The Dead South - Broken Cowboy (Live from Happy)

Canadian band The Dead South swung by our studio Noise Machines for a very special Live from Happy performance of their song ‘Broken Cowboy’ showing off their flavour of ‘Rock band without a drummer, Bluegrass band without a fiddler’.

‘Broken Cowboy’ is from their 2019 album ‘Sugar & Joy’ — which wasn’t supposed to be on the record — but has since become one of their most popular songs. They are currently on a tour around Australia and New Zealand, so we felt very honoured to host the two-time JUNO Award winning, Canadian and USA gold certified band.

The 4 piece string band has a rich sound with Nate Hilts’ deep baritone vocals, Colton Crawford’s virtuosic banjo playing, Scott Pringle’s pulsing mandolin and crying harmonies, and Danny Kenyon covering low end on his cello — both plucked and bowed — strapped on like a guitar.

The Dead South released two EP’s last year, Easy Listening For Jerks Pt. 1 & 2, which continues the thread of their signature musical style of not quite fitting into either category or bluegrass, folk or rock. We were blown away, converted and are now true fans — you will be too after watching this.

Here’s what Nate of the The Dead South had to say about Broken Cowboy before taking the stage:

“It’s just a personal song, with some meaning that I’m not going to get into...”

Broken Cowboy was Mixed and Recorded by Tim McArtney, Owen Penglis and Radi Safi.

This Live from Happy session was made possible by the generous support of AVID and Mojave.

In this session Happy utilised Pro Tools and Avid Carbon Pre Audio Interfaces and the Mojave MA-D Dynamic Handheld Microphone.

[Progmeister-tbsn]

As an old Progressive Rocker, how on earth did I stumble onto this? Purely enjoyable, unique, talented. It's like these boys created their own genre. Bluegrass, Folk and Country, all fused into one.

[vvvhtnh]

I haven't heard a bad song from them yet. Been listening for a few years now. The day they put out a bad song I will keep listening. Nobody is perfect, but their sound is the closest to it.

[thomaslankford]

My wife says she survived Covid years on Dead South and a good IPA. this band has a deep spot in her heart.

[beechbunchrescueanimals]

My favorite band, the harmony, is amazing. I just saw them in the front row live in Tucson, Arizona. I will forever be in awe of them. Listening to them makes me happy.

[jessealling]

I have been under many rocks in my life; how did I miss these this marvelous band!

[BlackDesertZen]

you may not have hit it big yet but you guys have great style!!! all things come to those who wait...

[billspicer]

OMG, this is the first time Ive heard this band.. They are friggin great!!!!

[disableddanny]

After five brain surgeries to remove a tumor I would say I’m a broken cowboy

[LandscapeDallas]

There ain't no American music without Southern music.

[alainmallet]

Toujours excellent ce groupe... Je les écoutent depuis des années et quel bonheur

[Jagunco]

A hundred listens and I still love this song.

[archibaldo]

this is truly one of the greatest pieces in music history - at least to me
this is right from the heart to the heart

[githvaldi]

Why haven't they done an official music video for this song? It is absolutely incredible. It cuts right through to your heart and just lays you out on the ground.

[mubveoj]

It's been a long dark dirty road
And pocket full of gold
I've been out here now
All on my own
It's real quiet here
Just the way I like it here
There's no one to bother me
Except
In 1955, born into Wadena's pride
I laid my head on that
Milligan creek bed
When I was a young man
I helped build this land
Oh, I put down these rails as a
CPR man
Thought I'd live forever
With my heart in my pocket
Oh, my gun by my side
And my feelings in a locket
Well, that was a cold year in '77
But I married my wife
We had two kids
I gave her a daughter
She gave me a son
And we rode those damn horses 'til we had none
Fist still like flyin'
Doing things for dyin'
Oh, I should have put that old gun away
Well I, I am a broken Cowboy
And I don't feel right no more
'Cause I am a broken Cowboy
Livin' life in the fast lane
Racing cars and robbing trains
I thought I had it all
Then one day, I got the call
A father's worst dream
My son went down and I
The colours deceive me
As I see grey
Oh, you're cutting me down with those
Cold words you're saying
Then you called me, brother
But this can't be so, 'cause you
Slander my name, anywhere the wind will blow
Well, I am a broken cowboy
And I don't feel right no more
'Cause I am a broken cowboy
Yes, I am a broken cowboy
It's been a long dark dirty road
But a pocket full of gold
And I've been out here now
All on my own
Well, it's real quiet here
Just the way I like it here
There's no one to bother me
Except that old taunting tree

[Zinkronicedemo]

15+ years working with a fractured toe. Broken cowboy. Sick and tired of the pain.

[kate_summers]

I adore this song and absolutely adore this band! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[idaanson]

I was on here an I feel in love with there're music

[anglohero]

Not only am I totally obsessed with this song, I am totally obsessed by The Dead South. So looking forward to seeing them in the UK.They are superb artists and I am truely knocked out by their talent.

[nategamesit]

Simply, one of the best Bands around... I'll see them soon again in Edinburgh... x

[normanlee]

I'm so happy I was able to finally see them live. They are great.