I’m not sure how far the gospel of Iron & Wine has spread, but Sam Beam (aka I&W) is surely something special and if you haven’t had the pleasure, please accept this introduction. The American singer-songwriter, who hails from the Carolinas, has drawn comparisons to Simon and Garfunkel and Neil Young (at least his softer side), but strikes me more in the Jack Johnson/Ben Harper mold.

It’s easy listening folk, but unique in its varying vocal dynamics and impeccable layering of singular musical lines, combined with slide guitar, that come together to create something greater than the individual parts.

Having perfected his style for over 20 years, Iron & Wine has uniquely dabbled in more robust material with the Tex-Mex band Calexico, and a few of his songs have gained profile on TV and in film, such as “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Twilight.”

This version of his beautiful “Upward over the Mountain” kicks it up half a notch to reflect the live setting, but certainly demonstrates all Beam’s unique talents.

Lyrics

Mother, don’t worry. I killed the last snake that lived in the creek bed
Mother, don’t worry. I’ve got some money I saved for the weekend
Mother, remember being so stern with that girl who was with me?
Mother, remember the blink of an eye when I breathed through your body?

So may the sunrise bring hope where it once was forgotten
Sons are like birds flying upwards over the mountain

Mother, I made it up from the bruise on the floor of this prison
Mother, I lost it all of the fear of the Lord I was given
Mother, forget me now that the creek drank the cradle you sang to
Mother, forgive me I sold your car for the shoes that I gave you

So may the sunrise bring hope where it once was forgotten
Sons can be birds taken broken up to the mountain

Mother, don’t worry. I’ve got a coat and some friends on the corner
Mother, don’t worry. She’s got a garden we’re planting together
Mother, remember the night that the dog had her pups in the pantry?
Blood on the floor and the fleas on their paws,
And you cried ’til the morning.

So may the sunrise bring hope where it once was forgotten
Sons are like birds flying always over the mountain