Michael Jason Isbell, a.k.a. Jason Isbell, was born February 1, 1979. He began his musical career as a member of Drive By Truckers from 2001 to 2007. His first album with his backing band the 400 Unit was released in 2009. The song I have chosen was released in 2017 on his album “The Nashville Sound.” Isbell wrote the song for his love, harmonizer and fiddler Amanda Shires. Shires is on this album, as well as Sadler Vaden on guitar, Jimbo Hart on bass guitar, Derry DeBorja on keyboards, Chad Gamble on drums, and Will Johnson on guitar. “If We Were Vampires” won the award for Best American Roots Song.

This is one of my favorite songs of all times because of the lyrics and the simple and pure way Isbell sings them. It reminds us to be grateful for the time we have and the love in our life. The song says what many other songs say in a unique and beautiful way. I hope you enjoy.

Lyrics of If We Were Vampires by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

verse

It′s not the long flowing dress that you’re in
Or the light coming off of your skin
The fragile heart you protected for so long
Or the mercy in your sense of right and wrong
It′s not your hands, searching slow in the dark
Or your nails leaving love’s watermark
It’s not the way you talk me off the roof
Your questions like directions to the truth

chorus

It′s knowing that this can′t go on forever
Likely, one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we’ll get 40 years together
But one day, I′ll be gone or one day, you’ll be gone

verse

If we were vampires and death was a joke
We′d go out on the sidewalk and smoke
And laugh at all the lovers and their plans
I wouldn’t feel the need to hold your hand
Maybe time running out is a gift
I′ll work hard ’til the end of my shift
And give you every second I can find
And hope it isn’t me who′s left behind

chorus

It′s knowing that this can’t go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we′ll get 40 years together
One day, I’ll be gone, one day you′ll be gone
It’s knowing that this can′t go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we’ll get 40 years together
One day I’ll be gone, one day you′ll be gone

Writer(s): Michael Jason Isbell

Engaging