We recorded this song with Sufjan in march 2004 on a farm in Texas. He was performing at SXSW in Austin Texas. We asked him to join us to the farm to film and record his song For the Widows in Paradise. It has been recorded in very basic circomstances but that did not matter. Sufjan was performing like he really is. Directed by Cris Kijne, Camera by Erik Zyuderhoff, Sound Recording by Bert van den Dungen and Production by Nicole Cremers for VPRO in The Netherlands. Cool that almost two million people have seen this clip ;))

@lauralumaka

9 жыл бұрын

Bert van den dungen wow :-) thanks!

@nontrivialdog

9 жыл бұрын

Bert van den dungen it's amazing that you found this 9 years after it was uploaded lol

@CarlosIsDown

9 жыл бұрын

Bert van den dungen Was he referring to a spider by "is it far enough away, now?"

@socratesthecabdriver

8 жыл бұрын

+1 more

@DutchmanBert

8 жыл бұрын

+CarlosIsDown It was not a spider but Sufjan was referring to my request to wait for a passing noisy plane ;))

A sad song on the worlds saddest banjo by sadjan stevens

@bonelessbooks9263

5 жыл бұрын

I SAW THAT MEME

@clairet5029

4 жыл бұрын

Hahaha

@paulpaluciano6162

Жыл бұрын

Savos Catholic has a point there 🤝

i love this man and his sad ass banjo

@nicolassolano4073

4 жыл бұрын

yesss his sad ass banjooo

@johnm4172

4 жыл бұрын

amen

You know it's good when it's in 240p and no one complains. A beast of a musician. *Claps* Thankyou for sharing.

@DrewberTravels

8 жыл бұрын

They could have recorded it on a string and a tin can...

@thomasoluic1832

6 жыл бұрын

The wretched quality is so overshadowed by his poetic songwriting and angular progressions.

I've never even been to America and yet I feel oddly nostalgic towards this ranch.

@paulstaudenmaijer9320

8 жыл бұрын

+ClumsySandbocks Same here! i can taste the atmosfere!

@sams8674

7 жыл бұрын

I always feel that listening to Sufjan. I miss driving down big U.S highways I've never been to! Weird.

@sjf4405

6 жыл бұрын

Y'all should come! Plenty of room.

@thomasoluic1832

6 жыл бұрын

It gets old very quickly...

@fraser15432

3 жыл бұрын

Lol it's the tune!! I feel like I could be at the end of the earth and this tune would make it all better. Love from Glasgow, can I come to the ranch? 🤣💙

I used to listen to this when I was in high school, and now I am 31 years old and still tear up. I love this song so much.

@photent

Жыл бұрын

Same

@charlottedebekker8661

Жыл бұрын

Same

@unkind2006

Жыл бұрын

33 now and still feel the same

@senny-

Жыл бұрын

First listened when I was 16 and I'm now 24. I'll never forget Sufjan.

@JoeBagso

Жыл бұрын

Burned it to a cd for one of my highschool girlfriends after hearing on the o.c. I think we might be getting old bro.

I love that Sufjan manages to make the banjo sound sad in this song.

@AyazyamMedia

9 жыл бұрын

While my banjo gently weeps.

@TJOluic

6 жыл бұрын

I have a hard time finding anything of old folk or bluegrass that doesnt have some fucking melancholy or mourning to it. Even if ironically hopeful. I think of the scots irish who brought that sound over to the appalachians on their bare backs.

@TJOluic

6 жыл бұрын

Mikal Salaam the banjo has always reminded me in tone of many slavic, turkic and middle eastern strings. Very many mournful songs. Maybe thats why its inherently mournful or intense for me?

@emma-mt4zk

6 жыл бұрын

well that's actually one of his officially listed superpowers

@zad_rasera

2 жыл бұрын

I think can list a few more folk singers who can do the same...

I used to watch this video every day in highschool to remind me I mattered and one day it would be okay to be who I am. Thank you sufjan.

Please keep this online forever. I’ve been visiting this video for 15 years. Just as powerful now as it was day one. ❤

I first heard of Sufjan in 2008 and his music has had a huge impact on my life. He changed how I look at music, the process behind it's creation. He changed how I look at humanity and life. His compassion shines through in every song, beauty persisting in a flawed world. I have so many memories attached to his music, lost lovers and old friends, trips to the coast, hiking in the mountains. Sufjan's music got me through some dark times as well, addiction and incarceration, death of family. No other artists work explores the entire spectrum of human experience as well as Sufjan's does and I am forever grateful that he exists.

And his lyrics show a beautiful sensitivity. "Like a father to impress, like a mother's morning dress ..."

this song makes me so deeply sad and vaguely nostalgic but it's also comforting. i love sufjan

@colejames423

7 жыл бұрын

That's how a lot of his music is...makes you feel really melancholy, but at the same time, the beauty in that makes it all seem ok...

Please don't ever ever delete this gem

This is the second video I ever saw on youtube. I didn't really understand what youtube was then there were a lot of sites sort of doing a somewhat similar though ultimately less successful thing. I was a sophomore in high school. thank you soo much for posting. The first video i ever saw was an ad for Xbox 360 with people pointing finger guns at each other. My friend linked it from his AIM profile. The third was like a parody of Tom Cruise jumping on Oprah's couch. Both those things were so quintessentially 2006. It is so cool that a lot of the comments are saying the same thing. "This is one of the first videos I saw on youtube." I felt like in 2007 after a year of youtbe being in my life, I posted on this video saying something like this same message haha

@beatsg

3 жыл бұрын

The first video I ever saw on KZread was PotterPals

This song is indescribably beautiful. I can't get over it. In my opinion, this man is the most talented artist out there.

I just cried am a Christian that had never heard world music but this man is .....may God bless him

One of the first videos I ever watched on KZread and still my all time favourite!!

Been coming back to watch this video every year since it was first posted- 17 years ago! A lifetime ago it seems. Sufjan is timeless and this song still hits me so deep. ❤

you know what I love most about this video is that Sufjan is at one with his music and feelings, and not playing for an audience or worried about whoever is filming moving around and zooming in etc. one of my favourite songs.

10 years...

Beautiful man, beautiful song, beautiful looking place! Heaven.

This was the first video I ever watched on KZread. It's still a great video.

Discovered this song when I was in HS over a decade ago. Driving around as a teenager, finally finding an indie/folk station on the radio that was run by a bunch of local college students. Honestly they changed my life when it comes to music. Thanks to them I not only found this song all those years ago but it shaped my personality and my love for music moving forward. Now I'm that person who you hand the aux to and plays indie gems and absolutely nobody appreciates them.

Wow I have never heard someone play the banjo so beautifully in my life, and never in a non-country way, I love it so much. This song is so simple (not talent-wise, I mean it's not over-busy) and elegant, and it strikes a chord somewhere in me, it's just one of those very few songs you immediately get attached to. It has soul, which is hard to find in the music industry these days. Sufjan, if you read these, thank you so much for your beautiful song.

Isn't his music just like crack when you're depressed?

@chasinghappyxo

3 жыл бұрын

Yes

@taasinbinhossainalvi9173

2 жыл бұрын

Oui (yes in French)

@teddi5039

2 жыл бұрын

@@taasinbinhossainalvi9173 oui know

This song gives me shivers. i love it.

Yes this is from SXSW 2004; he did two shows and I was able to catch both of them. The first one he came literally from the plane, with luggage in tow to the venue, and did a short but perfect set. Later that night (or it might've been the next day) he got us all to be a "human chorus" for the song 'Sister' from Seven Swans. Great shows both.

this is the second video i ever saw on youtube. (the first was like a commercial of someone using their hands as pretend guns and getting into a huge stand off) But this was like the first video I ever really watched on here, and wow, It's nice to come back to it.

2, 3, 4 I have called you children, I have called you son What is there to answer if I'm the only one? Morning comes in Paradise, morning comes in light Still I must obey, still I must invite If there's anything to say, if there's anything to do If there's any other way, I'll do anything for you I was dressed embarrassment I was dressed in wine If you had a part of me, will you take your time? Even if I come back, even if I die Is there some idea to replace my life? Like a father to impress Like a mother's mourning dress If you ever make a mess, I'll do anything for you I have called you preacher, I have called you son If you have a father or if you haven't one I'll do anything for you, I'll do

I'm from Ypsi. God bless her. God bless Sufjan. He has broughten hope to those who had none.

"I was dressed embarrassment, I was dressed in white. If you had a part of me, will you take your time." Gets me errtime. This will always be a funeral song thanks to The OC.

"hurry up cause this farmers gonna be asking questions"

My goodness this song is so beyond amazing.

Its 2021, and 14 years ago I sent this video to a boy to try and get him to stay, because I knew he would love the song as much as I did, and it said what I couldn't. He didnt like our shithole town or me as much as he liked the song though. I don't wish he stayed anymore, it's been 14 years after all, but this goddamn song is so goddamn good, I can still remember exactly what it felt like when i listen to it now.

I got a banjo just to learn this song

I don't normally like banjo, but this guy is a true artist and his music is so heartwarming, there's something about the way he plays. It's in the way he sings the lyrics in such a tender voice with the banjo.. he's just, amazing. I love it, and this is one of my favourite songs. He's beautiful and I really admire his work :) thanks for posting this. ( also I forgot to mention that this was the first video and song I heard of sufjan about 6 months ago, took my breath away )

This guys good stuff, found out about him because of mine and his name are pronounced the same lolol

This song is so amazing it always takes me to a completely different state of mind. Def one of my favorites

This was the first thing I ever saw from Sufjan. Man time flies!

@stupidhorse69

4 жыл бұрын

so weird to see a VERRRRY recent (27 minutes to be exact) comment on this 14 year old video. Lol

capo on a banjo. str8 up boss.

This is just.. magic. All of it. The location is perfection to this song.

This guy has been a growing enigma to me lately. I keep hearing his bloody name and go figure, he's a folk revivalist from northern Michigan. I love it. Two years having moved away from the only home I've ever known and little things like this keep calling me back...

this guy lays it all on the line. his emotionality is amazing. raw beauty.

I finally figured it out! He plays neither clawhammer nor three finger! I've been so confused until now. It looks like hes basically playing it like a guitar.

i just want to hug him

I think this genuinely may have been the first video I ever saw on KZread. Literally 18 years ago. I have such fond memories of this video. It’s sonically permanently ingrained in my mind. It’s so comforting and so special to me. So glad it’s still here. 🤍

Zum Glück gibt es KZread. Sufjan habe ich das erste mal 2009 gehört und kann bis heute nicht damit aufhören. Ich liebe diese entspannte Musik. Sie hilft mir in aufregenden Zeiten.

I can't believe this video has been up for ten years. Wow. Love everything about it

the devil trembles at our troubadours. love this man.

I was born in Ypsilanti. That is all.

New listener from June 2021. I am floored and obsessed rightly with this talent. I was visiting friends in Patagonia, AZ. Their radio station KPUP played Widows. I had to find out more. Blessings Sufjan and All~✝️💕

Hard to believe this was among the first things that were uploaded to youtube and made it great... 13 years ago!

As a manly, manly man, I can say this is beautiful

holy shit. goosebumps. this video made me tear up.

What an excellent songwriter. Been a fan of his for many years

I love the way you sing this song, the emotions in your eyes and voice.. It´s perfect!

I rarely say this, but what a powerful song. He is one talented man

this is probably my favorite song ever. he is so amazing.

I have to say stumbled on to Suftan and love listening to his songs , this and Chicago and lakes of Canada I love

Absolutely mesmerizing! My heart and soul are moved.

the best sufjan video ever

I don't like how everyone just keeps associating sufjan with sadness alone, as if his songs aren't him trying to find meaning and hope and beauty through them, his own form of worship and connecting with the world

Amazing! My new favorite performance😊

I have watched this like 25 times today and I just can't stop. amazing.

He looks so sad while and after singing this :( I wonder what this song means to him

@JandJTreecare

10 жыл бұрын

he was thinking , i wonder what watz will think when he sees this video

@abagailszpara2201

7 жыл бұрын

Watziterinhetcadeautje I believe that he is asking for forgiveness to god. Sufjan is a very religious man. He says repeatedly that "I did everything for you" and "I'd do anything for you" and there's something else in the song that supports this. But I think that's what this song is about.

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT SUFJAN STEVENS: 1) He seems like a chill guy 2) His voice is flippin amazing 3) His eyes are sooo gorgeous 4) his music is phenomenal and doesn't need anything innapropriate like other artists do:/ 5) This man can wear t-shirts 6) He seems really sweet 7) there's just no way you can't love him(:

There are depths within us all and this captures a glimpse of those depths. How moving is such a glimpse...and through this glimpse tap into deeper realms...

cheers for posting

Is what far enough away? Are they trying to dodge a tornado?

@summerschanding7219

5 жыл бұрын

Your comment has made me smile for about a week now. 😊

Thanks KZread Algorithm

wow..... magnetic that delicate voice with such powerful lyrics

this song is sooo amazing...i'm speechless. thanks for this great song!

The OC man.

Ive literally thought this song was called for the WINDOWS in paradise this entire time im so stupid

Been addicted to this song for around 5 years now. Never get sick of it. Always makes me feel better :)

I always come back to this one because it doesn't have the harmonies in the background. I always sing with him.

A better picture of Sufjan in our filmset is to be found at: 3voor12.vpro.nl/nieuws/2004/maart/south-by-southwest-2004-op-3voor12.html

I literally just discovered this artist today, and am checking out some of his music here. Are there any videos anyone could suggest where he 'lets loose' a bit more vocally? He seems to be very restrained, yet lyrically quite explosive, if that makes any sense. To each their own, and certainly everyone has their own style. It's not an insult, just an observation; and I'm curious to see more, and perhaps a different level of vocal intensity from Sufjan.

@heatdeath5561

9 жыл бұрын

He's pretty reserved vocally throughout his albums. Age of Adz is probably his most "experimental" work, which you may enjoy more than this. His Illinois album is probably his most celebrated, so I'd check out a couple tracks from that. His new album "Carrie & Lowell" sort of brings back his folk sound from "Seven Swans" and "Michigan" so it may not be for you. Overall he's a very diverse artist who has dabbled in folk, rock, electronic, hip-hop, orchestral, etc... So there is probably something for you in one album or another.

@ericacollette

9 жыл бұрын

I'd like to add, check out his EP All Delighted People, and A Sun Came

Beautiful thanks for sharing

simply breath taking. im so in love with his music. great for road trips.

I can't help but laugh at that silly t shirt but then it's like wait this is serious stuff oh yes hmm hmm hmm

I've uploaded an improved version of this performance here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/o2mrz6yJltm3gdY.html Same 240p source (not a YT rip but from elsewhere), but the video has been upscaled with AI and the audio has had the clicks / static removed.

2020 anyone? We listen to your voiceee 💕💞

amazing. one of my favorite songs of all time. sufjan is amazing.

Gambino brought me here.

@IOBYNot

9 жыл бұрын

Only black kid at a Sufjan concert

bruuuuuuuuh

@jared9857

8 жыл бұрын

+Jared!!! i dont remember saying this but yes

@boksa7129

6 жыл бұрын

Jared gotcha

The pure musicianship of this man greatly surpasses that of anything on the radio these days. For this i love this man

I'm a 24 year old man and this song almost makes me cry everytime I hear it, something about it just hits the soul like few other songs.

@stefanfath

Жыл бұрын

15 years ago sounds so unreal. How has your life turned out? I hope you got everything you wished for or are still chasing !!!

Someone tell me what type of banjo that is.

@garridobanjoco

8 жыл бұрын

+Stephan Blazis Fifthstringless ;-)

@yungmu7804

7 жыл бұрын

a sad one, they're rare

Who would find themselves here and say they don't like this? Like, think, "I don't like this so much I will click don't like"? Weirdos. Weordos, that's who...

@beautifulgirl425

9 жыл бұрын

I totally understand but sometimes songs like this can stir up emotions that a person might not want to experience. Maybe it can bring up some sad memories...

@carriagesband4299

9 жыл бұрын

Maybe they don't like it.

@ridecrashride

9 жыл бұрын

Carriages Band Yeah, I had considered that, thanks. It was really more of an expression of how much I like it...

This video is so comforting

Haven't watch this video in like 4 years, good kind of nostalgia listening to this

2019 anyone???

This is from La Blogotheque Take Away Show. You mention you don't know who to credit. So there ya go. I love Sufjan.

@jack--shea

9 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure how that's possible, because this video is older than that show

@DutchmanBert

9 жыл бұрын

Nathanael Terra Please read my post, some 10 messages up, Bert van den Dungen

What a lovely, pure video.

Holy freakin' crap! I'm sooooooooo adicted to this song! Just got 'round to buying the album this is on from iTunes a few days ago and it is right now my most listened to. I discovered Sufjan via a comment in Ben Fold's myspace blog plus looking up soundtrack information on the movie "Little Miss Sunshine". I adore Ben Folds, but now I also adore Sufjan as well. And whilst I'm at it I love Iron and Wine. So there you have it, my top 3 fave music people. :-)

sometimes i think sufjan is a fellow lesbian like so many of us listen to his much and he... he just looks like one in this vid ya know?

@hailqueensatan

5 жыл бұрын

Okay N best comment you win

I thought this was a meme...

@joeboonmusic4004

5 жыл бұрын

You people and your fucking memes.

Came here after watching The OC for the 100th time, damn I missed that show

@Knight_Of_Eleum_Loyce

2 жыл бұрын

I miss that show too. I was in high school when that show was running, and despite all the drama I wish I had some of those romances we saw in the show. They had such a good selection of songs for that show and it made every serious moment between the couples really beautiful.

Something in my life keeps me coming back to this.