The True Life “Deadman’s Blues” of Matt Woods
Photo by Michelle Crosby
In October of 2013, Knoxville, TN-based Matt Woods wowed the independent country world when he released the song and video for “Deadman’s Blues.” The realness of the entire thing is what made it stick so fervently with fans on its way to being named Saving Country Music’s Song of the Year. Since then Woods has released the song on the equally-impressive album With Love From Brushy Mountain, while “Deadman’s Blues” continues to win Matt new loyalists.
At the end of the “Deadman’s Blues” video (spoiler alert), it shows Matt passed out, and being resuscitated unsuccessfully by paramedics. The downward spiral the video portrays very much mirrors the real life stories of many musicians, and almost mirrored that of Matt Woods.
“Sorry to say, I will not be able to play at The Mill tonight in Charleston. Apparently, blood pressure isn’t like pinball. High scores are frowned upon,” is what Matt told fans on social networks on July 30th. It seems the cardiac issues alluded to in “Deadman’s Blues” were actually quite real.
“My optometrist actually discovered the problem,” Matt explains to Saving Country Music. “I had gone into see him because I had been noticing some changes in my vision. I had believed some of what I had been noticing may have been due to eye fatigue, which can be brought on by excessive driving and spending a lot of time in low lighting environments. Since those are basically the only two things I do, seemed likely that was what was up with my eyes. When the doc started checking things out, he decided to check my BP and there it was. The high blood pressure was causing the changes by putting so much stress on the vessels in my eyes. Other than my vision I was feeling fine. Normal! Anyway, that sent me to the ER…”
Though Matt felt fine, his blood pressure was at dangerous levels, and if what was happening with his eyes had happened in his brain, it could have caused a stroke according to doctors. Matt had been living with high blood pressure for so long, his body had adapted, but the threat to his health was still very real. “I have often realized that I want to make as much music as I can while I am here. I have had a few moments in my life that have reiterated that point. Mortality plays a fairly heavy roll in mush of the music I write. You can hear it right out front in my song ‘Liberty Bell,'” which is also from Matt’s album With Love From Brushy Mountain.
But unlike the characters in “Deadman’s Blues” and “Liberty Bell,” Matt Woods pulled through.
“Right now I am so happy I didn’t put off having my eyes checked out,” Matt says. “Everything is on track now, I am glad to say. When they released me from the hospital, they gave me prescriptions for a few BP meds that seem to be doing their job and keeping me from redlining. I try to be mindful of my diet, which can be hard on the road, but it certainly helps. It doesn’t take too many months of eating shitty fast food to know that stuff is bad for you (Even though you can bet your ass I’ll stop at Whataburger while I am in Texas!). I am doing my best to slow down the caffeine intake some, too. In hindsight, maybe kicking back all of those 5 Hour Energy shots weren’t really helping the situation. So far so good. I’m back on the road a feeling like my usual self. Except now I’m not in danger of dropping dead at any minute.”
August 25, 2014 @ 7:26 pm
With Love from Brushy Mountain is one fine CD.
I am trying to get my hands the rest of Matt’s CDs.
He is quite a talent.
August 26, 2014 @ 1:48 am
I saw Matt Woods for the first time when he sat in with Fifth on the Floor at Muddy Roots last year. Going to see him in the hallowed field in Tennessee later this week. I’ll keep him in my prayers. This guy is a great talent.
August 26, 2014 @ 2:24 am
Had the privilege of seeing Matt play a few weeks ago in Columbus, GA. Got to meet and talk with him for a bit after that show. Not only is he one helluva singer, songwriter, and musician, but he’s a genuinely good guy who puts the music first and cares about his fans. I was grateful for the opportunity to not only see him live, but to tell him how “Deadman’s Blues” not only saved my marriage, but probably saved my life, too. Here’s to hoping this guy sticks around for many, many more years and gifts us with more great music!
August 26, 2014 @ 5:40 am
Thanks for posting this song again, Trigger. I gave it a couple listens when it was first mentioned here, but had a hard time getting into it. After a few more listens, i think I “get it” now. I absolutely love the steel and the story. The big hang-up for me was his voice, but I’ve gained an appreciation for it.
August 26, 2014 @ 8:24 am
He recognized there was a problem and rather than ignoring it like so many tend to do, he did the responsible thing and got it taken care of. Good thing too, because he’s hit his stride and sooner or later he’ll get the recognition that he deserves. One very good album and one GREAT album under his belt already. I can’t wait to see what this guys does next.
July 26, 2024 @ 7:55 pm
This is a good reminder of how important this website is for lovers of hillbilly music. I found Matt Woods in this site in 2014 and will likely see him live for the first time in three weeks. I’d have never known of him otherwise.