Home Free’s Haunting Cappella Rendition Of 'Man of Constant Sorrow' Is The Best Cover Ever

Oct 08, 2018 by apost team

The year 2000 saw the release of the smash hit film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, which inspired a sort of bluegrass revival. This was helped by the fact that the movie's soundtrack included some of the genre's top artists, such as Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris, and Alison Krauss.

The standout of the film's soundtrack was the certified-8-times-platinum "Man of Constant Sorrow." The song was performed by Dan Tyminski, longtime guitarist for Alison Krauss' band Union Station. In the film, the song is played by George Clooney's character Emmett (voiced by Tyminski), who is part of the fictional folk band The Soggy Bottom Boys.

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However, few know that this song has actually been around for over a century. Credited to fiddler Dick Burnett (who was also partially blind), "Man of Constant Sorrow" was originally titled "Farewell Song," and has been covered over the years by talents ranging from Bob Dylan to Travis Tritt.

Despite having been around, it didn't achieve its highest level of success until Tyminski recorded his version for the film. The song's newfound popularity not only contributed to the soundtrack's multi-platinum success, but it also managed to win a Grammy in 2002 for Best Country Collaboration.

Recently the song was remade yet again by Home Free, but their version is unlike anything that has been recorded before. The band has recorded an a cappella rendition, and released a music video filmed in rural Alabama. This was done not only to honor the spirit of the film, but the group's southern roots as well.

When speaking to Billboard, baritone Adam Chance explained that the band had taken the song around the world while touring for the past year. He found it inspiring to film the video in the heart of Dixie, where its solemn ambience and feel helped the band to dig into what he called the "heart" of the song.

Are you a fan of "Man of Constant Sorrow?" If you are, then be sure to spread the word to friends and family, and don't forget to tell us your thoughts on the cover in the comments below.