Jason Isbell is an alt-country singer /songwriter /guitarist from Muscle Sh… Read Full Bio ↴Jason Isbell is an alt-country singer /songwriter /guitarist from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Best known for his years with the Drive-By Truckers where he played with his then wife, bassist Shonna Tucker. Isbell - who joined the Truckers in 2001 - left the band in early 2007 around the same time as his divorce from Tucker was finalized.
In addition to being a gifted songwriter, Isbell is regarded as an exceptional guitar player. His style is mostly in the alt-country genre, but is also infused with rock and blues elements.
Jason Isbell's debut solo album Sirens from the Ditch was released on July 10th, 2007, on New West Records. With his band The 400 Unit, he toured in support of this release in the US and Canada during the summer and fall of 2007. Both Isbell and the band released a follow-up album, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit on February 17, 2009.
In addition to being a gifted songwriter, Isbell is regarded as an exceptional guitar player. His style is mostly in the alt-country genre, but is also infused with rock and blues elements.
Jason Isbell's debut solo album Sirens from the Ditch was released on July 10th, 2007, on New West Records. With his band The 400 Unit, he toured in support of this release in the US and Canada during the summer and fall of 2007. Both Isbell and the band released a follow-up album, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit on February 17, 2009.
The Life You Chose
Jason Isbell Lyrics
Who are you if not the one I met?
One July night before the town went wet
Jack and coke in your mama's car
You were reading The Bell Jar
Where are you if you're not on your own?
You're always lonely, never quite alone
Where's the Jesus that you swore you'd find?
After running the last line
Are you living the life you chose?
Are you living the life that chose you?
Are you taking a grown-up dose?
Do you live with a man who knows you like I
Thought I did back then
Oh, but I guess I never did
Did I, kid?
I got lucky when I finished school
Lost three fingers to a faulty tool
Settled out of court, I'm no one's fool
You probably knew
There's plenty left to make a getaway
We've spent enough nights in the bluegrass state
We could go somewhere where people stay up late
Or just somewhere new
Are you living the life you chose?
Are you living the life that chose you?
Are you taking a grown-up dose?
Do you live with a man who knows you like I
Thought I did back then
Oh, but I guess I never did
Did I, kid?
Here I am inviting you to throw your life away
Victim of nostalgia maybe take away
Just tonight I realized I am still in your backseat
Nothing I've had since has meant a thing to me
Are you living the life you chose?
Are you living the life that chose you?
Are you taking a grown-up dose?
Do you live with a man who knows you like I
Thought I did back then
Oh, but I guess I never did
Did I, kid?
One July night before the town went wet
Jack and coke in your mama's car
You were reading The Bell Jar
Where are you if you're not on your own?
You're always lonely, never quite alone
Where's the Jesus that you swore you'd find?
After running the last line
Are you living the life that chose you?
Are you taking a grown-up dose?
Do you live with a man who knows you like I
Thought I did back then
Oh, but I guess I never did
Did I, kid?
I got lucky when I finished school
Lost three fingers to a faulty tool
Settled out of court, I'm no one's fool
You probably knew
There's plenty left to make a getaway
We've spent enough nights in the bluegrass state
We could go somewhere where people stay up late
Or just somewhere new
Are you living the life you chose?
Are you living the life that chose you?
Are you taking a grown-up dose?
Do you live with a man who knows you like I
Thought I did back then
Oh, but I guess I never did
Did I, kid?
Here I am inviting you to throw your life away
Victim of nostalgia maybe take away
Just tonight I realized I am still in your backseat
Nothing I've had since has meant a thing to me
Are you living the life you chose?
Are you living the life that chose you?
Are you taking a grown-up dose?
Do you live with a man who knows you like I
Thought I did back then
Oh, but I guess I never did
Did I, kid?
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Jason Isbell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Terminal Lumbago
This and "Last of my Kind" are my two favorites of his. Jason Isbell is amazing.
Catherine S. Todd
Love every single thing by Jason Isbell. Where do his story songs come from? It's a miracle. His talent is such a gift.
Terminal Lumbago
Probably from personal experience or the experience of those close to him?
Benjamin Kravitz
Catherine S. Todd he was an alcoholic and was kicked out of the drive by truckers read his story it’s interesting.
Songs From Spring Creek Ave
There are a lot of artist that I love, but none of them stir my emotions like Jason Isbell. Absolutely brilliant!
Nick Randles
"Do you live with a man who knows you like I thought I did back then." But I guess I never did......did I, kid?" Nails me and my ex-fiance perfectly. Thank you Jason.
Nick Randles
Darin- USMC B- 85-93 hey Marine :) I'm currently at NATTC Pensacola at A school with some of your younger brothers.. I'm Navy. The Marines are here with me. Thanks for knowing what the heartbreak of an old flame does and can relate. Hell it's way worse than the military :) Hooyah and fuckin Oorahh
Darin- USMC B- 85-93
Nick Randles
Me too brother ,
One I thought I’d get over,
But 30 years later the love & pain is just as real.
Maybe it’ll go away tomorrow.
James Howard
That drummer just carried this song.. just wow.
Tacoma Off Road
So legit. My new favorite song on this crazy good album. That beat and his always awesome lyrics make for brilliance!