me vulnerable. And it does, but that's all a part of it too. I think it is when you're most vulnerable, that's when you find out what you are really made of. Anyway, I can go on all day with this, but I just want to say thank you! I am crying now and I think it's exactly what I needed right now, actually been needing it for a long time, and this is the first real release of grief I've had since I lost my little brother Jason. I miss playing with them both. It took me almost two years before I could even look at my guitar, Just too painful to lose the most important person in my life. Not only was Jason my little brother, he was also my best friend, and the one who always pushed me to play more. It's funny. I taught him how to play, well, I showed him a few chords, and he took off like a rocket!!! Within two months he had blown way past my abilities, phenomenal to watch him play, and to learn from him. THANK YOU MICHAEL!!! Also the guy that sent this to you!! What a great song.

Love the Colter Wall hat! Songs like these are what music was meant for, in my opinion, and I’m glad you appreciate them! Thank you for all these videos, it’s so refreshing to listen to a true music fan love and appreciate all of my favorite tunes! More Lost Dog Street Band and Tyler Childers I hope! Keep Killin’ it, Man, I appreciate you so much, I get lost in your videos every night while unwinding after a long day at work! 🤙🏻

This song was written about my life it's almost like I was lead here just to here it and to hear you explain it I've played and performed over 45yrs and never has a song broke my heart like this. I'm messed up with unwanted tears but thank you so much for sharing this. Love what you do

You’re a good man. As awesome as it is to keep stumbling upon great new music through this channel, it’s even more encouraging to see you model healthy manhood and encourage us to connect with music in powerful ways like this. Thanks, man ✊🏻

Jesus… I’ve never heard of Travis Meadows before but this song spoke to me on such a deep level. I’m definitely looking into him

Wow sideways has some hauntingly beautiful lyrics….. From the opening line “If I could buy my self a conscience that wasn’t broken” to the heart stopping “I have moments when I act just like my father, the only man that ever broke my heart” Wow, this is a songwriter that has been seasoned with pain and hurt, and his words cut beneath the layers of our onion heart to get to the center !!! God Bless this man with Peace

I think, yup, this is my favorite song you've done yet. Thank you for sharing! Stoked to hear new-to-me songs like these.

Thank you! Nice piece of music! Rebecca Ryland. So beautiful!

I really needed this today more then you know. I recently lost someone very close to me and have been struggling day to day. I have felt like a lot of my insecurities from my past and past experiences have been dictating my life recently. Everyday isn’t suppose to be roses and chocolates, but it is good to be reminded to keep pushing towards something better. Thanks man, much love 🙏

Man, I've sure been exposed to a lot of great new music from your react videos and can't thank you enough for that! I appreciate your dedication to not just beating the drum of the old classics like some other channels but shedding light on modern artists as well. You rock!

I agree, a great piece of music! Thank you! - Rebecca Ryland, Davis, California

Incredibly powerful. Thanks for sharing this song. Thanks for sharing your journey Michael. Thought I was going to get a quick music lesson during my lunch break, Got a beautiful song, an inspiring life lesson and am now sitting here with tears streaming down my face!

Awesome video Michael. One of the best you've ever done.

"Going away isn't the solution, you have to go towards something" Damn i really needed to hear that, thank you

Haven't stopped listening to him since I heard this. What a great artist. Inspirational guitar and some amazing songs that just ring true in so many ways. I love these recommendations.

You know, you are as talented at connecting with people as you are with music. I never thought of forgiveness a gift to oneself till hearing this. Thank you brother.

He’s been my favorite songwriters for a long time. I got to see him in VA at a very small cafe and it was unbelievable. Nobody in there new what greatness they were witnessing. He signed my guitar too. Lol. Travis is the man.

WOW JUST FREAKIN WOW. So, I started playing at 5 because I wanted to be like my dad then I discovered Neal Schon then EVH and finally Eric Johnson then wouldn't you know it, my dad died in 87 2 weeks after my 16th birthday and I went so far off the rails. I put 1,593,000 miles on the road at a job I didn't want. This song has my world written all over it. Hard to watch but simply perfect. Thanks for sharing

I love the passion and emotion you put into these things man. Great job, great message!

I'm 67, crying like a baby through your whole video.. Been watching your channel about a year, it's therapy for me after lots of hardships. Love you! /Robert

Well Jesus Christ, what an emotional episode. I needed this today. Michael, thank you for your wisdom here. S/O to Fred for this one

My lord what an incredible tune. This is why I love this channel. I would have never stumbled upon this tune without you.

Thanks for this song and your words, I needed that. I have moments when I act just like my father, The only man that ever broke my heart

Cruising KZfaq last night and came across this. Omg 😱 thank you soooo much. This song hit me like a ton of 🧱 what a beautiful song!

Travis Meadows is such an unbelievable talent. So glad to see you do a video on one of his songs!

"unlearn the things I wish I never knew" had my eyes water abit 🥰

Connecting souls. Since you posted this video, Travis has responded with an amazing story behind the song. Thank you Michael for your honest and raw reactiin (as usual). Heatwarming and true to so many souls on this planet.

Man, thanks for highlighting a fantastic song, and for your heartfelt reaction to the raw emotion Travis Meadows puts into this tune. Amazing.

duuude, you are sooooo wise beyond your years! I came here for a guitar lesson and ended up getting and sharing life lessons! absolutely amazing in all that we're going thru we can find gems like this when we need it! btw, that pedal steel is sooo damn tasty. my dad showed me to listen to it. soooo underrated!

Wow! This guy writes powerful songs. He has another one Learning how to live alone (acoustic) which is amazing as well. Thank you for using your platform to connect people with music, I don't know if I ever would have come across him other wise.

I loved this video. You show some courage opening up your soul and personal history like. You said things many, including me, could learn from. Thanks! This made my day.

New listener and subscriber here, but damn... each and every video of yours I watch leaves me shocked with how much heart and soul goes into what you are doing here on the channel. It's the most authentic 'react' videos I've ever seen on YT, and your ears... they are a serious superpower to pick up everything and break it down so quickly. Pure talent! But it is this quote "Build a life around my family instead of a family around my life" that got me right in the feels. That's one I'll remember for a long time and is exactly how I wish to live my life too. I wish you all the success in the world with GuitarGate, and I hope to learn the guitar again one day with you as my teacher. I'll be for sure signing up to your course when that moment comes around. Thank you for putting out such thoughtful and genuine content, you're a great storyteller and an exceptional teacher.

Man, I needed that point about forgiveness . Been a really hard couple of weeks

Well, I'm back after about 3 hours. I had to pause and go listen to and read the lyrics to everything I could find from this man. Incredible! Thank you for introducing him to me.

Love the honesty and hat supporting those you’ve reviewed. What a great channel you have.

'The true fight is within - and we are all worth it' Man that, and the rest of the video, really hammers home. Thank you Michael.

The one who holds the grudge is the one who carries the burden. I needed to hear that. Ive been heart-broken by a man and I still feel horrible about it, but I dont want to anymore. He's fine, living his life. I want that too.

Best 'impromptu' therapy session I've had in long time.. Thank you Michael, this felt very honest and personal.

So beautiful, thank you for always being so honest and vulnerable. This touched me. Daddy issues coming out sideways here. Working on it. Always love you show. Gonna go grab my acoustic!

Thanks for always being there for me without ever knowing your were! Thank you Michael

Awesome stuff as always. Great reaction to this song, my first time hearing it and its powerful! Also digging the Colter Wall cap! Thank you teach, you're the man

there is so much more common ground between our life experiences that if we were sitting at a bar together music might not even come up! Killer tune that's a bullseye for me.

Wow indeed…Thanks Michael, for your open heart felt honesty and the song was truly spot on❤️✌️👴🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇮🇪

I lost my father just over a year ago. Rocky relationship, our anger was disguised in fear. He lost a son during covid and I lost a brother, my best friend. We kindled our relationship over time and I'm glad we made peace long before he passed. You say so much without saying much at all and it's powerful. My brother who was a guitarist, would've loved your channel and I'm grateful to have found it. His soul resonates with your passion for music, and for that...I thank you. Keep up the good work. I'm just saddened I've just come across this video now. None the less...You've got a long time follower.