Bonnie 'Prince' Billy is one of many stage names for Will Oldham. He has also recorded under Palace Music, Palace Brothers and other variations of Palace and also under Will Oldham. In 1999 he released the album 'I See a Darkness' which ,at times, takes his somber music to an even darker place. The sparse title track is as noticeable for his fragile singing as it is for the melancholy atmosphere. Johnny Cash covered it brilliantly on his 'American III' album and featured Will Oldham on backing vocals. "I See a Darkness" is a country-goth folk song that might scare the country purists but this is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs you will ever hear. Possibly a tale of depression... with emotion you can feel.
Johnny Cash's version
(Lyrics)
Well, you're my friend, (that's what you told me)
And can you see (what's inside of me)
Many times we've been out drinking
And many times we've shared our thoughts
But did you ever, ever notice, the kind of thoughts I got
Well you know I have a love, a love for everyone I know
And you know I have a drive to live I won't let go
But could you see its opposition comes arising up sometimes
That its dreadful antiposition comes blacking in my mind
And then I see a darkness
And then I see a darkness
And then I see a darkness
And then I see a darkness
And did you know how much I love you
Is a hope that somehow you, you
Can save me from this darkness
Well I hope that someday buddy
We have peace in our lives
Together or apart
Alone or with our wives
And we can stop our whoring
And pull the smiles inside
And light it up forever
And never go to sleep
My best unbeaten brother
This isn't all I see
Oh no, I see a darkness
Oh no, I see a darkness
Oh no, I see a darkness
Oh no, I see a darkness
And did you know how much I love you
Is a hope that somehow you, you
Can save me from this darkness
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