Watch Hayes Carll Sing ‘Beaumont’ on ‘Austin City Limits’ [Exclusive Video]
Hayes Carll is well known as a songwriter, but when his episode of Austin City Limits premieres on Saturday (Jan. 21), the country-roots musician will get to shine as an artist, too. Click play above to watch an exclusive clip of Carll performing "Beaumont" during his ACL episode with Margo Price.
Carll made his debut on Austin City Limits in 2010 and, since then, has seen success both as a songwriter and performer: The Texas native penned Lee Ann Womack's song "Chances Are," which earned him a Grammys nomination for Best Country Song in 2016, and his most recent album, Lovers and Leavers, reached No. 4 on the folk charts. That project was Carll's first album in five years, following the critically acclaimed KMAG YOYO, which was called the best album of 2011 by the Americana Music Association.
For his return to the Austin City Limits stage, Carll played a mix of new songs and old favorites, showcasing his songwriting prowess and stage presence during his set. His gift of storytelling is most evident in "The Magic Kid," a song about his son's fearless determination to become a magician, and spellbinding imagery reigns supreme in "Wish I Hadn't Stayed So Long," from his 2005 album Little Rock -- but it might be a "bonus" performance that won't air during the Jan. 21 episode that best highlights all of Carll's musical strengths at once. From his 2008 record, Trouble in Mind, "Beaumont" is part love song and part breakup song, about the decision to stop pining for a love that may never come.
"The night was feeling lucky, so I asked you to dance / And the way you looked up at me made me think I had a chance / But when I put my arms around you, I knew you weren't giving in / I hope it will be different if I pass this way again," sings Carll in the song's second verse. "All the way from Beaumont, with a white rose in my hand / I could not wait forever, babe, I hope you understand."
"Beaumont" is understated but no less powerful, weaving together the story of a lovestruck troubadour as he wanders all over Texas to try and woo his love. Its lyrics are plainspoken poetry, sung in Carll's gravelly and faltering voice, and this performance reveals an introspective performer who makes a habit of rich storytelling and unflinching vulnerability in his music.
Carll's episode of ACL will air on PBS at 9PM ET on Jan. 21; immediately following the initial broadcast, the episode will be available for a limited time on PBS’ website. Check the Austin City Limits website for local broadcast information.
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